Page 194 (1/2)

Although one or two of the directors nodded, h to reested that particular scenario

It took another hour to go through the reenda, and it became clearer by theto confront the chief executive directly When Ar finally asked if there was any other business, no one responded

“Thank you, gentleathered up Sir Paul’s files and quickly left the room As he strode down the corridor toward the lift, he saw Peter Wakeha smiled at the deputy chairht up just as Ar stepped into the lift “If only you had arrived a fewdown at him “I could have made you chairman” He beamed at Wakeham as the lift doors closed

He pressed the top button and hisked up to the roof, where he found his pilot leaning on the railing, enjoying a cigarette “Heathrow,” he barked, without giving a thought to clearance by air-traffic control or the availability of take-off slots The pilot quickly stubbed out his cigarette and ran toward the helicopter landing pad As they flew over the City of London, Aran to consider the sequence of events that would take place during the next few hours unless the 50 million were somehow miraculously to materialize

Fifteen minutes later, the helicopter landed on the private apron He lowered hiround and walked slowly over to his private jet

Another pilot, this one waiting to receive his orders, greeted him at the top of the steps

“Nice,” said Ar his way to the back of the cabin The pilot disappeared into the cockpit, assu his yacht in Monte Carlo for a few days’ rest

The Gulfstrea made only one phone call, to Jacques Lacroix in Geneva But however , you have until close of business today to repay the 50 million, otherwise I will be left with no choice but to place the al department”

41

New York Star

6 November 1991

SPLASH!

“I have the President of the United States on line one,” said Heather, “and a Mr Austin Pierson from Cleveland, Ohio on line two Which will you take first?”

Townsend told Heather which call he wanted put through He picked up the phone nervously and heard an unfamiliar voice

“Good , Mr Pierson, how kind of you to call,” Townsend said He listened intently