The Second Son Page 17

  “Hugo, Jonathan, may I introduce Miss Carole Burke, our latest recruit,” said Sara. Both Hugo and Jonathan smiled and introduced themselves.

  “Congratulations, Grenville,” Carole said, smiling.

  “For what?” said Hugo, looking puzzled. Jonathan nodded in agreement with Hugo.

  “Their engagement, men are bloody useless at spotting things in front of their noses,” said a laughing Carole. Sara held up her hand and showed Hugo and Jonathan her ring.

  “My dear chap, well done,” said Hugo, shaking Grenville’s hand and hugging Sara.

  “Well done my dear, I am so pleased for you,” said Jonathan, who shook Grenville’s hand and hugged Sara with tears in his eyes, and was unable to speak again.

  Eventually they all sat down and finally Grenville said, “OK, down to business. Hugo, Jonathan, let me formally introduce Miss Carole Burke to our team. She has been fully briefed on our forthcoming adventure, and is in the picture with recent events, also she is a technical wizard so Hugo,” said Grenville, turning to Hugo, “can you make Carole Director of Information Technology, and no doubt she will be giving you lots of hard times asking for money.”

  Hugo nodded to Carole and smiled.

  “Good,” said Grenville, carrying on. “Jonathan, how we doing with Bombard House?” asked Grenville.

  “Well, I spoke to Anna and gave her our offer of one and a half million, and it was like they were expecting it, so I upped our offer to two million and am awaiting a phone call as we speak,” said Jonathan smiling.

  “Well done old man, excellent,” replied Grenville. “You look shocked, Carole,” said Grenville.

  “It’s just you say two million like it’s a small amount,” she replied. This made every one laugh.

  Hugo said, “One pound or a million pounds, it’s all relative if you’ve got it.”

  “If you put it like that,” said Carole, smiling.

  “Well, without Bombard House we cannot move forward, so I will give you a few tasks to get your teeth into. Jonathan, I am prepared to go to three million on Bombard House, so I will give into your judgement and negotiating skills over it,” said Grenville, “but in a worst-case scenario and under the radar this time, as we now know what we are up against, can you also look for some other building suitable to our needs? But I have kind of fallen in love with Bombard House, so do your best, old chap,” said Grenville, smiling.

  Jonathan finally looked up from writing and said, “Leave it to me old, bean.”

  “Hugo.”

  “Yes, chairman,” said Hugo, using Grenville’s title for the first time. Everyone smiled.

  “I want you to find out the state of play with Easington Investment Banks, how close are they to closure, and can they possibly be in line for an aggressive take over.” The room was silent. Grenville carried on, “It’s time to stop playing at this and starting to act like an international company.” Everyone around the table nodded, and everyone now understood the drive and passion Grenville had for his project.

  Hugo said, “Of course old bean, will have a full report next meeting.”

  Grenville went on. “Carole, I would like you to get a list together of equipment you will require to set up the IT Department.”

  “Of course, but you do realise this equipment is not cheap,” said Carole, looking about. This brought smiles from around the table.

  “Of course, it will not be, but fortunately we had a good financial grounding, and money now is not an issue,” said Grenville. “Sara, I am not letting you off the hook, but until we have a permanent residence for the company there is not a lot you can do,” said Grenville, smiling.

  “After all, the poor girls got a wedding to prepare for,” said Carole.

  Both Hugo and Jonathan said, “Well said,” in unison, which made everyone laugh. From under the table Grenville placed the second large holdall he brought back from Belize on the table. Everyone just looked intrigued at the holdall.

  Opening the holdall, Grenville said, “I know and am aware up to now I have asked a lot of all of you, looking around the table, and most of the time and effort you have contributed so far has been by the goodness of your own hearts and…”

  “Not at all, Grenville,” said Jonathan.

  “Glad to help,” said Hugo, holding up his hand.

