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This will be the penultimate chapter in the present series of 'Life's Illusions', enjoy!.
Life's Illusions - Chapter 15 - A Day of Laughter and Loss.
Our flight was an enjoyable one with the children, ours, Leo's, Ramon's, Casey's, Anna's, and the Nannies using both bedrooms whilst we adults chatted comfortably in the two lounges.
We'd had what Leo called a defining moment before we left London when Casey made it known that the children would be on one plane with Lenny and I on the other.
I saw immediately that Lenny felt just as I did, not happy.
We could understand the need to segregate and heavily protect the children when we were on the ground in our vehicles but not up in the air.
I'd asked to speak privately with Leo and Casey and Lenny joined us in my office.
I didn't want this to be a confrontation, I wanted them to understand our views and consider them, so I tried to ease into the problem.
"We asked to speak with you guys because there's something we are not entirely happy with and rather than allow it to escalate we wanted to try and resolve it".
Both Casey and Leo looked puzzled as well as miffed but when Leo jumped in to answer without giving me a chance to explain it was obvious he was pissed.
"You're doing it again, you're doing your own thing irrespective of our recommendations, it pisses me off, I thought we cleared this up a long time ago, you either want us to do the job of keeping your family safe or you don't so make your mind up.
I was completely taken aback, this wasn't at all like Leo.
I could see from her expression Lenny was surprised as well but his outburst had clearly been too much for Lenny.
"Who the fuck do you think you're talking to Leo, we're supposed to be friends. I for one don't appreciate a tongue lashing when you have absolutely no idea what it is we have concerns about, neither of us intends to do anything which would put any of the family in harms way, we simply wanted a conversation to express some concerns but obviously we're forbidden from speaking, well fuck you, sorry to have inconvenienced you".
At that she got up and stormed out of the office.
I fixed Leo with a stare that told him I was now pissed as well.
"That went well gentlemen, if you've nothing to add Casey perhaps we can reconvene when someone's had an attitude adjustment".
I left them both sitting in the office, though as I left I heard Casey say, "What the hell just happened Leo, you exploded and they didn't even tell us what they were concerned about".
As I headed for the lounge one very pissed looking Rosa was coming towards me, it was obvious she'd already encountered an upset Lenny.
"Where are they?". Was all she said, though it was more of a bark than a request.
I indicated towards the office.
"You may want to get Lenny a glass of juice and I'd cover my ears if I were you".
At that she walked into the office and slammed the door.
I found Lenny with tears streaming down her face in the lounge, I got her a glass of Mango juice and wrapped her up in a big hug.
"What did we do PJ, I don't understand?".
I was gently rocking her, "We didn't do anything, I think there's more to it than we can see at the moment, that wasn't like Leo at all so let's just give it a little time and I'll talk to him, you on the other hand need to calm down and have a rest, you've been putting in long days just lately".
She agreed and went off to our suite for a nap.
I heard the office door open and Rosa emerged firing back over her shoulder towards the occupants, "I said fix it Leandro, and if you have one ounce of sense left in that stupid thick head you'll know I mean right now", before once again slamming the door.
The door to the office opened again and I heard soft footsteps heading towards me before Leo spoke, "PJ can we talk or do you want me to make myself scarce for a while?".
I turned to face him, "I don't think now is the best time Leo, let's all take a little break and we'll talk later".
He nodded and started heading off towards their room but I knew I couldn't leave it like this.
"Leo"
He turned back towards me.
"Let's leave what happened earlier, but I'm worried for you, tell me whats wrong with you, what happened earlier is so not like you and right now all I can think is that you have something worrying you, tell me please, we're friends, if I can help I will, you should know that".
His shoulders sagged and he came to sit with me, "I'm sorry PJ, I have never let my work affect me before, but when I'm dealing with what could happen to the ones I love I tend to get emotional".
I could see something was causing him considerable anguish.
"Come on Leo, I know there's something troubling you, share it".
What he said next sent me into shock.
"We have credible intelligence that you, Lenny, your children and anyone close to you are on a serious target list to capture at any cost for ransom".
There was a silence that seemed to go on and on, I didn't know what to say.
Out there in the wide world someone had decided to target us and although I'd always known it was a strong possibility, just hearing that it was now a fact frightened me.
I'd always been cavalier about my own personal safety but that was before.
I didn't have Lenny and the children to worry about then.
My first thought was to lock the family down in Torremolinas where we had a virtually impenetrable fortress, in my mind I was planning our flight back to the safety I could rely on and then my mind changed tack, that was stupid.
Reality kicked in, if someone wanted to get to us they would, the only thing we could do was to be positive, be alert, not take risks, increase our security.
At least I now knew what was troubling Leo and I knew we had to talk about it.
"Leo, we need to talk about this, so how about we ask Rosa to arrange a dinner for just the immediate family tonight, me you, Casey and partners, we'll have everyone else eat separately, I think it's only fair all of us should be privy to this information and discuss what we feel is a reasonable way of dealing with it".
He nodded, "Okay PJ, I've been dealing with this knowledge for over a week and the only one I've told is Casey, let's get it out into the open".
In our suite Lenny was sitting up in bed correcting a customer brief document.
