“Well, like I said, I’ve just started with them and I’m sure you can understand I wouldn’t want to make any announcements on their behalf.”
“Yes, of course. I understand. What sort of invention did they purchase from you?”
Leo raised his eyebrows, put off by the intrusive line of questioning.
“Mr. Lattamus was it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I thought we were here for investment options. Am I mistaken?”
“Forgive my curiosity. It’s always interesting when I invest large sums of money for people to see how they acquired it. It’s just a curiosity of mine. I do apologize if I am being a little too nosy. So, as I’ve said I do work for Foundation Bank, but I also work for Eagle Investments, which is an investment firm that could help diversify your funds and earn quite handsome returns. I’m in no way telling you to eliminate or close your current account with our bank, however, we do offer some savings accounts that will provide steady but decent returns within the bank. As I’m sure you’ll probably want to grow your funds a little faster than what traditional savings accounts offer. We do offer a wide array of stocks of proven industry leaders, mutual funds, Barer Bonds, REIT’s, as well as some raw material investments that are always a safe bet. We have a very safe track record earning anywhere from 12% to 15% over the last 30 years even in bad markets. We do not suffer loses.”
Leo took a drink of coffee and watched Willy hop up on the back of the couch, tip toeing along the back. The friendly cat attempted to visit the guest briefly. Defeated, he began batting at the coaster’s metal ball.
“How much do you suggest I invest with your firm?”
“I’d say it’s safe to leave $200,000.00 in one of our higher interest savings accounts. For the remaining balance, I would compile a breakdown for an ideal investment portfolio. Of course, leaving some money unencumbered for your day-to-day activities. Let me first determine how much we’re working with.” Stratus pulled out his cell phone from his inside pocket and tapped the device’s screen. “Wired funds were deposited over the weekend for $5,749,000 putting you at just under six million. And another deposit today for $60,000.00”
Leo stared openmouthed at the man, confused as to why there would be another deposit.
“Wait a minute.” His shock turned to agitation as he leaned to look at Stratus’s phone. “You’re looking at my account right now and there’s a second deposit for $60,000.00 from today? How do you have access to my account away from the branch? How do you know of that most recent deposit when I don’t know about it?”
Stratus didn’t miss a beat, “I’m always on duty. I just want to give the best financial advice with the right information.”
Leo tensed and placed both hands on the sofa cushions, ready to stand up. “I don’t mean to be rude, but this line of questioning seems way out of line for possible investment opportunities. And your access to my account doesn’t seem typical. I would like to see some identification.”
“Of course, how remiss of me I should have offered when we first met.”
Stratus reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Stratus brandished his Connecticut driver’s license to Leo, his bank business card, as well as his investment card.
Leo noticed Stratus was very careful showing his identification, raising more questions in Leo’s mind. What was this Mr. Lattamus trying to hide?
Leo let the man’s identification soak in while he thought about the situation.
“The most recent deposit, who does it show it’s from?” said Leo
“Is it common for you to receive large deposits into your account with no knowledge of their origin?”
Leo, not wanting to give him the reason for his curiosity, said, “No I was aware, I just want to make sure it came from the correct account.”
Stratus made a few swipes on his phone, and then said, “I show the check writing entity was E Sullivan, the note states, for past endeavors.”
Leo’s scrunched his brow in confusion, and surprise as Stratus read the details.
“Should we be expecting more checks like these? If so, it will change your investment opportunities.”
“Uh…no. That’s it for the time being. I plan to invest a great deal into attractive stock options. One for one matching is hard to pass up.”
“E. Sullivan offered you special options? Would this be the Pennsylvania-based business you’re working with that offered you options?”
Leo didn’t know how to respond. How is he aware I visited Pennsylvania recently? This felt like an interview. Leo felt he should be the one doing the interviewing.
“Mr. Lattamus, I know you presented your identification, but this questioning has no basis. Are you a reporter?”
Stratus laughed with a deep rumble. “No, no. As you will learn, I’m quite confidential. I’m merely attempting to get a picture of what your investment portfolio going forward will look like.”
Leo remained skeptical and reserved, finally standing.
Stratus held out his hands as he spoke, trying to seat Leo. “Look, Mr. Krueger, I can see you’re a smart young man, so I won’t beat around the bush. Yes, I am here for financial investment options. I am also here to verify the validity of your deposits and guarantee we don’t have fraudulent activity in our branches. Red flags are triggered when sums such as these appear. I want to help you invest, but I need some information to verify your recent transactions.”
Leo sat back down, interested in what Stratus was now saying, but concerned about the deposits.
“One thing I’m curious to know is who or what is New Wave? Other than providing you funds for over five million dollars, what do you know of them? Did they provide you a physical address?”
“I never said I work for New Wave. Where are you getting an idea like that?”
Leo had the feeling that Mr. Lattamus still was not giving him the full story.
“New Wave is the company listed as the Payee on your large deposit. You have, I’m sure heard of all the news involving them?”
Resigned now, and even more overwhelmed and confused than before, Leo decided to get as much information as possible from this man before he asked him to leave.
