The 16mm Caper

Chapter 29

Freddy Zisk stood shaking in front of Ralston Hughes' desk. His bandaged hands held across his stomach defensively. The summons had come out of the blue, and he didn't know whether to run and hide or comply, and now he was regretting his decision. Ralston was thundering on about the film Freddy had promised him and why he still didn't have it.

Julia listened closely from her seat in the corner where she chose to be rather than back at her own desk. Freddy was stammering gibberish about Cat Women and Special Forces thugs and gangsters breaking his hands and the longer he ranted, the darker Ralston's face became.

Finally, with an explosive smash to the top of his desk with a five iron, Ralston bellowed for silence. Freddy buckled at the knees.

"You could make your own goddamn movie with that crap. I don't know what you're talking about and I don't care. I want to know about that film and why it isn't sitting here on my desk?"

Freddy looked sick. His eyes found Julia and she offered only a sympathetic smile. "Sir- Mister Hughes. I'm trying to tell you what happened."

"Try again - in English!" The five iron smashed the desk again.

Julia stood and walked to the desk. "Ralston," she whispered to him. "Remember a spoonful of butter?" Her hand slid down his thigh. He took a breath and frowned in acquiescence.

"Sit down over there and gather yourself then tell me from the beginning." He said, allowing Julia to take the golf club and put it in the corner well out of reach.

An eternity later, in Freddy's mind, the entire story came out ending with the meeting in his apartment. "So help me, sir, that's all I know."

"Who the hell are these people?" Ralston started winding up again and Freddy closed his eyes praying he could disappear. "How do I get in touch with any of them?"

"Huh? Uh- uhh. . . I only know the people at the restoration lab."

"Alright then, get hold of them!"

"Uh- now?"

Ralston spun around looking for his golf club, but Julia placed a calming hand on his chest. "Now would be a good time, Mister Fisk," she said.

******

Cheryl couldn't reach Harv and she didn't know the numbers for any of the others so when Freddy called, threatening her, she agreed to a meeting, although she told him that there was nothing she could do about the film. Freddy really didn't care he just wanted another target besides himself.

Cheryl arrived at Ralston's office and sat primly on the chair in front of his desk, her scrutiny of the scars on the wooden surface a puzzling clash with the expensive décor of the office.

"I pay for solid information, Miss Barber." Ralston began kindly. Freddy looked bleak; he'd been offered nothing. "I'm very interested in acquiring this movie I've heard so much about and I just know that a good business deal is something a woman of your talent would appreciate." Freddy groaned inside while Cheryl simply gaped.

"I don't have the film, sir." She said.

"Aah, but you know who does and where I can find that person." Ralston came around and stood by her chair. Julia inhaled deeply, so familiar with her employer's ploys.

"Actually," she said, taken in by his charming attention. "There is a negotiation going on this afternoon at the Town Centre Mall."

Julia stiffened and wondered if she could excuse herself without arousing suspicion.

"Really? What time would that be then- Cheryl?" His hand rested paternally on her shoulder.

"Four o'clock in the mall bar." Freddy groaned and Julia's eyes closed in dismay.

Ralston returned to his desk and pressed a button, waiting and getting agitated the longer he did. "Where the hell is Austin, Julia?"

"I'm not sure, shall I go and try to find him?"

"Don't try. Do it." He slammed the phone down and glared at Freddy and Cheryl.

Julia wasted no time getting Austin on the phone and relating the latest development. "Is this true, Austin? Are you meeting to negotiate a price?"

"Yes. And I think we can count on it being successful so get those bags packed."

"What about Ralston, he's liable to do something radical?"

"Can you keep him busy until say five or so? It shouldn't take very long to agree on a price."

"What do you suggest, Austin?" Her voice turned icy.

"Julia, you know I didn't mean that. Whatever distraction you can devise." He waited in silence for her response.

"I'll see what I can do." She softened her statement and said goodbye.

When Julia returned to the office she was stunned to see the company security manager huddling with Ralston and the two visitors. She walked to the desk and politely excused herself.

"What's happening here, Ralston?"

"Did you get Austin?"

"Uhm, no. He doesn't seem to be at home or on his cell."

"Bugger. No matter, Efrom here says he can handle getting us a seat at these negotiations or failing that, a scenario for getting the film without negotiating."

Julia felt her heart sink. "Is that wise, Ralston? I mean this is taking place in a public venue, and I can't see how one man," she nodded at Efrom, "could manage what you say."

Ralston grinned and slapped Efrom on the back. "Ex cop. Ex military. I think he's more than capable."

Freddy and Cheryl looked at one another helplessly, their contribution suddenly forgotten. Freddy leaned over and whispered to her. Cheryl shook her head and then cowered slightly at Freddy's glare. She raised a tentative hand and coughed. Ralston, Efrom and Julia all turned to look at her.

"You uhm- you mentioned payment for news?"

Ralston frowned and then shook his head. "Give her a cheque, Julia and show our guests out."

"Ralston I wish you would reconsider this approach."

"The cheque, Julia." His voice snapped coldly in the silent room. Julia led Freddy and Cheryl out.

"Take this, deposit it right away and then lose yourself." Julia gave Cheryl the cheque and grabbed the woman's arm as she staggered against the desk.

"This- you made this out - ten thousand- what--?"

"Just do as I say and don't wait long."

Freddy gaped over her shoulder and looked at Julia. "Sorry Mister Fisk, he didn't mention you." Julia grabbed her purse and a few items from her desk and then her coat from the rack in the corner and opened the door, pausing for them to precede her. "Let's move people."

Sitting in her car, Julia reached Austin on his cell phone and warned him of Ralston's plan to have Efrom intercept the meeting at the bar. She hurried past how he found out, promising to spell it all out when they were together then wished him luck at getting the film and rang off, starting her car and putting distance between her and Ralston.