It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last time we were present when Larry and Andrew were forced into a black SUV by two thugs. Larry tried to find out where they were going and who they were going to see, but the thugs gave them no clue. I see they are pulling up to a rather substantial Chalet on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. I think we better go and see what is going on with this whole scene.
“Okay, you two. Get out.”
“Do I hear a please with that?”
“Again, detective, you are making me strongly resist putting a hole in your foot with all my might.”
“Yeah, but the boss wouldn’t like that would he?”
“You know the boss may just not give a shit what happens to you, and then you will be mine. You are racking up a lot of points, detective.”
“What is your name?”
“None of your business, now get out before I break your pinkie.”
“You’ve convinced me. No please necessary.”
“You two go with Lance here.”
“It was nice meeting you. Okay, Lance, we are all yours.”
“Follow me.”
“You know, Lance. You have a very nice voice.”
“Yeah, so what?”
“I mean maybe you could take that to Hollywood and do voice-overs.”
“Rocko told you to shut up so now I’m telling you. Shut up.”
“Yes, sir. Whatever you and… Er was that Rocko? …tell me to do.”
“Watch your step there, Mr. Smart Ass.”
“Yeah, that’s a big stairway. You okay Andrew?”
“Yes, I am. Oh, look a big door opening. This reminds me of a mystery movie.”
“Gentlemen. Please come in. My name is Terrence. I am Mr. Nobel’s personal assistant.”
“Mr. Nobel? You mean Jason Nobel the billionaire?”
“Why, yes. If you follow me into the reception area, I’ll tell Mr. Nobel you are here. Thank you, Lance, I have this.”
“Yeah, Thanks, Lance. It’s been wonderful.”
“Now Gentlemen, please make yourselves comfortable. Mr. Nobel will be with you in a minute. Can I get you some coffee or a drink perhaps.”
“No thank you, Terrence. We are good.”
“Very well. We’ll be right with you.”
“He’s gone but not a word, Andrew.”
“Yes, sir Larry.”
“You make me laugh, Andrew. Oops here comes someone.”
“Hello, Gentlemen. I hope Terrence is taking care of you.”
“Well, sir, he’s been fine. It’s those two goons that I have a problem with.”
“Goons?”
“Yes. Lance and Rocco. Are you aware they brought us here at gunpoint?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I told them to use whatever is necessary to get you here. I should have told them to be gentle.”
“Gentle?”
“Yes, it means without force.”
“Well, we are here. What can we do for you, sir.”
“I think it is more what I can do for you, Detective.”
“Yes, sir. In either case, why are we here?”
“I want to take a chance on keeping you two alive.”
“I would like to hear more about that, sir.”
“It seems you two have staggered into a very sticky situation. Your investigation into the Rafferty case has caused some very volatile people to become extremely upset. They have asked me to give you the opportunity to drop it.”
“What does ‘drop it’ mean exactly?”
“I’m surprised that a detective with your background needs to have a definition. You pack your bags, get on a plane, and go back to Boston where you belong.”
“How can these people get someone like you to carry their water?”
“Let’s just say I owe a couple of favors and these things do not go unpaid when the request comes through.”
“These must be compelling people.”
“And you should be grateful they are giving you a second chance.”
“Okay. What do we need to do?”
“You need to go with Lance and Rocco, get your things, and leave town.”
“You’re not afraid we’ll come after you once we get back to Boston?”
“What would be the charge?”
“Kidnapping.”
“Proof?”
“Those goons out there.”
“That would be a problem. You would never find them. Trust me. You will be safer in Boston. So do we have a deal?”
