He couldn’t have looked more Italian even to his silk suit, his expensive shirt and tie, and his pointed shoes. He oozed charm and class.
I introduced Peter to him. He just grunted, hardly acknowledging him.
‘There is not much point in coming to see me if you haven’t got the full amount of money to pay back the loan.’ He didn’t look at us while he spoke.
‘I have just taken over Clive Newsome’s affairs and I am trying to find out the state of his finances,’ I explained. ‘I appreciate that he borrowed four million pounds from Luigi Bandarella and that he hasn’t paid it back.’
‘You do know that Mr Bandarella was killed in a car accident in Australia.’
‘Yes, I do.’ I wasn’t going to tell Ugo that I was in fact in the car that wiped out the vehicle that Luigi was a passenger in. In fact, I was the first person to discover that he was a very dead gang leader.
‘Have you got the money with you?’ he asked me.
‘No, but we do have a sizeable amount that we can pay into an account as soon we get back to our bank.’
‘How much do you have?’
‘There are two point three million pounds available for transfer,’ Peter said.
‘That is a long way short of four million gentlemen.’
‘We realise that, but it will take a bit longer to come up with the remaining one point seven million.’
‘When will you have it? I need to tell my bosses when they can expect to get their money back?’
‘We have to sell off the assets of the business so it is going to take time to realise the cash,’ Peter replied. ‘I reckon that we should be in a position to repay the loan in three months’ time.’
‘I need to have some sort of surety from you before I can accept your proposal and this would have to be a legal document.’
‘What type of surety are you talking about?’ Peter inquired.
‘A house or something else having a value greater than the amount owing,’ Ugo replied.
‘We should be able to supply you with that but I will need a few days to work on it.’ I was relieved that Peter sounded confident.
‘If we can provide you with the surety to your satisfaction will you put your claim on the business on ice?' Peter asked. ‘You will appreciate that I cannot sell the business if there is a loan associated with it. To give you your money, I must sell Clive Newsome Luxury Cars.’
‘I will give you the three month’s you say you need to sort all this out; however if you go back on your word I will be after you and your families. Major Hamilton, you know what we are capable of doing.’
I felt that he threw in the Major bit just to let me know that he knew all about me and where I lived.
‘Is the account to be used the Coritos one?’ Peter asked.
‘Yes, we are still using that account.’
‘I will pay in the two point three million today to show you that we are serious,’ Peter said.
‘I hope for both your sakes that you stick to your word.’ Ugo stood up and shook our hands giving us a sinister smile.
We were delighted to step out into the fresh air after a very stressful meeting. What had we signed up to? For Carol’s sake, we had committed to something that we had little control over. If we failed, Mr La Rossa would be after us and not her.
Rather than go on the tube I felt that we could unwind better in a Taxi.
Chapter 16
'What have you let us in for Vince?' Peter commented as we sat together in the back of the Taxi.
'Relax Peter, I wouldn’t have made any rash promises that I can’t back up with reality. I am confident that between the sale of the house, and the sale of the business, we will come up with the money that is required to pay off the loan.'
'There are a few other bills to pay Vince, such as redundancy payments for the staff if the company is closed.'
'Don't forget to include your own fees in the mix?' I reminded him.
'Clive usually pays me a monthly retainer, but I will have to charge at an hourly rate while I sort everything out. It will require a lot more hours than I usually include in the monthly charge.'
'How many of the cars in the showroom does Clive's company own and have been paid for?' I asked him. 'Perhaps we can realise some cash by selling those.'
'I worked that out yesterday, and it comes to around eight hundred thousand pounds. I have taken twenty percent off the current retail prices as, if we discount them, they will sell a lot quicker.'
'I have done the same with the price of Carol’s house to get it sold,' I added.
'So are you going to pay that money into the Coritos account this afternoon?' Peter inquired.
'Definitely; we need to keep Mr La Rossa sweet and keep to our word,' I said. 'In fact, I will give you the cheque, and you can do the transaction at the bank if you don't mind. I need to go and see Carol and bring her up to date on what is going on.'
'Will you please talk to the staff here and tell them what is happening to the business. They are naturally very worried about their jobs and have been asking me when Clive is coming back. I didn't know what to say to them.' Peter sounded desperate.
'How many people are employed by the business?' I asked him.
'There is a salesman, who I think you have met. There is also the receptionist, a cleaner and two mechanics, so there are five in total. The key person that I need to keep on our side is the salesman. I need him to offload the cars we want to sell.'
'I don't mind talking to them so as they are aware that the business will have to close; however, I will also tell them that we are trying to sell the company as a going concern so their jobs may be safe.'
'Am I right in thinking that you have discussed the sale of the business with Julian Curtis?’
‘Yes, I asked him to help as he is the Chairman of the trading association,’ I replied.
‘Will whoever purchases the business not require the stock if they are going to maintain it as a going concern?' Peter had come up with a good point.
'I will contact Julian as soon as we get to the showroom and ask his advice. I also need to tell him that we have sorted out the loan so as whoever buys the business won't have to worry about it.'
