Renton Junior (Part 2 of 3)

Chapter 23

We saw them off on BA and caught the bullet train Southwards, two stop beyond Tokyo, then looked out for a bullock cart. Since Suzy spoke no Japanese, it was left to me and my charm to communicate with the locals as we meandered our way with a map and a phrase book with pictures. It took a month to get to the Southern islands and we paid passage on a large sailing yacht making its way to Korea. A heavy storm blew us off course and we ended up sheltering behind islands off the coast of China. Fed up of being sea sick, we abandoned ship and found a fishing village where we stayed a few nights until we got over our illness. Then back into the breach as a small fishing boat took us to the mainland. It was cold and we managed to get the locals to part with some kapok filled coats for a price and some heavy trousers for Suzy. Hitching a ride on a lorry, we eventually got to a sizeable town and hoped to get a hot bath and comfortable bed in a hotel to find that we had no immigration papers so a hotel was out of the question. We stayed at some workers hostel with a cold tap outside. There was nothing for it but to go to one of the mass Chinese eateries to get out of the cold and get some hot noodle soup inside us. An open market allowed us to buy, ex army fur hats, gloves, scarves and stout boots with rough woollen sock.

We slept in our clothes that night, cuddling for warmth. Next morning we were lucky to catch the only train on our way to Beijing. The train was crowded and cold. We froze and teeth wouldn’t stop chattering despite buying hot tea and bowls of noodles at every stop. Arriving in Bejing, I phoned a contact that Crabby had given me when in Singapore and described to him my predicament.

“I was expecting you Renton, on a social visit, not with a problem. Stay at the railway station and go to the food hall, buy some food and look as if you’re enjoying it. Don’t want the Station Police to start checking you for papers. Could be tricky. I’ll be with you in less than half an hour. How will I recognise you?”

“You won’t miss us Fletcher, we are the only goons wearing Russian type fur hats. We are frozen. No heating on the train.” Avoiding the pairs of policemen and policewomen we made our way through the crowd to the food hall and queued for a bowl of noodles and a hunk of bread. We stood out like sore thumbs. Apart of my height, what we were wearing was not local fashion. There were no spare seats so we hunkered down against a wall to be less conspicuous and so that we could look out towards the entrance and spot a European looking for us. We’d hardly started when a Chinese man in a smart dark uniform and cap came in looking about intently. He was followed by a tall European wearing a heavy tweed coat.

“Come on you two, follow my man. We’ll do the introductions in the car. Go out the back way there and hurry. We stand out too much here,” and he hurried us out into a black Merc.

 “This is Suzy, my companion and we had to get off a sailing yacht onto the Chinese mainland. Storm at sea. That’s why we have no Chinese papers other than our passports.”

“Hi Suzy, are you Native Chinese or from outside?”

“Native, from Beijing in fact but my papers are far from being in order. I’ve been a post grad student in London for the past four years and I haven’t got a re-entry stamp or any paperwork. There were no border controls where we landed and the locals made out that if we went to the police or officials then they might lock us up as spies.”

“OK, you are probably less of a problem but you Renton my dear fellow are in deep yoghurt. Don’t worry, we can sort it out, but I would advise against illegal entry into China again. Now I’m going to take you to my house so that you can get cleaned up and get out of those clothes and maybe purchase something warm to wear. I see you don’t have any luggage. Stolen?”

“No, we travel light. Just a small bag each and purchase what we need on the way.”

“You lucky blighters, I wish I was young again in this era. We could afford to travel but had to work our way or starve. Now Suzy, I’m taking you along too, rather than to your family. I’ll sort out the necessary papers for you both at the same time. I’m renting a place in the Hootongs, a converted, modernised villa, you both can stay there for as long as you like. Where do your parents live Suzy?”

“Thanks Mr. Fletcher for all that your doing for us, I live on the other side in the high rise.”

“You can thank Crabtree for this. He ordered me to look after you two like Royals if you should get in touch. I was therefore more curious and anxious that you did get in touch, so welcome to Beijing.”

“Thanks Fletcher. What we would like is a hot bath and to buy some clean clothes or get our stuff cleaned. I’ve got five days of sweat and sea sickness on mine. Showering under a cold tap in the open wasn’t an option.”

“We can provide all that. Do you require any funds to see you through Renton?”

“Thanks Fletcher, funds are not a problem, but spending them without showing papers has been. Once you sort us out we’ll be on our way thanks.”

“Please stay a while. My wife is looking forward to the company and news from back home. She knows Lady C. well but I don’t know how she manages to get a word in edgeways. Lady C. is just one of those characters of the Diplomatic Service.  We seem to breed them in profusion. Here we are. I’ll show you to your quarters and give you time to clean up. Leave your clothes that you need cleaning outside your rooms and they’ll be back with you in less than an hour. There’s a double and single, please yourselves. I’ll send tea and scone. Dinner at eight sharp. I’ll call for you.”

 

A maid came asking if we needed anything. I told her we needed a black sac to throw away some clothes and we would need some other clothes laundered. We also asked her to buy us some warm sweaters. We took the double with a big bed and even bigger bathroom. We quickly stripped off and ran for the shower. We hugged each other under the hot stream of water, luxuriating in the warmth again. Having cleaned up we filled the huge bath with scalding water and gingerly entered. This was bliss, lying there in the hot water with Suzy flicking water at me. Wrapped in towels, I shaved, blow dried our hair and tea and scones duly arrived followed by our clothes, immaculately laundered, clean, pressed and on hangers. I almost felt sacrilegious to put them on. The maid summoned us at five minutes to eight and led us to the sitting room. I expected to see a crowd but was pleased to see only three.

“Renton, Suzy, meet my wife Rachelle and Lorraine my daughter who’s here a year. She’s at Cambridge, Oriental studies. Please sit down and I’ll get some drinks. G and T’s all round eh?”

“Please excuse Tony, he rabbits on far too much. A male version of Lady C I’m afraid. Now Suzy, you sit next to Lorraine. I’m sure you’ll have plenty to talk about and you Renton, I want all to myself. I’ve already had the low down from Lady C earlier. I phoned to let them know you’re safe and sound. I didn’t mention the problem. No need. Now she tells me that you are the fifth son of Lord and Lady Renton of Berkshire. Crabby said not to talk about them. They are ‘persona no grata’ to you I understand, abandoned you as a little boy to the clutches of the old British Public School and Cambridge. Didn’t do you any harm by the looks of you and Lady C said you were a star in the City, made a fortune. By the way, did you know Lorraine when you were at Cambridge?”

“Mother, I told you everybody knew Renton at Cambridge. I didn’t meet him directly but I did ogle him from a distance, just as you are doing mother. Stop flirting mother!” and they all laughed. “By golly I’m looking forward to getting back to college and telling that Renton was an invited guest at my house. Sorry Renton but it’s a girly thing. Suzy will understand, don’t you Suzy?”

“G and T’s all round and we have a good claret with dinner. Crabby sent a case around in the Diplomatic pouch you know, avoids the import duty and taxes.”

“Tony, stop dithering man and sit down. We don’t want to hear how you swindle the system. We want to hear what this nice couple have been doing.”

“Mum, they’ve been to Thailand, staying at Bugs Blenkharn’s place. You wouldn’t let me go last year.”

“Anybody with a name like Bugs Blenkharn must be a rogue and a bounder.”

“He’s actually a very nice fellow Mrs. Fletcher, not on the rugby field but socially very nice.”

“Rachelle please.”

“There I told you mum, it’s all well organised and I can look after myself now.”

“That as may be dear but we need references. If Renton approves of this fellow, you can go Lorraine, with my blessing.”

“We are planning a return visit there on our way back. Perhaps Lorraine might like to join us then.”

“There you go dear. I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Right Fletch, be a good man and ring for dinner, I’m starving.” 

After a good dinner, Lorraine, Suzy and I stayed up late into the night talking, planning and organising. She wanted to come with us on our travels in China and show us some of the things she had discovered. I could see that Suzy was concerned and I stipulated that Lorraine only come with us for a week and then maybe join us for a week later on in Poonong. She wanted to get out of the clutches of her mother and since Renton was acceptable in her circles, she would be allowed to accompany us. I shouldn’t have worried. Lorraine behaved impeccably and didn’t make a pass at me.

Chapter 24

It took two days to get our papers in order and during that time, we shopped for warm clothes and all of us went to see Suzy’s parents, living on the fifteenth floor of one of the high-rise flats that were sprouting up all around Beijing. They were delighted to see us especially their daughter. I helped Suzy cash a bank draft for a considerable sum which we then deposited in her parents’ bank account. This she said proudly would provide her parents with a higher standard of living and a pension when they retired in a few years time. Lorraine and I could see that they were very proud of their daughter who, as a family of three daughters was now providing for the upkeep of her parents. The other elder daughters were working in Shanghai and Suzy hoped to visit them at some stage of our tour.

The question of their problematic relatives came up and Suzy had to promise to visit them and find out what their problems were and were things as bad as they had conveyed in their letters. We promised that Suzy would go and stay with them for a night before we departed northwards again, to journey beyond the Great Wall. The day finally came when we caught a local train to the suburbs of Beijing and found local transport to take us on our way. Lorraine was good company and she was careful not to upset Suzy and her relations with me. Suzy invited her to stay on for an extra week. We finally parted and made our way slowly toward Xian, famous for its terracotta warriors and Suzy’s relatives lived some sixty kilometres away from Xian.

We had problems finding the exact village where these relatives lived and had to resort to hiring a local taxi whose driver purported to know exactly where their farm was located. This was a motorbike and sidecar with Suzy in the car with six bags of basic provisions and me as pillion. The road, if you could call it that, got narrower and eventually we were bouncing up and down on the ridge between paddy fields balanced precariously on two wheels with Suzy suspended in the air in her side car. We were on the wrong side of the river and the river was too high to ford. We had to drive ten kilometres further to rickety bridge and then backtrack. With so many people working in the fields there was no problem in getting directions but getting there in this form of transport was not fun.

We found the shack and Suzy said we wouldn’t pay the driver until we finished our visit and needed a couple of hours with her relatives. They didn’t recognise Suzy and were highly suspicious of me but were glad to take the provisions we brought. Eventually a form of recognition came with showing of family photographs. They invited us into their shack which I was surprised how it stood up on its own. The timbers were rotten and holes in the thatch. These were indeed poor farmers and needed help desperately. Their two eldest sons had been drafted into the army and they had two young daughters and a son at home to look after. I don’t know where they slept but we sat on logs and they sat on the floor. Tea was made over a smoky open fire in the corner and I was surprised that the whole place hadn’t burnt down. The boy had a small ball, partially deflated, so with sign language I took him outside for a kick around. The girls joined us but only watched until I manage to persuade them to play a form of ‘piggy in the middle.’ Suzy meanwhile talked at length to the bedraggled couple. Our taxi driver turned up after about two hours and Suzy promised to be back the next day. The journey back was no better and in the end we all sat on the motorbike, three in a row and the side car was allowed to lift its wheel off the ground most of the journey. With this seating arrangement the driver expertly took narrower routes, supposedly short cuts and we finally got back to the grim town.

It took a while to find acceptable accommodation and over the usual bowl of noodle soup Suzy recounted in detail the fate of her desperately poor relatives. The farm was located third tier back from the river and depended on water passing through two neighbouring farms. It was up to the neighbours to maintain the watercourses but one of the farmers had fallen ill and the sons of the next farmer were dragged off to serve in the army. The water course fell into disrepair and through lack of regular water, the crops failed and suddenly they were in a downward spiral. The two sons who could have helped with maintaining the water channels were called away to the army. To cap it all, the neighbours fell out with each other and the problems just escalated. From being a nice subsistent farm, supporting a family quite nicely, in a few years they were destitute. Since the surrounding farms were doing no better than to survive there was little help available from them. In fact Suzy said that they hoped that her family would abandon the farm so that the neighbours could take over. It was a desperate situation and I saw Suzy didn’t know what to do and was almost in tears.

“OK, Suzy lets look at this logically. What is the most important thing they need to continue?”

“Water Renton. It’s bloody obvious they need water to flood their fields to plant rice. And they’ll have to buy the rice plants since they couldn’t cultivate any this year.”

“Fine, then what? How will they plant these seedlings?”

“By hand stupid but the ground is so hard they need to till it, plough it over, break up the clods.”

“So having planted all this do they sit back and watch it grow?”

“No they have to plant vegetables and if they can keep the fields flooded they can keep fish in the fields.”

“What do the want fish for?”

“Renton, this isn’t helping.”

“Listen Suzy, I want to understand in detail what the problem is so that we can help. OK tell me about the fish.” 

“It’s like a fish farm. The fish keep the weeds down and when fully grown they eat them and sell the surplus.”

“Where do they buy their basic provisions? Here in this town?”

“I suppose so, I don’t know but it takes them half a day to get here walking. They had a bullock and at least that could carry a good load back. Those things we took them were like a lifeline. Their cupboard was bare.”

“OK, OK, Suzy, calm down. We need to think through this rationally. We need to provide, water, ploughing, rice seedlings, vegetable seeds, fish and a means of transport. I don’t know how they do things around here but I bet there is a modern way of achieving all this. It may cost but we need to give these folk a kick start otherwise they are doomed. Suzy, over there is what I would call an agricultural merchant just over the road there. If you keep your cool, we could investigate what’s available. I can play the interested tourist and you, my translator. I’ll ask the questions and you get me the answers.”

“OK Renton but I don’t know where this will get us.” We sauntered over to the merchant who jumped up and was eager to serve a customer.

“Suzy ask him how a modern farmer gets water to his fields.”

“He says they buy a water pump like this and those plastic pipes he’s pointing to.”

“How do they power it?”

“Small petrol engine.”

“How do they plough the fields?”

“One of these petrol powered rotavators over there.” 

“Can you hire them?”

“They are expensive. You can only hire them if you hire the man who operates them.”

“How long does it take to churn up a field?”

“He says about an hour. Six fields easily in a day.” 

“OK how about transport. How do they get about to town and back?”

“They would use scooters, mopeds, like in that shop over there. He also says they can power the pump with some pulleys and things attached to the back wheel. Now can we finish?”

“Suzy, you are too preoccupied with the problem. That guy has provided you with the answers we are looking for. Now listen and concentrate please.”

“OK Renton, I feel helpless, what is it.”

“We buy them that pump and piping so that they are independent of their neighbours. A moped will power the pump and provide transport. A days hire of one of these rotavators with man will plough up the soil. We buy rice seedlings and plant and ensure they have a year’s supply of food and fuel.”

“Sounds all too simple Renton. How the hell are we going to get the stuff over there?”

“Look, I’m sure these merchants will find a way. Look at the way he is looking at us greedily hoping to make a sale.”

“OK, but we will have to go back tomorrow and talk it through with them. I don’t like the idea of going over there in that sidecar again.”

“Nor do I, but look around, most of the locals have mopeds and motorbikes with plastic boxes on the back to carry things in. We’ll hire a bike tomorrow.”

“But can you drive one?”

“Of course I can, spent many days riding my brother’s bikes around the estate when I was young.” I didn’t tell her I was only ten years old at the time.

“OK, I need to buy them some clothes and more food for them. At least we can leave them that and stop them from starving.”

The box on the back was overloaded and the panniers on the front and back were overflowing. Suzy had difficulty getting onto the back until two men helped her. With a splutter, we set off, retracing the steps our mad taxi driver had taken us yesterday. I took it easily as Suzy hung on desperately. On the bike we could negotiate the banks separating the paddy fields and we got there without mishap. I had bought the boy a new football and the girls some wooden dolls. We played outside whilst Suzy was talking to the folks inside the shack. Eventually she came out smiling.

“They have agreed to everything. We need to get to town and buy the stuff and get it here. I told them that if it didn’t work out they could sell the stuff and move out as they had planned. Don’t ask me where to. I told them these are gifts from my mum and dad.”

“OK, go in and ask them what needs doing first so that we don’t go about this as a dog at broth. Also ask them, are they in desperate need of anything else, tools, provisions, clothes. Do that whilst I play with the kids here.” An hour later she came out with a list.

“We need to flood the fields first time to soften the earth so that they can be rotivated. Then we flood the fields and let things settle, checking the banks and then we plant.”

“Sounds sensible to me. Will we have any trouble with the neighbours if we lay a pipe to the river?”

“I asked that and they say the channel is communal property. Thanks Renton, at last I feel I can do something for them, with your help of course.”

“I’ve had a look at the fields and the planting is going to be a pain. Can we get some help?”

“My uncle says it’s unlikely unless we are prepared to pay. Most farmers are busy right now.”

“OK, we pay and pay to get the paddy banks in ship shape condition. Your Uncle and Aunt aren’t in a fit state to do all that. They are starving. Feeding the kids with what they have and starving themselves. Come on, we have work to do.” 

We ordered a lot of things, paid half and half on delivery, bought a moped and lots of bits and pieces. I drove the laden bike and Suzy drove the moped. I had to rescue her once when her back wheel skidded into a paddy field. The ordered goods arrived and the men set them up for us, leading a plastic pipe from the river to the pump and onto the first paddy field. The moped on its stand was harnessed up to the pump and fired up. It took a while for the water to come spluttering through and eventually it flowed evenly, immediately soaking into the ground which had been left dry for a long time. There was enough length of pipe over for the boy to hose the soil all over the field for its initial soaking. The uncle promised to stay up all night and ensure that all the fields got a soaking, ready for the rotivator.

The rotivator and man came a day late which was fortunate because it allowed us to give the fields a good soaking so that water stood in puddles. I spent the day with the uncle bolstering up the banks and getting rid of some of the taller weeds. It was the water rats, nesting in the banks in burrows that broke them, but they liked soft earth to burrow in and had vacated these particular dry paddy fields. Suzy was busy setting up beds and bedding for the family including mosquito netting. We replaced the old stove with a new one and with ordered timber, shored up the roof. The uncle intimated he would repair the thatch before the wet season and I made a few more trips to town with the young boy as a sort of interpreter to buy other forgotten essentials. With the rotivation done, we watched the fields slowly fill up one by one. It would take a week for all the fields to be filled to the required levels and then would need topping up now and then. On the highest banking the farmer grew willow which was used for making baskets, fences and provided fuel. It wasn’t thriving well because it needed water and now we were providing it. There was little else we could do other than leave some money for the planting and a promise that more money would be sent regularly in future, for the benefit of the children. We said our goodbyes, left our motorbike in town and caught a bus to Xian to view the Terracotta Warriors. 

By this time my Chinese had progressed beyond a few phrases and Suzy let me do the talking helping out when I was in a total mess. The problem was with the various dialects that we came across. I could make myself understood most times but I was generally at a loss when it came to understanding an answer of a following question. The people were very patient with me and helped me out as they would with a child. Suzy tried to keep a straight face but I could tell in her eyes she was suppressing mirth most times. I didn’t mind the laughter because it made the whole transactions friendlier. The officials were the worst and kept a straight face all the time and didn’t help out at all. Most ordinary people we met made great efforts to understand me and for me to understand them with much gesticulation and even drawing in the dust on the ground.

 We came upon a one universal language and that was football. We heard a commotion and found it was a fierce local derby between two villages. The partisan crowd didn’t help by invading the pitch if they thought the referee’s decision wasn’t in their favour. The ref eventually threw down his whistle in disgust and stormed off the pitch. The crowd were devastated and the players were in a panic. They needed an impartial official and someone spotted me standing head and shoulders above the crowd. A delegation of players came over with a whistle, accompanied by a lot of bowing and pleaded that I should referee. I couldn’t refuse, I wasn’t allowed to refuse, as I was dragged and pushed onto the pitch and handed the whistle. I took charge by shooing the spectators off the pitch and wagging a naughty finger at them, indicating that I didn’t want any pitch invasions. After consulting with my linesmen and determining that there was only ten minutes left of the first half, I called the captains together and pointed out one or two players on each side who were over energetic in their tackles and waved and imaginary red card indicating that I would brook no nonsense from them. They understood, bowed and rushed off to have a word. I started the game off with a throw up in the centre and almost immediately blew for a foul to show who was boss. I remonstrated with the player, towering over him threateningly, wagging my finger and opening an imaginary book to note down his number. That must have put the frighteners on all and the game proceeded without any major incident although I wagged my finger at some players as a warning. I brought the first half to a close. 

The second half started with the blue shirts dominating and a goal was scored to the delight of the supporters who started chanting and whistling. Soon the blues were pushing again and the stripes were defending vigorously. There was an incident in the box and the attacking team were pointing to the penalty box but I made the universally understood diving sign followed by the old movie camera sign and gave the penalty to the stripes. The supporters weren’t pleased and invaded the pitch until I charged them, waving them away beyond the side lines. I didn’t think they enjoyed a giant chasing them off and I had no more trouble from the crowd. From the penalty, the keeper quickly passed a long ball to the wing, who strode out past a defender, passed neatly inside and a striker hoofed the ball with a superb accurate kick towards the goal. The keeper made a fantastic leap and managed to just turn the ball away sufficiently for it to bounce back off the post. This attack gave the stripes some heart and eventually they managed to bundle the ball into the net for a one all score. In the last quarter the blues dominated and a good attack resulted in a corner which was neatly converted to a score. The match finished with a two one win to the blues who I later found out were the home team and the favourites to win. So without a word of Chinese, I was able to direct and communicate successfully with twenty two players, two lines man and a crowd. We spent a few happy hours with the teams and supporters at the celebrations afterwards. There were many questions about British and Continental teams I had to field with the players shouting out ‘Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Beckham, Rooney and others.  I had to confess to Suzy later that I wasn’t a football fan, rugby was more my line but as a Head Boy at school, it was my duty to officiate the matches between the House teams so I did have some experience and had had to swat up on the rule books of soccer, rugby and hockey so that I didn’t end up looking a right prat.   

For two more weeks we wended our way through the famous gorges on our way to Gullin. Once there, we sailed down the River Li to appreciate the sublime scenery of the misty mountains. We did that twice more and in different light, it was magical each time. Suzy got an Email from her sisters in Shanghai begging her and her companion to come over for a birthday celebration. There wasn’t sufficient time to get there cross country so we booked a flight. I let the side down since I had no contacts with the China Air, but I did manage to sweet talk the check-in girl to seat us in the emergency exit seats where there was more legroom. The night prior to the flight we booked a decent hotel so that we could get cleaned up and get our clothes laundered to be more presentable. I even had my hair trimmed which by now was long enough to pull back in a ponytail.

Chapter 25

Arriving midday, the sisters were at work so we found our own way to the centre of Shanghai and I booked in to a hotel as Suzy had promised to stay with one of her sisters to catch up on all the gossip and news. We arranged to meet in the evening on the waterfront and I went off to the famous museum whilst Suzy went off to wait for her sisters coming from work and buy them some presents. After spending some hours admiring the splendid displays of ceramics, I strolled off to the waterfront, the Bund, a street vendor was selling English news papers. I bought a copy of a two-day old Times, to catch up on some news from back home. The straits were remarkably busy with craft of all sizes ploughing their ways in all directions. Any moment, I was expecting a collision and was somewhat disappointed in a cruel way that they all managed to negotiate a safe passage. I sat on the wall and watched the World go by then perused the headlines before delving deeper.

 Out of the corner of my eye I noticed in the distance Suzy, two older girls probably her sisters and a young Chinese man all in deep conversation, oblivious to the World around them. I decided to leave them undisturbed for a while and continued reading the articles in more depth and occasionally glancing in their direction and in the end peered over my paper and observed their animated conversation. There were enough passers by to hide me from their direct view so I could watch them unnoticed. I suddenly felt a pang of jealousy creep over me as Suzy was making definite eyes at the young man and her body postures and actions suggested more that indifferent interest. I was surprised by my reaction. I knew that Suzy was soft on me but I hadn’t realised how my relationship with her had blossomed. I was baffled and felt a little stupid about my feelings for her.

I decided to break up the little party. A vendor sold me three exquisite orchids and I approached the foursome. I had to almost barge in before they notice me and Suzy shrieked and did a flying leap, wrapping her arms and legs about me, as I tried to save the flowers from premature destruction. I peeled her off and still animated, she managed to introduce me to her sisters in their adopted Western names of Lucy and Wendy plus David. I handed out the orchids and got a hug and kiss in return. I felt better as Suzy hung onto me, showing me off to her sisters and ignoring David. Fortunately, Lucy, Wendy and David spoke passable English so I didn’t have to resort to my comedy Chinese. 

“Mr. Renton, we are very grateful to you for saving our uncle’s family in Xian province. We are most grateful.”

“Thank you, Lucy but is was Suzy that did most of it, I just provided the muscle.”

“Suzy tells us it was more than that. Your brains saved our family we are most grateful.”

“Suzy worked very hard Wendy and she needs the praise.” 

“Mr. Renton, you are very kind. We are embarrassed by not helping them ourselves. We did not know that things were so bad for them.”

“I told you Renton that they had a reputation for sponging and pleading poverty but my parents in Beijing have sent a message to say that all the rice had been planted and with a good supply of water they had taken on another abandoned field to grow their vegetables. They are happy.”

“Yes Mr. Renton, they are happy and we are going to send them a little money often to help them in their first year.”

“That’s good news. I’m glad that things worked out well in the end. I know that Suzy here was very concerned.” I got a welcome hug from Suzy and a kiss. 

“We are going to take you to a special restaurant, all of us. We have lots to celebrate, you and Suzy coming, Wendy’s birthday, uncle’s good fortune and David here is an old friend of the family and he is celebrating his promotion. He has been made manager and has moved to the main operation in Shanghai.”

“Well congratulations to all of you and if you don’t mind it would give me great pleasure to pay for this dinner. I’m not sure it is the form or done thing here in China but I would love to do that. Is that OK Suzy?”

“Well not really but you could buy the saki and the sweet meats, I think that would be ever so nice. Thanks Renton. Now listen sisters and David, you must start calling this hunk of a guy Renton, not Mr. It’s the friendly way. Come on I’m starving,” she cried and rushed off towards the quay dragging me along.

The restaurant was on a ship that ploughed up and down so that we could see the sights on either side. I made sure we had the best saki the boat could muster and tipped the head waiter to ensure we were well looked after. I spent most of the time talking to David, whilst the girls were in a world of their own with reminiscences and catching up on old times. I learned from David that Suzy was top of her class and had won a prize to go abroad and study for an MBA. She had chosen London and the family were very proud of her but missed her immensely. Her sponsor in Beijing was eager for her to go and work for them particularly that she now had a couple of year’s experience of Finance in the City. Wendy was a Senior Nurse at a hospital in Shanghai and her husband was a Captain on a ship. Lucy worked in a bank and was promoted recently and again had to move away from home to Shanghai. As we were getting off the ship, I was stranded with Wendy who disclosed that David and Suzy had been close and their parents had expected them to get married until Suzy was whisked off to London. That clarified the situation that I had observed but arose more bouts of jealousy in me.

For the next ten days I led a celibate life in the hotel whilst Suzy was ensconced with her sisters. I put the time to good use by catching up on the internet and visiting a number of Chinese gardens and sent a load of pictures to Alice who loved gardening. Lorraine Fletcher came down to visit a friend and we met up and consolidated our dates and plans for our visit to Bugsies place in Thailand. I also had time to ponder on my feelings for Suzy. Was it love or was it a feeling of comfort having been with her so close for so many months. I didn’t come to any conclusions but I had a premonition that a parting of the waves was coming. Partridge came to the rescue by providing me with an excuse if I needed one. He told me that a good friend was travelling in Australia and wanted me to meet up there as he was planning to crew on a schooner to pay for his passage to New Zealand. Partridge sent me a photo of Jadja looking radiant and very pregnant. Crabby sent me a contact that I should look up in Shanghai and I spent a pleasant afternoon being entertained to English tea at the British Delegation. Johnson’s daughter there was very dishy. Crabby warned me that Johnson wanted to look me over with the view of enticing me with an interesting offer in the Diplomatic Service. I suspected it was Crabby that put him onto it and had my defences at the ready. Johnson’s daughter Cathy was somewhat miffed that I didn’t ask her for a date there and then but I excused myself telling her I already had a girl in tow, travelling with me, but we exchange details and I promised to get in touch when I was back in London.

