Chapter 14

It was two weeks later that Clive called Tom in. He was in a jovial mood although Tom noted that, as usual, it did not extend to his eyes.

"Sit yourself down, Tom. I've got good news. We've been short-listed for the oil job."

"Great!" exclaimed Tom and meant it.

"Well, you can take all the kudos for that. Your outline plans were first rate and, I gather, their chief engineer was rooting for you."

"Did anyone else submit plans?"

"Yes but I gather they were pretty sketchy. We were the only people to visit the site."

Tom nodded. "They don't sound all that keen. I wonder why."

"So do I. Possibly they don't believe it will ever come off."

"That oil company doesn't start a ball rolling that's not going to hit the skittles."

"I agree, Tom. However, the CEO and the board want us to continue to go for it energetically."

"Good!"

"So, as we discussed a fortnight or so ago, I'd like you to take the other section leaders and whoever else they think they need back up to the site to make sure we've got all the information we need to get ahead on the plan to submit with the tender."

Tom smiled inwardly. This was all good sense but it also suited Clive's plans, whatever they were, for Briony.

"Yes. Presumably you'll be calling a planning meeting."

"Indeed I will but the reason for talking to you now, Tom, is that I'd like you to lead and coordinate the trip. Are you happy with that?"

"Certainly, Clive."

Clive beamed and Tom noted that this time his eyes reflected his pleasure.

"How long do you think you'll need?"

"Variable. The road, air and rail links need more work done on them. So does sewage and waste disposal. The electricians will need to check on local capacity and supply. I aimed off with the place supplying its own electricity but I doubt the Scottish Electricity Board would be too happy with that."

"No."

"I don't think there'll be too much to do on the building side but the architects should certainly see the area so that they can do their best to make this eyesore blend in. There's going to be uproar from the conservationists."

"Not our problem."

"So, a Monday to Friday should do for the builders and architects plus another week for the rest."

"That was my guess. Tom, as coordinator I'd like you to stay up there for the duration."

"Yes of course."

"Right. I'll get the section heads in at two."

Tom went back to his office and closed the door behind him.

"We've been short-listed for the oil job," he told Susie.

She clapped her hands with pleasure and excitement. "Brilliant!" she exclaimed. "Well done, Tom!"

"Guess what though. I've got to take another team up for a fortnight for a more detailed recce. I knew it would happen but it'll give Mr Slime another chance to approach Briony."

"Oh Lord! What are you going to do about that?"

"A number of things. I've hired a security guy, as you know, so I'll wind him up into full protective mode. Then I'm going to have a word with the chairman."

"What?"

"He and his wife are great friends of Angela Wheeler's parents so he knows all about Mr Slime. I'm going to suggest to him that I only pretend to go up to Scotland and instead sit quietly at home to confront the swine if and when he turns up on our doorstep."

Susie looked at him wide eyed. "Isn't that a bit risky? He might try and check up on you."

"He didn't on the last trip but I'll have to take some people into my confidence anyway. If he tries to get me on my mobile I shall always be down by the loch and out of contact. Whoever he then rings can tell him that and that they will get me to ring him back which I can then do from home."

"Do you trust people to do that?"

"I've got to and I think I can. He's hardly the most popular director we've had. If he does get suspicious and starts throwing his weight about the chairman will soon deal with him."

"You've got this all worked out, haven't you?"

"I've had a while to think about it."

"Yes, I suppose you have. Oh Tom, this is horrid for you both."

Tom nodded. "Not much fun but it may lead to the end of it."

"You really believe that this intelligent, career conscious man would take such a risk?"

Tom nodded again. "Angela does and no one else knows him better than she does."

It was Susie's turn to nod which she did thoughtfully. "Oh, Tom," she murmured sadly adding through clenched teeth, "I almost hope he does do something stupid and then you and Briony will be shot of him, not to mention us."

Tom smiled gently at her. "Thanks, Susie," he said quietly. "Our feelings as well."

He rang the chairman's office. "Good morning, Stephanie. Any chance of ten minutes with Sir Nigel this morning?"

