A Servant of the Company

by Alan Cooke

  The girl turned and walked towards a seating area, picking up a magazine she sat down now facing him. Giving her hair a quick flick, she opened the magazine and was soon absorbed in it.

  ‘I’ve seen you bef...’ He didn’t complete the self directed comment. ‘Jesus Christ, what the fuck is she doing here?’ His face blanched with the shock of his discovery. The evening was beginning to show signs of a coming disaster and he sat, not moving. He could but wait for Henderson to appear and gauge the reaction. Trying to remember the guide notes sent to Carol Barcroft was suddenly beyond him. Had he or hadn’t he told her to avoid meeting clients? If he hadn’t, he should have done. A copy was in the safe and totally useless to him, he needed it now. His thoughts were brought into focus by the arrival of Steven Henderson at the Reception desk where Carol was pointed out to him.

  He noticed that Henderson was not looking very comfortable. He approached Carol without the confidence previously shown and quietly introduced himself, looking around as he did so. Carol rose and held out her hand which Steve accepted. They talked for a while before heading for the bar, Carol looking relaxed while Henderson looked terrified. He could not hear their conversation but he was sure they had just met for the first time and this was reassuring. Things could have been worse. He was able to find a space in the bar where he could observe undetected. Ten minutes later Carol Barcroft and Steve Henderson were deeply engrossed in conversation, and he noticed Henderson was relaxed and enjoying the company of his attractive partner. At eight o’clock they left the bar for the dining room. He was unsettled, this was not how he had envisaged the evening, so a rethink was necessary. Forward planning usually came so easily to him. He could see the big picture and then insert the fine details which would ensure success. Tonight was different, he wasn’t thinking straight and the cause wasn’t the large gin. It had taken longer than he had hoped until something of a plan evolved. Before taking his seat in the dining room he retrieved his Company mobile phone from his room and decided to ring her mobile number, hoping she had it with her. She should have it but would it be switched on? He needed reassuring that all was well.

  Returning to reception, he found a seat where he could see the diners and luckily his quarry was in view. Raising a newspaper so that he could not be seen making a call, he pressed the button. There was no sound coming from the dining room but suddenly Carol Barcroft had reached down for her bag and taken out the telephone.

  ‘Good evening Carol, sorry to ring you so late but I’ve been in a meeting for hours and the board have asked me to review the forecast turnover for next year. You are in a far better position to do that than I am and wonder if you would mind calling me first thing tomorrow with your thoughts? I’m not disturbing you I hope?’ He waited for her response, this would tell him if his trust in her was well founded.

  ‘Oh! Hello Clive, your call took me by surprise, no you’re not disturbing me I’m about to have an early night, the girls are all out at the moment so things are going well. I’ll certainly ring you as soon as possible in the morning, I have already done some work on that projection so no problems.’ She looked across at Steve Henderson and winked bringing him into her deception.

  The gesture did not go unnoticed, and it caused a cold chill to descend on him. She was lying but worst of all Henderson had not taken his eyes off the mobile phone.

  He curtly ended the conversation placing the phone in his pocket before heading into the dining room. It was not particularly busy and he was able to indicate where he would like to sit. Not too near, but near enough to hear snippets of conversation and with Henderson’s back facing him. He had made a big mistake, he knew it and could have kicked himself for his stupidity. He should not have called her, the call was a giveaway and it had not escaped Henderson’s attention.

  A stilted conversation on the longevity of mobile phones was ongoing when he settled in his seat, the relaxed atmosphere the two had shared earlier had vanished and both looked uncomfortable. They had their meal in virtual silence and declined the wine offered. Anyone other than himself observing their behaviour would have thought it a lovers’ tiff. He knew better. He had screwed up. The very first time and he had well and truly screwed up. Henderson had reacted to the phone call and she had obviously reacted negatively to his questions. They were both on edge, each protecting their own secrets. The meal was finished by nine p.m. and soon afterwards Carol was shaking hands with Henderson before leaving the hotel alone.

  Disaster was looming, every nerve in his body told him so and sleep would not come easily tonight. Unless he could be convinced that his worries were unfounded then remedial action would have to be taken, and quickly. In the morning he intended to carry out his patrol as planned, it might just let him know that everything was satisfactory. Try as he might to convince himself that tonight’s incident was nothing to worry about, it was a losing battle.

  He was still awake when the alarm sounded at seven a.m. and a master plan had not evolved. He had never been at a loss with any of the businesses, always tackling and resolving the problem as it arose. This was more serious. If there was collusion between Henderson and the girl, the principle part of the operation would be compromised. He had lived by, progressed with and hoped to continue the development of all the enterprises using his key word, Secrecy. Once a hole appeared things would fall out and continue falling until there was nothing left.

  Once he had showered and dressed, the feeling of unease continued. By the time he was ready for breakfast his shirt was sticking to his body. Another shower, cold this time did little to suppress the perspiration. The dining room was busy with the usual array of businessmen, looking around he found a table where he would not have to pass the time of day with anyone. With a pot of coffee and a bowl of cereal on the table, he hoped the tension would ease but there was only disappointment. He had one sip of coffee, stirred the cereal once or twice in the bowl, it was enough, he had to get out of the hotel the place where his problems had started.

