A Northern Tango
1
"Not tonight my friend!" was the message on the answering machine. "Bullshit" Franco said and immediately headed to his car checking to make sure the envelope was still locked in the glove box. The drive across the city at 3:20 am was wet and slippery as the frost was close. The accident was unexpected but that is the nature of an accident. The rain fell on Franco's face as he walked away with the envelope in his pocket. Each biting rain drop telling him that something was changing. Behind him the accident was someone else's business. A simple delivery. A simple acknowledgement. Why is life never simple?
2
As it turned out, "Not tonight my friend!" was the last message I ever sent Franco. I knew he would see it as bullshit, in one form or another; and I also knew that he would tend to the details because he knew the deadline as well as I did. I knew he would do what had to be done.
Like him, I never counted on the accident. Who ever does expect that an accident would temper the occasion and bring with it events no one could have predicted? It was to have been simple and very straightforward: Make the delivery. One envelope. Go home. He never went home. Wise decision, in retrospect. He left the car and a million fingerprints to prove he had been there... but little else to prove, or even suggest, where he might have gone.
Which left two of us on the loose -- me going to Miami, and he off to some quiet countryside nook tucked into the lower part of the Canadian Shield. My guess as to where he went for these nine weeks is Smith's Falls, Ontario.
Anyway, I never even heard about the 'accident' for four months, and -- not having heard from him --I concluded that he had done the delivery and decided that the money was far better off in his care and control than anyone else's - a common and courageous perspective, but fool-hardy too. Like everyone else involved, I expected to run into him again sometime... somewhere.
By the time I did, I had almost forgotten about him, and would never have recognized him at that poolside bar but for his sparse chin-beard and the same wild set of eyes that cast curiously around the bar. He was looking far too healthy. That's when I went in the direction of the washroom but detoured out the back door hoping he hadn't recognized me.
As it turned out, he didn't follow me and after a few uncomfortable minutes of loitering outside, I wandered over to the kid at the gas bar and asked him who was driving the orange Camaro. His description of the owner sent me back to my car for a tire iron and a flashlight. This, I thought, could prove to be a very interesting night.
3
Mary said that she had rented a house in Smith Falls and that anytime Franco wanted there was a place to stay. She would paint and sketch while Franco could chop firewood for the stone fireplace and stay in shape. No pressure, no visitors. The accident was a sign for Franco to make a move and to make it fast. By 4:30 am he was on the bus heading south. There were 20 or so passengers mostly asleep who saw nothing as Franco made a silent entrance into a dimly lit tomb where the driver was the conscious custodian. A seat to himself, a window into darkness and passing lights. His thoughts just clicking like a clock.
They would find the car soon. It was theirs anyway so they could have it. The blood on the front seat mixed with broken glass would give them something to think about. Fuck em, the $100,000 is now Franco's to spend. They would have been pissed no matter how it worked out.
That stupid message. If Colin had just come over and got his share all would have been fine; but now this bus ride to oblivion. Mary would not like it if she knew the truth, but why spoil a good time with the truth. Smith's Falls up ahead. The bus driver said he would wake Franco at the stop. Mary said to call no matter what the time and she would drive over in her Camaro and pick him up.
At the bus station, before leaving, Franco had called Sabor Jack. Sabor said he would make his way to the harbor at Prescott 70 kilometers away from Smith's Falls. He said it would be about four months by the time he gets up the St. Lawrence. "Fine by me" thought Franco. Sabor said he would need $20,000 to set the boat up. That left Franco with $80,000, still lots for now.
After finding the car they would trash Franco's place looking. He won't be going back there again. So no big deal. Franco starts to nod off. Why is every night bus ride the same? Dreaming while never asleep.
4
"Waddya doin'? Gotta problem?" were the first smooth words out of the kid's mouth as he walked toward me zippering up his jacket causing the letters on the left side: "SECU" – to suddenly become "…URITY" … and I realized that the tire iron and the flashlight were distinct liabilities. Being just inches from the Camaro with a facial grimace didn't help either.
I put the car between me and the front door of the bar for just a little more protection.
"Gott’a-flat?" says the kid, in the tone of voice that says: "I'm hear to help."
Just what I need a little 'help'.
