Billionaire's Retreat

by Eddie Johnson

  Within an hour of Johnny’s arrest, the police and the news media converged on the sky scrapper where Brisband Construction was located.

  The police proceeded up the elevator to Harry Brisband’s office. He was then placed under arrest for bribery.

  That night, Sarah showed up to Vera’s house. The doorbell rang. She looked through the peephole. Vera opened the door and immediately started screaming at Sarah, “Get away from my door. Leave me alone bitch. You probably set up my Johnny with Brisband and now he is in jail.”

  “No Vera. You don’t understand. Let me explain.”

  “Sarah. Don’t make me do something that we will regret later.”

  Sarah pulled on the door trying to enter.

  Vera blurted out, “Woman, are you crazy! Quit pulling on my door! Didn’t I tell you to leave?”

  Sarah angrily turned away, quickly walked back to her car, entered, and then sped away.

  Shortly after leaving Vera’s, she made a stop at her best friend Lucinda’s house. Sarah franticly knocked on the door and rang the doorbell. Upon opening the door, Lucinda noticed tears streaming down her face.

  “What’s wrong baby? Come in. Have a seat.”

  “I am not the person you think I am.”

  “What are you rambling on about Sarah?”

  “I feel so out of control. I don’t know what to do. I have been having an affair with City Councilman Johnny Davis.”

  “You’ve been doing what? And who have you been doing it with?”

  “City Councilman Davis and I are lovers. I’m also a friend to his wife, Vera. Today he was arrested for accepting a bribe. Vera suspects that I am the reason for his arrest.”

  “Why would she think that?”

  “Because I’m a subcontractor on a construction project that he is accused of being awarded illegally.”

  “Hold your head up Sarah. You must remain strong.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad somebody believes in me.”

  She hands Sarah a box of facial tissues. “Wipe your eyes. You can stay with us tonight.

  “Are you sure David wouldn’t mind me staying over?”

  I’m sure David will understand. You can stay in one of our guest bedrooms. You shouldn’t be alone.”

  The next afternoon, Sarah took a flight back to Los Angeles.

  Chapter 15

  Construction finally wrapped up on the Billionaire’s Retreat. Bridget and Woodrow were ready to make the lavish lodging accommodation public. The exterior now had new landscaping, a pool, and four tennis courts. The interior of the building was completely retrofitted according to Sarah’s design that transformed it into a plush vacation resort getaway.

  Sarah took the Titanimums over to their new resort for a walk through. They were noticeably pleased with their new Olympic size pool. The retreat would play host to corporate and group engagements for swimming and or tennis camps.

  Brisband and Johnny Davis had their bails posted while they awaited their scheduled court date. Johnny tried a few times to call and text message his mistress, Sarah. Wisely, she refused his attempts for conversation. In addition, Johnny’s marriage was on the rocks. Vera was having difficulty showing affection for her husband. They were now sleeping in separate bedrooms. The topic of divorce crept into their daily conversations.

  The Titanimums would host Woodrow’s oil tycoon friends in their first bash to be held at the resort. Sarah and her business partner received guest invitations from the Titanimums to attend the festivity. They were given the option to bring mates.

  Chris sex change operation had taken place without a hitch. Chris’ legal name was now Kristy Kane. At work, everyone made a concerted effort to verbally address her in a gender appropriate manner. Kristy’s successful makeover had transformed her into a gorgeous woman.

  Saturday night, Clyde Jeffreys an ex business associate of Brisband was suddenly shot while leaving an after hours nightclub. The wound was superficial since the bullet only grazed his left side. A second bullet rang out, missed him, and then became embedded in a nearby car. The gunman turned, ran in the opposite direction, and then disappeared into a darkened alleyway. A couple emerged from the nightclub as others rushed over to the victim. The young lady was talking on her cell phone. They noticed the guy lying on the sidewalk bleeding. She told her girlfriend, “Becca girl, I’m going to have to call you back.”

  “What’s wrong Belle?”

  “I need to call 911 to report an emergency.”

  The police arrived minutes later. They cleared the crowd away as the paramedics reached the scene. After providing preliminary care to the victim, they placed him on a stretcher and then lifted him into the awaiting ambulance.

  The police questioned some of the people on the street. A few of them said they saw the shooting. They explained the shooter wore black gloves and a long black mask that covered his face, which sagged down beneath his shoulders. Belle provided additional information to the officers. “Earlier in the night, I remembered seeing the victim talking with an elderly white man at Club Spears. They were sitting at a table drinking when suddenly they became embroiled in an argument. The older guy got up, hurriedly walked away, while swearing at the younger guy. The music was playing loud. I could not hear what they were saying.” She gave a full description of the older gentleman to the officers.

  The next day, Sarah telephoned Lucinda.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Lucinda, I need to ask you for a favor.”

  “A favor…”

  “I have a billionaire friend opening a Resort. I have been invited.”

  “So what does that have to do with me?”

  “I need someone to accompany me.”

  “Don’t you have a man who can do that? A nice looking woman like you has to have a man.”

