Industrial Magic
Page 13
Once they were gone, we headed through the double doors, into a small reception room, and through yet another set of double doors before we reached Benicios inner sanctum. Had I seen a picture of his office earlier, Id have been shocked. Now, having seen the rest of the building, it was exactly what Id expect. Simple, understated, and no larger than the office of the average corporate VP. The only remarkable thing about it was the view, made all the more spectacular by the window itself, which was a single pane of glass stretching floor-to-ceiling across the entire wall. The glass was spotless and the lighting in the room had been arranged so it cast no reflection, meaning you saw not a window, but a room that seemed to open right into the bright blue Miami sky.
Lucas walked to his fathers computer and typed in a password. The screen blinked to life.
Ill print off a copy of the security forms while we wait, he said.
While he did that, I perused the photos on Benicios desk. The first one to catch my eye was of a small boy, no more than five, at the beach, staring at the camera with the most serious expression any five-year-old at the beach has ever had. One look at that expression and I knew it was Lucas. Beside him, a woman pulled a face, trying to get him to smile, but only making herself laugh instead. The broad grin infused her plain face with something approaching beauty. Maria. Her grin was as unmistakable as Lucass sober stare.
What did Benicios other sons think when they saw their fathers former mistresss picture so prominently displayed, yet none of their own mother, his legal wife? Not only that, but of the three photographs on Benicios desk, Lucas occupied two while the three of them shared one group portrait. What went through Benicios head when he did something like that? Did he just not care what anyone thought? Or was there a deeper motive at work, purposely fanning the flames between his legitimate sons and the bastard heir?
Lucas.
Benicio wheeled through the door, a broad smile lighting his face. Lucas stepped forward and extended his hand. Benicio crossed the room in three strides and embraced him.
The two bodyguards whod accompanied Benicio to Portland slipped inside, surprisingly unobtrusive for men of their size, and took up position against the wall. I smiled at Troy, who returned it with a wink.
Good to see you, my boy, Benicio said. This is a surprise. When did you get in?
Lucas extricated himself from his fathers embrace as he answered. Benicio had yet to acknowledge me. At first, I assumed this was an intentional slight, but as I watched him talk to Lucas, I realized Benicio hadnt even noticed me there. From the look on his face, I doubted hed notice a raging gorilla if it was in the same room as Lucas. I searched his face, his manner, for some sign that he was dissembling, putting on an act of fatherly affection, but saw none.Which made everything else all that much more inexplicable.
Lucas stepped back beside me. I believe youve met Paige.
Yes, of course. How are you, Paige? Benicio extended a hand and a smile almost as bright as the one he offered his son. Apparently Lucas wasnt the only Cortez who could make nice.
Paige told me you wanted to speak to me, Lucas said. While that could, of course, be easily accomplished by telephone, I thought perhaps this would be a good time to bring her to Miami and ensure the proper security clearance forms are completed, so there is no misunderstanding regarding our relationship.
Theres no need for that, Benicio said. Ive already sent her vital stats to all our field offices. Her protection was assured the moment you told me about yourrelationship.
Then Im simply clarifying it with a paper trail, to please the insurance department. Now, I know youre busy, Father. When would be the best time to discuss the details of this case? He paused, then pushed on. Perhaps, if you dont have plans, the three of us could have dinner together.
Benicio blinked. A small reaction, but in that blink and the moment of silence that followed, I read shock, and I suspected it had been a while since Lucas had voluntarily shared a meal with his father, much less extended an invitation to do so.
Benicio clapped Lucas on the back. Perfect. Ill make the arrangements. As for discussing these attacks, though, well leave dinner as social time. Im sure youre both anxious to hear more
A rustle at the door cut him short. William stepped in, gaze riveted on his father, probably so he didnt have to acknowledge us.
I beg your pardon, sir, William said. But as I was dropping off the Wang report, I overheard Lucass offerand wanted to remind you that you have a dinner engagement with the governor.
Hector can take my place.
Hectors in New York. He has been since Monday.
Reschedule, then. Tell the governors office that something important came up.
Williams mouth tightened.
Wait, Lucas said. Please dont rearrange your schedule on my account. Paige and I will be staying the night. We can have breakfast together.