  Grenville said. “Please let me finish. I think it is time efforts should bring rewards,” Grenville went on. To this end, he took a bundle of money from the holdall and placed it in front of each of them. Everyone stared at the pile of money in front of them and Grenville answered the question that was on everyone’s mind. “In front of you is fifty thousand pounds, payment for your efforts so far and to cover any further costs soon,” said Grenville, looking about and smiling.

  Carole was the first to speak. “I don’t think I have ever seen so much money in my life, in one place.”

  Hugo and Jonathan just stared at the money.

  Sara just said “Grenville.”

  Grenville went on, “As I said I want to build the best of the best in a company, and I believe that the people around this table are the brightest and best to help me achieve this. Plus, I have your trust.”

  Hugo softly said, “And loyalty, dear chap,” which the others echoed with an, “Absolutely.”

  “Now,” said Grenville, “Hugo.”

  “Yes, Grenville.”

  Passing the holdall to Hugo, Grenville said, “Let me know how much is left in there. I know some is foreign currency but do your best, old chap.”

  “Of course,” said a smiling Hugo, moving to another table. Hugo set to work stacking and counting all the remaining money. After a time, Hugo joined them again and said, “Well, with my rough calculations, we have about five million pounds, give or take a few currency exchange fluctuations.” Everyone in the room gasped, and looked at a smiling Hugo.

  Grenville said, “Will you have a problem banking that amount of money?”

  “Should not think so, old man,” replied Hugo.

  “Good,” said Grenville, “place it all in the S&T account, if you would be so kind.”

  “Of course, old chap, will do.”

  “OK for now we have a working capital of five million, so I would be grateful if when deciding what you require to move forward you are mindful of this for now.” Everyone shook their heads in agreement. “Anything else?” asked Grenville. Once again everyone nodded around the table. “OK, shall we say meet next month, same day, here?” asked Grenville. Hugo, Jonathan and Carole checked their diaries and after a few minutes nodded in agreement. “Good,” said Grenville. “Lunch, I think, and no doubt Mrs Preston has done us proud. Shall we all move to the dining room?” Everyone got up in unison and followed Grenville into the dining room.

  After Jonathan, Hugo and Carole had left to return to London, Sara said, “You are really going to make a go of this?”

  Taking Sara’s hand and looking deeply into her eyes, Grenville said, “Sara, Tom saved my life and let me into his world, gave me his trust and friendship, without asking anything from me. If it was not for my brother Stephan’s death, I would still be in Belize with Tom. But after a few strange events, life gave me an opportunity to repay Tom, plus give my life some meaning.”

  Sara could see Grenville’s eyes had watered and she knew that everything Grenville had said was from the heart, and holding his face in her hands, Sara said, “I will always support you. I love you.”

  Grenville smiled and said, “Suppose we better go see your folks and let them know recent events.”

  “Your mother has already been proactive on that front, she has invited them down for the weekend,” said Sara.

  “Clever mother,” said Grenville, smiling.

  “Well, you know your mother, she sees things others miss,” said Sara.

  “Too true, my love, too true,” replied Grenville, smiling.

  Next day Grenville was delighted on the laptop to see “You Have Mail” flashing on the laptop.


  Opening the email Grenville read:

  Duke

  Good to hear from you, sorry for the delay, but been down south on business, glad S&T Imports progressing well, and account set up for funds, sorry to hear about family problems, but please sort them before company.

  As you know I have all the time in the world.

  Take care

  Pirate

  Next day Grenville was studying the local shipping news, when he spotted the arrival he was looking for. “Red Star docking Milford Haven docks this Friday.” Smiling, Grenville stood and went to find Preston. Grenville found Preston in the study talking to his father. “Apologies for the intrusion but Preston, my dear chap, can we get our wagon for Friday morning?”

  Smiling, Preston said, “Will be ready for nine if that is convenient with you, My Lord.”

  “Super,” said Grenville, as Preston bowed to the Duke and left the room.

  “What was all that about?” asked the Duke.

  “Company business,” said Grenville.

  “Understand,” said the Duke and went back to his paper, smiling.

  Later, when they were all gathered in the lounge, Sara said, “As you and Preston are going to gallivant secretly on Friday, then your mother and I are going wedding shopping.”

