| |
––––––––
The next week...
The day of the official launch of PersCure had arrived and the local press were attending to take some publicity shots. It was unfortunate that Derek’s death and funeral had preceded the launch so closely and in a show of respect, Hilary Worksop had asked Derek’s widow whether she was happy for the event to go ahead. She agreed wholeheartedly that it should take place without delay and would be a fitting reminder of his achievements. Their son Felix would represent the Plumpton family.
Thus the university hierarchy including the Vice-Chancellor was assembled in the Senate House along with all the faculty heads and the major contributors from the multi-disciplinary team which had enabled the prototype drug UP-627-TK to progress to clinical trials. Pat Dunford representing the chemistry department looked unusually smart in his suit. Matt, Brett and Nick were chatting with Rebecca Levinson from oncology when Professor Ian French called for quiet.
He stepped up on to the stage and took the microphone.
‘On behalf of the University of Persford, I would like to thank you all for attending this historic day when we announce what we hope will be the first of many spin-off companies associated with this great institution. Although we are here to celebrate, we are also mourning the death of the great scientist Professor Derek Plumpton.’
There was a murmuring in the audience at this latest comment.
‘I am sure you all join with me in passing on our sincere condolences to Derek’s family, particularly to his widow Winifred and his son Felix who is here today.’
He paused to consult his notes. ‘Now I would like to introduce Hilary Worksop, Head of Innovation and Technology to say a few words.’
‘Thanks, Ian,’ she said. ‘I will be brief but I just want to thank our consultants from PerzSolve, Matt Pearson, Brett Chandler and Nick Thomas for providing the excellent guidance which has enabled this venture to come to fruition so quickly and smoothly.’ She allowed a few moments for people to applaud as she indicated the trio standing towards the side of the room.
‘We are delighted that as well as receiving funding from investment houses in the city we also have local investors who have backed the fledgling company. Two of those are here today. Mr Ron Radford and Mr Gerald Shipton, two well-known figures in the Persford business scene. Now I’d like to draw your attention to the poster boards which show a lot of interesting detail about the science and the business. Whilst you are perusing the boards please help yourselves to the refreshments.’
The audience clapped and the conversation started up once more.
‘Right, I’m going to get a drink, what about you two?’ asked Brett.
‘So, couldn’t your stepfather Rex come along, as he’s one of the bigger investors?’ asked Matt.
‘Ha, ha, he’s not my stepfather as well you know it,’ replied Brett quickly which caused Matt to smile. It was always good to tease Brett on that subject. ‘I did have a few anxious moments worrying that he was going to attend but fortunately they’d already booked a holiday.’
‘Strange that Jake Marsfield didn’t want to come down and have a look around. After all, he’s one of the big players. You would think he’d want to see exactly what his money is going to fund,’ said Matt.
‘Yes, well I contacted him several times but he’s just incredibly busy, blah, blah. It’s his choice after all. We’ve got his money whether he’s here in person or not.’
‘True, true,’ agreed Matt. ‘Right, which of these rather tired looking sandwiches shall I choose?’
Gerald Shipton was chatting with his friend Ron. ‘I must say, you will soon be taking over this university, what with PersCure and now ClinTry!’
‘Hardly, Gerald, I’m just doing a bit to help where I can. After all, it’s no good being the richest man in the cemetery. It’s good to indulge in a spot of philanthropy now and then,’ he paused. ‘I just wish Natasha was here to witness it.’
‘Don’t upset yourself, Ron,’ and he patted him on the arm. ‘But it’s not just philanthropy, is it. We should see a tidy return on our money?’
‘Oh, yes of course, but I’m past caring about that sort of thing,’ lied Ron. ‘I just want to do all I can to get this cancer treatment off the ground.’
Gerald thought it was a bit ironic that Ron was trying to create the impression that he wasn’t bothered about the money aspect. He knew Ron of old and nothing could be further from the truth. He was as obsessed with money as anyone. He decided to change the subject, ‘Seen Maureen recently?’
‘Yes, quite recently,’ said Ron, non-committally.
‘You know I just can’t believe that Hubert topped himself.’
‘He wasn’t well, cancer apparently. He became very depressed, I guess it all got too much for him, with him being on his own as well.’
‘Yes, I suppose so, it just seems an odd thing for him to do, he was always so controlling. He liked to be in charge. I’m just surprised he decided to throw in the towel, so to speak.’
‘Well, the inquest was satisfied. Suicide and as you know the funeral is tomorrow. Will you be going to the crematorium?’
‘Er, no I don’t think so. I couldn’t stand the bastard. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. After the way he treated Maureen. Well, they could take him to the tip as far as I’m concerned.’
‘It’s just a simple funeral, there won’t be that many people there I don’t think. A few family members, people from his business.’
‘You know, I wonder who he left all his money to? His brother might come into a small fortune. Unless he’s left it to charity?’
‘I’ve no idea Gerald and I can’t say it interests me much. Now, I think I’ll go and circulate after I’ve got myself a glass of that cheap plonk.’
Before Ron could get a drink the photographer arrived along with Hilary Worksop and they posed for some photos. After that, she introduced them to the scientists on the project and all talk of Hubert and his millions was temporarily forgotten.
**
Christian Dalton had contacted all the participants for the Phase I trial and had arranged for them to attend appointments at the clinical unit so that their medical records could be checked. Some of the phone calls had been rather difficult due to the participants’ poor command of English. Their medical history was virtually non-existent and he would have to rely on the interviews when they attended and the usual checks of blood pressure, ECG and so on before they administered the drug. Fortunately, they would only be receiving a small dose so there was little chance of any untoward effects, particularly as it had already completed several similar studies and this was a slight adjustment to the dosing regime.
Not for the first time today his mobile rang. It was Laura. He had rejected three calls already and missed two others. This time it was time to enact his instructions from Ron.
‘Hi, Laura. Sorry I’ve kept missing your calls. I’ve been in lots of meetings.’
‘I began to think you were avoiding me,’ she chuckled.
‘I don’t have long, as I said, it’s a busy day. I want to meet up?’
‘Ah, I’m glad you have been thinking about my little proposal.’
‘Oh, I have indeed. I’ll have some money ready for you soon, not all of it of course.’
‘Excellent. Shall I come and collect it?’
‘Why don’t we meet for a drink on Wednesday so we can discuss the details?’
‘Why not? That would be lovely. I’ll look forward to it.’
‘Well, obviously under the circumstances I don’t want to be spotted in public with you. So I could come to yours?’
‘I’m not sure.’
‘Laura, I can’t help feeling you don’t want me to see where you live.’
‘I’m just cautious.’
‘I understand that but after all, a deal cuts both ways, don’t you think?’
‘How about we meet in a country pub, out of town. I doubt anyone would recognise you there.’
Christian had been hoping for her address but this was the second best option, he didn’t have much choice.
‘OK, where did you have in mind?’
‘Do you know the Haywain, just outside Berrington? It’s about four miles outside Persford.’
‘I can look it up. Sounds good. About 8 ish?’
‘See you Wednesday.’
Christian heard her blow some kisses to him down the phone.
He disconnected and exhaled. Next he would phone Ron with the details of their assignation and hopefully he would be happy with the arrangements. It was the best he could manage. It shouldn’t be long until one of his problems would be resolved. With this accomplished he ought to be able to concentrate on his work and ensure that all the batches of the drug were ready for the trial. Suddenly he felt energised, things were starting to improve.
