Radical Reaction

by Dawn Marsanne

‘Well, not really. It’s hard to get a real feel for how much he contributed. He likes the sound of his own voice. I think Pat was really carrying the project rather than him.’

  ‘So, as for the remaining breakdown of the ownership. Venture capital has raised a significant sum which equates to around twenty percent, of the remaining fifty percent, not in University hands. The remaining thirty percent is divided up as follows. Jake Marsfield has ended up with eight percent. Ron Radford around ten percent which leaves the remaining twelve percent split in various portions between several local investors and my future stepfather, the one and only Rex. God forbid that my mother will actually marry him! Mr Dempster or dumpster as I like to think of him. I should think he will only end up with a couple of percent thankfully.’

  Matt had been scribbling down the figures even though he would get a full report later from Brett.

  ‘So, is that all clear?’

  ‘Yes, of course. One thing, I thought we were worried about Ron Radford possibly owning almost twenty-five percent and we were concerned that we needed to keep his investment down. Now you are telling me he’s scaled back his investment.’

  ‘Oh, yes, thanks for reminding me. I took a call from his accountant, Mr er Failsworth. Hope that name isn’t an omen. Anyway, this is a bit hush hush at the moment but it seems to be happening. He’s going to invest in ClinTry, so it won’t be closing after all.’

  ‘Goodness, he is getting into science in a big way. That’s great, I’m a bit surprised though.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘I don’t know. No reason. No, well, it’s good I suppose.’

  ‘It seems that ClinTry was going to actually off-load this particular unit and Ron came to the rescue. I’m not sure whether it’s shared ownership or an outright purchase, the accountant was playing it close to his chest. It seems that the death of Ron’s daughter has spurred him into a philanthropic phase and he really wants to ensure that Persford is on the map as far as cancer research goes.’

  ‘Things are really taking shape now,’ said Matt. ‘I’ll get on with drafting the publicity releases then. We hope to get some good coverage on the story, locally, nationally and globally.’

  ‘Anything else?’

  ‘No, that about wraps it up I think,’ said Matt.

  Slowly things were being crossed off the list and each week that went by meant that they were getting closer to PersCure being a spin-off company. The future looked very bright indeed.

  **

  Ron and his accountant Sidney were looking through some paperwork and financial spreadsheets for the Radford group of businesses.

  ‘Ron, I hope you don’t mind me asking but are you absolutely sure about this?’

  ‘What, PersCure?’

  ‘No, the clinical unit. It’s just, well, you don’t have any experience in clinical trials and the balance sheet isn’t too healthy. They never really recovered from that botched trial a few years ago with BioQex. Even though they weren’t at fault it seems to have cast a long shadow over them.’

  ‘Oh, don’t worry. I’ve got some ideas. It’s a business at the end of the day, isn’t it? I’m sure that we can get the necessary funding to support some key studies. Once I persuade that Dr Dalton to pull his finger out then we should see an upturn. I must say, he seemed a complete wet blanket the other day, very distracted. I kept having to repeat my questions. I’ve kept him on but we are going to have to see an improvement.’

  ‘Your total portfolio is going to take a bit of a hit with these two big expenditures, both at the same time. As your accountant, I need to point that out. ‘

  ‘That’s very kind of you Sidney, my boy,’ said Ron. ‘Let me just ask you this. What am I saving my money for? Huh? At my time of life. How many people might I want to include in my will?’

  Sidney looked embarrassed and cast his eyes downwards. He was only about ten years younger than Ron and so hardly deserved the juvenile term of endearment. From another person it might have appeared patronising but they had a mutually respectful relationship.

  ‘Exactly,’ said Ron. ‘Now, the sale of The Flamingo. What about that, when will it be completed?’

  ‘In the next few days. Mr Welch’s solicitor is all ready to complete on that. Hubert Welch is very keen to move things along. He’s submitted planning permission for the site already. Four houses and two flats is the final proposal. The plans should be approved without any problems, from what I hear.’

  ‘Excellent.’ Ron sat back in his chair and put his fingers together in a steeple position.

  ‘You do know that I’ve become friendly with Hubert’s soon to be ex-wife?’

