Heartless Reaction

by Dawn Marsanne

  Ron listened in silence.

  ‘I’m a professional person and I feel I am being compromised all the time. I want to be able to operate ethically otherwise I’ll have to make a report about you to the MHRA. They need to know what has been going on and how you coerced me into operating in a shady manner.’

  ‘I see,’ said Ron. ‘Well, you’ve been very frank. I like that. You’ve given me lots to think about. Do you fancy a whisky or a brandy? Not driving are you?’

  ‘No, we got a taxi. Yes, whisky. You do realise I’m serious, don’t you?’

  ‘Oh, of course. You’ve made that quite clear and I’ve said that I’ll reflect on my behaviour. You aren’t going to rush into anything are you because I think we make a great team.’

  ‘Rather a strange team. It’s not a very equal partnership. I want that to change.’

  ‘Let me organise that whisky.’

  Ron slipped out of the office. Christian thought he could hear him on his mobile.

  ‘Won’t be a minute,’ he said when he returned.

  ‘Oh, someone is bringing it over?’

  ‘Yes, that’s right. My assistant is working late tonight.’

  ‘Really? I didn’t see anyone out there at the desk.’

  ‘Oh, she must have popped out to her car or somewhere.’

  There was a knock at the door.

  ‘Here we are, two whiskies.’

  Christian’s mouth fell open and the colour drained from his face. Was he dreaming?

  ‘Laura,’ was all he managed to say before he felt dizzy and slumped down in the chair.

  Chapter 37

  It was the morning of the wedding. The caterers had arrived at Brensford Manor, taking over the kitchen and utility room. Ron was hiding out of the way upstairs, hoping he wouldn’t be called upon to answer any tricky questions. Laura had been tasked with making sure things ran to time. Ron’s new suit, shirt and tie were laid out on the bed whilst he sat in an easy chair watching the TV news and dealing with emails. Maureen was using one of the other bedrooms as she was having her hair and makeup done. The car was booked for 11 a.m. to ensure they were in plenty of time for the ceremony half an hour later.

  Ron thought back to his previous two marriages. The first had been a simple affair with around fifty guests. His first wife, Julie, had insisted on marrying in a local church. Ron had never set foot in a church since except for some funerals of friends and acquaintances. His second wife Shirley had organised a huge showy wedding at a venue in the countryside. The event lasted the whole day with several hundred guests invited for an evening dance in addition to the hundred or so for the actual wedding breakfast. He knew that this third marriage would be different again but knowing Maureen it would be elegant and understated. The emphasis would be on quality rather than frippery.

  His phone pinged as another email arrived from Brett Chandler. He had been expecting the final paperwork for the transfer of Jake Marsfield’s equity. However, as he read through the email his eyes widened and his heart began to race. This was another matter entirely. One which needed both his attention and Maureen’s. He switched off the TV and read through the message again just to make sure he hadn’t imagined something.

  No, he hadn’t made a mistake. His racing pulse had now caused his chest to tighten.

  ‘Shit,’ he muttered under his breath. ‘Where’s my blasted spray?’

  In his distraction this morning he hadn’t put it in his trouser pocket. He staggered over to the bed and tossing the duvet about heard it drop to the floor. He grabbed it and sprayed it under his tongue. As he waited a moment he heard Laura calling him from downstairs.

  ‘Fuck, what now?’ he cursed. He ignored her, she would have to use her initiative. Hurrying out of the bedroom, he crossed the landing calling out Maureen’s name.

  Ron could hear the hair-dryer so he banged on the closed bedroom door. ‘Maureen, I need to speak to you! Can I come in?’

  The hairdresser came to the door and opened it a crack. Ron pushed the door open and stepped into the room.

  ‘What is it, Ron? Are you unwell?’

  ‘No, I need to speak to you about something? Can I come in?’

  ‘You are in! Oh, never mind, what’s the matter? Is it the caterers?’

  ‘Er, no, it’s something else. It’s urgent or I wouldn’t be asking? Five minutes?’

  ‘Can you leave us a moment, Jenny,’ said Maureen. ‘Sorry about this.’

