This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise showed, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this story are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. All characters are over the age of eighteen, unless otherwise specified.
A note from the author:
This part contains no sex. Just be aware before you begin. This, and the next in the line, Santo Diablo Chapter 13, brings the two series together in a conclusion to the inevitable collision between Rich from Santo Diablo, James, Reggie, and someone from Rich's past. So, while there is no sex, the action picks up considerably. - Assassin Wolf
Crimson Part 7: The Walls Come Tumbling Down
We spent the next two weeks putting our new house together and getting things organized at work. With the help of Brenda, Jordan completed the files on all the women in Crimson. Not only that, but the women also started files on all of Crimson's members. For the first time, we had a comprehensive roster of almost everyone connected to the organization. Only a few things hampered us from completing the project faster. One was when our network was non-responsive for half a day. Also, there were still some chapters that hadn't quickly responded to our request and were dragging their feet. Those would require a more personal touch, probably in person.
Before I had the chance to put a travel itinerary together, I received a call from Reggie. He had another important man he wanted to recruit as a member. He said this businessman was American, but lived overseas, where he made his fortune. His name was Angel, and from what he told Reggie, he was looking into investment opportunities in our town. He hired Reggie's law firm to protect his assets that he would need to transfer into the country and handle any contracts that would arise.
That man, it appeared, had a fondness for sadomasochism. Reggie wanted me to provide Brenda for that purpose, as we did with Rich Burkhart. I told him I would get back with him the next day with my answer, after I did a background check on Angel.
That would make two men in a short period, from out of town, bringing money to Crystal Lakes. The town of Crystal Lakes went decades without a major influx of business before Reggie built the casino. Afterward, hardly any businesses, besides grocery stores and other smaller shops, opened. Reggie mentioned Angel commented on Rich Burkhart's new shipping hub, and how that would attract more business, so he may just be the first of many investors flocking to the area. Still, to have the first two men show up and show an interest in not only Crimson but also BDSM, didn't set well with me.
I put Angel's name into the database. He initially came back clean, but it was how clean he came back that raised my suspicion. This man didn't have a blemish on his record. Even his past addresses were too tidy, everything lining up perfectly. I checked his passport. He arrived in the country on the West Coast a couple of days prior after flying out of Lithuania. I dug up what I could from the European databases from Interpol, and his record appeared the same: neat and clean.
When I perform background checks on people, I normally find some blemishes. I even pull credit reports, which can give more insight than just their credit worthiness. Someone who always defaults on loans, or regularly declares bankruptcy, is someone that will not hesitate to lie for their own benefit. This is especially true if other sources point to a steady income. In Angel's case, he didn't have a credit history: no loans or credit cards. A wealthy individual will always have some sort of history, even if it's small because of paying for most things in cash or transfers.
That's the secret to remaining wealthy; you don't spend your own money. Why pay $100 thousand for something when you can take out a loan for that amount? You put your money in a high return bond, or put it in other investments that will make money over the short term. Sure, you pay finance charges on the loan, but if you have good credit and money in the financial institution the loan is from, you'll get very favorable terms. Angel didn't appear to do any of that.
I've seen enough people involved in organized crime to recognize that Angel may be one of them. He most likely paid someone for the false identity, and they put together his background to fool anyone looking into him. It all appeared well done, and I'm sure he paid a high price for everything. However, I'm always suspicious, and with Brenda, I won't even give someone a chance if I find anything out of place. I was close to not sending Brenda to Rich, but I left my judgement for after I met him. If I showed up and didn't like what I saw, I was prepared to turn around and take her back home.
In Angel's case, I didn't even need to meet him. My answer was no, and Reggie wasn't too pleased. I explained to him my suspicions, how his record was too clean, and I just didn't get a good feeling about him. Reggie told me I was overreacting, and that Angel came across to Reggie as someone I could trust. As Reggie put it, he was a typical wealthy man that had some kinks with women. I reiterated I would not send Brenda for this job. Reggie pressed it, telling me Angel was prepared to pay a large sum of money to Crimson, and for me to hold off until I met him.
I agreed to meet Angel. I made my mind up, but I wanted to see who this man was. Even if he came across as pleasant, I didn't see myself changing my mind. The next day, I received a call from Reggie that Angel was on his way to the casino for a day of gambling. This was a gift from Reggie, of course. Angel was told that I would sit down with him, that it was customary to have me interview new members. A good back story on Reggie's part, and I wondered if that wouldn't be something I should do for every new member.
When Angel arrived, security notified me. I walked into the lobby where our day manager, Paul, was talking with him. Angel was in his mid-forties, standing over 6' tall. He looked to be in shape, maybe a little thin, but with his suit, I couldn't tell for sure. He wasn't what I would consider refined. His suit, while appearing expensive, didn't fit him well, like he borrowed it from someone. His shoes looked to be department store stock, nothing bad, but certainly not what anyone with money would be seen wearing. Even his posture looked off. He stood bent slightly forward with his hands in his pockets.
"Good afternoon." I commented as I walked up in front of the two men. "I was told you had arrived. My name is Lieutenant Greene, but please call me James. I'm a liaison here at Crystal Lakes casino, and Reggie wanted me to sit down and talk with you, as we do all new Crimson members."
"That works for me." Angel replied. "Where do you want to talk? I hope it doesn't take too long. I'm looking forward to hitting the blackjack tables."
Just then, Allison walked up behind Paul. "Oh yes, here's the woman I mentioned." Paul remarked. "Her name is Allison, and she will see that you have all of your needs met today."
Even though it was customary to provide Crimson members with a woman at the casino, I was hoping Paul hadn't gotten to that yet. That was my fault for not thinking of it and letting Paul know. If I saw something in Angel that made me think he was dangerous, I would escort him out myself. To hell with what Reggie thought; I would deal with that later if I needed.
"Angel, will you please follow me back to my office?" I asked.
Before I turned to walk toward the gambling hall, I noticed Angel study Allison closely. He looked like a starving man who was presented with a full table of food. She barely noticed, looking straight ahead and not making eye contact. As I led Angel to my office, Allison dutifully walked behind us, not saying a word. Angel commented on the main gambling hall as we walked through, telling me how he planned to walk out of the casino richer than he had walked in. That wasn't new. Most people thought that, although very few ever did.
As we entered my office, Brenda was seated at Jordan's desk talking to her. When they saw us, they both stood up and faced us. "Ladies, this is Angel." I explained. "He's a new member of Crimson."
