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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 3
In the two days they'd been away Guardian's team had effectively fortified Gregous.
The work was far from being complete but already safety had increased dramatically.
At London City Airport it was strange for Van to meet someone other than Gregor, it was Drew waiting for them, but he resigned himself, it was only for a short while, then, not only would Gregor return, Brenda and the baby would be with him.
At the offices of the FBO (Fixed Base Operations) who handled the Thorn aircraft fleet in London, they were whisked smartly through into a security lounge, within minutes they were boarding their flight.
Landing in Rome was easy, travelling out to Gregous was definitely not, it was a tedious journey, especially getting through heavy traffic out of Rome itself, but Drew proved to be a skilful driver.
As they approached Gregous, Drew pointed out a box mounted on the dashboard around two hundred metres before they got to the gates.
"Could I just get your attention for a moment please gentlemen, this is your transponder, it activates the gates and alerts the estate security system to your impending arrival, I doubt there will be many times where you are driving alone, but if you are, just drive normally, the gates will activate when you are around thirty metres away, they should be fully open when you arrive, a sensor reads your signal as you pass, the gatehouse sensors log you in, they'll also shut the gates automatically after you pass through, if you have a vehicle, or vehicles behind you which are acceptable and traveling legitimately with you, it's essential that you hit this green button once for each extra vehicle, it tells the system to expect however many vehicles you approve, if there is a vehicle behind you that you do not want to have access to Gregous, hit the red button, it will be denied access in a rather spectacular way believe me, every vehicle on the property has one fitted, each has a unique signature, and there are spares for guest vehicles".
At the house Van was especially pleased and relieved, he'd imagined all sorts of damage being done to the intricate frescoes, but there was no visible sign anything had been disturbed.
On closer examination they could just about detect tiny strips running around the windows and doors.
Reece was pleasantly surprised to find Sofia and the boys waiting for them in the small lounge, quickly pulling both Sofia and his grandsons into a group hug, then suddenly realising, Van had never met them, well not officially.
"Van, I want you to meet my daughter Sofia, and my grandsons Joseph and John, Sofia, boys, this is Giovanni, or Van".
Van moved first, holding out a hand to Sofia who promptly brushed it aside, moving in for a hug.
"We're a very tactile family Van, you best get used to it, we've all been brought up, not just wanting, more needing a hug, it seems to let us read each other, it reassures us about each other's well being".
To Vans surprise, as Sofia moved away, both boys came in for a hug as well, something he definitely enjoyed, he was always pleased to be accepted by younger rather than older people, they were a natural source of feedback on his musical popularity, its future direction.
After a few minutes of catching up, Reece asked that they be excused whilst they grabbed a shower and changed.
Looking out from their bedroom suite, it was possible to see faint patchy differences in the lawn colour where sensor pads had been placed, from the higher elevation it was also possible to see that several items had been sunk below the surface of the driveway.
After a shower and change of clothes, they'd come downstairs to be greeted by a growing group, Rick and Milo, along with Piers, had joined Sofia and the boys, Rick spoke as soon as they arrived.
"I apologise for the family invasion of your home Van, it was impossible to stop this lot from tagging along, they couldn't wait to meet you, in fact, you should have seen the disappointment on their faces when you weren't here".
Van was smiling.
"No apologies necessary, it's been too long since Gregous was filled with voices, in my childhood I remember the house always being full, now someone needs to do some more introductions".
Rick introduced Milo and Piers, then they sat for quite a while discussing what work had been accomplished whilst they were away.
Gregous, being built on a rise, had extraordinary cellars, they were like warm dry caverns, extending in sections, well beyond the floor plan of the house above them, but even Van was surprised by Ricks last statement.
"Did you know about the tunnels?".
Vans expression was one of complete wonder.
"You mean they actually exist?".
Rick nodded, believing now what Vans Butler, Myron, had told him, that no one, not even the master knew of the existence of the tunnels".
Rick could see, Van had reverted, he was a boy, eager to know if it was true, even more eager to explore.
