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Heartless Reaction

Page 31

by Dawn Marsanne


  Maureen started to tidy away some papers on her desk.

  ‘Thanks for coming to see me and ask Melissa to suggest some dates for dinner, I’ll look forward to it.’

  ‘Yes, thanks, I’ll see you soon,’ said Sidney making his escape. He couldn’t wait to reach the fresh air. He had assumed that from now on meetings in that office would be a much more relaxed affair. How wrong he had been.

  Chapter 61

  A week later...

  ‘Oh, hello, Dr Chandler, this is Maureen Radford, speaking.’

  ‘Mrs Radford, I’m so sorry about your husband. All the team here would like to express our sincere condolences.’

  ‘Thank you. That’s most kind of you. Would you like to come to the funeral? It’s next Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Crematorium followed by refreshments at Highfield Hall, it’s just down the road.’

  ‘Thank you. I’ll certainly be there and I’m sure many from the University would like to attend.’

  ‘It would be helpful if you could confirm numbers for me, for the catering you understand.’

  ‘Of course, I’ll phone you.’

  ‘Actually, I’m ringing about Ron’s offer to buy up the extra equity in PersCure.’’

  ‘Oh, yes, well, don’t worry, under the circumstances we’ve decided to extend the deadline to give time for other investors to come forward.’

  ‘No, don’t do that,’ said Maureen rather firmly. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to raise my voice. I just mean it will still go ahead. I’m going to invest the money, in my name. It’s perfectly possible, I’ve got my accountant Sidney Failsworth working out the figures.’

  ‘Really? Well, that’s, er, that’s amazing! Thank you!’ said Brett. He felt like punching the air.

  ‘So, contact me on this number, in future. You’ve got it, have you?’

  ‘Yes, it will be in my call history.’

  ‘So, if you need to discuss anything with me in person, perhaps you could come over to me at Brensford Manor. I’m quite busy as you can imagine.’

  ‘Of course, no problem, I’d be happy to,’ said Brett, smiling.

  ‘OK, well, keep in touch. Nice speaking to you. I’ll see you at the funeral.’

  ‘Bye, Mrs Radford.’

  Brett could hardly believe what had just happened. He noted down Maureen’s number and stored it as a contact. He had some exciting news to tell the team.

  **

  Alfie Crouch was still living in the secure facility where he was receiving counselling and regular medical check-ups. He was still suffering panic attacks but with the help of medication and psychological support, their severity was reducing albeit slowly. There was a long road ahead and it looked unlikely that he would be able to return to work or independent living any time in the near future.

  ‘How are you feeling today, Alfie?’ asked his therapist Meredith.

  ‘Not good. I’m still having nightmares. They are horrible. It’s not just at night, I keep having panic attacks. That’s what Beverley says they are.’

  ‘Beverley tells me she’s been teaching you some breathing exercises. Do they help?’

  ‘A bit. But I find them hard.’

  ‘It will get easier. Beverley will help you with them.’

  ‘I like Beverley, she’s nice. She has a cat,’ said Alfie, cheering up slightly.

  Meredith smiled, ‘That’s good that you are getting on well with her. Is there anything you would like to talk about today?’

  ‘Have you been in touch with Bazza? I keep hoping he will come and see me.’

  ‘Alfie, I know you regard Bazza as your friend but I’m really sorry to tell you that he hasn’t made contact.’

  ‘I’ve got his number in my phone, you can call him instead.’

  ‘Alfie I know this will be disappointing for you but we can’t get through to him on that number.’

  Alfie looked downcast. ‘I’m sure he won’t have forgotten me.’

  ‘Let’s talk about where you would like to live when you are feeling better.’

  ‘I’d like to live with Bazza. He will look after me. As long as you don’t make me go back to my house!’

  ‘We won’t do that, don’t worry.’

  Alfie was clearly becoming agitated at the thought of his house in Salisbury Street. His voice had become strident and his neck muscles were visibly tense.

