Chapter 12
Jasper had asked for a meeting with Colin, the estate manager. He was eager to discuss matters with him, not believing for one moment Fletcher’s version of the estate being ‘just grand’. Colin had confirmed his reservations. Far from being ‘grand’, it was actually on its last legs, not that he had been that brusque, but Jasper could read between the lines; ‘needing attention,’ ‘limited funds’ and ‘lack of work force’ could only mean one thing – the estate was on a downward slope. Action needed to be taken.
Not for the first time, Jasper was anxious about how bad things would have got had he not been here to put things in place, because that’s what he fully intended to do. No way could he allow himself to return to Dubai without leaving some form of action plan. Talking to Adira had put everything into perspective. Regardless of the contract he’d signed, family came first. To be fair, he doubted whether it would prove such an arduous task manoeuvring himself out of it, the Emirati businessmen he worked for were honourable people, who, like him, considered family with paramount importance. If push came to shove, he felt sure they would support him. So, with that in mind, Jasper was focused. He had a plan, and that always brought out the best in him.
‘Colin, I want a thorough report on every single job that needs attention on all the land and buildings, plus the contact details of all the tenants.’ He’d been direct, making the manager stall a little.
‘That… could take some time.’ Colin looked at Jasper. He knew who he was dealing with. Often, he would skirt around the edges with Fletcher, only telling him what he wanted to hear. Not so with Jasper. Time was of the essence; he would be leaving for Dubai soon.
Jasper returned the stare. ‘If you need help, get it. I want that report by the end of the week, Colin.’
‘I understand,’ he nodded. Colin was relieved, not only for the offer of assistance, but that finally someone was taking the reins. This place needed strong direction, a firm lead from the boss.
They were in the estate’s office, in the adjacent field to The Laurels. A footpath from the back garden led through a small cluster of trees situated at the far end, which hid the building. Good job it was out of view, as it was crumbling, had a leaking roof and gaps in the stonework where the breeze whistled in.
Jasper took a look around him. ‘Are the rest of the outbuildings in this state?’
‘No.They’re worse.’
Jasper rolled his eyes. This was going to be a mammoth task, but, as he kept telling himself, it was his future. As Fletcher had said, he was passing the baton on to him.
‘I want to see the accounts.’ Asset-wise, it was looking pretty grim, but he needed to know the income, outgoings and cash flow. The orchards were still producing good fruit and the fields a good harvest, that was something. But Jasper could see much of the land was wasted. He was eager to put it to good use and, funnily enough, Adira’s camper van had given him the seedling of an idea.
‘Certainly.’ Colin rose from his desk and opened a filing cabinet. Taking out two folders, he placed them in front of Jasper.
‘When was the last time Fletcher looked at these?’ Jasper asked.
‘He hasn’t. Not in years anyway,’ Colin replied, slightly red-faced. Looking decidedly uncomfortable, he coughed and turned away from Jasper’s glare.
The suspicious side of Jasper began to simmer inside him. Was Colin hiding something? Could he be trusted?
‘How long have you worked here, Colin?’ His eyes bore into him.
‘Ten years,’ came the stilted reply.
‘And in all that time, Fletcher has never examined or queried any of the bookkeeping? Just signed cheques without question?’
Colin’s face turned puce. ‘Err… actually, I’m an approved signatory.’
‘You’re signing the cheques?’ asked Jasper flatly in disbelief, making Colin cringe.
‘Yes,’ he squeaked.
‘Not any more you’re not.’ Jasper collected the files and stood to his feet. ‘That report, by Friday,’ he ordered and slammed the door behind him.
Raging, he marched all the way back to The Laurels. My God, this was far worse than he had thought. His uncle had well and truly taken his eye off the ball, practically giving his estate manager the purse strings! What on earth was Fletcher thinking?
Then he stopped.He’s an old man, the voice inside him reasoned.He’s a tired, old man who just wants to end his days in peace and quiet, no hassle, no interference and preferably no pain either.Jasper’s eyes began to fill. He hated the thought of his uncle being taken advantage of.
Just then, he saw Adira walk across the field to her camper van. He remembered having similar thoughts about her too. Was he being paranoid?
Fletcher was snoozing in the library and Lilly was tackling the ironing in the kitchen when Jasper returned.
‘Been busy, dear?’ asked Lilly as the steam hissed over her.
Jasper shook his head. That was another thing that needed changing. Lilly, bless her, was far too old and frail to be tending to Fletcher. He needed a younger housekeeper who could manage The Laurels properly. He looked around him again, this time taking in the dusty worktops, dirty floor and piles of dishes on the draining board. In fact, the whole kitchen needed ripping out full stop.
‘Very busy, Lilly.’ Then, seizing the moment, whilst Fletcher was out of earshot, decided to take the bull by the horns. ‘Lilly, can I have a word with you?’ He nodded towards the armchair by the wood burner.
