His call was answered, ‘Hi, Jake.’
‘Theo, meet me 12 noon, usual place. We’ve fucked up.’
Chapter 18
‘Andy, have you a minute?’ asked Shani.
‘Sure, pull up a seat,’ said Andy, looking up from his computer.
‘It’s nothing very exciting but I went over to the scrapyard, the one we think is retaining plates from scrapped cars.’
‘Useful visit?’
‘Yes, well, I had a look around, KarCykle, it’s called. It’s a reasonable outfit although the blokes weren’t that helpful. The boss wasn’t there that day but they gave me a current list of employees and for the last five years.’
‘I bet there were a few.’
‘Yes, they have quite a turnover. They showed me their record keeping. It looked in order but it’s going to be really hard to prove that anyone kept the old number plates. There were cars waiting to be scrapped which still had their plates on them of course and it would be easy for someone to turn a blind eye whilst someone removed them.
‘Well, perhaps your presence will have made them realise we are on to them if that person still works there.’
‘I ran the current names through the system. Nothing particularly interesting apart from one, Craig Lawton.’
Andy thought for a few seconds, ‘Never heard of him.’
‘No, well he’s not such a bad boy. Cautioned for affray about four years ago, a few speeding offences, nothing major. However, this is the interesting bit, he used to work at Alpha motors.’
‘Did he really. Well, once more the Radford Empire pops up again. It’s like all roads lead back to that one person.’
‘Do you want me to go back and speak to Lawton, now we know that?’
‘Why not? Take Dave with you. Exaggerate the seriousness, that sort of thing. He might get nervous. At the very least it might stop him from doing it again.’
‘OK, will do. I’ll get back to you.’
‘You know, Shani, I live in hope that at some point I’ll be able to convince the Superintendent who’s behind all this.’
Shani smiled encouragingly. She hoped so too but she was less optimistic than her colleague.
**
Dr Young began her consultation. She had Ron’s medical records from his GP.
‘So, I see that approximately five years ago you had some mild episodes of angina and your blood pressure and cholesterol were high. You started on low dose aspirin, blood pressure medication and a statin, correct?’
‘Yes, I also lost a stone in weight, gave up smoking and changed my diet.’
‘Excellent. That stopped the episodes?’
‘Yes. My doctor did say that the arteries could be narrowing but it wasn’t followed up at the time as I felt much better.’
‘But now you have recurring episodes of angina and are using glyceryl trinitrate spray. How often?’
‘Occasionally.’
‘Which means, how often?’
‘Quite often,’ replied Maureen.
‘Thank you, I can answer for myself.’
‘I’m sure your wife only has your best interests at heart, Mr Radford.’
‘My fiancée,’ corrected Ron.
‘My apologies.’
‘So, I think we need to investigate further. I’ll just check your blood pressure now and listen to your heart.’
Ron rolled up his sleeve and tried to remain calm whilst the doctor took the measurements.
‘I see. Well, your blood pressure is still too high. Not dangerously but higher than is advisable. I also want to run an ECG before you leave here and take some more blood samples. One of these will be sent for an eGFR which stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate which will check how your kidneys are working. You’ve not had one of these in the last three months have you?’
‘I don’t think so,’ said Ron.
She made some notes in her folder.
‘I also want to you to have a CT coronary angiogram. Dye is injected into your veins and then detailed X-rays are taken of the heart to see whether your arteries are narrowing or blocked.’
‘Oh, goodness, is that really necessary? I don’t feel that bad.’
‘I wouldn’t be suggesting it if it weren’t. We aren’t short of patients. The procedure only takes about twenty minutes but you will be in the hospital for a few hours as there is preparation and recovery. You will need to be given drugs to make the heart beat at a particular rate so that they can get good images. It can take a while to adjust the medication.’
Ron sighed. He was a busy man and the idea of not being in total control didn’t sit easily with him.
‘If you insist,’ Ron said sullenly.
‘I should emphasise that at the moment you have what is called stable angina. However, it often progresses to what is termed unstable angina.’
‘I assume that’s harder to treat, is it?’ asked Ron.
‘It certainly is. The other name for it is a heart attack.’
Chapter 19
As Head of Faculty, Professor French was the acting Chief Executive Officer of PersCure whilst it was under partial University ownership, ably assisted by Matt Pearson and Brett Chandler as acting Chief Scientific Officers. He could feel the tell-tale niggle of an impending headache above his right eye and he was toying with pain relief when his personal assistant knocked on his door.
‘Sorry to disturb you, Ian but you’ve a letter which was sent using the signed for service.’
‘Thanks, Audrey,’ he replied.
‘Can I get you a coffee?’
‘That would be great, thanks.’
Ian looked at the letter. It was postmarked London. He opened it and began to read. When Audrey returned with his coffee he barely noticed her. Gradually he became aware of her voice asking him if he was alright.
‘Ian, are you OK? You look rather pale.’
‘No, I’m not OK but it’s nothing to do with you. Please get in touch with Brett Chandler and Matt Pearson. I need to see them immediately. Do not accept any excuses.’
‘OK, I’ll phone them straight away,’ she said bustling out.
