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Please note that this chapter is intended for adult viewers (over 18 years), and may contain images featuring nudity and explicit sexuality. Please do not view if you find such features objectionable....
Please note that this chapter is intended for adult viewers (over 18 years), and may contain images featuring nudity and explicit sexuality. Please do not view if you find such features objectionable....
'Zac looks up Dr. Brandt on the Bundes Archiv - Berlin site on the internet
and everyone is in for some big surprises - and then the race is on to find Jim.'
"OK Kurt - get the place cleaned and tidied up, and get rid of that Damien kid.
And Zac....."
"Yes, Sir."
"Get the place emptied of staff, and then maintain the 'lock-down'.
Nobody's to leave or enter until I say so.....OK ?", the 'Boss' said, turning very decisive.
Zac and Kurt then left the office, leaving the 'Boss' to muse over the computer screen.
 |
| Chuck waits outside the Club |
Apparently unnoticed, Ethan and Josh crept into the office.
"Is everything all right, Sir ?", Ethan asked softly.
"No - not really, Ethan.
We need to get Jim back...and there could be problems.
But now you can 'phone Chuck.
Tell him he can't come into the building, but we shall be out soon, and I want us all to be taken to the Penthouse apartment - and fast.
So make sure that he has the Lincoln outside the main entrance."
And so Ethan was on the 'phone
At that moment Brody, carrying a small bag containing his 'kit', sauntered into the office.
"Sorry to disturb you 'Boss', but the security wont' let me leave.", the handsome young wrestler said laconically.
The 'Boss' looked up and smiled.
"Yes...I know.
They're following my orders.", the 'Boss' replied.
Brody looked puzzled, and a little annoyed.
"But you're with us now, Brody, so just wait with Ethan and Josh, and you can travel with us back to the apartment."
"Yeh...well OK 'Boss'....if that's what you want.", Brody replied, both embarrassed and pleased.
The 'Boss' then left the office for a moment to finalise arrangements with Kurt, and then met up with Zac - and then Ethan, Josh and Brody came together - and the group finally made their way to the main entrance.
The security team unlocked the doors, checked the side-walk for any unusual activity, and then escorted the 'Boss' and the boys to the huge white 'stretch' Lincoln which was waiting, with engine running, and Chuck ready and alert to pull away at a moments notice.
The huge limo then smoothly made its way through the traffic - fast, but not so fast as to draw attention from passers by, or law enforcement officers, and sped on the the Penthouse apartment.
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| The Apartment Block |
Ethan and Josh were undoubtedly relieved to arrive back in the relative safety of the apartment block, while the 'Boss' and Zac were keen to start looking into the background of the obviously 'sinister' Dr Brandt - and Brody - well he wasn't quite sure what he was supposed to do after his 'eventful' visit to the California Combat Club.
There was a security detail at the entrance to the apartment block, but they instantly stood aside and respectfully opened the large glass double doors as soon as the recognised the 'Boss' being helped from the Lincoln by Chuck.
"Right boys...you have instructions to search all the apartments, but no rough stuff...OK, and I want everything left exactly as it was when you entered each apartment - no mess !... understand ?", the 'Boss' said firmly.
The security guards all compliantly nodded.
"And Zac, go with Brody and see that his apartment is searched with no problems.
Remember...now he's one of us.", the 'Boss' said emphatically.
"Ethan and Josh...you come with me !", and the 'Boss' led them to the elevator, and they went up to the penthouse.
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| Clare |
When they arrived at the Penthouse Clare was there to greet them.
Chuck had 'phoned ahead.
Always careful, Chuck had not explained the sudden appearance of the 'Boss' and the boys at the penthouse - but Clare was smart enough to know there was a problem when she became aware of the 'security detail' moving around the building, and in the spacious forecourt.
Coffee was brewing and Clare was setting out plates of sandwiches for the 'Boss', and a couple of cheeseburgers for Ethan and Josh.
"Everything all right ?", Clare asked the 'Boss' gently.
"No, Clare.....not at all.
Jim's been abducted, and now we have to find him....quickly.", the 'Boss' replied quietly.
Regardless of the serious of the moment, Ethan descended on his cheeseburger.
"So, Sir, what do we do now ?", he asked in his usual, innocent boyish manner.
"We get Zac to check out this Brandt guy on the Internet, my spiky haired friend.", the 'Boss' replied, trying to make light of the grim situation.
Clare looked startled.
"You said 'Brandt'.....
Wasn't that the psychiatrist you sent Jim to with his memory problem ?", Clare asked, obviously puzzled.
"Yes...I'm afraid so.....", the 'Boss' replied wistfully.
"And I didn't check him out properly....and now I'm regretting it."
At that point Zac and Brody came into the penthouse.
"Well 'Boss'...I think you and the boys will be wanting to start sorting things out...so I'll be next door - so .....just buzz if you need me.", Clare said, as she headed for the door.
"OK, Sir, would you like me to start searching on Google for this 'creep' Brandt ?", Zac asked, as Clare left, and he sat down and flipped open his laptop.
"Yes Zac...we'de better get on with it.", the 'Boss' replied.
