The Philanthropist's Danse

by Wornham, Paul

  He looked at himself in the mirror and was pleased to see a Judge again, calm, confident and ready for the world. He took a seat and waited for the telephone to ring. When it did, he let it ring six times, braced himself for Freddie Hagood’s voice and picked up the receiver.

  He was surprised to hear William Bird’s concerned voice. Freeman had been convinced Hagood was the one calling. He told the lawyer he would join him directly and hung up. It was good the lawyer called. He was the very man the Judge wanted to talk to. Perhaps it was a sign that his luck had changed.

  Freeman found Jeremy waiting outside his suite, ready to escort him to Bird’s office. The major-domo led the Judge through the Library to the almost-hidden door and let Freeman in. He made inquiries about refreshments before leaving the two men to their business.

  William looked at the Judge and was surprised by the man’s composure after his earlier anger at his elimination. “Judge Freeman, thank you for joining me, I was concerned you would never answer the telephone.”

  Freeman offered no reply, but inclined his head slightly to encourage the lawyer to continue.

  “Well, no matter. I need to discuss arrangements following the decision to deny you any share in Mr. Thurwell’s fortune.”

  The Judge’s face twitched, but he remained silent. The lawyer read from prepared notes, ensuring he followed his instructions to the letter. “The meeting has been concluded. There will be a formal dinner tomorrow night, to which you are invited, and the following morning you and the others will return home. I will, of course, arrange transportation.”

  The Judge was surprised to hear the meeting was over. What had happened after he’d been kicked out? He gave William an odd smile. “Mr. Bird, thank you for the update, but I have no intention of leaving empty-handed.”

  William’s eyes narrowed as the Judge continued. “I do not accept the motion to dismiss me, and I expect the group to reconsider their decision. I expect you, Mr. Bird, to see that this happens.” The Judge spoke in the clear, precise voice he used for sentencing. His face was set in stone as he executed his desperate gambit.

  Bird slid his note pad to one side, buying time to gather his thoughts before he responded. “I see. Perhaps you could explain to me, Judge Freeman, why I would intervene on your behalf and why, even if I were to do so, the others would reconsider their decision?”

  Freeman knew the moment of truth had arrived and did not hesitate. “Mr. Bird, do you recall the first time we met, in my chambers in Macon?” William nodded and realized what was about to happen. He closed his eyes as the Judge continued. “You will recall that we came to an arrangement that was to the significant advantage of Philip Thurwell. I expect you to intervene on my behalf, because if you do not and I am denied a fair share, I will ensure the world hears about what happened in Macon. I am sure neither yourself nor your client’s family would want Philip’s crime to become public?”

  The Judge delivered his demand without emotion, his deep voice even and calm. Bird thought for a moment before he responded. “Judge, if you bring our agreement into the public eye, I am sure you understand what will happen to your own career. You could even face jail for your role.”

  The Judge’s eyes blazed in a moment of fury before he gained control of himself. “Mr. Bird, I have nothing to lose. Freddie Hagood suspects me of something, and once he is free from this place, I have no doubt he will work until he has discovered the truth. I have no future, Mr. Bird. I have nothing to lose. But I do have something to gain.”

  William suddenly understood that the threat of exposure by Freddie Hagood had driven Freeman to act recklessly to save his skin. “Very well, Freeman. The group has adjourned for the day. The morning session will begin at nine tomorrow morning, I recommend you be there.”

  Freeman smiled. It had been far easier than he dared imagine. No wonder he presided over so many extortion cases. When it paid off, it was worth it. He thanked Bird, who dismissed him but refused to shake his hand. He left the lawyer’s office and returned to his suite, smiling broadly at a startled cluster of the family who were on their way to the dining room. Their smiles faded as he passed them and none could meet his eye.

  $

  William waited for the Judge to leave his office, sighed deeply and rested his head on the soft leather back of his chair. His job had just become more difficult, and things would no doubt take a turn for the worse when the others heard about Freeman’s demands.

  He walked to a small reproduction Monet painting on the wall and pulled it open on a hidden hinge to access his safe. He punched a code into the keypad and heard the click of the locks as they released. The safe was neatly organized, with stacks of cash in various currencies on one side and a pile of identical yellow envelopes on the other. For the second time that day he reached for the envelopes and flipped through them until he found the one he needed.

  Bird already knew most of what was inside. It was one of the few envelopes the Old Man had discussed in detail with him. He ran his finger over the envelope as he read the words, In Case of Blackmail. He took his ornate brass letter opener, slit the envelope open and removed the handwritten pages.

  Johnston Thurwell and William had spent many hours trying to anticipate the reactions of twelve people given the opportunity to share a fortune at the expense of others. They knew blackmail was a possibility, among many other things that people driven by greed might do to one another, so they had prepared for the worst even as they hoped the envelopes would not be needed.

  Thurwell had spent his last best days stooped over a small desk writing detailed instructions for his lawyer in the event of numerous outcomes. He had forbidden William to open them unless the specific condition on the label was met. Bird knew only the contents of the envelope in his hand now, and one other.

