Читать книгу Head Of The Snake - G. Rehder - Страница 9

Chapter 5

The conference room on the third floor of the Bermuda Estate was standing room only. Extra chairs had been brought in and lined the walls. The seventeen division heads were seated at the table in no certain order. There was one empty chair at the head, reserved for Joseph Lehan.

Other attendees sat along the wall, several lawyers, Katzi Bar-Lev, Hava Fromer, a secretary to take notes and a technical person to record the meeting and to run the visual presentation. There was one empty chair along the wall also, reserved for Maria Simpson, Lehan’s right-hand person, who nowadays seemed to be glued to his side.

It was 0959 hours. Even though the room was crowded, there was no conversation going on. There were waters on the table, but no other beverages or food. At 1000 hours, Joseph Lehan entered the room, followed closely by Maria Simpson. Lehan walked directly to the head seat without greeting anyone or speaking and sat down.

Maria remained standing and announced, “The first Sarnev International division head meeting under the leadership of Joseph Lehan will come to order.”

She then sat down at Lehan’s right side.

Lehan spoke next, “I have called this meeting to formally announce the wishes of our founder, Andre Sarnev, according to the legal documents he had prepared in case of the current situation.”

All eyes were on Lehan as he spoke, he continued, “You have been given a file prepared by William George. It contains a copy of Andre’s, for lack of a better term, will. The file also contains a document for each one of you to sign and leave here at the estate. The document states that you acknowledge Andre’s wishes and will support them.

“As you are all aware, Andre has been missing since early July. We have kept this news out of the press, and it is only known internally. We will continue to do so. There is a document in your file for you to sign, indicating you agree not to disclose this information to anyone at any time until the corporation decides to make it public.

“Andre had a provision included in his will. It states that if he was incapacitated, physically or mentally unable to run the affairs of Sarnev International, I, Joseph Lehan, would be appointed its president and CEO until which time Andre regained the ability to function in that position. Under the current situation, William George, with all certainty concurs this provision to be valid and applicable to Andre’s current status.”

Everyone at the table opened the files set before them and started reading the paperwork they contained. Lehan sat patient as they all read.

Several minutes passed, and as they all finished reading, Lehan asked, “Any questions?”

No one replied.

“Then, after the meeting is concluded, Mr. George and his assistant will witness your signatures and notarize them in the outer lounge area.

“Next item of business is to announce Sarnev International will be developing its own global security company. We will start here at the estate and, as soon as possible, expand it to all our offices and facilities worldwide. This project will be headed up by Hava Fromer and Katzi Bar-Lev, formally from Israeli Intelligence and Armed Forces.

“Your current security structure will be phased out, and their protocols and systems will replace them. If you have personnel they deem capable of adapting to their structure, they will keep them on staff. If not, they will bring in however many of their own well-trained team to replace them.

“Mr. Bar-Lev specializes in cybersecurity. He was instrumental in developing many of the protocols Israel uses today. We are all aware of their proficiency in this area. Mrs. Fromer specializes in tactical security. Her talents will be utilized to keep us all safe as we travel and in our homes and offices.

“Please welcome them to Sarnev. We hope to have a long and prosperous association with the Masada Security Company. As we move forward, I will be traveling more extensively and will be visiting each of you as my time allows and any special needs arise. I appreciate all of you taking the time out of your crowded schedules to travel here today. There are six Sarnev jets stationed at Kindley Field today for your departures. The pilots have their routing planned to accommodate all your destinations.

“Check in at the Sarnev hangar when you arrive back at Kindley. We will have two limousines at the ready in the basement garage. They will start leaving at 1115 hours. Please be ready prior to then. Mr. George has things set up in the lounge for your convenience.”

Maria stood up, “With that, ladies and gentlemen, this meeting is adjourned.”

Everyone got up and started to leave.

Lehan spoke directly to Viktor Bardzecki, “Viktor, a word please.”

Viktor hesitated then sat back down.

When the room was cleared, Maria walked out last and closed the door behind her, leaving Lehan and Bardzecki alone at the table.

Bardzecki could not bring himself to look at Lehan. He sat staring at the file in front of him.

Lehan stood and walked around the table until he was directly in front of Viktor. He placed his hands down on its polished top and stared intently at the man. His wire-rimmed glasses perched at the edge of his nose.

“Viktor, I have no doubt you are wondering why the file in front of you contains blank sheets of paper?”

Viktor looked up. He slipped back into Russian as he was so nervous. “Da,” he answered quietly.

Lehan sat down. “Viktor, my old friend, I needed to look straight into your eyes when I ask you what I am about to ask you. Do you take full responsibility for the disappearance of my best friend? Think before you answer for I will know the truth.”

“Da, da, I do, and I am sorry, Mr. Lehan, for my mistakes.”

“Viktor, tell me why you should not be leaving this island chained in a canvas bag and dropped in the deepest part of the sea while still alive?”

“It vould be right for you to do dis to me,” Viktor answered with fear in his eyes.

“You can make this right, Viktor. You would have to pay the price I set before you. Are you willing to tell me that you will without knowing what that price will be?”

“Da.”

“Good, then this is my price. Bogdan Gise, Arseniy Malygin, and Matvej Klopov, your security team that lost Andre on that Alaskan road.”

“Lehan, let that hang in the air,” and Viktor instinctively knew what was coming next.

“You, my friend, Viktor, will personally take a garotte and strangle each man until they breath no more. And you will film the act for proof and send the film to me.”

Viktor sat silent for a moment. These men had been with him for many years. They had saved his life many times, and now he must take theirs.

Viktor looked up at Lehan. “I vill do dis as you have asked.”

“Good, I am pleased that you are willing to demonstrate your loyalty to me. Now, for other business, I am hopeful our opioid distribution has been increased to meet the demands we have now.”

Viktor regained his English tongue. “Yes, Mr. Lehan, it is highest level since ve began.”

“And the Chinese fentanyl connection is unchanging?”

“Yes.”

“And the human trafficking is still solid?”

“Yes, ve have new source for girls out of Asia and Eastern Europe, younger of higher value.”

“So, Viktor, you understand the other reason I am letting you leave the island alive today? You are making me money, adding to my personal fortune with no Sarnev involvement. You have value. Still, you need to maintain that. And don’t forget I can still reach into Moscow with my long arm of my justice if you fail me.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Good. Mr. George has your papers waiting in the lounge. Sign them and get on your flight back to your beloved Moscow. And, Viktor, I want to see those films soon, very soon.”