Chapter Four
At midday Charles entered the foyer of the Bell Hotel in Upper Chilton with a sense of trepidation. The phone call yesterday from Richard Murray had been both surprising and intriguing. After making general enquiries about the business, the airfield and the house move, Richard had said. "I'm calling on behalf of a client who wondered if you might be interested in some business he may be able to put your way?"
Charles had been taken aback and said honestly, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested. Who is it?"
He heard Richard hesitate before saying, "My client would rather not disclose his identity until he meets you and we've agreed in principle that any discussions are entirely confidential. You don't have a business partner, do you Charles?"
It was true that in legal terms, Charles, was the sole owner of his business. It was his name on the lease agreement for the airfield, his name on the loan from the bank and all property owned by the business had been bought in his name. However, morally, he considered Molly to be his partner as his wife and closest confidante. It was his turn to hesitate.
"It's true that I don't have a formal business partner, but I discuss most things related to the business with my wife."
Richard paused before saying, "I'm sorry Charles, but my client would have to insist that you don't discuss anything relating to this venture with her."
Charles thought quickly. He didn't like the idea of not discussing this with Molly but decided perhaps it would be better to keep this to himself until he knew more. If it was something he could go ahead with he knew he could trust her not to talk about it and neither Richard nor his client needed to know that they had discussed the matter. On the other hand, it might all come to nothing and involving her in secrecy might be pointless. He gave his word of assurance to Richard, knowing that he would make a judgment later about whether or not to break his promise.
"Can you give me any idea in broad terms of what the proposal is about?" Charles asked.
Richard seemed to be thinking about this request before saying rather vaguely, "Some transportation and storage of light commercial freight. I can't be more specific, I'm sorry. My client works in a very competitive business and I'm afraid secrecy is part and parcel of the way he operates. I should perhaps add that the proposed terms are very generous and he would certainly make it financially worth your while." Richard was certainly trying to make the arrangement sound lucrative although a doubt was nagging at the back of Charles mind. However, despite the fact that spring and summer had been good for business, Charles was aware that with the onset of autumn and winter use of the airfield would drop off and if he had the opportunity to bring in more income he should try to secure it. By the time the winter arrived his family would have grown and he owed it to them to at least follow up this opportunity. However, he needed to ask one more question.
"I assume that if I decide not to proceed with the venture, after our meeting, your client will accept my on-going discretion in the matter."
Richard paused before replying, "I'm sure after the meeting, Charles, you'll agree that being involved is in your best interests." It was obvious he meant the comment to be light-hearted but to Charles it sounded forced.
Upper Chilton was twenty miles from Nethercombe. The Bell Hotel had started life as an eighteenth century coaching inn and its ivy clad exterior had welcomed many a hungry and thirsty traveller over the centuries. However, its clientele today were rather more middle-class and very likely to be popping in for a spot of lunch on their way home from the golf club which was just up the road. Dressed in a dark blue single-breasted suit, white shirt and RAF squadron tie, Charles looked very much at home in his surroundings as he entered the foyer and was greeted there by Richard Murray who walked towards him with an outstretched arm ready to shake his hand. He led him through to the oak panelled dining room. Sunlight streamed through the magnificent bay window that overlooked the gardens beyond. Richard weaved his way through the largely empty dining room to a discreetly positioned table partially obscured from the view of the rest of the room. Sitting at the table was a dark-haired, handsome man in his late thirties, expensively dressed in what Charles recognised, from its perfect fit, to be a Saville Row suit. He stood up as Charles approached him, smiling broadly. He was a little shorter and stockier in build than Charles but he held himself with unmistakeable military bearing. Richard did the introductions.
"Charles, may I introduce, Gerald Harker." The name immediately rang a bell with Charles. They shook hands.
"Please, take seat. "Gerald said. He was well-spoken and Charles detected a public-school air about his demeanour.
"Forgive all the cloak and dagger business," He began, "Thought I'd left all that behind me after the war, but I like to keep my business activities to myself as much as possible."
