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Life's Illusions - Book Four - Chapter 9
Early in the New Year Junior was back in London, Daniel had flown to Dubai, it had been a last minute panic, his executive team had encountered a stone wall.
The deal they were brokering involved several key investors from Dubai, who were rumoured to be Royal Princes, and they refused to deal with anyone other than Daniel, so he'd flown out two days earlier.
The only minor difference in his travel arrangements these days was the personal security team Junior had assigned to him, much to Daniels annoyance, but there was no arguing with Junior, he'd insisted.
Junior was relaxing, he had his PJs on, a bottle of beer in hand, and something he would never admit, a soppy film on screen, when his Butler, Major Bates, retired, (a long story, go back to chapter 7) came almost bursting into his private lounge without even knocking, and he was completely flustered.
"Bloody hell Major, (They'd come to an eventual agreement, Junior would address Major Bates, retired, as Major, and Major Bates, retired, would address Junior as sir) what the fuck is the matter?".
The retired Major was almost too overwhelmed to reply, but he gasped out.
"You have visitors sir, they are arriving imminently at the Mews entrance, the message came from Buckingham Palace, I don't know who it will be, you need to dress, quickly".
Junior actually giggled.
"Fuck that idea, Daniel will be so pissed he wasn't here, you already know it'll be either Red or Will, and they don't give a shit how I'm dressed, you'll never get used to their informal drop ins will you Major?, get me a dressing gown, I'll go down and greet whomever our mystery guest is, can you arrange for some nibbles, listen in to the Guardian channel, then you'll know who's arrived and what drinks you need to prepare".
In a matter of minutes Junior was skipping down the staircase to the lower floor Mews entrance, barefoot, but at least in a dressing gown.
As he got there he was met by the house security guard, whom he despatched back to the basement security office, he saw the lights of several cars coming to a stop outside the Mews Entrance, and opened the door.
He'd been right, Red jumped out of the second limousine and dashed in through the open door, dragging a clearly amused Megan Markle along with him, and behind them their official Royal Protection Officer, who Junior immediately recognised, and nodded a greeting to.
Inside, whilst he was closing the door, before he formally greeted them, Junior used a preset dial on his cell phone.
'Guardian, be advised, this is Junior, London two is now officially in Amber lockdown, we are hosting two VIP's, be advised, Windsor five plus one are on board, Officer Peterson has control of the building, update later, as usual it's an impromptu visit with me in my bloody PJ's'.
Harry cracked up laughing before he grabbed Junior into a man hug.
"You are so bloody funny, it's like hearing your Poppa and Gramps, how are you my friend?".
Junior was just as elated.
"I'm good sir, but I refuse to get dressed even for you, so it's PJ's and a robe, and I hate to remind you of this, but there is an amazingly beautiful girl watching us with a smile on her face, do you think we should maybe disengage, in case she thinks we're getting off on this hugging or something, just a thought".
Harry burst out laughing.
"You crack me up Junior, but hey, I think you might be right, so I'll let you go".
As they broke apart Harry grabbed Megan's hand, introducing her to Junior.
"This here is the person you turn to in London if I, or Peterson, are not available, if you have a problem, need an out, whatever the reason, tell him honestly, he'll make it right, this is Junior Alonso-Caswel-Thorn, the son of Juan and Pierre Alonso-Caswel-Thorn, grandson of Reece and Pauly Caswel-Thorn, great grandson of PJ and Lenny Thorn, all firm and trusted friends of our family.
Megan was smiling as she said hello.
Junior whisked them up into the lounge where Major, with their preferred drinks was waiting, and he couldn't help it, he had to ask.
"Major, how did you know what Ms Markle would want?".
Major answered dryly.
"It's why you grudgingly pay me that tiny pittance you call wages every month sir, I know everything".
Harry laughed and asked where Daniel was, Junior replied.
"He's in Dubai, soothing some investors in one of his latest projects who refuse to deal with anyone but him, reputedly a couple of Royal Princes, apparently Royal Princes are something of a bloody nuisance, really high maintenance, pains in the arse, he'll be furious when he knows he missed you guys".
Harry and Megan laughed at Juniors jibe, before he went on.
"Okay Red, it's great to see you, especially as I was only planning on having a soppy movie evening, but there comes a point where you need to tell me what you really want, because you and I both know you didn't just drop in for a drink".
Harry smiled before explaining.
"At the moment what I tell you is for your ears only, it's unofficial, we need you to secure the services of your Chicago cousins, 'Missing None', for an evening event in May of next year, Megan has seen them four times, she couldn't believe I knew them all personally, and Granny is insisting 'Van' performs as well".
