Laura: So, when will I see you again?
Christian: Soon. What about a meal?
Laura: A meal’s good. But I want to spend the night with you.
Christian: That could be difficult.
Laura: Can’t you think of an excuse?
Christian: I don’t know. It’s risky.
Laura: Risky is exciting.
Christian: I agree, I like exciting.
Laura: So when?
Christian: I can’t say now, I need more time.
Laura: I’m sensing a brush off here. Let me know if you want to end it.
Christian: I didn’t say that.
Laura: Think of it from my point of view. I suggest I spend all night with you but you need to think about it. Not very committed are you?
Christian: Believe me I don’t want to lose you.
Laura: You will if you don’t show how you feel.
Christian: But I’m desperate to see you.
Laura: Me too.
Christian: I need time to think.
Laura: OK well I’ll say goodnight. I might just see who’s online in Love2Connect.
Christian: Don’t do that, please?
Laura: Well then?
Christian: I could be at a conference with an overnight stay.
Laura: When?
Christian: Next week. I need to think about it
Laura: Don’t make it too long. I want your body. All of it.
Christian: Not as much as I want yours.
Laura: Well it’s ready and waiting for you.
Christian heard his wife calling to him upstairs that dinner was ready. No doubt something else had been microwaved.
Christian: Look got to go. Will be in touch very soon.
Laura: Can’t wait. Xxxx
Christian’s heart was racing and he felt hot and sweaty. He knew that what he was doing was completely and utterly wrong but he was helpless. He needed some love and warmth in his life. Once again his wife shouted in her strident tone for him to hurry up. He called back that he was on his way and stopped off at the bathroom to splash some cold water on his face. He could hardly wait for the next few days to pass.
**
Maureen arrived at Brensford Manor and pressed the buzzer on the panel by the wrought iron gates. She gave her name and the gates started to open slowly. This was a new experience for her. She’d never been invited to such a secure or large estate. As she drove slowly up the winding driveway, she glanced sideways at the manicured lawns and tastefully planted flower beds. Ron was waiting at the door of the large opulent house and he stepped outside as she parked next to a Range Rover which was adjacent to a sleek sporty Jaguar car. He opened the driver’s door and Maureen alighted collecting her handbag.
‘Maureen, so good to see you again,’ said Ron, embracing her affectionately. Maureen kissed him briefly on the cheek but refrained from hugging him back. Ron sensed something wasn’t right but decided to wait until they were inside. Perhaps then she would be able to tell him what was on her mind.
‘Your garden looks amazing,’ she said, ‘I’m quite envious, it puts mine to shame.’
‘Nonsense, I have no hand in it, I merely pay my gardeners. Yours looked splendid and all your own work I should imagine.’
Maureen merely stood in silence, waiting to be invited inside. She felt lost for words unlike when they had been out for dinner recently.
‘Let’s go in, where we can be more comfortable.’
They stepped into the spacious hallway and Maureen was once more in awe. It looked like a glossy Homes and Gardens magazine. A tiled floor with huge, striking artworks and large mirrors which created an air of spaciousness.
‘Now, would you like to go through to the lounge or sit on the terrace?’
‘Er, I don’t mind. Perhaps the lounge this evening.’
Ron opened the door and Maureen stepped through on to a luxurious carpet. Some of the table lamps were already lit and the room had a welcoming air. She was taken aback by the sumptuousness and opulence before her. She couldn’t imagine how much it had cost to furnish this room to such a high standard. The furniture must have come from upmarket designer shops in London, she had never seen the like in Persford even though it did boast some high-end shops.
Maureen glanced down and saw that Ron was wearing some leather mules. ‘Shall I take off my shoes? I don’t want to damage your carpet.’
‘Don’t on my account it’s up to you,’ said Ron.
Maureen slipped off her shoes and left them by the door. She padded over to the settee and sat down, sinking back against the collection of soft cushions.
‘Champagne?’
‘Oh, yes, please. Are we celebrating?’ said Maureen stiffly.
‘Well yes I hope so, in more ways than one,’ said Ron. He poured two glasses and went to sit next to her at the other end of the three seater settee. Maureen sipped her champagne in silence whilst her eyes scanned the room taking in all the objets d’art.
‘Lovely,’ she said.
‘Maureen is something the matter. You don’t seem quite yourself this evening. Are you not feeling well?’
‘I’m fine,’ she replied, avoiding his gaze.
‘Something has upset you. Is it Hubert?’
‘Not directly.’
‘You are being rather cryptic. What does that mean?’
Maureen paused to gather her thoughts. She didn’t want to appear hysterical or to be making a mountain of a molehill but she needed to get this off her chest.
‘He brought around some papers for me to sign. I knew that Welch Properties had bought the site of the Flamingo but I never realised that you were the actual owner,’ she paused. ‘I knew you were a successful businessman but I never thought you would be involved in something so, so, well, seedy!’
Ron cast his eyes downwards. He finished his glass of champagne and got up to refill it. He pointed at Maureen’s glass but she shook her head.
‘It’s not something I’m proud of owning. That’s why I’m divesting it from my portfolio of businesses. Please don’t let it come between us.’