  A death would cause any one of three envelopes to be opened. There was one set of instructions for murder, one for suicide and one for natural causes. Other envelopes existed for the nonattendance of one of more of the guests and for refusal to abide by the contract agreed prior to the meeting. Several were dedicated to more bizarre scenarios, and William hoped he’d never have to open those.

  William remembered the night he had collected the sealed yellow envelopes. The Old Man would live only thirty more hours and his ability to remain lucid through the painkillers diminished with each hour. Bird had shuddered when he accepted the envelopes. The firelight reflected in the Philanthropist’s eyes made him appear already ethereal. “These instructions will guide you William. If any bastard disrupts the Danse, this’ll fix them.”

  William felt a sharp stab of sadness at the loss of his friend and client as he read the neat handwriting that detailed his next move.

  Bill,

  If you’re reading this then one of the leeches has threatened blackmail, or you are a prick who cannot be trusted to obey simple rules. I’ll assume the former, it seems more likely one or other of them will have tried to gain an unfair advantage. Well, this is what you’ll do about it.

  Each person, my damned children included, has something they would prefer not be public, something that, if discovered, could be used to blackmail them. On the enclosed pages, I’ve listed the details of their secrets. The secret shames they don’t dare think about.

  Your task is simple Bill, though I don’t envy you. Each of them must admit their secret to the whole group. A secret shared loses its power, so we can neutralize the blackmailer.

  If the threat was made publicly, then get to it as soon as you’ve finished reading this. If the threat was made privately, make them wait until the next scheduled session before you tell them. If that means they lose some of my money to the penalty, tough luck. The Foundation will be the richer for it.

  If anyone cannot or will not share their secret from my list, throw them out with nothing, no matter who they are. I mean it, Bill. I don’t even care if they’re family. No secret, no money.

  These are my instructions, now go do your job, God knows
I’m paying you enough.

  JCT2

  He continued on and read the collection of secrets, petty larcenies and major crimes of his guests. When he was finished, he slipped the pages back into the envelope and returned it to the safe. He would not forget his simple instructions, nor would he forget the details of his guest’s transgressions.

  Some were shocking and new to him, others he was familiar with. One secret was a great surprise, though he did not see a threat to its holder if it became public. Perhaps there was more to it. Tomorrow, he and everyone else would find out. William shuddered and knew the next morning would not be easy.

  $

  The lawyer heard a knock at the door. Jeremy brought Caroline Smith to his office. William had forgotten about her appointment, he had been so absorbed in his new instructions. He beckoned Smith in. She said nothing and her mouth was a tight white line, she was still furious. William knew the emotion would not last. “Caroline, thank you for seeing me.” He survived a glare that might have destroyed a lesser man and continued. “I have some news for you.”

  She was suddenly interested, her eyes alert. “What news? Am I back in?” She was a shark, and she was focused, he admired her for that. “Circumstances have changed, that’s all I can say for now. You may rejoin the group for the morning session, we start at nine.” Her eyes narrowed, she was excited but suspicious and unable to conceal it. “How do I know I won’t be humiliated again?”

  “Simply put, you don’t. But if you want a share in Mr. Thurwell’s fortune, be in the conference room at nine tomorrow.” She stared at the lawyer, uncertain if she could trust him, but agreed to attend. Her heart raced at the implications of what Bird told her. She needed to return to her suite to think. She practically ran from the room and left the door open behind her as she left.

  William stood to close the door and saw Larry MacLean in the library with, an antique book in his hand. But his eyes were on the lawyer. He’d seen Smith leave and was curious to know why she had shot a triumphal look his way as she ran from Bird’s office. William said nothing and closed the door, he had to call Freddie.

  Freddie answered the phone on the eighth ring. He sounded tipsy, and William could hear music in the background, Freddie was celebrating. “I need to see you Freddie. Can you come to my office?”

  Hagood told him to wait, and William heard the receiver drop to the floor and feet padding on carpet. The music was silenced, and the sound of feet returned to the phone. “What do you want Bill? What do you need from me now that can’t wait 'til morning?”

  “Freddie, it’s important, I need to see you, now.” Hagood was in no mood to give up his celebrations. “Why?” William was becoming exasperated. “I’ll tell you when you get here, but it is important.”

  “You can’t come up here?”

  William thought about that. It might be better to see Hagood in his room, rather than have him wandering through the mansion drunk. “Sure, I’ll be right up.” Bird hung up, not waiting for an answer. He left his office and was careful to lock it after him. Larry had left but the book he’d been looking at was left open on a chair. The careless treatment of an old book irritated William, and he picked it up. It was a first edition Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. There was a gap on the shelf where it belonged, and William lovingly returned it to its place. He adored old books and envied the Old Man’s collection. When the Danse was over, he thought he might make the family an offer for some of the works in this room.

  After a few moments of peace among its literary treasures, he left the library and heard a buzz of happy voices from the dining room. He guessed the nine survivors of the day were enjoying a celebratory dinner. He grimaced, they would not be happy when morning came, and they heard about the cancellation of their deal.

