by David Woods
Reg took a long time to adapt to prison life. He was in the same wing as Stan but in a separate cell, and each time they met Stan saw how badly he was taking it. He looked pale and drawn, and had that nervous look Stan had seen so many times before. He always attempted to take his mind off the situation but Reg would not respond. All he could think of was his wife and two children who were at school.
“Don’t worry. Things will work out, you’ll see.” Stan said.
“I don’t know. It’s a terrible strain on them.”
“Your Sheila’s a bloody good woman. She’ll stick by you and look after the kids.”
Stan was right because Sheila visited regularly and had taken a part time job hairdressing, a job she did when she was single. Both men had saved and put money into deposit accounts. Reg handed over his to Sheila but she used as little as possible, thinking he would need as much as he could get when he was released. Reg lived for the visits, finding time dragged between them, and Sheila realised how important she was to him. She tried to cheer him up, brought in photographs of the children regularly and showed him their school reports, which seemed to buck him up considerably, especially when they were favourable.
Towards the end of the sentence Reg and Stan met more often and discussed their plans.
Reg was absolutely adamant that he was going straight. “I never want to put my wife and kids through this hell again. And I certainly don’t want to see this place again.”
“I believe you and I’m sure whatever you do will be a success. I’m going to make an effort to go straight myself.”
Sheila was delighted at Reg’s decision to get a proper job and stick to it. Stan was not sure what to do, but was serious about trying to go straight.
Both men were model prisoners and earned full remission, being released after five years. Reg was out ahead of Stan because he had a family to support him. Sheila was there to meet him, and they both cried with emotion as they embraced for the first time in five years. They were left alone in a small room by the prison gates until they were ready to leave, during which time Sheila got out her handkerchief to wipe away the tears. Reg tried to adapt to his clothes, as due to weight loss, nothing fitted properly.
He stood back and gazed at Sheila, who looked lovely in a pretty blue dress and white cardigan and his eyes moistened again. “You’re one of the best most beautiful women in the world. And I’ll never subject you to this horror again,”
“I know you won’t. And as for being beautiful, you’ve been in prison too long.”
They went home and the children had prepared a welcoming party. He was overwhelmed and hugged them, but tried not to get too emotional.
The next week was spent adjusting to freedom. When Stan was released, Reg and Sheila were outside waiting for him, and took him home until he found his own flat. The children had insisted on another party for their Uncle Stan, who had always been generous to them in the past, buying large presents at Christmas and on birthdays. The party was less emotional, but happy and they all enjoyed themselves.
Reg obtained a job selling welding equipment and accessories on commission only, but became so successful his company gave him a salary and company car. Sheila was sure he would keep his promise to stay straight, because he was obviously enjoying his job.
Stan rented a shop with a flat over the top, investing his money in fitting out the shop, stocking it with inexpensive jewellery and trying to make it attractive to ordinary people. His idea worked out well and he soon had to employ an assistant. After a year he became involved with a woman of his own age with two children. Janet was quite different to June, and did not mind being short of money when her ex-husband failed to pay maintenance, she just accepted one had to make do. Stan did his best to help, but she was too proud to accept his offer. He took her presents and eventually asked her to marry him. She had fallen in love with him, accepted and they married almost immediately residing in the flat above the shop for security reasons. “We don’t want to be burgled,” remarked Stan.
Venk was held in custody for some time before going for trial. During this time a number of psychiatrists examined him, but achieved very little by way of a response, and all concluded he was in need of treatment. Finally he went to court, pleaded guilty and the judge sentenced him to five years recommending that he receive psychiatric help.
He appeared to settle down to prison life well, carrying out all the work allotted to him without question and not complaining at all. The prison officers thought him a very strange individual, as he never talked to anyone unless he had to. Even his cellmate was unable to engage him in conversation, and after a while gave up requesting a move to another cell, which was denied.
He received regular treatment but made very little progress. He still harboured a deep hatred towards ‘that man with piercing eyes’, and had regular visions of being hurled at a tree. Sometimes the scene would change to him being confronted by a big hairy gorilla, who would circle round and round before attacking. Other times he would see himself hanging by his collar from a tree with ‘that man and his girl’ laughing at him. His hatred would sometimes be directed towards his wife who had deserted him. He would dream about her laughing at him as she walked away with another man, and other times he would see her pushing a pram with a baby boy inside. She would mock him saying it was not his, and he was not man enough to give her a child. Thoughts of revenge obsessed him, and he dreamed up ways of humiliating and then killing his wife, but his worst scheme was reserved for ‘that man and his girl.’ He dreamed of tying them both up and making ‘him’ watch as he stripped and beat the girl to death. Then he would see himself stabbing the man all over with a long thin knife, and watching him slowly die. He did not reveal these thoughts to any of the doctors, and all they did was prescribe sleeping pills when he complained of insomnia.