Benicio paused, then nodded. Breakfast tomorrow then, and drinks tonight if I can get away from the governor early enough. As for this other matter
Sir? William said. About breakfast? You have an early morning meeting.
Reschedule it, Benicio snapped. When William turned to leave, he stopped him. William, before you go, Id like you to meet Paige
Lucas walked to his fathers computer and typed in a password. The screen blinked to life.
Ill print off a copy of the security forms while we wait, he said.
While he did that, I perused the photos on Benicios desk. The first one to catch my eye was of a small boy, no more than five, at the beach, staring at the camera with the most serious expression any five-year-old at the beach has ever had. One look at that expression and I knew it was Lucas. Beside him, a woman pulled a face, trying to get him to smile, but only making herself laugh instead. The broad grin infused her plain face with something approaching beauty. Maria. Her grin was as unmistakable as Lucass sober stare.
What did Benicios other sons think when they saw their fathers former mistresss picture so prominently displayed, yet none of their own mother, his legal wife? Not only that, but of the three photographs on Benicios desk, Lucas occupied two while the three of them shared one group portrait. What went through Benicios head when he did something like that? Did he just not care what anyone thought? Or was there a deeper motive at work, purposely fanning the flames between his legitimate sons and the bastard heir?
Lucas.
Benicio wheeled through the door, a broad smile lighting his face. Lucas stepped forward and extended his hand. Benicio crossed the room in three strides and embraced him.
The two bodyguards whod accompanied Benicio to Portland slipped inside, surprisingly unobtrusive for men of their size, and took up position against the wall. I smiled at Troy, who returned it with a wink.
Good to see you, my boy, Benicio said. This is a surprise. When did you get in?
Lucas extricated himself from his fathers embrace as he answered. Benicio had yet to acknowledge me. At first, I assumed this was an intentional slight, but as I watched him talk to Lucas, I realized Benicio hadnt even noticed me there. From the look on his face, I doubted hed notice a raging gorilla if it was in the same room as Lucas. I searched his face, his manner, for some sign that he was dissembling, putting on an act of fatherly affection, but saw none.Which made everything else all that much more inexplicable.
Lucas stepped back beside me. I believe youve met Paige.
Yes, of course. How are you, Paige? Benicio extended a hand and a smile almost as bright as the one he offered his son. Apparently Lucas wasnt the only Cortez who could make nice.
Paige told me you wanted to speak to me, Lucas said. While that could, of course, be easily accomplished by telephone, I thought perhaps this would be a good time to bring her to Miami and ensure the proper security clearance forms are completed, so there is no misunderstanding regarding our relationship.
Theres no need for that, Benicio said. Ive already sent her vital stats to all our field offices. Her protection was assured the moment you told me about yourrelationship.
Then Im simply clarifying it with a paper trail, to please the insurance department. Now, I know youre busy, Father. When would be the best time to discuss the details of this case? He paused, then pushed on. Perhaps, if you dont have plans, the three of us could have dinner together.
Benicio blinked. A small reaction, but in that blink and the moment of silence that followed, I read shock, and I suspected it had been a while since Lucas had voluntarily shared a meal with his father, much less extended an invitation to do so.
Benicio clapped Lucas on the back. Perfect. Ill make the arrangements. As for discussing these attacks, though, well leave dinner as social time. Im sure youre both anxious to hear more
A rustle at the door cut him short. William stepped in, gaze riveted on his father, probably so he didnt have to acknowledge us.
I beg your pardon, sir, William said. But as I was dropping off the Wang report, I overheard Lucass offerand wanted to remind you that you have a dinner engagement with the governor.
Hector can take my place.
Hectors in New York. He has been since Monday.
Reschedule, then. Tell the governors office that something important came up.
Williams mouth tightened.
Wait, Lucas said. Please dont rearrange your schedule on my account. Paige and I will be staying the night. We can have breakfast together.
Benicio paused, then nodded. Breakfast tomorrow then, and drinks tonight if I can get away from the governor early enough. As for this other matter
Sir? William said. About breakfast? You have an early morning meeting.
Reschedule it, Benicio snapped. When William turned to leave, he stopped him. William, before you go, Id like you to meet Paige
