Heartless Reaction

by Dawn Marsanne

‘Bazza. Can you remember that?’

  ‘Yes, of course.’

  ‘OK, I’ve put my name on speed-dial here. Try it.’

  Alfie pressed the button and he heard Jed’s phone ringing.

  ‘All set. Let’s get that key cut. It won’t be long before your life improves, OK.’

  The unlikely duo left the cafe. Jed felt confident his plan would work. He felt sorry for Alfie who had been taken advantage of. It was time to redress the balance.

  Chapter 45

  Ron returned to the main house in an upbeat mood following his meeting with Sidney and found Maureen in the lounge looking at a magazine.

  ‘Hi, Maureen, can we talk?’

  ‘Yes, do you want a coffee or tea?’

  ‘Neither, how about a gin and tonic?’

  ‘Is that wise? So soon after your procedure?’

  ‘It’s very wise. It’s good medicine.’

  Maureen sighed and went to get the drinks.

  ‘So, I’ve finalised the plan with Sidney, about raising the money for the University equity, I mean.’

  ‘OK, so what did you decide?’

  ‘Well, Sidney thinks we should limit the borrowing to one million. He’s identified a couple of companies which look promising. We might manage to get a loan at two percent. I thought it would be much higher.’

  ‘Really? Is he sure?’

  ‘Well, business loan rates are very low at the moment. We would need to choose the surety for the loan carefully as that could have a bearing. Did you identify some properties to put on the market immediately?’

  ‘I did yes. Can we just go back to this business loan for a minute?’

  ‘Sure, what is it?’

  ‘I just want to check about the repayments. How long would the term be?

  ‘Five years I think but it could be less.’

  ‘So the payments on a five-year term would be how much per month?’

  ‘Twenty grand a month, approximately.’

  ‘Goodness, that’s a huge amount.’

  ‘Well, it’s considerable, I agree. But if PersCure increases in value then my equity will increase and then I can sell some of that equity to release capital to service the loan.’

  ‘But what about the immediate payments?’

  ‘Well, you are getting the money released from Hubert’s estate all the time, aren’t you?’

  Maureen nodded and sipped her gin and tonic.

  ‘Also, some of Welch Properties should sell quickly, we might be able to sell them as a job lot to someone wanting to increase their rental portfolio. That would be more money coming in.’

  ‘I see.’

  ‘It also has the advantage that there will be less to manage with the property business. After all, you don’t want to spend all your time being hassled by it, do you?’

  ‘I thought that’s why Laura was going to help manage it.’

  ‘She is. Look, I know this seems like a big venture but I just have a good feeling about it.’

  ‘Yes, yes, I understand. I’m just trying to get it clear in my own mind. I’ve still got my concerns.’

  ‘I understand.’ He reached over and held her hand. ‘I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you.’

  Maureen smiled weakly. ‘I just worry we are biting off more than we can chew, so to speak.’

  ‘You know, I’ve been thinking. There’s another reason why I’m so excited about this.’

  Maureen raised an eyebrow.

  ‘It’s our first joint venture. We are the Radford team and together we can achieve great things. What do you say?’

  ‘Well, I hope you are right. If you aren’t then we are in big trouble.’

  ‘I just know it’s the right thing,’ he replied. ‘So, can we look at the properties you identified?’

  ‘OK, I’ll just go and get my folder. I’ll be back soon.’

  Ron rubbed his face and yawned.

  ‘Are you OK, Ron?’

  ‘Yes, just a bit sleepy.’

  ‘I told you not to have that gin. Shall I make you some tea?’

  ‘No, thanks. What time is it?’

  ‘Just coming up to five.’

  ‘Shouldn’t I be taking another pill at this time?’

  ‘Yes, I’ll just get it for you. Oh, by the way, I bought you one of these pill organisers. It’s got the days and everything. I don’t want you to get mixed up and take the wrong ones.’

  ‘That’s so thoughtful, thank you. Makes me feel like an old crock though!’

  ‘You’ll feel worse than that if you take the wrong ones. Remember the other day, you were so wrapped up with telling me something that you reached for the wrong ones and I just managed to stop you. You sometimes don’t bother with your reading glasses either.’