"Just a soft tire," I mutter. "Thinkin' of changin' it. Not keen on driving' down through the Keys tomorrow with a soft tire."
The kid examined the right rear wheel for a split second and then said: "Ya' gotta' problem guy 'cause the front-left's down too. But we can pump'em up a bit, pull'er up over there" gesturing to a spot on the far side of the parking lot," and we'll get' em both,"
"I've left my keys in my jacket inside," I offered, "back in a minute," and walked in the only direction I could - toward the front door of the motel and bar – I was just 12 feet away from it when Franco walked through the front door. Large as life and smiling as only he could. We never made eye contact because head-down I shuffled to the right to give him free passage. It was unnecessary in retrospect. He was oblivious to me - and everything else.
5
Franco was at the phone booth where the bus stopped at Smith's Falls. The sun was rising as he dialed her number. "Hi sweetie, I'm here." While he waited, he started to sort out what he had to do. First breakfast then buy some clothes and a toilet kit. He would call the warehouse and arrange to get the crates sent down. Then sit back and wait for Sabor to get the boat to Prescott.
Franco climbed into the Camaro next to Mary. As he leaned over to kiss her he stroked her leg moving my hand up under her skirt. She smiled and said "Later, after breakfast."
Walking into the diner behind Mary, Franco went slowly so that he could watch Mary walk. She was 28, dark haired, really attractive face, great body and an extra special ass that he was now watching in action. Right, later.
While they ate, Mary had questions. What made Franco change his mind to come down so soon? "I really missed you," Franco said and she smiled looking more beautiful.
"How did the delivery go?" oops not the question he needed so soon, "Not a hitch," Franco said "I got paid and have time to relax with you." She smiled again. The truth is Franco really does like Mary and he really needed a rest.
If she knew what had happened, she would be frightened so Franco said nothing. He was supposed to deliver a warehouse claim check to Colin and split $100,000 cash and that was it and he was gone. But "Not tonight my friend," and everything got fucked up. So now Franco has $100,000 in cash and a claim check for two 500-pound cases of gold that only he knows where they are. Life isn't so bad.
Franco's plan is simple. Get the gold to a warehouse on the docks in Prescott. Sabor shows up with a 48-foot commercial boat. They load the crates into the cargo hold, then up the river to Montreal. There is a Russian boat the Alexander Pushkin; 585 feet that takes about 650 passengers and cargo across the Atlantic 3,000 miles to LeHarve, France. Into a warehouse in LeHarve where a friend of Sabor Jacks will pay cash. At $700 CDN an ounce that’s 12 Million less 2 million for Sabor’s friend, give Sabor 2 million and Franco's got 8 million and life is good.
Sure there are going to be people pissed at Franco, but there are always people pissed at Franco. Anyway, no one knows where he or where the gold is.
6
I slid into the blackness of the bar and wondered if it was a reasonable thing to do to just sit here, and have a beer and lay low for a while. The security kid may or may not have seen Franco drive away in the Camaro; or he may or may not think it strange that the guy never dealt with the soft tires issue -- and he may also (and most probably) just forget all about it. Fact is, though, it would quickly come back to his mind when he wandered into the bar for one of his hourly "look-sees" and spotted me quaffing beer.
I'd be willing to bet a million dollars that the first words out of his mouth would be something like: "Hey guy.. I think…ahhhh… I think….someone just stole your car…"
Never underestimate the zeal of a young security guard. A moment later the guard crashed through the front door of the place with a lot of noise and bravado, and in a voice that 60 people in various stages of insobriety could hear, said to the girl at the bar:
"Call the police someone just stole an orange Camero".
"You call the police," she lipped back with a smile meant just for him. "You're the security guard."
7
The house is not far out of town. It's a 3,000 square foot, one-level rancher on two acres of land, lots of trees, open space and privacy. Franco asks, "Where did you find this place?" Mary says, "It is an estate property I got through my lawyer; they want someone to mow the lawns and do general maintenance. Perhaps six months, perhaps a year."
Franco tells her that after he is settled he will need to go into town and get an axe and a chain saw and some other hardware stuff. Mary looks at him with a gleam in her eye "Settled?" "Yeah settled," Franco replies with a big smile as his hand again slides up her skirt.