"Myron showed us, there is one tunnel in particular, it was perfect, we constructed a safe room, below the dining room, there's a secret entrance, the safe room is self sufficient, the house can collapse above you, it doesn't matter, there's a connecting tunnel, equally strong, it will take you to the stone barns east of the house".
Vans face was a picture, marvelling at the thought, the stories he'd heard as a boy, the fairy tales, they'd actually been true.
In early December they'd flown to London, Van was scheduled to record his Christmas concert.
He'd decided he wanted to do a full gig, with the stage and theatre decorated for Christmas.
The concert had been invigorating, the audience insatiable, he'd done four curtain calls, sung two sets on each call, now he was exhausted.
Reece had been waiting in his dressing room by the time Van finally got there, dripping in sweat.
A shower and change, then on to the Green Room to meet invited guests, it was the norm, but tonight would not be normal, far from it.
Van was happy as they entered the Green Room, these were moments that he relished, people who were somehow disadvantaged, some in wheelchairs, some less fortunate for other reasons, he loved to give them something extra, then it struck him, a head lifted, someone was staring at him, the face before him was vaguely recognisable, he was disguised, a beard, moustache, but despite the baseball cap pulled low, the eyes gave him away, the look said it all, it struck sudden fear into Van.
This madman had been stalking him for years, it wasn't the first time they'd come face to face, but usually there was Gregor who knew his features and recognised him, neutralising any threat quickly, Drew didn't know this face, it wasn't one he would have seen in his briefing pack, he was oblivious to Vans terror.
Van tried to step back, to exit the room, but there were people behind him, the face moved forward, a gun appearing.
"Welcome Giovanni, I've waited, watched, chosen my time, your gorilla is not here this time, now it's your choice, you and I leave here together, or people will die".
For Reece it took only a moment to sink in, then it hit him, this was deadly serious, he stepped quickly around Van, blocking access to him, coming face to face with the man holding the gun.
For Drew, the gun invoked a deeply ingrained response, block the principal, if you can't extricate, block access to them, his training dictated his actions.
Drew moved to put himself between Reece, Van, and the man holding the gun, but he knew immediately, he hadn't been quick enough, like everyone else in the room, he heard, and he felt the discharge, there was no pain, his brain told him he'd dodged it, but as he moved to block the path to them he saw Reece fall.
As if in slow motion, Van saw Reece move to protect him, saw Drew move to block any access to both of them, but Drew wasn't in front of Reece when the sound came, the sound of a gun blast.
Reece felt it, the searing pain, it was surreal, not the first time he'd felt this feeling, and as quickly as his brain registered the pain, a blackness enveloped him.
Van saw Reece falling, but arms were pulling him backwards, Drew was now in front of him, blocking the gunman's path, when the second blast rang out, he watched as Drew fell.
Van was being dragged swiftly backwards by Theatre Security, out of the line of fire, away down the corridor to safety.
As he was being dragged physically along the corridor, he heard two more shots ring out, then, moments later, a third shot, then silence.
In the green room, Drew realised he'd been hit, it had shocked him, causing his legs to give way, the pain was excruciating, but it hadn't rendered him helpless, he registered the gunman making his way past him, pointing his gun directly at an unconscious, unprotected Reece, the angry look showing he was determined to finish this meddling person who'd thwarted his plan.
Drew reached for his own gun, shouted an order to stop, when it was ignored, he'd fired twice, he saw the gunmans body jerk violently, each bullet finding its mark, but he wasn't finished, turning jerkily towards Drew, his gun raised.
Drew fired a third shot, directly between the eyes, he was a perfect marksman, dropping the gunman on the spot, it was all Drew would remember as the blackness quickly swallowed him.
Reece came to in the ambulance, disoriented, the wailing siren causing him further anxiety.
"Van, where's Van, is he safe?".
He looked to the right, saw another gurney, a body, trailing tubes, blood, lots of blood, and Drews face, Drews lifeless face.
"Drew, Drew, is he alive?".
The paramedic said very little but it was enough.
"Van is safe, unharmed, this one is alive, and if you'll calm down, let me do my job, we'll keep it that way, try not to move too much, your arm is shattered, it looks like the bullet is still in there, we'll be at the emergency room in a few minutes".
