TwentyOne — Santana and the Lady on the Beast

 

 

Jewel is making a call to Gerald to inform him she has gathered all the people needed. Jewel thought about the outcome, which she thinks favors the two of them. She pictures herself in a large villa on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean and imagines having men serve all her wishes. She could see no other ending. Jewel had thoughts of owning all the diamonds but would be careful not to let it get in her way and act only if the situation was heavily in her favor.

Gerald was more conservative in his thinking. He also thought they would win because of his fastidious and meticulous work habits. He was an I-man. I can do it, I am the best, I make it happen, I will prevail! He had a good feeling about the diamonds and the fact he would get them; get them all. Gerald thought Jewel might betray him. He was ready to not let it happen.

Gerald had set his alarm for an early rise. His plans included a half day at Chateau 54 and a meeting with Jewel. He had sent her a message, there was a possibility of three places of interest which would make it necessary to hire two more men. He showered and shaved, made a light breakfast of seeds and honey. He ate while thinking about his plans, something he did each morning. He was a man of conviction, it was something which has helped him survive. Gerald, never kept written records. His memory, although not 100 percent recall, never failed him.

Only once was he caught with the stash and jailed for a few days before his connections broke him out. He had to hide over 12 months. This cost him a great deal of money which he had plenty of but he was unable to strategize new plans which upset him the most. He was an avid reader, especially military books. He went into each job using military thinking. He would do a complete reconnaissance of his target. This included going over in his mind how he saw the plan unfold, checking every aspect of the place to be attacked and double checking his opposition. Gerald’s mind also gave thought to minor problems which could cause conflict. With all these things tirelessly worked out, it made him a problematic and illusive foe; he knew it!

Gerald answered his phone. It was Jewel. He let her know they needed to meet. He would need two more men and would bring the needed money with him. They would meet at a local coffee house where they had met before; over a year ago. He would never meet in the same place twice unless six months had passed.

“Gerald is everything going on schedule?”

“So far as I can tell we still have the upper hand. I’m packed and ready to travel, how about you?”

“I’m ready.”

“Good, I’ll see you later today.”

Neither, was much for small talk.

Gerald drove on Route 37, toward the coast, a short distance before the bay bridge he turned toward the aging home which stood deserted since the early ’70s. He pulled his car onto the dirt driveway, then walked behind the house where a bomb shelter had been built in the early ’60s. A time when the United States citizens were worried about the nuclear threat from the Soviet Union. He laughed to himself. If they only knew what a huge bluff the other side had perpetrated. Oh, they had missiles, but they knew they would never win an all-out war. The bluster they created worked to their advantage. The United States, in his opinion, should have stood up to all the aggression. This would have brought the wall down much sooner. They probably had to play politics as they usually do. After all who really runs the world? Big money people.

After reflecting, he counted out another three thousand dollars from the large pile of cash; he estimated the stash at around twenty-seven million dollars. This job would earn him over one hundred twenty-five million, less a few million for the fence should all go according to plan. And it will, he said to himself.

It was time to head to the chateau, there he would sham an illness. This would set up a doctor’s appointment and he’d be off to Philadelphia. He arrived ten minutes early as he usually did. He ran a tidy ship and wanted it to continue until he was ready to strike.

He acknowledged everyone he met with a short wave and a friendly smile. Always lull the enemy to sleep and then strike when they least expect. He felt apprehensive at the chateau, but he checked and rechecked everyday if he was handling himself in a non-deceptive manner. His cover story, about the movie star accident and the following facial surgery was a coup. The story had worked well. As far as he knew no one had gotten the wiser. If he could pat himself on his back he would. A phone call to Mother and he would be off to Philly. Then the meeting with Jewel. He would watch his back with the utmost care.

Jewel sat in a comfortable chair after her phone conversation with Gerald. Her mind was strategizing, but not in a military fashion. Jewel was more of a feelings decision maker. Her feelings had always done right by her. She had never been caught doing any of her deeds and she had done many. She was proud of herself, not quite the I- man brother Gerald was but she thought highly of her survival methods. Jewel was formalizing a plan of action should the opportunity arise, she would need help from at least two of the hired help, they would be with the crew and have the knowledge needed to act if she called upon them. Jewel was elated when a fourth spot had appeared. The two men designated to go there would divert to where her and Gerald were going. Only one problem concerned her. What if Gerald picked the wrong spot. She would let her feelings guide the situation. Gerald needed to be on guard!