Alright chapter 2. I like where this story is going. I know where I'm leading up to but I'm trying to decide between a happy or sad ending. Guess I'll have to see which fits better at the end. Enjoy chapter and please review if you can. And thanks to those who did review.
Chapter 2 Twins
The following morning at eight Moseby called a mandatory staff meeting. They met in the lounge and Jim leaned against the wall in the back, scanning the crowd. He highly doubted any of these employees were the thief but he by force of habit still looked. His eyes fell on the food cart and he leaned towards it.
"Won't boys get in trouble if Mr. Moseby catches you?" asked Jim. The cloth came up and Zack and Cody poked their heads out. It was a tight fit but they had managed to get in the cart.
"How'd you know we were here?" asked Zack. Jim smiled.
"It's my job to notice things," replied Jim. Cody couldn't help but smirk. This guy was good.
"You won't tell will you?" asked Cody.
"If you get out of here before I do my briefing I won't," promised Jim. Cody gave him a thumbs up and Jim winked at him. Zack and Cody slowly got out from under the cart and managed to sneak out without anyone noticing. Moseby called the meeting to order.
"People, please, quiet down. Quiet." The chatter died down and the room was silent.
"The Enigma Diamond is arriving today. What does that mean? Well it means this place is going to be locked down like a fortress. Now Mr. Tipton was lucky to arrange this display for the Tipton. In one week we will hold a gala party where we will proudly display the Enigma Diamond. Now the FBI has sent over an expert to help us with security. Agent Driscoll, please." Jim cleared his throat and stepped forward. All eyes were on him.
"You have had problems with thieves before. And not just those two dumbass employees. But there is someone out there you can't even fathom. I can't give too much away but this guy is good. No in fact he's perfect. And he has his eye on this hotel I can guarantee it. My job is either catch him if he tries anything or scare him off by bumping up security. And not only is this guru of stealing out there but no doubt some of the best crews in Boston have their eyes on the Tipton right now." He took a sip of water and sighed.
"You will be required to sign in with an agent when you report in for work. If you come within five feet of the room where the diamond is I want to know why. If you see any guests acting weird, no matter how insignificant it may seem, let me know." Maddie Fitzpatrick raised her hand.
"You think it might be a guest?" asked Maddie. Jim nodded.
"Yes I do. He checks in and poses as a guest to stake the place out. If I can show him that this place is locked down tight, this guy will walk. That's how he's so good. He doesn't make stupid mistakes or take risks." He took another sip of water.
"I do not suspect any of you. What I need is help in keeping an eye out. You work here all the time. You can tell when something's wrong. Let me know." He walked towards Arwin, the hotel engineer.
"Mr. Hockhause?" asked Jim.
"Yes, sir," replied Arwin.
"Would you mind giving me a tour of the basement when we're done?" asked Jim. Arwin saluted.
"Of course, sir."
"Don't salute me."
"Yes, sir." Jim turned towards Carey and smiled.
"Mrs. Martin."
"My boys won't go near the diamond."
"Actually I would like their help. I would like them to give me a tour of the hotel through their eyes. They might know a few nooks and crannies none of you know about." Moseby had to stand up and speak up.
"I don't think Zack and Cody know my hotel better then I do," explained Moseby. Jim smiled and turned towards Moseby.
"Half of their waking day is spent finding ways to avoid you. They have ways of moving around that I need to know about." Moseby nodded in understanding. He excused the staff and Arwin led Jim towards the basement.
….
Jack slid into the booth across from his old friend Ned. Ned had retired from the game years ago, preserving his perfect record of no arrests. Still he knew what went down in Boston. When Jack had first started he had worked under Ned.
"You in town for the diamond, Ghost?" asked Ned. Ned was one of a handful of people who knew who Jack was. Jack trusted these men with his life. Ned would never turn him over to the FBI.
"Yeah. Need to know what's the heat been like from the Boston PD," replied Jack. A waitress came over and poured him some coffee. Jack gave her a smile.
"They're all over every crew. Lots of surveillance on the bigger ones. No one's getting any work right now," explained Ned. He leaned in close to Jack.
