American Mutant (10 page)

“We own the building and inventory. The outstanding money on the loans is 6.5 million. I will take you over to our bank myself, and have our accountant meet us there. You can go over anything you wish. As to why we seem to be failing, competition has a lot to do with it.”

“But not everything to do with it?” Nate commented.

Leary paused, and began to reply when the secretary opened the door hurriedly. She was pushed aside by three huge white men in business suits. They all had short-cropped blonde or sandy colored hair. All appeared to Connor to be in their late twenties or early thirties.

“You are late in paying Leary,” The man who had been first through the door said in a heavily accented voice.

Nate began laughing. Connor tried to quiet him, but only succeeded in making him laugh harder. Connor looked up at the one who had spoken, and shrugged. Connor watched the man flush in anger and walk over to Nate. Thomas moved Samuel back behind him as he watched the three closely.

“You think this funny?” The man reached down, and pulled Nate up by his suit coat. On the way up Nate stopped laughing, kneed the man viciously in the groin, and then in the face as he jerked forward in pain. He fell to the floor screaming. Nate continued straight through to the man on his left, and drove his hand, held with fingers straight and forked between thumb and fingers, into the man’s Adam’s apple. The man collapsed, frantically grabbing his damaged throat, and trying to breathe. The man on Nate’s right had reached into his coat for a gun, but as Nate drove his elbow in a backwards blow to the man’s temple, Connor already held the man’s gun in his hand. The last man dropped as if hit by a baseball bat, and lay still on the floor.

Leary started to speak, but Connor held up his hand. Connor went over to the secretary, who had begun screaming, and touched her arm gently. She immediately quieted. Connor led her out of the room; and told her to go on home, that everything would be all right. She left immediately. Connor came back into the room, and smiled at Nate. He put an arm around Samuel.

“You okay Sammy?” Connor asked.

“With you two around, how could I be anything else?”

“You still have not lost your touch big guy,” Connor told Nate. “You relax. I will say goodbye to our friends here, while Mr. Leary tries to explain his situation.”

Nate laughed again, and nodded agreement. He turned back to the desk, and asked Leary to continue. Connor picked up the man Nate had taken out first. He was holding his broken nose, and his groin area at the same time. Connor carried him out of the office like a child, and over to the late model Ford Taurus Connor had not seen before.

“This your vehicle Ivan?”

The man nodded. Connor stood the man up, and opened the door for him. After guiding him into the driver’s seat, Connor gave him a handkerchief, and told him to wait. Connor returned to the room twice, retrieving each of the man’s remaining companions. After making sure they were settled in their seats, Connor went back over to the driver’s side window.

“We will be buying this business, and taking it over right away. There will be no more payments. I know how you boys operate. You will not do the smart thing, and let this go. I will only tell you this one time. I will be waiting for you. When I am done with you and your bosses, you will be dead, along with everything you love right down to your dog. Choose wisely, and do not return.”

The man stared out of pain filled eyes into Connor’s face, and nodded again. “I.I will tell them.”

Connor backed away, making a motion for the man to take off. The man started the car, and drove away, still holding Connor’s handkerchief to his face. Connor looked around the garage area, and saw that the remaining employees had fled. He returned to Leary’s office. Connor saw Sammy sitting wide-eyed as he listened to the men talking about the business.

Nate looked up from his negotiations when Connor entered the room. “Thomas, it seems we have inadvertently found out the reason for Mr. Leary’s group wanting to leave. Mr. Leary informs me they would be willing to lower the asking price if they could get out of here right away.”

“How much lower Mr. Leary?” Connor asked, while he took a seat again next to Nate.

“Would twelve million be acceptable?”

“Very much so Mr. Leary,” Connor answered, “but why in the world did you start paying off the Russian Mafia, and how did they come onto you anyway? Does this protection racket extend very far?”

“We had a terrific start for the first quarter. They showed up a few weeks later, and promised us protection for a fee of a thousand dollars a month. We refused. One of our vehicles blew up that night on a job. Luckily no one was hurt. We went to the police, and so they set up a sting operation. The Russians never showed up again until the police left. We began to pay. The fee increased a hundred dollars a month since then.”

“Nate and I have had a little experience with the Russian Mafia. They only understand one language. Luckily, Nate and I speak it fluently. We need to keep our employees safe until I can take care of the problem. In any case Mr. Leary, you have a deal. Why not close up for the day, and get in touch with your investors. We can meet tomorrow about the same time and take care of the details.”