Junior looked puzzled, his reply showed it.
"Is this some sort of concert?".
Harry looked at Megan who said.
"Tell him".
Harry grinned as he turned back to Junior, but he didn't need to explain, a lightbulb moment happened in Juniors brain, he almost shouted out.
"You're getting married, oh my god, I'm so happy for you, we need bubbly, right now, this moment has got to be marked officially, and we need to call Daniel, he'll kill me if I don't include him in this".
Junior called Major to fetch Champagne, with the request he bring four glasses, while they waited, he connected with a sleepy Daniel in Dubai on face time.
"Junior, it's nearly two in the morning, I'm in bed, I was asleep, is there a problem?".
Junior giggled.
"Are you alone?".
Daniel was clearly irritable at being woken for such a stupid question.
"I said I was in bed, asleep, are you accusing me of cheating on you?".
Junior almost choked when he realised the way his question had been received, Harry and Megan were cracking up with laughter, as Junior started rapidly back-pedalling.
"Sorry love, that was really stupid of me, I only asked because I have someone here, well two someone's actually, and what you will be hearing is still top secret, am I forgiven?".
Daniel was still crabby.
"Junior, if you'll just stop rabbiting and get to the point, I might forgive you, who is with you?".
Junior was explaining as Harry and Megan moved into frame waving.
"They're getting married next May, I've just sent for some bubbly, get yourself a drink to join us".
Daniel actually screamed, causing them all to laugh hysterically.
"You rotters, you wait till I'm out of the country to visit with this news, but seriously, I'm so pleased for you, congratulations, I'm getting a bottle of bubbly from the room fridge, Oh, and, Hi Megan, I'm Daniel, seeing as no one bothered to introduce us, it's wonderful to meet you, if only electronically".
When Major delivered, poured, and served the Champagne, he asked, clearly confused.
"You asked for four glasses sir,
Junior didn't bat an eye as he answered.
"I did Major, you're joining us in a toast, now grab your glass.
"I raise this toast, to mark the engagement and forthcoming marriage of our friend His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of Wales, to Ms Megan Markle, may your future be long, healthy and happy, God save the Queen".
They raised their glasses to drink facing Daniel on screen, who raised his glass with them, saying afterwards.
"As soon as it becomes official public knowledge we need to have a Ball, Jacqueline will revel in organising that, but I'm bowing out now because I have a breakfast meeting in about five hours, congratulations and goodnight Sir, Megan, Major, and Junior, yes I forgive you, I love you, night, night".
As the screen went blank Major spoke.
"Your Royal Highness, Ms Markle, could I add my congratulations, it's really wonderful news, I wish you well".
The couple stayed a further hour chatting, with Harry explaining the longstanding friendship the families enjoyed, how Juniors family had been his and Will's cover on so many occasions, and slightly sheepishly, how they'd extricated him from some potentially embarrassing situations.
In typical fashion, Junior feigned looking completely baffled, having absolutely no knowledge of whatever Harry was referring too.
Harry also admitted with a real touch of sadness, how the whole family, from himself, right up to Granny, had cried at the loss of Pauly, Juniors Grandfather, and Pierre, Juniors beloved Poppa.
As they readied themselves to leave, Junior spoke to Megan.
"I'm guessing Harry has already told you this, I just want to reinforce the message, this house is a safe haven, it's electronically shielded, no one can listen in, however sophisticated their equipment, the Mews entrance cannot be accessed without a security pass, I'll ensure you receive a pass tomorrow, it resembles a credit card, keep it in your purse, or at least on your person, the Mews Gates will open automatically for you, the pass tells our security who is approaching, use the house as if you lived here, there is no need to seek permission, anyone residing within the house will respect your privacy, and your confidence, unless you wish to be seen, you will be looked after, but still be invisible to everyone".
Harry just nodded, as if saying, told you so, to a clearly astonished Megan.
Junior hit dial on his cell phone again.
"Guardian, be aware, our guests are leaving shortly, Officer Perterson, I assume you are patched in, have the car at the Mews door in five please, I will confirm when the building returns to Guardian control, one last item, as of today's date, Ms Megan Markle is a preferred visitor, I need a pass delivered tomorrow morning, ensure it's delivered hand to hand, discreetly.
The following morning as Megan was leaving the breakfast room a liveried footman approached her with a visitor.
The visitor identified himself as a Guardian representative, waited for the liveried footman to move discreetly away, then handed her an envelope saying.
