The next bit.
If this is a book proper, this chapter would be the start of the second part of the story - where the brothers get to work together to unravel the Trident faction. The thirid part will deal with the final confrontation with the the consortium led by Schwarz.
Posting this bit just to see if anyone's still reading. I am still trying to decide if I should try for a Typhoon run (this story) or a Halloween run (Gingerbread house part 2) from Aug to Oct. Will also post next bit of Gingerbread, and decide base on reviews, I think. For all I know, no one's reading any of these two anymore :)
This is a short start to part two. Pls enjoy, and let me know if you're still reading. Cheers.
I Remembered a Storm-tossed Night
Chapter 14
雨过天晴
After the rains, the sky is beautifully clear.
HBHBHB
51
Early the next morning, Frank found himself seated next to 'Paul' in the privacy of the shipping mogul Reginald Schwarz's very spacious and posh office. He watched in fascination the tightly controlled yet highly charged riposte between the grandfather and the 'grandson'. His respect for this matured version of his brother grew as it became clear that the older man was slowly giving ground.
"You really want to go and look into the matter in person," Reginald Schwarz said.
"Yes." Paul responded. "I want to know what happened to my parents."
The two of them glared at each other, their lips set into a grim line.
Even Frank had to admit from the way their stances mirrored each other, they looked very much grandfather and grandson. But they were not, Frank reminded himself as he forced himself to calmly await the outcome of that argumentative discussion. He knew by then that 'Paul' would get his way. His brother always gets his way at the end of the day. Almost always…
"Please, grandpa, understand that Uncle Fenton disappeared because he was looking into my parents' death," 'Paul's' tone softened as he switched track and started to appeal personally and emotionally to his grandfather. "There can be no clearer indication that foul play was involved. And I want to… no I need to know who murdered my parents and why. And don't tell me you are not interested in who killed your son and daughter in law? And the Hardys are our relatives. It's only right that we help them…"
"All right." Reginald Schwarz cuts in, gesturing imperiously with his right hand telling his grandson to keep quiet.
'Paul' fell silent out of respect as well as at the curtness of his grandfather's tone. But his posture remain tense and slightly aggressive, indicating that he was more than ready to pick up the argument where he left off.
"All right," Reginald Schwarz repeated in a softer and more resigned tone. "And you're right, we should help them."
'Paul' relaxed visibly.
"You may take the corporate jet," Reginald Schwarz continued most reluctantly. "But file ALL expenses under my personal account. It will not be fair to our shareholders otherwise."
"Thanks, Grandpa," 'Paul answered gratefully.
Reginald Schwarz slumped back into his leather seat. Suddenly, the shipping mogul was gone, and in its place an old grandfather worried for his grandson.
"I want to know what happened too, Paul," Grandpa Reg said softly.
But…"
"I will be very careful, Grandpa," 'Paul' promised. "And I have Frank to help watch my back."
"I am still of the opinion that the better option is for us to hire private detectives and let the professionals handle this situation," Grandpa Reg said and again waved his hand to forestall his grandson's protests. "But I can understand why you would like to see to this personally…"
"I know you'd understand, grandpa."
For a moment, both stared into each other's eyes. Then both pair of blue eyes softened. And then both smiled.
"Just be careful, all right?" Grandpa said.
"I will," the grandson promised.
Frank watched with some envy that closeness between the two. Once he shared that and more with Joe. And he wanted that back again. This makes it imperative that he gets to the bottom of the entire mystery behind Nigel's and Sarah's death, and with that, the reason behind those who wanted his brother dead.
"Now, Paul, there're a couple of things I'd like you to look into while you're over in Europe…" Grandpa Reg was sounding all business-like and formal again.
Fifteen minutes later, all three of them were still in the room.
"…And you will take the opportunity to run a random check at our new shipyard in Norway…"
By now, Frank was getting a little impatient. It was clear that old man Schwarz was rattling on and on from a seemingly endless list that Frank was convinced the old man was creating on the fly.
"Grandpa… Grandpa!" 'Paul' interrupted in a mildly exasperated tone. "Any more items on the to-do list, and I won't even have time to eat and sleep, much less work on finding out what happened to my parents and my uncle!"
Reginald Schwarz looked as if he was surprised to find himself cut off. Then he chuckled. "Can't blame an old man for trying…"
"No, I can't," 'Paul' replied with an affectionate smile. "But we really have to get going…"
Reginald Schwarz turned to Frank.
"Take good care of my grandson," he ordered brusquely.
"I will," Frank promised solemnly. But not for the reason you think, he added quietly to himself.
"Go!" Reginald Schwarz suddenly ordered. "Before I change my mind…"
And he watched as the two young men quietly and respectfully made their way out of his office.
The heavy wooden door clicked quietly closed, leaving Reginald alone in his personal domain. Or so it seemed.
A wooden panel in the posh office slides quietly aside, revealing a small hidden chamber. An elderly lady emerged from a very comfortable seat from within.
"You heard everything," Schwarz stated.
"Yes," she replied.
"Everything happened as you said it would… minus that near death disaster at the Hardy home last night."
"Yes, so it did," Yates answered with a satisfied smile. "The elder will re-acquaint the younger with the skills he used to have."
"Minus that near death incident at the Hardy home last night," Schwarz added curtly.
"You know we can't control every element in real life," Yates shrugged casually. "What matters is the fact that both of them got out of that potentially deadly confrontation on their own. Furthermore, we know that Paul was never in any danger. Albert had his sniper on that psycho all the while."
Reginald too a moment to digest what Yates said, and went through what was currently being planned.
"You are very confident that those two can bring down the Trident faction," Schwarz stated.
"Yes I am," Yates replied. "Paul, or Joseph, will have Frank to help him. The two brothers worked well together because their skill set complemented each other's. And Fenton does have his connections."
"The Trident faction, under Krycek, has grown rather powerful in the recent years."
"They have, but by selling out and betraying our Cause. They have no vision, only a selfish hunger for self-gain and power," Yates stated with mild distaste before asking. "But I have faith in your chosen heir. Don't you?"
"I do have faith in my choice of heir," Schwarz answered. "It's the other I'm concerned about."
"Ah, you mean Frank? He can become a problem later," Yates acknowledged. "But I am confident Paul can handle that when the time comes."
"I hope you're right, my lady Yates," Schwarz muttered under his breath. "I certainly hope you're right."