“Thank you both so much.”
Pirate
Dorchester Hotel, London, booked for the month in the name of Tom Jones, will contact you when you arrive.
Duke
Once back in his office Grenville sat back at the email he had sent and smiled. Tom was finally coming back to England. Grenville lost his smile and realised the big risk Tom was taking coming anywhere near England after all these years, but Grenville knew that Tom had worked out some sort of plan, and Grenville knew that whatever his plan was, Grenville would be ready to help. Grenville smiled again. Just like old times again, and the thought gave him a slight shiver down his spine, something that had not happened in ages. But the truth was, Grenville knew he was excited at seeing Tom again.
Grenville picked up his desk phone and dialled Jonathan’s private number. After three rings Jonathan answered. Grenville immediately said, “Jonathan my dear chap, how are you?”
“Very well thank you Grenville, to what do I owe this pleasure?” asked Jonathan.
“Wondered if you were free this weekend and you fancied a weekend away at Hampton Hall?” asked Grenville.
“Let me see,” said Jonathan. After a pause, Jonathan said, “Of course old man, would love to.”
“Wonderful, Hugo and Carole will be there and I am sure Sara would love the distraction,” said Grenville.
“Looking forward to it, see you on Friday.” Before Grenville had time to respond, the phone went dead.
Newton was waiting for Grenville as he came out of the railway station. Opening the door and saluting, Newton said, “Welcome home, your Grace.”
“Thank you, Newton. How’s it going at the ranch?” asked Grenville.
“Excellent,” said a smiling Newton.
“Good, good,” replied Grenville as the Rolls set off towards Hampton Hall. Back at the Hall Grenville went to find Sara and Sofia. He found them both in the reading room. Going over and kissing Sara and Sofia, he said, “Hope you are both well.”
Sofia said, “As always, darling.”
Sara said, “Will be once young Hampton here has made an appearance.”
“Don’t worry, the first is always the hardest,” said Sofia, smiling.
Grenville said “I have invited Jonathan down for the weekend.”
“Wonderful,” said Sofia. “With Hugo and Carole, as well, should be a nice weekend,” Sofia went on, “I will go let the Preston’s know the arrangements,” as she left the room.
Sara stared at Grenville. “What you up to, Hampton?” asked Sara.
“Don’t know what you mean,” replied Grenville, smiling.
“I am seven months pregnant, not senile yet,” said Sara smiling.
“Need to get the team together, Tom is finally returning to the UK,” said Grenville.
“Excellent news,” said Sara, smiling.
“But we will discuss it once we are all together.”
“Of course,” said Sara, “now come and give me a hug if you can,” she said, laughing.
After dinner, they gathered in the lounge. Once everyone had a drink in their hands, Grenville stood and tapped his glass. “Ladies and gentlemen,” said Grenville, smiling, “thank you all for coming this evening, I have some important new to impart to you all. Tom is finally coming home,” said Grenville, scanning the room. No one spoke. “But first let me tell you all the truth. I think you deserve that much from me. I know some of you know parts, and others have, through their diligence, worked some of it out,” Grenville said while smiling and nodding at Hugo and Carole, who smiled back, nodding. “But before I start I want you all to take this opportunity to make up your own mind and if your conscience dictates, to leave, without any recriminations. It was never my intention to keep you in the dark; this was done out of love for you all, so there would be no comebacks if everything went pear shaped.”
“Plausible deniability,” said a smiling Jonathan. No one moved.
“Thank you all,” Grenville said softly.
“As you all know, I first met Tom while I was backpacking in Belize with Jonathan here,” said Grenville, indicating Jonathan, who nodded in agreement while smiling. “Tom saved my life and rescued Jonathan and me from a rather ugly situation which I must admit was of my own making,” said Grenville, holding his hand out to Jonathan.
“Folly of youth, old man,” said Jonathan, laughing, which made everyone else laugh.