  ‘I had heard. I’m pleased for you.’

  ‘What do you know about this Hubert chap?’

  ‘Not a great deal. He’s been very successful, built a couple of estates of executive houses. He’s got a big rental portfolio as well. He always seems to get his plans approved even when there’s been some opposition from local residents.’

  ‘Really, he must be able to sweet talk people.’

  ‘That’s one way of putting it.’

  ‘Meaning?’

  ‘I couldn’t possibly say,’ joked Sidney.

  ‘But you’ve heard something?’

  ‘Only tittle-tattle. Bit of talk at the golf club a while back. There was a suggestion he’d bribed a councillor or something but it was never proven. In my opinion it could have been sour grapes because Hubert managed to acquire the land and the losing party felt very sore about it.’

  ‘Look into it would you?’

  ‘How do you mean?’

  ‘I want to know everything there is to know about Hubert Welch. What he has for breakfast. How often he goes to the toilet. Everything. If you can’t do it, find someone who can. You can encourage them in the usual way. If that doesn’t work then we use another tactic on someone at the council. Need I say more?’

  Sidney smiled.

  ‘Something amusing you?’

  ‘No, it’s just that for a few weeks I’d wondered where my old friend Ron had been. Now I know that he’s not had a complete personality transplant. I’m still employed by the same Ron Radford.’

  Ron looked at his watch. ‘Whisky? Not too early is it?’

  ‘Never too early,’ replied Sidney.

  Chapter 21

  Nimrod went out to the garden shed, found the hoe and began to remove the small weeds between the rows of lettuce plants which were growing well in one of the beds. It had been a stroke of fortune that this house had some neglected and overgrown open space to the rear of the property. His fellow housemates were completely uninterested in gardening, so he had the shed for his own use. In order to keep his possessions away from prying eyes, he’d bought a new padlock for it, claiming that the old one was difficult to lock and thus he had sole control over the key. He’d also fitted a simple turn button latch on the inside which meant he could close the door and not be surprised when he was in the midst of his task.

  After he’d watered his lettuces he went into the shed and closed the door. He checked the materials which he’d stowed there the other night and unwrapped them. His other material was in an insulated picnic bag being kept cold by a couple of freezer blocks. He took out his instructions and read them through once more. For the past few weeks, he’d been reading his instructions over and over again. He had looked up so many reports about the preparation he was about to undertake and now the time had finally arrived.

  He should have persuaded Warrior to come and help him but he had claimed he was too busy. Someone with first-hand experience of this would have been useful. He felt way out of his comfort zone but realised what kudos there would be for him if he could demonstrate capability. He took out a plastic bowl and placed it inside a cardboard box containing some scrunched up newspaper He struggled to pull on some disposable gloves as his hands were hot and sweaty. One tore as it stuck to the back of his hand. Cursing, he peeled it off, wiped his hand on his jeans and tried again. Fo
rtunately, he had an ample supply of gloves.

  He emptied two glass bottles of solvent into the bowl. The smell assailed his nostrils but it wasn’t unpleasant. There wasn’t much room in the shed and as he turned around he stood on a rake which hit him on the side of the head, causing him to stumble to one side. ‘Shit, shit,’ he muttered. This was no good, he couldn’t afford to be clumsy. Before he did anything else he moved some of the tools and stacked them carefully at one end of the shed. That gave him a few square feet of space where he could work unimpeded. At that point, the hoe fell over and landed on the insulated picnic bag.

  ‘Fucks sake!’ he shouted. He was never this clumsy. His nerves were on edge and his heart was racing uncontrollably. He began to feel light-headed so squatted down and took a few deep breaths. Once he felt calmer he took out his other reagent from the cool bag and added it to the solvent. His hand was visibly shaking as he added the second liquid. He looked like a hardened alcoholic with a severe case of delirium tremens. He then took out a large plastic picnic plate and placed it on top then folded over the flaps of the box. Now it was a matter of waiting to see what happened and whether any crystals formed. This was a slow process and he would check tomorrow. His hands were trembling slightly and sweating profusely inside the disposable gloves. He removed them and again wiped his hands down the side of his jeans. Collecting his picnic bag he emerged from the shed and snapped the padlock shut. He needed a drink to calm his nerves, probably several but first, he needed to let Warrior know that his trial run was underway.

