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Persford was in shock. All the main news channels sent reporters and outside broadcast vans once it became clear that there had been a terrorist attack. Joe Blackstone had died at the scene along with two innocent victims, a young man and woman who were unrelated and had not long since moved to the area hoping for a better life after their ordeal in Syria. The exact target would remain a secret but the authorities learned from Adam that Joe was planning to travel to London that night. Had that happened the death toll would have been much higher.
The university was rocked to the core by the fact that a right-wing extremist had been able to operate undetected. They didn’t have proof but it seemed likely that he had been used as a conduit for some of the material being distributed in the internal mail. Exactly when and how he had been radicalised was less clear. Fortunately, he didn’t appear to have been accessing extreme material at the University but when police conducted a forensic search of his phone and laptop they found evidence of internet chat rooms and websites he’d visited using the code name Nimrod.
Britannia First issued a statement emphasising that they did not endorse terrorism and wanted to bring about change by peaceful means. They denied any links with Joe and blamed organisations in Europe for grooming and influencing young people. The University Council increased funds to counter extremism and employed further measures to monitor internet activity.
All members of Joe’s laboratory were told to stay off site for a couple of days or longer until they had come to terms with the shocking situation. Nick and Polly returned to work on Friday. Both wanted to catch up with paperwork so that they could resume their normal work activities the following week.
**
Brett was working from home when his mother phoned.
‘Brett, hello, just wondered how you are all coping with the dreadful news?’ she asked.
‘Oh, well, it’s been an awful shock. We had no idea the chemist involved was abusing his position or that he’d been radicalised. He seemed to be doing a reasonable job on the project.’
‘I guess you never know what’s going on in some people’s heads,’ added his mother.
‘No, indeed.’
‘Rex is a bit worried it might reflect badly on the company he’s invested in. He’s put a lot of money at stake you know.’
Brett realised this was the real reason for the call, nothing to do with his well-being.
‘It doesn’t affect how well the front-runner drug is doing. That’s undergoing clinical trials at the moment. All seems well. We aren’t listed on the stockmarket yet. So it’s not like the price is influenced so much by events like this.’
‘Oh, well, Rex just wonders whether you are vetting people properly. Didn’t you have any idea he was a far-right extremist?’
‘Yes, of course, we did, that’s why we took him on,’ said Brett sarcastically.
‘There’s no need to be cheeky,’ said his mother. ‘Anyway, there’s another reason I’m phoning.’
‘Oh, yes,’ said Brett warily.
‘Yes, we want to come and visit you this weekend. We really don’t see enough of you. I thought this time we might be able to stay with you in your guest suite.’
‘Sorry, Mum but we’ve got the decorators in. Otherwise, of course, you could stay,’ said Brett.
‘Oh,’ said his mother, ‘that’s a shame.’
‘Of course, you can stay in a hotel. We can’t host you for meals I’m afraid as we are rather disorganised with having to clear things for the decorators. There are lots of nice restaurants in Persford though.’
‘I’ll have to speak to Rex and get back to you.’
‘No problem, speak to you again, Mum.’
Brett ended the call and punched the air. What a result. He simply couldn’t face the odious Rex and although it was true they were going to get the decorators to do some work it was going to be a while yet. If Annabelle admonished him he would say he couldn’t cope due to the stress of the last few days.
**
Maureen had virtually moved into Brensford Manor although she did still spend the odd night back at her own property. Their relationship was blossoming and they had started to talk about a date for their marriage which they wanted to be a quiet affair at the Register Office with just a few close friends and relatives, followed by a catered reception at Ron’s property. It would be a few months before probate on Hubert’s estate was granted and his assets formally transferred to Maureen’s name.
‘Ron, I’ve been thinking,’ said Maureen. ‘I know nothing about drugs or medicine, so I think you should have Hubert’s share in PersCure.’
‘No, I couldn’t, that’s yours,’ said Ron.
‘No, I insist. I told you, Francis says it’s more than he originally thought. Over a quarter of a million. It seems that when Hubert realised he was ill he wanted to invest in a worthy cause. That’s why he upped his stake.’
‘Well, I can see why he would want to do that,’ said Ron. ‘That was my motive for investment too, in memory of Natasha.’
‘So, that’s what I thought. You should have the stake. I’ll transfer it to you as soon as I can. It’s more appropriate this way. You deserve it.’
‘Maureen, you are such a generous person. I’m so lucky to have met you,’ said Ron, kissing her hand.
‘I’m the lucky one,’ said Maureen. ‘You spoil me. I’ve never been so happy.’
‘I’m the happy one,’ said Ron. ‘You have completely turned my life around. At times I felt like taking the same route as Hubert did and my late wife Shirley. I could just have given up.’
‘Don’t say that. You wouldn’t have. You’re a survivor, Ron. You’ll be the last man standing, I’m sure.’
Ron remained silent. Maureen didn’t know how true those words were. He was a survivor. Nobody would get the better of him and especially not Maureen.