“Absolutely, old bean. Once Jonathan had departed for home, and I decided to stay with Tom my life changed for the better. Under Tom’s guidance he made me the man I am today, and I became a different man, more outgoing, confidence and at peace with myself. I had never known before I was happy with the work Tom and I were engaged in, albeit at time not totally legal,” which made Grenville smile, “but as you know all good things must come to an end. I received the letter from Jonathan about the death of my brother the same time that a family member of Tom’s and a good friend of mine was killed in Belize, Max was his name. Both incidents on their own were not remarkable but together triggered future events.
“I found out Max did not only obtain work for Tom and I, he also traced people for Tom. Why did he do this? Unbeknown to me, Tom had suffered a personal tragedy. Tom, although born in the UK, had to depart after he was accused at 14 of murder. He made his way to Odessa where he and his friend Sebastian created what we now know today as S&T Imports. After a few years, Tom married Sebastian’s sister, and he changed his name from Tom Backer to Tom Sharapova, taking his wife’s family name. Natasha and Tom had a daughter they called Grace.
“Sebastian was killed in a bomb explosion which left his uncle Vlad wounded. Whilst he was recovering in hospital, Vlad let Tom into the family secret: Vlad was the head of the biggest Russian mafia family in Odessa.”
Grenville looked around and only saw wonder on their faces. Continuing, Grenville went on, “Tom took over the, shall we say, family business, while Vlad was recuperating. After Sebastian’s death Tom had no enthusiasm with S&T Imports so concentrated on the family business. Once again, they tried to assassinate Vlad, but with Tom’s intervention they missed again, but this time there were tragic consequences. Tom’s wife Natasha and his daughter Grace were killed in the ensuing getaway by the assassins. Tom, as I think we can imagine, was distraught over losing his family, and over their grave made a vow of vengeance to track down the perpetrators and bring swift justice to them.
“The getaway car was abandoned at the docks and they found out the only ship that had sailed that day was a US cargo ship going to Belize, so that is where Tom went to begin his quest. Max managed to track down the passengers from the US cargo ship, and found one of the men responsible; that’s where Tom first heard that his family had been killed by the US/British intelligence agencies. Operation Blackstone was what they had called the operation. Max was killed while tracing the next name on the list. This is where my story begins with S&T Imports. I did not hesitate to offer Tom my assistance and between us we came up with the plan to re-activate S&T Imports. So, with your help, we have made S&T Imports a worldwide company. I have kept Tom informed of our progress and he is most impressed by your loyalty and trust to me, and since we have been operational, we have traced several names for Tom, but now he is on the last name and that person resides in the UK, so he is homeward bound.
“Of course, the next part is a very dangerous time, so once again I ask if any of you wish to leave then I will not hold it personally.”
Sofia slowly stood and moved towards Grenville. Placing her hands on his face, she smiled into his eyes and said, “You are my son and I am proud of you.”
Everyone stood and went to Grenville. Sara hugged him and whispered, “You will always have my love.”
Jonathan hugged Grenville and said, “Always here for you, my old friend.”
Hugo hugged Grenville and said, “Always your servant.”
Carole hugged Grenville and said, “Without you, I would not have been where I am now.”
/> With tears in his eyes, Grenville said, “Thank you all so much.”
Later that evening, Grenville took the burner phones that Carole had dropped off for him and rang the Dorchester hotel and asked them to give the following message to Mr Tom Jones when he booked in to the Dorchester Hotel tomorrow morning. Grenville asked the receptionist to repeat the message. Once Grenville was satisfied that the message would be relayed correctly he disconnected the call and placed the phone in his jacket pocket. He would keep the phone with him night and day, until it rang. A few days later, the mobile rang and all Grenville said was, “CC one two one,” before the connection went dead.
Grenville removed the back of the phone and removed the SIM card and with his cigar lighter burned it in his ashtray. While Grenville watched, the SIM burn, he picked up his desk phone and rang the Carton Club to confirm his booking at 12.30 for a private lunch. Once Grenville replaced the receiver he smiled. He hoped Tom would work out the code. Just like old times, Grenville felt himself come alive again. He realised he had missed the danger that Tom brought with him. Grenville threw back his head and laughed and said out loud, “I sure hope you got a good plan, you old Pirate.”
