Hang Time by John Burke

Author:John Burke [Burke, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Endeavour Media
Published: 2018-04-09T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

A week before I was due to appear in court, Willie Carmichael came in with two matters to discuss. With one of them he felt reasonably at home. With the other he was still in foreign territory, impressed by the magnitude of what I was facing but not equipped to make authoritative statements on the matter.

‘Mr Quirke’s been wondering how long you’ll be . . . well, out of action.’

‘He’s not the only one.’

‘I mean, if you’re not in a position to – ah – take full part in the everyday running of the firm—’

‘So dear old Barry is assuming I’m guilty. Nice and loyal of him.’

‘Mr Craig, he does assure me that he’s only concerned with the welfare of the firm. As painless a transition as possible.’

‘Transition to what?’

‘A firm offer has come in from Buywise. Their Mr Keating has sent me a formal offer of amalgamation which he wants put to the next meeting of the board. Whenever that can be arranged,’ added Willie awkwardly.

‘We’re not selling out to Buywise or any other greedy conglomerate.’

‘The document makes it plain that senior administrative positions will be guaranteed for yourself and Mr Quirke, with a possible non-executive directorship for Mr Hebden. In my view, taking all current market conditions into consideration, the terms are very favourable.’

‘The answer is still no.’

‘It does need discussing, though.’ Willie sparked into a sudden brightness. ‘But one good thing. Mustn’t be too wildly optimistic, but chances are that you will soon be able to attend meetings and all that.’

‘They are?’

‘I’ve had a word from Miss Jeake, who says she thinks maybe things are going to be all right. And of course these other matters will have to wait until we know what the court’s decision is next Wednesday.’

‘You mean everything depends on the length of my sentence?’

‘With a bit of luck your next appearance may be the end of it.’

‘How can it be the end of it, when I still don’t know—’

‘I mean, there’s a possibility they’re maybe going to drop the charge against you.’

‘So that they can concentrate on bringing an even worse one?’

‘Look, Mr Craig, I know how you must be feeling. But this is important. Miss Jeake doesn’t know the full details, but it’s been leaked to her that two prosecution witnesses have changed their story.’

‘What witnesses? Considering there was nothing to witness.’

Except those videos. Who had set those up, and how many people had witnessed them – and why?

*

It was a sunny morning outside. Inside there was the institutional gloom inherited from long months and years of fear, sullenness, and droning argument. But Miss Jeake was in cheerful mood. Perhaps she was always like this at this stage. No point in making the condemned man even more depressed. Face your fate with a smile.

‘Two witnesses have withdrawn. The proprietor and his assistant at the Old Manor House Hotel.’

‘But I’ve never denied we were at the hotel a couple of times.’

‘Not in the first week in September, though?’

I thought back. I had lost track of time.

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