The Moses Effect Ebook

THE MOSES EFFECTrecognized were used. But why in their room? Grantstood up. He began pacing the room. As he walked, hewould periodically stop and take a deep breath.Getting near the entrance to their suite the smell becamemore odious. Grant had by this time taken off his shoesand socks when he’d begun undressing for bed. He waswalking barefoot. Standing near the entry door, he feltdampness under his feet, which he hadn’t detectedpreviously because of his footwear. He bent down andthen started back. This was where the chemicals hadbeen used.No! It couldn’t be! Not my Kathy! The realizationdawned. Kathy had been murdered and her bodydisposed of, also the room had been cleansed. Obviouslythis could only have been done while he was taking MrsWilmslow to the station. It must have been wellexecuted, as he’d only been away for one and a halfhours, two at the most.Max must have known. There’s no sign of a break-in.Someone must have let in whoever the assailant orassailants were. How long Grant had been searching theroom and considering what events could have occurred,Grant didn’t know. He’d lost track of time.Filled with rage and hatred, Grant kept his self control ashe put on his shoes and socks, then he ran through thehouse heading for Max’s room shouting at the top of hisvoice. MAXIMILIAN… MAXIMILIAN… I’MCOMING FOR YOU!! 301

JAMES YOUNGMaximilian had been expecting some sort of reactionfrom Grant, hence the telephone call. Grant had justentered the Entrance Hall and about to climb the stairsleading to the upstairs bedrooms when two men grabbedhim and dragged him out of the Hallway through themain entrance through which they had just entered,bundling him into a waiting car and then drove off.Looking dishevelled and confused after being awokenfrom her sleep by the excessive commotion, Sarah wasexiting her bedroom still fastening her dressing gown.Seeing her father, she exclaimed “What’s going on?What’s all the…”Maximilian interrupted Sarah as he walked toward herwith hands raised to his shoulders and said “Hush dear.Don’t fret yourself. Unfortunately, Grant has had aPsychotic Episode and they’ve just taken him tohospital.“What do you mean a Psychotic Episode?” pleadedSarah.“The worry regarding Kathy has just been too much forhim. They’ll look after him at the hospital and give himsome medication to settle him down and help himsleep.” Max was trying to appear sympathetic, all thewhile knowing the real situation and to what extent hewas involved.“Come dear, back to your bed and try and get somesleep. We’ll visit Grant tomorrow with Kathy on herreturn and everything will be cleared up. Sarah nodded 302

THE MOSES EFFECTand returned to her bedroom and it wasn’t long beforeshe was asleep.Maximilian returned to his bedroom to wait for atelephone call to inform him that Grant had been takencare of. That call never came.Notwithstanding that, there came another call that hewasn’t pleased with at all! “What do you mean, he'sescaped?”The car Grant had been bundled into travelled throughBuckinghamshire to the town of Aylesbury. It proceededalong Stoke Road to join Wendover Road. Grant noticeda Police Station as they approached the traffic lights nearthe junction where it joined Stoke Road.The two assailants were distracted by the road signs andthe red traffic signal that indicated they had to stop. Thevehicle stopped and they continued discussing whichway to turn. Grant took his chance. Bursting open therear nearside passenger door, he ran the short distance tothe entrance of the Police Station.As he entered, he nearly knocked over a female PoliceConstable as he rushed to the Reception Desk and hepushed aside the individual standing at the desk. It didn’tregister whether the individual was male of female. Heyelled at the Police Sergeant on duty at the desk “I'vebeen kidnapped and my wife's been murdered! You'vegot to help me!”“Calm down, sir.” The Sergeant trying evaluate thesituation and to grasp what Grant was saying. 303

JAMES YOUNG“What do you mean calm down! Don’t you understandwhat I'm saying.” Grant was almost screaming at theDesk Sergeant!The female Police Constable, after pulling herselftogether following Grant’s almost knocking her to thefloor, put her reassuring hand on his shoulder and said“Come into the Interview Room and you can explainwhat has happened.” The Desk Sergeant indicated hisapproval. Taking Grant’s arm, she began to lead himaway.The Sergeant gave his undivided attention to theindividual who had been so unceremoniously pushedaside by Grant. “Sorry about that. Could you pleasecontinue.” Before the Sergeant could continue, into thePolice Station came two men dressed in HospitalWhites. After parking the car from which Grant hasescaped, they had taken these garments out of the bootof the car and now presented themselves at the PoliceStation as two Hospital Orderlies.Grant, seeing them enter, shook himself free from theFemale Constables’ gentle grip and pushed her againstthe two Orderlies, she must have felt that she’d hadbetter days. All three fell to the ground and Grantjumped over the writhing pile of humanity and bolted forthe door, once more making his escape, hopefully.As he ran from the station, a bus was just about to pull-out from a nearby Bus Stop. He leapt through theentrance door and panted… “Single to Stoke Mandevilleplease”. Grant had noticed the destination on the rear of 304

