by Maggie Thom
****
"Where the hell are you and what's going on? Are you all right? Of course you're all right. You're talking with me. Dammit man, don't do this again. The man you wanted me to track down, a Mr. John Denori. Warrants for many different cons - theft, fraud, assault, outstanding warrants for questioning on three attempted kidnappings occurring in 1978, 1979 and 1980. Sound familiar?"
"Attempted?"
"No details except, they weren't successful. Well it sounds like he did what he was supposed to successfully but it turns out that in each case a family member/relative was behind the abductions. Someone figured it out and he was fingered for the attempted abductions. Sick."
"No wonder he wants Bailey. I'm sure she's the last link to his kidnapping her and trying to sell her on the black market. I'm assuming that's what his ring was?"
"Yeah but it looks small time. More of an, I've-got-a-family-member-that-is-threatening-my-inheritance-money-I-want-them-removed, kind of scam."
"Jesus, there are some sick relationships. Makes you wonder." Guy stared off into space, his mind trying to fit some pieces of the puzzle together. "Before we go too far with this I need two tickets to Toronto. There's a flight leaving in about an hour and a half. Can you get us on it?"
"Yes. But you need to fill me in on what's happening."
"Did you get a hold of Bean?"
"Yeah, that ungrateful s.o.b. He acted like he was doing me a favor instead of the other way around. Dick. Anyway, I haven't heard back from him. Doubt I will so I'll hack into the Edmonton Police files later to see if they have arrested Mr. John Denori. Sorry I can't give you a definite."
After he filled Graham in on all that had happened, he asked him to do him a favor.
"Graham, I need you to do some searching for me. It may take you a while and I need everything kept so silent, there's not a whisper of it anywhere. Okay?"
"You know me I don't share spit with anyone."
"I know that Graham, but no one can trace you. And before you tell me you never leave a trail, I need you to make sure. These are some serious people and the person I want you to do some checking on may have connections and be into something that no one will believe."
"I'm taking it you know this person. So before I let you tell me, is this going to put my life in danger?"
"It might. Want out?"
"Hell, no. I just like to get prepared for excitement if it's coming my way." He sighed. "I live such an exhilarating life that this will feel like a walk to the washroom. I look forward to this trip. Thank you, my friend."
Guy laughed. "You are so odd, Graham. Must be why we're friends. Thanks. The person that I need a complete history on is Geoffrey Caspian."
A long slow whistle met that announcement. "Oh, really. Well the good old chap is showing his true colors, eh? I'll get right on it. Be careful. I don't like the fact that family might be involved in this dirty stuff."
"Me neither."