The result of the inquest, from Jack's perspective, was
reasonable. The Coroner had concluded that Jack and his team had carried out
all reasonable precautions and with the exception of some minor transgressions
had acquitted themselves well. Additionally the steps taken following the
accident and the degree of co-operation shown to the various agencies all
contributed to the conclusion that the man had died in spite of, not because
of, the company's efforts. The 'Accidental Death' verdict sent a wave of relief
through several persons attending, although it wasn't a universally popular
decision, especially with the family of the dead man.
Jack and Alan made their way outside of the Council Hall as
rapidly as decorum would allow. Jack was being pulled back to discuss the case
by his boss who, obviously relieved at the verdict, insisted on what Jack
considered inappropriate back slapping. It did, however, give him the
opportunity to arrange some short notice leave with the managing director.
'Sure thing, Jack. You've done a sterling job over the last
few weeks and lets be honest, if the verdict had gone the other way then I
would have been looking at letting you go for an extended period,' he replied,
tactlessly. Jack thanked him and made his way to Karen to try and get a update
on what had happened when she had left the hall with John and together they
made their way outside.
Alan also had a few conversations to partake in before he
could leave. Firstly, the Coroner wanted to discuss Alan's behaviour at the
start of the inquest, then some of the relatives of the dead man button-holed
him. When he got outside he found Jack and Karen in deep conversation. Quickly,
Karen updated Alan on what she had just told Jack.
'So, can we trust this man?' he asked. Karen nodded.
'I think so, he intercepted me on my way in and explained
that he agreed with us that John was getting a rough deal and although he was a
part of the problem, so to speak, he wanted to try and redress the situation.
There was something in his voice and his manner that makes me want to believe.
Also, when we were in the side room he could have alerted his people. I
couldn't see any gain in his actions unless he was genuine. To tell the truth,
I don't see that we had any other options. The state John Staples was in, I
wouldn't have wanted to be responsible for him on my own, plus I reckon that if
I hadn't returned when I did then that little shit over there would have been
on his trail a long time ago,' Karen said, nodding at Martin, who was speaking
frantically on his mobile phone, with Sam and the stranger stood alongside
openly looking at Karen, Jack and Alan. Jack spoke.
'Judging by the looks on their faces, they aren't too happy
with the situation,' he said, reaching for his own mobile phone, switching it
on to review any messages. 'How are we going to get in contact with this guy,'
he asked. Karen remembered writing her phone number down on the piece of paper
and retrieved her phone from her handbag.
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Copyright Ray Sullivan 2011
The characters, places and events described in this novel are fictitious and any resemblance to persons, places or events, past or present, is coincidence. All rights reserved
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