Sorry to hear that Joe 
What kind of car was that? and it cannot be possible to rebuild it?
V
What kind of car was that? and it cannot be possible to rebuild it?
V
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Thanks for the kind words everyone. Now it’s time to get back to the story.
King of Croatia – Thanks for dropping by and I’m happy you’re enjoying the AAR.
Val – It was a 1993 Honda Del Sol si. It was the first year they made them and they don’t make that model anymore. No chance to rebuild it since I’d have to pay twice what it’s worth to do it. Besides I’d probably be buying my own parts back.
Joe
King of Croatia – Thanks for dropping by and I’m happy you’re enjoying the AAR.
Val – It was a 1993 Honda Del Sol si. It was the first year they made them and they don’t make that model anymore. No chance to rebuild it since I’d have to pay twice what it’s worth to do it. Besides I’d probably be buying my own parts back.
Joe
As we walked back to our hotel we discussed our options. Higgins as usual was full of ideas. He had a swagger in his walk that caused him to sway from side to side making it difficult to walk beside him. His shoes kicked up puffs of dust that dirtied his pant cuffs. He couldn’t stop waving his arms as he expressed his views and made his points.
"Shaheen is clearly trying to keep peace in the family."
"How do you figure?"
"As he says he doesn’t have complete control over his organization anymore but at the same time he has clear and firm ideas about how to run the business and one of his unshakable rules is to never, never renege on a deal. A man’s honor means more here than in Europe. However working against that honor is a strong streak of pragmatism. If Herr Vetterman offers enough money one of Shaheen’s sons could be persuaded to hinder our efforts."
"Mind if I make a suggestion?"
Higgins almost stumbled as he came to a stop.
"My dear boy do go on."
"Look, Shaheen said we should meet with Vetterman and I agree. It’s time we had a face to face meeting and find out if there is anything that we can do to resolve our differences."
Higgins grinned and slapped me on the back.
"My Jove if you aren’t an inspiration to an old man. If I may say so you make a leap of faith look as safe as a swan dive in a deep pool. Of course we are going to meet with Vetterman but not now and not for the reasons you might think."
"Then why?"
Higgins face took on that evasive look that I was beginning to know all too well.
"Sometimes Mr. Rowe when in a lion’s cave it’s best to act like a lion."
"Is that suppose to mean anything?"
"Certainly! A chameleon doesn’t change colors just for the fun of it."
"Higgins are you ever able to answer a simple question with a simple answer?"
"No."
Higgins and I grinned at each other.
"You see there are rules to this game we play at Mr. Rowe. Right now we are in the waiting stage of our game. The balls in our court and we are serving. All Herr Vetterman can do is wait for us to serve the ball and I feel like making him sweat for a while."
I shook my head but Higgins picked up the pace of our walk and I knew he didn’t want to talk further about his plans. I didn’t like this waiting game and wondered if it was time that I made some plans for myself?
For the next three days we waited for Shaheen to send us a message. To pass the time Aurturo would leave the hotel every morning and walk around Damascus always followed by a couple of Vetterman’s men. Aurturo would lead them around and then suddenly disappear. He would slip back to the hotel or sometimes for a laugh start following them. He called it his cat and mouse game. After two days of this he grew bored and complained to Higgins that it was time to do something. Higgins just sat in his room reading and eating. His disposition was at times sour and at others times downright rude. He talked with confidence about our situation but something was troubling him. Shara shed her Ali’ disguise and was herself while in the city. On the second day she disappeared on a shopping excursion and was gone for the morning. Later that day while we were eating lunch she entered the restaurant and silence descended at our table, silence that is except for my low appreciative whistle. Shara accepted my compliment and smiled as she sat down. Higgins was the first to come to his senses and asked her to pass the salt and pepper. Shara wasn’t amused and spilled the salt as she passed it to Higgins. I took the momentary pause in conversation to work up my courage and ask Shara something I was thinking about since we arrived in Damascus.
"Shara if you aren’t busy tonight would you like to go to a cabaret? I’ve heard of one in the European Quarter that’s run by a Frenchman…"
"His name it Louis Renault."
I frowned at Aurturo’s interruption but continued.
"As I was saying it could be fun and sure beats sitting around waiting for Higgins to do something."
