Birthright: Pray your past stays hidden (Alex Turner Book 1)

by Richard Blade

  “Dude, whatever it is, I didn’t do it. I’ve been stuck in this shithole for seven months.”

  “This isn’t any kind of legal problem. It’s family business,” explained Alex.

  “Then you’re wasting your time. My family’s dead. Dad got blown up in Afghanistan, and Mom - she might as well have gone with him. She put so much crap in her body she left the planet within a year. Didn’t care about me, just where she could get her next hit of meth.”

  “I’m sorry. Did you know your grandfather?”

  “Not really. Heard about him. He was kind of a hero. Flew choppers in Vietnam. He died of cancer when I was a kid.”

  “Do you remember his name?”

  “Yeah, Grandpa.”

  “How about his given name?”

  “Same as my middle name. They called me after him, Albert.”

  “Thank you. That’s all I needed to know. Someone will undoubtedly be in touch with you soon.” Alex rose to his feet.

  Eddie stood up as well, “That’s it? That’s all you’re going to tell me?”

  “It’s all I’m at liberty to say at the moment. Again, thank you for your time.”

  “Glad I could fit you into my busy schedule,” Eddie reached out his hand. Alex took it in his, and as they shook, Eddie’s eyes rolled upward and he slipped forward, crashing into the professor. Alex caught him and helped steady the boy.

  “Are you all right?” asked Alex.

  Eddie pulled himself together and straightened up, “Sorry about that, I get shaky sometimes. The doc calls it vertigo. It doesn’t last long.” Eddie waved to the guard, “Hey, Oscar, we’re done here.”

  Alex emerged through the twin doors and walked into the sunlight toward Cate who sat on the bench listening to music on her phone. She glanced up as Alex approached and pulled out her ear buds, “I’ve planned my revenge on these couture cops. I’m coming back tomorrow in my shortest mini and highest heels to make them suffer.”

  “That’s not going to be happening. We’ll hopefully be in New York tomorrow. If there’s a flight available, we’ll take the red-eye tonight.”

  “New York? What happened to Mr. I Don’t Like To Travel?”

  “We have to. I owe it to Mr. Brown to explain in person.”

  “Explain what?” Cate didn’t understand.

  “It’s him. It’s Edward York, for sure. But they are not going to be happy when they meet him or see his record book. Not CEO material. I need to prepare them for that, because I don’t want them taking out their disappointment on us or on the faculty. I’m going to have the Dean call Global Pharmaceuticals and set up a meeting for tomorrow.”

  “Could be worse. New York’s always fun. I have a girlfriend who lives in Manhattan we should look up. She knows all the happening bars in the Big Apple. We could even take in a show while we’re there.”

  “My plan is to go directly to the company’s headquarters, get this unfortunate situation out of the way as quickly as possible, and then leave. I think that is a lot more practical.”

  “Ever hear the expression live a little? You should try it sometime.”

  “Sometime, perhaps, but not now. We have this project to conclude first.”

  The line for Starbucks at San Jose airport was short at that late hour. Alex had only been waiting a few minutes before he stepped up and ordered the two lattes.

  The young barista smiled from behind the register, “You can pick them up over there,” she pointed to the end of the counter, “That will be nine-twenty please.”

  Alex reached into his jacket for his wallet and came up empty. Puzzled, he tried his other inside pocket, knowing it was never there, but he had to check. The same with his pants’ pockets. But the wallet was nowhere to be found.

  The barista smiled again, “Nine-twenty?”

  Alex turned red and said one word as he left, “Sorry.”

  Cate watched him walking towards her empty-handed, “Did you drink mine as well?”

  “The boy stole my wallet.”

  “Eddie? Maybe you lost it?”

  “No. I never lose things. He picked my pocket.”

  “Talented kid. A regular David Copperfield. It’s lucky I have your tickets and passport.”

  “I need some change for a phone call.”

  Cate handed Alex her cell, “Use this.”

