Heartless Reaction

by Dawn Marsanne

  ‘As I said, I will look into the matter. I need to speak to Dr Dalton at ClinTry and my husband when he is well enough. I won’t forget.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Radford. I will speak to you again.’

  ‘You most certainly will. Thank you for coming over tonight.’

  She stood and showed him into the hallway where Corey was waiting with his jacket. They said their goodbyes and Maureen double-locked the door. She felt at the point of collapse. She had been catapulted into another world. What sort of person had she married? Just at that moment, she didn’t know the answer to that question.

  Chapter 43

  Maureen had tried to watch TV after Tomek’s departure but found she hadn’t been able to concentrate. Ron had phoned during the evening and they’d had a pleasant conversation. The nurses were pleased with his progress and predicted that he should be discharged after breakfast. To help herself relax, she went to take a bath and then snuggled in bed listening to the radio. After a while, she must have drifted off to sleep but in the early hours of the morning, she awoke after a disturbing dream about Tomek and Ron and hospitals. Confused images of Tomek had tormented her sleep and she dreamt that he had somehow found Ron’s private room and was injecting him with a lethal medicine which had caused Ron to have a heart attack. She found herself running to summon help and suddenly woke up.

  She put on the bedside light and tried to calm down. She knew that sleep would evade her as her conscious mind replayed the conversation with Tomek over and over. The information she’d gleaned last evening, combined with the previous revelation from Ron himself about the way things were being run at ClinTry made her realise how duplicitous he was. Her suspicions that he was a Jekyll and Hyde character were being bolstered each day. Was she being taken for a fool?

  Suddenly she swung her legs out of bed, stripped off her pyjamas and dressed in her jeans and a shirt. Ron’s absence gave her a chance to look in his office. Perhaps she would gain an insight into what really went on in his businesses. She took the office keys from the locked cupboard along with her mobile, a torch and the house keys. Sneaking along the path to the outbuildings felt very strange. She could hear a few traffic noises in the distance and an owl hooted from the woodland at the edge of Brensford Manor.

  Maureen unlocked the outside door to the annexe and using the torch, located the light switch. She shivered slightly not from cold but from the eeriness of the building. A trace of Laura’s strong perfume lingered in the lobby and she could detect a faint aroma of coffee grounds. For a moment she felt like retracing her steps but chances like this would be few and far between. She found the key to Ron’s personal office and unlocked the door. His leather-topped desk was clear from clutter apart from a couple of letters and invoices. She switched on his desk light and sat in the high backed leather chair. It was a bizarre feeling occupying this chair and as she placed her hands on his desk her damp palms stuck to the polished surface. She quickly wiped away the palm prints with the sleeve of her shirt and looked around at the luxuriously appointed office.

  The furniture must have been bespoke as it fitted perfectly the dimensions of the room. One wall had some glass-fronted bookshelves with additional spaces for ornaments, trophies and magazines. Below was a row of cupboards and on top of part of the worktop stood a collection of glasses and bottles of spirits. Against the other wall, there were two filing cabinets, again in matching wood, a three-drawer one and a smaller two-drawer one. Maureen unlocked the three-drawer filing cabinet and looked at the labels on the dividers. Her husband’s accounting system was meticulous. Each business had separate folders for tax, VAT, employee details, income, outgoings and all records one would expect to be retained. She flicked through a few folders but nothing leapt out at her as being untoward.

  She moved to the next drawer. This was less full and seemed mainly to be concerned with PersCure and ClinTry. Her heart started to race. She rifled through the dividers for ClinTry but it mainly concerned the legal documents for transfer of the business, updated employment contracts since he had taken over and some copies of accounts from Sidney Failsworth. There were no participant lists or details of payments for the glioblastoma trials.

  The bottom filing drawer was filled with invoices and accounts for Brensford Manor. There was nothing at all of interest in there. Ron must have a separate hiding place for items pertaining to his shady businesses. Maureen sighed. Had she really expected to find anything incriminating? Ron was no fool and despite his affectionate language he clearly didn’t trust her.

