“Clint, my back is killing me. Isn’t there anything softer to lie on?”
“Let me go explore. Maybe I can find something.”
Clint ventured off into the dark, sparingly using the small flashlight. He was afraid it wouldn’t last very long. There were mazes of tables, slot machines and stools, but no couches or beds. It looked like 3 casinos had gone out of business and all the equipment from them had landed there. Because the furniture was so haphazardly stored, exploring and maneuvering were difficult. Climbing on top of a “21” table, Clint shone the light in a big circle. In a corner, he saw a pile of material that appeared to some kind of cloth. Making his way by walking from table to table, he was able to reach the pile and discovered it was a stack of movers’ quilts. They were heavy and soiled, but they would provide cushion and warmth. It was getting increasingly colder as the night progressed — and it would get colder still.
“Hey, Honey, I found some quilts!” Clint called to Viki. “This is our lucky night.”
“Well, there are different types of luck. We got lucky at baccarat.”
Clint came back with the quilts and started layering them on the baccarat table to form a makeshift mattress, saving a couple to use as blankets.
Patting the now-fluffy table, Clint said, “Want to test drive the new French Boudoir mobile?”
“Sure. How many miles does it get to the gallon?”
“It doesn’t get miles. It gets smiles. There are 1,000 smiles an hour on this ride. Yes-sir, it’s a real beauty. And it’s one of a kind.”
“Sounds interesting. But I think it’s an all-purpose vehicle,” Viki observed. “Looks like it could be a great picnic place.”
“Oh, don’t get me started. We forgot to eat! We’re gonna starve,” Clint moaned.
“No, we won’t! I brought the picnic with us! Thank goodness Ivan wasn’t around and I was able to smuggle it in.”
“I don’t see it. Where’d you leave it?” Clint asked.
“At the door, I think. Do you mind getting it?”
“On my way. I hate to leave you in the dark. Do you want to come with me?”
“No, Clint. I’ll be okay,” Viki assured him. “But hurry — I’m hungry.”
Clint brought back the tote back and began unloading it. “Oh, look, there’s a paper tablecloth in the package.”
“Hey, I didn’t expect that,” Viki said. “That works out nicely.”
The plastic knife didn’t look like it would cut the bread, so they tore off chunks and ate them with cheese triangles and grapes. It wasn’t much, but it would sustain them for a while. The wine was good, even if there weren’t any glasses. The local vineyards were excellent sources of aromatic and flavorful wines.
“I feel kind of decadent drinking wine out of the bottle,” Viki laughed. “This isn’t exactly the Ritz, so I guess it doesn’t matter.”
“But you’ve got to admit the company’s pretty darn good, Sweetheart,” Clint said.
“Yes, of course. We might as well eat everything, it won’t be any good in the morning.”
“I’m pretty full, but the cheese is so Gouda,” quipped Clint.
“Oh, Clint, that’s bad. But you’re so handsome that I’ll forgive you.”
Viki cleared all the trash off the tablecloth and folded it up to keep the crumbs contained. Tossing it in the tote bag, she asked, “Well, now what do we do?”
“Hm, how about covering up and getting some sleep? This kidnapping business is kind of tiring. Plus, we better rest up for tomorrow. We don’t know what’s in store for us.”
They snuggled under the blankets and concentrated on getting comfortable. But Viki was fidgety and finally gave up. “You know, Clint, I wish you had found a bathroom when you found these quilts. I don’t know how I can hold out until tomorrow.”
“Oops, that could be a problem. I guess I’ll go explore in the other direction. This place is so big, it’s bound to have some kind of break room or something for the laborers.”
Crossing to the other side of the warehouse, Clint called out to Viki, “Hey, I found an office that has a little restroom. I’ll come get you.”
Viki and Clint were once again snuggled up on their “bed.”
“Look, Clint, there’s the moon. I didn’t notice it before.”
