A Servant of the Company

by Alan Cooke

  Finding the pub was easy, and he had no sooner settled in a corner with a pint when the girls arrived. ‘Anthea it’s so good to see you.’ He held her close and kissed her cheek. Turning to the smiling girl he said, ‘You must be Sue, I have heard so much about you, I think I would recognise you anywhere.’ He liked what he had heard about her and she looked every bit as good as Anthea had described. On this occasion however he wished Anthea had come alone.

  While Steve went to the bar to order drinks for the girls, they had decided on an approach to the delicate subject of Steve’s mysterious employer. Once they were all settled, Anthea made the planned direct route. Taking his hand, ‘Steve, you may not like what I’m going to say but it has to be said. I’ve been worried sick about you and this job you’ve taken. Something is very wrong and I think we should discuss it. I may be wrong, forgive me if I am but I love you and I want us together without any worries. I hope you understand.’

  Steve was quiet for a while but didn’t take his eyes off Anthea. ‘There are things I would like to discuss with you but is it fair to do it in front of Sue.’ Turning to Sue he said, ‘Sorry Sue that isn’t meant as any sort of insult, I don’t want you getting involved. If you knew what I know you would understand.’

  ‘I asked Sue to come, believe me she can be of help, don’t ask how but she can. Please Steve let’s talk.’ She gripped his hand harder and enjoyed the feel of the return touch.

  Twenty minutes later he had unburdened himself of all that had happened, right up to the meal with Carol Barcroft the night before.

  ‘This girl, Carol what’s her name, do you really think she is a criminal? From the sound of it you seemed to hit it off with her before her phone rang.’ Anthea spoke sharply, could she trust him? Or was she naturally a jealous person. There was so much intrigue it was hard for her to think straight.

  Before Steve could answer Sue intervened. ‘Do you have a contact number or the name of the company she works for?’ She had heard of a legitimate Agency which had raised a few eyebrows when the adverts first appeared, but it had turned out to be everything it said it was.

  Taking out his wallet, he handed her the card Carol had given him. The problem was being taken out of his hands by these two unlikely investigators. Sharing his troubles was helping, he was starting to relax.

  ‘That’s the one I’ve heard about. Can I make a suggestion Steve?’ Looking at the lovers holding hands she had to do all she could to help them, if necessary she would tell Greg when they got home and ask his advice. He nodded. ‘Well, there’s a strong possibility that Carol is what she says she is. What we need to know is why does she appear to be in contact with the same person as you. If it is the same person. Can I suggest you call her laying your cards on the table? Explain that the meeting went sour last night after her telephone call, when you overheard the voice of her caller and tell her why. If she was checking you out I reckon she will give the game away. If not, you have nothing to lose and information to gain.’ She sat back and picking up her glass hoping she had not upset Anthea’s boyfriend.

  ‘It’s good to have the views of someone not directly involved, and I think your idea is worth following through. What do you think Anthea?’ If she gave the thumbs up he would do it.

  ‘Yes Steve, go for it. You said Carol was a perfectly normal person until you got carried away with her phone call. Do it now and put me out of my misery.’

  ‘Right, here goes. Using the phone he was given by Anthea he called the first number on the business card. After a few rings an answering machine cut in so Steve ended his call. There was a mobile number and he tried that. The call was answered.

  ‘Hello, is that Carol?’ She was there and Steve’s brain clicked into action. ‘Last night we had dinner together and we got on very well, then you received a call. It took me by surprise and I could see that you were aware of that. That’s when the evening went downhill.’ He waited for a response before taking his plan further.

  ‘Steve, I’ve been wondering why you became so edgy when I got the call and I’m pleased you rang because your response has been worrying me too.’

  This was it. Secrets were about to be revealed. ‘Did you receive a call from a mysterious company who subsequently employed you?’ It was risky to come out with it but he was sure he knew the answer.

  ‘Don’t tell me you received one too? I thought you had been sent to spy on me. This whole business is crazy and a bit scary don’t you think.’

  ‘Carol would you like to join us, I’m with my girlfriend and a friend of hers in the Old Wellington. Do you know it? We have a lot to talk about and some discovering to do.’ It had been the right action to take and holding up his thumb to Sue, he winked at her.

  ‘I’ll be there as quick as I can, for goodness sake don’t leave before I get there. Don’t expect to see me all dressed up, I’m in jeans and a T-shirt. See you soon.’

  Twenty minutes later introductions were over and the four young people were sitting close together around the table. Noise in the bar had risen as the number of customers increased, each group in animated conversation No-one paid any attention to Steve’s group but they kept their voices low, just in case.

  ‘I can see now that my fear was unfounded.’ Carol spoke directly to Steve but glanced at the two girls to include them as co-conspirators. ‘You did worry me when you couldn’t take your eyes off the damned phone.’ Her voice had a hint of laughter in it which the remainder of the group picked up. ‘Can I suggest that one person leads our little meeting and then we can put everything in to a semblance of order? Steve and I have got ourselves into a very weird world indeed. On reflection there have been some veiled threats attached to our job packages. Well, to mine anyway. What about you Steve?’