“I think under the circumstances,” Leary replied, “adjourning for the day would be very wise.”

“If your records all look in order, we can proceed to my bank and withdraw your money. Can your lien holder meet us with the papers for their end of the deal? I do not want to have to go through this day after day.”

“I will have everything in order for you Mr. Connor,” Leary answered. “I will call in the title company we used to obtain the original deal. Will you be having your lawyer present?”

“He already is,” Connor replied chuckling. “My friend Nate here has a law license, and belongs to the BAR in Washington, DC. I handle the questions, and the big print. He handles the fine print.”

“Well, I am certainly happy you gentlemen came by today. I will walk with a much lighter stride after this, thank you.” Leary shook hands with all three of them.

“Make sure you get everything going before you start your celebration Mr. Leary,” Nate said smiling. “I read fine print very well.”

“I understand Sir,” Leary replied. “Good day to you.”

A half an hour later, Sammy pulled back into the Mall parking lot. The fittings on Sammy’s five companions were almost done. They all looked up expectantly when the three walked into the store.

“Well boys, you will be happy to know we have acquired an establishment to pursue our fortune in.” Nate informed them.

Sammy began to tell them about the Russians, but Connor motioned for him to stop. “If you guys are about done, we can get Sammy here started.”

“We’re all done Mr. Connor. The man says we can pick up all of it tomorrow.” Henry informed him.

Connor nodded and drew the salesman aside. “Do you have enough to finish my last man here?”

“Yes Sir,” the salesman replied. “You can give me a call tomorrow if you have to leave now. If there is anything outstanding, I can let you know at that time.”

“Good, I will leave this in your capable hands then.” Connor turned back to his young charges. Connor gave each of them two hundred dollars. “Do not get used to this. I just wanted you to know I appreciate your efforts. Once we get this business off of the ground, you all will be making me plenty. Stay out of trouble, and out of sight until the day after tomorrow. I will meet you at the mall entrance at 8 AM. Be dressed for business, just in case Nate and I can finish up things tomorrow. Otherwise we will at least get out, and sign up for those mobile phones with the direct links. As I told you, I want to be able to contact any of you at any time.”

“We will be out front to meet you Mr. Connor,” Jeffrey said, and the rest agreed quickly.

Chapter 12 The Russians and Nate’s Lincoln
 

Later, in the car, Nate went over their choices as to how to handle the Russians. Connor listened until he finished. “Those ideas would be fine for just us Nate, but with the boys out there driving, and the place unguarded at times, things could get dangerous. I do not want even one of those boys touched. It will ruin my experiment. My plan to make them all successful men in the next few years could fail if I let them get hurt or killed. I plan on staying in the place, but I can not be there every second.”

“You’re thinking pre-emptive strike,” Nate said.

“Yep. What do you think?”

“We know those assholes well enough to know they will not give up. If we want to be safe, it may be the only way. Finding the ringleader gets tricky with the Russian Mob. They stay pretty quiet about who calls the shots.”

“I will find out who and where. I am sure Mr. Leary has a number to reach some rung on the ladder. He can give me that after we get the place bought. Better yet, I will find out when I get back to the Center, through the police and FBI files. Do you like this operation so far?”

“I do indeed Thomas. I love what we are doing. Like you said though, if we let any harm come to the young bloods, we lose everything.”

“We will just have to make sure we do not let it happen then my friend,” Connor agreed. “I need to go to the bank, and transfer some funds into a business account, we can both write checks off of. We will also need some credit cards for expense accounts, and a couple of debit cards. Think you can handle a little more high finance?”

“Oh man, I am living my dream. Lead on, and while we are at it, we need a car we can drive around in,” Nate informed him.

“Something comfortable?”

“Yea,” Nate agreed. “I need some room. How about an advance on my salary Thomas?”

“You got it. By the time I transfer the funds, you will be able to write a check for whatever you want. We will still have time for them to check on the funds at the car lot. What do you have in mind?”

“I want one of those big Lincoln Town Cars,” Nate said dreamily.

“Oh yeah, your big ass should be comfortable enough in that,” Connor laughed. “Let’s get to the bank, and then it will be on to the car lot.”

In the next hour, Connor set up the business checking account, debit cards, and credit line in both of their names. He and Nate met, and talked to an assistant bank manager, who promised to have their call from the dealership transferred directly to him. Connor explained that rather large sums of money would be transferred into the account from investors. Both men returned to the car with debit cards. The credit cards would be mailed to the business in one week, along with their checks.