The waiter approached with menus and they broke away from conversation whilst making their choices. Once the order had been taken and Harker had requested a bottle of wine, Charles took the opportunity to say,
"Forgive me, but are you related to a Mrs Harker who owned Greystones?"
Harker smiled. "Well, you've made the connection. She was my Aunt by marriage. Richard handled the disposal of the house for me and he mentioned that you might be a useful contact." He paused while the waiter opened and poured the wine. Once he had retreated, Harker continued, "Richard has mentioned to you that I work in a competitive market and I'm looking for somewhere a little out of the way, shall we say. I need to transport some goods to a secure location and store them for a while before distributing to customers." He gave Charles a long look, weighing up his possible response to this information.
Several thoughts were running through Charles mind at that moment; some straightforward others prompted by suspicion and he was trying to sort them into logical order before asking the next question. Eventually, he plumped for, "What line of business are you in?"
"Luxury goods." Harker replied without hesitation.
Charles raised his eyebrows, "Anything in particular?"
Harker replied vaguely, "This and that. Whatever the market demands."
Charles was no wiser as to what type of business Harker was actually doing and tried one last tack, disguised as a reasonable question. "Richard mentioned the possibility of light freight being flown into the airfield. I take it we are talking about small lightweight goods as there are limitations to the type of aircraft that can use the airfield, particularly with a grass runway."
Harker smiled and said elusively, "I'm sure the airfield could cope with what I have in mind. Just a couple of flights per week. I'd need a secure storage area and I'd arrange for the goods to be collected for distribution at night so as not to disturb anyone." He looked Charles in the eye. "I'm sure we could come to an agreement that you would find acceptable." They talked for a little while about the airfield, its facilities and the most frequent periods of use during the week and Harker asked pertinent questions.
The waiter brought their meals and conversation turned away from business to general interests. Harker talked about his wartime service in the army advising that he had been a Captain working in military intelligence although he was unable to provide more details because of the nature of his work. He asked Charles about his time in the RAF and then more generally about how the family were settling in at Greystones. He recounted visits there as a young boy in the nineteen twenties.
"My uncle always spoiled me as I recall. I was his only nephew and he had no children of his own, you see. He died in 1932 and my Aunt stayed on there until her death six months ago, as you know."
"You had no desire to keep the house, yourself?" Charles asked.
"I had no need or use for it, to be honest." Harker replied, "I hadn't seen the place for a long time. My business interests keep me very occupied and my wife visited my Aunt most of the time, particularly in the last few months."
Their meal was at an end and Harker asked the waiter for the bill before turning to Charles and saying, "Well, have I convinced you to join me in my venture?"
Charles knew that the meeting had probably raised more questions in his mind than it had answered. He was suspicious of Harker for many reasons and most of all because of his unwillingness to give a straight answer regarding his business activities. The annoyance for Charles was that this by itself didn't prove that Harker was doing anything underhand or illegal. He might simply be maintaining the degree of confidentiality that he considered necessary in an initial meeting or enjoying recreating the cloak and dagger activities of his wartime experience within his business life hoping that these tactics would allow him to get ahead of his competitors. The only thing Charles knew for certain at this point was that he was undecided. He needed to play for time.
"Perhaps, I should think about it overnight." He offered, "I'm going into Cirencester tomorrow. I could drop in to see Richard at his office, if that's acceptable."
Harker stood up and offered Charles his hand, "Completely! But don't think about it too long." He looked Charles in the eye and held onto his hand half a second longer than was necessary and Charles got the distinct impression he was not a man to be trifled with.
Molly looked up in surprise as Bella walked into the kitchen shortly before seven o'clock that evening uncharacteristically dressed in a pair of blue slacks teamed with a short-sleeved floral print blouse. It had been a warm day and Bella, usually very conscious of her appearance, was seldom seen wearing anything other than a dress. Molly couldn't help remarking upon her appearance, "Why are you wearing slacks?"
Bella replied casually, "I'm going out."
"Like that!" Molly said incredulously. She knew that she'd spent a lot of time wearing mechanic's overalls during her time in the WAAF and whenever she'd worked over at the airfield, but those had been work clothes. Women seldom wore trousers unless there was a particular need and certainly didn't go out anywhere smart in such clothes. "What are you up to?" she asked.