The prison authorities suggested selling his house and its contents and Venk agreed, the proceeds to be invested for the highest possible capital growth. His bent car was sold to pay for repairs to the damaged Citroen that had to be lifted out of the field with a crane. The Belgian newspapers briefly reported his trial and published a photograph.
Ben Van Hagen had very little time to read newspapers, but did notice the picture as he glanced quickly though to see if there was anything of interest and worth reading. “Caroline! Look at this!”
She dropped her duster and walked into the kitchen. “What is it dear?”
“Old Venk has been caught after robbing a jewellery shop. He’s been put down for five years.”
They both read the report. Caroline cut it out and smiled. “I always thought there was something odd about him.”
“You’re right, as usual.”
“Even you said he was getting paranoid.”
“I do not believe he has ever been the same since his wife left him.”
“Maybe not. I think she should have had a medal for staying so long.”
Ben told Jan about the newspaper article the next morning, and he thought it was very amusing. “I thought you would like it” Ben said.
“There is only one thing wrong.”
“What is that?”
“He should have got ten years. They were far too lenient on the nutcase.”
“I hope he gets proper treatment, and is not allowed out until he is cured.” Ben could not wish mental illness on anyone, even Venk.
Caroline was relieved that Venk would have no chance of forcing his way into their lives again. By the time he gets out we should have a nice business of our own, she thought. Another thought crosses her mind and she frowned at Ben. “If they are treating his mental illness he will be made to tell about his troubles and experiences.”
Ben looked up from his paperwork. “Yes, I suppose so.”
“And if he tells them all about his past life, he may implicate you.”
Chapter Fourteen
The business ticked over nicely whilst Brian and Anna were away on honeymoon, with orders still coming in as fast as they could be dealt with. They started work again with renewed vigour, as there was a lot of paperwork to catch up with and the despatch of spares was behind. Brian liked spares to be despatched the same day as the order was received, but the biggest problem was the lack of space at the barn site as well as at the office.
The store man in the old barn already had an assistant to receive the machines and spares, and despatch them to the dealers around the country. The traffic along the narrow lanes led to the barn built up, with lorries completely blocking the road, so any oncoming vehicles had to reverse to a passing place. This resulted in a number of complaints from the locals, but Brian assured them it was only a short term problem, and he would move out in the near future. This kept the peace until the spring rush that filled the barn and meadow with machines, some having to be stored around the main farm buildings.
Laura, who was still bitter about Brian rejecting her, complained to the Council about the road being continually blocked. An official followed one of the lorries to the old barn and confronted Brian, who was checking a previous consignment. “I don’t believe you have planning permission for a change of use, Sir.”
“This is a farm and these are farm machines,” argued Brian.
“You’re obviously running a separate business.” They argued for some time. Brian realised he was in a very weak position and agreed to look for alternative premises. The council man was very reasonable. “The Council will allow you six months to move out.”
Anna and Brian discussed the situation at great length that evening, and agreed their days of very low operating costs would soon be over. It had enabled them to build up a good business very quickly, but it was obvious they needed to be more efficient in the future. One site with offices and stores together with warehouse facilities was needed, which did not take long to find. A factory was closing in Maidstone, the building would be ideal with a block of offices in the front, and a large single span warehouse adjoining at the rear. It had a goods entrance with loading ramp at the rear, served by a wide road and in front of the offices was a small car park with another down the side. The site was owned by the Council who was asking a reasonable rent, so Brian and Anna spent two days between telephone calls, working out if they could afford it. They decided it would be feasible if they expanded with salesmen to cover the whole of the United Kingdom. The operation could be very profitable and efficiency increased if they were in one large building.
During the next two months they prepared the new premises. Anna insisted the offices be decorated which she organised, choosing the materials and taking on unskilled labour to carry out the work. The offices were on two floors and Anna had chosen an office upstairs for herself, with the remaining ones for Brian and the accounts department. Downstairs there would be a reception office, two sales offices and a stores manager’s office. All the staff came in for the changeover that was completed in a week. Brian was the last to leave the old barn, that had served them well for two years, and he made sure it was left clean and tidy before closing the black wooden doors.
It took all of three months to settle down in the new building, and new accounting machines were installed.
Having worked very long hours, Brian and Anna had become tired. When they eventually arrived home at eleven one night Anna said. “You are not nice to me any more, Brian.”
“Sorry love. I feel edgy.”
They had been through this before and Anna said. “ We need a holiday.”
