Part 9

Cyrus slammed on the brakes as his car sped around the corner on his way to Mel’s house.  The short trip through town felt like hours as the sound of Mel’s frightened scream resonated in Cyrus’ head.  His only thought was to get to her side and rescue her from whatever it was that held her locked in frightened paralysis.  Before Cyrus even made it to his car, he dialed 911 and had them dispatch the police to their residence.  As the car skidded around the corner, Cyrus saw that three police cruisers and one unmarked vehicle were already in front of the house. The chaos drew out their neighbors and small pockets of people lined the streets to see what was going on.  The street was blocked off so Cyrus couldn’t pull up close to the house.  He stopped the car on the side of the road, leapt out of the driver’s door and ran to the house.  His heart beat rapidly with fear and adrenaline.

As he approached the house, two officers monitoring the cordoned off area stopped him from passing through.  Cyrus started to protest, but he heard a voice say, “Let him through.”

It was Frank Cooper standing on the porch waiting for him.  Cyrus slipped under the police tape and ran to the house.  What he saw instantly turned his stomach upside down.  The front of the house was tagged with racially charged graffiti.  The black and red spray painted slang terms for Mel’s African American heritage and Nazi swastikas were vibrant on the houses’ white siding.  All the front windows were broken.   On the garage door, in big bold letters, were the words “Go Home N…”;  Cyrus couldn’t bring himself to read the rest. As he ran up the stairs, Cyrus spoke rapidly, “Where’s Mel? Is she ok?”

Frank raised his hands in a calming motion and said, “Mel’s fine she’s inside.”

Cyrus ran past Frank and almost knocked two officers over as he stormed through the house.  Through the main hall he ran, then past the living room.  He had to stop short and turn around, as Mel was seated on the couch inside.  Mel jumped to her feet and Cyrus ran forward.  “Are you alright?” he said.

“I’m fine,” Mel said.  “Just scared and angry as hell.”

“Oh thank god,” Cyrus said. “I thought the worst.”  Cyrus pulled her close and held her in his arms.  Frank Cooper walked into the living room. Cyrus turned and said, “Who the hell did this Frank?”

Frank let out a deep sigh and said, “We don’t know.  We’ve never seen anything like this in Springfield before.”

“Come on Frank, that’s always your excuse, you have to have something,” Cyrus said.

Frank didn’t respond but stared back at Cyrus.

“I’m sorry Frank, I’m just rattled,” Cyrus said burying his head in Mel’s hair.

“I know,” Frank said.  “We all are.  I’m going to leave two men behind to watch your place.  I’m going to handle this one personally.  Don’t worry, we’ll get them.”

Cyrus let out a soft smile and said, “Thanks Frank.”

*

Two blocks away, the four door black sedan carrying Grady Foley and his three cohorts sat quietly with the engine off.  They watched the flurry of activity from afar and laughed.

“That was great,” Christophe said.

“Totally,” Stefan replied.

“So what’s next,” Christophe asked.

“Her office.  She’s an attorney.  We can hit her there tomorrow,” Grady said.

“Love it,” Stefan said. “Any other of her kind here.”

“Just one that I know of but he’s a cop,” Grady said.

“Cops don’t scare me,” Christophe said.

“Me either,” Stefan replied.

“Let’s get some grub,” Grady said. “I’m starving.”

“The newbie’s starving.  Let’s get you a reward dinner then newbie.”

The driver started the car and swung a u-turn on the wide street.  After a few blocks, they turned the lights on and sped off into the distance.

Part 8

Phillip Spaulding stepped into the fourth floor hotel room at the Beacon and was thankful that no one else was around.  He and his family had been living there since Roger took the mansion and the situation had been tense to say the least.  He dropped his briefcase on the chair in the small sitting area and walked over to the wet bar.  There, he flipped a clear glass over and poured it halfway full with scotch.  He gulped down the glass full and poured himself another.

“Do you really think that’s going to help?” a voice said from behind him.

“It certainly won’t hurt,” Phillip said.

“Maybe you should man-up,” the voice said.

“You know what, Dad, it’s been a tough day, can we do this later,” Phillip said and turned to face Alan Spaulding.

“Later,” Alan said, stepping forward, cigar in one hand and a glass of scotch in the other.  “You really think this can wait.”

