Betrayal

(Continuing in Florida - memories of two years earlier)

It was well before 7.30 am on Friday that I returned Janet to the Resort. Due to our extra-long playful shower we only had just enough time for a piece of toast and an apple for breakfast. As I dropped Janet in the parking lot, I could feel gusts of wind buffeting my Camry. It was also cold outside, so I suggested: "How about I go and purchase some coffee for you and Connie?"

"That would earn you hero worship from us both. Connie takes it the same as me." Janet reached into her handbag and said: "I'll give you this electronic key. I obtained an extra when I left mine in the room. I should return it, but with it you can go through the side door without having to go all the way round to reception. Connie and I are in room 324."

I was away about half an hour and during that time, I received a text from Walter that diving for the day was cancelled due to the bad weather. On my return to the Resort with the coffee, the car radio warned of a category 1 hurricane that would be disturbing coastal communities. I concluded that diving would probably be cancelled for the week.

With three coffees in a cardboard tray, I made my way through the Resort side door and up two flights of stairs. At the top I was trying to determine whether room 324 was to the left or the right when I noticed two men standing around. The first man was just near me bending over to collect a drink from a dispensing machine in a foyer. As he crouched, his suit jacket swung apart, clearly exposing a pistol on his right hip.

The other man standing at the far right end of the corridor by a set of fire stairs was dressed similarly in a suit. From his demeanor, I assumed they were both associated.

I strolled down the corridor towards the second man, looking for the room. I felt apprehensive as I knew I was being observed. The room was the second last door on the left. Eager to relieve the tension that I was inexplicably feeling, I uncharacteristically swiped the electronic key to enter the room without first knocking.

Appreciating the feeling of relief upon entering, I didn't even think it strange when I couldn't see Janet ... or even Connie in the room. Once I became curious, I rationalized that maybe they were in the bathroom, although it appeared mysteriously quiet. Then I heard clearly, but faintly, a voice I recognized saying: "No! I will not do that!"

The voice had come from the next room through the adjoining door. I concluded that the adjacent room was probably the one used by Gabriella and Daphne. Deciding that if the girls were arguing, discretion would be wise; however, curiosity made me step up to the adjoining door to listen.

I was surprised that the next voice I heard, was the severe insistence of a man. "You will do it! It is a generous proposal to provide you with ongoing payments that you've done nothing to deserve. Any decision to refuse is patently foolish."

"At least I should be allowed to read the document to consider your proposal," Janet forcefully stated.

"It's not my proposal. Mr Mackenzie, your uncle, is being very generous," the man insisted.

All was quiet for a minute before the man resumed giving orders: "Read the document then, but don't try to leave as I have men outside. You won't be able to call anyone either, so don't delay." In a quieter voice he said: "Gabby, search her handbag for a cell. Also grab the room phone. Now let's go. We'll have breakfast now as it will save time. I want to leave once it's signed."

I then heard their corridor door close. For a moment, I wondered what I should do. Perhaps if I was careful, I could ease open the door slightly to see if anyone else was in the room. Although something clicked, Janet mustn't have heard as she was intently reading. Uncertain of what to expect, I cautiously entered.

Janet looked up startled, but I indicated by pressing my finger across my lips that she should remain quiet. She then waved to me to sit next to her on the couch. When I could whisper in her ear, I explained: "There are two armed men outside in the corridor." When I discerned her look of surprised concern, I wondered if I could have delivered that information less alarmingly.

Quickly recovering she whispered back: "They're trying to force me to sign this document now ... without any legal advice. Some of it sounds quite good, but I'm to sign this Disclaimer to refuse the provision in Clause 7 of my father's document: Henry James Mackenzie, MCI 37/2012 dated 26 April 2012. I don't even know what that means!"

"Do they know of the adjoining room, as they let me enter it without questioning me?"

"I don't know. Gabby will know of course. She was waiting for me in the corridor when I arrived, so I was immediately directed in here." As realization hit her eyes, she expressed hopefully: "Maybe the men outside don't know."

My mind was whirring through possibilities as I suggested: "We could make an escape from your room. We can lock the adjoining door, then I'll see if we can escape over the balcony."

