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‘What do you think I should wear on Monday evening?’ Geraldine asked her husband.
‘I’ve no idea, whatever you want. It’s only dinner, not a royal garden party.’
‘Christian, don’t be so miserable. We don’t get many social invitations. I want to look nice. After all, I’m sure Ron’s wife, sorry, fiancée will be dressed in expensive clothes. She’s probably got a wardrobe full of designer stuff.’
‘Probably,’ replied Christian flatly.
‘Look, can you look after the children this afternoon and I’ll go to the shops, see if I can find something new? It will make me feel more confident.’
‘Yes sure but don’t get anything too fancy.’
‘No, I can text you a picture when I find something, so keep checking your mobile.’
‘Fine.’
‘I’ve got a babysitter for Monday, a girl from work is happy to help us out and I know her so there’s no need to worry.’
‘I won’t.’
‘Christian, is there something wrong? At work I mean?’
‘You could say that.’
‘I thought the inspection went well.’
‘Oh, it did, very well. Ron took over and I just sat there. Nodding at the appropriate time. I might as well not have been there.’
‘Rubbish, I’m sure you are exaggerating. Anyway, it shows how much he appreciates you if he’s invited us to his house. I can’t wait to see it.’
‘I hope you enjoy yourself. I see enough of Ron during the week, I don’t want to spend my evening with him as well.’
‘I think you are tired and exhausted after all the preparation for the inspection. Why don’t you go back to bed for a while this morning? I’ll take the kids swimming and then you can spend time with them this afternoon. Deal?’
‘OK, perhaps you are right. I didn’t sleep well last night.’
‘I’ll wake you for lunch. Hope you feel better.’
‘I hope so too,’ said Christian as he climbed slowly upstairs to the privacy of their bedroom. He needed some time alone with his thoughts.
**
Annabelle and Brett had slept until after 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. With nothing planned for the day they hadn’t set an alarm. They’d stayed up late to watch a film to try to unwind after the tense end to the week due to the shock announcement about PersCure.
‘I still feel the University is making a big mistake,’ said Brett.
‘I know, it’s disappointing but there’s such a squeeze on public funds at the moment.’’
‘True. You know, I’ve been thinking,’ said Brett.
‘I always get anxious when you say that,’ joked Annabelle.
‘Well, it’s just a thought but I wondered whether Matt and I could borrow the money to buy out the University stake.’
‘What?’ said Annabelle almost choking on her coffee. ‘But how much are you talking about? Two million, three?’
‘Thereabouts,’ said Brett.
‘That’s a huge loan, what if it doesn’t pan out?’
‘That would be a problem,’ said Brett calmly.
‘It certainly would. You’d be declared bankrupt and whatever security had been offered against the loan would be lost.’
‘Hmmm, it’s not easy.’
‘Please don’t carry on thinking along those lines. Firstly, it scares me and secondly, I just think you are wasting your time.’
‘I just feel there’s so much potential. There’s always the possibility we could sell the front-runner compound to another company. That might be the best way forward. It’s earlier than we’d have wanted though.’
‘It might just have to be that option. After all, you are business advisors. I’m sure you would get another contract on the reputation of what you’ve done for PersCure.’
‘Well, I’ll tell Ron Radford on Monday that he’s got Jake Marsfield’s stake. Let’s hope the pair of them can agree on a value which is mutually acceptable. I doubt he’ll be able to buy out the rest though. He’s been splashing the cash recently.’
‘Let’s have a break from it all today,’ said Annabelle. ‘I might have to do a bit of work tomorrow evening but today I want to switch off from work.’
‘What do you fancy doing?’
‘I don’t know. What about we go for a drive. Stop at a country pub. We might find somewhere we can walk this afternoon.’
‘Sounds good. Let’s go out this evening for a meal. Nowhere fancy. I just want a change of scenery.’
‘Great, fine by me. Tomorrow you can tidy up the garden with me!’
‘Oh, my back,’ joked Brett as he hobbled across the kitchen. ‘I don’t think I’m well enough for gardening.’
**
‘Sav? Can I come in?’ said Dylan knocking on his sister’s bedroom door.
‘Just a minute!’ she called.
Dylan could hear her shutting one of her drawers as it made a characteristic squeaking noise.
‘OK?’ she called.
Dylan marched in and flopped down her bed.
‘Make yourself at home,’ she said sarcastically.
Dylan ignored her and looked around her bedroom. He could see a new pair of jeans and a top hanging up on the back of the door, with labels still attached.
‘Got yourself a new outfit?’ he asked.
‘Yes, what’s it to you?’
‘How come you got money to buy new things?’
‘I didn’t, I nicked them.’
‘Well, done,’ he replied. ‘Going anywhere nice?’
‘Just with the girls as usual.’
‘Look, I told you a while ago, you need to be careful. There are some new geezers in the area from London, OK? They are looking for young girls like you.’
‘I’ve told you before, I can look after myself.’
‘I saw you coming back on your own the other night. It’s not safe!’
‘Piss off, you’re doing my head in,’ she said.
Dylan looked at her bedside table. There was a box with the name Pandora, on the outside.
‘What’s this?’ he said, picking it up and looking at the watch inside. ‘You nick this too?’
‘Course,’ said his sister, avoiding his gaze.
‘How? It’s not like they just have them on show, ready to swipe? I don’t believe you.’
‘Mind your own business. Give it to me!’
Dylan got up and pushed her out of the way. He dragged open the top drawer of the chest and rummaged amongst her underwear.
‘What are you doing?’ she screamed, trying to push him away.
Dylan soon found what he suspected was in there. He held up some small plastic packages containing pills.
‘I knew it!’ he shouted.
‘You’re working for them, ain’t you?’
‘I’m not, not really. It’s just a one off!’
‘I’ll take these,’ he said, pushing them into his pockets. ‘Keep away from whoever it is. They are bad news.’
He rushed out leaving Savannah to call after him in vain. She slumped down on her bed. What was she going to do now? Her boyfriend was going to be furious.
