Thor: OK, but when?
Warrior: I want to speak to them. Send me details. Will arrange.
Thor: OK. Will do.
Warrior: Nimrod. Keep me informed when ready to rock.
Nimrod. Will do. Need to get stocks sorted. Can you help with supply Warrior?
Warrior. Sure thing. Let me know.
Nimrod: Ace. Will do.
Warrior: Bye team. Chat soon
The others signed out of the chatroom. Further communications would take place but using an encrypted mail service organised by a disciple with IT experience. Nimrod’s heart was racing. His armpits soaked with sweat. He loved the adrenaline rush. For too long he’d lacked a goal and now he felt he was working towards something worthwhile. He also enjoyed the friendship and support. This was one of the best things about the group. Solidarity and like-minded individuals.
It was good to feel wanted. He knew he was crucial to the success of the latest operation but fearful whether he could execute it without failure or mishap. They had to remain vigilant though. It would be so easy to get carried along with the euphoria and become careless. A lot was riding on this mission and he needed to prove his abilities.
Chapter 14
Nick and Polly had just finished dinner and were discussing their day at work. They took their coffees outside and sat in the garden in the warm evening sunshine.
‘Isn’t it nice being able to sit outside without listening to Ryan and Kylie?’
‘It’s paradise,’ replied Nick. ‘I wonder which lucky people are having to listen to all their fucking? I mean their language, not their actions!’
‘Nick! At least we didn’t have to listen to them in the act, so to speak. I can’t imagine what that would be like in a terraced or semi-detached house.’
‘Ha, it doesn’t bear thinking about. I wonder when the new people will move in?’
‘No idea, I keep hoping that Gordon will decide to sell it.’
‘Shall I phone him?’
‘No, leave it. We don’t want to appear nosey.’
‘I see I’ll be mowing the lawn again at the weekend,’ sighed Nick. ‘I’m too tired to do it now, besides I’ve a few things to look at on the web. I’ve started to plan my itinerary for my Indian adventure!’
‘I doubt it will be much of an adventure,’ said Polly. ‘You’ll probably be in meetings all the time, on planes or in taxis. It’s going to be so hot you won’t want to venture outside.’
‘True. I’m a bit worried about the heat. I looked at the temperatures today and it was forty-one degrees. What with the humidity as well, it’s going to be a bit sticky.’
‘How much do you think it’s going to cost all together?’
‘Well, I’m still checking out the flights but I think altogether, including hotels it will be about three grand.’
‘Not too much I suppose, given the distance. How many nights are you planning to stay?’
‘I think I need to stay a minimum of three, maybe four nights. I’ll have had enough by then.’
‘I’m worried about you going on your own.’ said Polly wistfully.
‘It will go quickly. Don’t worry. I can email you all the time, it’s not like the old days when there was no communication and I’ll phone each evening. No, wait a minute. It will be afternoon here when I phone, so make sure you don’t have too many meetings?’
‘Well, I can’t promise. Things are getting busy and now we have this anti-Semitism hotline to set up as well.’
‘It makes me feel sick that’s going on. Not only that, I saw on the local news site about this Britannia First demo that’s being planned. Wankers, the lot of them.’
‘Well, we’ve got trouble on both extremes at the university. There are some really ardent factions there.’
‘We must make sure we avoid the town centre when they have the march. I don’t want to get caught up in anything. I’ve been beaten up enough times!’Nick touched the scar on his head. It was less noticeable but he would always bear a slight trace of his injury.
‘Nick, don’t remind me. I try to forget those incidents.’
‘I’m OK, don’t worry. I’ve not had any headaches for a while. I hope the heat in India doesn’t bring them on though.’
‘Have you organised your tetanus booster?’
‘Yes, I’ve made an appointment with the nurse at the surgery. PersCure will pay of course.’
Polly smiled. ‘Right, well, I’ll get on with my work and then I’m going to bed early. I’m shattered.’
‘Early night, now you’re talking!’ said Nick, winking.
‘I don’t think so, as I said I’m absolutely done in.’