"Your secure pass to Thorn Place, Kensington, it's already activated, anytime you approach the Mews entrance the gates will open automatically, if you are a passenger in a vehicle the security detail will recognise that factor, nothing following you can gain entry, if any vehicle tried it would be rendered immobile, the pass alerts your security detail where you are, if you wish to remain incognito, when you enter the Mews gate stop your vehicle, tell the security detail you wish to remain incognito, anyone within the house will make every effort to stay out of your way, if you have another friendly vehicle behind you that vehicle must not try to follow you, it must wait for you to personally clear it with security, if you choose to be incognito, the Royal agreed rules apply, relating to if you are accompanied by your Security Detail or not, if not you will be under Guardian protection, the house will always go into a pre agreed heightened security situation whilst you are in residence".
All she could say was.
"Thank you".
And he was gone.
Megan would later admit to Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge, she was totally in awe of how friends protected them.
The following day, from his office in The Strand, London, just a few yards from Coutts Bank Headquarters, the seventh oldest bank in the world, Junior asked Guardian's monitoring team for a secure link to the Thorn house in Barrington Hills, Chicago, stipulating he needed to speak to either Ary, Bobby, or Trevor, and a link to Gregous in Rome.
Rome was the first link established and Junior found himself linked with his Grandfather.
"Hello Gramps, it's been a while since we spoke, but I have to ask for complete confidentiality".
Reece was intrigued.
"It's always good to talk to you child but I'm intrigued, what is it that you want?".
Junior didn't hold back.
"It's top secret at the moment, but Prince Harry is going to marry Megan Markle, and Harry's Granny, I'll let you work that one out, she's insisting Van perform, it will be a date in May next year, but we don't have a definite date yet, can you accommodate it?".
Reece chuckled before replying.
"Are you mad child, if the Queen of England wants Van to perform, then he will perform, get me the actual date as soon as you can, if there is any clash I will deal with it, but my answer for Van, is a definite yes".
Junior gave a relieved response.
"Thank you Gramps, I don't suppose I have to say this conversation didn't happen, right now it's all hush hush, but there is something I can tell you, I miss you, we need to meet up soon".
Reece chuckled again before saying.
"Be careful what you wish for child, Van and I are coming to London in a week or so, we have to speak with a promoter about a concert and TV later in the year, I was going to call you and ask if you would mind us staying for a few days".
Junior was absolutely thrilled.
"Now it's my turn to ask if you're mad, let Major know your dates he'll make sure my PA knows and frees up my calendar whilst you're here, I can't wait to see you guys, I love you Gramps, see you soon".
Just as he finished the call he was alerted that Chicago was on the line, pressing his second line he heard.
"Junior, is that you, it's Jo, the lads are at the recording studio, in Chicago, I've given your guys the number, it has secure capability, are you going to say what this is about?".
Junior laughed.
"Hi Uncle Jo, sorry, I can only talk to the boys at the moment, it's a hush hush gig, I'll call them, love to all of you".
Junior cut the call and wasn't surprised when he was informed a few minutes later that Ary was on his line.
"Ary, are we secure, who's with you?".
The reply almost had him laughing out loud.
"Well hello to you too Uncle Junior, I'm well thanks in case you were wondering, and Bobby and Trevor are here, oh yes there's this other weird guy with us, but you don't have to worry about him, he's constantly fixated on Trevor, if they're not kissing he's just sitting there watching Trevor with a silly grin on his face, he won't even hear anything you say unless you mention Trevor by name, then his ears prick up like a faithful puppy, and yes the line is secure".
Junior was actually laughing as he replied.
"Hi boys, Ary, Bobby, Trevor, and hello my favourite nephew Dillon, what are you doing in Chicago, apart from drooling over Trevor?".
He could hear the boys laughing as Dillon answered.
"I should be annoyed that you could identify me from Ary's very unkind description, but as you're my favourite uncle as well, you get a pass, I'm spending a week with the guys, it's fascinating watching them work together in the recording studio, do you need to talk privately, I can leave if you need me too".
He heard some muttering he presumed would be Trevor vetoing that suggestion.
"Guys, it doesn't matter that Dillon is with you, I just needed to know that no one else can hear this conversation because the topic is top secret at the moment, you have to agree to keep the subject confidential until the story breaks".
Ary as usual was spokesman.
"That's okay, we agree, so what's the big deal?"
Junior laid it out.
