The Simpatico Series Box Set (3 books in 1)

by Dermot Davis

  “That’s the front doorbell,” Fiona answered with surprise. “No one ever uses it.”

  As they descended the stairs, Andrew had the idea that whoever was at the door, was most likely looking for him. Looking through the side window first, Andrew recognized the gentleman callers. “It’s okay. They’re here for me,” Andrew said as he opened the door to the two Enforcers. Standing there expectantly, they looked at Andrew like he should have known that they would come for him.

  “You looking for me?” he asked. Their motionless expressions seemed to suggest a definite yes. Kissing Fiona for the last time, Andrew stroked her face. “Everything’s fine,” he said reassuringly. Leaving Fiona inside, he left the house and closed the door. “How did you guys know I was here?” he asked.

  “You need to come with us,” the one that talks said.

  “Yeah, I got that,” Andrew said, not in the slightest unnerved by their presence. “I’ll follow you,” he said, opening his car door.

  The two guys looked at each other as if wondering if they should allow such an arrangement. “Or you follow me, either or,” Andrew said, getting into his car and cranking up the engine. The Enforcers then rushed to their car and followed Andrew as he sped off heading towards downtown.

  Working everything out in his head as he drove, he wondered who at the office would want to be meeting with him and how much they might know. He was clear that he had left no traces for them to discover and give them cause to make any accusations. Simon’s arrest was so sudden, they were probably taken by surprise and were scrambling around to try and piece it together. As Andrew was Simon’s right hand man, it was most likely routine for them to want to ask him some questions.

  The fact that he went AWOL when the whole thing was going down probably didn’t help his case but the fact that he went straight to Simon’s daughter showed that he had empathy for the family’s sudden misfortune. It wasn’t like he had high-tailed it to the nearest airport for the first flight to Brazil or something. Why did he keep thinking about Brazil, he then wondered to himself? That was pretty odd.

  The Enforcers tailed him right to the downtown office tower and, braking hard, their tires screeched behind Andrew as they parked. Meeting up with him as he stepped out of his car, they walked him to the elevators like he was being escorted or arrested. “What’s going on?” Andrew asked as they stepped into the elevator and the younger guy pressed the button for the penthouse.

  Remaining quiet, as if they weren’t authorized to answer questions, they looked ahead at the flickering lights that indicated the numbered floors. Once at the top, they stepped out first and escorted him to the board room.

  As if it were a reenactment of his initial job interview, the same three men, who’d interviewed him for a position in the organization initially, sat in the exact same positions as before. The only difference this time around was that Andrew wasn’t anywhere near as nervous or innocent as the first go-around. “Take a seat,” the man in the middle requested kindly. “What news have you heard?” he then asked, forgoing all small talk or polite preliminaries.

  “Only what I saw on TV,” Andrew replied, trying to look as surprised as everyone else. “You saw that about Simon getting arrested? Obviously a big mix up or something,” he said and reminded himself to stop talking and only answer whatever question he was being asked.

  “Have you any interest in this turn of events?” the man asked and Andrew had to repeat the question to himself to make sure that he had it right.

  “No, I didn’t,” he answered and looked back up at them to signal that there was no further comment to follow.

  “You had nothing to do with Simon’s arrest?” the man on the right asked.

  “Nothing,” Andrew answered, aware that each of them were scrutinizing him very closely.

  “Where were you, just now?” the man on the left asked. “You told your secretary that you were visiting Albright Accountants but they informed us there that you never arrived?”

  “Oh, I did arrive there, you can check with Sandy, their receptionist,” Andrew answered, his anger rising at their accusatory tone. “I arrived there at my appointed time of eleven AM but I was told that Albright was on a call and to wait in reception. At eleven-o-five I got a call from Simon’s daughter informing me of Simon’s arrest,” he said, clicking on the screen of his cellphone. “I went into their boardroom, which was empty, and turned on the TV and saw the course of events for myself. As Fiona seemed under a tremendous amount of distress and shock, I drove straight to Simon’s house to offer whatever comfort I could,” he said and slid his phone up the smooth varnished table for them to check out the times and callers.

