Big Money

by James Hudson

  “Oh, yeah,” George chuckled. “And you won’t give me any guarantees, will you?”

  “Just stay with us, and we’ll make up a plan together. Right now, you should reply to Walter Schmidt that you are ready to cooperate with him.”

  “And what happens next?” George asked suspiciously. “Actually, he’s waiting for me. And unlike you, my family hasn’t drunk coffee yet.”

  “Go ahead,” Mr. Coleman pushed the laptop toward George. “I’ll dictate the text if you don’t mind.”

  “OK,” George shrugged. “I’m ready.”

  “All right. Type… Dear Mr. Schmidt. I was so happy to receive your message. I appreciate your readiness to cooperate—”

  “Done!” George exclaimed.

  “What?” both Dan Coleman and Sarah asked anxiously.

  “I sent him the message, idiots!” George laughed. “Here it is!”

  He pushed the laptop to Dan Coleman. He glued his eyes to the screen.

  “Prepare to die, motherfucker… Oh, no!” Mr. Coleman moaned. “Why have you written this? We’re working together now, Mr. Hartley!”

  “Screw you!” George barked. “I’m gonna save my family on my own! I’m not going to cooperate with that scum in order to make money for you.”

  “He’s written a reply!” Sarah exclaimed.

  George rudely grabbed the laptop and started reading.

  “Dear Mr. Hartley! I’m glad you expressed your position very clearly. Actually, I’d expected something like that and had prepared the reply earlier. You have a right to wage war against me. And I’m gonna reveal to you my plan. It’s breathtaking! For me, it means infinite wealth. For you, it means you’ll lose everything: your money, your family, your fucking life.

  So, three… two… one… boom! In the next 24 hours, I’m opening short positions by selling British stocks. Or probably I’ll just short the UK FTSE 100 Index. After that, I’ll put your family on my private jet and… boom! The jet will crash into your 48-story skyscraper, George! Ain’t it cool? Thousands of people wouldn’t expect it, would they? They all will die! Yes, George, I’m a fucking terrorist! A new terrorist attack! A new 9/11! Sorry, but you won’t be able to find the remains of your wife and kid. London will become a new center of terrorism!

  For me, that would mean the epic plunge of the stock market. Epic crash in a second! You see? I’m ready to eliminate my jet because I’ll make millions, millions of dollars just in one second!

  Am I a maniac, George? No! I’m still a businessman. I’m not drunk, not under the influence of drugs. My mind is absolutely clear. I enjoy my life. When I found out that you had a family, this idea came to me like a flash.

  So, now you know everything. Either you come to me and reveal the secret how to hack the Twitter account of the American President, or your family will die in a new 9/11 terrorist attack! 24 hours, Hartley. Sincerely yours, Walter Schmidt.’

  49. Defeat the Devil

  Jason stumbled into a bar. He wanted to get hammered badly. He was embarrassed by a sudden order from his boss. Jason was ordered to kill himself in eighteen hours. The operation seemed crazy. Jason had to commit a terrorist attack in the center of London. The aim was a famous skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in the city. For Jason, it was not just a building. It was a place where he had worked, had fallen in love, had been betrayed by both his boss and his girlfriend, where he had started spying on his horrible boss. Spying led him to a new life.

  His new boss liked the compromising material Jason dug up for him. He paid Jason ten grand. Jason was delighted and promised to dig up more dirt.

  Then one day, the new boss ordered Jason not to go to the skyscraper and just forget about the place. The new office was located in north London. All of Jason’s colleagues appeared in the new office as well. The next morning, Jason read in the newspaper that his ex-boss had died and buried. But Jason’s new boss was nervous for some reason. In two days, Jason realized that his ex-boss was still alive.

  At his previous job, Jason had to work as a system administrator. And that fact had always tormented him – Jason believed he deserved a better job.

  He liked his new post – he was a deputy of Walter Schmidt. And he didn’t have to work much. All Jason was doing was drinking coffee and playing computer games. It should be mentioned that Jason didn’t graduate high school – he dropped out of it at fifteen. Jason played computer games for at least 14 hours a day. He adored racing and flight simulators. He had never had his own car, though.

