Merger

By David Johns

A synopsis of David Johns MERGER'.
When Thomas Cork a devout Catholic dies, his advertising agency is inherited by his grandson Sean a 28 year old graduate from University who puts sport and business before girls.
Following the demise of his grandfather Sean enters into a merger with Jewish entrepreneur George Wilcox the father of his platonic girlfriend Sadie who he has been in a friendship with him for three years.
Despite trying not to be involved with females he finds himself propositioned by three girls in the space of a few days. First it is by the long legged black beauty Mandy Price, an artist. The following day it is by physiotherapist Terri Mason. Two days later he is caught in the web of his best pal's girlfriend, Debbie Greenwood.
Whilst playing in a cup Final Sean is knocked out, but later recovers. In the bar, his drink of orange squash is doctored and he loses consciousness. Sadie drives him home and removes his clothes before putting him to bed. Not realizing he is in the bathroom she walks in and sees him naked for the first time.
Stephen Talbot ends his relationship with Debbie Greenwood when he meets stunning hitchhiker Karen Steele. He persuades his father to employ her.
Kevin, Stephen's younger brother starts a relationship with Sean's sister Iris. Early in their relationship she goes with him on a business assignment to a country club. Neither of them are aware, it is a nudist retreat.
Sean introduces Debbie to his older brother Neil, a family doctor. She asks him to take her to a Charity fashion show where she is a model. The vicar has a nasty accident. A man in the audience offers a 1,000 to any model who would take off their bikini on stage. The following day Neil drives Debbie over to her parents house on Sunday after spending most of the night talking.
Within a week Sean and Debbie have indicated their feelings for each other and share another night of passion. Neil is under the impression he is still going out with Debbie.
Sean is a member of the Edgewarebury joggers club and helps to organise a camping trip.
Neil is called out to an emergency when a young couple get stuck together whilst making love.
Sean's and Stephen give chase when a car is stolen. They catch the thief who turns out to be a schoolboy and his young girlfriend.
Sadie hopes that the forthcoming assignment overseas with Sean will take their relationship beyond the platonic stage.
Zelda Whitways, is accused of murdering her former boyfriend solicitor Aubrey Cruxton. She is subjected to a harrowing experience at the police station. The charges are eventually dropped partly due to the intervention of her new boyfriend, Mark Morton.
Sean's mother invites Iris, Kevin, Sean, Sadie, Neil and Debbie to come to Bournemouth to meet her new boyfriend, Rupert, an American author. Illness prevents Sadie from going, and a medical emergency delays Neil.
Sadie's brother, Andrew a journalist returns from Israel and moves into a flat owned by Mandy. She ends her relationship with her boyfriend when she finds out he is gay, and moves back to her flat.
Sadie is almost raped by a friend of her cousin. Her brother and Sean take this rapist out to a nearby country park and give him a good hiding. Later he is struck by a car and killed. His body is thrown into the lake. Suspicion falls on Sean and Andrew. However a cheating wife and her lover are charged with the offence.
A bomb is planted on Mark's yacht. Fortunately Zelda and himself have just left the yacht in a dingy heading for a small deserted island, when the explosive device goes off and wrecks the yacht.
They are reported missing, believed dead. The day after the explosion, a married couple in a small boat see their smoke signal coming from the island, and rescue them.
An American couple who were filming in the yacht marina, obtained a video of the terrorists who planted the bomb.
Karen Steele goes to see her friend in a house where she used to liv

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Jan 20, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450006200

David Johns

The Author David Johns was a war baby born in London in 1942. A sports journalist for several newspapers from 1971 to1989. The former Editor of the Essex and Suffolk Herald, the London insider’s guide and currently the editor of the Tried and Trusted based in South Hertfordshire. He has 2 daughters and a grandson. Currently he shares his time between North London and South Hertfordshire. He is indebted to several people including his lady partner Roma for advice and editing of this novel. He has written and seen published a number of short stories in the UK and has a film script Cross and Star under consideration for British TV.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I’M AS STRONG AS AN OX IF NOT STRONGER

