Chapter 100
"Chaos in the streets of Munich" was the afternoon News headline, as we scrambled to get on top of things.
The police had been out at the Villa for a few hours now, both in a security presence and interviewing me.
They understood why I had left the building, and were issuing warnings to the city that it may be the start of a war waged against the bank.
Whist they were appreciative of the security we had around us, they also insisted we keep them informed and not take matters in to our own hands. They would be working with our legal counsel on the documents that were uncovered, the holders of such accounts and the general public to bring an end to the terror that the city's residents were feeling.
We had had confirmation that 2 people had been killed, 1 employee, and someone walking past, and we knew that 90 people had been injured, some with life threatening injuries. It was the human toll that rested heavily on me.
My main concern was the safety and welfare of family, and those close to us. Maggie was alone in New York, and whilst police did not think it would translate to an attack there, I wanted her here with us.
"Maggie, I want you to come home here"
"Dad, even James said he's not too concerned about me here. Please let me stay. Increase my protection, but I want to stay."
She was right, no evidence existed that she was in harm's way, and whilst the local authorities had spoken to the NYPD, the greater concern was here, locally.
"Okay, but if things escalate, you're on the first flight out, no complaints."
"Deal." She said as I hung up the phone. James had already organised round the clock security of the town house front and back, and Jules had Sally, who was extremely talented, and also a shadow watching their every move. I couldn't lock her down every time something happened. It wasn't fair.
It was around 6pm when James and Marcus returned to the Villa. And I was eager to get their understanding of the scene first hand.
"Well, how bad is it."
"It's not good. Engineers do not think the building is damaged structurally, but the damage is immense. The people, shocked. A few I have spoken to are scared to return at the moment, and some of the injuries will probably lead to the fatal number rising" James added as he went through every detail.
"Did you see Inga?"
"yeah, she is ok, just a bruised knee from falling. I have still had her checked over before she left. The others in your office are ok, just minor glass cuts from window exploding. A lot of blood, but just superficial cuts"
"That's a relief."
"Sam, reach out to Inga for me, and make sure she is ok. If she would like to come out here and stay in a cottage she is welcome too."
"Will do. James, go shower, long night ahead. Marcus, Jules is up resting, go be with her. Everyone else, just try and calm down a bit, it has been a long day, and I think it is only going to get longer"
I rang Johan to have a lengthy talk with him. He was saddened by what had happened, and offered what ever support he needed.
`I'm ok, but some of our people will need help to get over it. I am not sure what I can do."
"I do. I will be putting in some support counselling for whoever needs it. And that goes for non-employees too. I am just waiting for Jasper to arrive so we can work out an announcement for the morning. Please, get some rest, and tomorrow we will talk further. I will be sending out an email/text shortly to all staff telling them the whole business in Germany will be closed tomorrow as a mark of respect. The HQ will be shut until police give an all clear, and staff are permitted to work from home, where they can, or they can have the time off, on full pay."
"That's very generous Grant. I was going to make some calls, and if you were ok with it, I would like to have the Banking Regulators meet me at the Villa tomorrow. The papers are all there, and I do not want to put them off."
"Yeah, good idea. I might set you up in the pool house as it is not only safe, but the room is large and the huge table in there will make it easier to work in. In fact, I might convert that to an office for the interim. I also wanted to extend the offer to you and your wife to move out here for a bit. Johan, whether we like it or not, today's attack was pre-meditated. Those people will probably try again, and you are potentially one of the targets. There are 6 cottages here, plus the Villa. Only three of those cottages are being used. I would feel safer knowing that you are both safe. Can I send the car to collect you?"
I heard Johan talk to his wife and waited for him to come back to me.
"Yes, we would greatly appreciate that. My wife has just let out a sigh relief."
"OK, I will sent the car and driver. He will be at your place in an hour. Is that enough time for you to pack?
"We will be ready then."
"Great. Thanks Johan. I am sorry to put you through this."
"Sir, with great respect, you inherited the problem. I respect your determination to close it out"
"I appreciated the kind words."
"Paul, Karl," I summonsed from my office. Paul was close by, and Karl arrived eventually.
