Into the Lion's Den

by Tionne Rogers

  “Your mercenaries were just lucky.”

  “Private military contractors, if you please. They're quite sensible,” Michel said softly. “Now, get your dogs out if you want to speak with me and leave this place alive. They've just arrived from Somalia. I believe, you're aware of the local traditions as they're your customers too.”

  The four men blocking the door with their own weapons pointed at his three bodyguards, convinced Repin of how serious Lacroix was. They looked well trained and dangerous, specially the two black very tall men.

  Constantin only moved his head, dismissing his men. He had already lost three good soldiers in their attempt to take Lacroix to him.

  “Very well, sit down and we can speak in a civilized way. I dislike when people invade my property.”

  “You gave Guntram to Lintorff! I will kill you just for this. He's living in his house in Frankfurt!”

  Constantin hissed.

  “Yes, children are never as parents want. He decided to return to Lintorff. I'm not happy with his choice, but it's for the best,” Michel sighed and leaned against the soft leather chair, looking completely relaxed and unimpressed to be in the presence of an armed Repin.

  “It's your fault!”

  “You were not so adequate for him as I used to believe. Trying to ruin his career was too much for my taste, Mr. Repin. You will never have Guntram as long as I live.”

  “You will not live long,” Constantin growled.

  “You also not if I send you to prison. How long would you last in jail? Two days? A week? The Russian authorities would be delighted to see all what I have on you. Be glad that I didn't give it to Lintorff. I have also some ethics toward my clients.”

  “This will not finish here.”

  “Of course not, but bear in mind that I organised most of your companies legal framework. Many of your tax declarations are bordering on legitimate and it's only a matter of putting two and two together. Go away and forget that my son exists. He will do the same for you.”

  “He's mine and I will get him back.”

  “He has not much time left. If you love him so much, let him live in peace and joy. Guntram still appreciates you; don't ruin a good memory of you or your own life on a childish whim,” Michel said with a tired voice as he indicated a chair for Repin to sit.

  “It's not a childish whim! I love him and he loves me too!” Constantin raised his voice but sat where he should, unbuttoning his jacket before doing it.

  “No, he's done with you. You lost him two years ago. Much to my annoyance, he loves Lintorff and vice versa. If you take him away, you will kill him. I had to return him to that scum before he would have died of a heart attack. His health deteriorated significantly when he was living with me. Think well if you want to be the one who buries him. I buried his mother and it's harder than you think.”

  “This will not be forgotten, Lacroix.”

  “Please, let's remember who we are, sir. Threatening is for the mob, not for people like us,” Michel sneered. “As your counsellor, I would recommend you to stop this war with Lintorff. You have nothing to gain from it and might lose everything. Your troubles with Morozov costed you Guntram. Next time, it will be your head. You have many cracks in your own structure and many willing to use them against you. Negotiate with Lintorff again; take advantage of the fact that he's going through a sort of bucolic phase with his children and in a generous mood. It's a rare event, almost like a full planetary alignment. Perhaps, I could intercede in your favour and Lintorff let you see Guntram, under surveillance, of course, as long as he wants. My son wants to reach an agreement with you too.”

  “I will not accept this!”

  “I would have preferred you over the German also, but I have to swallow my pride and endure Lintorff.

  You have no idea how hard is for me to refrain myself to shoot him dead or when Guntram shows me the pictures of his little bastards. Unfortunately, my son made his choice. Perhaps one day he realises how wrong he's, but until that day comes, I have to put my best face for his sake. You should do the same because this strategy of yours is not working at all.”

  “I will not renounce him.”

  “Yes, you have said it many times already, but tell me why do you like my son so much?”

  “He's everything I desire; kind, polite, talented and good looking.”

  “Without the last part, you're describing a good friend. Why don't you settle for this? Guntram holds you in his greatest esteem. He told me several times that without you, he would have never had the courage to paint. You taught him everything he knows and changed his life like no one ever did before. Not even I was able to touch his life so much. Let him go and maybe he returns to you. Lintorff could never influence him as you have done. If you continue with this war of yours, only resorting to violence, he will be literally heartbroken. Allow me to negotiate on your behalf with Lintorff.”

  “What would I get? A letter per month? A picture for my birthday?” Constantin said with huge contempt.

  “The right to see him and be his friend. In the moment, Lintorff plans to put my son in his castle, give him the children to play and lock the door while he destroys everything you have with a clear conscience. Guntram would never have sex with you on his own volition; you would have to force him and that is not what you want. My solution is better: be his friend and confident.”

  “If I agree to this, what guarantees do I have from you?”

  “I give you no guarantees. I have the upper hand, sir. I only want to make my son's life easier.”

  “I don't believe you. You're afraid of what I could do to you.”

  “I already fooled the whole Order with fewer resources than now. Don't try my patience sir. Those men you saw here are better than Pavicevic's and I have access to many of your business. It's a fair exchange what I'm proposing you. You leave Guntram alone and give up to any romantic claims you have on him and I convince Lintorff and my son to let you come near. A little of competition is good to keep the German in place.”

  “You're a dangerous man, Mr. Lacroix.”

  “Do I have your word?”

