Chapter 31
‘Finished?’ said Maureen.
‘Yes, that was lovely, thank you.’
‘Glad you liked it. I’ll go and fetch the fruit.’
Ron murmured something and picked up his phone. Maureen wondered whether they were going to have to have rules whereby mobiles were banned at the table. He was like a teenager addicted to social media.
‘Are you expecting something?’ she said returning with the strawberries and raspberries.
‘Well, it’s the deadline for the take up of the extra equity in PersCure, I was hoping to hear from Brett Chandler.’
‘It’s 8 p.m. on Friday evening, surely he won’t contact you until Monday?’
‘No, probably not. It’s just I’ve got a lot on a the moment, I was hoping to have that finalised this week.’
‘I’m sure you’ll get some more equity,’ said Maureen offering the bowls of fruit to Ron.
‘Thanks. I hope you don’t mind me asking Christian and Geraldine to dinner on Monday?’
‘Well, you’ve already asked them. It would have been nice to ask me first. I didn’t think we would be hosting people in the same week as our wedding.’
‘Sorry, it was a spur of the moment thing. I’d asked him before I remembered...’ Ron petered out before he finished what he was saying.
‘Before you remembered we were getting married? Is that what you were about to say?’ said Maureen tensely.
‘I hadn’t forgotten. It was just we were all wrapped up with the inspection at ClinTry and then Christian started hassling me, saying he wanted to discuss something.’
‘Discuss what?’
‘Oh, just staff matters, I don’t need to go into it all now. It’s complicated.’
‘Too complicated for me to understand,’ retorted Maureen then regretted her words. ‘Sorry, I realise you are committed to your businesses and I want to support you but I should be consulted. Please don’t do it again, will you?’
‘No, I was being inconsiderate. Look, I’ll give that caterer a ring, oh, what was her name? It’s here on my phone,’ he said, once more picking up his mobile and scrolling through his contacts. ‘There it is, Katie’s Katering. Or better still, you phone her. I’ll text you her number.’
‘You could just write it down for me,’ said Maureen. Whatever happened to communication the old fashioned way, she mused?
‘Done it. Give her a call. Do you think we should invite the Shiptons?’
‘I thought it was to get to know the Daltons. Why do we need the Shiptons? Doesn’t that make it a bit formal?’
‘Well, the more people here the less stilted the conversation will be. Christian isn’t the most chatty of people. What about Sidney and Melissa, they are younger than us, bit older than the Daltons but they are a nice couple?’
‘Why not invite all the wedding guests and call it a Rehearsal Dinner,’ said Maureen sarcastically.
Ron stared at her. ‘I don’t think that’s very funny Maureen. I’m trying to run businesses you know. I’m doing it for both of us. It can’t all stop just because we are getting married.’
Ron had made their wedding sound like something trivial, like a trip to the dentist. They had both been married before so it wasn’t going to be a huge affair but it was somehow being reduced to just another event in his busy calendar.
‘Sorry. I suppose if we can get a caterer it’s not such a big deal. It’s up to you however many you think is best.’
‘Let’s go for eight people and I’ll contact them. You organise the catering and don’t worry about the cost.’
‘What if she’s booked?’
‘Find someone else.’
‘Shouldn’t I check before you contact people?’
‘OK, but do it tonight. Thanks. Good idea.’
Maureen ate her fruit. She sincerely hoped that after Wednesday things would start to calm down a bit. The pace was becoming intolerable and her relationship with Ron increasingly strained. The balance had shifted and recent events had made her feel like one of his employees and subordinates rather than an equal. Was it a result of the frenetic phase he was going through or was this business as usual as far as Ron was concerned? Just now it was difficult to say but it was hardly the best omen for their life together.
**
It was nearly closing time in Ozzy’s Diner, a greasy spoon cafe towards the edge of the Lensfield estate. Jed was drinking a less than impressive mug of strong tea hoping it might take away the taste of the burger and chips he’d foolishly just eaten. He was seated facing the door, at a table towards the rear of the dingy establishment. About ten minutes after the time of his assignation, the door opened and in shuffled Craig Lawton. He was carrying a large reusable carrier bag.
