“Gerald is everything going on schedule?”
“So far as I can tell we still have the upper hand. I’m packed and ready to travel, how about you?”
“I’m ready.”
“Good, I’ll see you later today.”
Neither, was much for small talk.
Gerald drove on Route 37, toward the coast, a short distance before the bay bridge he turned toward the aging home which stood deserted since the early ’70s. He pulled his car onto the dirt driveway, then walked behind the house where a bomb shelter had been built in the early ’60s. A time when the United States citizens were worried about the nuclear threat from the Soviet Union. He laughed to himself. If they only knew what a huge bluff the other side had perpetrated. Oh, they had missiles, but they knew they would never win an all-out war. The bluster they created worked to their advantage. The United States, in his opinion, should have stood up to all the aggression. This would have brought the wall down much sooner. They probably had to play politics as they usually do. After all who really runs the world? Big money people.
After reflecting, he counted out another three thousand dollars from the large pile of cash; he estimated the stash at around twenty-seven million dollars. This job would earn him over one hundred twenty-five million, less a few million for the fence should all go according to plan. And it will, he said to himself.
It was time to head to the chateau, there he would sham an illness. This would set up a doctor’s appointment and he’d be off to Philadelphia. He arrived ten minutes early as he usually did. He ran a tidy ship and wanted it to continue until he was ready to strike.
He acknowledged everyone he met with a short wave and a friendly smile. Always lull the enemy to sleep and then strike when they least expect. He felt apprehensive at the chateau, but he checked and rechecked everyday if he was handling himself in a non-deceptive manner. His cover story, about the movie star accident and the following facial surgery was a coup. The story had worked well. As far as he knew no one had gotten the wiser. If he could pat himself on his back he would. A phone call to Mother and he would be off to Philly. Then the meeting with Jewel. He would watch his back with the utmost care.
Jewel sat in a comfortable chair after her phone conversation with Gerald. Her mind was strategizing, but not in a military fashion. Jewel was more of a feelings decision maker. Her feelings had always done right by her. She had never been caught doing any of her deeds and she had done many. She was proud of herself, not quite the I- man brother Gerald was but she thought highly of her survival methods. Jewel was formalizing a plan of action should the opportunity arise, she would need help from at least two of the hired help, they would be with the crew and have the knowledge needed to act if she called upon them. Jewel was elated when a fourth spot had appeared. The two men designated to go there would divert to where her and Gerald were going. Only one problem concerned her. What if Gerald picked the wrong spot. She would let her feelings guide the situation. Gerald needed to be on guard!
TwentyTwo — Turn Up the Heat
Jonas was excited, he had written a new song. He had a feeling the song was pretty good; he was back on track. He would call Solly to let him know he had a place where he may have left the case. He hoped to find another three or four places and get out of this mess. He could then concentrate on song writing. At the very least he could help other producers with his insight. Mother had a good track and he was able to make it better. He was impressed; Mother took his ideas and ran with them. Many writers and producers have big egos and don’t want to hear their material is in need of help. Jonas had always accepted help from the people around him otherwise why have them around.
Jonas’ mind went to Solly and the case. He wished he had never seen or heard about it, but the problem was staring him in the face and had to be resolved. Jonas took a walk to the dining room. There was Solly, his spit shine shoes reflecting the ambient light and dressed in a perfect up to date black tuxedo with all the trimmings.
“Hey Jonas, what can I do for you?”
“I wanted to tell you a possible place has been found.”
“Fantastic! Now maybe some of the other places you lived at will have more meaning.”
“I hope so. Belle and I’ll go over some more of the list later today, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
“I have to tell you Jonas, you’re looking as good as I’ve seen you,” Solly excitedly told him.
“Thanks, I am feeling really good, at the top of my game, as they say.”
“Why don’t you come to my office later this evening and we’ll go over what you’ve come up with. I’ll be done around ten?”
“Perfect. I may have another place by then. By the way, do you know if Mother or Muddy are around?”
“I think they’re in the studio.”
“Oh, I don’t want to bother them.”
“I don’t think you’ll be bothering them. Mother was here earlier bragging about your ability to hear a song and know exactly what it needs to make it better. Just go knock on the door, I guarantee they’ll welcome you.”
“Really! I’m going however I’ll hold you personally responsible if they throw me out.” Jonas laughed.
He realized he hadn’t laughed much over the years. It felt good. Jonas went to the studio, but first, he picked up a copy of the song he just wrote. He approached the studio and knocked.
“Mr. Lundgren, come in.” Mudd said.
“Please stop with the mister stuff, call me Jonas.”
Mother chimed in, “No problem Jonas, how are you this afternoon?”
“I’m fine. Am I catching you at a bad time?”
“Not at all,” said Muddy, “in fact, we’ve been talking about you all day.”
“I wrote a song myself today and would like both of you to hear what I have so far. I would like an opinion from you as I’m not sure where my writing is at.”
“Let’s hear it!” M&M responded in unison.
