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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 38
Having made his call to Jacqueline and completed loading the vermin mercenaries onto the jet, he stood watching it taxi on the grass airstrip.
Feeling good about tonight's outcome Josef retuned his radio to listen in to the helicopters progress.
What he heard made him shiver.
"Northwestern Memorial this is Guardian Medi Vac Flight, Golf, Victor, one niner, declaring a medical emergency, I repeat, medical emergency, Code Blue, Code Blue, patient has suffered a catastrophic cardiac failure, resuscitation is ongoing with negative response, I repeat, negative response, we are on final approach, I have visual on your Helipad, requesting crash trauma team on standby for arrival, ETA, three minutes to wheels down".
An immediate breathless response came back, obviously from someone who was talking and running at the same time.
"This is Northwestern Crash Team Red, to, Golf, Victor, one niner, follow procedure, have your doors open as fast as possible, we are on our way to the Helipad now, ETA one minute thirty seconds, we should be on station before you are wheels down, let's save this guy, he's not checking out on our watch".
Josef switched bands on his headset he was panicked.
"Control, immediate fuckin conference connection, numbers three and four".
Josef heard the stereo sound of two phones ringing before they were answered almost simultaneously.
Josef didn't give either Juan or Pierre chance to speak.
"There's a problem, Woody's evac flight just declared a medical emergency, he's suffered a catastrophic cardiac failure, the pilot has requested the Northwestern crash team to meet the flight, Woody's not responding, I'll keep monitoring, but you need to be prepared for the worst, just a heads up, love you guys".
Josef quickly tuned back to listen to the flight talk.
"Golf, Victor, one niner, we have visual on you at, Fifty, Forty, Thirty, Twenty, Ten, Five, touchdown, open your doors, fuck protocol, spit out that fuckin gurney, I want that guy out of your belly now, no Thorn is dying on my bloody watch, I'll never live it down, this one is about to get a cattle prod up his arse if that's what it takes to restart his clock".
There was a slight pause then the pilot responded.
"Doors open, watch the blades, he's all yours, make him good fellas, this one's really special, he's my bosses uncle and he's in my charge, gurney coming out".
Josef listened almost without breathing until he heard.
"Adrenalin in now then get clear, no wind up we're going full blast, charging three sixty, clear, again, charging, clear, again, charging, clear, okay I have him back, it's weak but let's not be choosy, right now I'll take whatever I can get, go, go, go".
Josef exhaled loudly and staggered to a chair on the porch dropping down heavily, for a few moments he did nothing, then he pulled out a bent and battered cigarette from his tunic, lighting it he inhaled deeply, changing the band on his headset he spoke again.
"Control, conference connection numbers three and four please, and control, I'm sorry, I was extremely rude on our last communication".
Surprising him, from control a young female voice answered.
"No apology necessary Boss, your calls are connecting".
Both calls again answered simultaneously.
"Panic over, he's back, proceed as planned, no movement before midday, I'll speak to Uncle PJ, we found his flight crew in the barn, they were all okay, the bastards fed and watered them while they left Uncle Woody to die in that cellar".
Josef cut the call and spoke again to control.
"Control, inform monitoring I want a close watch on every concerned party, the slightest indication that there is chatter about tonight's activities and I want the call bleached (white noise played loudly to disrupt the call), I want to hear all of the vermin chatter tomorrow when I log back on, I'm en route to Northwestern now, I'll be contactable there until Jacqueline Montclair-Thorn arrives tomorrow evening, set up a postmortem meeting for day after tomorrow, inform the committee members I'm not a happy bunny, I want to know why we almost lost the prize, why didn't we know his exact state of health, oh and control, would you be free for dinner the day after tomorrow?".
There was a definite pause before the controller answered.
"Your instructions are all noted, the meeting and your concerns will be communicated, will that be all sir?".
Josef smiled.
"You appear to have missed one of my questions, the last one, is there a reason why that request would be inappropriate, for instance if you are in a relationship?".
The response was definitely stuttered, lacking confidence.
