by Lynn Moon
Neither man moved and neither man spoke.
“Okay,” Strickland said standing. “Will you please tell me what you have done now?”
“Nothing, Madam President,” Nestle stated.
“Well, I’ve had just about enough of this little party.” Strickland walked to the small door leading to her private conference room and opened it. “Will you join us please?”
The men couldn’t see who she was talking to. They turn around in their seats and cocked their heads. As people entered, their eyes widened. Several adults and many young children stood in a line in front of the president’s desk. Little Lizzie cried in her mother’s arms as Macie dug out a bottle of milk from the diaper bag. Dakota and Nevada jumped up and down in front of their mother and Gabe talked to Daren. Learl reached for her friend Seith’s hand and smiled at the men sitting on the couch.
“Hi Dr. Nestle,” Learl said with a grin. “I didn’t know you were here. It’s nice to see you again.”
“I think I will ask you one last time,” Strickland said standing in front of the frightened men sitting on the couch. “What did you two do now?”
* * * * * *
The meeting was held at the prestigious Sea Island hotel along the Georgia coast. Strickland stared at her hands wondering if she was sick. Not a drop of sweat anywhere. Her hands should be soaked by now, but they were dry.
“What’s wrong?” Lewis asked taking the seat next to her.
“Yes sir,” the bartender said waiting for the man’s order.
“Bourbon,” Lewis stated with a forced smile. The bartender nodded and handed Lewis a small glass with the glittering golden liquid.
“Is something bothering you, Madam President?” he asked.
“Not really,” she replied taking a sip of her iced coffee. Strickland squinted her eyes trying to see deeper into her palms. But everything seemed just as normal as ever.
“Time to go,” Greghardt said approaching the pair sipping on their drinks. “Ready?”
Strickland nodded and followed Greghardt down the decorated hallway. The polished wood floor echoed their footsteps as they entered the small meeting room. Strickland admired the intricately carved woodwork that lined the walls. An oriental rug covered the floor under the large table. For such a small room, the overall ambience was comforting. Three men stood at the table’s end patiently awaiting their arrival. Their hands were clasped and they stood as rigid as three oak trees. Strickland had to smile. All three wore a light gray suit with dark red ties. Only one wore glasses, but all had graying goatees.
The man in the middle spoke first, “I’m Dr. Jonathan Russel, president and CEO of the Philips Institute. To my right is Dr. Fraymont Van Duyn, vice president of Internal Affairs, and to my left is Mr. Robert Collins, our legal counsel.”
The two men nodded as they were introduced, but no one offered their hand as a gesture of trust. Greghardt snickered before he introduced his small clan.
“We are pleased you could join us today, gentlemen. I’m Dr. Allen Greghardt, executive liaison to The Agency. This is Dr. Jeffery Lewis, president and CEO. I’d like to personally introduce you to my friend and the president of the United States, Madam Vivian Strickland.”
“We are honored to meet you, Madam President,” Russel stated. He nodded his head and smiled slightly.
“Thank you,” Strickland said as she studied the three men. “Exactly how can we be of assistance?”
Russel cleared his throat before speaking. “I’m sorry,” he coughed, “but I must stress this is a very delicate situation. Normally we take care of our own, but unfortunately this time we must ask for the help of The Agency and the US Government.”
“I see,” Strickland replied. “But what can be of such urgency you need our help?”
“We’ve known of the accomplishments of The Agency for quite some time. I must say your work is very impressive. Very thorough and clean.”
“Again, Mr. Russel,” Strickland said with a slight frown, “how exactly can we help you today?”
“We share two mutual friends,” he replied lowering his head. “And I must state we are very disappointed in their recent behavior.”
“I see,” Strickland said now interested in who they could possibly be talking about. “Who are these two mutual friends? Do they have names?”
“Vernon Geeshmore and Roland Nestle,” Russel replied lowering his head.
“I see,” Strickland said but as she spoke she couldn’t hold back her amusement. For some reason, hearing such an important individual state he was ashamed of her two knuckheads not only caught her off guard, but was the funniest thing she’d heard in many months.
Strickland’s eyes started to tear as cries of delight filled her with happiness. Her laughs echoed through the room, and one by one the men started to smile. Lewis was first to follow Strickland’s cries of joy, followed by Greghardt and the attorney Collins. It was only a few seconds before the other two joined in. Everyone was laughing so hard they had to hold their stomachs. It took several minutes before they regained control. Strickland pulled a small packet of tissues from her purse. After keeping several for herself, she passed the small packet to Lewis to share with the others.
“Thank you,” Russel said as his chuckles filled the room. “I needed that.”
“You’re quite welcome,” Strickland said wiping her eyes. “Let’s be honest here. We know you’re some of the richest men in the world. So you have us at a disadvantage. Vernon and Roland are my problem, but how are they also yours?” It was a wonderful release to laugh so hard.
“We’ve been following the two for a long time,” Russel said at last. “We had an idea as to what they were up to, but wasn’t sure how we were going to prove it or how far they had progressed. We needed to know all the players. But it seems it was just a few.”
“We wish to turn this over to you,” Fraymont said passing a large bound folder to Strickland. “All of our evidence is in there. You will have no problems convicting them.”