"I should have known you wouldn't sleep, you never do when you're wound up, I found out what caused Leo's outburst and it's seriously enough that I've asked for dinner to be limited to just the six of us tonight so that we can talk about it".
Lenny dropped her papers and faced me, I knew what she was doing, she always does it, she reads a person, I don't mean their mind, she reads their mood, happy, sad, angry, worried, she could see I was worried.
"What is it PJ, I'm not angry with Leo, I thought about what you said and I realise he must be dealing with something bad because he wouldn't treat us like that otherwise. He's worried for us isn't he?".
I couldn't lie I had to tell her.
"Leo found out that we, our family and anyone close to us is on a target list for kidnapping and ransom, his information comes from reliable intelligence sources so it's accurate, he knows he reacted badly this afternoon but in his defence this is a pretty big mind fuck and he is concentrating on keeping us safe".
I'd sat on the bed next to her with my back against the headboard, she snuggled up to me.
"I know PJ, I'll forgive him if he grovels a bit, but seriously I will be making a point, he can't keep these things to himself, we need to know what we might be facing and I'm more determined than ever the kids stay with us when we fly, I'll agree to separating us from the kids on the ground but in the air if we die, we die together, are you agreed?".
I should have known she would be calm about this, she's always the practical one with family matters. It seemed almost stupid that I could identify and solve multi million dollar problems in business with just logic but when my nearest and dearest were involved all rational thought deserted me.
"I'm in agreement".
That evening Lenny and I walked arm in arm into the small dining room to find the others were already seated, Leo looked worried, Rosa had her arms crossed and looked absolutely furious, Casey was looking down almost embarrassed while Phil looked confused, Phil could obviously tell there was an elephant in the room but he couldn't figure out what the hell it was.
As we approached the table Leo stood up and cut us off, "I'm sorry, please forgive me, my actions this afternoon were nothing short of rude and wrong on so many levels, I shouldn't have spoken to you the way I did, I shouldn't have accused you of something when you'd given me no reason, I shouldn't have used the language I did, please accept my apology I'm truly sorry".
He looked terrible, and it was easy to see he was genuinely sorry for his actions, Lenny squeezed my hand, her way of telling me to answer him.
"It's true, under normal circumstances none of that should have happened this afternoon and I won't lie, we were both extremely hurt by it, but I believe I have an insight into why it happened, and besides, we're friends, which I seem to remember Lenny reminded you of during her rather colourful reply. Even friends sometimes get it wrong but because we're friends apologies are accepted and we move on".
Lenny held her arms out and Leo moved in for a hug.
"I'm sorry Lenny, I really am".
Lenny shushed him and let go so he could retake his seat and we joined everyone at the table.
I suggested we eat first so that the staff would not be around when we discussed the elephant in the room.
After the staff had left us I made sure the door was closed and nodded to Leo to lead off.
"Some of us know completely, some partly and I'm guessing some nothing at all about why we are meeting in an almost lock down situation tonight and I'm sorry if you are apprehensive but the fact of the matter is we all and I mean all, everyone of us, and our children, are listed as targets for kidnapping and ransom by whatever means serves the purpose".
There was a collective stunned silence around the table before an almost coordinated firing of questions.
Leo held up a hand, "Whoa guys I can only listen and answer one at a time so I'll let Casey take over to explain what we've learnt".
"Okay guys I apologise that we haven't told anyone about this but in a nutshell we have been advised by Central Government Intelligence Agencies in both The US, The UK, and Central Europe that we are all on lists detailing persons of interest to kidnap and hold for ransom".
He took a few seconds to allow us to digest this information.
"The information obtained suggests that the threat is of South American origin but we can't yet pin down where or from whom it's coming. The details held on each of us are quite specific down to a complete description with picture ID plus our daily habits".
Lenny led off as I guessed she would, she told both Leo and Casey that we needed to know these things and be an interactive part of the solution, yes they were the guys tasked with finding a solution but there was no need to work alone we could all chip in.
Leo smiled, "I understand now we should have involved everyone earlier but you have to remember some of the things we discover may be painful and frightening to hear".
I saw the look on Phil's face and it was almost identical to Rosas they were both pissed that their partners hadn't confided in them, I thought before we went any further it might be good to clear at least those hurdles.
"Leo, could I have just a couple of minutes before you and Casey continue".
Leo nodded.
"Guys, I'm looking around the table and I see some extremely pissed looks and I'm guessing it's because Leo and Casey didn't share their findings earlier, and yes Lenny and I were pissed as well, until we thought about the situation we put these guys in. We task them with keeping us safe and when they find out some really heavy stuff they are in a quandary, do they tell?, who should they tell?, how much should they tell?. It's a shity position we put them in so can I ask, please, cut them some slack, let's start off from a calm point and maybe we can add something and help the guys keep us safe, are we agreed?".
Rosa leaned into Leo and kissed his cheek, "Truce".
Phil was a little more reluctant until Casey leaned in and whispered something in his ear which brought a blush and a smile to his face, "Truce".
Okay we could proceed so I gestured to Leo.
"Okay guys the information we have suggests that each of us around this table is a target on a hit list for kidnapping and ransom".
Rosa put her hand up to indicate she wanted to ask something and Leo nodded to her.