‘Tea please, mate,’ he said to the man behind the counter before going over to his friend. He placed the bag down at the side of the table and went back to collect his drink.
‘So, good day at work? asked Jed.
‘Not particularly,’ replied Craig. He looked around furtively and lowered his voice. ‘Had the filth nosing around twice in the last couple of weeks. This is going to have to be the last time, mate, you’ll have to do business elsewhere.’
‘What did they want?’
‘It was about that job you did the other week, where you got shot. They traced back the plates to the scrapyard as well as the ones I gave to Corey.’
‘So? You aren’t the only bloke working at KarCykle, are you?’
‘No, but I’m the only one who used to work for Radford. They seem very interested in him. Found out I used to work at Alpha Motors.’
‘Relax, there’s nothing they can prove. They have nothing on Radford.’
‘Well, I’m not as cocky as you. I want to keep this job.’
‘Look, they can’t do anything. Cool it.’
‘My gaffer wasn’t very pleased. Two visits from the filth. He’s going to be watching me like a hawk from now on. I don’t like it.’
‘Look, here’s a bit extra, for your trouble,’ said Jed, reaching in his pocket and slipping another twenty pounds over to him.
‘Thanks but just don’t contact me again for a while, OK?’
‘Message received and understood.’ Jed picked up the bag and left Craig to drink his tea and read his newspaper. The job in Foal Lane had been a complete and utter disaster but that wouldn’t be repeated. From now on he was operating alone.
Chapter 32
‘What do you think I should wear on Monday evening?’ Geraldine asked her husband.
‘I’ve no idea, whatever you want. It’s only dinner, not a royal garden party.’
‘Christian, don’t be so miserable. We don’t get many social invitations. I want to look nice. After all, I’m sure Ron’s wife, sorry, fiancée will be dressed in expensive clothes. She’s probably got a wardrobe full of designer stuff.’
‘Probably,’ replied Christian flatly.
‘Look, can you look after the children this afternoon and I’ll go to the shops, see if I can find something new? It will make me feel more confident.’
‘Yes sure but don’t get anything too fancy.’
‘No, I can text you a picture when I find something, so keep checking your mobile.’
‘Fine.’
‘I’ve got a babysitter for Monday, a girl from work is happy to help us out and I know her so there’s no need to worry.’
‘I won’t.’
‘Christian, is there something wrong? At work I mean?’
‘You could say that.’
‘I thought the inspection went well.’
‘Oh, it did, very well. Ron took over and I just sat there. Nodding at the appropriate time. I might as well not have been there.’
‘Rubbish, I’m sure you are exaggerating. Anyway, it shows how much he appreciates you if he’s invited us to his house. I can’t wait to see it.’
‘I hope you enjoy yourself. I see enough of Ron during the week, I don’t want to spend my evenin
g with him as well.’
‘I think you are tired and exhausted after all the preparation for the inspection. Why don’t you go back to bed for a while this morning? I’ll take the kids swimming and then you can spend time with them this afternoon. Deal?’
‘OK, perhaps you are right. I didn’t sleep well last night.’
‘I’ll wake you for lunch. Hope you feel better.’
‘I hope so too,’ said Christian as he climbed slowly upstairs to the privacy of their bedroom. He needed some time alone with his thoughts.
**
Annabelle and Brett had slept until after 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. With nothing planned for the day they hadn’t set an alarm. They’d stayed up late to watch a film to try to unwind after the tense end to the week due to the shock announcement about PersCure.
‘I still feel the University is making a big mistake,’ said Brett.
‘I know, it’s disappointing but there’s such a squeeze on public funds at the moment.’’
‘True. You know, I’ve been thinking,’ said Brett.
‘I always get anxious when you say that,’ joked Annabelle.
‘Well, it’s just a thought but I wondered whether Matt and I could borrow the money to buy out the University stake.’
