Information on Simon Muscrat attached, will await your next commission.
Duke
A week later Duke received an email back with two names on it.
Duke
Next commissions are Colonel Jack Packer and James Landcourt, prefer Packer first, as he was the one who met with Max.
Pirate
The weekend was what Sofia needed, she admitted to herself as she sat alone in the reading room. The last few years had gone so fast, with so many changes, even by her standards; first, her first son tried to ruin the family, and his death, the return of her second son, his return a changed, better man, restoring the family before her husband James died. This brought a smile to her face. She was pleased he lived to see his estate restored. She knew the toll was becoming a burden on him and making him ill, but Grenville’s return had helped and he had started to become himself again. Sara’s father’s death, Grenville and Sara’s wedding, which was as everyone said what the place needed, and now she was going to be a grandmother, which to her was the best news she had received this year. Smiling to herself, she heard the door open. She was surprised to see Hugo enter.
“Hello, not disturbing you, am I?” Hugo asked.
Smiling, Sofia said, “Of course not dear, were you looking for me?”
Walking over and sitting next to Sofia, Hugo said, “Yes I was actually. The others have taken the dogs for a walk around the grounds, not really into the countryside,” said Hugo, smiling.
Sofia had liked Hugo since the first time she had met him when he was a boy, he had been with Jonathan inseparable with Grenville, and she knew he was a loyal and a trusting friend. Sofia had always treated Hugo and Jonathan like sons whenever they stayed, always making them feel part of the family. “So, what can I do for you, Hugo?” smiled Sofia.
Hugo looked a bit flustered and tried to speak.
Sofia smiled and laid her hand on his and said softly, “It’s OK, Hugo, you can trust me.”
“I know I can, that’s why I waited until we were alone to speak to you,” Hugo said, with a strained smile.
Patting his hand, Sofia said, “How can I help?”
“It’s Carole,” said Hugo.
“I see,” said Sofia.
“Do you?” replied Hugo.
“Of course, I might be old but I have eyes,” said Sofia, laughing. Hugo stood up and started to pace. “You want to ask her to marry you,” said Sofia quietly.
Hugo sat back down, and said, “How did you know?”
“I see you together, and I think you are perfect for each other,” replied Sofia, smiling.
“You think so?” said Hugo, standing up again and getting flustered.
“Hugo sit down, before you have a stroke,” said Sofia, laughing again.
Hugo sat down and said, “Sorry.”
“Don’t be silly, Hugo.”
“I am not as confident as Grenville or Jonathan with women, I never know what to say to them.”
“I understand Hugo, I really do,” said Sofia. “Let me tell you a secret,” said Sofia. “Grenville’s father James was the same as you,” Sofia went on.
“Really,” said Hugo. “But he was an Earl then a Duke.”
“Even Earls and Dukes can be shy with women,” said Sofia. “It took him weeks to ask me to marry him, although I had dropped so many hints, in the end I said yes before he finished asking me, to put the poor lamb out of his misery,” said Sofia with a giggle.
“Really, gosh,” was all Hugo could say.
“I can tell she is very fond of you,” said Sofia.
“Oh, you think so?” said Hugo. “But do you think she will marry me, if I ask her?” continued Hugo.
Sofia considered Hugo’s pleading eyes and said, “I am sure she will, Hugo. And if she refuses you, ask me, I am free,” said Sofia with a laugh. This made Hugo go bright red. Still laughing, Sofia said, “It will be fine, remember the saying Hugo, faint heart never won true lady.”
Hugo smiled at Sofia, “Thank you, you have been most helpful,” said Hugo, kissing her on the cheek before standing.
“Good luck,” said Sofia, smiling as Hugo left the room.
After dinner that night everyone was in the lounge drinking coffee, when Grenville went up to Hugo who was standing alone by the windows. “Everything alright Hugo, you look pensive?”
“Yes, fine,” replied Hugo too quickly.