  “Do I have yours?” Constantin answered back, without believing in the other man's sincerity for a single minute. 'It's a door, better than nothing.'

  “Yes, I will plead your case to my son if you agree to stop your harassment.”

  “I will not force myself upon Guntram, if he accepts to resume our friendship. You will refrain Lintorff from attacking me.”

  “Of course, I will. I believe you two were good business partners before he saw Guntram. My son also likes your children. He was always speaking me about your girl and the youngest.”

  “Very well, I expect to hear from you in a week.”

  “A month. These things take some time, Mr. Repin. And you have to reorganize your own backyard, sir. I believe Lintorff has been playing there during the past month, especially in Ukraine. He's growing very fond of that country.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Lacroix,” Constantin answered with sarcasm, but took good heed of Michel's advice.

  “Allow me to walk with you to the exit, Mr. Repin. These are my last days in this office. I'm moving to Zurich and taking over the Lintorff Foundation. If my son agrees, you can visit him in my house,” Michel said nonchalantly, as he rose from his chair.

  Constantin snorted at hearing the last words. “I see you also obtained something from Lintorff.”

  “Be it a lesson for you too, sir,” Michel retorted dryly. “I have no sympathies for either of you.”

  “It's a mutual feeling,” Constantin mumbled as he walked toward the door with the lawyer in tow.

  “You will be hearing from me,” Michel said and opened the door for the other. “Guntram left many of his sketches at home. Should I send them to St. Petersburg?”

  “I would appreciate this enormously,” Constantin said softly.

  Watching the Russian getting into his large car was a great relief for Michel. One of the monste
rs was appeased and now he had to corner the other one. 'It's unbelievable how childish those two can be! But I need him to keep Lintorff in check. I don't trust him for a minute. I'm saving his own hide when I swore to destroy him! Incredible! Time to put the fool back in his place. This plethoric phase of his is very dangerous for all of us. I'm sure now that he really loves my son, but he's a sociopath with money. If he's left to his own devises, he will buy paintings and canvases for Guntram, lock him in the nursery and start a Mafia war or an economical crisis just to make the world a safer place for Guntram.'

  'The world would be a safer place without all of them.'

  Guntram de Lisle's Diary

  May 5th 2006-Frankfurt.

  Tomorrow I'm travelling with Friederich and papa back to Zurich. I can't believe that the babies have arrived! Konrad called me a few minutes ago to tell me and I'm completely happy about it. I would go now, but my father decided to keep his schedule. Sometimes he can be very dense and old fashioned. Worst than Konrad! I can't believe what I'm going to write: I had more freedom with him than with my father. I remember now how he used to sit me to make my homework. Very nice, very kind, what a good boy you are Guntram but don't move your ass from the chair till you're finished! Sit straight and finish your greens! I had forgotten all this.

  I swear I will not do it to Karl and Klaus!

  Who am I kidding? Probably I would do exactly as he does with me. The super revolutionary behaves like my grandfather according to his tales! Your father was stern? Did you take a look in the mirror this morning?

  He almost kicked out Konrad from his own house for coming too close to me! I'm not a bloody maiden! I was living with him and with Constantin without asking his permission! I hope this improves after we are in Zurich.

  At least it seems he has found a compromise for this situation. Yesterday he spoke with Constantin. I almost fainted when he told me during dinner that he had come to his office in Brussels with his goons.

  “Don't worry Guntram. My bodyguards are used to deal with more difficult people than his men. They're kittens compared to what they saw during wartime. We spoke long and we might have a solution but I have to consult with you before I speak with Lintorff.”

  “I don't think he will hear you. Konrad dislikes you very much,” I told him.

  “I have also my opinion about him, Guntram. The thing is that Repin will stop to importunate you with his demands in exchange that you agree to give him your friendship and allow him to see you now and then. He would also like to continue to see your work. He will cease any attack on Lintorff too,” Papa told me very calm.

  I was a mess. Friendship with Constantin? I don't know. After Claudia's mess, I can't see him like I used to do. He terrified me in Rome and I only wanted to escape from him in Russia. Fuck, I was so desperate that I cut my wrists open!

  “It's not a good idea, father.”

  “As you wish, Guntram.”

  “He's very violent and I don't think he will keep his word. He kidnapped a little girl to force me to go to Vienna! I would have never spoken with him!”

  “Why did you go then?”

  “To convince him to leave me alone! I'm afraid he goes against the babies! He's obsessed with me! I loved him, but he lied to me about his wife and children! When I was in St. Petersburg, there was a man with me all the time!”

  “I never said that he was the best option for you, but you said it yourself. You have to convince him to leave you alone and this will not be achieved in one go. You've always spoken well about him, almost like a friend more than like a lover.”

  “Yes, I did but after Rome many things changed.”

  “He was a desperate man. We do many stupid things under pressure. This way you will be sure that he will not go against Lintorff's children. If you forgave him for lying about Roger, why can't you forgive Repin?”

  “It's different! I love Konrad but I still don't know if I will resume our relationship. I'm only going because of the children. We will not share the bedroom, so you can keep your watchdog act to yourself!”