Maureen shrugged.
‘I’ve come up the hard way as I told you. Sometimes you see an opportunity and you just seize it. It wasn’t a good decision, I admit. That’s why I’m selling it and putting the money to good use in my investment in cancer research and this clinical unit. I want to make amends.’
‘It was just a bit of a shock. I’m not sure whether Hubert knows we are seeing each other but I’m sure he sensed something when I saw your name on the papers from the solicitor. We only ever met the manager Clive somebody.’
This time it was Ron who shrugged. ‘What if he does know. You are separated. Divorce is underway. I’m a widower. We are two adults who can do as we please. It’s nothing to do with him. You’ve got to start living your own life now.’
Maureen thought for a moment, then smiled. ‘You’re right. I just get anxious. Hopefully, that will be the last thing I have to sign as regards Welch Properties. I’ll feel better once I have a clean break and now he’s agreed not to be difficult it shouldn’t be too long.’ She relaxed her shoulders. ‘Now I think I will have that second glass of champagne.’
Ron went over to the sideboard to get the bottle feeling relieved that his words had won Maureen over. Fortunately, it appeared she knew nothing of the prostitution business he ran and was also being divested. That was indeed more than seedy as she described the Flamingo, it was sordid.
From thereon the evening proceeded in a more relaxed manner. Ron went to check that the dinner was cooking nicely and they soon went through to eat. Neither of them knew that Maureen had been followed to Brensford Manor by Hubert who was now back home alone, silently fuming and once again drowning his sorrows. Hubert wasn’t happy that she had been seduced by Ron Radford’s wealth. Money was the best aphrodisiac and she had fallen under his spell. He would wait until midnight and then drive by her house to see whether she had returned to her own bed.
Maureen still belonged to him, not Ron Radford and after tonight’s revelation, he was determined not to make it easy for her.
Chapter 23
A week later...
Christian Dalton was already in The Cedars, a hotel towards the outskirts of Persford. At two hundred pounds a night, it could hardly be considered cheap but he’d booked one of the better rooms using a new credit card which he’d applied for recently. He didn’t want Geraldine to see anything suspicious on their joint credit card. He had suggested to Laura that she could book it and he would give her the cash but she claimed it was more romantic if he organised the hotel. It was part of the thrill, being whisked off for a night of passion in romantic surroundings. She made it quite clear that he wouldn’t regret it one little bit. When she whispered what she had in mind for him he felt himself blushing down to the roots of his hair. The anticipation had been killing him and he had scarcely been able to concentrate on any work as the moment grew ever closer.
After checking-in at the hotel, he’d taken a quick shower then changed into a clean shirt. He’d thought about just wearing the bathrobe but somehow being already undressed as he waited for Laura made him feel like he was paying for sex. He wanted to savour every minute of their encounter and prolong the seduction. He’d ordered some champagne which was sitting in an ice bucket and he was trying to watch some television until she arrived.
There was a knock on the door and he started and fumbled with the remote control which fell to the floor. He quickly switched off the TV and went to let Laura in. As she stepped into the room they fell into each other’s arms and began to kiss passionately. As they separated Christian stood back to look at Laura.
‘You look gorgeous,’ he said. ‘I’ve been looking forward to seeing you so much.’
Her hand wandered to his trousers, ‘I can tell you are excited to see me,’ she joked. ‘Is that champagne I can see?’
‘I thought we had something to celebrate. Our first full night together.’ Christian uncorked the bottle which gave a satisfying pop. He slowly poured out two glasses and handed her one. They climbed on to the bed with their glasses and she snuggled up against him.
‘This is the life,’ said Laura. ‘Cheers!’
‘So, how’s your day been?’
‘Boring and agonising waiting for this moment,’ she replied.
‘Me too.’ Christian kissed her neck and she responded with some gentle moans.
‘Where are you supposed to be this evening?’
‘At a hotel in London for a meeting about running Clinical Trials. I told Geraldine I had to go up this evening as we had a networking session before the seminars tomorrow. I’ll do some work here tomorrow before I check out and then I’ll go to the university library. I can’t go into work in case anyone speaks to Geraldine at a later date and lets it slip that I didn’t go to a conference. It’s good to have a bit of a break from work anyway. I’ll probably get more done tomorrow without having to sort out the staff and their endless problems.’
Laura smiled at him. ‘Very inventive, I’m impressed. Now, I think that’s quite enough work talk now, doctor. Instead, I think I’d like you to examine me. I’ve not been feeling too well recently.’
‘Certainly, where would you like me to examine you first?’
Laura took his hand and placed it on her breast. ‘Just here to start with but I think the trouble is a bit lower down.’
‘No problem at all,’ said Christian. ‘Now if you could just lie down on the bed I’ll see what might be the problem.’
**
Nick and Polly had just made love and she was resting her head on his shoulder.
‘Are you OK,’ asked Nick.
‘Yes, of course, why do you ask?’
‘You just seem a bit quiet.’
‘It’s nothing, it’s just well, I’m starting to get a bit worried. I’ve been trying to get pregnant for over six months now and each month it doesn’t happen. I’m just getting a bit depressed, that’s all.’