Franco drops Mary off at the grocery market and takes the car on to the hardware store. Earl's Hardware&Guns has it all; the chain saw, the axe, lots of stuff. A Winchester 1894 on the wall catches Franco's eye. "You sell anything like that?" he asks. Old Earl says "Winchester has just put out a replica 1885, 30.06 single shot that is a beauty for two thousand dollars. It will bring down a moose real clean if you're a good shot." "I was a marksman in the army" says Franco. "Any shotguns?" Old Earl is quick, "Long or short barrel?" "Short," replies Franco just as quick. "I got a Winchester 12 gauge field model with three tubes over and under with a 26 inch barrel, about as short as the law allows. Four thousand for the pair." "Great," says Franco "Gimme a half dozen boxes of shells for each. Any paper work?" Old Earl says just the damned Gun Registry. Franco signs the papers Fred Smith of Ottawa and Earl is happy.
As Franco picks Mary up she asks, "Did you get the axe and chain saw?" "Yep I got everything," and again his hand slides up her skirt.
8
My thoughts of having a quiet beer are quickly evaporating.
"Hold it! Hold it!" I shout, half standing by the door. "We're traveling together. I loaned him the car for the evening. He's going down to Largo to see a friend. Its only two bridges. Everything is OK. The tires are no problem."
The bar is slightly quieter now and I'm thinking: "Back to my beer." I gratefully accept the tire iron and flash light back and give the kid a ten-spot to buy himself a drink or two when he gets off work for being so zealous and that should settle things down.
As plans go, it was perfect, until, 30 minutes later, a Florida State Trooper oozed into the bar and asked if anyone knew anything about the driver of an orange Camaro that had passed him on Interstate 60 at a high rate of speed.
The bar got very quiet at this point while all eyes floated briefly toward me - as the self-declared traveling companion of the driver of the Camaro - and then away from me toward whatever wall was nearest. Don'tcha love bar patrons for that. I mean, they go to bars to get dis-involved and no Florida State Trooper can shake that ethic. I wondered what I would next say to stop the kid from fingering me as a possible 'person of interest.'
9
"Franco," Mary calls his name and says dinner is ready. As they sit at the table Franco senses something is wrong. "Why are there two rifles in the back of your closet?" Oops, think fast Franco. "We are out in the country here and I thought a little protection against a coyote or even a bear was a good idea. I didn't want to say anything and scare you," Mary is not really happy "Franco you said no more funny stuff. You promised," "Yes," he says "and my promise is good, just a little sensible protection." Mary is silent.
10
The State Trooper looks around to see who will volunteer any clues. He looks straight at me. I just shrug. No one else says anything. He turns and leaves. It was a good thing the security guard was not there.
I decide to hang around town and keep an eye on Franco. What is he doing down here and why is he driving Mary's car.
11
Franco has been two months with Mary.
She has been painting, some real neat stuff. Deep paintings that make you think.
Every day he chops wood for the fire. He's in good shape. Life is good.
"I've got to go to Prescott to arrange moorage for Sabor, do you want to come?” says Franco, "You could visit the Museum they have there while I'm at the Port Authority. We could spend the night, make it a holiday.”
Mary says that would be special and they agree to go next Tuesday.
The drive to Prescott takes less than 3 hours. The Camaro is an easy smooth drive. Its custom orange paint job is a bit bright for Franco but its Mary's car and that's what she wanted.
Franco drops Mary off at the Fort Wellington Museum and says he will come and find her in about two hours.
Franco has found Anglo Canadian Shipping. Sabor had said they were a very reputable brokerage house. He presents the warehouse claim stubs to the broker and tells him he wants them to arrange pick up and transportation to Prescott and to arrange storage until Sabor and the boat arrive. Then moorage and loading facilities onto Sabor's boat. The brokerage man says that is what they do, no problem. Just a few questions.
"Cargo?”
"Two Marine Transmissions in separate crates.”
"Type?”
"Twin replacements for Volvo Penta D9-575's.”
"Nice engines, transmission Model number?”
"Yeah, 575 horse pushes 48 feet at 35 knots with a full load, ZF305A.”
"Weight?”
