Heartless Reaction

by Dawn Marsanne

  ‘The deadline for applications for the increased equity is the end of next week. I’ve let Sidney go ahead with organising the loan.’

  ‘OK,’ replied Maureen. ‘I sent him the Welch Property information he asked for.’

  ‘Great. It’s all proceeding smoothly. That’s one less thing to worry about.’

  ‘Mr Radford,’ called the nurse.

  They followed her through to Dr Young’s office. Maureen sincerely hoped that this time his mobile would remain in his pocket.

  **

  ‘Savvy! Savvy! Can I come in?’ Dylan was knocking on his sister’s bedroom door.

  ‘Piss off, I’m not well.’

  ‘What’s the matter with you? What’s happened?’

  Savannah realised her brother was going to persist and she didn’t want him to start telling tales to her mother, not that she ever showed much interest in either of her two children.

  ‘You can come in,’ she said reluctantly.

  Savannah sat up on her bed. She was dressed but hadn’t taken much care with her appearance. Her lank hair hung down untidily around her face which was strangely free from makeup. She looked young and vulnerable.

  ‘Hey, what’s the matter?’

  ‘Nothing, I’m just feeling down, that’s all.’

  ‘Come on, it’s not like you. Something’s happened. Hey?’ he looked closely at her face. ‘You’ve got a bruise and your lip has been split.’

  ‘Look, you mustn’t tell anyone, OK?’

  ‘Scouts’ honour,’ he said.

  ‘Don’t make me laugh, you were chucked out of the Scouts for bullying the other boys!’

  ‘Just tell me what happened.’

  ‘I’ve been stupid.’

  ‘You’re not up the duff are you?’

  ‘No, I met someone and he tried to rape me.’

  ‘What? Who was it, I’ll kill him!’ Dylan stood and paced around her bedroom.

  ‘Too late, someone got to him already.’

  ‘What?’ shouted Dylan.

  ‘Shut the fuck up! Mum will hear.’

  ‘Not much chance of that, she’s nearly finished a bottle of wine. She was slumped in front of the telly when I came in.’

  ‘Did you hear about that double killing in Salisbury Street?’

  ‘Yes, saw it on the local news.’

  ‘I was there.’

  ‘Shit, Savvy! What do you mean, did you see what happened?’

  ‘I didn’t see them killed but one of them tried to rape me. Then some bloke came in, allowed me to escape and after that, I assume they got killed.’

  ‘Who appeared?’

  ‘I’ve no idea.’

  Dylan had trouble taking in what his sister was telling him.

  ‘Fuck. It’s like a film! What were you doing with someone like that?’

  ‘Same thing you are doing selling your gear. I know what you get up to.’

  ‘But I can look after myself. How did you get involved?’

  ‘He bought me nice things. That’s why had new clothes, a new phone, jewellery. He got me drunk and gave me drugs. I did a bit of dealing at school and in the area but he wanted me to do more, Then when I said I’d had enough and wanted to stop, he said I’d taken him for a ride. He said I owed him.’

  Dylan held his head in his hands.

  ‘Jesus. It’s the Kilburn Boys. I’m working for them, not directly but they are in charge. My supplier works for them.’

  ‘Dylan, you idiot!’ screamed Savannah. ‘You’ve got to get out of it. They might kill you. What if you don’t do enough deals?’

  ‘It’s cool, I’ll be OK, don’t worry about me. It’s you we need to worry about.’

  ‘No it isn’t!’ Savannah was shouting now. ‘You’re the one in danger. Listen, go away for a bit. They’ll find someone else.’

  ‘But where will I go? I’ve no money. I’ll end up on the streets.’

  Savannah realised it wasn’t as simple as she had made out. Dylan was in serious trouble and it wasn’t easy to see how he could extricate himself. It was a real mess.

  **

  ‘I’ve got the results of your blood tests,’ said Dr Young, ‘and I’m a bit surprised. Sorry, concerned is perhaps a better word.’

  Ron looked impassively at the doctor.