  ‘No problem,’ she said.

  ‘Maureen, oh, your hair looks lovely,’ said Ron. ‘Look at this email please.’

  ‘Ron, I’m trying to get ready for our wedding! You’ve not forgotten have you?’

  ‘Of course not, it’s just that this is important.’

  ‘Where are my reading glasses?’

  ‘I don’t know? Here, do you want mine?’

  ‘Yes, they will have to do,’ said Maureen, putting on Ron’s tortoiseshell framed half glasses.

  She read the message and passed the phone back to him.

  ‘So?’ he asked.

  ‘So?’ she repeated. ‘What exactly do you want me to do about it at this minute?’

  ‘I want to know what you think about it? I want to go for it. It’s a great opportunity!’

  ‘So, write a cheque then.’

  ‘You know it’s not that simple. It’s a large sum.’

  At that point, the hairdresser knocked on the door. ‘Can I come in, time is getting on.’

  ‘Look, perhaps we can discuss it later,’ said Maureen. ‘Come in Jenny, sorry about that.’ She handed the spectacles back to Ron.

  ‘Now, I’ll just give your hair a light spray, it won’t be too stiff, then I’ll get on with your makeup.’

  Ron returned to his bedroom. He brought up his accountant’s number.

  ‘Ron,’ said Sidney. ‘Everything OK? You’ve not called the whole thing off, have you?’

  ‘What? Ha! No, don’t be silly. Listen, I need to have a chat with you later today. About money.’

  ‘Ron, it’s your wedding day, can’t you find anything else to think about?’ laughed Sidney.

  Ron ignored the joke and continued undeterred. ‘Look, I’ve just had an email letting me know that the whole of the University stake in PersCure is up for grabs. I want it.’

  ‘Gosh, well, that’s interesting, how much are we talking about.’

  ‘I don’t know exactly, no more than three million, I should think.’

  ‘Jeez, Ron, we don’t have that amount available as liquid assets. We’ve just handed over four hundred grand only a week or so ago and we had a huge outlay for ClinTry.’

  ‘I know but we can borrow it.’

  ‘You could, God, I’d need to think about this. You’ve caught me on the hop a bit. Wait a minute Melissa is calling me.’

  Ron heard some muffled conversation in the background.

  ‘Ron, look, I’ll have to go now. We need to have a serious discussion. Shit, have you seen the time?’

  ‘Oh, right, OK I’d better get myself ready, we’ll chat later.’

  Ron disconnected. He stripped off his shirt and chinos and headed towards the shower. This was an unexpected wedding present, albeit an expensive one. He hoped Maureen would be prepared to discuss it later.

  **

  Christian had an administration day at ClinTry and as there were no trials actually in progress, he was busy making sure all the paperwork was in order for the next Phase I study the following day. There had been a delay in the drugs being delivered for the trial so hopefully, the courier would arrive this morning, then they could check all the batches.

  He had felt so rough yesterday after the dinner party at Brensford Manor that he had almost called in sick. Had there not been a study in progress, he surely would have done. The image of Laura kept returning to his consciousness whenever he wasn’t totally absorbed in his work. He remembered with embarrassment how he had actually slid off his chair on to the floor in Ron’s office. As he re
gained consciousness, Laura’s visage came into focus as she loomed over him. He remembered being offered a glass of water as he sat untidily in the chair with his suit rucked up behind him, his collar and tie loosened.

  It was another example of Ron having a hold on him. How he must have been laughing all the time knowing that Laura was ensconced as his assistant whilst Christian wondered where she was hiding. There was no doubt that Ron was a psychopath.

  Geraldine had been enthusing about the evening and couldn’t understand why he had been so depressed about it. For one fleeting moment he had almost told her about his infidelity but at the last moment, courage failed him. He’d spent the night in the spare room, having pleaded indigestion, as he knew that sleep would evade him. His predictions had proved right and as dawn broke he felt exhausted and confused. Now that a full twenty-four hours had passed he decided the best course of action would be to find another job as quickly as possible and leave Persford behind.

  **

  Ron and Maureen had taken a car together to the Register Office in Persford. They went into the room with the registrar before the ceremony to go through a few items.