The inevitable happened and Suzy asked me to meet her for lunch and spilled the beans that she wanted to end the trip in Shanghai and take up a position with her Sponsor.

“Renton, please persuade me to turn them down and continue with you.”

“Suzy, I gave you ‘a get out of jail’ card and you can use it now. I’ll be miffed alright but I’ll get over it. We’ve had a great time.”

“Are you sure Renton? My emotions are so mixed up at the moment. I just don’t know which way to turn.”

“Amanda in Tokyo pointed out that you were madly in love with me. I said it was just infatuation but she disagreed.”

“She was right Renton, I think I am madly in love with you and probably infatuated with you also. I don’t know how to separate these emotions.”

“Look Suzy, we’ve had a great time together and I’m more than just fond of you, you must know that, feel that. We’ve come to the end chapter of the book we’ve been working our way through and maybe some separation might be good for the both of us.”

“But Renton, what will you do? I feel awful leaving you to go off on your own.”

“Don’t worry about Renton Suzy. I’ve had an offer to crew on a voyage between Sydney and Auckland that looks interesting. Anyway, the Chinese you taught me will see me through the rest of China.”

“I doubt it Renton, you’d have to stick to the tourist trail.”

“Maybe I will and you should take up the job offer whilst it’s going and refresh your relationship with David. Don’t look so surprised. A little bird squeaked and I also noticed the affection you have for him.”

“You’re very observant Renton, I’ll give you that. We did have a thing going between us but you came into my life. Will you still be going to the beach?”

“That’s fixed. You’re welcome to come but don’t bring David, I may be liable to kill him and roast him on the Barbie!”

“I’ll see how I feel in a couple of months’ time. In fact I’ll make a decision not to go so that I don’t cramp your style. I really am mixed up with my emotions. I want to go with you, I want to stay, I love you and I love David, sort all that out Renton.”

“Suzy, the best thing is for me to sign up on the ship and I promise that I will come back on this exact date back to China in a year’s time unless you stop me and we can see from there. Continue on our tour or not?” I left her in tears, sobbing away as she shooed me away.

Chapter 26

 I did two things on leaving Suzy. First, I booked a flight to Bali for some sun, sea and sand. Secondly, I E-mailed Tanky Acland to book me onto the schooner, either as crew or failing that as passenger. He was a good friend at school and was called Tank or Tanky because of his love for lead soldiers in his first year. I checked out of the hotel and took a cab to the airport. I was in Bali by late evening, harassing the tourist information desk to book me a secluded, seaside hotel with full water sports facilities. It was late and difficult for them to find anything. I pressed them further until they managed to secure me a place in an exclusive hotel that was rather expensive. To cap it all, they only had a very expensive sea view suite with its own private pool. Partridge had said I wasn’t spending much so I booked it, just to surprise him more than anything else. The hotel was going to send a car round but I scrounged a lift with the information girl, since she was going that way.

A night porter checked me in, asking where my luggage was. I had to tell him that it would be sent on. He showed me up to what was labelled in gold lettering as the Presidential Suite. What the hell, I deserved it. The porter apologised that the room hadn’t been fully prepared but everything would be put right in the morning. I ordered some wine, water, soft drinks, fruit and any food he could muster, giving him a hefty tip in American dollars which was the only currency I had. He must have raided the bar and all the fridges because he brought up a variety of drinks, a huge bowl of fruit, cheeses, cuts of meat and packs of buns. I protested that it was too much but he winked and stuffed the lot into a large fridge in the kitchen and ensured all things were working before hurriedly departing. I opened a bottle of good French wine, cut some slices of cheese and looked around at my surroundings. The place was huge and fussily decorated with lots of cut glass and mirrors. I wandered into a bedroom, checked out the shower and retired to bed totally exhausted and deflated.

A discreet phone call woke me up and I immediately asked what the time was. It was ten o’clock in the morning and the front desk were asking if they could come and prepare the suite for me. I consented, not knowing what ‘prepare’ meant, but said I would be in the shower for the next ten minutes. Wrapped in an enormous fluffy towel, I let in a posse of staff with trolleys and went off to have a long soothing shower. There was a loud knock on the bathroom door and a foot pushed a basket of goodies in that Suzy would die for. I picked out a bottle of shampoo and gel and took them back into the spacious shower that looked like the inside of a spaceship. There were nozzles everywhere and I must have spent a good fifteen minutes checking them all out. I dried myself under the huge body drier, wrapped myself in a dressing gown and emerged into the outer world. The place was a sea of flowers. A butler, in all his gold finery, offered me a glass of bucks fizz and invited me to breakfast which he would cook there and then for me. I succumbed to an omelette with mushrooms on the side and toast. I had a choice of coffees and chose a Peruvian one since I didn’t know they even grew coffee in Peru. Freshly squeezed orange plus mango was set before me and a couple of fresh bread rolls popped out of the oven. I didn’t even have to cut them open. The omelette was good, a little runny but how I liked them and the various wild mushrooms were a delight. I finished off with some papaya, thanked the butler and went back to my room to dress. Dress, if I could find my clothes that is. They, the only ones I arrived in, were neatly hung in the spacious wardrobe. I ventured out into the huge living room on three levels and a maid immediately showed me how the blinds worked and the electrically operated sliding doors that led onto a large, tiled terrace and my own private pool. If only I had known I would have had a swim before breakfast.

The maid then asked me if the Manager could see me. I replied that I would go down and see him straight away but No, No, he would come up to see me. I stood on the balcony looking out through the palm trees when the butler announced the Manager, a Mr. Schornburgher from the Swiss School of Hotel Management, as it stated on his card. I suggested we sit at a table on the terrace and the butler brought out another tray of bucks fizz. I declined and requested mango instead.

“Welcome to our hotel Mr. Renton and I apologise that the suite wasn’t quite ready for you. I understood you booked it very late at night. I’m going to ask you a delicate question Mr. Renton and I apologise if it offends you. You booked very late and the night porter had only this suite at his disposal. It is rather expensive and you have booked yourself in for six nights I understand. We do have another room available today at a much lesser price if you would like to change to that. We won’t charge you for this room Mr. Renton.”

“You’re very kind Mr. Schornburgher and I understand your concern. Be assured that I can quite afford this but since I’m alone then it does seem a waste to lavish all this on me. If it will help the management I am quite happy to either stay here or change.”

“We are always fully booked Mr. Renton and this suite is the only one that comes free occasionally. It would be helpful to us if you stayed here otherwise we might have to disappoint some newly arriving guests.”

“That’s settled, I stay and be pampered." 

“Excellent Mr. Renton. We checked the airport and it appears you had no luggage booked through.”

“I travel light and purchase requirements on the way.”

“You have a permanent staff of the butler, maid and a chauffer driven car at your disposal. You also enquired about water sports. A member of my team is waiting outside to discuss your requirements if you wish. I shall leave you now Mr. Renton and my staff will do the utmost to ensure you have a memorable stay.”  He bowed, shook hands and left and the butler immediately escorted in a most attractive young lady, announcing ‘Anne-Marie our Sports Manager’ and immediately offered her a drink.

“Hi there Mr. Renton,” in strong Aussie accent. “Welcome to paradise. Gee, I’m taken aback. I expected a much older gentleman. Excuse me but I must be older than you.”

“Hi Anne-Marie, you’ll get used to it. OK what do you have to offer in water sports? Call me Tony please. Mr. Renton makes me feel ancient.” I wanted some anonymity.

“Hi Tony, pleased to meet you. I suggest we go down and you can see for yourself what we have. To be honest with you, we spend most of our time showing off on the water to the guests and encouraging them to try. Not too many takers, but we have everything here, you will see.”

“I haven’t brought any gear with me.”

“No worries Tony, we can fit you out with all you need. The maid will get you what ever you need, clothes wise.” We took a lift down to the ground floor. “This is your personal lift Tony. It only goes to your floor. Now what are you interested in?”

“Well, I’d like to learn to water ski, brush up on my windsurfing and if you have a cat or sailing dinghy I’d like to do some sailing, Oh and some snorkelling if that’s possible.”

“Brilliant, we can do all those things. Now when would you like your sessions, morning, afternoon or early evening? You don’t have to book but we can get the equipment ready for you and ensure you have a personal tutor.”

“Well actually, I’m here six full days from now and would like to fill the whole day in if that’s OK?”

“Tony, meet one happy girl here. We get bored hanging around. It’ll be good to have somebody here using this stuff. I suggest that we go for a swim first and see the fish.”

“Find out if the fellow can swim eh?”

“It does help and we can assess your fitness levels. I’ll get you kitted out and meet you out here. The snorkelling kit is out there on the platform. Do you think you think you can swim out to it?”

“I think I can manage that,” I replied and found the changing rooms and got a costume. Anne-Marie was waiting for me in a snazzy swimsuit, expecting some admiring comments. Instead I waded in through the shallows, dove and swam a deceptively easy crawl towards the platform. Anne-Marie caught up with me and I gently accelerated keeping a length ahead of her. It was a full sprint to the platform. I jumped up and offered her a hand up.

“You bastard, you set me up.”

“I knew you wouldn’t keep your gear out here. Have I passed the first test?”

“We now have to swim back to get the gear. Last one at the office buys the ….!”  I didn’t get the last part as she dived in and I followed. She just beat me to the shallows but I manage to out run her to the office. She shook a fist at me in mock anger. We kitted ourselves out including a safety marker buoy and swam out to the sunken reef and lazed around diving with the fish. After an hour a small motorboat rode up with some drinks and we continued for another hour viewing the amazing assortment of fish and other marine life. We swam back to base and I invited the staff to lunch on my terrace. Since all the guests had gone to lunch, they hung a sign ‘Gone fishing’ on the office door and came up my private lift. There was a shower by the pool side and most of us showered to get rid of the salt water whilst the maid handed out the towels. The butler meantime, had set the table, lit the huge gas Barbie and wheeled out a trolley of food alongside the trolley of drinks. Most of them started with fruit juices and switched later to cold beer.  The food was magnificent even though I didn’t eat much. The five staff tucked in as if they had never been fed. Anne-Marie confessed that the staff fare didn’t quite come up to that standard.

That afternoon, they took me waterskiing which was great fun once I’d got the hang of the basics. Later the whole team took out dinghies and cats and as a flotilla we sailed out towards the setting sun. It was great and the cat I had handled beautifully in the light breeze. As usual the journey back turned into a race. The two cats led with the dinghies close behind. I couldn’t compete with these professionals but I gave them a good run for their money. At sundown the Manager invited all the guests down on the main terrace for drinks and to meet others. As expected, most were elderly but there were some younger people, children and grand children. Finding a new young guest, they gathered around me, introducing themselves and curious to where I hailed from. Tony from London was what they got but I managed to persuade many of them to join in the water sports the next day at nine o’clock sharp, on the beach for an easy swim and some beach games. They were grateful to have somebody organise them that was not staff. These were rich kids and at ease with the situation and didn’t like staff to order them about. They were used to ordering the staff about. I had a late dinner in my room and decided to watch a movie and have an early night. The maid was perplexed about my sleeping arrangements. She wanted to know why I wasn’t using the main bedroom. I didn’t know there was one. She showed me two more each bigger and grander than mine. I told her I was happy with the one I was using having got used to all of the controls and gadgets.

Breakfast at eight was an affair of poached eggs, smoked salmon and caviar, accompanied by fresh mango juice, black coffee and half a litre of spring water. I donned my swimming costume and was there on the beach well before the appointed hour. They were already there milling around, waiting to be organised. The staff were overwhelmed and lost for words to find so many to deal with. Doting grandparents and parents came to spectate on the terrace, in comfortable loungers.  We had to check who could swim and to what strength so one of the Staff, Mark rowed out a short distance and we sent the youngest to swim out and back until everybody had done that a few times, Mark manoeuvring the boat further out each time. They all probably had their own swimming pools at home and swam well. Anne-Marie suggested we all swim out to the platform where there was a diving stage and she would teach them to dive. Mark followed in the rowing boat tracking the weaker ones. Most could dive expertly anyway so we devised teams to retrieve diving weights from the bottom. One of the staff, Donna kept applying liberal amounts of suntan cream to the pale bodies including mine. Before lunch we had a session of beach volleyball and a game of rounders with a twist. Everybody fielded and the young ones were allowed six swings of the bat to hit the ball, and scoring was how many bases you could get round. We set up six. I took them all back to my suite in the private lift for lunch. The younger ones splashed in the pool and the rest showered and had their food served by the butler and two maids. At one, I sent them off to their parents whilst I ordered another round of water skiing and sail boarding with a cat to finish.

  That evening, I again had a lonely dinner for one, expertly cooked and served by my butler. Rolled plaice with prawns in a wine sauce, Kobe beef with stir fried vegetables, French cheese and fruit. I stuck to fruit juice instead of wine. At nine there was a knock at the door and the butler ushered in a little girl of nine, breathlessly asking if Tony would like to join them at an impromptu party they were holding. It would have been churlish to turn her down so she took my hand and led me along the corridor to the public lift and took me down to the ground floor. Again, the kids were milling around not wanting to be organised until I got there. Fortunately, there was a piano and we started off proceedings with a few musical games, musical chairs, ring-a-ring-of-roses and then having warmed up to the spirit of things we had some dancing, mainly modern stuff which they could all wiggle and wriggle to. The older ones were quite good and I played some rock music so that they could jive. The parents and grandparents had to put the dampeners on things and drive the young ones to bed. I promised we would do the same tomorrow evening if they introduced more musical dances. My repertoire was limited. A family with older children insisted I joined them for drinks that evening and I found the company very enjoyable and entertaining especially the Grandfather who had a whole mass of funny and interesting tales to recount. I excused myself before midnight saying I was on ‘Pied Piper’ duties the next morning.

 

 The week flew past with my water sports abilities improving beyond recognition and I was pleased with my tan. On the sixth afternoon I left quietly, paying my substantial bill and being driven to the airport by the hotel car that was at my disposal and used only now.

Chapter 26

I arrived at Sydney airport early next morning, getting hardly any sleep on the plane. Tanky met me, looking fit and all weather beaten, putting my tan to shame.

“Renton, you look beat man,” was the welcome I got from him. “I’ll take you to the campsite in my fourbie and you can crash out in one of the cabins. It’ll be quiet at least. I usually sleep in the back of this. Got you a crewing ticket and we are sailing in a couple of days. Hope you’ve got your sea legs. Forecast isn’t brilliant.”

“Is this the best welcome I get from an old buddy.”

“Renton, I’ll be quite blunt, I’m skint. I had to fork out a wedge for your ticket.”

“Hey Tanky, my deepest apologies. You should have said upfront and I’d have sent you some and more, I’m rolling in it.”

“Sorry Renton but I’m starving and not in a good mood, when a man’s hungry.”

“Here, take this. I raided the ATM at the aiport. Have this for now and buy yourself a decent breakfast on me and we’ll square up later.”

“There’s a gig I’ve got to play at tonight in Sydney. Fancy a go at the ivories with me? Like the old times. You haven’t forgotten how to play have you?”

“Count me in.”

“Great. We are going to have wheels problems tomorrow. I’m selling this wreck. At least I’ll have some cash to doss down in the cabin with you tomorrow night. Here we are, the cabins are over there. Find yourself a bunk away from the window and you can get a sheet sleeping bag on the way there. Fleas are rampant at the moment.”

I slept to midday, had a cold shower, dried myself with the sheet and set out to find Tanky. I was told that he was on the beach about a kilometre away, so I paid up a couple of pounds for the bed and strolled off in the direction of the beach. Tanky was there, at a bar chatting to some surfers. He saw me and ran over.

“Hi man, you look better after some kip. You looked like shit before. I’ve just parted with my wheels so we’ll have to walk.”

“Let’s find something half decent and get something to eat. I’m starving too. Then find me an ATM and I’ll pay you back what I owe you and some on top.”

“No need for that Renton. Thanks for the breakfast. I can buy you lunch. There’s a place on the main road back there that does a mean steak, come on let’s go.” We walked back to the main road and found a sort of transport café which served food in quantity rather than quality but it had an ATM and a Directory. I phoned up some car hire places and ordered some wheels for us with air con, on the bases that they would deliver to here so that we wouldn’t have to walk about in the heat. Tanky was oblivious to all this with his mind totally on his food and beer. I then booked a twin room in a medium-priced hotel for us.

“Renton, I’ve been thinking. You have no luggage.”

“Very observant of you my man; just this shoulder bag. Is that a problem for you?”

“Nah, but you can’t go to sea in just that.”

“I didn’t expect to Tanky. I’m going to buy what I need with your help this afternoon in Sydney.”

“Oh OK, but we’ll have to get a move on. I’ve got to get my stuff from the campsite and we need to get into town by bus.”

“It’s all organised Tanky boy. Whilst you were stuffing your face, Renton here has been a good boy and hired a car and booked us in at a hotel for two nights so no worries. My treat. We’ll pick up your stuff and be on our way when the car is delivered to the front door here for you.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No, I think that is our car there pulling into the car park now.”  

    

We kitted ourselves out at a chandlers from a list that Tanky had been given. The chandler sent us off to a catering wholesale to get black trousers, white shirt, black shoes and a purple waistcoat. That should have told us something but we were too busy collecting our stuff together and reminiscing. Tanky was on a gap year or years after university. He was travelling around the world with his mates and got to Australia when they got homesick and abandoned him. A foursome can eak out their savings and economise but a guy on his own has to fund all his own way. Tanky was down on his luck and I hadn’t helped, getting him to pay for my ticket. His saviour was his clarinet which meant he could busk and that often led to a night in a club where at least they fed him, watered him and even paid him sufficient to keep his fourbie, a legacy of the past foursome, on the road. He luxuriated in our basic hotel room and I didn’t dare tell him about my Bali experience. I suggested we should get cleaned up, have a hair cut, clean shave because I had the inkling that the purple waist coats were not for scrambling up the rigging.

We presented ourselves on the quay side with our kit bags and sure enough a bumptious Naval Officer type lined us up, the new crew and proceeded with an inspection. Tanky and I passed muster thanks to my forethought of smartening ourselves up, even though Tanky had protested. A number of the ‘press-ganged’ volunteers were summarily dismissed. The chosen ones were then formed up into two lines and marched away to a chant of ‘left, right, left, right.’ Tanky and I did our usual impressive British marching with shoulder high exaggerated arm swinging except we were out of step and the arm swung with the leading foot. It didn’t go down well with the boss but amused the onlookers and the rest of the group. That’s what Army Cadet Force at school taught us. As we rounded the corner we came in sight of our vessel. I expected some two master but this was a huge five master gin palace; a cruise ship, where the sails were probably used only for decoration. I wanted to jump ship there and then but for Tanky. We were going to be flunky sailors for the amusement of some wealthy passengers. Tanky admitted the same feeling to me later but was too embarrassed to mention it at the time. We were shown to our quarters in the depth of the ship close to the thumping of two great diesel engines which also spat out fumes in our direction. The quartermaster fitted us out with mock naval day uniforms and we were herded on deck for some training. Our first lesson was to roll up our bell bottoms and scrub the deck in line on our knees which was a waste of time since it was mock teak. Our next circus act was to climb the ratlines up the mast, in time to music, would you believe. We had to do this in unison. It was all an act to amuse the rich passengers that would be arriving in the late afternoon. We were glorified flunkeys. Our purple waist coats were for serving at table. The ship was fully automatic, even the sails could be set by a push of a black plastic button.

The passengers arrived in a string of luxury cars and mini busses, straight from one posh hotel to another. We lined the gang plank and ushered them up. Tanky, who had been rechristened Tony by the officious First Officer since ‘Tanky’ was not genteel enough, had trays of champagne to proffer the guests as they were piped in. Once they were all assembled on the fore decking and being entertained by the Captain and a posse of mock officers. The ‘Ratings’ as we were called, struggled up with the luggage. Tanky or Tony and I made ourselves busy in serving out more champagne and sadly missed out on the back breaking work of lugging huge suitcases, filled with family silver, from the weight of them. A band played us out, pulled by a tug from our mooring into the main channel. Even the job of handling the huge hawsers anchoring the ship was performed automatically.

“Tony dear, what the hell have you got us into?”

“Don’t call me Tony and it’s only for six days at the most. I’ll show you the brochures. It was supposed to be a small schooner with the waves washing up into your face and all that, not a bloody floating hotel.”

“OK Tanky, I forgive you, you were conned, good and proper. There must be some scams on board that will avoid us doing the chores and circus bits.”

“I’ll check out the music department. There may be some scope there, DJ-ing and playing at dinner, anything.”

True to his word Tanky came back with orders to be in the dinning room for an audition. There was a four-piece permanent orchestra on board playing popular classical stuff and if we were good enough we would be allowed to play some of the livelier stuff. We auditioned in front of the Captain and Purser, with Tony on Clarinet and a sax which he found in the store and me on the electric piano with inbuilt backing. We played four numbers together and I did a jazz solo. We got approval but told to tone the volume down and booked for a late session toward the end of dinner, to give the Classics a break. This meant we still had to wait at dinner. This was a lavish affair, not silver service, with all seven courses plated up, which made things easier. The portions were so ridiculously small that it would be impossible to spill any of the food on the guests in the slight sway. The ship’s orchestra was glad to give way to us upstarts and I introduced us as ‘Tony and Renton Stowaways.’ We got a good reception and the Captain seemed pleased with us and we were sent off to our bunks to listen to the thump of the diesels with a pat on our heads. I was rudely awakened by an over vigorous shake.

“The Captain wants to see you two, right away!”

“What the hell for, we are off duty, bugger off!”

“You two must have done something wrong then. Come on or I’ll get it in the neck too!” We dressed and were escorted to the Captain’s plush office.

“Right chaps, the guests want you to play for them in the club room. Be there in five.”

“Fine Captain but it doesn’t feel right Renton and me playing in the club room in waiters outfits.”

“What do you suggest then? We don’t have a green room here.”

“Well, how about loaning us some of your gaudy uniform Jackets. At least it will amuse the guests.” We scrambled into jeans and coloured T-shirts and went up to see the Bursar who had a number of jackets for us to try. 

“This is the Captain’s spare so don’t dribble anything down it,” was the only instructions. “The piano has been moved for you and you’ll have to play until the last man standing. Understood?” as we nodded. “Not too loud mind you. I’ll see if I can alter your duties on the roster to compensate.” We did a high five and left quickly. The piano had been set up with a mike and a high stool for Tony. I introduced us now as the ‘High Jackers,’ pointing to the Captain’s uniform jacket I was wearing, to some amusement and I started on some light numbers whilst Tony adjusted the sound and lighting. Having played together before on many occasions at school, we had a good enough repertoire to see us through the evening, even though we hadn’t prepared or rehearsed any of the numbers. Whilst I tinkled on the piano and sang some solo numbers, Tony drew up a programme on the back of a menu which would allow us to change smoothly from one number to another. At a break, a member of the audience asked if we could play louder since his earphone was broken to the amusement of the assembly which had grown considerably. 

We became a permanent feature of the Entertainment Department onboard ship. Since we had to have some rehearsal time and we played during dinner and night, we were fully occupied and got out of the usual menial tasks that had been in store for us. This upset the rest of the crew but for five more nights we didn’t particularly care. The ship’s route was first to visit the Barrier Reef where the ships tender took visitors closer and others could take part in water sports. This was great and I managed to hone up my water skiing and sail boarding. I also took out a few of the younger members on a sailing dinghy and I had a ball in the high waves and stronger breeze. I was admonished by the Captain for possibly putting his guests in danger. The next few days we hit a storm, not as bad as I had experienced with Suzy on the China Sea but the ships stabilisers could hardly cope, so we had fewer diners and fewer to our evening soirée’s. Guests and crew were glad to dock in Auckland. I couldn’t wait for my discharge. A pleasant, unexpected surprise was a hefty tip for the motley crew and a mention in despatches from many of the guests who had enjoyed our music. The Captain tried to sign us on for the next voyage with an enticement of pay but we had had enough and were glad to get off the ship and go through immigration.

We nearly had a major fall out. Tanky wanted to do South Island and the fiords and I wanted to see the volcanic district. I won on a toss of a coin and we opted for a five day walking tour of North Island. I checked my E-mail and found a couple from Suzy. I hesitated before opening them but they were just a means of her keeping in touch. One said ‘Rice thriving’ and the other ‘Fish in pond’ which was her nice way of keeping informed but not spilling her heart out. I replied in the same vein with ‘Stormed into Auckland.’ Tanky was good company and we had fun on our travels, staying in lodges and eating where possible. I tried to persuade him to come to Thailand but he was reluctant. I then had to tell him of my impressive bonus last year and that I had no way of spending it. He agreed that I should pay for his flight on the condition that he would one day repay me in cash or kind. We shook on it and that was settled. A bus ride to Auckland, overnight stay in a hostel and we were on a flight to Bangkok with an upgrade to Business.

Chapter 27

Amanda and Partridge were waiting for us with a cab. “You’re looking very radiant Amanda.”

“Don’t butter me up Renton, what have you done to Suzy? She’s been weeping down the phone to me for hours. I warned you!”

“I’ll tell you in good time. Meet Tanky whose been my travelling companion for the last month or so.”

“Hi Tanky darling, what have you been doing mixing with this scumbag. I’m going to tear his what its off when we get back.”

“Amanda, it can’t be that bad?”

“And you can keep your neb out of it Partridge. I’m bloody angry with Renton and I’ll say what I like. Now get us back to our hotel before I make a scene.”

“You’ve already made your scene and point my dear.”

“Partridge, this is between me and that scumbag Renton and I want to vent my feelings now.”

“OK, Amanda, you’ve made your point, I thought I let her down gently so that she could decide between me and David.”

“Who’s David and when did he arrive on the scene?”

“Long term sweetheart, well before I came along. She met up with him in Shanghai when we were there.”

“That still doesn’t let you off the hook. When we get back I want to know exactly what happened. Everything Renton and then I’ll let you know if you can be my friend.”

“Darling, they are both tired. Stop the third degree for now and at dinner you Renton can tell us all what you’ve been up to since we left Tokyo.”

Partridge had booked a suite and Tanky and I had the second bedroom. At dinner Amanda took me aside and grilled me mercilessly. Even Partridge was wincing. Tanky and Partridge caught up on the past as I was trying to hold my own with Amanda. Eventually she conceded that I had a modicum of goodness left in me but she needed to check things with Suzy first. We finished the evening at the hotel night club where Amanda even allowed me to dance with her. At breakfast the discussion turned to how we were going to get to Buggsie’s place. I wanted to take local transport and Amanda wanted to fly. After much discussion we compromised on hiring a car with chauffer so that we could see that country and maybe stop off somewhere for the night. We had a pleasant journey down there, stopping off here and there, as the mood took us. Amanda spent much of the time asleep cuddled up to me to the amusement of Partridge and Tanky. We arrived there to a rapturous welcome from Bugs and his pals. Lorraine from Beijing was already there and invited me to share a bed with her. I had to tell her that Amanda was not too pleased with me and I had to remain celibate for another day or so. Matters weren’t helped by the local kids chanting ‘Renton’ and ‘Suzy’ at full pitch.

“Right Renton, you can admire my tiny bikini for a moment only. Then I want you to take me swimming and check on my progress.”

“Where is the bikini Amanda. Are you wearing one?”

“Less cheek and take me to the water. I’ve been swimming every day since we left Tokyo and my personal swimming instructor is very pleased with me.”

“I’d be pleased with you too Amanda. With a body like yours, I’d be dawdling with your swimming lessons.”

“I’ve been doing body shaping classes in the gym. Adding bits here and taking bits off there with exercises. Lost my waif like appearance. Do you like what you see?”

“Amanda, you look fabulous and I mean it. You look a million dollars.”

“Thanks Renton. I don’t wholly believe you since you’re trying to butter me up. I want a bit of stardom in my life and I need to look good. Now you lead the way and I’ll follow.” We waded into the water to above my knees and dived in. Amanda followed and swam a nice freestyle although it was rather clipped. We got out quite distance and she got quite shock when she looked back. “I’d be shit scared Renton if I was on my own out here. Can we swim back?”

