by Arthur Rawl
I then called Sam and told him about the situation and what steps I had taken. Sam’s reaction at that time was what seemed to me appropriate for a caring father considering Sam’s energy level. He agreed to wait until the lawyer reported from Rio before deciding what steps he would take. At that time I scheduled myself on the first flight out in the morning that if on time would get me there before the start of municipal working hours.
Within an hour I received a call from our attorney with a report from Rio. First, he had made some financial commitments on our behalf and had Skip moved from a general population situation to a separate facility dedicated to VIP detainees only. This facility was built to provide a safe but secure detention for members of influential families and similar detainees.
Second, he arranged for a private doctor to visit Skip immediately and to conduct ongoing visits each morning and evening. The purpose of these visits was as much to remind the guards that someone was watching as it was to look after Skip.
Third, he arranged for appropriate meals including fruits and such to be brought into the detention facility three times a day and the doctor would check to see that Skip was eating properly.
Fourth, the partner handling Skip’s matter would remain in Rio for at least the next week to be sure Skip’s rights were protected. The partner was to meet me the next morning and take me to see Skip and meet with the doctor. The lawyer instructed me to bring a specified amount of cash to be used in the customary way in these situations. Since I was acting for Skip and his father and not the Company I took the required cash from my personal funds and would continue to do so until I was directed otherwise.
Lastly, I was told that Skip had not been charged with anything because within the Brazilian legal system that is one of the last steps before trial. That said, I was told there seemed to be a significant amount of evidence indicating that this had to be considered a very serious and dangerous situation for Skip.
I reported all of this to Sam immediately and after some discussion Sam chose to continue weighing his options until I reported to him after seeing Skip the next day.”
The Lead Director held up a hand, “Sam, you and Carl remember things about the same way?”
Red in the face; crouched as if he were about to launch himself across the table Sam hissed, “Get on with it.”
“I visited Skip the next day, spoke with the doctor and distributed the money as instructed by the lawyer. Afterward I had a long talk with the lawyer. To sum it up, the doctor believed Skip had been drugged which isn’t unusual among the dating set in Brazil. Blackmail is usually the motive and a modest payoff makes the whole thing go away. Naturally what was different with Skip was the staged murder scene including a real dead body. With no investigation or evidence analysis it was both the doctor and lawyer’s best guess that somehow Sam or Laser was the target.
In response to my questions about next steps I was told to have everyone maintain a low profile. In time these things in Brazil, particularly in Rio, have a way of resolving themselves and disappearing. The resolution would most probably require Skip to leave Brazil and never return but that wasn’t certain nor was anything else at this early stage. However, what the lawyer was certain about was that in the next several days to a week things would be much clearer.”
One of the directors questioned, “Why particularly Rio?”
“When Brazil re-democratized in 1985 the military had written the new constitution with an eye towards preventing a dictatorship of either the left or right. One safeguard in the constitution was to change from the traditional balance of power found in a federal setting where the federal government enjoyed very broad dominance over the states. In Brazil today the state governors have a great deal of very real power in many important areas of political and judicial life that far exceeds that of the federal government. What is relevant in our case is the courts even at the most senior level are controlled by the states which has resulted in certain states taking one legal direction and other states taking varying directions in similar matters.
Why is the state of Rio de Janeiro different? During the Napoleonic Wars two Portuguese Emperors seated their Courts in Rio for safety and since then the imperial self-image of Rio has remained more old world than new particularly in the areas of business ethics and the administration of justice. In short, Rio has a different set of very flexible rules for the rich and powerful. Rules well understood by our Carioca lawyer. Rules he very strongly felt could be carefully and quietly turned to Skip’s advantage.
I reported all of this to Sam who after a number of very good questions told me he could not allow Skip to continue to be held in an uncertain jail for an uncertain period of time while some unknown wheels ground through some imprecise and mysterious process. In my heart I couldn’t help but agree with Sam but as an officer of Laser I had no choice to ask Sam to let things be done the Brazilian way in order to limit risks to the deal. I told him it was possible both Lazer and the deal were targets and public opinion could be used to derail us.”
One of the directors interrupted, “Looking back on what you said it was very prophetic wasn’t it.”
“That’s much too easy for any of us to say here and now. At the time it was more than intuition but was certainly not enough for me to insist that a father leave his child in what he believed to be dire risk.”
“I understand all of that but it’s not quite as relevant to our investors is it?”
“I cannot comment on that. What I can say is Sam sought information from the State Department, listened, sought more information from me, listened and then he made what appeared to be the prudent choice. After that it all seems to have been pre-orchestrated for television street scenes and to have mobs replace reason.”
“Do you have any advice for us regarding the deal?”
“As a former officer and employee I have none.”
“What do you mean former …?”