THE MOSES EFFECTthe bus. He was grateful that his wallet was still in hisinside jacket pocket and he was able to pay for his ticket.“Just a moment Gentlemen,\" said the Police Sergeant, ashe entered through the Desk’s entrance hatch and stoodin front of the Main Entrance doors blocking the exit.The momentary thought to rush the Sergeant soondissipated as a further two Police Officers on hearing thecommotion arrived to give whatever assistance may beneeded.”Everything OK Sarg?” asked one of the officers.Looking at the two men who were stood in front of him.He replied “Everything is fine… Isn’t it Gentlemen!”“Yes Officer,” replied the taller of the two assailants, ashe pointed to his breast pocket on which wasembroidered, Longfield.“We’re from the Longfield Mental Hospital Sergeant.We were escorting Mr Grant, who had had a PsychoticEpisode to Longfield for treatment when he absconded.If you could put out an All Points Bulletin to apprehendhim, we’d be very grateful.”Moving back behind his desk the Sergeant replied “Yes,we could do that. All we need is your identification anda description regarding… Er… Mr Grant did you say?”There was no reply as both Orderlies had rushed throughthe now unobstructed exit and made their escape. Theother two police officers were engaged in assisting theirfemale colleague and did not notice their speedy exit. 305

JAMES YOUNGSitting on the bus, Grant began to consider his nextmove. Through the window of the bus he could see thatthey were approaching a Railway Station. Aylesbury ison a main line to London, he thought. He decided to getoff the bus.Crossing the road he entered the station and located theTicket Office. “A single to Marylebone, please.”“What! I only want a single to Marylebone, I don’t wantto buy the train!” was Grant's disgruntled reaction wheninformed of the ticket price.“Sorry Sir. If you wanted a Cheap Day ticket you shouldhave booked well in advance.”“This is Outrageous.”“I’m sorry, sir. This is the only ticket I can issue and Iam afraid that is the price. Do you wish to purchase theticket?”Grant reluctantly paid.“Oh… What time is the next train?”“You're in luck, sir. It’s due in fifteen minutes fromPlatform 2.”“Thank you.”It had been a long day and it was 3am when the trainpulled into Marylebone station.Leaving the station he inquired of one of the few, if not 306

THE MOSES EFFECTthe only, on duty porter, “Is there a hotel nearby?”“Yes sir. There’s a Travel Lodge hotel just a fewhundred yards along the street to your right.”“Thank you.”When he arrived at the reception, he noticed behind thecounter an unfortunate spotty young man. Grantremembered his own adolescence and theembarrassment he endured.“I’d like a single room for one night please.”“Yes Sir. Any luggage?”“No. I’m afraid it is lost in transit.”“Lost Sir?”“Yes, afraid so. It’s what they used to say aboutConcord.”“What’s that sir.”“You know of Concord?”“Yes Sir.”“They used to say… Breakfast in London. Lunch in NewYork, Baggage in Bahrain.”“What do you mean sir?”“Too complicated to explain. May I have my key?” 307

JAMES YOUNG“Yes sir. But please fill in the Registration Form”Grant complied. “May I have my key now?”“Of course sir. It’s room 312 on the third floor, the lift isjust on your right through the double doors.”“Thank you and good night.”“Good night, Sir.”“Oh! I forgot. What time is Breakfast?”“We serve breakfast from 6am until 10am sir.”“Thank you again.”“Your Welcome.”As it turned out, Grant skipped breakfast.After he exited the lift and on arriving at his room, Grantlooked at the key in his hand. It was actually a smalloblong piece of plastic stamped with the room number.Satisfied, he’d got the right room, Grant inserted theplastic key card, opened the door and entered the room.Taking the card from the door, Grant now inserted it intothe receptacle on the wall that switched on the electricitysupply for the room. The lights came on, as if by magicand Grant closed the door.Grant looked around the room. It was clean and tidy, if abit tired looking. Oh to be back home with Kathy.Kathy! The name hit him like a sledge hammer. Theemotional pain seemed to stifle his breathing. He began 308