"He's got Mr Herbert with him at the moment, Mr Clifford. I don't think they'll be long. May I give you a ring when he's free?"

"Yes, of course. Thank you, Stephanie."

Tom and Susie got on with their work in silence. Half an hour or so later Stephanie rang.

"He's free," she said, "and I'll keep him free if you like to come up now."

"I'm on my way. Thanks, Stephanie."

When he arrived Stephanie smiled sympathetically. "Go on in," she said.

Tom knocked and did so. Sir Nigel rose smiling from his chair and led Tom to the informal area.

"Further developments, I presume," he said.

"Yes, sir."

Tom told Sir Nigel of Clive's restrained behaviour at the company dance and of Briony's continued misgivings.

"As expected," he went on, "with the news of the tender short-listing he now wants me to lead another more detailed recce up to Scotland."

"Ah," murmured Sir Nigel understandingly.

"I'm pretty certain that if he's going to make a move it's going to be while I'm away. Now, I don't doubt that Brian will do his job but Briony is going to be acutely aware of the situation and worried. She could take leave and go to her parents but frankly, sir, I'd like to get this business over and done with once and for all."

"I'm sure you would and so you want me to endorse your pretending to go up to Scotland while you actually stay at home to comfort and help guard Briony."

Tom looked at him in amazement and then smiled. "Yes, sir."

"That means you're going to have to take a lot of people into your confidence."

"Yes it does."

"You could cut the number down if you actually went up to Scotland and then received a phone call the next day to say that there was a domestic crisis and that you needed to fly back immediately. You could brief the other section heads but everyone else would be none the wiser."

Tom thought quickly. "That's a much better idea, sir. Thank you very much."

"OK, Tom. You do that and please keep me up to speed."

"I will indeed, sir, and thank you very much."

"Good luck and keep that sweet girl safe."

"You bet I will, sir."

Tom went back to his office and told Susie what had gone on.

"Wow!" she said. "You've got a very powerful ally and that idea of his is great."

The meeting at two was quickly over. Clive parroted what Tom had told him that morning, told them to get their heads together and let him know their plan. Nick and Greg joined Tom in his office. Once again it did not take long to come up with a plan of what needed looking at in greater detail, chiefly road and rail alignment and electricity supply. There was one addition to Tom's original plan: the hire of a helicopter for quick and easy access along the rail and road approaches. They decided to deploy a fortnight on Monday.

Tom, looking very serious, then said, "Nick, Greg there is one more thing which I would like to talk to you about in the strictest confidence. What I am about to tell you might turn out to be slanderous but unfortunately I don't think it will. Before I go any further though I want a solemn promise from both of you that you will not breathe another word to anybody. It is something very important to me and I have thought long and hard about taking you into my confidence."

Nick looked at Greg.

Greg looked back at him steadily. He had a high regard for Tom. If Tom needed to tell them whatever it was then it was important. "I promise," he said.

Nick nodded. He felt the same as Greg. "I promise too," he said.

Tom looked relieved and smiled. "It all started at the directorate party after the African hospital job..." He told them the whole story letting Susie add her bit. He then went on to outline his plan and to tell of Sir Nigel's support. As the story unfolded Nick and Greg looked grimmer and grimmer.

"I've never really liked him," said Nick, "and you're quite right about no laughter or warmth in his eyes. I'm with you all the way, Tom."

"So am I," added Greg. "I only wish I could be there to help you knock his block off when he does try something. Poor bloody Angela having to live with the bugger. Tom, give Briony my love and tell her to keep her pecker up."

"Thank you both for your sympathy and support," said Tom. "I can't tell you what it means to me. In the meanwhile, I'll tell himself what we've come up with. Susie and I will deal with the accommodation and transport as we know all the people. I'll get admin to find flight details and let them know who will be travelling and then we'll be set." He grinned ruefully. "I'm going to have to book and pay for my own return ticket."

"Aw," chorused the other three and the meeting ended in laughter.

From the station car park he rang Brian and told him the form.

