THE CONTROLLER-Obsession

by Jerry Bruce

  “I guess I owe you a thank you, Ralph.”

  “That can wait. We still aren’t out of the woods. Your buddy’s goons could be on their way over while we stand here discussing the situation. I suggest you both throw some things together so we can get out of here … pronto.”

  “I don’t think we have to go into panic mode just yet.”

  “I’m not as confident as you, Richard. I think every minute we stay here we are putting ourselves in jeopardy. So in case you don’t speak Spanish, pronto means now.”

  Richard and Christine crammed as much as they could fit into two large suitcases, one for her and one for him.

  Blocker didn’t give them much time for good byes. One quick kiss and hug and they were on their separate ways.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  The two men had just parked their non-descript sedan and were in the process of getting out of the vehicle as Blocker pulled out of the underground parking garage and onto the street. Blocker had Richard lie down on the back seat just in case any prying eyes might be working overtime. Christine had made the right hand turn onto the street a few seconds before them with Blocker letting two other cars get between her car and his. Ralph gradually dropped back and followed Christine at a distance to make sure no one was following her, finally breaking off and taking an indirect route to his apartment, all the while checking his review mirror. Once assured that he was not being tailed, Blocker headed for his apartment.

  For the first time since they left Christine’s, Richard and Blocker talked to each other.

  “We will be at my place in a minute or so. I wanted to make sure no one was following Christine and that we weren’t being tailed. When we get into my garage, I’ll take a few seconds to look around to make sure it’s clear before you get out of the car. Stay down until I come to get you.”

  “Okay.”

  Blocker pulled into the garage and drove slowly toward his assigned parking space, observing and paying close attention to all the vehicles to see if anyone was just sitting there waiting. He didn’t believe that there was anything to fear as long as Richard’s assurances that no one knew of his involvement was correct. He was simply trying to avoid another maid sighting incident.

  Confident the garage was clear, Blocker pulled into his space and shut off the engine. He then exited the car and as quietly as possible, closed the driver’s door before opening the back door for Richard.

  “Looks good Richard, come on, let’s go. Pull that hat further down to cover as much of your face as you can.”

  “Roger. How far to the elevator?”

  “Not far, I’m fortunate enough to have a space close by.” Blocker grabbed Richard’s suitcase and followed him to the elevator.

  They made the ascent to the ninth floor without having to stop for other passengers and there wasn’t a solitary soul in the hallway outside Blocker’s apartment. Once inside, Richard finally took the opportunity to take a deep breath and relax.

  “I’m very grateful to you, Ralph. You don’t know how much it means to me for you to stick your neck out this way. I will forever be in your debt.”

  Embarrassed, Blocker couldn’t think of anything to say at first. “Oh, knock it off. I’m just protecting my investment; after all, we still have an agreement about that earth shattering story you are supposed to give me, remember?”

  “If we get out of this in one piece, I intend to give you more than we originally agreed upon. You won’t be disappointed I assure you.”

  “So make yourself comfortable. I’m going to go tidy up the extra bedroom.” Pointing off to Richard’s left, he made the best suggestion of the day. “The bar is over there. Pour yourself a tall one, you could use it. In fact, pour me a tall gin and tonic, I need to steady my nerves. Be back in a flash.”

  * * *

  The two men walked purposefully toward the Cheshire Arms, immediately setting about their task. Attired in business suits, they gave the appearance of two salesmen making a call. The resident directory supplied all the information they needed and soon they found themselves outside Christine’s apartment. Assured they were alone, they affixed the silencers and released the safeties on their nine-millimeter Walthers. After verifying the door was locked, one of the men handed his weapon to his partner and pulled out a set of picks from his jacket pocket. Within a few seconds he had the deadbolt lock open.

  Moving silently and swiftly, the men quickly scanned the living room, dining room and kitchen before they split up and went in separate directions. The taller of the two men approached the master bedroom off to the right of the living room and peered cautiously through the open double doors before entering. He quickly observed the disheveled pile of clothing on the bed and the half empty closet. Walking over to the bathroom, he opened the cabinets to find what was left after the daily-use toiletries had been removed. Muttering a subdued “crap” to himself, he walked boldly to meet his partner, no longer concerned about being discovered.

  “Looks like we’re too late. They left in a hurry. Only took what they absolutely needed. The boss is going to ream us a new one when we tell him.”

  The smaller of the two men was visibly concerned. “He can’t get mad if we get here and find the place empty. Something or someone—not us—spooked them and they took off, it’s that simple.”

  “All right, we couldn’t get Sinclair, so let’s go through everything to see if there are any files, documents or any indication where they might be going. We better bring something back with us or else.”

  * * *

  Ralph and Richard sat quietly while partaking of the drinks Richard had poured. Richard finally broke the silence, much to Ralph’s relief.

  “Since I’ve put you right into the middle of this mess, Ralph, I think it’s only fair that I fill you in on all the details. Get your notebook, or better yet, a tape recorder because there is a lot to this story.”