Higgins face took on a disapproving frown, which caused Shara’s smile to grow even wider. I suddenly realized that she had a generous mouth and with the right shade of lipstick it would be difficult to take my eyes off of them. She laughed for the first time in several days and the room lit up. My hopes for an evening alone with Shara looked good but before I could say anything more Aurturo spoke up.
"It’s called the Chat Noir and I understand there is a floor show of sorts. We’d better make reservations to be sure to get a good table."
"We?"
"Of course we. You aren’t going to leave the man who saved you and Shara’s life behind, are you?"
Aurturo’s face had such an innocent look that Shara started laughing. My hopes for the evening continued downhill when Higgins sniffed.
"It might be a good idea if you three did go out for the night, it might improve your mood."
Shara was the first to snap back.
"Alistair you’re the one who’s been acting like a dog worrying a bone, not us. You know it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to come along. The night out would do you good!"
‘Just great’ I thought. There’s nothing better to help a possible romantic evening than Higgins spouting off witticisms and arguing with Aurturo. But the Gods smiled on me.
"No thank you. You children go and play I have planning to do. Don’t forget to go armed, I have a task for Mr. Green and Mr. Brown needs to stay here with me so they can’t accompany you."
I grinned at Higgins.
"Don’t worry Higgins, Green gave me another gun and besides what could happen. I understand that it is a very popular place and is crowded every night. Vetterman and his men won’t do anything in the middle of a crowd."
Higgins finished taking a bite of his meal as he looked up at me. His face was hard to read but suddenly he broke into a grin.
"Of course how silly of me. I stand corrected; you’ve done your homework and are correct. You’re probably safer there than here in the hotel. Have fun but still I’d feel better if you promise to be back before midnight."
Shara laughed.
"Of course Alistair. Promise not to wait up for us. Now gentlemen if you’ll excuse me I have a date with a hot bath. Shall we leave at six?"
"Sounds good to me."
I looked at Aurturo and frowned but he just looked back and smiled before saying.
"A hot bath sounds good I think I’ll take one. Ah maybe you might also think about it. You are a bit ripe around the edges."
Higgins with a mouthful of food laughed at Aurturo’s remark. I was going to say something but I reached up and rubbed my chin, which was rough with a day’s stubble. Maybe a bath wasn’t such a bad idea.
"Shaheen is clearly trying to keep peace in the family."
"How do you figure?"
"As he says he doesn’t have complete control over his organization anymore but at the same time he has clear and firm ideas about how to run the business and one of his unshakable rules is to never, never renege on a deal. A man’s honor means more here than in Europe. However working against that honor is a strong streak of pragmatism. If Herr Vetterman offers enough money one of Shaheen’s sons could be persuaded to hinder our efforts."
"Mind if I make a suggestion?"
Higgins almost stumbled as he came to a stop.
"My dear boy do go on."
"Look, Shaheen said we should meet with Vetterman and I agree. It’s time we had a face to face meeting and find out if there is anything that we can do to resolve our differences."
Higgins grinned and slapped me on the back.
"My Jove if you aren’t an inspiration to an old man. If I may say so you make a leap of faith look as safe as a swan dive in a deep pool. Of course we are going to meet with Vetterman but not now and not for the reasons you might think."
"Then why?"
Higgins face took on that evasive look that I was beginning to know all too well.
"Sometimes Mr. Rowe when in a lion’s cave it’s best to act like a lion."
"Is that suppose to mean anything?"
"Certainly! A chameleon doesn’t change colors just for the fun of it."
"Higgins are you ever able to answer a simple question with a simple answer?"
"No."
Higgins and I grinned at each other.
"You see there are rules to this game we play at Mr. Rowe. Right now we are in the waiting stage of our game. The balls in our court and we are serving. All Herr Vetterman can do is wait for us to serve the ball and I feel like making him sweat for a while."
I shook my head but Higgins picked up the pace of our walk and I knew he didn’t want to talk further about his plans. I didn’t like this waiting game and wondered if it was time that I made some plans for myself?
