A Servant of the Company by Alan Cooke Read Free Book Online

I’ve never heard of, hang on I’ve written it down somewhere.’ She left the bathroom and went to the telephone table where she scribbled the name T.C. Jackson on the pad. Back in the bathroom she said, ‘Yes, here it is T.C. Jackson. There’s no one called Jackson in the flats that I know of. Do you think I should let the Police know?’
    As soon as she had mentioned T.C. Jackson, he had reacted by sitting up immediately with a shocked look on his face. Carol pretended not to notice, and changing the subject asked him if he would like anything to eat. He must not see that she had found him out and now was terrified of him.
    ‘Not at the moment thanks Carol, I’ve still got a few things to do.’ He was out of the bath and dressed in record time. Soon he was in the bedroom collecting his mobile phone. He joined Carol and looking very concerned said, ‘Damn, I’ve got a text message to ring someone urgently, I should have checked it earlier. He returned to the bedroom, tapping numbers into the phone as he went. He spoke loudly so Carol could hear. ‘Do you mean I’ll have to travel tonight?’ There was a pause as he awaited a response. ‘For the whole week, well if it’s really necessary. With luck I might just make the midnight sleeper. See you in Edinburgh at nine in the morning. Bye.’ He turned to Carol, ‘Sorry love, I’ve got to dash, be away for a week or so. My fault for not checking messages. I’ll ring for a taxi to get me to the station, do you have a number handy?’
    She didn’t offer to drive him to the station, and he didn’t ask. His concern was obviously to get away as soon as he could. Carol had the Yellow Pages open instantly and gave him the number of a well known company which he dialled using the house phone. ‘The driver will give three rings when he gets here, so I’ll just go down then. I must pack now and make sure I have enough to keep me going for the week.’ He disappeared into the bedroom, checked the bathroom and was soon standing in front of Carol with all he possessed packed in the suitcase and holdall.
    Her legs were shaking, ‘Go for God’s sake, go,’ she said to herself, she couldn’t keep up this acting for much longer. He would suspect something and then who knows what might happen. The phone rang. One, two, three rings and stopped.
    ‘That’s it, must dash.’ He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as he headed for the door. ‘I’ll give you a call from Edinburgh.’ And then he was gone.
    She knew the calls concerning Edinburgh were a figment of his imagination, and he thought he had fooled her completely.
    Watching from her window she saw the driver take Hugo’s case before driving off in the opposite direction from the station.
    The relief she felt as she collapsed on to the sofa was overwhelming. Had it really happened? It was as though someone had written the script and she had acted it out. She must let Sonia know, she wasn’t sure Hugo wouldn’t come back when he discovered the money was missing from his wallet. Her call was answered immediately
    ‘Stay where you are, I’ll pick you up in ten minutes. You are staying here tonight. Don’t even think of refusing.’ With that said she replaced the handset.
    Carol hurriedly packed an overnight bag and nervously waited for Sonia. It was a relief when she arrived and ten minutes later was safely at her friend’s house.
    The taxi driver was delighted to have this fare on such a quiet night. Ten miles, twenty quid and the possibility of a return fare.
    On arriving at the hotel, the driver was out of the cab as soon as it stopped. Taking Hugo’s case and holdall he went straight to the reception desk.
    Glancing around the foyer, Hugo saw the board. ‘Four Seasons Hotel Welcomes New Designer Options Ltd.’ The receptionist appeared at the desk smiling a five star welcome. ‘I received an urgent call from my M.D. to be here for the meeting tomorrow.’ He pointed his finger towards the Welcome board.