Call One - Monday, 8th September 2003, 9:07am


PM: [My own name]?

Me: Speaking.

[Pause] [It was at this point that I began taping the call.]

Can I help you?

PM: You got my letter.

Me: Who's calling please?

[Pause]

PM: Am I speaking to [my own name]?

Me: Yes sir. How can I help you?

PM: I sent you a letter.

Me: Regarding..?

PM: Marlin. I am Marlin.

[I pause momentarily]

Me: You're Peter Marlin?

PM: I haven't seen my name. You do not listen.

Me: Mr Marlin, may I ask where you're calling from?

PM: Why do you not listen?

Me: I'm listening now. Would you care to give me some information about yourself? You say your name's Peter Marlin. Is that your real name?

[Silence]

Mr Marlin?

PM: I expect you to listen. To tell.

Me: I am listening. But I can't tell anyone anything unless I know the facts. What is it you expect me to report?

PM: I sent proof.

Me: The finger?

[Silence]

You have to understand Mr Marlin, no editor will allow me to go to press without substantial evidence of a story. That means details, background, something more to go on.

[Silence]

Perhaps you could tell me where the finger came from?

[Silence]

Mr Marlin?

[Silence]

Maybe you could come into the office sometime? Tell me your story, give me some details?

[Pause]

PM: I am serious.

Me: I don't doubt that Mr Marlin, but I can't do anything without more information. Perhaps-

[The line goes dead]




Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved
HOME

THE STORY
The Beginning
The Finger
The First Call
The Memorial
Christchurch Park
The Tree
'John'
A New Dimension
St Matthew's Street
The Underpass
The Victoria Pub
'Vic'
The Second Call
Foundation Street
The Second Memorial
The Lay-by
12PM
The Package
A Hoax?
HMS Ganges
Shotley Gate
The Bristol Arms
Marsh Lane
The Brick Building
Peter Marlin?
The Final Memorial
Missing Letters
Epilogue

THE LETTERS
Note One
Note Two
Note Three
Note Four
Note Five
Note Six

THE PHONE CALLS
Call One
Call Two
Call Three

THE PHOTOGRAPHS
Photo A
Photo B
Photo C
Photo D
Photo E
Photo F
Photo G
Photo H
Photo I
Photo J
Photo K
Photo L
Photo M

THE INTERVIEWS
The Subway
Victoria Pub


SYMBOLISM

TIME-LINE

FAQs

POSTBAG

CONTACT