2Promises

by Phil Armstrong

  “323, that was my room number at The Astor Hotel,” thought Beth, as she walked towards the elevator bank. She heard herself mumble, “There are no coincidences.” She thought of her promise to Subra and how she needed to find the portal quickly before she lost him. She hoped the Kaigara-Shell connection was a real lead and not a silly coincidence. “There are no coincidences,” she told herself again. Stepping into the elevator she joined two men dressed smartly in suits, ties and shiny shoes. Beth felt a little underdressed in her runners, tight fitting jeans, yellow tee shirt and black backpack.

  One of the men asked Beth, “What floor would you like?”

  “Three please,” answered Beth not raising her eyes.

  She saw the number 3 illuminate on a panel located to her side. The doors opened and she could see a sign indicating the third floor. Beth stepped out into a narrow hallway with elevator doors both sides. The floor was black marble with white streaks running through it. She thought of the Marble Palace. A sign on the wall with gold lettering reflected the light. “Swan Property Investments” was displayed with an arrow pointing to the right. Beth turned right towards a double wooden door with glass panels. She could see a reception desk and the outline of a woman through the glass panels. She opened the door and stepped into the reception area. It was carpeted in a luxurious deep cream carpet. Inside she could see a cream colored leather couch with antique wooden side tables. Beautiful fern plants were thriving in Chinese pots. Displayed in special cases were Inuit stone sculptures.

  Hanging on the walls were original oil paintings encased in large gold intricate frames. Beth walked confidently towards the reception desk where a middle aged woman stared into a computer monitor. She glanced upwards over her half cut glasses to meet Beth’s stare.

  “Good morning and welcome to Swan Property Investments how may I help you?” she asked in a professional tone with a crisp English accent.

  “My name’s Beth Martindale, I’m here to see Kaigara,” said Beth making it sound like she had known her for years.

  “We’ve been expecting you Miss Martindale, would you like to take a seat she’ll be with you shortly,” answered the receptionist. “Would you like a coffee, tea or water while you wait?” she inquired.

  “No thank you I’m fine,” said Beth.

  Beth placed her backpack on the ground next to the sofa and watched it sink into the deep pile carpet. She had noticed the Swan logo on the reception desk. It was gold set against a black background. Behind the receptionist was a sign in gold lettering “Swan Property Investments” illuminated by a high intensity spotlight. She glanced around and saw a table displaying trophies and awards. Some were in the shape of a Swan. She did not sit as instructed she remained standing. She looked at the painting hanging above the couch. Beautiful art emit their own type of energy, it reflects the talent and time that went into its creation. Copies and reprints do not harbor such positive energy. Beth was drawn to the painting; it was original oil on canvas. The scene was an old tree standing on hard barren rocks, to the left was blue water and through the trunk and branches you could see the sky. The sky was cloudy with snippets of blue. Shafts of light could be seen streaming down through the clouds onto the water. The blue water had white crested waves as they lapped against the rocky shoreline.

  Beth did not fall in love with the painting but its energy was strong and clear, magnetic. To the right of the painting was a small brass colored plaque mounted on the wall, the size of a matchbox. It read, “Old Pine, McGregor Bay, Arthur Lismer, Group of Seven.”

  “I was lucky to get that one, I paid more than I wanted to,” said a polished voice from behind her.

  Beth spun around to see a stunning looking woman. This had to be Kaigara, she looked exotic, and her dark long hair was slicked back tight in a hair clip. She had clear skin and high cheekbones her face was striking. A small nose slightly upturned with a narrow bridge that separated deep brown eyes. Kaigara wore a dark blue satin blouse that matched small blue earrings. She wore a black belt around her slender waist accenting a black pencil skirt that showed off her curves. Shiny black heels completed the outfit. Before Beth could take it all in Kaigara had approached her and extended a heavily jeweled hand.

  “Welcome to Toronto Miss Martindale, how was your flight?”

  “Fine thank you and please call me Beth,” said Beth in a bit of a haze.

  “Kaigara,” she said shaking Beth’s hand firmly. Beth noticed Kaigara’s eyes immediately fall to the little fox tattoo. She watched her expression change instantly as she registered disapproval, “Please follow me.”

  Beth followed Kaigara through a large wooden door with gold handles; it led to a hallway with offices either side. The interior was made of wood, expensive looking wood. More oil paintings adorned the walls. The hallway opened to a wider area and a lady sitting at a desk.

  “Can I get you anything?” she said rising out of her seat with a smile.

  “No thanks I’m fine,” said Beth.

  “Get me a ginger tea, Karen please,” said Kaigara sharply.

  “Right away,” said Karen heading off in a different direction.