"Nothing!" Bella retorted throwing a swift glance in Molly's direction. Seeing the suspicious look on her sister's face she realised she was going to have to offer some explanation, "I'm just going out for a walk with Tom Stimpson." She saw Molly's eyes widen in surprise,
"Blimey, Bella. That's a bit quick, 'aint it?
"It's not like that, Molly." She replied, "I made a sort of bet with him that I could find a badgers' sett. So I've got to prove it. I don't want him thinking I'm a welcher."
Molly looked disbelieving. "You're telling me you can find a badgers' sett?" Bella nodded and Molly continued, "Where are you going?"
"Hester Rise wherever that is. Tom's calling for me."
Molly almost laughed at the absurdity of her sister scouring around the countryside looking for a badgers' sett and said, "Well, good luck to you but I don't know why he didn't just ask you to the pictures like any other lad."
When the doorbell rang ten minutes later, Bella rushed to the front door calling out goodbye to Molly before she had a chance to see or speak to Tom. Molly glanced through the lounge window and caught sight of them disappearing down the drive together on foot. The tall figure of Tom, dressed in grey trousers and an open neck shirt, striding along with Bella at his side, the top of her head level with his shoulder. She saw Bella turn her head sideways to glance at him with a happy smile on her face and shook her head at the sight. Bella might tell her it was nothing 'like that' but Molly didn't believe her.
William came rushing into the room dressed in his pyjamas and ready for bed after having his bath. Molly had listened carefully whilst she was upstairs running the bath water but there had definitely been no noisy clankings from the boiler. In fact, everything seemed very peaceful in the house. She didn't sense that there was anything she needed to fear in spite of feeling apprehensive on returning to the house after the conversation with Sally Phillpotts that morning. She had said nothing to Bella about her concerns because it all seemed so silly and there was no need to worry anyone else. She wondered if she was just thinking too much about finally settling down here after years of moving around from place to place and that wanting to fit in and be part of the community of Nethercombe was causing her to worry in a way she hadn't before.
"Can you read the Pooh story, Mummy?" William asked her eagerly. Molly realised he was talking about The House at Pooh Corner that Bella had mentioned this morning and sadly shook her head,
"Sorry, Will, I don't think we've got that." William looked disappointed and pouted so she said, "Tell you what; Daddy and me have to go to Cirencester tomorrow for my appointment with the doctor. Why don't I see if I can find it in the bookshop there?" He still looked a little downcast and Molly trying to engage his interest said, "How about The Wind in the Willows. I think the last time we read it Toad had been sent to prison. I wonder what Ratty and Mole can do to help him?" Thankfully her enthusiasm worked. He nodded his approval at her and she told him to run along upstairs and get into bed.
"I'll be up in a minute!" She called after him.
It was after seven o'clock now. Charles had said he would be home later this evening but Molly thought she might make use of the time while Bella was out and William asleep, to talk to Charles about her concerns. He was always good at putting her mind at rest. This morning he had seemed a little bit tetchy and she still wondered if it was the mention of Smithy but she was sure that he'd be in a happier mood after spending some time in the Blacksmith's arms with friends and colleagues. He always assured her that he was glad to have left the RAF but she was nevertheless sure that he missed the friendships and camaraderie he had enjoyed.
"Mummy!" She heard William calling her from his bedroom and she reached up to the bookcase to retrieve The Wind in the Willows before slowly making her way upstairs.
Bella and Tom turned left out of the drive of Greystones and followed the main road that wound its way along the east side of the valley for about half a mile until Tom indicated a stile over a low stone wall which led into some woodland situated on steeply rising ground to their left. As they strolled along the road, Tom asked Bella about her life in London and she told him about the two jobs she had left and how much she detested secretarial work.
"I only did the college course to please Mum. She said offices would always need secretaries and I'd never be short of work. The first job ended when old man Davis, my boss, died. But I couldn't stand the second one. That's why I left last month. It just 'aint my cup of tea, at all. In fact, I spent half my time making cups of tea for the managers."