"I'm not in a relationship, and I don't want to be, I'm happy as I am, so I'm sorry the answer is no, I'm not free for dinner the day after tomorrow, if that's all, goodnight sir".
Josef was left surprised, but more to the point, he was intrigued, and hooked.
Woody had been stabilised, his medic from Josef's team insisted on accompanying him through the trauma department and on into a private room where he stood guard outside the door for over five hours until his relief arrived.
Josef arrived at the hospital a couple of hours after the relief team, they were stationed outside Woody's room whilst Josef took up his vigil inside.
Josef's mind was inactive and for Josef that was positively dangerous, he took the time to call Pierre.
"I need your help little brother, the controller on the night of the operation was a female, don't ask me why but I asked her out to dinner, she rebuffed me, but it was the way she rebuffed me which was odd, almost as if she wanted to say yes, but she couldn't, I get the feeling she's been hurt, or she's being hurt, would you do some digging for me, I know I'm being stupid but it's niggling at me".
Josef expected a ribbing, the sort he would have gotten from his brother, but Pierre didn't go there".
"Leave it with me, I'll find out, speak soon Bro".
Josef was left thinking, please god, let there be someone out there like Pierre for me, Juan is so lucky, his next action was one he didn't relish, he now had to call his Uncle PJ, what he was about to tell him would undoubtedly weigh heavily on his mind, he had to tell PJ why Woody was taken.
For Pierre it was simple, he'd learned from the best, seeking out two of their best Techies he told them what he needed, swearing them to utmost secrecy, it didn't take long to get answers.
The controller in question was Caroline Phillips or Carry, she'd had a brief relationship with one of their field operatives, Damon, he'd always been noted as a control freak, to the point he was never going to be a team player and Leo had terminated his employment before Josef, Juan and Pierre came onto the scene.
In his brief relationship with Carry he'd been totally controlling to the point of abusive, until she'd ended it, but he wasn't content with that, he'd given her an ultimatum, come back to him or he'd seriously maim any other man she got close to.
He'd been true to his word, severely beating the last guy she met in a nightclub and danced with, more to the point, he made sure she knew he'd done it, as a warning.
The following day at midday it appeared as if the whole Thorn extended family were on the move.
PJ, accompanied by Josh, Bryan, Billy and Julia left Teterboro headed for Chicago.
For the family at Montclair it was around five in the evening when their flight left Nice heading for Chicago, Reece had declined their offer of stopping at Malaga Spain to collect him and Sofia, he'd chartered his own plane and they left at almost the same time with Leo, Juan and Pierre catching a lift.
In Chicago Billy, Jay and Jolly's home quickly became crammed to bursting with all of the family in residence.
Jolly took it in her stride, sending out for a number of inflatable mattresses she sent all of the youngsters, her own three included, up to the boys rec room in the attic space, freeing up the boys three rooms for family.
Although Woody had been stabilised, he was still in a coma and considered critical.
Jacqueline along with Roslyn, Paul and Daniel were first to arrive at the hospital, everyone agreeing Jacqueline desperately needed time with him, as did their children, the rest of the family would visit in groups later.
For Lenny and PJ there was a strained relationship going on, they hadn't spoken since she'd called him in New York to tell him Woody had been kidnapped, both were aware they needed to clear the air.
Whilst Jacqueline was visiting Woody, Lenny took the bull by the horns.
"PJ, I think it's time you and I cleared the air, I'm not comfortable with this elephant in the room, come on let's go for a walk, we can talk as we go".
They walked arm in arm, it didn't matter they were somewhat at odds, it was how they always were when out walking, their security walked several paces behind.
It was Lenny as usual who started the process.
"So my lover, I didn't get to speak to you after Woody was kidnapped, no message even, that tells me lots, that you're feeling guilty, I'm guessing because you feel responsible that Woody followed you, giving those pigs the opportunity to take him, how am I doing so far?".
Lenny was feeling pretty pleased with herself, she believed she'd gotten it right, then after a few moments she realised he hadn't answered, at the same time she felt the shuddering, he was sobbing, the tears flowing freely down his cheeks, immediately she stopped walking, pulled him into a hug.
