Jack O’Donnell picked up the package from the airport the moment the cargo plane landed. His men loaded the crate into the back of the van. Jack read the instructions and laughed. Working for his new boss was going to be interesting.
Twenty minutes later the van stopped in front of the home of Richard Dewberry.
“Special Delivery Package for Mr. Dewberry,” the driver stated. He waited a moment. Once the gate opened they drove to the back, unloaded the package then immediately left the property.
Dressed for the day, Dewberry was having his morning tea when his butler walked in. “You have a special delivery, sir.”
“Bring it in.” Dewberry replied without as much as looking up.
“It is a rather large box, sir. I am afraid it would not be feasible to bring it to you. You will have to come to it.”
Dewberry glared at the butler over the top of the paper he was reading. “Very well. Where is it?”
“At the back entry way.” The butler replied as he stood aside to let Dewberry walk by.
Reaching the area, Dewberry frowned at the huge container. “Did my wife order furniture?”
“Not that I am aware of, sir.”
“Well open the bloody box.” Dewberry huffed with irritation.
The butler picked up an item that resembled a crow bar and opened the box. Dewberry and the butler stepped back to get away from the stench that emanated from the open container. Dewberry peeked inside to see the frightened eyes of Brentwood Michael looking back at him. A small oxygen bag was lying on his chest, with attached tubing in each nostril.
“Good god man. What happened to you?”
All Brentwood could do was wiggle. His hands and legs were bound and his mouth taped down.
“There is a note, sir.” The butler said with a wrinkled nose.
“Read it.” Dewberry ordered.
The butler gingerly did as he was ordered, “You are next.”
$ $ $
After making the delivery to Dewberry, Jack had a few hours before his next assignment. He went home to help his wife with the packing up of their house. He found her in their bedroom directing the movers. She looked up when he entered.
“You look as happy as a puppy with a new toy.” She stopped in front of him and smiled. “I thought you would be a bit miffed about leaving London. You have lived here all of your life.”
Jack smiled at the woman who married him when he had nothing. She never knew, but he had to do some very seedy, even unlawful things to support their family. And they still did not have the life he felt she deserved. Now that he was working for Jonathan Michael, he could provide for his family with ease and never have to be concerned with spending the rest of his life in prison.
He kissed her nose. “Poppycock, I am looking forward to a new life in the states. However, Mr. Michael called with my first assignment. How would you like a week in Paris before we leave? It will give the movers time to set up our home in the states and us the honeymoon I promised you sixteen years ago.” To his delight his wife went bonkers.
His phone buzzed. It was a message from Dewberry. He deleted it. Jack had no intention of ever working for the smarmy geezer again. From the moment Jonathan Michael offered him the job, his mindset had changed. There would be no more intimidating people or their families on Dewberry’s behalf. His job now was to protect others from people like him.
At the designated time, Jack watched the plane as it landed. Mr. Michael indicated the couple would give him directions once they arrived. His mouth gaped the moment the woman stepped off of the plane. She was a stunner. He loved his wife and would not ever consider stepping out on her. But this woman could make an old bloke like him wander.
“Can you believe those seats? Oh my god I felt like I was sitting on air the whole time we were flying.”
Preston laughed. “You were on air, Gina.”
“Hey, hey let this single mother of three who has lived in the projects for most of my adult life, brag on the fact that I just flew to London on a damn luxury jet, with champagne and shit served at my will.” She stopped walking and declared. “This is how I am supposed to live. Hell, Chrystina hasn’t even been on that plane yet.”
“Good day,” Jack greeted the couple. “My name is Jack. I will be your security during your visit to the UK.”
“Holy crap, we have a freakin driver, a black limo and security. I’m done.” She cupped Jack’s face and kissed him square on the lips. “Hello Jack, I’m Gina and this is Preston. We are here to do a job. Let’s get it done so we can all go have big fun in Paris.”
Jack was sure the shock showed on his face. The man with the woman smiled, as he spoke.
“She is very friendly.”
Jack nodded. “It would seem so.” He waited until they were in the limo then climbed in and sat across from them. “The parties you are here to see have all confirmed the meeting for this afternoon.”
“What about Dewberry?” Preston asked. “Are we certain he will not arrive until our goal is met?”
Jack nodded. “He will be occupied for a number of hours.”
“Oh my god look at that Preston.” Gina watched out the window with the excitement of a child.
Jack raised an eyebrow at Preston.
“She’s going to be fine,” Preston said then continued. “Have the authorities been notified that we are here?”
Jack nodded. “The authorities and the press will be at headquarters at the designated time.”
“There is a concern information about the meeting will get out before we are ready. Has that been addressed?”
“Holy shit…WOW!” Gina exclaimed.
Jack’s attention was once again drawn to the woman.
“Mr. O’Donnell, I need your attention to stay with me.” Preston stated.
“Yes, sir,” Jack snapped back around.
