The Stone Page 14

  Paul ran up the harbour side steps and saw someone looking out of a little cabin. ‘Where’s Dave mate?’

  ‘Are you two looking for your money? Got a message to tell you that you’ve got to go to the office and collect it.’ The man said.

  ‘Where’s the office?’

  ‘In Ashford,’ he replied pointing over the road. ‘The bus leaves in half an hour’

  Edmund walked up to the man in the shed. ‘And how are we expected to get there without cash?’ He ducked back into the shed and came back flourishing a five pound note.

  ‘One of the others left it for you’ he shouted as they picked up their belongings, and trudged across the road to the bus stop.

  ‘Look for Ashford Engineering, ask for David Delaney, and good luck.’

  ‘That Dave is going to need all the luck if he doesn’t have the money ready.’ Paul growled to himself.

  Sitting on the top of the East Kent double-decker bus, Paul broke the silence,

  ‘Edmund, I’ve been thinking about this DJ job.’

  ‘I know what you’re going to say mate. ‘I’m not going back on that filthy tin can either, for all the tea in China. Let’s get what we are owed, and we’ll walk away without even telling them, what do you think?’ Edmund said and Paul nodded in agreement.

  ‘I’m not going back to Deal with you mate, Rosalind’s dad has got me an interview with the director of that touring company I told you about. He thinks I’ve got a chance.’

  ‘Do you mean that Shakespeare gig?’ Edmund asked as Paul nodded. ‘Wherefore art thou Romeo? Best of luck mate, you deserve it.’ Edmund watched the Kent landscape flash by, and then he looked at Paul. ‘I’m not staying in Deal either, at least not for very long. I know that. Well, er.. Pauline wouldn’t....’

  Paul cut him off. ‘Don’t you worry mate, plenty more fish in the sea where that came from. You’re far too good for her anyway. She might be good looking but that’s only skin deep.’

  ‘Wow, Paul, first you’re a DJ hero and now a philosopher as well.’ They both were laughing as the bus pulled into Ashford bus station. The works were a good walk out of the centre of the dreary town, but Paul kept rubbing his hands in anticipation. Edmund was less confident, and he hoped there wasn’t going to be trouble.

  They were soon walking through some glass doors into a large area with a girl sitting at the reception desk. Paul smiled at the girl. ‘David Delaney please.’

  ‘He’s out.’ She looked back at him stony faced

  Paul’s face went red. ‘Get him now, and tell him that there are two people from Invicta waiting to see him. Do it now!’ He came in close to her rather menacingly.

  The poor girl looked scared to death, and her hand was shaking as she lifted the receiver.

  ‘Two men are here looking for David. Yes I know. But I think you had better get him quick!’ In two minutes a bearded man was walking down the open staircase, situated behind the reception desk. He wasn’t smiling, but he did have something in his hand, two envelopes which he gave one to each of them. He then started to turn to go back up the stairs.

  ‘Wait, you!’ Paul shouted, and he stood stock-still. Paul indicated to Edmund that they should open the sealed envelopes. Edmund and Paul counted £180. ‘We agreed £200.’

  ‘Yes but....’ David stuttered.

  ‘Go and get the other forty. Now! We have kept your crummy radio station going over Christmas. By the way what were you doing over Christmas friend?’ Paul scowled at David.

  ‘Wait, Mr Delaney!’ He turned around this time. ‘We also want the commission from Decca for the Twinkle plugging. You weren’t going to welch on that as well were you?’ Edmund asked softly.

  ‘How much do you want?’ Delaney asked through his teeth.

  ‘I think that we want another fifty each, if you don’t mind, Mr Delaney.’ Paul looked like he was going to rip his head off.

  ‘Brando would have been proud of him,’ Edmund thought, ‘And make it snappy friend.’ Edmund shouted this time. The receptionist girl went white, expecting trouble.

  He was back in a flash. ‘There you are gentlemen’ Delaney gave them an insincere smile.