"I'm confused, this isn't surprising, we always knew we would be targets by association, and Lenny, PJ, don't go feeling bad about this we all made a choice with the full facts at our disposal".
Leo looked like he was about to vomit before he went on.
"We, at this table, are listed as not important, oh they'll take us if they can but there are directions to silence us permanently if we are an inconvenience, with the exception of PJ and Lenny they are to be kept alive at all costs.
He paused as though not wanting to go on.
Rosa was looking at him and tears started running down her face, "No, please, tell me it's not".
We didn't understand until Leo continued.
"They want the kids, any or all of them, instructions are to get them as far away from us as possible before sending individual personal proof of their captivity".
We all started to ask questions but Leo held up his hands to stop us, he was looking down at the table.
"The proof is to be body parts".
There was a silence then a collective sobbing from Lenny and Rosa, even Phil's eyes were streaming but it was Phil who broke the spell.
There was a loud bang as Phil bounced his fist on the table and we all jumped in shock.
"No, it's not happening, our kids don't deserve this so whoever thinks they can pull this off better think again so wipe the tears folks and let's sort out how we're going to deal with this".
Not surprisingly everyone of us agreed.
Casey took up the baton.
"PJ, we'll need extra funds to seriously beef up security but at this time neither Leo nor I can give you an exact figure, is that going to be a possibility?".
Lenny answered.
"Leo when you discussed taking on Casey I seem to remember we told you what your budget was to keep us all safe, it's still the same, can you remember what it was?".
Leo smiled and turned to Lenny.
"You told me I don't have a budget, you said, we're talking about the safety and security of our family and if I could keep it within the limits of your net worth it would be good, but if I couldn't, to let you know and you'd go see the bank manager".
Lenny and I smiled and nodded together.
Leo looked at Casey.
"Bring them all in, we are going to turn this family into a walking fortress".
He turned to the rest of us.
"We have a team of ex Forces who we both have worked with, each one is as close as a brother or sister to us, there are 30 in all, they have agreed to form a wall of security around us, they will protect us against all but a full scale battalion attack and we have to assume whoever the threat is coming from they don't have anything like that capability".
Leo paused, "Lenny's parents and your Grandfather are also on the list PJ, we need to convince them to beef up their security. Ramon, Pip, Raul and Philipe are detailed as well with instructions to deprive the boy of his false leg to subdue him, the others are to be disposed of".
We agreed Lenny and I would talk to our parents and grandfather, but Ramon, Pip, Raul and Philipe would be pulled into our closer circle.
Lenny asked Leo to hear her out.
Leo nodded.
"This afternoon PJ and I were going to ask you to consider that we wanted the children to be with us when we fly, well now I'm putting my foot down, we will agree to the children being separated when we travel on land but when we fly the children fly with us, if they are going to die then we die with them. I'm sorry, I said I'd never countermand you, but on this there is no negotiation".
Leo stared at Lenny, seeming to want to test her resolve but I could see in his eyes he agreed with her, after all his own child was one of the children we were talking about.
"Okay you got it".
And so here we were on the plane heading to New York.
Leo and Casey's crew had arrived the day before we set off, Leo had assembled us all to meet them and I have to admit no one would have pegged them as commandos they came across as the normal big brother or sister.
By the end of the day we were all up to speed on the plan.
No one was allowed out of any residence unaccompanied, the kids were to be protected heavily having a minimum one on one personal guard and to make it work the kids would all travel together.
A couple of the younger looking minders spoke with the older children in our presence.
"Okay I'm sorry we might be a nuisance and cramp your style a bit guys but your Moms and Dads have learnt that some people want to hurt you so they've hired us to look after you. From now on, no one goes anywhere on their own, and each of you gets a personal cell phone which is pretty cool, it will speed dial automatically as soon as you press this red button and give us a fix on your location. We need your help here, the phone is really small and we need you to keep it a secret from anyone outside the family so if the worst should happen and someone did get you away from us, we need you to hide the phone and not let anyone know you have it.
We also have a small cross and chain we would ask you all to wear but these are very special, they will also give off a signal but only when you want to send it by pressing a hidden button and we'll show you how to do that and make it look innocent, as though you are saying your prayers.
We need you to stay calm and not give them any reason to hurt you, I promise we will get to you and bring you home safe but you have to know how to be invisible to whoever takes you".
Initially the kids were upset but these guys had a way of talking that came easy to them, they bonded with the kids in no time and taught them all sorts of tricks.
We had decided that at all costs our children should be the priority in safekeeping, if there were any shortfall in coverage it would be on the adults, the children were always to be protected.
Our arrival into Teterboro in the two planes was like a military manoeuvre, in no time at all we were in the limousines which would take us directly to the apartment.
Casey had already explained these were not normal limousines they were probably better protected than the Presidents limousine.
All of us agreed when Casey placed all 9 of the children in one of the stretched limousines with 8 security guys and a driver onboard , the adults were spread over 2 more limousines each with 4 security guys onboard, there were at least 10 other security I counted in separate vehicles either preceding or following us.
When we arrived at our apartment building we were surprised to see a change in the underground security and recognised a couple of the guys supervising the entry and departure of every vehicle.