"219 kilo net but with connection kit and crate 540 pounds each.”
"Value?”
"$10,000 each all in.”
"We will have them in our Prescott warehouse in about ten days, do we call you?”
"I'm on a bit of a holiday so I will call you.”
"That works here is your paperwork with my name and number.”
Franco calls Sabor Jack and explains that all is ready.
"I need another $20,000,” says Sabor.
"Why?"
"An insurance refinement,” says Sabor.
"OK, I got enough; I'll wire it to you.”
Franco trusts Sabor and since the whole French thing was his idea and his connection he has no choice. Franco likes it when he has no choice, it makes the decision easy.
Franco goes to pick up Mary.
"Wow this museum is quite the place,” says Franco. "Yes, lots of history stuff here, let's go eat,” says Mary.
12
Leaving Prescott, Franco and Mary drive north East up the 401. Then North up Highway 16 the same way we came. The drive to Smith's Falls is longer this way but it means less time to be seen on the 401. Prescott is half way between Toronto and Montreal and there are always the wrong people traveling the highway and Franco definitely doesn't want to be seen.
Mary says, "Franco, thanks." "For what?" he asks. "Taking the scenic route up the back roads." "Yeah, well I knew you would like this way better."
"Big Joe? It's Ronnie; I have just seen Franco with that Mary broad who has that orange Camaro." "Where?!" demands Big Joe. "On the 401 just North East of the Ogdensburg Bridge that crosses into New York State."
"Why didn't you grab him?!" demands Big Joe. "I was driving down to Toronto going the other way but it was him ok".
Big Joe orders, "Get some men, sweep the area until you find him and put a permanent stake out on that bridge."
"OK, Big Joe. Will do."
13
Ten days back at Smith's Falls and Franco is starting to think that he really likes this lifestyle. Mary says, "We need to go shopping for groceries.” "Yeah fine,” says Franco, "I need stuff at the hardware store, some oil mix for the chain saw.”
Old Earl says "How ya doin Fred?” "Just fine Earl,” Franco says. "Coincidence” Earl says. "What is?” "There was two fellers in here looking for a guy named Franco and an orange Camaro, coincidence.” "What is?” "You have an orange Camaro.” "What did you tell them?” "What's to tell, I don't know anyone called Franco.” "Yeah right” says Franco.
Franco picks Mary up at the market and they head out to the house driving a bit too fast. "What's the matter Franco? You look real worried.” "Nope, everything is fine. I was thinking that it's time for some sunshine.” "Where?” she asks. Florida he says.
14
"Florida?" says Mary. "Yeah," Franco says, "we can drive down, take our time. The drive to Prescott got me thinking. Its cold here, the sun will do us good."
"When do you want to go?" asks Mary. "Now," says Franco.
"How long?" she has a lot of questions but seems to be warming to the idea.
"Four day drive down doing about 300 miles a day, then two or three weeks there and drive back."
"OK" she says, "But what about the house and land?"
"No problem Old Earl has a nephew who will come by daily and look after stuff."
"OK," she says.
A quick stop in Prescott to put the guns in a locker for Sabor and Franco and Mary are away.
They cruise south from Prescott into the USA crossing the Ogdensburg Bridge. Then through West Virginia down through the Carolinas' into Georgia then Florida. A beautiful scenic drive where every day the sun gets warmer.
"Big Joe? It's Ronnie, Franco and that Mary broad have crossed the Ogdensburg Bridge in the orange Camaro."
"Where are they going?!" demands Big Joe.
"They went through New York State and have just entered West Virginia. Do you want us to grab them in the States?"
"No," Big Joe says "Just follow them, they are going somewhere."
15
"Big Joe? It's Ronnie; they have just left Charlotte, North Carolina. They are driving real slow stopping all over the place."
Big Joe says, "They are going somewhere, keep following."
Franco puts his hand on Mary's leg and lets it wander up. She slaps him playfully and says, "You been eating oysters when I wasn't looking? You're a real stud since we got on the road."
Franco smiles sweetly.
"I know what it is," she says, "you just like kinky sex in motels."
Again Franco smiles sweetly.