For the next three days we waited for Shaheen to send us a message. To pass the time Aurturo would leave the hotel every morning and walk around Damascus always followed by a couple of Vetterman’s men. Aurturo would lead them around and then suddenly disappear. He would slip back to the hotel or sometimes for a laugh start following them. He called it his cat and mouse game. After two days of this he grew bored and complained to Higgins that it was time to do something. Higgins just sat in his room reading and eating. His disposition was at times sour and at others times downright rude. He talked with confidence about our situation but something was troubling him. Shara shed her Ali’ disguise and was herself while in the city. On the second day she disappeared on a shopping excursion and was gone for the morning. Later that day while we were eating lunch she entered the restaurant and silence descended at our table, silence that is except for my low appreciative whistle. Shara accepted my compliment and smiled as she sat down. Higgins was the first to come to his senses and asked her to pass the salt and pepper. Shara wasn’t amused and spilled the salt as she passed it to Higgins. I took the momentary pause in conversation to work up my courage and ask Shara something I was thinking about since we arrived in Damascus.
"Shara if you aren’t busy tonight would you like to go to a cabaret? I’ve heard of one in the European Quarter that’s run by a Frenchman…"
"His name it Louis Renault."
I frowned at Aurturo’s interruption but continued.
"As I was saying it could be fun and sure beats sitting around waiting for Higgins to do something."
Higgins face took on a disapproving frown, which caused Shara’s smile to grow even wider. I suddenly realized that she had a generous mouth and with the right shade of lipstick it would be difficult to take my eyes off of them. She laughed for the first time in several days and the room lit up. My hopes for an evening alone with Shara looked good but before I could say anything more Aurturo spoke up.
"It’s called the Chat Noir and I understand there is a floor show of sorts. We’d better make reservations to be sure to get a good table."
"We?"
"Of course we. You aren’t going to leave the man who saved you and Shara’s life behind, are you?"
Aurturo’s face had such an innocent look that Shara started laughing. My hopes for the evening continued downhill when Higgins sniffed.
"It might be a good idea if you three did go out for the night, it might improve your mood."
Shara was the first to snap back.
"Alistair you’re the one who’s been acting like a dog worrying a bone, not us. You know it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to come along. The night out would do you good!"
‘Just great’ I thought. There’s nothing better to help a possible romantic evening than Higgins spouting off witticisms and arguing with Aurturo. But the Gods smiled on me.
"No thank you. You children go and play I have planning to do. Don’t forget to go armed, I have a task for Mr. Green and Mr. Brown needs to stay here with me so they can’t accompany you."
I grinned at Higgins.
"Don’t worry Higgins, Green gave me another gun and besides what could happen. I understand that it is a very popular place and is crowded every night. Vetterman and his men won’t do anything in the middle of a crowd."
Higgins finished taking a bite of his meal as he looked up at me. His face was hard to read but suddenly he broke into a grin.
"Of course how silly of me. I stand corrected; you’ve done your homework and are correct. You’re probably safer there than here in the hotel. Have fun but still I’d feel better if you promise to be back before midnight."
Shara laughed.
"Of course Alistair. Promise not to wait up for us. Now gentlemen if you’ll excuse me I have a date with a hot bath. Shall we leave at six?"
"Sounds good to me."
I looked at Aurturo and frowned but he just looked back and smiled before saying.
"A hot bath sounds good I think I’ll take one. Ah maybe you might also think about it. You are a bit ripe around the edges."
Higgins with a mouthful of food laughed at Aurturo’s remark. I was going to say something but I reached up and rubbed my chin, which was rough with a day’s stubble. Maybe a bath wasn’t such a bad idea.
Sorrry to read about your Del Sol, that really bites!
As for looking for a new one, might I suggest the new Pontiac GTO? Granted the new Goat ain't a convertible, but with 300+ horses under the hood, all you need due is roll down the windows and you've got almost the same effect!!
As for looking for a new one, might I suggest the new Pontiac GTO? Granted the new Goat ain't a convertible, but with 300+ horses under the hood, all you need due is roll down the windows and you've got almost the same effect!!
That Higgins - great bit of back and forth to reach the answer "no." Now what is worrying him so much??
So, they're off to a cabaret? I wonder if in Damascus "cabaret" means the same thing it means here. But surely they wouldn't take Shara to see nearly naked or naked women dancing and singing (and anything else that ends with -ing for the right amount of money...)
