Intoxifresh

Chapter Twenty

Dexter Worthington took great pride in his office plants and once he'd finished watering them, which he did often to keep them looking outstanding, he relaxed into his Chesterfield with a peppermint tea and the morning's post. After he'd opened the letters he added two more to the small pile of parties interested in the purchase of George's recipe. As he consumed his beverage Dexter reread each of the Intoxifresh related letters to refresh his memory before telephoning George to set up what he was certain would be one of the most important meetings his client would ever attend.

Karim was leaning back in his chair sipping a cold drink and listening to music on his MP3 player as he enjoyed the start of his week long holiday away from work. He was relaxed in the knowledge that he'd helped George and that Mr Merrick was now out of the picture. Without a care in the world he continued to relax in his comfortable surroundings for as long as possible.

More afraid than ever, Simon frantically began scanning for new emails. George was sat snugly in the next room in one of Tom's chairs catching the second half of the local morning news. The death of the head of Merrick and Smyth had become a news story and, although there had been mention of a new orange pill, George was more than happy that his picture hadn't been displayed. He didn't want his identity known and was glad he could still walk the streets unnoticed.

A ringing telephone interrupted his concentration. Tom answered and then passed him the receiver. 'It's your lawyer, Dexter.'

'Hello, Mr Worthington,' George said. The call didn't last long and he handed the phone back to Tom.

'Good news?' asked Tom, trying to figure out the facial expression of his friend.

George relaxed into his chair and exhaled a long breath. 'Dexter has set up a meeting for next week with reps from half a dozen or so Pharmaceutical companies. They're all interested in buying the exclusive global rights to produce Intoxifresh,' he said with a grin.

'Congratulations, that's great news,' Tom said, smiling too and focussing on rolling another cigarette.

'Dexter also said that in cases like this it's possible for talks to continue for more than one day. He said to make sure I have a clean diary for a few days.'

Tom's focus shifted from his cigarette to George. 'It really is great news, don't get me wrong but, don't let this take up your full attention. Listen... I'm trying not to worry as much as Simon clearly is but we should perhaps think about getting protection. That guy from New York could come back at any time. Maybe we should go to the police again,' he suggested, sincerely.

Simon entered from the kitchen and, after George had repeated the details he'd given Tom, Simon shook his hand, looking happy for a few seconds. 'Marco hasn't sent any new emails. I think he must be on his way here,' he suggested nervously.

'Simon, please sit down. You're making me nervous,' Tom said, 'and anyway, this Marco guy has no idea where any of us live, has he?'

'If that hairy guy has told Marco everything he knows then he'll know where I used to live,' Simon stated, 'but he shouldn't know any more than that.' Just saying those words did wonders to calm Simon's nerves. 'We could go back to Manor Green Road and keep an eye on my old apartment. It'd be three against one. If we can overpower him we can hand him over to the police, then our problems will be history,' Simon suggested.

'Why take the risk? George asked. 'He may be heavily armed. The way I see it is that while we're here and, as long as Marco has no idea where we are, then we'll be safe for a good while.'

Tom finished rolling and stood up before giving his thoughts: 'On the other hand we could all be worrying over nothing. Marco could still be in New York. Perhaps sending a threatening email has made him feel like a big tough guy.'