Chapter 12
"How deep and how complicated was this?"
Pierre was tending to Rangeman business and I went along for a change in scenery. We had stopped for a mid-morning cup of coffee. I sat at the table waiting for Tank to return with my scone and coffee when I glanced at a man coming into the shop. I knew him. I tried to ignore him as he got in line behind Pierre. While Pierre brought my scone to me, I watched the man take his order back outside.
We sipped our coffee and when I was halfway through my scone he said, "What do you think it is?" He knew something was in his pocket.
"I recognized him. It won't blow up. Pretend you are searching for something, go through several pockets first. He pulled out the card and a pen and set the card down as if to write on it. He was surprised what it said in the front, Mossad. On the back was a time and location. It was for 2 hours from now at the Newark airport, General Aviation area. Leaving the shop, the man caught my eye. I winked. It was cheeky, but he had been a member of the team in Syria and dug me out of the rubble.
As we drove away, I casually said, "Clear your baffle." It was the term used by submariners to turn around and check another sub wasn't on their tail hiding in the propeller interference.
He looked at me and laughed, "Aye, aye, captain."
He then skillfully drove a looped backtracking on anyone who might be following us.
"What do you see?" He asked, glancing into the rear view mirror.
"The white Honda following us is gone, but the silver Chevy is still with us. He's our friend."
"So we are clear for the meeting?"
"Right full rudder, Captain. All ahead full." While he drove, I called Rangeman and told them we were heading north to Newark on a business rendezvous. Lester chuckled, "Eloping?"
"In Newark? Les, I'm getting desperate, but I think we can do better than Newark."
I could visualize Lester's smile, "I figured you were flying to Las Vegas."
"Unfortunately, Tank overruled that option," I answered and then ended the call. "Les asked if we were eloping."
"And you told him you were desperate?"
"I try to be honest at all times," I smiled sweetly. "He brought up Las Vegas."
"You will have to deal with him when we get back, you know."
"I'd much rather deal with you when we get back," I said softly as I ran my hand up and down his thigh. He grabbed my hand and kissed it, "Am I going to have to hose you down?"
I all but convulsed, "Yes, please!"
The silver Chevy behind us sped up and the driver indicated we were to follow him away from the airport.
"What's up?" Tank asked.
"Our vehicle and phones have trackers. We have to look like we are having a meeting away from the designated spot."
"Do you know him?"
"He dug me out of the rubble in Syria."
We were led to an office park, giving us credence we were going to a business meeting for those who might be tracking us. When we exited we turned off the phones and threw them back into the car, under the seats and got into the silver Chevy. From there our Mossad agent drove us to the General Aviation parking area. After being searched again, we entered a hangar where the Gulfstream 650ER business jet with a Swiss registration was waiting. Was I getting a scolding from Ari for asking for help from Mossad in the DNA and picture search?
We were carefully searched again before entering the aircraft. The "steward" met us, asked us to sit and buckle up as we'd be leaving shortly. Two security men guarding the steps came aboard and sat down. The doors were closed and the engines spooled up.
"Are we going to Israel?" Pierre mumbled.
"Hope not, I didn't pack a toothbrush."
After an hour in the air, mostly over water, we began to lose altitude. "Any guess where we are?" Pierre asked.
"This aircraft is faster than commercial types so I suspect we are beyond Boston. Perhaps we are in Newfoundland or Nova Scotia."
When we touched down, the aircraft taxied into a hangar and the aircraft door was opened. In walked Ari and my father. Not a good sign.
After pleasantries were exchanged all around, we moved back to the table seating. Since my wheelchair was stored, Pierre lifted me easily and moved me to the small conference area. "I love your arms, but I'd rather walk," I whispered in his ear.
"Hopefully soon," he whispered in return.
The conference was in session.
My father began. "You have stirred up quite a hornet's nest while you were supposed to be rehabilitating," drawing out the last word for emphasis.
"A hornet's nest with whom?" I wasn't being coy. I was worried about how far the information had spread.
Papa shook his head. He wasn't going to tell me.
Ari spoke up "We reviewed your extensive research, DNA samples, and the photographs. We concur with your analysis."
My father spoke, "Obviously we are keeping this far from Washington until we can gather more evidence. Arturo Estripe has more friends than the most prolific call-girls in town."
I felt snarky, "Are you sure they aren't offspring?"