“Lizzie and I are doing the best we can to,” Phillip started but Alan cut him off.

“I’ve heard enough of this dribble drabble from you and honestly it is making me sick.  I spent years building Spaulding Enterprises and in a matter of months you let Roger Thorpe steal it away from you.  The Spaulding mansion, Spaulding Enterprises…everything!”

“Dad, please,” Phillip said.

“No.  No more please.  If I were alive, we wouldn’t be in this mess.  Maybe you should step down and let Beth or Olivia run the company. A child could do no worse.”

“You think this is easy.  Your son, Alan-Michael, double crossed his own family.  We haven’t heard from Aunt Alexandra in months and all your concerned about is the mansion and the company.”

Alan charged up to Phillip’s face and blew a puff of smoke at him.  “You’re damn right I’m concerned about the company. Spaulding Enterprises is my legacy.  It was my blood, sweat and tears that helped forge that company.  But you…you just get to step in and reap the rewards of my hard work.”

*

Beth Spaulding stepped off the elevator onto the fourth floor of the Beacon and pulled her keycard from her purse.  She was tired.  Tired of working long hours to help support the family.  Tired of pulling all-nighters to study for her classes.  Tired of hearing about how Roger Thorpe stole the company out from under the Spauldings.   She wanted peace and quiet.  She wanted a life with Philip without strife.  She waited too long to lose that now.  She was determined that tonight; she was going to tell Phillip exactly how she felt.  She was going to spill it all.

As she approached the door, she could hear Phillip shouting.  Great she thought. Beth listened at the door and waited to enter the room.

*

“That’s enough, Dad.  I’ve done everything in my power to get us out of this mess,” Phillip started but Alan interrupted him again.

“If you’ve done everything, then you would be in control.  The only way to get out of this mess is to think like me.  Act like me.  To do what I would have done.  That’s what you have to do now,” Alan said.

“And you’re going to show me how,” Phillip responded.

“I’m not going anywhere until Roger Thorpe is out of our lives for good,” Alan said as the door to the room opened and Beth walked through.

“Beth,” Phillip said.  “Am I glad you’re home.”  He glanced around the room and Alan was gone.

Beth walked over and gave her husband a hug.  “Is everything ok, I heard you shouting in the hallway.”

“Oh, it’s fine.  Just business,” Phillip said.

“Who’s Dan?” Beth asked as she set her purse, briefcase and backpack down.

“What?”

“Dan.  I heard you shouting at Dan.”

“Oh, Dan,” Philip said.  “Just one of Roger’s cronies. It’s nothing.”

“Ugh, Roger.  Can we not talk about Roger Thorpe or Spaulding Enterprises tonight.”

“Fine by me.  How about we go get a bite to eat.”

“Burgers at Company?” Beth asked as she picked up her purse.  Phillip looked tense and Beth knew tonight wasn’t the night for a long talk.

“Sounds great,” Phillip said and escorted Beth to the door.  She stepped out into the hall and Phillip did as well.  Right before he closed the door, he looked back into the room and saw Alan standing by the sofa, cigar and drink in hand.  He just stood there smug; his head shaking and lips curled in anger. Phillip shut the door

Part 7

Mel Boudreaux sat in her office late in the day, finishing up notes on a few cases.  Her case schedule as late was heavy and it wasn’t uncommon for her to leave the office after 8pm.  Tonight, she was ahead of schedule, 7:30.  She was looking forward to getting home, hitting the gym and spending the rest of the evening locked in Cyrus’ arms.

Just then, Mel’s phone rang. She grabbed the phone and said, “Hello.”

“Mel, It’s Reva Shayne,” Reva said on the other end.

“Hi Reva, Mel said back.  “What can I do for you?”

“Have you heard from the judge on Jeffrey’s case?” Reva asked.

Mel swallowed and said, “Not yet Reva, these things take time.  The facts weigh pretty heavy against him.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone then finally Reva spoke, “Well.  Do what you can for him.”

“Don’t worry,” Mel said. “I am doing everything I can to help Jeffrey.  He’s my friend too.”

“Thanks Mel,” Reva said and hung up.

Mel laughed to herself and then hung up the phone.  She wondered why Reva was spending so much time on Jeffrey’s case.  She called Mel nearly every day around the same time, asking the same questions.  Sure, he was Colin’s father, but Mel felt like there was more to it than that.  She shrugged it off, tidied up her desk and then packed her briefcase.  She stood up, slipped on her shoes and then left her office behind for another long day tomorrow.