It was all decided by Janet insisting: "We should move now before Gabby and her father return." Janet slung her handbag over her shoulder as I waited by the door.

Once back in Janet's room with the door secured, I checked out the drop from the balcony. We were on the third floor, definitely too high to be reckless. Of course I could improvise a rope.

I grabbed the sheets and a light blanket from the bed and linked them together. I added some additional knots every three feet or so to provide better grip. It still looked too short and there were no more blankets in the cupboard. It would only be enough to safely descend one floor.

As I was looking for a safe place to anchor the sheets, I realized we could possibly confuse Gabby's father by moving to the balcony of the adjacent room on the opposite side from Gabby's. Our sheet rope would not be visible to a cursory inspection. Additionally, if I replaced the bedspread, I reasoned that the absence of sheets, and our method of escape may not be immediately detected.

Once the bed looked made, I explained: "We just have to step carefully over the balustrade to swing around the partition wall."

Janet looked uncertain about my suggestion until I offered to go first so she could watch my progress. Having negotiated the obstacle, she passed me the sheet rope before following. To give her security, I gripped the waist belt of her jeans as she negotiated the railing and wall. On the neighbor's balcony, she seemed more confident.

Although I'd been a boy scout, I didn't like the idea of my knot slipping. For added safety, I secured the end of our rope to the base of the balustrade post below the bottom railing and then made an additional clove hitch over the top railing before dropping the rope outside the building. There was just enough length to comfortably make it down one floor.

I checked with Janet: "Will I go first?"

Her reticent nod didn't fill me with reassurance, so I started explaining: "Step over the rail, then holding the railing, place your feet on the floor on the outside of the balustrade ensuring that the sheet is held tightly between your knees. Try and reach for the knots with your feet or knees. Holding a knot, straighten your arms and ensure that your legs are securely holding a knot before you let your hands slide down the sheet to the next knot. Continue this same way until I've placed your feet on the next balcony.

"Okay."

"Just watch me. You'll see how easy it is."

I went over and made all my actions deliberate as I explained what I was doing. I was soon on the next balcony with one leg either side of the railing. I swung my outside leg inside and looked up. Janet was peering over with a dubious expression. I knew if I didn't get her moving, she might freeze and become immovable.

"Come now love. You know you can do it. I'll be here to help."

Hesitantly she swung her body over the railing and went through the actions as I recited them. She stalled, hanging with the sheet clasped tightly to her chest until I calmly said: "Allow the sheet to run through your knees as you straighten your arm ... now tighten your knees on the sheet, then slide your hands down until you grab the next knot." She followed my instructions as I gave them.

That was the only delay as she then repeated her actions until I could grab her tightly about the thighs. I then pulled her towards me so that she landed inside the railing.

As we hugged tightly, I knew I needed to work out the next stage. I was hoping that someone had left their balcony door unlocked. I half expected that I would be climbing from one balcony to another until I found access. However, once we broke our embrace, to my relief, I found this balcony door had been left open six inches for ventilation. Even more remarkably, I couldn't see anyone on the inside.

We were soon through that room and into the corridor. Rather than take any of the emergency stairs, I led us to the main entrance on the assumption we were less likely to be stopped by Gabby's dad if other people were present. In less than two minutes we were in the relative safety of my Camry. We didn't talk as I drove straight to my apartment; however we both scanned about to see if we were being followed.

Once inside the apartment I needed to clarify what was going on. "Am I right with the situation? Your uncle through his agent, Gabby's father ..."

"He's Mr Murdock."

"... is trying to get you ... no, force you to sign a document where you refuse the provisions of some clause you know nothing about. In fact he was basically imprisoning you. Should we go to the police?"

What would I say? ... that he wouldn't let me leave my room. I'm not hurt. He'd just deny it."

"There were armed men outside your room."

"But they didn't aim a weapon at me. We would be laughed at."

"Have you any idea what it's all about and why this has happened now with so much urgency?"

