Chapter 82
“Hi, Leon.”
“Why are you here, Simon?”
“To express my sympathies over Mark’s passing.”
“Bullshit! I dropped off the radar, and you’re hungry for updates from all your snitches on the payroll.”
“The world continues to turn.”
“Go turn somewhere else.”
“Would it help to know that the colleagues approved your proposal? We are ready to set you up in a new club.”
“Bad timing, Simon. I’m in no mood for parties.”
“I’ll leave you alone. But think about it.”
***
Trenchard decided to pose as a guest reveler. He had scanned the tenant list for names to give to security. Sam walked up with a smile, a six pack of beer, grocery bag with snacks, and a loud “Happy Friday!” As he hoped, the guard accepted the name and apartment number and waved him through.
Once inside, he ditched the beer and made his way to the target apartment. His tools were concealed at the bottom of the grocery bag. Sam selected the lock pick and went to work. Once inside, he began his usual search for the safe.
Trenchard was analyzing the safe when he heard a key turn in the lock. With horror, he realized someone was coming in. He moved quickly to a window but realized he was five stories up. There was no balcony to step out on. As the door opened, he rushed past the entering tenants, ignoring the shouts of protest. Running downstairs, he made for the rear exit from the building. As he burst through the door, the waiting security guard tackled him.
At the police station, Sam kept his mouth shut. There was no point in talking. Everyone knew the score. He had been caught in a tenant residence with burglary tools on him. The next few days passed slowly as he waited for the arraignment. Finally, he made bail and hurried home.
***
He dreaded delivering the bad news to Simon but had no choice.
“The cops grabbed me last week at an apartment complex.”
“That is most disappointing.”
“The law of averages caught up with me. The tenants arrived home unexpectedly, and I couldn't get away.”
“So you are out of commission.”
“Unless your people intervene on my behalf to get the charges dropped or reduced to a manageable level.”
“I’ll see what can be done.”
***
The colleagues shared Simon’s disappointment.
“Should we intervene on his behalf?”
“He has delivered results up till now.”
“Taking action would expose our network. Furthermore, we have other experts in our employ. Everyone is replaceable. Request denied. He will have to sink or swim.”
***
Simon delivered the bad news quickly.
“Sorry, but there’s nothing to be done.”
“Really? One word of influence and the charges disappear.”
“They’re not giving the word.”
“Do you want me testifying in court, revealing your secrets?”
“You weren't stupid enough to keep records?”
“Yes I was. I have copies of information in a place you’ll never find it. But the cops will.”
“This is a dangerous game for you to play.”
“My back is to the wall; I have no choice. But you do.”
***
Detective Jones received the report from the local precinct.
“We have interesting behavior on the local robbery front.”
The FBI agents raised their eyebrows to show they were paying attention.
“A suspected B&E expert was caught in a state official’s apartment with robbery tools.”
“What’s the name?”
“Sam Trenchard.”
“Not on our list of known felons.”
“Seems to keep a low profile. Not on drugs or drawing attention to himself. Until now.”
“Why the tip from your local officers?”
“Because the charges were mysteriously dropped yesterday.”
“Someone used influence on his behalf?”
“Yes. And our suspected influencer is Simon Rempert.”
“So we think Trenchard is Matt Steven’s replacement pulling jobs for the organization.”
“Ok. Let’s see what ties we can dig up between Trenchard and Simon. And initiate surveillance on our B&E expert. He’ll lie low for a while, but when he pulls his next job, we should be there.”
***
Leon arrived for a meeting with Simon.
“I was out of line last time. Sorry about that.”
“We understand the situation.”
“If you’re still ready to get the new club going, I can help.”
“Good. We have resources to assist you in getting the ball rolling.”
“I thought you might. Give me the names, and I’ll get their assignments ready.”
***
After a few weeks, Leon had the club open and ready for business. It was not packed with customers yet, but revenues were solid. He was in his element. Things were almost back to normal.
Except Mark was still dead. No amount of money or success could replace the gap. There was no one to share it with. While his new colleagues were competent, the relationship was purely business. Leon found he had no one to talk to or really trust.
He now understood it was possible to be successful and depressed at the same time. Outwardly, he was an old smiling person. But he spent more and more time alone in the office or at the house.