If Only

1988.

Chapter 1

Edward White, known to his friends as Ned, was cogitating about life being good to him at the moment, as he ate his breakfast of muesli, toast and coffee, on his balcony overlooking the English Channel. It was a beautiful early spring morning and the only clouds visible were out at sea on the distant horizon. Yes, life was currently being very fair to him. His business consultancy was buoyant and his relationship with Kim, his young Chinese friend, was as strong as ever even though it was yet again of a platonic nature. His one regret was that the new business was now keeping him busy and was confining him to the Home Counties and the south-east which prevented him from travelling anywhere near the north-west. So his visits to Kim had become less frequent.

However, Kim had received visits from Ermeela Lees, a young girl, now sixteen years old who was saved by Kim from a life of degradation, misery and possible suicide, Ermeela’s words. They had built up a very close bond of friendship between them that both knew was transcending age and time. Both were always keen to see each other but Kim had always been somewhat reluctant to head south. Ned had always kept a watchful eye on Ermeela and her mother, Julie since they had both moved down to the south coast to escape and leave behind their previous lives. Indeed, Ned had, in euphemistic and biblical terms, being seeing Julie particularly when her daughter had not been about and whilst he did not regard their association as any long-term commitment, he placed a certain value on this relationship.

Nothing had ever been said openly but he often wondered if Emmy, as Ermeela was affectionately known, had said something to Kim about him and Julie. He had tried very hard to keep the nature of his relationship with her mother from Emmy. If she knew, she hid it very well. Her phone calls gave away nothing.

*

After finishing breakfast, Ned answered a phone call, the result of which would catapult both Kim and himself once again into a life-threatening situation. Ned answered the phone in his usual cheery manner

Mr White? said the other voice on the phone

Yes replied Ned somewhat cautiously

Chalky White? asked the voice. It came like a jolt from the blue. No one had called him that since his school days, quite to his relief. The nickname bore no malice to the so-called owner although Ned had detested it from the start as he did with all nicknames. He had discovered that the name had no more a sinister connotation than a graphic colour description of his name. He never grew into it

and now someone from his school days was again reminding him all these years later.

Yes he answered very slowly and nervously

It’s Tim Robertson, former schoolmate and now Chairman of Manchester North End Football Club?

Ned’s interest and palpitations went up a few notches. He was a life-long supporter of the club. He remembered Tim as a steady type of lad who always seemed friendly and was mad about football. He so much wanted to be a footballer, as Tim recalled but had never made it. He made his mark in the carpet industry, firstly as a small manufacturer and then as a larger manufacturer before adding retail outlets for carpets to his empire. At the same time he had shown the local football club his business acumen and aptitude for football administration. Ned had admired Tim Robertson since he had taken over the Chairmanship for attempting to keep the club afloat against all adversities. The club had experienced varying fortunes and currently they were struggling at the foot of the third tier of the football pyramid. He wondered if the call was an invitation to invest.

How nice to hear from you, Tim. How can I help?

I hear that you are something of a whizz-kid in putting businesses back on their feet

I wouldn’t go that far but I try my best

I’m wondering if you can help this club with your expertise and I’ve never forgotten that you are a loyal supporter.

So this was not a chance call after all, thought Ned. He was dead chuffed that Tim had remembered him.

What exactly is your problem, Tim?

We need a business revamp, but most of all we need bigger and better revenue streams

Tim, I’m not very busy at the moment. Perhaps I could come and chat to you although it seems pretty run of the mill stuff.

Are you going to charge me a fortune for the visit?

Tim, I shall bear into account the fact that the club hasn’t two pennies to rub together and part of my life will come to an end if Manchester North End ceases to be

I’m very grateful to you, Tim, but I’m afraid there’s a little bit more to it than that which is best spoken about confidentially

Why am I not surprised? I’ll give you a ring once I have made the necessary travelling arrangements

A visit back to the north-west would give him the opportunity of seeing the two loves in his life, Manchester North End Football Club and Kim, not necessarily in that order.

*

Later that day, Ned, having checked his diary with his commitments and found that he was able to be up in the north in time for the home game against Oldham Athletic this Saturday. He phoned Tim Robertson of his intentions who told him that there would be a seat in the Director’s box for him and a space in the executive car park. He then phoned Kim to let her know he would be coming up this weekend.

Chapter 2

Week 1, Friday

On the Friday before the game, Kim had been in court all day. Her client was a particular nasty piece of work by the name of Irving McGurk. The trial had been particularly unpleasant and unpalatable for Kim, and she had taken an instant and severe dislike to him from the moment she had met him. McGurk had been on trial for a variety of crimes, which consisted of a double murder, against a rival gang member and an informant who, he believed had grassed him to his rivals, grievous bodily harm against more rival gang members and against his girlfriend and her children.