Nick collected up the cups and put the plastic chairs nearer the house so that they wouldn’t get blown over if it turned windy. He felt thirsty after the cup of coffee so went to the fridge to get a bottle of lager. He switched on his laptop and opened up his document with his plans for his India trip. He was soon absorbed in flight times, train times between companies he wanted to visit and hotel review sites. He made some notes and felt that it was all starting to take shape. Now he needed to set up some meetings with the companies on his list. He opened up his email and began to compose his messages.
**
Maureen had returned to her house after lunch and had found the afternoon had seemed interminable. She couldn’t settle to anything as she was so preoccupied with her evening out with Ron. He had texted mid-afternoon just to check that she was OK and to let her know that he was on his way back from London after a successful business meeting and that he would update her over dinner.
She tried to read but found that she was merely reading the same pages without taking in the story. Her meagre lunch sat heavily in her stomach and at one point she wondered whether she would actually be sick. It was completely ridiculous she told herself, she was in her late fifties, not some teenager going on a first date. It was simply two friends enjoying each other’s company. Normally she would have busied herself in the garden but she didn’t want to get too hot and sweaty and ruin her hairdo which was looking particularly nice she had to admit.
Finally, 5 p.m. arrived and she felt she could start to get ready. Nowadays it normally took her about twenty minutes to get ready for an evening out but tonight was rather different. She decided to take a leisurely soak in a tepid bath as she didn’t want to get too hot and look like a lobster by the time Ron arrived. Her clothes were already laid out on the bed. Some casual cropped linen trousers and a silk blouse. She decided to paint her toenails which wasn’t something she’d done for a while but she was planning to wear sandals this evening.
Despite trying to do everything slowly she was ready by 6 p.m. and there was an hour to go before Ron was due to pick her up. She was worried about drinking on an empty stomach so she toasted a piece of bread and spread it with a thin layer of spread and jam. Somehow the sweet taste was more palatable and she managed to finish it. However, after thirty minutes she began to feel sick again and her heart started to race. Suddenly she was overcome with anxiety and picked up her phone in order to cancel her date with Ron. As she brought up his contact details the doorbell rang. Maureen checked her watch but she wasn’t mistaken there was still an hour before Ron was due and there had been no more messages. Perhaps it was her neighbour Sue.
Maureen opened the door to see Hubert standing there. She started to close the door but he stepped over the threshold and into the hallway.
‘What do you want?’
‘Well, that’s not very friendly, is it?’ he said.
‘Why should I be friendly, you are the one being awkward about the divorce papers,’ Maureen shook her head in disgust. ‘You’ve got a nerve. I should have gone to the police years ago and shown them the bruises. I was a fool. I always let you talk me round.’
‘Maureen, calm down. You need to listen to what I have to say.’
‘Ha! I’ve listened to you too often, I’ve had enough. Just leave me alone!’
&nbs
p; Hubert stepped back to appraise his wife. He looked her up and down and smiled.
‘My, you do look lovely this evening. You’ve had your hair done. I don’t think I’ve seen those trousers before, they look...well, they set your figure off beautifully. Are you going out?’
‘As a matter of fact, I am, not that it’s any business of yours? I can do as I please. After all, you always did what you wanted. You think you can control me but not any longer.’
‘Maureen, you need to stop talking and listen. I’ve been thinking. Perhaps I was too hasty. You can have your divorce but on one condition.’
‘What?’
‘I’ll agree to a divorce, you keep the house and I keep full control of our property business. Let’s forget the unreasonable behaviour. We’ve been separated for nearly two years now now. It will just be a formality. There will also be a cash sum which will enable you to be comfortable there’s no need to worry, you won’t be penniless.’
‘Why the change of heart?’
‘I’ve had time to reconsider, that’s all.’
‘You’re worried more like it, after my latest call to my solicitor.’
‘That’s my offer, take it or leave it. It’s your choice. I want us to be friends.’
