Is This Goodbye?: A Frank Moretti Thriller

by Frederick Wysocki

  As they drove up, Frank saw his bride-to-be standing outside the freshly painted home waiting for him.

  If it wasn’t for the guard, the rest of the staff, Naomi and Stash I would be alone on a small island in the middle of nowhere.

  An extensive remodel of the main house had just been completed. It turned out that the skeleton was all reinforced steel and cement. Even the windows were inch-thick armored glass sitting in steel frames.

  Anthony liked being secure, not that it helped him in the end.

  Frank had told his contractor to order commercial generators with underground diesel tanks. “I want them to be big enough to provide electricity, twenty-four seven, to my entire estate for three months.”

  Now it can withstand hurricanes or a direct assault.

  Off to one side of the driveway were several construction trucks. The contractor was currently updating all six of the guesthouses where the hired help and guests stayed.

  Naomi hugged Frank as he exited the car. “Welcome home. I thought you might have been back earlier.”

  “Blame Regina. For some reason she thinks I should go to Vancouver, Canada and she wouldn’t take no for an answer. The only reason I’m here at all is because I finally said yes, just to get out of her office.” Frank smiled at her.

  Naomi turned and hugged Stash. “Whadup wid yuh?”

  “All good, cous.”

  Since they only slipped into local jargon around tourists, Frank smiled when they did it around him.

  Stash carried Frank’s overnight bag into his bedroom while one of the maids greeted Frank and Naomi with cold drinks.

  When Stash reappeared, he said, “I just got a text from a friend that needs a ride, see ya later.”

  “Thanks again for picking me up.” Then Frank pivoted to Naomi. “It’s good to be home. Let’s go talk on the veranda.”

  Frank took in his view of the ocean then picked up one of two glasses of juice that a maid had placed on the table. “Cheers.”

  “Cheers to you, Frank.”

  They clicked their glasses and took sips.

  Frank took control. “What trouble did you get up to while I was away?”

  “Not much. I went to my sister’s to see her and Jamal.”

  Frank knew she had really gone to see the son she now pretended was her nephew. “How are they doing?”

  “My sister’s good and Jamal is really doing better. They don’t know if it’s because of Bo or the marijuana extract, but he’s doing much better.”

  Bo’s a great assistance dog but I think it’s probably the extract.

  To Frank, it was as if Naomi’s family had adopted him once he’d shown how thoughtful and generous he could be with them.

  “Or perhaps he’s growing out of the malady.”

  “Let’s hope you’re right.”

  After a second toast, Frank got down to business. “I need to fly to Vancouver, Canada for a couple of days or maybe a bit longer.”

  “Do you need me to tag along?”

  “Not really. It’s just so I can do some quick due diligence to decide if I want to make a small investment in one of Regina’s companies. It’s not something I really want to do.”

  “Then why bother going?”

  “This is the first deal since Russia that Regina’s bringing me into, so I don’t want to turn her down. After it’s done, I’ll explain to her that I only want to hear about much larger deals.”

  Naomi gave Frank her little girl expression. “But, I’ve never been to Vancouver or anywhere else in Canada. I hear that it’s a gorgeous city. So, if you don’t mind I’d really love to tag along with you.”

  Having Naomi along will make the evenings more exciting. Frank grinned. “How would you reward me?”

  Naomi winked at him and grinned back. “Oh, I can think of a few things you might like.”

  A broad smile burst onto Frank’s face. “Then it’s settled. You are going to make this trip worthwhile no matter what else happens.”

  “When do we leave?”

  “As soon as you’re ready.”

  “Good, then I’ll start packing.” Naomi turned towards the master bedroom.

  Frank raised his voice as she walked away. “You do that while I jump on Google and search to see what’s worth seeing there this time of year.”

  9

  Saturday

  Vancouver, BC, Canada

  Frank spotted a travel magazine peeking out of his seat pocket. He lifted it out. On the cover it said, ‘20 Compelling Destinations.’ He flipped to the article.

  To his surprise, the number one destination turned out to be St Kitts.

  St Kitts feels untouched while being comfortable and convenient. Several airlines are now offering nonstop routes from New York and Atlanta, making St Kitts more accessible than many of its Caribbean peers. If you are looking for glitz, several new five star beach resorts have recently opened on St Kitts offering everything from a super yacht marina to boutique shopping. It is the perfect location for a destination wedding or maintaining privacy for those just wanting to get away from it all.

  Frank nudged Naomi and handed her the article.

  She read it then handed it back to Frank. “See, it says it is the perfect spot to get married.”

  Frank smirked.

  The seatbelt sign dinged. “Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our final descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. We’ll be going through the cabin to collect any beverages and other items you may still have.”

  As the airplane prepared to land, Frank and Naomi glanced out the First Class cabin windows to catch a glimpse of the Canadian countryside.

  An expanse of water they guessed was the Pacific Ocean was on their side. On the other, Naomi pointed at a mountain range in the distance.

  In between, everything that wasn’t a building or a strip of road, looked covered in green trees.

  A smooth landing brought smiles to their faces.

