Librium

by PJ Bayliss

  ‘You’re welcome, Chaise. I’m only too happy to help you, especially when it comes to happiness you know. I wish I could have met her earlier this week.’

  ‘At graduation?’

  ‘Yes. I did mean to come, and I’m sorry I couldn’t. Not with Federico that way he was.’ Gianni explained that he had travelled to Italy several weeks ago to support Federico in his illness. The cancer had become very aggressive earlier that year and they tried every sort of treatment to try to fight it. Federico had lost significant weight and had severe back pain which practically immobilised him.

  ‘We employed a couple of full-time nurses to help him around the clock, 24-7, but we knew his time was coming all along. Your mother and I have been working through that process with him.’

  ‘Jesus, Papa, that sound’s terrible. I didn’t know…’

  ‘We didn’t want you to know the truth and what was happening behind the scenes. You boys needed to focus upon your studies, not worry about something that’s in God’s hands.’

  ‘I don’t know what to say, Papa. I’m sure you tried everything.’

  ‘There wasn’t much more I could do, except, perhaps, love him more,’ Gianni’s eyes teared up as he continued. ‘I had drifted apart from him so much. I realised this when I arrived there. He wasn’t anywhere close to the man I knew and loved. He was practically an empty shell. But it taught me something, you know, Chaise? I guess you’re never too old to learn after all.’

  ‘What’s that, Papa?’

  ‘That I can’t let it happen to you boys and me.’

  Chaise beamed and raised his glass in a toast to his father.

  From the first moment he saw him on this trip, Chaise knew Gianni had changed. He used to be so harsh and abrupt with the truth. Despite that attitude being a cornerstone to his success in business, it certainly let him down as a father figure. There were so many times Chaise thought he was a real prick, but now there was a certain glow of warmth, unlike anything he’d seen before in his father.

  It was a fatherly glow of love.

  ‘I know you won’t let that happen. I can see it in you.’ said Chaise, ‘You’ve always been supportive, Papa. In everything I have tried to do.’

  Gianni smiled with appreciation, but this was enough heart-to-heart for now and the old Gianni took over.

  ‘I need to talk to you about the business, Chaise. Come with me to my office.’

  They walked toward the front of the plane, leaving Carlos and Adrienne talking at the bar, and entered a small meeting room Gianni used for meetings and video conference calls. He pulled out a folder and asked Chaise to take a seat at the table.

  ‘Chaise, with Federico gone, I need to think about the company and its leadership team, okay?'

  A lump formed in Chaise’s throat as he continued to explain.

  ‘You’re my oldest boy, and that means I need you to step up for me and the company.’

  Chaise nodded as he continued to explain.

  ‘Federico was the majority shareholder and a partner before he passed away. Those shares now need to be distributed and a new partner must be assigned.’

  ‘Will the shares be sold?’ asked Chaise.

  ‘Sort of, yes. I’ll be frank with you though, Chaise. You will become a partner of the company. You will have part ownership of Pegasus Pharmaceuticals, along with your mother and I.’

  ‘Me? A company owner?’

  ‘Partner…’ Gianni corrected.

  This was big news. Chaise had barely left University to work, now he was being told that he would lead an entire company.

  ‘Wow Papa. Never did I think…’

  ‘That you’d own Pegasus one day?' Gianni hunched his shoulders, ‘It was going to happen one day, one way or another.’

  Chaise looked out of the window to reflect upon the news. He knew that he’d end up working for Pegasus when he got back to New York, but always envisioned it would be in the laboratory continuing with his Research and Development. There was never any mention of anything else by his father, and as such, he wasn’t mentally prepared for becoming a partner.

  ‘So, what do you think Chaise? It’s good, right?’

  ‘Papa, I need to think. This is a big step…’

  Gianni placed his hand on his shoulder, ‘Son, this is not a request. It’s a demand, and an expectation. I can’t take any other answer other than yes from you right now.’

  ‘What about one of your managers?’