'OK, so I won't do anything until you tell me,' Peter said.
When we arrived at Clive Newsome Luxury Cars, I contacted Julian Curtis. Fortunately, he was available to speak to me on the ‘phone.
I outlined to him what had happened at our meeting with Ugo La Rossa and how the loan was no longer a liability on the business. He informed me that he had two interested parties, and he would get hold of them immediately. He suggested that we didn't do anything major with the stocks of cars and spares until he had talked to his possible purchasers. He would phone me back as soon as he had any news.
'You had better organise the staff to come to Clive's office,' I told Peter.
A few minutes later a very subdued group of employees gathered quietly in his office, From their expressions they looked as if I was about to announce that the end of the world was nigh. I welcomed them to the meeting and then explained why Clive had been missing for a number of weeks. I also mentioned that he wouldn't be back in the foreseeable future. They looked suitably shocked, and the receptionist started to cry.
'I am sorry that we have to tell you this terrible news, however, you will appreciate that we are as shocked as you are.'
'So are we sacked with effect from today?' One of the mechanics, identifiable by his dark blue overalls, asked, in an aggressive tone.
'Definitely not; in fact, we are trying to sell the business as a going concern which will protect your jobs,' I emphasised.
'Who will be running the business while we wait for a new owner?' the salesman asked.
'You are all experienced and competent people, so I hope there is no need to manage your activities on a day to day basis. As regards, the business side of the company, Peter Taylor, who you all know, will be handling that.'
'And wh
at is your role in the selling of the business?' the aggressive mechanic asked.
'I am only involved because Clive's wife asked me to help her sort it out. It was obviously a big worry for her.'
'Can you tell us when the business will be sold?' the salesman asked.
'We should have an answer in the very near future. In the meantime, you must work hard so that the business does as well as possible in the absence of its owner.'
'Can we hold a Sale to get rid of some of the stock?' the salesman inquired.
'I think that might be a good idea Mark; can you work out some prices and see me later,' Peter said.
'I am sorry for having had to give you the bad news about Clive. You can go back to your workplaces now.' I concluded the meeting.
When everybody had left, Peter turned to me.
'That wasn't too bad Vince. I expected more of a reaction.'
'I think that they were all shocked by Clive's arrest. I expect that, once they have had a chance to think that they will be back with further questions.'
'It would be great if Mark could sell a few cars. I might do a special sale for a week to try and get some money in. I just have time to place some ads and get some banners printed.' Peter sounded really excited.
'I'll leave you to it, Peter. I am going to drop in on Carol; it's long past coffee time.'
'It only took me fifteen minutes to walk around to Carol's house.
There was a look of delight on her face when she opened the door and saw me standing there.
'Come in Vince; I was starting to think that you weren't coming, and I was getting worried that I would be on my own all day again.'
She gave me a hug a kiss on the lips as she ushered me into the house.
'Sit down and I will make the coffee. Have you got any news for me?'
'Yes, a lot has been happening, and it is all positive.'
'Well, tell me all about it.' She sounded excited.
'The most important piece of news is that we have managed to find who is now handling the loan that was made by Luigi Bandarella to Clive. If you remember, Mr Bandarella was killed in Australia.'
'Yes, I remember you telling me that.'
'We have now got an arrangement in place, and they will not bother us for three months. Peter Taylor is also happy that, by that time, he will have the funds to pay off the remainder of the loan. You needn't worry about where the money is coming from, although we may have to take some cash from the sale of this house.'
'Will I still have enough to buy the property in Tonbridge?'
'Yes, you should have plenty left.'
'Vince that is fantastic news.' She came over and gave me another of her tight squeezing hugs that left nothing to the imagination.
'What else have you sorted out, you magician you?' She kept her arms around my neck and fixed her eyes on mine.
'I talked to the staff in the showrooms and told them about Clive's unfortunate situation. I also phoned Julian Curtis and told him that he was clear to find a buyer for the business.'
'You have been busy Vince.' She unlocked her embrace and sat down at the kitchen table opposite me.
'Have you had any news from Chesterton's about this house?' It was my turn to ask the questions.
'Yes, it is looking good. Jonathon Kane brought around two people for viewings, and one of them is coming back on Saturday morning for a second viewing.'
'I thought that you won't be here on Saturday as you are taking the boys to look at that house in Tonbridge.'
'I won't be here, but I have given a set of keys to Jonathon so as he can come and go as he pleases.'
'So everything seems to be falling into place Carol. At this rate, you will be sorted out by the time that I have to travel to South Africa.'
'I now feel that I can start planning for a future without Clive in my life. Through all this adjustment, I have realised how much I had become a servant. Now I can resurrect my skills as a graphic designer and start earning again. I’m looking forward to it.'
'That's a great idea, Carol, you will need something to keep you occupied, and it would also be helpful if you had some money coming in and didn't rely solely on your capital. You need to keep any remaining funds for a rainy day.'