  ‘You look amazing,’ Ron whispered to her.

  Maureen was indeed the picture of elegance. Her pale blue dress was cut simply with some embroidery around the neckline and she wore a matching bolero style jacket. Her dark blue court shoes and matching clutch bag completed the ensemble. Her hair was styled as she usually wore it but it had more height and slightly more curls in the top layers. Her makeup was natural and demure. On the eve of the wedding, Ron had given her a single strand of pearls to wear.

  ‘Thank you,’ she replied. ‘You don’t look too bad yourself. I like you in a suit.’ Ron’s bespoke pinstripe suit was teamed with a white shirt and bright blue striped silk tie. His greying hair had been trimmed and his face had lost some of the strain and worry lines of the last few weeks.

  ‘Sorry about this morning, I shouldn’t have bothered you.’

  ‘It’s OK, we were ready on time. Let’s try to enjoy today for what it is.’

  Ron squeezed her hand and they listened to the registrar running through the order of the ceremony.

  ‘OK, that’s fine,’ said the registrar, ‘I’ll go and asked the guests to come in now.’

  As they sat waiting Maureen thought back to the evening when she’d met Ron and how her life had changed from that point onwards. She had accepted his proposal after their mutual soul-baring, some doubts had loomed but then dissipated. However, the last few weeks had been tough and at times she had lain awake wondering whether she had been too hasty. Despite the arguments and recent stresses, she had realised that no relationship was one hundred percent perfect and hopefully in time she could learn how best to manage him.

  After the guests had been welcomed, Ron and Maureen stood to make their vows.

  ‘Repeat after me,’ said the registrar. ‘I Maureen Anne Welch take thee Ronald Coleman Radford to be my wedded husband.’

  Maureen paused. She stared at Ron directly. There was an awkward silence. Then she smiled and did as instructed. Ron looked at her affectionately. The registrar read the corresponding phrase for him to repeat.

  ‘I give you this ring as a symbol of our marriage,’ said Ron, ‘and as a token of my love, trust and commitment. I promise to care for you above all others, to give you my love, friendship and support and to respect and cherish you throughout our lives together.’

  Ron had declined to have a ring. He didn’t feel he wanted to adopt the modern trend. Maureen hadn’t minded. Hubert hadn’t worn a ring either.

  ‘Ron and Maureen have made the declarations prescribed by law and in the presence of the witnesses here assembled. It gives me the greatest honour and privilege to announce that you are husband and wife together. You may kiss the bride.’

  Chapter 38

  Everything had gone according to plan and the meal in the marquee was drawing to a close. The catering had been superb and had exceeded all expectations. The gathering was like a big group of friends at a large dinner party rather than a wedding reception. However, towards the end when most had finished their dessert, Ron stood and tapped his glass with his spoon.

  ‘I won’t say ladies and gentlemen but friends,’ said Ron. ‘I want to thank you all for sharing such a special day with us. It means so much to us both,’ and he looked at Maureen who nodded and smiled.

  ‘I want to pay tribute to the lady sitting next to me, Maureen. Thank you for agreeing to share my life. I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me in recent weeks. I thought I was destined to live out my days alone here. I even considered selling up and moving to a flat here in Persford. Now I’ve got the most wonderful lady to share my home.’

  People clapped and whistled their appreciation.

  ‘As you know, we didn’t ask for wedding presents but a donation to the cancer charity which I’ve supported since Natasha fell ill. We are most grateful for all your generous donations, be assured it will be hugely appreciated.’

  There was more applause. The mood was joyful and relaxed.

  ‘Now, I hope you’ve enjoyed your meal. There’s lots more wine left so I hope you will help us drink it. Please feel free to stay as long as you like today. We can disperse to the terrace or the lounge. Whatever you like. Well, that’s enough of my boring voice, please be upstanding and raise your glasses to my darling wife, Maureen.’

  The assembled group did as requested and raised their glasses. Maureen felt embarrassed. She wasn’t used to being the centre of attention but somehow she felt emboldened. Perhaps it was the wine, perhaps the surroundings. She stood to kiss Ron, then whispered to him that he should sit.