"I need all cottages on the grounds habitable ASAP. The larger one, I want ready within the hour as Johan and Bridget will be using it. I need the pool house converted in to an office. I know somethings cannot be done tonight, but I need the table cleared. Have one of the IT team from the bank set up remote access from there. Paul, make sure the cook has plenty of supplies. Think New York last week, and double it. There are going to be a fair few people here. Bring in any extra staff you need, we have double security on site at the moment, and police officers. I need a coffee station set up, and I need food available 24/7. I know it strains our resources, but gentlemen, this morning I think we started a war, and I do not know how long we will be playing in it."
"Yes Sir. Karl, can you start in the pool house. I will have two of the maids go to the first cottage. We will but Jasper up in the third floor here, Inga can go in to the smaller cottage. Lets get moving" he said.
"Paul, do you have a moment"
"Yes sir"
"Are you and Karl ok working together? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or threatened with him being here from New York."
Oh Sir, quite the opposite. We love working together. When I arrived home today, he did inform me that he reports to me, and he respects my position. I told him we are equal"
"Good. I just wanted to check. You do know you are my number 1" I smiled at him. It was true. Paul was a good man who did an excellent job. Karl was excellent, but did have some things to learn from a master like Paul.
As I prepared to set up camp so to speak here, I was talking to key our key people around the globe, reassuring them it was business as usual, but, we needed to close down our HQ for a few days to organise urgent repair works. I also needed to consider the welfare of our people, and all non-urgent employee's would be off until the police deemed the building both safe and protected from further action.
I Summonsed Sam into my office to send out an email to every Munich office employee and a text to confirm my support for them. I would come back once I had a plan to offer assistance.
I rang Cath, more so an afterthought as I was planning the days ahead.
"Hi Cath, Grant Von Garbner here. How's your day been"
"A lot better than yours I assume"
"Yeah a bit like that, but we are safe for the time being. I have a favour to ask. And please, do not feel obligated. I need someone to head up some trauma counselling for my team, and others, who have been affected by todays bombing. I know trauma is you speciality and with the Foundation not open for business yet, would you be keen?"
"Of course. I was going to offer, but I didn't want to intrude."
"You can call me anytime. Would it be possible if you could come out here tomorrow morning, say around 9, and we can work out a plan? Happy to send a car if you'd feel safer"
"That would be great"
"ok, I will have a car collect you around 8:15am. I will see you then"
"I'll be ready" She said as I ended the call. Again, I was relying on people and networks internally, allowing me to keep things close to my chest. The less outsiders I had involved, the less chance of word getting out as to what we were planning.
Finally I called James back in the office. This conversation was between James and I only.
"I want those fuckers blown to hell and back. I have deep pockets, and you have connections. Can you make it happen"
"I knew this was coming. I have already placed some calls. I have also got a few untraceable satellite phones on their way, which I need you to switch over too. Things have gotten real quicker than we anticipated."
"Good. I will move some money over to your discretionary account so you have the funds you need. If it's not enough. I have deep pockets. But we stop this now. One at a time if we need to, but I am not going to be threatened or harmed by any nut job right wing criminal. Do I make myself clear"
"Couldn't be clear. But, to warn you, I may have to disappear for a bit, and I would like to take Corey with me."
"Whatever it takes" Was the instruction I gave before James walked out, and a worn out Jasper walked in.
"I cannot leave you alone for one minute, can I" Jasper said as he dropped his bag and shook my hand.
"It is a total shitfight here at the moment."
"Oh, I know. You should try going through the airport, and ten driving through the city. The driver was swearing and cursing the whole trip"
"I bet....." I said as I started to detail what I had organised, where my thoughts were and what the outcome I was hoping for.
"You don't need me, you are so organised." Jasper said.
"Jasper. I cannot do this by myself."
"I know. I will start on a media release for tomorrow morning. I will try and repair some of the damage your brief chat with the Media today did. I might add that the overall response to you calling them out has been positive"
"I was just so angry, maybe even a little shocked perhaps"
"I gathered that, that's why I need to mend some bridges with a few of the bigger egos that are sitting at home tonight curled up in ball crying"
"Ha. I bet. Bastards. There was a journalist from a local national paper, Süddeutsche Zeitung, who interviewed me a few days back. I liked her. Has a massive following. Rang me in the car to get comment about the bombing, and I was short with her. Their paper is more left leaning, and it's values in some way align with ours. I would like her to get the speech first, and maybe use her as a spring board."