“Do you want to stay at the Center tonight Nate, or are you going home to Claire?”

“Depends on whether you buy me a Lincoln Town Car or not Bwana.”

Connor laughed. “You have picked out the model already Nate?”

“Man, I saw one the other day, all black and chrome. The new 2001 has a grill on the front like a Rolls.”

“So, you want to run on home in it to impress Claire and Nate junior, huh?”

“That covers it nicely Bwana.”

“If I buy the Lincoln, will you stop calling me Bwana?”

“No.”

Connor sighed. “Okay, let’s go get the Lincoln.”

“I want it loaded too,” Nate added.

“You are getting extremely pushy there ‘Don’.”

“I am trying to get into the role of business executive my friend,” Nate answered smugly.

“And doing a hell of a job of it too buddy.”

The showroom looked as if it had been stocked with Nate’s thoughts in mind. Nate proceeded directly to the Lincoln Town Car set up in the middle of the showroom floor; with all black glistening exterior, dark gray leather interior, and finished off with chrome alloy wheels. Connor watched in amusement as Nate stared slack jawed at the machine in front of him.

“If you don’t get your mouth closed you big rube, we’ll have salesmen drawing up invoice papers before we can even sit inside of it,” Connor said laughing.

Nate remembered where he was, and gathered himself into a more appropriate attitude for a buyer. He opened the door gently and seated himself behind the wheel. Connor got in on the other side. He joined Nate in immersing himself in the unmistakable smell of new car, and new leather seats. Connor turned his head and looked at Nate. Nate looked back at him with a dreamy, far away look in his eyes.

“I love this car Thomas.”

“No,” Connor joked, “you think? Your mouth is gaping open again Rube, and drool has begun to form at the corner of your mouth. Get a grip, here comes the salesman to eat our lunch.”

An immaculately dressed black man in a three-piece charcoal gray suit walked over to the driver’s side door of the Lincoln. “Gentlemen, you are seated in one of the finest automobiles ever made. I can tell you are very taken with it already Sir. I am Gerald Stanley. May I be of assistance in answering any questions for you?”

Connor got out of the car, and walked around to stand next to the salesman. “Mr. Johnson here does not handle purchasing Mr. Stanley. He finds it very distasteful. I am afraid you will have to deal with me. May I inquire the asking price?”

The salesman leaned over slightly, “I am sorry Mr. Johnson, I did not know.”

“Quite alright.” Nate said regally, as he peered around the console of the Lincoln. “Oh my God Thomas, this has GPS tracking in it, and.”

Nate caught himself as he heard Connor’s deep sigh. “Please go on with your dealings,” Nate added nonchalantly.

“I am Thomas Connor Mr. Stanley. Why don’t we adjourn to your office and talk business, while my associate regales himself of the Lincoln’s features.”

“Of course Mr. Connor,” Stanley smiled, as Thomas saw the register ring up a sale in the salesman’s eyes. He led Thomas to a plush office in back of the showroom.

“How much Mr. Stanley?”

“The regular Town Car has a list price, fully loaded, of over $48,000.”

“.but.”

“But this particular model has been redone with armored chassis and glass. It was ordered special by a Middle Eastern Consulate, which since then has declined to take delivery. This vehicle goes for $150,000.”

Connor nodded, beginning to like the car more and more. “What would it take to drive it out of here today? Had you already prepped it for the Consulate?”

“Yes, but surely.”

“How much to drive it out of here today?” Connor repeated.

Stanley went to open his mouth, and then held up his hand. “Wait here Sir, I will check.”

Stanley left the office and returned in five minutes. “If we can make payment arrangements, you may have the Town Car today for $175,000. We will take the details down on your particulars, and send you all the paperwork later. The dealership will cover you for insurance purposes until we can get you a policy of your own. Can we meet back here in one week to conclude this?”

“Of course. Excuse me for just a second, I will call my bank and have the funds transferred to any account you name for them,” Connor told him. “Will that be acceptable?”

“Indeed it will Sir,” Stanley answered.

In less than an hour they were standing on the street in front of the dealership with the Lincoln. Connor handed the keys to Nate. “Say hello to your wife and son for me. I put this in your name, instead of the business. Once the business gets up and running, I will get one of our young men to take me around. Why don’t you run on home now? You can meet me back at the Center tomorrow morning to conclude our other purchase. I will drive Karen’s car back and pick her up.”

