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He calmed down to a degree, but he was still twitching. ‘Has it gone?’
‘It’s gone,’ she said, depositing the spider on the floor. ‘Panic over.’
He swiped at his face. ‘I can’t stand creepy-crawlies.’
‘You don’t say?’
‘Have you seen enough? Shall we head upstairs?’ He was already backing towards the stairwell.
‘Of course.’ She followed him over to the steps. ‘Now I know where the cellar is, I can arrange a proper valuation. Thanks for showing me around.’
‘No problem.’ He flinched when something touched his hair. ‘After you.’
Kate headed up the steps, relieved that whatever had been crackling away between them had disappeared… courtesy of an interloping spider.
Chapter Ten
Wednesday, 8thDecember
As a footballer, Calvin was used to being at the receiving end of a team talk. Whether it was an analysis of a training session, or a half-time bollocking from the manager when the team were 3-0 down, he’d accept what was thrown at him – including a football boot once. It didn’t matter whether you agreed with what was being said, or not. You learnt to keep your mouth shut, accept criticism and, crucially, never answer back.
But he wasn’t used to leading the team. Or, in this case, the staff and residents of a care home. He’d never made captain at Leeds Park United, and although he’d tried to set a good example on the pitch, he’d never been the one formally at the helm. Until now.
He’d arranged this morning’s meeting because decisions needed to be made about the care home’s finances. And unlike football management, this required a collaborative approach. He wasn’t equipped to make these decisions by himself.
All eyes were fixed on him as he stood by the dining-room doorway, his eager audience awaiting news of the future of the care home. He was feeling the pressure.
He’d scheduled the meeting first thing after breakfast, so Natalie could be included before she clocked off from her night shift. Her eyes were already drifting shut, not helped by Jacob asleep in her arms, willing his mum to join him in a nap.
The rest of the group were seated at small tables around the dining room, including Kate and Alex, who’d been persuaded to attend in case there were any questions that Calvin couldn’t answer. They looked as apprehensive as he did.
He took a mouthful of water and cleared his throat. ‘Thanks for coming, everyone. I wanted to give you an update on the care home’s financial situation and allow you the opportunity to contribute to any discussions about what happens next. We currently have just over forty grand available to spend, which I’m proposing—’
‘Where money come from?’ Hanna’s loud voice overrode his.
He looked over to see her scowling, her arms folded across her chest, her black eyeliner emphasising her steely glare.
Thankfully, he’d anticipated this question. ‘I’ve been able to free up some funds ahead of probate being granted,’ he said, unwilling to admit he’d resorted to cashing in his own personal shares in a Leeds-based clothing company, much against the advice of his accountant.
He tried not to catch Kate’s eye, since he knew she would also be puzzled as to where the money had come from. But this was his decision, and he hadn’t felt comfortable letting things carry on as they were.
‘If money available, why not do it before?’ Hanna looked daggers at him. ‘Why wait until desperate times? You see how we suffer.’ She gestured to the group, emphasising her point.
‘The money has only just become available, Hanna. I assure you, if I’d had it any sooner, I would’ve told you. The question is, what do we do now we have it?’
‘Pay staff,’ Hanna said, as if it was obvious.
‘I agree. But there’s not enough to pay ongoing salaries, only the backdated pay owed for the last six months.’
‘But not next month? Or month after?’ Hanna’s voice went up a notch. ‘How we supposed to live?’ She switched her glare in Alex’s direction. ‘Don’t tell me rubbish about getting good deal staying here. Not good deal. Verybaddeal.’
Alex cowered in his chair and tried to hide behind Kate, who didn’t look any more comfortable than he did.
‘It’s better than nothing,’ Natalie chipped in, rocking Jacob. ‘I’d be very grateful to receive the money. Thank you, Calvin.’
Hanna raised her shoulders at Natalie, as if to say,whatever.
Calvin took a sip of water. ‘That leaves us with approximately fifteen grand. I’d suggest we use twelve grand to clear the care home debts, pay this year’s business rates and settle outstanding bills with our local suppliers in the village. I don’t want to stretch their goodwill any further and risk them stopping supplying us.’