"A church service in the daytime, a formal lunch in the afternoon, then you perform a five hour gig with some pretty amazing other names from seven o'clock in the evening, it's scheduled for May but the exact date is still undecided".
Ary came back with a clearly puzzled reply.
"Who on earth is putting on a gig like that, it sounds more like a wedding".
Junior had his reply ready, he only needed to say one word.
"Red".
"The noise down the line caused Junior to reduce the volume, before Ary shouted.
"Tell him yes, but you need to get us the real date as soon as possible, May is slap bang in the middle of our European Tour, and we're not in England, so we'll need to reschedule one of our dates, but fear not, this family has enough planes, I'm confident we can do it, the answer is yes, it would be an honour, and we'll keep mum, not a hint until you tell us we can".
Junior had to tell them.
"Megan has seen you several times but never met you, she's the one who asked if it would be possible, might I suggest you send her flowers with a personal message, they're going to be living at Harry's place, Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace, just make sure no one else can understand the message before it's made official".
The noise from the other end was crazy so Junior decided to end the call.
"Okay guys I'm going now, speak soon, love you all lots".
The following morning a massive bouquet of flowers arrived at Nottingham Cottage, Kensington Palace.
The card which Megan read, with Harry laughing, said.
'That would be a definite yes please, we'd be honoured, and pretty soon we'll arrange a meeting, can't believe it's not happened already, liaise through G, tell R we're absolutely ecstatic, and we all need a hug'.
Harry said to Megan.
"I told you, Hollywood has nothing on the circle of friends we have, these are real friends, they are friends for the right reasons, they don't cut you off because you don't fit today's model, nor will they pander to a title, quite frankly they'd shun me and support you if they thought I was in the wrong, but more importantly, they'll tell me I'm in the wrong, even if they have to say sir whilst calling me a twat".
Within a few days secrecy was no longer a priority, as an announcement from Buckingham Palace shared news of an engagement, along with the date of the forthcoming wedding.
As soon as the news broke Junior called his Poppa in Montclair.
"Good morning Poppa, I hope everyone is well".
Juan always welcomed a call from his son, his reply made his joy obvious.
"Good morning to you son, it's wonderful to hear from you, and yes, everyone is well and happy, is there something I can do for you?".
Junior explained the reason for his call.
"The announcement from Buckingham Palace this morning wasn't news to me, I received a visit a few days ago from His Royal Highness, asking for a favour, the boys from Chicago and Van have been requested to perform at the evening wedding party, as you can imagine, both said yes, but that's not why I'm calling, Daniel suggested to Red we'd arrange a celebration ball as soon as the news became public, would you discuss it with Aunt Jacqueline for me?".
Juan wasn't surprised to hear news of a private visit from the Prince.
When the London house went to an Amber lockdown, Juan and Josef were alerted as part of standard procedure, he knew Junior would be aware of that fact, but Junior would also know that Juan would have no knowledge of the visits purpose.
"I think that was a lovely thing to offer the couple, I'll certainly speak to your Aunt Jacqueline, I'm guessing she'll be thrilled to arrange it, but tell me, how are things with you?, I hear Daniel is in Dubai",
Junior replied enthusiastically.
"He is, but he's due back in a couple of days, I'm guessing you guys are pleased with the second year forecast for London, I have to admit, I was really surprised to see we're predicting a move into profit two years earlier than expected".
Juan was beaming as he replied to Junior.
"Your Uncle Jo and I were discussing that very subject yesterday, we agree it's a credit to your management, we'll be seeing you over the next couple of weeks to run over a few things, I heard your gramps and Van are coming to London, we thought we would visit at the same time, if that's okay with you?".
Junior was pleased by his Poppas suggestion.
"Poppa, I'm always pleased to welcome family, why not bring Berto, Maria, and the boys, tell Uncle Jo to bring Aunt Carry and Paulette, it would be great to have some real family time".
Three days later, and Daniel hadn't returned.
Junior was becoming seriously concerned that, for nearly twenty four hours, his messages to Daniel had gone unanswered, and their last conversation kept rolling around in his head.
Daniel had seemed uneasy, fractious even, snapping a couple of times in reply, he'd said there were problems, that he might not be able to leave, he hadn't said he needed to stay, it was that one phrase, 'I might not be able to leave', which Junior kept going back to.
Then Juniors worst fears became a reality.
His cell phone began flashing a red flag alert, he sat just staring at it, knowing immediately who it related to, that particular tag reference had been the basis for several heated arguments, it was the tag assigned to Daniels senior security guard.
Junior was up and running, heading to Guardian's London Control Room, further red flag alerts were popping up as he got there.