In Torremolinas and Montclair two pagers displayed identical messages simultaneously.
Josef and Juan both gasped as they read.
'Principals, 1 Gregous - 2 Caswel-Thorn, gun attack, weapons discharged, Principal 2 down, severe non critical, London, en route Kings Hospital, gunman neutralised, Principal 1 safe unharmed, Agent down, serious, critical condition, Senior presence required urgent, respond ETA of Senior attending'.
In the Guardian Control Room they monitored traffic, receiving twin responses.
2 en-route contact pilots for ETA 3 en-route contact pilots for ETA
At Guardian the senior staff all had a number code. Leo was still number 1 Josef was number 2 Juan was number 3
At their apartment atop Thorn Plaza in Torremolinas, Josef bolted for the elevator shouting explanations to Carry, who in turn shouted to send the plane back for her, as soon as he could.
In Montclair Juan was doing the same, except Pierre was going with him, Aly and Bo had been visiting, they became Grand Parental babysitters immediately.
Thankfully with the amount of traveling, and living in different countries, it had been decided long ago, Guardian needed another plane, they now each had one at their disposal.
Both were airborne quickly, Juan, accompanied by Pierre, slightly slower, it took them a little over thirty minutes to get to Nice by car.
Josef arrived at the hospital first, he found Van in a private room, police guarding the door.
Van was distraught.
"They're both in surgery, your Poppa's been shot in the arm, it shattered the bone, they're removing the bullet, then they'll need to put a plate in to reconnect and support the shattered bone, he moved in front of me, he protected me, saved my life, I thought I'd lost him Josef".
Van stopped for a moment, obviously close to tears".
"Drew stepped in front of both of us, he took the second bullet meant for me, I was dragged backwards out of the room, they tell me the gunman was intent on finishing your Poppa, but Drew shot him three times, he saved my life, then he saved your Poppas".
He'd stopped again to collect his thoughts.
"Drew's critical, I don't know how he did it, to be so badly injured, but still have the presence of mind to take that bastard out, the man's a hero".
Josef and Van were still waiting for an update from the medical staff when Juan and Pierre arrived.
Juan was in a foul mood, it took Josef and Pierre to quieten him, but he was adamant he wanted answers.
"How the hell did that bloody nut job get near to you, near enough to almost kill my Poppa, I want answers, and believe me, I'll have them, before this is over".
They waited together for another hour before two of the Surgeons came to see them, the one who'd operated on Reece spoke first.
"Mr Caswel-Thorn is doing okay, he'll be in considerable pain for a while so we need to keep him heavily sedated, the operation wasn't easy, the bullet took out nearly two inches of bone, it's a miracle the nerves and tendons survived, we've inserted a pair of plates, the bone will regenerate, but it's going to be uncomfortable to say the least for quite some time, don't be alarmed if he seems to be away with the fairies when you see him, for the next few days it will just be the medication".
Then the second Surgeon spoke.
"My news isn't so good, Drew is in a seriously critical condition, the bullet shattered his rib, nicked his heart, then punctured his lung, he shouldn't have survived it, we've done all we can for the moment, he's strong, so that could work in his favour, we're keeping him in an induced coma, if he has any family you should alert them immediately, it will be touch and go for the next few days, if he makes it through the next seventy two hours, he'll be in a good place, but I have to warn you, the odds on that happening are pretty poor".
As soon as the Surgeons left Josef pulled his phone out and dialled, dreading the conversation he had to have.
"Gregor, I have bad news, it's Drew, he's been shot, he's critical".
Josef seemed to listen for a few moments before he responded.
"We're at Kings, in London, I'm sorry, my fault, I should have alerted you as soon as I got the call, I'll be here when you arrive".
Juan was still upset, he addressed his brother angrily.
"Why were you so gentle, he needs to answer some serious questions, he didn't prepare Drew, you know that, I know that, he needs to explain his actions, pay for them".
Van looked at Josef.
"Why is Gregor so concerned, why is Juan so angry with him?".
Josef thought before he spoke.