The barrister, Kim’s firm had used, Elizabeth Snodsbury-Mortaine, was experienced in defending the criminal classes but she had struggled with the compelling evidence that the Prosecution had against her client. She knew that he was as guilty as hell but he kept denying it. Apart from some aggressive threats during the police interview, his only other words uttered were No comment and he had chosen not to give evidence during his trial.

Miss Snodsbury-Mortaine knew that the odds were stacked up against him and told Kim so whilst they waited for the jury to return. This occurred much quicker than expected and in less than two hours after retiring they were delivering guilty verdicts on all charges. This brought a ferocious tirade from McGurk’s elder brother, Anselm, who was sitting in the gallery

You fucking useless bitches he boomed at Elizabeth and Kim You useless pieces of shit. You’re going to pay for this. I’ll have you and I’ll personally kill both of you

The last sentence was yelled as the court security guards was manhandling McGurk to the exit, a task that four of them undertook with extreme difficulty.

In the barristers’ room, Elizabeth could see that Kim was visibly shaken. As she removed her wig and gown she said to Kim

Take no notice of him. You get this all the time

I’m not normally worried about threats but this family is particularly nasty and as you know, they have a reputation for carrying out their promises.

All right said Elizabeth, I’ll mention it to the police but I think you could be worrying over nothing.

As she was leaving, she turned round to Kim,

But just to be on the safe side, keep a vigilant look-out over the next few days.

That statement made Kim even more worried.

Chapter 3

Saturday

Ned left bright and early on the Saturday morning as he had been invited to lunch with the Chairman in the club restaurant. Ned’s importance hit him as soon as he arrived at the gates of the stadium, as he was expected by the security guy and directed to a reserved spot in the car park. He was greeted by Tim Robertson before he even reached the Reception. They shook hands

Good of you to come, Chalky and nice to see you again. Ned winced.

You can call me Ned now and thank you for the invite He hoped Tim had taken the hint.

Is it all right with you if we talk once the game is over? We can have more privacy and what I have to say, has to be said in total confidence. Have you made any arrangements for tonight?

I’m staying with a friend and we’re going out to dinner He replied, thinking of Kim and their favourite Indian restaurant. But I have time beforehand

Good, then let me show you around

He was given the guided tour that included the gymnasium, the home and away dressing rooms and the main office before going to the restaurant. It was pretty much as he remembered it the last time he was here some fifteen years ago and its condition had not improved.

Lunch was taken in the restaurant that held over a hundred people and Ned soon realised that it was full, mainly of supporters who would have paid well for the privilege of one-upmanship dining. The food was of traditional fayre, good quality and cooked well. Ned was surprised just how many people Tim acknowledged and knew each person’s name. The idea of this being a family club was certainly in evidence.

The game itself provided excitement as befitting a derby game although goalmouth incidents were not that forthcoming. North End eventually came up winners by two goals to one.

Back in Tim’s office the private discussions began in earnest.

"Ned, there are two things that I need to talk you about. We need to improve our revenue streams. And, we have gone through all the football related earnings, shops, kit, clothes, social club, restaurant. We really need some fresh ideas. We have cut costs as much as we can with virtually all our admin staff being now on part-time working. We have the smallest squad in the division on probably the lowest average wages. The manager does an almost impossible job in keeping the

squad’s morale up and even keeping them together. We are finding nowadays that even Conference clubs are now paying higher wages than we do. We have to find a way of maximising our potential, either by additional revenue, that I favour, or by even further cost cutting or by a restructure."

Does that include loan and credit restructuring? asked Ned

There’s a possibility of restructuring some of our credit. A football club can always muster local goodwill but the bank is a different matter. That’s going to be the next problem

He looked at Ned

Before I go further I have to ask if you can you help and what are your fees?

In that order?

Possibly

Well, the answer is yes, I can. I shall need the last published accounts, your present financial position, revenue identification, the current and proposed business plan, revenue forecasts, bank statements and anything else that is relevant.

He paused, As for my fees, how about a freebie here every now and again?

That can most certainly be arranged. In the director’s box of course with dedicated car parking. What about expenses?

I’ll only want petrol money, if that’s ok with you Ned smiled as he said it, and the jocular mannerism was reciprocated by Tim.

