Guess I'll try another posting to see how it goes... and will continue if there is enough interest to keep me posting...yes I admit this story is a little 'close to home' for me... but it is clearly written under really bad weather... figuratively and literally... and I am tired of hoping for reviews and comments to find ... nothing... If I need to, I'll move this back into my writing-discussion group just so I can finish it... so please forgive me... I hate unfinished works as much as you do...
Definition of Discussion: Consideration of a subject by a group; A formal discourse on a topic; an exposition.
RagnaIce: Thanks for your comments, I like Reginald too ... though that's not my fave character here ... can you guess who is? Thanks for your email, I will continue to send you the chapters even if I stop posting here...but I hope it wont come to that...
Red Hardy: Your comments as usual helps me to improve on what was written. I'm glad you like that brother meeting scene. I hope this bit will continue to intrigue you... and I am glad you also like Guardian and also Comic Books ... lol ... though I think I need a break there - first person writing is emotionally draining... yeah, I know, I got this thing for the 'weird' but I can't help it...
Bhar: Thanks for thinking it an interesting story
PK: You're right as usual about the 'missing' Joe perspective.
To everyone else: Thanks for commenting and reading when you did, and I hope you will enjoy this posting, I truly do...
I Remembered a Storm-tossed Night
Chapter 9
I disliked foggy mornings. The whiteness was cold and wet. Most of all it obscured your vision. And you could not see what lies ahead. Not till it was too late. –Jolly
HBHBHB
20
He could not help but be in good spirits as he turned into the driveway at the corner of Elm Street. He had seen his brother and they had chatted. They had 'clicked', just like in the old days.
For the hundredth time, he reached for that name card. Oh yes, he would be definitely calling on 'Paul' soon. He carefully replaced that very valuable name card in a secured compartment of his wallet before getting out of the car and into the house.
As expected, his mother and fiancé was waiting for him. What he did not expect was to see Phil Cohen there as well. All of them turned their expectant faces towards him as soon as they saw him come through the door.
"How did it go? You did get to see Joe?" Phil asked.
"Did you manage to get to talk to him?" Callie wanted to know.
"Did he show any signs of recognition at all?" Laura demanded.
He stood there at the threshold into the house and stare at them for a moment. Then he broke into a smile.
"It went well. I got to see Joe and to talk to him. We even got to work together to save a waitress from serious injury. No he did not recognize me… BUT there are some very promising signs that a lot of old Joe's still there…and if you let me have some food to warm my starving and half frozen insides, I'll tell you the entire tale…"
A while later, Frank seated himself comfortably in his favorite couch in his parent's living room chewing on his mom's roast beef sandwich. Everyone had opted for finger food in the living room in place of a proper dinner so they can get to hear about the meeting.
But the door bell rang before Frank could even start on his first sentence. Callie went to get the door, and they were surprise when Sam Radley walked in. Sam was his dad's partner at their detective agency, and also a close family friend.
"Hi. Sorry to have to come in at such a late hour. But Fenton called and asked if I could organize this teleconference and yes he would be grateful if you are willing to help out, Phil… he's got some new leads and concerns…"
"Sure Sam…" Frank responded. "But how did you know that we would all be here?"
"I got my sources, Frank," Sam replied with a chuckle. "And I did happened to find out how a Mr. Frank Hardy manage to get access to one exclusive shareholders annual meeting at the Ritz Carlton today…"
Frank turned red. "Guess that means Dad knew as well?"
"What do you think?"
21
It did not take long for all of them to settle into Fenton's private study. Then Sam made the call. Frank was surprised to see that the international calling code was for France and not England.
"Your father's now in Paris," Sam told them as they waited for Fenton to answer the phone.
The case must have progressed further than expected, Frank thought.
"Hello, Fenton here."
"Fenton, Sam here. Everyone's here as you requested."
"How did you end up in Paris, Dad?" Frank asked.
"I'll get to that later… there's been some unexpected development on the Nigel and Sarah boating accident case."
Everyone in the room perked up in interest.
"As you already know, there are circumstantial evidences of foul play regarding the boating accident, but nothing was ever proven. The case was quickly brought to a close by the High Commissioner, and the deaths declared accidental…"
"We already know that from the news, Dad…"
"Well, under a stroke of luck, I find out that there was someone keeping an eye on the yatch in the weeks preceding the so-called accident. I also obtained a sketch and Detective Conner has helped to identify him as Conrad Deemer, a free-for-hire mercenary. I tracked him to Spain. He went to several homes which I found out belong to a Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes…"
"Isn't that the Doctor who was accused of administering prohibited doping products to over 200 professional athletes?" Phil asked.
