Her phone rang. ‘Nick? Are you OK?’
‘Yes, fine. I’m just phoning to say that I’ll be getting a flight which gets into Heathrow at about 9 p.m. UK time. So you won’t hear from me after lunch UK time, I’ll be on the plane.’
‘Oh, that’s great. Have you got a taxi organised?’
‘No, Brett is coming to collect me. It’s really good of him.’
‘Well, that’s brilliant. I can’t wait to see you!’
‘Me too. Now, look after yourself. I’ll text you the flight number so you can track it.’
‘Thanks. Love you!’
‘Love you too.’
Polly disconnected and felt so happy. Nick would soon be back with her again and she could tell him her news. It was going to be a long afternoon but at least she had something to look forward to, that was the main thing.
Chapter 53
Maureen had decided to cook some sea-bass fillets which she had stuffed with some olives and sun dried tomatoes. She would put them in the oven when Ron arrived and they would require little attention. To accompany them she had made couscous with roasted vegetables and a salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Dessert would be strawberries and raspberries and she had a nice mid-priced bottle of Pinot Grigio in the fridge.
She was on edge and jumped every time a text or an email arrived on her mobile. Ron had messaged her a couple of times to say he was looking forward to dinner and that it had been too long since they had seen each other. She replied automatically rather than with feeling. At 6 p.m. she went upstairs to take a relaxing bath and she was setting the table in the dining room when Ron arrived. He offered her a small bouquet of roses, nothing ostentatious and she went to find a vase.
Ron wandered into the kitchen and looked out into the garden. ‘It’s all looking lovely out there,’ he said. ‘I like the new design.’
‘Thank you,’ said Maureen, snipping the ends off the roses before putting them in the vase.
‘Something smells good,’ he said.
‘Nothing fancy but I hope you like it.’
‘I like anything you make for me,’ said Ron. He put his arms around her and kissed her neck. He immediately felt her flinch slightly and she carried on arranging the roses without turning around. It was going to be a tense evening.
‘Right, the fish is in the oven. Twenty minutes then we can eat. Would you like wine or a gin and tonic?’
‘Wine, please,’ said Ron.
Maureen poured two glasses and they sat in the lounge.
‘So how’s the summerhouse getting along then?’
‘Slowly. God, they are a bunch of idiots,’ said Ron, shaking his head. ‘They brought the wrong windows, then they broke part of the balustrade lengths. I’m amazed the roof is on the right way up!’
‘Oh, dear. Perhaps they are new to the job.’
‘They’d be looking for another job if they worked for me,’ said Ron. ‘This wine’s very nice, where did you get it?’
‘Oh, Waitrose. Along with the rest of the things. I usually shop there.’
‘Shirley liked Waitrose as well,’ said Ron. ‘I’m feeling hungry.’
‘I’ll just go and check. It won’t be long.’
Ron felt in his pocket just to check that he’d not lost his present. It was still safely there. The wine was helping the atmosphere slightly but there was a distinct chill in the air. He knew what it concerned and he just hoped that by the end of the evening it could all be forgotten.
**
Polly had managed to eat the macaroni cheese which she had abandoned the previous evening. She still had several hours to wait before Nick returned to her. She had checked the flight tracker at work and had seen that his plane had left more or less on time. That was one less thing to worry about. She now had to pass the evening waiting for his return. It was like a tick list of things to work through. The departure from India, landing at Heathrow, Brett collecting him and then the best part of all, opening the door to him and welcoming him home.
Her phone rang. ‘Hi, Brett.’
‘Oh, hi, Polly. I’ll be leaving soon to go and collect Nick. I just wondered how you are feeling?’
‘Oh, I’m OK. Obviously, a bit drained but I’ll be OK as soon as I see Nick.’
‘Annabelle wondered whether she could pop around to see you. Keep you company for a while?’
‘Oh, well, that would be great. If she doesn’t mind. It will help to pass the time.’
‘Great, I’ll tell her. I think she would like your advice on some colour schemes for our house. We’re getting the decorators in.’
‘Yes, of course. Tell her she can come around anytime.’
‘Will do. Probably in about half an hour I think she said.’
‘OK, bye.’
‘Bye, Polly, see you soon.’
Polly felt a bit tearful once again. She knew it was her hormones. It was so nice how Matt and Brett had been so considerate when the crisis unfolded only twenty-four hours ago. Was it really only that length of time, it seemed much longer? They were really lucky to have such supportive colleagues and friends. She went to get changed into something a bit smarter and put on a bit of makeup. Annabelle always looked immaculate and although she couldn’t compete in appearance she didn’t want to feel dishevelled.
**
Warrior: All OK for a meetup tonight?
Nimrod: Sure. Where?
Warrior: Meet me for a drink. Bradfield Arms?
Nimrod: What time?
Warrior: About 8 ish?
Nimrod: I’ll be there. Got the details?
Warrior: Sure have. Will explain all.
Nimrod. OK. Later.