  ‘Your kidney function is much reduced and various markers show that the heart isn’t working as efficiently despite the adjustment in your medication which surprises me. It’s worse than before the stent operation.’

  ‘Well, I’ve been popping the pills at the right time,’ said Ron. ‘I’ve even got one of those pill mate things so I don’t forget. My wife thinks my memory is failing as well, it’s not, but I like to keep her happy.’

  ‘I just don’t want you to get them mixed up or miss a dose at the right time,’ said Maureen.

  ‘Your wife is being very sensible,’ said Dr Young.

  ‘Well, it saves me a job messing about with the packets,’ said Ron. ‘It’s like being in a nursing home with them all laid out in their little compartments.’

  ‘Now, I need to check your blood pressure and listen to your heart and before you leave I’m going to get another ECG.’

  Ron complied as the doctor listened and frowned.

  ‘Your blood pressure is much higher than when I saw you recently. Far too high. Are you getting headaches?’

  ‘Well, yes, not all the time but I never used to suffer from them.’

  ‘Do you take anything for them?’

  ‘Paracetamol and ibuprofen.’

  ‘Do they help?’

  ‘A bit.’

  ‘Breathing?’

  ‘Yes, I’m still breathing,’ said Ron.

  ‘Are you having difficulty,’ she replied without rising to the quip.

  ‘More than I used to. It’s worse at night.’

  ‘My husband has started to sleep propped up on pillows.’

  ‘Thank you, darling, I can still speak for myself.’

  Ron was obviously feeling better as his brusque manner had returned.

  ‘Your ankles? Can I see them?’

  Ron raised his trousers. He was wearing Crocs today instead of shoes.

  ‘Not your usual shoes I see,’ she said feeling the slight puffiness around his ankles. ‘Thank you. I’ll get the nurse to run an ECG and then I’ll speak to you again before you leave. This way please.’

  Ron and Maureen followed the doctor out. Maureen tried to catch Ron’s eye but he avoided looking at her. She realised now that he would be recommended for the bypass operation very soon. His heart was failing and it was failing fast.

  Chapter 51

  Maureen was watching TV and Ron was looking at some sites on his iPad when she heard a faint vibration from what she now knew was his other mobile. He showed no emotion but got up from his chair saying he was going to the toilet. Maureen waited until he’d left the room and closed the door then switched off the TV and ran across to the door. She put her ear to it and strained to listen to the conversation. She could hear Ron speaking but it was unclear.

  She quickly opened the door and strode towards the kitchen as if going to put on the kettle. Before Ron noticed her, she heard a few words.

  ‘About fucking time!’ he said sternly. ‘Good, I’ll look forward to it.’

  By then he’d become aware she was in the kitchen. He slipped into the downstairs cloakroom and closed the door. Maureen realised her opportunity was over. One of Ron’s shady callers was contacting him but she had no idea what it was about.

  ‘Tea?’ she called as he emerged. ‘I’ve made a pot?’

  ‘Er, no, oh well, yes, thank you?’

  ‘Are you worried it will stop you sleeping?’

  ‘No, it’s OK. I’m not going to bed early tonight.’

  ‘Oh, why? I thought you’d be tired after the doctor this afternoon.’

  ‘No, I’m fine, don’t fuss.’

  ‘Sorry, I’m just worried about you.’

  ‘Yes, I k
now, I’m a miserable bugger at the moment. It’s just all come at the wrong time.’

  ‘Is there a right time to have to have an operation like this?’

  ‘No, of course not. Look, let’s change the subject. It’s like living on the set of a hospital drama here at the moment.’

  Maureen went to get the tea and came back with two cups and Ron’s pill mate. He looked at his watch.

  ‘It’s not the time for pills now.’

  ‘No, it isn’t, it’s two hours since you should have taken the last lot. I’ve looked at the leaflet and it says if you miss them you should take them as soon as possible when you realise.’

  ‘Let me look at that,’ said Ron. ‘I don’t understand, I thought I took them at 5 p.m. before we went out.’

  ‘They are still in here, you can’t have.’