Tom laughed at the image of Bella being compelled to demurely make and serve cups of tea all day. It was very much at odds with the girl he saw before him.
"Oi. Don't laugh." She scolded him, "Anyway, what about you? What are you gonna do when your National Service is over? Carry on running errands for your Dad?"
Tom shrugged. It was a fair question. "I'd like to see something of the world. Perhaps I'll stay in the army if I like it. I could get posted anywhere then."
They had reached the stile and Tom said, "This path leads up to Nethercombe Heath where the airfield is and you can get over to Cookham as well. In fact, it's the shortest route to Cookham on foot. The highest point up there," Tom indicated a large slab of a rock face some distance further above them in the valley, "Is Hester Rise itself. You can see right across the valley from there."
They climbed the stile and entered the woodland. Tom turned to Bella, "Well, it's up to you now. You said you could find a badger's sett. Go on then." He grinned at her, clearly relishing seeing her challenged but she looked undaunted and simply set off up the path without a backward glance. She hadn't gone very far from the entrance to the woods when she said,
"Look, over there. See that mound of earth?" Tom saw what looked like a large pile of fresh earth sitting on sloping ground, "That's where they've dug out tunnels. And look over there can you see that trail?" She pointed to a well-worn narrow track through the undergrowth leading from the edge of the wood towards the earthy mound. "They like to use the same trails and wander about outside the woods. Sometimes you can see the tracks going straight across the middle of fields." She carried on moving about cautiously whilst Tom watched from a distance until she waved at him beckoning him over. He ambled towards her. "Look." She whispered, "There in the side of the hill. Can you see those holes below the tree root?" Tom looked to where she was pointing and saw a hole shaped like a D on its side. It was wider than it was tall and certainly the right shape for a badger. "That's one entrance to a sett and I bet there are some others around here." She carried on looking and eventually pointed to some other similar shape holes in the ground. Tom was impressed. He had wondered if she was bluffing about her knowledge but she clearly had learned something from her time in the countryside.
"D'you know what?" Bella said excitedly, "If we sat somewhere quiet like, up wind from the sett, we might even catch a sight of them. It's summer and they sometimes come out to play earlier this time of year."
Tom smiled. He didn't mind settling down somewhere with Bella for a while and said, "Alright, let's see."
They sat out of sight a little further up the slope, partially hidden by the undergrowth and Bella insisted that they keep quiet and not move. Tom was very conscious of her proximity to him. He could smell the rose-like scent she used and her hair was brushing against his shoulder. It was a pity that they couldn't talk and after thirty minutes his legs started to get stiff and he found himself shifting position. Apart from being close to Bella this was not as much fun as he hoped. Then suddenly, he was startled by the sight of the distinctive black and white snout of a badger emerging from one of the sett entrances. Bella was nudging him and grinning. The badger was cautious sniffing the air and checking for danger but eventually emerged fully into the open. Within a few minutes it was followed by two others, sniffing the air and wandering around cautiously and then to their utter delight they saw the badgers starting to play, rolling about and chasing each other. They watched for at least fifteen minutes before Tom whispered,
"Bella, I've got to get up, my leg's gone to sleep." To his relief, she nodded at him and careful not to disturb the badgers they crept away from the scene until they were far enough to speak in normal voices.
"Well, I won my bet, didn't I?" Bella exclaimed with a look of triumph on her face.
Tom pulled a face, "Was it a bet?"
"You challenged me. You know you did." Bella said with spirit, "So, I reckon I should win something as a prize."
Tom laughed, "Like five bob or something?"
Bella sighed, "There you go again, Tom Stimpson, assuming all I care about is money and stuff."
Tom moved a little closer to her and reached out his hand towards her, daring to lightly catch a strand of her long dark hair between his thumb and index finger. He lowered his voice, "So, what do you want then?"
Bella stood still allowing him to keep hold of the hair strand. She smiled, mysteriously, "I want something that money can't buy."