“That’s because it wasn’t there before. It’s moving and has lit up the skylights,” Clint said. “I didn’t even realize there were skylights in this old place.”
“Oh, and I can see the stars. They’re so beautiful,” said Viki. “Seems kind of strange. I wouldn’t have thought that the stars would shine for us tonight. Let’s make a wish. Then give me a kiss to seal it.”
“What do you think I should wish for?” Clint asked. “I know — that we were on the beach at Capri or in Paris picking out jewelry for you?”
“I wouldn’t mind that. But, honestly, I have all the jewelry I want.”
“No, you don’t get it,” Clint said. “I’d rather be picking out very expensive jewelry for you than in this mess. Except I don’t find this part too bad at all. I mean, lying here with my favorite girl, looking up at the stars and snuggling under a blanket . . . that’s what I call heaven.”
“That’s so sweet,” Viki said. “But I still haven’t gotten that kiss yet.”
Clint cuddled Viki in his arms and they watched the stars until they were fast asleep. The moon seemed to be peeking in on them, shining and smiling down. It stood guard over the sleeping duo and they had a peaceful night.
They awoke when they heard a loud banging on the door. There was little light outside, so they knew it was still early.
“Why is he knocking? We don’t have a key. Let him get in by himself,” Clint groused, turning over. But Viki resisted the urge. If someone was going to walk in on them, she wasn’t going to have her back to them.
It turned out that Viki didn’t need to worry. They were completely hidden by stacks of tables and stools. In fact, they could have probably hidden quite successfully for a while. But that wasn’t the point. They wanted and needed to get out of there.
“Greetings, my friends. I’ve brought gifts. Well, not gifts, exactly. How about some croissants? And coffee, too,” inquired Mark.
“Well, life’s getting better,” mumbled Clint.
“Bring on the coffee. I’ll definitely feel better after I’ve had some coffee,” agreed Viki.
“I knew it. I knew you two would be all right. I have to go now. I’m going after Larry. When he’s settled, I’ll come back for you. Hold on a little while longer. I’ll be back,” promised Mark.
Viki sat cross-legged on the table and took a small sip of the French coffee. It was hot, strong and tasted really good. Viki didn’t usually like such strong coffee, but she was grateful for anything in this strange place. The coffee helped clear her head which was a little fuzzy from the wine, but she knew the coffee would straighten her out.
“Clint, dear, your coffee’s getting cold. Don’t you need some coffee? It’ll make you feel better,” teased Viki as she reached down and kissed his ear.
“OK, OK, I guess I want some coffee. Where are the eggs Benedict?”
The crescent-shaped rolls were fluffy, but crusty and buttery on top. The only thing missing was the jam.
“I’ll spring for some eggs Benedict tomorrow, Clint. Today, we have to make do with croissants. Actually, they’re pretty good. I guess I worked up quite an appetite last night.”
“I suppose there’s nothing more we can do but wait until Mark comes back,” Clint said in a resigned fashion. “Then the wheels will be set in motion and we may get an opportunity to get control of this situation.”
Mark was standing at the counter, waiting for the passengers to disembark, when the announcement came over the speaker that Larry’s plane had landed. Mark was nervous and hoped that everything would go according to plan. Ivan was really enjoying the plan so far, but he wasn’t sure that was good. But then things wouldn’t go well if Ivan was unhappy, either. “The sooner the better,” thought Mark. He was holding a neatly lettered cardboard sign that read “Larry Wolek.” Many of the passengers had left the plane and were going toward the exits or baggage claim when Mark finally saw Larry. Because Ivan had shown him pictures of Larry, Mark recognized him immediately. He waited until Larry approached him to stuck out his hand.
“Dr. Wolek? Jean-Claude DuBois. A pleasure to meet you, sir. Do you have any luggage to collect?”
“No, I have it all here,” Larry said as he shifted his garment bag and adjusted the handles on his carry-on suitcase. Mark took the garment bag from Larry and led him to the airport exit.