  She looked at the collection of keys. There wasn’t another filing drawer key and the lock on the two-drawer one was different from the one she’d just opened. Sitting back at his desk she tried the trio of drawers. They were all locked and again there were no keys on the fob which matched. Ron must have taken those keys with him to hospital. Suddenly she felt tired. The stress of the previous day was catching up with her and was now augmented by a feeling of depression. She had always known that Ron was capable of pushing the boundaries of what was strictly respectable but had she completely underestimated him?

  There was nothing more she could do for the moment. It had been a largely wasted endeavour. There were just the cupboards to examine. These weren’t locked and contained nothing much of interest, some photograph albums, extra stationery, a couple of hats with logos from golf tournaments, some boxes of golf balls and sundry items accumulated through life. However, one cupboard was more interesting as it contained a large safe with a combination lock. Maureen smiled to herself as she stood looking at the home of the Radford shady dealings. Ron was always one step ahead of the competition. Perhaps she should have realised this all along.

  For now, it was time to return to the main house. She locked up carefully and wandered back. She felt like a cup of tea before returning up to bed to try to snatch a couple of hours’ rest. As she drank her tea she realised that her curiosity had in fact made things worse. She was desperate to know what her husband was guilty of and what he might be capable of in the future. The question was, how could she gain access to the keys to his desk and the combination to the safe? She needed a plan and it needed to be a good one.

  **

  Alfie Crouch was beginning to regret renting out his house to the chap who had offered him cash in hand, some uppers and regular bottles of vodka at a hugely reduced price. He wondered how they had found him as he hadn’t advertised for a lodger but it was a complicated story about a friend of a friend of a neighbour and Alfie got confused by it all. At the time it had seemed like a good thing and it gave him some extra money to spend down at the betting shop. Since his mother’s death, the house had seemed empty and too big for one person. Now it was quite the opposite. People were coming and going at all times of the day and night. He was sure that the person he knew only as the “Captain” and was prone to violent tempers must have had loads of keys cut because rarely did callers ring the doorbell or knock. When the Captain left he would have to get his lock changed.

  The story was that the Captain was setting up his own building firm in the area and was trying to become established. He had a bad back due to an injury on a building site, that was why he couldn’t do manual labour himself. He took the odd pill himself to help with the pain. Alfie could sympathise as his back was also painful due to his excessive weight which had increased rapidly aided by his diet of junk food and television.

  Fortunately, Alfie had a TV in his bedroom as his lodger seemed to have claimed ownership of the lounge and on one occasion when Alfie had gone downstairs in the hope of relaxing on the settee he received such a tirade of abuse that he’d promised to knock in future. Some serious business was apparently being conducted and Alfie was told to forget everything he had witnessed. The trouble was Alfie found it hard to forget and was becoming increasingly fearful he had got himself into a real fix, from which he had neither wit nor wisdom to fathom an escape plan.

  **

  Following Vincent Hughes’ re
velations, Jed had taken up surveillance of 22 Salisbury Street. He still had the stolen car and so he was able to make regular visits at different times of the day and night. During the day he’d been able to snap a few pictures of occupants and visitors to the house. Two members of the Kilburn Boys appeared to be living there and had regular callers. He’d also spotted the owner, Alfie who usually emerged mid-morning, shuffled off to the betting shop or a local convenience store and spent a lot of time in a nearby cafe. Tonight, one of the duo from Salisbury Street had arrived with a young girl whom he’d had to practically carry from the car. She was either drunk or under the influence of drugs. Jed waited until they were inside the house, then drove back to his own lodgings in Breckton for a few hours’ sleep. A plan was beginning to take shape in his mind.

  **

  Alfie had dropped off to sleep when he awoke with a start. It must have been his front door being slammed.

  ‘Fuck, not again,’ he muttered.

  He listened and heard what sounded like two sets of footsteps making their way along his threadbare carpet in the hallway. Then he heard a muffled thump followed by giggling. There was loud whispering followed by more laughing and then the lounge door closed. Finally, it was quiet so he turned over in bed and pulled his duvet up around his ears.