“You’re fine Amanda. Your teacher has worked wonders in this short time.”

“Renton, I have determination and balls to carry something through. It’s a personal challenge and I’m not going to be beaten easily.”

“Now stop the yacking and I want to see you sprint back to the beach.”

“Before we do that Renton, will you teach me how to sail?”

“I will and we’ll all go snorkelling one day. Now let’s see you swim really fast.”

We had a quiet evening around the barbeque, catching up on Buggsie’s news and an early night. The next morning Amanda took me aside, “Renton, I want a word.”

“Not going to grill me more about Suzy, are you?”

“Not at this moment but I haven’t finished with you on that point yet. You know that I’ve been taking singing lessons and you told me how you had musical evenings here which sounded fun. Do you think you could do the same for me and I could sing again before an audience that might not be too critical?”

“It’s already planned for tonight. Tanky plays his clarinet and one of the local lads will join us on drums. There’s bound to be a guitar about.”

“Good, can you feature me in, like we did with Suzy?”

“So that’s why you are cross with me, because you’ve lost a singing partner?”

“True but more because she is a good friend and you’ve spoiled all that. I don’t suppose they have an electric piano here, like the one you played on in Tokyo?”

“I doubt it. I’m not sure if they have electricity but I’ll check with Bugs, he will know.”

“Would you please darling?”

“Does the ‘Darling’ mean we are friends again?”

“Renton, I hope I’m your ‘special’ friend. Everybody is your friend.” 

I checked with Bugs and he took me into the local town and we managed to procure a piano, speakers and a couple of mikes to be delivered for tonight. The generator had been fixed and would power the setup. The trip also allowed me to find more about Bugs and his life. He apparently had a problem, considering Rugby or the medical profession as a career and lumped for becoming a doctor and dabbling in the sport occasionally, like twice a week in the season. He wanted, when fully qualified to spend the winter in UK and the summer out here practising medicines for the local community. That was his dream and he was partially down that road on both fronts. He also had a passion for sailing, especially in warm waters.    

 “Renton, I had a chat with Partridge and he tells me that you are both loaded. I’m not going to go around the houses. I know you bought the cat for the house last time but I need a charitable donation from you, for the local community. They need a bit of a leg up.”

“How much do you need Bugs? Ten grand?”

“Far too much Renton, I just want to improve the basic infrastructure here, better water supply, mains electricity and proper sewage. Just need to grease the right palms and influence the right people to get things done.”

“I’ll have a word with Partridge and we’ll set up a Trust Fund or Foundation or something and I’ll get people to back it.”

“That’s very well Renton but I need ready cash to do things around here. It’s a cash economy.”

“You’ll be one of the Trustees and can draw cash anytime. We’ll set you up with a card and you can use an ATM to draw on. There’s a bank in town, we’ll make arrangements for larger sums if you need them. Partridge is the guy to set all that up.”

“My priority is to get another teacher for the school. If I can’t get one through the normal channels, even with a few bribes, I’d like to fund one myself.”

“Look Bugs, next time you take me to town or better still Partridge, get him to draw what ever you need from his or even my account and set things up for you.”

“This is a bit unconventional Renton and I’m not sure we can get charitable status. I wouldn’t know how to go on about that.”

“Leave that to Partridge, his bank will know but in the meantime be assured of the cash and as much as you need.”

“Now on another point, some of the songs you’ve been singing with the kids are in English. I don’t want the locals to start learning English. This community is off the beaten track and away from the tourist trade so far. I’d like to keep it that way for as long as possible. With English, the men will go off to more lucrative jobs away in resorts and I don’t have to explain what the girls might be tempted to do. It will deplete the population and ruin the farming and fishing economy they have here. Understand?”

“Clear Bugs. We’ll take your lead on that. On that point can you take me to the teacher now. I want to explain to her that for this evening I want the kids to play and sing the musical games in the local Thai dialect and if she could take the lead.”

“Fine, but she doesn’t speak much English. I was hoping that your Suzy would be with you. It would have been a boon to have a fluent Chinese translator. I have lots of things to accomplish on this trip.”

“But don’t you need a Thai translator?”

“That too but there are a lot of Chinese businesses here and Suzy was a boon.”

Back at the ranch there was a hive of activity with Amanda leading the way and setting up for the night’s entertainment or Amanda’s show as people started calling it.

“There you are Renton. Need to check a few things with you.”

“The piano and things are being delivered and Bugs’ has fixed up the geny. I’ve just come back from seeing the teacher, arranging the kids’ games?”

“Kids games? When?”

“In the evening, before the musical evening you are arranging?”

“How long will these games go on for?”

“Don’t look so disappointed Amanda. They won’t detract from your show. We do this for the kids each evening until they’re tired out and then we move onto the adult stuff. You’ll enjoy it too.”

“If you say so Renton. By the way, I rang Suzy to confirm our conversation, and she is dating David or at least seeing him. She’s still missing you terrible but I told her not to worry too much since you are now screwing that bitch from Beijing, Lorraine.”

“I’m not!”

“No, but you will be.”

“How did she react to that news then?”

“She just said ‘Oh’ and put the phone down. I only said it to start breaking the bonds between you. I reckon she will be better off with David in Shanghai. You’re too young for her, she is my age and you are still a free spirit.”

“Thanks a lot Amanda!”

“I’m doing the best for you Renton. You’ll get over her and we’ll all be best of friends. By the way I’ve come to a similar decision with Partridge. I’m five years older than he is. He’s also only a baby, hardly out of nappies. Don’t you look so shocked! I’ve broached the subject gently and I’m not suddenly going to dump him. With your help, I want us to drift apart gradually without pain but remain good friends. You and I need to find him a nice girl, his age, somebody like your Lorraine.”

“You called her a ‘Bitch’ just now.”

“That was for Suzy’s benefit only so don’t you dare repeating that. Lorraine’s a nice girl so treat her right Renton. Don’t lead her on if you have no intentions. I’ve got my hands full with Suzy.”

“Amanda, I was wrong about you. Give me a hug and let’s go over the programme you have for tonight. Something else, Bugs needs a translator, could you offer Suzy to do the translation for him when he needs it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you can set your phone on speaker and hold a three way discussion, a sort of conference call. You could persuade Suzy to join in and then leave it to Bugs to continue. Partridge and I are funding some local community projects for him.”

“You haven’t asked me to contribute Renton. I’ve accumulated quite a healthy balance with my past gold-digging ventures. Richard is investing if for me; bought a flat for development on your row. Going to make me a fortune once it’s done out like your pad. How much do you need?”

“Talk to your Richard in a few days time when I’ve had the chance to broach it with him. He doesn’t know I’ve committed him to a healthy wedge yet.”

“Renton, I love you and I love the way you operate. In different circumstances I would want to shack up with you for a while to ‘look and learn’ as Richard advised. Come on, we have lots to do.”

The evening’s entertainment was a continuation of where we left off on our last visit. The local ladies brought fish and vegetables, the house provided the beer and soft drinks and also the evening’s entertainment. The kids arrived with their teacher in crocodile fashion at the appointed time and she directed the games whilst I played the piano. The repertoire of games had increased considerably from my time with the rich kids in Bali. This time it was conducted in the local dialect with the teacher and I communicating in stilted Chinese, to the amazement of our people.  The girls, even Amanda joined in the games and we all had great fun for an hour or so before the food was dished out. 

“Renton, just look at the parents and even the teacher, they are exhilarated and really proud for the kids. Can we do this tomorrow night?”

“Whilst I’m here, we’ll do this every night and during the day, at lunch time, we do rounders, beach volleyball, badminton and soccer with them if you’d like to join in and supervise.”

“I’d love to Renton, but I used to skip games at school, didn’t like the showers, being so skinny.”

“Just join in then. Its fun and you might even enjoy it.”

“I don’t speak the local lingo. By the way, where did you learn?”

“Suzy helped me on our travels. I just know enough to get by, just a few phrases to ask questions, directions and things. Anyway, it’s Chinese I learned and they speak Thai here. You’ll get by Amanda with sign language. By the way have you seen Lorraine?”

“I’ve had a chat with her and she’s helping with the entertainment tonight. We are singing a duet and she’s probably practising somewhere on the beach out of earshot with my I-pod. I told her to shack up with you tonight.”

“Amanda, I don’t need any help from you on that score!”

“If she doesn’t I will Renton. I need to ensure that you’re with somebody and not just hanging around available.”

The band assembled and had grown from Tanky on clarinet, Lasso on drums and Harry on guitar. Harry was a mean blues player.  Amanda was to be the star and do the vocals and had conscripted Lorraine, Cindy and Marcia to help with the backing line up. We played a few lively numbers as warm up and then on queue, Amanda and her girls entered the stage highlighted by Bugs with a spotlight, using a large lantern. They looked fabulous and the crowd cheered and clapped. Amanda went straight into a solo of one of the songs we had done in Tokyo with the girls doing the backing routine. Wow! I thought. Her music teacher had transformed her. She sang confidently and with lots of passion and meaning in her voice. She looked at me and blew me a kiss and I held up both thumbs. Amanda expertly compered the whole evening, ensuring the crowd were joining in with the dancing and singing the more popular songs. Harry and Cindy did some super Blues numbers and Lorraine did a duet with Amanda. It was a long night, a very enjoyable night and lasted longer than we had planned since the audience demanded more and more encores. I could see that Amanda was in ecstasy and I managed to get Partridge to take her away for a walk on the beach to calm her down. She had done a really professional job and I was deeply impressed. She was a quick learner. After we had dismantled and put away the equipment, Lorraine dragged me out onto the beach for the night under the stars, not that we were stargazing much.  

 We had ourselves a ball during those two weeks in the sunshine on a huge beach, all to ourselves. Lunch hour was the organised sports, where we wore the local school kids out. Every sport imaginable was played out there. Bugs introduced them to touch rugby, I refereed the soccer, Lorraine taught them hockey with straight sticks cut out of the scrub, Harry volleyball and Amanda was taught Badminton, which she loved, by the locals. I took out Amanda and Lorraine sail boarding until Bugs hired another cat, then it was out and out racing between Bugs and Amanda, with Lorraine and I giving them a run for their money. Bugs’ was just too good a sailor. We all swam a lot and borrowed an old fishing boat from the locals, anchored it out deep and used it as a swimming and diving platform. With my little bit of Chinese, I managed to sort out some local repairs to the main house and purchase some more equipment. Suzy, at long distance, helped Bugs to secure some needed infrastructure for the villagers even though we had to resort to a few backhanders to oil the wheels of the bureaucratic system. Amanda sang her heart out and wanted to stay out there for the rest of her life. Partridge handled all the financial matters and set up a charitable foundation for the benefit of the community, with substantial donations from the three of us. I planned a three week tour of the Philippines and Indonesia in more style with Lorraine as partner. Suzy and her David planned to come over for a vacation when I had left, to help Bugs sort out some finer points with the local Authority. All was fine, until Partridge told me to be on hand to receive an important call from my brother at three. He wouldn’t tell me what it was about but I was sure he knew, since he insisted I took the call and he would be about to listen in.

Chapter 28

At three, instead of ripping our guts out on the cat, pursuing Bugs and Amanda, I was waiting under the shade of a tree, drinking cold beer with Partridge.

“Hello Renton, its Patrick. Glad you could make it on the call.”

“Patrick? I thought it would be that fat rat Gerald. What do you want Patrick? I haven’t seen you or spoken to you since you left school.”

“Family matters Renton I’m afraid.”

“I haven’t got a family Patrick, they disowned me years ago.”

“I sympathise Renton, I feel the same and probably am in the same boat as you. Uncle Reg helped me out during my last years. You seemed to manage well enough on your own.”

“What’s this about Patrick? I don’t want to get involved. I told Sir bloody Gerald as much last time he phoned. What are you after Patrick, money?”

“It’s not that Renton. I need to tell you that you’re involved in a scam, dreamt up by your Sir Bloody Gerald, Lord and Lady Muck and its all gone very pear shaped.”

“What’s this to do with me? They can just get on and bloody clean up the mess themselves.”

“Not as simple as that I’m afraid. I’m implicated, you’re implicated plus Rupert and Flash. We are all in the shit and I’m calling on you personally, not on behalf of the others, to help find a way out before the shit hits the fan and all hell is let loose.”

“I’ve got Partridge listening in on this. What’s our liability?”

“Don’t know exactly, Partridge may be able to find out the true cost. The thing is, our gracious parents set up a Company, nominating the five sons, us, as Directors. Look, I didn’t know a thing about this until Gerald contacted me a few days ago. Apparently, according to Partridge, I also bank with him, they borrowed money against fictitious assets and now find themselves severely short. They have broken loads of rules and could even end up in prison. We, as Directors could also end up in the clink.  I don’t know how they did it, probably forged our signatures on the Company papers.”

“OK Patrick, what do you want from me?”

“I’m not sure, since you are the youngest, you are likely to get off lightly but the problem is that once this gets out our family name will be dragged though the mire and we will all feel the repercussions with credit ratings, career opportunities and so on. Sorry brother, but I had to inform you.”

“What action are you taking Patrick?”

“Rupert and Flash have hired some lawyers but they are more likely to let the cat out of the bag rather than help. The whole thing needs to be put to bed quietly before it gets all exaggerated in the media and then we are all for it. You can imagine the headlines when they delve into our background. No roses there to be sure.”

“What are the three rogues up to now at this moment?”

“That’s another problem. Instead of lying low they are trying to be brash about it. Any moment they are likely to spill the beans. We have to find some way of muzzling them.”

“Patrick, would it help if I came over now see if I could help?”

“Not sure, maybe best for you to be out of the way and look totally uninvolved other than on paper. You at least can prove you’ve been away. Gerald the bastard, the Company Secretary has posted minutes of numerous Board Meetings with us all present, voting and approving some crass decisions.”

“Look, I’ll get back in the next day or two and we’ll see what we can do. Keep me informed by Email, text message or phone of all developments. I’ll get in touch with some contacts of mine for advice. Bye for now.”

“OK Partridge, tell me the worst. You must know more about this than you let on.”

“I warned you in Tokyo that there had been some developments with your family. I didn’t know the details then. Some months ago, after you had buggered off to China, Lord All Mighty contacted my father for some investment cash. He, knowing us two were close, passed it on to me. I turned it down flat, mainly in support of you. Also it didn’t look too sound an investment. It wasn’t and when things got bad, they had difficulties in paying back interest so they borrowed more on assets they didn’t have. It developed into a type of classical Ponzi scam but with lots of lies and falsifications. Some of these are under investigation. The Police are not involved yet but are probably standing by on the sidelines.”

“Do you know what my liability is?”

“You would be totally wiped out my friend, totally skint and begging me for a farthing. You see, your incompetent eldest brother, instead of forming a ‘Limited’ Company, he thought he was being clever and made it ‘Private’ so that they didn’t have to disclose accounts. That triggered a warning bell from the start. It almost makes me believe that he planned this from the beginning.”

“What do you suggest we do? Any ideas?”

“Firstly, we need to get Lord, Lady and Sir, off the radar to stop them letting the cat out of the bag. That’s what father advised. We then need to get hold of the accounts and see who we are liable to and by how much. Hopefully your dad tapped the old boy network and they won’t want to be seen with egg on face so we might just be able to strike a deal, to delay repayments and may even write off some of the debt. You, Renton, need to scan for all your influential contacts and do a PR cover up job so that the matter doesn’t become public, just a temporary hitch, needing some refinancing that’s the message you need to get out. That’s father’s advice and I can only agree.”

“I feel out of my depth here Partridge, all has gone swimmingly for me so far and suddenly the rug has been pulled away without my knowing. I thought I had outlawed my family and now they have hung a millstone around my neck.”

“I sympathise Renton. I feel I should have delved deeper at the time they contacted my bank. I feel I have let a friend down.”

“Hey, nought to do with you, I just value your advice and that you passed the information on. I’ll get in touch with Crabtree in Singapore first. He is always good for some sound advice. I need to book the first flight out to London.”

“I’m coming with you. We can leave the girls here. They love it here. It might be good for me to be away from Amanda for a few days.”

“I’d appreciate that Partridge. Are you having second thoughts about Amanda?”

“No, but she keeps telling me I’m just infatuated by her and just lust after her body which I do and maybe I don’t love her. Help me out Renton, what’s the difference between love and infatuation.”

“We can talk about it on the flight.”

“OK, I just have a feeling that she is trying to let me down gently. Can you check it out with her? I can rely on you to advise me on the matters of the heart.”

“I’ll do that and now go off and spill the news to the girls whilst I arrange transport and you pack.” 

I called Crabby in Singapore and told him the outline of the problem and had him interrogate me for every detail I had. He agreed with Mr. Partinger Senior’s advice and he would, through his contacts find out the finer details, the social implications and come up with a range of solutions. He ordered me to keep him informed on all matters however small and not to divulge this to anyone else outside the family and the Partingers. He told me that the whole thing could explode if not nipped in the bud quickly. He also said he would make arrangements for a house on a Caribbean Island to be made available. A safe house that he had control over and he would also arrange an escort from London to get the trio off the map. I would have to find the transport costs for three people travelling incognito. Patrick and myself, as Directors, would have to field any questions and take any flack for the moment and try and contain the problem. I didn’t like the sound of that. The last thing I wanted was to take the blame for the misdeeds of my dysfunctional family. Crabby assured me I was the best person able to handle it and being the youngest, more likely to get sympathy than wrath.

I was a bit tense during the flight on Thai Airlines. I recounted in detail my discussions with Sir Crabtree to Partridge and he immediately relayed the detail onto his father over the satellite phone. We got general approval other than being cursed for disturbing his nap. I then called Sir Gerald and told him to pack and get to Heathrow as quickly as possible, including his parents. I lied that I had a fix to the problem but only if they were off the scene. He agreed and would ensure that Lord and Lady Renton would be there. He also had the cheek to demand that they flew First Class. The baggage hold would have been more fitting.

“Partridge!” 

“What?” as I stopped him flicking through the channels.

“I had a chat with Amanda.”

“What, so soon?”

“Well, we have spent some time together, this last few weeks; on the water.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she was deeply concerned that she was crowding you, suffocating you and maybe you wanted more space and time to yourself.”

“And what did you say?”

“I said I’d have a chat with you and see how you felt yourself about her. She’s a nice girl, changed a lot and is concerned about you.”

“I know and I wish she was a scheming, grabbing, gold digger of a bitch that I could have fun with, pay her off and be done with her, but she’s turned out not to be like that. Trouble is my dad and mum love her to bits and keep inviting us over. She’s got your touch Renton, makes people feel at ease and to like her. By the way, my mum is excited that this has blown up because she reckons she’ll see more of that charming young fellow that my no good son hangs around with. I think some of this has rubbed off from you on to Amanda. I do remember saying something on those lines to her and you two have been very close lately. I’ve noticed.”

“She has changed and is now quite considerate; reckons I should find you a nice girl, more of your age and class.”

“Hey, she’s quite a classy lady, mark my word. She fits in well with our crowd these days. She’s very observant and makes sure I don’t just hold back on any criticisms I may have. She wants it told as it is.”

“She wants to develop her acting and singing career and thinks that might be a problem between you with her working evenings and not seeing much of you.”

“Renton, I’m going to be heart broken but I don’t want to stand in her way. I admire her guts and determination. She told me about her family. Makes yours seem tame by comparison. Used to send her mum money but has stopped that since she found it was all fed to the bookies and booze.”

“Look, she still wants to stay friends and if you need an escort to your grand does, then she will gladly accompany you. I suggest that you part company as the best of friends and you make sure you go and support her shows and things.”

“I feel like having a good cry on your shoulder Renton.”

“Not in public Partridge, I left Suzy crying her eyes out. We’ll find you a nice girl and you’ll get over it.”

“Not too nice I hope Renton.”

“Go to sleep Partridge for heavens sake.”

Patrick met us at Heathrow. I hadn’t seen him for years. He looked much older and a little nervous. This family problem had obviously shaken him as it had me. We stopped at the motorway services into London and discussed the situation as it was developing, in the car park. He told us that Gerald had phoned him in high dungeon but got short shrift and Patrick advised him to make himself scarce and keep his head below the parapet. He also told us, that when asked if it was all his idea, Gerald put the whole blame on his father and that he had strongly advised against it which was a total lie. Partridge called his father who immediately called us to a meeting in his office at the bank. We drove into the City, parking the car in a multi story and walking the rest of the way. We spent most of the time poring through the list of clients and marking the ones we knew and could contact on a familiar basis. As Henry Partinger predicted, they had trawled the old boy network for favours so at least we could make contact personally and hope to get some understanding and deferment of any action. The list of ‘unknowns’ was passed to a bank minion to research and report back. I asked what the damage was and was told that it was close to a hundred million plus assets at fire sale prices of less than thirty million at the best. It appears that they had gone into property development which was a coincidence but had backed the wrong horses and were entrenching themselves deeper in the mire with bad deals and lack of know how.

Henry mused that if two young upstarts like Renton and Partridge here, who are still wet behind the ears, can make a tidy sum on property deals, then seasoned warriors should be able to make a fortune. So, I was to blame for my family’s woes. It was unfair but got me thinking.

“Henry, what if we declared this bogus company bankrupt and our Renton, Renton and Associates took them over and any debt, then we could view the assets and develop them to our own saleable standards?”

“I like you thought process young man but the idea of bankruptcy doesn’t ring right in our circles and especially with our influential investors listed here. Let’s see, what we could consider is a takeover of assets and debts, hide any falsifications as assets not acquired but in the process of. If we then reassure the investors that with some refinancing, supported by this Bank, they should hold out for their cash for a little longer, until the take over is complete. That might satisfy some of them especially if all the Directors resign. I’m sure that most of them will see it as papering over the cracks but with your successful and well-known business taking the risk, they should be happier. At least they may get some of their money back rather than a few pence to the pound. Let me think about it. Have we got a listing of their assets? Then get it and check out the potential son. Go on, snappy lad, we have a situation on our hands and there he is, with a suntan, thinking of far off places.”

“OK, OK dad, leave off. I have problems of my own to deal with.”

“It’s time that nice Amanda dumped you son. She’s too good for you!”

“Can we get to business at hand,” trying desperately to change the subject, “I need to consult my other Directors and see if they agree first of all? Secondly how big is the risk in all this?”

“On the face of it I would say that the risk is about fifty million, given that you can sell on the properties quickly and are confident that you make up the difference with good dividends to the newly acquired shareholders. It will cost, but in time you should make good. Yes Patrick?”

“These accounts show huge sums being paid out as remuneration to Directors. I haven’t seen a penny of it have you Renton.”

“Get in touch with your other brothers now, this instant, and with the majority you have to stop any payments from the bank and freeze their own accounts now, this minute! Get to it son before the business bleeds to death. Renton, you and my son hold the majority of the voting shares in your own Company don’t you?”

“Between us we hold probably three quarters. Some new share holders have joined us recently.”

“OK, it may not be ethical but with that majority, you could hold sway and acquire this business without agreement but there could be acrimony. Call your partners now and discuss the possibility of acquiring a new business on its uppers. You can tell white lies, but I’m sure you will put it to them straight. I shall leave you this office to carry on. I have a meeting I must attend. Thank you for bringing all this to my notice. It’s rare I get involved in such a fracas.”

I contacted Stasiek and Jadja, who were together in Krakow and put it to them and then Alice and Donald. They were all sympathetic to my problem but were concerned about the huge risks we all would be taking with such a burden. I didn’t mention my voting majority. At least they agreed to accept any decision that Partridge and I took, as long as his father’s bank supported the deal. I immediately set about working through the list of clients, contacting them and reassuring them that their money was safe, as long as there wasn’t a run on the cash and that with the takeover, or consolidation of businesses, the future looked rosier. I had the script checked out by Partridge and a Senior Partner of the bank so that I was technically correct with the terminology and it resounded with confidence. Some saw through it straight away, as Henry had predicted and they, generally wished me luck. Others said I was mad to take on the risk and should let the thing flounder. Some didn’t know of the problem and were grateful that a Director had personally bothered to contact them. With the help of two bank clerks checking the whereabouts of the investors and pre-warning them of my call, I managed the majority before it became too late in the evening. Patrick had called Rupert and Flash my other brothers, told them what he was doing and got their agreement to freeze the Company bank accounts, including personal ones. Partridge handled that part. Patrick then called a number of Estate Agents who had sold the properties listed, to assess their true value on the market today and the development potential. I called Singapore to update Crabby on the developments. He agreed in principal and recommended that Lord and Lady Renton should retire to a little isolated cottage on the Isle of White and Sir Gerald Renton should take a sabbatical on the grounds of ill health until the dust had blown over. He asked me to fax him the list of investors so that he could also do some more smooth-talking and wished me well. Henry insisted that we all go to his mansion in Mayfair for dinner and over night. There he wanted us to draw up what he called a snag list, of the things that could go wrong, so that we had a clear picture in our heads of the potential problems and then develop possible solutions. The main topic on the long list was Lord, Lady and Sir.  Recommendation from Henry was for Sir Crabtree to put the fear of God into them if they failed to comply with our demands. We all went to bed utterly exhausted and there was a mountain of matters to address the next day.

We were very fortunate that we could call on the services of the bank, the expertise of the senior staff, whose advice was invaluable. They saved us much time in pondering and vacillating about best solution. These professionals could see straight to heart of the issue and had ready, well documented answers at their fingertips. I started to understand why my Company’s bank charges were so high. I was sheltered from these fees on my own account by Partridge’s generosity to me. I called Singapore and was informed that the party of three had left Heathrow and were on the way to Atlanta in Business Class, upgraded from cattle class. Rupert and Flash wanted to come down and help but we declined their offer since it was likely to slow us down by explaining the complex detail we were handling. Rupert got his nickname from the bear he loved as a child and Flash was Gordon Renton. By the end of the day we had contacted eighty percent of the people on our list and generally had favourable responses. Patrick contacted the ones not familiar to me and he breezed through those in quick time. I, on the other hand, had to respond to many family questions and had to make excuses to end the calls. Stasiek called and I had to explain that we were in the process of acquiring the family company and he wanted information faxed to him on the new properties. Crabby phoned saying he had personally been in touch with Lord, Lady and Sir and got them formally to resign their positions which left us four brothers to carry on with the management and disposal. Henry assured us that if things didn’t go to plan the three would still be held responsible for the problem.

Calls started coming in from investors demanding more information. Patrick and I had to reassure them that all was in hand and the four brothers had taken over the reigns with the other principals resigning. I told them that there would be a snippet in the Financial Times from the bank to confirm that the refinancing deal was in progress. A supportive call from Donald asking if we needed any assistance and then we got on assembling a prospectus to send out to all the shareholders with a balance sheet and a current revaluation of assets held and a predicted value when fully developed. The only interesting asset was a series of unfinished apartments near Greenwich where the developer was having a major dispute with the building firm and there was a strong possibility that the whole lot might fold. Partridge was of the opinion that the old Company should put an offer in for the whole job lot and we could finish the job ourselves with our skilled and willing workforce of East Europeans. The key thing was to convert our assets as quickly as possible.

  

“Hi Renton, its Crabby, I just want to pass on some thoughts for you guys to consider. Firstly, fax me the Company bank statements. I have a feeling that the old dog might have secreted a bundle in offshore accounts. I’ll get my lads to check on the pretext is a money laundering case.”

“Are you sure you can do that?”

“I have more professionals at my disposal than you’ve had hot dinners my boy. By the way, I got one of my lads to check out on your business. He couldn’t believe how much it was making in such a short time, so he did a full investigation I’m afraid. He thought he would uncover some dodgy dealings, particularly when the Chief is off for nine months in Thailand and China. Drug suspect. He started total investigation, monitoring all your communications before I could stop him. He couldn’t find anything of note so he branched out into your family. Got loads of dodgy stuff on your parents and eldest brother though.”

“What stuff, about their recent venture?”