Maureen remained silent. She stared her husband in the eye. How could she have fallen in love with this vindictive, controlling apology for a man all those years ago? She despised him.
‘OK, you win. I accept your offer. I just want to be rid of you and move on. I’ve had enough of you. Forget being friends. We can communicate through our solicitors. Now please leave.’
‘As you wish. I can see you are upset. Let’s allow the dust to settle. I’ll be in touch.’
Hubert left and walked down the driveway. He must have left his car on the road. She looked at the time. There was still forty minutes until Ron arrived and she felt hot and sweaty. She ran upstairs to change her shirt and wash under her arms again. Hopefully, another spray of perfume would help dispel the fact that she had been perspiring. Whilst she was in the bathroom she heard her mobile ping signalling a text message. She ran downstairs to retrieve it and saw a message from Ron asking whether he could come around a bit earlier as he was so excited to see her. She quickly replied, ‘Yes, please,’ and after selecting another blouse she went downstairs to await his arrival.
Chapter 15
Maureen had enjoyed an amazing meal at the Italian restaurant. The standard of cooking was superb and so authentic, she’d not had food like that since a holiday in Italy over a decade ago. It was a far cry from pizza and pasta restaurants. She’d chosen a starter of pasta Genovese, followed by a roasted sea bass, or branzino as it was listed on the menu. Ron had chosen spaghetti à la vongole to begin with and osso buco with saffron rice for his main.
‘Would you like the dessert menu?’ asked the waiter.
‘Maureen? Room for something else?’
‘Oh, it will have to be something very small.’
‘Yes, please,’ he said to the waiter.
The food and pleasant ambience of the high-quality restaurant was matched by Ron’s charming company. Although she had been nervous to start with, she had soon relaxed in his presence aided by a couple of glasses of red wine. The restaurant had been pleasantly full but they had been given a secluded table towards the rear and Ron seemed to know the staff well, he was clearly a regular customer.
They looked at the menu.
‘What about pannacotta? That’s not too heavy,’ said Ron.
‘OK, why not. I can do some extra swimming this week!’
‘There’s no need. You have a great figure,’ smiled Ron and Maureen felt herself flush slightly. She was pleased that the lighting was low and hoped that her makeup had disguised her heightened colour.
Maureen was amazed to see that when they had finished their coffees it was after 9.30 p.m., the time had simply flown by. Ron was a natural raconteur and had told her about his humble beginnings and his two marriages. He’d had more than his fair share of heartache. Losing two wives in tragic circumstances together with having to witness the death of his only daughter before she became an adult. At one point she had reached across the table and squeezed his hand as he was clearly struggling to recount the last weeks of Natasha’s short life.
‘I’m so sorry Ron, Obviously, I’d read about your recent losses in the local papers but hearing you tonight, well, I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how you’ve managed to carry on, I’m not sure I could have.’
‘I’m a survivor, Maureen. I owe it to Natasha to see what I can do to improve the lives of other sufferers. Perhaps you would come with me next time I go to a glioblastoma support group?’
‘I’d be honoured to, Ron. Thank you.’
‘Well, I just hope that by taking over the running of ClinTry we can enable cancer patients in the area to partake in clinical trials of this new drug being researched at the University.’
‘Let’s hope so. Is it definite then?’
‘Nothing’s definite in business until it’s signed and sealed but they were certainly keen on my offer today. The company has got itself in a bit of a mess. Someone has taken their eye off the ball and it’s not been profitable but I’m sure I can turn it around. They need a cash injection and someone who knows about business.’
‘Well, it would be great if you could keep it operational in Persford. When will you know definitely?’
‘Couple of weeks maybe?’
‘Fingers crossed,’ said Maureen making the usual gesture.
Ron looked at his watch. ‘Look, it’s not that late, do you have to get back straightaway?’
‘No, I’ve nothing much on tomorrow.’
‘It’s such a nice evening. What do you say to a walk along the river, we could have a nightcap at a bar down there, then get a taxi from the town.’
Maureen smiled. ‘Sounds a wonderful idea. Why not?’