Sean Cork and Sadie Wilcox sat next to each other on the large sofa in Sean’s Edgware office. Of course I would like to do it—you know how much I enjoy it but I’m afraid it’s out of the question at present. Sadie exclaimed It’s sore and tender after this morning’s activity. I am sorry but in a couple of days’ time it will be O.K. Have you put anything on it? Sean slid his hand down her leg and remarked, Yes, it does feel swollen, but what I can’t understand is how you did it. I told you, I slipped when I tried to catch you up after you spurted ahead. Still, it’s done now and I’ll have to find another jogging partner until you’re fit. Sean paused. Grandfather wants to get that report out for your father, so he will probably do it before Church on Sunday. He works too hard you know Sean and, at his age, it’s not good for him. Don’t tell me. When Neil examined him the other day at his Colchester Surgery and told him to take things easier, he remonstrated with him, telling him he shouldn’t try to teach him how to suck eggs! Sadie laughed and patted Sean’s knee. Your brother must find it difficult being a doctor to him when he talks like that. Grandfather never did have any respect for doctors.

Their conversation was interrupted as Thomas Cork, Sean’s Grandfather, and a grey-haired Upright man of 83, walked into the office. Sean and Sadie noticed how flushed he looked. Are you alright Gramps? Of course, my boy. You worry too much. I’m as strong as an ox, if not stronger. now where did you put that Merger file. have you seen it? he asked, moving a number of documents aside on Sean’s desk. Sean opened the top drawer of his desk. Is this what you want, Gramps? he handed him a yellow file. Thomas frowned Yes. I wish you would put it back when you had finished with It. his voice sounded stern, then he smiled So, what are you two young things doing this weekend? Football, I suppose? Sean Replied It’s our last league match this Saturday and we only need a draw against Queensbury to be London Premier League Champions. And if you loose Thomas interrupted, Then Hackney take the league. I can’t see us losing, we beat Queensbury at their ground six nothing only a month ago, and all we need is a draw at home. After all, they are at the bottom of the pack and only won three times this season, all of them at home.

Sadie decided to leave the office. She knew that once Thomas and his grandson started talking sport it was inevitable that it would go on for a long time. She liked watching Sean play football for Hiliary United but it was boring for when he was talking about it for so long after the match reliving every move in the 90 minutes of play.

Sean, I must go now. I want to catch Thelma before she goes home. She gave Sean a peck on the forehead and Thomas touched his cheek with his first finger. What about my kiss then? He chuckled. Sadie smiled and kissed him where his finger had touched and she left the office.

Thomas sat down behind Sean’s desk. Is it four goals you need for your 50? Thomas Enquired. No, three. I was credited with two last week; the League awarded me the goal that Stephen Talbot claimed. It went in the goal off my hip. Stephen wasn’t too happy about it, but he agreed it was my final touch before it crossed the line. Well lad, if you score three more goals between tomorrow’s match and the Cup Final next weekend, I’ll give you five hundred pounds. The two men shook hands. Thomas adjusted his tie and left the office.

Sean lifted the phone and spoke to Parish Patel, his senior graphics artist. He was concerned that the mock-up proofs for his client in Birmingham were going to be ready by the end of the day. Sean, they will be sent off tonight by email and be on his pc first thing in the morning. Parish assured him. Sean seemed content with this answer, for Parish had never let him down in the past and, being sporting comrades at cricket, Sean knew he could depend on this man completely. He had several other ‘phone calls to make before he met Parish for lunch.

Saturday’s match turned out to be a formality as Hiliary won 6.0. Sean scored four of the goals and duly picked up the five hundred pounds that his grandfather had promised him and decided to treat Sadie to a meal in the city.