“It’s important the Philips Institute and the society remain clean of any accusations,” Russel added with a frown.
“Society?” Greghardt asked.
“Skull and Cross Bones,” Russel replied. “It’s our men’s society at Yale. For some reason, anything… out of the ordinary is always blamed on them.”
“I see,” Greghardt added.
“The Philips Institute is very interested in the welfare of this planet and all the people who live on it. We do groom selected men and teach them our ways of the society. But we do not condone the experimentations our mutual friends were conducting.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Lewis stated.
The three men looked sternly at him and frowned.
“Why do you say that, Dr. Lewis?” Russel replied.
“We found the laboratory,” Lewis answered.
“We did too,” Fraymont interjected, “and we shut it down. It was buried. We were disgusted by what happened there.”
“And are you responsible for the explosion in West Virginia?” Lewis asked.
“Yes,” Russel said with frown. “We discovered one of the doctors, a Dr. Eugene Spangleholtz, was trying to create human crossbreeds and succeeded. The creations that could not function were euthanized. Others were transferred to assisted-living centers. We’ll ensure they’re properly cared for. They will want for nothing. No one was killed in the explosion.”
“It’s all in the report you have in front of you, Madam President,” Fraymont replied. “Dr. Spangleholtz was murdered and our investigation and conclusions are all there too.”
“I see,” Strickland said.
“The addresses of their concealed offices are also in that report. We’ll help in any way we can to remove our mutual friends from society. We like the way you guided them to your scientist in Washington. Very impressive.” Russel chuckled and shook his head. “Next time I need help, I’m contacting The Agency.”
“We wish to compe
nsate you for your troubles,” Fraymont said handing Greghardt a sealed envelope. “The Philips Institute apologizes and we are embarrassed two of our own decided they didn’t need to follow our rules anymore. What they did is strictly prohibited.”
The three men stood and nodded to the three still sitting.
“Please stay and enjoy the facilities,” Russel said before leaving. “We must return, but your rooms are paid for until Monday at noon. We’ve also covered your meals and a few little treats to help you relax. Please, stay and allow us to show you how sorry we are all this happened.”
“Thank you,” Strickland added. “But honestly we can’t…”
“No,” Russel interrupted. “It’s all taken care of and no one will be able to trace who paid for what. Everything is on a cash basis with us. Enjoy your weekend. Good day to you all.”
Strickland watched as the three left the room and shut the door behind them.
“That was weird,” Strickland said looking at the large envelope in Greghardt’s hand. “What’s in it?”
Greghardt shrugged his shoulders and opened the envelope. “Well, there’s a check here for The Agency in the sum of one billion, two hundred million dollars to begin with.”
“Nice,” Lewis said pulling the check from Greghardt’s grip. “That will just about pay to take care of our mutual friends, and then some.”
“What else?” Strickland asked.
“A letter of apology to Early and Alex Sutton with a check of two million, four hundred thousand. There’s another apology letter for Marty Starling and the others with a check for the same amount. And another for Gabe’s mom. Our letter asks for us to care for the hybrids we have in our custody.” Greghardt shook his head and smiled.
“What’s so funny?” Lewis asked.
“I guess with so much money you can buy your apologies.”
“I looked up the Philips Institute before we came in here,” Strickland added. “They’re worth over nineteen trillion dollars.”
“Well then,” Greghardt said. “These payments are just a drop in the bucket to them… chunk change.”
“I think it’s a nice gesture for Early and Marty and the others,” Strickland said. “But how do you put a price tag on what happened to them?”
“Beats me, but as for me,” Lewis said staring at the pretty check, “I’m going to consider the Philips Institute as a good client.”
Chapter 102
MARTY AND EARLY read and re-read their letters.
“Do we have to pay taxes on this?” Marty asked.
“Don’t know,” Lewis replied. “But we’ve set up appointments with our accountants for you. Also our investment department will help. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.”
“I can’t believe this,” Early said staring at the check. “Why?”
“They felt responsible,” Lewis explained.
“But…” Marty started.
“Hey, never question fate,” Lewis said with a grin. “Just enjoy your families. Your kids will be grown before you know it. Go… enjoy your lives.”
“Thank you,” Early cried as she hugged Lewis. “Thank you for giving me my life back.”
“You are welcome,” Lewis said with a tear running down his cheek. “You are very welcome. But thank you lawyer. He did all the work.”
“I have,” Early replied. “Trust me I have.”
“Oh, and we paid for his services for you,” Lewis said. “You owe him nothing. We also offered him a job… and his secretary. So just go and have a good life, Early. You both, keep in touch.”
When the women left Lewis’s office, Carrie entered.
“Well,” she said. “I guess we did it again.”
“We always do,” Lewis said staring out at the sunset.
“Will it ever end?” Carrie asked joining Lewis at the window.
“Doubt it.”
* * * * * *
Early and Marty watched as the older children played in the pool. Although the area was enclosed, the sun still filtered through and was enough to brighten their spirits.
“Your daughter is so cute,” Early said.
“Would you like to hold her?”
“I’d love to,” Early replied reaching for the baby. “I especially love her little feet.”
