Heartless Reaction

by Dawn Marsanne

  ‘Really? She told me she was more a sleeping partner, that he took all the big decisions.’

  ‘Remember our conversation the other evening? She’s no pushover. Don’t underestimate her and don’t take her for granted.’

  Ron sipped his drink and looked over towards the terrace where Maureen was laughing with the guests. He realised that some of Sidney’s words were true. Maureen did have a steely resolve which was a good attribute. However, Ron needed to make sure he used it to his advantage and didn’t allow it to stop him from living his dreams. Maureen would be an asset to him and their relationship symbiotic. Together they had huge potential to achieve great things, providing she remembered who was in ultimate control of the partnership.

  Chapter 39

  Petra Drabek heard the post drop through the letterbox. Normally it arrived after Tomek had left for work but he was running slightly late that morning and she was unable to intercept it.

  ‘The usual,’ he said. ‘Lots of junk mail plus a letter about our electricity rates going up. Oh, there’s one for you.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she replied, putting it on the table whilst she collected her sandwiches from the fridge.’

  ‘Aren’t you going to open it? Looks official.’

  ‘I’ll do it later.’

  Tomek picked up the envelope and saw that it was marked on the back MHRA.’

  He didn’t recognise the acronym so he quickly googled it. He opened up a couple of web pages and frowned.

  ‘Petra? I don’t understand why you have this letter? Please open it.’

  ‘I’m in a hurry. I open it at work.’

  ‘Do it now!’ he bellowed thrusting the letter at her.

  Petra opened the envelope and read it slowly. The MHRA were reporting the results of their investigations at ClinTry and their conclusion was that there must have been some confusion. They said she had signed a disclaimer and that no further action could be taken. They were sorry for her loss and gave assurances that they would be monitoring ClinTry in future on this aspect of their operations. They also informed her that the birth defects were being reported to the regulatory authorities.

  ‘What’s it about?’ demanded Tomek.

  ‘It is complicated. I need to read again.’ Petra wasn’t lying. Her English had improved considerably during the two years she had lived in Persford but formal writing still gave her problems.

  ‘Give it to me!’

  Tomek snatched the letter. He scanned the typed letter and his face betrayed his shock.

  ‘I think we need to talk, Petra. What the fuck has been going on?’

  **

  Maureen awoke just after 9 a.m. to find the bed beside her empty. She yawned and stretched. No doubt Ron was busy with his work. After showering quickly, she dressed in casual trousers and a linen shirt and went down to the kitchen. She could see Ron outside on the terrace studying something on his laptop.

  ‘Morning, Ron,’ she said.

  ‘Morning to you, Mrs Radford,’ he replied. ‘Sleep well?’

  ‘Yes, but I’ve got a slight headache, too much champagne I think.’

  ‘You can never have too much champagne,’ joked Ron. ‘Sit down and I’ll make some more coffee.’

  ‘I’ll do it, you look busy. Do you want anything to eat? Croissant, toast?’

  ‘Some fruit if there is some.’

  ‘I’ll be back in a minute.’

  Ron continued with his spreadsheet and made some notes on a pad next to him. Maureen reappeared with a tray laden with coffee, fruit and some toast for herself.

  ‘Lovely,’ said Ron. ‘I’ve got a few things we need to discuss then I thought we could go out for lunch? Would you like that?’

  ‘Oh, Ron, it’s lovely of you but I’m tired. Also, there’s loads of food here in the fridge from yesterday. The caterers boxed it up for us. We will be eating it all week!’

  ‘It doesn’t matter, we can dump it and still go out.’

  ‘No, really, I’m tired and I want to have a rest today. Besides, the marquee people are coming to take it down and I want a quiet day before the stress of tomorrow. Your hospital appointment.’

  ‘Don’t remind me. You know, I could postpone it until next week. I’m so busy I don’t really want to be in hospital.’

  ‘You will do no such thing. Eat your fruit. Now, what did you want to chat about, let me guess, PersCure.’