The two men didn't say a word so I continued, "How are you planning to get the others' DNA to confirm paternity?"
Ari answered quietly, "The same way you did, steal coffee cups, soda cans, swab forks, break into their homes and clean their hair brushes and pick hair from the drains."
I smiled, "You forgot stealing their snot rags."
"...and condoms," Ari added.
"So why are we meeting so secretly?"
Ari nodded to one of the guards who went to the door. Several moments later, in walked a man dressed like a local fisherman. "Is that…" I whispered to Pierre.
"Yes, Lee Sebring."
Lee was totally confused until he saw Pierre.
"Tank, what the hell is going on? How the hell was I found?"
"Lee, I can't answer how, but you might want to listen to them," he indicated jutting his chin towards Papa, Ari, and me. Ari and Dad looked at me, indicating I was to take over.
"Lee, I'm Vassi Christofondodoulous. I am a government intelligence analyst as are these two gentlemen who wish to remain anonymous. I am recuperating from a spinal injury with Dr. Robert Brown, a trauma specialist, but you know him as Bobby Brown at Rangeman."
Lee looked surprised, "Bobby the medic? OK...and..."
"For months, Rangeman has been bugged with listening and video devices as well as having their computer firewalls under nearly constant attack. While under Bobby's care, I have been trying to find out who is to blame. With this gentleman's help," I indicated Ari, "I have discovered a very disturbing number of fatherless birth records over the last 50 plus years and the offspring are generally working in political jobs or law enforcement. The jobs range from bail bonds like you, Jeanne Ellen, and Julio Gaspar, through various law enforcement agencies, up to high-ranking government officials, such as your father, Arturo Estripe."
Lee blanched. "How did you discover him?"
"She's good," my father said blandly.
Lee shook his head, "I'd say so, but I don't understand. Which Julio Gaspar? We are talking about Julio in Newark?"
Whoa, perhaps Lee didn't know he was related to Julio. "Arturo Estripe fathered Julio Leon Gaspar, the one in Newark."
Lee was stunned but didn't say anything. I continued, "Lee, I have four questions: Why was Ranger Manoso set up for killing Jeanne Ellen? Why is Rangeman being bugged? Why was Jeanne Ellen killed? And finally, what the hell is your father doing?"
Lee took a big breath and let it out slowly. It was as if he was grateful to get the whole story out.
"Ranger and Rangeman have information that will destroy my father and his plans. Ranger was in Nicaragua about 10 years ago and discovered a giant conspiracy. Since then, he's been a constant threat to my father. When Ranger came to Trenton to find work, I wanted to hire him. Almost immediately, Arturo called and warned me off. He said I was to never have anything to do with that SOB Manoso. It wasn't until later I learned about Ranger and my father in Nicaragua."
I glanced at Pierre and our minds were on the same page, Rangeman didn't exist 10 years ago. It was because of what happened to Ranger and his fellow captives in Nicaragua, plans were developed to create a civilian security business to help soldiers transition out and back into society.
"So the bugging of Rangeman is to see if the information gathered is being used and where?"
"I'm assuming that's the reason. If they can't get to the files, then making Ranger disappear would solve the problem. At least, that is what Arturo may believe. After meeting you, I understand eliminating Ranger wouldn't stop you and now others," he said looking at Papa and Ari.
Pierre, Papa, and Ari realized my life was now in danger and possibly theirs. I continued, "Since Ranger and Rangeman do not do business with the FBI, I'm assuming your father is trying to get to all the information on El Falcon." I hoped my hunch was right and Estripe was El Falcon.
Lee nodded to my father, "Yeah, she is good." Turning back to me he continued, "I didn't like my last name and wanted to shorten it. I applied to the courts but suddenly this man shows up and demands to know why I wanted the change. I remembered him from my youth. He'd bring money to Mama. When I told him my reason for changing my name from my mother's name, Stauslowski, he agreed. However, he was adamant I could not change it to Estripe or his other name."
"Couldn't you change it to One-D Adams?" I just blindly threw my lure into a hidden hole and hoped I'd snag something. I had already scored with El Falcon.
Lee shook his head no. "He said he used that name when he was undercover. He couldn't use it anymore because my mother compromised it."
It was all I could do to keep from laughing about "undercover." I couldn't imagine how many women's bedrooms Arturo has visited over the years. I deflected, "Pauline released the baby photos."