“Lots about that which confirms what we know but he uncovered a lot of Tax evasion and the Inland Revenue would be glad of a tip off on that. Also, his Westminster expenses have a fictional style about them. He is claiming on a fictitious Mayfair apartment would you believe.”

“I’ve seen no mention of that in the asset list.”

“You won’t dear boy. It’s all make-believe. I understand you are seeing the Fletcher girl, quite a dish I believe. She’s due back in Cambridge from Thailand soon. Make sure she is clean, not carrying anything. She’s probably listed on the immigration radar by now. We don’t want a scandal, do we?”

“I’m pretty sure she’s not into that kind of thing.”

“Best to be sure Renton.”

“Now, I can’t keep your lot holed up in my safe house for too long. Firstly they are enjoying themselves when they should be I purgatory and secondly, they are costing me a fortune in French wine. I intend to send them back soon. At that point things should be much clearer and I want you to organise a meeting of all the Directors, including you know who, both Companies, and I shall be Chair.”

“Fine but to what purpose Crabby? I don’t really want to meet up with them.”

“Firstly, I want to see how they react and secondly, I want to see some contrition. If I don’t, I shall openly threaten them with the equivalent of the ‘black ball’ and they will be ostracised by society. That will hurt them most.”

“Give me a date and I’ll arrange that. I think you know their Achilles heel. They have spent their lifetime grooming their society friends. I know, I unfortunately get condolences from these people for having such silly parents.”

“Don’t worry my boy. We will make them pay a price for this. I would suggest that we claw as much money as possible out of them. Get that stupid Barrister brother of yours out of his Belgravia apartment. Get Partridge to buy out the debts on that and we will have a lever.”

“I’ll get onto it straight away.”

“Must go Renton. Lady C sends her best wishes.”

I called a meeting of our Board members to explain the situation and thank them all for their generosity in my hour of need. 

“Renton this thing could be a disaster for you and your family if it blows up and the media get a whiff.”

“Yes, Alice and that’s why I’m trying to contain it with all of your help because if the proverbial hits the fan then I will be smeared and it could affect our business. At the moment I have some influential people keeping a lid on it.”

“I’m with you there Renton, but our exposure is massive. What if the investors want to pull out suddenly? We can’t raise that sort of capital.”

“I agree Donald and that’s why Partridge suggests we pay them a healthy divided to keep them sweet.”

“The assets are shit Renton. Stupid to buy most of these houses. No sense.”

“How can we maximise on them Stasiek?”

“Donald says quick make over and get rid. Block of flats more interesting in Greenwich. My men finish to high standard and sell good.”

“Is that your view too Donald.”

“I totally agree but we need some good salespeople. What do you think Alice?”

“We either sell them anonymously, through Estate Agents, and pay their cut or we sell under our name and reputation and then we need Renton to do the sales pitch. We could get an extra few million that way.”

“OK guys, I will come fully into the business and work my ass off until we are straight financially. You tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it without question.”

“Even scrub my back Renton?”

“Have I ever complained Jadja?”

“OK, but I need more people and cash to pay, so jobs done quickly and Renton sells for high price.”

“Leave the cash flow to me Stasiek and I’ll loan the business a trainee clerk who can look after the books. I suggest that we concentrate on the block of flats. One set design for the twenty and quick sale.”

“No Partridge, we do what we are doing in South Kensington. Complete a show flat ASAP, to the highest standard and sell on the basis of that. Punters can then choose the level and cost of fitting out. We’ll make more profit and the clients will be happier being involved at the beginning. How quickly can you finish off a shell Stasiek?”

“Less than the time they can complete the transaction. Six weeks max.”

“OK, what do we do with the rest of the properties?”

“Quick but good make over and Renton sells. I put two teams on job and one designer from Donald. OK?” answered Stasiek quickly.

“We have a plan and I will ensure that you get your moneys worth out of me. I won’t draw any dividends or salary until we are straight. OK Partridge?”

“Bit severe but at least it shows you mean business. I propose that we pay you expenses up to a certain level. All agreed? Done! Mum and dad want to meet you all, so dinner at their Mayfair place for eight. Don’t dress up unless you want to. Are we done for now? Good. Renton, we need to get back to the office and go over a few things.”

Chapter 29

“We had a fabulous time, a fantastic time Renton. We spent all day on the water and the evenings with Tanky organising the music and Amanda here singing to us. We missed you, only for the music mind you and the kids missed you for the fun games,” recounted Lorraine, quite animated.

“Sorry that Partridge and I had to disappear so early.”

“We stayed on another week, didn’t we Amanda. Suzy and David came and they were a great help to Bugs in sorting out some issues for the locals. They got another teacher by the way and some promises of getting water and possibly electricity. Amanda gave the Headman her mobile so that the village can communicate in emergencies.”

“By the way, we left Suzy very cosy with her David so no worries from you about Suzy. Do you know if Partridge has set up this Trust Fund yet? I want to contribute a few grand. Don’t look at me in surprise Renton, I can afford it not like you I hear. Are things as bad as Partridge says?”

“At this moment ‘Yes’ Amanda but we hope to have a clearer picture in a month or so when we have unscrambled all the detail of this mess.”

“Poor you Renton! If you need a bed for the night or a crust to eat, count on me?”

“Thanks, but not that bad yet Amanda. I’m staying with Partridge at the moment but since you are back, I’ll vacate your apartment. Mrs. P has given me the use of a servant’s flat here for as long as I need. Where’s Partridge gone Lorraine?”

“He’s just chatting to my sister, over there Renton, on that garden seat. She came to meet me at Heathrow and bring me my car.”

“She’s quite dishy. You didn’t say Loraine when you talked about her.”

“I don’t need any competition from Alexandra, not Alex! She’s just started at Cambridge this year. She can be quite a madam, stole a few of my boyfriends in the past.”

“She certainly got Partridge hooked. Look at the way he’s drooling over her every word.”

“Hey Renton, Lorraine, could we make something of this, Alexandra and Partridge? What do you think Lorraine? You know your sister,” said Amanda with some mischief in her voice.

“Well, I don’t know but she is impressed easily by all this finery and wealth. She likes the good life certainly, dumps any fella that doesn’t pass the muster on looking after her. That’s why she tends to go for older guys.”

“Look Lorraine, you have a word with your sister and see if you can muster up any interest and you Renton, work on dear Partridge. This would be a great way for me to do a quick exit without hurting him. Make sure that at dinner tonight they sit together and I’ll act up one of my migraines and leave the field.”

“Now talking about acting, I’ve spoken to Simon, an old college friend, his father invested heavily in this crappy venture. He’s currently directing his third film at the moment. He had some success last year at Cannes so he’s on a high, to do another one to better it.”

“Where’s this leading to Renton? We need to concentrate on our two new lovers.”

“Sorry Amanda, but he’s looking for a night club singer. He used to play in our college Jazz band with Tanky and knows that I mix with the model crowd. I thought of you Amanda.”

“What, have you signed me up for an audition? I don’t believe it. When do I go?”

“Don’t get too excited. Its low budget thing and you are unlikely to get paid only your name on the credits. They say, to keep the cost down, he films with his mobile phone, set on video.”

“Where is this Renton, don’t keep me in suspense!”

“Cambridge in fact, he uses students as actors and extras to keep the costs down but he needs a striking looking singer for the part.”

“Look Renton, get in touch with this Simon guy and tell him I’ll do it, just for publicity and experience. I’ll even shag him to get the part, tell him that.”

“I don’t think so Amanda, he’s gay.” 

“That doesn’t matter, it might turn him on. I have some promotional photos I can send if it helps Renton.”

“You can come and stay at college with me Amanda, I have a big bed.”

“Thanks Lorraine. What are you looking like that for Renton? These guys just have a one-track mind. Hey guys, will this mean I can now say I’ve been to Girton College on my prospectus without lying! Hey, that’s great Renton. If Lorraine wasn’t here, I’d ravage you right now. OK folks, I’m going to split those potential love birds apart and you two can get to work on them. Get to it. Just ensure that they date each other by the end of tonight.” 

Chapter 30

The meeting of the two Boards was held in the large Board room of Henry’s private bank and Sir Earnest Crabtree had arrived to Chair the proceedings. I purposefully arrived late so as not to get involved in the early chit chat.

“Ah, Renton Junior has arrived at last. Please take your seats and I shall begin the proceedings. There’s no need of any introductions because I believe that you know one another, formally at least. The purpose of this meeting is to gather some information on the reasons why the Manor Investments is in deep trouble and smooth the process of the proposed take over by Renton, Renton and Associates. All Board members of both Companies are present here and I want you to behave in a gentlemanly fashion so that we can complete proceedings promptly and in an orderly manner,” he paused and stared at all in turn to get a nod of assent. Lady Renton sat there haughty and aloof and ignored the polite request as if it was all beneath her. She looked remarkably elegant and sporting a suntan. In fact, both Lord and Sir looked in remarkable good health too. The Caribbean must have been good for them. I hadn’t seen them personally for at least six years and hadn’t exchanged words for over ten. I noticed mother look in my direction when I entered but immediately looked away with no recognition. I wondered if she actually recognised me. Surely, she knew her son?

“I assume Lady Renton, you will adhere to my request,” said Sir Earnest pointedly. “Let me start proceedings by asking why Manor Investments was formed in the first place?”

“It was all young Renton’s fault over there,” shouted Sir Gerald with venom and pointing an accusing finger at me. “He diddled his kind parents out of just short of two million pounds and they would have been left destitute if I hadn’t done something about it.”

“Sir Gerald, I take it you are the spokesman for your Company?” asked Sir Earnest looking gravely at Gerald. “My understanding of that situation is that you had the Manor House, as you called it, on the market for eighteen months and accepted gladly a figure that covered the debts on the property.”

“Yes, but that scoundrel over there immediately sold it for over two million,” snarled Sir Gerald pointing his finger in my direction again.”

 “Why didn’t you Sir Gerald, being the self-appointed advisor to your parents, not gain that price?” retorted Sir Earnest. “I understand that at the time of sale you didn’t know that Renton was the purchaser and you were very satisfied with the sum, so why the dissatisfaction now?”

“He sold it immediately and didn’t even split the profit with his parents. That’s why.”

“Your lack of business acumen and practise astounds me Sir Gerald. The Manor was bought by a reputable Company. They made a sound judgement of its value and sold on. I haven’t heard of any Company being that generous to split their profits. I think greed and avarice is at the bottom of this, plus a lot of incompetence. Now let’s move onto the new Company that you set up. You with your parents set up a Company, a Private Company, Manor Investments and you appointed your four brothers as Directors without their knowledge. Why was that?” 

“They would be beneficiaries as part of the family.”

“I understand that you paid yourselves over three million pounds in remunerations and the other directors, your brothers, even though they were recorded on your accounts, didn’t receive a penny.”

“We reinvested their earnings.”

“There is no record of that other than their monies being transferred to an offshore account which you and Lord Renton control. We have followed the trail. Now, a follow up question for you. Why was no tax paid on any of this? Was the Inland Revenue informed?”

“We had problem with our accountant. He should have advised us.”

“We had no record that you used an accountant. Please furnish us with his name and we will ensure he is struck off. Now, moving on, who arranged purchase of the properties you bought?”

“We appointed an Estate Agent. We didn’t have time or staff to do all this ourselves.”

“So, the Agent bought you these properties for you, at top dollar to ensure his maximum commission and you didn’t control him?”

“We had every faith in him.”

“So that’s why he offloaded all the properties on his books that had been unsold for months or even years onto your portfolio, without any controls or checks. Wasn’t that amiss of you Sir Gerald?

“I have my profession to lead. I cannot afford the time to look after detail.”

“You and your father, Lord Renton managed to contact all you friends and get them to invest in a property development company, with all your brothers as Directors and you didn’t employ any staff to run matters or develop any of the properties?”

“We hadn’t got around to it.”

“On the strength of the deals you borrowed more moneys and your debts are over a hundred million pounds. How did you expect to recover all that?”

“We had a five-year financial plan and it was only in the last year that we would show a profit.”

“So, without staff, or realisation of any assets, you paid yourself huge sums straight from your clients investments is that it?”

“That’s an oversimplification Sir Earnest. We were just putting money aside.”

“I think your talking gibberish Sir Gerald. Taking your friends for a ride on a whim. Exploiting your four brothers, who under the terms of a Private Company, are jointly liable for the losses you yourself accumulated in such a short time.”

“But our five-year plan…”

“You had no five-year plan. I just hope that this was all your bungling, otherwise criminal proceedings will be taken against you all, particularly you Sir Gerald and Lord and Lady Renton. The boys would be involved in the skirmish with their reputations besmirched but at least they would avoid jail sentences unlike you three.”

“It wouldn’t have led to that, I assure you.”

“You don’t assure me of anything Sir Gerald other than your utter incompetence. To get you and your parents out of this mess, your junior brother over there, is risking his own Company and future in getting you all out of this debacle. In my position, which I am compromising on your behalf, I should be reporting this to the right quarters for the law to do the right thing. Do you understand the gravity of the situation you have heaped onto your brothers and sons? It’s despicable what you have done and if the press should get hold of it, they would have a field day. I don’t see any point in asking any other questions. I’m clear that the Company, Manor Investments, needs to be wound up and any assets, plus the tremendous debts to be transferred to Renton, Renton and Associates. This is a wall papering exercise to protect the investors and save the egg on face. Are we all in favour? I take it four to three or is that three abstentions? Motion carried. Now all your assets have been frozen, including your personal bank accounts, as you have probably noticed.”

“You can’t do that!” shouted Gerald, getting to his feet.

“Sit down Sir Gerald. We can do anything we want in this situation. All monies that you took as remuneration has to be repaid in full and to that end we are repossessing your property in Berkshire, Lord Renton and your apartment in Belgravia Gerald.”

“You can’t do that, you can’t make us homeless!” shouted Lord Renton, speaking for the first time.

“Since you haven’t paid interest on your borrowings since buying your pile by the river, we are repossessing it. Renton’s now own the debt. You will be re-housed on the Isle of White, in a cottage where you and Lady Renton will retire to and live off your Westminster pension, in solitude. As for you Sir Gerald, you will take a year’s sabbatical on the grounds of ill health and move to a small, one bedroom flat in Southwark. If I hear a squeak from any of you in the next year, then I shall be down on you like a pile of bricks. You haven’t any friends left. They have disowned you, having duped them all so rashly. Gerald, stick to your profession after the year off. Now, I have two cars waiting for you downstairs, to take you to pick up some essentials and onto your new abodes. I suggest you depart now, quietly and without a word.” All three got up without showing any feeling or a nod in goodbye and were escorted out by Sir Earnest.

“Well done Renton, Thanks for savings our skins,” as my brothers surrounded me, patted me on the back and congratulated me. Sir Earnest returned.

“Sorry, but I had to take over and sort them out. There was no scope for any sensible discussion. Now to lunch and you three lads, make friends with your brother Renton here and ensure you keep in regular contact. I will be keeping a fatherly eye on you all. Now Jadja and Alice let me take your arms and escort you down to a sumptuous lunch that Henry has laid on for us. He will be joining us I suspect, to find out the results.” 

Chapter 31

 

I immediately got thoroughly immersed in the process of selling. I had the gift of the gab and was very convincing but had no experience of selling property, so I enrolled on a selling technique immersion course, talked to Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers, Valuers, and picked their brains. I slaved day and night for a month, arming myself with knowledge on how to get the best deal, how to sweeten the sale and the most important task of closure, achieving the desired result. Late into the night, I watched programmes on house makeovers to achieve a sale or home staging as it is called by the professionals and interior design. Alice helped by pointing me in the right direction. Fortunately, Lorraine was in the middle of exams otherwise she would have dumped me for ignoring her. My biggest task was drawing up a portfolio of our sixty or so properties that we had newly acquired and becoming thoroughly acquainted with them. Even though I had an exceptional memory, I was amazed how well I retained all these trivia.  

I needed a car to get about and possibly to transport clients but in London there was always the problem of garaging and parking. Cabs all the time would be expensive. Partridge’s mum solved the problem, I could garage a car in their Mayfair mansion but instead, she offered her vintage Roller to me, plus chauffer. She said it was a waste to have it garaged all day and they only needed it in the evenings occasionally and George, the chauffer, butler, handyman was getting bored. The Old Lady as the car was named also needed regular runs so that she didn’t seize up with the equivalent of car arthritis. As written in the annals of salesmanship, success follows success and one of the ways of impressing clients was to display an aura of confidence and prosperity. What better way than with a vintage Rolls Royce Phantom and a liveried chauffer to boot. I posted all properties on the internet and hoped for some early calls. One of Partridges minions was instructed to field the calls. Since most of the houses were unoccupied and in a parlous state, I got Stasiek to find me some labour to tidy them up and make them more presentable for sale.

The first clients were a family who were interested in a property in Islington. I arranged the appointment allowing some time for my team to give it the once over, get the place cleaned up, painted where necessary, all the windows sparkling and the front door in immaculate condition. Alice took pity on me since it was my first potential house sale, suggested I or she furnish it to make it more homely and to hide the dents and worn patches in the carpets. The furniture and decorations were all hired with plenty of mirrors to give the place a grander feel. I collected the clients in the Roller and impressed them with the property. I had a potential sale but there were snags. The family had a house to sell, needed a mortgage and needed to dispose of lots of household accumulations since they were downsizing, albeit moving to a more up market area. This required a lot of legwork to sort out but I was determined to close on my first sale. I arranged a part exchange on their old house, Partridge arranged the mortgage, Patrick, my brother the insurances and I threw in the removal and disposal for free as further sales inducement. Our Company firm of Solicitors would handle the conveyancing in a speedy manner.

 I had a sort of successful sale but my stock of properties hadn’t decreased. Stasiek came to the rescue. He suggested my team of Polish workman, become permanent, live in the houses they were preparing for sale and that I buy a basic stock of furniture to home stage the houses before the clients came to view. It wasn’t all smooth sailing with clients wanting to view properties which we hadn’t prepared. These were usually rejected but at least I had a list of potential clients that I could call later to interest them in completed flats, apartments and houses. I had no problem selling those on and the clients were delighted. The part exchange system proved a bonus, particularly since the clients thought they were getting the best market price for their property even though the extra cost was loaded onto their new one.

I was getting too busy and needed assistance so at a Board meeting we agreed to set up an offshoot Estate Agency; ‘Renton, Renton Estates,’ with an old school friend in charge. This was housed in a corner of Donald’s office block. Between us we fielded all the enquiries, picked out the potential from the professional timewasters and I closed the deals. By word of mouth our portfolio increased as other potential clients were introduced to us, to sell their current property and show them something interesting to purchase. The thing snowballed and we had to find larger suitable premises to carry on business. Soon we had two teams of workers and Alice appointed an interior designer for the home staging. Stasiek checked out the potential of some of our gains from part exchanges for development and the firm of Solicitors had to take on extra staff. I was concerned that we would have a vast cost overrun but one of Partridges minions was tasked to scrutinise our accounts and pronounced us in good health and making money even though we seemed to be acquiring more assets than disposing of them. The first six months flew by and everybody apart from myself, were pleased with progress made. We had sold a quarter of the existing properties which had been in a dilapidated state when we took over and the others were shaping up. I was working all hours God sent and only taking Saturday and Sunday afternoons off for leisure, which kept Lorraine sweet.  

A full year went by before I felt any relief and feeling that I, with my expanded team, had broken the back of the problem. I had now sold most of our inherited properties and was now selling ones we had gained through part exchange and the ones that the original firm had developed, completed and furnished to a luxury specification. I had also perfected my sales technique by first showing our prospects the completed basement apartments to whet their appetite and then onto the chosen house. I could then, through actual example, illustrate what they could achieve with their new property, by themselves or with the help of our design team and Stasiek’s workmen. This had mixed results in that some opted to stay in their original property and have a full makeover, some wanted to buy the show apartment but business is business and I was generating lots of it. The same was happening to the normal Estate Agents business, since we started to differentiate ourselves from the run of the mill Agents by only taking on a property only if the owner agreed to a home staging makeover to assist sales. This meant de-cluttering, cleaning, touch of paint and snazzy furnishings. Again, this often led to clients liking the make over so much they opted to stay put and pay for our services which didn’t come cheap.

My two teams of Polish workman were past masters at this by now. One of the team leaders, Tadek, had been an Engineer in Poland and Stefan, a University Lecturer so I could comfortably leave them to get on with the job. I paid them well and they had free lodgings. We had problems with storage and disposal of household furnishings and other items so Stasiek suggested we buy or lease part of a warehouse, close to inner London and turn it into a storage business with varying sizes of cubicles, to rent out to the public. We would use the remainder ourselves. I didn’t realise the demand for this service and we ended up leasing the rest of the warehouse space and expanding into that. We had our own workman and Engineers to design and construct the mezzanines and the cabins to maximise on storage space. I had weekly meetings with my own Accounts Manager to ensure that anything we did was profitable and contributed to the Company’s wellbeing.

My Board members paid themselves a generous bonus and dividend at the end of the year and since I had opted to forgo, the other board members voted unanimously that I should organise a huge party for all of our friends, staff and workers, paid for out of my expenses. The venue was to be at another smaller warehouse we leased for our own storage and Jadja came over to be in charge of food since many of our workers were Polish and would enjoy some good Polish home cooking. The theme was to be a Polish village, set in the mountains and Stasiek set to, transforming the interior with his workmen. We had plenty of spare furniture ourselves, to make up seating areas.  Amanda insisted on providing the music including a Polish DJ and a performance of her own band, made up of friends from Cambridge. She also managed to resource a Polish Band and dancers for the entertainment. The theatrical theme even went as far as the serving and bar staff who would be decked out colourful Polish costumes and the men at the door in Polish Cavalry uniforms. I was to be the guest of honour and preside over the proceedings dressed as a Polish King and Lorraine as my Queen. I had to brush up on some Polish phrases to impress my flock. I sent out over six hundred invitations to the staff and workforce alone which suddenly highlighted what a huge business we had grown to. A further five hundred went out to friends including my four brothers. We maintained our monthly gatherings on instructions from Sir Earnest but since they were married and with growing families, I didn’t feel I had any strong ties with them. Everybody tells me that the party was a great success but the King had succumbed to too many vodka’s and had slept through most of it, in the arms of the Queen. According to Jadja, this was a traditional weakness of the Polish Kings and nobody seemed to have minded. I was sorry to have missed the second session of Amanda’s band which apparently was sensational and I had to watch the replay on video.

On the social side, not that I had much of one that year, events took their natural course without any intervention on my part. Partridge’s relationship with the gorgeous Alexandra, flourished, faltered and died after eight months but he had found another bright young thing that worked in his bank, to take her place. Lorraine still hung on to me even though I stood her up on numerous occasions because of work. Suzy and David were still in cahoots in Shanghai and Tanky was still travelling with his clarinet to support himself. Amanda was the talk of the town. The filming had gone well and she was expecting some complimentary reviews from Cannes next season. On the strength of the film, she had got a singing and acting part in the chorus of West End musical and her Cambridge Band was booked healthily for private functions. She even put down a deposit on another one of our basement flats, to be completed in three months, to her exotic tastes of course. Yolanda had gained some major contracts with Parisian fashion houses and an American cosmetic firm so was sitting very pretty, with fashionable beaus on her arm. 

I purposefully made no contact with Lord and Lady R. or even Sir Gerald, but Crabby had informed me he had had to give them a yellow card for contravening his instructions and not laying low. One of his team, masquerading as a Tax Inspector had paid them a visit which had firmly got them to bolt and stay put in their hole. Because of the healthy dividends we paid our former investors, many wanted to up their stake but we had to direct them to Partridge’s bank for financial advice and other sources of good investment. The highlight of the year end was that we were all planning to go to Thailand for a fortnight’s rest and recreation. Suzy and David promised to be there also and it would be the first time for Jadja, Stasiek, Alice and Donald. Jadja was being teased about the taking or not taking of any bathing costumes and I had to reassure her that she could do what she liked and wouldn’t upset anyone’s sensibilities, especially mine since I’d seen everything. I got a deserved thump for that comment followed by the customary giggle.

Chapter 32

The air tickets were arranged, with guaranteed upgrades, hotel in Bangkok booked and a coach to take us all down to Poonong village. Bugs had arranged to hire more equipment and we had a collection to give to Bugs to spend, however he wanted, on the house. Then disaster struck, a terrible disaster, a tsunami that grew to a hundred metre wave, crashing down on the Thai coast. When the news broke, we were devastated and immediately tried to contact Bugs. No contact was possible and we feared the worst. Either the phone lines were too busy and blocked, or the unmentionable had happened. Many of us gathered at Partinger’s to follow the news and consider what we should do. I phoned Sir Ernest in Singapore for news and he agreed to have his people specially check out the fate of the village of Poonong. We also asked him to arrange two containers of essential goods, as recommended by the Red Cross, to be trucked to the village immediately, to be used on site or elsewhere if not needed there. I then decided to raise some money for the villagers directly. Partridge and Donald immediately started setting up a web site for the Village of Poonong and I set about composing a letter, asking for donations, to all my contacts and clients. Partridge asked his father if he could do the same for the bank clients. Amanda was in a wretched state and we got her to collect up as many photos we had of the village and villagers to post on the web site, to try and calm her nerves. Within two hours, Emails went out to over five thousand people and we were hoping that they would be generous. The news was bad and the havoc caused by the wall of water crashing over the coastline was horrific. Having seen some of the amateur video footage of the wave, we had to consider that the house, school buildings and probably most of the village had been swept away. We just prayed and hoped that the people had managed to escape to the higher ground behind. The fishermen usually went out at night so hopefully they might have escaped but their beached boats would have been smashed to smithereens. We watched all the news channels intently hoping to see Poonong or anywhere near. Sir Earnest contacted us telling us that the devastation was so great that many of the beaches had been swept away. It was therefore difficult to pinpoint Poonong on the current set of satellite photographs they had.

Next day I got a text from Bugs, ‘Village, completely destroyed. Some villagers missing, Need urgent help, water, food, tents, clothing, money…bugs.’ We were relieved that he was alive so we sent four text replies, on the pretext that one would get through. ‘Help on way. Two Red Cross container trucks ex Sin to Poon. Crabby org. Cash ready. What personal help needed? Ready to fly. Renton.’  We waited patiently for a reply. It was some four hours before we got a text. ‘Total chaos, no help, no bank. Organising villagers. Don’t come yet. Thx. Bugs’ This left us in greater panic, concern and total helplessness. It would take days for the trucks to reach the village and they needed help immediately. I called Sir Earnest for further news. He confirmed that the village was totally wiped out according to the satellite photos and sadly told us that the local Government help was slow to mobilise and unlikely to get to the distant villages. All he could suggest was for a local courier to deliver cash to Bugs on a motorbike. A motor-biker was more likely to get through and Bugs might just be able to buy some goods locally. We agreed to fund whatever the courier could take. We sent Bugs a text, ‘Cash by courier to u ex Crabby,’ and hoped that this would help. Money wasn’t the problem and huge sums were being transferred to our special account that Partridge set up. People were being generous, especially when they could see their donations being used for a specific cause.  We contacted the Red Cross and a couple of other Charities that were preparing help and requested assistance to the village of Poonong.  

Two days later we had a message, ‘Save bat. Cash here. Bought essentials. Await trucks. Bugs Thx.’

 We all felt relieved but totally drained and sent another message. ‘Wot help u need?’ A reply came, ‘Wil cal’ which suggested that his batteries were running down and we would have to wait until he managed to get into town. I got utterly frustrated by our helplessness and rang Sir Earnest urgently requesting that he courier a satellite phone to Poonong so that we could talk to Bugs. He didn’t say no, only laughed and rang off.

“Renton, its Bugs.” 

“Buggsie, How the hell are you?”

“Been better, been worse. Listen Renton, I haven’t much time. I’m on a borrowed satellite phone. Thanks for the cash, has been invaluable.”

“More on the way Bugs. Just say how much you need and we’ll get it to you somehow. You’re on the speaker Bugs. Amanda and Partridge are here.”

“Hi Guys! That’s the problem. The courier who brought the phone and second lot of cash can’t make it again. Other more important issues.”