Chapter 2

ASHES TO ASHES, DUST TO DUST"

It was said of Thomas Cork that he had been an honest man all of his 83 Years. He had no intention of giving up his profession as a Marketing Consultant. However, in the end, his heart could not keep pace with his enthusiasm. His grandson, Sean, found him slumped over his desk at 8.35 on Monday morning, the 4th of May 2009. The Doctor confirmed that Thomas Cork Esq. had died on Sunday morning, the 3rd of May 2009 of a severe heart attack.

Sean’s own father had died in a tragic boating accident a few years earlier on Lake Coniston in Cumbria. This had catapulted Sean into the family firm at the age of 25, which prevented him from completing his Masters Degree in Media studies.

Sean was a muscular man of six foot, with a shock of thick black curly hair, bronze skin and deep blue eyes. He was considered to be attractive to many ladies, from eighteen to 80. He had a preference for sport, and not ladies, so for those that had captivated his attention were to realize where his priorities lay. He always told them that he was not interested in a regular relationship. In the three years since his father’s death, several ladies had propositioned him. None had made sufficient impact to seduce him away from his fanatical love of sport and dedication to career. He had only been in love once, or so he thought, with a girl called Sally Waterman who he met at University. When he left this institution the relationship ended.

On the 6th of May 2009, seventy-four mourners gathered at the late Thomas Cork’s House in Stanmore, to pay their last respects. A cortège of fourteen cars proceeded from his home to St Paul’s and St Peter’s Parish Church, Stanmore. It was a solemn affair. Sean, his brother Neil and sister Iris, travelled in the hearse. Amongst the other relatives were Sean’s Uncles Seamus and Patrick, his Aunts Lillian and Gladys. Cousins Penny, Rupert, Matthew, Mark, Sinead and Benjamin. A number of Thomas’s clients and personal friends were also in the congregation: Edgar Talbot and his two sons; Stephen and Kevin; George Wilcox and his daughter Sadie; Theo Blackfast; Yugen Heinzon; Henry Ogden; Paul McGinnis and Samuel Cohen to name but a few. The Parish priest, Father Gerald Walker, conducted the service. He spoke of Thomas’s generosity to the local community, his regular attendance at the Church and his dedication to his grandchildren after his eldest son, Stanley, had been killed in Cumbria. The service was short and there were a few tears were shed, as the Priest quoted the words Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. He paused May the soul of Thomas Patrick Cork rest in peace.

Back at Thomas’s former home, a firm of caterers had supplied a cold buffet and drinks. The guests mingled. Kevin Talbot was in brief conversation with Iris Cork. Neil was talking to Kevin’s brother Stephen, whilst Sadie was giving her condolences to Sean. Edgar Talbot and George Wilcox were sharing an anecdote, whilst Sean’s mother Julie was talking with Sean’s cousins, Mark and Sinead. It was half past two in the afternoon when the last guests left the house.

The following morning, the Estate Agents came to the house to cover the furniture in Dust cloths. It would remain empty for a period of three months and then be sold, the proceeds of the sale to be divided between his immediate families.

Chapter 3

"WELL DARLING,

SO WHEN SHALL WE BE ONE"

The five foot six inch raven-haired girl with brown eyes, an ample breast and a dark natural skin was the only girl who could come close to penetrating Sean’s armour. Sadie Wilcox had not won his heart yet, but she would be patient, as all good things come to those who wait, she convinced herself. She had been Sean’s constant companion over the last three years, though purely platonic and linked to the Media business, in which both were employed. She worked for a firm of publicity consultants of which her father was the Principal. Introduced into the media world at the age of 21, when her older brother Michael left the family firm to marry his Argentinian bride, and went to live with her parents on a ranch one hundred miles from Buenos Aires. Andrew, her other brother two years her senior, was a freelance writer and, for the past two years, was living in Israel, coming home at unexpected intervals for a few weeks at a time. Her mother had been on holiday in Israel in the latter part of 1986 and was one of seventeen victims killed by the bomb left in the Moshe Hotel in Bethlehem.