  Paul grabbed the cash. ‘Try that again, and I’ll.....’

  ‘Let’s go!’ Edmund tugged Paul’s sleeve, and they both walked out. ‘I guess we’ve just been sacked again matey.’ Edmund murmured to him under his breath.

  As they walked back to the bus station with the £250 each in their pockets, Edmund knew that they were going their separate ways. It was the first time since they left home together to go to France, the year before. When would they meet up again? And in what circumstances would that be? It was a moving moment. Paul’s London coach was waiting in the bay, and Edmund walked to it with him.

  ‘Good luck in your new venture Paul.’ Edmund patted him on his back.

  ‘I’ll miss you old matey.’ Paul jumped on the footplate, and onto the coach, just in time, as the engine fired up. One wave and he was gone!

  15: Excitement in Southbourne

  Freddie and Indie

  ‘Vizards. Can I help you?’

  ‘Good morning, my name is Eloise Monks, and I would like to speak to Mr Macduff, if that is at all possible’. Ellie rang as early as she could in order to catch him before the interminable meetings that most lawyers seem to be involved in.

  ‘One moment, I will try to put you through.’ The receptionist said.

  ‘Mrs Monks?’ The deep familiar tones of Alex Macduff came over reassuringly.

  ‘Speaking’ Ellie tried to be as businesslike as she could.

  ‘How nice to hear from you, I must admit I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon after your meeting with Clive Jameson. I trust your meeting was successful?’ asked Macduff.

  ‘Very successful, and I have already visited the property, and met the agent looking after it.’ Ellie said.

  ‘Well done my dear. Now what can I do for you?’

  ‘I’m sure that you are not surprised that I have some important questions Mr Macduff, so I wonder if I could come up to your offices and meet you, and hopefully get some answers. I would like it to be as soon as possible.’ Ellie crossed her fingers in hope.

  ‘I will look forward to that Mrs Monks. To save you holding on, may I call you back after I have spoken to my secretary. I realise this is very important to you, so I hope to make the dates as soon as possible.’

  Ellie was opening her post as the phone rang. ‘Mrs Monks?’ Ellie confirmed. ‘Do you have some paper and pen handy?’ After a few seconds she had.

  Before he got a chance to give her the dates, Ellie spoke.

  ‘Sorry Mr Macduff, but do you mind if I open this letter that arrived today, it’s got your firm’s name on it?’

  ‘I’m pleased about that. Please open it whilst I hang on.’

  She ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter with the receiver attached to her ear. As she was reading it, something fell onto the carpet. It was a cheque that had landed face up. As she leaned over to pick it up, the telephone itself fell onto the floor. She struggled to pick that up as her chair toppled over!

  ‘Are you alright Mrs Monks?’ Macduff had heard the noise.

  ‘Yes, sorry about all that. I was trying to pick the cheque up and, well everything fell over. I have now read the cheque, it says £110,550!’ then she started to giggle. Macduff started to laugh, and the whole conversation became hilarious. She tried to compose herself and said

  ‘I don’t receive letters like this very often Mr Macduff’

  ‘The contents, Mrs Monks, are they to your satisfaction?’

  ‘It’s unbelievable, Mr Macduff.’ Ellie spluttered.

  ‘I take that as a yes, Mrs Monks. Now where were we? Oh yes, I remember, the dates.’ He had moved some less important meetings around, resulting in two appointment spaces available for the following Monday, and one for Tuesday.

  That is very kind of you Mr Macduff; I will tell you now, that the ten o’c
lock appointment on Tuesday suits me fine.’ Said Ellie, much relieved.

  ‘Ten o’clock Tuesday it is then, I am very much looking forward to meeting you. Will you be bringing your husband to the meeting?’ He asked.

  ‘Sadly no he is still in Belfast, so I will be coming up alone. Thank you again Mr Macduff, goodbye.’