Within a few minutes we were out of the vehicles in the basement and into the elevator which once programmed to penthouse would no longer stop for any other passengers it became an express.
That evening we were just family for dinner and afterwards I took a call from Billy and he was worried.
Earlier in the evening his security guys had told him roughly the same as Leo and Casey had told us but Billy didn't have anything nearly as efficient as us in the way of security personnel which was proven when I confirmed we'd known about these threats for over a week so I suggested I'd ask Leo to look at his security and he almost begged me to do it he was terrified Julia and Will would be exposed to danger.
I pulled Leo aside and told him about Billy and his fear of not being protected, I knew Leo liked and respected Billy but I wasn't prepared for what he came out with.
"P.J. I can help Billy but he'd have to agree to be guarded and looked after like you and Lenny are and I don't see that happening he's too stubborn".
I was surprised to say the least, I sensed that Leo knew more than he was letting on.
Just at that point Lenny and Rosa decided to join us and Lenny being Lenny could read my discomfort easily.
"I sense we're interrupting something, do you want us to leave you to talk?".
I did and I didn't, I wanted to know what Leo meant by his earlier statement about Billy, I didn't want to worry Lenny but she was so good at getting to the root of a problem, I wanted her to stay.
"No please join us I think I might need you to help me figure something out".
I turned back to Leo.
"Ok you're going to have to explain this to me, my best mate is in trouble, I know you consider him a friend but you just told me you didn't think he would listen to you and take advice the way Lenny and I do. I'm adrift here I just don't understand, help me out Leo, if I need to step in and clear the way for you I will but you've got to tell me what's causing the problem".
Lenny wanted to know what we were talking about so I brought her up to speed and she suggested we get a drink and settle down for a chat.
Unbeknown to me she pulled Rosa aside and told her to keep a hold of Leo and encourage him to spill everything, it was important, this was family that might be in trouble and we needed to resolve whatever problems there were.
Casey and Phil had joined us along with Father Sanchez and we set off again with Leo trying to explain why he thought it might be a problem to help Billy.
"I'm pleased Casey's here for this discussion because he can back up what I tell you, I've tried to discuss security with Billy, not just this last week, I've been trying to discuss it for some time. He's not protected, he's surrounded by useless idiots who couldn't see a problem if it had red ribbon wrapped around it. His Head of Security spends most nights in a lap dancing bar and is usually so drunk he lets his personnel do as they please which is as little as possible. I've tried, Casey's tried, we even had Doug try to get him to see how useless they are but he just brushes us off. You know how this works PJ, he has to at least acknowledge that there are failings, but to be honest he needs to rid himself of those useless wasters and I'll have him protected properly".
Leo slumped down in his seat, I sensed he thought he'd gone too far by criticising Billy in that way and it's true I was angry.
Lenny could tell I was angry and I'm never sure how she does it but she knew who I was angry with so she took over.
"Leo, thanks for explaining it, you can tell PJ is angry but you're wrong if you think he's angry with you, in fact as soon as he gets his mind wrapped around this problem I'm guessing he'll thank you himself so just give him a few minutes".
She was spot on, if Billy were in this room now I'd be in danger of murdering him.
He and I had been like this all of our lives, looking out for everyone else and not looking out for ourselves, but now I had Lenny and the children and he had Julia and Will to think about and he was being stupid, where I'd put in place the most efficient and effective security I could, he had done nothing, just brushing off the possibility of danger.
"Sorry Leo, Lenny's right, I'm not angry with you I'm bloody furious with Billy and I'm going to see him now so you'd best come along, you may need to protect him from me".
Leo and Casey along with 2 of my security detail went along with me to visit Billy.
Before we got to his apartment block I asked them to follow my lead and play along.
In the lobby of his building the doorman ignored us and at the door to his apartment I rang the bell and a non too pleasant young guy of about 20 or 22 asked what we wanted.
"I'm Hal Morris head of finance at Fielding Presidential, here with my team to discuss budgets with Mr Fielding".
The guy hardly glanced at any of us and made no move to stop us as we entered the apartment he simply told us to wait while he went to get Mr Fielding and left us alone with free access to the apartment.
As soon as he was out of sight I beckoned the others to follow me and walked into the lounge where Julia was nursing Will.
Putting my finger to my lips I indicated to a surprised Julia to keep quiet and whispered.
"I need you to play along Ju, it's ok but I need to seriously impress something on that thick headed man of yours".
Julia looked skeptical but nodded.
I took a gurgling Will from her and indicated to Leo to put his arm around Julia from the rear then cocking my finger to imitate a gun pointed at Wills face, Leo did the same to the side of Julia's head.
All of this had played out in a matter of just a couple of minutes before Billy strode into the room obviously irritated by this unscheduled interruption.
"What the hell's this about Hal?, we don't have a meeting planned.....
He stopped dead when he saw who was actually in the lounge and I could see at first the confusion, and then I watched as it changed to anger.
"What the fuck stupid prank is this PJ, what the hell's going on?".
Turning to his security guy he said, "And why the hell did you tell me Hal Morris was here?".
I answered for him, "Because that's who I told him I was".
Billy started to speak but I cut him off.
"Your office now and drop the fuckin attitude I'm in no mood for it".