“Are you all OK Bugs? How did you manage to escape the wave?”

“Lucky really, we all went to the hills that day to check out the caves. When we got back the track was blocked with uprooted trees and tin sheets. The villagers got it bad. Total wipe out. Lost six people and we haven’t found their bodies yet. Probably washed away into the sea. Terrible.”

“We are all shocked and helpless here Bugs. We are all rooting for you. Have the two containers arrived yet?” 

“Due tomorrow thankfully. Delayed because the coast road is blocked. Had to come the back way.”

“Are you managing to buy food and water?”

“Just about but fuel is short and we have to drive up into hill villages to get the provisions.”

“Have you any shelter?”

“The locals are shell shocked and we have to urge them into activity. Got a group salvaging building material and useful things. One lot are building a lean to and the fishermen are trying to repair a boat. Wendy’s been wonderful. You know Wendy, Chadwick’s sister. She’s got the school up and running for the kids and the women to make the meals for all of us.”

“Can we be of any help Bugs if we come over?”

“Don’t even try. Roads are blocked and we haven’t got the food to feed you. It’s chaos here. The courier says that it’s the same all along the coast.”

“Will we be able to communicate with you Bugs?”

“The courier brought me a mobile and car charger. Once I’m charged up I’ll send texts. The town has been devastated and the banks’ gone. I’m going to setup an account at a town forty miles away. I’ll send the details through. Get Partridge onto it.”

“How are you managing with the language Bugs?”

“With difficulty. Hopefully the Red Cross guy that Crabtree has sent with the containers will help with the lingo.”

“How many villagers are you looking after?”

“I have a hundred of our own but others are coming from adjoining villages so the total is growing by the hour.”

“What’s the medical situation like there?”

“That’s in hand. Just a few walking wounded but nothing serious yet. The Red Cross guy will be able to asses the situation and we’ll have a better picture. The biggest problem is the people are traumatised. I must go now, the courier need to get back before nightfall.”

“Can we help in anyway over here other than cash?”

“Yeah, the courier tells me that the Government is reluctant to ask for International help and they can’t cope. If other regions are like us there will be people dying from lack of water, starvation and disease if help doesn’t come quickly. Apparently, bodies are being washed up on the beaches and being left to rot. Some political clout is needed to get people off their arses and allow help in.”

“We’ll get the publicity machine in gear Bugs. Can you get any pictures to us? On the mobile or internet.”

“We have plenty of pictures. I’ll give the courier a chip and he may be able to get them to you. Must go. Bye.”

We just sat there stunned. Amanda started weeping quietly and I must say I felt tears welling up. Partridge gave her a hug and she just clung onto him with tears sweeping down her face.

“OK guys, we have to plan an action Campaign. Partridge, you look after the cash and ensure that Crabby is reimbursed for all of his costs. Amanda and I will update the website and send a follow up letter to all of our contacts, thanking them for their donations and asking for their support in getting the Government to take instant action. The more we lobby the quicker the support will come. Now, who do we know in the media that can publicise this. This must be a good human story for them, giving actual examples and hopefully we will have some photographs. Amanda! Come on pull yourself together girl! Someone open up the web page. We should be able to show ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos.”

“Right Renton, sorry but I can’t help it. I’m so sad. Look I know a PR guy who might be able to put you in touch with a reporter from one of the rags. The Evening Standard would be a good start to get the ball rolling tonight. I’ll ring them up directly while you guys are waiting for the site to come up.”

“Partridge, leave her alone, get an atlas and find a bank that’s open as close to Poonong as possible, that hasn’t been swept away. You must have somebody in your organisation that can communicate in their language. Go on, Amanda will be OK.” Amanda struck lucky the first go and got a reporter who was interested. She had the nouse to get him to agree to pass the story onto the dailies whilst I sent out an Email to all of my contacts. I could hear Amanda giving the reporter instructions of our website and details of what moneys we had raised already and that more photos of the village and villagers would be forthcoming. I also overheard her make him promise that there would be an article in tonight’s Standard.  We spent the rest of the day watching news bulletins and waiting for the first edition of the Standard to hit the news stands. The first edition missed but the later edition was full of it with a couple of photos of the villagers and some stock photos of the aftermath which they must have got from an agency and used. It didn’t matter to us that this was not our village, the publicity was out.

Within an hour we had response from my Email. Apart from encouraging letters there were many with more donations in the pipeline and copies of Emails sent to MP’s and public figures. Many people had forwarded my note to their contacts and our circulation was suddenly multiplying. Partridge, with the help of one of his staff had managed to contact the head quarters of several banks in Thailand and several accounts were being set up for Bugs to access immediately with a substantial cash transfer. We retired that night exhausted but happy that we had achieved something that might benefit our villagers and the Thai people in desperate need.

We received texts and Email with photos from Bugs on a regular basis which allowed us to report progress in our village and the surrounding countryside. Our contacts who had been so generous, were pleased to receive our news and often this resulted in further donations, particularly when a big item such as a fishing boat, a new school room or a workshop was needed. Most of the money was spent on food to sustain the farmers who had lost all of their crops and were busy replanting. The fishing was recovering slowly after the battering the sea bed received from the tidal wave. Many of the new homes were relocated and built on higher ground but this proved a problem because they were away from the sea for the fishermen and the fields for the farmers. There was a general feeling that such a disaster wouldn’t happen again in their lifetime and as on active volcanoes, people started moving back to their original sites, closer to the beaches and the main roads for a more convenient life. The message that Bugs reiterated time and time again, that without the speedy receipt of cash the recovery would have been extremely slow and many people would have evacuated to the towns with probably disastrous results to the local economy. The cash provided the necessary kick start since most of the provisions and rebuilding materials were available, within the adjacent higher regions that hadn’t been inundated.

After three months Bugs returned to England to visit his mother who was gravely ill. The whole ghastly experience had aged him about ten years and he didn’t look well. He looked thin and drawn, losing over three stone and his clothes hung loosely around him. We organised a charity dinner in his honour and sold tickets to raise more money. There was a good turn out of about three hundred people and Bugs was able to graphically recount, with the aid of projected photos, the utter misery and fear that people had been subjected to. We also managed to invite a guest who actually witnessed the wave and had managed to escape by clinging onto a wooden bed which swept him up and deposited him on some higher ground. Our web site included personal accounts of people, tourists, who had suffered the wave and the chaotic aftermath. They thought themselves the fortunate ones in only losing possessions but were able to be evacuated back home fairly quickly. The locals on the ground were the ones who obviously suffered and not many had the instant help that our villagers got. The whole episode marked the end of glorious holidays by the sea. There was no initiative to rekindle the charm of the old Colonial house. It all became just a series of pleasant memories. Even Bugs decided to stay in England and complete his medical course rather than going back to Poonong.

Chapter 33

The Thai episode had a profound effect on most of us and we all found ourselves taking a more mature look at life. The round of swanky parties got fewer, as we assessed the important elements of our lives. In my case I was determined to rid myself and my Company of the debt I had burdened them with. On the positive side we had a massive list of new contacts who were all potential customers. To overcome the sadness of the Thai episode, I threw myself into selling property and looking out for property ripe for development into luxury apartments. Sir Gerald’s apartment was given the full treatment and sold immediately. The fairy castle in Berkshire, vacated by Lord and Lady R. was a different kettle of fish. It was a pretty horrible folly in the worst possible taste but the site by the River Thames made up for the shortfall. Stasiek and Donald drew up plans to tone down the facade of the building and convert it into four exceptional apartments. It all needed a lot of investment but realised a price, double of what we had paid for it. I was expecting a phone call from Gerald, who was no doubt following the property pages with vested interest, asking for a portion of the profits. I had my answers ready.

 We were still thirty million away from breaking even but in a position to pay back investments if that were called for. Our Company Accountant projected that with the current growth and sales it would be two years before we were in a safe position. This sealed my fate as a career for the next two years at least. No thoughts of travelling the World as a free spirit. Partridge was always advising expansion and I wanted a safer course. Partridge usually got his way in the financial field and we quickly expanded our Estate Agents Office with more staff. I was now being called in to finalise the sales if clients were being difficult. That kept me busy enough and my relationship with Lorraine suffered. I kept things alive with her by an occasional visit to Paris, Cannes and Venice where friends were happy to offer their apartments.

On a flight from glorious weekend in Venice, Lorraine was in high spirits and gripping my arm tightly. “Renton, I have a question for you.”

“Yes Lorraine darling, what do you want?”

“It’s not like that Renton, it’s just that Alexandra has invited me horse riding this weekend, it’s her friend’s dad’s birthday and Alexandra will be there with her new fella and I don’t want to be on my own.”

“You want to show me off then?”

“Yes, I do Renton, thinking about it I would like to very much. They keep asking when I’m going to bring you to the farm.”

“What’s this leading to Lorraine?”

“Pure entrapment dear boy. Get you there, chain you down and have you all to myself. No, seriously Renton it’s just a casual invitation. I haven’t got my claws into you yet, though I’m thinking about it. Just look at your face. A picture! You could do worse than me Renton and I’m serious. I know you don’t want to settle down yet and you have this debt around your neck, but you never know?”

“So, what do we do on the farm then? Milk the cows or plough the fields?”

“Oh, I’m so pleased you have agreed. There will be a gathering of few friends and neighbours and a dinner to celebrate Sophie’s Dad’s birthday. After that we are free to do what we like.”

“I’ll have to swat up on farming terminology, different types of corn and breeds of pigs so I can keep up with the conversation at dinner. Is there a quick guide to farming about?”

“Don’t be daft, it won’t be like that. They’ll all want to know what’s going on in the Big City and Alexandra will be talking horses. She’s got a new stallion for point to point so you may have to forgive her for that. I haven’t asked you before but do you ride?”

“You mean horses I presume. Last time I was on a horse was when we did some pony trekking in the Brecon’s on a camp from school. The beast tried to bite my foot off.”

“I’ll teach you. We’ll borrow a couple of horses from a neighbour and gallop around the countryside.”

“I’m not sure I like the idea of ‘gallop’. The beast I was on, just took off on the way home and I just managed to hold on without falling off. So, this is gentlemen farming then, horses, spot of hunting, grouse shooting and all that?”

“I’m afraid not. It appears Sophie’s Dad was hoping for boys, help on the farm but he got was a spoilt girl who’ve spends all of his money for him. He’s apparently getting on and the farm is getting on top of him. Alexandra and her friends don’t help by keeping their horses on the farm for free. They don’t bring in any income just costs in vets and feed.”

“Why doesn’t her dad just tell them to bunk off?”

“Renton! Families don’t do that! Anyway, it means that Alexandra’s friend Sophie, goes back every weekend not like me. I haven’t seen my parents for ages.”

“I thought farms in Oxfordshire would all be rich and the gentry would be employing the locals to muck out the pigsties.”

“I don’t think so! According to Alexandra the farm could be profitable but it requires a lot of labour and investment. The farm and land is valuable but the Dad is up to his ears with the bank.”

“Just like me then, a burden around my neck just when I thought I was out of the woods.”

“They are suffering from a common problem; equity rich and cash poor!”

“I’m just poor, been that all my life it seems.”

“Poor you, I don’t see you as being on the poverty line, with your Rolls Royce and weekends in exotic places.”  

“Don’t be fooled by all that glamour Lorraine. It’s all top show. I have good friends and they allow me that lifestyle. I have one business suit, a hand me down, six shirts, one set of casual gear and I live in a friend’s apartment.”

“You must be on a huge salary from your Company. After all you are the MD aren’t you?”

“I am, but until the debt that’s around my neck is paid off, thanks to my family I wish I never had, I have forgone my salary and dividends until then.”

“Explain how you manage to fly us First Class to Venice, hire a superb apartment and take me to some fabulous restaurants?”

“The apartment belongs to a friend, flights I get are free and the two restaurants we went to belong to a good friend from Cambridge, or at least his father and they owe me for looking after their son in College and you insisted on buying the lunches.”

“I don’t believe you! How would anyone give you First Class seats like these for nothing?”

“Look around Lorraine, there are five empty seats on this flight. Seven if you count ours. We are a presentable couple and don’t look out of place in First Class. The cattle class is jammed packed and no point in offering free seats there!”

“So, you sponge off people, is that how you live your life?”

“The word ‘sponge’ is somewhat offensive but I have a good circle of friends and they are more than happy to help me out. In return I help them by sharing my list of contacts if they need anything doing.”

“Like what?”

“Well, the owner of the Venice apartment had a problem and I was able to smooth things over. I didn’t ask for any payment but in gratitude he offers me the apartment to use any time I want, and it’s free.”

“You are a cheapskate Renton! I thought you were rich, richer beyond dreams.”

“Oh, I was and will be but at this very moment I am on my uppers. Does that change anything between us?”

“No darling, it just makes me love you even more.”

“Hey, you’re not going soft on me, are you?”

“Look Renton, if I wasn’t soft on you as you put it, I wouldn’t have put up with you putting me off regularly because you were busy, on business matters. At least now I understand better and give a girl a chance just to love you for what you are. I understand your reluctance to form a stable relationship with anyone, after all, there are women queuing up to take my place with you. I know that. In fact, I love the fact that it’s me that’s got you at this moment, not some other glamorous dame.” 

“Lorraine, you make me feel cheap.”

“No, I’m not. It’s just that I’m telling you how it is.”

“Let’s just leave it there Lorraine. Now tell me, can you loan me a few bob to buy myself some green wellies?”

“You’re just too awful darling, but I love you!”

Lorraine drove us to the farm in Oxfordshire. We were warmly welcomed by Sophie’s parents and met up with Alexandra and her latest chinless wonder. Harry, the farmer allowed me to escape most of the homecoming of the girl by giving me a tour of the farm in his ancient Land Rover Defender. I was amazed by the size and the variety of the farm, from scrubby woodland on the hillside, to the lush meadows and the immaculate rows of corn. We ended our tour at the local pub for a few glasses of best bitter with the locals. They were very welcoming to a City chappie who had never had cow shit on his shoes. I wasn’t even allowed to buy a round. We drove home in a pleasant stupor and arrived back to some consternation that we had missed the splendid dinner. It wasn’t all bad; there were two plates, all ready to be nuked in the microwave. At least Sophie and Lorraine seemed pleased that I had made efforts with her dad. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast I tried on a variety of riding boots until I found a pair that fitted. Lorraine drove us to a neighbouring farm where we were fitted out with a pair of steeds. Mine was a mare that promised not to have too much interest in my boots. Lorraine picked a huge stallion that made my mare look like a seaside donkey. We rode off into the sunset, more like into the mist, along the edge of the fields. I was amazed how we got from field to field without dismounting. Lorraine just reached down and pulled on a protruding lever and the gate opened, fully designed for mounted horsemen. I managed remarkably well until Lorraine decided we should canter. I wasn’t sure which lever to engage or what button to press but the steed just decided to follow suit to my astonishment. I hung on for dear life whilst Lorraine tried to coach me in the right way of avoiding the saddle making hard contact with my posterior at every available opportunity. I learned quickly and soon I managed to keep pace with the rhythm of the horse until Loraine decided to go into overdrive and I just hung on to the neck of the horse. This was an extreme introduction but I loved it and agreed to another session after lunch.

Lunch was a lavish buffet where mum was showing off her culinary skills. Harry took me aside and offered to show me how to drive a tractor and plough. I took up the challenge and found myself mounted on the back of a huge tractor, with more levers sprouting than on a spaceship. We just took on a simple job of ploughing up a huge field, with an array of plough shares sticking up from the back of the tractor. My only useful and positive contribution was to open the gates to allow the huge machinery into the field. Once we had the first five groves cut it was easy-peasy or so I thought until the controls were handed over. I had to look forward, down to my right and back along the furrow, all at once to maintain a straight line. Harry told me that in the States, on the huge Prairies there, the farmers set the tractor heading by satellite to get the start line straight. I started by overreacting on the steering but soon got the hang of allowing the tractor to almost ‘feel’ its way along the previous ploughed furrow. I enjoyed the couple of hours with Harry, until Lorraine came along with my four-footed form of transport. This time it was serious lessons in horse craft and by the end of two hours I knew which buttons to press and what noises to make for the beast to obey my instruction rather than follow the animal ahead. I enjoyed the experience and booked another session on Sunday morning. We drove back to the farm to watch Alexandra put her new stallion through its paces in a lesson of dressage. I was impressed by the control that Alexandra demonstrated.

Dinner was a traditional affair with a huge roast rib of beef with the usual bevy of trimmings. The men retired to the snug to sample a bottle of best Irish malt that I had brought. Although I came with trepidations, these quickly dissipated as I easily fell into the simpler form of country life. Sunday morning, after a full English, I was again subjected to more lessons of beast control. I was able to get this four-footed animal to break into a canter, gallop and more important to apply the brakes and come to a stop. Next weekend, yes, I was hooked; I was to attempt jumping over a fence. I only hoped there was a low gap in it. Harry told me that Sophie and Alexandra were horse mad. He had created routes throughout his extensive farm, to allow his daughter and friends to ride for hours without retracing their steps. All the gates, he told me, were horse friendly. I was impressed by his dedication to appease his daughter’s wishes.  

I loved the weekend, it was so different from what I had been used to. The horse riding was a new experience but I really enjoyed my time with Harry who was clearly in love with the land and supporting it so that he could produce food for the people and maintain a pleasant environment to please his daughter and friends. I could see that making ends meet would be extremely difficult and that the whole business depended on the kindness of the banks in providing credit, since income from the farming came in slugs, following harvest and sale. It seemed to me that the farmers were always in hock to the banks and lived on a harvest of continuous credit. If farm year was bad, then the debt increased until the next good harvest.

 

Waiting till the next weekend was painful and I was glad when Lorraine suggested I take Friday afternoon off so that we could leave town early and miss some of the rush. Whilst Lorraine spent time with Sophie’s mum Marge, Harry took me on another inspection of the farm.

“You have lots of stabling for only five horses Harry?” 

“We had lots more at one time. Marge and I used to ride. She used to compete and had a whole string to choose from. I had various hunters and used to breed. When the Sophie came along, we had a series of ponies as she grew. I also looked after a few for friends so we could have over twenty animals here at any one time.”

“Wow, and now you have only five. That must have been a massive change for you.”

“Horses cost a lot to look after and as we are getting older, we had to make some fundamental decisions. Farming comes first then horses. I’m not sure we made the right move but as a hobby they don’t bring in the bread.”

“Last week you said that agriculture doesn’t do so well either these days.”

“That’s true, one has to trust one’s instinct on what will do well and what will fetch a good price in six months time. If I was young, I’d put up greenhouses and grow spring onions that crop every few weeks. Good for cash flow. These days, farmers need to diversify and do something that brings in a steady and regular return.”

“What’s this building site? More stables?”

“Nah, Marge and I had an idea we would like to move out of the large house and into a modern bungalow; ran out of steam or more correctly cash, so the whole thing just stopped at the footings.”

“You must know a lot about horses then?”

“I know more about horses than farming. I should have turned this place into an equestrian centre or a stud. Need a lot of investment for that and I’m getting too old for that game now.”

“Couldn’t you just manage it rather than working all hours?”

“I could but I haven’t got the come up and go young people like you have. Lorraine tells me you’ve made millions and lost millions in matter of months and you’re hardly in your twenties.”

“That’s true. I suppose I struck lucky and then fallen foul.”

“Lorraine says that you’re building up your business at a phenomenal rate and it’s all down to your hard work and nouse.”

“My family put me in an invidious position Harry and I’m trying to keep us all out of the debtor’s jail.”

“I understand you made a fortune in the City and then in Real Estate. What value would you put on my set up Renton?”

 “I presume you are talking about financial terms. I’m not an expert to value your holding but what I have learned in my short time is that you have to repackage your property to the requirements of the marketplace. We have been very successful at that as a team. That’s where the money is.”

“OK, understood. What would you advise me to do then, if you were in my green welly boots?”

“Harry, you shouldn’t be taking advice from a whippersnapper like me!”

“Renton, by the sound of things you have been far more successful than I ever dreamt of. Come on, humour me and give me an honest assessment. It’s a lonely life on a farm and difficult to get an objective opinion.”

“OK, but don’t take this to heart. We don’t want to fall out. Look, I’ll be the rich potential buyer and assessing the investment potential of the place. The farm and buildings are worth market value but I’m not interested in those long term gains. First, I’d look at the staff. I have a good manager here but he’s probably wasted on just agriculture. We have a large farmhouse and many outbuildings that are being wasted and not earning their keep. Potential there. Need to invest in more staff and convert to something more intensive, for a faster turnaround in cash. The farmhouse has potential to convert to boutique guest house come restaurant but there’s lots of those in the area. What’s special about this place? Not a lot. Just a nice rural setting, close to London which is my potential market. Could grow cannabis but that’s a bit dodgy and I would advise against that. I keep coming back to horses. They could be a draw. Holidays on horse back would be the path I would investigate. I have the setup with gallops, routes and stables. Nice farmhouse accommodation and important thing I have an expert. Could diversify into breeding, buying and selling of horses. I understand they fetch considerably more than a cow or a sheep. Sophie tells me that good hay brings in more than a crop of potatoes these days.”

“Very good Renton, you have a shrewd mind. I just need a kick up the arse and some financial advice to do all of that. The B and B is a new one on me and packaging it up as holidays for rich London toffs is more interesting than just a livery and stud. One feeds off the other. Now where do I get the expertise to advise me to take this leap of faith?”

“Expertise in finance, market research is all available Harry. This place has the potential with you in charge, if you are willing to take some risks. You will have to get staff in. Can’t be done on a shoestring and the Guest House needs to be of five-star quality. The big question for me is would you want to do it and for what purpose. You must be looking forward to retirement these days.”

“I’m thinking of Sophie. I’d like to leave her something that she can run and make a decent living out of. She’s into horses and with a few years of experience under my watchful eye, she may turn into a decent manager. She has a hard streak in her. She won’t stand for any nonsense and she works hard if there is an end in sight.”

“That makes more sense. Even if she doesn’t want to carry on then, the business would be built up and you could sell up and move to the Caribbean.”

“I don’t think I’d like to move that far but a secure future for the family would be nice.”

“Look Harry, I have enjoyed my stay with you last weekend and this weekend is going to turn out fine. Let me put a suggestion forward, that we do some personal market research on the potential. I’ll get Sophie to invite some friends of ours to come down. One is a financier, one couple are designers and an architect and his wife who is an interior designer. If you haven’t got space, some can stay at the Black Hawk down the road. I’ll surreptitiously broach the subject with them midway and see what they make of it. These guys are experts in the field of increasing potential. If they give it a thumbs up then you can make some decisions. How about that?”

“But how are you going to get these people down here? Won’t it cost?”

“Look Harry, they are friends and we’ll make an occasion out of it. It’s Sophie’s birthday soon. That will be the excuse. All you and Marge have to do is supply accommodation and a warm welcome. We’ll bring the booze. Oh, you’ll have to get some horses arranged for all of them to have a go.”

“I’ll get to it right away and tell Marge.”

“Don’t tell her about the plans you have, just make it sound like a party for Sophie’s and Alexandra’s friends.”

The rest of the weekend I spent on horse back learning the hard way how to ride but also viewing the whole estate with greedy eyes. I asked Lorraine innumerable questions on horses and their upkeep. How much pasture they needed, how much food, how much the farm could be self sufficient in growing the feed and how many horses it could house. Some of my questions were probably pathetic but I didn’t know much and needed a quick understanding. She got fed up and asked why I wanted to know all this information. I lied a little by telling her that I could see myself buying a four-legged vehicle and needed to know the MPG, garaging costs, service cost, resale value and emissions. She laughed and I could continue with further questions without raising any more suspicions. I told her about my suggestion of inviting the gang and I was nearly knocked off my steed by her hugging me and planting a kiss on my cheek. In a different situation I would have enjoyed that but sitting, what seemed like six feet off the ground, I just shrugged her off and clung on to the saddle. 

We drove back on Sunday in good spirit, looking forward to the third weekend on the farm. I was saddle sore and felt I had blisters all over my backside and inner legs. Lorraine just laughed and said she would apply the ointment and suggested I got some jodhpurs and some proper boots. She looked good in hers but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be seen in that kind of outfit. For a halfway house she said I should try some spares Harry had in the house. I might find some to fit. That got me into questioning her about equestrian kit. Most sports people spend a fortune to be turned out perfectly for their sport, whatever level of expertise they had. There must be money to be made selling the stuff to interested punters from the City. The last part of the journey was spent persuading my Board Members and friends to join me in celebrating Sophie’s birthday and that the theme was horse riding. Just as we arrived in Mayfair, I got a call from an indignant Amanda wanting to know why she hadn’t been invited. A little white lie settled her down with a promise that she was on the invitation list and I had wanted to check if she had any pressing engagements that weekend. I asked her if she had ridden a horse before and she admitted sitting on a donkey on Southend beach as a child.

Chapter 34

It was a tough week. Apart from the usual round of selling, Donald and Alice were approached by a developer to complete the interior design and furnishing of thirty apartments. Partridge wanted to buy the whole basic structure and for us to finish it to a very high standard. The developer was happy to do that and walk away with a quick profit without the hassle of selling. The investment was many millions of pounds and all I could see was a further burden on my shoulders, for another nine months, before they were presentable for sale. I was the odd one out again and was outvoted. Partridge reckoned that this would be our signature development and might lead to better and more profitable projects. Under normal circumstances, without the huge outstanding debt, I would have jumped at the chance but I would have liked to have taken a safer option. 

Donald showed me a finished view of the apartments on his computer and they did look impressive. Stasiek said it was a major step up on our last block development and that they would sell themselves at a healthy profit but I would be let loose to sell them at an even more ridiculously high sum. I tried to stand my ground and was told I was a wimp. With this development, sold in twelve months time, we should reduce our debt by half and could then reduce our dividend to our clients without getting hurt too much. I relented at that and went off in bit of a huff, to close some more sales.

Harry and Marge worked wonders on their large farmhouse and prepared rooms to house us all for the weekend. Breakfast was a sumptuous affair which was supposed to provide us with sufficient fuel for the day since lunch was going to be a small picnic affair, on top of the hill. The amazing thing was that Amanda, Partridge and Lucinda had kitted themselves out from top to toe in the full riding gear which they proudly displayed for us after breakfast. This got me thinking that selling fashion riding gear could be big business and I ticked off one ‘plus point’ on my list.

“Where in the hell did you get all that kit Amanda?”

“Renton, you invited us to go horse riding, we got the proper gear. If you invited us to play tennis at your club, then you would have expected us to be in whites. Hey, how do I look?”

“Amanda, Lucinda, you both look fabulous, mind you, you’d both look good in an old sack.”

“Don’t be such a smoothy Renton. Partridge’s mum got us to go to Harrods and get ourselves kitted out, on her account. Mind you it all cost less than I’ve paid for a handbag recently. I hope we don’t have to put up with you just in your jeans and T-shirt Renton. Even Donald and Alice have proper gear. They’ve ridden before you know.”

“I didn’t know that. Lorraine says there’s a box full of old gear that Jadja, Stasiek and I can try on. Sophie! Where’s this gear you have for us to try?”

“Wait your hurry Renton. This is how we are going to organise ourselves today. I’m going to take Donald and Alice since they have ridden before. You Renton are going for the high jump with Lorraine and you other four will go with Dad and he’ll see how you get on. We all meet up on the brow of the small hill for picnic lunch. Right, let’s see what this treasure chest will throw up.”

“How about these Lorraine?”

“Those jodhpurs are too baggy Renton. See if you can find some that are a tight fit. Like the ones Jadja has got on now.” I looked over and saw Jadja, in the middle of the room, struggling into a pair of cream jodhpurs, totally unembarrassed by the company. She managed to wiggle into them and perked her bum up at the assembled for confirmation.

“Hey Stasiek, these might fit you then. Have you any riding boots or will trainers do?”