  Eddie York stood in Oscar’s office at the detention facility, pleading on his business phone, “Dude, it wasn’t me, man.”

  Alex sat with Cate, concern written across his face, “Please don’t lie to me. We both know it was. Look, I’m willing to make you a deal.”

  “What do you mean, a deal?”

  “Inside the wallet you took, you’ll find a photograph of my wife and child. Send it back to me. Keep the money. Keep the wallet. I only want the picture.”

  “Yeah, right. Then you report me and I get a year added to my time. You’re already some kind of important dude that you can have a call put through to me this late.”

  “It’s because I saw you under a court order, but that’s not relevant. You have my word this will go no further if you send the photograph back. I know what you’re going through, being an orphan, losing people you love. I only want the picture. The rest is yours.”

  “Let me think about it.”

  “Please. It’s all I have left of my family. My address is in the wallet. If you will do it, no one else will know; this stays between us.”

  There was a moment’s hesitation before the nervous teen replied, “Okay, I’ll send it back to you. But you have to keep your promise.”

  “I will. You have my word,” Alex clicked off Cate’s cell.

  Eddie held on to the receiver a second longer. He had expected to be yelled and screamed at, to be threatened and punished. Instead, the man’s tone had been gentle, even understanding. He tried to remember the last time anyone had spoken to him as if they cared how he felt, but came up short. He took a pen from Oscar’s desk and scribbled down the number from the business phone’s display of the mobile phone Alex had called from and stuffed it into a pocket of his orange jumpsuit. Behind him, the door opened.

  “You done here?”

  “Yeah, thanks for letting me take the call. He was a cool guy. Hey, can I get an envelope?”

  “What kind?” asked Oscar.

  “Something big enough to fit this,” Eddie held up a small brown wallet.

  The weekday traffic in Manhattan was terrible as always, and drivers raced through the city with one hand on the wheel, the other on their horn.

  The grey Prius pulled out of the madness and stopped in front of a towering skyscraper on the Avenue of the Americas. Cate and Alex piled from it, Cate leading the way to the huge building.

  Alex shot a glance back at the car, “Don’t we have to pay him?”

  “It’s Uber. It’s all done through the app,” answered Cate.

  Alex raised his hands, not understanding, and the two of them shuffled through the revolving doors to clear security on their way to the 76th floor.

  The express elevator took them directly to their destination, the North American headquarters of the multi-national company, Global Pharmaceuticals and Development, GPAD. They walked from the polished elevator doors into the sumptuous lobby where a smiling receptionist presented them with laminated security badges and had them wait for their personal escort who guided them through the busy, luxurious office complex.

  Cate leaned in to Alex as they took in the incredible workplace, “You should have hit them up for a lot more than twenty million.”

  Alex stayed silent as they approached the massive, glass-enclosed corner office.

  “Through there,” gestured the escort, as he swiped his encoded pass and the twin doors slid soundlessly apart. His job done, he turned and left. The meeting these two guests were going to was way above his pay grade.

  Alex and Cate entered the room and were instantly overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of Manhattan, stretching on one side down
past the Empire State to the financial district, and on the other to Central Park and beyond.

  The three men inside allowed their visitors to take in the imposing sight before one of them stepped forward to greet them, “I never get tired of it myself. I think the only other building in our entire company more impressive is our office tower in Dubai. Thank you for coming, Professor Turner. It’s good to see you again. We were excited to receive the call from your Dean yesterday and hear you were on your way. I apologize for making this a lunchtime meeting but I had some earlier appointments I couldn’t move, and anyway, we wanted to get your passes and the offices ready for such an important person’s arrival.” He turned to Cate, “And you must be Caitlin Shannon, I presume. I’ve heard nothing but exceptional things about you. I’m Colin Brown.”

  Cate took in the fit, handsome Englishman’s confident appearance and couldn’t avoid noticing how the tailored jacket he wore hugged the muscled lines of his body, and wondered if she could come up with an excuse to stay on in New York for a few days and find a way they could have drinks together. She shook his hand as she caught his piercing eyes, “Very nice to meet you, Mr. Brown.”

