Read Online Survival of Thomas Ford, The by John A. A. Logan - Free Book Online

say? Well, Dr Nissen, do you mind if I call back in ten minutes? Sorry, but I have to take care of some business. Please delay your plans until I call you back in ten minutes, alright Dr Nissen? Thank you.”
    Jack terminated the call without waiting for the doctor’s reply.
    He sniffed and reached for the photo of Farrah. He looked at her blue eyes again, longingly. He leaned forward, his gut getting in the way as he tried to reach the dashboard. He pulsed his weight forward twice, then gripped his wallet, put the photo away safe.
    Jack entered the house by the door from the garage, walked through the hall, turned right into his study/office.
    On the desk, he grabbed the array of contact cards in their plastic green case.
    He flipped through, looking for R.
    When he saw Radthammon’s address and number, he dialled.
    The phone rang four times then Dr Radthammon answered.
    “It’s McCallum here. Listen…”
    “No, Mr McCallum, you listen! Do you know where I am? This is a great coincidence sir, because I am at the site of my house you are building for me. But you, sir, you are not here evidently. You are never here when I come, are you Mr McCallum?”
    Jack sighed.
    “Don’t worry about the build, Doctor. It’s perfectly under control. My foreman, Lanski, has it fully in hand, and I’m there very regularly, I assure you.”
    “Well…”
    “Anyway, Dr Radthammon, I called because I need you to do me a favour, at the hospital.”
    “The hospital?”
    “Yes. There’s been some sort of scene there with my boy, Jimmy. Do you know a Dr Nissen?”
    “Yes. He is a psychiatrist.”
    “Well, Dr Radthammon, that silly wee bugger Jimmy must have gotten up to something there today. I just had a call from Nissen and he is all set on getting Jimmy Sectioned right now. I told him I’d call back in ten minutes. He said he won’t proceed until then.”
    “Well, Mr McCallum, I cannot interfere with the clinical findings of a man like Dr Nissen. In fact…”
    “Radthammon, I’m going to build you a good house. You’ll be able to rely on the work being done well and on schedule.”
    “I appreciate that, Mr McCallum.”
    “No, I don’t think you do, Dr Radthammon. I’ve got your deposit. My boys have laid the foundations for a fine house. I know what you earn and what the plot already cost you, doctor. Even on your salary, I know you’re stretched now. You can’t afford any big problems with this house, Dr Radthammon.”
    “Mr McCallum, are you threatening me?”
    Jack didn’t answer. He let the silence build up on the line. When the doctor spoke again, it was in a new tone.
    “McCallum, in my country Radthammon is a name to be feared. My family are not spoken to in this way, not anywhere, not by anyone. I will take you to Court for my deposit and I will transfer the work to another building firm by noon on Friday of this week. Good-day…”
    Jack licked his lips.
    “Radthammon, you don’t understand the position you’re in. You don’t know who I am and you don’t know how this city works. I can have you blacklisted in this city. No builder, no labourer, no architect will touch your house. Now, get my boy home for his supper, before his mum knows where he’s been, or I’ll have those Poles pour fucking battery acid, toxic waste, atomic fuel rod leftovers, oil, piss, paraffin, all over the foundations of your beautiful house, doctor, and the land around it. Then no-one will be able to build a house there for a hundred years, Radthammon, whether your name is to be feared or not, ok doc? Cheers.”
    Jack cut the call off and sat down in the big leather chair. He tapped his fingers against his forehead, rhythmically. Cathy appeared in the doorway.
    “Who was that on the phone?” she said.
    “That Dr Radthammon. He’s worried about his house.”
    “That’s a beautiful spot he got for it, Jack. That view.”
    “Aye.”
    “I’m worried about Jimmy,” said Cathy.
    “He’ll be alright,” said Jack.

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