Moments later Zac was back on the 'Bundesarchiv - Berlin'.
 |
| Dr Brandt and Heinrich Himmler |
"Not much here, Sir.
Mainly just a 'whitewash' - I would imagine.
Says that Brandt was in the SS, but mainly treating young people in the 'Lebensborn' institutions for psychiatric problems - and no charges were brought against him at the end of the war.
The odd things is there's a photo of him here with Heinrich Himmler - the head of the SS - which is strange if he was just some ordinary psychiatrist.
Says it's Brandt, but I've never seen him...
What do you think, Sir ?", Zac asked, Turning to the 'Boss'.
"Nazis - I hate these guys !", the 'Boss' muttered under his breath.
"Well it looks like a younger Brandt - without a beard, and with spectacles - and according to this chart of ranks he was a SS-Sturmbannführer - a Major - so why is he looking so chatty with the Reichsführer SS ?".
"Yes...that's a young Brandt !", Ethan said, butting in.
"I saw him when I went with Jim for his first appointment.
Really weird guy - like a 'nasty grandfather' - not that I can ever remember having a grandfather."
"Excuse me sir, but why did you mutter something about hating these guys ?", Zac asked.
"Well we haven't got time to go into it now, but when I was doing my excavating in Mexico, they were always around, trying to get to the finds before we did.", the 'Boss explained. (see 'The Mayan Connection' - and 'An Evening with the Boss').
"But now, Zac, try to follow up that photo of Brandt and Himmler, and see if there's any other information, maybe a bit more 'off centre'.", the 'Boss' suggested.
Zac started clicking his mouse, and soon more sites came up.
"Yes, Sir, there's plenty here, but sites like these are not always trustworthy.", Zac cautioned.
"Well, it's still worth checking-out, so what are they saying.", the'Boss' replied.
"Well this is where things get really strange.
First, they say that Brandt was a 'war criminal', because his psychiatric 'treatments' were unethical.
And they say he was far more important than just a Major.
According to this, he was a SS-Oberst gruppen führer - a General !", Zac explained.
"I see, so, with such a high rank what he was he responsible for ?", the'Boss asked, intrigued.
"Well this is where it gets even more strange.", Zac continued.
At that point the door buzzed - and Josh answered it.
"It's Faunus !", Josh announced.
Faunus, looking very casual, strode into the room.
"Glaux tells me that things are getting very strange !", Faunus announced.
 |
| 'Glaux glared at Brody' - Glaux in the Penthouse |
"So I thought I should come along a help you sort things out.", Faunus continued, smiling rather inanely.
Brody, who had been looking at the laptop screen, over Zac's shoulder, looked puzzled.
"Who's Glaux ?", he asked.
"Oh, Glaux is the owl, sitting on the back of that chair.", Ethan replied, nonchalantly.
Brody hadn't noticed Glaux - but then looked at the little owl in astonishment.
"I beg your pardon......you said the owl told you that 'things were getting very strange'...and you weren't even in the apartment then ?" Brody said incredulously.
Glaux glared at Brody.
"Come on....owls can't talk !", Brody declared.
"This one can !", Josh said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Well ...I knew from the start that there was something very freakish about you guys.....", Brody began.
"That's enough, boys !", the 'Boss' sharply interrupted.
"We can talk about that later.
First we have to rescue Jim !".
Brody was stopped in his tracks.
"Yes, 'Boss'.....sorry.", he said, realizing that he had overstepped the mark.
"And call me 'Sir' in future !", the 'Boss' added, turning to Zac.
"So what is it that gets really strange ?", the 'Boss' asked, returning to Zac's internet search.
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| Die Glocke - 'Projekt Kronos' |
"Well, Sir... this article says that the Germans were working on 'time travel' at the end of the Second World War.
It seems that they had made a thing called 'die Glocke' - there's a photo here - and next to that photo is a copy of the photo of Brandt and Himmler !".
The 'Boss' lent forward in order to get a good look.
"It seems that they called the whole business 'Projekt Kronos'.", Zac added.
"Kronos.....yes..the Greek God of Time.
Well appropriate, anyway.", the 'Boss' murmured, almost under his breath.
"And those symbols - round the base of the machine - they look Mayan.
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| Andromeda-Gerä |
Perhaps that's what those German archaeologists were looking for in Mexico, back in the thirties.", the 'Boss' said, gradually beginning to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Zac continued to scroll down the page.
"Anyway....it says here that the Germans either hoped to change the past, or... if they lost the war, escape to the future.
But... another plan was to actually travel to a planet circling the star Aldaberan using a huge machine called the Andromeda-Gerä.
Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri), is an orange giant star located about 65 light-years from the Sun in the zodiac constellation of Taurus. It is the fourteenth-brightest star in the night-time sky. In 2015 a study showed stable longer-term evidence for a planetary companion !
Here there's a photo of it....", Zac said, bringing up a somewhat blurred black and white image.
"Is that for real ?", Ethan said, scrutinizing the image of a huge metallic cylinder, apparently floating above a field.
"Well that's all very interesting, Sir, but how does this help us find Jim ?", Josh interrupted, obviously getting upset by the apparent lack of progress.