Chapter 54
The meal had been a success, now came the difficult part thought Maureen as she stacked the remaining plates in the dishwasher. She’d made a cafetière of coffee and was just heating some milk to go with it. She assembled the tray and took it through to Ron who was watching the BBC news channel.
‘God awful incident in Mumbai,’ said Ron. ‘Loads of Westerners got caught up in it. It’s amazing that the death toll wasn’t higher.’ He switched off the TV and took his coffee cup.
‘Hope the coffee is OK? I’ve not made it too strong.’
‘It’s fine, thank you.’
They both began to speak at the same time, stopped and then laughed.
‘You first,’ said Maureen.
‘Sure?’
‘Yes.’
‘Maureen, I want to tell you how you’ve changed my life over the last couple of weeks,’ he took her hand. ‘I thought that my life was over and I was destined to be a grumpy old man, as they say. Rattling around in Brensford Manor,’ he paused. ‘I nearly chickened out of that dinner party. I’m so glad I didn’t.’
Maureen didn’t know what to say. All of this was true and she could have made the same speech were it not for the recent chance phone call which she’d intercepted. She smiled, slightly unsure whether Ron was going to continue or whether he was waiting for her. He reached into his pocket and retrieved something which he kept hidden in his palm. ‘Maureen, can I ask you something?’
‘Yes,’ she nodded.
‘Do you think that life is precious? That too often we waste time not grasping opportunities?’
She thought back to the conversation she’d had with herself over recent days. She thought about how many years she’d wasted with Hubert and had submitted to his controlling influence in the faint hope that he would get better but in fact never did. ‘Yes, that’s very true. Life is precious. We never know what is around the corner for us.’
‘That’s why I want to give you this,’ said Ron, handing her the box which clearly contained a ring.
‘What’s this?’
‘It’s a present. Open it.’
Maureen obeyed and gasped. Sitting in the box was a ring set with a large diamond surrounded by a cluster of smaller ones. It must have been at least one carat in the main stone.
‘I can’t accept th
is, it’s too much.’
‘It’s not too much. It’s a token of my affection for you.’
‘But it’s a huge present. It must be worth thousands. Most people don’t have engagement rings worth that.’
‘Please accept it?’
She didn’t answer. For a few moments, she remained silent with her eyes closed. She needed to collect her thoughts for a few moments before beginning what she’d been going through in her mind all day.
‘I need to ask you something,’ she said.
‘Go ahead,’ prompted Ron.
‘The other day I answered your mobile. It was the lady from the support group with the little boy, Harrison. She implied you were charging her for the chance to take part in a clinical trial.’ Maureen could feel her face flushing. This was proving to be very awkward and Ron had completely bamboozled her by offering her such an expensive gift.
‘It’s true. That’s what I’m doing,’ said Ron.
Once again Maureen was wrong-footed. She had naturally expected him to deny it.
‘You admit it?’
‘I do.’
‘But surely that’s unethical? There are rules about trials. What about the people who can’t pay?’
This time it was Ron who paused to collect his thoughts before offering his explanation.
‘Have you ever paid for private treatment rather than wait years on the NHS?’
Maureen had expected this question, it was a difficult point. ‘Yes, I did. I had my varicose veins done and a bunion operation.’
‘Why didn’t you wait?’
‘Because it was painful, well in the case of my bunion, I could hardly walk. It was a different matter with my veins I suppose, that’s considered cosmetic treatment.’
‘So, what’s the difference?’
‘It’s different because it wasn’t a matter of life or death. It’s not the same!’ She felt she was beginning to raise her voice.
‘True. But not really that different, not when you think about it. Sometimes the criteria for clinical trials are very unfair. Natasha missed out on some trials by a matter of weeks. That was all it was really. A delay in a referral. A difference of opinion between specialists. All the time the tumour was growing and then she wasn’t eligible. It was a cruel turn of fate.’
‘Well, yes, I understand that you have been through a painful experience,’ said Maureen.
‘It was awful and I want to do everything I can to avoid other parents having to suffer the same fate. Just because chance deals them a poor set of cards.’
Maureen didn’t know what to say. All of what Ron said seemed true and yet she was still grappling with what he was doing. It didn’t seem entirely above board.’
Ron continued. ‘None of us are perfect. Are we?’
‘I never said I was perfect but this seems more of a moral issue to me. I only did what everybody does who wants to get quicker treatment.’
‘Oh, I agree but I wasn’t thinking of that. There are other things which I thought you might like to tell me about, as we are being open and honest with each other. It’s not something I would have raised but you started the ball rolling, didn’t you?’
Maureen looked at Ron who had changed markedly in the short space of time since he’d produced the ring. There was a steely air to him and his eyes looked at her with such intensity that she felt they could almost bore right through her. It was unnerving.
‘I’m not following you?’ was the most she could manage to say.
‘Badgers’ Wood?’
‘Sorry. I still don’t follow.’
‘It’s a while ago but I would be surprised if you had forgotten completely.’
Ron could tell from a slight movement in Maureen’s eyes that she knew exactly what he was talking about but was trying to deny all knowledge and appear ignorant. She recovered quickly but it hadn’t gone unnoticed.