Seriously, I know that cabaret is not really supposed to be that. But I gotta wonder about how Damascus will entertain them.
As for Higgins, I suspect he will be busy while they are gone. I wonder how many people he will meet with, and what deals will be made while the "children" are at play.
Seriously, I know that cabaret is not really supposed to be that. But I gotta wonder about how Damascus will entertain them.
As for Higgins, I suspect he will be busy while they are gone. I wonder how many people he will meet with, and what deals will be made while the "children" are at play.
I think something is certain to happen at the cabaret. Higgins appears to be worried about something, and it might happen on the night out.
Draco Rexus – I might be too old for a GTO but I am going to look at a Mustang. It’s got some power!
Coz – Maybe Higgins is just the worrying kind? Well I think we will soon find out.
Secret Master – Hmm I think I could write a pretty good scene with long legged high kicking half naked women. But we are in Damascus so it’s going to be just a little more tame. Why does everyone distrust Higgins?
J.Passepartout – I think your right so lets take a drive over to the Cabaret and find out.
Joe
Coz – Maybe Higgins is just the worrying kind? Well I think we will soon find out.
Secret Master – Hmm I think I could write a pretty good scene with long legged high kicking half naked women.
But we are in Damascus so it’s going to be just a little more tame. Why does everyone distrust Higgins? J.Passepartout – I think your right so lets take a drive over to the Cabaret and find out.
Joe
That evening I was waiting at the bottom of the lobby’s stairway when I looked up and saw Shara at the top of the stairs. She came down the stairs wearing just the right shade of makeup to bring a tinge of pink to her cheeks. She blinked her eyes and I felt the air move from her long eyelashes. Her lips wore a deep shade of red that promised a night of distractions. Her dress was deep green and it fitted her body with the closeness of two lovers saying goodbye after a night of drinks. Her silk hat was a fanciful rendition of an Arab turban lined with beads and rhinestones. I have to admit I swallowed as I watched her come down the stairs and admitted to myself that she walked those steps real, real good. I was about to say something when I heard Aurturo came up from behind me.
"Miss Shara you are a vision from the Arabian Nights. The night has one less star in the heavens to inspire men."
I raised an eyebrow and looked at Aurturo not believing he was trying that line. He glanced my way, winked and looked back at Shara. Her smile said she didn’t mind the corn that Aurturo was shucking. I was determined not to let Aurturo spoil my evening so when Shara reached the lobby floor I held out my arm, which she took and the three of us headed out the door to the waiting taxi.
We drove across town to what was called Embassy Row. It was a favorite location for European countries to locate their embassies for several reasons. It was located half way between the old city and the Syrian government offices near Ummawiyy square. Across the road the Barada River flowed as it made its way through the city. A cool breeze would flow off the river in summer providing some relief from the heat. It was still wide enough at that point to allow river traffic, which the embassies used, for business and pleasure.
In the distance the Citadel rose up at the edge of the Old City looking down on Martyr’s square, the Takkiyeh Mosque and then Embassy Row. Nestled in between the embassies were shops of various types. Most were tailored for Europeans focusing on their wants and pleasures. One of these buildings was the cabaret, Chat Noir. On the outside it was unimpressive, which was the intent of the owner. He didn’t need or want to advertise his presence for two reasons. First his bribes to the city authorities protected him from raids but only if he kept a low profile and second, word of mouth was all the advertisement he needed to get customers. His was one of the few places where you could get any type of drink you wanted and many ambassadors utilized this asset.
As we entered we heard the sound of a small band playing a slow jazz tune. The lights were low and lit candles decorated each table. A short dark haired man in a smart suit stood at the edge of the bar and when he saw Aurturo he came over with a wide grin on his face. He hugged Aurturo and Aurturo returned the hug. Then the backslapping started followed by another round of hugs. I leaned over to Shara and smiled.
"I think they know each other."
She laughed as the two friends let go of each other.
"What was your first clue?"
"Shara, Rowe let me introduce you to a rascal and a friend, Louis Renault. Trust him in anything as long as it doesn’t involve money, women or more money."
"Welcome to my club and since you’re traveling with Aurturo I know you know not to believe half of what he says. Besides he owes me money and that’s why he slanders me like this. You should be ashamed my friend"
Shara laughed.