Sadie had been devastated since, being the youngest and the only daughter; she was very close to her Mother. She had been out in Israel at the time but was not in the hotel. Her brothers and Father had stayed in England. The funeral had taken place in Bethlehem and the rest of her family came over for the burial.

Sean’s Secretary Tamara had only just left the office to go to lunch, when the phone Rang. He answered it. Good afternoon. Cork marketing and Advertising, can I help you? Hi Sean, it’s Sadie. Dad wants to discuss the merger with you. Just a minute, I’ll check my diary . . . He flicked through his computer calendar and exclaimed, I’m free tomorrow morning at eleven, is that O.K.? Yes, that’s fine, retorted Sadie. Checking her father’s computer diary. In Dad’s office, O.K.!

George Wilcox had contemplated the merger of his business with Thomas Cork’s for some time. Sean’s grandfather had only spoken of this reality just three weeks before his untimely demise. It made sense now, as George was an entrepreneur when it came to business administration. Sean realized this attribute would benefit him, since he liked to concentrate all his efforts on the practical side of the business, meetings and negotiations with clients, as well as his avid sporting interest. administration was hardly Sean’s forte.

George Wilcox, a thick set man in his early fifties, leaned back in his office chair, whilst His secretary Trudy lit his large cigar and he blew the smoke towards the ceiling. Looking into Sean’s face, he explained Well Sean, all that remains now is to have your solicitor look over the contract and, if he and you are satisfied, we can sign the documents just as soon as you like.

Both men stood up to shake hands, Sean tucked the contract into his briefcase, and he thanked Trudy for opening the door to the outer office. Sadie was on the ’phone at her desk and looked up and smiled. Wait a minute, Sean, I’ll be with you in a minute. He seated himself on the sofa underneath the window and glanced through a magazine. Meanwhile Sadie had finished her ’phone call and slid onto the sofa next to him, giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek. Well darling, so when shall we be ‘one’. Sean sensed the double meaning of the statement and retorted with a grin If my solicitor agrees with all the clauses there’s no reason for any delay. They departed together from the office where they intended to have luncheon at the Fisheries in Elstree; just ten minutes drive from the Edgware office.

Sadie looked upon their relationship as developing. They had enjoyed the occasional Cuddle together and dancing cheek-to-cheek on the dance floor but no other initiative towards a commitment had been made. Sean, on the other hand, enjoyed her company on assignments and occasional dates, but romance of a permanent nature was far from his thoughts. They had much in common, same age group and enjoyed sporting activities. The underlining factor was their different backgrounds. Sean was a Christian, Sadie a Jew. Both observing the their faiths. If there were to be a stronger relationship between them, the religious differences would have to be overcome.

The Fisheries was rather busy that Friday afternoon of the 7th May 2008, but having booked their table, they were seated close to the window and were able to look out over the Elstree Lake and to observe about a dozen yachts, each plying for the wind to circumnavigate this water. I’m having cod and chips, darling, whispered Sadie I think I’ll have the same. Chuckled Sean. They were seated opposite each other in the tightly packed restaurant. To the observant onlooker it was obvious that Sadie was mesmerised by Sean. After they had completed their lunch Sean drove Sadie back to her office. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She walked away from the car and didn’t look back as Sean drove off. He was on his way to his 4.30 pm appointment with Edgar Talbot the M.D. of the Multi-International, Talbot Construction Ltd.

