William David - ForceNet

“No problem,” I had said, “but Alec would like our Financial Director Bill Williams to come as well, I assume that is OK?”

“Fine,” she responded, “see you at 12.30.”

I asked June to find Alec and give him the message and to organise a taxi to get us to the Blue Parrot.

The Blue Parrott is one of the oldest pubs in Bristol, with a history going back as far as the 17th century. It has a pleasant restaurant, and the advantage that the seating is arranged in booths that permit private conversations.

When we got there, Lucy was waiting for us in the bar with two gentlemen. The first was tall with dark hair and I recognised him from the company publicity blurb as the CEO of Dalrymple, Mark Winter; the other was a much shorter pugnacious looking individual whom I did not recognise but turned out to be Dalrymple’s CFO. After the introductions were complete and drinks ordered, we were led through to our table.

Once settled and a few pleasantries exchanged Lucy started the ball rolling.

“I am glad you gentlemen have an opportunity to meet, I think you could have a lot in common. It is appreciated that this is just an exploratory meeting but it is my belief, and that of my colleague Ron Armstrong, that there are a lot of potential synergies between your two companies. Control Networks are strong in the UK, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa while Dalrymple has a very strong presence in North and South America, but particularly with the Pentagon in the US. S o you have complementary market strengths and with similar product and technology assets, working together in some way could be beneficial for all shareholders.”

Bill Williams interrupted at this point. “Alec I think we need to remind everyone here that our stock goes public on Thursday of this week so we are not in a position to have any meaningful discussions which should be declared to the market. This session can only be a get to know you session and should I suggest be limited to that and an exchange of general information on where each company stands and is heading.”

“I regret that Bill is right Lucy, we need to be very careful. It is of course good to have the opportunity to meet but we need to keep it general. Mark, how about giving us a rundown on the history of Dalrymple, and maybe I could then do the same for Control Networks.”

“OK,” said Mark, “I fully understand the delicacy of your position.”

The lunch conversation then proceeded on that basis and it turned out to be pleasant enough. When it finally broke up, we had all got to some extent to know our opposite numbers and we invited them to come and see us at the office when they were next in town.

Alec had a quiet word with Lucy on the way out. “Sorry if that did not quite go the way you wanted Lucy, but I did warn Ron that meaningful discussions would not be possible.”

“That’s OK Alec, thanks for finding the time at what I know is a very busy period for you. I still think that having this meeting was worthwhile.”

“One final thing,” Alec said taking Lucy to one side, “are you aware that Dalrymple and Mendip Finance may, in the murky entrails of their ownership structure, have common ownership?”

“No, I wasn't, that is interesting. Why would they want to invest in you if they already have links to one of your big competitors?

“It can't be that they need us to fund them, I suspect the rumours may be right and they have a product development/technology problem going forward.”

“Well, that gives us something to think about, in the meantime we have at least broken the ice, and next time, if there is a next time, we can get in to more substantive issues.”

“Good luck for Thursday.” She said as she joined the Dalrymple guys in a taxi.

Back at the office I filled Alec in on the events of the last 24 hours. “Now I just hope they will release Adrian and we will hear from him soon.”

There was however no news and Thursday arrived. The brokers advised that the issue had been substantially over subscribed and they were accepting subscriptions for up to another 10 % of our shares as agreed.

A successful day and champagne was broken out in abundance. All staff joined the party that went on until the early evening.

No news however on Adrian and I tried to call Naismith, but no luck. Lloyd called to ask if I had news and when I said no he was quiet on the other end of the phone.

“This is proving difficult, ” he eventually said. “We have no real evidence as to who was involved in his abduction or where he is. Other than the initial response reporting the incident of him being taken from the car, and the recovery of your car from the Feeder, there has been no further public information. I am not sure what we can do at this stage, but let's stay in contact daily.”

“OK.”

The following day at the office I received a call from Nicolas Ridley at the MoD. I was surprised because while he had spoken to Alec prior to our first meeting with his people, I had never spoken to him.

“ Mr Lever, I wanted to talk privately with you, I wonder if we could meet? I am currently in Bristol for a couple of days staying at the Marriott; perhaps we could meet there?

“Do you have news of my brother?”

“I think we need to talk face to face, perhaps even this evening? About 6pm in the foyer?”

“Alright, I will see you then.”

At the same time Naismith dropped in to Dawson ’s office, to see his PA, Anne, whom he secretly fancied.

“Martin Lever has been calling you.”

“Well I don't want to talk to him at the moment, where's the boss?”

“He's gone,” she said.

“Gone! Gone where?”

“Just g one, and rumoured never to be coming back. The grapevine says he has been posted to East Timor! Seems to have really blotted his copy book this time.”

“Well it couldn't have happened to a more deserving bloke! Fancy a drink after work to celebrate. I have been posted to London to join the big boys with immediate effect so two things to celebrate.

“Yes OK,” she smiled.

I walked in to the Marriott at dead on 6pm. As I did so a tall guy in a leather jacket approached, “ Mr Lever?”

“Yes.”

“Can you follow me please, Mr Ridley is waiting for you.”

We took the lift to the third floor and knocked on one of the bedroom doors. He then unlocked the door and we both entered.

He then turned, “before we go any further Mr Lever I have to scan you for recording devices. A routine precaution, I hope you don't mind,” at which point he took a small box from his coat pocket and scanned me front and rear.

He then led the way through a connecting door in to a large suite. As we entered a man in a blue pin stripe suit walked up to us, “ Mr Lever,” he said proffering a hand. “Please excuse those little theatrics, but I am afraid one has to take precautions these days. My name is Ridley. Thank you for coming, why don't we take a seat over here in the corner.” We sat down in armchairs arranged in a small group in the corner.

“Can I offer you some tea or coffee, we have both here, or something a little stronger perhaps? Scotch?”

“A mineral water would be fine if you have it.”

He got up and poured himself a cup of tea, and retrieved a mineral water from the fridge beneath the bar for me.

“I think we will be alright now Jack,” he said to the guy who had escorted me upstairs and who then left the room.

“I am pleased we could get the chance to talk.”

“Have you got news of my brother?”

“Maybe, that's what I wanted to talk to you about?

“ Mr Ridley, who exactly are you?” I said somewhat exasperated, “Alec was under the impression that you are with the Ministry of Defence, is that the case?”