THE MOSES EFFECTto sob, lying on the bed until till sleep finally overtookhim.”He awoke still fully clothed. He just went to thebathroom, ran the cold water tap at the washbasin, filledhis cupped hands with cold water and buried his face inthe water. He felt a little refreshed as he reached for thenearby hand towel and dried his hands and face.Like many ex-forces personnel, Grant had kept asouvenir. Some officers had kept their OfficersRevolver, their Side Arm. My own Great Grandfatherhad kept his Lee-Enfield, .303 bolt action rifle from theGreat War.Grant had surreptitiously squirrelled away an AccuracyInternational L115A3 semi-automatic Snipes rifle. It wasjust a keepsake from his army days. He never thought hewould ever want to use it again, at least not until now!He left the room and went to the reception desk. Ayoung, smartly dress young lady was on receptionduties. “May I pay for my room for last evening and alsothis evening evening.” “Aye of course, sir” she spoke with a slight Scottishaccent. “Which room number was it?”“Room 312. I’d also would like to settle the bill now, asI will be leaving early on the day of my departure.”“That’s no problem sir, it’ll just take a moment toproduce.” 309

JAMES YOUNGGrant paid his account and expressed his thanks and leftthe hotel. It was around 9:30am, he headed forMarylebone Station and travelled the eight minutejourney to Oxford Circus. He was in desperate need ofboth clothing and toiletries.He was sure he could obtain what he required in OxfordStreet, being one of the main shopping areas in London,if not the main one. He did obtain what he needed,toiletries, a black Aran pullover with a turtle neckdesign, which took some finding, underwear, T-shirt,dark trousers and a black cashmere overcoat, slightlylarger than he needed. “I just like to feel there’s plenty ofroom for movement,\" he’d explained to a slightlyconfused sales assistant. Grant knew why he needed alarger overcoat.Grant walked back to the Oxford Circus railway stationand took the eight minute direct rail journey back toMarylebone. Alighting from the train, carrying hispurchases, Grant went straight to the Hotel. Heapproached the young man on Reception, whom he’dpreviously met, and asked for his room key.“I believe it’s Room 312 sir”“That’s correct.”The young man handed Grant the key.Grant expressed his appreciation and headed for hisroom.Feeling utterly exhausted, he removed the clothes he’d 310

THE MOSES EFFECTbeen wearing since his abduction, and hadunintentionally slept-in, and headed straight for thebathroom and showered. He thought to himself...There’s nothing better than feeling fresh and clean.Being a more basic, less expensive hotel, they didn’tprovide the hotel dressing gown that you would expectat the Savoy and other luxury hotels. However, feelingwarm after the hot shower and wrapped in a bath sheet,Grant just rested for a moment on the bed. Well, hethought it was a moment...He awoke at 3pm feeling a little cold, wrapped only inthe bath sheet. What time was it when I returned? Hewondered. I Must have been asleep for three hours. HadI only been away from the hotel for two and a halfhours? Returning to the bathroom, he again showered.This time he realised he hadn’t bought a razor and feltthe stubble on his face. That’ll have to wait, he thought.He dressed and looked at himself in the long mirror thatwas hung on the inside of the wardrobe door. Heappraised himself. He was dressed in the T-Shirt, blackAran pullover, black trousers and the large size blackcashmere overcoat. The overcoat only fit where ittouched, nevertheless it was perfect for Grant's needs.As it was a pleasant late afternoon, Grant took off theovercoat hung it up in the wardrobe and left the hotel,handing in the key in at Reception as he departed.He again headed for the train station. He asked for areturn ticket from Marylebone to St Pancras. Paying for 311

JAMES YOUNGthe ticket Grant thought, this is making a big hole in oursavings, then he corrected himself, my savings. He hadto take a moment to regain his composure as he wasovercome with remorse.“Are you alright Sir?” asked the attendant at the TicketKiosk, as he observed Grants demeanour. “Yes, I’mfine. Just a little tired. Thank you.”“If you're sure, sir.”“Yes. I’m fine. What time is the next train, please?”“Just two or three minutes.”“Thank you.” Grant sat on one of the benches on theplatform. The train duly arrived on time.Arriving at St Pancras, he headed for the Left Luggagefacility and took out of his wallet a small numbered Yalekey, found the corresponding locker and opened it.From the locker, he took out the two objects that thelocker contained. Grant first removed what appeared tobe a large attaché case. Looking at the case he confirmedthat it was unopened and intact. He then focused hisattention to the remaining item.The second item was a Skydiving Canopy, a parachuteto us laymen. Grant picked up both items, left the lockerunlocked with the small Yale Key remaining in the lock,and boarded the return train to Marylebone station. Hecollected his room key from reception and went directlyto his room. 312

