A Servant of the Company (23 page)

‘Hello, is that Carol?’ She was there and Steve’s brain clicked into action. ‘Last night we had dinner together and we got on very well, then you received a call. It took me by surprise and I could see that you were aware of that. That’s when the evening went downhill.’ He waited for a response before taking his plan further.

‘Steve, I’ve been wondering why you became so edgy when I got the call and I’m pleased you rang because your response has been worrying me too.’

This was it. Secrets were about to be revealed. ‘Did you receive a call from a mysterious company who subsequently employed you?’ It was risky to come out with it but he was sure he knew the answer.

‘Don’t tell me you received one too? I thought you had been sent to spy on me. This whole business is crazy and a bit scary don’t you think.’

‘Carol would you like to join us, I’m with my girlfriend and a friend of hers in the Old Wellington. Do you know it? We have a lot to talk about and some discovering to do.’ It had been the right action to take and holding up his thumb to Sue, he winked at her.

‘I’ll be there as quick as I can, for goodness sake don’t leave before I get there. Don’t expect to see me all dressed up, I’m in jeans and a T-shirt. See you soon.’

Twenty minutes later introductions were over and the four young people were sitting close together around the table. Noise in the bar had risen as the number of customers increased, each group in animated conversation No-one paid any attention to Steve’s group but they kept their voices low, just in case.

‘I can see now that my fear was unfounded.’ Carol spoke directly to Steve but glanced at the two girls to include them as co-conspirators. ‘You did worry me when you couldn’t take your eyes off the damned phone.’ Her voice had a hint of laughter in it which the remainder of the group picked up. ‘Can I suggest that one person leads our little meeting and then we can put everything in to a semblance of order? Steve and I have got ourselves into a very weird world indeed. On reflection there have been some veiled threats attached to our job packages. Well, to mine anyway. What about you Steve?’

‘The one word that stands out is retribution, and that sounds very threatening in my book. Your idea of someone leading the discussion is sound Carol. Can I suggest Sue? We’ve only just met but she has one very quick brain and if anyone can ask the right questions I’m sure she can. She’s on the outside looking in and I think could determine the nature of our predicament.’ He had been impressed by her understanding of the situation and the need to bring Carol into the picture. ‘Finding a solution might take a little longer.’

‘That’s fine by me, let’s do it.’ Carol moved even closer to the remainder of the group eagerly awaiting the post mortem to commence. ‘Just one thing before we start though, do you think there is any possibility of someone inflicting bodily harm on us. If there is, I think we should have some sort of plan as a form of self protection.’ She had already made one self preservation decision, never to act as a P.R. Hostess regardless of appointments already made.

‘You’re an ex-soldier Steve, what can a girl do to protect herself?’ Anthea gripped his hand waiting for some guidance.

‘I don’t think it will come to that.’ Steve wished he could believe that but they were in dangerous territory. ‘If the worst scenario possible happened and you were attacked by a male, there are two places where he is vulnerable. First the testicles and second the eyes. How you deliver damage to these areas depends on the circumstance at the time. If you do go for the eyes, use two fingers held straight like this.’ He demonstrated using his own fingers. ‘Just a sharp jabbing action and then run as fast as you can. Always make a quick exit before your attacker has time to recover. Now let’s move on, this may never happen.’ The girls were looking apprehensive, it was time to change the subject.

‘These people are obviously up to no good but I think it would make sense to continue as if nothing had happened and wait our opportunity to get inside the Organisation. Their security can’t be one hundred per cent foolproof. Someone is going to leave a chink in the armour some time.’ Sue was now taking control of the situation suggesting and guiding the other three. Crime was her field. With the evidence so far, if the Police took over the only arrest to be made would be Steve’s, so she would freelance on this one until the time was right.

‘Do you think Carol’s Clive Andrews is the same person who calls you Steve? Are there any similarities in his approach?’ Listening to conversation so far, she found it strange that Steve’s contact had never given a name but the method of contact and voice of the caller had been the same in both cases. ‘Is there anything he said which registered on your mind as being odd or different?’

Leaning forward Steve remembered a phrase which he had thought a bit practiced. ‘Well apart from his public school voice, he did have one expression which I thought odd at the time. He said, ‘I too am just...’ Steve didn’t finish the sentence.

‘A servant of the Company.’ Carol finished it for him. ‘It’s the same man isn’t it? Things are beginning to tally. What do you think Steve, are you convinced? It may only be a small clue but it’s a start.’