  ‘Yes, I’m rather predictable aren’t I. Sorry about yesterday morning. It’s hard to switch off from the world of business.’

  ‘Even when you are getting married, yes, I witnessed that. You are impossible, Ronald Coleman Radford.’

  ‘Guilty as charged.’

  ‘Perhaps I’ll start to call you Coleman. I’m trying to decide whether you look like the actor himself.’

  ‘I hope not, he’s dead,’ said Ron. ‘I don’t want to be called Coleman, thank you. That’s the last time I want you to mention it, OK?’

  Ron’s mood had cooled considerably and Maureen realised she had touched a nerve. Why had he bristled when she’d suggested the name?

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. What did you want to talk to me about?’

  ‘Well, I’ve spoken to Sidney again this morning.’

  ‘What already? How is he?’

  ‘A bit hungover but he was OK.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘Well, the thing is this.... the remaining stake up for grabs is somewhere around two and a half to three million. It’s a lot, I’m not disputing that. But I really want to bid for it.’

  Maureen thought for a few moments. It was certainly a large sum and it was a risky venture despite the positive start.

  ‘So, do you intend to borrow the money? What’s the surety going to be?’

  ‘Sidney thinks we shouldn’t borrow the full amount. It’s too risky. Also, he doesn’t think we should borrow against this place.’

  ‘So, that leaves... The Cedars? Could you borrow against that?’

  ‘Not sure, it’s possible.’

  ‘Well then? How much cash can you contribute quickly, that is.’

  ‘About half a million, if I sell some investments. Shares, unit trusts some have made a big gain. I’ll have to pay capital gains of course but I can generate that sort of amount readily.’

  ‘I see. So, that leaves around two million short.’

  ‘It does.’

  ‘It’s a huge amount, I’m worried.’

  ‘But you’ve borrowed money before, haven’t you. Welch Properties would have needed to borrow to build housing developments?’

  ‘Yes, but this is a much more risky venture. It’s so...well, it’s not like houses and land which are tangible assets. It’s more, well, risky is the word.’

  ‘You’re right to be concerned but the gain could be enormous.’

  ‘But we don’t need more money, do we?’

  ‘Maureen, it’s not just the money, it’s the fact that so many people could benefit. Don’t you think that’s important? How many more people could live a full life, unlike Natasha?’

  ‘You know I think it’s important, I’ve said many times how tragic it was that Natasha died so young.’

  ‘It’s not just that either, from a business point of view, if PersCure closed it would mean everything I’ve invested up until now would be wasted.’

  She poured herself some more coffee. ‘I’ll just go and heat up some more milk.’

  It was obvious what was coming next but she wasn’t going to make it easy for Ron, he would have to ask her rather than her offering money to him.

  She returned. ‘Sorry about that, carry on.’

  ‘Well, I know this seems bad timing, with us just having got married and I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. I need to borrow some money from you darling,’ he said quickly.

  ‘I see. How much?’

  ‘Well, I’ve been thinking about things. Have you heard from Francis recently? When will your house sale complete and the money be
transferred to you?’

  ‘He reckons next Friday, ten days time, no, eight days.’

  ‘Excellent, what’s the final sum?’

  ‘I don’t know exactly, six hundred and fifty-five I think, less the fees etc.’

  ‘Maureen, this is a big ask but could I borrow it?’

  ‘Er, well, I guess so but it’s still not enough is it?’

  ‘No it’s not. Maureen this is really awkward for me, I feel embarrassed about asking.’

  ‘Don’t worry, go on.’

  ‘Well, have any of the cash amounts from Hubert’s estate been transferred over yet?’

  ‘A couple, around a hundred and fifty thousand I think.’

  ‘I see. So that’s over three-quarters of a million.’

  ‘Yes, it’s still not enough is it.’

  ‘Oh, I forgot to say, this is really important. I’m going to get on to the land registry and get your name added on to the deeds of this place. It’s only right. I want you to own it with me.’

  ‘Oh, Ron, that’s so kind of you. There’s really no need.’