  Looking at each other, as if to suggest that his behavior seemed odd and bordering on belligerence, the man in the middle looked back down at a defiant-looking Andrew. “We’re not accusing you of anything,” he said, as if to clarify. “We are merely in the information-gathering stage, you understand.”

  “Of course,” Andrew said, his annoyance undiminished. “What else can I help you with?”

  “Where were you two nights ago?” the man on the left asked.

  “I don’t think what I do with my nights is of any concern to you gentlemen,” Andrew answered, sounding like he had had enough of their belligerence.

  “Dating among employees is strictly forbidden and is very much our concern,” the man on the left responded.

  “I’m not dating a fellow employee.”

  “Your fellow employee, Lily informs us that you spent the night together in her apartment two nights ago. Is this true?” the same man asked, a slight smirk evident on his smug face.

  “I did spend an evening of merry discourse with a fellow employee but it was not a date; merely two fellow work colleagues hanging out and shooting the breeze together, after an order meeting, which, as far as I know, is completely allowable under our respective employment contracts,” Andrew answered with a smirk of his own.

  “Yes, but you stayed the night,” the man insisted.

  “I stayed the night on her sofa because I had too much alcohol for me to safely drive home. I acted responsibly and in full accordance with the law.”

  “You had sexual intercourse,” the man asked but it sounded like a statement.

  “We did not have sexual intercourse,” Andrew answered, sounding irritated. “Nor did we kiss or dance or grope each other’s bodies. We talked. Period.”

  “You went to her apartment hoping to have sexual intercourse?” the same man asked.

  “Look. What is this?” Andrew asked like he had had enough already. “Who are you people? The promiscuity police? If Lily says any differently than what I’m telling you, then I’ll tell you right now that she’s a liar! Now, if you gentlemen have any further questions that I can help you with, then please confine them to matters of work. My friend and colleague got arrested today and quite frankly that has me very shaken up, so forgive me if my nerves are somewhat on edge and to be quite honest, your line of questioning is really pissing me off,” Andrew said, keeping his smirk to himself.

  “Our apologies,” the man in the middle said after a pause. “This is a distressing situation we find ourselves in and not a very common one in the history of the company. We’ll leave it there for now and if there’s anything you can think of, or that comes to your attention, that you think can help us with our enquiries, we would be obliged if you would share them with us. Thank you for your time.”

  “You’re welcome,” Andrew said as he stood to leave. “Sorry if I got a bit tetchy, there. Poor Simon is going to spend a night in jail and, well,” he said but stopped as he didn’t know where he was going with his statement. “Good day, gentlemen,” he said and walked to the door. His hand was on the door handle when he turned right back and walked towards the three men. “My phone,” he said, as he picked it up and walked assertively out the door.

  As he walked down a corridor towards the elevator he glanced into an open door of a side office.
Lily sat at a vacant desk, by herself, her hands placed on its surface and looking like she was truly scared. As he passed, she looked at him with the wide-eyed gaze of a terrified child who had been called into the principal’s office.

  When Andrew got back to the safety and familiarity of his own office, he sat behind his desk and looked at his computer monitor as if there was something of interest upon it. The screen showed his regular screen saver but Andrew wasn’t thinking about anything other than what his next move should be.

  Running over the past few hours in his head, he could tell that the company bosses were not only scared but clueless. They had no idea themselves about what just happened and they were doing their best to intimidate their employees into revealing something that could help them make sense of current developments. They had called him in to scare him and shake him down for any clue that he could be terrified enough to reveal.

  They were doing the same thing with Lily. It was her department that provided the incriminating evidence and it was only natural that they interrogate her for whatever little she might know. Poor thing was petrified with fear and couldn’t tell them anything if she tried: she knew nothing. They had attempted the same tactics with him and they failed. In fact, he had made them look like fools and when he thought about his meeting, Andrew smiled and even seemed surprised by his own cocky performance.