  “It’s a good omen, Frank.”

  Another ding. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The local time is five thirty-six and the local temperature is twenty-two Celsius or seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit.”

  Frank knew it was four hours later in St Kitts. Time to check into the hotel, get something to eat and then get some sleep.

  The Vancouver airport was mainly glass and light colored metal with pale tile floors. They followed others down two corridors past local Indian art and down an escalator towards the luggage pickup carousels.

  They had to pass through Canadian Customs before they could be set free.

  Several flights must have arrived near the same time. There were multiple lines and each one was long.

  Naomi sighed. “Must be a popular place.”

  Frank noted that the signs and announcements were all in English as well as French. Under the signs, he noticed Chinese lettering.

  After glancing at the people in lines, Frank spoke softly to Naomi. “Is it just me or are there a lot of Asians entering the country.”

  “I was told by a handsome Canadian fellow that I met on St Kitts that Vancouver is a very international city.”

  “Ah, interesting.” Is she trying to make me jealous?

  It took them thirty minutes of inching forward to stand in front of the agent. Sitting behind glass, it was as if the agent was a dish in a smorgasbord.

  They both handed their St Kitts passports to the young male agent.

  “Where are you both from?”

  Frank answered. “The Caribbean Island of St Kitts.”

  The agent’s eyes seemed to glimmer.

  “Purpose of visit?”

  “To enjoy the Dragon Boat Races in Coal Harbor and then do a little sightseeing.”

  “Length of visit?”

  “Two days for sure, p
erhaps up to a week.”

  The Canadian Customs agent stared at each of them in turn as if he could tell if they might be lying. “Enjoy your stay. Next.”

  On purpose, they had each brought only one carry on bag. Frank didn’t like waiting for luggage to arrive. “If we have to make two or three plane changes, we’ll never get our luggage.”

  Naomi was used to living and packing frugally.

  They were able to bypass the crowded luggage carousel.

  Frank took note of the Custom’s agents who were watching passengers as they grabbed their bags. Several of the agents had dogs by their side.

  Then Frank noticed a few travelers being led into windowless rooms.

  As they walked towards the exit, Naomi asked, “Where are we staying?”

  “At the Shangri-la Hotel in downtown Vancouver, on Georgia Street, wherever that is. The brochure called it a luxurious sanctuary between the mountains and the sea.”

  “Do they have a gym for me?”

  With eyebrows raised, Frank said, “A large gym, as well as a spa and pool.”

  “Then I can’t wait to see the hotel.”

  As they passed through automatic doors, Frank saw a paper sign with his name on it. Holding the sign was a middle-aged man in an inexpensive suit.

  Frank guided Naomi towards him.

  “Frank Moretti?”

  “Yes.”

  “My name is Denver, Mister Moretti.” Denver folded his sign and placed it in a pocket. “Please let me carry both of your bags while you follow me. The limo isn’t far.”

  Frank liked how the airport was bright and modern.

  As they left the main terminal, they passed by a totem pole surrounded by cedar trees and a few large boulders. It’s a nice blend of old and new.

  Three minutes later, they were standing next to a black Lincoln.

  As Denver placed their bags on the ground so he could open the trunk, Naomi asked, “May I please see your limo license?”

  Denver’s eyes darted to Frank and frowned.

  “She’s serious. It’s for security.”

  Denver pulled it out of his wallet.

  Naomi compared the picture on the license to Denver. “Okay, now we can proceed.”

  Denver let the incident die. He had looked up who Frank Moretti was. It’s not everyday I get to chauffeur a billionaire.

  Ten minutes later, they were cruising on a flat road towards a distant bridge.

  “Is this your first visit to Vancouver?”

  “It is. I heard it rains here a lot.”

  Denver chuckled. “Normally it does, except in the summer. But with global warming we seem to be having drier seasons. We’ve had many forest fires during our summer months in recent years. Now may I review our schedule, sir?”

  “Sure.”

  “I will be dropping you at the Shangri-La Hotel. I would recommend the room service while you unwind from your flight. Tomorrow morning is Sunday and I will pick you up at nine o’clock. Then I’ll show you some of the local sights. On Monday morning, I will be taking you to Richmond to visit SpaceLaser. From there I’m available as you require.”

  “Perfect.”

  Denver pushed a button on his dash and a privacy window started to rise. He stopped it half way up. “Whenever you want a little privacy just let me know and I’ll raise the divider. If I lower it to tell you something and it’s not a good time for me to talk, I’ll be happy to raise it again.”

  “Perfect.” Frank looked at Naomi. “I intend to treat you to the sights of what is known as Canada’s most scenic city.”

  Naomi reached for Frank’s hand.

  “Have you told Todd about this trip?”

  Frank winced. “You’re right. Since he’s my partner, I should be telling him what I’m doing. But I have no idea if this is a potential investment or not.”

  Naomi stared at him.

  “Okay, I’ll call him as soon as we settle into the hotel.”

  Naomi touched his arm. “Will you invite Todd to our wedding?”

  Frank smiled at her. “Since we aren’t officially engaged, that’s a loaded question, isn’t it?”