Grenville smiled. Leaning in, Grenville whispered into Hugo’s ear, “Go ask her, you fool.”
Hugo looked shocked. “Don’t know what you mean,” said Hugo with a stammer.
Grenville smiled. “I can win fifty pounds off Jonathan if you do it,” said Grenville. Hugo stared into Grenville’s smiling eyes and only saw love, not ridicule or mirth.
Turning from Grenville, Hugo said in a loud voice, “Everyone, can I have your attention please.” The room went quiet and everyone looked at Hugo. Sara went and stood next to Grenville and took his hand. Jonathan stood and went to the drinks table, leaving Carole alone on the couch. Hugo moved slowly over to Carole, kneeled down in front of her and said, “Carole, I love you, always have since the first day I met you here at the Hall. Please will you marry me?” Hugo took a ring box from his pocket and held it up.
Carole smiled down on Hugo and said, “Of course I will, Hugo.” Hugo leaned in and they kissed. Taking the ring from the box, Hugo placed it on her finger. Carole helped Hugo to stand while the room was clapping and cheering. Hugo was going red as everyone congratulated him.
“About time,” said Jonathan, slapping Hugo on the back.
“Knew you had it in you, old man,” said Grenville, also slapping Hugo on the back.
“By the way Jonathan old bean, that’s fifty pounds you owe me,” smiled Grenville.
“Put it on my tab, old man,” replied a laughing Jonathan.
Carole stood with Sofia and Sara and showed them her ring.
“Well done,” said Sara, hugging Carole.
“So, pleased, my dear,” said Sofia, adding her congratulations as well.
“You must hold the reception here,” said Sara.
“You sure Grenville won’t mind?” said Carole, looking shocked.
“Like he has a choice,” said Sara, smiling over at Grenville who smiled back. Jonathan and Hugo noticed Sara looking over and smiling.
“Think you are being set up, old man,” said Jonathan.
“Think you are right,” replied Grenville, laughing.
Grenville looked out of his office window and smiled. He had a stroke of luck with Grace. Although she was settled into her new bungalow, the girl he had recruited to be her personal assistant had turned out to be a disaster; the girl had lasted three days before Grace had her running in floods of tears, and refusing to go back. But then Alice Mitchell found the missing document.
Grenville admitted the document was the only thing that gave him licence to run S&T Imports, signed by Tom before he had left Belize. How he had mislaid it was still a mystery but Alice Mitchell from the legal department had found it in an old filing cabinet and decided to translate it into English, something Grenville never did. Grenville could not remember Alice before their meeting, but during the interview Grenville knew that since her discovery Alice would have a thousand questions going through her mind. Grenville knew she was the right person for the job to look after Grace. Still smiling, he was sure Grace and Alice would get on like a house on fire. Grenville always had been a good judge of character, Tom had taught him that, plus when Alice said, “Of course I will meet with Mrs Backer. One thing has crossed my mind, Chairman, is this offer because I found the document or my sparkling personality?” Grenville put his head back and laughed. Yes, Grace and Alice have the same cynical outlook.
After reading Tom’s new email, Grenville picked up the phone and asked Michelle to see if Carole was free to meet him in conference room three. After the bubble, had closed and settled, Grenville said, “Thanks for coming so promptly.”
Carole
smiled at Grenville in reply. Going on, Grenville said, “Got two further names for your personal attention Carole,” passing over a piece of paper. “Please can you trace Packer first,” smiled Grenville.
“Will get onto it as a matter of urgency,” said Carole.
“Thank you, Carole, most kind,” replied Grenville, standing to indicate the meeting was over.
A few days later, Michelle buzzed. Picking up the receiver, Grenville said, “Yes, Michelle.”
“Carole to see you, Chairman.”
“Thank you, Michelle, please send her in,” replied Grenville.
On entering, Grenville went and met Carole half way across the room. Kissing Carole on the cheek, Grenville said, “Everything OK, Carole?”
“Yes,” said a smiling Carole.
