Chapter 38
Joe collapsed on the small cot, fully clothed, boots on, exhausted. The sound of another body collapsing on the cot across from him never penetrated the blessed oblivion that overtook him.
Later Joe woke to the insistent calling of his name.
"Joe… Joe…wake up," said Shades, shaking the exhausted man awake.
"Huh…what?" said Joe, his voice radiating his exhaustion.
"The winds changed," said Shades, knowing instinctively the other man would understand the meaning of the simple statement.
"Changed?"
"Yea, it's blowing seaward," said Shades.
"Gracias a dios!" breathed Joe. Looking around the small room Joe asked, "Where is His Majesty?"
"Outside with Conrad, Miguel and General Richârd," explained Shades. At his boss's darkening expression Shades quickly added," His Majesty ordered us to let you sleep for another hour. You've barely slept the last thirty-six."
"Okay..okay…," said Joe scrubbing his face with his hands before standing. He looked around, his mental processes were slow at the moment.
"Give me five minutes," he said as he entered the small bathroom, and turned on the water. Splashing cold water on his face, he grabbed a toothbrush, quickly brushing his teeth, managing to get the worst of the ash taste out of his mouth before grabbing a towel and drying off. He knew from his reflection his exhaustion showed on his face, but there was little he could do about it.
Tossing the towel onto the bed, Joe grabbed his jacket. Exiting the small building Joe joined the His Majesty and the rest of the men already waiting. After a quick briefing, he, His Majesty and their team were once again en-route to the fire. But this time, luck and the wind were with them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I'm not moving," Rupert said, exhausted.
The winds had shifted sixteen hours ago. They had finally gained a semblance of control over the fire. It would be another sixteen hours before they had complete control, but the winds were expected to remain east to west at three kilometres.
With the winds almost calm, and the majority of the fire out, the relief crews would be able to easily handle the rest. Even with the size of the forest fire very little property damage had occurred. The fire had been contained in the Reserve and the surrounding unpopulated mountain ravines. Only a few hunter's cabins had been destroyed. The more populated valleys had been spared thanks to the wind shift, and the fire breaks that had been put into place.
Rupert knew from the reports that many of the valleys would have been devastated by the fire. He knew nothing he, the fire commission, the army or the volunteers did would have saved the towns or villages. He was just thankful that the winds had shifted allowing them the chance to gain the upper hand against the inferno. He was also thankful that they had no fatalities. There were a few injuries both serious and non-serious but thank heaven no deaths!
"I'm not moving," Rupert said again, leaning against the rock. He liked this rock. It was a nice rock. A bit rocky but comfortable. He closed his eyes.
"How will you shower if you don't move?" asked Joseph. Joseph was leaning against a rock similar to, but not as nice as Rupert's rock.
"They can bring the shower to me. I am King, after all," Rupert said.
Joe grunted in response.
"Your Majesty, the truck is here," said Shades. Rupert opened one eye to peer up at the man standing above him. Rupert sighed, holding his hand out. Shades grasped His Majesty's hand and pulled him up.
"Thanks Shades," he said, as he walked over to Joseph.
"Come on," said Rupert holding his hand out to Joseph, "time to go."
Joe looked up at Rupert. "Thought you weren't moving," he said as he took Rupert's hand, grunting as he was pulled to his feet.
"Wasn't going to but Shades made me," replied Rupert.
"He's awfully bossy for being second-in-command," said Joe.
"My boss wouldn't have it any other way," replied Shades, smiling as he grabbed Joseph's and His Majesty's kits.
Walking to the 5 ton transport truck that awaited them, Rupert and Joseph accepted the hands offered to them as they climbed up. Both men sat on the floor of the truck, refusing the offers of a seat on the bench.
Folding his jacket into a pillow and leaning back against the bench Rupert closed his eyes. "Wake me when we get home," he said to no one in particular before he slipped into an exhausted sleep.
Shades watched his boss fight his exhaustion. He knew he would try to remain awake in order to guard His Majesty. Slipping a folded jacket behind him Shades said to the older man, "Sleep. He's safe. I'll wake you when we get home."
Joe looked hard at Shades. Shades' curt nod satisfied Joe, and he replied, "Kay," before he too slipped into an exhausted sleep.
Shades watched as many of the men also slipped into sleep. Crossing his arms Shades sat back. He would sleep when they arrived at the Palace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
1994 April 24
The inspection of the Reserve and the surrounding mountainous ravines went well today. Even with the severity of the fire in August '92 the land has made a remarkable recovery. Most of the old growth trees, many of which suffered limited damage in the fire have recovered. And the new trees are growing rapidly.