“No. Just Preston,” he smiled. “She is very excitable. Back to the meeting.”
“Yes,” Jack continued. “Not a drop of information about the meeting will get out before we are set to go.”
“Good.”
The vehicle pulled up in front of Monica’s home in London. “This should only take a few moments,” Gina said as she stepped out of the vehicle.
Following Jonathan’s instructions, Gina walked into the flat with the key she had been given. The home was empty of furniture, but Gina could tell it was cozy at one time. She went to the lower level room, looked around, then walked over to the wall Jonathan had mentioned. She placed the palm of her hand on the panel. The wall opened up.
“Holy crap that shit worked.” An actual computer system was built inside the wall. She took a deep breath, then looked closer at the controls. In her mind, the sequence of tasks played out. “Okay.” She was ready. She pushed the initiate button as Jonathan had instructed. The computer came to life. Gina smiled, assured she was following the steps in order. She then keyed in the information just as Jonathan had given it to her. She waited for the two beeps, watched the transfer of data indicator run its course. Once the indicator was completed, she ran a test. Using the information Jonathan had given her to log into Dewberry’s computer, she waited then smiled once Phase International’s system appeared on the screen. A list of executives appeared. She checked Dewberry’s name. The data on his computer appeared. She searched for the file titled ‘dump’. Once she found it, she touched it and it opened. Lines and lines of data began filling the screen. As Jonathan said, it took less than a minute to load. Gina checked some of the dates to ensure the information had loaded correctly. Satisfied, she logged out of the Phase system. Once that was done, she pulled a device from her purse, held it to the computer then watched as all of the data disappeared. According to Jonathan she had just erased the entire system Jonathan had designed. She felt bad. It was an intricately built system that had to have taken years of work to put in place. To see all that work erased made her sad. She shook off the thought then did the last task. She then pushed the small red button on the top right hand position of the screen. The word “CHEERIO” ran across the screen. After ten seconds the screen went black.
Less than five minutes later Gina was in the back seat of the limo.
“All done?” Preston asked.
“I am insulted that you asked. Of course it is done. Gina Price does not half step.”
“I know.” Preston leaned over and whispered. “That is precisely why I am keeping you.”
Gina smiled, turned back to the window and was once again excited by the sights of London.
When they reached the Phase International Headquarters building, Gina gawked. “Wow and I thought Dunning was impressive.”
“I have to agree,” Preston said as he stepped out. “This is a wow.” He held his hand out to assist Gina from the vehicle.
To Jack’s surprise the persona of the woman changed right before his eyes. Inside the vehicle she seemed childlike, playful even, but once she stepped onto the walkway in front of Phase International, it was all business. Okay, he thought to himself this might work after all.
In Chrystina’s office, Grace, Jonathan, AnnieMarie, Gary, Mike and Winnieford sat around the monitor watching the scene unfold before their eyes. Preston had a camera in the lapel of his suit jacket. He stood in the back of the room to give them a full view of the men sitting in the boardroom. They all sat back to see if the plan would work.
“Good afternoon gentlemen.” Gina walked into the boardroom of six men. She placed the folders she was carrying on the end of the table, then placed her purse on the edge. It fell onto the floor. “Oh my,” she said as she turned her back to the men, then slowly bent over. Several men stood to help her retrieve the items that fell. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” She smiled at the men as they took their seats. She cleared her throat, as she placed her purse in the seat she was to sit in. She giggled. “I am a bit nervous being around so many distinguished looking gentlemen all in one room.” She blushed, took a deep breath then scanned the room to see the reaction of the men. Four out of the six, she knew had been spellbound by her little act. Two, she would have to give the shock and awe treatment. “Thank you for honoring our request to meet with you in a private session. Accompanying me today is Preston Long, Director of Corporate Accounts and a member of the Board at Dunning Bank & Trust. He is here because what we are about to present to you has a direct impact on his life, and Mr. Myles Dunning, our CEO and President felt it was only right for him to see that justice is served.” Gina began pacing around the table. She placed her hands on the shoulder of the one man who had the power to sway the others. “Please allow me to give our presentation in its entirety. I am certain all of your questions will be answered. Will that be all right with everyone?”
The man patted her hand. “You go right ahead my dear.”
“Yes, yes,” another man nodded. “We will all listen to what you have to say.”
Gina smiled brightly at the man. “Thank you very much,” she smiled then began pacing again. “My name is Regina Price. I am here representing the legal department of Dunning Bank and Trust. I will answer the question that I am certain a number of you are asking. Why am I here and Grace Dunning, the Vice President who handles legal issues is not? Well,” she stopped and glanced charmingly around the table. “It is because I am your only hope to stop the plummeting of your ranking with the world banks.” She stopped and scanned the room. “I suggest those of you who are watching my arse rather than listening to my words, readjust your minds.” She paused and waited until their eyes were on her. Now that she had their attention, the smile was gone. The look of a woman delivering a message was now in place. “While Ms. Dunning is prepared to release our findings to the media, Mr. Michael, that would be Jonathan Michael, remembers it was Phase International that opened the doors for him. He not only recognizes your role in his career, he acknowledges it with pride.” She began pacing around the table again, connecting with each member. “It is at his request that Ms. Dunning gives you this one,” she put a finger up and held it there for emphasis, “opportunity to change the illegal….” She let the word hang in the air then continued, “practices of your representative that have come to light.” There were rumblings around the table.