‘What did the doctor say?’
‘He said to give it a few more months and then if nothing happens I can take some tablets and then if still nothing happens then we can go for tests. Apparently, male sperm count is dropping significantly and as we both have stressful jobs we might need some help. In the meantime, I have to stop worrying.’
‘Well, let’s just enjoy it and hopefully, something will happen soon. You are timing your cycle carefully aren’t you?’
‘Yes, I am, so you’ve got a few busy days ahead,’ she joked.
‘Oh, I’m sure I can cope,’ laughed Nick. ‘I might have to take things easy on Monday though if you’ve got three days of passion lined up for me!’
‘You’ll be going to work for a rest then?’
‘It’s a good thing I’m not doing lab work nowadays or I’d have to pace myself.’
‘Are you saying you’re getting old, Mr Thomas?’
‘Not too old to show you a good time,’ he said embracing Polly and kissing her again.
**
Nimrod was in the garden shed. His trial had been running for a week and tonight he had decided to isolate the product. His nerves were jangling and his heart was threatening to break through his chest. Over the last week, he’d been checking each evening how things were progressing and after a few days, some crystals had started to form. For the next three nights, the amount of crystals had steadily increased, settling down at the bottom of the bowl. Now the rate of formation seemed to have slowed so it looked like this was the most he was going to obtain. Once he had isolated the material, he was going to transport it to Warrior to show him the results and he was going to receive instructions as to how to use it. Then he would need to scale up to a useful amount. Each day he’d been stockpiling materials ready for the repeat run. He hoped that nobody had noticed the depleted stocks. He was running out of space in the shed. Warrior was going to supply him with some of the other reagent tonight and Nimrod had himself been purchasing it from different outlets to avoid falling under suspicion.
Nimrod donned some disposable gloves and took the lid off the bowl. He swirled the liquid gently to dislodge it. He took a plastic spoon and carefully scraped any stubborn areas of solid from the side of the container. He couldn’t risk using a metal rod or spoon as this might cause some friction and that would be too dangerous. He stretched some muslin cloth over a bucket and tied it securely with string. Then he poured the contents of the bowl through and the white crystalline solid collected on the surface of the cloth. It wasn’t possible to dry it completely as he was merely filtering it using gravity to separate it from the liquid. However, he’d been told by Warrior it was safer not to dry it completely. Once all the liquid had drained through he untied the muslin, collected the edges of the material together and twisted it around. He now had a sort of bulb of material containing the solid which he placed into a plastic sandwich box and wrapped it in newspaper before placing it in a carrier bag.
Now he had the filtrate to dispose of. He took the bucket out of the shed and went to the outside tap. He diluted the liquid with water and went to pour the contents down the drain at the front. He then re-filled the bucket several times and poured it down the drain. To any onlookers, it would appear that he was doing some decorating or washing something down and getting rid of dirty water.
As he finished he realised he was soaked in sweat. He left the bag in the shed and clicked the padlock shut. He headed back inside to take a shower and change his clothes before going to meet Warrior. He hoped that he would be pleased with his efforts.
Chapter 24
Maureen had returned home around mid-morning after her overnight stay at Brensford Manor. Although the evening had started out rather tense, once she had opened up about her worries to Ron things had improved and after a meal of salmon fillets with pesto, new potatoes and vegetables followed by a prepared fruit salad, they had adjourned once again to the lounge for coffee and a brandy. Before heading off to bed, Ron h
ad taken her on a brief tour of the main house at Brensford Manor.
Natasha’s bedroom remained as it had been for her brief life. She had urged Ron not to show her the room as she feared it would upset him too much but he insisted. He felt it was part of the continuing process to accept her death and move on. They had lingered in silence in the doorway to the bedroom and before adjourning to Ron’s large master bedroom. There they had made love tenderly before falling into a peaceful sleep.
Maureen had woken to find Ron had set out a tray on the table in the bedroom containing coffee in an insulated jug along with some croissants and fresh fruit. There was a note on the tray to say he was taking his customary morning swim and she should make herself at home. After a leisurely breakfast and bath, she dressed and went downstairs. He wasn’t in the pool now so she phoned him as she had no idea where Ron was in the huge Brensford Manor complex.
‘Hi gorgeous,’ he answered.
‘Ron, where are you? Thanks for the breakfast, by the way. I’m up and dressed now.’
‘I’m in my office. Wait a minute and I’ll come over to the main house.’
‘Don’t worry if you’re busy with work,’ she protested.
‘I’m on my way, I’ll be a couple of minutes.’
Maureen wandered through to the kitchen and looked out into the garden. The rear garden was as immaculate as the front which she’d seen upon arrival. She wondered how many gardeners were required to maintain things in such order. She heard Ron come in through the front door and turned around.
‘Everything OK?’ he asked.
‘Couldn’t be better,’ she said. ‘I’m just admiring your garden. It could be open to the public it’s so beautiful.’
‘It’s my oasis away from the awful world out there,’ said Ron. ‘I’m glad you like it. I’m going to have a summerhouse built. It will be over towards that corner, facing the house.’
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