When she got to her car, Mel slipped inside and dropped her bag on the passenger seat.  From it, she pulled her cell phone and headset, which she placed on her ear.  After she started the car and pulled out of parking lot of her office building, Mel found Cyrus’ number on her phone and dialed.

After a few rings Cyrus answered and said, “So how’s Springfield’s best defense attorney and the love of my life.”

“You’re too cute, Cyrus,” Mel said. “How was your day?”

“Well, for an ex-con turned security consultant, not too shabby,” he said.  “I should be wrapping up soon.”

“Good,” Mel said. “I’m starving.  I was going to run home, change, and then head to the gym and grab take out.  Anything peak your interest?”

“Mmmm, you,” Cyrus said.

“Cy,” Mel said.

“No I’m easy to please surprise me,” Cyrus said.

“Alright, I was thinking Chinese…what the hell” Mel’s voice trailed off.

“Mel,” Cyrus said.

There was no response.

“Mel, everything alright,” Cyrus said.

“Oh my God,” Cyrus could hear Mel’s voice in the distance.  He suspected she dropped the phone.

“Mel,” Cyrus said with panic in his voice.

Again all he could hear was Mel saying, “Oh my God.”  She said it again for the third time, but this time it was a scream that cut Cyrus through to the bone.

“Mel, where are you? What’s going on?” Cyrus said as he ran out of his office.  He kept the phone on and kept talking down the hall.  In the background he could only hear Mel sobbing.

Part 6

The morning sun shined vibrantly over the City of Athens.  The crisp clean air and bright blue skies were amazing and Dinah thought she had never seen anything like it before.   From the plane’s landing approach, Dinah could see the early morning city life buzzing and she couldn’t wait to touch down and do some shopping in one of the most luxurious cities in the world.  She leaned close to Mallet, kissed his cheek and said, “Thank you.”

“For what,” Mallet smiled.

“Just…thank you,” Dinah responded and hugged his arm close.

Twenty minutes later, Dinah and Mallet were stepping off the plane and into the airport.  Both had huge smiles on their face as they walked to baggage claim and Mallet felt like he was on top of the world.  When they arrived at baggage claim it took a few minutes for their stuff to arrive, so Dinah took the time to collect some tourist brochures from a rack nearby while Mallet checked the messages on his phone.

“Oh, I can’t wait, I want to do EVERYTHING,” Dinah said.

“Well first things first, we have work to do,” Mallet said.

“Don’t rain on my parade Mr. Camaletti,” Dinah said.

Mallet smiled and pulled her close, “I’ll tell you what baby, we do this job, we take the next two weeks off and spend it here in Athens.”

“With you?” Dinah said sarcastically.

Mallet smiled big and gave her a huge kiss on the lips.  Dinah reeled for second then said, “Alrighty then.”

They gathered their bags and headed for the passenger pickup spot where they were told a driver would pick them up and escort them to Mr. Kephalos’ private mansion.  When they stepped outside the crisp cool air hit them and they were surprised it was so cool.  Mallet pulled Dinah close to warm her up and they waited a few minutes until they were approached by a man in a black suit.

“Mr. Camaletti,” the man said.

Mallet turned and said, “Yeah, that’s me.”

“Anthony Kephalos sends his regards and hopes that you had a safe trip.  He apologizes that he could not have been here in person to greet you.  May I take your bags?”

Mallet and Dinah turned their bags over to the man who said, “Right this way.”

A few seconds later they were sitting in the back of a black limousine while the driver loaded their bags into the trunk.  He hopped in front and said, “Make yourselves comfortable.  There are drinks in the refrigerator.”

The scenic drive through Athens was amazing.  The modern architecture fused with the ancient relics fascinated both Dinah and Mallet.  Several times Dinah hung out the window to snap a few pictures as Mallet did his best to make sure she didn’t fall out of the car.  The drive was rather long, as there was a little traffic, but soon the car turned down a street that ran along the shoreline.  The view was amazing and the water was a crisp blue/green color.  The traffic became less and less and the houses became more sporadic as they approached a beautiful four story home, the driver slowed, and turned into the private driveway.