‘Badgers’ Wood was the area of countryside which became the luxury development known as The Hawthorns, built by your good self and your late husband.’
‘Oh, yes, of course,’ said Maureen. ‘What of it?’
‘Well, the original plans were rejected as the area outside Persford was designated as countryside. It was a prime site with beautiful views over the rolling hills. But due to the rapid expansion of Persford at the time, there was a lot of opposition to it as green spaces were being swallowed up rapidly.’ Ron raised his eyebrows at this point. Maureen remained impassive although she was fidgeting with a coaster on the coffee table.
‘After two council meetings the vote was close but it was still rejected but then you amended the application very slightly and miraculously Councillor Dennis Long who was very influential held another meeting and passed the application.’
‘Yes, he did. On balance it was decided that it would be good for the area and we changed the route of the access road and made some of the land into a country park.’
‘You did indeed, it was very generous of you. The houses sold for a high price and it saved your business which was struggling at the time. From then on Welch Properties had a new lease of life and went from strength to strength.’
‘What are you trying to say, Ron?’
‘I’m just pointing out that at times all businesses have to bend the rules a little. It was very interesting that not long after the sale of the land, Dennis Long had an extension built on his own house. Must have cost quite a penny.’
‘I don’t like your insinuations.’
‘No, I guess you don’t, I just want to point out that we aren’t that different. Nobody is whiter than white. We all do things which can be, shall we say, borderline, when it comes to examining the ethics rigorously.’
Maureen went to the sideboard and poured herself a brandy. ‘Want one?’
‘Depends whether I’m driving or not.’
She poured him a generous measure.
‘What are you going to do about it?’ she asked. ‘You’ve been very busy, digging around in my background.’
‘Nothing, why should I? I could ask you the same thing?’ He waited in silence.
She shrugged and took a generous swig of her brandy.
‘I’ve saved ClinTry from closure. I realise someone else might have bought them out but they might not. I paid for the refurbishment of a lab at the university which has enabled them to make much more progress now they have new equipment. I bought a new scanner for the hospital where Natasha was treated. All those things are possible due to a slight massaging of the rules.’
Maureen concentrated on her brandy. Ron had been very devious and had discovered a skeleton in her cupboard.
‘I’ve known those poor patients at the support group for a while. They are just unfortunate that their children do not always fit the criteria at the time for treatment. Do you remember the child who was deemed too ill for treatment and his father took him abroad for a revolutionary treatment? He’s now cured of the illness. He had the courage to go against the medical experts in this country.’
‘I need the loo,’ said Maureen and she left the room. Ron drank his brandy whilst checking his phone. Maureen was gone for a while.
She returned. ‘What are you doing?’
‘I need to phone for a taxi, I don’t think I should drive.’
‘There’s no need. I want you to stay.’
‘Really, after all this discussion?’
‘Really.’ She went over to him and kissed him on the lips.
Ron picked up the ring box which was still on the table. He took out the ring and examined it. ‘In that case, I have another question for you.’
Maureen’s face darkened. What was coming next? Had Hubert been guilty of other transgressions she’d not been aware of. She had been unhappy about the bribery of the councillor at the time but they had no choice, they could have gone bankrupt. With no qualifications or career of her own, she would have been destitute.
‘Maureen, will you marry me?’Asked Ron, taking her hand and holding the ring over her
left hand.
Chapter 55
Nick’s flight had been on time and as there wasn’t much traffic they made it back to Persford in just over an hour and a half. He’d managed to have some short naps on the plane so he wasn’t feeling too bad although his body clock was completely out of sync. It would take days to get back to normal and he just hoped that he wouldn’t have too many flashbacks about his ordeal at the hands of the terrorists.
As they pulled up outside his house his stomach was turning cartwheels as he was so excited to see Polly. He felt sick and elated in the same measure. Brett released the boot so Nick could retrieve his bag.
‘Thanks so much, Brett,’ said Nick. ‘It was good to see a friendly face waiting for me.’
‘It’s the least we could do after the ordeal you had,’ said Brett. ‘Now, get inside and see Polly. Don’t forget you are to take a rest for the next couple of days.’
Nick smiled and shook Brett’s hand. He took his suitcase out of the boot and waved at Brett who sped away quickly.
Polly had been watching from the front window and as Nick walked up the driveway the front door opened. They both looked at each other in silence, hardly able to believe that they were reunited. Simultaneously they both rushed forward and embraced each other. There was no need for words and in any case, no words could express their feelings. Just to feel each other’s presence was enough for that moment.
**
Maureen had gone downstairs to get some water. Ron was soundly asleep after their lovemaking which had been passionate and needy. Somehow the tension of the evening had found an outlet and they had satisfied it in the exploration of each other’s bodies resulting in a climax which had been the most intense of their relationship so far.
As she had lain in his arms she had given him an answer. She would be the new Mrs Radford. He had taken the ring and placed it on her finger. It now glinted in the moonlight coming through the kitchen window. She could never have dreamt of such a gift and even though she could afford such luxuries now in her own right she would find it hard to indulge herself.
Radical Reaction Page 27