Lee stared at me. "Damn, first you know about Addams and now you know about the photos. How did you find those?"
I just smiled but wouldn't answer. "So how did you put him and El Falcon together?"
"I bonded out a guy some years ago who mentioned El Falcon's drug smuggling. I had never heard the name so I started researching. I received a message from my father to stop immediately, it was an FBI matter."
"So you jumped to the conclusion your father was El Falcon?"
"No, one day Arturo called and told me to bond out someone with a high bond. When I got to the jail, the cocky SOB laughed, 'So El Falcon is having his son bonded out by another son. Do you work for the FBI too?' The guy was killed in Philly two days later."
"You never said anything to your father?"
"Hell, no. I couldn't prove my father had him killed, but I wasn't taking a chance. Arturo asked if the guy said anything. I lied and told him the guy only wanted to know where was the nearest bar and broad."
"Why was Jeanne Ellen killed?"
Lee's face dropped. "I hired her years ago when I was married. When Janice died, well, I was lonely. Jeanne Ellen and I started seeing each other outside of work. Suddenly, the old man calls and says Jeanne Ellen is my half-sister and to keep my hands off her or there would be consequences."
"How did he find out?"
"I've thought about that, a lot, recently. Somebody must have seen us, reported it back to him, and from then on we were watched closely."
"Do you remember meeting anyone out of the ordinary when you and Jeanne Ellen were trying to be incognito?"
He smiled, "You think like a hunter. I remember Jeanne Ellen and I were in Bermuda and Newark police chief came up to us to ask us about our vacation."
"Bryson McDonald?" Pierre asked speaking for the first time.
"No, it was before Bryson. It was now Congressman Alonso Leonard. I figured he told my father."
My stomach rolled a bit. Capitol Hill was rife with infection.
Lee continued, "We broke it off after Arturo called me.
"It must have been a surprise you had more siblings."
"It was all unreal. I preferred not to think about it. After a couple of years we started back up again. That was three months ago. We conceived a child and were getting ready to run far from Arturo. Suddenly, she is killed by Manoso, but I know Manoso didn't do it. He was sitting in my office when it happened. We were discussing his taking over my business as I knew I was leaving."
"You never told anyone?"
"Nope, I ran here, figuring I was next."
"First, you got your brother..."
He hung his head, "He'd been institutionalized nearly all his life. His mind was long gone, he was a shell. When a toddler, he fell out of a second story window and suffered a massive brain trauma. I've been paying his bills for years but moving him around from nursing home to nursing home. Years ago, I moved him into my home to care for him. Recently, he was diagnosed with a very fast-moving cancer. When Jeanne Ellen was killed, I figured if the old man was going to kill me, better to kill my brother who suffering and at death's door. I hope whoever did the deed was quick."
"The autopsy never picked up on cancer."
"I was worried about that."
"Your father is a smart man, he would have checked on Derek."
"I think, or hope, he forgot about him. I tried to erase all information on Derek. You know that wasn't his original name."
I nodded.
Lee huffed, "Of course you do. You found the photo. Anyway, I've been caring for Derek for years, keeping him under the radar. I was hoping any hitman would not know about Derek. He was killed at my home and moved. I found blood in his chair in front of the television."
"I take it he wasn't emaciated or hooked up to machines."
"Derek was always heavier than I but lately had lost enough weight that he was about 10 pounds lighter than I. He functioned at a basic level. He could walk, feed himself finger food, dress, and tend to the toilet. I kept the refrigerator in his room stocked with sandwiches for him and lately cookies on a plate. He watched television and slept."
"You didn't burn his body in the car?"
"No, I came home, found him missing and ran like a coward."
"You don't think your father personally killed Derek?"
"No, he's old now. Or if he did, he'd need someone to carry Derek."
"What is your father doing?"
"He's evil. He wants to control this country. He tried first in foreign countries by gaining funds through drugs, arms, gems, slavery, to amass power. Money worked except against family loyalty. So he set out to create his own family. Nobody dares dishonor the family.
"Now, he's ready to take control here. He has his sons and daughters, at least those loyal to him, in positions of power. He uses his wealth to pay off politicians, companies, and countries. The rest of us are lower down, law enforcement. We would control the criminal element. Those who help him are protected. Those who challenge him are eliminated. Jeanne Ellen and I weren't the first to cross the line."
Ari stepped in, "Do you know your siblings' names?"