  ‘The one word that stands out is retribution, and that sounds very threatening in my book. Your idea of someone leading the discussion is sound Carol. Can I suggest Sue? We’ve only just met but she has one very quick brain and if anyone can ask the right questions I’m sure she can. She’s on the outside looking in and I think could determine the nature of our predicament.’ He had been impressed by her understanding of the situation and the need to bring Carol into the picture. ‘Finding a solution might take a little longer.’

  ‘That’s fine by me, let’s do it.’ Carol moved even closer to the remainder of the group eagerly awaiting the post mortem to commence. ‘Just one thing before we start though, do you think there is any possibility of someone inflicting bodily harm on us. If there is, I think we should have some sort of plan as a form of self protection.’ She had already made one self preservation decision, never to act as a P.R. Hostess regardless of appointments already made.

  ‘You’re an ex-soldier Steve, what can a girl do to protect herself?’ Anthea gripped his hand waiting for some guidance.

  ‘I don’t think it will come to that.’ Steve wished he could believe that but they were in dangerous territory. ‘If the worst scenario possible happened and you were attacked by a male, there are two places where he is vulnerable. First the testicles and second the eyes. How you deliver damage to these areas depends on the circumstance at the time. If you do go for the eyes, use two fingers held straight like this.’ He demonstrated using his own fingers. ‘Just a sharp jabbing action and then run as fast as you can. Always make a quick exit before your attacker has time to recover. Now let’s move on, this may never happen.’ The girls were looking apprehensive, it was time to change the subject.

  ‘These people are obviously up to no good but I think it would make sense to continue as if nothing had happened and wait our opportunity to get inside the Organisation. Their security can’t be one hundred per cent foolproof. Someone is going to leave a chink in the armour some time.’ Sue was now taking control of the situation suggesting and guiding the other three. Crime was her field. With the evidence so far, if the Police took over the only arrest to be made would be Steve’s, so she would freelance on this one until the time was right.


  ‘Do you think Carol’s Clive Andrews is the same person who calls you Steve? Are there any similarities in his approach?’ Listening to conversation so far, she found it strange that Steve’s contact had never given a name but the method of contact and voice of the caller had been the same in both cases. ‘Is there anything he said which registered on your mind as being odd or different?’

  Leaning forward Steve remembered a phrase which he had thought a bit practiced. ‘Well apart from his public school voice, he did have one expression which I thought odd at the time. He said, ‘I too am just...’ Steve didn’t finish the sentence.

  ‘A servant of the Company.’ Carol finished it for him. ‘It’s the same man isn’t it? Things are beginning to tally. What do you think Steve, are you convinced? It may only be a small clue but it’s a start.’

  ‘I think it’s ninety-nine point nine per cent certain that they are one and the same. If we think carefully there will be more phrases which we have both heard.’ As sure as he was of their progress, it didn’t make Steve feel any more relaxed about his or Carol’s future.

  ‘Would it be possible for us all to meet tomorrow, once we’ve slept on it things might become clearer in our minds.’ With the pressure of pretending to progress a criminal operation mounting on him, Steve was feeling the strain and tiredness was creeping up on him. He had to get back to his rented house, get some sleep before the Company’s a.m. call. His mind had to be clear or his motives might be recognised. ‘Retribution’ was now permanently etched on his mind. ‘Who can make it in the morning?’ All but Sue raised their hands.

  ‘Sorry folks I can’t get away during the day but I’ll get a run down from Anthea when I get home.’ Sue had a full day ahead at her office, as much as she would have liked to be available tomorrow, she had a loyalty to the firm which had been so good to her.

  ‘I’m not proud of the place where I live but I think it will give everyone a feel of the twilight world I’ve got myself into if we meet there. How about nine thirty in the morning.’

  ‘Anthea can you find your way by that time?’ How he wanted her tonight but it couldn’t be. The time would come and it would be perfect.

  ‘Greg is taking me to work, we could drop Anthea off on the way no problem. How about you Carol? Can those executive chasing girls wait for an hour or so if you are out of the office?’

  ‘Yes, they will have to, this is far too important to let it rest. I’ll be there for nine thirty. Just write the address down and I’ll find it on the map.’

  ‘I think we have moved on quite a way. From now on it will be softly softly I think.’ Sue once again was guiding the team and they accepted it willingly. On the way home she would tell Anthea to avoid the subject while Greg was around, there was no need to involve him at this stage.

  There were tears in Anthea’s eyes as she kissed Steve goodnight, the thought of leaving him was unbearable. Tomorrow was another day, one which she hoped would divulge more about the mysterious company.

  CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

  Sleep had never been a problem in the past. Now after a bad night he had developed dark rings under his eyes and was having difficulty deciding who to call first. It was time, telephone calls had to be made and instructions given. Henderson he decided gave him most concern so he would deal with him first. It was necessary to gauge a reaction. Maybe he was becoming paranoid. Were there any indications that his secrets had been uncovered? He tried to convince himself that everything was normal and there had been a good reason for Carol to be with Henderson. But why had she lied? A call to Mr. P would release his stock to Henderson’s care and then the money would start to flow. Why was he worrying, anyone who had let the Company down had paid the price, and the business had continued. Today if someone crossed him the same rules would apply. During the night his brain had been working on methods of retribution should his gut feeling prove to be correct. At least something had been achieved. He had a standby plan.