“Beautiful,” Mallet said.

“Palatial,” Dinah said.  They both smiled at one another.

The car stopped and the driver stepped out, quickly opening Dinah’s door.  She stepped out and spun around a few times to soak in the view while Mallet stepped out of the car.

“This place is gorgeous,” Dinah said.

“Thank you,” Anthony Kephalos said walking up.  “I am glad you approve.”

Dinah spun and saw the olive skinned man with thick dark hair approach.  He had a smarmy smile on his face and wore all white linen, which surprised Dinah given the cold weather.

“Mr. Kephalos,” Mallet said and extended his hand.  “This is my associate and wife, Dinah Camaletti.”

He stepped forward, took Dinah’s hand and kissed it gently, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on hers. “Charmed.”

Dinah shook her head with a blushed smile on her face.

Kephalos took his hand in return and said, “Welcome to my home.  I trust your flight was pleasant.”

“Oh we had a great flight, great flight,” Mallet said slightly nervous.

“Good and Stavros was good to you,” Kephalos said referring to his driver.

“Oh my of course,” Dinah said.

“Good,” he said. “Stavros, please put them in the upstairs guest bedroom.  There you will have much privacy.”

“That sounds lovely,” Dinah said.

“Come,” Kephalos said as he escorted them inside the house.

“You have a beautiful home,” Dinah said as they walked through the glass front doors of the house.

“Thank you, but if it wasn’t for the woman in my life, it would be much less welcoming.”

“So you are married,” Dinah said.

“No, not yet, but soon I will pop the question but she doesn’t know that yet so keep that between us.  I think you will like her she is an American as well.

“And when will we get to meet your better half,” Dinah said sheepishly.

“She must be around here…ah,” Kephalos stopped.  “My dear we have guests.”

A second later, a beautiful woman dressed in a blue strapless dress stepped around the corner.  Her blond hair danced over her shoulders.  Kephalos walked up to her and kissed her gently and said, “Please meet our guests.  Mr. and Mrs. Cameletti, please meet the love of my life.”

The woman stepped forward and extended her hand and she said, “Pleasure to meet you both.  My name is Harley Johnson.”

Dinah and Mallet stared at each other in shock.  It was Harley Cooper.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Part 5

Inside the main conference room at Spaulding Enterprises, Phillip and Lizzie Spaulding sat pensively awaiting the arrival of their new chairman, Roger Thorpe.  In the weeks since Thorpe revealed his new ownership of Spaulding Enterprises, Phillip and Lizzie both have worked tirelessly to find a way to seize the company to no avail.  It seemed as though Roger did his homework and the business was legitimately sold to him by the other shareholders.  No evidence of foul play or intimidation was found, but Phillip wasn’t convinced.

“Can I get you anything, Daddy,” Lizzie asked.

“Huh,” Phillip said as if waking up from a daydream.  “No. No, I’m fine.”

“I can’t believe he’s going to get away with this,” Lizzie said.  “After everything we’ve done.”

“Don’t worry,” Phillip said.  “I’ll find a way to get Roger out of the company.”

“That will prove to be very difficult,” Roger said walking into the room.

Phillip glared at Roger as the older man sat at the head of the table.  Lizzie glanced at both men and then finally spoke, “Mr. Thorpe we would like…”

“Please. Roger.”

Lizzie hesitated for a moment and then said, “Roger.  We would like to understand exactly how it was that you were able to convince the members of the board to sell their shares to you.”

“Why of their own free will,” Roger said.  “And a healthy chunk of change certainly helped.”

“Aunt Alex never would have sold her stake in the company,” Lizzie said.  “And what about Olivia and Vanessa.  They..”

“Lizzie, dear,” Roger said. “We’ve already been through this and I’m not going to continue to explain myself to you or your family.  The company ownership is officially off the table for discussion.”

“Fine,” Lizzie said with distain in her tone.  “What would you like to discuss then?”

“Good.  Today, I’d like to discuss the dissection and sale of the plot of land located just outside of Springfield that houses the Spaulding Mansion.  Now I have some buyers that are interested and the money we stand to make is…”

“You are not going to sell my family’s home,” Phillip said slamming his chair back.

“Phillip, please,” Roger said holding a hand in the air.  “I’ve no intention of selling the home. Just the land around it.  After all where would I live?  Now come on, let’s work together like we did so many times in the past.  You remember how we got Alan number.”