Aurturo why didn’t you tell us you knew the owner?"
Aurturo laughed and waved his index finger.
"Because the last time I saw Louis he was running a club in Casablanca. I had no idea he was in Damascus. Ah and Louis I paid you back everything I owed you. You must be getting old because your memory is fading."
Louis just grinned at Aurturo and waved us toward the center of the club. There he sat us at one of the tables by the dance floor. He snapped his fingers and ordered a waiter over to take our drinks.
"Allow me to buy you a round of drinks and Aurturo that doesn’t mean you can order the best champagne."
"Me? I would never take advantage of your generosity."
"Funny that’s what you did the last time I bought a round."
"It’s hard to remember you ever buying a round besides I only did it because you were flirting with my Maria."
"Someone had to, you were ignoring her charms. You were also too drunk to keep your head off the table. It’s also true that she liked me better."
"Only because you had more money."
"But of course. What do you expect from a courtesan? Love?"
Both men burst out laughing.
"I must make the rounds but I’ll return later. Please enjoy yourselves!"
The three of use laughed and ordered our drinks as the band switched to a more upbeat tune. Just as I was about to ask Shara if she wanted to dance a faint shadow fell across our table. Expecting the waiter with our drinks we looked up and there stood Vetterman.
"Miss Shara you are a vision from the Arabian Nights. The night has one less star in the heavens to inspire men."
I raised an eyebrow and looked at Aurturo not believing he was trying that line. He glanced my way, winked and looked back at Shara. Her smile said she didn’t mind the corn that Aurturo was shucking. I was determined not to let Aurturo spoil my evening so when Shara reached the lobby floor I held out my arm, which she took and the three of us headed out the door to the waiting taxi.
We drove across town to what was called Embassy Row. It was a favorite location for European countries to locate their embassies for several reasons. It was located half way between the old city and the Syrian government offices near Ummawiyy square. Across the road the Barada River flowed as it made its way through the city. A cool breeze would flow off the river in summer providing some relief from the heat. It was still wide enough at that point to allow river traffic, which the embassies used, for business and pleasure.
In the distance the Citadel rose up at the edge of the Old City looking down on Martyr’s square, the Takkiyeh Mosque and then Embassy Row. Nestled in between the embassies were shops of various types. Most were tailored for Europeans focusing on their wants and pleasures. One of these buildings was the cabaret, Chat Noir. On the outside it was unimpressive, which was the intent of the owner. He didn’t need or want to advertise his presence for two reasons. First his bribes to the city authorities protected him from raids but only if he kept a low profile and second, word of mouth was all the advertisement he needed to get customers. His was one of the few places where you could get any type of drink you wanted and many ambassadors utilized this asset.
As we entered we heard the sound of a small band playing a slow jazz tune. The lights were low and lit candles decorated each table. A short dark haired man in a smart suit stood at the edge of the bar and when he saw Aurturo he came over with a wide grin on his face. He hugged Aurturo and Aurturo returned the hug. Then the backslapping started followed by another round of hugs. I leaned over to Shara and smiled.
"I think they know each other."
She laughed as the two friends let go of each other.
"What was your first clue?"
"Shara, Rowe let me introduce you to a rascal and a friend, Louis Renault. Trust him in anything as long as it doesn’t involve money, women or more money."
"Welcome to my club and since you’re traveling with Aurturo I know you know not to believe half of what he says. Besides he owes me money and that’s why he slanders me like this. You should be ashamed my friend"
Shara laughed.
Aurturo why didn’t you tell us you knew the owner?"
Aurturo laughed and waved his index finger.
"Because the last time I saw Louis he was running a club in Casablanca. I had no idea he was in Damascus. Ah and Louis I paid you back everything I owed you. You must be getting old because your memory is fading."
Louis just grinned at Aurturo and waved us toward the center of the club. There he sat us at one of the tables by the dance floor. He snapped his fingers and ordered a waiter over to take our drinks.
"Allow me to buy you a round of drinks and Aurturo that doesn’t mean you can order the best champagne."
"Me? I would never take advantage of your generosity."
"Funny that’s what you did the last time I bought a round."
"It’s hard to remember you ever buying a round besides I only did it because you were flirting with my Maria."