  ‘Nuh-uh. Pegasus is a family business. Always has been, and always will be if I have anything to do with it.’

  Chaise nodded his head, ‘And what of Carl?’

  Gianni crossed his arms and leant back. ‘Carl… Carlos is a tough call. But no. Not right now, he’s not ready from what I can tell. Not yet, but likely in the near future. My immediate concern is that of Federico’s legacy. For legal reasons, and to keep this contract negotiation afloat, I need your support. It’s just paperwork, nothing to get excited about.

  ‘I see…’

  ‘So that means you need to keep this from him. He can’t find out about it. I don’t believe he’ll take it right.’

  ‘A secret? You want me to keep this from Carl? How the heck am I supposed to do that!’

  ‘I don't know, but that is what must happen for now to keep the business running smoothly,’

  Gianni opened the folder and took out a document. ‘Take a look at this, you need to read these, sign where the tabs are, and tonight your mother and I will sign the last page with you.

  Take your time. We have two hours before landing in Italy.’

  ‘Oh, no pressure then?’ quipped Chaise.

  Gianni placed his hand over Chaise’s. ‘Trust me. This is right, and I’ll never let you down.’

  22

  Chaise didn’t know what to do, but he knew what he’d end up doing. This was a one-way street, with no other options to consider. There was no way he could back down from his father’s job offer. Not unless he intended to be completely ostracised from the family.

  Assiduously he went through the documentation and scrolled each the page. He’d never even seen an employment contract before, yet alone company documents that included shareholding details and what was expected from a partnership. Chaise raked his fingers through his hair as he read on.

  Fatigue ultimately prevented him from signing. It had been a long day with a long drive following an even longer night. The champagne had been flowing freely and now the air-conditioned environment of the plane at 30,000 feet was dulling his senses.

  He needed a diversion.

  Julie…

  The teleconference remote control was on a nearby cabinet beneath the screen. He guzzled back his drink and began to dial up Julie’s Skype account. The buttons of the remote faded as the effect of the alcohol took hold, but he still managed to dial her number.

  The television screen popped into life with the logo. Then, suddenly, the door crashed open and Carlos busted through with Adrienne on his arm. He had a huge grin on his face and the look of a desperate man in need of a favour. ‘Mind if I borrow the room bro?’ Adrienne is giving me a tour.’

  Chaise shook his head with disbelief, but he wasn’t so shocked. When it came to breaking the ice in new relationships, Carlos operated at full-steam like an explorer racing to discover new territory and claim as his own. He’d won so many claims it was difficult to keep count.

  He agreed to let his brother into the room and departed.

  Carlos and Adrienne crashed onto the table in a passionate embrace. He flicked the light switch and the room dimmed as they flung clothes off each other. Kissing her neckline, he propped her arse upon the table and quickly inserted his fingers into her soaking wet pussy. She welcomed them back into her body and laid back onto the table and opened her thighs wide for him.

  In that moment of passion, her shoulder struck the remote control and turned the camera on, and while the television remained off, it didn’t stop the transmission from reach
ing Julie’s phone.

  ◆◆◆

  Julie had been waiting for the screen to turn on and she watched her phone intently for a sign of Chaise. The signal was poor and the screen flickered with delays as it finally opened, but the picture wasn’t very clear. She couldn’t tell what was going on in the dimly-lit room. Nor could she establish who was there before her on the table.

  Julie’s world dropped out of her soul as the image flashed across her screen. It shocked her to the core and she dropped the phone to her feet as her mind jumped to the least likely of conclusions. Julie instinctively leant forward and fumbled about to recover it from her feet. The phone tumbled about in her fingertips, she lost her grip twice, then finally caught the edge of it with her forefinger and thumb.

  ‘Phew!’ she sighed as she looked up across the dashboard, then Julie caught a glimpse of the truck driver’s eyes immediately before the impact.

  23

  It was hot and humid on the tarmac in Italy. The air clung to Chaise’s skin as he walked toward the hanger with his brother and father. Adrienne, the pilot and co-pilot followed a short distance behind them to customs processing.