Phillip’s memory filled with images of he, Roger and Alan Michael working together to force Alan to rise up from his wheel chair.  Phillip bit his lower lip and said, “That land is Spaulding land.  It’s not for sale.”

“Very well, hardball then,” Roger said. “This company is facing major losses in revenue and cannot sustain itself for much longer.  We either unload property to the highest bidder or we begin reducing our workforce immediately.  Now with a significant layoff, we could turn the losses around within a year, but the economic impact on the rest of Springfield will be catastrophic.  I’d hate to see the Cooper’s lose their restaurant or to see the Beacon shut down.  That would put you out on the streets wouldn’t it?”

Phillip again bit his lip and was about to speak when Lizzie interrupted, “Fine.  Give Phillip and I a few days to come up with an alternate plan to save the company enough to keep both the land intact and the employees…well employed.”

Roger stared across the table at Phillip and after a few very long seconds turned to Lizzie and said, “My dear you drive a hard bargain.  You’ve got two days.  In two days if I don’t have a complete financial overhaul of Spaulding, either the land goes or the employees do.”  With that Roger stood and left the room, leaving Phillip and Lizzie with a dilemma on their hands.

Part 4

Mornings in Springfield were always busy at the new location of Co2.  The coffee bar, owned and operated by the Coopers, was welcomed back in the center of town after closing nearly two years earlier.  Everyday people came by and ordered their favorite hot or cold beverage and left smiling and happy.  For Blake Marler, helping to manage both Company and Co2 gave her life some meaning.  Sure she was successful at most things that she did, but this filled her everyday with some positive energy.  Today, unlike most days, was unusually busy and Blake barely was able to lift her head from the coffee station or the register to take notice of anyone.

“Thanks, have a great day,” Blake said to the customer in line as she handed back change and spun back to take off a cup of espresso that just finished percolating.  “What can I get for you,” she said without looking up.

The next customer in line hesitated for a moment then said, “Coffee, black.”

The voice sent a chill down her back.  She recognized it immediately and nearly dropped the cup of coffee she was working on. “Daddy,” she said, still not looking up.

“Hi baby,” Roger Thorpe said.

Blake’s mind filled with confusion, anger, happiness, and a plethora of other emotions that she could hardly contain.

“My espresso,” the waiting customer said.

Blake snapped out of her state long enough to pass the drink to the customer and then stepped out behind the counter.

“I thought,” Blake started.

“I know,” Roger said.  “Come give your daddy a hug.”

Blake’s eyes filled with tears and she ran into Roger’s arms gripping him tightly.  “My god I thought you were dead.  They had ashes.  I…we…”

“It’s alright Blakey,” Roger said.  “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do and the why’s aren’t as important as the now.”

Blake held on a few minutes longer when she realized she had a line of customers backing up behind them.

“Sorry folks,” Blake said as she ran behind the counter.  “Coffee black right,” Blake said to Roger and he smiled and took the cup from her.

“I’ve got a meeting to run off to Blakey,” Roger said.  “You free for lunch?”

“Lunch,” Blake said.  “Of course. My shift ends here at noon.”

“Then noon it is,” Roger said and smiled. “It’s good to see you Blake.”

Blake smiled and then went busily back to work.  Roger walked out of Main Street plaza with a smile on his face as well.  Neither of them saw the four door sedan drive slowly down the street.

Part 3

In a small bed and breakfast not too far from the Bonaventura house, Dinah Marler looks out from her third floor balcony overlooking the seaport.  Lights from a docked cruise ship lit and a few other boats dotted the scene, but the stars shone bright in the sky.   She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the clear night air. While she missed Springfield and her family, the European countryside was beautiful and hard to beat.  Taking a sit of champagne from a glass in her hand, Dinah smiled and thought how wonderful things turned out.  She and Mallet jetting across Europe as independent security consultants was perfect.  After all, she was a thief, a darn good one at that, and Mallet was a smart cop with good instincts.  The money they made not only kept them afloat, but allowed for some pretty comfortable travels.

“Dinah,” Mallet called out from inside the room.

“Out here honey,” Dinah called back.

Mallet stepped out onto the balcony dressed in nothing more than pair of silk boxers.  “There you are,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her, brushed her blond hair to the side and kissed her neck passionately.