  “Before I do that, I want to correct you on something. I put myself in the ‘middle of this mess,’ not you. So don’t blame yourself. I went into this with my eyes wide open. Besides, you gave me enough exclusives to salvage my career. I was on a downward slope until you came along. Now I’m back on top of the heap. By my calculations, I owe you a few. Now I’m going to get that recorder and plenty of tape.”

  Richard watched as Ralph disappeared down the hallway. Under his breath he quietly said to himself, “After you hear the entire story you won’t be thanking me.”

  * * *

  Christine was amazed at how cool and calm she was, considering she was fleeing for her life. She was being overly cautious, watching the rear view mirror more than the road ahead. Once Blocker stopped following her, she made a mental note of all the cars trailing hers and was relieved as each one turned off onto other streets as she wound her way across town. The normal two hour drive to her mother’s took an extra forty-five minutes due to her circuitous route.

  Better safe than sorry. You can only screw this up once, Christine, she thought to herself. She swiped at several beads of sweat on her forehead and after lowering her window a few inches, realized that the beads of moisture were not due to warmth, but rather to anxiety. She was finally able to take a deep breath and slump in her seat after pulling into her mother’s driveway. Christine sat there for a minute to regain her composure so as not to alarm her mother. Alice Farlow was very sensitive to her daughters moods and temperament; if something was bothering Christine, she would know it. Christine, having insisted that Richard keep her cell phone, called her mother from a pay phone to make sure she would be home. Christine hoped that her voice didn’t betray her feelings. She had been practicing her speech all the way over and was concerned that it might appear rehearsed. Suddenly Christine was startled by the abrupt opening of the car door.

  “My dear, why are you just sitting here? Come inside. Why are you shaking honey? What’s wrong?” The sweet lilt of her mother’s voice brought Christine’s heartbeat back down towards normal.

  “I was c
oncentrating on something and you startled me, that’s all. I’m okay now, Mom.”

  “You shouldn’t be so jumpy. Grab that suitcase of yours and let’s get inside. I’ve got a fresh pot of tea brewing and we can get comfortable and have a nice chat.”

  * * *

  It took several hours and several scotches and gin tonics for Richard and Ralph to get through the saga of the Controller.

  Blocker kept changing tapes, asking no questions of the former president, content to let him tell the story his way and without interruption. When he thought of a question, he made a separate note on his pad. After Sinclair finished, he would follow up to get further clarification. After Richard finished his tale, he got up to make another drink for himself and seeing that Ralph’s glass also was empty, he grabbed it as well and made his way to the bar. From across the room he listened intently to get Ralph’s reaction.

  “I have to say Mr. President, I could never, in my worst nightmares, ever come up with such an insane tale. Don’t get me wrong, I believe everything you’ve told me, mainly because it’s you. Anyone else and I wouldn’t believe a word of it.”

  “Thanks. No sane person could dream up such a nightmare, and yet I’ve been living it every day for years.”

  “Quite frankly, I don’t know how you were able to accomplish all the things you did, under the circumstances. You are even stronger than the image you projected. My hat’s off to you.”

  “I only wish I would have been able to see through this maniac right at the start and prevent all that has occurred.”

  “From what you’ve told me, I don’t see how anything could have turned out differently. Don’t be so hard on yourself. The Controller was going to succeed with or without Richard Sinclair. It would have been someone else in your place. In fact, it was more than likely that it was going to be your wife, and if not her, then someone else on his payroll. Nothing would have changed except maybe the timetable. The Controller had everything worked out right down to the last detail. Considering who he has on his side, not just here but all around the world, there is no way he was going to fail.”

  “There might have been something I could have done, I just didn’t think of it.”

  “I’m telling you, don’t beat yourself up over this. There was nothing you could have done to prevent the final outcome; I’m certain of that. You may not like hearing this but I’m going to say it anyway. If you put aside insanity and anything else he may be, the Controller is one brilliant man. Anyone would have been taken in by him. Hate him all you want, but you have to admire his genius. Need proof? Then consider this—Richard Sinclair, the most powerful man in the world, was and is powerless to bring down the Controller. That’s all the proof you need.”

  “I can’t accept that Ralph. If I accept that he can’t be taken down then what have I got left?”

  “I didn’t say that he couldn’t be taken down. I said that you couldn’t take him down.” Ralph stressed the “you”. “Quit pacing the floor, you’re wearing out my carpet. Sit down and I’ll explain myself.”

  * * *

  “Are you calmed down now, dear?”

  “Yeah, Mom. I’m quite comfortable now.

  “So, are you ready to tell me why I am going to be having a house guest?”

  “Well, I needed to take some time off to relax and think about what I’m going to be doing. The W.O.N. will soon pick a replacement for Richard Sinclair and I’ll be out of a job, so I was thinking of doing some consulting, most of which I can do from the comfort of my own home and not in an office. I will have to make regular trips to the city, but there is no need to live there.”

  “That is such a tragedy, what happened to Sinclair, I mean. Do you think he is still alive or do you believe that his abductors killed him?”

