A Servant of the Company

by Alan Cooke

  She returned waving a foolscap sheet. ‘From Simon’s own hand. Now tell me what you think of this? I’ll drive down to his manor house, call at the gatehouse and check there. There are a lovely couple who look after the house and grounds on a full time basis, they should know where he is.’ The reply was immediate.

  ‘You’re a gem Diane, his absence is another pointer in the right direction but I know we must get concrete evidence. Are you sure we are not messing up your weekend?’

  Carol was acutely aware of the value her friend gave to leisure time which for her was a rare commodity.

  Her hands were up in the surrender position. ‘No problem, no problem. We have to sort this out, and if I can be of use that suits me. Now, before we go, anyone want the bathroom?’

  ‘I’ll lead the way and once we get near I’ll signal for you to stop. I’ll go on my own to see them. Is that alright by everyone?’ There was total agreement.

  The day was warm and sunlight penetrated the trees casting shadows on the roads leading to Somerston Manor.

  ‘My, this is the place to live. Have you seen some of those properties?’ Anthea was captivated by the beauty of the area and the charm of some of the houses they passed. ‘I can see why Diane was doubtful about Simon being a baddy, who in their right mind would sacrifice this for some madcap scheme.’ Everywhere was fresh, clean and ordered and looked like it had been so for centuries.

  Diane signalled them to turn into a lay-by, Carol followed and parked behind her. Getting out of her car she briefed them to wait until she returned. It had taken her some time to remember the names but her memory did not let her down and she just hoped Mr. And Mrs O’Brien were at home.

  She could hear the doorbell ringing and the door soon opened and Bridget O’Brien stepped on to the porch steps. Diane smiled. ‘Good morning Mrs. O’Brien, I’m sorry to bother you, but you may remember me, I’m a friend of Simon’s.’

  The morning sun was in her eyes and she had to shield them with her hand to see the face in front of her. Looking closely, the face was familiar but it had been some time since she had seen this girl. Then she remembered, the girl had called once before and she had directed her to the Manor.

  ‘Of course I do my dear, I’m not very good on names but I certainly remember your face.’ Bridget had been impressed by this young woman when she had called that Friday evening looking for the manor, and had remarked to her husband that the girl had the look of a future Mrs. Colbourne. ‘What can I do for you? He’s not home I’m afraid but how can I help? Oh! Do come in, rude of me keeping you standing on the doorstep.’ She stepped back to allow Diane to enter the hall.

  ‘Thank you, I hope I’m not disturbing you. It’s just that I don’t seem to be able to get hold of Simon anywhere. I have to contact him, it’s just business not personal this time. His office didn’t know where he was either, and then I thought of you. I know how close you are to Simon. He calls you his second Mother.’ Diane made that up knowing Mrs. O’Brien would be pleased to hear it, and it might make her more amenable to parting with information. It would also help if Mrs. O’Brien realised that she wasn’t chasing Simon on personal grounds.

  ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do with that young man. He was due home last week. His meal was ready as usual but he didn’t come home. Dan, my husband, reckons he’s gone off to Switzerland to see a young lady. His parents apparently are quite keen to see him settling down and wanted him to meet someone in Geneva. That’s all I know.’ Dan was her man and usually right on things to do with Mister Simon.

  ‘Would you have his parents’ address and telephone number in Switzerland Mrs. O’Brien, it really is very important that I speak to him?’ So far things were going well, with the information the trail could continue. He couldn’t just disappear from the face of the earth. Or could he?

  The girl was obviously upset and it must be urgent. If only Dan was here, he would know what to do, but he had gone to the nursery for plants. The decision was hers and she would make it.

  ‘Right now his parents are on a yacht with friends somewhere in the West Indies. I believe it’s a three month cruise but they contact their home in Geneva for news as well as speaking to Simon. If you ring, you’ll get their housekeeper and she will be able to tell you if Simon is there. I’m afraid that’s all I can suggest. If he turns up here I’ll get him to ring you if you leave your number.’ It was all very strange, she had never known Simon to alter his arrangements to come home without ringing her well in advance.