  ‘Goodbye, Mrs Monks, I’m so glad you are happy with my letter, and I’ll see you on Tuesday. If you have any problems before you arrive up here, you know where I am.’ Macduff then closed the call.

  She settled on the couch and reread the letter, her eyes focused on the legal blurb. ‘Enclosed is our certified cheque which represents the second part of the bequest of the deceased Eloise Mary McIntyre in full and final settlement after deduction of the firm’s charges’. She then looked again at the cheque. ‘What do I do with this?’ Unconsciously she was holding the stone in her hand, and immediately she knew what to do.

  The next morning as her bank opened, she was at the counter paying in her cheque. The bank clerk looked at her, and asked if she wouldn’t mind waiting to see her superior. Ellie just nodded and sat on one of the chairs opposite. A grey suited man opened the door at the end of the room, and held it open for her to enter. She felt the stone warm at the end of the chain.

  She sat down in the dark panelled room, opposite the grey suited man, who smiled weakly at her. He could see that she wasn’t in any mood to talk, so he tried the usual niceties. ‘Mrs Monks, I notice that you have paid into your current account an unusually large sum.’

  ‘The unusually large sum is my inheritance as you can see by looking at the payer, and if you are asking, it is not the result of some drug dealing.’ Ellie said sharply.

  The grey suit smiled thinly. I am not in any way thinking about the source of the income madam, I just wanted to take the opportunity to show you what the bank can offer you in investment.’

  ‘Thank you, but some other time, as I am in a hurry. I have placed it in my current account on a temporary basis, for safety. I take it that it is safe with you is it not?’ Ellie did not smile as the man rose from his chair smiling again, which Ellie found a bit sickening and offered his hand, which she shook briefly. She said her goodbyes.

  She turned the ignition in the Polo and headed for home, and from that moment she knew what she was going to do next.

  She rushed around the house, filling an overnight bag, and then, finding an almost new Waitrose reusable shopping bag took enough food out of the fridge and kitchen cupboard for breakfast. She headed out of Oxford, on the ring road and then the dual carriageway, south on the A34. The fuel tank read full so there was no stopping until she reached Southbourne.

  In around an hour and a half she was turning into her car park. As she got out of the car it was raining and the wind, blowing from the sea was in her face. She was wearing her duffel coat so she was well protected. She struggled with the two bags in one hand as she juggled with the ring of three keys in the other.

  The big brass Chubb key opened the heavy front door, and she closed it behind her. The wild weather was suddenly shut out and silence reigned. She looked across the big hallway for the next door, and opened the one marked ‘West Wing Lift’, and soon she was standing in the inside it. She looked at the smallest key, marked ‘Furse’ and slotted it into the keyhole marked ‘floor 3 private’. As she turned it the lift moved noiselessly, and then the door opened automatically into the hallway.

  She was mesmerised for a moment, and then nimbly walked out looking right and left, but there was no one there.

  The third key, of course, clicked opens her apartment door. She sank into the thick pile, put her two bags on the carpet and walked around the flat for a few moments. She walked around getting her bearings, feeling the top of the soft couch, opening the empty draws in the bedside cabinets in the bedrooms and looking at the kitchen equipment. She quickly came to her senses and switched on the Smeg fridge freezer and it hummed into life.

  After unpacking her clothes and putting the meagre food items away, she went towards the large glass patio doors that opened onto the veranda, but she stopped short from opening them. The wind was lashing the rain on them, but to Ellie’s amazement wasn’t making a sound. She suddenly felt very hungry, it was well past lunchtime, and there was nothing except breakfast things in the fridge, so she decided to make a cup of coffee and wait for the weather to change.

  As she waited for the kettle to boil, she remembered that she had Internet connection on her mobile, so she set up an account with Waitrose home delivery, in readiness for next time that she stayed here. ‘And that won’t be long either.’ She said to herself.