"Someone had to, you were ignoring her charms. You were also too drunk to keep your head off the table. It’s also true that she liked me better."
"Only because you had more money."
"But of course. What do you expect from a courtesan? Love?"
Both men burst out laughing.
"I must make the rounds but I’ll return later. Please enjoy yourselves!"
The three of use laughed and ordered our drinks as the band switched to a more upbeat tune. Just as I was about to ask Shara if she wanted to dance a faint shadow fell across our table. Expecting the waiter with our drinks we looked up and there stood Vetterman.
Well, that's one way to ruin an evening of enjoyment, is it not?
For some reason, I have the feeling that despite his sinister appearence at their table, Vetterman won't be doing anything rash.... at least not in the cabaret, and not quite yet.
Great update/post, and can't wait for more!
For some reason, I have the feeling that despite his sinister appearence at their table, Vetterman won't be doing anything rash.... at least not in the cabaret, and not quite yet.
Great update/post, and can't wait for more!
Hmm...I wonder if he's being polite or threatening. Probably a little bit of both. It's not uncommon for the bad guy to make a nice gesture just before he kills you. Won't Higgins be upset he missed it.
I'm sure Vettermen is there to just taunt them and be generally distasteful. And if he's not, we know that the owner is an old "friend" of Arturo's. Our hero's are safe for now.
Of course, I think Rowe is going to strike out with Shara tonight, which will count as a defeat of sorts.
Of course, I think Rowe is going to strike out with Shara tonight, which will count as a defeat of sorts.
Secret Master, about Rowe: so true...
Storey, two evocative updates since I last poked my head in. Can't wait to see what Vetterman has to say. And if Vetterman is around, does that mean that Wolfgang the psycho-Nazi is near?
Hopefully Renault has some heavies with Tommy Guns (or their French equivalent) in a back room ready...
Then again, things might just stay calm and the only fireworks could well be the flames of Rowe's amorous hopes dying.
Storey, two evocative updates since I last poked my head in. Can't wait to see what Vetterman has to say. And if Vetterman is around, does that mean that Wolfgang the psycho-Nazi is near?
Hopefully Renault has some heavies with Tommy Guns (or their French equivalent) in a back room ready...
Then again, things might just stay calm and the only fireworks could well be the flames of Rowe's amorous hopes dying.
Well, if something happens, it will happen now, but this time around I have a suspicion that Vetterman may be drunk. I wonder where my old suspicion that Rowe & Co. were going to get killed here went?
Concerning the old acquaintances, money trumps everything. With money you can get power, women, candy...
Concerning the old acquaintances, money trumps everything. With money you can get power, women, candy...
Draco Rexus - Vetterman will be a gentleman tonight as you will see.
coz - You're not far off about Vetterman but there's a curve headed our way.
Secret Master - Vetterman has other ideas for tonight and it's surprising who's been friends with who. The nights still young so don't give up on Rowe's chances yet.
Stuyvesant - Hmm where is Wolfgang? Never give up on love winning out in the end. But maybe not just now.
coz - You're not far off about Vetterman but there's a curve headed our way.
Secret Master - Vetterman has other ideas for tonight and it's surprising who's been friends with who.
The nights still young so don't give up on Rowe's chances yet. Stuyvesant - Hmm where is Wolfgang? Never give up on love winning out in the end. But maybe not just now.
Vetterman stood in front of us in a dark suit holding his white fedora in his hands. He was clean shaven and his hair was slicked back. He wore an aristocratic air about him that leaked a sophistication I had to admire. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at finding him here at one of the few places in Damascus where a westerner could relax but still it put me on edge. I looked around for Wolfgang but he was nowhere in sight.
“My apologies for imposing on you but I thought it was time that we talked. Mind if I join you?”
I decided to play it cool.
“Sure sit down. Take a load off your feet.”
Vetterman pulled over a chair and sat down between Shara and Aurturo.
“A pleasure to see you again Shara. Please excuse my boldness at using your first name but I think when you have someone as your prisoner it forms a close bond. Don’t you agree?”
Shara graciously nodded her head.
“Yes I do. Allow me the privilege of returning the pleasure one day and then I’ll ask you for your first name.”
“Why wait and be so formal? Call me Andre.”