“You’ll find some in the next box. Jadja can use a spare pair of mine.” We managed to kit ourselves out and at least we all looked as if we were old hands at the game, unlike Amanda, Lucinda and Partridge in their pristine gear. Outside, by the stables, we were met by a string of horses brought by a stable lad from a neighbouring farm. They all looked huge and I could see a mixture of fear and apprehension in Amanda’s eyes.

“It’s OK Amanda, they are tame and you have to show them whose boss.”

“It’s OK for you Renton, you’ve been on one before. How the hell do I get up on that thing?”

“I’ll give you a hand, just bend your knee and I’ll give you a bunk up.”

“Just watch where you put your hands Renton. I don’t trust you.”

“I thought you liked being manhandled Amanda? That’s it, now slide your leg over and I’ll come around and put your other foot in the stirrup and I’ll adjust them for you.”

“Renton, I’m scared. Look, the things looking at me!”

“You’ll be alright Amanda. Harry will look after you, now just hold onto the front of the saddle and get your balance. I’ll go and mount up now.” 

Donald and Alice had long since trotted off with Sophie. We were all mounted up and Lorraine checked our gear whilst Harry tried to reassure Amanda. I watched them slowly ride off with Harry alongside Amanda, giving her encouragement with Partridge equally looking more than nervous. I was surprised to see Jadja and Stasiek looking rather comfortable on their mounts. Lorraine mounted up and immediately broke into a trot towards a field with jumping fences set out. I reluctantly nudged my steed forward and was glad to be wearing a hard hat. It wasn’t too bad since Lorraine had me stepping over low fences until I got the hang of the horse lunging forward for the jump. We spent an uncomfortable hour on that then rode off towards the gallop. That was an amazing experience. I didn’t have time to feel frightened as Lorraine was shouting instructions and I just concentrated on keeping balance. We trotted back and then leapt into top gear again. It got more enjoyable each time and by the end I was relaxing and even watching Lorraine as she expertly controlled her even larger steed. 

A toot on the tractor horn called us in to the top of the hill where a small gypsy caravan was parked, pulled by a tractor driven by Marge. Amanda rode up looking more radiant and excited than I had ever seen her before. Partridge on the other hand looked as if he’d been on a roller coaster and about to be violently sick. I helped Amanda dismount and she gave me a big hug and kiss.

“What’s that for?”

“For inviting me here. I just loved it. Every moment. Well at least after the first ten minutes or so. Poor Partridge just can’t get over his fear, may be better after lunch. I see you’re still in one piece. How was it on the jumps?”

“Frightening but Lorraine was gentle with me. I enjoyed the gallops though. Now let’s go and eat, I’m starving and Marge looks as if she has pulled all the stops out with a fabulous spread. I love the caravan, didn’t expect that.” 

“Did you know that Jadja is an accomplished horse rider?”

“What Jadja? She didn’t tell me when I invited them. Just thought she would be a beginner like you Amanda.”

“That’s why she wanted to be with Stasiek, just to make sure he was OK. I think this afternoon she’s going off with Sophie to have a good gallop. Harry is such a darling. He really looked after us beginners.”

“I’m glad that you are enjoying yourself Amanda. Grab a plate, I’m off to have a word with Stasiek and Donald.” I grabbed some food and went over to where the two men were waiting. “How did you get on Stasiek?”

“Horse did well, Stasiek hung to his neck. Jadja looked after me. How you say, ‘nursed’ me along. I enjoy very much Renton.”

“Good, now I have a task for you two. Harry is contemplating retiring and selling up. Stasiek, I want you to take a critical eye on the buildings and you Donald, check out the riding facilities. I think this place is ripe for development as a riding centre cum guest house for the rich.”

“What, are you thinking of buying it Renton?”

“No, but it would be a good way of getting my own back on you lot. It’s my turn to come up with a pet project. Keep it to yourselves and get Alice to come up with something on interior design to tart the place up. I’m thinking of a clientele of toffs from the City with lots of money to burn.”

“OK Renton but me Stasiek can only look at house and outbuildings for accommodation. Donald may comment on the riding part.”

“That’s fine Stasiek, I’ll give it the once over for riding establishment potential. The rides are already superb but it will require lots of investment to make this into something worthwhile. Horses cost a lot you know.”

“I know Donald but if you would put your mind to it for me, I’d appreciate that. I’ll get Partridge to look at the finance side of it all. He doesn’t look too happy with his lot at the moment, does he?”

“No, he suffered badly initially. He was coming down when the horse was going up and vice versa. He wasn’t too bad in the last bit. Come on Stasiek lets get something to eat from that wonderful spread before Renton wants more jobs doing.”

We all had a wonderful weekend and throughout I noticed both Stasiek and Donald taking more than a passing interest in their surroundings. Stasiek got Jadja to do some drawings of the house and outbuildings from different angles. Alice seemed to take inordinate interest in the nooks and crannies, whilst Donald kept poring over the pages of various horse periodicals. Partridge got over his initial fears and like Amanda was hooked on horses. I later had to reassure Lucinda that all was well and there was nothing going between the two, other than being good friends.

  

I purposefully made sure that I drove back with Donald, Alice, Stasiek and Jadja. “OK Stasiek, what are your initial thoughts?”

“Farmhouse solid and very large. Could convert to eight to ten large bedrooms. If you build two extension wings, you add twelve more. Out buildings and stables in good condition, would convert to eight more bedrooms plus offices and shop. I talk to Donald. He tell you more. Buildings will clean up to very nice, very posh hotel.”

“I’ll vouch for that Renton. The site of the farmhouse, with its trees and gardens, is delightful and you would need to maintain that, away from the riding establishment. As a hotel, it would stand up on its own if you established a good restaurant,” recounted Alice.

“Thanks, Stasiek and Alice. What have you come up with Donald?”

“Sorry if I appeared rude over the weekend. You had my mind going and those mags. just confirmed some of my opinions. I reckon that you build a large indoor arena, what they call a manege in equestrian circles, with stables on the outside and space above for storage, offices, tack rooms, accommodation for the stable lads and lasses then you’d be onto a winner. Site the whole thing beyond the orchard to avoid smells upsetting the kitchens. The gallops and rides are already established and with a bit more tweaking, like making some all weather and creating some jumping fences en route, then you would be leading the way. In this local area, where there is a fair amount of competition, therefore it needs to be state of the art. That’s why I would build from scratch and leave the farm buildings and existing stable blocks to Stasiek and his accommodation plans.”

“The existing stables are quite charming. Jadja and I looked them over and we think we could easily convert them to quaint bedrooms. People might just like to feel that they are sleeping in an actual stable so we would propose to leave some of the features in, or at least give the impression that they are original.”

“OK, sixty-four million dollar question. If the estate belonged to me would you invest in such a venture?”

“No way Renton, you don’t know a thing about horses or of running a hotel.”

“Thanks for the confidence Donald but let’s say that I had somebody like Harry and Marge managing the place. What then?”

“That’s a different kettle of fish. I might be tempted, what about you Alice and you Stasiek?”

“Stasiek needs Partridge financial advice.”

“I would be tempted Renton, but would need to do some market research. It seems to me the area is well provided anyway,” added Alice

“I agree Alice but if you question the locals, you will find it’s only supplying local demand and some from Oxford, not the guys with money from the City, who would come down for a lark, get hooked and live here most weekends.”

“Renton, they might just get bored, so you have to provide some other entertainment for maybe a wet day.”

“I’ve thought about that and what do you think of a spot of clay pigeon shooting, A regular mock hunt with hounds to follow a trail around the estate with jumps, archery, jousting and even a go-kart circuit in the indoor riding arena for a spot of light relief. Lot of these people like running to keep fit so we lay out an interesting all-weather trail for them with occasional obstacles to jump over and do chin ups if they feel so inclined. The restaurant needs to be top notch but homely and what better person than a Marge to organise that?”

“You make it sound like Utopia, Renton but I agree the place needs an edge and we are all quite adept at pulling that off but we need to give the place a reputation otherwise it will be a white elephant.”

“I agree Alice and apart from some clever advertising, we could tempt our clients to dip their toes in the water with a couple of days riding thrown in as part of a property sale. The costs, we could cover in the actual sale and it would give us an edge in our own field.”

“OK, Renton, Alice and I reckon you are up to something. Come on out with it we want the truth.”

“The simple truth is that Harry and Marge are currently losing money on the farm and need a boost. They would like to set up something be viable for Sophie, who is mad on horses and with a few years of experience would take over the running of the place. That’s the truth and I though we might give Harry some insight, advice, whatever you call it, to maximise his assets.”

“Is this why you dragged us down here Renton?”

“I’m afraid so Donald but you seemed to have enjoyed the experience so don’t look so cross.”

“I’m not cross but if you had told me before I could have swatted up and had more info to give you Renton.”

“OK chaps, sorry if you feel you were being used but I wanted some gut feel about the idea and you are the experts. From the feed back, I think we have something here to develop and think of the super time we could all have here on regular basis if we were shareholders of this venture. You haven’t said anything Jadja. What are your thoughts?”

“I love farms Renton and that’s where I learned to ride, in Poland. If we make it successful and enjoy it at the same time then why not do it. It will cost less than flats and more fun to develop. You get Partridge to run costs. If we all make money good, if we have lots of fun, better, yes?”

“Well said Jadja. OK, I vote we investigate further and get Partridge to run the numbers. Since this is going to be a labour of love, we just charge expenses. How about it folks?”

“This idea of living in poverty is not as appealing to us as it is to you, Renton old boy, but Alice and I will go along and there you go, Jadja and Stasiek are nodding in agreement. The only thing is that we shouldn’t let this pet project get in the way of our prime business. One important question Renton, what does Sophie get out of it? Where does she figure in the scheme?”

“Sophie is the one who is horse mad. She needs to finish Cambridge with Alexandra her friend. She will just be a shareholder and share in the wealth as I hope we will. Thanks for your support folks.”

“Renton, you can always count on our support and if we don’t initially, you know you can talk us around if you really want to and also make us feel good about it. That’s why we all love you and love to be around you. You make things happen.”

“Stop embarrassing me Alice but thanks anyway. I think we shall have some fun. Now let’s arrange to go back down there with some firm ideas in say a fortnight. Yes, I know that Amanda, Lucinda and Partridge are going down next weekend but we need some time to establish firm ideas.”

“Renton, we need cooling off period. One month, then we have good plans. Jadja do great drawings and Partridge find lots of money. OK?” stated Stasiek.

“In a month’s time then, all agreed? Good, I’ll agree for Partridge then, when I bring him in the loop and up to speed.” 

Partridge agreed with the whole idea of a month’s preparation so that he could put some sound numbers together and see if the whole idea was a pie in the sky or viable. He put a sizeable pot of seed money aside so that we could pay for market research, a full-time researcher to pull together information on all successful equestrian establishments and Donald got one of his guys to act as Project Manager to guide us through a logical decision process. The hotel idea was straight forward since we already had our own templates. The design of the equestrian centre was left to Stasiek as architect and Donald as the designer. They even made an appointment to visit a couple of establishments to see the buildings being used at first hand.

 I took on the Market Research team and guided them through the process of choosing the clientele we had in mind to survey. We first did a quick survey of my extensive client and friends list from the Thailand tragedy and got a favourable response. The researches then went into the City to interview and poll the young stinking rich to garner information. I was surprised that the results showed that this band were more interested in gathering expensive wheels than animals, that might answer back, but all expressed interest in giving horse riding a go, particularly in salubrious surroundings, with maybe some alternatives to follow. This gave us heart that we could tap into a particular type of customer who would enjoy the thrills of a new experience, where cost was no deterrent. We multiplied up our results to cover the whole population of City folks, halved the interest and halved it again and found a body of possible customers larger than we could cope with by a factor of ten. Since many of them worked long hours, they usually accumulated and banked their holiday allocation, so turning up midweek was not a problem. I initially thought that weekends would be full but weekdays very quiet. 

We arranged a full Board Meeting the week we were due to go back to Oxfordshire and invited a number of experts in the field to question and give an opinion on our ideas. We also booked a room at the Black Hawk on Friday night to present our ideas to Harry, Marge and Sophie. Partridge seemed comfortable with the numbers even in the worst case. The only area we lacked confidence was in getting the skilled labour to run the place. Stasiek said he could rustle up plenty of basic labour from his immigrant pool and all we needed was management, supervisors and riding instructors, this we though, we would address with Harry later.

Amanda insisted on knowing what we were up to. She had suspected something and when we had arranged a meeting at the Black Hawk she was just beside herself with curiosity. She insisted on coming and I saw no harm in it. I was to do the actual presentation, including pictures, with Partridge filling in on some of the financial detail. The audience included Harry, Marge, Sophie, and of course Amanda. The pictures of the proposed hotel and equestrian centre, drawn and coloured by Jadja were fantastic and impressed even us, who were already familiar with her work. Before Partridge finished with the final financial details, we set time aside for a question and answers session before we called in a few invited experts in the field. Harry asked the most questions followed by Amanda whose questions were surprisingly incisive.

 Partridge put forward a realistic three-year business plan and suggested that we set up an Equestrian Company, separate from the farm estate, which would lease land from the farm providing it with an income. Shareholders would have to invest an initial sum of a hundred thousand pounds each and further capital would be a loan from the bank which would also hold a share. This caused some consternation until Partridge described a system where the three family members could borrow the money on favourable rates to be paid off from dividends. Harry, Marge and Sophie would also draw a salary and this seemed to placate them. Amanda insisting on being a share holder and was already waving her cheque book until Partridge said it would all depend on the family if she was to be an investor. They fortunately agreed otherwise I could foresee a scene developing. 

“Amanda, what’s got into you? I haven’t seen you behave like that for a long time.”

“Sorry Renton but I’ve got quite passionate about your project and it’s something now I’m interested in. It is all your fault Renton! If you hadn’t got me on the back of that nag, I would be sitting comfortably in one of your designer apartments that I bought recently.”

“But you are putting up a hundred grand in this venture, if it gets a green light?”

“So what, I can afford it and more to the point I can afford it all to go up the swanee. Partridge has done well for me and you lot seem to turn everything you touch into gold. You have the Midas touch! I want part of it, so sorry if I’m being pushy.”

“Well, you certainly elbowed your way in today.”

“Sorry if I embarrassed you but I want to be part of your gang if you let me play. I wasn’t going to miss an opportunity, was I?”

“Investment in cash is one thing but all of our ‘gang’ as you call them, do contribute in no small way to the success of the Company if you haven’t noticed?”

“Exactly Renton, and if this venture gets off the ground, I want you to support me. I’m going to look after the retail side. Designer riding gear, riding leisure wear, cosmetics, watches, the whole bloody shebang! Apart from the outlet on the site, I’ll be selling the stuff on the internet and opening outlets on main streets. That’s what I want to do.”

“Oh, but what experience have you in that field Amanda?”

“Renton, I’m not blind and I’m a quick learner. I am or was a shopaholic and I naturally know what people with money will and want to buy. I haven’t heard of riding gear as leisure wear before other than polo shirts. Every other sport has that sideline in clothes and is probably more profitable than the real thing.”

“I suppose you may be onto something there although I though shop lifting was more your style.”

“Leave off my past. Of course I am onto something. Horse riding and owning are expensive sports, just like sailing and the people taking part have to have lots of spare cash. You quoted a huge figure of people taking part in riding but how many high street shops are selling the gear? Tell me? None specifically!”

“OK, but you will need business expertise to do all this Amanda. None of us have that in retail.”

“I know, I know but I have learned from you guys that you can buy it in. I will be the driving force and have people around me doing the running.”

“What about your career in acting and singing?”

“That intrudes on life too much. Look at me Renton, my face is going. I was never beautiful, attractive yes, a head turner, but age is taking its toll and soon I’m not going to be in demand that way. I need a job where I can use my wits. You Renton have taught me the value of pleasing people and developing networks. Partridge has shown me how to manage cash. Recently I observed you being super salesman and I’m going to put all that together and start up in business.”

“That’s fine and laudable but you could do this on your own, without investing in the equestrian thing.”

“Renton, by being directly linked to this project, I can call on all of you to help when I need it, without being obliged. You will naturally help me to ensure the success of the whole thing. I’ve thought this through carefully and this is the first opportunity I have had to be wholly involved in your businesses, so give me a chance Renton.”

“OK, Amanda, I will back you but please talk to Partridge first and get him to introduce you to the Bank’s business advisors. I’ll suggest that a retail side should be a strong facet of our project. How about that?”

“I just love you Renton. I will have to poison Lorraine and have you to myself. That’s just wishful thinking but with your support, I will make this a great success, mark my words.”

The rest of the weekend was spent more on foot than on horseback with people pacing out positions of the extensions, size of the covered arena, car parking and even the size of the laundry. This whole idea had obviously been in Harry’s mind for a long time and he was constantly put forward ideas which we eagerly incorporated into our designs. Jadja was invaluable because she would quickly sketch an idea and we all could instantly visualise it. A picture saves ten thousand words some wise man had said. Gradually the whole plan evolved and Stasiek, the architect, could give a sound technical opinion on its feasibility. Donald and Alice concentrated on the design aspects and Jadja pulled it all together with her sketches, often adding her design skills into the bargain. By Sunday lunch time, we had pulled together a plan, Partridge had reworked the costs and it was left to the family to come up with a decision to go forth or abandon the idea. Before we allowed them to come up with a decision, I suggested that Amanda, who up to now was on the sidelines should summarise in her own way, her understanding of the project and then Sophie to give her version so that we had semi-independent views in order that we could review anything we may have missed. Amanda gave an impressive and confident summary, adding only that a retail side might have been overlooked. Sophie’s was more emotional but equally interesting to see how a family member, new to the concept, should view it. I suggested that we digested the whole thing, along with the lunch and we could then get some indication of interest over coffee. 

   

Harry and Sophie were eager to start straight away whilst Marge was more cautious. Partridge settled the matter by telling everyone that this was a preliminary review of the project and that the Bank would fund the initial investigation so final decisions weren’t needed until we had the outline plans approved by the Council and all the accounts drawn up and that would take a couple of months at least. In the meantime, we should all take an active interest and provide ideas and feedback to the project manager that Donald had appointed. Stasiek added that he and Jadja were going to investigate having the new structures prefabricated in Poland and shipped over for speedy installation.

During the following couple of months while were waiting for Council approval I was busy selling the apartments in our new development and ensuring that the clients wishes were being incorporated in the design. Three show apartments were completed in quick time by Stasiek’s men and I was able to show prospective clients the type of finish they could expect. The other great selling point was that they could talk directly to the Clerk of Works on site, who was a most charming man, who spoke five European languages fluently and I was able to sell to Russian and Italian people who wanted a luxury pad in London. Amanda on the other hand, pestered the hell out of all of us by asking what we thought of this and what we thought of that. She had already designed a range of riding gear with similar leisure gear to match. Her brand name was to be ‘Stalione’ and Jadja was commandeered to design the logo and Alice the website layout. She had visited all the equestrian sites and retail outlets within reach of London and could talk expertly about all the equipment people would need for the sport. She was even in contact with manufactures in China and India and had ordered samples to be sent. Every weekend she was down with Harry to drain him dry with horse talk. Partridge had set up her portfolio of product costs and profit margins and was clearly impressed by her output and growing financial expertise. I was cornered to draw up a profile for her sales staff requirements, including training. She commissioned more Market Research to cover a wider field and set up a mock up of a shop in a warehouse and invited chosen people, established riders and novices to view her stock and comment on the range. The thoroughness of her work impressed Mr. and Mrs. Partinger so much that they insisted on investing their own money in her venture. Amanda would go round to Mayfair to show them her plans and stock, for feedback. Eventually we all decided that even if the equestrian development in Oxfordshire didn’t materialise then we would all invest in her venture in town.

It was three months later that we held our inaugural Board Meeting at the farm. The outline plans had been approved and the detailed plans had been submitted to the Council. First of all, we did a site tour and Stasiek had been busy pegging out the development which looked like an archaeological site, with information boards set up at frequent intervals showing Jadja’s impression of the finished building, plus some detailed explanations. This had impressed the planners when they had been invited initially to view the plans on site. I realised that the plans had moved on way beyond what we had discussed, and Donald’s project manager, William, was able to explain how the ideas had developed. The front of the old farmhouse, now a hotel, had changed with rambling extensions that gave the place some charm. The ground floor was all public rooms with bedrooms on the two higher floors. The back of the house had been extended to create a dining room which looked over a courtyard that on first sight appeared to be surrounded by stables. These were in fact further bedrooms. The equestrian arena was set back beyond the orchard and the new kitchen garden. It was to be partly screened by trees on mounds to make it less conspicuous. The outline looked huge and at either ends there were to be stables with storage and accommodation for staff above. One of the existing barns was to house the retail area and the tack rooms. A new farmhouse was to be built with the ground floor reserved for offices and staff rooms. It again would appear sunken so that the views of the hillside were not obscured.

We then took a couple of Land Rovers and Harry drove us around the estate, pointing out the new riding trails that he had planned and the extra gallop. He also explained that he had acquired the lease of ten acres of adjoining woodland and had permission of the owners to cut tracks through, extending the rides. He pointed out that the real benefit was that the estate would now be directly linked, off road, to public bridleways which linked up across the whole of Oxfordshire. Sophie and Lorraine confirmed to me the real significant benefits of this link. He then drove us into a dip which was a site of an old quarry and this was pegged out as a clay pigeon shoot with a couple of neighbours already there ready to demonstrate for us. Nearby, a field was set up for archery. An old gypsy van would house all the sports equipment.

We drove back to the house and then Sophie took over explaining how the equestrian side would operate. The guest would have breakfast overlooking the courtyard and their mounts would be brought into the yard ready for their first venture. A couple of old stone mounting steps would be constructed to help mounting for those that needed it. An all-weather track would then lead to either the indoor arena or out onto the field tracks. There would also be three outdoor all-weather arenas for teaching purposes. Sites for further temporary stabling were marked out and could be set up quickly as required. The plan was to add further permanent stabling on the two outer sides of the main arena at a future date. Someone asked the obvious question of how we were going to cope with all the horse shit. A small ride-on-truck would clean up the mess and special quick composters would convert this into soil improver. Every aspect had been thought through. Amanda then showed us her publicity video of her retail establishment with computer drawings of the layout and models displaying the riding outfits, leisure wear, riding equipment and even cosmetics and jewellery much of this being of her own design. She finished off with a quick view of her website which Donald had designed. Each article for sale had a videocam description, modelled by some most attractive horse women. We were all totally sold and wanted to know when thing would be up and running. Stasiek announced that he had teams of workmen ready to start. The Arena would only take a month to complete and most of that was to lay the footings and the roadways to get the prefabricated units on site. The farmhouse and motel styled ‘stables,’ again would be prefabricated and be up in a month. The conversion of the farmhouse into a hotel would take longer but required that Harry and Marge moved out into a mobile home for a few months or so. Since everything would be factory made and shipped, even for the hotel, the whole development process had been foreshortened to months instead of two years for normal development of this size. We could safely plan to be up and running in six months which would be the time needed to recruit and train the staff. We also had to plan the marketing and sales of the sporting services of the facility. Lunch was a silent affair with most of us deep in our own thoughts and excited by the prospects of getting the whole place up and running so soon.  

Chapter 35

During one of our regular board meetings we were interrupted by Bugs Blenkharn entering the scene.

“Hey Bugs, long time no see. You’re looking in fine shape. Is there anybody here you haven’t met yet? Ah yes this is Donald, next to him is his wife Alice, Stasiek, our famous architect and his wife Jadja the artists. Amanda you know and Partridge of course. Sit down Amanda give Bugs time to get his breath back. The poor chap looks like he’s run up the stairs.”

“Hi folks pleased to meet you. The girl said just walk in and give them a surprise, when I told her my name. Sorry if I’m interrupting anything.”

“Always welcome to see you Bugs. Come and sit here next to our gorgeous Amanda, though be careful of her perfume, it’s a mixture of horse shit and cats pee.”

“No it isn’t Bugs. Come and give me a hug and kiss and ignore these other bores.” 

“What brings you to these parts?”

“You’re looking extremely gorgeous Amanda and the perfume is wonderful unlike the aftershave Renton’s using. I’ve been to the Thai Embassy to get my work visas renewed. I’m taking a group of volunteers to do some work over there and will probably visit Poonong. Just popped in to see if any of you were interested in joining us? I know you were disappointed by the cancellation before.”

“Bugs, you have caught us all at the wrong moment. We are in the midst of some major projects; one of them is into horses. That’s why Amanda is sporting a fetching outfit ideal for chasing foxes around the City.”

“You look lovely Amanda and you can come and chase me if you like.”

“She’s frightened you off to Bangkok by the looks of it.”

“I understand Renton. This would be a working trip anyway. I just don’t have the heart to start up our water sport venture yet but you never know. One of the reasons I called in was to thank you all for raising so much money so quickly. It was a great help to me on the ground, to buy essentials on the spot without going through the usual lengthy channels. I know the villagers of Poonong want to pass on their regards and thanks.”

“It’s all we could do Bugs. We felt helpless sitting here and hearing about all the mayhem over there.”

“Thanks Amanda, you don’t know how good it felt like to have some support and not be totally abandoned.”

“Bugs, can you give Amanda an update on what you are doing out there and we’ll include it on our website. People are still interested and it gets a lot of hits.”

“That’s another reason I’m here. I’ve got a disc for you Amanda. Just use what is pertinent. Lots of information and lots of pictures. Some even from Poonong area. The other reason I’m here Renton is that you set up a foundation for Poonong and the people are doing quite well thanks to you. Their fishing fleet is up to strength and most things are back to normal. I’d like to use some of that money for other purposes, in other areas that haven’t been so lucky.”

“Partridge, what’s the score on that? Are we restricted to spend on Poonong only?”

“Well, although we majored on Poonong there are clauses in the papers that allow the trustees to extend the scope of the projects that we support. There is a special clause that allows a trustee on the ground, to use cash up to a certain amount as he sees fit. It’s a bit of a loophole but since we all here trust Bugs, who is also a trustee, then I’m sure he can use some of the fund under certain circumstances.”

“Partridge, cut the crap! Can Bugs get hands on the money if he needs it?”

“Yes, he can Renton and stop interrupting me. It would be helpful if he gave us some indication of what good cause the money is going to.”

“There you go again Partridge! What he means is ‘yes’ use it in an emergency and tell Amanda what its been used for so she can keep the website up to date and not upset any of our generous donors. Partridge make sure that Bugs has easy access to some of that cash.”

“Yes Renton, he already has good access. What I was going to say before you interrupted me was that we should have another appeal and allow people to donate more. That way, we can extend the use and scope for that money. Bugs, make sure that Amanda has all the info on your planned work and I’ll instruct Mr. Renton here to send out an appeal.”

“That’s mighty generous of you all. I’m sure the Charity will appreciate some more funds. Most of their projects have an over-run on spending and this surprise cash will be useful if a project stalls and when we need some sweeteners to get things going.”

  “That’s settled. Now Bugs, can you join us for dinner tonight. We’ll be able to catch up on more then. Partridge’s secretary will give you the details and you can stay with me overnight if that will help.”

“Thanks Renton, I’d like that plus the offer of a bed. By the way, I’m bursting to tell you this. There’s a girl on my team who was your boss at one time. Her name is Kate.”

“What? Crazy Kate, on voluntary work? I don’t believe it.”

“That’s right, gave up the City and is now training to become a project leader. Apparently, she heard through office gossip about our Poonong escapades and after the tsunami, she decided to do something useful. She donated to your appeal and has been keeping tracks on your website. She found where I was and contacted me to join my team.”

“Well, I never! That’s a turn up for the books. Just watch out Bugs, she might just be after your body!”

“Well, she can just bloody wait her turn! I’m first in line Bugs.”

“I better leave whilst the goings good. See you all at dinner tonight and thanks again for your support. Bye.”

“Renton, just make sure Bugs sits next to me at dinner, so we can play footsie!”  

“Leave off Amanda!”