“News?”
“There are reports questioning their tremendous success in their recent public offering. If you had this money all put into stock it would have doubled tenfold.”
“Success is hardly a crime unless you’re alleging something?”
Stratus became focused, determined. He slid on the couch toward Leo. “Is there anything unusual or off-putting you think we should know about? Any detail, even minute, you can’t put your finger on? Anything at all.”
Leo had enough. This Mr. Lattamus had worn out his welcome.
Leo shook his head, and waived off the question, then stood. Stratus seemed to be fishing. “I’m not comfortable telling you anything more. As for my employer, they have delivered on everything they promised. I haven’t been to their facility and I have no information about them for you.”
Stratus remained seated. “So, you’ve never been to your employer’s facilities, and yet they paid you millions of dollars? Interesting?”
Leo moved to the door and swung it open. “That’s enough. You have yourself a nice day, Mr. Lattamus.”
Leo words hung in the air ignored.
The man calmly stood, checked his watch, and then made his way to the door. “Mr. Krueger, we would love to guide you. You’re just starting out in this. I don’t think you know what you’ve gotten yourself into. It would be quite catastrophic if New Wave were to know your meeting with a potential competitor just days after they bought the rights to your product.”
Leo knew Stratus’s words were sarcastic and seemed to insinuate he knew Leo’s activities. Has this man been following me? What did he know? The information he has could harm me, but he wouldn’t do that. Would he? The banker shook Leo’s hand firmly, smirking, then walked out the door. Leo followed him onto the deck,
watching the man walk away, as Willy meowed behind him.
When Stratus reached the maze, he turned and yelled across the lawn to Leo. “Now is always a good time to guarantee your future.” He pulled out his cellphone and took a picture of Leo on the porch and waived to him before disappearing into the maze.
Leo now knew he was in something bigger than he understood. He did not trust Stratus. Leo seemed to be attracting the wrong sort of friends. He needed a break from all this stress. He did not want another visit from this Stratus anytime soon.
He headed back inside to gather some things for a mini get away. The last two weeks had been a whirlwind. He would head up state to his lab and stay there for a few days. He would follow Straus’s advice. He would work on his future, e-Frond, and see what sort of lab space he had.
Maybe he would learn a little more about New Wave. Stratus’s words had him paranoid to even show up to his own employer. Were they in something illegal? Was he? Questions swirled in his head and he wished his success had not come with so many obstacles.
He just wanted to make his father proud, follow in his footsteps, invent amazing things, and be successful. Leo wished he were still around to guide him. Leo knew very little about New Wave, but he was determined to find out.
Chapter 40
Mr. Sullivan stewed over the recent events. Losing the tablet made things harder, but he had spies everywhere to help keep track of Leo’s whereabouts. Where in the world did this man in the Porsche come from and what interest did he have in Leo? Leo had already sold his invention, perhaps this man is helping with e-Frond.
The man dressed like a banker in a three-piece suit did not strike Mr. Sullivan as the type to get his hands dirty working on a mechanized energy saver. What concerned Mr. Sullivan most was the man’s interest in the mansion. Mr. Sullivan did not want Leo getting spooked and leaving. He still wanted him within reach.
The man captured a picture of the structure, but Mr. Sullivan now had a picture of him as well. He had to decide how to proceed. He could have Fox One take care of the issue. They caught a picture of the man’s license plate, but the intruder may not be acting alone, and if eliminated, this would surely put others on high alert. The way the man carried himself led him to believe he would not back off if threatened.
Mr. Sullivan needed to get more information before he decided whether to pull the trigger or play it cool. If this man is part of a search team Mr. Sullivan needed to step up his research and development. Moreover, if they stuck their noses anywhere near his interests he would have to dispose of him and his associates. No one would get in his way.
He needed more time though. He would love to think they could be trusted and have a symbiotic relationship. With the project in its infancy, he knew they would be shut down.
They would descend like flies to regulate and control what they did not understand. What the world did not comprehend was that like life, they could not be contained; they would find a way to thrive.
* * *
Stratus drove away frustrated; he had left Leo with the appearance of being in control and a possible threat. He felt like he walked away with his tail between his legs. He did not anticipate the young man being so stubborn. All he really came away with were a few tidbits and oddities plus the information he had gathered.
Never one to give up, Stratus decided he would do a little research on the property Leonard lived on and the one he visited in Pennsylvania. He did not dare tell his superiors how he had handled the situation. They had instructed him to remain low key and to only gather information. At least he met them halfway.
He would gather further information. While he did not remain low profile, he did make his visit appear to be out of concern and caution on the part of the bank and in Leonard’s best interests.
Stratus drove up the main road then pulled to a stop on the shoulder. He took out his phone and sent photos he had taken of the mansion and a covert shot of Leo to his superiors.
“No going back now,” he muttered to himself.
Leo’s picture would be in the system for facial recognition forever, whether they deemed him dangerous or not. He could now be located by any camera they could get their hands on. Stratus’s instructions were only to provide photos in the event he discovered something crucial to his investigation.