As Grenville approached the Carton Club, Forbes the doorman saluted and held the door open for Grenville and said, “Welcome, your Grace.”
Smiling, Grenville placed a folded ten pound note into Forbes’ hand and said, “Thank you Forbes, looks like rain later.”
Still smiling, Forbes replied, “Looks that way, your Grace,” as he closed the door on Grenville.
Grenville walked to the reception desk and said, “Morning Jenkins, all well I hope?”
Jenkins smiled and said, “Welcome back, your Grace.”
“Good man,” replied Grenville, smiling.
“Can I have a quick word, your Grace?” said Jenkins, looking slightly embarrassed.
“What is on your mind, old chap?” replied Grenville, but Grenville already knew his problem.
“We seem to have you double booked for two luncheon rooms today.”
“How odd,” replied Grenville, looking surprised. “I am sure I only booked the Waterloo Room,” continued Grenville.
Jenkins studied the book in front of him, smiled and said, “Of course, your Grace, I have it here. I do apologise for any confusion,” said Jenkins. Jenkins then said, “All is prepared for you in the Waterloo Room for your lunch, I will send Stephen up with the menu and wine list.”
“Thank you, Jenkins,” replied Grenville as he studied the members’ book to see who was at the Club today.
Once Grenville had given Stephen the order for lunch, Grenville asked Stephen, “Grateful, old man, if you could open that window for me please, smells a bit stuffy in here.”
Stephen went and opened the big bay window and turned and said, “Anything else, your Grace?”
“No thank you, Stephen,” replied Grenville, “will ring if I need anything else.”
Bowing slightly, Stephen said, “Will bring your lunch at one, your Grace,” before leaving the room and closing the door quietly.
Grenville was feeling nervous. It had been ages since he and Tom had been together; yes, they had a brief few hours on his honeymoon, but this was the first time they had planned to meet since Grenville had left Belize, and Grenville could not get this uneasy feeling out of his head that Tom was making a mistake putting his head in the lion’s mouth. But this made Grenville smile and he could hear Tom’s voice in his head: “Duke, you worry too much, always have a plan.” Grenville sipped his brandy and waited patiently for Tom’s arrival. Grenville stood as the door slowly opened and Tom quickly came in the room, and closed the door behind him. Smiling, Grenville went to embrace Tom. “The years have been good to you, you old pirate.”
Tom, smiling, said, “Being a Lord certainly agrees with you,” tapping Duke’s expanding waistline.
Both men hugged again and burst out laughing.
After lunch, had been finished, Grenville said, “So, how was it?”
Tom sat back and said, “Duke, I don’t think I have had a better meal in years.”
Grenville smiled. “Glad it met with your approval, old man,” Grenville said, “let’s sit on the comfy chairs. Down to business,” as he pulled out a white piece of paper and passed it to Tom. Tom studied the piece of paper for a few minutes, then passed it back to Grenville, who by this stage had taken a cigar from his pockets and had begun to light it. As he did so, he also casually lit the piece of paper and dropped it into the ashtray and, with his cigar, made sure the paper ash looked like cigar ash. Tom smiled; he had taught Grenville well. Grenville raised his eyes to Tom.
“So, as you suspected, this is the last name of the people who killed your family.” Tom nodded, and Grenville went on. “Ironic really, last name and they happened to be in the UK. Full circle, as we say,” smiled Grenville. “Please be careful though, Tom,” Grenville warned, “they will be well protected and by now will know you are coming for them.”
“O ye of little faith.”
“Not at all, I kind of like having you around,” which made them both laugh again.
“So, what do you think?” asked Grenville, pointing to the folder that sat on the table between them marked S&T Imports.
Tom looked at Grenville for a few minutes, then smiled and said, “To tell you the truth, when you told me your plan in Belize I was a little uncertain you could achieve it all. But,” continued Tom, “you have proved me wrong.”