"No, and no. The rest of the document offers me an annual stipend of $40,000 per year index with CPI. That's much more than my aunt is currently receiving so it sounds very appealing, but I can't agree without knowing what that clause is all about. My Dad died ten years ago, and I've never had access to his documents. The only thing I can think of is that my aunt may have some idea."

"Perhaps we should phone your aunt. You can use my cell. While you're doing that, would you mind if I examine the document?"

She then passed me her handbag saying: "It's in the side pocket. Now let's see if I can remember her number. As Janet dialed, she said: "I'll put it on speaker for you." Once her aunt answered, Janet quickly cut short the pleasantries and explained the situation. "Have you any idea what the clause is about, Liz? Do you know why Uncle Simon wants me to sign it."

"I've no idea dear. You have to remember I was in Europe when your parents died. By the time I was informed of their deaths and returned to the US, the funeral and all arrangements had been completed. I was just appreciative that it included the annual supplement to help my wages go further. It was all set up for me by a very nice elderly gent ... he must have been a lawyer or something."

I tried to whisper to Janet: "See if she remembers his name and contact details."

Aunt Liz must have heard as she continued: "I still have his card in my records box. Just one moment." There was a lengthy pause before she announced: "Hector Walters, from Walters, Barker and McKinley. His office is in Raleigh and the phone number is 984-201-6212."

Before finishing the call, Janet continued explaining her predicament and indicated that she'd keep in touch. She asked her aunt to record my cell number but emphasized she was not to share it with anyone else.

Once she finished the call, Janet queried: "Do you think we should call this Hector Walters to see what he knows?"

"Ah, I think so ... but let's be cautious. Your uncle is trying to do something fishy. What if he has this lawyer in his pocket?"

It then occurred to me. "The document is headed Disclaimer. In law a disclaimer is used to limit rights and liabilities. It could also be a document where you agree to limit some benefit to yourself. Did you notice that the Disclaimer has already been backdated over five and a half years? They want it to appear that you signed this when you were ... how old are you now?"

"I'll be 23 in less than two weeks."

"Well you would have been 18 years and 5 months when you purportedly signed this."

"Why would they do that?"

"When your parents died, you were only 13. If your parents' Wills contained a benefit for you, it would have been held in trust until you became an adult. At that point, you'd have up to 9 months to renounce the benefit. That means in North Carolina you'd have to renounce the benefit sometime between your 18

th

birthday and 9 months later."

"So you think that the Clause refers to something in my Dad's Will. We should call this lawyer ... Walters."

"Before we do, have a look at the witness signatures. Clive Murdock is yet to sign, but there is already a backdated signature for Hector Walters."

"A lawyer wouldn't sign as a witness before the signatory, would he?"

"Not if he's complying with the law. This document can't be kosher. Perhaps I should call as we don't want them alerted beforehand. I'll see if I can make an appointment ... about a legal issue. I'll make something up."

The call was answered by a receptionist. When I asked to make an appointment with Mr Walters, she apologized that he was in hospital and not available. I quickly explained that I was a close family friend and would like to send flowers if she could tell me the address details for the hospital. She quickly informed me he was in the Rheumatology Department of Raleigh General Hospital.

When I ended the call, Janet asked: "Are you suggesting we visit him?"

"If he is the lawyer who set up your funding, he may know something. He'll remember your aunt and maybe yourself. No one else in the practice is likely to give you information."

"I guess we can't go back to the Resort. It looks like I'll be stuck in these clothes."

"We can buy what you need on the way. Will Connie look after your gear?"

"I'm sure she will, but I'll give her a call." Janet borrowed my cell again and after she identified herself, Connie acted evasively.

"Hello Mom," Connie answered. "Yes, everything is great down here in Florida. The diving has been magnificent."

"Is someone listening Connie? Is it Gabby and her father?"

"Yes, that is right. You got it in one. I'll be home Monday week, weather permitting."

"Connie, I can't return to the Resort. Please gather all my stuff and I'll talk to you later. Gabby, her father and my uncle can't know what I'm doing. I'll fill you in later. Goodbye."

"Oh it was good to chat to you also Mom. Bye; love you."