'The great thing about graphic design is that I can work from home. I have already started talking to my contacts that I made when I did freelance work before.'
'I am very happy for you Carol. It sounds as if it is all for the better, although Clive mightn't agree with you.' I smiled at her.
My mobile rang.
'Vince, can I talk to you?' It was the Inspector.
'Yes fire ahead I am just with Carol Newsome.'
'Have you managed to sort out all Clive's financial problems?'
'Yes, it all seems to be coming together thank you.'
'Have you found out any more about Ugo La Rossa?' he asked me.
'Yes, and in fact, I have met him in the flesh at his office in South Kensington.'
'You are a quick worker. How did your meeting go?'
'Believe it or not, he was quite reasonable and I came to an arrangement with him which takes the pressure off for the next three months.'
'I have been doing a bit of research on Mr La Rossa, and he has come up clean. Mind you, he has just come to this country so I would expect him to be clean. He came here from Chicago in the United States. I am trying to get the police there to supply me with any information they have. He seems to be a different sort of person to Luigi Bandarella.'
'He is still part of an organisation that I don't want to mix with, and he made some threats to Peter and me when we parted.'
'Do you want me to log those threats in our records here,' The Inspector suggested.
'No, leave it for the time being. We have a working arrangement with him and provided we keep to our side of the bargain we will not be in any danger. I have already paid him two point three million pounds.'
'Well done; that will hopefully, keep him happy and, as you say, buy you time to get the rest.'
'Inspector, we need to start thinking about travelling to Africa to monitor the arrival of the containers.'
'That's right, we will need to book the flights and hotels and I will have to get clearance from the police there?'
'Will you book the tickets for Reggie and your officer or will I?' I asked him.
'If you get Reggie to phone in his details to the office here I will do the necessary.'
'Who does he ask for?'
There was a pause on the other end of the phone.
'Sorry for the delay Vince, I was trying to establish who he should contact. Tell him to ask for John Griffiths, he is the officer who will be going with him. We will also need his address and his passport number.'
'I'll ask him to do that. As regards my trip to South Africa, I will look after my own travel arrangements and bill you later if that is OK.'
'No, that's fine Vince. Is there anything else you need to talk to me about?' The Inspector sounded as if he was now focusing on something else.
'No, that's your lot for today.'
'I'll talk to you next week.'
I pressed the red button to finish the call.
'Is that the same Inspector who helped rescue Nick?' Carol asked me. 'You sound as if you know him very well.'
'Yes, we talk together quite a lot when we have joint cases or when I am helping him out.'
'So he is the one you are going to Africa for?'
'Yes, but you aren't supposed to know anything about that.'
'I have forgotten it already Vince.'
'Let's go and drop in on Jonathon Kane at Chesterton's to see if he has progress to report,’ I suggested. ‘I can then buy you some lunch in a local Bistro if there is one close by.'
'That would be sweet of you Vince. There are plenty of excellent places in the area so we won't have any problem finding one.'
'Well, go and get your coat and do whatever a lady does before they go out with a handsome guy
for lunch.'
'Don't flatter yourself Vince. It is not your looks that I find attractive.' She gave me a big smile as she left the kitchen and went upstairs to get ready, leaving me to try and work out what she meant by her last remark. I think that I knew what she was suggesting!
When we left the house, there was a slight drizzle. She grabbed an umbrella on her way out which she handed to me. Being taller, I held the umbrella, and she held my arm and stayed close beside me so as we both were protected from the rain. A cosy arrangement!
At Chesterton’s, Jonathon Kane told us that there were no new developments to excite us. He also informed us that the person who was coming back for a second viewing on Saturday had told him that if her husband liked the property, as much as she did, then they would be putting an offer in.
Since it was still raining, we went to a Bistro just across the road from the Estate Agents for our lunch.
'Are you aware Vince that this is the first time we have been able to sit down and relax since you came to tell me the news about Clive?'
'I feel the same. Clive left us with quite a legacy to deal with, and the situation was threatening, to say the least. I felt nothing but disdain for Clive but, on the other hand, very sorry for you. You have been very brave to handle the pressure.'
'I really didn't have any alternative, although, at one stage, I felt like giving up the fight and running away,' Carol added.
The waitress came and took our order, interrupting the flow of the conversation.
'Would you like a glass of wine with your meal I asked Carol?'
'Of course; haven't we earned it?'
I ordered two glasses of the house Chardonnay.
My mobile rang. It was Willem from his office in Rotterdam.
'Hi Vince, I have an update on the shipment of the containers. Can I speak to you?'
'Of course, you can; I am only having lunch in a restaurant with a friend.'
'Sorry to disturb your meal, but I wanted to tell you that the Johannes Maersk, with your containers on board, left Rotterdam at ten o'clock last night. By now the vessel will be well down the English Channel.'
'Thanks for that. I can now schedule my trip to South Africa based on the ship’s scheduled arrival date in Durban.'
An African Adventure (Vince Hamilton Private Investigator Book 4) Page 15