  **

  Over the other side of Persford Maureen was getting ready to go out. Unlike the last time when she felt almost paralysed with nerves, this time she was excited about her evening. Ron had invited her around to Brensford Manor for dinner. He’d told her he wasn’t much of a cook but would buy in something easy to prepare. In fact, his secretary, Celia, had been sent out at lunchtime to choose something appropriate. Maureen told him that anything would be fine and not to go to too much trouble as he was so busy. Beans on toast would suffice, she just wanted to enjoy his company.

  Her phone rang and with dismay, she saw that once more it was Hubert. Should she ignore it or answer? He was the persistent type and would no doubt spend all evening ringing her number and leaving messages so she decided it was best to get it over with, then she could relax.

  ‘Hubert, good evening.’

  ‘Maureen, my, we are formal nowadays.’

  ‘Was there something, in particular, you wanted only I’m in a bit of a rush. I’m going out this evening in half an hour or so.’

  ‘Somewhere nice?’

  ‘None of your business, please get to the point.’

  ‘I’ve some papers I need you to sign. As you know I am buying or rather Welch Properties is buying that Flamingo club. You’ve not forgotten our plans to build the houses and flats on that site.’

  ‘No, of course not. I’ll sign the papers. I’ll come into the office tomorrow morning.’

  ‘No, I need them signed this evening. Things are moving quickly.’

  ‘How soon can you come around then?’

  ‘Ten minutes, it won’t take long. OK?’

  ‘OK, don’t be late.’

  ‘See you soon,’ and Hubert ended the call.

  Maureen sighed. The last person she wanted to see was her soon to be ex-husband but at least he was being civil. For the moment until their partnership was dissolved they still owned the business jointly. She would be glad to be rid of it. It was time that phase of her life closed.

  **

  By 8 p.m. most of the chemistry team had arrived at the Clocktower and Pat was standing by his offer to get everyone their first drink. Nick Thomas had joined them as well, so they had taken over a few tables at one corner of the pub.

  ‘Cheers everyone!’ said Joe, ‘nearly the weekend!’

  There was a general clinking of glasses and smiles.

  ‘So, Pat, are you going to make a speech?’ asked Nick, jokingly.

  ‘Certainly not, it’s a few drinks, not a wedding,’ replied Pat. ‘Let’s hope this is the first of many evenings to celebrate. I hope we might get a meal or something out of the University when PersCure is launched officially. Shouldn’t be far off from what I hear.’

  ‘So, when are the first trials going to take place then?’

  ‘Very soon, healthy volunteers in a couple of week’s time, then we should get it into a few patients very soon after that. Providing there are no problems of course.’

  ‘I’m thinking of volunteering for the Phase I trial myself,’ said Joe. ‘I fancy a bit of extra money.’

  ‘Really?’ asked Pat. ‘Well, that’s a vote of confidence in the project I guess.’

  ‘They told me that they pay up to five hundred pounds a day depending on how long the trial takes and if you have to stay in overnight it’s even more. You get all your meals and can sit around watching television and films. It’s a doddle!’

  ‘I don’t think I’d fancy it,’ said Adam. ‘I’d be so worried I might start imagining things wrong with me.’

  ‘Are you a hypochondriac?’ asked Joe.

  ‘Well, I don’t like to think so but I suppose I have tendencies that way, I have to admit.’

  Hannah spotted Matt Pearson and Brett Chandler enter the bar and look around. She raised her hand and they came over.

  ‘Hi, guys, hope you don’t mind us stopping by,’ said Matt.

  ‘Not if you’re buying,’ joked Pat. ‘My glass seems empty,’ and he waggled it in front of them.

  ‘Very subtle,’ said Brett. ‘Right, what are you all having? Matt, I think you said it was your round,’ he said punching Matt on the arm.

  ‘Isn’t it always?’ said Matt. ‘Now, a test of my memory, what can I get everybody?’