  They moved into Kaigara’s office. She had an impressive office, bookshelves made of deep rich colored dark wood. Books, statues, awards and photographs adorned the shelves. Her desk faced the door; Beth could see a computer screen, a pile of papers and a high backed leather chair. Behind the desk the floor to ceiling windows offered a view of Union Station and beyond Lake Ontario. Kaigara motioned Beth to sit at the shiny meeting table made from one piece of solid wood. The chairs were heavy as Beth moved one back from the table and sat. Kaigara sat and leaned in with her elbows on the table and her hands clasped supporting her chin.

  “Tell me about Anwar, what happened?” she asked.

  Beth leaned back in her chair and thought, “Be sly Beth, be sly, you’re completely out of your element. Unfortunately Anwar passed away, he’d not been feeling well for a while now and knew he didn’t have long. His cough had got worse and he’d been to hospital. He was a private man and didn’t really talk about his illness much,” said Beth.

  Kaigara was just about to ask another question when Karen entered the room, she walked over to the table balancing a teacup and saucer. Kaigara leaned back and positioned a small coaster in front of her. Karen placed the cup on the coaster, smiled at Beth and started to leave the room. Beth studied Kaigara; she had a Pink aura (materialism, goal-setting, hard work) with bands of Red (sensuality, vitality, aggression) and a trace of Yellow (creativity, intellect). Beth noticed how smart Karen looked and felt a little shoddy. Kaigara was waiting for Karen to leave when Beth took the initiative.

  “Please excuse my appearance, I’d packed thinking I was traveling in India not Toronto.”

  “Oh, I totally understand Miss Martindale; you’ve traveled a long distance. I’m just glad that you could come and speak with me in person,” said Kaigara convincingly.

  Beth was not buying it. “Call me Beth, please,” she said forcefully.

  “Beth it is,” responded Kaigara.

  “Kaigara is an interesting name,” said Beth feeling a little more confident and trying to get a clue for the portal.

  “Yes, it’s Japanese, I have my Mother to thank for that,” she said. “So Beth we have an hour today what would you like to cover?” asked Kaigara getting down to business and sliding her business card across the table.

  “I’m afraid I don’t have one yet,” explained Beth looking at the business card. “I’m now heading the Generosity Account and would like to know more about the work you do.”

  “I’ve spoken to David Wilks to check your credentials Beth, I know who you represent. I also know that you spoke with Rose Akhter of the Reika Foundation in Kolkata. So you’ve seen some of our work, that was my Mother’s foundation,” said Kaigara. “Anwar never donated to the foundation because he said that he wanted to keep our relationship clean. We manage property investments for Anwar, or we did. We
used to recommend to him what, where and when to buy. We managed the property and the tenants. He was very hands off,” said Kaigara looking a little defensive.

  “So I’m heading that now, I’ve not had a chance to speak with Mr. Wilks yet but Anwar has informed me that he’s a professional,” responded Beth.

  “Mr. Wilks audits everything. Anwar was a special client to us Beth, you need to know that our families go back a long way. I have clients who demand a return, that’s all. Anwar was family, yes he wanted a return but he also wanted to be fair and honorable to the people who lived in his properties. You may think it would be easy to scam a trusting soul like Anwar but Mr. Wilks had an eagle eye. I want you to feel that you can trust me also,” explained Kaigara.

  “How do your families know each other?” asked Beth.

  “Once you have a certain net worth these individuals deal with the same people. I would advise Anwar to sell certain properties and buy others in different parts of the world from the proceeds. He started small and amassed a considerable fortune. All his assets drive a continuous revenue stream on a monthly basis. He would bank this into the Generosity Account and then simply give it away to needy causes. This is why I’m surprised with your visit. I thought that you would want to look at the portfolio that Swan manages for you? In the past Anwar was aware of the Reika Foundation but would not want to mix his business dealings,” said Kaigara.

  “Well, I’m not Anwar,” said Beth feeling stronger as she fixed her green eyes on Kaigara.

  “Clearly not,” responded Kaigara.

  “What do you have for me to take away on the current portfolio and your recommendations?” asked Beth.

  Kaigara rose and walked over to her desk. Beth noticed how slim she was. How Anwar was connected to a woman like this was inconceivable. She pictured Anwar sitting on his dirty bench in the Yorkshire sun rubbing his soiled stained hands and growing his Roses.

  As she turned to deliver the folder Beth asked, “Did you ever meet Anwar?”

  Kaigara was taken by surprise, “No, I spoke with him a few times, most of my dealings were with David.”

  Beth asked, “David?”

  “Sorry, David Wilks, Mr. Wilks,” explained Kaigara. Kaigara slid a glossy folder containing papers over the desk to Beth. “Anwar never asked for these but if you wish to see them we will simply ship another copy. Mr. Wilks usually vets them and I presume talked them over with Anwar. Mr. Wilks was the one sending the instructions.”

  Beth glanced at the black shiny folder; it had a large gold swan logo in the center. She opened the front cover and slipped Kaigara’s business card into the folder. “I will need to talk with Mr. Wilks when I return to England. We may or may not change the routine, I haven’t decided yet,” stated Beth feeling more in control.

