Chapter 9

After the consultation, Ian Ventham feels confident that The Woodlands redevelopment is secure. Ron's outburst at the meeting has not worried him, and Ian assumes the priest he noticed was only concerned about the cemetery. Ian also reassures himself that although Tony Curran was angry about being dismissed, Tony did not kill him, so Ian sees himself as ahead.

Ian turns his attention to the next phase of expansion, Hillcrest, which would double the size of Coopers Chase and greatly increase his profits. He drives to Karen Playfair's cottage because Karen's father, Gordon, owns farmland adjoining Coopers Chase, land Ian needs for the development.

Karen tells Ian that Gordon still refuses to sell and suggests that Gordon simply dislikes Ian. Gordon has already avoided Ian by going upstairs, but Ian dismisses the refusal as another example of people failing to understand him. Karen promises to keep trying to persuade Gordon, and Ian believes she is a better route to the land than her sister and brother-in-law, whom he has already failed to convince.

During the meeting, Ian judges Karen condescendingly while also calculating how to use her. Ian thinks Karen understands the financial benefit she could gain if Gordon sells, and Ian is willing to flirt with her if it helps secure Hillcrest. The conversation ends with a handshake and a plan of action, leaving Ian focused on expanding Coopers Chase and keeping all future profits now that Tony is out of the way.