  “Lucinda, don’t fuck with me. You know my man was Councilman Davis. We are no longer on speaking terms. He is trying to hold on to what’s left of his marriage.”

  “I am going have to decline your offer.”

  “Why?”

  “I also need to do my part in keeping my marriage intact.”

  “What is wrong with your marriage? I have always been able to depend on you.”

  “Well David seems to be developing a complex when it comes to me being involved with people on a higher social economic level.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Every since I informed him of my plan to use an education trust fund that my father set aside for me, to become an attorney, he feels threatened because of his blue collar worker status.”

  “Lucinda it may be time you move on and leave him.”

  “I am astonished that you would even suggest I end my marriage. David and I have so many wonderful memories.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I have another friend that might jump at the opportunity to mingle with the wealthy.”

  After disconnecting with Lucinda, she called Shereka Oakley the treasurer of her fundraiser.

  “Hi Shereka, this is Sarah.

  “Hi Sarah, It’s nice to hear from you. Are you in Dallas?”

  “No. I’m at home in Los Angeles. A billionaire friend of mine has invited me to attend the grand opening of his new resort. Would you like to accompany me to the festivity?”

  “I’m sure that I can rearrange my schedule.”

  “Good, I’ll foot the cost for your flight and weekend stay. I can’t wait to hangout with you here in Los Angeles.”

  “Sarah. I have been talking with Vera.”

  “And how is Vera?”

  “She is doing find.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  “I may have convinced her not end her marriage and not to be sore with you. I told her that you could not have participated in the alleged bribe. Don’t be surprised if Vera asks for your forgiveness. Vera needs you and Johnny. ”

  “Your intentions are good. However, I am capable of fighting my own battles.”

  Chapter 16

  C
lyde Jeffreys was now out of the hospital. He was relaxing at home with his wife Millicent having a conversation about their current predicament. She said, “I warned you, if you turned in Brisband that your life could be in jeopardy.”

  “You are probably right. I believe he may have pulled the trigger.”

  I remember being at Club Spears talking with Brisband about how he shortchanged me on illicit jobs. We got into an argument and he stormed out of the joint.

  “Clyde, I love you. I can’t imagine life without you. It would be a tragedy for our new born daughter to be raised without her father.”

  The following month, Sarah and her mother in law attended the city’s annual firemens ball. Mrs. Jones was overwhelmed with pride and anger when she and Sarah both were presented with an award of valor posthumously on behalf of her son.

  As Sarah was leaving, Mrs. Jones approached her from behind. “Wait up Sarah.”

  “Hi Mrs. Jones, I thought you had already left. How long will you be in town?”

  “I’m going to be leaving tomorrow?”

  “What’s wrong Mrs. Jones? You seem to be stressed.”

  “You are right. I heard that you are a suspect in a bribery case. The only reason you were not jailed is because they lacked evidence of your participation.”

  “Is that why you stopped me? So you could prod me about something you don’t know about?”

  “Well, you wanted to know why I am troubled. I believe you had something to do with my son’s death. Rumor has it that you were having an affair with the City Councilman that is reported to have taken the bribe. How could you have done that to my son? I used to live here; remember, I still have friends locally, and their eyes are on you.”

  “Mrs. Jones, you are wrong. I loved your son. I had nothing to do with the death of my husband.”

  Tears streamed from her mother in law’s face, “You caused my son to lose his life. You killed him! You killed him!”

  “No, Mrs. Jones, I didn’t kill him.”

  “Go Sarah! Just get out of my face!”

  Sarah dropped her head as she turned walking away.

  An elderly gentleman asked, “Are you alright Ma’am?”

  “No, but I’m going to be okay.”

  Chapter 17

  Woodrow invited Sarah over to the retreat on a weekend prior to its grand opening. Sarah soon found out after arriving that Woodrow was alone. She walked over and whispered into his ear, “Where is Mrs. Titanimum?”

  He whispered so as not to be overhead by the couple that had arrived with Sarah. “I left her at home. I didn’t think she would want to come.”

  “I hope you don’t mind that my friends Vonda and Manfred will be sharing our evening.” After Mr. Titanimum was formally introduced to Sarah’s accompanying guest, they all drank, swam, and lounged around the pool deck.

  Eventually, Woodrow and Sarah stole away to an awaiting penthouse suite. They downed a few drinks before retiring to the adjoining patio where a daybed awaited with a lofty view of the campus forty acre lake. As the sun reached its apex in the sky, caught up in the moment, they made love.

  Out by the pool, Vonda was lying in Manfred’s lap as they relaxed in a recliner. Vonda stood to her feet. Manfred watched as she dived into the pool swimming its entire length on her back. Vonda called out, “Come join me.” He entered the pool. As Manfred started swimming toward her, Vonda swam away from him. He grabbed her legs when he finally caught up to her. She yelled, “Stop, let go of me!” Manfred let go and then backed away. She maneuvered her body to an upright position. After allowing Vonda to calm down, he lurched forward wrapping his arms around her in a bear hug fashion. They engaged in a steamy kiss. He relinquished his grip and then watched as she broke the aqua blue surface, after falling backwards.