“The Chairman made it clear before he left Brazil that the entire matter resulted from my failures and that he would send my replacement when he got back to New York. I came here today to inform the Board my attorney would be in contact with the Company regarding settlement of my employment contract and,” sliding Robin’s resignation from my case. “To deliver the resignation of my subordinate and these, the keys to the São Paulo office and to assure you the contents of the office including confidential materials to be returned to BrasTel have been made secure and are under guard. Good day gentlemen,” then ignoring the rapidly rising noise level behind me I walked out.
“Juan, did you speak with your stakeholders?”
“How was your meeting my friend?”
“My part was very short and went just as I planned.”
“That’s good … my end also. There was interest however they viewed your information as a rather routine matter but said it may take a day or two to fully evaluate. They suggested patience and look forward to your return.”
“Was there any other any advice for me?”
“Yes, they suggested you should seem cooperative with everyone until you leave New York. Today is Thursday and they suggested it would be wise for you to book your return on a Friday night flight. Let me know the flight number when you have it and I’ll have a driver meet you. If you feel up to it we will meet for a late lunch on Saturday, perhaps at three. Call me when you get in. Tchau and have a safe trip my friend.”
“Thanks for the update. I’ll email the flight information later today See you at lunch on Saturday. Tchau”
“Rather routine” and “seem cooperative” were phrases that felt uncomfortably out of place with del Eccio’s threat and my walking out on Laser in the middle of a crisis. Why was the response so low key, almost dismissive?
I walked two blocks south on Park and turned west. At mid-block I went into a small typical New York Irish pub I had walked past a hundred times but had never gone in. “A table in the back please. Are you still serving lunch?”
My first cooperative act was to shut off both del Eccio’s and my own cell phones. If they couldn’t call me or find me no one could accuse me of being uncooperative. I looked at the menu while trying to sort out why my Brazilian friends didn’t seem to care about del Eccio or what he did to me.
“What can I bring you?”
I looked up at the willowy blonde waitress certain if asked she would claim to be a Broadway actress between parts, “Do you have a Guinness?”
“We have Guinness both on tap and in a bottle. On tap the stout’s a lot better.”
“Then I’ll have a stout from the tap. Do you have rare roast beef? I’d like a sandwich on rye with white horseradish and nothing else on it please.”
“I think we can do that for you. Can I bring some French fries or a salad with the sandwich?”
“No thanks, just the sandwich and beer.”
No place made sandwiches like New York City. When I was a merchant banker I used to look forward to the New York trips to have a sandwich I could sink my teeth in. Everywhere else in the world sandwiches are flat thinly stuffed things but in New York they are monumental piled high with meat overflowing the bread. And the meat, it’s not dry and cold, it’s any way you want it with whatever you want with it. In general food wasn’t one of my passions but a New York sandwich made with any meat certainly was.
“Your lunch sir.”
“Thank you.”
Beer in hand I studied the thick beauty in front of me. It would require time to finish this one and now I had time, all I wanted for it and to shut out everyone and everything else except for the Manchester United football match on the TV above the bar.
It was after three when Manchester put Arsenal away and I decided to take the long way around to my flat. Turning left out of the pub I crossed Madison and turned uptown when I got to Fifth. It was a brisk 30-minute walk to home but I stopped four blocks later just before 57th Street in front of Tiffany’s. In the small display window was a bracelet like Alana’s together with a pair of diamond stud earrings. Looking at them I began to wonder whether they would add or detract from her beauty.
She wore small round gold studs that were made almost invisible by the emerald fire in her eyes. I understood why Brazilian women dressed down outside their homes and wore little or no jewelry. But Alana wasn’t just any woman. She was driven door to door accompanied by guards who looked as if they could protect her from anyone or anything. Would she like them for the times she wanted to dress up. Then I wondered whether her bracelet would be waiting for me when I returned … returned to Robin by the General’s order.
I walked through the broad revolving door passing the security guard in his fashionable business suit and went to the first counter left of the door where I had purchased a string of undistinguished gifts for the string of undistinguished women who had passed through my life since coming to New York. Perhaps they still remembered me but my memories of them had faded much too quickly than should be acceptable behavior for a well brought up gentleman.
The tall brunette who usually helped me pick out a parting gift walked a bit too briskly around the counter, “Hello Mr. Matthews. You haven’t visited us in a while.”
“I had an assignment outside of New York. I really did miss the City.”
“I’m happy to hear that. I hope I was part of what you missed.”
“Most certainly, who else could I trust in these most sensitive situations.”
Looking more than a bit disappointed, “What will you trust me with today?”
Half turning and pointing, “A pair of earrings like the ones I saw in that window.”
“That’s our better collection. You usually buy a ‘G’ color VS2. That group is ‘E’ and ‘F’ color VVS. They’re very beautiful and I think just a little much for a gentle let down gift. A smart woman might think there was some message other than a simple thank you and goodbye being delivered with them.”
“That’s my intention. Could you show me something from that collection?”