I then called Walter and informed him that I had to go. He said there wouldn't be any diving for several days, but he also quickly worked out that my rapid departure had something to do with Janet. He informed me that two well-dressed goons had just left after poking around and asking questions. He undertook to store my scuba gear and Janet's if Connie didn't collect it.

I just needed to pack my suitcase and put it in the Camry. I considered letting the manager of the apartment know I was going, but I doubted that he'd offer me a refund for the remainder of my fortnight booking. Besides, if he didn't know I'd left, it might delay any search for us. Fifteen minutes later we were driving north through steady rain.

Much of our initial journey was spent with Janet thinking. I assumed she was speculating about the possibility of a Will. I surmised this by her comments such as: "I've very little in the way of documents from my parents." Then without preamble she declared: "I only have a few photos." Later, it was: "I wish I had more."

After another long pause she exclaimed: "I have never trusted my uncle, but I can't believe that he'd send armed men with Mr Murdock to intimidate me. I'm just glad you turned up when you did. I don't know what I'd have done. In fact, if you hadn't encouraged me, I'd never have tried climbing over the balcony. Thank you, Matt. I feel safe with you ... and not so lost."

It was about two hours later that my cell phone rang. As I was driving, Janet took the call.

"Janet ... this is Connie. We've just been interviewed by the police. Somehow, they're convinced that you've been kidnapped or as they describe it, abducted. I tried to convince them otherwise by saying we'd spoken, but this just made them take my phone to check the call register, so I'm using Daphne's. You are okay, aren't you?"

"Of course I am. Did they say it was Mr Murdock that abducted me?"

"No, he is supposedly helping the police. They said that Matt has taken you against your will."

What I heard had the same effect as someone walking over my grave. It was a good thing I was automatically following another car along the interstate as my brain was somewhat overwhelmed with new concerns. I think I missed hearing most of the remainder of the call.

When it was finished, I just asked: "How did the police become involved?"

"I'm guessing it's my uncle's fault. He seems to have plenty of influence with prominent people. He has quite a few friends in the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the State Highway Patrol. Who knows, he probably has friends in Florida as well."

"You know once we cross the state border it probably becomes a federal offence. What do you want to do now?"

"We haven't done anything wrong. We have a head start now to question this, Mr Walters. If we stop to see the police, we'll be delayed. They will separate us, and I'll be detained somehow."

"Well then, we need to ditch this phone and disappear. I've an older cousin, Pete, who keeps a cabin for the family to use. I'm sure we can make it that far tonight. We'll have to leave the I95 before we reach the North Carolina border to avoid their Highway Patrol. I know some back roads that should reduce our visibility."

"Give me the details. I'll put them into the car Nav system."

Before we do that, phone your Aunt Liz. Tell her if the police contact her, she is to say we've phoned and are heading to her place arriving tomorrow sometime. She is to cooperate and hand over my cell phone number if it's requested. We want them to think we're still using it."

Janet made the call then asked: "What do you plan to do now?"

"We need to get another phone they can't trace. Give me a moment to work out the details."

It was just five minutes later that I pulled over into a town that had a Wal-Mart Supercenter truck stop. It was now raining quite heavily, so I gave Janet my waterproof jacket and grabbed a brimmed hat for myself. I then explained: "Without looking suspicious, keep your hood on as long as you can and don't look directly at cameras."

"Can I purchase some undies and a top so that I've something to change into?"

"If you can do it quickly, that would be a good idea. More importantly buy the burner phone I mentioned while I fill up with gas. I want you to use this cash for everything. From now on we don't use credit cards as they'll leave a trail pointing to where we're going. Ask if they'll allow you to use another device to activate the phone. They won't normally allow that, but if you play up to them that you're escaping an abusive relationship and need to phone your father, they may help you."

"I've my own cash Matt. You shouldn't have to pay. How much will it be?"

"Get a cheap phone with about $30 pre-paid on the account. You should be able to do this for under $100. The phone will have instructions for activation, but you'll need an anonymous email address. I've written down an AOL account and the password. I use this account under a false name for trash advertising. If they require a zip code use 35005 or some code outside North Carolina."