  ‘Thank you so much for your help Mrs. O’Brien. There will be a message on Simon’s computer to contact me when he gets back. I’m really sorry to have bothered you.’ The smell of baking coming from the kitchen told Diane that work was in progress to feed Simon. ‘I’ll ring Geneva once I get back to the office. Now, I can tell you’re busy so I’ll head off and leave you with those lovely smells coming from the kitchen. Someone is going to be pleased once the cakes are ready.’ She smiled at Bridget offering her hand before turning towards the door.

  ‘If you get hold of him, would you ask him to ring me so I can plan my week? Do you know, he’s never done this before, never.’ She shook her head, puzzled at Mister Simon’s unusual behaviour.

  She had to get back to the car, the news she had received now made her think that maybe Carol was right. There were too many coincidences. A call to Geneva was imperative, but if he wasn’t there would it be conclusive enough?

  With a wave she left the Gate House. ‘Bye Mrs. O’Brien, thanks again.’ Walking quickly out of the main gate she almost ran to the car parked in the lay-by. She was playing detective, it was exciting and if it helped her friend she would follow the lead until a solution was found.

  Relating the result of her meeting with Mrs. O’Brien took only a few minutes. There were no questions because the only answer they had was a telephone number in Geneva. There was however a rising excitement because he hadn’t turned up at the Manor as expected. The growing belief that Simon Colbourne was their man had yet to be disproved.

  ‘What about your weekly shop Diane, it’s nearly three o’clock and you should have cleared Sainsbury’s shelves by now.’ Carol was acutely aware of her imposition on her friend’s time and felt guilty that Diane’s weekend was being ruined.

  ‘Do you know, I’m beginning to enjoy this, don’t get me wrong I know you could still be in danger, but I think we might be getting somewhere, don’t you?’ Now she must get back to the flat, there was a phone call to be made. ‘I don’t want to hurry you but we have work to do. Don’t worry about the shopping, every night is a late night at the supermarket. Just follow me and we’ll head back to my place.’

  The journey back to Diane’s flat took a little longer and in both cars the tension was rising. They all wanted the phone call to Geneva, but problems were looming whichever way the call went. If Simon Colbourne was there, it would make Diane look very foolish particularly if he answered the phone. If he wasn’t, what would be their next move?

  ‘Carol would you mind putting the kettle on while I try the number. Sorry to be such a bad hostess but I know how important this call could be.’ Not waiting for a reply she picked up the telephone and keyed in the number given to her by Mrs. O’Brien.

  A female voice answered and Carol recognised the number spoken in French. It had taken all her concentration, the last time she had spoken French was in the sixth form at school. Hoping the person could speak English she asked ‘Could I speak to Mr. Simon Colbourne please?’ The response came back immediately in perfect English.

  ‘I’m sorry he is not here and I’m not expecting him. You might get him at his home number in England or through his office. Do you have those telephone numbers?’

  How was it that most Europeans other than the British, seemed to be able to switch from one language to the other with such ease? The thought passed through Diane’s mind as she listened to the voice in Geneva. ‘Oh! I thought you might be expecting him in Geneva, I must have the w
rong information. Has he made any plans to come over do you know?’ Diane knew what the answer was going to be.

  ‘No, as far as I know he hasn’t any immediate plans to come here. His parents are away for three months, he might come when they return.’ The voice was positive, she had appeared surprised at the question.

  ‘Well thank you very much for your help, I’ll try the other numbers. Sorry to have bothered you. Goodbye.’

  ‘No problem at all.’

  Diane replaced the handset and looked at the expectant faces. ‘You will have gathered from that conversation our man isn’t there nor is he expected. Now what do we do?’

  Carol came into the room carrying mugs of coffee on a tray. ‘I found the sugar and milk, there are some sweeteners in my bag if anyone wants them. Now tell me what’s happened, nobody’s talking which is a bad sign.’ She laughed trying to lighten the atmosphere which had invaded the room.