Tom took a final step forward, closing the remaining distance between them. Bella looked up at him, very conscious of his physical presence and said softly, "Show me the view from the top of Hester Rise." He let the strand of her hair fall and she turned away from him with a giggle. He sighed and then managed to smile at himself. He knew she was playing a game with him, but watching her walking away from him and starting to climb the steep path up to viewpoint at Hester Rise, he realised that he wouldn't have it any other way.
The path was narrow and wound its way through the woods and upwards towards the exposed rock face that locals referred to as Hester Rise. The top of the rock was level and provided a spectacular view of the valley from above the treetops. The main path wound its way up to the rock and then to the flatter heathland and the village of Cookham beyond. As the path became narrower and steeper Tom moved ahead of Bella to show her the way. The climb was hard work and her shoes slipped once or twice on the stones and earth causing her to hastily put out a hand to steady herself. As they drew near the top she became conscious that there were some very steep drops on the right hand side of the path and she began to wonder for the first time if she had been wise to suggest this. Tom was purposeful and sure-footed and she drew confidence from the idea that he must have climbed this path on many previous occasions.
Eventually, they reached the top of Hester Rise and Bella stepped out onto the flat rock admiring the spectacular view of the valley bathed in the pink and amber glow of sunset. She smiled, almost lost for words at the incredibly beautiful sight.
"Now that is something money can't buy." She said softly.
Tom was standing some distance behind her. She turned her head to look at him, "Come and see this, Tom."
He coughed slightly and said, "I'm fine here, thanks."
Bella looked at his face and realised he wasn't comfortable. "Don't you like heights?" she asked.
"Not really." He admitted.
She looked at him with a degree of sympathy in her expression that surprised him, "You should have said, Tom. I wouldn't have mentioned coming up here if I'd known."
He'd gritted his teeth on the narrow parts of the path with the drops on one side, determined not to look weak in Bella's eyes.
"Will you be alright, walking down again?" she asked.
"Well, there is another less steep path which circles around the top before joining up again further down the hill, but there's one tricky place where you need to take a bit of a run and jump." Tom said carefully.
"That sounds alright to me, if you'd rather go that way." Bella conceded and she saw him nod in reply.
The alternative path was more level with a fairly gradual descent although it was a longer walk. The sunset had signalled the start of fading light and without a torch between them both Bella and Tom realised that they would need to get back to the road before it was completely dark or risk stumbling around on uneven ground. They had descended about half the way to the road when Tom stopped and looking back at Bella saying, "This is the tricky part. There's a narrow gorge in the rocks ahead about two or three feet wide. There used to be a little bridge across it that someone put up years ago and the planks are still there but I wouldn't stand on it, if I were you. They're pretty rotten. It's quite a long way down." Bella followed him down the last twenty yards to the edge of the gorge and glanced cautiously over the precipice. He was right she thought; it must be a good hundred feet or more to the bottom of the gorge. It was dark and narrow and the rock face was covered in ferns and green moss. She shivered at the sight and felt distinctly uncomfortable
"Look, I'll go first." Tom said, "Show you how it's done."
He took ten paces back from the edge and ran at it leaping across the bridge of rotten planks to the other side of the path, clearing the gap with ease and landing squarely on the path the other side. He turned to face Bella. "Your turn. Just do the same as me and you'll be fine." He called.
Bella had never been frightened of heights but something was making her legs turn to jelly. She shivered in spite of the fact that she hadn't been cold just now and her heart started to pound. She looked over at Tom and he saw that she was panic stricken.
"Just run and jump and I'll catch you." He stood directly opposite her his arms outstretched. "Come on Bella!" he urged.
In spite of how she was feeling, she took several paces backwards and willed herself to run. Her legs felt heavy as she tried to pick up enough speed to launch herself forwards. As she leapt into the air she felt a surge of terror that she had never experienced before. A scream echoed through the woods almost deafening her and she realised the sound was coming from her own mouth. Her right foot landed just beyond the rotten planks on the path but the left missed and slipped back into the gorge. She felt herself stumbling backwards and screamed again but a strong pair of arms grasped her firmly and dragged her back, up out of the blackness and into the safety of his embrace.