We both strode into his office and as I was last in I slammed the door and started in on him before he had chance to speak.
"This evening I asked Leo to look over your security and I was staggered to hear that Leo, Casey and Doug have been desperately trying to help and advise you for some time but you in your infinite fucking wisdom have dismissed every one of them. What the fuck is wrong with you Billy, do you realise how much danger you're exposing Julia and Will too?, I walked in here tonight using nothing more than a false name to gain entry, if I'd been a serious bad guy I could have killed Julia and taken Will before you even knew anything was wrong, right now I am so angry with you I want to punch your fuckin lights out".
Billy had been angry when I'd started my rant but I could see the realisation dawning, he slumped into his desk chair.
"I get it PJ, I understand why you did it, I've been an idiot. If Leo would still help me I'll accept whatever he lays out
"Of course he'll help you but there's to be no more objections, if Leo deems it necessary then it happens, are we agreed?".
He was nodding his head.
"Agreed and thanks Bro, yet again you saved my ass".
We went back to the lounge where the others were gathered and I nodded to Leo.
"You're on, full license do what's needed".
Leo wasted no time turning to Casey, "Assemble a team, we'll want at least 4 of them in place this evening, all the rest exactly as we discussed".
Turning to the security guy he said, "You're relieved of duty as of now, Mr Fielding will generously give you a months salary on top of the current month, your boss and your colleagues will be notified of the same if and when your boss finally drags himself out of the lap dancing bar where he spends most of his nights drunk, you can leave now".
The security guard was livid and started to lay into Leo verbally before Casey walked up behind him and with a grip to his neck silenced him.
"One more word and I'll show you how ex special forces respond to a potty mouth, now when I let go you'll gather your things and leave quietly, are we agreed?".
The guy nodded and Casey relaxed his grip so the guy could leave.
Over the next hour Leo and Casey gave Billy and Julia a run down on his security detail to date and Billy was shocked realising just how useless they had been.
Billy asked Leo to undertake a full review of security at Fielding Presidential and gave him full power to restructure or change whatever he felt was needed and to confirm his position he gave Leo the title CEO Security.
Casey had lined up 5 guys and 3 girls, all with the right background training to ensure Billy, Julia and Will would be protected from harm, Leo appointed Casey as overall decision maker in his absence.
At all times there would be a security guard on duty at reception to vet every person entering the building, there would always be 1 guard outside the apartment door and 1 inside, trips outside would be treated exactly the same as our security detail.
By the time we left the first 4 members of his security team had already introduced themselves to Billy and Julia and taken up their posts. I felt a lot better knowing my Bro and his family were properly covered.
Sitting in my office later that night there was something really puzzling me, why were we, our family and our friends being so specifically targeted?.
I wasn't naive enough to think we wouldn't be a target but I realised Leo had said whoever was directing this campaign against us had gone to elaborate means to find out specific details relating to individuals and that seemed almost personal, I made a mental note to speak to Leo about it after the wedding.
In the short time Leo had been with us he had achieved so much and I had it in mind that he should capitalise on his strength as a first rate security adviser and set up his own business so that was something else I wanted to talk to him about, but little did I know, I wouldn't get the chance.
We were only 2 days away from Billy and Julia's wedding day and everyone was planning for the day.
Father Sanchez met with the Archbishop of New York who was a cousin of Billy's late father and a really cool guy, he'd been hassling money out of both of us to support his various charities since we first got our allowances allocated at age twelve and we'd always happily supported him.
Father Sanchez came back from that meeting beaming with pride like he'd been to the pearly gates and met the boss himself, he told us, "That's what I always imagined an Archbishop to be like, a man who is so in tune with the needs of the people and so focused on helping the less fortunate, I've not seen it in my Bishop but now I know it's possible it's where I want to be, in a place which lets me do so much good for others".
He was such a genuine man, many would have craved high office for the power, the trappings but not this man he only saw the opportunity for bringing help to others that the position could bring.
Billy and Julia's wedding day was one of New Yorks finest.
Billy had been a complete bag of nerves until the organ struck up the opening chords of the Bridal March.
Looking back we saw Julia looking absolutely stunning in her wedding gown on the arm of my Gramps.
Julia's parents had been lifelong friends of Billy's Mom and Dad, they were killed in the same air crash that had robbed Billy of his parents and Gramps had been a Father/Grandfather to all three of us since then, it was just one more thing that welded together our friendship, we were all orphans and even though I had a living father, as Billy put it 'That man is a lost soul with no heart and as good as dead anyway'.
Standing beside him I saw Billy mouth, 'You look beautiful, I love you' to Julia who was close to tears, leaning past Billy I blew her a saucy kiss and winked at her which served its purpose and brought her back from the edge of tears to a chuckle.
Father Sanchez gave them a service to beat all others including a couple of jokes that had the Archbishop and congregation rolling with laughter.
The Archbishop, Billy's second cousin blessed their union and suddenly we were exiting the Cathedral in the New York sunshine with the Cathedral bells peeling out full pelt.
Julia had arrived in an open top Bentley but for their ride to the reception at SPECTRUM they rode in an open top horse and carriage with their security detail dressed in morning suits acting as liveried attendants, while no one suspected if you took one step too close to the bride or groom those innocent looking liveried attendants would possibly fell you with a single blow.