The drive is going as good as Franco could have hoped. All Franco's troubles are up in Canada, just some good ole USA freedom. Franco called Sabor who says he will be in Prescott soon. When the boat is secure he will fly down to Florida and they can get things going.
"Mary, I'm liking this holidays stuff with you so much I have a surprise for you."
Mary says, "What surprise?"
"Two first class tickets on a Cruise Ship from Montreal to France, then breakfast in Paris," Franco says with a grin.
Mary looks Franco in the eye "Franco you are a real piece of work," she gives him a real nice kiss. He slides his hand up her skirt.
16
It's been a week since I first saw Franco in the bar and had the run in with the State Trooper. I've established that Franco is here with Mary and that they have driven down for a holiday. I know Franco too well to believe any of this holiday stuff.
Sure enough there is Franco sitting in the bar and guess what he is with Sabor Jack. This ain't no holiday.
I've been real good at staying out of site, just a shadow watching Franco. This conversation with Sabor is real interesting. They are definitely up to something.
I move my position and there is Ronnie, Big Joe's son. He might have seen me and that is a problem. Why isn't Ronnie moving in on Franco?
17
Franco calls Sabor Jack on his cell phone. "Sabor, you in Prescott yet?"
"Yes, I am here and the boat's moored, ready to go," says Sabor. "I've checked in with the broker and been to the locker. I can load the crates anytime."
"Great, get to Toronto and grab a plane and get down here to Florida. We need to go over the plan," says Franco. "Check into our hotel the Daytona Beach Tropical Resort and meet me at the poolside bar three days from now at 8 PM, OK?"
"OK." says Sabor.
"Big Joe? It's Ronnie. It looks like they have stopped moving and are hanging out at this resort hotel called the Daytona Beach Tropical Resort. What should I do?"
"Keep watching, something is going to happen soon," says Big Joe.
"Hey Mary, I like this place. How about we spend a few days here and really relax," Franco says.
Mary looks him in the eye and grins, "What do you mean really relax?"
Franco just smiles.
18
I go outside I need to think things over. This is getting complicated. Did Franco double cross Big Joe? The claim check was Franco's part he was supposed to give it to Ronnie so Big Joe could pick up the crates. Then he was supposed to split the $100,000 delivery fee with me for my part.
Yeah I guess it is kinda my fault I should have met with Franco and gone with him to the meeting with Ronnie but the green eyed blond that I had met was a once in a lifetime score and I was not letting her go, at least not for a while. I figured Franco and I would see Ronnie the next day.
From what I hear Franco had an accident and didn't deliver the claim check to Ronnie. He kept the $100,000 including my $50,000 and has the crates.
We weren't supposed to look inside the crates just be part of the delivery to the warehouse. Our instructions were simple go to an address in Ottawa. There would be a truck loaded with two crates. Drive the truck to Toronto put the crates in a warehouse and deliver the claim check to Ronnie. That was it. There was an envelope in the glove box of the truck with $100,000 that Franco and I would split after the meeting with Ronnie. A real good score for me and Franco but Franco got curious; he thought the score was too good especially with the money up front.
We stopped the truck at a pull off on Highway 7 and opened one of the crates. Gold, fucking gold and lots off it! I told Franco not to mess with it but Franco got this gleam in his eyes and I should have known.
19
"Big Joe, this is getting pretty interesting," says Ronnie.
"Yeah like what?" says Big Joe.
"Well, Colin is down here but he just seems to be watching Franco like me. Colin hasn't seen me though and," says Ronnie, "Franco has been sitting with some guy for two hours just talking real secretive like."
"Who is the guy?" asks Big Joe. "I donno, a real weathered type, not one of our guys."
"Keep watching," says Big Joe.
"So Sabor, we clear on the plan?" asks Franco.
"Yep," says Sabor.
"The two extra transmissions is a good touch easily worth the extra $20,000," Franco says.
"Yep," says Sabor.
"OK Sabor, let's set things in motion. Let me know when you are ready to head up river to Montreal."
"Yep," says Sabor.
Franco has known Sabor Jack all his life, Sabor is Franco's half-brother. They have a real deep bond even if they are pretty different.
20
As I walk around the back of the bar near the parking lot, I run into the security guard.
"Hey, how you doing?" I ask being friendly like.