According to the Forestry Commission most of the animals have recovered, including the ibex, chamois, roe deer and wild boar. The wolves who make their home in the Reserve are also recovering from the loss of their alphas. A new pair of alphas have been seen, and the female is pregnant.
The construction of the natural reservoirs is proceeding rapidly. Two of the three are done and they look as if they have always been part of the landscape. Their Majesties were adamant that their construction have as little environmental impact as possible and they have. Their addition will help to ease the water problem when it comes to fighting forest fires.
I just wish that the problems at the Palace were handled as easily.
Philippe is being his usual self. One would think that as the heir to the Throne he would take a more active interest in the day to day running of the country but he is not.
He handles his charities and events but does little to ease Rupert's or Clarisse's burdens. It is almost as if he prefers to remain Prince forever.
Does he not realize his parents are prepared to abdicate in favour of him. In fact, they are more than ready to hand over the Crown of Genovia to Philippe. They have served Genovia for almost thirty years. As Rupert has said, he is ready to follow instead of lead.
Sometimes I wonder how things would be if Pierre had never abdicated? I am sure he would already be Crowned and leading the country, allowing his parents to be doting grandparents instead of King and Queen. Is it wrong of me to wish he had never abdicated? Perhaps, but with Philippe acting as he is I cannot help but wonder how life would be if Pierre were king.
And speaking of grandparents, new pictures came today of Amelia. She and Helen were in Mexico on vacation over the Christmas holidays. And while the pictures of Amelia are perfection, the idea of the heir to the Genovian Crown without security terrifies me. Kidnappings happen often in Mexico, and in America. They happen daily all around the world.
Amelia being taken for ransom turns my blood cold.
I have tried to speak to Philippe about the need for security for his daughter, but he is adamant that no security is needed, since no one knows who she really is.
I've pointed out to him that it takes only one person to discover her identity, before her peaceful existence turns dangerous. Philippe's answer was that I need to make sure that doesn't happen.
He has set me an almost impossible task! He wants me to keep her secret, but ties my hands at the same time!
¡Gilipollas!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Joseph couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. The nagging feeling that had been with him since they arrived at the trade meeting was getting stronger. Looking around, Joseph couldn't see anything out of place but the feeling was growing stronger every minute.
Joe continued to look around. Keying his microphone he had each of his men check in; each one gave the all clear.
Rupert noticed the look on Joseph's face and signed, 'What is it?' as the representative from Portugal began to speak.
Joseph signalled he didn't know but be prepared in answer.
Constantine Notte noticed the silent communication between His Majesty and Joseph. Writing a quick note he passed it to His Majesty.
'Che cosa è?' read Rupert. Rupert quickly wrote back.
'Non lo so, ma Giuseppe è preoccupato' was the reply.
Constantine nodded. He had come to know both men well, if Joseph was worried then something was wrong.
The trade meeting continued. Finally, it was His Majesty's turn to address the representatives. Walking to the podium Rupert didn't balk when Joseph followed behind him, and stood to his left. As Rupert began his speech, Joseph examined the attendants.
Joseph barely listened to the speech His Majesty was giving. His attention was on the room, and its occupants. Something instinctive made Joseph push His Majesty to the ground as a shot was fired.
Chaos erupted as security rushed the stage to secure His Majesty and pursue the shooter. Representatives rushed from the room.
Constantine ran to the stage reaching it at the same time Shades and a few of the security team did. He positioned himself between Rupert and the room, covering his back.
It took a few seconds for Constantine to notice the blood on Rupert's shirt.
"Gesù," he swore. "Sei feriti."
"No, Joseph is," replied Rupert. Constantine looked down at the man lying in Rupert's arms. Rupert had his jacket open, applying pressure to the wound to control the bleeding.
"Mio dio," Constantine whispered.
Joseph had been shot in the chest. He could hear Joseph gasping, and was sure the bullet had penetrated his lung. Moving quickly, Constantine pulled his jacket off, bunched it up and placed it behind Joseph's head.
"Turn him on his side so he can breathe," said Constantine, as he helped to move Joseph to his side.
Shades tried to get His Majesty to leave as soon as he arrived, but one look at his face showed the futility of that idea. Instead, Shades ordered a ring of men around His Majesty, Joseph and Signor Notte while requesting an ambulance at the same time.
The news that the shooter had been apprehended was soon conveyed, but none of the team let down their guard. There could always be another shooter.