  ‘I’m never going back there! Don’t make me! I’ll kill myself!’ Alfie began to cry.

  ‘It’s OK, Alfie. Nobody is going to make you go back there. Now, try your breathing exercises. Concentrate on your breathing, nothing else. Put your hand on your stomach as you breathe deeply.’

  Meredith paused to see whether Alfie would become calmer. After a few minutes, he looked up.

  ‘You promise? Please promise I won’t have to go back there?’

  ‘I promise.’

  ‘OK,’ smiled Alfie. He wiped his eyes and nose on his sweatshirt sleeve. ‘I’ve just remembered something!’ he shouted.

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Someone told me to sell the house but I didn’t understand what to do. I was confused. They said I’d get loads of money for it. Then I could go to the cafe every day.’

  ‘Well, it’s a possibility.’

  ‘I’ve never had much money.’

  ‘As I say, it’s a possibility, it’s a complex process.’

  ‘Then I can use the money and buy somewhere for me and Bazza. I can repay him as he used to buy me breakfast at the cafe.’

  The therapist made some notes. She felt genuine sadness for Alfie. He’d no idea how Bazza or whoever he really was had murdered the two men in Salisbury Street and had gained Alfie’s confidence to satisfy his desire for retribution. That was the principle the police were working on. Alfie was now rid of his troublesome lodgers but the damage to him was severe and long-lasting. He had been abused by all parties in the cruellest of fashions and it made her intensely angry.

  ‘I think it’s time for your craft session now,’ she said to her patient. ‘What are you making at the moment?’

  ‘I’m making a model of a boat. It’s really good. I’m going to give it to Bazza as a present when he visits me.’

  ‘I’ll see you in a few days, Alfie. Let’s go along to the lounge now.’

  Alfie’s mood had perked up and together they went off to find the occupational therapist.

  Chapter 62

  Maureen led the mourners out of the crematorium and waited to shake hands with everyone. The turnout had been amazing and the whole chapel including the balcony was full to overflowing. The doors at the back were kept open as not everyone could be seated and about fifty people had to stand in the room outside and watch proceedings from a distance.

  Their short time as a couple had not given them the chance to discuss their mutual funeral arrangements, so she had opted for a representative from the Humanist Society just as she had for Hubert’s committal. There was so much to say about Ron’s life and much of the focus was on his charitable works particularly in the field of cancer research. In addition, Ian French gave a touching tribute detailing Ron’s contribution to the spin-off company and his generous donation which funded the refurbishment of the chemistry laboratory.

  Maureen was accompanied by her sister, Alice and her family and next to them, Albert, Ron’s brother. She had been unable to track down any other relatives and Albert couldn’t suggest anyone else she should contact. Her plan was for Ron’s ashes to be scattered in the memorial gardens and for a plaque to be mounted next to Shirley’s and Natasha’s. As the curtains closed, a recording of Vaughan Williams, “The Lark Ascending” played allowing people a few moments to remember the deceased.

  More memories of Ron would be discussed at the refreshments at Highfield Hall and then Maureen would be free to continue her life as she wanted to, free from Ron’s criticism and domineering nature. Though it seemed somewhat overindulgent for one person to occupy a seven-bedroom mansion, she felt it best not to make any rash decisions a
bout moving. After all, the total acreage would soon be considerably reduced. She would be far too busy in the short term maintaining Ron’s business interests. He had possessed more than his fair share of faults but of late he had shown some admirable qualities and she felt she owed it to his memory and to Persford, that his legacy should be allowed to realise its full potential.

  ‘Beautiful service,’ said Gerald Shipton, as he kissed Maureen on the cheek. She removed a flower from the coffin spray and gave it to him.

  ‘And one for you Felicity, you were such good friends with Ron.’

  ‘I still can’t believe it,’ said Felicity. ‘I remember that evening not long after...’

  ‘Be quiet Felicity,’ said Gerald sternly. ‘Don’t upset Maureen, for God’s sake.’