THE MOSES EFFECTOnce in his room, he took from the wardrobe thecashmere overcoat. Grant then fitted to himself theparachute and fastened the overcoat with the parachuteconcealed beneath. The overcoat hung just as he hadhoped. There was no unseemly bulge of the concealedcanopy underneath. Being slightly larger, the overcoatdid the trick. Taking off the overcoat and parachute,Grant once again gave his attention to the attaché case.Grant placed the case on the bed, opened it, and lookedupon the weapon contained therein. A disassembledAccuracy International. L115A3 semi-automatic SnipesRifle, Telescopic Sight and Silencer.The case also contained, gun oil for cleaning, a cloth forremoving excess oil, a small cleaning rod with a bristlebrush at one end for cleaning the rifle barrel and twoclips, each containing five 7.62mm cartridges.After spending an hour or so cleaning the rifle hereassembled the armament, complete with it’s telescopicsight. With the chamber being empty, containing nocartridges, Grant tested the firing mechanism and wasgratified that it was working satisfactorily. Grantdisassembled the rifle and placed it back in the case.Grant now went to the telephone that was on a table, tothe right of the bed, and obtained an outside line anddialled.“Max! You know who this is.” Maximilian was shakenby the sound of Grant's voice, a voice he never expectedto hear again. 313

JAMES YOUNG“Yes...” came Max’s guarded reply.“Don’t think you're going to get away with it.”“Get away with what?”“Don’t play the innocent with me Max! You know whatyou’ve done! And I’m going to pay you back!”“Pay me back for what?”“You know! You murdered Kathy” Grant hardly able tocontrol his emotions.“What! Your not thinking straight. Worry about Kathyhas distorted your thinking.”“Don’t give me that! I know that if you didn’t personallykilled her! You arranged it! Additionally you arrangedthose two thugs to dispose of me too.”“Grant. You really have lost your mind. Those thugs, asyou call them, were medical personnel who were goingto give you a sedative to calm your nerves. We’ve got tohave a serious talk to sort this out, exactly what Grantwas hopping for. Where are you?”“Never mind where I am! I’ll meet you tomorrow at the40/30 Restaurant 10am! Make sure we’re alone.”“I’ll not be able to arrange that!”“Don’t try that game with me Max! I know you too well.10am tomorrow.” Grant hung up. 314

THE MOSES EFFECTMax sat thinking. He then picked up the telephone onceagain and dialled. “I want both of you at 40/30Restaurant, 30 St Mary Annex, Canary Wharf tomorrowat 9:30am. I’ll give you your instructions then,” he hungup and began his plan of action.The next morning Grant rose early, showered anddressed in the T-Shirt, black Aran pullover, and blacktrousers he’d bought the previous day. He also attachedto himself the parachute and then put on the cashmereovercoat. He looked at himself in the wardrobe mirrorand was satisfied.He picked up the large attaché case, left the key atreception and left as he’d already paid for the roompreviously. Leaving the hotel he again entered the trainstation and took the 35 minute journey to Canary Wharf.He entered Tower 42 at 25 Old Broad Street and madehis way to the roof. There he unpacked and assembledthe rifle and took up a prostrate position with the 40/30Restaurant clearly in view.Maximilian Benjamin St John-Smyth sat alone. Totallyalone, allegedly. There on the top floor of what hasbecome known, because of its shape, as the LondonGherkin. The Gherkin was located at Canary Wharf,replacing the Baltic Exchange, which had beenextensively damaged by a bomb in 1992. The bomb wasexploded by the Irish Liberation Army (IRA).Built in London’s main financial district, which was fastbecoming the financial centre of the world, this immense 315

JAMES YOUNG593 feet tall edifice of steel and glass, looking to somerather like a bloated version of a V2 rocket produced bythe German’s to terrorize the population of Londonduring the Second World War. The Gherkin has becomeone of London’s architectural show pieces.Max was waiting for a guest, if that's what you could callhim. How was this meeting going to develop with hisexpected visitor? Max was about to find out, but not inthe way he anticipated.There on the 40th floor, Max was seated in the 40/30Restaurant, which was normally available to the tenantsof the building. However, on this occasion it had beenclosed due to some mysterious problem within the shaftsof the ventilation system, a problem which didn’t seemto be affecting Maximilian. Perhaps the reason being,there was nothing wrong with the system.In addition to the restaurant in which Max is sitting,there were private dining rooms on the 38th floor.Nevertheless, Max did enjoy the full uninterrupted visualpanoramic view of London from the fortieth.Where Max wanted to be, there Max would enjoy being,even if it was alone. Surprising what money can do, isn’tit?Max was clearly not very happy, in fact he was mostassuredly agitated and exasperated.The sniper was ensconced on the roof of Tower 42overlooking the Gherkin and he had Max firmly fixed inhis sniper rifle sights. 316