‘What?’ said Annabelle almost choking on her coffee. ‘But how much are you talking about? Two million, three?’
‘Thereabouts,’ said Brett.
‘That’s a huge loan, what if it doesn’t pan out?’
‘That would be a problem,’ said Brett calmly.
‘It certainly would. You’d be declared bankrupt and whatever security had been offered against the loan would be lost.’
‘Hmmm, it’s not easy.’
‘Please don’t carry on thinking along those lines. Firstly, it scares me and secondly, I just think you are wasting your time.’
‘I just feel there’s so much potential. There’s always the possibility we could sell the front-runner compound to another company. That might be the best way forward. It’s earlier than we’d have wanted though.’
‘It might just have to be that option. After all, you are business advisors. I’m sure you would get another contract on the reputation of what you’ve done for PersCure.’
‘Well, I’ll tell Ron Radford on Monday that he’s got Jake Marsfield’s stake. Let’s hope the pair of them can agree on a value which is mutually acceptable. I doubt he’ll be able to buy out the rest though. He’s been splashing the cash recently.’
‘Let’s have a break from it all today,’ said Annabelle. ‘I might have to do a bit of work tomorrow evening but today I want to switch off from work.’
‘What do you fancy doing?’
‘I don’t know. What about we go for a drive. Stop at a country pub. We might find somewhere we can walk this afternoon.’
‘Sounds good. Let’s go out this evening for a meal. Nowhere fancy. I just want a change of scenery.’
‘Great, fine by me. Tomorrow you can tidy up the garden with me!’
‘Oh, my back,’ joked Brett as he hobbled across the kitchen. ‘I don’t think I’m well enough for gardening.’
**
‘Sav? Can I come in?’ said Dylan knocking on his sister’s bedroom door.
‘Just a minute!’ she called.
Dylan could hear her shutting one of her drawers as it made a characteristic squeaking noise.
‘OK?’ she called.
Dylan marched in and flopped down her bed.
‘Make yourself at home,’ she said sarcastically.
Dylan ignored her and looked around her bedroom. He could see a new pair of jeans and a top hanging up on the back of the door, with labels still attached.
‘Got yourself a new outfit?’ he asked.
‘Yes, what’s it to you?’
‘How come you got money to buy new things?’
‘I didn’t, I nicked them.’
‘Well, done,’ he replied. ‘Going anywhere nice?’
‘Just with the girls as usual.’
‘Look, I told you a while ago, you need to be careful. There are some new geezers in the area from London, OK? They are looking for young girls like you.’
‘I’ve told you before, I can look after myself.’
‘I saw you coming back on your own the other night. It’s not safe!’
‘Piss off, you’re doing my head in,’ she said.
Dylan looked at her bedside table. There was a box with the name Pandora, on the outside.
‘What’s this?’ he said, picking it up and looking at the watch inside. ‘You nick this too?’
‘Course,’ said his sister, avoiding his gaze.
‘How? It’s not like they just have them on show, ready to swipe? I don’t believe you.’
‘Mind your own business. Give it to me!’
Dylan got up and pushed her out of the way. He dragged open the top drawer of the chest and rummaged amongst her underwear.
‘What are you doing?’ she screamed, trying to push him away.
Dylan soon found what he suspected was in there. He held up some small plastic packages containing pills.
‘I knew it!’ he shouted.
‘You’re working for them, ain’t you?’
‘I’m not, not really. It’s just a one off!’
‘I’ll take these,’ he said, pushing them into his pockets. ‘Keep away from whoever it is. They are bad news.’
He rushed out leaving Savannah to call after him in vain. She slumped down on her bed. What was she going to do now? Her boyfriend was going to be furious.
Chapter 33
Jed now had a set of wheels, acquired in the early hours of the morning from the driveway of a house which appeared to be unoccupied. Having all the windows closed, despite the warm weather was a telltale sign and he’d received no response at the door, notwithstanding several visits. He had pretended to be touting for business for a new window cleaning round using a card which had been left at the flats where he was staying. He’d been on the lookout for a fast car with a keyless ignition system and wouldn’t be quickly reported missing.