The room was a hive of activity as he entered, addressing the chief controller.
"Do you have a location?".
The Chief didn't look up, but he did reply.
"On screen in a few seconds, definitely still in Dubai, we have four alerts activated, Daniel and one of the team are silent".
Junior snapped back a question, almost not wanting to hear the answer.
"Vital signs on the unaccounted parties?".
He'd deliberately not used Daniels name, the reply almost threw him into a panic.
"The team member is showing no vitals, they stopped approximately ten seconds before the first red flag was activated, Daniels bracelet is returning full vitals, though there is a bad spike at exactly the same time the team member vitals ceased, and he is possibly unconscious".
As they'd been talking, an ariel view on the largest wall screen had been slowly zooming in, now as they watched, one property was highlighted, it looked to be a substantial villa, in a wealthy suburb of Dubai.
The Chief spoke, not to anyone in particular, knowing his words would be acted upon.
"Okay, we have it, that's where all of the signals are coming from, I need everything we can dig up on that property, and I need surveillance on the property".
As he finished speaking there was no response, but every operator could be seen searching out what he'd requested.
One operator turned to the Chief.
"Sir, I have number one Australia and New Zealand from his plane, he's about to land in Dubai, he advises available if you need him".
Junior replied before the Chief could answer.
"Patch him through on speaker".
It only took a few seconds before they heard Milo's voice.
"London, I'm about twenty minutes out from landing in Dubai, can I be of help?".
Junior replied again.
"Milo, it's Junior, you're on speaker, we're fairly certain Daniel and his security team have been abducted, Daniel looks to be injured, one of his team has gone cold, we have their location, but we have no intel on Daniels business team, he has six with him, a mixture of accountants and legals, we need to locate and secure them, and it's urgent we get surveillance set up on the property where Daniel and his security team are being held, do you have any man power with you?"
Milo responded immediately.
"I have a strong team of eight on board, they are listening, we will now be directed by London, I see your location intel, surveillance will be in place as soon as we clear customs, I'll take a team to locate Daniels business guys, stay focused Junior, we'll get him back".
Despite his insides churning with fear, Juniors voice remained steady.
"Thanks Milo, you're a god send, speak again shortly".
The next few hours went excruciatingly slow for Junior, he only left the control room to take private calls from his Poppa and Uncle Jo, and to receive a call from Daniels Foster fathers in TriBeCa New York.
The call came from Max and Chris, with a clearly angry Max ranting at Junior from the outset.
"When were you planning on telling us about Daniels kidnapping, and what are you doing about it?".
Junior was confused, he couldn't understand how they knew, which is what he answered.
"I would have called you before the day was out, but how did you find out?".
Max's angry response gave Junior the details.
"We found out by reading the ransom message which arrived a few minutes ago, whoever has him is demanding fifty million dollars".
Junior gave a loud sigh of relief before saying.
"Thank goodness, that means they have a reason to keep him alive until the money is paid".
What Max said next shocked and frightened Junior.
"No money will be paid, Daniel has always been adamant on that subject, no ransom is to be paid, we have his power of attorney, but there's a specific clause which forbids the use of any funds for a ransom payment, and he's probably told his captors that already".
Junior wasn't to be outdone.
"Maybe we can't use Daniels money, but he can't stop me using my own".
Chris now spoke, and although Junior wanted to argue, he knew what Chris said was true".
"If you do that, you could possibly be orchestrating the end of your relationship, he will never accept that you deliberately went against his express wishes, he'll be alive, but he won't be with you".
Juniors reply didn't really come as anything of a surprise to either of them.
"You said it, he'll be alive, and that's the only outcome I'll be able to live with, nothing else matters".
Max tried again to sway Junior.
"We feel exactly the same Junior, please, we're begging you, keep it as a last resort, do everything you can to get him back without paying a ransom, we've been here before, losing you will destroy him".
This time Juniors reply did give them hope.
"I can make you that promise, but if all else fails, I will pay it, any decision Daniel makes because of my actions will be his choice, I'll at least know he's alive".
Max's reply was soft, almost a sigh.
"Thank you".
Then Junior surprised them again with a request.
"I need you to follow any instructions, and tell me honestly what the demands are, will you do that?".
Max started to answer, saying he didn't think they could be party to paying the ransom, but Chris cut him off, and Junior could tell Chris was crying as he spoke.
"We agree Junior, I don't care what you have to do, if you're prepared to suffer the consequences then so are we, get our boy back, any way you can".