  Jason was shocked that very soon, his new boss Walter Schmidt offered him to drive a BMW M3 on a race track. And Jason very much enjoyed driving this powerful, rear-wheel-drive car. He even managed to drift, even though he had never ever driven a real car. Years of virtual driving experience were not in vain.

  After that, Walter Schmidt invited him to a party when they both got hammered. And then his boss offered him to go to the airfield and try to fly his light jet. Jason was dumbfounded. But he agreed. And he made quick work of flying.

  Walter Schmidt was amazed when his jet soared into the sky, and ten minutes later, touched the ground. Walter Schmidt told Jason all secrets. Jason told Walter Schmidt everything about his ex-girlfriend Lana who had been raped by George Hartley. Hatred toward George Hartley drew them together. They both knew that George Hartley could lead them to untold wealth.

  Walter Schmidt permitted Jason to practice flying at any time. And Jason practiced almost every day. At the same time, Walter Schmidt introduced Jason to Ross – a pleasant man who knew a lot about philosophy and religion.

  Once Ross invited Jason to have a picnic in the woods. While drinking expensive wine, Ross told Jason a lot about different confessions. Also, he mentioned his trip to Brazil, where he visited a shaman, who had revealed him one of the top secrets in the world. Jason was so excited that he’d even fallen on his knees, asking to disclose the top-secret. They were drinking the fourth bottle of wine when Ross threw a conspiratorial glance at Jason and told all the details.

  During his trip to Brazil, Ross experienced psychedelics, trying to expand his mind. Ancient Gods let him in on the main secret. But then Ross added that only people who were dissatisfied with their lives would be allowed to gain insight into the ancient essence. Jason assured him that he was exactly that person who had felt depression for quite a long time, not having friends, not celebrating his birthdays, wearing black clothes all the time, and listening to black metal non-stop.

  Ross opened the fifth bottle of wine, made Jason empty the glass, sustained a pause and told that every man should strive to be close to ancient Gods. That meant that to die in the sky would be the best way to die. And it’s better to die as soon as possible. His soul would always be flying in the sky. Jason cheerfully exclaimed that he was ready to do that at any moment. Ross praised him and added that Jason should be proud of himself for that decision.

  A few days later, Walter Schmidt called Jason into his office and told him that the time had come. By the moment, Jason had no depression. He was absolutely ready to die. Jason wanted to die as a hero. He wanted his soul to fly in the sky forever.

  Walter Schmidt told him that he must crash into the skyscraper because the Devil – George Hartley – had worked there. Walter Schmidt added that Devil’s wife and son must die too. Walter Schmidt assured Jason that the souls of his enemies would not be flying in the clear sky. His enemies would be burning in hell forever.

  Jason felt so inspired to defeat the Devil and his relatives that he couldn’t even sleep at night.

  50. Seduction

  “Approaching the bar,” Sarah whispered. She had a tiny earbud inside her ear.

  “Roger that,” Dan Coleman replied. “Mr. Hartley recommends you to see Jason as a weak man. Try to become… his mother. And you’ll persuade him not to die.”

  “I got you!” Sarah said quickly. “OK. I’m in…” And she disconnected.

  A couple of hours ago, Sarah had received two pictures of Jason,
taken in the parking lot where Jason had been talking to Walter Schmidt.

  Sarah instantly recognized Jason – long, greasy hair, old leather jacket, military boots. He was disgusting.

  Sarah approached the young man. He was drinking Irish whiskey, having bought the whole bottle.

  “Excuse me, is this place good enough to celebrate a birthday?” Sarah asked, smiling.

  The young man shrugged indifferently. “I don’t celebrate my birthdays.”

  “Oh, really? Actually, I’m curious about alcohol in this place. Last week, one man drank a shot of whiskey and died. Right here. The police started an investigation. They arrested the owner of the place. Fake alcohol. About ten people were brought to the hospital.”

  “Really?” Jason raised his eyebrows.

  “If you don’t want to die tonight, you’d better not drink much…” She stared at him.

  “Actually, I’m gonna die tomorrow,” Jason grinned.

  “Oh, that’s so boring!” Sarah yawned and turned to the bartender to order coffee.

  Jason didn’t expect such a strange reaction.