“I agree. And we should take on a sales manager to run things.”
The next afternoon an advertisement was placed and two weeks later an experienced salesman was employed as sales manager, based in the sales office.
John Knight was very keen to improve the sales figures and after three weeks work was ready to take over, whilst Brian and Anna had some time off, intending to visit the factory in Belgium. Mr. Vogler had contacted the new office requesting a discussion about the machines they required for the spring. The couple had their first two days off in over a year and slept through the first day. On the second day they made love for the first time in weeks and soon felt the tension lift.
Betty was happy to cook and make them rest for one more day. It made a pleasant change for the family to sit around the kitchen table again for meals. John lectured them on the need for proper rest, and it all seemed like old times with Betty and Anna chattering, whilst the two men discussed the farm. Meals lasted for ages.
The two of them caught the ferry the following morning and drove to the Belgian farm. Anna’s parents were overjoyed to see them again, as they had been away for a long time, and Brian noticed they had aged a little. It was agreed they should stay for a week, and Anna spent the first day shopping with her mother whilst Brian went to see a manufacturer. Everything seemed satisfactory and the machines sent from England were selling well, but Brian suggested expanding to other types of machinery and promised to send on details.
Anna and Brian visited Mr. Vogler the next day. They found the factory expansion completed and that production could be increased, so all the machines required for export would be ready in time. Mr. Vogler looked tired and drawn, as obviously the work involved in the expansion programme had taken its toll. Brian noticed his hand shaking as he raised a cup of coffee, and he looked at Anna, who nodded. “Are you well, Mr. Vogler?”
He said he was not feeling too well, and after more discussion admitted he wanted to retire soon. He insisted on buying them lunch at a local hotel, and during a few moments when they were alone Brian said to Anna. “Why don’t we buy him out and put a manager in, then we can control the production ourselves.”
“Yes, I have been thinking along the same lines.”
When Mr Vogler returned, he did not seem surprised at their offer, agreeing to take on a manager on their behalf and subject to approval. He also agreed to stay on as a consultant for one year.
Three more days were spent negotiating a price, organising finance and studying the company books. Brian and Anna still had a considerable amount of money in Switzerland, and after paying Mr Vogler, they agreed not to spend any more but leave it invested for the future. The company was renamed Vogler- Wilkins with Brian and Anna as joint owners.
Following a phone call from Mr Vogler they returned to meet the proposed new manager, a man of about thirty five and with a command of the English language. Manfred Vulder had previously been a sales manager for a tractor company, and knew the distribution network well. Brian and Anna liked him and agreed he should start as soon as possible. They stayed on in Belgium working in conjunction with Mr Vogler, as there were problems to solve which he had not time or energy to tackle. The haulage company used for the past five years had been too expensive and no longer reliable.
Brian and Anna were there when the new manager started. A meeting of all the staff was held to be addressed by Mr Vogler who would explain the new developments. Brian watched their expressions as they were informed of his retirement, noticing most of them looked shocked and sad. Anna said a few words on behalf of Brian and herself, assuring them of a bright future and introducing Manfred, who said he was looking forward to working with them all. The meeting broke up after Mr Vogler had introduced all the personnel to Brian, Anna and Manfred. They paraded past shaking hands, some smiling and others looking grim.
Brian was determined to sort out one of the problems before they returned to Kent. He suggested to Anna they should ring a new haulage firm, and make an appointment to visit them at their premises. Mr Vogler said there was a Antwerp based company, that was a keen and competitive new firm, and who wanted to come and talk to him. “We’ll go and see them as soon as then we can ascertain what kind of operation they are running,” announced Brian. Anna made the appointment for the next day.
The haulage company’s office
s and yard were situated just outside the city. New factories were being built all around the site and the wide approach road was muddy. “This area will be very impressive when it’s completed.” Brian remarked.
“I agree. Very modern.”
They parked just in front of a small block of offices. Brian looked at the yard which was neat and tidy. There were two lorries parked outside a service bay, one lorry being cleaned by a boy of about sixteen with a long handled brush attached to hose. The other lorry, being worked on by a mechanic in a boiler suit.
“Look Anna, they have their own service bay and engineer.”
“Yes. That should mean less delays for repairs.”
They walked into a small reception office and a girl greeted them. “Mr and Mrs Wilkins?”
“Yes, replied Anna. We have an appointment with the manager.”
Brian, followed by his wife, was led into a spacious office and the man behind the desk stood up to shake hands. Brian could not believe his eyes when he recognised Van Hagen. Anna grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the door. In her mind’s eye she could see the face before her, grinning as the other man tightened the cord. “Brian, please let us go.”