Grenville sat back and said, “I did not do it alone, I have the most amazing friends helping me.” Continuing, Grenville said, “You remember Jonathan from Belize.”
Tom smiled. “Of course, I do.”
“Although he technically does not work for S&T Imports…”
“He was going to be a lawyer,” interrupted Tom.
“Indeed, he has, going to be the youngest high court judge in the country,” smiled Grenville.
“Excellent,” smiled Tom.
“Plus, one of my oldest school friends, Hugo who is my right-hand man, and if I admit none of our success would have been achievable without him,” said Grenville. “And,” went on Grenville, “Carole, who has built the most amazing computer system known to man. I admit the two of them between them have made S&T Imports work, and I must admit together are the most amazing couple I have ever known,” smiled Grenville.
“I would love to meet them both,” smiled Tom.
“One day hope you can, old man,” smiled Grenville.
“Anyway, forgot to ask, how is Sara?” said Tom.
“Blooming,” smiled Grenville, “eight months pregnant and bored,” which made them both laugh.
“Thanks for all the emails about mother,” said Tom.
“My pleasure, old man. She was delighted when I contacted her and told her I had news about you, she was beside herself, and I know she is proud of the man you have become. She is so proud of her Tom,” replied Grenville, smiling.
“Is she OK though?” asked Tom.
“Oh yes, Sara and I see her once a month and the new residential home is top class, plus I have someone looking in every day, Alice Mitchell is her name. Your mother has particularly taken a shine to her. Your mother is not the easiest woman in the world to please. A few have been sent packing, but Grace seems to like Alice, they get on like a house on fire. Alice takes her regularly to visit and lay flowers on your father’s grave.”
Tom smiled and was pleased his mother was in good hands. “Duke, I don’t know how I can ever repay you,” said Tom in a whisper.
“Don’t be daft, old man,” said Grenville, laughing, “you made me a near billionaire and head of a successful private import/export business. It should be me thanking you,” which made Tom laugh as well. Grenville went silent then said quietly, “I have the friendship of the greatest man I have ever known. You can take everything else away from me, but that I cherish that more than life itself.” Tom leaned over and they both embraced again.
G
renville handed Tom a key with a tag on it and said, “New accommodation, no doubt they found the hotel by now.”
Smiling, Tom said, “They sure have, had fun getting here.”
Grenville said, “Please be careful, Tom.”
Smiling, Tom was about to say something, when they both heard the commotion outside. Looking at Tom, Grenville said, “Time to go I think.”
“Absolutely,” smiled Tom.
They briefly hugged again and Grenville said, “See you soon, Pirate,” as Tom went to the windows and Grenville went to the door. Grenville took a quick glance behind him to check Tom had gone, but all he saw was the curtain slowly rippling in the breeze.
As Grenville opened the door he was confronted with a man pointing a gun in his face. Grenville said, “Gentlemen, can I help you?”
“National security,” said the agent, flashing his badge at Grenville. “Please go back inside, sir.”
“How exciting,” said Grenville, “but I don’t care what security agency you are from young man, this is the Carton Club and never in all its two-hundred-year history has a firearm been brought past the statue of Lord Carton, the founding father of this club, which currently sits in the main lobby. It is one of the Club’s founding rules.” The men stared at Grenville.
“I am the twelfth Duke of Hampshire and a committee member.” Just then, the doors to the Wellington Room opened and none other than the current Home Secretary came out. There seated behind him were three military high ranking officers all in full dress uniform. “What the bloody hell is going on out here?” said the Home Secretary.
“Looking for a fugitive, sir,” said the lead man, showing the Home Secretary his badge.
“What, in the Carton Club? Ridiculous you idiot, you’ve been had.”
“But we have sound intelligence, he was in the Carton Club and we had intelligence that he came to the Wellington Room,” said the lead man, who was by now starting to feel uneasy.
“So, you think I am having lunch with your fugitive? I shall speak to your Director personally, this is outrageous,” said the Home Secretary.
The Second Son Page 27