Jonas sat down at the piano and started to play. He began singing as the boys gathered around the piano. When he finished they said, “wonderful, fantastic, you just wrote the song?”
“I did,” Jonas proudly replied.
Mother picked up an acoustic guitar and Muddy brought over a snare drum and a set of brushes. “Play it again,” Mother prompted.
The song came to life, Jonas played as he had never played before. He was excited. When they finished Mother suggested they record the song. Muddy would program the drums. “Do you have an idea for the arrangement,” Mother asked.
“Let me think,” Jonas replied. “Are ya’ll sure you have time for this?”
“You bet we do!” Muddy exclaimed.
In a short half hour, the song had an arrangement with an intro from Mother.
Muddy finished the drum sequence, which he would record on to the DAW so Mother could play the piano part for a reference track.
“All right Jonas, do you want to put down the final piano part?”
“I don’t know if I’m ready, why don’t you put it down this time.”
“Okay, but if it isn’t the way you want it, you can redo it when we finish the song.”
They started to record. Two short hours later they had a quick track ready.
“I don’t believe this,” Jonas exclaimed, “the song is done.”
“Not really done, just the first stage,” Mother pointed out, “we will change many things before the final track can be called a finished product.”
“This digital recording stuff is a miracle, what you can do and how quickly you can do it.”
Muddy chimed in with, “It can be both a blessing and a bombastic problem as you will see. Yes, it is quick, however you can also get caught up in the many things you can do and waste a lot of time.”
“I can believe it,” Jonas said. “Just the short time I’ve been watching you two work I felt I wanted to try this and try that, so yes, I do believe time coul
d be wasted.”
“Why don’t you put a vocal track over this and we all can get an idea as to what the song will need to make it happen,” Mother suggested.
“If you guys can stand it, I’ll give it a try.”
Twenty minutes with a few punch-ins the vocal track was done.
“It sounds fantastic, I can’t believe we have a piano, bass, drums, a string section, a few horns and a guitar filling in between the vocals. Unbelievable! I can’t wait to play it for Belle. I don’t want to record and run, but I think I’ll head to my suite.”
“Thanks for stopping by Jonas,” Muddy said.
“Thanks for taking your valuable time to show me how all this is done and recording my first song in many years.”
“You’re welcome,” Mother told him. “Don’t forget tomorrow, we do lunch and talk about a working relationship. By the way, the recording session is the day after tomorrow, do you think you make it?”
“A cattle stampede couldn’t keep me away.”
“Great! One o’clock in the afternoon.”
Jonas feet never touched the floor as he walked back to play the track for Belle.
~
Solly was rifling through a large pile of paperwork while sitting at his desk waiting for three o’clock to roll around. He suddenly realized he hadn’t called Mother to make a definitive time for a meeting. This was a good time to call. The phone rang six times before the message machine came on. Solly told Mother to call.
He was looking at some items relating to Gerald. He realized Gerald had bad intentions, but as the paper from Agent Weisman stated there was not enough evidence or any outstanding warrants to make an arrest at this time. Gerald could easily skip and never be seen in the area again, at least not as Lucian Santana Gerald.
M&M were busy in the studio and would not get the message until dinner time so he would wait and see them before he went home.
“Let’s go over Helen Oh Helen and make sure it has the feel we want. You mentioned something about the lyrics if I remember correctly,” said Mother.
“Yes, I think it’s a little bit repetitive in the hook. I feel pretty good about the feel, what bothers you?”
“I hear some more guitar and maybe less piano in the final mix. I can try some guitar parts. What do you think about the hook?”
“Works for me,” Mudd nonchalantly said.
“Also, Solly left a message for us to meet him at ten tonight to go over the Gerald problem. He wants to be more helpful to our situation by knowing our schedule so he can prevent another Jewel incident from happening. Are you available?”
“Thanks for asking if I’m available, instead of telling me I have to be there. I’ll be there,” Muddy chirped in his who do you think you are tone. “See you in Solly’s office at ten.”
Mudd walked around the chateau for the next 30 minutes steaming and almost frothing at the mouth. Why was Mother treating him like a lackey. He was his own man and wanted the respect he deserved.
What was bothering him? What had Mother done to get him into this state of depression. He could see no answer to his problems. Mudd was on his way to the studio. The combination wouldn’t open the door. He tried again, nothing! Had Mother changed the combination? Hey, if I’m not wanted I can leave. Tomorrow I’ll get a plane reservation before they drive me crazy.
Solly was busy at the maitre d’ stand. The evening was busier then normal. He waited for the ten o’clock meeting with M&M. He had trained himself to keep an even keel under stressful times and quickly put his best smile back on his face. The night moved along at a slow pace.
Mother was already in his suite, finished his shower and dressed for dinner. He must have set something in motion which affected Muddy in a negative way but couldn’t pinpoint the problem. He would get there early and speak to Solly before Muddy arrived.