“Jean-Claude, can you tell me anything about this situation? I’ve been trying to reach the Buchanans from the plane’s phone. There hasn’t been any answer. What’s the deal?”
“As soon as we get to Dr. Kipling, he will fill you in on all that you need to know.”
They walked in silence after that and Mark felt bad. Larry seemed like a nice guy. He realized he would probably have to let him in on his secret, but not yet. That would have to wait.
The white Lincoln limo was parked at the curb, with a uniformed chauffeur at the wheel. Mark took the carry-on suitcase from Larry and put it and the garment bag in the trunk. Then Larry and Mark got in the rear of the limo and settled themselves for the ride.
The limo was a beauty and rode like a dream. Larry remembered being in France many times before. He had gone there in high school and taken Meredith to Paris on their honeymoon. There had been lectures, seminars and vacations, too, in the beautiful wine country. The journey was long, but comfortable and the two men were silent. Larry didn’t know what to say, since he’d already been denied any answers. Mark couldn’t say anything. Finally, the silence got to them both. As Mark was about to speak, Larry said, “Is Karen safe and is she really being held captive by that viper, Kipling?”
The tall, silver-haired chauffeur turned around, sneered an evil smile and said, “I assure you, Larry, Karen is safe and sound, for the moment. But that will rest entirely with you!” Ivan then laughed a diabolical chuckle and continued to drive.
Dr. Kipling eased the limo into the semicircular drive of the Pink Giraffe and motioned for Jean-Claude (Mark) to take over the driving duties. As he led Larry toward the hotel entrance, Ivan said, “I hope your flight was comfortable. In any case, you’ll need some rest before we begin our negotiations. Here is the key to your suite. You’re next door to the Buchanans. I have arranged for the hotel to supply your every need — all you have to do is call them. I trust your accommodations will be satisfactory. I will call for you at 2:00 p.m. and brief you on my proposal.”
“Where is Karen, Kipling? I didn’t come all this way to just discuss your ‘proposal,’ as you call it. I want to be assured that she is safe,” demanded Larry.
“Now, now, Dr. Wolek, you know I’d never hurt Karen while I still need your cooperation. She’s in good hands and good health. She’s not far away and you will get to see her. All in good time. I’m afraid all you can do is wait. But go rest now — I need you at your best.”
“Where are Viki and Clint?” continued Larry. “What have you done with them?”
“They are safe, too. They have enjoyed this little holiday immensely, let me assure you. Nothing has stood in the way of their playfulness. I have had to detain them for ‘insurance’ purposes. They will join us at 2:00 p.m. Until then, good morning.”
With that, Ivan slipped away and Larry was left standing in the lobby alone and confused. He couldn’t imagine Ivan still being alive after all these years. He couldn’t imagine that Ivan was still haunting him, either. Hadn’t he suffered enough at the hands of this madman? Larry suddenly felt drained of any of the energy that just minutes before had been fueled by rage. Being helpless was not a feeling doctors liked to feel. Perhaps it was ego. He so much wanted to help humanity and, if he were helpless, how could he? He had spent his whole career trying to save lives with his medical skills. He could only surmise what evil deeds Kipling expected him to do. Would he insist Larry do something illegal? Immoral? It must be illegal or immoral if Ivan had to resort to all these machinations to get help. Silently he prayed, “Let me get through this, save Karen and get home safely.”