The truth was he only had a hunch, gambling that he was on to something big. Stratus knew he could track Leo now and he took advantage of it. He no longer had to worry about locating him. He could just pick up his trail.
Stratus set out to get a bite to eat. He hoped there was something palpable in this small college town other than pizza, wings, and beer. He was not sitting down in any such establishment with his $3000 suit. As he drove down Main Street looking for an acceptable place to dine, he thought more about his interaction with Leo. I hope my gamble on Leo proves correct. There’s more going on than Leo’s willing to reveal. I’m going to find my answers.
* * *
Leo worked on getting the meeting with Mr. Lattamus out of his head. He did not believe the man’s motives for visiting but he had other things on his mind. He had a lot of distractions and worries that added stress. He wanted to get in contact with the machinist Mrs. Sullivan had referred to him.
Leo put his Vette in gear, backed out and pulled away. Leo launched his email on his iPhone and touched the address, which brought up a map. He just needed the general route to get him on track.
Leo studied it and proceeded in that direction, got the machinist’s number and dialed him. He wanted to see if he would be interested in collaborating and participating in his e-Frond project.
The phone rang many times and just when Leo was about to end the call a voice answered, “Yello, this is Marty, what can I do you for?”
“Umm…is this Mr. Naublock?”
“I could be, depends on who’s asking and why.” A guttural laugh came through the tiny speaker, causing Leo to pull the phone away from his ear. “I don’t believe you told me your name young man.”
“Leonard Krueger, sir. I was given your name by someone. They told me you might be the perfect machinist for what I need.”
“Ahh, what you need, huh? You must be referring to Mr. Sullivan. No one needs what I create, they want it. So how did you get yourself involved with him? Or were you in the wrong place at the wrong time like me?”
“Pretty much. Mrs. Sullivan gave me your number. My project is out of her area of expertise. I wanted to consult you and possibly bring you in on a project I’m working on. Are you free today to meet with me?”
“If she referred you to me there’s always strings attached as far as Mr. Sullivan’s concerned. You’re going about this all wrong. I’m a busy man you need to tantalize me if you’re going to grab my attention.”
Leo shook his head in confusion. What is he asking for? “I would rather entice you in person as I’m not the only one with skin in the game. I have an employer who would want your discretion and confidentiality.”
“I’m confused, young man. I thought you said it doesn’t involve Mrs. Sullivan and now you’re saying she employs you?”
“No. She definitely does not employ me. I work for an up and coming business with a lot of potential. My product is in energy. What do you say Mr. Naublock?” The line went silent for so long Leo thought the man had hung up. “She has no bearing in this I assure you. Are you interested?”
“Mr. Krueger is it?”
“Yes.”
“All right. I would be interested in meeting you. I’m not fully convinced of whom you’re with. If you mentioned Mrs. Sullivan recommended me, I don’t think I have a choice. Where and when shall I have the pleasure of making your acquaintance?”
Leo sensed his lack of sincerity. “Since you’re on the fence I’ll meet you at a restaurant rather than my lab. I’ll message you the details later when I arrive near the facility.”
Mr. Naublock responded in a factious monotone voice, “Oh swell I can hardly wait to sink my te
eth in. Call me Marty. Mr. Naublock was my father and, while I’m no spring chicken, I’d like to keep the delusion. Till later Krueger, adieu.”
Mr. Naublock ended the call. Leo was not sure how to read the man, who sounded weird and paranoid. All Leo wanted is to get away and work on his next device, and he hoped this man could lay off his Sullivan dominated worries and focus.
Leo checked his map to ensure he was headed in the right direction. His favorite song came on the radio and he cranked up the volume, enjoying the hypnotic mesh of sound and sight.
He could not wait to start on e-Frond. With Marty involved in the project, Leo hoped to make e-Frond better than Flash Match.
The open road lay ahead. Each mile away from his cottage decreased his stress a little more, but once again, the Sullivan’s were in his thoughts. His meeting with Marty did little to comfort him. Marty disliked them, and Leo did not see any reason to trust of them either.
Chapter 41
Fox One remained at attention as Leo’s Vette wound its way down the small road leading from his employer’s home. The Sullivan gates were closed and Fox One reached for his comms button. The Phantom hailed Fox Two and instructed him to relieve his position immediately.
The Phantom did not know how to proceed next. The sequence of events left him with an uneasy feeling. He felt expendable to Mrs. Sullivan’s cause and he was not about to write his report and incite her rage. He felt he should go to Mr. Sullivan, report on Mrs. Sullivan and her Butler’s actions, and then let him choose the next move. If he is quick about leaving the grounds, she might not even notice before he returned, if he returned at all.
Fox Two arrived promptly and the Phantom instructed him, “Do not let anyone know about my absence and do not allow entry to anyone into the facility. If someone approaches tell them to leave.”
The Phantom stuck out his rifle indicating the intimidation method to be used.
“Got it,” Fox Two said. “I’ll take care of everything. Anything I should be aware of?”
Dawn of Tomorrow Page 19