"Drew was married to Brenda's sister Ruth, they had a son, Nicklaus, he was just six months old, two years ago they were mowed down while out walking by a drunk driver, Drew survived, Ruth and Nicklaus were killed instantly".
Juan and Pierre knew the details, Van had no idea, tears were pouring from his eyes as he replied.
"The poor man, I had no idea, is that why Gregor is so protective of him?".
Juan replied this time.
"Drew was a really bad wild card, for a long time afterwards, he was erratic, unpredictable, we had to suspend him, but Gregor insisted we only suspend him, he started working with him, went to counselling sessions with him, literally dragged him to the gym everyday for several months, Josef and I agreed to put him back on active duty, but to be honest, without Gregor in his corner, we, okay to be really brutal, I wouldn't have considered it, but you already know, we have absolute faith in Gregor, if he said it was Easter Sunday tomorrow, we'd break out the Easter Eggs".
Juan paused.
"What happened today vindicated Gregor's decision, Drew did exactly as he was supposed to do, he protected his principals, he will be looked after, we will look after him, but it raises questions as well, serious questions about who failed, we have never had a principal compromised in this way, it seems the reason is because your guard wasn't briefed on the relevant threats, in a nutshell, Drew didn't know about this madman, that's unacceptable, it cannot be tolerated".
Van had listened, but as Juan talked, he'd understood completely, Juan intended to crucify Gregor.
"You seem intent on sinking your dagger into the most convenient back Juan, I would caution you against attacking Gregor, you, and more precisely, your company, might not like the consequences".
At that Van walked out of the room, Josef and Pierre were left staring at Juan, it was Josef who broke the silence.
"You idiot, you need to learn how to curb your tongue, have you any idea how much damage he can do to us, what he can do to our reputation?".
It was five days later before Drew showed signs that he was on the mend.
Brenda was sat at his bedside, he was her Brother in law, she was telling him it wasn't his time, he had to come back, when a croaky voice agreed with her, shocking the hell out of Brenda.
"Ruth already told me that".
Brenda almost screamed, within seconds she was out in the corridor calling for a doctor, pretty soon there were a whole team of doctors and nurses working on him.
While she was waiting for the doctors to complete their tests, Van came to see her, Reece was being released later that day, he'd heard the commotion about Drew waking up from his nurses and was over the moon.
Van could see Brenda was upset but he put it down to the shock of Drew waking up.
After a battery of tests Brenda was allowed back into his room, with instructions not to let him get agitated, he had to rest as much as possible.
"Oh my god Drew, you've given us all a terrible fright, stay calm, we need to get you better, you've been through a lot, Greg's been worried sick, he'll be here shortly, he's looking after our little man so I could spend some time with you, he's got a name at last, we decided on Andrew Nicolaus, I hope you're okay with that".
"I am Bren, Ruth would be so pleased as well, I saw her I think, we talked, she said it wasn't my time, I had to wait until it was really my time, then she faded away, I don't know now if it was real or not, but I'm going to believe it was, that she's still with me".
He seemed to be deep in thought, then suddenly he said.
"Why isn't Gregor at work, I thought he'd be back with Van if I wasn't there?".
Brenda, looked at him.
"I'm not supposed to say anything, Greg would be furious with me, please Drew just leave it alone".
As he looked at her he could see there was something seriously wrong.
"Okay Brenda, spill the beans, something's wrong and I want to know what it is, either tell me or I ask Greg face to face".
Brenda was in a real quandary.
"If I tell you, will you promise me you'll stay calm, the doctor said you can't be agitated, your heart was damaged, it would be dangerous for you to be agitated, do you promise?".
In truth, he was becoming agitated just because she wasn't telling him.
"For gods sake Bren, stop wittering and tell me what's going on".
She spent the next fifteen minutes explaining how Gregor had been suspended, how Josef and Juan, though in truth, it was predominantly Juan, believed Gregor hadn't briefed Drew properly on the most important points of Vans security, the stalker, how they were debating if he could continue with them, how everything was now in jeopardy, Gregor being full time security for Van and Reece, the offer they'd made for Brenda to run their household, Brenda and little Andrew to travel with them when Van was touring, it was all in doubt now".