Putting his key in the lock of his hotel suite, Larry suddenly realized he was hungry. Deciding to order room service before he slept, he ordered a small snack and unpacked. The waiter came and left the food, but by then Larry wasn’t hungry. His emotions were so mixed. How long had it been since he’d seen Karen? He couldn’t even bring himself to remember. He tried to block it out, but it was hard. He had loved Karen so much and had wanted so much for the two of them to make their marriage work. He didn’t know what he would do when he saw her. Would he reach out and hold her? Would he just walk away after this ordeal was over, treating her like a stranger that he had been morally obligated to save? She hurt him badly. Would he ever forget that? No, he didn’t think so. Could he forgive her? He didn’t know. He did know that her husband, Steve, had died. Wanda had told him that. Not that he’d wanted to know. Wanda had insisted on telling him. Many times he had asked Wanda not to tell him about Karen. He didn’t want to know — the pain was still too real, even after all these years. Karen and medicine had been the most important things in Larry’s life. Karen, though, in her younger years, couldn’t accept that interns, residents and doctors just beginning their careers were poor. Her tastes were extravagant and her self-control weak. In her later years, she did seem to overcome her selfishness, but still went about doing things before fully thinking them out. Karen had been enough for Larry. However, Larry wasn’t always enough for Karen. Had she changed at all, he wondered.
Larry was nervous, yet exhausted. He hadn’t been able to sleep the night before he left and was awake during most of the international flight. He thought he would collapse soon after arriving in France, but somehow it wouldn’t happen. He finally took a hot shower and then sprawled across the bed, dreading, yet anxious for 2 o’clock to arrive.
Viki and Clint were being driven by Mark back to the hotel. “I don’t understand why we had to spend the night in that horrible place, instead of our nice suite,” complained Viki.
“As it turned out, you shouldn’t have had to. It was just another ploy to make sure Larry Wolek arrived. If he hadn’t come, as he had promised, you would have been the captives that would have surely brought him here. So because your friend arrived on time and in a somewhat reasonably cooperative mood, you are free.”
The countryside sped by and the trip seemed endless. “At least we can get this over with. I’m ready to go home and be with our children. It seems like we’ve been gone so long. What started out as a trip that was supposed to be a vacation has turned into a nightmare,” Viki said as she thought about all the things they had wanted to do in France that they didn’t get to do. Oh, well, there would be other trips.
They made their way to their suite and Mark bid them good-bye, after telling them to be ready at 2:00 p.m. “I get the shower first, Clint! I would kill to get clean right now. I don’t think I can stand that awful warehouse stench one more minute.”
“Go ahead. I think I’ll wait on the terrace,” Clint replied. “Tell me when you’re through and I’ll order lunch. It’ll be noon before it gets here.”
“Yeah, and then maybe we can take a nap before 2:00.”
“Sounds good to me!” Clint walked out onto the terrace and looked around. It all looked the same. The same sea, the same sand, the same sunbathers, laughing and playing. It seemed strange — almost like time had stood still while they’d been gone. “The Riviera will never change,” he thought. The rich and powerful, the not-so-rich and average — they all come here to play and forget their troubles at home. They didn’t know how lucky they were. He didn’t think any of them appreciated how good they had it. He and Viki could be fighting for their lives and the lives of their friends. It seemed incongruous that they could be in such trouble, but the world was still turning.
“Wow, that was great. Clint, your turn,” Viki called. Tightening her robe and pulling back the comforter, she got into bed and closed her eyes. She could hear the water and could imagine the drops from Clint’s shower. In her mind, she saw Clint standing there, naked, letting the water roll down his glorious body. He was lathering the soap into luxurious bubbles and rubbing them all over his body. The steam was thick and warm when she opened the door. It enveloped her and it was hard to see, but she could hear the water and feel the soft curtain that lay between her and her man. Letting her robe slip to the floor, she silently stepped into the enticingly sensual shower. Clint turned around, obviously pleased that Viki had joined him. “Excuse me, ma’am, but I’m married.”
“Yes, I know,” Viki said.
“I don’t think my wife would like your being here,” Clint kidded as he kissed her lips tenderly.
“Oh, I disagree, I know she’s happy that I’m here. She wants you so much.”
Nothing could stop them then. Nothing could come between them. They were fused in erotic indulgence, not wanting to stop, but to stay like this forever.
Lying happily intertwined on the bed, Clint sighed, “Honey, I’m sorry I forgot to order lunch.” “That’s okay, we wouldn’t have had time to eat it, anyway. It’s almost two and we should be getting dressed.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to miss the showdown. Finally, Kipling should lay it all out on the table.”