  The big wigs looked frightened and clueless. With one success in the bag it might now be the best time to follow it up with a home run. Taking out the sheet that detailed the itinerary of the visiting VIP Serpent from London, Andrew realized that he was currently the sole host until they found a replacement for Simon.

  He was to meet her at her hotel that evening. As she had yet to even arrive, he figured that it was too soon for them to have a backup in place for Simon. Had they done so, they would have called him already with their new plans. Having this bigshot all to himself might be his one chance at securing part two of his grand ambition, namely: to free himself from the organization, permanently.

  Reeling from the shock and turmoil of the day’s events, the organization was so caught up in restoring their own house to good order, that it would be a perfect time to strike them where they were not looking.

  Reading over the itinerary details, he became excited as he planned a new scheme in his head. Picking up his cell phone, he called Fiona. Just in case of bugs or listening devices in the office, he walked outside to the lobby. “Hey, it’s me,” he said when she answered. “What are you doing tonight?” he asked. Once he ascertained her availability and willingness to take part in another adventure, he asked her to rent a wheelchair.

  “What do you want a wheelchair for?” she asked.

  “I’ll explain later but get on the web and see if you can rent one somewhere close to downtown or anywhere, as long as you can get one for tonight. Let’s have some fun,” he then said, assuaging her concerns and psyching himself up for another high-stakes game of Andrew versus the Organization.

  Chapter 17

  Looking uncomfortable and a reluctant participant in Andrew’s new caper, Fiona sat in the rented wheelchair as Andrew wheeled her into the lobby of an upscale, downtown hotel. Wheeling her straight towards the elevator, they were the only ones to enter when it promptly arrived. “What if she doesn’t let us in?” Fiona asked nervously.

  “Of course she’ll let us in; she’s expecting us,” Andrew said, removing his briefcase from the back of the wheelchair.

  “She’s expecting you and my father,” Fiona said, sounding like she wasn’t totally on board with the whole plan.

  “Relax, Fi,” Andrew said, straightening his tie in the mirrored wall of the elevator. “We haven’t done anything out of the ordinary, just yet. So far, we’re adhering to the itinerary. If it’s not on, we’ll abort. Just follow my lead. All you have to do is smile and look pretty.”

  When the elevator arrived at the correct floor, Andrew wheeled Fiona to room number 404. Taking a deep breath, he knocked loudly. “Hi,” he said with a broad smile when a friendly, intelligent-looking woman with a sharp nose, probably in her fifties, opened the door. “Andrew Cox. I believe you’re expecting me.”

  “I certainly am,” the woman said, looking more interested in Fiona as she opened the door wider. “Do come in.”

  Scanning the room and noticing that her suitcase was still unpacked, Andrew sighed with relief that she didn’t yet have any other visitors. “Simon was due to accompany me,” Andrew said and paused. “But I’m sure you already heard—”

  “Yes, yes, horrible business,” she said, interrupting.

  “This is Fiona,” he then said, wheeling her around to face her. “Simon’s daughter.”

  “Very pleased to meet you, young lady,” she said, shaking Fiona’s hand. “If you don’t mind me asking…” she said, referring to the wheelchair.

  “Oh, this is just temporary,” Fiona said, not telling a lie. “I can be a bit of a klutz sometimes,” she said with smile, looking at Andrew for him to corroborate.

  “A total klutz,” he agreed. “One of her most attractive features,” he said looking at Fiona adoringly.

  “Aw, that’s sweet,” the lady said, feeling a bit awkward.

  “How was your flight?” Andrew asked.

  “Exhausting,” she said like she really meant it. “I don’t travel by airplane very well; in fact, I abhor it, which is why I keep it to an extreme minimum. I was just about to order up some tea, would you two like to join me?” she asked.

  Looking like he was in pain, Andrew hesitated.