"Oh lover, don't, it's not worth it, you couldn't know what would happen, I'm only telling you what Woody will tell you, come on let's stop for tea, if you behave I might even turn a blind eye when you bum a cigarette off that naughty security guard who is supposed to be protecting your health, not encouraging you to smoke".
As they strolled towards a small coffee shop with outdoor seating, he finally spoke.
I have something to tell you Lenny, you won't like it, I'm worried you'll blame me".
She was surprised, it now occurred to her, maybe she'd not got the picture like she thought, in fact, judging by PJ's mood and what he'd just said, maybe she was a million miles off the mark, but she knew he'd tell her the truth, however that affected him, she'd never ever been worried on that score, for PJ, only the right path was acceptable".
Seated on the outside terrace of the coffee shop, Lenny had been the one to approach their security guard.
"Peter, could I possibly borrow a cigarette from you for my husband, I think he needs one right now?".
The guard didn't flinch he simply handed Lenny the packet and a lighter.
"Take the packet Mrs Thorn, in case one isn't enough".
She smiled.
"Thank you, I'll see you get them back, and Peter, I'm Lenny except on the very odd occasion where formality is required, remember that please".
He smiled and nodded.
After his cigarette PJ just stared at Lenny for a few moments before he started to explain.
"In some of what you said you were right, I do blame myself, it's not the first time I've hurt Woody with a stupid childish temper tantrum, but this time it's worse, it wasn't Woody they were after, he wasn't supposed to be there".
She was having trouble following what he was saying, it didn't make sense, the mercenaries had targeted Woody, taken out his flight crew, kidnapped him, if they weren't after Woody, then who?".
He saw it in her expression, the confusion, then the change as realisation dawned and she turned to stare at him, she'd gotten it.
"You were the target, they'd planned to kidnap you".
He just looked at her as she absorbed the information.
"I'm sorry Lenny, the last time he attacked us you lost your parents and your Aunt and Uncle, Billy lost his Grandparents, I didn't realise he could still hurt us from beyond the grave, it's all my fault, Woody suffered because of me, I'm the reason we nearly lost him".
She sat staring at him, unable to comprehend what he was saying until she realised he was sobbing again, she swiftly pulled him into a hug.
"PJ Thorn you listen to me, and you'd better listen well, I love you, I always have and I always will, non of this is your fault, apart from your little temper tantrum, you did nothing wrong, now start at the beginning, tell me all, you need to get this off your chest".
He couldn't believe he was so lucky, she was just Lenny, his true love, the one who'd been his soulmate for so long he sometimes forgot she didn't judge unfairly either.
"The two South American Cartel families my father was playing off against each other, this was one of them, they still want to get back at me for the millions my father stole, when we brought him down we drained all of his finances, gave it to charities around the world, a lot of that money belonged to the family behind Woody's kidnap, except they weren't aiming for Woody, they were planning to abduct me and ransom me for the money they lost all those years ago, they haven't forgotten, Josef interrogated several of them before he sent them to God knows where"
He paused.
"I scuppered their plans when I made an unscheduled exit from Nice, but when they learnt that Woody was planning to follow me they took him instead, it's all my fault Lenny, Woody nearly died because of me".
She was hugging him close.
"You're wrong lover, none of this is because of you, I told you a long, long time ago, it's all because of the sick bastard who fathered you, you can't be held accountable for his wrongdoings, you're an honourable, compassionate and loving man, the complete opposite of that bastard, you have to stop beating yourself up on this issue, now pull yourself together it's time we made our way back, we need to go see our son".
Jacqueline and the children had stayed at the hospital until quite late so it was agreed, no one else would visit that day, they all waited until the following morning.
Jacqueline refused to visit with PJ so she waited at home.
PJ with Lenny arrived at the hospital a little after ten in the morning, as they approached his room there seemed to be a flurry of activity and both became increasingly worried.
PJ stopped at the desk to ask what was going on and the response left both of them smiling.