  He was beginning to doze off when he heard footsteps coming up the stairs followed by the bathroom door slamming. Someone relieved themselves and flushed the toilet, left the bathroom, slamming the door once again and then stumbled against his own door.

  ‘Steady!’ shouted a familiar voice. ‘Don’t disturb Alfie!’

  The girl shrieked with laughter and then he heard footsteps receding downstairs again.

  Alfie felt close to tears. He’d not had a decent night’s sleep in a couple of weeks now and it was making him even more emotionally troubled. He’d resorted to napping during the day but that often left him feeling groggy and confused when he woke. In an attempt to cheer himself up he had been spending more time in the betting shop and now he was completely broke. Perhaps he could put up with the inconvenience just for a few more weeks, just until he got himself out of his financial mess. Once that happened, he would tell his lodgers they would have to move on, then he would reclaim his humble abode and catch up with his sleep.

  Chapter 44

  When Maureen went to Sandhills the next morning, she found Ron sitting in the chair next to the bed, looking in the best of health. His face appeared less strained and he had more colour in his cheeks. He beamed at her as she entered the room and jumped up out of the chair to embrace her.

  ‘My goodness, you look a bit better,’ said Maureen. ‘What did you have for breakfast?’

  ‘Oh, some cereal and then scrambled eggs on toast. It was very good. I might come here again just for the breakfast!’

  ‘I wondered if you were high on drugs!’ said Maureen.

  ‘Well, they gave me a sleeping tablet last night and I slept the sleep of the just. I feel quite refreshed this morning.’

  ‘So, all set then?’

  ‘Yes, I’ve packed my bag and they gave me some paperwork. Basically, I keep on with the same tablets and see how I get on.’

  ‘What about your bypass operation?’

  ‘They want me to go back to Dr Young for a check-up and see how I’m getting on. It’s up to her when she schedules me in for it. I’ll be getting a call in the next few days.’

  Maureen felt tired. She was a lot more subdued than Ron as she had barely slept the night before. The after effects of the adrenalin rush from her night-time investigations had left her feeling depressed.

  ‘Maureen, are you OK? You seem a bit quiet? I thought you’d be pleased I’m feeling better?’

  ‘Sorry, I’m just worried about you. I am pleased that this phase of your treatment has gone well but you are still quite ill.’

  ‘Thank you for reminding me,’ said Ron. ‘Do you want to get a wheelchair to take me out to the car?’

  ‘No, of course not. I missed you last night, I didn’t sleep well so I’m feeling a bit tired.’

  ‘Well, you will have me back in bed tonight although I might have to resist temptation,’ he winked.

  Maureen smiled. ‘Right, shall we go or do you want to stay for lunch as the food is so good?’

  ‘Very funny. No, I need to get home and get on with my work. I’ll do a couple of hours in the office, I’ve some calls to make and Sidney is calling around.’

  The mere mention of Ron’s office made Maureen flinch slightly as last night’s sortie came back into her memory.

  ‘Is that really necessary? You need to recover properly.’

  ‘I will recover when I’m back to my normal routine. I can’t sit contemplating my health all the time.’

  ‘Well, I’ll keep checking on you, just remember that.’

  ‘Let’s get going, I’m feeling a bit claustrophobic in this small room.’

  Maureen and Ron said goodbye to the nursing staff and made their way out to the car. She hoped Ron’s affable mood would continue. Perhaps his irritability had been caused in part by him feeling unwell but knew that she might be being too optimistic. It would be a case of when and not if his alter ego returned.

  **

  Jed was back at Salisbury Street waiting for Alfie to leave the house. Just before 11 a.m., he headed up towards the Sunrise Cafe so Jed locked his car and followed him.

  Alfie pushed open the door and Jed caught it before it closed.

  ‘Thanks, mate,’ he said to Alfie and they queued up at the counter. ‘Bit chilly out there this morning.’

  ‘Oh, yes, I suppose so,’ said Alfie.

  The cafe was quite full which suited Jed as he planned to share a table with Alfie.

  ‘Tea, please, Doreen,’ said Alfie and my usual full English.