  $

  William knocked hard on Hagood’s door, afraid Freddie might have cranked the radio again. He need not have worried, Freddie was waiting. He answered the door in his suit pants, but his crisp shirt had been replaced with a t-shirt, and he was barefoot. He held a large glass of wine in his hand, but his eyes were sharp. Freddie’s sixth sense had tingled as soon as the lawyer had called. He knew something had happened, and now he was all business. “Come in, Bill.”

  William refused a glass of wine but accepted an easy chair as Freddie got right to the point. “What happened? Is my deal off?”

  William saw no reason to delay the news, so he was direct. “Yes, your deal is off. I’m afraid certain circumstances mean a new set of rules is in effect.”

  He winced when Freddie shot out of his chair and spilled expensive red wine on the white carpet. “Goddamn it. It’s that fucking Judge isn’t it? I knew he was trash.” Freddie looked at William and saw confirmation in his face. “That man is a useless bastard. Did he know about my deal, is that what caused this?”

  Bird shook his head. “No one knows about your settlement Freddie, just you and me. The Judge acted only after he was removed without a share. He didn’t know the others had come to an agreement, which is now voided, by the way. You start over in the morning, with new rules and twenty percent less money.”

  Freddie looked at the lawyer with surprise. “The penalty will be applied? Why can’t you call us back now and let us try again before midnight?”

  “Sorry Freddie, the Old Man was specific in his instructions.” Hagood whistled softly. “The Judge will not be a popular man in the morning. When do you tell the others?”

  William grimaced. “Not until the session starts. They’ll find out when they see you, the Judge and Caroline back in the group.” Hagood snorted. “They kicked her out too did they? I bet she took that well.”

  The lawyer shuddered at the memory of Caroline’s departure. “Not really. But she knows she’s back now, and she’ll be looking for revenge.” Freddie nodded absently. “I bet. That woman cannot take rejection. I know that all too well.” William decided he didn’t want to know what the other man was talking about. “I have to go, just be in the conference room at nine tomorrow morning.”

  Hagood was remarkably calm for a man that had just lost millions of dollars. William could see why Freddie was such a formidable businessman, he had already moved beyond his disappointment to the next problem. He was already planning for tomorrow.

  William left Freddie standing with his left foot in a puddle of expensive red wine. If he saw or heard the lawyer leave, he made no sign. Bird returned to his office, noting there was still celebratory noises coming from the dining room. Happy sounds that made the lawyer blanch. The morning would not bring fortune to those happy people, but instead a whole new set of problems. William did not look forward to telling them the news.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Larry MacLean sat with Bethany and Junior to discuss the outcome of their efforts. The family had secured an impressive eighty-four percent of their father’s fortune. Tonight they could only guess what that meant in dollars, they would learn that in the morning.

  The conversation had turned to Larry’s percentage. “You agreed to give me twelve percent, Beth.” MacLean was desperate, Bethany was angry. “But Larry, I can’t give you twelve percent of the entire fortune. You take your cut from our share, not the whole amount.”

  “I disagree. You made no such conditions when you needed my help. I got you everything you wanted, the majority of your father’s money and an early settlement. We even avoided the penalty, and now you that got everything, you’re trying to nickel and dime me.”

  Junior looked at MacLean, unable to remain quiet any longer. “Shut up Larry, we’re not talking about nickels and dimes, we’re talking about millions of dollars here, be reasonable.”

  MacLean glared at Junior and Bethany and felt his anger rise. “Look, I told you what my help would cost, and you agreed to pay me twelve percent. Of it all, not just your share. You took eighty-four percent of your father’s money, so my cut is a fraction over fourteen percent of your settlement. Shit, I’ll round down, give me fourteen, and we’ll call
it even.”

  “But we still have to pay the Elliots, Betty and the old lady.” Bethany’s original disappointment at MacLean’s unexpected demand for money flooded back. She resented his new demand to take even more of their inheritance.

  “I don’t see how your promise to pay the others is my problem. You made a deal, either keep it or break it. If you renege, I’ll tell William that we have no deal, and you can get used to the idea of giving up twenty percent to the penalty. It’s cheaper to pay me what you agreed.”

  “You wouldn’t? You’d undo it all, just to spite us?” Bethany was incredulous but knew she had lost. He was right. They stood to lose more if the deal fell apart. It was better to pay MacLean his increased demand. She whispered to Junior, who was red faced and looked ready to explode. “We have to give it to him, we have no choice.”

  Junior nodded, he didn’t trust his temper and dared not speak. Bethany’s voice turned to pure ice. “Fine, you get what you want, Larry, fourteen percent of our share. But when we’re done here, I never want to see you again.” MacLean winced, he loved Bethany as the daughter he never had. Her words stung because he knew she meant it. At that moment, Larry hated his brother more than ever for emptying the family trust and leaving him no option but to take from Thurwell’s family.

  $

  Philip approached his siblings to find out what had happened. He saw that an argument had broken out. He had been talking with Camille and both could see a fight going on. Bethany told him about the fight, and Philip gave her a hug, he could see she was saddened by the situation with their once kindly ‘uncle’ Larry. Philip was also interested to know how their agreement affected him. “So what do we get? Each, I mean?”