When everyone looked at him for further explanation, Phil added, "He was recently implicated in the Operación Puerto doping case, which resulted in a number of the top contenders for the Tour De France, currently going on in France, being dropped from the race…"
"Very good Phil…" Fenton said.
"Hmm… sounds like a good opportunity for bookies…" Frank commented.
"That's correct, Frank. The consequences of the 'leak' of the investigation to the media resulted in a total change in the betting landscape for the current race. With all the key players out, it became much harder to predict the winner. At least for the general public… Someone's going to win big or was going to lose big, possibly…"
"So what's your point, Fenton?" Sam asked.
"I had Conner checked the bank accounts for me, and discovered that Deemer's under the same pay check for both the Schwarz boating accident and this doping scandal… and it traced back to a Trident Technological Enterprise…"
"Trident!" Both Laura and Callie gasped.
"Trident was one of the names Sarah encoded for us in that letter," Frank explained to Phil. "But what has a technology company got to do with sports betting?" Frank wondered, curious. "And Dad, any idea what SANSL might stand for? I've tried searching but come up with nothing… "
"I've no idea yet, Frank. We just have to carry on searching… but I am calling this conference on a more immediate concern. I also had an old friend here help look over where Paul, I mean Joe, stayed before he left for the states. Jackie, reported to me that there were apparently two groups of people keeping an eye on Joe over that time period. In fact, Joe noticed one of the groups and had a restraining order put out against them… then soon after that, there was a failed abduction attempt…I presume its from the other group…"
"What…"
But Fenton continued, ignoring the attempted interruption. "Jackie chased up on the restraining orders, and it seems those two under restraining orders were hired by Mr. Reginald Schwarz himself…"
"That means Mr. Schwarz knew something…" Frank commented, his eyes narrowed as he ran through plausible scenarios in his mind.
"Not necessary, he may just know that something is not right about his son's death and that's why he wanted his Paul and his wife back in the States where it may be safer for them…Fenton, do you know if Schwarz hire any other PI on the case?" Sam added his two cents.
"That's a good question, Sam. So far, no. At least not that I can see, but maybe you can take another look from your side?" Fenton said.
"Sure, Fenton." Sam answered.
"Anyway, I followed Deemer to Paris. I wonder whether his being in Paris has anything to do with the Tour de France, since the race will be ending here in a couple of days' time… I'll try to corner him somehow…But I have to go soon. I'm meeting an old pal of mine in the Police Nationale… I was just thinking that maybe we can move the case from your side…"
"What do you want us to do, dad?" Frank asked.
"I think its time we approach Reginald Schwarz regarding our concern over the suspicious death of his son and daughter-in-law.."
"But didn't you say that…"
"No," Fenton interrupted. "We will not mention Joe. But we do need to get closer to them, not alienate ourselves from them. And we will be going in as 'family'. After all, Sarah and Laura are sisters, and that makes 'Paul' your cousin, Frank. And we do have legitimate reason to be concern over Paul's safety and of course to want justice for Sarah's suspicious death…"
And Frank felt excitement rising within him. Any excuse to get closer to Joe was good as far as he was concern.
"Sam mentioned that you might like me to help out, Mr. Hardy." Phil enquired.
"Yes Phil, I was wondering if we could use your hacking skills here… if you could help with searching for all information concerning Trident Technologies? Like who are the stakeholders, their cash flow, their business… but most importantly, we want the stuff that's not on public domain…"
"I'll see what I can do, Mr. Hardy," Phil promised.
"Thanks Phil…and now Frank, I have like five minutes before I have to leave the hotel. So why don't you tell me about your meeting with Joe in a nutshell?"
22
I dreamed of a stormy night and a stormy sea. I tossed and turned in my bed, as if it was the waves tossing and turning me. That was my elusive nightmare, I now knew.
Yet that dream felt so familiar to me, like it had been a constant companion. I know not why.
I delved deeper into my mind, and before me a high wall loomed. I squinted against the misty stormy night, and realize that wall was the face of a cliff. And it stood tall and forbidding before me.
Then I woke up in cold sweat. I wonder why?
23
"That went well!" Frank grumbled after he and Sam were politely shown their way out of the Schwarz Building.
"Just relax, Frank. How did you expect that proud old man to react when we did imply that he needed our help to see to the safety of his grandson…" Sam Radley said.
"He should... especially after that failed abduction attempt in London…"
Sam shook his head in resignation. Six years clearly did not change human nature much, and Frank's a living and breathing testament to that. "Frank, be reasonable. That man has no reason to trust …"
"Anyway, I will be taking another look at the two guys Schwarz hired to guard Joe in London." Frank cut off Sam's voice of reason. He knew, but he just didn't want to hear it.
"That might be a good idea, Frank," Sam concurred, as he threw his friend's son a concerned look.