  ‘Four-fifty,’ she replied. ‘I’ll bring it over when it’s ready.’

  Alfie fumbled in his pocket. ‘Shit, I’m twenty pee short,’ he said.

  ‘I’ll have to just give you one sausage,’ said Doreen.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ said Jed. ‘Here you are,’ and he handed over the remaining money.

  ‘Oh, thanks, mate, I must have left my money in my other jacket. Silly me.’

  ‘No problem, same for me, darling,’ said Jed, paying for his own breakfast.

  Alfie went to sit down.

  ‘Mind if I join you?’

  ‘Course not,’ replied Alfie smiling at his new friend.

  Jed looked at his phone until their breakfasts arrived then they both tucked in heartily.

  ‘Another tea?’ asked Jed.

  ‘Oh, well, yes thanks. I’ll buy you one next time, OK?’

  ‘Don’t worry about it,’ replied Jed, going up to the counter to get the drinks.

  Alfie looked at Jed. He’d not seen him in the area before but he seemed pleasant enough and it was nice to chat to someone for a change. For once he didn’t feel that he was the butt of someone’s jokes.

  ‘There you go,’ said Jed, placing another tea in front of Alfie.

  ‘Cheers, mate.’ Alfie yawned. ‘Sorry. I’m tired.’

  ‘Burning the candle at both ends are you?’

  ‘What? I don’t use candles, got electricity at the house,’ said Alfie, frowning.

  ‘No, I mean have you been staying up late? Partying?’

  Alfie looked at Jed then his face crumpled. He put his head in his hands and began to weep.

  ‘Hey, what’s the matter, mate? I was only joking. Did I upset you?’

  Alfie shook his head. ‘Not you,’ he blubbed through his tears.

  ‘Look, don’t cry, here, dry your eyes,’ said Jed, passing him a couple of paper serviettes. ‘Tell, me what’s wrong. I might be able to help?’

  ‘I can’t get no sleep. There are these blokes in my house. They’ve taken it over. I didn’t think it would be like this but I was short of money.’

  ‘What blokes? What’re their names?’

  ‘Captai
n and er, I’ve forgotten, starts with P, I think. Oh, God, it’s a mess. I don’t know what to do. They are dealing, I’m sure!’

  ‘Shush,’ said Jed, looking around. ‘Keep your voice down.’

  ‘Sorry, I’m a mess. The house is a tip as well. I think they bring girls back. It’s horrible.’ Alfie broke down again and put his head on his arms on the table.

  ‘Everything alright?’ asked Doreen as she went around clearing tables. ‘What’s up with him?’

  ‘He’s just a bit under the weather,’ replied Jed. ‘Another tea, please.’

  He tapped Alfie on the arm. ‘Look, do you want some help getting rid of these blokes?’

  Alfie looked up. He looked confused.

  ‘I could have a word with them, ask them to leave, that sort of thing,’ continued Jed.

  ‘But they might take it out on me if they find out I’ve spoken to you?’

  ‘Trust me, I won’t mention your name. What do you say?’

  ‘I can’t pay you, I’ve no money,’ whimpered Alfie.

  ‘I don’t want money. All I need is access to your house, so I can surprise them, OK? We’ll arrange it so that I come in when you’re not there. That way you won’t have to confront them.’

  ‘But I’ll have to go back there sometime. I’ll see them and then they’ll know it was me.’

  ‘They’ll be gone by then, trust me. They won’t harm you.’

  Alfie drunk his tea. He nodded.

  ‘Great. There’s a couple of things we need to do. Firstly, I need a spare key, we can go and get one cut now. Also, have you got a mobile?’

  ‘Yes, here’s my number,’ he passed over a piece of grubby paper. ‘I always keep it written down, I can’t remember it otherwise.’

  ‘Excellent.’ Jed entered the details in his phone and texted Alfie.

  ‘Look, I’ve sent you a text. This is my number, OK. I’ll add it to your contacts.’

  Alfie nodded. He wiped his nose on the arm of his coat. ‘What’s your name? You didn’t say.’