‘I think it’s ninety-nine point nine per cent certain that they are one and the same. If we think carefully there will be more phrases which we have both heard.’ As sure as he was of their progress, it didn’t make Steve feel any more relaxed about his or Carol’s future.

‘Would it be possible for us all to meet tomorrow, once we’ve slept on it things might become clearer in our minds.’ With the pressure of pretending to progress a criminal operation mounting on him, Steve was feeling the strain and tiredness was creeping up on him. He had to get back to his rented house, get some sleep before the Company’s a.m. call. His mind had to be clear or his motives might be recognised. ‘Retribution’ was now permanently etched on his mind. ‘Who can make it in the morning?’ All but Sue raised their hands.

‘Sorry folks I can’t get away during the day but I’ll get a run down from Anthea when I get home.’ Sue had a full day ahead at her office, as much as she would have liked to be available tomorrow, she had a loyalty to the firm which had been so good to her.

‘I’m not proud of the place where I live but I think it will give everyone a feel of the twilight world I’ve got myself into if we meet there. How about nine thirty in the morning.’

‘Anthea can you find your way by that time?’ How he wanted her tonight but it couldn’t be. The time would come and it would be perfect.

‘Greg is taking me to work, we could drop Anthea off on the way no problem. How about you Carol? Can those executive chasing girls wait for an hour or so if you are out of the office?’

‘Yes, they will have to, this is far too important to let it rest. I’ll be there for nine thirty. Just write the address down and I’ll find it on the map.’

‘I think we have moved on quite a way. From now on it will be softly softly I think.’ Sue once again was guiding the team and they accepted it willingly. On the way home she would tell Anthea to avoid the subject while Greg was around, there was no need to involve him at this stage.

There were tears in Anthea’s eyes as she kissed Steve goodnight, the thought of leaving him was unbearable. Tomorrow was another day, one which she hoped would divulge more about the mysterious company.

Sleep had never been a problem in the past. Now after a bad night he had developed dark rings under his eyes and was having difficulty deciding who to call first. It was time, telephone calls had to be made and instructions given. Henderson he decided gave him most concern so he would deal with him first. It was necessary to gauge a reaction. Maybe he was becoming paranoid. Were there any indications that his secrets had been uncovered? He tried to convince himself that everything was normal and there had been a good reason for Carol to be with Henderson. But why had she lied? A call to Mr. P would release his stock to Henderson’s care and then the money would start to flow. Why was he worrying, anyone who had let the Company down had paid the price, and the business had continued. Today if someone crossed him the same rules would apply. During the night his brain had been working on methods of retribution should his gut feeling prove to be correct. At least something had been achieved. He had a standby plan.

Once again he had trouble eating breakfast, up until two days ago it had been his favourite meal of the day. Now he couldn’t wait to leave the hotel and find a quiet place to make his calls.

The phone was answered immediately and that troubled him. Was Henderson edgy, and if so why? ‘Good morning Henderson, how are you today?’ The tone of the response was important, it would he hoped give him a clue. Had Henderson’s manner changed towards him, was there a hint of nervousness in his voice?

‘No problems this end Sir, all ready for the off.’ His cheerful voice was confident and did not reflect his true feelings. He too had slept badly, but he had to play along with the Company’s game until something was worked out to counteract his employer’s intentions. His hope that there had been a postponement was short lived.

‘I want you standing by all morning, the first delivery will be made later and I will phone with a time and location as soon as possible. Then it is up to you. Progress will be under the microscope at the highest level, I do hope you understand that great things are expected of you?’ So far so good. There had been no give away signs that Henderson was being anything other than keen to get on with the job. ‘By the way, how was the chairman’s reward the other evening?’ If Henderson was suspicious, now was the time he would give the game away. He was tense, listening for any change in voice or manner. Would the response still leave him in doubt?

‘Great evening thank you Sir. I must have talked too much because she developed a migraine as we were finishing the meal which was a pity because she had given me some good advice on tackling essays. Anyway I enjoyed it because she was a very nice girl, and interesting too. Migraine can catch people out at the most inconvenient times, it was a shame because she too seemed to be enjoying herself.’ How had he done? Would his boss believe what he had said and carry on as before. Would his quick thinking migraine excuse work? He must remember to warn Carol of his answer.

‘Good, I’m pleased the evening was not a complete failure, next time you should get something better. Maybe a girl with, can I say, diverse interests. Results will reflect the quality of the rewards. In the meantime standby and I’ll call you later.’ It was going to be alright. There were no telltale signs in Henderson’s behaviour. The migraine explanation could be true. Had all the worrying been for nothing? However after arranging the deliveries, he would still continue his recce of the area.