  “I’d rather not think about it, Mom. It’s very upsetting to me and I hope we don’t ever have to talk about it again.”

  “Whatever you say, dear. I didn’t mean to open old wounds. It’s just that I sense that there is something you would like to talk about. If so, I’m here for you whenever you want to open up. In the meantime, I am all alone here since Elliot passed away last year and I certainly can use some company. I hope you will consider this your new home. There is no need for you to consider living anywhere else.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I was hoping you would say that. I don’t want to live alone anymore and maybe we can help each other.”

  “It’s settled then, you can take over the master bedroom, I don’t need all that space anymore. Besides, I’m sure you are going to want to move in some of your furniture from your apartment.”

  “No I won’t be doing that. I want a fresh start. No more reminders from the past, except for one.” Christine was thinking of Richard and how soon she could see him again.

  “And what might that be, dear?”

  “I can’t say Mom, I simply can’t say.”

  “You don’t have to say anymore, honey. I can see it in your eyes. You’re upset because there is more to it than Sinclair being abducted. You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

  “I should have known that you would see right through me.” Christine tried to avoid looking her mother in the eyes.

  “One day, when you have children of your own, it will be clear to you what the bond between a mother and child really means.”

  “I think I’m a little too old to be thinking about having kids, Mom. Nice try though.”

  “I should have known I wouldn’t be able to slip that one by you.” She smiled lovingly at Christine. “But you haven’t answered my question; are you in love with Richard Sinclair?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  “Okay, I’m sitting down; now explain how you think the Controller can be defeated.” Richard’s voice had a hard edge and his face looked tired and disgusted, all the result of too little sleep and too much stressful activity. It was early evening and Richard was growing weary of thinking about the Controller.

  “You’ve been assuming that you are the only one with enough power to take down this man. But what if there was someone or something with even more power?” Blocker had a slight grin as he leaned forward.

  “Like who?”

  “Like the media. Even you made decisions or rethought policy because of something the media made an issue. I say we make the media the army that will defeat the Controller. Think about it for a minute; how else can virtually every human being on the face of the planet be made aware of the threat the Controller poses? Within twenty-four hours of me breaking a story here, the rest of the world will be blasting the airwaves with follow-up stories. Every newspaper will be splashing big bold headlines demanding the head of the Controller.”

  “And you think that will make a difference?”

  Blocker couldn’t decide if Richard was being condescending or actually posing a question that might bring an affirmative answer.

  “It’s been ages since the media has had a cause of this magnitude to champion. Don’t sell us short; we are capable of toppling any regime.”

  Just then Christine’s cell phone rang forcing Richard to leave the comfort of the easy chair and walk over to the breakfast counter that separated the living room from the kitchen.

  “Hello.” Richard was expecting it to be Christine, but wasn’t surprised to hear Adam’s voice on the other end.

  “I’ve been wondering if you have had a chance to come up with a plan yet.”

  Richard hadn’t talked to him since Adam called to confirm that he had spoken with Veronica and the children to inform them of the plan to have Richard “killed.”

  “No, but I am having a nice conversation with Ralph about a possible method to accomplish our goals. Have you heard anything from my wife or kids lately?” It had been decided upon by the conspirators that Richard shouldn’t be making any calls or personal visits for security reasons—not for Richard but for his family. If they were being watched, the more they put on the grieving family façade t
he better. Adam would be the one to visit with them, which wouldn’t raise any eyebrows or send up any red flags.

  “I was planning to stop in on them over the next few days. Is there anything I can do for you? Do you want to run Blocker’s idea by me?”

  “Not right now, Adam, we’re just a few minutes into the discussion. After we’ve hashed it over, and if we think it bears merit, then I’ll bring you in for your feedback.”

  “Okay, sir, until then I’ll just hang loose and keep my eyes and ears open.”

  “Thanks, Adam. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from me in a day or two.”

  Richard returned to the easy chair, picked up his drink, and without looking at Ralph simply said, “So let’s hear what you have in mind.”

  * * *

  The young man sitting in the over-stuffed easy chair was tapping his toes to the repetitious pounding of the musical beat passing from the earphones into his brain. He had just started reading the novel he picked up minutes before at the bookstore and was totally unaware of the intruder’s entrance as he turned the page, head bobbing to the beat of a bass drum. Lost in the music and absorbing the words being read, his brain had no time to process the painful signals that were generated by the entering bullet. The nine-millimeter projectile passed completely through his head, exiting with an explosion of brain matter and skull fragments that transformed the wall next to the chair from a calming pastel blue to an angry cerise. The young man with the promising future was no more.

  The assassin stared at the corpse, admiring his handiwork. He had all the time in the world since no one had seen him enter the building and the sound suppression of the silencer prevented the alarming crack of a gunshot. He bathed in the afterglow of his evil deed. He had considered using a smaller caliber pistol to avoid leaving such a messy scene, only to later change his mind. How else could he leave behind a testament to the art of his work? In his sick mind he truly believed his work was noble and should only be performed by an artist such as himself.