  Once again he had trouble eating breakfast, up until two days ago it had been his favourite meal of the day. Now he couldn’t wait to leave the hotel and find a quiet place to make his calls.

  The phone was answered immediately and that troubled him. Was Henderson edgy, and if so why? ‘Good morning Henderson, how are you today?’ The tone of the response was important, it would he hoped give him a clue. Had Henderson’s manner changed towards him, was there a hint of nervousness in his voice?

  ‘No problems this end Sir, all ready for the off.’ His cheerful voice was confident and did not reflect his true feelings. He too had slept badly, but he had to play along with the Company’s game until something was worked out to counteract his employer’s intentions. His hope that there had been a postponement was short lived.

  ‘I want you standing by all morning, the first delivery will be made later and I will phone with a time and location as soon as possible. Then it is up to you. Progress will be under the microscope at the highest level, I do hope you understand that great things are expected of you?’ So far so good. There had been no give away signs that Henderson was being anything other than keen to get on with the job. ‘By the way, how was the chairman’s reward the other evening?’ If Henderson was suspicious, now was the time he would give the game away. He was tense, listening for any change in voice or manner. Would the response still leave him in doubt?

  ‘Great evening thank you Sir. I must have talked too much because she developed a migraine as we were finishing the meal which was a pity because she had given me some good advice on tackling essays. Anyway I enjoyed it because she was a very nice girl, and interesting too. Migraine can catch people out at the most inconvenient times, it was a shame because she too seemed to be enjoying herself.’ How had he done? Would his boss believe what he had said and carry on as before. Would his quick thinking migraine excuse work? He must remember to warn Carol of his answer.

  ‘Good, I’m pleased the evening was not a complete failure, next time you should get something better. Maybe a girl with, can I say, diverse interests. Results will reflect the quality of the rewards. In the meantime standby and I’ll call you later.’ It was going to be alright. There were no telltale signs in Henderson’s behaviour. The migraine explanation could be true. Had all the worrying been for nothing? However after arranging the deliveries, he would still continue his recce of the area.

  Two phone calls later and everything was set for the distribution of high grade merchandise. As a precaution, he would leave Bill and Ben on standby. Just in case, also have his ex-Army Warrant Officer complete the task he had set. His right eye was bothering him and he rubbed it to clear the irritation. Looking into the car mirror he stared at the face looking at him. ‘Good God is that me, I look ten years older, and that eye has developed a twitch.’ What was happening to him? Where was the calm controlled person he had been? If there was a café near to Henderson’s place he would stop and have a strong black coffee. It would help, that and deep breathing exercises would put him back in control, then the next phase could begin.

  The coffee had helped and a slow drive around the area began, starting two streets away from Henderson’s where the streets formed a T-junction with a main road. There was not much activity yet but the newly appointed supervisors should be up and ready to take delivery once Henderson alerted them. He was relaxed now, pleased that he had stopped for a coffee. His humour was returning and he smiled at the thought of another successful business launch.

  ‘Now for you young Henderson, you too should be out of your bed and ready to lead your men against the forces of law and order.’ It was the next turning thirty yards ahead and his speed had dropped from fifteen miles an hour to ten when the 4 X 4 overtook him and disappeared into the street he was heading for. By the time he turned the corner, it had stopped and the occupants were getting out. The male was in uniform, his female companions in civilian dress. Before he could identify the uniform, he had passed it and not wanting to draw attention to himself continued on, looking neit
her right nor left. One thing he did notice, the car was outside Henderson’s accommodation.

  He was tense now, turning at the next corner he did a circuit of the block parking at the end of the street facing the parked car. They were still outside the door when he saw Henderson appear. Watching in disbelief he recognised the Police uniform and saw the exchange of handshakes between the two men. He had to get nearer before they entered the house for a closer look at the girls. They were young but had a confidence about them, he was certain they were detectives and a file was about to be opened on the business.

  Gripping the steering wheel he muttered through clenched teeth. ‘You’re bloody dead Henderson.’

  A second car was coming towards him but stopped behind the 4 X 4. This time his breathing stopped for a few seconds when he recognised Carol Barcroft as she got out of the car. She knocked on the door, he saw it open and she vanished from view.

  He had to find a discreet place to park so that his recovery plan could be initiated. The treachery he had witnessed would be punished, and soon.

  The girl would be dealt with first, after separating her from Henderson. A call to Bill and Ben would have them on site by late lunch time. Once they had reported that the job was complete, it would be Henderson’s turn. As an ex-soldier his finale would be appropriate, his ex-Army Warrant Officer would see to that.

  Greg had not been told of the problems or of the previous evening’s discussion, and after introductions and a brief chat to Steve and Carol, he and Sue had to leave.

  ‘I’ll give you a ring later Anthea and we can arrange to meet up. Thanks for the offer of coffee Steve but I must get to work and Greg has to get to his course.’

  Anthea stood on the doorstep and waved to them as the car moved away.