When she stopped talking she could see the annoyance in his face.
"You promised Drew, no getting upset, leave it alone, Gregor will sort it".
He smiled and nodded, a completely fake smile and nod, but Brenda bought it.
As soon as she'd gone he reached for his phone and called the Guardian office, he reached the Central Monitoring and Command Office, he didn't need to speak to an operative, the message he left would be picked up and relayed within moments of him terminating the call.
"This is Drew Morris, message for Numbers 2 and 3, urgent face to face, one or both presence required, not at all fucking impressed, Kings Hospital London, asap, if you know what's good for you".
In Montclair and Torremolinas, two pagers beeped once again at the same time, this time the reaction was a little different.
From Josef, "Oh shit, he knows".
From Juan, "Oh heck, maybe Josef was right".
Josef's first reaction was to call Gregor, who was completely in the dark.
"Greg, did you tell him about your suspension, he's sent a message demanding a face to face with Juan and myself, this is not the best time to be doing this, I've been monitoring his progress, his doctor doesn't want him agitated at the moment, a face to face could harm his recovery, perhaps it would be better to wait a while, but I'm prepared to go right now".
Meanwhile at the hospital Drew had asked Van to visit him, so on the way out with Reece, who had now been discharged, they stopped at Drew's room.
They arrived at exactly the same time as Gregor.
Drew was half sitting up and he greeted all of them , with Gregor pulling him into a hug.
Van asked if there was anything he needed, still a little uncertain why Drew had sent for him.
Drew was about to speak when Gregor cut him off.
"Don't Drew, you can't get agitated, it's bad for you, leave this for another time, please".
Drew answered him.
"Let me guess, either Josef or Juan rang you after I left that message, your expression tells me I'm right, that just shows how concerned they are, and it's not my health they're worried about that's for sure, they're concerned for the fallout, how much damage it might do to Guardian's reputation, I'm disappointed, not just with them, but I'd still like to ask them both face to face, when, at what point, did the company's reputation become more important than the people".
Gregor didn't say anything, he didn't want to antagonise Drew, Van and Reece on the other hand were completely baffled and said so, asking what were they missing.
Drew carried on, still speaking directly to Gregor.
"I said I was disappointed, it wasn't just Josef and Juan I was referring to, I'm disappointed with you too Greg, why are you suffering a suspension, you're covering up my mistakes, why the hell haven't you told them the truth, it was my fault, Brenda is worried sick, she tells me everything is in jeopardy, just because you are shielding me, it's admirable Greg, but it's bloody stupid as well, I was the one who didn't spend enough time studying that freaks face, it just didn't register, not even a ping, not until I saw the gun, I must have wasted valuable seconds, it's my fault Reece was shot, so when they get here I expect you to finally tell the truth, you have absolutely nothing to be blamed for, are we clear?".
Gregor didn't get chance to answer as Josef arrived.
"Drew, it's fantastic to see you awake, you can't begin to understand how relieved we all are, but please don't get upset, we can work everything out in time".
Van by now was past holding his tongue.
"Well I disagree, Drew's obviously concerned and that's not good for his recovery prospects, so I agree we do this now in a calm manner, I want to know what the hell is going on, why is Gregor on suspension, I gave you and Juan a warning, you obviously didn't understand me, so let me spell it out for you.
Gregor and Drew made to object but Van silenced them both.
Reece stayed quiet, secretly seething at the way his sons had handled this matter.
Van continued, speaking directly to Josef.
"You, and by you, I include Juan as well, seem to have made a decision without even knowing the facts, you seem to be more concerned about that facts getting out into the media about the attack on two of your clients, you seem to be so concerned with Guardian's reputation, that you are prepared to throw anyone and everyone under the bus if it covers up what happened, I'm absolutely disgusted with you".
Reece tried to interject now to calm Van down, but even he wasn't prepared for how angry Van was, but he got the message when Van turned to him.