  ‘This is most unconventional,’ said Maureen, ‘but I would like to say a few words.’

  Some people clapped and some banged on the table with their palms.

  ‘When Gerald and Felicity asked me to dinner that evening, many months ago I was so nervous. I remember sitting in their lounge, holding my glass so tightly that I nearly snapped the stem.’

  The wedding guests laughed.

  ‘Then Ron walked in.’

  ‘And your heart sank!’ shouted someone, joking.

  ‘Oi!’ shouted Ron.

  ‘I saw this tall, handsome, middle-aged man and thought..’ she paused.

  ‘You thought, what an old codger Ron is compared with Gerald!’ shouted Gerald who was clearly quite drunk.

  ‘I thought, someone, is trying to play Cupid. How embarrassing. However, somehow we just clicked. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind. When Ron first asked me to dinner I was so nervous I nearly cancelled. I’m glad I didn’t.’

  Maureen placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder.

  ‘Ron, I really believe we are a good team. I’m so happy. Thank you for marrying me and making me Mrs Radford.’

  Ron stood and hugged Maureen. Everyone clapped and a few of the women looked tearful. Her speech had been short but sincere and very moving. As Maureen was embracing Ron she felt his mobile vibrate in his pocket. She smiled to herself. It must have been torture for Ron to avoid using his phone for the past couple of hours. Once the guests had left, she knew what his first question would be, money for PersCure.

  **

  ‘Melissa, do you think I could borrow Sidney for a few moments?’ said Ron.

  ‘Yes, of course, I’ll catch up with Felicity.’

  Ron and Sidney wandered over towards the summerhouse away from the guests.

  ‘So, what do you think, Sidney? Can I afford it easily?’

  ‘Well, not easily. Three million is a lot in anyone’s money. You would have to borrow it. We’ve used all the liquid cash on the equity the other week.’

  Ron was deep in thought. ‘I could borrow against this place? Re-mortgage it?’

  ‘You could. I’ve really not had much time to think about it. You only phoned me this morning and I’ve been a bit occupied. Remember? It’s your wedding day!’ he joked.

  �
�Very funny, yes I realise I only sprang it on you this morning but this would mean I could have a controlling stake. It somehow just feels right. Natasha is urging me to do it.’

  Either Ron was lying or he’d had some sort of Damascene moment which was unlikely in the extreme. Ron listened to himself, rarely anyone else and though he loved Natasha dearly, he’d never shown the slightest hint that he believed in a higher being or life beyond the here and now.

  ‘My advice would be to try to find some cash funds, perhaps sell some investments so you aren’t borrowing the whole amount. Business rates are always higher than mortgage rates and also I think it would sit easier with the bank. After all, you aren’t in the first flush of youth.’

  ‘Yes, but this place must be worth a couple of million, surely?’

  ‘I don’t doubt it. However, how much do you value it? I mean in terms of your domain, your haven. Secure from the awful world outside.’

  ‘You’re getting rather poetic, Sidney, it must be the champagne.’

  ‘Well, it’s very good champagne I grant you. What I’m trying to say is that if PersCure goes belly up, so to speak and you know full well how start-up companies can suddenly fail, then your money will be lost and along with it goes Brensford Manor.’

  ‘Mmm,’ said Ron, ‘I see what you mean.’

  ‘Not only that, your health isn’t that great, is it? The bank will take that into account.’

  ‘I’m fine, I’m not that bad for someone of my age.’

  At this remark, Sidney tapped his chest. ‘What about your ticker? It’s in need of a bit of a service. Maureen tells me you are going in on Friday.’

  ‘Oh, she’s making too much of it. It’s only a day case.’

  ‘Look, it’s my duty as your accountant to play devil’s advocate. Hopefully, we can find a middle road.’

  ‘Thanks, well, it gives me a lot to think about. It’s true, I don’t want to be too hasty.’

  ‘You also need to discuss this with someone else. Maureen is your wife now and decisions should be taken jointly. She’s a wonderful person, Ron and she’s got a good business head. She might create the impression that Hubert was in control but I’m not so sure.’