  “Please, call me Colin. Mr. Brown’s my father,” he flashed a gleaming smile and gave her fingers a slight squeeze.

  It’s going to be hard to concentrate on this meeting, thought Cate.

  Colin continued, “Can I get you a drink? I’m sure you must be tired after taking the red-eye.”

  Alex and Cate answered simultaneously, “No, thank you..”, “Yes, please..”

  Colin laughed again, “Water, Coffee, tea? Something stronger?”

  “Coffee would be great,’ said Cate.

  One of the men hurried off to get the java.

  Colin leaned back against his desk, his strong frame silhouetted by the famous skyline, “When the Dean called about today, he said you had made progress.”

  “We have,” said Alex. He opened his briefcase and pulled out a thick folder and laid it on Colin’s desk. “Inside are the details of Mary Kelly’s journey to America, her name changes, and her lineage.”

  Colin hefted the findings, feeling their weight and the amount of paperwork and records it contained, “Very impressive. We’ve never gotten past her leaving England before. I’ve had an office set up for the two of you while you are here in New York; it’s right down the hallway. And your security passes will give you full building access 24/7 for the next week. We can extend them, of course, for as long as necessary.”

  Alex raised his hand to interject, “I don’t think any of that will be required.”

  “Why not?” Colin was puzzled. “I thought you were here to research Ellis Island and follow any leads to pinpoint the arrival date of Mary and her child?”

  “We have already done it.” Alex pointed to Cate, “My assistant was very thorough.”

  “That’s terrific. If you have that information, then where does this put you in your search? How much more needs to be done?”

  Colin’s question surprised Alex, “Nothing, it’s completed. We found an heir. A boy. He’s in California.”

  Hearing those words, the men froze and the room fell silent. It was as if Alex had thrown a grenade in among them. Alex waited for the next question, but none came. The atmosphere became overpowering and a feeling of shock hung in the air. He felt obliged to explain.

  “His name is Edward York. He’s seventeen. I wanted to come here and tell you this in person because I’m afraid he’s not the type you’re looking for to run a company like this.”

  “Why not?”

  “He’s serving time at the Juvenile Detention facility in San Jose. He has a police record showing multiple arrests, and a very troubled past.”

  “Are you sure it’s him?” Colin could hardly utter the words.

  “I know you must be disappointed, Mr. Brown, but I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t certain.”

  “Then it is true. After all these years of searching.” Colin fought to pull himself together, “You have brought us wonderful news. Dean Hamlin is indeed lucky to have you.” He reached into his desk and pulled out a small package, “This seems only fair. You gave me a gift so I should give you one in return. The envelope contains a little bonus, twenty-five thousand dollars. I hope you don’t mind cash. It’ll help you have an exciting evening in Manhattan.”

  Cate finally jumped into the conversation, “That sounds like fun.”

  “I don’t think we’ll have time for fun. We’re flying back tonight,” stated Alex.

  “Then fly first class on us. I’ll have one of my staff make the arrangements, and if you provide a number, we’ll text you the details. Thank you, Professor Turner. I’m looking forward to reading this. Someone will escort you out. Goodbye, and leave knowing how important what you have done is to so many people.”

  His outstretched hand abruptly concluded their meeting, and a hastily summoned secretary led Cate and Alex from the palatial office.

  Colin watched them go and waited until the soundproof doors closed behind them. It was then he exploded into action, barking orders at the other two men in the room, “Double check all the papers he brought. Have an official ID made for me, with the last name, York. Contact our attorney and get me guardian privileges to visit the boy. Prep the jet. I want to be in San Jose tomorrow. Call Langley, tell them he’s been found and I’m going to need backup ready to roll. I’ll text you after it’s done. When you get the word, you’ll have two hours to pull the plug on everything.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The Coffin

  The Capital Grill on West 51st Street bustled with its usual lunchtime crowd enjoying the massive steaks and overstuffed baked potatoes that were the staples of their extensive menu.

