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Date Posted: 22:39:06 03/27/08 Thu
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: port191.dialup.bfree.on.ca / 66.207.116.191
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 147
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods" on 12:47:54 03/09/08 Sun

Chapter 147

Both Denis Levasseur and Roy Charleau had worked for Monsieur Samuelle for the last six years, and they had been pleased to learn that their employer had returned to Montreal. They thought a lot of him both for who he appeared to be as an individual, but also because of the good he did for the community.

Both men knew that Michael gave generously to the local hospital, the orphanage, the local convent, the food bank and many other charities and community organizations. His company was responsible for massive charity fund raisers each year as well. Many of his employees participated in these events, and each time Michael would personally match what they’d managed to raise independently as a sign of his support. Michael could have told them that he sponsored many other things in the province as well, but being a man of few words, he preferred to say nothing and let his money do what it could without his name being attached to it.

Because of these things, and the kindnesses he showed many of the individuals in his employ, Michael was loved and respected. The same could not have been said for Elena. Her condescending manner had guaranteed that the average employee had nothing good to say about her. They’d all been hurt by her sharp tongue on more than one occasion but the security men knew more and so their disdain was greater.

Roy and Denis were no exception. As far as they were concerned, the final and most insulting thing that woman had done to their boss still rankled in their minds.

‘No man deserves to find his wife in bed with another man in his own house!’ Denis thought in disgust.

He still remembered the events of that day. The two of them had been paired on guard duty at the Samuelle mansion and both of them had found it painful to hear that good man’s agony. To make matters worse, the courts had seen to it that he had lost his son as well. Neither man had children, but they had loved the dark haired tyke they’d cared for. Because of that, they had empathized with his pain and completely understood his need to leave Montreal afterwards.

Thus, they been pleased to learn at yesterday’s briefing that not only their boss had come home, and ‘the bitch’ was currently in jail for a variety of charges. That pleasure had increased when they heard Michel had regained custody of his son and saw a picture of his new wife.

“Where did Davenport say Monsieur Samuelle found such a gorgeous woman again?” Roy had asked Denis while they were walking to their vehicles after their first glimpse of the photograph of the stunningly beautiful blonde Michel had married at that morning’s team briefing.

“I think he said that he met her in Ontario.” Denis replied with a smirk. “Maybe we ought to go there on our vacation and see what’s available.”

“Yeah maybe. Who knew the Anglais could be so beautiful?” Roy joked back as he finally reached his motorcycle and swung his leg over the seat.

He knew Denis was teasing and that his friend’s live in girlfriend Yvette would be hurt if he did. He, on the other hand had no commitments and liked to play the field. Ontario was a long way away and it was easier to “play” right here in Montreal. Roy was popular with the ladies and had no desire to settle down. He was happy for his boss though. He had to admit the man had good taste too.

Now Chris quickly explained the purpose of the raid on the kitchen to the two, and when he’d concluded, they looked at Davenport with bleak determination. They’d always felt nothing for Jurgen before but disgust, and now that disgust was fueled by grim resolution.

“Let me get this straight.” Roy said seriously, as he looked Chris straight in the eye and prayed that he hadn’t heard his team leader correctly. “This Jurgen character has hired men to kidnap Madame Samuelle and you think they’re working in the kitchen, waiting for a chance to grab her?”

“That’s my intel.” Davenport confirmed sternly.

‘Any man who deliberately goes after a woman to rape her is sick.’ Roy decided, ‘ and going after a pregnant one is worse.’ Sighing, he shut his eyes and shook his head, aghast with Jurgen’s plan.

“No way.” Denis said. “They’re not getting away with this, right Roy?”

“You’ve got that right, mon ami.” Roy replied quietly.

“Let’s go.” Davenport said, gesturing towards the kitchen door with his free arm.

“Before we do this Davenport, I have one question.” Roy said quietly.

“What’s your question?” Davenport responded in surprise. Time was of the essence right now.

“What’s the lady like?” Roy asked as he stared directly into Davenport’s brown eyes. He hadn’t asked that question at the team meeting earlier as it had seemed inappropriate then. It still was in the context of his job, but he was curious. He well acquainted with the spoiled rich society types that he and Denis had protected when their boss had dated two years ago.