  Felicity moved along, dabbing her eyes. Maureen looked at Gerald and realised what a bully he was. She pitied Felicity to be lumbered with someone so insensitive and domineering.

  ‘Dr Chandler, Dr Pearson, how nice of you to attend,’ she said.

  ‘It’s the least we could do,’ said Brett. ‘We had hoped that Mr Radford’s association with PersCure would continue for many years. We are so sorry for you.’

  ‘That is most kind. Ron had the utmost respect for how you had enabled the spin-off company to materialise. I have so much to sort out with Ron’s affairs but I will be in touch, I promise you.’

  ‘Of course. Do contact us at any time if there’s anything you need to know,’ added Matt.

  ‘Mrs Radford, my sincere condolences,’ said Superintendent Leighton as he shook Maureen’s hand. He was the sole representative of the Persford police actually at the service. ‘I knew Ron for many years and he’s such a loss to the town. He was most generous to the Police Benevolent Society, he will be sorely missed.’

  Outside Mike Harris and Andy Walters observed the mourners. They felt there was an outside chance that Jason Dawes would attend. However, once more they would return to the station disappointed.

  The tributes continued and Maureen’s face felt tired as she had to smile at the compliments. How little did those people really know about Ron or was it, Cole Radford? He had fooled so many people for so many years and that in itself was an achievement. Fortunately, charities had also benefited even if they would be horrified at the origin of their donations.

  So it continued. The tributes and the tears. The Radford era courtesy of Ron was over. Exactly how it continued was down to Maureen.

  Chapter 63

  Two months later...

  The promising glioblastoma drug, UP-627-TK had demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in all the Phase II clinical trials to date. The regulatory authorities had given permission for it to be fast-tracked into Phase III studies as soon as supplies would allow, benefiting more patients. Dosing regimes were still being optimised so there was a long road ahead until the clinical package could be finalised.

  Confidence was running high that the prototype drug, designed by Derek Plumpton could be improved further by the synthesis and evaluation of similar compounds. Discussions were ongoing with clinicians and oncologists to look at widening the scope to treat other hitherto difficult to treat cancers. It was as if the floodgates had been opened and opportunities were abounding. All the while, it was necessary to maintain a pragmatic air and to realise that unexpected disappointments could always rear their heads.

  Maureen was at the University to attend a meeting about the future of PersCure. The final paperwork was still to be completed in terms of equity transfer but that was a formality. She was now the major holder of equity having gained control of the University stake, Jake Marsfield’s and together with Ron’s initial investment and Hubert’s, she had almost sixty-five percent of the shares. Gerald Shipton had also expressed an interest in selling his stake as he and his wife had decided to finally retire from Persford and move to Spain. Maureen wasn’t surprised really as Gerald didn’t show much interest in PersCure and his memory seemed to be failing. The tender process had been advertised according to the rules but venture capital investment appeared to be going through a bad patch and she secured the extra equity.

  ‘Thank you all for attending today,’ said Ian French who was chairing the meeting. We have a few agenda items so we better make a start. Firstly, new premises, Nick, could you update us please?’

  ‘Certainly. Well, I’ve made some preliminary enquiries and it’s probably too soon to look at bespoke premises due to the cost of converting or commissioning a new building. However, with the downsizing of StourMed a whole wing of that building is now empty and available for lease.’

  ‘I remember it well,’ said Brett, as he had previously worked there before taking up the helm at BioQex.

  ‘There is also the old BioQex building which is standing empty but that may be too large for our current plans. If we took a few labs within StourMed we could save on our support services as we can share functions like security, stores, cleaning and a contribution of this cost would be incorporated into the lease. For the BioQex building, we would have to provide this ourselves.’

  ‘That’s very useful, thank you, Nick. We will need to seek input from all stakeholders but what is the feeling in the room today?’

  ‘StourMed,’ said Brett.

  ‘I agree,’ added Matt.

  ‘I’ve no experience of running a laboratory enterprise, so I’m happy to go along with the experts,’ said Maureen.