“They are a challenge,” Marty replied. “But with the correct shoes she should be fine as she grows. Has anything special shown up in your girls yet?”
“Nothing,” Early replied as she bounced the giggling Lizzie on her knees.
“She used to have fur,” Marty added. “But it’s all gone now. I just love her long golden hair.”
“It’s much thicker than normal. She’ll love it when she gets older. Her face seems to be shaping up nicely too.”
“Yes,” Marty said looking out at the children jumping into the water trying to place her view on Early’s twins. “I was worried at first. But with the face plate she sleeps with, it’s helping to reshape her skull. I think she’ll look normal when she’s older.”
“Normal?” Early replied. “Yes… but much more beautiful than the average.”
“What have you decided about your husband?” Marty asked holding out a towel for Eliza.
“Can I get a drink, mommy?” Eliza asked with water dripping onto her mother. “I’m thirsty.”
“Honestly, Eliza?” Marty snapped jumping from her chair. “Yes, I’ll go get you a drink. Excuse me, Early, while I get something for these kids. I’ll grab us some drinks too.”
“Thanks Marty,” Early said smiling at Eliza and bouncing Lizzie on her knee. “Are you enjoying the water?”
“Yes ma’am,” Eliza said wiping her face. “And I like the way Dakota and Nevada can stay underwater for so long. It’s pretty cool.”
“What do you mean?” Early asked.
“They don’t have to come up for air if they don’t want to,” Eliza replied. “We counted to four hundred and they’re still sitting on the bottom.”
“Dakota… Nevada….” Early yelled. “Come here please.”
Chapter 103
THE WEEKS PASSED and the winter months covered the city in a light blanket of snow. Three administrative judges sat patiently waiting for the others. It had been a long deliberation, but their decisions were final. Each judge wore a black robe and sat pompously behind the bench. The room looked like any other courtroom, in any city across America. But unlike other courtrooms, the rulings set down here were final… no appeals… no stays… no pardons.
Vernon Geeshmore and Roland Nestle were escorted into the room by two armed guards. Their attorneys were at their sides. Normally, most verdicts and sentences were carried out in closed sessions. But special cases deserved special accommodations, and this was an extraordinary case. Lewis and Greghardt sat in the back of the room eating popcorn and sipping soda through a straw.
Nestle could smell the popcorn as soon as he entered. He scrunched his nose turning toward the odor. When their eyes met, Lewis and Greghardt smiled and waved. With a frown and growl, Nestle took his seat. He looked up at the three administrative judges. But not one of them noticed who was seated in the room, they were too busy reading the material in front of them.
With it all quiet except for the occasional munching of popcorn from the back of the room, the bailiff stood and asked everyone to stand.
“This is going to be such an exciting event,” Lewis said jumping to his feet.
“I can’t wait for the ending,” Greghardt added, “I bet it has a great twist.”
Nestle could hear every word they said, and they could tell his anger would soon engulf him. After introducing the judges, the bailiff asked everyone to take their seats.
“Would Vernon Geeshmore please stand?” One of the judges said.
Geeshmore hesitated for only a second before his attorney grabbed his arm and pulled him into a standing position. Sweat rolled from his temples.
The female judge in the middle spoke softly, “Vernon Geeshmore, you have been c
harged with twenty-four counts of murder in the first degree, two counts of terrorism against the United States, sixteen counts of kidnapping, thirty-two counts of committing and initiating hate crimes, three counts of Government fraud, and four counts of bank fraud. Mr. Geeshmore, how do you plead?”
Geeshmore didn’t know how to answer. He stood quiet and dumbfounded. His attorney shook his head and answered for his client. “We plead guilty your honors.”
“Very well,” she replied. “This court hereby finds you guilty on all counts. Hereafter, you are stripped of all honors of doctorate. Hence forth, you are not permitted to use the title of doctor. Your license to practice has been suspended indefinitely. Your position as Director of the National Institutes of Health is hereby terminated effective immediately. For your crimes against the people of the United States, you are hereby fined seven million, two hundred thousand dollars. We sentence you to eight hundred years in a high security federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole. Do you have anything to say to this court?”
“No ma’am,” Geeshmore said as tears ran down his face.
“I must add, Mr. Geeshmore, you make me sick,” the female judge stated. “I don’t know what you were thinking, or if you were thinking at all, but the sight of you makes me ill. Bailiff, remove this scum from my sight.”
As the armed guard escorted him from the room, Geeshmore turned one last time to look upon the man he used to call his friend. Nestle looked away as Geeshmore shook his head. The door banged loudly as it closed behind the guilty man and the sound reverberated around the room.
“Well,” Lewis laughed. “I wasn’t expecting all of that, were you?”
“Not at all,” Greghardt chucked. “This is better than I expected.”
Again the aroma of popcorn filled the air as the pair in the back munched and sipped loudly.
“Would Roland Nestle please rise and face the court,” the same judge announced.
Nestle jumped to his feet. He stood firm and proud glaring into the eyes of the three clowns sitting in front of him. Nestle didn’t know who they thought they were, but this was a lynching if there ever was, not to mention a major farce. One day he’d make them all pay.