THE MOSES EFFECTThe designation of Sniper was first coined in the 1770’sby the British army in India. This term was usedregarding anyone skilled at shooting an elusive mediumsized bird called a Snipe. The bird had short legs, but along straight beak and was well camouflaged. Anyonewho was able to hunt these birds successfully becameknown as a Sniper.The first use of a sniper rifle was during the Americancivil war. The designated rifle of preference was a riflemade by the British manufacturer Whitworth. It had ascope which was fitted along the barrel and the bulletcould reach a target over one mile away.The modern British army sniper rifle of preference wasthe L115A3. Bolt action, with a five cartridge magazine,again being able to hit a target from over one mile indistance. Manufactured by the company AccuracyInternational, that rifle was first used by the British armyin the year 2008 while deployed in Afghanistan.This was the rifle used by Grant. With somemodifications to the firing mechanism it had beenadapted to have a semi-automatic action, although stillcontaining only five rounds. This rifle was now beingpointed directly at Maximilian.As he watched through the telescopic sights, Grantobserved Max’s arrival at 9:30am accompanied by twoother men. Grant recognized them as the attackers fromwhom he’d escaped three days earlier. The three enteredthe building and all three retired to the restaurant. 317

JAMES YOUNGThrough the sights Grant could see by his gestures thatMax was instructing them where to hide and to no doubtassail Grant once again when he entered the restaurant.The assailants snook off to hide in their clandestinelocations.Then Grant once again resumed his aim, while wiping atear from his eye as he took careful aim, he fired. Wasthere a tinge of regret?There was only one bullet entry hole through thetoughened glass of the observation gallery window ofthe 40/30 Restaurant through which both bullets hadentered. There had been a Buff, Buff sound in quicksuccession as the L115A3 semi-automatic rifle releasedit's deadly projectiles. The sound being muffled by asilencer that had been attached to the rifle barrel.Without looking to see the results, the rifle was leftwhere he had been lying. He stood up, took off his blackcashmere overcoat and laid it next to the rifle along withthe latex surgical gloves he'd been wearing, surely thiswas a mistake?On seeing what had happened. The two aggressors lefttheir concealment and made their escape. I’m sure thepolice will be able to identify them from the restaurantsCCTV cameras which are so prevalent today.Grant walked to the edge of the roof of Tower 42 andjumped. As he did, he pulled the ripcord of the parachutehe'd been wearing under his overcoat, grabbing the 318

THE MOSES EFFECTsteering toggles he made a controlled descent.As he descended, he glanced across at the Gherkin andgave a shake of his head.Almost reaching the pavement below he pulled thecanopy brake toggles and came to a gentle stop. Hejudged matters so well that he was able to hit the canopyrelease and just step away, turning as he did to collectand fold the collapsing canopy.The canopy duly folded, he unceremoniously forced itinto a rubbish bin that the Municipal Authorities placedintermittently along the pavement for the collection ofdiscarded items, such as Big Mac wrappers, newspapers,drinks cans, sweet wrappers or anything else theindividual passers by felt they could dispose of as theycontinued their sojourn, though not very often aSkydivers Canopy.After disposing of his parachute, Grant deliberatelystopped and looked directly into one of the CCTVsecurity camera lenses which were everywhere in theUnited Kingdom. The cameras reminded Grant of anovel written by George Orwell entitled '1984’ in whichOrwell had described a Britain where people were beingwatched and controlled by what was called Big Brother.Big Brother was keeping the population undersurveillance.Today, the United Kingdom has the dubious honour ofhaving the most watched population in the whole world.Smile please, your on camera. Although Orwell’s date of 319