Just as when we married in Torremolinas, it seamed as though most of the Fielding staff had turned out at either the Cathedral or outside SPECTRUM.
When we arrived at SPECTRUM the police had already erected barriers to manage the crowd and I saw Billy make a point of shaking the hands of several officers and thanking them for their help whilst receiving genuine congratulations in return, there was no doubt Billy was one of New Yorks most loved figures and was hugely proud to promote the City wherever he went for which New Yorkers loved him in return.
SPECTRUM at The Fielding was magnificent, I could never figure out how Lenny did it but every time I thought she had produced her best she surprised me again and this was no exception, it had opened 4 nights earlier in a blaze of publicity with a host of celebrities including an ex President, an English Prince and Princess, The Mayor of New York and countless Hollywood Stars.
Ramon had already told us that it was booked solid for the next year at which point he predicted we would clear the building and set up cost, thereafter moving into profit, he had in the last few days agreed a schedule of openings across the US, next would be Washington, San Francisco, Miami, Boston and Philadelphia all cleverly spaced out and all to be preceded with his carefully thought out publicly campaign.
In London the opening of SPECTRUM had again been followed by a frenzy of bookings and plans were already well advanced to open in Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow within the year, but Ramon had surprised us when he told us that there were requests coming in from a whole range of up market hotel groups to consider placing a SPECTRUM in their properties.
Lenny was in favour, Philipe was in favour, but I was undecided and Ramon at this stage wouldn't give any opinion he wanted to have a board meeting to get our forward plans formalised.
Following a wonderful afternoon reception at SPECTRUM Billy and Julia headed of with Will in Gramps private jet, which he'd insisted they use, to his Aunts Villa in the South of France for a week before they headed of again to Barbados to spend their second week with his ageing aunt.
Our party headed back to our apartment after saying our goodbyes, whilst Gramps, Lenny's Mum and Dad, Lenny's Aunt and Uncle and their grandson Billy left in Gramps limousine and we'd arranged for all of them to come to ours for dinner the following night.
We were all up early the next morning, Lenny had planned a shopping trip for the girls so the men could relax.
Ramon asked me if I could spare the time for a chat about SPECTRUM and I must admit I was intrigued so we agreed to have lunch together.
I took him to a little Spanish Restaurant I liked in Manhattan where the owners, a middle aged Husband and Wife greeted me like a long lost son. I'd been coming to San Marco since I was twelve years old and it didn't matter that the restaurant was heaving with the lunch crowd and had a long queue outside, within minutes I was enveloped into the arms of Momma Marco and we were seated in a cosy booth and treated like family.
Ramon was completely overawed by the way we were treated but I let him choose our food and it seemed the distraction brought him back to earth.
Whilst we ate he told me why he wanted a private word with me before we had the planned board meeting.
"PJ I've been trying to get to grips with these hotel groups that want to feature SPECTRUM inside their properties and I have to admit at first I was over the moon that they rated us so well they would make these offers but the more I think about it the more I'm going against the idea.
I understood now he wanted to know my take, my feelings about these offers, but I on the other hand wanted to know what was causing him to shy away from them.
"Ramon I know I can be candid with you but before I do, I want you to talk me through your reasoning, tell me what's putting you off the idea".
We paused whilst the waiter removed our empty starter dishes and served the next course and the he started telling me what his thoughts were.
"Like I said, initially I was really pleased that these groups who own some of the most prestigious hotels wanted us to be in their properties but once I'd thought more on it I felt we were being not only disloyal to Billy and Fielding but we were also being lulled by a greed which could be our undoing and neither of those two things sit very well with me.
He paused to try some more of the beef dish we had ordered for main before going on.
"When we were desperate for sites Billy and Julia took a risk on us and gave us the means to expand. I know we didn't discuss exclusivity but neither did we discuss allowing license of these groups who are coming to us now, groups I would add, who wanted nothing to do with us back then, so my conscience won't allow me to now compromise the advantage that Fielding have over all of these other groups, I feel we should honour and respect our commitment to Fielding and be exclusive to them whether it was discussed or not".
He stopped but I got the feeling he hadn't finished so I waited and sure enough he started off again.
"In the beginning I outlined my plans for creating the need, the market for SPECTRUM ahead of each opening and so far it's worked, each time we open a new venue it's booked solid before opening night, in some venues we have functions reserved 2 years in advance. I have a gut feeling that if we open too many venues in close proximity we could kill the exclusivity that is crucial to our forward growth and so I'm going to be voting no to these offers".
I was absolutely amazed and yet I shouldn't have been, he'd proved so many times how astute and in tune he was, this was yet another example.
He had verbalised my own thoughts exactly, but in the case of being disloyal to Billy and Julia I was concerned that maybe I was being blinkered and practicing a form of nepotism in that I felt I should be loyal to them for friendships sake, yet here was Ramon telling me it was the right thing to do on both a moral and commercial basis.
His reasoning about exclusivity was again spot on, it's long been the norm, when you can't have something because of its limited availability that just makes it all the more a must have item.
I realised I'd been completely quiet concentrating on my thoughts and looking up I saw him looking nervously at me almost willing me to say something.