"The patient in 122 just came out of a coma, are you related?".
PJ just beamed with happiness.
"We're his parents, can we go in, is it okay?".
The nurse responded.
"You most definitely can go in, try to calm him down, he's worrying about absolutely everything, you, his wife, his children, his flight crew, get him to relax and you'll be doing everyone a favour, I was just about to call his wife, can I leave that to you now?".
Lenny assured her, they would contact Jacqueline.
They almost ran to his room they were so happy, but it didn't stop Lenny almost screaming when she saw him, he looked terrible, his face a mass of bruises and cuts, her baby was hurt and it didn't matter how old he was, he was still her baby.
In seconds she had him in her arms sobbing into his shoulder.
"Momma, aren't you supposed to be cheering me up, I have to say you're failing miserably at that, Poppa, give me a hug, has anyone called Jacqueline, I need to see her and the kids".
Lenny broke off from hugging him and dialled Jacqueline's number, when it answered she was smiling as she spoke.
"Jacqueline, I have someone here who wants to speak to you".
Lenny passed Woody the phone, even from several feet away she heard Jacqueline's scream.
"Woody tell her the car is on its way back to collect her and the children, we'll leave when she gets here".
In the time before Jacqueline arrived Woody spoke directly to his father.
"I need you to understand something Poppa, I know why they took me, I heard them talking, it's still not your fault, you can't be responsible for the act of every sicko with a perceived grudge against you, if you were an unscrupulous person then maybe you could be blamed, but you're not, are we clear on this, no beating yourself up".
Lenny looked at PJ.
"I told you what he'd say, now take heed".
Whilst they had a moment Lenny leaned in and whispered into Woody's ear, anyone watching would have seen the look of disappointment on his face, but he quickly recovered, whispering to his Momma.
"I'll fix it, she was just distraught, don't worry".
Moments later all hell broke loose as Jacqueline and the children came bursting into the room.
Lenny and PJ took the opportunity to leave, giving Woody time to catch up with his family and avoiding the obvious tension between Jacqueline and PJ.
At Guardian's Headquarters in Torremolinas Josef was chairing a meeting which was unofficially nicknamed the postmortem.
It had already been communicated that he was less than happy because of Woody's condition, the pre op reports had raised concerns but were not nearly detailed enough to prepare them for Woody's actual condition.
"I'm not happy, I've already made sure you all know that, I expected a dehydrated half conscious Prize, (their code word for the person they were rescuing) I didn't expect a Prize hovering on the very brink of life and death, so someone tell me how that happened.
Several of the members of this meeting looked back and forth between each other before Rick spoke up.
"It's not a new thing it's happened before, we should have the right equipment if we're expected to provide a more accurate forecast, without that equipment it's been stated time and again, we're risking getting it badly wrong, as we almost did this time".
Leo just crossed his arms across his chest in a familiar defiant pose before jumping in to respond.
"That's just an excuse for inept intel, you have a multitude of sophisticated equipment, you reported a lack of movement that should have told you his condition was more serious than you assessed, you failed".
Instead of the expected response defending the Techies position, Rick stood up, looking directly to the section of the table where Leo and Josef sat.
"You know, I for one am sick of having this conversation, sick of being blamed for you being tightfisted, exactly how much profit is worth a life?, I don't need this, and I certainly don't want it, I don't enjoy coming to work anymore, so I guess there's only one answer, I'll work out my notice or leave now, I'll be at my desk when you decide which method is cheapest for you".
At that Rick walked out of the meeting room leaving everyone silent.
Josef was shocked but he stepped in.
"Okay let's suspend this meeting for now, we'll resume in two hours, thank you guys".
As the last of the members left, Josef rose to shut the door behind them before Leo could leave.
"You and I need to have a serious conversation, what exactly was that all about, and more to the point, if there's equipment out there that would have given us a more accurate picture of Woody's condition why don't we have it?".
Leo was looking a little sheepish.
"I know what he's talking about, but I don't believe it's worth the cost, you're talking in the region of a quarter of a million Euros".
Josef just shook his head.