  As she drank her coffee on her new sofa, as if by magic the rain slowed on the patio doors and it looked like the wind was dying down too. Her hunger was not abating and had to be satisfied. She remembered the cafe that, she and Rowena had gone to, and jumped up. She put her boots and got into the old duffle. ‘It’s time to eat, and I’m starving!’

  The clouds were still heavy and nearly black, and were scudding across the sky, but it wasn’t raining yet. She looked at her watch, three thirty. She hoped that they still had some food on the menu.

  She needn’t have worried. She was soon tucking into tomato and basil soup, then a generous steak of salmon on a bed of cheese and cream sauce with mange touts and new potatoes. After the meal she walked the short distance to the cliff top and leaned on the fence next to the Fisherman’s Walk cliff lift and looked at the impressive sweep of the bay as it pointed toward Hengistbury Head. The mist had hidden it for the time being after the storm, but it was still breathtaking. She could feel the spots of rain on her face, and looking at the horizon, there were more than spots on the way.

  Back in the Breakwater’s car park, it was like déjà vu with the wind blowing the hard rain at her, as she struggled to get to the front door. Heading towards the lift, there was someone just opening the lift door, so she ran to catch her. As they entered the lift Ellie smiled at the woman, noticing that she was beautifully dressed as if she had just returned from the opera. ‘Hello my dear, are you a new resident?’

  ‘Yes, sort of,’ she looked down at her jeans and duffle coat, all wet with the rain. The woman pressed level two and looked at Ellie, who pulled out the ‘Furse’ key. She thought quite rightly, that the woman needed to get out at her floor, before she could operate the key mechanism for floor three.

  ‘I see you’re on the third floor, are you?’ The old lady said, as the lift door opened for her floor.

  ‘Er, yes, my name is Ellie, pleased to meet you.’ She turned around for a moment to put her key in the lift keyhole when the lift opened and the lady got out. She then turned around quickly to continue with the conversation, when the door closed and the lift started to ascend. Ellie felt a little uneasy that she hadn’t had a chance to speak further, but that’s what it’s like in lifts, there just isn’t time.

  She boiled the kettle for another drink, but she couldn’t get the lady out of her mind. She glanced at her watch, four thirty, and Brian would still be at his desk hopefully.

  ‘Ruddock and Partners. Can I help?’ Ellie recognised the cultured tones of Brian’s voice.

  ‘Brian, it’s Louise Monks here, I hope that you are well.’

  ‘Mrs Monks, how nice it is to hear from you again.’ He answered

  ‘Can I ask a favour, Brian?’

  ‘Ask away’

  ‘Could you please let all the residents know that I have taken over the property and will periodically be using the west wing third floor apartment?’ Ellie asked

  ‘I typed out the letter, almost word for word yesterday when I got back to my desk. Not only that, my assistant posted it by hand to each apartment first thing this morning!’

  ‘I’m very glad, because I met the lady on the second floor about an hour ago, and we didn’t get time to get acquainted in the lift, if you know what I mean.’

  ‘Ah, that must be Mrs Cohen, lovely lady. Yes she’s in
West 2, I’m sure that she is well aware of the situation by now. Please don’t be concerned, her son is very big on Wall Street in New York and he deals with all of her affairs.’

  ‘Thank you Brian my mind is at rest. Bye for now.’ Ellie was relieved.

  ‘Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything, Goodbye.’ Once again Brian had proved his worth.

  The wind had finally died down, and the faint rays from the low sun were just about reflecting on the dark sea. As the light faded there were but a few people taking their last walk before nightfall.

  She leaned over the rail of the veranda to catch the last rays of light. A very tall man was walking past, quite slowly and she noticed a black and white dog’s head bobbing in the surf. The man was throwing stones just ahead, so that the dog swam further out. Occasionally the dog came out of the sea and shook its coat. She could see it was a border collie. She was surprised as she knew this breed didn’t normally like the water that much, it preferred the hills where the sheep were. As the tall figure passed he looked up at her and waved. She shouted ‘Goodnight’ and he just waved again.