  ‘He’s not there nor is he expected. I think if we were honest, that’s what we all expected isn’t it?’ Diane now considered herself to be part of the group and she didn’t want a ‘bit’ part. ‘Let’s have coffee, then we can have a think about the next move.’

  ‘Agreed Diane.’ Carol turned to Steve and Anthea, ‘Even at University she always got her priorities right.’ The laughter was a tonic and helped to dispel the doubts which each of them felt.

  They continued to speculate but no-one could think of anything positive to do apart from Anthea suggesting she contact Arif again. Following further discussion it was decided that Anthea should ring Arif and try to arrange a meeting.

  Remembering her last visit, Anthea felt comfortable about another meeting. She would wait until she spoke to Arif, check his reaction and if it was as she hoped it would be, then she would introduce the others to him.

  ‘Would you be available next Saturday Carol, I know the Agency will keep you busy until then?’ A week seemed a long time to wait, she was eager to move on but needed support to back up her approach to Arif. ‘How would you feel if Steve joined me while you covered your office? He could get the train and I could pick him up and after the meeting take him back to the station. You wouldn’t be on your own at night. What do you think?’ There might still be a risk from within the Company but would Carol be prepared to take it?

  ‘Great idea Anthea. If you let me know the date once you have spoken to Arif I’ll get one of the girls to spend a day in the office with me. If I tell them it’s to get administrative experience there shouldn’t be a problem. Somehow I get the feeling we won’t be hearing from the Company, I can’t say why, just call it women’s intuition.’ A week ago Carol would not have been so keen to agree to the suggestion, but as more clues emerged she was feeling more relaxed. Her major fear was a visit from the Police over the experience at the ‘Poplars’ and the subsequent deaths of two men.

  ‘Diane, I ‘m sorry we have taken up so much of your free time, your help has been brilliant but I think we should be on our way. I don’t want to have you involved in our sordid little mess and then have you suffer because of it.’ It had taken a lot of thought to approach Diane in the first place. She had willingly become involved but now should be left without problems hanging over her head. Carol wanted the friendship to continue but not at the cost of Diane’s career.

  ‘Don’t be silly Carol, I’ve done what anyone would do in the circumstances. It hasn’t been much, but like you I’m now beginning to think Simon might have come to a bad end. You are welcome to stay as long as you like, there’s a lot at stake and if I can help at all...’ She didn’t finish the sentence as Steve interrupted.

  ‘Carol’s right, we can’t thank you enough for what you have done but we must take the responsibility now. She was speaking for all of us, you have a good life and we don’t want to leave any blemishes on it.’ Rising from his chair he picked up his jacket before turning to Anthea and Carol. ‘We should make a move now. Don’t think that we don’t appreciate things Diane. Would you like Carol to keep you in the picture should anything else crop up?’ He had never felt more awkward, they had to go but they mustn’t leave Diane with the impression she was now being rejected.

  ‘I understand, but yes do please let me know how things are going. If I hear any more about Simon Colbourne, I’ll ring you Carol. And also I’d like to know the result of your meeting with Arif. I’m in this with you and any help no matter how small, believe me it’s given willingly.’

  She had never heard anything like the problems surrounding her friend, there was an answer out there somewhere and she would love to find it.

  It had been another step forward and now they were facing a brick wall, a wall without graffiti which might point them to their next goal.

  ‘Would you mind if I took a diversion back to your place Anthea, I really must call in and check out my flat? I’ve been trying to come back each weekend to collect my mail and make sure there are no water leaks or other such disasters? It will add a couple of hours to the time before you get home but I would appreciate it.’ Carol still worried that Hugo might return and in her absence take his spite out on her belongings. Anything she had was the result of her own efforts. Until she met Hugo she had never been in debt and had bought the contents of her flat only when she could afford to pay for them. The fear of him was less than that from the Company, but it still persisted.

  ‘You’re the boss today Carol, we’ll go along with whatever you say. If there were stars for judgement, you would get five for this morning’s work. Anyway we’d like to see your flat, it might give us some ideas for the future, don’t you think so Anthea.’ It wasn’t a problem, they had so much to thank Carol for.

