EMIT (THE EMIT SAGA)

by Barbara Cross

  “How did the information get into more than one file?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe somebody in New York was working or looking through files and didn’t know where the envelopes belonged and just stuck them wherever. Even if they had looked inside the envelopes, it wouldn’t have made any sense.

  “Did catching Gilles change anything?”

  “One of the agents went into the future and the attack still happens. Even if they don’t find the envelope, they eventually find one of those two men, get the money and proceed with the attack. If they find that last envelope, it happens sooner. Without the envelope, the attack is put off by six months. At least, we know what we have to do, but we need the information to access that ten billion dollars.”

  “Where did all the money come from?”

  “Gilbert worked for a French bank and stole the money in a trading ponzi scheme. He put the funds in a Swiss account, but Emir wanted the money moved to Singapore and called Gilbert, who was on a flight to China and was unreachable. That’s when Emir called Omar to transfer the funds and… the rest of the story you know.”

  “Don’t most people put their money in Swiss banks? Why did they move it?”

  “With new laws to counter money laundering, they got worried. Switzerland has been participating in joint task forces that target the financing of Al-Qaeda terrorist cells. Switzerland has helped find and freeze these assets. That’s why the group decided to move the funds to Andorra. It’s getting harder to hide ill-gotten money because a lot of countries are working together now. Singapore is now the most enticing for crooks and offers depositors privacy and protection because of the changes made in the Swiss bank secrecy protocol. In order to promote itself, Singapore now imposes steep fines and long jail sentences for personnel who leak information to international authorities.”

  “But why wouldn’t Emir know the banking information? It doesn’t make any sense,” I said.

  “I have no idea. Perhaps it was a good faith gesture to show the men he trusted them or he didn’t put his name on the account, so that the stolen money wouldn’t trace back to him.”

  “What happens now?” I asked.

  “James sent agents to look for those two men.”

  “It was Gilbert and who was the other man?”

  “Farid. He’s a nuclear physicist and works for a French nuclear company. Gilles said that Emir is desperate to find him not only for the banking data, but for his expertise to help in the nuclear attack.”

  My cell rang and it was Mom. “Sweetie, I don’t have time to come back to get you. I’ll meet you at the doctor’s office.”

  “Okay, I’ll leave now.” I went in the kitchen and got the address.

  “I’ll have a car take us over,” Daniel said as I came back and texted on his cell.

  “How about you just drop me off at the building? I’m not sure how Mom will be.”

  “I’ll deal with it. I’m not leaving you alone until this is solved.”

  “Okay, it’s your funeral,” I said jokingly, but was glad he was coming.

  Sure enough, as we entered the office, Mom looked livid when she saw Daniel. Rising from her chair, she beckoned me to follow her into the hallway.

  “I really don’t understand what’s going on. Why are you two always together?” she whispered to me. I didn’t answer her because a group of people got off the elevator and were standing staring at a directory. I walked back into the waiting room and sat down next to Daniel.

  Mom walked over and said, “Daniel, I don’t want to find you in Paige’s bed again. Do you understand me?” Thank goodness no one was sitting nearby to hear her.

  “Yes, I do. I’m sorry. I should’ve had Paige call you.” Why was he being nice to her?

  “Mom, please stop being so rude,” I snapped.

  “Watch your tone, Paige,” she said threateningly.

  “You’re not being fair. I already told you it wasn’t Daniel’s fault and the reason we’re together is that he’s my boyfriend.”

  Daniel looked embarrassed and tried to hush me. “Paige, stop.”

  Mom looked furious, but instead of yelling at me, she walked away and sat far way from us.

  “I suggest you stop fighting with her unless you want to get grounded,” Daniel advised.

  “I know, but I was so angry that I couldn’t help myself.”

  We waited almost thirty minutes before my name was called.

  Daniel squeezed my hand and said, “I’ll be right here when you come out.” Hopefully, no one on the doctor’s staff wanted to kill me except for my mother.

  As Mom and I entered, she said under her breath, “We’ll talk about your behavior later.”

  I knew I should apologize. “I’m sorry about before Mom.” She didn’t say anything.

  After examining my arm, Dr. Weston said he wanted to see me in three weeks.

  “We’re leaving for Europe this Saturday. I’ll see you when I get back,” I said.

  After we walked out, Mom said, “We can’t go. Dad can’t fly because of his concussion.”

  “Poor Dad, but I just can’t believe this. My trip to London has now been canceled three times. Nana’s leg, my arm and now Dad’s concussion.”

  “I know. It’s been a crazy summer,” Mom agreed.

  Daniel was reading a newspaper and when he saw my sad face, asked, “Are you okay?

  “I’m fine, but we’re not going to London. Dad can’t fly because of his concussion.”

  “We’ll go another time. There’s no other option,” Mom answered. “I have to get back to the hospital to get your father. Please walk Amber when you get home.”

  After we walked Amber, we sat in the living room to wait for Dad. Almost an hour later when they hadn’t shown up, I called Mom, but her cell was off. Mom finally called and said that Dad was exhibiting memory loss and they were keeping him another day.

  I hung up and turned to Daniel. He heard what was going on. “What if he has brain damage?”