"Same as always," he answers, "you square things with the state trooper?" he asks.
"Like what?" I say in a puzzled way.
"The trooper sent me an email to be on the look out for an orange Camero something about excessive speed,"
"Have you replied yet?" I ask.
"Nope not yet," says the security guard.
I hand him two $20's, "why not say you haven't seen any Camero and I'll get my friend to go to the station and pay a ticket, ok?"
"Ok," he says as he takes the $20's.
21
Franco wanders outside to stretch his legs. Things are going good. Sabor will make his end work. He sees the security guard over by the Camaro talking to a guy who looks so much like Colin that it is Colin. What the hell is he doing here?
"Mary, pack the bags," says Franco. "We are flying to West Palm Beach to lay on the sand."
"What about the car?" she asks.
"No problem, the hotel will store it and if we keep flying, they will arrange to ship it back up by truck. I'm tired of driving anyway," Franco says.
"Big Joe," its Ronnie, "Franco and the broad just took a taxi to the airport and bought tickets to West Palm Beach. But we got a problem."
"What problem?" demands Big Joe.
Ronnie says "They grabbed a quick flight and I couldn't get anyone on board with them." Ronnie is talking real fast. "I called guys in West Palm Beach, but by the time they got to the airport the plane had landed and we missed them. I got guys checking out taxi pick ups but this is gonna take time and luck."
Big Joe says, "Ronnie you can be a real fuck up. You better get lucky."
Mary says, "Franco what's going on? It took us two taxies and a rental car to get here."
"Nothing special," Franco says "just getting us to the right spot. I like to surprise you, that's all." Franco smiles and slides his hand up her skirt.
22
"Good morning Anglo Canadian Shipping," says a sweet efficient voice. "I want to speak to Ben Ronson," says Sabor Jack.
"Ben Ronson," says the voice at the other end.
"This is Sabor Jack, I'm ready to load those two transmission crates."
Ben Ronson asks "Can you be at Dock 7 tomorrow morning at 10 am?"
"That works," says Sabor Jack.
Sabor glides the boat into position at Dock 7. He secures the lines and opens the center hatch. He signals for the crane operator to lower the first crate. Sabor positions the first crate on a set of rollers, undoes the crane hook and signals all clear.
Sabor slides the crate on the rollers to the starboard side opposite two other crates on the port side marked transmissions. Back on deck Sabor signals for the second crate. It also is lowered onto rollers and Sabor slides it to the starboard side next to the other transmission that was lowered down. Sabor signals the crane operator all done. Sabor climbs up the dock and signs the paperwork that says he has taken delivery of two crates of transmissions. Sabor gives a thumbs up to the crane operator as he pulls away from the dock.
"Good morning Anglo Canadian Shipping," says a sweet efficient voice. "I want to speak to Ben Ronson," says Sabor Jack.
"Ben Ronson," says the voice at the other end.
"This is Sabor Jack, I got a real problem."
"How can I help?" asks Ben Ronson.
"I had a coupling seal burst on the starboard shaft last night and I am taking on water. I need to off load the transmissions to undergo emergency repairs," says Sabor.
"No problem," says Ben, "How soon can you be back at Dock 7?"
"Two hours," says Sabor.
"The crane will be waiting," says Ben.
For the second time in two days Sabor glides the boat up to Dock 7. He opens the hatches. From the port side Sabor slides a crate marked transmission into position for the crane to hook on. An all-clear signal and one crate is on shore going back to the warehouse. Sabor pulls another crate from the port side and signals the crane operator. All done, Sabor closes up the hatch and climbs up to the dock to sign the papers.
"Is it a bad leak?" asks the crane operator. "Yeah," says Sabor, "I will have to pull the shaft to get at the coupling and it's all under the cargo area, rollers out, floor boards up the whole bit."
"Tough break," says the crane operator.
"Yeah," says Sabor.
Back at the boat's moorings, Sabor Jack goes down into the hold. He rolls one of the two transmission crates he loaded the previous day from the starboard side to the port side. He now has a balanced load, two crates marked transmission on each side of the boat and not a drop of water in sight.
"So far, so good," thinks Sabor Jack.
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Tony Waterfall
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