“Yeah.” Denis replied. “Please tell us she’s not another stuck up snob. That’s the last thing the man needs… another greedy tramp who’s after his money.”

“Why?” Davenport demanded. What does it matter? She’s Monsieur Samuelle’s wife. That’s all you need to know.”

“I realize that Davenport.” Roy said, standing firm in his desire to gather intel on this subject. “I respect the man, and I just want to know, that’s all.”

“Yeah.” Denis replied. He needed to know this information too… for his own peace of mind, if nothing else.

“She’s a lovely and intelligent young lady.” Davenport replied softly.

“But what’s she like?” Roy persisted.

“Well, I only met her once, but she’s soft spoken and shy and she seems to love him deeply.” Davenport replied. “All I know is that I’ve never seen Monsieur Samuelle look happier.”

“You’ve met her?” Roy persisted in surprise.

“Yes, once. She impressed me. Not only is she beautiful, she’s kind hearted and intelligent as well.” Davenport confirmed.

Now that they’d voiced their concerns, it wasn’t hard for Chris to understand their attitudes. Michel had always had his men’s respect, and therefore any woman he’d chosen after Elena would automatically gain their respect too. Their boss’ first wife’s attitude and her affairs had been common knowledge among the teams and all any of them had felt for her was derision.

“And his son?” Denis pressed. “How does Adam get along with her?”

“All I can tell you is what I witnessed. Adam called her ‘Mommy.’ ” Chris revealed.

“How long has Adam known her?” Denis probed insistently.

“For maybe a week. That’s pretty quick for a kid to accept a new parent.” Davenport admitted.

“I’ve found that kids generally see through phony people pretty quick.” Denis said softly. “That’s good to know.”

“How old is Adam now?” Roy pushed; hoping to find out more intel. ‘The guys will want to know this.’ he thought. ‘There were a few crude comments made about the lady after Davenport left the briefing. If she’s really a lady I want to shut them down before they escalate their garbage further.’ He’d also found kids to be pretty sharp too.

“Adam’s five.” Davenport replied.

“That’s a start.” Denis said simply, while Roy nodded his agreement.

‘Gorgeous… loving and Adam likes her too. The man really is lucky. Why can’t I find a woman like that?’

“That’s what I needed to know. No one is going to hurt that lady if I have anything to do with it.” Roy replied determinedly.

“Good.” Davenport replied, gazing at his men seriously. “I’m glad we’re in agreement.”

Roy couldn’t help but think of his eight year old niece Collette just then, and he remembered how totally blunt she’d been in her assessment of his last girlfriend.

‘She’s fake Uncle Roy.’ Collette had said.

‘What do you mean, sweetheart?’ he’d asked.

‘She looks everywhere except at you when she talks.’ His niece had said astutely.

He’d never forgot the comment, and a month later, the child had been proven correct. Janelle had been phony. It just took him longer to see it; mainly because he hadn’t wanted to. He’d been serious about her, and he’d hesitated since then from dating anyone seriously. Collette’s insight had made him understand that kid’s instincts were pretty solid.

“Don’t you agree Roy?” Denis queried.

‘So… Adam likes her too. That’s good to know.’ Roy thought, nodding his head in agreement with his friend’s spoken pronounment.

“Yeah.” Roy finally agreed out loud. “It’s a start.”

‘Monsieur Samuelle must be crazy with worry. If that lady were mine, I’d rip these morons apart! Well, I’m going to do my best to stop them… and maybe teach them a lesson or two in the process.’ Roy thought with fierce determination.

Davenport took in the silent agreement his men had come to and understood completely. They worked for Monsieur Samuelle because he paid them well and they respected him. Because they respected him it was important to them to know if his new wife did too. That in turn made them respect her… even though they’d never met her… and might never do so.

Both men also knew that Davenport was a shrewd man. They’d heard the respectful tone of voice he’d used when speaking of their boss’ new wife. That told them a lot too. Davenport was known to have a slight contempt for women in general, but they didn’t detect any disrespect when he spoke about Madame Samuelle. If he thought that much of the lady already, then she must be okay.

