Continued...
Initially buoyed by the sight of the train pulling into the station, Godfrey's good mood dramatically diminished upon noting the absence of a buffet car or even a trolley service. It did indeed seem apparent that these particular carriages would be unable to bequeath him that oh-so-very-important measure of alcohol. This spelled trouble.
For the last five miles of the ride Godfrey had been composing something of a wish-list. Proceedings, according to his precisely formulated program, would commence with a quadruple gin and tonic, with no tonic. Followed by several cans of 'the strongest beer on the train'. He would then pass out for the remainder of the journey before falling into our local Whetherspoons where he had apparently made plans to liase with his friend and fellow inebriate, Big Stan. The evening, one could only speculate, would continue in a whirlwind of blood, sick and quite possibly semen, before finally concluding in a gutter or perhaps a public lavatory - as is Godfrey's wont.
But as the train shunted to a stop sans liquid refreshment, Godfrey's hopes of a marvellous evening of culture and refinement seemed to have been thwarted.
'Fuck!' He snarled as we boarded.
Godfrey went on to warn me that if he had to endure one more minute of sobriety he was liable to have 'a moment'. I wasn't sure how this should be interpreted but consoled him in the knowledge that home, and, of course, the pub, were a mere hour up the line. This, though, failed to subdue the now visibly frothing Godfrey.
Letting his BMX fall on its side with a resounding clatter, he pressed irritably at the door button dividing the carriages and marched furiously down the aisle. However, not five seconds into his impromptu quest he stopped. He appeared to be scrutinising something to his left. Five, 10, 20, 60 seconds past - and still he stood, rooted to the spot. When he finally turned around to face me he had a grin, a downright demonic grin, etched not only into his face, but also into the bare metal of his soul. He frantically beckoned me to come hither. I hurried down the carriage, eager see the reason behind this unusual turn of events.
And then I saw it.
Godfrey had found beer...