“Not until I’ve got you bound and gaged.”
“Now that sounds exciting, I can hardly wait.”
Vetterman smiled and a double row of white teeth gleamed in the dim light. I didn’t feel comfortable with the direction that the conversation was going so I decided to play the gracious host while massaging the gun in my coat pocket.
“I think you’ve already met Aurturo?”
Vetterman turned to Aurturo and reached out and shook his hand.
“More than met we have worked together more than once. Good to see you again Aurturo. I missed you at Petra.”
“You were throwing a party and I didn’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be silly you’re always invited.”
This exchange caught me off guard and I blurted out.
“Wait a damn minute. You’ve worked with Vetterman before? You forgot to didn’t mention that little fact to me.”
“Aurturo shrugged his shoulders.
“As I have pointed out to you our profession is made up of a small community and we on occasion work for a common cause.”
“Like the manuscripts?”
“Of course. Higgins and I pointed out that we were working together only on this project. Vetterman and I have done the same when it has proven profitable.”
“I knew about you and Higgins but I just assumed...”
Vetterman finished lighting a cigarette and exhaled.
“That’s a bad habit in this part of the world Mr. Rowe. Here your friend one day is your enemy the next.”
Shara shook her head when Vetterman offered her a cigarette before purring.
“Where’s your friend Wolfgang?”
Vetterman face took on a pained expression.
“First I want to express my embarrassment at your mistreatment. As you know I didn’t want you harmed but Wolfgang has the deposition of a barbarian. Its only matched by his intellect which has the depth of a shallow sea. When he has an idea you can easily see his brain ripple with excitement. His only skill is that he’s a connoisseur of pain and unfortunately there is a need for that at times. It took a while to pry what he did to you out of him and by then it was too late to do anything about it. You don’t know how relieved I was when I heard you two were in Damascus.”
It was hard to tell if Vetterman meant what he said. Everything out if his mouth sounded as sincere as a politician running for election. Before I could ask another question Vetterman continued.
“The reason I’m here is because I thought it might be possible for us to reach an agreement about the manuscripts.”
I didn’t try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
“What kind of agreement would that be? The best way for you to get your hands of the books?”
“No Mr. Rowe I talking about those of us who can still think calmly and reasonably about the situation. I’m afraid that Higgins and Krafft are both beyond reason and will stop at nothing to get the manuscripts.”
Shara interrupted.
“Higgins wouldn’t kill for the books but that doesn’t seem to be a barrier for you.”
“Really Shara? First of all it was Krafft who let loose Wolfgang on your father. I tried to tell him that Wolfgang couldn’t be trusted to get in and out of your house without killing something but he shrugged my warnings off. And you really think Higgins is above killing? You really think the General’s death was an accident? Was it a coincidence that his death solved a serious problem for Higgins? Higgins didn’t have to worry about the General giving me the important information of where Higgins was headed did he? But of course is was all a fortuitous accident. Would you like to know where Higgins is right now?”
The three of us exchanged glances and I asked.
“Okay I’ll bite, where is he?”
Vetterman blew out a lung full of smoke that rose above our table.
“I’d say that he and Krafft are in a meeting right at this moment!”
“My apologies for imposing on you but I thought it was time that we talked. Mind if I join you?”
I decided to play it cool.
“Sure sit down. Take a load off your feet.”
Vetterman pulled over a chair and sat down between Shara and Aurturo.
“A pleasure to see you again Shara. Please excuse my boldness at using your first name but I think when you have someone as your prisoner it forms a close bond. Don’t you agree?”
Shara graciously nodded her head.
“Yes I do. Allow me the privilege of returning the pleasure one day and then I’ll ask you for your first name.”
“Why wait and be so formal? Call me Andre.”
“Not until I’ve got you bound and gaged.”
“Now that sounds exciting, I can hardly wait.”
Vetterman smiled and a double row of white teeth gleamed in the dim light. I didn’t feel comfortable with the direction that the conversation was going so I decided to play the gracious host while massaging the gun in my coat pocket.
“I think you’ve already met Aurturo?”
Vetterman turned to Aurturo and reached out and shook his hand.
“More than met we have worked together more than once. Good to see you again Aurturo. I missed you at Petra.”