  ‘I insist. As a wedding present.’

  ‘Goodness. Well, don’t forget I’ve got a present for you. I agreed a while ago to transfer Hubert’s investment in PersCure to you. I want you to have it.’

  ‘Thank you, Maureen,’ he said and held her hand.

  ‘So, what do we do about the rest of the money then?’

  ‘Well, this is one suggestion,’ said Ron, ‘I don’t want you to think it’s the only option, but it’s this.’

  **

  Inspector Mike Harris was holding another team meeting.

  ‘Right, let’s make a start. First up, the body in the alleyway, Vincent Hughes. Drug dealer from Persford. Easily identified by his fingerprints which were on file. Seems to be missing a little finger since we took his prints several years ago. Post-mortem shows he was killed by his throat being cut. He also had cuts to his face and thigh as well as sustaining a blow to the back of the head which probably stunned him.’

  Mike showed a photo from the scene which caused some audible gasps.

  ‘Yes, not a pretty sight. He also suffered the indignity of being chewed by a vicious dog, inappropriately called Benji. I had the dubious honour of being growled at by the delightful creature. I did wonder whether he is used in dog-fighting but I hadn’t time to question his owner, Mr Price about that.’

  ‘Were any drugs found on Hughes?’ asked Dave Goodman.

  ‘No, but his clothes tested positive for drugs. His car was found abandoned but no drugs were present, again, it tested positive for cocaine, heroin and cannabis.’

  ‘Any other forensics on the car?’

  ‘Some blood stains from Hughes, presumably from his wounds on his face and leg.’

  ‘So could Jason Dawes have killed Vincent Hughes?’ asked Andy Walters.

  ‘Possibly or the Kilburn Boys. Forensics are still examining samples from the scene and the car so we might find a hair or something from Dawes.’

  ‘So, either Hughes has upset the Kilburn Boys or Dawes is dealing out his own form of retribution?’ suggested Andy.

  ‘Indeed. We could have a vigilante at work or it’s just business as usual in the gang culture,’ added his superior officer.

  ‘Sir,’ said Shani Patel. ‘I’ve been in touch with the hospital regarding Jason Dawes clothes.’

  ‘Oh, yes. They’ve taken their time.’

  ‘Yes, I’ve had to keep on to them about it. Initially they said they’d handed them over to us, then it changed to them being retained and finally, it seems they were sent for incineration, on Dawes’ instruction.

  ‘Great. So, we can’t prove he fired a gun then.’

  ‘No, sir.’

  ‘Well, there’s nothing we can do about that, we need to keep an eye open for Dawes. Alert uniform that we want him. I’ll get on to the Drug Squad in case he’s hanging around the Kilburn gang. We need to find him.’

  The meeting ended. Jason Dawes was back on the agenda and Andy felt energised. He was sure he was the person behind so many past crimes and he hoped more than anything he would have the chance to interview him.

  Chapter 40

  The mood between Petra and Tomek was still tense and strained. The arrival of the letter from the MHRA had caused an almighty row and Petra had been afraid he was going to strike her. Fortunately, a couple of cups and plates bore his anger as she cowered in the corner of the kitchen. Reluctantly, she had confessed to her participation in the clinical trial and her lack of understanding about the need to be particularly careful with her contraception in the weeks immediately afterwards. She had told him how she’d had to sign so many papers so couldn’t be one hundred percent sure whether the information in the letter was accurate. She didn’t have that particular page at home but perhaps she had left it there? She was confused and tearful.

  After drinking heavily last night, Tomek seemed calmer or perhaps he was just hungover. He stood at the sink drinking a large glass of water.

  ‘What time do you want dinner tonight?’ she asked. ‘What would you like me to cook?’

  ‘Nothing, I’m going out.’

  ‘Oh, where are you going? With your mates?’

  ‘Just out. I’ll get something to eat in town.’

  ‘Tomek, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.’

  ‘I do forgive you. It wasn’t your fault. Not completely, anyway.’