  “When do you want, the church booked for?” asked Sofia.

  “To tell you the truth, I don’t think we have ever discussed an actual day, have we Grenville,” said Sara, turning to Grenville.

  “Not really, been a bit of a rush,” replied Grenville, smiling.

  “Well, we can decide once your parents are here this weekend,” said Sofia.

  “If you don’t mind,” said Sara, “Grenville and I would prefer a smallish affair.”

  Sofia smiled and said, “I totally understand, we will do our best,” which brought a soft laugh from behind the Duke’s paper.

  The Friday came and as promised Preston was waiting by the garages in a white transit van.

  “Morning, Preston,” said Grenville as he approached.

  “My Lord,” said Preston. Grenville thought how different Preston looked out of his normal butler uniform.

  “All ready to go?” asked Grenville.

  “Waiting on your word,” replied Preston.

  Climbing in, Grenville said, “Milton Haven docks it is, Preston.”

  “As you command, My Lord,” said Preston as he put the van into gear and drove off.

  At the gates of Milton Haven docks, Preston asked for the pier where the Red Star had docked. The gate guard asked them to report to the harbour master’s office first. Preston drove as instructed and parked up. “Hopefully will not be too long, old chap,” said Grenville, getting out.

  “No worries, My Lord,” said Preston, turning off the engine. Grenville went into the harbour master’s office and noticed it was a busy office, with phones ringing and people generally dashing about. Grenville smiled at himself. This was going to be a doddle.

  Walking up to reception, a young girl approached and smiled. “Can I help you, sir?” she asked.

  “Hope so,” replied Grenville. “I am the Earl of Eastleigh, son of the Duke of Hampshire, and I am here to see the Captain of the Red Star recently docked, is that possible?”

  The girl, on hearing Grenville speak and his title, changed her attitude from bored to compliant. “Yes, my Lord I will check.” After a minute, she returned to the counter. “Red Star docked this morning, she is berthed at pier twenty-seven. Follow the yellow route and you will find her,” she said.

  “You have been most helpful my dear,” smiled Grenville, as he left the office.

  As the girl returned to her desk, her friend opposite said, “Who was that?”

  “An Earl, son of a Duke no less,” she replied.

  “He was handsome for an Earl,” said her friend.

  “Out of your league, Janice,” she replied, laughing as she looked out of the window at the departing white van.

  Preston followed the yellow route all the way to pier twenty-seven, and parked up in the loading bay. “Now for the hard part,” said Grenville.

  “You want me to come with you?” asked Preston.

  “No, it’s OK old chap, only need one of us to get killed today,” said Grenville, smiling. Preston looked at Grenville and realised he was not joking.

  Grenville went to the gangplank, looked up and remembered the last time he saw this ship; it was at night and pitch black and he never knew its name, until Tom had told him when they were back home.

  Grenville shouted up, “Permission to come aboard.”

  “Granted,” said a deeply accented Russian speaking English from the shadows. Grenville took a deep breath and went up the gangplank. At the top, he was confronted by the biggest man he had ever seen, with a scar running down the side of his face.

  “Captain Ivor Sharapova, I presume,” said Grenville, holding out his hand.

  The Captain looked at the hand and decided to take it and said, “Yes, that is me.”

  Grenville smiled; he was exactly as Tom had explained him, down to the hand shake like a vice.

  “I find you funny?” said the Captain, looking annoyed.

  “No, sorry, you are the same as Tom explained you to me.”

  On hearing the name Tom, the Captain stiffened up and said, “And who is Tom to you?” still on the offensive.

  “I am his best friend Duke,” said Grenville, smiling.

  “Anyone can say that,” replied the Captain.

  Grenville swallowed hard. The next part could mean him leaving or not. “Tom sent me to pick up Grace’s belongings,” said Grenville.