"Do you really need me to stake out your home as you're going to be there?" Brian asked. "It'll get pretty expensive."

"Well, I'd certainly like you there if and when he tries to get into the house. I don't want to have a major punch-up which I might lose."

"I can certainly do that, sir. I suspect he'll do a recce or two to ascertain when your wife gets back from work each day and we'll pick that up from the tracker on his car. I've also got a tap on his home phone and his mobile so that'll give us advanced warning."

"OK, Brian. You know more about this business than I do."

"Thank you, sir. Just a couple of suggestions. First of all, let Mr Wheeler know casually that your wife will be going to her parents for the weekend like she has done before. Secondly, when you come back from Scotland either leave your car at the station and get a taxi home or park it somewhere else nearer home where Mr Wheeler won't see it because your wife would, I imagine, use the garage while you're away."

"She always uses it because I'm first away and last home every day so yes; I'll park the car somewhere else."

"Fine, sir. The other thing is give me a ring when you get to the station in case Mr Wheeler is lurking when you come home. I'll keep in regular contact 'while you're away'."

"Thanks, Brian. I'll be in touch as and when. Goodbye for now."

"Goodbye, sir."

Tom's welcome home was as rapturous and loving as ever. When she let go of him it was clear to Tom that she was bubbling with excitement. It was equally clear to her that Tom had something on his mind.

"Supper's under control," she said, "so pour us both a drink and let's go and sit down together for half an hour or so."

Tom did as he was bid and they relaxed in each other's arms on the sofa. She smiled up at him.

"You've got something on your mind, my Tom-Tom. Tell me and we can get the glooms out of the way."

Tom told her.

There was a pause and then she stroked his cheek.

"You are the most special husband in the world," she said, "and you mustn't worry about a thing. You've made me feel totally safe and I really hope he does make a move so that we can nail the bastard. But, you've been a naughty boy and spent a lot of money on this Brian man when I told you not to."

"I had to, my Bri, for my own peace of mind."

She smiled at him and pulled his head down for a kiss. "That's why you're so special. You disobey me to make sure I'm safe without fussing me. I love you, my darling Tom-Tom. I'm almost tempted to take a fortnight off while you're at home but that might alert the devil."

She kissed him again and then pulled herself to him. "I love you, my darling. So much, so very, very much that it almost hurts when I'm not with you. I hate to see you leave in the morning and I'm on tenterhooks waiting for you to get home in the evening. Oh, my Tom-Tom, my precious, darling Tom-Tom!"

"And you're my very precious Bri, my special one and only Bri. God! How I love you!"

They hugged each other tight and long. At last Briony broke away.

"Sups," she said.

"Yes, ma'am."

They disentangled and walked through to the kitchen hand in hand.

"Wine?" asked Tom.

"No, my love, I want nothing to take away from the performance."

"You're over-sexed."

"With you!"

"Flatterer!"

She beamed at him.

They sat down to supper.

"Tell me, my Bri, you're bursting but you've still been patient with me."

"We've got a new contract. I can't tell you who it's for but it is a national government organisation. They put together a national network a few years ago which is full of faults. We've got to analyse the faults and correct them or produce an alternative program. It's a huge job. The fault analysis could take six months and then another six months to correct and install new software. My section has been given the task of working up new replacement software in case it all goes pear-shaped."

"Wonderful, my Bri! That's a hell of a responsibility and you'll be leading it."

Briony nodded excitedly. "I've only got a limited budget at the moment but we're all so keyed up that we could well produce a cheaper and more efficient system in the same timeframe."

"Oh, my darling!" Tom exclaimed equally excited. Then reason hit him. "But, my sweet, don't overdo it. I don't want to have an over-tired and washed out wife on my hands."

"I promise, Tom-Tom. There may be days when I'm pretty washed out but I won't overdo things." She saw doubt in his eyes. "Really. I mean it. You are my one overriding priority in life. Work can be rewarding and fun but my life with you is the greater reward and fun. I'll never ever let my work come between you and me. Promise."