Secretly she’d been hoping for such a suggestion. She didn’t want the evening to end just yet.
Ron beckoned to the waiter who brought over the bill and the handheld credit card device. She had no idea how much the meal had cost but it must have been at least two hundred pounds. Ron had ordered an expensive bottle of wine and she had noticed that the small desserts were almost ten pounds. After entering his PIN into the machine he reached into his pocket and took out a couple of twenty-pound notes and slipped them into the waiter’s hand. He discretely pocketed the money and thanked Ron profusely.
Ron allowed Maureen to leave the table first and she put her light jacket loosely around her shoulders as it was still a warm evening. They strolled the quarter of a mile along the river to a bar with a terrace, called Maggini, and headed for a table on the veranda.
‘What would you like?’
‘A small brandy, please,’ said Maureen.
‘Won’t be a minute,’ replied Ron and he went inside.
As Maureen waited she thought back over the evening. It all felt like a chapter from a romantic novel. At times she felt she had dreamt the whole thing and would awake to find she was still waiting for Ron to collect her.
Ron returned with the drinks and they each took a sip. The light was fading now and the riverside looked magical with the lights along the embankments twinkling in the darkness. There were quite a few runners taking advantage of the cooler temperature and a few dog walkers taking their pet out for a walk before bedtime.
Maureen was the first to speak. ‘So it sounds like you will have your work cut out with ClinTry. Do you really think you can improve the profitability?’
‘Well, I need to look at the books but I’m sure there are cost savings to be made. I just hope someone’s not had their fingers in the till. Not that they have a till but you know what I mean. There’s a lot of wastage in businesses. People are quite happy spending other peoples’ money. They wouldn’t do that if it were there own.’
‘No, I guess you are right. It’s the same in the NHS, they don’t seem
to use their scale to get the best prices. Paying pounds for paracetamol when they cost a few pence in the supermarket.’
‘You’ve just reminded me of something. Have you spoken to Gerald and Felicity recently?’
‘No, not since their dinner party. Why?’
‘Oh, I was talking to Gerald the other day. It seems one of his shops isn’t as profitable as it was. He thinks he might have a rogue employee, someone who might be helping themselves.’
‘Really? What is he doing about it?’
‘Well, it means he’s checking his books more carefully. He’s also going to start paying them visits more often. He’s annoyed as he’s been able to step back from the business a bit recently.’
Maureen didn’t know what to say. She didn’t really have any experience to offer.
‘Another brandy?’ asked Ron.
‘No thanks, it’s been lovely, I don’t want to get a headache.’
‘Do you want to stay a while or get a taxi?’
‘Let’s go now before they get busy with the pubs closing.’
They walked along to one of the main taxi ranks in the town centre and saw that there were several waiting for business. It didn’t take long for them to reach Maureen’s as the traffic was light at that time of night. The taxi pulled up across the driveway.
‘It’s been a lovely evening, Maureen,’ said Ron. ‘I’ll contact you tomorrow.’
‘I’ve enjoyed it so much,’ she whispered and she leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.
‘I hope you sleep well,’ said Ron.
‘I don’t feel like sleeping,’ said Maureen. ‘Pay the taxi and come in.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’ve never been more certain,’ she said.
Ron paid the cab fare whilst Maureen waited for him on the driveway. As the taxi pulled away Ron went up to Maureen and took her hand. She smiled and they walked up the driveway together.
Down the road, Hubert watched from his car. After he’d called around to Maureen earlier in the evening he’d waited until she had left. He thought he recognised the man in the taxi who had come to collect her but couldn’t recall his name just at that moment. He’d driven away fuming and had spent a tense evening at home, unable to settle to do anything. After a couple of hours and despite several glasses of wine he’d driven back around to his old house and had waited in the darkness for her return. They weren’t even divorced and she was already seeing someone else and sleeping with him. He was furious. He drove away at speed, narrowly missing a car turning the corner at the end of the road. Maureen belonged to him and nobody else. He needed to get home without being stopped by the police and decide his next move.
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