"Thank you, I've been completely non committal so far on this subject and that's not because I didn't have an opinion, it was because I couldn't be sure my decision was right, I was uneasy because I couldn't work out if I was agreeing with my heart or my head. You just gave me the clarity I needed, I'm in full agreement with you and I'm pretty sure when you explain to Lenny and Philipe exactly as you explained to me, they will agree too".
He was positively beaming now, like a schoolboy who'd earned a gold star from his teacher.
"Thanks PJ, I've wrestled with that decision for weeks and I knew if I brought it to you then you'd either agree or break it down and give me good reason to reconsider, I've set the SPECTRUM board meeting for the week we get back home, I want our strategy going forward nailed down for the foreseeable future".
Again I could tell he wasn't finished so I raised my eyebrows looking at him.
"Yes, ok, I forget sometimes you can read me so well. Some time ago someone gave me an idea for a variation on the SPECTRUM brand and I want to allow enough time in our board meeting to discuss it, I won't elaborate yet but I will say my research tells me it's a massive spin off market. What I'm struggling with is how we could pull it off space wise and if we need a more specific expertise on board to manage it. I don't have a problem with you PJ, I know you'll approve it in principle, but I need Lenny to tell me how we can incorporate it into our current venues and Poppa to examine what sort of management we would need".
I was interested there's no doubt, I'd always be interested in new ideas and having told me there was a massive market for whatever he had in mind I was eager to know just what it was.
"Can I suggest that the best way to get everyone on the same page would be to produce an information package, describe your idea, list the potential with whatever data you have already, list the shortcomings, i.e. the questions you need answered and who needs to answer them and hand those to us as soon as possible so that we can go into the meeting and quickly establish by a show of hands if, a) we are all agreed it's worth going forward with, and b) if the shortcomings can be ironed out".
I could see him mulling it over.
"I like it PJ, it would save time having to explain the whole concept and we could move forward immediately when we have board approval, I'll do that as soon as we get home".
I liked that he was so sure the concept was a good one that he wasn't allowing for the possibility it might be rejected.
As we were finishing lunch I got a call from Celia, Gramps P.A.
She asked if he was stopping with us as she hadn't been able to contact him throughout the day which was unusual.
Immediate alarm bells started to ring in my head.
I told Celia I'd get back to her shortly and immediately called Leo who asked me to stay put and follow my security details orders whilst he did some checking.
Within minutes of speaking to Leo both mine and Ramon's security guards entered the restaurant and made a beeline for us, informing us that the car was directly out front and they needed us in it now, Momma Marco sensing something was not right waved me off paying the bill and told us to go.
As soon as we were inside the car screeched away from the curb heading back to the apartment, the guards could only tell us that Leo had ordered our immediate extraction from the restaurant and return to the apartment and everyone was on lockdown.
I learnt later that Lenny and the girls had been similarly extracted from a 5th Avenue fashion house.
On the way back to the apartment I called Lenny's Dads office to make sure he had security with him only to be told he was at home today not in the office.
Redialing to their house I couldn't help a feeling of anxiety, Esther answered and I greeted her as usual with her first name, I knew immediately when she replied that something was seriously wrong.
"Paul James Thorn how many times do I have to tell you to address me as Mother or Mrs Wicklow, I swear you and Leonora are incredibly rude at times now what can I do for you".
My mind was reeling, I knew what Esther was doing, she was letting me know there was something terribly wrong, someone must be listening in to the conversation.
Never since I'd first met Lenny's parents had they ever addressed me as anything other than PJ, and I'd never heard them use Lenny's full name.
Ramon had noticed my worried expression so I quickly motioned for him to stay quiet and responded to Esther.
"My apologies Mother, I'll speak to Leonora about that and apologies again because I understand this is short notice but we wondered if you and Mr Wicklow would be free to have dinner with us this evening?".
I'd effectively told Esther I understood her message by inviting her to a dinner she had already agreed to attend and her response just confirmed my fears.
"That's awfully kind of you Paul but we have guests here and we will be dining in this evening, I would reciprocate and invite you to join us but I doubt you would enjoy the company now give my love to Leonora and tell her I hope to speak to her soon".
At that Esther ended the call and as soon as I heard the dial tone I pressed my speed dial for Leo and prayed he would pick up immediately which thankfully he did.
"Leo someone has Lenny's parents hostage at their house, I think Gramps is with them, he's been missing all day, Lenny's Mum just gave me the information hopefully without alerting their captors".
I realised I'd been babbling, almost shouting and Leo told me to take a breath and explain everything I knew.
When I finished he told me to stay calm and do as my security detail advised by returning home, he would be back to me as soon as he knew anything if we weren't already home by then.
By now after hearing my conversation with Leo, Ramon was almost frantic and desperate to get home to Pip and Raul.
It seemed as though it took us hours but in reality it was probably only about 40 minutes before we were pulling into the underground parking garage of our apartment block.
The security guys told us to stay inside the vehicle until they confirmed we could get out and again it seemed to take them ages to check it was okay to exit the vehicle and head directly to the elevator.
Once inside the apartment Leo met us and assured Ramon that Pip, Philipe and Raul were safe.
