‘It’s still my money that I want from you, plus the interest,’ Frost said. He did not appreciate or trust people who were overly confident. They were the most likely to let him down. ‘I’ve given you time on account of who your father was.’
‘And what you could hope to gain from it,’ Ralph said.
‘I know Dundas has got you and your sister tied up. The man’s smart, smarter than the two of you.’
‘That’s why I’ve summoned you here.’
‘Summoned. I suggest you be very careful in how you talk to me. Your position is still tenuous.’
‘Okay, I’ll concede that you’ve come to see me at my request,’ Ralph said. ‘The problem is that Dundas had somehow managed to obtain certification that my father was sane.’
‘Your mother upstairs propped up in the bed, is that it?’
‘Not the act of a rational man, and then he signed over control of his fortune to Leonard Dundas.’
‘How much do you know of your father’s holdings?’
‘Not enough.’
‘And your sister?’
‘She will not play her hand at this time. I intend to contest the will, but Dundas has all the information, not me or my sister. We need to know more.’
‘What do you want me to do?’
‘Five per cent of whatever you find over and above what we have already. Remember that not all can be liquidated quickly.’
‘Do you intend to liquidate?’
‘I want money, not property. If I have enough, then I’ll be overseas and enjoying life.’
‘Hustling?’
‘Not for me. I’ll be an upright citizen, may even settle down.’
Frost knew the money that he was owed was inconsequential compared to what was on offer. ‘What do you want from me?’ he said.
‘Call off your dwarf, and then help me to chase what’s out there.’
‘It’s a deal.’
‘And cancel the money I owe you.’
‘It’s a lot of money.’
‘I’m offering you a fortune.’
‘Or nothing?’
‘As you said. It’s a risk on your part, on mine.’
‘Where’s the risk to you?’ Frost said.
‘I don’t trust you, Frost. You’re a man who succeeds through thuggery and intimidation. You could still have me kneecapped or killed.’
‘There’s no risk from me. You’re too valuable now. Keeping you alive is my only concern.’
Ralph ordered a bottle of champagne to celebrate. For the time being, he and Gary Frost were united. But behind the smiles and the polite conversation both men knew that the other was treacherous, and neither would relax until their business arrangement had come to a conclusion.
***
Caroline Lawrence attended the next meeting at Dundas’s office. It was clear that it was to be a repeat of the previous one: the minutes read, an update from Jill Dundas on profit and loss, tax liability, the year ahead. Caroline could see that she needed Ralph in the meetings.
Caroline listened as Jill Dundas droned on about provisions for the next year’s projected downturn in rentals, and the possible selling of five per cent of the real estate, a shopping centre not far from London, where the vacancy rate was higher than the national average and only likely to get worse.
‘How much?’ Caroline asked. It was the first item in the otherwise dull meeting that interested her.
‘Forty million pounds, if we act now. If, as we suspect, the major tenant, a supermarket, pulls out, the value could go down five million.’
‘Won’t any purchaser know that?’
‘Not yet. The supermarket chain will not reveal what their long-term plans are.’
‘But you know?’
‘We pay to know.’
‘Someone on the inside?’
‘Someone who will keep it under wraps for the time being,’ Jill said.
‘How much will that cost?’
‘A lot less than the five million drop in value if we don’t act now.’
‘And the proceeds?’
‘After costs, twenty per cent to you.’
‘And the eighty per cent?’ Caroline asked. She had to admit that close to five million pounds excited her.
‘That will be invested, probably into another property, and then there are our costs.’
‘How much to you?’
‘It will be documented. After costs of sale, then approximately ten per cent to our account.’
‘The bribe?’
‘That will not be recorded.’
‘Illegal?’
‘Debatable, but Caroline, do you care? We are offering you a lot a money.’
‘But when and how often?’
‘The sale will take some time, maybe four to five months. After that, we will make a payment to you.’
‘And after this, what then?’
‘Your father’s instructions were clear, no more than five per cent divesting of assets in any two-year period,’ Jill said.
‘But how can that be valid? He’s dead, and I am his daughter. Surely that decision belongs with me.’
‘Not according to your father’s instructions,’ Leonard said. ‘He named me as the executor of his will and his legacy, and I, as his friend, will uphold what he has requested.’
‘Even if it’s not legally binding?’
‘Any attempt to interfere will result in your immediate exclusion from this meeting and any subsequent ones.’
‘Are you taking over from my father,’ Caroline said.
‘The empire that he created will continue, and you, Gilbert’s daughter, will be provided for, but let us be clear here and now: it will be me and my daughter and this company that make the decisions.’
‘Is this legal?’ Caroline said meekly.
‘It is. I’ve spent half my life with your father. I know what he wanted, what I believe is correct. There is no further discussion. You, Caroline, in accordance with your father’s wishes, are welcome at these meetings. You will receive substantial sums of money for your compliance, but any attempt to take