Dinah smiled, “Now, now, mister.  You think a few kisses and expensive champagne is going to make me forget you left me locked up most of the afternoon.”

Mallet spun Dinah around and pulled her close, “Well, that’s exactly what I think.”  He pressed his lips against hers and she returned the kiss vehemently.

“This is the life isn’t it,” Dinah said.

Mallet turned Dinah back around and held her from behind. “It sure is baby.”

“Where to next?” Dinah asked.

“Well, I was going to surprise you but since you asked,” Mallet started.

“Well,” Dinah said impatiently.

“Athens,” Mallet said.

“Ohhh Greece, I love Greece,” Dinah said. “When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow morning, flights are already booked baby.”

“Who’s the client?” Dinah asked.

Mallet kissed her neck again and said, “Does it matter?”

Dinah giggled and said, “Yes it matters. Who is it?”

“Some big time jewelry peddler.  Claimed his warehouses were looted one too many times.”

“Does he have a name?”

“Ummm, Kephalos, Anthony Kephalos,” Mallet said.

“Never heard of him,” Dinah said. “How much is he paying?”

Mallet kissed her again and said, “Enough talk.”  Then he hoisted her up into his arms and carried her back inside.  Gently, he placed her on the bed and lay next to her.

“Mr. Camaletti,” Dinah said sheepishly then kissed him deeply.  The two made passionate love until sunrise.

Part 2

“Whoo Hoooo,” a shaved haired man screamed out the window of his four door black sedan as he peeled away from the sidewalk.  He and the four others in the car, one in the front seat and three in the back, all shouted and cheered as well.  Behind them, a makeshift wooden cross roared in flame filling the night with the sound of crackling wood and snapping of the fire.  Behind the cross, a single house and a black family standing on their front porch; their screams still audible as the car sped away.

“That was awesome,” the driver said.

“Frickin awesome, Stefan,” the front passenger said.

“Man I feel alive,” Stefan said. “Whattaya think newbie?”

The man Stefan called newbie sat in the backseat of the car, between two other men.  All the men in the car had shaved heads, wore black on black and their clothes were blazoned with swastikas and other skin head markings.  The newbie smiled and said, “Frickin Awesome!!!”

Everyone shouted in the car and screamed as Stefan leaned out the window and yelled, “Frickin Awesome!!!”  He almost lost control of the car twice and once nearly ran head first into a semi tractor trailer.

“Let’s go get high,” Christophe, the front passenger said.

“Man getting’ high ain’t nearly the same rush like puttin’ the fear of god into the Blacks and Jews,” Aric said from the back seat.

“Aric’s right,” Stefan said. “We need some new ground to burn.  This town ain’t what it used to be.”

They continued driving for a few miles, shouting at people as they passed them, stopping a few times at various sites of interest, Jewish temples, African American Churches, tagging them with hateful comments and images. Finally, at 2:30am, the “newbie” spoke.

“Hey I know a place,” he said.

Everyone stopped shouted and slowly looked at him. “Oh yeah, where’s that,” Stefan said.

“Small town, a few rich people we can rob.  Plus they got themselves a black family and they got money.”

“Blacks shouldn’t have money,” Christophe said.

Everyone chimed in their comments.  The newbie continued, “And get this…she’s an attorney.”

“I FRICKIN HATE LAWYERS,” Stefan said.

“So where is this place kid,” Christophe said.

“Springfield,” he replied.

“I know Springfield,” Stefan said.  That’s like two hours from here.  You sure about this newbie.”

“Yeah,” I’m sure,” he said.

“Let’s do it,” Aric said.

“Yeah come on Stefan,” Christophe said.

“Boys, it looks like we’re going to Springfield.

Everyone shouted and cheered as Stefan slammed on the brakes and made a quick u-turn to backtrack to the highway on ramp.  As they drove, the newbie in the backseat reflected on the evening’s events and the course of his life.  He couldn’t remember why he fell in with this crowd, but more and more it gave his life meaning.  They accepted him.  They trusted his opinion.  He trusted them.  They were brothers through and through.  They treated him like brothers should.  In ways Cyrus never did.