“Now let’s go in there and get the punks who are planning to kidnap Madame Samuelle. Remember, we have to get their confession on the com unit broadcast if we expect the police to assist us in an arrest.” Davenport ordered.

“Understood.” Denis replied, and Roy grunted in agreement. The two men nodded and checked their weapons.

Chris stopped a passing hotel security man, whose badge identified him as “Marc” and explained their ‘mission.’
Wordlessly, the man nodded, and quietly entered the kitchen. Minutes later, he was back with a man in white who he identified as the head chef.

Rene de Mers looked askance at the three large armed, men in black in front of him and the colour in his cheeks from standing over the hot stoves faded.

“What?” he asked in shock. “What is going on?”

“I’m Chris Davenport; head of security with Samtech Industries.” Chris said in brief introduction. “I need your assistance.”

“My assistance?” Rene croaked, wide-eyed with shock. “With what? I’m a cook, not a cop!”

“I know that.” Chris said rolling his eyes in disgust at the wimp in front of him, while Denis and Roy smirked in amusement. “I need some information. It’s important. Did you hire any temporary help for tonight?”

“Yes.” Rene admitted. “We needed extra dishwashers to keep up with the demands of tonight’s party. It’s something we do all the time for large dinners. Why?”

“And who did you hire?” Chris said quietly.

“Three Hispanic guys.” Rene said briefly.

“Names?” Chris hissed out impatiently.

“Hector Mentz; his friend Carlos Rodriguez and his cousin Jose Nunez. Why?” Rene shot back angrily. He had work to do and these men were keeping him from it.

‘Mentz!’ Chris thought in disgust. ‘He works for Jurgen! The idiot didn’t even bother to hire unknowns for this… he’s that confident!’

“Was there any kind of security check done on them?” Chris demanded to know.

“On dishwashers?” Rene said incredulously as he gaped at the giant in front of him. “You’ve got to be kidding!”

“I’m deadly serious. “Where’s Antoine?” Chris snapped as he turned to glare at Marc; referring to the head of security for the hotel. “He’s supposed to be here tonight, and I haven’t heard from him!”

“He left yesterday for a vacation in Quebec City.” Marc reluctantly revealed. “He said he had everything covered and he was sure you could handle everything tonight.”

“Oh, he did, did he?” Chris snapped. “He didn’t inform me of that!! He also told me every employee underwent a security check. His failure to check those three “temps” has compromised the security of the entire premises!” Chris snapped, upset that he hadn’t been informed of this anomaly.

Marc hung his head sheepishly. Chris was right and he knew it.

“What do you mean?” Rene inquired.

“Those ‘dishwashers’ you brought in here are suspected of conspiracy to kidnap.” Chris snapped.

“Kidnapping whom?” Rene shot back belligerently; upset with the treatment this massive, brash man was subjecting him to.

“The wife of the new owner of this facility.” Chris shot back brusquely.

“And who is the new owner?” Rene inquired. “I’ve just returned from my vacation… this place was sold?”

“Yes.” Chris responded. “To Michel Samuelle. Ever heard of him?”

Rene paled further. No citizen of Montréal was ignorant of Michel Samuelle’s identity. He was Montréal’s wealthiest citizen. The celebration he was cooking dinner for tonight was for this very man.

‘Kidnapping?’ he thought in horror. ‘I have to do something… but what?’

“How can I help?” Rene said as his attitude took an abrupt turnaround.

“Clear the rest of your staff out of the kitchen for a few minutes, while we round up those three.” Chris said with a grin. Once again, the mere mention of Michel’s name was ‘opening doors’.

“How?” Rene inquired. “We’re in the midst of dinner preparations for your boss.”

“He’s your boss now too. Do it quietly.” Chris said tersely. “It will only take two minutes. While we do what we need to do, you might want to call in some additional staff to replace them. They’ll be leaving.”

“Leaving?” Rene echoed.

“Yes.” Chris confirmed. “There’s a police paddy wagon outside waiting for them.”

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