We were all extremely busy and a number of major projects were coming to fruition, all at the same time. We needed more people on board but we were too busy to recruit. The farm was a huge building site with diggers fighting for supremacy with concrete mixers. It all looked chaotic but Stasiek kept assuring us that everything was in order. He’d learned a new phrase which he kept repeating aptly to us, ‘Fools and bairns shouldn’t comment on things half finished.’ Don’t know where he got that from when any fool could see we were in a mess. Amanda needed inordinate amount of our time and energy on her retail project but we had to give her, her due. It was progressing far better than anything else we were working on and her website was doing great business, with actual cash flowing in rather than in the other direction. I was worried about our overall debt, since it seemed be growing rather than decreasing. Partridge tried in vain, to explain that my particular debt, Manor Investments was diminishing rapidly and it was only the new debt on the equestrian side that was on the rise. All I could see on the statements was a load of cash being recorded on the ‘Debit’ side and only relatively small amounts on the ‘Credit’ side. The minus balancing figures at the bottom made my eyes water.

Chapter 36

Stasiek invited us all down to a ceremony at the farm to celebrate the first brick laying of the foundations. Harry and Marge did the honours and placed a gold sovereign, an old penny, a Euro and a Polish Zloty for posterity. Champagne, wine, vodka and beer freely flowed accompanied by an eclectic mixture of English, Polish, Indian and Chinese food. Stasiek had run out of Polish workmen and had gravitated to Chinese and Indians skilled engineers and workers. He explained that he needed skills rather than brawn in putting together flat-pack buildings. He divided us into five teams and we had a competition to see which team could assemble a wooden stable in the shortest time. The episode reminded me of a scene in an old move ‘Seven brides for seven brothers’ where teams of neighbours set to, constructing a barn. It amazed us all how five people, including two women in each, constructed a serviceable stable in less than thirty minutes. There they were sitting in the yard waiting for the straw and horses. Stasiek assured us that they would eventually be craned into final position when the party was over. Amanda’s team won owing to her tenacity and sharp voice reminding her workers it was a competition and not an occasion to stand back and admire their handiwork. Stasiek then described to us how the other buildings would be put together in the same way and with similar speed. The farm building would be ready for occupation in a week, with only the tiled roof to be laid. The extensions to the hotel would be built in the same way with only the frontages and roofs being finished off in the traditional stonework. The arena required steel constructors but once the steel sheet roof was on, the internal bits would just be fork-lifted into place and the services connected. Already we could see the landscaping had advanced beyond great holes and piles of soil, with mature trees already planted and huge swathes of green turf carpet being laid and water sprinklers going. It was a tremendous transformation from the moonscape we had seen on our previous site visit and Stasiek was rightly proud of his achievements. After the meal and celebrations, we went out to the paddock to view the new horses that Harry had purchased. There were twenty of them milling about, as a stable lad was trying to herd them our way. 

“Harry, they look magnificent if rather frightening by their size.”

“They are just getting to know each other Renton and acclimatised to their surroundings. I bought them because they were placid and good for our type of business.”

“Will you breed these?”

“God no! Once we are set up, I’ll get some special mares and have them inseminated. I’m also going to get some young foals for the kids to oogh and aagh over. I can hire smaller ponies locally if we need them for children. At this moment we are targeting young rich bucks in the City. I’m converting one of my barns into a garage for the Astons and Porches. These chaps may not appreciate the local pigeons crapping on their expensive paintwork.”

“Good thinking there. Where is the parking going to be?”

“Stasiek thinks that if we prune the fruit trees in the orchard, we should park the cars there, particularly if we put some plastic matting down to avoid the mud being churned up.”

“Now, lot of guys I know in the City don’t have wheels.”

“Ah, I’ve taken a leaf out of your book Renton and got myself a Rolls Royce. One of the stable lads will collect guests from the Station in style. I did think of a carriage and pair but that would take far too long.”

“How are you and Marge coping in the caravan?”

“No Renton, we’ve given the caravans over to the stable lads and moved into a suite in the Black Hawk for a short time. All our belongings are in those containers over there. We’ll keep the best bits, Donald has earmarked some pieces for the hotel but the rest will go to the auction and then the tip. Downsizing is hard. We should take a leaf out of your book Renton and live out of a small suitcase. Marge and I are always amazed how you manage with so little.”

“I’ve never had much all my life and I scrounged stuff from friends when I needed anything.”

“That’s hard to believe when Partridge and Lorraine tell me you are a multi millionaire.”

“I was on paper at one time but currently, I’m deep in the red, owing the bank or at least our Company more millions than I like to think about.”

“You look well on it I must say. Lorraine adores you, you know?”

“Well, she’s a lovely girl but I not going to commit to anything until this weight is off my shoulders.”

“I understand Renton but I’m not sure that Lorraine would enjoy the frugal existence you enjoy.”

“Nothing to worry about Harry. I do know how to spoil Lorraine, now and again.”

“Oh, we know Renton, all we hear from Sophie is what you two did in Paris, Venice, Milan and Rome. We could never compete with that. Ah, our mystery guests have arrived. We’d better go and meet them.”

“What do you know about them Harry?”

“Only that Donald said they had an interesting proposition for us. We’d better get over and make them welcome. Donald has arranged a meeting in what’s left of the farmhouse. Come on Renton, we don’t want to miss out.”

I recognised one of the men. He was the Chief Executive of the hotel group that bought our development in South Kensington so I presumed it was to do with our hotel plans. We all introduced ourselves and settled into hard chairs around a makeshift table and a screen set up against a wall. The Marketing Director gave a basic presentation of the groups activities and the Chief Executive, Roger Barnholm, took over and suddenly things livened up, as he displayed a picture of the farm house as depicted by Jadja as our new Hotel complex. We all immediately noticed that the sign had changed and displayed the insignia of his Company. That gave the game away and his presentation was basically him telling us that he could run the Hotel for us far better than we had  ever imagined and that the shared profits would outstrip the forecasts that we mortal men had planned. He was careful to ensure that the Hotel complemented the equestrian centre and wasn’t just a boutique place set in the Oxfordshire countryside, competing with many others. At the end of the sales pitch and before we could launch into aggressive questioning, Partridge stood up and simply said we should embrace the plan fully and without question since it solved a problem for us in one swoop, one of being overstretched in our expertise and manpower. He even suggested, to Amanda’s dismay that we should find a similar partner to look after our Retail side and even the equestrian side. We as Directors would do the directing and keep our hands clean. We had no experience of running these types of operations whilst there was a mass of expertise to tap into. We would set standards and basic rules of operation and these Companies would do the operations, leaving us to dream up new ideas. This seemed too compelling and we unanimously accepted the Hotel proposal. We all retired to the Black Hawk for an early dinner. I noticed that Amanda had collared Partridge and was giving him a hard time. He obviously got his point over because she livened up and become the soul of the party. I questioned Partridge and he told me he didn’t want to see Amanda as a shop assistant and her true value was in design and thinking up new products to sell. He said he used the ‘Renton’ approach of making bad things look good. I wasn’t amused.    

  

Chapter 37

  

“Renton?”

“Yes Lorraine, what is it?”

“Renton, I feel useless, I want to be involved in this equestrian venture and all I seem to be doing is following you around.” 

“OK, what do you want to do? Which part do you want to be involved with?”

“That’s the problem, I don’t know and I don’t have the knowledge of business at all and I feel I’m just a hanger on. I’d loved to be totally involved and the current job I have is boring.”

“How about the equestrian side?”

“Yep, I like that but Sophie is totally involved with that and I don’t want to queer her pitch.”

“The Hotel side?”

“The hours are just too long and very unsociable.”

“Well, there’s only the retail side with Amanda. You have language skills with your Chinese and that would be useful to Amanda since a lot of her stuff is resourced from China and India.”

“Never thought of that Renton. Do you think she would take me on as an assistant?”

“I don’t see why not but do you think you could get on with her? She is a feisty lady you know. Doesn’t stand any nonsense!”

“Oh, I know and with me knowing nothing I might not be any use to her.”

“Lorraine, you get on with her socially so I can’t see too much problem there. Your language skills should be invaluable. I’m sure you could get her better deals by speaking the lingo. Plus, your dad has some useful contacts out there in China. Thinking about it, that’s the way go if you want.” 

“Will you speak to Amanda for me Renton?”

“I can but I think its better coming directly from you. Think of the plus points you have, so see her on your own. You can say you have talked it over with me but only if she hesitates to accept you. You need to get there under your own steam. If you do, then I shall sponsor you for an equal share in the business. Each of us has invested a hundred grand.”

“Where am I going to get a hundred grand from Renton, I’ve only just started in a paid job?”

“Well, you could approach daddy and if that doesn’t work out, Partridge will fix you up with a loan. That will be paid back from your salary, if Amanda agrees to pay you anything.” 

“Oh, I hope she does, I’m getting quite excited now. Thanks Renton, I knew you would find a way. I’ll call Amanda and make an appointment. Strike while the iron is hot eh Renton?”

 

Harry scouted around his contacts and found a couple of Equestrian Companies who expressed interest in operating a centre for a third party and Amanda had lined up a number of large Retail outfits that would consider incorporating the management of her riding apparel shop. The beauty of that approach was that these companies would consider selling Amanda’s designs and products in their own outlets. This would increase her sales output twenty-fold or so.

“Did you put Lorraine on to me about a job Renton?”

“What me? Not directly but I though that would be the best place for her with her language skills. Let’s say, since she wanted to join us, just as you did Amanda, I encouraged her to talk to you personally and not to mention me unless you turned her down.”

“Why on earth would I turn her down? She’s going to be my Chief Buyer and will be talking directly to those Chinese producers who are getting greedy these days. That’s why I need a second string in China and India. Lorraine will fit in quite nicely. I hope she has learned something from you Renton like I have. I’ll have to have words with her on that point, in fact she can follow you about for a while when she is released from her old job.”

“What do you want to do that for Amanda?”

“She needs to see you operate professionally and learn. Learn quickly and get her little black book going of contacts. OK you keep them inside your head but we mere mortals need to write these down. You don’t object do you Renton? You can also size her ability up for me. If she doesn’t cut the mustard with you then she’ll have to go elsewhere. Don’t you agree?”

“Bit harsh but I’ll do your bidding Amanda and throw her in at the deep end with the selling. I’m sure she’ll do well.”

“Listen Renton, she’s a bit of a dolly bird and will pull in the punters but can she sell, that’s what I want to know? If she can sell then she should be able to convince producers in the buying stakes. I trust you Renton to make sure she doesn’t fall at the first fence.” So Lorraine became my assistant for a couple of months and coped well given that she had no experience. She was a hard worker, did her homework on the clients and was confident in the sales situation. The most important thing was she asked for help when needed and didn’t just plough on regardless. Between us my sales went up and achieving above average prices. I was concerned that she might put the wives off but it was the opposite. The women clients liked her and she got on well with everybody. The Rolls Royce always gave her some additional charm and credence.  

Chapter 38

“Hi Renton! Are you alone? We need to talk.”

“What’s up Partridge? You sound as if you’re in a state.”

“I am and good reason to be. It’s your brother again. He’s raised his head above the parapet.”

“Is Sir Bloody Gerald asking for more money again?”

“No far worse! He’s sent out some malicious letters, full of twisted half truths and we need to do something about it quick.”

“What? Send the heavy brigade around to duff him up?”

“No, it’s got beyond that. He’s circulated the shareholders with a ten-point letter and also given interviews to the gutter press. It’s beyond a joke now.”

“What’s he said? Have you got the details there?”

“No but Jeremy, one of the big shareholders rang immediately he got his and he’s faxing me a copy now. The first point he’s making, which is to catch the shareholder’s interest, is that you are mismanaging the Company and paying out below par dividends.”

“But we made a policy of paying above market rates so that they wouldn’t all demand their money back.”

“That’s true Renton, but he goes on to say that with the buoyant state of the housing market you should have achieved a higher rate of return on those properties in the portfolio.”

“Rubbish. They were all crap, bought at the top price.”

“We know that Renton. He then goes onto say that you are far too young and inexperienced to run a Company and that you should hand it back to its rightful owners. He states that you bamboozled them by sending them off to an isolated island in the Caribbean to get them out of the way whilst you took over the Company. Can you believe that?”

“Come on, what else does that toad have to say Partridge?”

“Well, he has a personal attack on your character by saying you robbed your parents of their home twice and Gerald himself of an apartment and made a fortune selling them on. Now they have to live in modest garrets whilst you, Renton dear boy, waste all the Company money by your high living and costly lifestyle.”

“What a load of twaddle Partridge!”

“No, he’s got a point there Renton. He states you live in Mayfair and drive around London in a vintage Rolls Royce with a chauffeur. He’s done his homework old boy. You have to give him that.”

“And you say he’s also passed this onto the press?”

“That’s right Renton, to the gutter press no doubt who are going to milk it for all it’s worth. Tomorrows headline in the Mail will be ‘Peer’s rogue son robs his family of millions twice!’ or worse.”

“How about, ‘Black Sheep of Peer’s family goes Baaa..d!’ or something in that vein.”

“No joking matter Renton. He’s trying to smear us all. He states you employ an unqualified foreign architects and designers and also use illegal labour. That’s hitting at our core business.”

“This is serious. It could impact on our business and relationship with our clients. We would have to spend lots of our valuable time applying band aid and sweet talk our customers around.”

“That’s not the worst point Renton. He claims that you personally duped thousand of people to hand over millions to your Charity and instead of helping the victims of the Tsunami in Thailand, you and your cronies spent most of it on setting up a palatial, private hotel over there for the use of your friends.”

“We can sue him for that Partridge!”

“No point dear boy. He says he’s broke. With you taking his apartment and all of his bank balance, he succumbed to a little nervous breakdown and has been incapacitated for almost a year, living off charity from friends.”

“Hang on a moment Partridge. I’m getting a tissue out. I don’t know if to laugh or cry?”

“You can do a spot of both there. I’ve spoken to father and he says we need to hold a War Council of all Directors and even invite some major shareholders. Tomorrow ten a.m. at the bank. You call Stasiek, Jadja and Amanda. I’ll call the rest. We need to drop everything and be there. Father is calling some of the major shareholders to pacify them and put them straight on the truth behind all this.”

“What’s Gerald hoping to achieve by all this nonsense?”

“Now here’s the rub. He wants the Company back under his own control.”

“What! But it’s just a load of debt isn’t it?”

“Well, when we took over the portfolio and debt, we arranged that your Estate Agency business, that we set up especially, was to be part of that arm so that sales and commissions you earned went to pay off the debt.”

“So, is that a separate Company then Partridge?”

“For accounting purposes, yes. I set up the portfolio business and the Estate Agency as separate so if your brother wants the business back, it will only be the profits on properties sold plus the outstanding debt of over forty million. The Estate Agency which was set up to pay off the debt is not really part of that business and can continue stand alone. My Accountant reckons that in a couple of years we could sell that part of the business to a major player and pay off all of our shareholders.”

“So, Partridge, am I right in thinking that Gerald can only claim the outstanding debt and some properties as his business?”

“You always were a bit slow on the uptake on financial affairs Renton. We, as your friends, only took on this burden to keep your name and reputation spotless, knowing that you would work your way out of this shit. Now your brother is threatening all the good work you’ve done. I bet you wish you didn’t have a family.”

“Hell Partridge, you know that they were never a family to me. I count your father and mother as true family.”

“I know Renton and sympathise. By the way, mum dotes on you and I’m getting jealous.”

“You’ll get over it Partridge. Now, onto important matters, shouldn’t we be arranging a meeting of the shareholders?”

“Gerald has already arranged one at the Grosvenor Hotel for Friday and we need to hi-jack it.”

“But all this vindictive gossip will be in the press tomorrow.”

“We can’t do anything about that but father has phoned some of the editors and warned them that they need to check their facts and that there may be a twist to the story that may benefit us. The popular press will have a field day, as you would expect, with the gentry getting their comeuppance but the more serious press will look into the allegations more seriously.”

“Thank God for that Partridge. Could we arrange to send my brother a set of vintage Purdies for his birthday and ensure that they back fire and blow his head off?”

“That’s going a bit far Renton but since he’s so poor, you could shove him under a London bus or something. Now you go to work on the calls and I’ll Email a copy of the letter to you ASAP. Bye.”     

Mr. Henry Partinger chaired the meeting and four of the major shareholders attended. Much of the time was spent explaining the background of the initial problem with the old Company and the reasons we took it over. That more than satisfied the shareholders and they were doubly angry at being duped once, then to be sent a pile of twisted information a second time. They decided that they would contact more of their friends, in the same position and tell them the truth, plus encouraging them to go along to the meeting to support us and refute the allegations. The rest of the meeting was spent on tactical matters and how to mitigate the effects of these trumped-up allegations. It was decided that I should be interviewed by an investigative journalist from a reputable newspaper to explain our position and that Mrs. Partinger would also be interviewed to give an account of my family background and upbringing, or lack of it. We would not attend the meeting that Sir Gerald had arranged but would be available in the wings if needed. I would also have my brothers there, as former members of the Board, even if they had been unaware of it at the time. Jeremy, one of the major shareholders would organise our defence and lead a team of friends in asking pertinent questions to which they already knew the appropriate answers. We also composed two letters to our shareholders, one simply explaining the truth behind the points made by Gerald and a second that would be sent out, after the meeting. That would report the reaction of the people present. An Email would be sent by Jeremy to all the journalists and reporters who had written articles for their paper about the meeting and inviting them to attend to learn the truth at first hand. The meeting finished, by me apologising to all present, about bringing on such problems onto their shoulders. One of the shareholders, a major industrialist, sympathised with me and told us that this was tame to some of the situations he had had to deal with.

The morning of the meeting at the Grosvenor, my Board Members and brothers entered early and secreted ourselves in a private room, out of sight of the assembly, ready to be called up as necessary. Jeremy promised that we would be invited to give our version of events and answer any questions that the investors had. Jeremy promised to record the whole proceedings on his Dictaphone.

“Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen,” announced Sir Gerald. “I called this meeting at the desperate call of a number of investors who were rightly concerned that things weren’t as they should be with Manor Investments since they were rudely hijacked by Renton Holdings a few years or so ago. It seems that the investors are not getting the value for their money from the new inexperienced management. At the top table here with me I have Sir Fredrick Roseman, Mr. Alan Crosby and Sir Reynold Finnman. They also share my concerns and urged me to call this meeting of interested investors to put the matter right. I’m pleased to see a good turnout which shows that you are also perturbed by the outcome of events. Now let’s get to the whole purpose of the meeting. Yes, Sir Jeremy?”

“Thank you, Sir Gerald, my presence here is that I am perplexed by your suggestions and I’m more than happy keeping my investments with Renton Holdings. My question is, ‘what is the solution you are looking for?’”

“Thank you, Sir Jeremy, but I can assure you that many others don’t share your feeling here. The property market has risen at record levels and the sale of our invested properties should have achieved a much higher return than achieved by an inexperienced team. Yes, Sir Winston?”

“I can only disagree with you Sir Gerald. I’m here on the same premise as Sir Jeremy. I recently purchased a property from Renton Holdings and I can assure you I paid top dollar and certainly above market value. I am very pleased with my new house and can only have good words to say for the way they handled the sale and the pleasure of the service. If you care to look at their web site Sir Gerald, which I assume you have, then you can see that the prices are high and I know from friends with the same experience, there are no discounts.”

“I’m glad that your experience was a good one but my own Estate Agent, valued the properties recently sold, far higher. Yes, Sir Leonard.”

“You have so far Sir Gerald, cleverly evaded Sir Jeremy’s direct question but that is no doubt your training as a Barrister. Your letter that you sent out to all investors; I take umbrage with the point you made about a Mr. Blenkharn, who I assume is not personally known to you. As you all know I sit on the Charity’s Commission and we have recently nominated Mr. Blenkharn for an Honour in the New Year’s listing. I can assure you that our investigations were very thorough and your intimations amount to being libellous.”

“Thank you, Sir Leonard, but my information is from a good source and all the begging letters that were sent out to all of you present, raised a lot of money for an organisation for pure pleasure and not even accredited as a Charity.”

“Sir Gerald, that is a very poor reply. Firstly, we were aware that this organisation or foundation was not accredited by my Commission, although applications had been placed. The situation in Thailand needed instant reaction that only such an independent organisation could achieve and great credit to them. Secondly this house of fun that you’re referring to is well known to me since my son and my daughter have both been there on various occasions and enjoyed themselves immensely. The problem with your statement is that you have your dates completely wrong in that, this building and the village was raised to the ground by the Tsunami and the money was raised in the aftermath. I think you should retract that statement and send Mr. Blenkharn a public apology.”

“I retract and will recheck my source Sir Leonard. Now Mr. Partinger, I’m not sure you should be present amongst us, not being an investor.”

“Correct on the latter Sir Gerald but I represent six other investors who couldn’t attend and I have their proxy here,” answered Henry Partinger, waving the proxy papers. “I have close dealings with Renton Holdings since they bank with me and I audit their accounts. Being a Private Company, their accounts are also private. Can I assure the members here that their accounts are in order, which can’t be said for the mess the Manor Investments accounts were when Renton’s took them on. Please hear me out Sir Gerald. When Renton Holdings saved your skin and your reputations, the books showed a dismal loss of over forty million with over ten million unaccounted for.”

“That is not true Mr. Partinger. I’m not sure what accounts you have and what you are referring to.”

“That’s the problem Sir Gerald. If you can furnish me with the name of your accountant, then I could verify them myself. Now let me switch to another point you made about your youngest brother who we refer to as just Renton who has been your and Lord and Lady Renton’s saviour. You made sweeping allegations that the young upstart is squandering the investor’s money on high living. Your investigations were incomplete on that point and you have twisted the facts to suit the occasion. Yes, he lives in Mayfair and yes he drives around London in a chauffer driven Rolls Royce but I’m also sure that you are aware that the Rolls belongs to me and he is my guest in my house and probably enjoys a life style at home that I am used to. As to his over generous salary and bonuses that you referred to, the accounts expressly show him drawing no salary and charging rather modest expenses, all fully documented.”

“I think it is time we stopped this circus Sir Gerald and ask you to step down from the Chair and we elect a new committee to carry on. Please raise your hand if you are in agreement with me. That looks unanimous to me, please vacate your seat Sir Gerald.”

“You can’t do that Sir Jeremy! You can’t just come in and hijack our meeting!”

“We already have done so Sir Gerald and I would ask you to vacate the top table and let us invite Renton, his Board and his brothers so that we can pose questions that are of real concern to the investors.”

“You can’t do this! I’m not moving from here. You’ve planned all this Sir Jeremy to disrupt my proceedings. This is despicable!”

“Of course I did, since you sent out such twaddle and reported it all to the press. I hope the press men at the back of the room are impressed with your performance so far Sir Gerald. If you don’t propose to move then we will continue our meeting around you. It’s your choice. Would the attendant please escort in our invited guests.”

Sir Gerald was finally persuaded to vacate the top table by his self chosen Committee members and apparently strutted out shouting that this wasn’t the last that they heard from him. Whilst we assembled in the room and found seats, Sir Jeremy voted in a new Committee with himself, voted as Chairman. With Sir Gerald out of the room, the atmosphere lightened and we were introduced, one by one by Jeremy, who suggested that we have a question and answer session until all were satisfied. Stasiek answered the query about his qualifications which satisfied them all and no one seemed unduly worried that he employed immigrant labour. One of Gerald’s former cronies posed the question as to what would have happened if Sir Gerald had taken back Manor Investments. Mr. Partinger replied that under Renton Holdings the outstanding debts and equity in properties were a separate Company to the Estate Agency which was in effect repaying the debt through selling and commissions. If the rogue Gerald had taken back the Company, it would only be the debt and not the Estate Agency. He informed them that Gerald would be taking on a debt of thirty-five million, reduced from over forty, with ten million still unaccounted for. With Renton Holdings, he told them that with the earned commissions and the value of the Estate Agency, the debt would be reduced considerably, to probably less that ten million and if the missing ten million could be found then he assured all investors that their money was safe and in good hands. That left the investors smiling and someone proposed a vote of confidence in Renton Holdings and the vote was unanimous. Sir Jeremy suggested that we all retire to the bar for a glass of champagne. The reporters at the back hurried off, to post their new revelations and we wondered what twist they would make of the events.

Chapter 39

Amanda strode into my office looking purposeful and business like.

“Renton, is Loraine here?”

“Hi Amanda, what brings you here to my office.”

“I wanted to see you about Loraine. Is she here, in the office?”

“No, I’m afraid she’s out seeing one of our clients.”

“Good, I wanted to see you about her alone. I desperately need her back in my area.”

“You can’t take my best Sales Lady away from me Amanda!”

“You can get another one. She’s too good for that job. I need her to go to China and start working for me. You said you were only giving her a trial anyway. Don’t be difficult about it please. I’m short staffed as it is and she’s needed now, not tomorrow.”

“Now, who’s giving me a hard time? I train her up and she’s closing deals on her own and you’re going to whisk her off to buy some tat in China for you. You can do that on the internet Amanda. By the way you’re looking rather gorgeous today. I hope it’s especially for me?”

“Thank you, Renton, and no it’s not; I’m off to get a boutique deal in a big department store so I have to impress their boss. Now Renton, smoothy, you’re trying to change the subject. You have to give her up Renton.”

“So, you’re controlling my love life now Amanda?”

“No silly. Stop teasing Renton. I just want her to work for me as we agreed and whilst you are on the other subject, yes, I do think she’s too good for you?”

“Has she been moaning to you about me Amanda? Haven’t I been treating her properly? Is that it?”

“Stop it Renton! We haven’t mentioned the matter it’s just what I think. The girl can’t look forward to anything with you Renton. She wants to settle down, get married, have kids but your romance with her isn’t leading along that path. You’re too young to get married yet anyway. Give another seven years, when you’re thirty, then and only then, maybe you might just want to settle down. She can’t wait that long.”

“So, what do you advise me to do Amanda? Give her the big E? I don’t think she would like that.”

“You need to talk to her darling, and in your usual persuasive way, make her believe that it would be better to part now rather than wait ten years. You’ve given her a good time and now she needs to find someone she can make a future with.”

“You make me sound as if I was a total cad and totally unsuitable candidate for marriage Amanda, is that it?”

“Renton don’t twist my words. This is a serious matter and neither you nor I want to see Lorraine hurt. Nor do we want her to miss out things in life which she needs now. You can find some one else, just as easily Renton.”

“This sound like a conspiracy Amanda, to steal my best Salesperson and my lover in one go!”

“You raised this matter Renton. It may have been in jest but that’s what I think. You just consider it seriously. It will be for the best I assure you.”

“OK Amanda, you can take Lorraine to work for you but I’m not sure I want to just dump her like that.”

“Thanks Renton. Let me tell her first and don’t you dare just dump her. You have to do it amicably, the way you know how to do. I don’t want her crying on my shoulder for months on end. I need her in good spirit to do work for me.”

“I get the point Amanda. Don’t you dare say anything to her though on this matter. I’ll handle it my own way.”

“Renton darling, you are the greatest. I’ll see you tomorrow at Ben’s party. Chow!”   

I picked up the phone and dialled. “Yolanda darling, I need a favour.”

“Renton, what is it? You don’t want me to poison that nasty brother of yours, do you?”

“It’s not that Yolanda but if you do ever cross his path, a bit of rat poison in his tea would be appreciated. It’s Lorraine, my champion saleswoman. Amanda wants her back, to work for her, sending her off to China. I need a replacement pronto. Do you know of any delectable young ladies who might just fit the bill?”

“That’s a tall order Renton but I’ll scout around. Business in modelling is a bit tough at the moment and I know one or two of the girls are looking for something else. Give me some time.”

“I need one with something between the ears Yolanda.”

“Renton, would I send you just a dolly bird? If I send you one, she will more than fit your bill. Give me a day or two. Will you be at Ben’s?”

“Thanks Yolanda. I’ll be there. Are you bringing along that fat creep?”

“Rich fat creep Renton, who is helping me with my career quite nicely, thank you. Be nice to him Renton, I need him at the moment.”

“I’m always nice to people Yolanda but you will make me happier if you would send him on his way. Bye.”

Tidying up the papers on the desk I heard Lorraine greeting the staff in the outer office. She bounced in looking very pleased with herself and rather a smug smile on her face.