  “Don't you think that you're being unfair to Repin?” he asked me with a blank face, only caring about the meat in his dish!

  “How? He's a mobster!”

  “Lintorff does the same but with more class, that it's true,” he shrugged and asked the butler to get him more sauce.

  “What is your game this time, father?” I retaliated when we were left alone. He's not the man who used to play horses with me. He can be cold and calculating to a point that I don't think Konrad could ever be. I'm sure my father loves me, but if he can play his game, he will do it.

  “None. I'm only looking for the best solution for you. One in which you can still live your life like an independent person or do you prefer to hide behind Lintorff's back for the rest of your life, depending on him to take the bus or go for a coffee? He would love it, I'm sure, but it's a bad idea. Pacify the Russian front, so to speak. I will be present, if you want. I believe, Repin loves you as well as he can and he tried to do his best for you. Give him a second chance to be your friend. He asks nothing else. If you allowed Lintorff to come near you again, then the logical thing would be to let the Russian too,” he told me with his logical voice. I could only gape at him.

  “If you agree, I'll speak with Lintorff. It will be also good for him to recover his share of the Russian market. His associates are pressing him over this, Guntram. For all our sakes we have to stop what is coming. It can only end badly for all of us and innocent people could get hurt. Every time Lintorff attacks Repin, like he did in 2005, he loses his companies and people their jobs, all this without counting “military solutions”. Whether you like it or not, you are in a place of an enormous responsibility, Guntram. I never wanted this for you, but somehow you landed there and now you have to carry this burden the best as you can. You're not a child any longer. You agreed twice to be Lintorff's consort and your responsibility lies in how you support him. Obeying him blindly is not the way, my son. You have the opportunity to prevent a long and bloody conflict.”

  “Konrad does not want that I'm involved with the Order's affairs.”

  “Of course he does not! I already read that script in 1985!” Papa snorted. “But you're in. Give Repin a chance and stop what's coming now. It's the only way to control Repin.”

  “Constantin will do as he pleases! Don't you know him already?”

  “Repin will respect your wishes. Did he touch you in Rome?”

  “He drugged me! He tortured and killed my bodyguards! He kidnapped a small girl!”

  “So you wouldn't have a heart attack! And as for kidnapping, Lintorff almost threw you in his plane and forbid you to leave his house! You were not exactly a free man! Could you have just walked out of the door?”

  “No,” I admitted, “but this is a bad idea. Konrad will not allow it.”

  “Do you want to speak with Repin? It could save the German's position. He has also exhausted his own credit. Nothing would please me more than see him falling, but I'm sure that you would suffer for it.”

  “Yes, I will. He has given all his life to this organization.”

  “A total waste, if you want my opinion, but it's his life. I'm only concerned about you, Guntram. Lintorff should not choose your friends. You're a free person, not his toy.”

  It was hard for me to hear what he said but he was right. Konrad directs my every move, just like Constantin did. He exploded the moment I decided to risk my neck for Claudia. It's my neck, not his. “If I agree to his request, will Constantin leave you alone papa?”

  “Yes, he will.”

  “Then, tell him I will see him after I have established myself in Zurich,” I accepted very weakly. I'm totally insane, but I also don't see any other way out. “I don't know how I'm going to do it. I don't know how I'm going to live with Konrad again. I'm having all these doubts when he's not around,” I confessed to my father.

  “Guntram, there's no need for you to live with him. I'm mor
e than able to protect you from Lintorff or Repin.”

  “I know, papa, but I want to come back with him and the babies. I do really want to have them. I love them perhaps more than the father.”

  “I know, although I don't understand it. If you want children, why don't you have your own? It could be possible.”

  “Because I know I will not last long. When Konrad told me about Klaus and Karl, I thought that God had given me a chance and I took it. I couldn't leave a child behind. Who would look after him or her after I'm dead?

  I want to live as long as I can for those babies, but I will not fool myself thinking that my health will improve. Dr.

  Wagemann spoke long with me and I have to be very careful for the next months.”

  “You will get better once you're in a less stressful environment. You will see the babies and visit me once I have a place in Zurich.”

  “Are you planning to take Fairuza to Zurich?” Guntram chortled, already imaging how crossed Friederich, Goran, Mirko, Ratko or Milan would be. She had started a campaign against the five men and she was winning in Guntram's view.

  “Sure, she's my housekeeper,” Papa told me with self sufficiency. This could be a huge and epic explosion when the Germans and Serbs hear about this. Somehow they don't like her and vice versa.

  “Friederich can't stand her. She fights with him the whole day and with Konrad too! Imagine, she kicked him out of his own living room! Fairuza told Friederich to go away several times! She does not allow Mopsi to sleep in my room!”

  “Good and sensible woman. You also need a firm hand sometimes. Friederich should be nice to her or she will stay in the castle with him. She has already expressed her desire to continue to look after you.”

  “Father, Konrad could accept to ask Constantin once per year for tea, but to live under Fairuza's fist will be too much for him!” I laughed.

  “A Fairuza in his life would have helped him a lot,” my father laughed and I can really imagine how it would have been for Konrad: to be commanded by a woman! I guess he would have had stroke in less than a month!