“How come?”
“Because he is a foolish man, and can’t leave well enough alone. He will just try one scam to many, and end up upsetting someone again. Or else, Frankie’s men will find out, and leave a legacy to end all legacies, and have him bumped off.”
“Oh. What do you feel about it all?”
“Oh Simon, I really don’t know. It is as if I am numb to him, and everything to do with him. What I really want is to forget about him and get on with my life.”
He took me in his arms, and we cuddled for a moment. Then we went for a sauna.
“Simon?”
“Yeah?”
“Your mother was really odd. She told me you went and told her what you were going to do with your life. So what is that?”
He smiled.
“I can’t tell you yet. I have to wait a while.”
“Why not?”
“I am waiting on certain decisions.”
“Oh. What do you really want out of life?”
“Simple, you.”
“Don’t be soppy, I mean really?”
“I am serious, I want you. It is all I want, I just want to have and to hold, for richer for poorer, and in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”
“You daft brush,” I said, and kissed him.
“How about you?”
“Oh, I don’t know anymore. I used to want to finish my A levels, then go to university or college. But now I find I like being a model, although I realise that it is a very shallow lifestyle, and very exhausting. I find I like the international life, yet I yearn for stability and something else. I am very confused.”
“Well, I used to be confused, and I’d like to give you some advice.”
“Oh, oh mighty oracle, pray enlighten this poor girl,” I said, sarcastically.
He laughed. “Seriously, stay at school, do your A levels, and then see what happens.”
“Oh great. Simon, why the hell should I stay on at school when I can model and be with you?”
“Trust me. I’ve been there, your qualifications are a small price to pay for greater advantages later.”
“Oh, hark at you. The only pro-football player with a BA in art.”
“As it happens I am using that BA in my current job interview.”
“No, really?”
“Well, it is more than just a BA in art. I also did my teacher training course too.”
“Cool, so you are going to be a teacher?”
“Maybe, we’ll see.”
“Where?”
“Down south.”
“Oh, I wish you were my art teacher.”
“That would be something.”
“Now I know why you mother was so secretive. You told her about this?”
“Yeah, she is pleased I am doing something constructive. You see, my football training will be good for sports coaching as well.”
“That’s great Simon, but where does that leave us?”
“Hey, we’ll still get together. It won’t be for long.”
“Maybe. I suppose if I was modelling, I’d see even less of you. Unless I work for or with your mother.”
“Has she asked you?”
“Not yet, but I have a feeling she is working up to it.”
“She won’t. You are good, but she will only want you if you are qualified and talented. Your talent is not enough on its own.”
“How do you know?”
“Trust me, I know my Mom.”
We finished our session, and went up and changed for dinner. We were somewhat subdued, as we were setting off for Washington in the morning, and then I would be flying home. I was already sad about leaving Simon, and to make matters worse, I came on.
12.
I loved Washington, but found it a city of contrasts. The city centre was really nice and all the various historic buildings were really cool. But beneath the surface, there was almost a third world lurking behind the thin veneer. It was strange to me to see the difference between the rich and the poor, mainly ‘African-Americans’, and in a land which was supposed to promote fairness and freedom, there was a real gulf between the rich, mainly white, and the poor, mainly not.
But the show was a success, and as we wrapped up after the second and last day, I felt very melancholy. It was about five in the afternoon and I was sitting in my room, just reflecting on the tour and looking at some of the many photographs that had been taken of me by Natasha’s photographer. I was going to be able to use these in my portfolio, and I was very pleased with them.
There was a knock on the door. I frowned, as this was unusual. I went and looked and there was a man in a suit on the other side.
“Who is it?” I asked.
“FBI, Miss Lake.”
“Badge please.”
He put the badge up so I could see it through the spy hole.
I opened the door.
“Hi, I’m Special agent Jim Ryan. Deputy Director Garside send his regards and thought you would like to see this.” he said, handing me a single piece of A4 paper.
I invited him in. He came in and looked at my case and clothes on the bed.
“Going home now?”
“Yeah, it’s been fun.” I said, and started to read the paper. It was a report.
Re: Case GD/94658/02
Director of the FBI.
1. On the 20th July 2002, I was approached by one Jonathon LAKE, a UK national, who stated he wished to supply information relating to the illegal importation of narcotics into the United States by one Francis HOLLAND, another UK national. In return LAKE requested immunity from prosecution and entry into the Witness Protection Programme.
2. I initiated background checks of both men, and HOLLAND has a lengthy record with the UK Police, for offences as diverse as armed robbery, prostitution, supply of drugs and extortion. LAKE has no convictions but is currently under investigation for three homicides of men believed to be working for HOLLAND.
3. LAKE is also suspected of various business dealings which are spurious in nature, and UK Trading Standards Officers are anxious to talk to him. It is understood that HOLLAND lost a deal due to LAKE, and believes LAKE owes him a substantial amount of money, in the region of $8,000,000.
4. LAKE has one daughter, Alexandra(Sandi) who is 17. His wife is deceased, and he has no current partner. HOLLAND employed three men to locate LAKE’s Daughter, and whilst holding her, the three men met their deaths at the hands of a person unknown, but suspected to be LAKE.
5. LAKE then provided the British Serious Crime Squad with information, using his daughter as a courier. I stress, his daughter has no knowledge of her father’s activities, except she guessed them to be illegal. As a result of this information she was given protection by the Metropolitan Police.
6. In order to attempt to force LAKE to hand over the money demanded, and force him to reveal his whereabouts, HOLLAND ARRANGED the abduction and kidnapping of ALEXANDRA, which was witnessed by police, and armed units contained the stronghold. Miss Lake was freed by police, and one perpetrator lost his life having opened fire on police.
7. Now wanted by the UK Police, HOLLAND fled to the US under a false passport. LAKE’s information related to a single shipment of Cocaine with an estimated street value of $16,000,000, which was expected to enter the US through Florida.
8. HOLLAND attempted the abduction of Miss Lake as she was in the US working as a model. This was thwarted by the brave and quick thinking young woman, and the FBI undertook close protection of her.
9. LAKE’s application for the witness protection programme was considered and approved, pending the successful execution of the operation against HOLLAND.