Lenny came almost running into my arms sobbing uncontrollably, it was obvious without anyone telling me, she already knew about the situation with her parents.
Whilst Ramon went off in search of his family Leo asked to speak with us in private so we went to my office where, once he'd closed the door he proceeded to shatter our world.
"Guys there's no way to say this other than straight out and it's not good news, we have a team of our guys plus the FBI and a SWAT Team out at Lenny's parents house now, they've forcibly entered the house, there are casualties and several fatalities but right now I don't have answers on who is injured and who is................".
He couldn't bring himself to finish what he'd intended to say, 'who is dead'.
I asked him if he'd had any confirmation that Gramps was there and he told me Gramps must be there because his limousine was in the driveway and his driver who was badly injured was rescued from the trunk.
What he told us next hurt me beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It was the answer to the question going around in my head before the wedding, 'Why were we, our family and friends being specifically targeted?'.
"PJ we know who's running this campaign".
He fell silent, it seemed he was struggling with what he needed to say.
"It's a known guerrilla gang from South America but we've been puzzled by how they could be so well funded, until a few hours ago when it was confirmed who is behind them, funding them".
I knew before he said any more.
It was clear now, but I still couldn't understand why, I knew I couldn't be like that, and to be honest I was truly thankful that I couldn't, but to hate me so much he would go to these lengths.
"It's my father isn't it?".
Leo just nodded, he obviously thought it would hurt me to hear him say the words out loud and he was right.
Before we could continue we were interrupted by the arrival of several FBI Agents including the Director of the New York Office and a SWAT Team guy.
Once the introductions were completed the Director addressed me.
"I'm sorry Mr Thorn there's no nice way to say this, your Grandfather is among the fatalities, he was shot several times in the back, he was barely alive when we broke in but he was conscious".
He paused and turned to Lenny who was sobbing in my arms.
"I'm really sorry Mrs Thorn, both of your parents and your Aunt and Uncle were killed long before we got inside, Mr Woodruff was shot because he was shielding a boy of about 12, I believe his name is Billy he was unconscious but he appears to be stable and on his way to Mount Sinai Medical Centre, you'll be able to visit him in a few hours but not before".
At that he beckoned the SWAT guy over.
"This is Point, not his real name, I can't give you that, Point is his team position, he was first to your Grandfather, Point was tending him when he died and he has a message for you".
The SWAT guy came to attention before us.
"I'm sorry for your loss sir, mam".
He paused for a moment.
"Mr Woodruff wanted me to tell you how proud he was of you both, and he was only sorry he wouldn't get to see his amazing great grandchildren grow up, he said to tell you he was so lucky to have been your Gramps and he knew you'd take the family firm safely forward. He said don't think that bastard took any time from him because he didn't and he was sorry he didn't have time to explain to you but to always remember he loved you unconditionally as a son and always would and now it was your time to pay it on. I'm sorry but he passed away in my arms at that point".
He saluted and took several steps back before turning and leaving the room.
I was completely drained, the man I'd worshipped all my life was gone, I felt so empty.
Lenny was leaning into me sobbing, I'd lost my Grandfather but she'd lost her whole family almost.
I thanked the FBI Director before they made their excuses and left us.
I turned to Lenny hoping with everything I had that she wouldn't hate me for this and for what I was about to do.
" I'm sorry Lenny, truly sorry, this is all my fault. You, our children, our friends and families are all being targeted because of me, because of that mans hate for me and I didn't see it, or didn't want to see it. He never wanted money, he knows that means nothing to me, he wanted to hurt the people I love because he knows that would hurt me the most".
She looked at me through tearful eyes and I so needed her support right now.
"None of it is your fault lover, if you're looking for somewhere to place the blame, then place it at the door of that deranged bastard who did this and remember I can read you, so the answer to your question is yes, I'm here by your side and I'll support you whatever it takes".
It was what I needed to hear, I pulled her into a hug to show I needed her to not judge me.
"Leo, this will never end while he's at liberty, can we get to him?".
He sat looking at me, I could see him trying to decide where I was going with this.
"We have his location, he's living in a large Villa in a secure compound, the village is small but the compound is well protected with around 50 constantly changing guards.
I was thinking, I knew what I wanted but I hesitated to ask Leo to help me, I couldn't place him in danger to get what I wanted.
Leo smiled.
"Shoe's on the other foot this time PJ".
I looked at him confused.
"It's usually you reading my expression, but this time I'm reading you. You want to go there and take him out and you're worried if I get involved you'll be placing me in danger, well I've got news for you PJ, you don't have a monopoly on wanting to stop this bastard, he was prepared to have my family and friends murdered for pleasure so don't even think of cutting me out".
He was right, I nodded.
"Get Rosa, Casey and Phil in here, there can be no secrets amongst our partners, if we are going to do this we all need to agree, but just one thing Leo, I don't want to take him out, I want to bring him out, I want him on American soil, I want him to finally have to pay for his sins, I want to look him in the eyes and tell him to rot in hell".
TBC
Constructive comments, good or bad to cfgw2000@aol.com please, headed "Life's Illusions" in the subject box. Thanks for giving your time to read this.
Author ARB
This chapter is the penultimate in the series, apologies to all who wanted the story to run on but I feel it's already gone much further than was originally intended.