A friend who had a gizmo to override the electronics had accompanied him and within a few minutes, they were inside the vehicle without damaging the windows or bodywork. Once away from the scene they were able to swap the registration plates with the set he’d obtained earlier that day from Craig Lawton.
It felt good to be mobile again after his period of convalescence and though his leg was still slightly sore, it was very much improved. He wouldn’t be running for a while but he felt reasonably agile. During the last few days, he’d made enquires and now had his target’s address so it would soon be time to have a little chat later this evening. Presently, he was on his way to a lay-by outside Persford to see whether he could retrieve a possession of his.
**
Savannah was in town. The shops were busy as it was Saturday afternoon and that was to her advantage. Her rage at Dylan’s visit to her bedroom had quickly turned to tears as she began to panic about her next date with Tyler. She’d decided to tell him she’d lost some of the packets of pills and thus had only half the money he was expecting. Her plan was to recoup some money by stealing some items and selling them at a hugely marked down prices, to her friends who had some disposable income from their jobs.
As she browsed in the shops she felt overwhelmed by depression. The prices were exorbitant and she realised that if her relationship with Tyler should fail then she would be destined to a life of cast-offs or what she could steal. She had to leave one of the shops as the assistant appeared to be watching her like a hawk.
She moved on to Neale’s which was an independent department store. The shop was in an old building with lots of interconnecting rooms, meaning that some of the clothes racks were quite secluded. Firstly, she went to the jewellery section which sold mainly costume jewellery rather than gold and silver you would find in traditional jewellers but the advantage was it was displayed on rack
s rather than in locked cabinets.
She waited until some young children came running through, knocking down some earrings from a stand. As the hassled parent approached, chasing after them, she scooped a couple of pairs into her bag and then put the rest back on the rack.
‘Oops,’ she said to the woman. ‘They are a bit of a handful!’ as the little girl collided with a stand and began to cry.
‘Come, here, Brittany!’ shouted the woman. ‘That’s enough!’
Savannah estimated she should get about five pounds for each pair of earrings. It was a start but she needed to raise at least fifty pounds in total. She decided to move on and wandered up the High Street finding herself in a boutique with closely packed racks and loud music creating a vibrant and busy air. She wandered nonchalantly around the shop, selecting various items and holding them up against her. Towards the rear of the shop, there was a secluded corner but as she scanned the shop floor she saw to her dismay CCTV cameras everywhere.
Her spirits began to sink but suddenly she realised there was one place where cameras wouldn’t be allowed, in the changing rooms. Emboldened she selected a couple of sleeveless dresses, a jacket and two pairs of skinny jeans and took them to the changing rooms.
‘Four?’ said the assistant.
‘Yes,’ replied Savannah, taking the plastic numbered disc.
The dresses fitted really nicely and she shortened her bra straps to increase her cleavage. Admiring herself in the mirror, she thought that with a liberal helping of makeup she could easily pass for twenty. She simply had to have one of the dresses.
Next, she tried on the jeans to check they were the right size. She and Kaylee often swapped clothes and the tight jeans hugged her figure flatteringly. The jacket wasn’t so critical as it was loosely cut.
The clothes were beautiful, so different from the cheap ones she normally wore and as she sat down on the stool she racked her brains to fathom a plan to get them out of the shop. Savannah rested her head back against the wall of the changing room and looked upwards. Her gaze fixed on the ceiling and she had an idea.
**
The Audi A4 car was great to drive, smooth, comfortable and with superb acceleration. Sadly, Jed couldn’t risk alerting the attention of the police so he drove responsibly out to the road connecting Persford and Breckton. The lay-by was busier than on his last visit with a couple of articulated lorries, a van and two cars. Jed parked up and stepped out of the car making an imaginary call on his mobile. He wandered off into the rough ground towards the spot where he’d done his night-time gardening.
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