  ‘Wait a minute, perhaps I didn’t, oh I don’t know. Was that when Sidney called me? Yes, perhaps I forgot.’

  ‘You obviously did. Perhaps you need to set the alarm on your phone to remind you as well?’

  ‘Oh, God, no, it will be alarming all the time, it will drive me mad. Give them here then.’

  ‘Wait I’ll go and get some water. Ow!’ she shouted. ‘The lid on this section is a bit stiff, I’ve nicked my finger, I’ll use a knife to prise it open.’

  Maureen returned and put the pills in his hand. He knocked them back and swallowed some water as well.

  ‘Ron, you look very tense. Do you need a drop of brandy or something instead of tea?’

  ‘Can I? Just a small one. It’s been a dreadful day.’

  ‘Well, normally I tell you not to have a drink but I think in this case it can’t do any harm. It will help you relax. Look, why don’t you put these leisure trousers on. Those look very tight across you, I think it’s the fluid in your body.’

  ‘Good idea. They are a bit tight. Those have some give at the sides don’t they?’

  Ron changed and quickly retrieved his other mobile from the pocket. He sat down and sipped his brandy. Maureen laid the other trousers on the chair and drank her tea.

  ‘Let’s watch a film,’ she said.

  ‘OK, why not. You choose.’

  Maureen selected a RomCom.’

  ‘It’s fine. I want to look at some things on my iPad anyway.’

  ‘If you’re sure. I just need to watch something to help me relax after today.

  **

  Wayne had made another visit to the Regent Road flat and had sold a few wraps in the Bradfield Arms. He was on his way to a scheduled meet when a car pulled up alongside him. Wayne carried on his way as this wasn’t the location he’d been given.

  ‘Wayne! Hey? Got any gear?’ said the passenger in the car. ‘Just missed you in the Bradfield Arms.’

  The dealer was caught in two minds. Was this a trap or had someone mentioned his name? His hand in his pocket could feel all the unsold wraps, many more than would be needed at his next two drops.

  ‘Let’s see your money,’ said Wayne.

  The passenger was now out of the car. He produced a bundle of notes. ‘Fifty, there.’

  ‘OK. What you after, snow?’

  ‘Let’s see.’

  Wayne produced two packets.

  ‘Wayne Roberts, I am arresting you for possession and dealing of Class A drugs,’ said the man, producing his warrant card. ‘You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned, something you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be used in evidence.’

  Handcuffs were snapped on Wayne’s wrists and he was put in the back of the car.

  ‘We’ll see if your favourite cell is free tonight,’ said the driver. ‘That way you’ll sleep better. After all, you’ll need to have your wits about you for tomorrow’s interview.’

  Wayne silently cursed his poor judgement. He knew full well how serious it was and if he didn’t give the police what they needed he would be looking at a long stretch in jail.

  Chapter 52

  It was 11 p.m. and Ron was snoring quietly. The iPad had slipped from his hands an hour ago as his eyes closed. Maureen had gradually reduced the volume on the film to which she’d given scant attention and the TV was now off. She approached Ron and tentatively picked up his legs to make him more comfortable on the sofa. He didn’t stir. She placed a cushion behind his head and he continued to sleep, breathing heavily.

  Maureen stood looking at him. This was the moment she had been waiting for. She felt in the pockets of his discarded trousers and found his leather key case. There was the recognisable collection of house and office keys matching the ones she’d used the other night but there were other keys, one of which looked like a small desk key.

  She picked up both his mobiles, crept over to the door and opening it gently padded out into the hallway, leaving Ron sleeping on the settee. His other mobile was a cheaper model but like his main one was PIN protected. There wasn’t time to try to guess the number, she tried the one he had told her for his main phone but it didn’t work.

  After one final glance towards her husband, Maureen closed the lounge door and scurried to the main entrance. She carefully unlocked the door and checking in her pocket for her torch ran down the path towards the annexe and his office. Her hands were trembling as she opened the door and this time she felt automatically for the light switch. Her heart was pounding in her ears and she felt flushed and hot.