"You and I both know Rick is quite possibly the best in his field, if there's anyone out there better than him we don't know about them, so if he reckons this gadget is valuable to us and will give greater safeguards to the prospect of protecting the Prize, then it's a must have item, so you know what's going to happen now don't you?".
Leo sighed but with a half smile he said.
"You're going to buy him one aren't you, bloody hell we'll be lucky to break even with you guys running the company".
Josef grinned before adding.
"Yeh, I don't see that happening somehow, if I remember correctly, the last quarterly report had us around twenty three percent up on budget and our costs down by fifteen percent thanks to Pierre, who by the way will be tasked with buying this gadget, and I ask you honestly, do you think he will pay anything near full fuckin price?".
Leo just threw his hands up in the air before responding.
"I guess not, I have to admit my grandson is a bloody shark when it comes to negotiating a deal, look you don't really need me here, all I seem to be doing is causing you problems, maybe you'd be better off without me in these meetings".
Josef became serious.
"I agree somewhat, today we don't particularly need you, after all it's just the postmortem".
He stopped to think before adding.
"But I want you to understand something, we do need you when we're planning a difficult extraction, like Woody's, okay you agreed we were spot on with our plan, but it doesn't hurt to have that experienced eye watching, the reassurance is essential, critical even, if there's only ever one instance where you object in every single year, that could be the very time when your intervention saves a life, so expect to be called in if we think we need you, and I don't care where you are, or what you're doing, you are still an absolutely crucial element of this operation".
Leo was completely stunned.
"That was really nice to hear, and rest assured, if you call, I promise, I'll come running, but right now I'm going golfing, and you boy, can set about making me some more money, chop, chop".
Josef called in on Juan and Pierre on the way to see Rick, he filled them in on what had transpired, and on what he had planned before asking that they attend the reconvened meeting in about an hour.
Arriving in the main office all eyes were on Josef as he approached Ricks desk.
"We reconvene in fifty minutes, I'd very much appreciate it if you would be there".
Rick just nodded.
When the meeting reconvened, everyone was surprised by Leo's absence and similarly by the addition of Juan and Pierre.
Josef opened the meeting.
"Okay, our earlier meeting didn't go as planned, but I still have the same question on the table, however, before we get to that a more pressing matter has arisen".
Every eye was focused on Josef.
"It seems we have a vacancy in Tech, Rick will be vacating his desk at the end of this meeting, does anyone have any suggestions about who we want to head hunt to fill that position?".
There was no response and Josef noticed Rick looked sadly disappointed, that was until Josef continued.
"Give it some thought, you know the standard, we only want the best, that should tell you what we feel about all of you, you're the best, far too good to be working for anyone else, remember that".
Just as he expected one of the other members spoke up.
"If we're all so good why are you letting Rick go?, he's better than all of us".
Josef smiled, as did Juan and Pierre who already knew, and agreed with Josef's plan.
"Who said anything about Rick being let go, Rick will be leaving his desk at the end of this meeting, he'll be moving into the glass office which has remained empty for far too long, oh and he'll be your boss, that of course is assuming he agrees to take the position of Director of Technical Services".
Everyone now turned their stares on Rick whose face was an absolute picture of confusion, as if his mind were having difficulty processing the information.
When no response was forthcoming one of the guys prompted him.
"I think this is the point where you say yes Rick, oh and haggle for a bloody indecent salary as well, that way you'll actually be able to pay your round at the bar".
Everyone laughed and it seemed to bring Rick out of his fog.
"I don't know what to say other than thank you, yes I accept".
Josef answered him.
"I asked Juan and Pierre to be here for this meeting because we are equal shareholders in this business, I know they share my views in relation to the people employed here, none of you, in fact no one employed by Guardian, should ever think they are not the best, you all are, and as such we didn't just want you following orders when you were offered employment, you are required to challenge our practices in every aspect, if you have a suggestion we want to hear it, it's the only way to ensure we are always the front runners, now I want to hand you over to Juan".
Juan took over.