  “Aren’t you interested in… how I’m gonna commit a suicide?” he asked excitedly.

  Sarah grunted. “Stupid joke!”

  “I’m serious!” Jason exclaimed. “I’m gonna die in seventeen hours! I’ll be flying a jet, and I’ll crash into the skyscraper. I’ll become a hero… Ancient Gods will let my soul fly…”

  Oh, Jesus! Sarah sighed and poured him another glass of whiskey. “Poor boy!” she said suddenly and stroked Jason’s head.

  Jason shuddered and stared at her.

  “I think you’ve watched too many movies last time. But that’s not bad at all because your acting is phenomenal! Your emotions are sincere! I know what I’m talking about. Believe me. I graduated from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts in the USA. I would strongly recommend you to one famous director. He’s American. I’m gonna call him right now.”

  Sarah quickly pulled out her cell phone and dialed the number.

  “No need to—” Jason muttered.

  “Shut up… Mr. Scorsese? It’s me, Sarah!”

  “Martin Scorsese?” Jason gasped in delight.

  “Yeah, that’s him…” Sarah whispered loudly. “I found a great actor for your movie, Mr. Scorsese! Just met him in the bar… Yeah… I’ve never seen more convincing acting. Very talented young man.” Sarah handed Jason the phone.

  “Good evening…” Jason mumbled confusedly.

  “Hey, buddy!” Dan Coleman said confidently. “I know Sarah well. She must’ve shocked you. Anyway, son… You must come to me immediately. If I like your acting, we’ll fly to America. You’ll become a movie star! My last movie made more than 100 million bucks. Have you seen it?”

  “No, sir… But I will!” Jason exclaimed.

  “Never mind. My new movie will be phenomenal! The leading actor will have long hair… a bit depressed, you know… contemplative look…”

  “I have long, black hair, Mr. Scorsese!” Jason exclaimed.

  “You see! You won’t have to wear a wig!” Dan Coleman laughed. “I can’t thank Sarah enough. She’s a wonderful girl! So… come over ASAP. I’m here in London. But in a few days, I’m flying back to the United States. If everything is fine, you are flying with me.”

  “Wow!” Jason whispered. “To Hollywood?”

  “Of course! Right there!” Dan Coleman giggled.

  “But I have a job and…”

  “Forget about it! You’re gonna be a world-famous actor! Global fame, man! Sarah will give you my address!”

  He hung up the phone.

  “See?” Sarah smiled. “So easy to live when you know the right people.”

  “You blew up my mind,” Jason lowered his head. “I’m not sure, actually… I’m not an actor at all. I’m sitting in front of the computer day-and-night.”

  ‘You won’t have to strain yourself,” Sarah stroked his head. “We’re not gonna change you. Just be yourself. You’re a very interesting man. I really like you, Jason. If you come with me, I’ll show you that acting is not difficult.”

  “Where?” Jason asked obediently.

  “Maybe… you could invite me… Do you have much work to do tomorrow?” Sarah asked quietly.

  “No. It’s all right! Let’s go!” Jason rose to his feet.

  51. A New Crazy Plan

  “Dan! I’m so sorry!”

  “What? What happened, Sarah?” Dan Coleman asked quickly.

  It was early morning. Dan Coleman and George Hartley had been sitting in the office throughout the night, working out the plan of actions.

  “He’s gone! Jason disappeared!” Sarah cried out. “We spent the night together. I was absolutely sure he believed me. He was so sensitive and passionate.”

  “Sarah, are you sure he wasn’t abducted?” Dan Coleman asked.

  “I don’t know. Nobody chased us yesterday. The taxi driver delivered us straight to Jason’s house in East London.”

  “Is it his own house?”

  “I don’t know!” Sarah got angry. “I slept with him. That’s all! Did I fail again?”

  “Search the place,” Dan Coleman ordered.

  “Oh… he left a note for me on the kitchen table!” Sarah exclaimed.

  “Read it!”

  “Dear Sarah! I’m sorry, but I have to leave you. I’ve got some job to do. That’s it!”

  “Great,” Dan Coleman grinned. “Even worse than nothing.”