Of course! The next matter is something rather more serious and I need your assurance that it will be kept confidential

Ned nodded in agreement. Tim looked very serious now and his countenance changed markedly

I’m having trouble with our bank. As you know it’s the Commerce Bank of China and they have been acting strangely during the past few weeks. They have been saying that I and my fellow directors are not fit and proper persons to run this club and they want to appoint their own men. I ask you, not fit and proper people, we have been running this club for over twelve years, brought it from the brink of bankruptcy to virtual solvency

Tim, everybody knows what a magnificent job you have done here. The bank should be applauding you

I feel that way, but I just cannot get through to them. Maybe they are United or City supporters and are afraid of the competition. He smiled, but the smile was one of timidity rather than confidence

They are threatening to pull the plug on the overdraft if I don’t resign and I know that if I do, this club could very well cease to exist. This is why I need a fresh view on things.

Are there any potential buyers out there?

We have had the club up for sale for the past five years or so and not a serious sniff. There’s been a few timewasters though.

How long have you got with the bank?

I have a meeting with them on Monday week and I am expected to welcome the bank men onto the Board. That will be disastrous for the club. Can you come up with something before then?

It may not be fully comprehensive but I can come up with something that might placate the bank, at least for a little while

The meeting ended earlier than expected and there was still some activity within the club, particularly in the hospitality suite. Ned was introduced to Tim’s fellow directors and the visiting dignitaries. It became obvious to Ned that the remaining directors had not been as fully briefed on the bank’s threats as Ned. They were unaware of the meeting with the bank nine days hence.

Chapter 4

Even after seeing Kim so many times now, he still had butterflies in his stomach every time he was due to see her again. This Saturday evening was no exception and as he pulled into the car park below her apartment block, with anticipation again almost overcoming him. He had previously texted her to let her know his arrival.

He knew that she would hear the lift stopping at the fourth floor and she had the door open before he knocked. They embraced each other in a tight hug which lasted a satisfyingly long time for Ned and long enough for him to fondle Kim’s bottom through her tight jeans, as he always did on greeting her in this manner. And, as always she pushed his hands away. Eventually.

Ned showered and changed into a bright pink shirt and light gray trousers. He thought he looked smart but those thoughts faded into insignificance when Kim later appeared in a little black dress. He was stunned by her sheer beauty and presence that dominated the room. He could not recall her in a dress before and he was totally mesmerised.

Have you not seen a black dress before?

Not on you. You look absolutely ravishing. Talking of ravishing -

Don’t even think about it interrupted Kim. He examined her further before saying to her

Kim! That dress is coming off

She examined herself from shoulder to waste before replying to him

I don’t think so.

It is. I’ve decided, he responded as fast as lightening. Kim was standing near enough to him to give him a friendly punch on his arm.

Come on, I’m hungry

Ned knew that Kim was always hungry either when she was lost for words or indeed when she was in fact hungry.

The restaurant was as busy as expected and they had to wait before a table was available for them even though they had booked. Over the meal Ned brought her up to date as to the purpose of his journey and that he would be back again next

weekend. She seemed to show genuine pleasure that he would be back again the following weekend.

And you, Kim? I take it that life at the solicitors is all sweetness and light?

Well it was until yesterday She told him about her client, Irving McGurk and how he was found guilty of heinous crimes.

He was as guilty as hell anyway she continued and the judge, when sentencing him will have no alternative but to give him life, whatever that means these days

So you’ve managed to take another scumbag off the streets. What’s wrong with that?

I was supposed to be defending him

Surely it’s not the first time this has happened?

I’m glad to be shut of him. He’s a real nasty individual and he gives me the creeps. It got so bad with him that I refused to even see him without a male colleague

Did he attack you?

No, but I was scared shitless that he would. One of the crimes he was suspected of was rape although they couldn’t make it stick and it had to be dropped for a lesser charge. And I know he expected me to sleep with him.

Then you’re well shut of him. I take it that he is no longer a client of the firm

That I don’t know. They are a very powerful family in criminal circles. I know the firm don’t really want them but they pay well.

She hesitated before carrying on, more to herself than to Ned,

Anyway, I’m going to tell them that I want nothing more to do with them. They’ll have to reassign them to someone else.

Ned could see in her eyes that there was more to it. He watched her eat some of her food before saying to her

There’s more to it than that, isn’t there?

Her eyes said it all.

Yes. His elder brother was in court and when the guilty verdict was given, he threatened both Lizi and myself with all sorts of retributions and dire prognostications.

Whilst Ned was no expert in reading optical expressions, he could see genuine fear in Kim’s eyes. She continued

Ned, I know that family by reputation and believe me, they do not make idle threats. I have no doubt that McGurk will do something and to tell you the truth, I’m scared.

Do you want me to stay with you? asked Ned hopefully

I can look after myself. She looked at him with inquisitive eyes.

But you’re staying for a day or two? she went on to ask.

"I’ll have to go on Monday at the latest but the good news, for me anyway is that I’m back again next weekend as I’ve a visit to the bank with North End next