"A few beyond Jeanne Ellen….and now Julio Gaspar."
"And Joyce Barnhart," I added.
"No, not Joyce."
"She is your step-niece. One of your half-brothers is adding to the field."
Lee chuckled, "Misfire. Joyce is useless." He stopped and got a disgusted look on his face. I wondered if he and Joyce were once intimate.
"Several of your...siblings...are in government power positions in Washington including the CIA, DEA, Homeland Security and State Department, White House, and the courts. Others are concentrated in important state positions, and several have gone into business or are powerful on Wall Street."
"Shit, he's getting close. Are you going to stop them?"
"That is one goal. The other is to clear Manoso and end the attacks on Rangeman. If Estripe lost his FBI government position, do you think the problem would be over?" I asked.
"No, you'd have to kill the SOB. He has enough power at his fingertips now he doesn't need his FBI job. He stays on mainly as cover, the Old Man in the Hoover Building. He controls the family. Plus, I suspect some of my siblings have inherited his madness."
"Do you know where his money is?" Ari asked.
"Everywhere. Originally, it was just in South America, but now he is international. It's a global world."
"How do we clear Manoso?" I asked.
"I have proof and will testify he was with me...once my threat is eliminated. I don't want to end up like Jeanne Ellen or Derek. If you found me, he will too."
Ari nodded, "You will be safe." Ari looked VC's at Papa, Lee and Pierre, "Gentlemen, would you please step outside? I need to confer with my colleague." I was grateful he didn't repeat my name even though most people couldn't remember it anyway.
Lee shrugged, Papa looked grateful but Pierre was concerned. I squeezed his hand and whispered, "Trust him." He got up, kissed my cheek and left the aircraft.
After they had disappeared and their footsteps were no longer heard on the stairs, I asked Ari, "Do you think all would end if the principal was eliminated?"
"No, we'd have to find the money as well. Without fuel, the aircraft won't fly." Looking at me, "Can you find it?"
"I'm not a forensic accountant, Ari."
"But, as Lee said, you have the mind of a hunter. You are coming back with me to work with our people. Lee is coming too. We will place him where his enemies can't reach him."
"Make it pleasant, he just lost his brother and his beloved," I urged.
"Stanton Walker and Clive Wexler," he said plainly, without emotion.
"Yes, those are two I suspect of being Estripe's sons."
"We've confirmed it through DNA."
I chuckled. I relayed my concerns to Ari not that long ago and already he had results. "Got their coffee cups?"
"Something like that. Walker is being suggested for Ambassador to France and Wexler may become Assistant Secretary of Defense. You can't allow that to happen. They are enemies of Israel."
"Stanton Walker converted to Judaism when he got married."
Ari answered, "My dear, you remember Judenrat?"
I knew the term for Jewish traitors who turned on their family, friends, and neighbors during World War II, betraying them to the Nazis in hope for of leniency. It didn't work, they were killed as well. Judenrats are still common with elitist Jews who believe they are too wealthy, influential, or far from Israel to be bothered by the modern worldwide Jew-hating until some sick whacko steps into a Jewish deli or synagogue and kills a dozen people. "I didn't realize they were being considered."
"No, their names are still being circulated. Your father has worked with Wexler and found him dishonest. He obtained the DNA for us to test. My dear Vassi, have you researched Estripe completely, especially his associates?"
"I've concentrated on finding El Falcon and his offspring. I've got a list of possible offspring but don't have evidence. I haven't begun on associates."
"According to your father, Carlton Simpson and Arturo Estripe have been friends for at least 30 years. It was Arturo's money that paid off the Army General in your court-martial."
My stomach turned. Carlton Simpson, the former senator who wanted me in Leavenworth for bruising his son's private parts. "Where is his son?"
"Gregory Simpson is an international investment specialist."
Suddenly, my mood changed. "Oh, please tell me he's in charge of Estripe's funds."
"You might want to look into him. Estripe's funds are limited but Simpson is said to have several, very well-to-do clients. Your priority now is finding the money. Stop the fuel and the movement stalls, or is at least slowed. Then, we drop your research on the White House and hope the rest of the problem is eliminated. Others can trace down the rest of the family."
"Thank you." I wanted no part in taking down the Simpsons, Arturo or the others. I felt I had opened the door and it was time now for the cleaning crews to eliminate the mess. I had been in previous cleaning crews. I preferred being the door opener.