Chapter 4

HIS HANDS GENTLY CARESSING

HER NAKED BODY

Sean joined the M1 at Borehamwood and within ten minutes he had parked his BMW in The vast car park outside the prestigious office of Talbot Construction. He walked into the reception area and was greeted by Zelda Whitways, Edgar’s Personal Secretary, a 32-year-old six-foot brunette, green eyes, slim legs with her hair in a pony tail. She had always harboured a secret desire to bed Sean ever since she first met him two years ago, when he came to the office with his late grandfather. Hello Sean, nice to see you again. Have you come to see Edgar she smiled. Zelda had been Edgar’s Secretary and Confidant for almost eleven years and, on overseas trips, would be his constant companion. Edgar was a tall man of six foot two inches with grey receding hair and a weather-beaten face, cool grey calculating eyes and a very down to earth natural ambience. As Sean entered the room he stood up, walked from behind his desk and extended his hand to him. Clasping it firmly and covering it with the other—Pleased to see you my boy he paused We will miss your grandfather and his sincerity. He released his hand. He gestured to him to be seated in the plush settee underneath the large picture-frame window overlooking the countryside to the west of Watford. Edgar spoke into his office intercom. Come in Zelda and call the boys. A few minutes later his two sons, Stephen the elder and Kevin the younger walked into the office accompanied by Zelda. Both were tall with dark hair. They seated themselves on the reclining armchairs, whilst Zelda joined Sean on the settee, nudging up close to him, she could feel his presence was having an effect on her hormones. Now was not the time to loose control. She imagined she was being embraced by Sean with his lips pressed against hers and she running her hands through his thick black hair. His hands were gently caressing her naked body.

Zelda’s daydream was shattered by Edgar’s voice. Now, Sean, your grandfather has handled our marketing programme for over twenty years in a very reliable fashion but in this modern day and age we need a new image. That is why we are looking to you for a new direction for our marketing programme. Sean shifted somewhat uneasily as Zelda opened her notebook to record in shorthand the entire contents of this meeting. He started to explain the new approach for the client’s new image, uneasy at first but noticing how absorbed Edgar was, he continued with growing confidence.

Thirty-five minutes of constructive intercourse took place before Sean stated So you agree with my idea of a calendar then. Of course my boy Edgar beamed, It’s an Absolutely super idea, and we should be able to provide at least twelve photographs of Constructions that we have undertaken worldwide. New photographs taken professionally? Interrupted Sean. Yes of course Sean, with perhaps a beautiful girl in each, to give it a bit of sex appeal. Will they be naked Dad? chuckled Kevin Definitely not! snapped Edgar, We have the reputation of the Company to uphold and I wouldn’t like to upset the ladies who have shares in the company. Dad interrupted Stephen We don’t have any lady shareholders, apart from Mother. Edgar grunted as Kevin took from his briefcase a glossy calendar produced for the Zap Hygiene Company. This is last year’s calendar produced for a cleaning company in the north of England. As you can see he explained, turning over the pages, Each of these pictures has a semi-naked female in the forefront of a Zap product. He passed this sample calendar to his father and withdrew another one from his briefcase, from the Bakerloo Insurance Company. This also contains pictures of the female sex, somewhat scantily attired. This was also passed to his father. Edgar studied both, before he remarked, Well, Sean, what do you think. Is it a good idea to use semi-naked females to promote our construction company? Sean took both calendars from Edgar and perused them before passing them on to Stephen, who was hovering close by. Zelda chuckled, having shared the view of the calendars over Sean’s shoulder, Suggested, Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a couple of hunky men in the pictures, after all they have sex appeal for women! She paused and grinned, Perhaps Stephen would like to show off his muscular frame He grunted So I have an athletic body the same as Kevin and Sean, but I don’t want to flaunt it. Zelda touched Sean on the knee What about you I don’t know, I have posed before. It was a woman’s magazine . . . . A long time ago in my uni-days, but I don’t think I could do it now. Ouch. said Zelda What was the name of the magazine I . . . . think it was called um er ‘4 U Ladies’, but that was four years ago replied Sean. Have you still got a copy? asked Zelda condescendingly. Edgar coughed loudly. I think this conversation is getting out of hand and the deviation is achieving nothing. interjected Edgar standing up and taking the calendars from Stephen and slamming them down on his desk. Well lads it’s time we were off. I am going to leave Sean and Zelda to go over the proposals and look at the constructions we have completed. He coughed. Try and select twelve, one for each month of 2010. Both sons followed their father out of the office. Sean stood up, Zelda smiled at him. Give me a hand please she insisted extending her Hand. Sean obliged, she fell into his arms, entwined her arms around his neck and gave him no alternative but for him to kiss her. She made certain that the grip on the back of his neck was firm enough to retain his head and for their lips to be sealed for more than just a peck. Sean’s hands slid down her hips and squeezed her bottom through her short black skirt. Zelda looked at Sean with glazed eyes, her imagination was getting the better of her, but how she wished it were true. Sean, having helped her up from the settee, noted how dazed she looked Are you alright Zelda? she returned to the real world with a shake of her head. Yes I was deep in thought. She had missed her opportunity to taste his lips and had to be satisfied, that at least she held his hand. Zelda was anxious to have a lover like Sean in her life, even though four years her junior. Being Edgar’s Secretary and occasional sleeping partner was without a future. Edgar was married albeit to Julie, an alcoholic. She was having serious misgivings about her unreliable boyfriend Aubrey Croxton, who was always making excuses for standing her up on dates. She had been married but lost her husband in a motor accident four years ago. She wanted a ‘real man’ to give her children. Kevin was a distinct possibility but, for all his macho ways, his affections she thought were more for masculine company. This Zelda had discovered when she accidentally eavesdropped on a private telephone conversation between him and another man. Endearments to this man were given a warm reciprocal response from Kevin. She had been out with Stephen on more than a couple of occasions but there was no kindle of affection, despite having spent an evening of passion with him two summers ago, when he was in between girlfriends. It was purely sexual.