  ‘It’s a good idea, I agree.’

  Ron yawned again.

  ‘Why don’t you have a nap before dinner.’

  ‘I’m fine, let’s discuss the properties.’

  Maureen went to the dining room to get the folder and also popped to the toilet. When she returned Ron’s head was back against the chair and he was soundly asleep. She crept out again and made a start on dinner. Any further business discussions could wait until tomorrow. Ron had it all planned out. Everything had been presented as a fait accompli. All Maureen had to do was to go along with it and agree to his plans. It was clear that to her that Ron didn’t consider her non-compliance was a real possibility. However, there was no denying that her doubts were beginning to surface. The question was, how significant would they become?

  **

  Savannah had told her friends, Kaylee and Lorelle that she was going up to London on Saturday evening as Tyler was planning a surprise. She’d been wondering all day what it could be. Was he taking her to a show, a film or perhaps a really cool nightclub? All her attempts to elicit information from him had failed but he’d told her to dress casually so as not to attract attention. This had been disappointing, as she was looking forward to wearing some new clothes. The smoke detector trick had worked again in a different shop and she now had a new pair of designer jeans and a fuchsia pink top, which in Savannah’s eyes looked awesome.

  ‘Babe, there’s been a change of plan, I’m so busy, sorry.’

  ‘What’s happened? Where are we going?’

  ‘Ah, well, we aren’t going out but I need you to do me a favour. You’d really be helping me, babe.’

  ‘What favour?’

  ‘I need you to get the train up to London.’

  ‘On my own?’

  ‘Yes, it’s just to collect something. I’ve not got time to go myself.’

  ‘I don’t know. I’m worried.’

  ‘Look, Sav, you owe me. Have you forgotten how I keep giving you presents? I’ll find someone else but the presents stop now. It’s your choice.’

  Savannah remained silent.

  ‘OK, I understand. It’s been nice knowing you.’

  ‘Wait. I’ll do it. Just tell me what to do,’ she said.

  ‘Babe, I’m so grateful, I’ll make it up to you, I swear. We can go out in Persford another night, I promise.’

  Savannah listened to the details. It didn’t seem too onerous and it was only an hour or so on the train. She simply had to bring back a small sports bag. Two hours plus a bit extra of her evening and she would get another present from Ty. She’d just have to make something up about her evening out and would have ample time to google a few venues on the train.

  Chapter 46

  ‘Brett, hi, Ron Radford.’

  ‘Mr Radford. How are you?’

  ‘Fine, very well, actually,’ lied Ron.

  ‘So, how can I help you?’

  ‘It’s about the equity stake held by the University which is up for sale.’

  ‘Yes, I’m afraid we did all we could to persuade them to maintain their interest and investment but it’s such a tough environment out there. Of course, it is no reflection on the company itself, I still think PersCure has huge potential and I’m
sure that we will be able to split up their portion of equity. I’m contacting some venture capitalists at this very moment.’

  ‘I don’t think you should waste your time,’ said Ron.

  ‘I can assure you I’m not wasting my time!’ said Brett, bristling slightly.

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude, I just meant I can save you the trouble.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘Because I want to buy the stake.’

  Brett almost dropped his mobile. ‘Sorry, I think the line might have broken up a little there. How much roughly are you interested in buying?’

  ‘Roughly all of the University stake,’ replied Ron somewhat deadpan.

  ‘All of it?’

  ‘Yes, all of it. Are you having trouble hearing me?’

  ‘No, sorry, it’s just a surprise. A nice one of course.’

  ‘I’m in the process of ensuring I can organise the money, it will take me a little while but my accountant is confident we can arrange funds. When is the deadline for offers?’

  ‘Er, well, it’s not been fully decided. The University isn’t in any hurry. But now you’ve contacted me I can speak to the relevant parties and we can have that discussion.’

  ‘You’ll get back to me soon?’

  ‘I certainly will. Thank you very much.’

  ‘My pleasure.’

  Ron disconnected. His heart was racing but he felt it was more with excitement than anxiety. Suddenly he felt rather dizzy and closed his eyes.