"This fed they sent in. This guys the best. Taken down some major players. The Jackal. The Hyena. The Night Walker. Nailed them. He's got the advantage, Ghost." Jack took a sip of coffee and sighed. He should pass. He knew it. Jim had been close before. They'd been feet from each other in the rain, fog, or mist. But this was different. Jim had the advantage.
"Anyone you know wanting to take a crack at the diamond?" asked Jack.
"You want to jump on a crew?" asked Ned.
"No but if we both go out one of us has a better chance of stealing it." Ned nodded.
"You want a decoy," replied Ned. Jack made a so so motion with his hand.
"Guy named McCallan. Real sharp. Biggest guy in town. He was talking about it."
"Let me know." The snow started to come down once again. It was going to be a cold day. Jack finished his coffee and stood up.
"I'll be at the Tipton under the name Greer." He took Ned's hand in his.
"Be careful, Ghost. If this gets too hot I want you to run." Jack nodded and left. Ned sighed and shook his head.
…..
Cody was more then happy to go with Jim to show him around. Zack however had movie plans he didn't want to cancel so he took a pass. He stepped out into the cold morning and nearly collided with a man checking in.
"Sorry," apologized Zack as he hurried down the street. He passed a man and nodded to him. A strong wind picked up as the man's briefcase suddenly opened. Papers went everywhere and the man cursed. Zack ran after the papers and grabbed as many as he could. Only one was lost and Zack took them over to the man.
"Damn briefcase," he snapped. The latch was broken.
"I saved what I could," explained Zack. The man smiled and took them from him. He had two bags with him.
"You going to the Tipton?" asked Zack.
"Yeah," replied the man.
"I'll take those papers for you," offered Zack.
"Thanks. I'd appreciate it."
"I'm Zack by the way." He held out a hand. The man smiled and shook it.
"I'm Jack."
…
Jim smiled as Cody took the picture down to reveal a hole in the wall. It led into an abandoned supply closet with access to the basement..
"Zack and I were playing up here years ago. We found this old suplly closet they walled off years ago," explained Cody.
"And hid this hole with a picture that used to hang across the hall," finished Jim. Cody smiled and nodded.
"It's a good entry point. A good crew busts down the wall for easy escape. Good work, Cody." Cody smiled as Jim wrote a note down in his pad.
"Anything else?" asked Jim.
"Some old dumb waiters. This way." Cody led the way down the hall.
…
Moseby groaned when he saw Zack helping a man carry some papers in. He assumed Zack had knocked the man over and walked over.
"Sir, I am so sorry. Did this boy run into you?" asked Moseby.
"No. My briefcase broke and he helped me save my papers. I'm checking in. Names Greer." He gave a fake ID to Moseby who took it over to the front desk. Jack winked at Zack who smiled.
"Ah, yes Mr. Greer. You are on the 25th floor. Lovely room. Sign here." Jack signed the form Moseby gave him.
"Could I bother you for a folder of some sort for my papers?" asked Jack. Moseby nodded and quickly gave Jack a folder. Zack handed the papers over to Jack who smiled.
"Thanks for the help, Zack," said Jack.
"No problem." Moseby finished up the paperwork and handed Jack his key.
"Let me get you a bellhop, Mr. Greer."
"No need, Mr. Moseby. I'll help," exclaimed Zack. Jack turned towards Zack.
"Thanks, Zack. Kids a big help, Mr. Moseby."
"Oh Zackary is delightful."
"Thank you, Mr. Moseby." He nodded and followed Zack to the elevators.
"You live here?" asked Jack.
"Yeah. My mom sings here."
"Any cute babes?"
"All over the place." Jack gave him a high five as the elevator came.
…..
Up in Jack's room Zack put the bag down on the floor.
"Thank you, Zack. I appreciate it."
"You here on business?" asked Zack.
"Yeah. I'm from Los Angeles. Here. Buy yourself something nice." He handed Zack a fifty.
"Oh, Mr. Greer, no, I can't."
"Call me Jack. Yes you can." Zack pocketed the money.
"Thank you."
"Thank you. I'll see you around, Zack." Zack saluted and left. Jack sighed and locked the door. Time to get to work.