Part 1

A cool breeze blew onto the shores of a small Island called Hvar in the middle of the Adriatic Sea.  The Croatian island, home to mostly farms and livestock, recently sold a large stake of land to wealthy businessman who liked the quiet setting and the local vineyards.  The businessman built his house atop a sloping hill, on a 4 acre piece of land, formerly owned by one of the local families.  Surrounded by a six foot concrete wall, the house was a palatial estate, with five bedrooms, a study, full gourmet kitchen and a three car garage. The house was way more than the man needed, as it was only he, his wife and a few million in jewelry he kept in a safe deep inside the house, but he loved to spend his money and the house was a mere notion of what it could have been.

The house itself was guarded by a few security agents, on the businessman’s payroll and there was a servants quarters on the property used as their residence.  Each night, at least three guards monitored the house as well as the property.  Tonight, however, the guards were nowhere to be found.

All seemed quiet as the moon rose slowly over the Adriatic and cast shadows over the countryside.  It was then a shadowed figure, using the cover of darkness, ran up the sloping hill towards the concrete wall.  The sleek figure, dressed in black from head to toe, made it to the wall and escaped detection.   The figure peered to the left and right, then ran along the wall to the back of the house.  As the figure approached the back of the house, a security camera moved from side to side.  The figure waited for the camera to reach its apex, and then slipped by.   The figure repeated the process several times, to avoid detection.  At the darkest spot along the wall, the figure stopped, knelt to the ground and pulled free a small grappling rubber grappling hook and twine.  The hook was made of hard rubber; strong enough to support the weight of a full grown man, but the figure was much less in stature and quiet enough not to make any noise against the concrete.  Another second passed and the figure tossed the hook over the wall and yanked on the twine until the hook caught on the top of the wall.   With a few quick steps up the side of the wall, the figure reached the top and slipped over the side.  The figure dropped to the ground and waited a few seconds, hoping that no alarms had been tripped.  The figure rose and slinked along the grass to the concrete pathway leading to the house.  The figure kept low and used the grass to make it to the back wall of the house.  The pathway was surely rigged with pressure sensitive alarms and the figure was right.

At the rear of the house, the figure chose a space on the back wall free of windows and took a few quick steps and leapt to the side of the wall, catching the low hanging roof and pulling itself up onto the house.   The figure made no noise and drew no attention as it continued up the roof to a second story window, where it stopped and removed a set of tools from a pocket on the black suit.  From the toolkit, the figure removed a small scanning device and waved it over the window.  As the figure thought, the window was rigged with silent alarms, which were dispatched quickly by a small burst from a handheld EMP device.   Checking once more with the scanner, the figure found the alarm disabled and pulled open the window.

Inside the house, a hallway stretched a few feet and offered openings to the right and left.  The figure pulled both feet into the window and set them on the ground.  No alarms were set off and the figure continued.  Just as the figure reached the T junction and was about to turn left, a high pitched whine rattled through the house, causing the figure to drop to the ground and cover its ears.  A gate dropped over the window and at the end of the T junction, imprisoning the figure.

“Turn it off,” a voice cried out over the whine and a few seconds later, the noise stopped.

“As you can see, there is little chance anyone can break into your house,” the same voice spoke.  Two men approached the gate as the figure in black rose.

“What did I tell you,” the voice said.

The figure in black reached up and pulled off the black face mask.  A swarm of blond hair dropped down over the figure’s shoulders and Dinah Marler said, “Dammit, Mallet, How did you get me?”

AC Mallet stepped forward with a huge smile on his face and said, “Thermo sensors baby.  Thermo sensors. “

Dinah scrunched up her face at Mallet and he smiled brightly before turning around to face his client.  “So you see, Mr. Bonaventura, the security system we designed is impregnable.  No one and I mean no one is getting into this house.”

“Impressive,” Bonaventura said.

Mallet smiled, turned and winked at Dinah who smirked back.  “Well, we at M&M International Security Solutions aim to please.” Mallet passed a handheld control panel to Bonaventura and said, “Here you go.  This console will give you full control over every aspect of the security system.”

Bonaventura took the console and smiled. “Grazie, Mr. Camaletti.  Come; let’s have a drink to celebrate while I get your final payment.”  Bonaventura put his arm around Mallet and guided him down the hall.

“Honey,” Dinah called out from behind the cage. “You forget something.”

There was no response.

“This isn’t funny Mallet,” Dinah shouted a little louder. “Mallet!”