This is a bridge between the two stories
All for One and The Hunt
The Hunt
Chapter One
The plane landed just after dark at Washington's Executive airport. Heading from Gerald's private jet they passed a group of men in dark suits and headsets.
"Isn't that…? but before Mike could ask Gerald interrupted him.
"Careful, if we don't see them, they won't see us, if you get my drift?"
With that they headed over to the limo waiting for them.
No one knew what Gerald did for a living but it was obvious that he did very well at it. He had the taste of someone who was used to luxuries, and didn't mind sharing that with his friends.
"Ah Gerald, I'm not sure the agency can afford all of this." Vicky said as she pointed at the plane and limo.
"Not to worry, consider this whole trip as out wedding present to you both." He said as his driver opened the door for them all. "After all you're family now and Coreen and I insist. Thank you Beckett, you know where we're staying."
"Yes sir" and with that he got behind the wheel. Beckett was Gerald's driver as well as all around assistant. About 6ft tall, he was nearing 40 but looked 30, and was built like a brick. A good man to have around in a fight, Vicky thought. All Gerald had to do was tell him what he wanted and Beckett made it happen.
"Where are we staying?" Katherine asked.
"The Willard of course, I always stay there when I'm in Washington, don't you Henry?"
Gerald replied.
"Yes, but I haven't been here for years" Henry had stayed at the Willard many times over the past couple hundred years actually. The first time was just before the Willard brothers purchased the old inn in 1850.
"I usually stay in one of the suites but thought you might prefer something a little more low key for this trip, I want us to be comfortable of course but don't want to draw too much attention, until we are ready. So I've reserved some adjoining rooms. If that's alright, of course?"
"That sounds wonderful, thank you." Vicky said. It was much more than she was used too. Vicky had heard that the Willard was considered the 'Jewel of Pennsylvania Ave" and was the unofficial center of power in United States history. But she never thought she's actually ever stay there.
Once they arrived they were ushered straight to their rooms. Vicky barely got to see the lobby's pillars and the decorative ceilings or the registration desk that was discreetly tucked into the side of the room. Obviously they were expected.
After they were unpacked they all met in a fourth room that Gerald had stocked as an office. There were computers, printers, phones and all manner of office equipment for them to use. "You must come here a lot." Mike said as he took in all the supplies. He was just getting used to the fact that he didn't have to live on a cop's salary anymore but this must have cost more that he would have made in a year.
"I do actually; I divide my time between offices here, New York, Toronto and London. So the staff is very accommodating whenever I'm here. Now let's get started shall we?"
"Well aside from what Henry's told us, Beckett did some checking and came up with some interesting information. It seems that he is currently making a living in 'shall we say' acquiring art work for private collectors. Seems he has a knack for 'finding' artwork that disappeared during WWII and assumed taken by the Nazi's. He is making a tidy sum in retrieving these paintings and other art work and selling them to collectors. My theory is that he has them already in his possession and just 'finds' them when needed.
"Why is he here in D.C. and killing leprechauns?" Vicky asked.
"Could be several reasons, there are several upscale art galleries here, many private collectors and a rather large auction coming up in a few days. Great place to meet new clients and to deliver to others. And don't forget the Smithsonian and its many collections. Not just the Hope Diamond either."
"That's right they have 19 museums with over 142 million items." Henry added.
"Miles said they tricked him and he was getting revenge, so maybe they got a hold of something he was going to sell a client and stole it, or switched it for a fake. That might make him kill someone." Mike piped in.
"You know Mike for a mere human you may not be so bad" Gerald said and slapped him on his shoulder.
"Gee Thanks"
"I think the best thing to do is to hang out around town tonight in different places and see what we can sniff out. I'll have some of my people ask around discreetly about any hot paintings that might be looking for a home. I'm afraid with the full moon tomorrow I'll be a bit indisposed so you'll need to handle things yourself, unless of course you need a pet handy."
"Should we have room service send up some dog biscuits?" Mike asked.
"Don't push it Italian"
It was agreed that since Jean Paul would recognize Henry that Vicky should go out with Mike and Katherine. Henry would 'hunt' alone. Coreen would stay behind and help Gerald with the research information and would keep in contact with all of them.