"That sounds good. Give me her number, and I will reach out to her"
That was where we started. For now I was exhausted. I needed some rest, although I knew sleep would be a while off.
Chapter 101
Morning came early as I lay in bed awake at 4am. Sleep had alluded me most of the night as struggled to come to terms with the events of yesterday. Silently I slipped out of bed and headed down stairs so as to not wake Jackson. I noticed a light on in the snug as I headed in to see who was there.
"Jules, honey, what are you doing up?" I asked surprised to see he curled up.
"Marcus. I'm confused. He told me he'd wait till I was ready to marry me. I want to, but dad, I am so scared. I am young, maybe too young. I am pregnant. I just do not know what to do."
Propping here up on a cushion, I pulled her close to give her a cuddle and some comfort.
"Sweetheart. I am not going to tell you what to do. I can give advice. But I can't tell you. You realise there's a difference between the two, don't you."
"Yeah, I do"
"our lives are so different today, to the way Dada and I raised you girls. Our lives are both richer for the experiences we are experiencing daily. You have basically taken on a project that is mammoth with little guidance other than your gut, and the feedback I have received praises your every action daily. Financially you never have to work another day of your life, if that's what you wanted, although I would not recommend that path. And as for raising a baby, I will make sure you have all the help you need. Between Dada & I, Marcus, the Finkelstein's, Paul here, Karl in New York, house maids, and even a nanny if that's what you need, you will have enough support, probably too much support. Plus there's your sister, I think she is secretly excited about having a niece or nephew to babysit."
"Dad, if I let you in a secret, you promise you tell no one, including Dada."
"That's a bit hard, not knowing the secret"
"They're boys"
"Ha? They're?"
"Yeah dad, I found out this afternoon that there a couple of lads growing inside me, and to be honest, it has scared the sit out of me"
"Well, sweetheart. Fuck. What can I say. You have me stumped. What does Marcus say?"
"I haven't told him, that is why you cannot breath a word of it"
"Jules, why haven't you told Marcus, he deserves to know."
"Because he came home exhausted, and I think he was a little stressed about what he had seen at the office. I didn't think the time was right."
"I understand that. But, when he wakes this morning, I think you need to tell him. I am sure he will be ok"
"I guess you're right. I think I also needed to process the whole thing. Can you really imagine me with twins" She laughed
"Actually kiddo, I can. Probably more so than your sister. She would probably forget them and leave them in the shopping cart" I smiled.
Jules laughed out loud at this one. "Or leave them on the plane in the overhead locker"
"Hey, she's pretty forgetful, but now you're being cruel" I laughed along with her.
"Or leave one of them on the counter at 7/11 whist she grabbed her donuts."
"Enough. I am having visuals of your sister and her ways" I was laughing hard by this stage.
"Dad, what about marriage? Do I say yes"
"you say what is in your heart and head. Listen to both, not one or the other. Dada and I have survived 25 years because we have love, and we have trust. We have openness and transparency. We talk everything through, and we decided on things together, and if the other doesn't agree, we work it out. We aren't perfect, no couple is, but it takes time. Years in fact. Even now we still argue over things. Generally small things, but we have our moments, and wouldn't want anyone else by my side in life."
"Thanks dad. I think you helped me make up my mind." She said.
"And?"
"And, you will just have to wait and see"
I wandered in to the coffee and the cook was already in prepping food for the day. I thanked him for his extra work, and told him I would reward him for his extra time. What I did need is coffee, and some herbal tea crap that Jules wanted.
"I have some fresh Danish and croissants coming out of the oven now, would you like some"
"Damn, you! How can I say know to fresh pastries. You better put. Few on a plate. I have a pregnant woman out there with me."
"Certainly sir." He added as he returned to the oven. The smell wafting through that kitchen and that very moment, was something I call smell for ever.
As I walked back in to the snug, Jules had the News channel on watching updated footage of the previous day.
"Do they hate me yet." I asked, not really caring this morning.
"No dad, all they have spoken about is how well you have handled things, and what you are doing is good for the country."
"Well today could be a good day then"
The cook walked in with a platter of fresh pastries and fresh fruit.
"My god, there is only two of us" I joked.
"Well four dad, but that's our secret for now"
I kissed her seat as we channel surfed trying to get as much info and different angles as we could.
