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Authors: Mark H. Downer
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coffee or soda?”
In unanimous agreement, the four of them left the conference room and walked down the hall to a small break room, where they selected soft drinks and accepted Lewis’ additional offer to a private viewing of the upcoming Van Gogh and Gauguin-The Studio of the South exhibition.
The ink had barely dried on the appraisal certification, letter of authentication, and insurance policy, and Ferguson, in a much more relaxed state, was now in possession of nearly four million dollars worth of art. The whole process was eye popping, and had now opened up more questions than it had answered. Grayson Lewis surprisingly asked the biggest question while they all sat around the conference table.
“So Matt, Courtney tells me you have some additional information on the potential whereabouts of several more pieces similar to what we’ve seen today.”
“Have you had any opportunities to determine if the others are salvageable?” asked Jason Allen selfishly. “A find like that would be incredible. I’d love to help in any way I can.”
“I’m fluent in German,” chimed Hancock. I would be happy to help you translate the information if Professor Karl was unable to help.
Courtney nearly passed out as the blood flushed to her extremities, and Ferguson was caught completely off guard. It was as if everyone in the room could smell the money, and they all had a chance at jumping on the gravy train. They were both thinking the same thought, hoping her father’s lack of discretion had not gone any further than this room.
“Dad, I believe that’s private information that Matt would care not to share with anyone at this time.”
“I’m sorry honey; I thought Matt might like to ask any questions of these experts, while they are assembled together. No one else besides these folks knows anything about what we discussed. I can certainly vouch for everyone in this room and their ability to keep a secret.”
Ferguson thought it time to speak for himself.
“Thanks for the offer Mr. Lewis, but I believe I have everyone’s business cards, so if you all don’t mind I’ll call you if I have any questions. I appreciate that all of us here will not discuss this information outside this room.”
Affirmative replies came from everyone.
Mr. Lewis recognized Ferguson’s message, stood and signaled an end to the meeting. “I’ll have the limo pull around. Are you sure you won’t stay the evening Courtney, I would love to treat you and Matt to dinner. Matt we have a suite reserved across the street at the Hilton, and you’re more than welcome to stay the night.”
“Thanks for the offer Dad, but I need to get back.” Courtney glanced at Ferguson, who gave a discreet nod in agreement. “I know Matt has to be back as well.”
With that, everyone shook hands for the last time and the meeting adjourned. Allen and Keeney left first together, While Grayson Lewis and Clark Hancock waited another ten minutes and escorted Courtney and Ferguson down to the waiting limo. Hancock hailed a cab and said his goodbyes, as Ferguson’s newfound wealth was loaded into the back seat.
Before the limo had pulled away from the curb, Jason Allen sat down in a cushioned Starbuck’s lounge chair just down Michigan Avenue and placed a very important long distance call to the Caribbean. At that same moment, Clark Hancock passed by in a cab and punched in the number to a coded cell phone just outside the city of Munich.
Chapter 5
May 19, 2001. Louisville, Kentucky.
The call by Clark Hancock to the secure phone in Munich had produced instantaneous results. Armed with what little knowledge he had to go on, Mr. Jones had called and scheduled a meeting with Herr Karl, armed with a proposition that he was certain the good professor could not refuse.
Dr. Karl walked into the Bristol Bar and Grill just before the lunchtime rush. He gave his name to the ample-breasted, young hostess standing inside the door, and headed up the handful of
In unanimous agreement, the four of them left the conference room and walked down the hall to a small break room, where they selected soft drinks and accepted Lewis’ additional offer to a private viewing of the upcoming Van Gogh and Gauguin-The Studio of the South exhibition.
The ink had barely dried on the appraisal certification, letter of authentication, and insurance policy, and Ferguson, in a much more relaxed state, was now in possession of nearly four million dollars worth of art. The whole process was eye popping, and had now opened up more questions than it had answered. Grayson Lewis surprisingly asked the biggest question while they all sat around the conference table.
“So Matt, Courtney tells me you have some additional information on the potential whereabouts of several more pieces similar to what we’ve seen today.”
“Have you had any opportunities to determine if the others are salvageable?” asked Jason Allen selfishly. “A find like that would be incredible. I’d love to help in any way I can.”
“I’m fluent in German,” chimed Hancock. I would be happy to help you translate the information if Professor Karl was unable to help.
Courtney nearly passed out as the blood flushed to her extremities, and Ferguson was caught completely off guard. It was as if everyone in the room could smell the money, and they all had a chance at jumping on the gravy train. They were both thinking the same thought, hoping her father’s lack of discretion had not gone any further than this room.
“Dad, I believe that’s private information that Matt would care not to share with anyone at this time.”
“I’m sorry honey; I thought Matt might like to ask any questions of these experts, while they are assembled together. No one else besides these folks knows anything about what we discussed. I can certainly vouch for everyone in this room and their ability to keep a secret.”
Ferguson thought it time to speak for himself.
“Thanks for the offer Mr. Lewis, but I believe I have everyone’s business cards, so if you all don’t mind I’ll call you if I have any questions. I appreciate that all of us here will not discuss this information outside this room.”
Affirmative replies came from everyone.
Mr. Lewis recognized Ferguson’s message, stood and signaled an end to the meeting. “I’ll have the limo pull around. Are you sure you won’t stay the evening Courtney, I would love to treat you and Matt to dinner. Matt we have a suite reserved across the street at the Hilton, and you’re more than welcome to stay the night.”
“Thanks for the offer Dad, but I need to get back.” Courtney glanced at Ferguson, who gave a discreet nod in agreement. “I know Matt has to be back as well.”
With that, everyone shook hands for the last time and the meeting adjourned. Allen and Keeney left first together, While Grayson Lewis and Clark Hancock waited another ten minutes and escorted Courtney and Ferguson down to the waiting limo. Hancock hailed a cab and said his goodbyes, as Ferguson’s newfound wealth was loaded into the back seat.
Before the limo had pulled away from the curb, Jason Allen sat down in a cushioned Starbuck’s lounge chair just down Michigan Avenue and placed a very important long distance call to the Caribbean. At that same moment, Clark Hancock passed by in a cab and punched in the number to a coded cell phone just outside the city of Munich.
Chapter 5
May 19, 2001. Louisville, Kentucky.
The call by Clark Hancock to the secure phone in Munich had produced instantaneous results. Armed with what little knowledge he had to go on, Mr. Jones had called and scheduled a meeting with Herr Karl, armed with a proposition that he was certain the good professor could not refuse.
Dr. Karl walked into the Bristol Bar and Grill just before the lunchtime rush. He gave his name to the ample-breasted, young hostess standing inside the door, and headed up the handful of
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