“Happily but expect the prices somewhat higher than you usually spend. A pair of studs one carat each will start around twenty-five thousand.”
“Thank you for that, now please could you show me one or two pair.”
“Tell me something about the woman. The earrings have to compliment her face.”
“I don’t even have a picture of her. Dark hair, very full and wavy, her hair surrounds her face which is a little square with good bones. Her lips are full and her skin is smooth and light with a slight olive tone but she’s tanned. A good nose. Her eyes are very big and green with the fire of emeralds in the sun but they sparkle from within. No makeup ever, she never wears any either day or night. Probably five eight and she’s very trim with a good figure. Is that enough?”
“… more than enough. It’s obvious these are not going to be a goodbye gift. I think I should be jealous. I’ll be right back”
She walked off towards the entrance to a small stock area. I watched her go but it was different this time. I had found her quite attractive in the past but this time all I did was compare her to Alana and found her lacking so very much.
“I’m back … I brought three pair. The one carat stones wouldn’t be enough for her face and would be overpowered by her eyes. These are one and a half carats each and these are two carats each. Anything larger than two carats is likely to be too much. The last pair is in the spirit of if you can’t beat them join them.” She opened the small box she had kept closed in her left hand. “These are very special. Columbian chrome green emeralds that are so clean they are almost perfect. Very well matched in color, size, clarity and cut, they are just under three carats each. They might be the best emerald earrings I’ve seen in my fifteen years with Tiffany’s. Their color is very intense. It is so intense they almost glow but their light is much softer than the diamonds and certainly would complement and not compete with her eyes.”
I felt tightness in my chest, “When I look at them I see her eyes. Compared to them the diamonds are just cold. Put the diamonds back please I’m not interested in them any longer.”
“I haven’t told you their price. Perhaps we should keep the diamonds around a little longer.”
“I don’t think so. How much are the emeralds?”
“Not as much as they should be for such a perfectly matched pair of stones, ninety thousand.”
“I’ll give you my check. Please have them ready for me at noon tomorrow. Just a small box please, I’m just carrying one small bag with me tomorrow.”
“You’re leaving us again?”
“Yes but I hope not for too long this time.”
“I’ll make up your bill and let the Manager know. I’m sure he would like to thank you for your trust in Tiffany’s.”
“I’m sure he would. I’m also sure he will have a great interest in expediting my check with the bank.”
“I’m sure you understand it’s just another administrative detail that comes with being a public company. I’ll be right back.”
Chapter 21
“This is the Captain. We have started our decent into São Paulo and should be on the ground in about half hour. On behalf of Continental Airlines I want to thank you for choosing to travel with us. As we get a little closer to São Paulo I will illuminate the seat belt sign so if you need to get up or put things back into your carry-on please attend to it soon. I’ll talk to you again when we have landing information.”
Forty minutes later I was in the line going to the “nothing to declare” customs inspection area. In front of me three or four families struggling with the largest size suitcases on earth while at the same time hopelessly trying to avoid the attention of the inspectors who were casually reviewing them and their bags. One inspector after another stepped forward to direct one of the families to the inspection tables clearing the way for me and my one small carryon with the contraband earrings inside to exit the secure area. Once outside I had to thread my way through the crowd waiting for
arriving passengers to look for the driver Juan said would be waiting.
Ah, near the coffee shop a sign with ‘Sr. Carl’ in the hands of a familiar burly man dressed in the customary black driver’s suit. “I’m Carl Matthews, are you waiting for me?”
Pointing into the coffee shop at an open newspaper held high enough to hide the reader, “Yes Senhor, Sr. Juan is waiting for you there. I take your bag?”
“I’ll keep it for now, thank you.”
“Good morning Juan, I didn’t expect a personal greeting.”
Grinning, “You know how Brazilians are, someone leaves for a day or two and we greet their return as if we hadn’t seen them for a lifetime. It’s good I am Spanish because I know too many travelers. Would you like a coffee before we face the traffic?”
“Certainly, the brown water they served as coffee on the airplane wasn’t worth drinking.”
Juan signaled for the waitress and then handed me an envelope, “This was taken off of the internet this morning. It seems the US utility companies are not much better than our Brazilian companies.”
I pulled open the envelope and took out a page from the New York Post-Online. The headline ‘Gas Explosion Blows Hamptons House Down Around Sleeping Owner’ and below it ‘Three Dead - Shaken but Owner Survives’. “Is this who I think it is?”
“Perhaps, the owner is an Italian. I think he may be a casual acquaintance of yours. The gas company is fortunate, I’m sure the Italian Government really would not like one of their notables to have died due to a utility company’s carelessness.”
I looked at Juan’s expressionless face, “Fortunate … yes, very fortunate.”
He looked up at the waitress, “Two black coffees, please.” She walked off and he watched her go, “Somehow they are able to hire people who speak several languages for the tourist trade and pay them very little. In the city we have to pay quite a bit more. How was your trip?”