It was around 5.30am that Karl walked in.
"What, I don't get to have fun waking you this morning."
"No, I was going to return the favour, but I am no arsehole"
"Could have fooled me. I see you're hiding chef's fresh pastries there"
"No, not hiding. Just stopping you from getting fatter"
"Fatter. If you didn't pay me so damn well I would resign after that comment"
"Whatever Chubs, go get some work done."
"I will have my boyfriend beat you up if you keep that"
"At the moment all I have to do is push his cheekbone, and he's out for the count"
"Aren't we a feral bitch this morning." He said addressing me before turning to Jules.
"Sweetheart, how you feeling. Do you need anything to settle your tummy, or are you ok? I know having him sitting next to you would make me ill, but meh, you could choose you're family"
"Would you two stop it. I am cramping up bad enough as it is with out laughing hard"
"OK, only because I like you" Karl said with the most evil grin.
"Let me know if you need more tea or ginger to settle you down. I will have the maid run you a bath around 9, and you can soak whilst everyone else slaves away"
"You spoil me to much Karl. You really don't have to."
"Yeah I do, otherwise this ogre rides my arse all day"
Karl walked off as Paul made his way in.
"Good morning, sir, good to see you up early. Good Morning Miss Jules" He added acknowledging her presence in the room. Do you need anything.
"This is what happens when you have two well trained People looking after us. Karl just walked through asking the same"
"Actually Paul, could I please ask that for Marcus's breakfast, could you please do eggs benedict with smoked salmon, a little grilled asparagus, some pink grapefruit juice, a side of Bircher muesli and a few of these amazing croissants for about 6:30, bought up to our room. I need to spoil him this morning"
"Of course Miss Jules. Coffee too I presume"
"Yes please, and you can just call me Jules, you don't need to call me Miss Jules"
"Oh, I know, your father wants me to call him Grant too, but you see, I was trained and raised differently, so if it is all the same, you will remain Miss Jules"
Jules hopped up and kissed his cheek. "You are such a sweet man" she said
"Why thank you, that kiss will get me through the whole day now" Paul said with a smile as he gave a slight nod of his head and walked out.
"He's amazing dad. I know Mags prefers Karl, and I think he's great. But Paul makes me feel safe, especially when you or Dada aren't here. It is like he has ESP. he is always one step ahead of me"
"That's because he is sweetheart, and yes, Paul is both a true professional and a wonderful man"
"Well. Now I am feeling fat, or fatter I should say, I am going upstairs to slide in bed next Marcus. I have been down here a few hours. I'd like him to think I have been in bed all night."
"Sweetheart, remember what I said. Honesty, openness, transparency, love and respect."
"Thanks dad. Love you to the moon and back."
"Love you too honey" I said as I kissed her cheek and squeezed her close.
Chapter 102
Closing the door quietly behind her, Jules managed to slip into the super king bed, and snuggle down before Marcus even stirred. He was out cold, and she was happy to have not have woken him. As she snuggled in close to him, he opened his eyes and looked at her.
"Want to tell me where you been the last 3 hours, or is it a secret"
"I needed to think about a few things. And I wanted to share them with you. "
"Yesterday afternoon while all hell was breaking lose, the Doctor called me about the baby" she started off.
"Shit, are you ok, is the baby ok. What's wrong"
"Shut up and let me talk." She chided him as he laid facing her.
"There was slight issue, that my egg split in two."
"Of fuck Jules, does that mean we've lost the baby. Oh honey, I love you so much, what can I do to help you. Do you need to go the hospital"
"Marcus, shut up and listen. It means there are now two babies in me, not one. We are having twins."
Marcus was struggling on the comprehension of what Jules was saying
"I don't get it. 2 babies. Where"
"Marcus, I am having twins and they are boys. You will be a dad to two, not one boy."
As the Jules revelation settled in with Marcus, he could only lay back and smile. He was not only speechless, but totally blown away by the news. There was not one part of him that was in anyway disappointed or concerned. Rubbing Jules stomach, he started talking to the babies within.
"I will love you both very much. Your mum is amazing, and I love her more than ever"
"Marcus, focus up here for a minute please, I haven't finished." Jules said, giving him a look that concerned him
"I have also given a lot of thought to something else too. And, if you are still offering, I would love to be your wife!"
