You're Almost There
by
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The Chairman sat in the living room of the hunting lodge, a hunting lodge in name only, as it possessed a spacious meeting room, ten bedrooms, modern facilities, and all the amenities. The deed verified it belonged to his corporation, but in truth there was little difference between what was his and what was his company’s. He was a lanky 44-year-old in excellent shape. His flat top cut was touched with gray that he made no attempt to hide. His jaw was strong and his blue eyes showed no warmth. He was handsome in a rugged way that appealed to women. But, as with them and others who crossed his path, he took what he wanted and discarded what he didn’t. Today he wore a red flannel shirt, jeans, and running shoes.
He was rich beyond most peoples’ dreams, but it never was enough. When he had millions, he wanted billions. Now there he dreamed of trillions. Probably an unreasonable goal, but he didn’t accept its impossibility.
Today he awaited his visitor. If the report was positive, and it better be, some of the impossibility would disappear. He glanced at his watch — 3:10. The geologist was due at 3:30 and knew enough to be on time. No one kept the Chairman waiting. The glass by his side was empty. He rang. In seconds a white clad Hispanic butler entered, his feet silent. No words were spoken, but the glass was replaced with a filled one.As the butler started to leave, the Chairman said in his deep bass voice, “Remember, Alejandro, once my visitor is here, I want to be undisturbed until I ring you. And then you know what to do.”
“Yes, sir, I understand,” he replied and closed the door after him.The geologist parked in the circular drive at 3:22. As he waited for eight minutes to pass — it wouldn’t do to be early — he thought of his client. He was glad he was going to give him what he wanted. The alternative would be terrifying.
On the dot of 3:30 the door opened and Alejandro said, “Your guest is here, sir.” He ushered in a short man, no more than five feet eight inches in rumpled white shirt, stained gray slacks, and worn brown shoes. Two pens and a pencil graced the shirt pocket. His hair was untidy and glasses hid his myopic eyes. The Chairman knew the looks belied the genius that lay below, a genius that had a two-decade involvement with some of the most important projects throughout the world.“So, Heinrick, did you have a pleasant flight?”
“Er, I guess so. Didn’t really pay much attention. Was working on my final report to you.”The Chairman thought this was indeed the right man for the task that had been assigned him. “And, Heinrick, is that report going to give me good news.”
The geologist pulled a loose-leaf binder from the briefcase he’d been carrying and laid it on a table next to the chair he’d taken. “Oh, yes, I think you’re going to be very pleased.”“Everything is as I suspected?”
“Yes, yes indeed. Even more so. When you read this you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”“That is good news indeed. I assume that is the report in the notebook you have there. I’ll take it now.”
“Oh, no. I can’t give it to you yet. I want to have it bound properly. I can get it back to you by tomorrow at the latest.”“That’s very kind of you, Heinrick, but unnecessary. I’ll just take it as it is.” The voice was gentle, but did not hide the steel in the command. Without a word, the geologist passed the binder. “Now, shall we celebrate with wine and hors d’oeuvres?”
“Oh, that’s not necessary, not at all. I was just doing my job.”“I insist,” and the Chairman rang the bell, instantly bringing Alejandro with a tray bearing two glasses of an expensive port and several dishes of delicacies.
After the servant had left, the Chairman said, “To a profitable adventure,” and raised his glass. The geologist lifted his, took a good-sized sip, ate two shrimp, and collapsed. His eyes glazed and face distorted in terror. Then, as he drew his last breath, the watching Chairman was puzzled. Was that the hint of a smile on the geologist’s face?The Chairman rang again. This time two husky men entered. “Take care of him,” and the Chairman strode from the room.
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About the Book
Emily Winston lies dead in the woods, just a few feet from the trail on which she’d been training for her next marathon. Hardly able to believe it themselves, investigating detectives Renaldo Hernandez and Kaitlin Richardson discover information that indicates a sick individual, with a hatred of Emily’s sport, could be the culprit, a hypothesis strengthened by additional chaos affecting the running community. But dark elements arise unrelated to running, and no single theory seems to satisfactorily explain all the facts. Not least among the confusing evidence are obscure geometrical messages popping up at crime scenes and bizarre choices for the weapons of death.
Seven young men and women, four of them runners participating in the same marathon training program, find themselves caught in the web of intrigue — some as pawns to be manipulated and others as ancillary victims. One of them has been selected for special attention by the twisted individual behind the crimes. The seven lives are transformed as they deal with greed, evil, rejection, deception, infidelity, insecurity, lust, love, forgiveness, and redemption.
About the Author
Robert Brigham is a Professor Emeritus of mathematics. He has been a runner for four decades and has completed several half marathons. Previously published books are When Your Lover Dies, Math Is Murder (with James Reed), and Murder by the Numbers. He lives in Florida with wife Patricia and greyhound Callie.