  Maureen sat in the leather office chair and selected what she imagined to be the desk key. Her first attempt failed but she realised she had it upside down. Cursing to herself she inserted the key the correct way and tentatively opened the top drawer and espied the contents. There was nothing unusual, a stapler, some pens, a set of business cards, flyers from the golf club and the accumulated odds and ends such as paper clips, elastic bands and the like which build up over time.

  The next drawer down contained a few recent items of post, bank statements still to be filed, some letters from the glioblastoma charity and two framed photographs, one of his late wife Shirley and another of Natasha with Ron and Shirley. She gazed at the photo of Natasha and felt her eyes begin to prick. How she wished she could have been part of her life and a friend and step-mother to the teenager who had bravely battled her illness.

  Maureen was beginning to realise this might be another fruitless expedition. The bottom drawer which was deeper was another filing drawer. Instead of accounts and financial statements, it appeared to contain information about various people. She took out one folder and flicked through it. There were photographs showing a person she didn’t recognise kissing someone at a door and then getting into a car and driving away. Another folder detailed payments to a name which meant nothing to her. The next divider she selected did contain a name she recognised, Dalton. It had some invoices from Ron’s hotel, The Cedars, a CCTV image of Laura which also looked as though it was in the hotel, details about Christian’s children, their school and his wife’s place of work. She quickly closed it and sought the next file.

  To her horror, it was labelled, Welch. The file bore details of the matter which had threatened to come between them, namely the sordid affair of Councillor Long. In addition, there were details about Lane End farm. She began to sweat. Had Ron somehow told Laura about this incident or had she gained access to this drawer? It was too much of a coincidence that Laura had just remembered something in the past about a property deal.

  She rested her head in her hands trying to calm her breathing. When was Ron going to use this information against her? What hold was he going to have over her to force her to do something against her will? Perhaps he hadn’t expected her to be so willing to loan him or more accurately give him the proceeds from the sale of her house. Now wasn’t the time to sit pondering the whys and wherefores or Ron’s motives. What was apparent was just how devious and manipulative he was. He spent his time gathering information about people’s indiscretions which he could then use to his advantage.

  She felt sick
and had to swallow down the bile which began to rise up her gullet. What a fool she had been. There still remained the smaller filing cabinet and the safe. She selected the correct key and opened the upper filing drawer. Each filing divider, of varying thickness, had a name, she ran her finger along them but the names didn’t mean a huge amount apart from one, Peter Leighton, Ron’s frequent golf partner. Why did Ron have a file on the Superintendent? There were some pictures of a smartly dressed woman getting into a car which looked to be parked outside The Cedars. Was this Peter’s wife? Ron had mentioned something about Peter being divorced. Maureen couldn’t be bothered with the domestic details of Ron’s rivals or friends. It would take ages to assimilate and work out the full extent of the dossiers in this room.

  Looking over to the cupboard on which sat the whisky bottles she realised that there could be even more incriminating information in the safe. But what was the combination? In her spare moments, she had pondered this all week. People were usually quite predictable in the passwords they chose, dates of birth, anniversaries, and so on. Was Ron so transparent? She thought of his life and his world and the person dearest to him. Not herself for sure, from the recent revelations. It surely had to be Natasha. His only daughter who had been so cruelly taken from him. The one person who was driving him from beyond the grave to fund glioblastoma cancer research. If it wasn’t her birthday she was stumped.

  Opening the cupboard door she turned the wheel this way and that entering the date which she hoped she’d remembered correctly. She heard a faint click, turned the lever to open the door and peered inside.

  **

  ‘Wayne, long time no see!’ said the custody sergeant. ‘Oh, no, that’s not quite correct is it?’ he laughed.

  ‘You’re such a comedian,’ said Wayne, sullenly.

  ‘Well, I try my best. Empty your pockets, you know the drill.’

  The sergeant began to make the inventory and the drugs were placed in an evidence bag.

  ‘Right, sign here,’ he said, offering the pen to Wayne. ‘Now, I’ll take you to your room. Would you like a cup of cocoa?’