One of the residents, had decided to go live with his children. His fellow residents were all saying their goodbye’s. A boisterous version of, For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow, sounded throughout the lobby.
Mother heard the party sounds in his office as he was getting the session schedule honed down and looking for a day to do the second session. The music had him singing along and helped get rid of the slight tension he’d built up over Muddy’s attitude. There was a waiting list of folks who wanted to move into the chateau. If the list continues to grow the chateau may get a new addition. Mother picked up the list and read the first few names. It would be at least a few days before anyone would move in as the suite had to be cleaned, painted and decorated to the specifications of the new guest. The first name was Margaret Burns, a benefactor of the arts.
Her name sounded familiar but Mother couldn’t place it. It was 9:47, Mother headed to Solly’s office, hoping to get there before Muddy. No luck Muddy was already there.
“Hey, Mudd,” Mother said. A grunt emanated from the mouth of Muddy. Apparently, he was more miffed then he was before.
Mother tried again. “Yo, what’s up!” Nothing, not even a grunt came forth. Mother sat down and waited for Solly. 10 o’clock came and went. It was nearing 10:30 when Solly came in and fell into his chair. He rolled the chair close to the desk and unlocked one of the side drawers, pulled out a pile of papers.
“This is just part of the information we have found concerning Gerald,” he said.
“Right,” Muddy mumbled.
“What’s it all mean?” Mother asked.
“It means we have a large problem. Noodles, is trying to find his name at birth. He is not Romanian, maybe Irish. His father being a diplomat at the British Embassy in Romania pre-WWII is not true. Scotland Yard is helping to track him but there seems to be very little information on everyone’s computer systems. It may take some time,” Solly explained. “Listen up, the two of you need to take care, he may be a killer. I will need to know both of your schedules and you both will need to keep them.”
“You won’t need my schedule,” Muddy said. “I’m heading to Las Vegas in the morning.”
“You’re what?” Mother asked.
“You heard me.”
“What brought this on?”
Muddy thought for a moment and answered, “I need some space.”
Solly looked at Mother, then he shrugged his shoulders, stood up and left the room.
“So Muddy, you have given this some thought and made a decision accordingly?”
“Yeah!”
“What do you mean there’s nothing you can do?”
“Nothing – I – can – do! Four little words; what’s so hard to understand. If I don’t know what the problem is, what can I do?”
Mother was frustrated. With everything he had on his shoulders, a temper tantrum from his partner wasn’t needed!
“You’re not going to try and stop me?”
“No!”
“Unfair. You could at least apologize.”
“For what?”
Muddy sat there as he looked for an answer. “I don’t know what for, just on general principal.”
“I’m not paying for an early departure, for lack of interest or for not seeing the project through. Get your own ticket.”
“I will,” said Muddy as he put his open hand under his chin, thinking over what he had said. “All right, if you want me to stay and finish this project I will, but not a minute more.”
“Your choice, Muddy,” said a truly annoyed Mother.
There was quiet as both sat there for a few minutes. Solly opened the door and broke the silence. “Are you still leaving, Mudd?” he asked.
“No, I will finish the music before I leave…don’t want anyone to say John E. Mudd didn’t complete what he started.”
“Good,” Solly said. “Let’s go over the schedules. More important don’t antagonize Gerald. Can both of you handle the problem and act professional?”
“We
can,” M&M said in unison.
Half an hour later Solly had given the guys a set of rules and told them not to vary them in any way without letting him know. This would help him immensely as he had a lot on his plate.
M&M felt better about the situation knowing not only Solly but another FBI agent was on the premises, someone unknown to them but ready should trouble occur. They looked at each other but said nothing and headed to their suites.
TwentyThree — The Dynamic Trio
Jonas rose early and went for a pre-breakfast stroll. He remembered another spot where the case may be. As he returned to his suite coffee emanated from the kitchen. It was much more relaxing then sitting at the FBI office.
Lunch with Mother kept creeping into his mind, Should I get involved big time? Yes! Should I keep writing? Yes! Will Mother ask me to work on a regular schedule? He hoped so! Everything came up, do it, it’s the thing you love!
“Do you want to work on the list,” Belle asked.
“Not now, I’m having a hard time concentrating. We’re going to talk about me working with M&M at lunch. There’s a recording session tomorrow. They want me there and it frightens me. Am I ready? I don’t know…I’d like to try.”
“You can do it, Jonas, I know you can. You have nothing to lose. Go for it Mr. Lundgren,” said Belle.
Jonas no sooner sat down in his soft reclining chair when Belle found him sound asleep. Belle went for a short walk around the property and had the sun soak her face hoping for a little vitamin D. When she returned it was almost 11:00. She waited for a full half hour before waking Jonas,
“Time to get ready for your lunch date.”
“Thanks for getting me up.”
At twelve-thirty, he would head to the café. It’s amazing, he thought after all these years, working in the business and still the nerves go crazy. Jonas didn’t have the desire to eat but would have a coffee while Mother ate his lunch.