It had been less than three minutes from the time the shot had been fired to when the ambulance with the EMT team arrived, but to Rupert it felt like an eternity. Joseph was barely conscious and his breathing was laboured. The EMT team worked quickly, and efficiently to stabilize Joseph, then load him on a gurney. As the EMT's moved to transport him to the hospital Rupert moved to join them.
Shades stopped him.
"Your Majesty, Joe will have my head if I let you go with him," Shades said.
"And I'll have your head if you don't," growled Rupert.
" At the moment Your Majesty, you scare me less than Joe does," replied Shades. Shades didn't wait for a reply. "Carlos, Miguel, Conrad, André escort His Majesty and Signor Notte to the limo. Once there, you and the team head to the Palace."
"Hospital," ordered Rupert.
"With all due respect Your Majesty, you will go to hospital after you inform Her Majesty," replied Shades, his voice taking on a hard edge similar to Joseph's when he in full Head of Security mode.
Rupert stared hard at Shades. Shades stared back.
"Fine," he said, allowing the men to escort he and Constantine out to the limo.
"Carlos," Shades called, he waited for the man to come over to him.
"Yes sir," answered Carlos.
"No matter what His Majesty orders you don't stop until you arrive at the Palace. Comprendre?" he said.
"Yes sir."
"Once there, exchange the limo for Betty, and bring Their Majesties to the hospital. I want a full armed contingent with them," ordered Shades. "I'll be meeting them there after I secure this area."
"Yes sir," said Carlos. "Uh…sir?"
"Yes?"
"What if…" Carlos couldn't finish the question. Shades looked at the other man, knowing what he was trying to ask.
"We'll deal with that IF it happens," answered Shades. "Now go," ordered Shades.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Constantine watched Rupert hold Clarisse as they waited for news of Joseph. For all his familiarity with the Royal Couple and Joseph something had always bothered him about their relationship.
They were friends yes, but there was something else, something deeper that held them together. If Constantine didn't know any better he would swear the three were lovers.
But that was impossibile!
Rupert Renaldi was not the type of man to allow another man to make love to his wife nor did His Majesty strike him as bisessuale.
Or at least he didn't think he was.
But there was something there, some profonda connessione that seemed to weave the three together.
Constantine was well aware that both His Majesty and Joseph knew of his attraction to Clarisse. To Constantine she was la quintessenza della grazia, and he knew if she were free he would actively pursue her. But she was not, and so Constantine simply flirted, much to the displeasure of her husband, and her Head of Security.
But watching the two now, here in the waiting room Constantine was struck again with how close the three were. Constantine glanced at the third occupant in the room. Prince Philippe didn't look as if he wanted to be here, and Constantine wondered once more why the Prince stayed.
"Father, I thought Shades would have demanded you and Mother remain at the Palace for security sake. After all, this was a failed assassination attempt," Philippe said.
"Shades knows I would not have remained at the Palace nor would your Mother. Not with Joseph injured," said Rupert.
He was getting tired of Philippe's attitude.
"Father, not to be crass, but this is what Joseph gets paid for," said Philippe.
Any response from Rupert was forestalled by Shades arrival and orders.
"Carlos, escort His Highness back to the Palace," ordered Shades, looking directly at Philippe.
"It would be best if we didn't have the whole Royal Family in one place," he added. He had entered the room right after Philippe's first statement. Philippe made no attempt to argue. He really didn't want to be here. Seeing his parents reactions over Joseph's injuries made him uncomfortable. They were showing too much concern for someone who was essentially an employee, regardless of his position.
Philippe kissed his mother goodbye, and took formal leave of his father before following Carlos out of the waiting room. He was soon flanked by his personal guard.
After Philippe's departure Shades walked over to Their Majesties.
"I've contacted Pierre and his assigned team. He will be arriving tomorrow," said Shades.
Their Majesties looked relieved at the news.
"As for the attacker, he is in custody and being questioned," said Shades.
"Who?" asked His Majesty.
"Colonel Michaelson and his team," answered Shades. "I felt it would be better to allow them the interrogation."
Rupert agreed with Shades decision. No member of Security would be able to resist the chance to 'deal' with the attacker.
Not with Joseph's life at stake. At least with Michaelson they had a chance of learning who ordered the assassination attempt before the attacker met with an accident.
Rupert silently guaranteed there would be an accident. But only after the attacker was tried, and convicted.
"Any news?" asked Shades.
"None," replied His Majesty.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
1994 December 14
I've finally been cleared to return to full duty.
¡Gracias a Dios!
A better Christmas present I couldn't have been given.