  “Oh, yes, of course, I forgot,” she then said, like his hesitation explained everything. “Americans don’t drink tea, very much, do they? Perhaps some coffee?” she asked and still Andrew stalled, looking down at Fiona like coffee wouldn’t do the trick, either.

  “Or something stronger?” she then asked. When she saw a smile break out on Andrew’s face, she knew that she had hit the jackpot. “Ah, bingo!” she said with a happy grin. “What sort of beverages do you young people drink nowadays? A beer?”

  “Actually,” Andrew said, as he looked at his watch. “We have a tradition here in the United States. It’s called cocktail hour and I’d very much appreciate it if you would accept our hospitality and allow me the honor of treating you, as our guest to this country,” he said with exaggerated graciousness.

  “Oh, that’s very kind of you, thank you,” the lady said. “But if you’re going to make or order some cocktails, I should tell you that I don’t drink, alcohol, that is.”

  “Ah,” Andrew said, hiding his shock that he hadn’t considered that eventuality. “That’s not a problem. Little Fiona here doesn’t drink either,” he said and with his eyes he encouraged her to agree.

  “I don’t,” she said on cue.

  “But that doesn’t stop her partaking in our fine American tradition,” he said, stalling.

  “I always drink a Shirley Temple,” she said, saving the day for Andrew.

  “That’s right!” he said, secretly admiring her spontaneity. “The Shirley Temple; the most American non-alcoholic cocktail that is every teetotalers’ favorite. Have you ever had one?” he asked her with a gleeful expression, that looked like he would be heartbroken, if disappointed.

  “No, but I have heard of it alright, in the movies, I think. I’d love to have one!” she said with enthusiasm. “Always eager to try something new and I am a guest in your country, after all.”

  “Marvelous,” Andrew said and even shocked himself by realizing that he had used the word for the very first time. “I shall be right back,” he said as he walked to the door.

  “Oh, can’t you just ring them and have it brought up?” she asked as if she was stating the obvious.

  “This is not the first time we’ve had cocktail hour at this hotel and trust me, if you don’t supervise these people…” he said, making a disgusted facial expression. “I can’t tell you the number of times they screwed it up, if you pardon my French. It won
’t take me two minutes,” he said as he opened the door to leave.

  “See you soon, love,” Fiona said as he blew her a kiss and closed the door.

  “I take it you two are a couple, then,” the lady said to Fiona, looking like she approved.

  “Yes,” Fiona answered, unsure about what and how much she should share. “We’re going to get married,” she said and then secretly questioned herself as to why she would even say such a thing.

  “Well, that’s fantastic!” the lady said, opening her purse and taking out a pack of cigarettes. “Have you set a date?”

  “No,” Fiona answered, fearful that the lady was going to actually light up a cigarette. “He hasn’t proposed to me yet.”

  “Oh,” the lady said, looking puzzled. “Well, I wouldn’t worry about it, dearie,” she then said, looking through her purse for her lighter. “Men are always the last to know… they don’t allow one to smoke in California, do they?” she then realized.

  “No,” Fiona said with a grin. “They hate smokers in California. With a passion.”

  “So I’m told,” the lady said, her cigarette in one hand and the lighter in the other, as if she was hoping for some kind of reprieve or miracle. “Oh, never mind,” she then said as she stuffed them back in her purse. “When in Rome and all that,” she said and noticed a puzzled expression on Fiona’s face. “It’s an old expression. When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do,” she explained. Then the woman launched into a bit about the etymology of the phrase.

  Having a hard time making awkward small talk, Fiona was greatly relieved when Andrew returned with a tray of three drinks. “Ah, cocktail hour beckons,” the lady said, holding open the door for him. “I’m excited about trying out this Shirley Temple drink,” she said, looking expectantly at the pretty drinks with maraschino cherry decorations on the tray. “I thoroughly enjoyed all of her films, you know. Terrific child actress.”

  “Yes,” Andrew agreed, as he passed them both their non-alcoholic drinks. “Although I’m not exactly sure to what extent she may have been involved in its creation.”