  “He’s probably okay. They just want to be safe.” Daniel held me while we sat on the couch.

  “Can you check Dad’s condition in the future? If he’s going to be okay?”

  “I’ll see if I can, but James might not allow it.”

  As if on cue, my house phone started ringing. “I can’t take it anymore.”

  “Just answer it.”

  “No…okay.” I relented. I had no choice, but it felt good to refuse, if only for a moment.

  “Hello?” I answered nervously.

  “We need that envelope,” a gruff man’s voice barked.

  “I’m looking for it, but I can’t find it.”

  “You have till Friday. After that there will be problems for you and your family.” Tears streamed down my face as I dropped the phone.

  “How do they know I’m home alone? If they’re outside, don’t you see them?”

  “We have no idea where they are? We think they might be in one of the apartments across the street?”

  “I can’t handle this anymore,” I said and started to cry.

  “It’ll be okay, calm down.”

  “You don’t know that, things keep changing and no one’s safe.” Keys were jingling in the lock and Mom entered to find me hysterical.

  “What’s going on?” she asked and looked at Daniel accusingly.

  “I’m worried about Dad,” I said honestly.

  “The doctor said it’ll take time, but he’ll be fine,” she said and started to head upstairs.

  “Thank goodness. Are you going back to the hospital?” I asked.

  “In a little while. Martin is with him now. Do you want to come back with me?”

  “We’ll walk over later.” I realized quickly that was the wrong answer.

  Mom stopped on the stairs and glowered down at me. “You can go see your father alone.”

  “Yes Paige, it’s not necessary that I go,” added Daniel.

  “Please come and wait for me outside,” I said. Little d
id she know, he’d be there whether he was asked or not.

  “Can I speak to you upstairs, please?” she asked curtly.

  Daniel stood up and said, “I need to go. Call me later.”

  I walked him to the door and kissed him goodbye. I turned to find Mom watching me with a worried expression. Now that Daniel was gone, she came back downstairs.

  “This is getting ridiculous. That boy is always around. Don’t get me wrong, I like him, but this is all too much. You two are attached at the hip. Why are you rushing into such a committed relationship? You’re too young.”

  “No, I’m not.” What was the point of fighting? “I’m not talking about this anymore.”

  “Dad and I think you should go to London on Saturday. You need a break from Daniel.”

  I was taken aback. “Are you kidding me? You want to separate us?”

  “Of course not, but maybe you’ll get some perspective on this relationship.”

  “You’re not being fair.”

  “Your priorities have changed and I’m worried about your last year in high school.”

  “Why? It’s the summertime. School hasn’t even started. My GPA was a 3.9 last year.”

  “Let’s hope you keep it that way. Your education comes first.”

  “Ay ay Mom,” I said and saluted her. This was ridiculous.

  “One other thing, Paige. If you ever talk to me the way you did at the doctor’s office, you’ll be grounded. Understand?”

  “Yes,” I said and stormed off.

  Upstairs, I lay on my bed. She came up and asked if I wanted anything to eat and I said no.

  “I’m going back to the hospital. See you later.”

  Five minutes passed and Daniel was at my door.

  "I'm sure you heard."

  “I did, and if you were a mom, you’d feel exactly the same way.”

  Not interested in talking about my temper tantrums and overreactions that Daniel was alluding to, I kissed him instead.

  Daniel took my hand and led me upstairs. “Let’s focus and try searching your Dad’s office, the den and the master bedroom again. It has to be here,” he said.

  Almost two hours passed and we found nothing. I had to get out of here.

  “I want to go see my dad,” I said, resigned to the fact that my life would be in turmoil until this was resolved one way or another.

  In the agency car, I stared at Daniel.

  Daniel noticed and asked, “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing, I was just thinking about my life with you and my life without you.” I pressed against him and he embraced me tightly. When we reached the hospital, Daniel walked me to the room and I peeked through the window to see Mom sitting on the bed. Dad was in a semi-private room and an older man was in the other bed.

  “I’ll wait out here,” Daniel said and kissed me.

  Entering the room, Dad smiled when he noticed me. “Buttercup, I’m glad you’re here.”

  “How are you feeling?” I asked and kissed him on the cheek. There was a weird smell permeating the air.

  “Fine. I wish they’d let me go home,” he moaned.

  “What kind of memory loss did you have?” I asked.

  “Your father couldn’t remember what he ate for breakfast today. As a precaution, they want to keep him one more night. The doctor said that sometimes happens, but usually goes away in a few days,” Mom explained and tried to sound upbeat.

  “I’ll be back to normal in no time. Don’t worry. Our family is having quite a summer, huh?” Dad said, pointing at my arm and his head. “And there’s Nana. Maybe it’s the universe telling us all to slow down and stop rushing around.”

  “Maybe,” I agreed, knowing full well that wasn’t it at all. Nana’s fall was an accident, but not Dad’s or mine.

  “Since I’m not cleared to travel, you should go and stay with your Aunt Lucy and visit your grandparents.”

  “Mom already told me. It’s only two weeks. Can I please stay at Nana’s?” I begged.