JAMES YOUNG1984 was a few decades premature, his vision of thefuture was nevertheless quite accurate.The first bullet had spun Sir Maximilian Benjamin StJohn-Smyth, the second instantly knocked him to thefloor. The Police Pathologist on examining Max agreedwith the Detective Chief Inspector investigating,confirming that it had been a professional hit by theassailant.The tell tale sign of a Professional hit being just the twoaccurately aimed bullets, one to kill and the other toknock down to the floor.As Grant stood there on the pavement he felt that,although some say Revenge is Sweet, this wasn't Grant'sfeeling. He felt that justice had been done following thekilling of his beloved Kathleen, instigated by Sir, healmost spat the word Sir out, Maximilian Benjamin StJohn -Smyth.He'd left all the clues regarding his action and justwaited for the inevitable arrest. All his hopes andaspirations… Gone! What he had thought was a trustedfriend and his dear wife had all gone. There was nothingleft. Life was meaningless. He just wanted to disappearand be forgotten.By the way, as in all murder mysteries, The BUTLERdone it!! 320

THE MOSES EFFECT CHAPTER TWENTY-TWOAfter the horrendous events leading to the demise ofMaximilian, the murder of Kathy and the arrest of Grant,our marriage could have been understandably cancelled.Well, it wasn’t. If the relationship between Sarah and Ihad not been firmly grounded and close, perhaps thewedding may not have happened. It was and it did.Even under these circumstances, Sarah permitted thearrangements that Maximilian had organised to go aheadas planned, perhaps it was just an inner affection inmemory of her father.The wedding went extremely well. I don’t know why itis, but organizations like the Mafia, the Columbian DrugBarons and the like seem to hold great store on familyand no expense seems to be spared on their families.Although not Mafia, but having suspected criminalconnections, Maximilian had lavished all he could tomake Sarah’s day memorable, perhaps it was a way toassuage his conscience.Donaldson, or F19, was true to his word. We took off ina Cessna 525 Citation Jet, a small business jet that couldcarry a maximum of 6 passengers.“How did you get this Andy?”“As we always say, it’s ‘Need to know’.”“Andy, will we be able to reach Naples airport non-stop?” Sarah asked. 321

JAMES YOUNG“Well, Sarah. Our flight plan is to refuel at Gibraltar,then fly on to Naples. That should give me enoughaviation fuel for the return flight to Gibraltar beforerefuelling for the remainder of the flight to England.”“It’ll be like going home Andy, when we land inGibraltar” I observed.“I’d rather we heading elsewhere to be truthful.”“Perhaps you're right Andy” I agreed.Following the refuelling at Gibraltar we continued toNaples, everything went smoothly.Sarah and I took our leave of Andrew.“I’ll see you both when you're back in England. Have agreat time.”“Thanks Andy.” We both waved and Andy walked backto the Cessna and took off.Sarah walked to the Terminal Building while the Airportstaff followed with our luggage.Maximilian had insisted on paying for our honeymoon,in addition to the wedding. It was a cruise around theAmalfi coast of Italy taking in Napoli, Sorrento and allaround the bay of Naples in fact all the Italian Riviera.The sight of Vesuvius dominated the bay of Naples andseemed to be everywhere one looked. Perhaps it’sbecause of the great eruption of 79AD which destroyedHerculaneum and Pompeii. That event being in the back 322

THE MOSES EFFECTof our minds, perhaps caused the eye seeminglyconstantly to look apprehensively in Vesuvius’ direction.I was secretly pleased we didn’t go to Sicily, all thosethoughts of the Mafia.Our voyage home took us via Gibraltar across the Bay ofBiscay to disembark in Portsmouth.It was rather strange as we approached the Straits ofGibraltar. One usually thinks of the Mediterranean as anAzure Blue, on the night we passed through the straitsthere was a slight swell as we were informed by ourPersonnel Butler, one thing I must commend Max for,there’s nothing overlooked for our comfort.Slight swell, I could feel the Liner Oceana, which wasstill plying her way around the world, slightly rising andfalling. I’m sure her stabilizers were mitigating the realeffect of the sea.The sea on this night was silver black, that’s the onlycolour I can convey, with the occasional White Horsesappearing on the surface of the sea. And this is a slightswell, I would like to see a larger one, I thought.As we approached the straits I went onto the balcony ofour starboard outside Stateroom. I looked down at thesea and remembered the last time I was here, we wereeight hundred metres down on the Sussex, quite an eeriefeeling. I wondered how many of our fellow passengers,if any, knew of the treasure beneath us that is still on theSussex. 323