Tears of joy overflowed as he hugged her tight. "You have just made me the happiest man alive" Marcus said as he kissed her as a knock came on the door.
"Enter" Jules said as a maid bought in a tray of breakfast for Marcus
"Perfect timing, Nell" Jules said as Marcus sat himself up. "I had cook make you your favourites for breakfast. I hope left nothing out." `
"You are too good to me."
"I guess we better start talking to dad about the third-floor renovations here at the Villa. We may need some extra room" Jules laughed as she thought about it, and her conversation with him earlier.
"Just don't go overboard, that's all I ask. Whilst I know we come from different worlds, you need to understand that I am from fairly modest means and background. I also expect your dad to insist on a pre-nup, and I am fine with that too. What I am saying is, that I need to feel that I can contribute as well. We are partnership"
"Totally, I understand. Something we can't negotiate on though, like security etc, but most of our decisions will be talked through and agreed on. We've had some pretty good examples in our parents"
Marcus was ok with this, as he started to make way through his breakfast, noting he had a hell of a busy day ahead.
Chapter 102
By 9am Jasper and I had worked through a media strategy, our announcement was planned for 11am, I had Cath due any minute, and police were coming at 10am to talk through what was known, to meet with James, and to also join me for the media conference. Spot on time our driver arrived with Cath.
"Morning Grant. You trying to spoil me with that car and driver?" She joked as she greeted him, "Because if you are, you totally succeeded".
What I loved about Cath was her down to earth approach to everything. She was such a natural communicator, and as I introduced Jasper, she lead him through her plans she would thought it would take, suggest head count of people needed and time frames.
"Well, I see someone had as much sleep as me last night" I offered.
"Grant, mental health, trauma counselling, taking care of one's brain is the most important thing to me. Giving people back their own power, is critical, and I will never let you down on this."
"And I wouldn't ask for anything else"
"Speaking of which, if we've finished her, I need to go see my number 1 patient at the moment, and then I will back in time for your media conference, in case you need help answering any questions."
Jasper looked puzzled by this statement, "Do not stress Jasper, Cath is working with Michael on his post trauma counselling. It's not a hidden media story"
"Ah, ok. Everything here always worries me" He joked as Cath left us alone.
Before the police arrived, Jasper had drawn up a list of questions for the commander that he wanted to get his head around, hoping that they could answer some, if not all. He knew there was a fine line of questioning an investigation, and questions of an investigation.
As we sat down to discuss, the commander walked us through the investigation so far, what was known, what needed to be done, and also requested access to our documents. Moving our meeting out to the now converted pool house where Johan and his team were working, Johan gave him a summary of account holder names, amounts, length of times held, so the police could cross reference their data base with criminal gangs or people of question. We knew the process would take time, but the police had already had a list of suspects that matched the profile that they had built.
As we gathered on the lawn for the media conference, our security and local police were vetting every person entering to make sure they had the right credentials to enter. Our property, our haven, had been turned in to a locked down security compound.
I accompanied by the commander of Munich's police dept, Jackson and Cath. We weren't going to overload the public on things we did not know.
The police commander opened proceedings with an update, followed by a $1m reward for information leading to an arrest. I had stumped up that money to see if we could bleed out someone desperate for cash. For my part I updated on our people, our business and our building, and then, passing over to Cath on the recovery plans for our people.
The city of Munich had been wonderful with flowers and food hampers left in front of the building. Our people were either on leave, or re-deployed to other branches around town where possible, whilst I was cautious not to mention that my senior leadership team were located here.
We limited the questions where possible and after just on 45mins we were done. These things were draining. The police commander also suggested for a short period of time, we leave Munich, as it would potentially be a little safer. Perhaps a country a little safer would be ideal, at least in the interim.
As we walked back in to the villa, Jackson was relived it was over. I could tell how much he hated these things, but he was damn sure I wasn't facing this one alone. Sitting in my private office with Jackson and Jasper, we discussed leaving Munich. Flying was out of the question. But we weren't sure as to where he head. Barcelona and the yacht seemed the only decent option, and perhaps spending time in the floating around the Med, which was still relatively close to Munich, if anything came up. The yacht also had an extremely good communications system, so we could be kept up to speed on anything, and I could fly back at moments notice.
I called a meeting of my key people to talk through our plan, and as we all gathered, I discussed my thoughts.