  ‘Don’t let us argue more,’ she said.

  ‘I’m not arguing with you now, am I?’

  ‘No, sorry, I don’t mean upset you again.’

  Petra looked close to tears again. Tomek felt sorry for her and went to hug her.

  ‘Listen. It’s over. There will be more chances to have a baby.’

  ‘I won’t keep secrets again,’ she said, her voice breaking.

  ‘I know.’ He kissed her hair. ‘You should be compensated though. I want to follow it up.’

  ‘Oh, no, please, I think I got mixed up. It was probably me. I do not want to get manager into trouble.’

  ‘It’s not him I have a problem with. It’s that bastard you used to work for. He is the one who contacted you in the first place.’

  ‘He was trying to help me.’

  ‘Look, last night after you went to bed I did some looking on the Internet. You should have been paid much more money than you got. He took advantage of you.’

  ‘I do not know. Perhaps it my mistake. I agree. He did not force me.’

  ‘He knew you were desperate for money and he decided to keep back some of it. You know what he’s always been like. He used to pay you well below the minimum wage for cleaning at his hotel.’

  ‘But he might stop me getting job anywhere, he know lots of people.’

  Tomek looked at the clock. ‘Look I have to go now. I’ll phone you later.’

  Petra started to get her things together. She needed to hurry up or she too would be late for work. Thankfully, her domestic life seemed to be back on a more pleasant footing but Tomek was still looking for redress and that worried her. What did he have in mind?

  **

  Ron was in a tetchy mood as he was having to fast before his operation. They were due at Sandhills at 2 p.m. so he’d arisen early to eat his breakfast which was his last meal until probably late afternoon. Tactfully, Maureen had eaten a quick sandwich for lunch out of his presence whilst she went through Welch Properties’ portfolio in preparation for their meeting with the bank next week.

  They were hoping to secure a short-term business loan whilst they sold some properties to raise the cash. Three were presently not let, so they were the first candidates and Maureen had asked Laura to get an estate agent to value them and to remove them from the rental listing. Laura was checking the tenancy agreements of the remaining ones in the hope that several of the houses would soon be free to sell. It was still likely that they would have to continue to fund a million pound loan for the foreseeable future but it was much better than b
orrowing the full amount.

  ‘Ron, can you come back up to the house, we need to go soon,’ she said as he answered his mobile.

  ‘OK, five minutes and I’ll be over. Can you bring my bag down from the bedroom, I think I left it up there?’

  ‘OK, I’ll get my things together. Watch the time, we don’t want to be late.’

  Maureen had her novel and crossword book along with some water as she thought she would probably wait at Sandhills rather than come back home. There was a nice cafe so she would get something to eat late afternoon and then hopefully they would be back home this evening.

  She was just about to phone Ron again when she heard the front door open.

  ‘I’m here!’ he shouted. ‘I’ll just pop to the loo, you get the car started.’

  Maureen went out to her car and stowed his bag in the boot. Hopefully, Ron would feel much better after the operation and get a new lease of life.

  **

  Savannah Beggs had gone to school for registration and the first lesson because the teacher was a stickler for noting absences and making her life difficult but after morning break she had left school via the entrance used by cars and delivery lorries. Should any teachers question her whereabouts, her friend Kaylee had agreed to tell them she had gone home sick. Being a persistently disruptive influence meant that most teachers were relieved when she failed to attend so she doubted that Kaylee would be troubled much. So, at lunchtime, she was sitting on a swing in a children’s playground on the Lensfield estate drinking a can of coke which she’d swiped from a convenience store. She always kept a spare top and leggings to change into from her school uniform and she was also wearing much more makeup than she had for school.

  A text pinged into her phone.

  ‘Meet me Harford Avenue ASAP. Going on a trip.’

  ‘C u in 10,’ she texted back.

  Savannah was so excited. Ty was going to take her somewhere this afternoon. It would be much more exciting than sitting in a boring lesson.

  **

  Ron and Maureen were shown to a private room at Sandhills hospital.