Intoxifresh

Chapter Eleven

Worthington, Simmonds & Bleck Solicitors

Hillingdon

London

George sat outside the office of Dexter Worthington wearing one of Tom's suits. He'd lost all of his in the fire and hadn't purchased a new one yet. The waiting area had a fragrant smell of spring. Dark green plants were plentiful in the corners of the room and along one wall. He looked up from his thoughts as the antique looking door creaked open and a well-dressed man looking as sharp as a knife poked his head around to see who was waiting. 'Mr Thornley?' he asked with a smile that showed his whiter than white teeth.

George stood up and went to introduce himself. 'Yes, I'm George Thornley. It's a privilege to meet you, Mr Worthington.' The pair shook hands and George was slightly taken aback by the strength of the hand that squeezed his.

'It's good to meet you too, George. Please come in and take a seat,' Dexter said as he turned around and sat down in his chair, gesturing towards the chair opposite. His pinstriped suit showed no creases, his dark hair showed not a hint of grey and he didn't seem to have a single hair out of place. George was happy to have a perfectionist working on his behalf. 'What can I do for you?' Dexter asked with enthusiasm.

George smiled and handed over the papers he was holding. 'I need your help to file for the global patent for an invention.' George said. He'd done his homework and knew that Dexter Worthington was an expert on patenting law. There was nothing he didn't fully understand about the subject. Dexter took the papers and over the next hour they discussed every aspect of the invention. George told him how long it had taken him to perfect the recipe and even details about the Merrick and Smyth presentation that hadn't gone to plan.

'Leave everything with me, Mr Thornley. I don't foresee any problems,' Dexter said before standing up to shake George's hand again. 'If everything goes to plan I think you'll do very well out of this.' Dexter handed George his business card and walked him to the door. 'Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions. I'll be in touch as soon as I have more information for you.'

George thanked him and was soon on the bus heading back to Richmond, to his temporary home.

Marvin Merrick, Simon Sampson and the firm's security officer, Lenny, were sat opposite a large television monitor preparing to review the surveillance footage from the earlier intrusion.

They decided to start with the footage from Simon's office. The first movement on the screen was of the door bursting open, then Karim with a gun to his head leading in the intruder. Simon's mind was racing with worry. How would he explain why George's pills were in his desk? 'Mr Sampson, please pay attention!' the old man shouted, snapping his fingers. Lenny paused the footage just as the intruder looked up, clearly showing his features to the camera. Old man Merrick turned to look at Simon. 'So... who is he?' he demanded in a stern voice.

Simon frowned and shook his head. 'I have absolutely no idea, Sir. I've never seen him before,' he said with honesty. 'I need to take a quick toilet break if that's alright. I'll be back in a few minutes.' Simon stood up and took a good look at the face on the monitor before opening the door.

'Be as quick as you can, Mr Sampson. We have other work to do today,' blurted Mr Merrick. After Simon had left the room, Merrick and Lenny sat, waiting, with the paused image.

Once he was outside the room Simon's footsteps echoed on the shiny floor as he sprinted towards the main doors to check on his car. Arriving at the driver's side door he peered into the window and saw the keys dangling from the ignition. Simon knew what he needed to do and took a few deep breaths before looking up at the Merrick and Smyth building one last time. 'I'm out of here,' he said to himself before jumping into his car, starting the engine, pushing the accelerator all the way down and speeding out of the car park, heading for his apartment to assess the damage.