"Guys, and Gals, you all know I hate these meetings, I trust Josef to bring me up to speed, just as he did today because he knew I'd be seriously concerned if Rick were to leave us, I'm not just saying that to polish Ricks ego, it's the truth and it would apply for all of you, but there's something else I want to emphasise, Josef wants results, he wants the most up to date technology employed on every case, we can only do that if we keep abreast of new technology, gadgets and gizmos, so what I'm saying is, tell me, if there's something out there that can improve our chances of success, I need to know about it, now we get to the cost of these gadgets and gizmos, so I'll hand you over to Pierre.
Pierre smiled.
"You all know I'm a bit thick when it comes to intel and the technology and gadgets involved, but make no mistakes, I'm a fuckin whiz with money, I can make the most accomplished salesmen beg for their Momma when they realise what they've just agreed to, if you need it to improve our performance and Josef and Juan agree, then I'll get it, and I'll get it for a fraction of the supposed market value, it's why I'm here, apart from the fact my husband needs to be sure I'm not out shagging around while he's working".
That last sentence got an uproarious laughter and a bright red blush from Juan.
Josef took over.
"I hope we've achieved what I wanted from today, I certainly have, I now know why we came close to losing my Uncle Woody, we need the equipment Ricks talked about, so Rick will be liaising with Pierre to appropriate that, but more than that I wanted us, the three of us to show you we're just like you, we're approachable, we don't bite, well, I can't say exactly what those two do behind closed doors, but I've never seen any teeth marks".
Again there was uproarious laughter and clapping, Pierre stepped in.
"Seriously guys, we all work together, this whole business is like a timepiece, a series of cogs and springs, it doesn't matter how good the biggest cog is, if you take away even the tiniest cog or spring, the whole thing stops, it doesn't work unless every cog and spring is working properly, we all, every one of us, make this business work".
As the meeting ended Pierre pulled Josef aside.
"I've put a report on your computer, it's labeled Controller C, it's password protected, the password is Dinner, you might be interested to know the subject is working until eight tonight and usually walks home, just in case you fancy going for a stroll on this fine summers evening".
Josef smiled and nodded.
At five minutes before eight Josef was watching from the first landing above the reception entrance, at exactly five minutes after eight, Carry came into view heading towards the main exit.
Josef skipped several steps at a time down to the reception level, exiting the building a few moments after her.
She was walking briskly along listening to what he supposed was music on an iPod.
He caught up with her and as she looked towards him he smiled.
She didn't smile back, okay he thought, it's now or never.
"So about dinner, I hate being rejected, it gives me a complex, I get quite paranoid, start thinking I'm not worthy, is that it, you don't like me?".
She tugged out her EarPods.
"I don't go out with anyone, for anything, I can't".
Woohoo he'd broken the ice, got a response.
"I know, but I'm not just anyone, he doesn't frighten me, and I'll keep you safe, with no strings, that's a promise".
She stopped dead.
"How do you know?"
He hoped she wouldn't be angry.
"When you replied to me the other night, that wasn't the reply of someone who didn't want to say yes, it was the reply of someone who was frightened to say yes, you had no reason, never will have any reason to be frightened of me, so it had to be someone else, I made it my business to find out who, I'm sorry but I don't like bullies, I make it my life's mission to show them the error of their ways".
She started walking again but slower, he kept pace before he asked again.
"So dinner, we could stop off on the way to wherever you're going, have a meal, I could walk you the rest of the way, or I could call for a cab, it's just dinner, I promise I won't get all heavy, just friends, so what do you say?".
And then he saw it she smiled, just for a fraction of a second before the despondent look returned.
"I can't, he'll hurt you, I'd be responsible, please leave me alone now, he'll be watching".
Josef wasn't put off.
"Nah, don't think I will, if we can't have dinner, I'll walk you home, if he wants a go at me, he can try, I guarantee he'll regret it".
And so they walked, at first in silence, then she gradually started answering his questions, nothing personal, nothing intrusive, just general questions about her work, what she liked to do to relax, what music she liked, her favourite bands, her family.