“Hi Lorraine, didn’t expect you back in the office. We’d planned to meet at the restaurant tonight, didn’t we?”

“Just come back to gloat darling. Another super sale for you, at the asking price and they want the whole furnishings package, as extras of course.”

“Congratulation Lorraine, you have just completed your last sale for me. I’m shipping you off to China, to visit some sweat shops for Amanda.”

“Oh darling, that’s wonderful news! Has Amanda spoken to you then?”

“She has and I agreed to release you immediately. I shall now go, sit in the corner and mope.”

“Don’t take it like that darling, I’m sure you will find a replacement, if you need one. You managed perfectly well without me before.”

“That’s what I’m concerned about Lorraine, you being off to China for months at a time and me here in a dusty office all alone.”

“Darling, it won’t be like that. I’ll probably only be away for a few weeks at a time. Will you miss me?”

“I’ll have to get into my hermit’s mode and find a secluded cave.”

“Don’t be silly Renton. You will carry on as before.”

“What, without you Lorraine, beating away the girls mobbing me?”

“Well, you might have to do a bit of that. Anyway, it may do us good to be apart for a while Renton.”

“Oh, so you are having second thoughts about me then Lorraine?”

“Don’t be daft.”

“You mentioned the being apart bit and I’m just piecing together the evidence for you Mr. Holmes. So, you have been thinking about our relationship then, Lorraine?”

“Of course I have Renton. It’s what every girl does, mapping out a future with someone.”

“And?”

“Well, it’s just we are having a fabulous time but our romance doesn’t seem to be leading anywhere. Shush darling, just hear me out first. I don’t think you are ready to settle down. I don’t even know when you will be ready to settle down with someone. I’m like any normal girl and want a relationship to take its course but with you it’s just a whirlwind of having a good time. Don’t get me wrong, I love it and you know how to entertain and romance a lady but I really don’t think you want to marry me or anybody else just yet.”

“Well, that’s me written off then!”

“It’s not like that darling. You’re just too young and have different plans for the future like travelling the world. I’m an old-fashioned girl and would like to proceed on a certain path, which is different to yours.”

“Have you spoken to Amanda about these feelings Lorraine?”  

“Of course not darling! You raised the matter just now and given me the opportunity to say how I feel.”

“So, you would like us to split up and each go our different ways, Lorraine?”

“I’m not sure Renton. I don’t know what to think. To be perfectly honest I would prefer to continue and have a ball with you.”

“But your old-fashioned feelings are getting the better of you, is that it?”

“I don’t know Renton. The thing is you are just too bloody loyal. You don’t play away and don’t give a girl an excuse to let you go. I don’t know. I just don’t know Renton. All I know is that I love you but it’s not leading along the path I want our relationship to go.”

“It’s the selfish streak in me Lorraine. I’m sorry but it’s probably part of my self preservation instinct that I’m afraid to get too involved.”

“It’s not that Renton. You want to lead a different life at the moment. That’s the way I see it.”

“So, you will be off to China in a day or two and I’ll be on my own.”

“I’d prefer you go and find yourself another girl Renton and enjoy life. I will just be jealous and envious as hell but I’ll get over it. I only want one important thing from you Renton.”

“What’s that Lorraine?”

“That we remain friends, for ever. I want to count on you as a friend, one who will provide me with a shoulder to cry on, when ever I need it. Will you do that Renton?”

“Of course Lorraine, you can count on that.”

“I’m going now Renton, ostensibly to pack but I shall just lie on my bed and have a good cry. I will cry my heart out and hope to feel better for it. No Renton, don’t hold me, let me get home or I’ll spoil your shirt with mascara.”

“Bye Lorraine.”

“Don’t say any more Renton please. Just one thing you can do for me. Take Amanda out for one of your glorious weekends. She has written you off as ‘unattainable’ but she’s mad about you. Take her out, wine her, dine her, bed her and give her a good time. She deserves it Renton. I promise she won’t have any designs on you but it will please me, Yolanda, Suzy and Jadja. Please do that Renton.” With that last remark she turned marched out slamming the door behind her.

Chapter 40

“Is that you Renton. It’s Olivia!” shouted a voice with a soft East European accent that I couldn’t place. 

“Renton at your service Madam, how can I help?” I answered racking my brain for a clue who this might be.

“Will you be in your office in the next half hour?”

“Err yes?”

“Good I’m catching a cab, bye,” and she rung off leaving me no wiser. I was just about to pick up the phone and call a client when I heard a commotion out in the outer office. An apparition strode into my own office. Silver stiletto boots, black tights covering long legs, a shiny silver micro skirt, a loose belt broader than the skirt, a flimsy blouse, thick black hair with the customary sunglasses thrust in, massive expensive handbag, black eyes and a crimson slash of lipstick. She flounced in as if on a catwalk and I immediately knew that she was one of Yolanda’s protégé’s. Throwing herself into the large sofa at the far end of the office, she crossed her legs and looked me over inquisitively. I had by this time risen from my seat to welcome her with the handset still in my grasp. The buzz on the phone brought me to my senses, I replaced the receiver and was about to utter some form of welcome when she launched in herself.

“Hi, I’m Olivia. I understand you are looking for an assistant. When do I start?”

“Hello Olivia, pleased to meet you,” I uttered trying to buy some time to get my brain in gear. “I presume Yolanda sent you?” as she just nodded her head. “So, I need to interview you for the post I suppose.”

“Interviews are boring Renton! Besides, Yolanda gave me the third degree and says I’m suitable.”

“What else did she say?”

“Oh, lots of things about you and that you need me desperately. She also said I shouldn’t make a pass at you but I think I’ll miss on that one. You’re more hunky than Yolanda said. What are you doing tonight darling.”

“I don’t think it’s good to start a professional relationship in that way don’t you think?”

“Bugger that Renton. You’re not my boss today. You take me out tonight and we have a good time. I shag you. You have to test drive the boss you know.”

“Fortunately, I’ve a prior engagement tonight.”

“Pity, because when I’m working for you tomorrow I suppose, I have to behave myself.”

“I think it would be a good idea if you come in tomorrow and I can check how you behave with my clients. I will then deem whether you’re suited to this job.”

“Fine Renton. What time do you want me?”

“About ten will do, but I want to see you a lot more demure than at present. A skirt that is closer to your knees than your belly button, a white blouse with bra and less make up. We don’t want to frighten our clients, do we?”

“Yes boss, glasses and laced up shoes, de rigeur!” with that she launched herself up, straightened her skirt to no avail and flounced out, giving me a little wave and a broad smile. I immediately picked up the phone to Yolanda.

“I thought you were sending me a suitable girl?”

“Renton darling, isn’t she something? I bet she made an impression on you?”

“She left me breathless Yolanda. The first thing she wanted to do was test drive the boss.”

“I specifically told her to behave. You have that effect on us women. Anyway, she’s from St Petersburg. Very bright, got a collection of degrees as long as your arm, she can also be very charming. That’s what you want isn’t it?”

“I do, but her fashion style is going to frighten away my clients. She frightened me in her outfit just now.”

“Put it down to insecurity Renton. She can dress for the occasion and I’ll eat my hat if she doesn’t fit in.”

“OK Yolanda, I’m taking her out to meet some clients tomorrow and I’ll see how she performs.”

“She’ll be fine Renton. See you tonight at Ben’s then.”

“I’ll be alone tonight, sent Lorraine packing for China.”

“Hey, is there something brewing between you two? She wouldn’t talk to me last night. Said she was too busy crying. What’s going on Renton?”

“I’ll tell you tonight Yolanda, Bye,” and I put the phone down before she could ask more questions. There was a discreet knock on the office door and Julie popped her head around, questioning who was my visitor? I replied that it was Lorraine’s replacement which sent her off in fit of laughter. 

It was a strange experience for me to go to the party that evening all alone. I couldn’t recollect the last time that had happened. I wondered if the news had broken and what the reaction might be of my friends. The first person I bumped into was Yolanda. 

“You cad, you bounder; I have the greatest desire to punch you Renton but I wont. I’ll let you kiss me instead.”

“So, the news is out then?”

“Yes, the news is out and the vultures are ready to pounce, so be on your guard Renton. I went to see her with Amanda just before we came here, hoping to persuade her to come out tonight.”

“So how is she taking it?”

“Men, you lot are all the same. You just don’t understand the emotions that we girls go through. She’s devastated just as I was, and Suzy and probably countless others. We had a good cry together and she going to get over it.”

“There you are Renton. Give me a hug you gorgeous thing,” shouted Amanda as she rushed forward and embraced me. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! You did it, although Lorraine thinks it was her that brought it up and she’s the one feeling the guilt. I don’t know how you do it?”

“Well, we just hit the subject of relationships naturally and it all happened in the office.”

“You did well there Renton and we love you. We spent a weepy hour together with Yolanda. Are my eyes still red?”

“No, you look really fine. That dress is rather revealing Amanda.”

“Don’t you like it Renton? I like to show off my body these days, no longer a stick insect. Do body exercises every morning to put on the flesh in the right places. I shall be entering body building exhibitions next.”

“You do look super and in spanking health Amanda.”

“Thank you, kind sir. We called Suzy in Shanghai and had a long distance cryathelon. You don’t know how many buckets of tears have been wept over you Renton but we loved it. A joint outburst of emotions is good for you Renton, you should try it.”

“Us men as you call us, just bottle it up. Keep emotions to ourselves.”

“More’s the pity. Anyway, she will get over it and the whole outburst is good for her, like a bereavement. We are going to find her another feller that should fit the bill.”

“That quickly?”

“In fact, there is one in the wings Renton, that young architect in Stasiek’s department. He’s just totally enchanted by her.”

“What, that nerd?”

“Now, now Renton, is that a little jealousy creeping in?”

“Yeah, but you must admit, he’s a bit of a creep.”

“Nothing of the sort Renton. He’s good looking, a bit shy but just right for Lorraine. She will enjoy the first fumbling encounter. Puts her in charge again, not like with you when you take total control and we become putty in your hands.”

“There’s a gentleman, trying to attract your attention Amanda.”

“Oh, let him wait a moment. That’s my date for the night. I think he wants to dance with me.”

“The way he’s looking I think he is after your body Amanda.”

“Oh, you’re awful Renton, but I like you. I’d better go and join him. Go and have a word with Jadja, she’s on her own. Stasiek is in Warsaw this week. See you later! I want a dance with you later so mark your ticket.”

“Hi Jadja, I hear you are on your own tonight?”

“That’s right Renton. That makes two of us. Maybe we should stick together tonight. I have heard of your doings and I’m not sure I approve so you will have to hold me tightly tonight and whisper an explanation in my ear. How do I look Renton?”

“You look fabulous Jadja. Bit of a sophistocat I feel. You’ve lost some weight.”

“I’m glad you noticed Renton. Less bigos and fewer stodgy pierogi, that’s the answer. And less vodka.”

“Sounds boring Jadja. I miss your Polish food. Mrs. Partinger loves to feed me up on traditional British fare of Shepherds pie and heavy puddings. Give me a call when you are off your diet and I’ll join you for some real food. I’ll bring the vodka.”

“Come and dance with me Renton. It’s a slow one and you can tell Aunty Jadja your version of events.”

“Your English is perfect Jadja.”

“I should hope so Renton. I’ve spent a King’s ransom on teachers. I want to be perfect, like Yolanda and her friends.”

“Promise me you won’t go thin and stick like Jadja. I like a bit of flesh on my women.”

“I’ll never get like that. They must starve themselves all the time. No, it’s not for me but I feel better for loosing a kilo or so. It’s a pity we don’t live together anymore. You could have seen for yourself how I look. You remember our morning ablutions, don’t you Renton?”

“Oh, I do. You were quite a tease. I should have ravaged you rather than merely given you a sponge down every morning.” I danced a lot with Jadja and Yolanda, chatted with Partridge and his newfound girlfriend and out of the corner of my eye I spotted another apparition that I had seen earlier that day, though this time it was even more outrageous. Olivia was there with a bunch of models, dancing her heart out. I watched, along with a throng of admires as she cavorted around in time to the music, expecting any moment, all her flimsy clothing to fall away in the breeze. What had I let myself in for, I though. I would have to have another word with Yolanda. I had the feeling of being made a fool of and I didn’t like it.

“There you are Renton, that dance you promised. Come on. Sorry Partridge he did promise.”

“OK, OK Amanda, I’m coming. Now I’ve been thinking and my head hurts.”

“What is it darling, too much red wine?”

“Not even that darling. It’s just that you’ve stolen my business partner, the love of my life and I have a weekend booked and no one to go with.”

“Renton! You’re not asking me to go with you on one of your fabulous outings are you? Can I pinch myself?”

“I am Amanda, unless you are busy with horses. That new boy of yours looks very cosy.”

“He can just bugger off. The answer is ‘yes’ Renton and I’m off to pack.”

“It’s not till Friday afternoon, back late Sunday. Can you manage that?”

“Can I manage that? You must be joking. Just keep me away. One silly question: just me and thee?”

“Well, yes but there is a crowd of friends down there already so we might have to join them.”

“Where’s ‘down there’ Renton?”

“Cannes, the little village on the Med. Bring your passport and snorkelling gear.”

“You’re joking. Although Lorraine did say you had something special planned for her. I shall be ready, snorkel and all. Just a moment Renton, I just want to pop out and scream at the moon.”

“I shouldn’t do that Amanda, its raining outside. I’ll send the Rolls around to pick you up at three.”

“How do you do it Renton? I know you are poverty stricken. No salary, measly expenses that wouldn’t keep a mouse and you send a Roller around to pick me up. That’s what I call a date!”

“Now what do you know about that tart Olivia? You know she’s been foisted on me by Yolanda. Is she taking the piss or am I missing something?”

“Shock tactics dear boy. A bit of both. Olivia is a cool cookie and Yolanda thinks she will be good for your business. I know she is larger than life but she has the brains of all the people put together here, including dear Partridges. She likes to shock but she knows where to draw the line. Believe me; us girls have had a good laugh over your first meeting with her. She told us your jaw dropped to your knees and eyes were popping out on stalks. You should have seen your face when she offered to shag you there and then. It was a set up and you fell for it, but Yolanda says it will work out well.”

“I hope so. She’s meeting some important clients tomorrow and I don’t think they would be too impressed if they see her in that outfit. I’m worried. I’m losing my touch. I should have turned her down flat.”

“It’s all top show Renton. There is another woman under those clothes.”

“What clothes. She doesn’t even leave a bit to the imagination!”    

“Anyway Renton, less of Olivia and more to the matter at hand. Are you going to tell me about the weekend or do I have to leave that to my imagination?”

“You’re going to have a good time Amanda and if I tell you more it might just spoil your delight. Now it’s late and Partridge is ready to take me back to the garret in Mayfair. Now don’t be late on Friday. We have a tight schedule to keep.”

“I shall be ready tomorrow morning Renton, packed and waiting. Maybe more like lunch time because a shopping trip is called for. Do you want me like Olivia or more down to earth Renton?”

“Just be yourself Amanda. Bye.”

The Rolls drew up at the office bang on ten and I hopped out, telling James to be ready for us at ten minutes past. There was a knowing look of amusement on the faces of the office staff and a nod in the direction of the office by Julie, to warn me I had a visitor.

“Morning Renton, how are we today?” said Olivia brightly from behind my desk and sitting in my chair. 

“Just fine and dandy, Olivia.”

“I was just researching our visits today. I presume these are the ones on your desk. I double checked your desk diary, its Mr. and Mrs. Worthington and it’s their second visit to the house but not the apartment.” She straightened up the papers, stood up, strode out from behind the desk and twirled around. “How do I look? Do I pass muster?” Apart from the striking face, her attire was remarkably plain, couldn’t be the same girl that waltzed in the previous day, apart from the sunglasses and large handbag.    

“You’ll do fine Olivia but the blouse could do with one more button. Can’t have the customers distracted so early in the morning. The Rolls will be here in a few minutes and I’ll brief you on the way to the Dorchester where they are having breakfast. I don’t know if you have picked up in my notes but I want them to buy the apartment even though it’s cheaper than the town house.”

“You mean we are taking a Rolls Royce to meet them?”

“That’s how we get about Olivia. You’ll have to get used to it.”

“Never been in a Roller before.”

“Well enjoy the experience. This one is something special. It was built in the thirties for some Sheik, who fell victim to the depression and never actually picked it up. It’s the works.”

“Can I drive it?”

“Sorry to disappoint you Olivia, but we have our own chauffeur to do the driving whilst we look after the clients.”

“Don’t you get maid service for that?”

“Not quite. We have to serve the champagne and canapés ourselves, from the built-in bar and special fridge for caviar, if your partial to that sort of thing.”

“Please, please Renton, don’t fire me after the first day please. I like your style too much.” My phone rang twice and stopped as Olivia was about to pick it up. “That’s the car, waiting for us at the front,” I interjected and ushered her out of my office, picking up the neat pile of papers. The gleaming car was at the curb side, with the chauffeur in smart uniform waiting to open the car door for us. 

“Morning Renton, Morning Miss Olivia. A fine morning it is to be driving through London to the Dorchester,” he said swinging open the huge door. I felt a hand clutching at my arm.

“Help me out Renton,” whispered Olivia, “What do I do, salute, bow or curtsy?”

“Neither Olivia. Just put on your nicest smile and say, ‘Morning James.’ His name is George but we like to call him James, since he’s a chauffeur, stroke butler.”

“That’s right Miss Olivia, just give me a big smile to make my day and just remember I don’t do ‘Butler’s job’ for Mr. Renton here, just the chauffeuring. Gives the Old Lady here a chance to breath. In you get Miss and get Renton to give you a drink from the bar. We have fresh squeezed orange there courtesy of the owner. We don’t know what your tipple is yet Madam.”

“Leave off James, you’ll confuse the poor girl with all that poncey talk. We mean business this morning. We have a sale to close.”

“Sorry Renton. I had to have a go, didn’t I? A chap like me has to have some fun sometime.”   

“Come on James get that door closed and be off before we get a parking ticket. Good lord, we do have fresh orange in the fridge. Partridge bought a load of dodgy oranges James?”

“No, but Mr. Partinger has been warned off citrus fruit by his doctor so Mrs. P. is peddling juices to all comers, to use it up.”

“Would you like a glass Olivia?”

“Please, but does he also keep vodka and caviar in there?”

“I heard that Miss. Caviar is off today but we’ll have stocks in for tomorrow.”

“Just drive James and stop ear wigging. Vodka and business don’t mix. Here you are Olivia, an orange juice and if we sell the apartment, we might just add some champers to it.”

“Why don’t you want to sell them the house then Renton?”

“Two reasons. First, I have another buyer. Secondly, I think they will suit the apartment better. Mrs. Worthington is not too good on her pins and the stairs could be a problem. We also need to sell the whole interior furnishing package. That’s where I make most of my commission.”

“Will we be taking them around town in this luxurious carriage Renton?”

“Why? Do you think it’s too ostentatious?”

“More than a bit but I’m sure they will be impressed, if not a bit intimidated.”

“A bit of both I hope and maybe they may feel a little obliged to purchase. It’s all part of my sales tactics. A Rolls, chauffer, beautiful girl, vodka, caviar, sounds like a scene from a James Bond movie. It works though and that’s why I’m a very successful Estate Agent.”

“Renton, you could sell without all these gizmos. I came to see you yesterday, partly as a joke and partly to please Yolanda but after I’ve seen you and checked you out a bit more, I decided I could do with hanging on to your coat tails for a while. I might learn something valuable.”

“Is this more sweet talk Olivia? It makes me more determined to find a reason to fire you at the end of the day!”  

“Please don’t do that Renton. I promise to behave. What do you want me to do? I’ve never sold houses before.”

“Simple! I want you to behave naturally and befriend Mrs. Worthington. Become her daughter. Act conspiratorially against the old man, but make sure he makes the decision to buy. Although she is the dominant one in that partnership, he could prove obstinate if he’s cornered. Just ensure he gets the nod to say ‘yes’.”

“So, you don’t want me to do any sales pitch?”

“Nope, God forbid. Just prance around saying how fabulous the place is. That’s all.”

“No probs. Why are we going to the Dorchester then?”

“Morning coffee and getting some of the dull business bits out of the way. When we get to the apartment, we can then just do the enjoyable bit of letting them loose to admire the setup there. OK?”

“Sound a breeze to me!”

    

The Worthing’s were truly impressed with the Rolls, chauffeur, coffee at the Dorchester and especially Olivia who constantly interrupted me in my commercial discussions with Mr. Worthing or Ted as he wanted to be addressed, and insisted we all lighten up and enjoy ourselves. I did try to explain that this was Olivia’s first day out with me and she just insisted that we should see the apartment first and then make up our minds if we are ‘all’ going to live there. She and Enid Worthing were getting on like a house on fire and were totally ignoring the men and even making fun of our more serious business discussions. The Rolls glided to a stop outside the impressive building, doors were opened in a flourish by James and we proceeded to the lifts. There seemed to be a delay in the lift descending so Olivia grabbed the keys from my hand and led Enid to the staircase.

“Look Enid, we can’t wait all this time for the lift. I’m impatient to see this apartment. Come on we’ll take the stairs. It’s only a floor up and the gents can catch us up later,” shouted Olivia with excitement and was running up the stairs with Enid in tow. I prayed that the lift would be delayed a little longer, giving the ladies time to get up there before us. The bell rang and the doors slid open silently. As if to answer my prayers, a man in a wheelchair was about to get out and then hesitated.

“Let me help you.”

“No, no young man. I wanted the basement, the garage.”

“We’ll come down with you and give you a hand if you like.”

“Very kind of you young man. I can manage myself but a lift up with the chair would help. I’m running late. Thank you.” With that we rode down a floor and I helped the gentleman with his chair into his car whilst Ted held the lift. It was a good five minutes before we reached the apartment and heard the shrieks of laughter coming through from the open door.

“What kept you? We are in the master bedroom checking out the springs on the bed,” shouted Olivia, between shrieks and laughter. As we looked in, both Olivia and Enid were bouncing on the bed in stocking feet, as if it was a trampoline. They stopped as we entered.

“That’s a bit severe way of road testing the bed, isn’t it,” I questioned smiling.

“We are just having a bit of fun, aren’t we Enid?”

“Fabulous bedroom dear! We must have this bed. Go and have a look at the ‘his’ and ‘hers’ dressing rooms while we go and road test the second bedroom,” and they rushed off leaving their shoes behind, scattered on the floor. It was a good ten minutes before we met up again in the sumptuous sitting room.

“Darling, come and have a look at this,” said Enid, almost frog-marching poor Ted out into the kitchen by the arm. I looked at Olivia quizzically. She smiled and held up her thumbs.

“Right Renton, we have come to a decision, haven’t we Enid,” stated Ted formally, getting a sweet smile from his wife. “We wish to purchase and also with the furnishings, though that does pose a problem what we are going to do with our old stuff.”

“Congratulations Ted and Enid! I think you have made the right decision. I think you will find the whole package comes within your budget. The furnishings are to our own special design and our team of interior designers will help you position any of your own pieces in here, to maintain the overall ambiance.”

“We are downsizing you know Renton.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem, Enid. We do have a storage warehouse and we can let you have space free for a couple of years, until you decide what you want to keep or dispose of. Olivia, will you call James for me please.”

“Hey! I’ve just noticed the paintings on the wall,” shouted Olivia jumping up and taking a closer look. “Aren’t these Komorowska’s, Jadja Komorowska, the painter and designer?”

“Yes Olivia, they are. They are originals but they don’t come with the apartment. We borrowed them from her to display on these walls,” I answered.

“Borrowed them Renton? How in hell can you just borrow four paintings like that from Komorowska? People are killing themselves to get hold of just one of those. She’s the talking point of the art world at the moment. I’ve only seen one of hers in a gallery and here we go, you show off four.”

“She does work for the Company you know Olivia. You’ll get to meet her soon. She had them put here because we were short of pictures for the walls. I’m sorry Enid, sorry Ted but we are getting away from them main point of the business here.”

“Oh dear! Sorry Renton. I’ve put my big foot in it. I didn’t mean to. It’s just I got so excited by seeing these paintings.”

“You’re forgiven this once Olivia. Now be a darling and go and help James bring up some treats for us.” With that, Olivia did a twirl and sped out into the hall. “I’m sorry that we were distracted from enjoying the successful conclusion of a deal. I have a little surprise for you in a minute.”

“Er.. Renton, this painting business interests me,” said Ted rather pompously, getting up and viewing the paintings close up. “I’m not into the new artists but a dog can learn new tricks. Now dear what do you think of these works? Do you like them?”

“I do dear. They go well with the furnishings. Far better than those boring ones we have at home. Are you thinking what I’m thinking dear?”

“Well, we could raise a few bob on the ‘old boring’ ones as you call them dear and maybe we could purchase these, especially if they will fetch a good price in the future. Now Renton, what kind of money are we looking at for the four?”

“I would have to consult with the artist of course. I can’t just let them go without her say so.”

“I know, I know Renton but give me a ballpark figure to see if I’m anywhere close.”

“One of her paintings sold last month to an American for fifteen K, but there was gallery commission in that sum.”

“That doesn’t frighten me Renton. Can you contact this artist and see what she will take for the lot then. Can you do that for me?”

“Certainly Ted. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll get them for you for say ten or so each. In fact I’ll do one better. For fifty K I’ll get you the four and I’ll guarantee the value. That is if you ever want to sell them in the next five years, I’ll personally refund the fifty K if you can’t get more for them.”

“Well darling, that almost gold plates the deal. Renton is personally guaranteeing that the value will go up. We can’t lose darling. Oh, here is Olivia and the chauffer.” Olivia came in carrying a cool box which she carefully placed beside the low etched glass table and James brought in a cooler with a champagne bottle at the ready.

“Just a little something to celebrate our deals in style,” I announced as James popped the champagne as Olivia arranged the crystal flutes and set out the plates of elegant canapés onto the table. “Now we’ll have a toast to your new home and new art treasures. Olivia and I will leave you to get accustomed to your new abode. James here will look after your needs and will drive you back home when you are ready. Come on Olivia, we have work to do on the contracts,” and I ushered Olivia out who looked rather disgruntled at leaving half her champagne behind.

“OK Renton, how did I do?” said Olivia rather smugly, lounging back in the cab seat.

“You pass Olivia!”

“What? Just ‘PASS!’ I was brilliant, should be nominated for an Oscar!”

“You did well and if you want the job, it’s yours.”

“Thanks Renton, you’re a darling. Yolanda was rooting for me. I gave her a call in the lift on the way up. By the way, does this Komorowska artist really work for you?”

“We are actually on the way to see her now. She’s our Director of Interior Design in our organisation and her architect husband is the MD of our Development and Construction Division. By the way Olivia, did you really know of our Jadja Komorowska or were you just winging it?”

“No really. I mix in the artist circles and have heard her name banded about. I take it by the smug look on your face you sold the paintings too?”

“Correct and there will be some commission coming your way on this. I’ll just pay the driver and we’ll go up and I’ll introduce you to our in-house artist and tell her the good news.”

“Is it like this everyday Renton, working for you?”

“Well, I like to keep it exciting but it takes a lot of research and matching the right client to the right property. Many of our customers become good friends and the good referrals we get from them are invaluable. All our business is word of mouth. We don’t need to do any advertising.”

“But in Worthington’s shoes, I would have beaten you down on price. I wouldn’t have paid top dollar, your asking price.”

“In my game Olivia there is no such thing as ‘asking price.’ There is just a ‘price,’ take it or leave it.”

“Do people walk away? I thought bargaining was part of the fun?”

“Some do but most accept that it’s a fair deal and are happy with the way we handle the transaction. I hope they have enjoyed the experience and not felt hard done by.”

“What if they are unhappy with the purchase? You must get some that may have been manipulated into a wrong decision.”

“If that ever happens then I guarantee that I will refund the purchase price within six months.”

“I’ve never heard of any Estate Agent being so generous.”

“Nor have you met an Estate Agent who is so successful. Now let me introduce you to some of our key people. You will like them.”