  She wore jeans and a yellow tee shirt but it mattered little, she had a huge fund and clever people backing her. She did not know Mr. Wilks but she liked him already. “Tell me more about the work that Rose Akhter and the Reika Foundation is doing to help the women in the Sonagachi,” asked Beth.

  “The Golden Tree, it sounds so beautiful but clearly it’s a desperate place. My Mother founded Reika. When she visited Kolkata she was moved by the stories and what she saw. My Mother was born in Yokohama just south of Tokyo. She was raised in both Yokohama and Toronto, like me,” said Kaigara.

  “Yokohama, the magazine article, there are no coincidences,” thought Beth.

  “In Yokohama there’s a majestic ship, it’s located in the harbor. My Mother loves this ship it represents everything that is magical in this world to her and represents hope. She admires that ship. It’s called the “Swan of the Pacific.” This is why I chose the name and the Swan logo for my company. Beth, they really do great work,” Kaigara explained. “Maybe one day, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to see the ship in Yokohama at night, it’s a wondrous sight.”

  Beth felt a flushing of her cheeks and the faint swell of energy flooding her memory, “I’ve never been to Yokohama or the Kanagawa Prefecture. I’ve never had the chance to walk the Kishamichi Promenade or crane my neck upwards to look at the Landmark Tower. I’ve not marveled at the neon coated Ferris wheel overlooking Tokyo Bay. If I should ever get that chance I’ll make it a priority to gaze upon the floodlit white hull of the Nippon-Maru, the Swan of the Pacific,” said Beth holding her eye contact steady. “Thank you Subra,” thought Beth.

  “I’m sorry if I sounded, er, sounded,” Kaigara struggled to find the right words.

  “Just don’t under estimate me, that could be bad for both of us.” said Beth feeling like she just gained the upper hand.

  “Agreed,” said Kaigara looking downward at the table. A polite knock at the door broke an uncomfortable silence. The door opened and it was Karen looking like she wished she were somewhere else.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you but your Mother’s here for her lunch appointment,” she said sheepishly before leaving.

  “I know we have to end here but I’d like to ask one thing. Why did your Mother call you Kaigara? What’s the significance?” asked Beth.

  “That’s the second time you’ve asked me, why don’t you ask her in person on the way out?” offered Kaigara.

  Kaigara thought lunch with Mother was not going to be great but it was better than continuing this conversation. She had talked to Beth like a young uneducated girl only to be surprised at her intelligence and preparation. Now she looked like the amateur and she felt embarrassed. Anwar would not give his operation to an idiot, and by the sound of it he didn’t.

  “Thanks I will,” said Beth rising and walking to the door with Kaigara.

  They traveled down the hall and into the reception area. Sat on the couch was an elderly woman dressed in smart clothes, pearls and pastel colors. Her hair was short, black with wisps of grey. “Very cultured and refined,” thought Beth, obviously Kaigara’s Mother from her beautiful looks. As they entered the reception area she stood and stared at Beth.

  “Mom I need five more minutes then we can leave,” said Kaigara quickly, “this is Beth Martindale she’s the new Anwar.” Kaigara turned and went back to her office.

  “Sakura Tanaka, pleased to meet you Beth,” said the smiling woman extending her hand. She was taller than Kaigara and just as slim. “The new Anwar? What happened to Anwar did he retire?” inquired Sakura.

  “I’m sorry,” said Beth, “Anwar was sick for some time and finally passed away last week.” There was genuine sadness in her face as she sat quickly.

  “Oh my dear Anwar,” she said.

  “I’m sorry,” said Beth realizing she was a bit blunt, “I didn’t realize you two were close.”

  “I’ve known Anwar for a very long time and consider him to be one of my dearest friends. My husband will be devastated at this news. Are you a relative of his?” asked Sakura.

  “A dear friend selected to carry on his good work,” explained Beth. Beth looked at Sakura bent over double with her head in her hands she was genuinely upset. She could see Sakura had an Orange aura (emotion, health) but she had strong spokes of Green (healing, love of nature).

  “What are you doing for dinner tonight, if you’re free I’d like you to join me?” asked Sakura.

  “I’m probably going to skip dinner, my body clock is still messed up, thank you anyway,” replied Beth.

  Sakura was wearing an expression that pierced Beth; it was obvious she really needed to talk.

  “You seem disappointed, is there something you need to say to me?” asked Beth.

  “It’s important, but not here, I’d like to talk with you in private. I think it’ll be worth your while, but I do understand that you’re tired. I’d like to meet with you tonight. Tomorrow I’m leaving to join my husband in Yokohama,” explained Sakura. She looked desperate and upset.

  “Perhaps we can talk later over drinks, my hotel has a decent lobby bar?” offered Beth.