Two phone calls later and everything was set for the distribution of high grade merchandise. As a precaution, he would leave Bill and Ben on standby. Just in case, also have his ex-Army Warrant Officer complete the task he had set. His right eye was bothering him and he rubbed it to clear the irritation. Looking into the car mirror he stared at the face looking at him. ‘Good God is that me, I look ten years older, and that eye has developed a twitch.’ What was happening to him? Where was the calm controlled person he had been? If there was a café near to Henderson’s place he would stop and have a strong black coffee. It would help, that and deep breathing exercises would put him back in control, then the next phase could begin.

The coffee had helped and a slow drive around the area began, starting two streets away from Henderson’s where the streets formed a T-junction with a main road. There was not much activity yet but the newly appointed supervisors should be up and ready to take delivery once Henderson alerted them. He was relaxed now, pleased that he had stopped for a coffee. His humour was returning and he smiled at the thought of another successful business launch.

‘Now for you young Henderson, you too should be out of your bed and ready to lead your men against the forces of law and order.’ It was the next turning thirty yards ahead and his speed had dropped from fifteen miles an hour to ten when the 4 X 4 overtook him and disappeared into the street he was heading for. By the time he turned the corner, it had stopped and the occupants were getting out. The male was in uniform, his female companions in civilian dress. Before he could identify the uniform, he had passed it and not wanting to draw attention to himself continued on, looking neither right nor left. One thing he did notice, the car was outside Henderson’s accommodation.

He was tense now, turning at the next corner he did a circuit of the block parking at the end of the street facing the parked car. They were still outside the door when he saw Henderson appear. Watching in disbelief he recognised the Police uniform and saw the exchange of handshakes between the two men. He had to get nearer before they entered the house for a closer look at the girls. They were young but had a confidence about them, he was certain they were detectives and a file was about to be opened on the business.

Gripping the steering wheel he muttered through clenched teeth. ‘You’re bloody dead Henderson.’

A second car was coming towards him but stopped behind the 4 X 4. This time his breathing stopped for a few seconds when he recognised Carol Barcroft as she got out of the car. She knocked on the door, he saw it open and she vanished from view.

He had to find a discreet place to park so that his recovery plan could be initiated. The treachery he had witnessed would be punished, and soon.

The girl would be dealt with first, after separating her from Henderson. A call to Bill and Ben would have them on site by late lunch time. Once they had reported that the job was complete, it would be Henderson’s turn. As an ex-soldier his finale would be appropriate, his ex-Army Warrant Officer would see to that.

Greg had not been told of the problems or of the previous evening’s discussion, and after introductions and a brief chat to Steve and Carol, he and Sue had to leave.

‘I’ll give you a ring later Anthea and we can arrange to meet up. Thanks for the offer of coffee Steve but I must get to work and Greg has to get to his course.’

Anthea stood on the doorstep and waved to them as the car moved away.

‘Well what do you think of our Police Force Steve?’ It was a question to see if he would get on socially with Greg. She hoped they would be meeting together as couples for a long time to come.

‘Nice bloke, I could get on with him and after a pint or two we would be telling each other what a hard time our girlfriends were giving us.’ He laughed as Anthea made a face at him. ‘Yes, he’s someone I could get on with.’ Steve was serious and sorry that Greg was going to be away for the next two weeks. ‘Now before we start, does anyone want to continue our meeting here or should we find somewhere a bit more comfortable?’ He gave a slight shudder as he glanced around the room with its worn furniture and damp stained wallpaper.

‘Now I’ve seen the place,’ Carol grimaced, ‘I’m pleased we had our get together here. The whole area is certainly atmospheric and if anywhere shouts ‘drugs’ at you, this place does. So how about seeing how the other half live. I’m the only one working in the office although there are always calls not only from clients but from the girls. We can continue there, the only interference will be from the phone ringing. If you can put up with that, the facilities are there.’ It was a good suggestion and she was pleased to see Anthea collecting her jacket and bag.

‘That’s a great idea Carol. I would like to see your setup and see how other parts of the organisation tick.’ He was ashamed of his temporary home and pleased at the suggestion. This was no place for his future wife and someone he hoped would be a good friend.