  ‘He’s right Carol, to your place and don’t spare the horses. Well, within the speed limit anyway.’

  Once again Carol’s estimate was accurate, they arrived back at Anthea’s two hours later than it would have taken by a direct route. Her flat was as she left it two weeks earlier, most of the letters had been for recycling and those that needed action she had put into her handbag. ‘I don’t know about you girls but I feel shattered.’ Steve stretched himself in the armchair, ‘Shall we have a carry out tonight, a quick telephone call and they would have it ready in fifteen minutes.’ Both girls looked tired, it wasn’t just the journey, the psychological pressure was beginning to tell.

  There had been agreement on the meal which Steve organised and collected. ‘Now, what about tomorrow? I must telephone my mother, she must think I’ve been sent overseas or something. I keep meaning to ring but other things have taken priority and I know that I shouldn’t have let that happen. I’ll make up for it in the morning. Did you manage to get hold of Sue in Manchester?’ He looked at Anthea, ‘I bet you’re in the same boat.’

  ‘I don’t know where the time has gone, look at it now, it’s almost Sunday. In the morning I will ring her and also try to get Arif to agree to a meeting next week, the sooner the better.’ Anthea could understand how Steve had neglected speaking to his mother, so much had happened.

  ‘Would you mind if I leave you two, I’m shattered and need my beauty sleep. Do you mind if I use the bathroom first Anthea?’ It had been a hard day, she would be asleep before Steve and Anthea went to bed. They deserved some privacy for their lovemaking.

  They would not embarrass Carol, the night before they had thought things were perfect, tonight would be a repeat.

  All three had a peaceful night and were refreshed on Sunday morning. After breakfast they checked the internet to see if there had been any progress on the Manchester explosion and murders, but if any new clues had been found, the Police had not released them to the Press who still considered both killings drug related. In some respects they were right.

  By eleven o’clock all the calls had been made. Steve’s mother was pleased to hear from him. He told her about leaving the Army for a management job in Manchester, and said he would tell her all about it when he came home. The mention of a very good salary seemed to put her at ease. She knew
he could make something of himself and now was doing just that. Her news pleased him, she had found a new boyfriend who had a small electrical business and was a real gentleman. How she deserved some quality of life. This might be the chance she needed and Steve told her so. She had been pleased at his response, the thought of telling him had been worrying her but now she could relax and start to really enjoy life. Her son was doing well that was all she needed to know.

  The telephone in Arif’s flat was answered by Sumi who seemed to be delighted to hear from Anthea and after a chat about the children and Sumi’s art she handed the phone to Arif.

  Now was the time, Anthea took a deep breath before she spoke. ‘Arif, we’ve got to meet again. There’s something very strange going on with this Company of ours. Very strange indeed. I’ve found another member of the Company who is equally as worried and as you are the only other person I know, I think we should put our heads together and try to work out what’s going on.’ The suggestion was now with Arif and she hoped he would agree to her suggestion. She was tense and shuffled to get into a more comfortable position.

  There was something not quite right about the Company, he now had to admit it not only to himself but to Sumi and he wasn’t sure how she would take it. ‘Do you mind if I talk to Sumi first, I really don’t know what to say?’

  ‘Please do Arif, she must be told and I know she has sound judgement. Whatever she says, I will accept, but if it’s no, I will be very surprised.’

  She was not surprised, Sumi had immediately agreed to the meeting which they would have at one o’clock on Tuesday. Anthea would have preferred Monday but it was Sumi’s day to help out at the summer school attended by their children. Naturally she wanted to be at the meeting so Tuesday was agreed.

  The last call had been to Sue. As soon as she had heard Anthea’s voice she smiled. ‘Well hello stranger. How are things going? I’m not being sarcastic, I know the pressure you’re under. We can talk, Greg is on duty today. I haven’t said anything to him and won’t unless you say so. Trust me.’ There was a lot to make up for, she had treated Anthea badly and now it was payback time.