  When they were back at poolside, Sarah walked up startling them. “Are you guys ready to go?”

  Vonda answered, “We were hoping you and Woodrow would give us a grand tour of the retreat.”

  “Come along. We will do a quick walk through. Woodrow and I have other things to do.”

  Earlier the same day at the police station, Detectives Tasha Beebe Gibbons and Eric Nolan questioned Ben Thomas about the Clyde Jeffreys shooting. Detective Gibbons stated, “Do you recall anything from the night of the shooting, which might help us in our investigation?”

  “The night of the shooting, I was leaving work when I noticed a man emerging from an alley. He removed a mask fitting the description of the one worn by the alleged shooter. The mask covered his face and went down past his shoulders. I remember the guy being an elderly white man. He was of medium height, wearing black pants, and a solid light colored long sleeve shirt. He had a neat crew cut hairstyle and a nice shaped mustache.

  Detective Nolan interjected, “After he emerged from the alley where did he go?”

  “He walked a short distance to a dark blue BMW.”

  “And then …”

  “He stared in my direction as I stood across the street. A few seconds later, he got into his vehicle, slowly pulled away from the curb before hitting the gas pedal peeling off down the road.”

  “Tasha, I think it is time to bring out the photos.”

  “Excuse me gentlemen.” She left the room. A moment later she returned with a photo album. Ben looked through it until he reached the last picture. His demeanor suddenly changed. “Tasha said, “Is there something wrong?”

  “Yes, that’s the man, I saw that night.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I am sure that’s your man.”

  Later that evening, Clyde Jeffreys received a phone call. “Hi Clyde, this is Detective Eric Nolan. We have a good lead as to who may have shot you. I would like to drop by to discuss our latest findings.”

  “Okay. That would be fine.”

  “Are you at home?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

  “Millicent said, “Who was that on the phone?”

  “It was Detective Nolan. He is coming over to provide me information about the man who he thinks may have been my shooter.”

  The minutes quickly passed, the doorbell rang. Millicent answered the door. “You must be Detective Nolan.”

  “Yes, you must be Clyde’s lovely wife, Millicent.”

  “There is no need for flattery Detective. Clyde will be right with you. Have a seat. And if you will excuse me; I am preparing dinner.”

  “Sure dear.”

  Clyde entered the living room. “It’s nice to meet you. May I get you something to drink?”

  “No, I make it a habit not to drink while I am on the job.”

  “You are a smart man.”

  “Someone has come forth saying he saw your possible assailant leaving a nearby alleyway on the night of the shooting wearing a mask. The guy stopped briefly while removing it resulting in our witness getting a good look. He matched the description of Mr. Brisband. According to you, Brisband had met with you earlier the same night. The witness also was able to pick Brisband’s picture from a photo album.”

  “That’s good news.”

  “There is one question that involves Brisband, which I definitely need you to answer.”

  “Okay.”

  Why would he want to kill you?”

  “Well it all started over a half year ago. According to Brisband, Jared Jones a recently retired Dallas firefighter had accused him of having an affair with his wife Sarah. He wanted me to kill Jared.”

  “And …”

  “Brisband said that Jared knew of his criminal dealings and could possibly turn him into the authorities. Well, I refused to kill Jared. Up until that point my work for Brisband only involved me threatening and roughing up some people. I told Brisband that I would no longer be working for him. Shortly thereafter, I got a job as a rent collector/handy man at a run down tenement building. It doesn’t pay a lot, but it is honest work. Mrs. Sarah Giltry is a well known business woman in the community. Her husband
did not deserve to die”

  “I’m still not completely clear as to why he would want to kill you.”

  “Well, if I tell you the rest of the story it probably would make sense.”

  “Okay. I’m listening”

  “After refusing to kill Jared I notified the cops of Brisband’s intent to have Mrs. Giltry’s husband killed. In addition, I provided them information regarding a potential bribe which he was contemplating involving a local government contract. To this day, I have no clue as to who would have leaked this to Brisband. The Police had assured me that my identity would be kept confidential and that I’d be given immunity from prosecution. Over six months later, not knowing about the leak, I met with him at Club Spears on the night of my attempted murder. He had lured me there by saying that he wanted to make good on money, which I had been short paid. Once I got there, I found out there was a stipulation to him providing the loot. He went on to explain, all I had to do was to still commit a murder for him. I again refused to kill anyone. Brisband said that I would have to die because of my knowledge of his illegal criminal activities. He then appeared upset and stormed out of the club. The Feds have also been tipped off to his trafficking activity as result of the information which I supplied to the local police.”

  Millicent entered the room. “Is everything alright?”

  “The good detective believes Brisband is the man that shot me. I agree with him. They would like to see him back behind bars.”

  “I know your intentions are good. However, I don’t want you endangering my husband.”

  Clyde spoke up, “He is right Millicent. All of the evidence seems to point to Brisband. If we do nothing then my life could still be endangered.”

  “Alright dear…”

  Nolan said, “I am going to be leaving. I have all the information I need, for now.”

  Millicent asked, “Would you like to join us for dinner?”

  “The Detective quickly turned down her offer, “No. Thank you.”