"Your father will return to Washington, Pierre to Trenton. Pierre is a good man. He is most honorable and he's madly in love with you. Nice ring. Does your father know?"
"He does now. I saw him looking at it and at Pierre. They are probably having THE discussion outside right now. Does Pierre need to ask you as well, Papa?"
Ari laughed, "As soon as you put him on your contact list and sent private files to your brother, we've known. His coming to Tel Aviv only confirmed our beliefs. My dear, he badgered Niko to come to you then flew 5700 miles at a moment's notice to save you. I'm glad you are moving forward."
"We are not youngsters anymore. He's thinking about children. Can you imagine the two of us making children? They'd be giants."
"Are you serious about children?"
"I'm getting too old to bear children and may have residual damage. Adoption was mentioned, but we haven't really talked about it."
"Emotionally, could you handle having children? Your brother has problems with his daughters because of what happened to you."
"That's why we haven't discussed it. I'm not sure I'll ever be ready."
We waited for the three men to come back on board. My father and Tank really didn't fit in this aircraft. Nothing short of a jumbo jet would allow them to stand upright. Lee Sebring was shorter, less than 6' and had no trouble with head clearance.
Pierre swung into the seat next to me, kissed me and held my hand, but said nothing.
I began, "I'm going with Ari for a while on a treasure hunt. Lee is going on a Mediterranean vacation. You and Papa will return to the States. When Lee returns, Manoso can come home."
"How long?"
I wasn't sure of the question. "I don't know how long I'll be gone and don't know how much longer this mess will continue."
"I asked your father for your hand, though he had already seen the ring. I told him it would be a while before the wedding as you have other things on your mind right now."
I bent over and kissed him, "You just saved my hide mister since I haven't talked to him yet."
He leaned over and gave me a very tender and rapidly increasing emotional kiss, "I love your hide and everything inside it. Please be very careful with it and come home breathing and in one piece."
"And you my dearly beloved, watch yourself. I wasn't going to mention Rangeman's vermin yet, but if Arturo suspects how close we are getting, you will find yourself at risk. You must appear totally unaware of what is happening but beware of Gerald and Thomas. We will bring them down when I get back."
Papa came over and kissed me, "Stay out of trouble."
"I'm already in waist deep."
"Then, roll on your back and float," he smiled. It was one way of getting out of quicksand. "By the way, congratulations, I give both of you my blessing."
Papa then shook Ari's hand. There was deep trust between them and had been for years. Papa and Pierre left.
Lee came back and took Pierre's seat. "I don't understand what is going on."
"Lee, right now I don't know how much you should know."
He shook his head slightly acknowledging he was, at least, listening. "Who was the old man here?"
I laughed, "Which one?"
"One isn't American."
"No."
He asked with his eyes but I shook my head no, I wasn't saying more.
"Where are we going?"
"You are going someplace where your father and more aggressive brothers can't get to you. It is temporary until El Falcon and his clad are de-feathered."
"Clad?"
"Falcon family. We need you back to testify Ranger was in your office when Jeanne Ellen was killed."
He looked heartbroken.
"I'm sorry. She didn't need to die."
"What type of monster is he?" Lee hung his head. "Am I anything like him?"
"You are not like him. The fact you were in bail bonds, helping people with their legal problems proves you are not like him. You loved your first wife and Jeanne Ellen. You were willing to drop everything to get away and protect her and your child. On the other hand your father is a megalomaniac, perhaps a sociopath, and a murderer."
"But I got Derek killed."
"Yes, but let us get more information for your defense."
"You and Tank are together?"
"We met years ago and now again at Rangeman. There's something growing between us."
"Does he know how to talk? I'm not sure I've heard him speak." Lee was trying to smile.
I wanted to laugh. "He doesn't chatter, he listens and observes. He's quite erudite but keeps it hidden. People assume all big, dark-skinned men are stupid and illiterate. There's a Trenton police detective who calls him a baboon."
Lee was quiet for a while as his mind sorted out his life. He was confused, afraid, mourning Jeanne Ellen and his brother, and now was being whisked off to places unknown. "I'm not sure what is going on."
"We will protect you."
"You said you are in intelligence. With whom?"
"I'm between jobs right now due to this injury."
"That's not comforting."
"Ranger Manoso trusts me."
He smiled, "That's supposed to make me feel better?"
"It's all I can do at the moment."