  ‘Shit, shit,’ he cursed to himself. Surely this shouldn’t be happening so soon after the stent operation. He was due to see Dr Young at the end of the week and he needed to be in better shape than this otherwise she would have him in and strapped to the operating table as soon as you could say heart attack.

  At those two words, he felt his chest tightening. He fumbled in his pocket for his angina spray which he still carried as a precaution. Thankfully, he was alone in his office away from the hawklike gaze of Maureen who was watching his every action since his stay in Sandhills.

  The glyceryl trinitrate began to work and Ron breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, for the rest of the day, he hadn’t too much booked in his diary. He started to look at some emails when his unregistered mobile vibrated in his pocket.

  **

  Savannah woke late on Monday and felt dreadful. She looked around at her surroundings, confused at finding herself on a mattress on the floor in a room she didn’t immediately recognise. Where was she? Then her memory began to flood back. She must have crashed out at Ty’s place. Had they had sex? She couldn’t remember, her memory was hazy and her raging thirst wasn’t helping. Then she thought back to the evening and remembered Ty had asked her to do something for him. Colour rushed into her face at the memory and she gagged.

  Her phone was next to her on the floor so she quickly sent a text to her brother, Dylan.

  ‘Stayed at K’s last nite. Am fine. C u later.’

  Her mother didn’t care whether she came home or not but she had to head off any interrogation from her brother.

  Tyler wasn’t in the room so she phoned him.

  ‘Hey, babe, sleep well?’ he answered.

  ‘Er, I guess so. I feel shit though.’

  ‘Too much vodka last night. You just passed out. I looked after you though.’

  ‘Where are you?’

  ‘Out and about, busy day.’

  ‘Oh, well, I’ll let myself out then.’

  ‘Sav, can you see the carrier bag in the corner?’

  She shuffled over and looked inside.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I need you to do some deliveries for me today. Take the bag with you and I’ll phone you with the details.’

  ‘But I’ve got school, I can’t!’ she protested.

  Tyler laughed loudly down the phone. ‘Well, you’ve missed half the morning already! My jobs are more important. Unless you want to leave that nice bracelet behind as well as the bag of deliveries?’

  Savannah sighed. ‘OK, I’ll do it. But I need to get something to eat and drink first. I feel all dizzy.’

  ‘You sort yourself out and I’ll contact you at midday. Thanks, babe, I’ll make it up to you.’

  She disconnected and went downstairs to look for the kitchen.

  ‘Oh, hi,’ she said to a large man who was making some breakfast in there.’

  ‘Morning,’ he said. ‘Tea?’

  Savannah looked around the squalid kitchen and the sink piled high with washing up.

  ‘Er, thanks, no, I’ll be on my way.’

  ‘What’s your name?’ asked Alfie.

  ‘Why?’

  He shrugged. ‘Just being friendly. How old are you?’

  ‘Mind your own fucking business,’ she spat.

  ‘Look, you should keep away. Captain isn’t a good bloke. He’s dangerous.’

  ‘Captain? Do you mean, Ty?’

  ‘Er, yes, Ty, your friend. I know what he’s doing. You’ve got to get away.’

  ‘Keep this out, fatso!’ she shouted, pointing at her nose. ‘What do you know about things?’ She ran back to the lounge, grabbed her things and fled leaving Alfie eating his breakfast. He took out his phone to remind him to update Bazza on the situation.

  **

  Maureen had been into Persford to do some bits of shopping and errands. She expected Ron to still be down in his office but as she was taking off her jacket she thought she heard movement upstairs.

  ‘Ron! Hi, are you OK?’

  ‘Yes, I’m just up here!’ called Ron.

  Maureen went upstairs to find him in the bedroom.

  ‘Have you been lying down?’ she asked, looking at the bed which she’d made just before leaving.

  ‘What? No,’ lied Ron. ‘I just came up to change my shirt, spilt some coffee down it.’

  Maureen could see he was still wearing the same one as this morning but let the excuse go. He was a proud man and didn’t want to admit his health was failing.

  ‘So, what do you want for lunch?’ she asked.

  ‘You!’ shouted Ron and took hold of his wife, spinning her around and pushing her onto the bed. Maureen laughed and Ron took her in his arms, kissing her passionately.