Getting up and dressed seemed like it would take too much effort, but they did it. The end of summer, it was still quite warm in the day, but much cooler at night. Not knowing what the rest of the day would hold, Viki chose a light yellow linen pantsuit and took a navy blue blazer, for the evening. Clint was wearing navy Dockers and a pale yellow Polo shirt. Viki reminded him to take along his Eddie Bauer windbreaker, just in case.
When Mark knocked at the door, they were ready. The three of them walked to the elevator and rode to the 12th floor. Ivan had a three-bedroom suite, large enough to accommodate all his needs. Entering the suite, Viki saw Larry and ran to him. Hugging him tightly, she whispered, “I’m so sorry.”
Larry stepped back so that he could look at her and tried to speak to her without talking. Finally, he gave up and said, “This isn’t your fault, Viki. I’m glad we’re finally together.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan, Dr. Wolek, the time has come that we begin working together. Everyone have a seat and we’ll get started,” Kipling directed.
Uncomfortable, but not sure how to register a protest, the three chose their seats, Viki and Clint on the settee, and Larry in the wing-back beside it. Mark sat in a Louis XIV chair, while Ivan remained standing. “May I offer anyone coffee? Juice? Cocktail?”
His offer was met with silence and, while he seemed a bit insulted, he began speaking. “Dr. Wolek, to come to the point succinctly, I need some manpower. I need some plastic surgeons, orthopedists and internal medicine specialists. And, of course, some nurses, assistants and anesthesiologists.”
“What? No hospital? How about a few operating rooms to go with it?” asked Larry, sarcastically.
“Now that you mention it, we will need equipment, as well.”
“And just how am I supposed to arrange it?” queried Larry. “This is crazy.”
Viki couldn’t help asking, “Ivan, may I ask why you’ need all this?”
“Let’s just say I have some vengeance to exact.”
“Just what I thought. A plot for revenge. Don’t you ever get tired of this, Kipling?” asked Clint.
“You’ve had your revenge. You’ve been living in apparently opulent surrounding, haven’t paid for any of your crimes and have enjoyed being a vicious villain,” Viki said.
“Mrs. Buchanan, no one here is more aware of my shortcomings than I am. I am not asking for your approval, I am merely asking for your assistance,” Kipling responded.
“Merely? Merely asking? What do you call kidnapping, threats and extortion?” Clint thundered.
“Technically, it’s not extortion. Maybe it is. Extortion is normally a threat for monetary gain. But in this case, I will concede that, for what I am asking you, it will be costly.”
Larry, frustrated by his lack of understanding, said, “I need to know more. I can’t persuade surgeons and anesthesiologists to come here and help without a really good explanation. You’re going to have to tell me more, much more, before I can agree to this.”
“Very well. I have ‘associates’ who have been banished to certain hospitals in Brazil. I have been implored to see that they are restored to their original condition, or better. I support their needs, but I can’t do it alone. I have spent thousands of dollars and still have much to do.”
“I knew it, I knew it,” scowled Larry under his breath. “I knew you would want me to do something immoral or illegal. Why else would I be here?”
“I think you’ve neglected to tell us something we all want to know, Ivan,” Viki interjected. “And that’s where Karen is and how she fits into this plan of yours.”
“Very simple, Mrs. Buchanan. I can explain that. Karen is being held by another associate of mine who is taking excellent care of her. She is being maintained in a beautiful suite, with an expansive view of the Riviera and has all the comforts she desires. She really has not voiced too much displeasure. However, she is eager to see you all. I’ve told her that you were coming and I can tell she will be happy to be with you. I thought Larry would be more agreeable to help if he had some incentive, some reason to cooperate. And, knowing how you all feel about me, I am ashamed I had to resort to these measures. But the ends do justify the means.”
“How am I supposed to persuade these people to go to Brazil?” Larry asked.