  Collecting his case, he checked out of the hotel and headed for his car. It was bottom of the range, the cheapest rental available, one which would not turn heads or likely to be remembered. Particularly in the sort of area he was visiting. Removing his jacket and tie, he placed them in the boot before putting on a well worn jumper. He hadn’t shaved and rubbing his hands through his hair was soon unrecognisable as the Mr. Crichton who had checked into the Lowry the day before. The only plan he had was to comb the area at a relatively slow speed at two hour intervals hoping that something would turn up. What? He didn’t know. The answer was out on the streets and he had to find it.

  Pressure had to be applied to Henderson. He hoped that alone might bring something out of the woodwork. One minute he was full of self doubt the next reassuring himself that the choice of leaders couldn’t have been better. The pendulum wouldn’t stop. Decisions had to be made and he made them. Calling Bill and Ben, he asked them to stand by for a special job which would give them not only five thousand pounds but extra pleasure as a bonus. Detailed instructions took fifteen minutes with Bill writing furiously. Reading them back, he had missed nothing. Ringing the Lowry, he booked in again for a further two nights.

  He was in control again. A plan was hatched and if need be could be in place by tomorrow morning. He felt better, nothing or no-one could defeat him. The means of completion were just a phone call away and the slate could be wiped clean.

  CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

  As she opened the front door the telephone was ringing. Dropping her bag she dashed to lift the receiver before it cut off. ‘Hi Anthea, it’s Sue. You know you planned to come here on the 24th, well could you make it on the 23rd. If you can’t it doesn’t matter. It’s just that Greg, that’s my fella will be away from the 24th. and I would really like you to meet him.’

  ‘No problem Sue, I’ll be there. By the way, thanks for the plan you sent, I shouldn’t get lost and have to call the Police or anything.’ The sound of their laughter travelled i
n both directions. ‘I can’t wait to see you again, it’s just so marvellous isn’t it?’ The reply made the girls sound like excited teenagers.

  The extra day suited Anthea perfectly, as much as she wanted to see Sue again it was also more time to spend with Steve. His attempts to be cheerful on the telephone hadn’t fooled her, he was most definitely hiding something and not at all relaxed. The answer and solution to the problem were her priorities. If it meant that he had to give up the job she didn’t care, unemployment had made him frustrated, employment with this oddball company could be far worse. If only he would confide in her. It was only the arrival of the O.U. course work that had extracted the news of his move from the hotel to temporary accommodation. Without an address she had been unable to forward his envelope, and only her continual insistence had made him give it.

  The journey to Manchester was uneventful, the map and instructions being easy to follow. She had called Sue on her mobile when she was within five miles of her destination and soon was parking outside her door where Sue was waiting on the doorstep.

  It was a tearful reunion and the girls were locked in each other’s arms for over a minute before Sue stepped back. ‘Oh! Anthea it’s so good to see you, let me help you unload the car then we’ll have a drink to celebrate. I’ve got a bottle of champers in the fridge for the occasion. Greg should be home soon, he’s looking forward to meeting you. It’s a pity he has to leave tomorrow but it will give you time to check him out for me. I know he’s the one, but confirmation from a lady of taste will help.’

  ‘From the things you’ve told me and seeing you so happy I don’t think you need my views. He sounds just perfect. What is the course he’s doing?’ Secretly Anthea was pleased she would have Sue to herself for a couple of days, it would give more time for female chat.

  ‘He’s off to the Police College for two weeks. It’s all to do with future promotion. He’s a Detective Inspector now but hopes to move up the ladder, so doing the right courses will help. I’ll miss him when he’s away but we have to give our men support don’t we?’

  Anthea felt guilt sweep over her, did she give Steve the support he needed? Or was she turning into a control freak? ‘I didn’t know he was in the Police Force, he must be clever to be a detective.’ She had mixed feelings about this information about Greg. Could it help Steve or would he end up being on the receiving end of the law?

  ‘We have talked so much about the past that neither of us has mentioned much about the present or the future. We’ll soon make up for that. Greg joined the force after leaving University and everyone says he has a good future ahead of him.’ She had so many exciting things to tell Anthea about her own work but these could wait until tomorrow.

  It came as a complete surprise to hear that Sue was studying Law part time. She had always been the dizzy one with the outgoing personality. It was difficult to visualise her in court wearing a wig. ‘Wow! I would never have guessed you would become a lawyer in a thousand years, you were always such a rebel in your teens. Then you were heading for a bright career as a legal secretary as far as I can remember. What happened to that?’

  Sue smiled, putting her hand on Anthea’s arm ‘Oh! I’m still a legal secretary, but the firm has been very supportive where my studies are concerned giving me time off for study before exams and even helping with the fees. Then there’s this handsome Policeman telling me tales of his job and I was smitten. That’s on him, and the idea of Law as a career, it was the best decision I could ever have made. There are so many sad cases out there, so many victims of every type of crime imaginable and I think I will be able to do something positive eventually.’