Ian drank his coffee with a trembling hand. There must be some mistake. He read the letter again. If this were true then it would reflect very badly on the University and it had coincided with the current funding crisis. He put his head in his hands pressing on his right eyebrow.
Audrey knocked on the door again, ‘Matt and Brett will be along in about half an hour,’ she said around the partially opened door.
‘Thank you,’ said Ian. ‘I think we will need some more coffee when they arrive.’
‘Of course,’ she replied.
As he fumbled in his drawer for his painkillers, he hoped that someone could explain this latest mess and furthermore that the University would prove to be blameless.
**
‘Look, I’ve spoken to Peter and he’s told me in no uncertain terms not to visit Radford Manor or whatever it’s called again.’
Peter Leighton was the Chief Superintendent at Persford police station and thus Mike Harris’ senior officer. Peter and Ron were members of the Rotary Club and had taken part in many local charitable events. Everyone suspected they were also fellow Masons but nobody could find evidence to prove it.
‘This is doing my head in,’ said Andy. ‘Am I the only person who can see that Radford is the at the centre of everything? He always is. He’s managed to pull the wool over your eyes as well, by the sound of it.’
‘Shut up!’ said Mike. ‘We deal in evidence, not by examining our tea leaves in a cup, or consulting Mystic Meg.’
‘OK, so even if we ignore our suspicions about his connection to the recent events, look at his domestic situation.’
‘What about it?’ replied Mike.
‘Don’t you just think it’s ever so cosy? Maureen Welch just happens to be the widow of an extremely wealthy property developer, he dies and then she strikes up a romance with Radford who is well known for
building an empire. Thus he will gain an even bigger empire.’
‘So?’
‘So, it’s fishy?’
‘People are attracted to their own kind. You surely don’t expect him to marry his cleaner, do you?’
‘What if he’s marrying her for her money?’ continued Andy.
‘What if she’s marrying him for his money?’ retorted his colleague.
Andy refused to be swayed. ‘I don’t like it. There’s something suspicious about the whole set-up.’
‘Look, Radford has had more than his fair share of personal tragedy. Surely you don’t deny him some happiness even if he might have been a bit dubious in the past.’
‘Yes, I do. I detest him. He controls people. He’s a manipulator and slimy with it. God, that Maureen must be mad. I don’t understand what she sees in him.’
‘Love is blind, as the saying goes.’
‘I’m going to find some evidence, I will and when I do you’ll all want a slice of the glory.’
‘Well, that’s your right but don’t make a fool of yourself. I won’t stand by you if you infringe protocol. I’ve warned you before.’
‘Don’t I know it. I’ve had my warning.’
‘Good, glad to hear it. Now, let’s get on with our work.’
‘Mike?’
‘Yes?’
‘Oh, nothing, it doesn’t matter,’ said Andy. His nerve had failed him at the last moment. Today wasn’t the right time, his superior might burst a blood vessel if he broached the subject of Hubert Welch’s suicide. Andy knew that the inquest had been satisfied and Hubert had been cremated. It was a closed chapter. However, for the detective sergeant, something felt wrong about it. What if it wasn’t a case of suicide at all.
**
‘I think it’s best if you read the letter,’ said Ian, handing it to Matt and Brett. They placed the letter between them on the table so they could read it simultaneously. The shock was visible on both their faces.
‘There must be some mistake!’ said Brett. ‘Either that or it’s some kind of elaborate hoax?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ said Ian. ‘It’s for real. Someone has been lax and I hope it’s not either of you two?’
‘Now, hold on,’ said Brett.
‘Brett,’ intervened his colleague, ‘there’s no point in us arguing amongst ourselves. We both did the first tier investigations into Jake Marsfield and his financial advisor, what was he called?’
‘Theo Henchard,’ added Brett.
‘We did what we could. It’s our accountants and advisors who have the wherewithal to investigate further. There may not have been much they could have done, it’s obviously a clever trail they’ve laid. Look, we’ll get in touch with Lovesey and Hawkes and see what they have to say. They will have signed the paperwork saying they completed due diligence.’
‘They will probably be getting in touch with us,’ said Ian. ‘I bet they’ve had the same communication.’
‘Who are the University solicitors?’ asked Brett.
‘Fenmores, I’ll give them a call, put them in the picture. We may need them to check this out.’
‘OK, we’ll get back to you when we have some more information. You’ll do the same?’
‘I certainly will. God, I could have done without this. What with the budget problems as well.’
‘Yes, we heard about that,’ said Brett.
‘Did you? From whom? It’s not supposed to be common knowledge.’
‘I can’t remember,’ said Brett, lamely. Matt wished his friend would keep quiet, he seemed to be making matters worse.
‘OK, well, if that’s all, we better get on with our phone calls,’ said Brett.
‘Yes, that’s all for now,’ said Ian and began to look at some papers on his desk.
Brett and Matt left the room.
‘I don’t believe this,’ said Brett, but before he could continue Matt cut him off.
‘Be quiet, we need to have a chat. In private. Let’s head outside and find a seat.’
Chapter 20
Ron felt his unregistered mobile vibrating in his pocket. He got up and closed the door to his office so that Laura couldn’t hear the conversation.