  Captain Ivor Sharapova stared at Grenville for a few moments then a smile spread across his face and he said, “Welcome to my ship,” holding out his arms. Grenville and Ivor embraced. “Tom told me you would be along for your merchandise, and I must admit you are exactly as he described you,” said Ivor, laughing. “Is that your white van down there?” asked Ivor, pointing towards Preston who stood next to the van.

  “Yes, it is,” replied Grenville.

  “Good, I will get my men to load the cargo for you,” said Ivor.

  “Most kind,” said Grenville.

  “In the meantime, come have a drink with me.”

  Grenville smiled and said, “Why not.” Before Grenville followed Ivor into the ship he waved at Preston to let him know all was well. Ivor lead Grenville to his cabin, and told Grenville to sit. Ivor placed two glasses and a bottle of vodka between them.

  Pouring the two glasses and handing one to Grenville, Ivor picked up his glass and said, “To Tom,” to which Grenville replied, “Tom,” and drank the neat fiery vodka down in one.

  Ivor laughed and poured two more glasses. This time Grenville took a sip and placed the glass back on the table. “How is Tom, have you seen him recently?” asked Grenville.

  “Not since you left Belize,” replied Ivor. “We are hoping to return that way next month,” he continued, “if you require anything taken over let me know.”

  “Most kind, Captain,” said Grenville.

  “Nonsense,” said Ivor, “anything for family.” Grenville nodded; this he understood. After a silent pause, Ivor said, “So you are to help our Tom in his quest.”

  Bowing his head, Grenville said, “I am, and I volunteered to help, after all Tom has done for me.”

  “Last time I saw Tom he seemed more alive and energetic than I think I have seen him since the tragedy, which I suspect was down to you, Duke,” said Ivor, using his name for the first time.

  “Captain,” said Grenville.

  “Please call me Ivor, after all we are family now,” replied Ivor, interrupting Grenville.

  Grenville smiled. “Ivor, I think Tom and I needed each other to complete ourselves, if that makes sense,” said Grenville.

  “Perfect sense,” said Ivor, smiling. Just as they were chatting a crew member knocked on Ivor’s door and spoke to him in Russian. Ivor said something back in Russian
and the crew member disappeared. “Your three crates have been loaded onto your vehicle,” said Ivor.

  “Thank you, most kind,” replied Grenville.

  Following Ivor back to the gangplank, Grenville and Ivor shook hands and embraced again. Grenville said, “Until next time, Ivor.”

  “Be safe,” said Ivor, before turning and disappearing into the ship.

  Grenville approached the van and smiled at Preston. “All OK old chap?” said Grenville.

  “Excellent,” said Preston, smiling and holding up the cargo manifest. Grenville smiled at the cargo manifest. “Tractor parts” was on the manifest and the name was for the Duke of Hampshire; hopefully, no customs official was likely to delve too deeply. Following the yellow route back to the harbour master’s office, once again, Grenville entered.

  On spotting, him the same girl came over and smiled. “Back already, my Lord,” she said.

  “Just picked up some tractor parts from the Red Star, so I now need a stamp to clear port,” replied Grenville, smiling.

  “Two seconds, you need customs, I will go get them for you,” said the girl.

  “Thank you, most grateful,” said Grenville with a slight bow. This made the girl giggle as she went off.

  She returned with a customs official dressed in a smart uniform. Smiling, he asked, “Can I help you, my Lord?”

  “Just picked up three crates of tractor parts from the Red Star for my father the Duke of Hampshire, just need your permission to leave port, if you can arrange that my dear chap,” said Grenville, as he passed over the paperwork.

  Taking the paperwork and studying it for several minutes, the customs official smiled and said, “Please wait here for a second, I will just go and get this authorised and stamped.” After several minutes the customs official came back, and handing the paperwork back said, “All compete my Lord, just hand the pink copy into the front gate, and the yellow copy is for your record, have a nice day.”

  “Thank you both so much, so kind and professional,” replied Grenville before he left the office. Preston stopped at the barrier, and an official came out and Grenville handed him the pink copy of the authorised cargo manifest. “There we go old chap,” said Grenville in his most upper class voice he could muster. Even Preston smiled.