The late Thomas Cork, on only very rare occasions brought Sean to the Talbot building. Zelda remembered all these occasions including the very first time, three years ago, when he was 22 and she has been introduced to him: she remembered how her legs had turned to jelly. On every subsequent occasion her secret desire for him became more and more powerful and she was uninhibited in her provision of signals to that effect. Unfortunately, Sean was not reading them—perhaps she thought the age difference was the reason for his lack of interest.

Sean and Zelda perused through the photographs of the previous work carried out by Talbot Construction. Zelda realized that this was the first time in three years she had actually been alone with him in the same room. Now was her chance to see if he was interested in her as a person. Caution to the wind, now or never she thought, I will photocopy a selection of all the construction sites and you can study them at your leisure. suggested Zelda. That’s a super idea, then Sadie and I can decide which of the sites we will use. Zelda was convinced that Sadie and Sean were not in a serious relationship. From the occasion she had seen them together, they behaved more like brother and sister.

Look! interjected Zelda I can help you select the sites. I’ve been to see all of them With Edgar over the last ten years. All of them, Zelda? he queried Yes, all 186, to be precise. she exclaimed. Well, Zelda I need to spend some time with you, to call on your expertise. How would you like to join me for a meal on Monday night, when we can discuss this further? Zelda’s wish had come true, a chance to impress Sean. Yes, I’d like that very much, Sean. she smiled. Where shall I pick you up? he asked. 36 lower Road Edgware she responded. Is 7.30 pm convenient? he enquired.

Zelda’s relationship with solicitor Aubrey Croxton was definitely off. He had ’phoned her At 11 pm Friday night, to offer another excuse as to why he had not kept their date for that evening. I left the office early, Zelda, and one of my customers wanted to talk business and before I knew the time, it was gone ten and too late to . . . Zelda curtailed the rest of this pathetic excuse by pulling the plug out of the wall socket. She was furious and began to wonder what on earth she saw in this unreliable person. One day she would give him his marching orders instead of cutting off the conversation by pulling the plug. She chuckled to herself. I’d like to cut something else off! She had convinced herself she was only staying with him until something better came along and she hoped it would be Sean.