‘Yes,’ he answered.
‘It’s me. Anything happening your end?’
‘Oh, there certainly is. I’ve had a visit from the boys in blue.’
‘Shit.’
‘It is indeed shit, my boy. Your shit in fact which has begun to encroach on my life and I’m not happy. Not happy at all.’
‘Someone split on us. I don’t know whether Sean was careless or what. It should have been a simple exchange. We had no idea we would be set upon.’
‘Well, you fucked up, good and proper. I think you started to get a bit overconfident. You should have engaged more manning.’
‘They were a bunch of evil fuckers. I’d like to give them a taste of their own medicine.’
‘Good, that sounds more like it.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘Well, I mean while you are exacting your revenge you can recoup some of the money. Ideally, all of it but that might not be possible, I’m not unreasonable.’
There was silence on the line.
‘I’m fifty grand down on that deal and I’m not used to throwing money away. Understand?
‘I’ll need a few days to get my strength back and do some planning.’
‘Yes, well I hope you plan better than the last time otherwise this might be the last conversation we have.’
‘Very funny. Look, one mistake in all the years I’ve worked for you. Cut me some slack.’
‘Slack! Ha! I couldn’t think of a better word. Slack describes perfectly how you behaved.’
‘Well, at least you didn’t get killed. I nearly did.’
‘That was your fault, not mine.’
Jed’s voice had become a few tones higher and Ron wondered whether there would be an even more vehement outburst, however, the conversation returned to the matter in hand.
‘Have the filth got any evidence?’
‘It seems not. Flimsy from what I can gather. It’s best if you stay where you are for the moment. Don’t think of moving back to Persford. Not until they have something else to follow up. I’ll be playing golf with Peter in the near future so I’ll find out how the land lies.’
‘OK, well, thanks for the tip, I’ll lie low. Bye, then.’
‘Er, one more thing, before you go.’
‘What?’
‘I might not need your services in the future. I think it’s time we call it a day after this last job.’
‘So, I’m being fired? Dropped from your payroll? I guess you are too respectable now, is that it?’
‘I never told you that it was a job for life?’
‘No, but I just feel like I’m being cast aside. I’ve served my purpose and that’s it.’
‘It’s a tough world out there isn’t it?’
‘What if I refuse to do this last job for you?’
‘Well, I might find my memory improves and I’ll have something to tell the boys in blue,’ replied Ron, confidently.
‘It cuts both ways,’ Jed was shouting now. ‘I know lots! I could drop you in the shit! Don’t push me!’
‘Really? Well, you can try. Let’s see who they would believe? A known criminal or a well-respected businessman who has suffered many tragedies and is now indulging in philanthropy in Persford. Something for you to muse on.’
Ron remained silent so that his subordinate could absorb the news. ‘Look, plan carefully and get your hands on the money. There’s no rush as you’ve not been well.’
‘My payment?’
‘Your usual commission.’
‘That’s all, is it? No bonus, no severance pay?’
‘How about any evidence I hold on you being your leaving gift. I think you know what I mean? The slate wiped clean. How does that sound?’
Jed ended the call. Ron was left listening to a silent phone. He closed
his eyes and put his hand to his chest as he felt the familiar band of tightness once more waking from its slumber. He gave himself a couple of sprays under his tongue and felt the pain melt away.
**
Matt and Brett found a secluded bench away from the main University buildings.
‘God, what a mess,’ said Matt. He leaned forward and rested his head in his hands.
‘Yes, it brings back the memories of my last encounter with the FCA.’
‘They seem to be following you around,’ said Matt and he turned and stared at his friend.
‘Meaning?’
‘Meaning, when you met Jake Marsfield did you not pick up any hint that he might not be Kosher?’
‘Yes, of course. He told me he wanted to launder a load of money and I said, Hey, that’s a good idea, we’ve got just the place for it!’ Brett stood up so he was facing Matt. ‘Why is it my fault?’
‘Well, you were in charge of all the communication with him. No wonder he’s not wanted to visit. He doesn’t want to show his face as he knows he’s guilty.’
‘OK, well, you take over the job of attracting investment then, if you know how to do it,’ retorted Brett, petulantly. ‘Dr Wise with hindsight.’
Matt ignored the comment. He realised he was taking out his anger on his friend. Incidents like this just brought back old memories of Brett’s bravado and their less than amicable years.
They both remained silent, fighting with their emotions and trying to calm down. Matt chewed at a hangnail then having removed it, spat out the offending piece of skin.
Matt was the first to speak, ‘Look, I’m sorry, it was just a shock. I’m worried about the bad publicity. Image can be everything in a start-up business. What if other investors feel they’ve invested in something that’s not above board?’
‘I do realise that but we mustn’t get ahead of ourselves. The FCA is probably painting it in the worst possible light. We’ve not even got legal advice yet and it’s no good us sniping at each other. We need to work together on this.’
Matt sighed, ‘Yes, you’re right. Let me buy you a coffee and we can start to sort out this mess. We can divide up the calls we need to make. OK?’
‘That’s more like it,’ said Brett and they strode off back towards the main building.
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