  ‘I’ve only been gone a few hours, have you missed me so much?’

  ‘Yes! Can’t you tell?’

  He undid Maureen’s blouse and began to kiss her breasts.

  ‘What’s this? No urgent work to attend to?’ she asked.

  ‘This is very important,’ said Ron, ‘part of my recovery.’

  ‘Well, I’m all in favour of this sort of convalescence,’ she replied.

  Ron continued to caress her, then undid his trousers and slipped them to the floor. Maureen could feel his erection and she eased herself up the bed to make herself more comfortable. Ron removed the rest of her clothing and began to make love to Maureen.

  ‘Arggh,’ he cried, not in ecstasy but in pain. He clasped his chest and lay back, gasping for breath.

  ‘Ron, where’s your spray?’ cried Maureen as she jumped off the bed and ran around to his bedside table. She knocked the papers and his spectacles on the floor and found it. Her hands were shaking as she pulled off the cap and struggled to press the aerosol top. She opened Ron’s mouth and gave him three squirts under his tongue.

  ‘Ron, speak to me? Is that better? Oh, God! I’ll call for an ambulance.’

  ‘No!’ he shouted, grabbing at her arm. ‘The pain is going off now. I’m OK.’

  Maureen climbed back on to her side of the bed. She fell back against the pillows feeling sweaty and dizzy due to the shock.

  ‘That gave me such a fright,’ she said. She snuggled against him and put his head on her breast. Ron put his arms around her and cuddled her for comfort. They stayed like that for ten minutes, then Maureen was the first to speak.

  ‘Lie there quietly, then I’ll bring you up some tea.’

  ‘Thanks, Maureen.’

  ‘Ron, I’m going to phone up Dr Youn
g’s secretary and try to get you an earlier appointment. You can’t carry on like this.’

  ‘That’s not necessary, surely. I’ve been silly, I should have resisted temptation so soon after hospital.’

  ‘Look, you do need that operation and sooner rather than later. We need to let Dr Young see how you are and take some more blood samples as well. Which reminds me, let me look at your ankles.’

  ‘Don’t fuss,’ said Ron.

  ‘They are a bit swollen again. It’s not a good sign.’

  Ron didn’t have the energy to protest. He did feel dreadful. He also had a headache which had come on last evening and hadn’t gone overnight. Thankfully, he’d been able to alert Brett to his interest in the stake in PersCure. He just hoped he would live to be able to realise his ambition.

  Chapter 47

  Savannah had managed to sell most of the drugs Tyler had left for her on Monday but it hadn’t been easy. Most of her transactions were organised by her boyfriend but there were some ‘no-shows’ which were particularly annoying when she’d travelled large distances across the town. She had hoped that she could have a break from dealing for a while but that morning Tyler gave her another consignment along with a new pair of Converse trainers. They looked so cool that she’d had no choice but to agree. Consequently, she’d not been to school at all that week and had forged a letter from her mother which Kaylee had agreed to take in for her.

  Now, it was Wednesday evening and she was exhausted and fed up. She’d just had an unfortunate incident where she was surrounded by a group of teenagers who had snatched their order from her without paying. She sat down on a bench. Tiredness and hunger overcame her and she began to cry.

  Her phone rang, it was Tyler. She ignored it and continued to weep.

  ‘Are you OK, love,’ asked a middle-aged lady who was passing.

  ‘Yes, I’m fine, thanks. My boyfriend just dumped me, that’s why I was crying.’

  ‘OK, perhaps you should get off home, it’s getting dark,’ she said.

  Savannah nodded and the passer-by continued on her way. It was no good going home, she needed to recoup some of the money she had lost.

  **

  Alfie had made several calls that day to his new friend and now he was waiting for a taxi to collect him so that Bazza would be able to speak to the occupants without interruption. Once again, Alfie had enjoyed a meal courtesy of Bazza where he had received fifty pounds to cover his taxi fare and drinks that evening. Alfie felt he suddenly had a fairy godmother who had come to grant his wishes, he’d never been shown much kindness before and almost became tearful again in the cafe.