Grenville motioned towards the comfy chairs. Once seated, Grenville said, “So how can I be of help, Carole?”
“Won’t take too much of your time, just wanted to let you know that the new commissions you gave me are going to take a week or so, due to a lot of red tape,” said Carole.
Grenville understood exactly what Carole was saying. Smiling, Grenville said, “Thank you my dear for letting me know. I will pass on your concerns. How are the wedding plans going?” Grenville asked.
“Very well thank you, Grenville, now you have so graciously handed over the Hall for the reception,” said Carole, smiling.
“My pleasure my dear, anything to help,” replied Grenville.
“We will be down this weekend to finalise some details,” said Carole. “Plus, not seen Sara for a few weeks and need a catch up,” Carole went on.
“Wonderful,” said Grenville, “she will be glad of the distraction.”
“Not going well then?”
“Sara does not like sitting about doing nothing,” said a laughing Grenville. Standing, Grenville said, “Until the weekend.”
Carole stood as well. Grenville kissed Carole on the cheek, and Carole said, “Until the weekend,” as Carole left.
Grenville sat and pondered on what Carole had told him. Obviously both names were still heavily involved with the CIA and the United States government, and although not insurmountable Carole was right to be cautious with the information. Grenville decided to email Tom and let him know the information would possibly take a little time to gather, but not to be concerned; all was in hand.
A few weeks later, Grenville was sitting in his office with his hands behind his head with a smile on his face. Before the phone had rung twice, Grenville had picked it up and before he had time to speak, Michelle said, “Chairman, Carole would like to see you in conference room three if you are free.”
“Of course, Michelle, tell her I am on my way,” replied Grenville as he replaced the handset. As he entered conference room three, the bubble was already in place with Carole sitting with the door open waiting for him. Smiling, Grenville entered the bubble and closed the door, waited for the hiss as the door sealed and sat down opposite Carole and smiled.
“So, Carole how is it all going?”
“Very well, thank you Chairman,” Carole replied smiling. “I have the information of the two names you gave me,” Carole said.
“Oh well done, thought you said there was a lot of red tape surrounding them,” said Grenville.
“Not as much as I first envisaged considering one was still with the CIA, that is Colonel Jack Packer, but the second name was easy, even you could have found him,” said a smiling Carole.
She passed the first folder over. “Colonel Jack Parker,” said Carole, Grenville opened the folder and read the single typed sheet; while Grenville read, Carole continued. “Colonel Jack Parker is semi-retired from the CIA, only taking consultancy work, and he is living in New York.”
“Sounds a nasty piece of work, but excellent work Carole, most impressed,” replied Grenville.
Continuing, Carole said, “As for James Landcourt, Senator James Landcourt, Presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, and forerunner and the dead cert to get the ticket to the White House.” She passed over the second folder.
As Grenville scanned the single piece of paper again he said, “Carole, you have excelled yourself as always.” Standing, Grenville was keen to get the information off to Tom.
Back in his office once again, Grenville scanned the documents into a folder on the laptop; once complete, Grenville shredded the contents of the folders.
As Grenville stared at the blank laptop screen, he was worried Tom was getting close to the top people those in command, those who gave the orders. As Tom went higher, the people would be more protected and harder to, how did Tom put it, “chat to”. This made Grenville smile. Shaking his head, he softly said to himself, “Stop being paranoid, Tom will be fine, he is no idiot and always has a plan.”
Before sending Tom the information, he needed a few things in place first. Grenville picked up the phone. “Michelle, can you ask Hugo to meet me in conference room three, please.”
“Of course, Chairman,” as the phone went dead. A few minutes later the phone on Grenville’s desk rang and Michelle said, “Hugo is on his way, Chairman.”
“Thank you, Michelle,” as Grenville replaced the handset. Hugo was already there with Carole when Grenville arrived in conference room three.
Before Grenville said anything, Hugo said, “Sorry Grenville had to ask Carole to come and use this dam contraption for me, I still don’t like it.”