JAMES YOUNGI began to wonder what future events awaited me when Ieventually would return to the River House. I put thatthought out of my mind for the time being. On our returnour first Port of Call would be Uncle George’s.Disembarking at Portsmouth, there waiting for us was a1959 Daimler Stardust Limousine and a certainchauffeur.“This is a most pleasant surprise. How did you know wewere arriving today?”F19 gave a look that conveyed a reprimand and said“Have you been away so long that you’ve forgottenwhom you work for? We pride ourselves on what weknow and how we get to know.”Suitably chastened, but wishing to make a suitable replyI said, “Isn’t your identity number prefixed with an ‘F’for Flight. Shouldn’t it be a ‘C’ for Chauffeur.”“Do you want to walk?”“Touché” I laughingly retorted.“Where are we heading?” Andrew asked.“My place please Andy. Sarah and I we haven’tpurchased a place of our own yet.”“No problems. Your place it is.”We arrived outside our temporary home. Andy helped usbring our luggage into the house. When he was about toleave Andrew said, “See you soon. Anything you need, 324

THE MOSES EFFECTgive me a call.”Sarah kissed Andrew on the cheek and said “Thank youvery much Andrew.”“I could get used to that,\" he replied.“One off Andy!”He laughed as he descended the steps to the Daimler. Hepaused and looking back said “There’s one thing.”“What’s that?” I asked enquiringly.“There’s rumblings about Panama.”“Panama?““Yes Panama!”“What’s that all about?”“Wait and see! See you soon,” and he got into theDaimler.We waved him goodbye as he drove away.Sarah and I closed the front door and looked at the pileof luggage.“Panama! I’ll think about that later. Let’s leave theluggage until tomorrow, I’m bushed.” Sarah agreed withmy suggestion. I continued “we’ll sort the luggage outtomorrow. Then we’ll go and see Uncle George OK?”.“Yes.” 325

JAMES YOUNGWe headed for the stairs my arm around Sarah’s waist,her head resting on my shoulder. 326

THE MOSES EFFECT EPILOGUEI had my arm around my wife Sarah’s waist as we wereleaving Uncle Georges. As he opened the front door outonto the street for us I remarked, “I’ve forgotten mygloves. I’ll just be a moment.” With that I headed backinside. Moments later I returned with an elaboratedisplay of putting on my gloves.Sarah and I said our goodbye’s to Uncle George as heaccompanied us out into the cold night air. It alwaysseemed to be cold when I visited Uncle George. Iopened the passenger door of the parked LamborghiniGallardo LP850-4, now a classic which endedproduction in 2013, with a cool £200,000 price tag. Astep up from my now repaired and subsequently sold1935 MG PE Midget. Sarah slipped elegantly into thepassenger seat and I closed the door.As I walked around to the driver’s door, Uncle Georgelooked thoughtfully at the car, then at me. I know whathe was thinking. How I could afford to purchase such aniconic vehicle? When the matter had been raised on anearlier occasion I reminded Uncle George that Sarah hadinherited her fathers fortune.With the death of Sarah’s father, Kathy’s murder, Grantsimprisonment and the exposure of Maximilian’svillainous activities, we sold the family estate. Just toomany hideous memories. That information seeminglysatisfied Uncle George’s curiosity.Before leaving, Uncle George whispered “don’t forget 327

JAMES YOUNGthe San Jose.” A cold shiver went up my spine as wedrove away with the headlight cutting a white channel oflight through the mist or fog, sorry CHOG. I saw UncleGeorge was standing in the road waving us goodbye.He was illuminated through the swirling CHOG by atriangular shaft of light emanating from the open frontdoor. I switched on the car's hazard warning lights, forjust a moment, to acknowledge his farewell. Sarah and Inow began our new life together, hopefully without anyfurther espionage or skullduggery... Or maybe not. I canlive in hope.After seeing my acknowledgement he entered into hishome and closed the door. Going to his study he went tothe Globe Shaped Drinks Cabinet, opened it and selecteda bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac, £2,000.00a bottle. And he complained about my extravagance!Choosing a cut crystal brandy glass he poured out agenerous measure of the Rose Gold liquid.Taking his drink, he sat at his elaborate Mahogany Desk.His eyes widened and his jaw dropped as he saw, therein the middle of his leather blotting pad a GoldDoubloon shinning in the way that only pure gold can. Acolour that has motivated and enthralled man formillenniums. He realised I hadn’t gone to look for mygloves, but to leave the Doubloon. Just one Doubloonsold recently at auction for over three million poundssterling.As he sat and stared at the Golden Object. 328