James, Karl, Paul, Chris, Marcus, Jules, Sam, Jasper & Michael all sat down around the dining room table as I spoke. I had Capt. Bradley on Speaker phone as he was integral to our plans.
"Tonight, Jackson, Karl, Michael, Chris and Michael, if you feel up to it, will catch the train from Munich to Stuttgart, Stuttgart to Paris & Paris to Barcelona, placing us in Barcelona in the late morning. We will then be spending some time on the yacht, I would guess around two weeks, as suggested by the Commander here. He would rather we be kept out of harms way in the interim whilst the investigation is on-going. This is not really a holiday, and we will be doing a bit of work while we are down there, but we should be a lot safer."
"Sam has booked out entire carriages for us on our train, so we have some degree of privacy, as it is not our first choice of travel, but it is our quickest based on Jacksons medical advice. Jules, as Marcus is coming, the choice is yours as to whether you stay or come, but I think you know my thoughts on the matter." A slight nod of Jules head showed she knew what I was talking about. "Sam and Jasper will lead things from here, with Jasper heading up all media enquiries, and Sam working on all internal communications, on top of what his daily role entails. I am not overloading on security, I think Chris and Marcus should be fine, but James, if you disagree, happy to add."
"Actually, I would be happier if Corey went as well, if Jules is travelling. That way it is a one on one count for protection."
"Yep, I agree"
"Jackson, I am going to use this time away for Michelle to work on her induction as you EA, and it should be a good, hands on, experience."
"Paul will not only run the house, but he will also be looking after the staff in the pool house, managing the entry and exit of suppliers through the gates, in conjunction with James."
"Does anyone have any further questions?" I finished
As I looked around the room, all heads were nodding in agreement. Whilst the thought of leaving was a pain in the arse, I knew it was the right thing.
As we were finishing, Marcus pulled me aside. "Boss, I know this is a crazy time, but can I have 5 mins of your time"
"Yeah sure, wait for me in my office. I won't be long"
I finished talking with James, Paul and Sam about things around the villa. And what needed to be done in my absence, before going to speak with Marcus.
"Hey buddy, sorry to keep you, what's on your mind" I asked.
"Well, a couple of things actually. Could Jackson join us too?" he asked, raising my curiosity further.
I opened my door as I saw Jackson walking towards the stairs. "Hey bub, you have a moment for me" I said as he changed direction to my office.
"Marcus wants to have a word with us." I said as he saw Marcus pacing in my office.
"Marcus, stop pacing, this is not the principles office." Jackson said as he sat.
"I am just nervous, as I don't know how to do this" he said, a slight tremor in his voice.
"Well, Jules has two dads, so I am not sure who's permission I need to ask for her hand in marriage" He spilled out, as if he was thinking out loud.
"Neither, because I will not allow it" Jackson let out forcibly.
"Huh," I sad, completely off guard.
"Nah, I'm just shitting you all. Marcus, you do not need our permission, just our blessing. You have that already"
Jackson walked over and hugged the man who was to become family sooner rather than later.
"There is some other things I need to discuss, I was wondering if I could get an advance on my salary to by her an engagement ring that was fitting for her."
"How about, we I lend you the money, and you can repay it as you wish"
"Ok, but I will pay it back, I promise"
"Marcus I know. I have no doubt. Anything else?"
"Yeah but I need Jules here for this one" he said as he pulled out his phone and appeared to text her.
Jules arrived in a minute and sat on my desk. "Oh, I am allowed in the boys club am I"
"hey babe, I wanted you to share some news with your dad, you know, the things we spoke about this morning. It's killing me staying silent"
"Just spit it out one of you" Jackson said, not knowing I was aware of what was to come.
"Oh, that thing. The thing about my oven being overloaded and I have two bubba's in there not one"
"Oh fuck Jules. Are you ok. When did you find out" Jackson said jumping to his feet.
"Yesterday, and guess what else"
"What?"
"They are both boys"
"Well damn. I am pretty proud of you both. You can now give birth to a Jew and an atheist" Jackson said as he laughed at his own joke.
"Calm down Marcus, he is kidding"
"Yeah sorry," but hey, I need a laugh today.
"Oh and whilst we are dropping bombshells, Marcus asked me to marry him, and I said Yes!"