Smiling, Grenville replied, “Don’t worry Hugo, don’t like it myself.”
“What are you two like,” said a laughing Carole. Once the bubble was in place, Carole turned to leave.
“As you are here, Carole, you can join us.”
“Of course, Chairman,” said Carole, smiling.
Once the bubble door was closed, Grenville said, “Hugo, got a small task for you, and I would prefer if you could handle it personally.”
“Of course,” replied Hugo, looking up expectantly with his pen poised.
“I want you to book in the name of a Mr Tom Jones a room in the Plaza Hotel, New York, also have a rental car in the hotel garage for Mr Tom Jones, then for the following month book a room at the Jefferson Hotel, Washington. And it would be appreciated if the payment could not be traced back to S&T Imports.”
“Sounds easy enough,” replied Hugo, smiling.
Back in his office Grenville sent Tom the email:
Pirate
Both files on each name are attached. Have booked Mr Tom Jones a room in the Plaza Hotel, New York, also have a rental car in the hotel garage. The following month have booked a room at the Jefferson Hotel, Washington, anything else let me know.
Duke
A month later Grenville received another email:
Duke
Finally found the last name coming home, arrive tomorrow morning. Have pre-booked a room at the Dorchester Hotel, London, grateful you could confirm booking and pay for the month.
Pirate
Grenville picked up the phone and Michelle said, “Yes, Chairman.”
“Please can you ask Mr Thorpe and Miss Burke to meet me in conference room three, please?” asked Grenville.
“Of course, Chairman,” replied Michelle as Grenville put down the phone.
As he enters conference room three, the bubble was already in place with Hugo and Carole sitting with the door open waiting for him. Smiling, Grenville entered the bubble and closed the door, waited for the hiss as the door sealed and sat down opposite Hugo and Carole.
“Tom is coming home tomorrow,” said Grenville. Hugo and Carole did not speak. “I need you to do a few things in preparation,” Grenville went on.
“And of course, old bean, you require no paper trail or traces back to S&T Imports,” said a smiling Hugo.
“As always, Hugo, you read my mind,” said Grenville, nodding. This made them both laugh which helped lower the tension in the room. “First, Tom has pre-booked a room in the Dorchester Hotel, in the name of Mr Tom Jones. Can you pay for a month f
or Mr Tom Jones at the hotel? Also, can we have a company flat prepared with a hire car in the underground car park if required?” asked Grenville.
Hugo nodded and said, “Leave it all to me, old bean.”
“Thank you, Hugo. See you this weekend.”
“Carole and I are looking forward to it, old man,” said Hugo smiling.
Grenville looking at Hugo intently. Smiling, Hugo quietly said, “Grenville, we are not stupid, Carole and I. We did our own piece of detective work between us, and we know all about Tom Sharapova.”
Grenville opened his mouth but no sound came out, he looked totally shocked.
“Don’t worry,” Hugo quickly added, “you have our total trust.”
Grenville stood and went to the glass wall and stared out. Softly, Grenville, said, “I do not intentionally keep you in the dark,” turning with tears in his eyes, “it was not that I do not trust you both. I was trying to keep everyone safe, so if ever it came back on us I would take the fall and only me.”
“Who else knows?” asked Carole.
“Only Sara,” replied Grenville, “but we both share each other’s secrets, we do not have them between us.” Grenville smiled.
“Of course,” said Carole, joining Grenville at the glass wall.
Hugo hugged Grenville and said, “We always have trusted you” Gaining his composure, Grenville went and sat down. “I will arrange it all as soon as I am back in my office,” said Hugo, smiling at Grenville.
“Thank you both,” said Grenville.
“And what do you want from me?” asked Carole.
“Oh yes,” said Grenville, “can you get me a mobile phone we can use only once?”
“You mean a burner phone,” said a smiling Carole. “Of course, will drop it off as soon as I have it,” replied Carole.
The Second Son Page 26