"I realise they are your sons, but I expected you to be by my side on this, it's about right and wrong, if you're not by my side then those values you explained to me, they're just a croc of shit, you're as blinkered as they are, and I don't want to be with you".
Reece was left reeling, but Van had turned back on Josef.
"Gregor did absolutely nothing wrong, I was there when he went over the relevant threats, he didn't miss anything, Drew didn't do anything wrong either, he couldn't have recognised that freak, I'd defy even Gregor to have recognised him, he was disguised, I didn't see it until he stared straight at me, if you want to blame anyone, look to whoever allowed him access to the green room, these two are blameless".
Van then turned to Gregor and Drew.
Gregor, you received an offer before all this happened, I still want you as my personal security nothing has changed, I have complete faith in your ability to keep me safe, similarly the offer Brenda received remains exactly as before, Drew I'd like you to consider being Gregor's second in command, if you both agree, I'll see you at Gregous as soon as Drew is able to travel, I'd suggest Brenda come at her own convenience, she could be setting up the nursery and your suite of rooms, contact my secretary she'll arrange transportation".
Turning back on Josef he said just a few words.
"Look after your father, he's still very weak, he has medication in his bag, make sure he takes it, it's essential to control the pain".
And he was gone, leaving them all stunned.
Gregor bolted from the room to catch up with Van.
"Wait, please, I don't have to think about it, and I can answer for Brenda as well, the answer is yes, we'd be honoured to work for you, but I can't allow you to travel alone, I'll accept your offer if you'll allow me to provide someone to travel back to Gregous with you, you'll be safe once you're at Gregous, will you agree?".
Van nodded, Gregor pulled out his phone and hit a speed dial number.
"This is Gregor, Principal Giovanni Gregous is about to leave Kings Hospital London, I want a car at the front entrance in ten minutes, it should have a stick on, the stick on will apply until the principal is within the grounds of Gregous Villa outside Rome, warn the stick on, I will be watching".
He didn't wait for any acknowledgement, he cut the call.
Van looked quizzical.
"What on earth is a stick on?".
Gregor laughed, a deep belly laugh.
"Sorry, it's a term we use, it's a security guard with explicit instructions, not to leave your side until you enter the house at Gregous, I'll see you soon sir, stay safe until then".
Van smiled, a watery smile, one he didn't really feel like displaying, he was actually feeling more like crying, he'd just walked out on Reece, that had hurt badly, but he couldn't do anything else, it was his duty to defend two innocent individuals, if Reece couldn't see that then, so be it.
Back in Drew's room, Josef was apologising, but Drew shushed him, insisting it was clear now, a relief, to know he hadn't fucked up, he was going to accept Vans offer as soon as he recovered, but he urged Josef to mend the fences with Gregor, they'd wronged him badly, turning to Reece he was quite direct.
"I'll work for Van, but it wouldn't be my preference, I would much prefer that I work for you and Van together as my principals, a couple, but that ball's firmly in your court, I'll stay calm if you agree to put every effort into mending that broken fence, are we agreed?".
Reece smiled.
"Yes, we're agreed, it is up there at the top of my agenda, right after I have a heart to heart with my sons".
As they left the hospital Reece dialled Juan's number, when it answered his tone was not difficult to understand.
"I am going to the London house tonight, Josef will be staying with me, you will meet us at Gregous tomorrow at midday, I fully expect you will call your brother to get an update, you should believe him when he tells you how angry I am with both of you, when you get to Gregous expect to grovel, as will Josef, as will I, all three of us have contributed to hurt someone I care deeply for, tomorrow we will attempt to make reparations".
Reece didn't listen to see if Juan replied, he cut the call, turning to Josef.
"I'm trusting you to give your brother the facts, there's a big lesson to be learnt here, blind backing is wrong, the facts should dictate our path, not allegiance to family, I made that mistake tonight, I believe you did as well, I don't think you were ever comfortable with Juan's decision, but you allowed it to stand, you need to re-examine, revisit that decision, there is a reason why Leo made you CEO, and your brother second in command to you, think about it".
And so they spent a mostly sleepless night in London, while Van spent an equally sleepless night in Rome.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.