  ‘I’ve arranged for a car to take you guys to the ferry. I’ll meet you on the island in a couple of hours.'

  ‘You’re not coming over with us Papa?’

  ‘No Carlos. I have a meeting with an important client first.’

  ‘We could hang around for you in town,’ suggested Chaise.

  ‘I’m afraid that won’t work out. My client is in Rome, so I will be at least four or five hours unfortunately. You’re welcome to hang around in town for a while though if you wish. Peyton would be only too happy to go shopping with you. She has a company card if you guys need some cash.’

  Chaise’s heart skipped a beat as Gianni continued. He hadn’t seen Peyton at all during the year having missed her each time he returned home to New York. The prospect of spending the next week with her in Capri left him with a hard lump in his throat.

  He changed the subject before another hard lump appeared and wished his father luck with the client in Rome. Gianni led the way to the customs processing area which involved another sterile greeting from the uniformed officers. Chaise took note of the armed guards around the facility and within minutes they were processed. One of the guards opened the door to the bright sunlight outside where their driver and car was waiting.

  ◆◆◆

  Chaise held his hand up to his forehead to deflect the sunlight. His eyes adjusted to the bright light when a dark silhouette came into view.

  ‘Long time no see, handsome.’

  Chaise beamed a huge smile at the familiar voice. ‘Peyton!’ He opened his arms wide and she fell into them upon the walk, hugging him tight and kissing him upon the cheek. Her fresh scent lingered in her hair and Chaise inhaled it in deep. ‘God you look great!’ Chaise complemented, even though the bright sun had prevented him from seeing a thing.

  Peyton was a voluptuous brunette with shimmering hazel eyes. Her hair was tucked up in a ponytail beneath a cream wide-brimmed hat. It matched a cute cotton jacket that she wore unbuttoned and a white camisole top that hugged her slender stomach. Her firm shapely thighs filled the black three-quarter pant she was wearing and her calves were tanned golden brown right down to the black-strapped stiletto heels upon her feet.

  Peyton knew she looked great, and she flaunted it too as she welcomed Chaise and his brother. It was a welcome all too brief, but still kindled up the special childhood memories in a manner that only a lover could.

  Gianni instructed Peyton to take the boys wherever they wanted to go in Naples and buy anything they needed for the island with the company card. There would be limited opportunity to get anything in Capri. Then asked Adrienne if she had anything to wear to the funeral.

  Adrienne was caught by surprise at his question. ‘Sorry, I didn’t think I would be attending the funeral.’

  ‘A slight change in plans, since this meeting in Rome and there’s no point in you coming with me this time, so you might as well enjoy yourself.

  I’ve arranged for alternative transportand it comes with security. That looks like it over there…’

  Chaise turned and looked at what Gianni had pointed out to Adrienne. In a fenced yard across the road was a large military helicopter with several crewmen walking about it in a pre-flight check.

  Carlos whistled in admiration, ‘Wow! You’re going up in that, Papa?’

  ‘Yes Carlos.’

  ‘It’s amazing…’

  ‘It’s an AW101, or Merlin as the Brit’s call it.’

  Carlos looked at his father with astonishment plastered on his face. The jet was one thing, but this machine looked all kitted out to meet any challenge on the battlefield. It was very peculiar.

  One of the pilots from the plane spoke up. ‘This helicopter has a long flight range. We could get to Rome and back without refuelling, so it is perfect for our trip. We'll drop your father off on the island afterwards.’

  ‘How many passengers can it take?’ asked Carlos.

  ‘This machine takes about two-dozen soldiers, but can take many more people if you want.’

  Carlos took another look at the helicopter with wide eyes. It was 64-feet long and 21-feet high, painted in military dark green with a small emblem on its side between a pair of large windows. He turned around quickly and looked at Gianni.