After locking up the house, the drive to Carol’s office through the busy morning traffic took twenty minutes. Fortunately she had a parking space behind the office block and soon was opening the office door. ‘Come in folks and make yourselves at home while I put the kettle on.’ Pulling two chairs towards her desk, Anthea and Steve took off their jackets and sat down waiting for coffee.

‘I can see why you were eager to escape from my pad and return to this bit of luxury. You even have a nice view. All that was necessary was a kettle and you’ve got that too.’ He wasn’t relaxed, there were too many unanswered questions. He tried to convince himself that it was going to turn out right in the end. If only he could believe it. It could be the Mafia they were dealing with.

The phone was ringing and conversation stopped as the girls looked at Steven. It was his phone, ‘More instructions.’ He whispered to the girls as though the person at the other end of the unanswered phone could hear. Taking the phone from his pocket, he switched it on. ‘Hello.’

‘Slight change of plan Henderson, we had hoped the delivery would be made here but unfortunately due to a car accident, we, or rather you will have to collect the merchandise from Glasgow. Have you a pen handy?’

‘Just a second Sir,’ he made scribbling motion towards Carol who immediately passed him a pen and a piece of paper. ‘O.K. got it.’

‘Train times are as follows.’ Steve wrote them down and checked them back. ‘Now, you will be met by a man who will be waiting by the exit. He’s unmistakeable, unless there are two people with zimmer frames at the station which I very much doubt. The name is Jimmy. He may be accompanied, but I hope not. I would expect honest dealings from them but they can be a bit paranoid at times. One thing, on no account take a mobile phone with you. That was the instruction I received from our suppliers. Should friend Jimmy be accompanied, you will certainly be searched and we can’t risk breaking their rules. Once you have the merchandise, call me from a public call box then take the next train back. Is that clear?’

‘Do I have to hand anything over in exchange?’ Steven was clutching at straws. This was totally unexpected and he was unprepared for it. He would be out of touch with Anthea and Carol for the rest of the day.

‘No that’s all you have to do. Don’t whatever you do lose sight of that bag. In real terms you will be carrying a million pounds. All you will have to do is convert the contents into hard cash. Now you will have to move and sort yourself out. You have ample time to catch the train but it always pays to be early.’ He would know exactly what time Henderson arrived at the station, he would be there watching until the train left the platform with Henderson on board.

Steve wished Sue had been there, she would have had sound advice at this moment. Unfortunately she wasn’t, and he had to make a decision. The girls could not come up with any suggestions when he told them of his instructions, the only option was to keep the appointment. He asked them to consult Sue at the first opportunity and he would ring Anthea’s mobile from Glasgow.

Looking at his watch he estimated he had just 45 minutes to get to the station. ‘Gotta dash if I’m to make that train.’ He patted his pocket making sure his wallet was in place. He gave Anthea a brief kiss and headed for the door.

‘Do be careful Steve. I don’t want anything to happen to you.’ Anthea was worried, she had prepared herself for the day and this wasn’t in the plan. Things were getting out of control and Sue wasn’t there to help.

‘Look Anthea, I’ve got a suggestion to make. Why don’t you take your mind off things for a while? A bit of shopping therapy would do you the world of good, it always works for me if I have a doubt about something.’ Carol recognised the signs, the strain was showing on Anthea’s face and she was very unsettled. ‘I have to carry on as normal here, the girls will be ringing in between now and one o’clock, and then there are client calls to cope with. Oh! God, I forgot, I’m supposed to have some forecast figures for Clive Andrews. I’d better put something together before he calls.’

‘You have been a great help Carol, between us we will sort out this mess and then get on with our lives. I’ll take your advice and head for the Arndale centre Sue was telling me about. Can we meet for lunch?’ With Steve away and Sue involved at her office, Carol was the only person she could turn to and she desperately needed that support.

‘Here’s my card, just ring the mobile number when you have had enough and I’ll come and join you. Is that alright?’ As Anthea moved towards the door, Carol put her arm around her. ‘Don’t worry Anthea, everything is going to be alright.’

The smile and confident voice were encouraging. ‘Thanks Carol, you are a great help. I’ll ring about two o’clock if that’s O.K. It will give you a chance to sort out your calls.’

‘No problem, see you later.’ Opening the door, Carol let her new friend out on to the streets of Manchester.

Ten minutes later her mobile phone rang. Should she ignore it? Carol was in doubt, the confidence she had shown Anthea had vanished.

What would happen if she ignored the calls forever? It couldn’t be done. The directors would put pressure on Clive Andrews she was sure. She picked up the telephone.