  “That’s not my fault.” Naomi blushed. She decided to change the topic. “Do you see yourself being an investor in five or ten years from now?”

  “Sure. Why not? Why do you ask?”

  “Well, if you keep letting Regina get you involved in technology deals that are as risky as the Russian one was, sooner or later you could get killed. Since you’ve got more money than you’ll ever need, why not cut back to less risky deals; ones that are more, how do I say it, conventional; ones like Todd wants us to do.”

  “That would make Todd happy. Don’t worry. Unless this little trip is risk free and any investment has the potential to be exceedingly profitable, I’m going to tell Regina I’m not interested in her deals anymore. Happy now?”

  “Yes.”

  Within twenty minutes, they had checked into their hotel.

  Frank quickly unpacked his carry on bag. The one thing he left hidden in a side pocket was the small box with the ring. Just in case the opportunity presents itself.

  Placing his bag in the closet, Frank turned to watch as Naomi checked out the room for listening devices and cameras.

  He smirked. “This isn't Russia you know.”

  “One can never be too safe, Frank.”

  After the experience in Russia, Naomi’s comment made Frank smile. He knew that he had just erringly thought of her as his lover and not his bodyguard.

  “Do you want to order from room service or shall we just call it a night?”

  “I’m ready for bed.”

  Within twenty minutes, they were both fast asleep.

  10

  Sunday

  The next morning Denver picked them up at the Shangri-la Hotel. Being a Sunday, the downtown traffic was almost nonexistent. The morning clouds had mostly disappeared and the sun was out.

  “Today, the weather is supposed to be perfect. As you requested, we’ll start in False Creek for a Dragon Boat Race. From there, I’ll be showing you the beaches here in downtown, Stanley Park and its seawall, the Convention center and Chinatown. If you’re up to it then you’ll be having dinner at the Salmon House on the Hill this evening. Any questions?”

  “No.”

  “Then I’m taking you down to an area we call False Creek.”

  Naomi had met many Canadian visitors to St Kitts. To her, they seemed more laid back than the Americans she’d met. “Denver, how far are we from the Canadian American border?”

  “Not far. In fact most Canadians live within a hundred miles of the border.”

  “Why is that?”

  “The biggest reason has always been economic integration. We are both big trading partners. The second reason is climate. The farther north you go in British Columbia, the colder it gets. In fact, we call Vancouver the Hawaii of Canada.”

  “That’s interesting.” As they approached False Creek and its Dragon Boat course, the traffic intensified, Naomi grew uncomfortable. “Denver would you mind staying about a car’s length back of the vehicle in front of you when you come to a stop.”

  “May I ask why or is it for security again?”

  “It’s so we aren’t boxed in, so yes, it’s for security.”

  “I’ll be happy to.”

  Denver dropped them off a block from False Creek. “There are over one hundred and eighty Dragon Boat races. The next race will be the Hong Kong International Cup in about fifteen minutes. Just head down to the water.”

  He passed something to Frank. “Here are your tickets to the reserved seating. I’ll meet you back here in an hour unless you text me earlier to pick you up. ”

  It only took three minutes to walk to the viewing area then two additional minutes to find their seats.

  The boats were lined up and ready to start.

  Frank did a quick count of the people. “There appears to be eight boats with twenty two people on each boat: tw
enty paddlers, a drummer and someone steering.”

  The boats were decorated with dragon heads and tails.

  A fellow seated next to Frank leaned over. “This year we have 180 teams competing, eh. It's all about keeping time, listening to the drummer and pulling together to get the boat across the finish line. It’s all aboot teamwork.”

  Frank smiled. “I forgot that Canadians always say oot and aboot.”

  The Canadian smiled back. “You’ve got a good ear, eh.”

  Frank spun towards Naomi.

  She joined in. “That’s what I keep trying to tell you Frank. It’s all aboot teamwork, eh.”

  They laughed together.

  The drummers started; the race had begun.

  After watching two races, Frank whispered to Naomi. “Shall we wander around or do you want to get on our way?”

  “Let’s wander around for a bit.” Then she whispered in his ear. “But first I need to pee.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “It just seems that you need to pee a lot lately.”

  “I read where drinking more water is good for a person. Especially when you’re flying. The water helps prevent blood clots.”

  “Oh.”

  Frank waited outside a nearby restroom.

  Naomi reappeared.

  “Ready?”

  “Yes.”

  They wandered onto a plaza. It had a circular crowd. Naomi spotted a cement bench for them to stand on.

  Inside the circle was a flurry of red and yellow. Frank asked Naomi, “Do you think it’s a dragon?”

  An Asian woman with a thick accent looked up at him. “It’s the Lion Dance Group. The lion is a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune. It chases away evil spirits and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck.”

  Frank looked at Naomi. “Perhaps it’ll bring me luck with the firm on Monday.”

  “I thought that I was your good luck charm.”

  “You are, Naomi, you are.” Frank pulled out his phone. “I’m going to text Denver to pick us up.”

  Fifteen minutes later, they were passing a sandy beach. “This is English Bay beach.”