  Mom shrugged her shoulders and he relented. “Okay, she’ll be thrilled to have you. Lucy says she’s doing great and she’ll love your company. Let me ask her first.”

  “Aren’t you going to miss Daniel?” Mom asked suspiciously.

  “You know, Mom, we can be apart for two weeks,” I answered. She was right, not seeing him for fourteen days would have been unbearable.

  Dad looked at me disapprovingly and said sharply, “Don’t talk to your mother in that tone.”

  I apologized when I saw how upset he was. This wasn’t the time to fight about Daniel. Lying in the hospital bed, Dad, a tall man, looked so small and pale.

  “Are you staying here tonight or coming home?” I asked Mom.

  “I’m not sure, but Daniel is not to sleep in your bed tonight, understand?” she snapped, forgetting about Dad and looked at his reaction.

  Dad stared at me with such shock and annoyance. “Please, explain.”

  “Nothing happened. Lily and I were afraid to be alone, so we asked Daniel to stay over.”

  “What were you afraid of? The incident was a prank and we have doormen,” he said.

  “Two men grabbed us and then tried dragging us into a van. Lily got kidnapped than returned,” I said succinctly. “We were scared.”

  Not the best time to make an entrance, Daniel walked in and the room fell silent.

  “Good evening, Mr. Devon. How are you feeling?” Daniel asked politely.

  Dad glared at him. “Getting better,” he answered coldly. “I need to speak to your uncle. Can you give me his number or ask him to call me?”

  “Sure, I’ll call him now.” Reaching for his cell, he asked, “Is everything okay?”

  “My brother-in-law called the police station and was told that there was no report made.”

  “That’s strange! When we left, the police were there. Right, Paige?”

  I tried not to lie. “I don’t know. I was flipping out about Dad and Lily.”

  “Let me call him.” James didn’t answer, so Dad gave Daniel his cell number to leave on the message. Daniel got a call and went out in the hall to answer it.

  I left Dad’s room and found him waiting for me. “How’d it go? They seemed okay.”

  “No, they were pretending. They’re sending me to London to get me away from you.”

  “Great, we can fly over together now.”

  “Great?” I asked bewildered.

  “They’ll come around when they realize we’re meant to be together. Don’t worry,” he said as he kissed my scowling face. “Is your mom coming home tonight?”

  “She said she wasn’t sure, but you’re not allowed to sleep in my bed.” Then, an idea popped into my head. “She didn’t say anything about the couch in the living room.”

  Daniel shook his head. “Absolutely not. Let’s get food. I’m starving.”

  We walked over to a little Italian place on Columbus Avenue. We ordered a pizza and shared a salad. Daniel wanted to search for the envelope in the morning and wanted to relax tonight.

  In the apartment, we made ourselves comfortable by putting all the couch pillows on the floor. Leaning on a pillow, looking gorgeous, Daniel kissed me. It really wasn’t a great idea being alone with him because I could barely control myself.

  “Okay, time out.” Daniel stood up. “Paige, we need to slow down.”

  “Why?” I wasn’t ready to doing anything more, but was curious to what he meant.

  “It really isn’t the right time.”

  “What time then?”

  “A time when you’re not worried about being killed, you don’t have a broken arm, a time when it’s all about us and not a catastrophe.”

  “I just wanted to know how you felt. Some of my friends have told me they’ve been pressured by their boyfriends and…”

  “And you wanted to know where I stood.” I nodded. “There’s no rush. I have very traditional views.”

  “I haven’t been with anyone,” I said, feeling very
uncomfortable.

  “Yes, I know.”

  We sat quietly and held each other staring at the TV. I envisioned girls surrounding Daniel and wondered how many he was with. The movie droned on in the background. Every once in a while, he stroked my arm, kissed my head and asked, “Are you okay?” Sick to my stomach, I nodded and hid my face in his chest. There was nothing I could do about Daniel’s past, but I could be a part of his present and his future.

  My cell rang and it was Lily. I put her on speaker.

  “Hi, Lily. I’m with Daniel. Your on speaker.”

  “How’s your dad?”

  “He’s still at the hospital.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “He couldn’t remember what he had for breakfast, so they want to keep an eye on him.”

  “I’m sorry. I want to come over tomorrow, but I’m scared to walk.”

  “Lily, I’ll have you picked up. Don’t worry,” said Daniel.

  “Thanks. Can I invite Chad over?”

  “Sure, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After we hung up, my phone rang again almost immediately. “Hi, Mom. Is Dad okay?”

  “He’s fine. I wanted to let you know that I’ll be home soon and sleeping there tonight.”

  “Okay. Bye.” I looked at Daniel and rolled my eyes.

  “What did she say,” asked Daniel.

  “She’s coming home to chaperone us.”

  “That’s wise of her,” he joked and started kissing me. I couldn’t think straight.

  When we heard the door open and Mom walked in, looking ragged.

  “Hi you two. What are you…” She stopped speaking as she surveyed the messy living room and shook her head.

  “Sorry Mom, I’ll clean it up."

  “Daniel, your uncle called and said he called the police station and was told the same thing. There was no report filed about the incident.” She was actually being pleasant to Daniel and it was probably because I was leaving for London.