  Alex sat with the two pretty girls in their mid-twenties, and failed to note the envious looks he received from many of the businessmen around him who wondered how he got so lucky while they dined alone or were forced to listen to an interminable financial pitch during their meal.

  Cate was full of life and energy as she toasted her friend over their second dirty martini, “I’m so glad you could make it here and meet up with us before we have to leave. I can’t believe it’s been two years, Susan. Two years!”

  “Closer to three,” corrected Susan. “You’d just finished your Masters and broken up with Josh.”

  Cate sighed deeply, “Don’t bring up Josh.”

  “Josh was a hottie,” remembered Susan.

  “Yeah, he might have looked like a Hemsworth, but he had nothing up here,” she pointed to her head and laughed.

  The girls’ conversation was proving to be too much for Alex and he rose from the table, “I’m going to use the bathroom. Please excuse me.” He quickly crossed the crowded room searching for both the restroom and the chance to escape for a moment.

  The girls watched him go, and Susan leaned forward, “What’s his story? He’s handsome, but seems a little uptight.”

  “A little? Welcome to the understatement of the year club.” Cate grinned, “But inside he’s a good guy. I’m learning so much from him. His thinking process is unique. Most academics, like our old professors at Wellesley, are all logic and convergent thinking, which is what I expected from Alex, but then he will have a flash of inspiration from nowhere, similar to the way an artist does, and his brain switches to lateral or divergent thoughts. It’s truly amazing.”

  “You’re lucky to be paired with him.” Susan took a deep breath, “I’m kind of stuck in my groove right now. I could use a change. But finding a good company to switch to, and even getting a meeting set up, ever since the shutdown and the quarantine, is hard these days.”

  “I have an idea,” Susan reached into her little purse and held up the security pass from GPAD. “We were just at this huge corporation with loads of money, right across the street. They have branches all over the world. You can use this to access their office floor, then when you’re inside see if you can set up something with their HR departmen
t. The worse they’d do is ask you to leave. It could be they’ll admire your hutzpah and schedule an interview. With your degree and experience working in New York, who knows?”

  Susan took the proffered pass, “Thanks. I guess I have nothing to lose, the worst is they’ll say no. I’ll see if I can work up the courage to use it.”

  Alex appeared through the busy restaurant and returned to the table but didn’t sit down, “I think we should be leaving for the airport soon.”

  Cate checked the text from GPAD on her phone, “Hardly. The flight isn’t until six-fifty. It’s not even two yet. If we head out of the city at three, we’ll have plenty of time to get to JFK. That gives us another hour to catch up with Susan. Have a drink, professor. Try to relax and have fun.”

  Alex looked around, searching for another reason to leave, but finding none, he sat down and resigned himself to enduring the mindless gossip before having to battle the inevitable crosstown traffic.

  The Gulfstream made a perfect landing at Mineta International Airport in San Jose, taxiing across runway 12L toward the hangers of Pacific Aviation where a waiting Bentley Bentayga greeted them.

  The luxury vehicle didn’t cause a raised eyebrow for the staff of the private jet facility who were used to dealing with the expensive needs of the tech giants from nearby Silicon Valley, and assumed the well-dressed Englishman who descended the aluminum stairs from the G650 was on his way to enact a takeover deal. What they were unaware of was the intended hostile liquidation did not involve a company but a person.

  A burly, ex-military type with a severe crewcut, stood beside the Bentley, and as Colin appeared from the twin-engine jet, he was greeted with a look of recognition and an offered hand, “Mr. Brown. Good to see you again. It’s been a couple of years since you took care of the Jeffrey Epstein thing for us in New York. You did excellent work and left no traces of your presence there. I hope I can be as thorough for you here today. I received the instructions as to what you needed. I have everything with me, exactly as specified, and the other people and vehicles are already in place.”