  ‘OK, well we’ll ask our other equity holders if they have any major objections but we will need detailed plans and costings. Perhaps the three of you can work on that?’ said Ian to the three directors of PerzSolve.’

  Hilary Worksop nodded her approval, as did Head of Finance, John Endelman.

  ‘We really need to look at expanding our management of PersCure now that it is spreading its wings and becoming independent from the University,’ said Ian. ‘I will gradually be reducing my input as I have my commitments here as Head of Faculty. We need someone else to take over the helm in a formal way.’

  ‘I’d like to suggest something,’ said Maureen. ‘It’s up for discussion of course but I’d like to broach it now.’

  ‘Be my guest,’ said Ian.

  ‘I’ve looked at the suggestions for a scientific advisory board and well, they all look to have impressive credentials. However, we need someone at the helm with a good commercial background.’

  ‘No offence taken,’ joked Ian.

  ‘Sorry, I don’t mean to offend. I’m not a scientist but I have so much admiration for what has been achieved so far, please understand that.’

  ‘Only joking,’ replied Ian.

  ‘Perhaps I shouldn’t just spring this on everyone now but I didn’t want it to look like I was going behind anyone’s backs. I think the solution is staring us in the face. I’m looking at it now.’

  The assembled group looked slightly confused.

  ‘Er, sorry, I’m not following,’ said Ian.

  ‘I think that Matt, Brett and Nick could all have senior and permanent positions at PersCure. Why not? They’ve been directing the science, meeting deadlines, pushing the company forward. It would be a shame if they had to move on now.’

  The three directors of PerzSolve looked shocked.

  ‘Seriously?’ said Brett.

  ‘We’d have to work out salaries and so on, so it might not be possible but we would be better to stick with people we know. That’s my opinion anyway.’

  ‘Well, perhaps we can discuss this further and then draw up a full proposal for all the stakeholders to vote on?’said Ian.

  The meeting continued for another hour. Brett and Matt exchanged looks with each other and could hardly wait to escape and have private discussions. It had been a bombshell but a pleasant one. After all that had happened since the days of BioQex, perhaps it was time the cards fell favourably for them. There had been many trials and tribulations along the way but perhaps it was time for some good fortune. Nick could hardly wait to discuss it with Polly, he just
hoped the shock and excitement wouldn’t cause her to go into labour as there were still about three weeks to go to her due date.

  Maureen said her goodbyes and headed back home. There were hardly enough hours in the day with all the businesses she was involved with. Even though it hadn’t been strictly necessary, Maureen had decided to go ahead and reduce the number of properties within the Welch Property Portfolio. It meant it was easier to manage and gave her a cushion of money for unexpected events. Laura was proving herself to be invaluable and gradually taking on more responsibility. Soon the office in town would be closed and the property business run solely from Brensford Manor. Maureen was pleased she had decided to stay at Brensford Manor and she’d become accustomed to starting the day with a swim in her own private pool. She had no intention of neglecting her physical well-being as Ron had and swimming provided the ideal relaxation.

  **

  Even though the Kilburn gang was currently less active, the police knew that it would only be a matter of time before another Drug Line chanced its hand in order to increase its network of misery.

  To his complete surprise, Andy Walters was promoted to Inspector and in a couple of months would be taking up a vacant position in the adjacent county. The death of Ron Radford had made him realise it was time for a fresh start in a new area. Mike Harris moved up the ranks to become Chief Inspector and Shani Patel and Dave Goodman remained at Persford on the same rank but had been assured they had promising careers ahead and should continue to work towards their next promotion.

  Wayne’s time in the safe house was coming to an end. He had been granted a new identity, keeping his first name but having a new surname Collins. He was due to move to Glasgow where he would live in a halfway house for a few months with the support of a social worker. It would be a completely new life and they had offered him the chance to gain some qualifications whilst he decided on some possible employment options. Wayne was interested in being a delivery driver or working in the ever-expanding online warehousing or distribution centres.

 

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