“Aahhh, that’s where Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan come in. You see, they will provide the financial incentive, if one is needed. They have plenty of resources and, while it might take an enormous amount of money, I’m sure they can recoup their investments quite handily.”
“Well, I never!” exclaimed Viki. “You have nerve to ask us to finance your Nazi friends’ medical treatments? I don’t think we can do this.”
“Even if Karen’s life hangs in the balance? And, of course, I do know where your children are at this very moment. Young Jessica is in Algebra class with Mrs. Green, Joseph is with Kelly in an art history class at Llanview University, and I believe Kevin is in a meeting with Mel Hayes and Cassie. By the way, Kevin bought Cassie an engagement ring yesterday. Congratulations.”
Astounded by Kipling’s display of knowledge about their children’s lives, Viki and Clint suddenly became more cooperative. Their kids meant everything to them and they would do anything to keep them safe.
“I’ll have Jean-Claude escort you back to your rooms where you can think further about these details. Larry, I expect you to come up with some names and I will review the list. Mr. Buchanan, you can start by analyzing your bank accounts. Don’t move any money yet. I’ll give you more instructions later.”
Mark (Jean-Claude) saw the trio back to Viki and Clint’s suite, and joined them for some coffee and sandwiches. Larry was confused by the sudden familiarity between Viki and Clint and Jean-Claude. Explaining the situation, Clint was able to convince Larry that “Jean-Claude” was actually Mark, and had been very helpful and apparently truthful — so far. Larry agreed that they needed all the help they could get. While he was thinking of the doctors he thought might be available or could be “bought,” Viki wrote their names down on a pad. “I don’t know if this is going to work, guys. I mean, what can I say to these doctors?”
“The only thing I can think of, ” said Viki, “is to fabricate a story for all of them — another reason, of course for needing their assistance. No one’s going to want to come help those Nazi monstrosities. Can you imagine?”
“We could say it’s a working seminar or something. Don’t you doctors do that sort of thing?” asked Clint.
“Clint, when we vacation, we play golf, not doctor!” responded Larry. “Yes, I guess we could set up some sort of ‘show and tell’ program. Try to get conceited, arrogant, but really good surgeons. They’ll want to show each other up and be anxious to get there!”
“OK, Larry, does that mean we start over on the list?” Viki queried.
“Yes, Viki, we can eliminate some of them. Fortunately, there are enough to take their places. I may have to make some inquiries in Harrisburg, Albany and Buffalo to get who I need.”
Mark stood up and stretched. “Well, folks, I’m going to leave you. Ivan wants to meet again at nine o’clock for a late supper. Don’t forget, I’m Jean-Claude — and I’m not your friend. I’m Ivan’s accomplice. While I’m gone, I’m going to go back to Ivan to see if he will tell me anything more about these people who need your help. And, of course, I’ll continue to try and find out Karen’s whereabouts. But the big problem is, Ivan has so many spies, even I don’t know who to trust. When he threw out that stuff about your children, it came as a total surprise to me.”
Larry was satisfied when he had 32 names on his list. Of course, that didn’t mean that any of them would be interested. He would have to wait for their response. Having not had much sleep, Larry decided to go to his suite and get some rest before the 9:00 p.m. dinner meeting.
Clint had called his banker in Llanview and asked that printouts of his accounts be faxed to him. He had gone down to the hotel’s business center to wait for them while Viki tried to nap. She couldn’t get Karen out of her mind, though. What was Karen thinking? Was she scared? Was she hungry and cold? Tired and lonely? She knew Ivan had said otherwise, but she didn’t trust him. Not at all. She knew Ivan had been fond of Karen at one time. But he didn’t seem to have any sentimentality at all now. She wondered where Karen was. Was she in this hotel? That was a thought! She quickly dressed and hurried down to the business center to find Clint. Maybe he could get some information from the bellboys or waiters. Maybe someone had noticed an American woman, unhappy and confined.
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