  “Why?” Sarah cried out. “Maybe he went to work. He’s gonna come back to me in the evening!”

  “What does it mean that he had to leave you?” Dan Coleman asked mockingly. “You never know what’s on his mind. He’s an insane bastard—”

  “Don’t call him like that!” Sarah exclaimed.

  “Sarah, six hours till terrorist act!” Dan Coleman reminded her. “Actually, we have a plan.”

  “Tell me!” Sarah said excitedly.

  “I’m gonna call Walter Schmidt and tell him that I’m in,” George jumped into the conversation. “I mean, I’ll tell him I’m ready to kill my family… to make money.”

  “Are you crazy?” Sarah squeaked.

  “Listen to me!” George barked. “Walter Schmidt is gonna open short positions in the British market right before the terrorist act. I’ll tell him I’m gonna do the same. But I’ll also remind him that I’m officially dead and I can’t trade the stock market at the moment. So, you, Sarah, go straight to him and give him my money – 100 thousand dollars cash. I will participate in this crazy speculation. Being at Walter’s place, you must find Jason and convince him not to fly. If you don’t find him, ask Walter Schmidt to see my family. They will probably be sitting in the jet with Jason. Try to speak to him, stare at him… One word, one phrase, one look can make him change his decision. The terrorist act must be disrupted. You understand your mission, Sarah?”

  “Yes, George,” Sarah said quietly. “But I’m afraid I’ll fail again.”

  “You can’t,” George said coldly. “You will save my family.”

  “Why won’t we kill that bastard and save your family?” Sarah asked.

  “We should act smarter, Sarah,” Dan Coleman said. “We will make him bankrupt. George gives him 100 grand. Walter sells the market. At the same time, we buy the market. I explained the situation to my colleagues from the American financial fund. Actually, I lied to them, telling that Walter Schmidt posed a threat to the national security of the United States, intending to hack the Twitter account of the American President. They are ready to invest money and move the market up just to put Walter Schmidt out of the way forever.

  So, Walter Schmidt will sell the market, using financial leverage. When the market spikes up, Walter Schmidt will face a margin call and become bankrupt. I guess Ross will lose everything too.”

  “To cut the chase, lives of my wife and son are in your hands, Sarah,” George concluded.

  “I see,” Sarah said quietly. “I’ll do my best.
I promise!”

  “Anyway, I’ll be standing in that skyscraper, Sarah, looking at the flying jet,” George said thoughtfully.

  “What?”

  “I’ll be there. I can’t let my family die. I can’t let anyone die again because of me. If the jet crashes into the skyscraper, my life will end too.”

  “George, this is madness!” Sarah exclaimed. “By the way, why won’t we just call the police? They will track the location of Walter Schmidt. We’ll tell them that the bastard is going to commit a terrorist attack. A new 9/11!”

  “Sarah, we are not going to do that,” Dan Coleman said dryly. “They won’t believe us. What will the police do? Visit the office of Walter Schmidt? He’d tell the police they went mad! He uses his jet for his own needs. He’s a law-abiding investor, trader, who pays taxes, and so on. The police will come for us then, and find out that we’re American spies.”

  “Come over and take the money, Sarah,” George said confidently. “And I’m going to the skyscraper right now. So, perhaps we’ll never see each other again.”

  “I tried… I tried to hide my feelings, George,” Sarah moaned. “But you’re really the man whom I’ve always loved.”

  George sighed. “I think you’re talking about the past. Now, I’m a boring, not wealthy man who forgot lots of important things. For example, how to feel and to love. I guess that deep inside, I love money, Sarah. This is my instinct. And also, I love my life. I’m not sure what I’m gonna tell my family if they survive. Will I be able to start loving them?”

  52. Death Trading

  Three hours later, George Hartley, having put on the glasses, false beard and a wig, entered the lobby of the skyscraper. He instantly felt uncomfortable, looking at the people. Most of them didn’t pay attention to him. But George had a feeling that they all knew him.

  This is the place where I died two weeks ago, he thought. Probably, I deceived all these people around me.

  George passed the security post while the securities were talking to the Chinese delegation. To sneak in was not difficult for him – an hour ago, George had watched all the videos on YouTube where some young guys had easily climbed on the roof.