  The expression on Sue’s face said it all. Anthea understood how committed her friend was to her future. ‘Perhaps tomorrow we can have a talk about my new man, I’m concerned for him and look forward to hearing your views. Can I leave it until tomorrow?’ She had to avoid discussing Steve while Greg was in the house, he may be a good man, but would he be good for Steve?

  When Greg arrived home, it didn’t take long for Anthea to realise how lucky her friend had been in a choice of partner. She warmed immediately to his welcome and his open personality. After dinner he left the girls to chat while he prepared for his journey the following morning.

  ‘He’s a gem Sue, I can’t fault him. In a way he’s a bit like Steve and I know they would get on well, they have similar personalities. The big difference I think would be that Greg hasn’t had the problems Steve has had. Believe me he’s not been too lucky in life but I won’t bore you with the details tonight. Once you have met him, form your own opinion and then we’ll talk about my worries. If you don’t mind I’ll ring and tell him I’m here. He’ll be so surprised. If I can see him tonight, would you like to come with me?’ Anthea didn’t want Sue to think she was being used, including her for the evening would solve that problem. Greg had already told them he was going to be busy for the evening which was fortunate. She liked him, but his job might just add the wrong ingredient should Steve be involved with something not quite right.

  ‘That’s a great idea Anthea, I’d love to meet him, what’s his address and I’ll check the map.’ She was up from her chair and searching for the local street directory before Anthea could reply.

  Searching in her bag, Anthea found the address and gave it to Sue. ‘Do you know where it is?’

  Sue hesitated before answering. ‘Er, er yes I know exactly where it is. It would take only fifteen minutes to get there. Give him a ring and see if he’s in.’ It concerned her that this young business man would choose this area to live. The murder enquiry Greg had been working on covered the whole area and it was not somewhere she would visit on her own. ‘I’ll leave you to call him while I clear the table and put a few things away.’

  ‘Can I help with the washing up or something? I feel so guilty being waited on.’ The reply had her reaching for her bag and taking out her mobile phone. She could only contact him on his mobile and hoped it was switched on. It rang four times before she heard his voice.

  ‘Hi Anthea, I wasn’t expecting you to call tonight. How are you?’ When the phone rang he knew it would be Anthea and he almost didn’t answer it. Could he control himself enough so his worries were not obvious? The meal with the girl who called herself Carol Barcroft had frightened him. He was sure she worked for the Company and had been sent to check him out, but they hadn’t been clever enough. He hadn’t been meant to hear the phone call to Carol, but he had and he knew the voice. Without realising it his attitude had changed once the call ended but Carol recognised it and suddenly she too had doubts about her partner for the evening. Then she had left early. He had been pleased about that, she had not had the opportunity to question him about the next phase of his job which was to put the drugs onto the streets. She had been clever putting him at his ease, a real professional. He would have to come up with something soon while he had time, but it was a commodity reducing at a rapid rate.

  ‘Guess where I am Steve?’ She could hardly contain her excitement, he was her world. She had been unable to express all the thoughts and emotions she had about him but now that was about to change. Before he could answer she said, ‘I’m at Sue’s, just twenty minutes away from you, can we come round?’

  Steve was in shock, he loved her but couldn’t cope with her here, not now. He didn’t want her to see the place where he was living or be anywhere near his new colleagues who he would be meeting on a regular basis.

  ‘Oh! Anthea it’s so good to hear you. Look can we meet in town, this place is a bit of a dump really, it’s just a temporary pad to save money. Ask Sue to name a place in the centre, and I’ll see you there if you give me a time.’

  ‘Just a minute Steve, I’ll ask her.’ After a brief discussion a meeting place was decided. ‘Steve, there’s a nice pub called the Old Wellington in the city centre, do you know it?’

  ‘I’ll find it, it’s not too far from here. I could be there in half an hour, how’s that?’ There was nothing h
e could do. He longed to see her but dreaded the questions.

  ‘That’s fine, we’ll see you in half an hour.’ There would be no time to change, just a touch of makeup and she would be ready.

  As Sue manipulated her car through the traffic, Anthea gave her a run down on how Steve had come into her life. The problems he’d had in the Army, and now this job. Sue did not interrupt, but listened carefully to her friend.

  ‘That sounds dreadful Anthea, and I agree the job does appear very suspect. Why would they want to be so secretive? I could get Greg to check them out if you like.’

  ‘I think it would be best if you didn’t mention about Greg being in the Police Force Sue. If there is a problem and he’s aware of it, things could go very wrong. I’d like to solve it with him, if anything needs solving. Do you mind?’

  ‘O.K. by me, I’m here if you need me. The address had troubled her, now having heard about the nature of Steve’s employers she was really concerned. If he was as good as Anthea thought and not one of the criminal fraternity he could be in real trouble.

  Switching off his mobile, Steve quickly washed, passed the electric shaver over his face and changed into his suit. Before leaving the house he decided to carry his jacket and tie to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Not many suits came down this street, if they did it usually meant trouble for someone.