  Hannah and Seth went with Matt to help him get the drinks. Nick was sitting opposite Adam and Joe and he wondered whether the atmosphere between them was slightly strained. He hoped it wasn’t going to affect the work of the team. They’d had some problems in the past with Dan’s temper and erratic behaviour and he had hoped they’d moved on since then. However, once the second round of drinks arrived and with the extra company at the table the mood seemed to lighten.

  ‘So, guys, how are you finding life in Persford then?’ Brett asked Joe and Adam.

  ‘Good, good,’ said Adam, replying first. ‘Seems like a nice town. I’ve not done a lot so far as I’m finding my feet, so to speak.’

  ‘Well, we like it,’ said Brett. ‘The amenities are good. Not much crime although being a university town there is a bit of a drug problem,’ he said lowering his voice.

  ‘Don’t mention that,’ said Nick, ‘I’ve been on the receiving end of trouble in that quarter.’

  ‘Really?’ said Adam.

  ‘Twice,’ added Nick.

  Nick pointed at the scar on his head. ‘It’s a long story, let’s not go into it all now.’

  ‘I’ve been a bit shocked at this Britannia First stuff,’ said Adam. ‘And all these emails we’ve had recently about extremism. It’s very worrying.’

  ‘They are a load of ignorant gits, all of them,’ said Brett.

  ‘It’s good that they’ve set up this helpline run by the lovely Mrs Thomas,’ said Brett.

  ‘Just remember she’s my lovely Mrs Thomas,’ added Nick, winking at Brett. ‘You are welcome to Erin if she ever reappears though!’

  ‘Who’s Erin?’ asked Adam.

  ‘Oh, someone who used to work here. She was a bit of a distraction, if you get my drift,’ said Nick. ‘She had rather ample assets.’

  ‘Look, less of the locker room talk, please,’ said Hannah.

  ‘Right, my shout,’ said Brett, deciding that they needed to change the subject The group gave their drinks orders and talk turned to plans for the weekend and general events. Adam was intrigued by the mention of Nick getting caught up in the fall out from the illegal drug scene. He would find out more about that on another occasion. Ho
pefully, he thought to himself, he wouldn’t find himself embroiled in anything of that sort during his time in Persford.

  **

  The doorbell sounded and Maureen hurried down the hallway to let Hubert in. He was carrying a folder of papers and they went through to the dining room in order to sign them.

  ‘You’re looking very smart, I must say.’

  ‘Thank you, now where do you want me to sign?’

  ‘Just here. Oh, no wait a minute. No that’s where the owner has signed.’

  Maureen could hardly believe her eyes. She saw Ron’s name. He’d never mentioned that he owned a lap dancing club. Hubert had been managing the property business recently and although she knew that this was the next thing on their list of acquisitions she’d never really taken much interest in it. When they’d been to look around the seedy property they’d met a manager called Clive. She had never enquired whose name was on the title deed. Ron had only talked about his hotel and his car business and of late, the investment in PersCure.

  ‘Are you OK, Maureen, you look a bit, well pale?’

  ‘I’m OK, it’s a warm evening.’

  ‘Still getting the hot flushes are you?’

  ‘Shut up, don’t be so cheeky. I’m just a bit hot that’s all. I’ve closed all the windows as I’m going out.’

  She quickly scribbled her signature and on the following pages where Hubert indicated.

  ‘Thanks,’ he said, collecting up the papers and putting them back in the folder. ‘Right, I’ll not detain you any longer. Have a nice evening.’

  ‘You too, see yourself out. I’ll go and get a glass of water,’ she said.

  Hubert headed outside and went to his car which he’d deliberately left quite a distance down the road. He would check where Maureen was headed, after all, at the moment, they were still married.

  Chapter 22

  Christian was in his office at home under the pretence of finishing a report for work but was busy messaging Laura. His mind was full of the brief time they’d spent together the other evening. She had been so attentive and interested in him as a person. It had been such a change to be able to confide in someone. Laura had been in a relationship which had ended messily and it had made her wary of future commitment. She had stressed that she wanted to have male company again but that it would come with some conditions.