“You were throwing a party and I didn’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be silly you’re always invited.”
This exchange caught me off guard and I blurted out.
“Wait a damn minute. You’ve worked with Vetterman before? You forgot to didn’t mention that little fact to me.”
“Aurturo shrugged his shoulders.
“As I have pointed out to you our profession is made up of a small community and we on occasion work for a common cause.”
“Like the manuscripts?”
“Of course. Higgins and I pointed out that we were working together only on this project. Vetterman and I have done the same when it has proven profitable.”
“I knew about you and Higgins but I just assumed...”
Vetterman finished lighting a cigarette and exhaled.
“That’s a bad habit in this part of the world Mr. Rowe. Here your friend one day is your enemy the next.”
Shara shook her head when Vetterman offered her a cigarette before purring.
“Where’s your friend Wolfgang?”
Vetterman face took on a pained expression.
“First I want to express my embarrassment at your mistreatment. As you know I didn’t want you harmed but Wolfgang has the deposition of a barbarian. Its only matched by his intellect which has the depth of a shallow sea. When he has an idea you can easily see his brain ripple with excitement. His only skill is that he’s a connoisseur of pain and unfortunately there is a need for that at times. It took a while to pry what he did to you out of him and by then it was too late to do anything about it. You don’t know how relieved I was when I heard you two were in Damascus.”
It was hard to tell if Vetterman meant what he said. Everything out if his mouth sounded as sincere as a politician running for election. Before I could ask another question Vetterman continued.
“The reason I’m here is because I thought it might be possible for us to reach an agreement about the manuscripts.”
I didn’t try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
“What kind of agreement would that be? The best way for you to get your hands of the books?”
“No Mr. Rowe I talking about those of us who can still think calmly and reasonably about the situation. I’m afraid that Higgins and Krafft are both beyond reason and will stop at nothing to get the manuscripts.”
Shara interrupted.
“Higgins wouldn’t kill for the books but that doesn’t seem to be a barrier for you.”
“Really Shara? First of all it was Krafft who let loose Wolfgang on your father. I tried to tell him that Wolfgang couldn’t be trusted to get in and out of your house without killing something but he shrugged my warnings off. And you really think Higgins is above killing? You really think the General’s death was an accident? Was it a coincidence that his death solved a serious problem for Higgins? Higgins didn’t have to worry about the General giving me the important information of where Higgins was headed did he? But of course is was all a fortuitous accident. Would you like to know where Higgins is right now?”
The three of us exchanged glances and I asked.
“Okay I’ll bite, where is he?”
Vetterman blew out a lung full of smoke that rose above our table.
“I’d say that he and Krafft are in a meeting right at this moment!”
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Now I know the Rowe will strike out with Shara. He'll be too busy killing Higgins along with Arturo. :rofl:
But why would Higgins consent to a meeting with Kraft? What could he really hope to gain from that man? While I might expect Vettermen to perhaps be willing to make some kind of deal, I don't see Kraft settling for much of anything other than a free manuscript.
But why would Higgins consent to a meeting with Kraft? What could he really hope to gain from that man? While I might expect Vettermen to perhaps be willing to make some kind of deal, I don't see Kraft settling for much of anything other than a free manuscript.
Not much I have to say but this:
Hmm... Now I'm wondering. About Aurturo. And Higgins. And Vetterman. And Krafft. And Shara. And pretty much everybody else. Really the only people I am truly sure about are Rowe and Wolfy. The rest are just shades of uncertainty. And I'm thinking that's just how you like it, don't you, Storey?
is a nice exchange.
Hmm... Now I'm wondering. About Aurturo. And Higgins. And Vetterman. And Krafft. And Shara. And pretty much everybody else. Really the only people I am truly sure about are Rowe and Wolfy. The rest are just shades of uncertainty. And I'm thinking that's just how you like it, don't you, Storey?
Oh, I'm not even sure I trust Rowe at this point. Seems like he is getting one or two ideas, and ideas are dangerous things. Vettermen increasingly does not feel like a true "bad guy" - more simply as an opponent. Or rather, with perhaps the possible exception of Rowe everyone is a bad guy (or gal).
You have to love Shara's confidence that she will be rescued and that some day she will be the captor, not the captive....excellent installment!