Nate stuck out his hand, and Connor shook it. “Claire will think I stole

it.”

“A copy of the bill of sale sits, even as we speak, in the glove compartment. I suggest showing it to her. It will probably do you no good, as she will only accuse you of something illegal in attaining it. You are on your own now.”

“I will pick her up and place her in the seat,” Nate said. “The argument will end there, until I can explain my sudden windfall.”

“Sounds like a plan, see you tomorrow Nate.”

“I will be there to pick you up. We will be driving in style tomorrow,” Nate said smugly.

Connor watched his friend drive off. He smiled, remembering Nate’s face as he sat in the Lincoln. On the way back to the Center, Connor thought over the precautions he would have to take with the Russian gang. A glance at his watch showed he would not be late delivering Karen’s car back to her.

After passing through the usual checkpoints, Connor made his way to Quenton’s office. Quenton’s secretary announced him, and Quenton met him at the inner office door. They shook hands, and Quenton led the way back over to his desk. When they were both seated, Quenton pushed a group of papers over for Connor’s perusal. Connor looked them over and nodded.

“You had no trouble transferring Nate at all Derek. I would have thought there would have been more of a problem.”

“They think Nate’s over the hill,” Quenton explained. “I found out from Whitney, they sent Nate, because he was expendable.”

Connor laughed, and related the day’s events to Derek, with particular emphasis on Nate’s Russian encounter. “I don’t think they know Nate very well.”

“Perhaps not,” Derek admitted. “You have him now. What will you do about the Russians?”

“Get into the law enforcement data bases for the area encompassing the business location,” Connor replied. “There must be more on these people.

As incompetent, or ineffectual, as I have seen the police be with these situations, they probably have names and addresses. I will find out who and where.”

“You really think you can form an information gathering cell with these street kids?” Quenton asked.

“I know I can,” Connor said with certainty, “and train them with Nate’s help. I just have to make sure this Russian element gets neutralized before I get them set up.”

“I agree. I hear all the time about Russian mob activities, but until now, they have not come into our range of influence. I trust you to resolve it. Karen and I presented our case today in a special closed door meeting with the director. He had many of the graphic details of your warehouse encounter. With the testimony from Whitney, and Karen’s corroboration, I believe he will make the right decision. We will know more about that tomorrow.”

“Did he buy the falling out within the Council?”

“He accepts it, and I believe if we have some success, all of that will go by the wayside. My daughter received a notice for scholarship from the Harvard Medical Department.”

“Congratulations Derek.”

“You of course know nothing about it.”

“Of course, now can we quit talking about your personal life, and get on with business.”

“I only want to add how incredibly excited my daughter was when she opened the letter. She believes I had something to do with it.”

“You did,” Connor stated.

Quenton laughed. “The Director okayed Karen as my Chief of Staff. He was very impressed with her courage under fire.”

“Speaking of Karen, I have to get her keys back to her, and then start researching my Russian friends.”

“She went to the lab after the meeting. I think we have covered everything.”

“You sound much better today Derek.”

“I feel more at ease,” Quenton admitted. “I know better than to do anything other than help you, or get out of your way. When the mission has been defined, the stress level goes way down.”

“You have an excellent grasp of the situation my friend. I will go search out my Doctor, while you get back to work. I will let you know if I turn up anything on the Russians.”

“Fair enough,” Quenton replied. “I will talk to you then.”

As Connor walked into the lab, he could see five different white coated figures conducting endeavors of various kinds. Karen sat hunched over a microscope, and did not look up. The others glanced at Connor with puzzled expressions as he walked over to where Karen worked. He put a hand on her shoulder, startling her at first. She could tell through his touch who it was. She finished a note on the pad next to her and then turned to face Connor. With Karen’s new stature, the others in the lab simply went back to their work.

“How did your day go Thomas?” Karen asked.

“Except for a few minor glitches, Nate and I really managed very well. We ended up with a couple of loose ends we did not have starting out, but that will happen in any new venture. I plan on working out and researching those items right now. I wanted to get your keys back to you, and thank you for the use of your car. I will have Nate drop me off to pick up my car from your place tomorrow.”

“This sounds like a brush off,” Karen replied smiling.

“I will be working late, and I figured after last night, you could do with a little sleep.”

“You do not know the half of it,” she sighed. “I made it through the meeting with Derek and the Director on shear adrenaline. I had to take an hour nap in my office afterwards just to keep going today.”