In Dubai, Milo had despatched three of his operatives to stake out the property where they knew Daniel was being held.
Within minutes of their arrival information was being fed back to Guardian's London Control Room.
Milo took the other five operatives to the hotel where Daniel had based himself.
He'd instructed the three men and two women to change into civilian dress.
Arriving at the hotel they'd split into pairs to be less conspicuous, and taken separate elevators to the tenth floor only to be met by a concierge in a reception lobby as soon as they exited the elevators.
Milo was the first to arrive with one of the women, as soon as he realised they couldn't go any further he told the concierge they were waiting for the rest of their party, but quietly, almost a whisper, as he turned away from the concierge, the team all heard.
"As soon as we're all arrived, neutralise the concierge, no harm please".
As the last two stepped out of the elevator, the concierge turned his attention to them, he didn't see, hear, or feel anything further, as a needle sank into the exposed skin of his neck, he would be in lah lah land for the next few hours.
Similarly, a housemaid experienced the same fate, both ending up locked in a store room.
With the housemaids pass key they entered a room next door to the one which showed up as having multiple heat sources inside.
Using sophisticated equipment, they listened for any sound from the room next door, before drilling through the wall and slipping a tiny camera lens into the room.
What they saw gave them the go ahead to enter the other room, there were no guards.
Daniels business staff were all bound and gagged, though at least they were unharmed.
After releasing them, Milo had explained what they knew so far, instructing them to grab Passports and valuables only, then he split them into groups again to leave the hotel.
Once out of the hotel, they were whisked to the airport where Milo's plane was waiting to take them directly to Nice, and ultimately Montclair.
As Milo explained to Junior, he'd sent them back on his plane because he didn't want to risk tipping anyone off by using Daniels plane.
Back in London information was building on the property where Daniel was being held.
They now knew it was owned by some really bad characters with international links to terrorism, extortion, money laundering, the list went on and on.
Surprisingly, it seemed from the surveillance, Daniel and his security team were being held in a room to the rear of the property, there were only four other heat sources detected within the property, though the entrance gates were guarded by six or possibly seven guards.
Junior had spoken several times throughout the day with Max and Chris.
A pre-paid cell phone had been delivered to them, no sooner had they taken it from it's packaging, it rang, they'd listened to the recorded instructions on how the ransom was to be made up, in what currency and denomination of bills, the recorded voice told them a further call would inform them of when and where the ransom was to be delivered.
Junior had asked them to try the call back features on the cell, telling them, if it's answered, ask for some confirmation that Daniel is safe and well.
The call was answered, a gruff voice told them not to call the number again, or they would regret it, then disconnected.
They'd been worried, but Junior explained, that was enough, Guardian's techies now had a pairing to the cell phone, when it was used again they would pinpoint the location of whoever was sending the instructions.
Junior had pulled every string possible to gather the ransom together in a mixture of bills and currencies to satisfy the instructions received, but he'd done it, and had it delivered to Chris and Max.
In Dubai, Milo had a plan, but it depended on gaining some very senior approval from the Dubai authorities.
Junior listened to Milo, his Chief of Operations listened too, and when Milo finished he'd nodded to Junior, indicating he thought it could work.
Junior asked Milo to wait whilst he bought his Poppa and Uncle Jo into the discussion.
Jo and Juan listened, before agreeing, it was a sound plan, but Junior cut in before the final approval was given.
"Milo my friend, I appreciate everything you've done today, you've already saved six lives, I don't want you going inside the property, be one of the number who hang back for the getaway, I don't want to insult you, but your field experience is limited, let the team execute your plan".
They could all hear Milo's disappointment.
"I'm here on the ground Junior, I'm the lead, I'll think about what you asked but I'll make the decision, now do we have the go ahead?".
Jo spoke up.
"You have authority to go ahead, subject to us getting approval from the necessary parties in Dubai, I have a call in progress, I'll give you the final decision as soon as that call is concluded, but Milo, Junior was being sensible, none of us wants you at risk, think long and hard on what he said".
Exactly three and a half hours later, thirty minutes after receiving the green for go code, Milo's lifeless body was being carried from the property.
Piers, listening intently in Milo's study at their home in Sydney heard.
"Lead is down, no vitals".
For Piers, that was the point where his world came crashing down, he couldn't listen anymore, his Milo was dead, gone from his life, the staff told Jo when he rang to check on Piers, they'd found him slumped, sobbing, by the rose garden Milo had created in memory of Pierre, and he'd made it clear, he wanted only one thing, to die, to be with Milo.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.