by AD Hartley
They had already known thanks to Randy that the investigation had halted after Luigi’s death when the allegations were withdrawn. Newton thought this fitted with Luigi’s suspicions about Randy, who clearly thought the allegations were unnecessary now that he about to be named owner of the factory via Luigi’s Last Will and Testament, as well as becoming Carlo’s guardian via a court judgement as the most suitable adult to continue supporting Carlo.
‘Must have been a bit of a shock.’ Newton said. ‘He had wanted you but was promised the factory and then fourteen years later he lost the factory but gained you. Somewhat ironic.’ Carlo didn’t see the funny side.
But to Newton, at least, much now started to make sense.
‘Don’t you see? Randy told Herbert, his nephew, your family secret. Herbert told Mr Hill. Mr Hill jumped at the opportunity to buy the factory from Randy. But no one guessed you would be given the factory instead. Given what we know, I doubt Randy would have sold it to Hill’s anyway. He had waited so long to get it.’
‘And then he assumed I would just give it to him when things got tough.’ Carlo said.
‘But that was all him. The sabotage and issues with hiring staff; everything. He was trying to force your hand. Neil never returned simply because Randy never invited him back. Remember how bad the new guys were initially? He wanted that entire calamity to discourage you enough to want to leave.’
Carlo suddenly felt guilty for suspecting Neil of sabotage.
Beyond all the guess work the one thing they could be sure of was that in the end, Randy had despaired of ever owning the factory or selling it to Hill’s. The explosion was his last act allowing Mr Hill to have his final victory, Carlo, who he still believed to be his son, to have the insurance money, whilst he would take Mr Hill’s money and leave town, unknowingly beaten by the ghost of a former friend who had continued to deny him the only things he wanted.
Newton put down the evening newspaper, which had a dramatic headline on the front page declaring “Hill Implicated In Leodoni Explosion!” above a picture of an angry Haverton Hill being arrested.
‘The others will be here soon.’ he said to Carlo who was still staring out the window. ‘Norton wants to push you out in the wheelchair.’
‘I’m not being pushed out of here. I’m walking.’ Carlo said, still staring out of the window.
‘It’s OK. I imagine Ben will substitute and Norton can push him instead.’
A few minutes later, Abi, Ben and Norton arrived to escort Carlo to Abi and Ben’s house where he would be staying for a few days. His uncles were on their way from Italy and Carlo could foresee an argument looming regarding his future, but he was determined to stay. There was an ice cream factory to rebuild, two more years of school to complete and this is where his friends were. Why would he leave?
As Ben Hurtled down the ramp to the car park in a wheelchair being pushed by Norton, Abi put her arm through Carlo’s as they walked next to Newton. ‘How did it go with Vicky yesterday?’
‘I have no idea.’ Carlo said. ‘She apologised in case she upset me, but I have a feeling she was told to say that by her grandfather. He was there too. To be honest I don’t think she really understands what she said wrong. But then she prattled on about more stuff I don’t really care about.’
‘So you’re breaking up with her?’ Newton asked.
‘No, we’re going to the cinema together next week.’ Carlo replied, sounding glum. ‘I have no idea how it happened.’
Newton and Abi laughed as Ben screeched to a halt in the wheelchair, a breathless Norton jogging up behind him.
‘What are we going to do tomorrow then?’ Ben asked, hopping out of the wheelchair as they reached the edge of the hospital grounds.
‘We’re working.’ Carlo answered.
‘Aww! We did that all summer.’ Ben complained.
‘Hey, you all asked to help, remember.’ Carlo said.
‘It was fun!’ said Abi. Ben made a face.
‘That’s one way of looking at it.’ Carlo said, shaking his head. ‘If I ever complain about a boring school holiday again, remind me of this one.’
‘What work are we doing tomorrow? I don’t want to do work! It’s bad enough that school has started.’ Norton said, sounding as if nothing could be more torturous.
‘We’re collecting my things tomorrow from Uncle Randy’s.’ Carlo said as they walked slowly back to Ben and Abi’s house.
‘He’s not your Uncle!’ Norton said, automatically.
‘No, you’re right. He wasn’t.’ Carlo replied.
‘He was Herbert’s.’ said Ben.
The End
Keep in touch with the further adventures of Carlo & Co.
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