  ‘No, Carlos. You can’t come with me this time, but maybe one day soon,’ Gianni smiled. It was only natural for Carlos to behave this way, like a schoolboy. Anyone seeing such an incredible machine up this close would be inspired after all.

  Gianni bid everyone farewell and gestured to his pilots to join him. They walked across the compound to a security gate where an armed guard checked their credentials and let them inside. He was met by an officer who shook his hand before escorted Gianni and his two pilots up the steps into the helicopter.

  Carlos watched him disappear. ‘Did you know about this?’ he asked Chaise.

  ‘Sort of. I had an idea…’

  ‘And you didn’t tell me?’

  ‘You were preoccupied,’ he scowled his brother with a smirk in the corner of his lip.

  Carlos shrugged his shoulders sheepishly and glanced toward Adrienne. ‘It was a great preocupation.’

  Peyton swept her eyes across the three of them. She could tell something was up between them...something sinisterly.

  ‘What have you three been up to then?’ she turned to Adrienne, ‘You haven’t let these boys corrupt you, have you?’

  Adrienne blushed, but she managed to mock a gasp in surprise.

  ‘Tch tch tch, come on guys. Let's go shopping.’

  ◆◆◆

  The heart of Naples was barely five minutes away by car. Chaise had never been to the city before so he marvelled at all the sights. The buildings were colourful and the streets were full of ancient statues. A sea breeze lifted Chaise’s spirits and eased his mind over why he was visiting this city.

  Chaise took a photo of a group of buildings to send to Julie along with a text that he had landed safely and was leaving for Capri. He held the phone in anticipation of a reply‘Best you get any texts out of the way,’ said Peyton as she noticed Chaise with his phone, ‘There is F-all reception over at the island due to network maintenance. We’ve been told it’ll be up on our side of the island in a couple of days.’

  ‘Your side of the island?’

  ‘That’s right Chaise. The island is so small it only needs a couple of transmitters. You’ll love it though. It’s a little quirky, like stepping back in time in places, but quant.’

  ‘Really? I haven’t been to Capri before,’ replied Chaise, ‘I’ve only been to his other villa, up by Florence.’

  Federico’s villa in Florence was a small double-storied house with three bedrooms. It was barely used by Federico other than during return trips to his homeland from America when he was developing the villa in Capri.

  ‘Your grandfat
her has two villas’?’ Adrienne asked.

  ‘Three actually,’ said Carlos. ‘His first place is in a valley north of Trento. His parents, our great grandparents, eloped from that region back in the 30’s when they immigrated to America.’

  ‘Eloped?’ replied Adrienne. ‘Sounds romantic.’

  ‘I think it was more like a run for his life,’ interjected Chaise. ‘Grandmother was preordained for an arranged marriage, but Federico came onto the scene and then there was a war, things got pretty messy,’

  ‘The Greece war?’ interrupted Adrienne.

  ‘Yes, I think so. Anyway, her father was going to kill Federico and was hunting him down. He told me all about their escape, running on foot one night through paddocks all the way to Trento. He stayed there for three months in exile, hidden away from her family, to save enough money for the trip to America.’

  ‘Goodness! That must’ve been one hell of a harrowing journey!’

  ‘I think so, Adrienne. I can’t imagine how he did it.’

  ◆◆◆

  Peyton signalled for the driver to stop. ‘There are some shops up here for Adrienne and myself to get an outfit. Do you boys want to come?

  ‘No thanks, Peyton.

  That sounds even more harrowing than Federico’s escape to freedom ,’ Chaise said with a smirk.

  Peyton mocked a laugh, ‘Ha. You’ll keep for later. C’mon Adrienne, the boys will just have to wait for us.’

  Chaise and Carlos found a café on the waterfront and agreed to meet the girls there once they’d finished shopping. The twins ordered something to eat and a coffee. They sat down at a table outside the café and admired the local views, especially the beautiful looking girls sunning themselves on the beach nearby.

  It wasn’t long before the topic of conversation turned toward their new guest on the trip.