THE MOSES EFFECTHe muttered the words “I knew the little……………”Spend it well Uncle George! *****After his inevitable arrest and sentence. Grant wasimprisoned.Grant was awakened by the light being switched on inthe cell in which he was incarcerated. The lights wereusually switched off in all the prison cells at 10pm. Thisparticular cell being in the Maximum Security wing ofHis Majesty’s Prison, Durham, in the North East ofEngland.In addition to the light, there was also the racket of hiscell door being unlocked, normally a sound that aprisoner would be pleased to hear. But, not late at night.Into his cell stepped one of the prison guards. “You havea visitor.”With apprehension Grant pushed back the bedding, let’snot get carried away. It was a blanket. Grant swung hislegs out and sat on the edge of the bed, well bunk,expecting the worst.“Stand up Grant!” barked the Warden.Now entering the Cell and stepping to one side, there 329

JAMES YOUNGentered a grey headed bespectacled gentleman, smartlydressed in what was an expensive Savile Row PinstripeSuit. What another sale!He began to speak, “I am Sir George Pennsonby, betterknown as Uncle George or should I say ‘S’ and I have anoffer I believe would benefit a man of your… should wesay particular talents.”“What if I’m not interested in any offers?”“You’d rather remain in Prison then?”Grant sat stupefied for a moment. “You mean you canget me out of here?” he asked incredulously. “What’s thecatch?”“No catch except your willingness to accept anassignment or two that we have in mind for a man withyour particular Skill Set.”“What’s this, Mission Impossible?”“You’ve been watching too many old films. Say YESand we can walk out of here together, tonight.”“You can do that?” Sir George nodded. *****The Stateroom on board Pegasus was originally for the 330

THE MOSES EFFECTowner of the Oil Tanker and for their own personal useshould they come aboard the vessel, they had now been,shall we say, borrowed by Commodore Jorgensen.Jorgensen was contemplating recently passed eventsrelating to HMS Sussex. He exhaled a sigh and thoughtto himself, I’m getting to old for this. His shouldersdropped as he sank further into his armchair.His thoughts were interrupted, “Top O’ the mornin’ toyou Cap’in” as Patrick Montague McNamara entered.“Morning Pat. To what do I owe this pleasure?” askedJorgensen.“I’d been considering the San Jose.”“What are you on about Pat?”“The San Jose sank off the coast of South America to theeast of the Panama Canal, obviously well before thecanals construction which was opened on 15 August1914, during a battle with the British Navy on 20 May1708.” Retorted Pat the Chief Engineer of Pegasus.“I’ve had enough of sunken Galleons, Liners and the likePat, I think it’s time to call it a day.”“Wouldn’t thirteen billion pounds sterling in gold, silverand emeralds interest you? It’s just a quick trip throughthe Panama Canal and Bob’s your uncle.” Said Pat witha mocking expression.“Did you say east of Panama?”“Yes” 331

JAMES YOUNG“Then there’s no need to go through the Panama canal”“Makes it easier then, doesn’t it Karl?”Silence was the reply, as Jorgenson just sat motionless,staring thoughtfully ahead.“I take it that that’s a Yes then!” *****Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, the SpanishAmbassador, was seated in the administrative office ofthe Spanish Ambassadors Residence. Twoinconspicuously dressed individuals entered andaddressed the Ambassador.“Who are you?” the Ambassador enquired.“We have been sent by Secretary General FernandoMartinez of the Centro Nacional de Intelligencia Madridto accompany you back to Spain your services are nolonger needed here.“What do you mean?” asked the Ambassador.“It is felt that your recent involvement with the BritishSecret Service has compromised your effectiveness asSpain’s Ambassador here at the Court of St James.”“I have conducted myself in every matter with the 332

THE MOSES EFFECTgreatest regard for Spain’s interests!” Don Diegoobjected.“That is true your Excellency. It is not in anyway areflection on you or the service you have given.”“Why then the recall?”“It’s not a recall.”“What is it then?”“Excuse me, your Excellency, we did not makeourselves very clear. You are to be reassigned to analternative appointment.”“Oh… Where’s that?” the Ambassador asked cautiously.“We believe it’s PANAMA. *********Mrs Wilmslow met with a rather tragic motoringaccident when a 1959 Black Daimler car accidentallymounted the pavement and fatally injured her. Thedriver and vehicle were never found.Although the licence number was reported to the Policeby an onlooker, the Police could not find any record of aDaimler with the reported number. I wonder why? Andwho could the driver have been? 333

JAMES YOUNG A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORI hope you enjoyed my little story, if so I would be verygrateful if you would please give a small review.I guess it’s now time for you to sit down and considerwriting your own book, the one you’ve always thoughtabout writing but never found the time.You’ll be surprised at how much enjoyment you’ll getjust from researching and writing it.If I can do it, believe me, so can you. The hardest part ismaking the decision to get started. So do it today!I look forward to reading your novel soon! James S. Young 334

335