At Dunning, Chrystina pulled out bags of popcorn and began passing them around.
“Thank you,” Winnie chuckled. “This is going to be good.”
“I feel like I’m watching a movie,” Mike said as he put his feet up on the desk then crossed them at the ankles and continued to watch what was unfolding on the screen.
“If you will take a look at the documents in the folders Mr. Long is distributing, you will see a pattern of years of abuse of power by Richard Dewberry III. I wish to convey to each of you that Jonathan Michael provided the basic information on each unlawful act, he has not released or shared any internal memorandums or documents concerning Phase International the entity, with Dunning executives. Everything you have is solely on Richard Dewberry. Dunning Bank & Trust has no interest in declaring ranking wars with Phase International or America’s Bank. We believe in a fair system of commerce for all. With that said, we will protect the integrity of our family of banks across the world. If Richard Dewberry is not removed from the leadership role he holds at Phase International, we will have no choice but to release the documents you have before you to the media.” She paused and smiled. “Gentlemen, to show we are not your enemy Mr. Michael used his considerable talent and time to deliver the culprit who caused the shutdown of your system last month. You all know Mr. Michael’s technological talents. You built your organization around his talents. Therefore, you should have no reason to question his findings. However, at the odd chance that you do, step by step documentation of his findings is included in your package. Before I reveal the name, Mr. Micheal has extended the offer of mentoring the team of your choosing to prevent the breach from ever happening again. As for the breach which took place last month, it was a simple error that originated from the private computer of Mr. Dewberry.”
There was a rumbling of noise outside the door. Seconds later Richard Dewberry walked in. “What in the bloody hell is happening here?”
“Perfect timing Mr. Dewberry,” Gina smiled, then graced each man at the table with the brilliance of it. “You have been a most attentive audience.” She leaned over to adjust her shoe. All eyes in the room went to her with the exception of the man she needed to sway. His eyes were set squarely on the one and only Richard Dewberry.
“Answer me,” Richard stomped. “Why was this meeting called without notification?”
Gina stood and laughed. “Oh, that was at my request, Richard.”
“Who in the bloody hell are you?”
“A woman with assets you would never understand.” She turned to the men. “Dunning Bank & Trust will be waiting for your response.” She almost curtseyed as she waved. “It was a pleasure to meet all of you. Bye-bye now.” She turned and strutted out the door.
Preston stood to follow Gina out as a member said, “Cut the bluster, Richard and have a seat. We have changes to make.”
In Chrystina’s office Grace and Jonathan smiled. “Bee’s knees, I think she did it.”
The group looked at Grace. “Cool.”
They all nodded in understanding. “Definitely cool,” Gary gave a high five.
“I suspect that will be the end of Richard Dewberry at Phase,” Jonathan stated.
“How did things go with Elaine, Mother?” Grace asked.
Winnie sighed. “You know, I was going to let her go, but I just could not do it. I turned the file over to the authorities the moment I left the hospital. I expect her to be behind bars before long.”
Grace smiled. “You did the right thing. Never leave an enemy the opportunity to come after you again.”
AnnieMarie thought about those words. “I think I may have done that.”
“Done what?” Chrystina asked.
AnnieMarie glanced at Mike. “I should not have let her go.”
“Well I damn sure wasn’t going to let you throw her off the roof,” Mike replied.
“Throw who off the roof?” Chrystina asked
“Yeah Mike,” Gary asked. “What are you talking about?”
Mike raised an eyebrow at AnnieMarie. “Are you going to tell them?”
“No, and neither are you.” AnnieMarie huffed. Mike started to speak but she cut him off. “Say one word and Judy is off limits to you.”
Mike looked stunned.
“Who in the hell is Judy?’ Winnie asked.
“Why is everyone in here?”
They all turned to the connecting door between Chrystina’s and Myles’ offices.
“Um…I have to get back to my office,” Grace said as she kissed her mother on the cheek. Then quickly walked out the other door. “Jonathan I need to speak to you.”
Jonathan nodded then followed along.
“Yes,” Gary cleared his throat. “I have phone calls to return.”
“Mother?” Myles raised an eyebrow.
“AnnieMarie, your office. I want to know about this roof incident. Mike you come too.” Winnie kissed Myles on the cheek. “I will talk with you later honey.”
Myles looked around at all the empty seats in the office, then glared at Chrystina.
She smiled and said. “We were all just looking at a movie,” then shoved popcorn in her mouth.