Sean slipped out of his clothes and fastened a towel around him. He went into the Bathroom. Just as he stepped into the shower the doorbell rang. Clasping the towel to his waist, he went to open the door. Sadie was standing there dressed in tennis whites. She swept in. Hi Sean, I booked a squash court at the club to play Thelma, but she’s not feeling well, touch of the flue, I think, so I thought you and I could play. she suggested as she threw herself down on the sofa. Kicking off her shoes before laying full stretch, her hands tucked behind her head. Sean walked towards her with a nonchalant grin on his face, pushed her legs gently up the settee and sat down. His attention was drawn to an item of sports news on the TV. Sadie placed her legs on his lap so that it caused Sean’s towel to slide away from his groin. He pulled the towel back, and continued to watch the screen. When the item of news had finished, he lifted up Sadie’s feet and lowered them to the floor. He then stood up to re-fasten the towel, looked at the clock on the mantelpiece, indicating five minutes to seven Well, if you want me to play squash with you, I suppose I’d better put some clothes on. he suggested, departing into the bedroom. Sadie replaced her feet on the sofa and waited.

Her relationship with Sean was good but, as she kept telling herself, it was more fitting for a brother and sister. There had been occasions on the dance floor when their closeness cheek to cheek should have fired passion, but it didn’t. Sadie thought it might be their different religions that prevented the fuse of romance lighting. Perhaps his masculinity was not turned on by her femininity. Although their business association took them on assignments together, they had never spent any time away, overnight. She wanted to contrive a plan that involved them being away together from Edgware, for at least a week. It might be just what was needed to trigger off a serious romance with no sporting distractions to spoil this endeavour.

Chapter 5

SHE HAD NOTICED HIS UNCIRCUMCISED MANHOOD

Sean was dressed in white shorts and shirt underneath his Black track suit, which he peeled off before entering the Squash court. It was inevitable that Sadie at seven and half stone, and Five foot six inches was no match for the six foot Muscular thirteen stone of Sean. Despite playing her best, She lost all three sets, 20-3 20-1 and 20-4. It was not Important for her to win because she enjoyed playing with Sean.

Music played gently in the club bar as Sean and Sadie Sipped their soft drinks under the setting sun of a Moderate May evening, overlooking the Welsh Harp Reservoir. Sadie invited Sean back to her flat for a nightcap, but Could not be persuaded to stay long. He had insisted that He was tired after the game of squash, and wanted an early Night. Saturday morning at 11-am he would be playing in The Soccer Cup Final Match for Hiliary United against Hither well Athletic. The adrenaline was flowing in abundance as Hiliary United F C arrived at the Emirates Stadium, home of the mighty Arsenal Football Club. This was the stage of the London Intermediate Cup Final.

In the two league meetings during the present Season, they Had soundly beaten Hitherwell at their home ground, five To nothing, but were held to a goal less draw away at Their ground. The atmosphere was electric, with several thousand fans Supporting this local Harrow derby. Hiliary United were in Red shirts and white shorts. Hitherwell, green tops and Black shorts. Both teams were introduced to Mayor Boris Johnson of London and The Secretary of the London League prior to the kick off. Sadie, a fan of Hilary United F.C. had been a regular Spectator at almost all the home games and every cup-tie. It was fitting therefore that she should be among the team Supporters for the highlight of their season. Already Champions elect of the London Premier Division, a victory Over Hitherwell would give them the league and cup. Athletic won the toss of the coin and elected to kick off. Sean playing up front as the Number 9 was partnered by Charlie Wise on the left and Sidney Cohen on the right.

Within the first minute Cohen had tested the Athletic Keeper with a low shot that he did well to parry out to Sean’s left, where he quickly dispossessed the lanky Opposition defender Greg Clarke, to flick the ball against The post and into the safe arms of the Hitherwell goal Keeper, Glen Harper. Athletic were quick to counter attack and only deft defending from Steven Talbot in the heart of The defence saved face at what could have been the opening Goal for Hitherwell. Sweat and toil for both sides Maintained the ball play in the centre of the park until Two minutes from the interval, when