By the time they were a few streets away from where she lived he'd gained enough to write her CV, he felt he'd known her for ever.
They were two streets from her home when a hoodie clad guy came walking towards them, she visibly stiffened, stopped dead in her tracks as the hoodie clad figure spoke.
"I warned you Carry, this is your fault, he's going to get hurt now, then I'm going to teach you a lesson, you have to learn".
Josef had already sussed the situation, he stepped in front of Cassy.
"There's only one person going to get hurt unless you stop now Damon, yes I know who you are, I also know what you've been putting Carry through, but I'm telling you it's over, your move, if you think you can pull it off go for it, but don't you go crying when you're smacked down, and you will be I assure you".
Damon made a lunge, Cassy screamed, Josef didn't move other than to readjust his stance, he just connected and drew in Damon's weight and the energy from the lunge, turning it against him, instead of meeting resistance Damon was shocked when Josef added more momentum to his body, pulling him in then dropping rapidly down, spinning Damon airborne in an arc past Josef's own body, moving him so fast he landed head first on the hard sidewalk, completely winded, only half conscious.
Josef whipped out a plastic tie and bound Damon's hands behind him before standing up and checking on Cassy.
"Are you okay, don't be alarmed, unless I'm very much mistaken, we have some friends close by.
Cassy looked puzzled until Josef spoke out, as if to the empty street.
"Okay whoever is on unofficial shadow duty, you can show yourselves now".
From the darkness of nearby bushes two smiling figures emerged, the lead figure spoke.
"I said you'd know, nice work Boss, you'll need to show me the mechanics of that little move you just pulled, its definitely worth having in reserve".
Josef grinned.
"I have a job for you, if you do it right, I won't tell Juan I knew you were following me, take this piece of shit to his employer, Safety Inc, demand to see the Night Directer, tell him his employee just launched an unprovoked attack on the Head of Guardian, I want him out of this town before morning, if he ever appears in this town again I will view it as an attack from Safety Inc, and I'll respond accordingly".
Josef knew what would happen, the rival company, much smaller in size than Guardian would understand the threat clearly, all future relations would cease, no shared information, no Intel or services, seriously restricting their effectiveness, they would be furious one of their employees had put them in this position.
Damon would end up with some seriously broken bones, then he'd be dumped in another town, probably hundreds of miles away, possibly even another country thousands of miles away.
Getting back to Carry who was crying he pulled her into a loose hug, but she surprised him, she pulled him close, burying her head in his shoulder as she cried.
"Hey, it's okay, he's never going to bother you again, now we're two streets away from your home but I happen to know there's a lovely little restaurant on the next corner, it's called SPECTRUM, and I happen to know the owners, so how about we have some dinner, after all it's the least you can do after almost getting me beat up".
She looked up through tearful eyes.
"There was never any danger of you getting beat up was there?, he didn't stand a chance did he?".
Josef almost giggled.
"No and no, okay so I could have been beat up, but I do believe in fair play, I gave him the chance to back off, his choice, knowing who he is and what he does for a living, he should have been fully aware of my capabilities, some people are just plain stupid, hurting people without cause is just sick, I'll never stand by and allow that to happen, you can still say no to dinner, but I promised no strings, that offer still stands".
As they entered SPECTRUM Josef's plan was almost scuppered when the Maitre de greeted them with.
"Ah Mr Caswel-Thorn, I have the table you reserved, if you'd like to follow me".
Josef cringed.
Cassy picked up on it immediately and started laughing.
"Well there's confidence for you".
She was still laughing when they were seated, but the laughter stopped abruptly when a really beautiful girl walked up to their table, leaned down and kissed Josef on the cheek, he responded by hugging her and kissing her back, at that Cassy was incensed.
"Please don't let me interrupt you Romeo, you seem to have your hands full, excuse me".
And she was gone, leaving Josef dumbfounded.
"Well thanks Sis, nice one, you just pissed of my date, the one I worked extra hard to get a date with, though I'm not sure sitting down at the same table for less than two minutes actually qualifies as a date, congratulations".
TBC ARB Allan
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Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.