24
Reginald Schwarz walked casually into the classy restaurant located in the building just two blocks away from his office block. He headed straight for the corner where an old lady sat reading her book.
"Good afternoon, my lady Yates. I see you are still as engrossed in reading as ever." Schwarz greet as he leaned down to give her a gentle peck on her cheek.
"And you, Schwarz, are still as charming as ever." Yates replied with an easy laugh as she closed her book.
It would be easy for anyone watching them to see the closeness and camaraderie between them.
"The Consortium annual meeting went very well, considering this is your chosen heir's first appearance." Yates commented.
"Yes, Paul handled himself very well." Schwarz responded, the pride clear in his tone.
"I would say that 'Paul' had matured exceedingly well from I last met him seven years hence, Schwarz… "
"But I do expect that you know Paul's real identity… after all, it's your intellectual son who did a fine job on that young man." Schwarz said.
"…and I would say that I will not be the only one making that observation." Yates looked directly at her good friend as she finished her sentence.
"Ah, so who else is … extremely interested in my grandson?" Schwarz queried as his eyes narrowed.
"I watched Krycek observing Paul closely the entire evening, Schwarz. And I dare say your chosen heir exhibited great sense in not liking him either…"
25
He was halfway through his lunch break when his mobile rang.
"Frank Hardy here."
"This is Reginald Schwarz speaking."
He stopped eating his lunch."Yes?"
"I've given some thought to what you and your partner said a couple of days back…" Schwarz paused, and Frank sat up straighter in his chair. His heart started to pound…
"Your credentials checked out fine and I must admit that they are impressive… and since your mother and Sarah are sisters, which make you a relation…"
"What are you trying to say, Mr. Schwarz?" Frank asked as he fought to temper his excitement.
"Since it is clear that my grandson is still at risk…and… well… until we can figure out the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of my son and Sarah, I would like to hire you as Paul's personal bodyguard…"
26
Several days later, Reginald Schwarz watched Frank Hardy as he sat in the comfortable chair opposite him as they waited for Paul to arrive.
Young Frank had taken him up on his offer, just as he and Yates had expected.
He was sure that Frank must have consulted his father and they must have discussed the implications. And he had personally talked to Mr. Hardy over his offer.
If only Fenton had agreed to let Frank stay with them in New York City… after all they were supposed to be 'family'. But Fenton had as much reason to be careful of him as he had for the well-known investigator…
27
He had taken up the offer after discussing the situation through with Sam and his father. They had agreed with him that it was currently the best solution. He could keep an eye on Joe most of the time, and the proximity also offers them the opportunity to jiggle Joe's memory from time to time. And after a while, he could even invite 'Paul' home for a meal or something…
His father, Fenton, had ringed Schwarz, and together they had threshed out a plausible scenario for Frank to stay close to Paul during most of his working hours. Fenton had turned down Schwarz's offer for Frank to stay with them, and insisted that Frank commute from Bayport to New York City daily.
So here he was, dressed in formal work-wear, armed with his resume and a job application form.
Frank supposed he was grateful to his father for insisting he commute from home. Given that he did not know how long the entire 'project' was going to last, he would have a hard time trying to explain to Callie if he was to leave her alone for too long a period of time. He was sure Callie wouldn't mind, but it just would not be right. Nor would it be fair for her. And their wedding's just a couple of months away now. Again, he wondered if Joe will be there as his best man. He knew Phil would understand, and Callie had told him last night that she wanted that too…
28
There was a single sharp rap on the door.
"Come in," Mr. Schwarz called out.
The door opened and Paul walked in.
Reginald watched the interplay between Paul and Frank with interest.
"Good morning, Grandpa… and hello Frank…" Paul greeted.
"I see you two already met before…" He commented
"Yes, we met at the Annual Stakeholders' Meeting," Paul told him.
"I see…Paul, Frank's the son of an old friend of mine. I caught his job application… he does have an impressive CV… and I've hired him as your Executive Personal Assistant. I am sure you will find him a great help given your current work load."
He watched Paul turn to Frank and gave him a warm smile, "Welcome to Schwarz Shipping, I'm sure we'll get along well…"
"Frank? My secretary will show you around… if you'd excuse us, I would like to speak with Paul."
"Sure." Frank gave a quick nod and left with the secretary.
After Frank left the room, Reginald gestured his grandson over to the window. For a while they both stood there enjoying the city view.
"How do you like the new PA I hired you?" He asked.
He watched as his grandson raise an inquiring brow as he commented, "What's the deal with Frank? He's not just the son of an old friend, is he?"
"You said you are interested in the mind behind the mathematical model that tracked our transfers… and I just delivered him to you."
He watched as Paul's eyes gleamed with interest.
"I see," he responded.
"Take good care of him."
"Of course, Grandpa…"
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