"It helps us, Josh, by finding out as much as possible about who and what our enemies are.
We know where Brandt has his offices in Vegas, and it would be simple to find out where he lives - but by just bursting in with a bunch of security guys... well, we would probably end up with Jim being killed before we got anywhere near him....
We have to take a more devious route.", the 'Boss' carefully explained.
And in the background, unseen, Faunus quietly nodded in agreement - and Glaux blinked.
The 'Boss' then returned to looking at the screen of Zac's laptop.
"There's more to this than meets the eye." the 'Boss' murmured.
"Brandt is still working on some strange 'project'...I'm sure, and he needs Jim.....and it's got to do with Jim's loss of memory....or...perhaps the memories that Jim has, and that Brandt discovered.", the 'Boss' continued.
"Brandt thinks that Jim's a 'time traveller'.", Faunus said slowly and quietly.
The 'Boss' looked over at Faunus with raised eyebrows - and nodded, anxious that Brody would not understand what they were talking about.
"That's what all this 'Projekt Kronos' is about, and obviously what Brandt was up to in Germany.", Faunus added.
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| Maria Orsic |
"And you think that he's still pursuing that research ?", the 'Boss' asked Faunus.
"Why not ?", Faunus replied.
"Then there's this image of a really cute looking girl.", Zac announced, as he clicked up a new page.
"Shit !.. That looks just like Brandt's secretary, - like receptionist 'thingy' !", Ethan exclaimed.
"Yes....!", the 'Boss' agreed, "But, according to this, she was born in 1895 !".
"Well....Brandt was born in 1906....and he still seems to be alive and well !", Zac commented.
"And also, according to this, Maria disappeared in 1945 !", Zac continued.
"Guys...this is really getting too weird for me !", Brody said, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
"Sorry Brody..but I think you're stuck with us.",the 'Boss' said calmly.
"Yeah....Seems like it.
Anyway, I got no where else, and no one else to got to...but I would appreciate some explanations, once you get Jim back.", Brody said.
"Of course, Brody....but meanwhile I think that you're needed here.", the 'Boss' replied.
"So Zac...we know that Brandt's a psychiatrist practising privately in Vegas, but is there any information there that could show where he might be conducting any research now ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"As it happens....there is.
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| United States Air Force Facility - 'Groom Lake' |
According to this other site I've found, after he came to the US he worked, from 1955, for the US Government at the United States Air Force facility at 'Groom Lake'.
Apparently it's a highly classified remote detachment of 'Edwards Air Force Base', within the 'Nevada Test and Training Range'.
"That's it !", the 'Boss' said excitedly.
That's the connection we're looking for !".
"So what's this Groom Lake 'thingy' !", Ethan asked, in his own inimitable way.
"Well, Ethan, it's a very secret air-force base, but there are lots of rumours about it involving aliens and other weird things.
However, there is some quite solid speculation about research into the development of time travel, teleportation technology and anti-gravity power sources - and that's where Brandt's research fits in.", the 'Boss' explained.
Zac looked up from his laptop screen.
"That's all very well, but if Jim's at 'Groom Lake', then we have a real problem... because all the information I can find says that's it probably the best guarded place ever !
It would be easier to walk straight into the White House !", Zac said.
"True...", the 'Boss' said reflectively.....
but we have no proof that Jim's at 'Groom Lake'.
Perhaps Brandt has some private place where he could be keeping Jim...maybe somewhere in Vegas or LA.", the 'Boss' suggested.
"Well I would think the best thing to do would be to simply ask Brandt where he's keeping Jim....", Faunus said, sounding ridiculously casual.
"Yeah !....And who is this guy, anyway ?", Brody said, obviously trying to 'stare out' Faunus.
"That is Faunus !", the 'Boss' said, cryptically, "and if you've got any sense, Brody, you'll listen to him."
"OK...",Brody replied, rather deflated by the reply the 'Boss' had given.
"So how do we do that ?....and who's gonna ask Brandt ?".
"I will !", Faunus said casually.
"Well, if I've been listening properly, this Brandt guy is a crazy Nazi war-criminal, so I don't think he's just gonna tell you where Jim is... or he might, and then put a bullet through you head !", Brody countered, obviously becoming exasperated with the response he was getting from Faunus.
"Anyway, Brody, Ethan's room is just down the corridor, second on the left, and I think you want to get to bed now.", Faunus said in a quiet, gentle tone.
Then Zac looked at Ethan, and Josh looked at Ethan, and the 'Boss' gave one of his smiles, and Glaux blinked, and fluttered onto Brody's shoulder.
"But I am tired....", Brody said.
"So I think I should turn in.", and he turned and went down the corridor, opened the door to Ethan's bedroom...and closed it behind him.
"Now look what you've done...!", Ethan spluttered, exasperated.
"Yes, well don't get angry with me, Ethan.
I've only done what you wanted...and he is cute, but he was getting a bit annoying.", Faunus said.
"OK Faunus !
Enough of the joking....
What's your plan ?", the 'Boss', still smiling, asked Faunus.
"Well first I need a referral from a doctor - a referral to Brandt because of my amnesia.
The doctor must specify a 'phoney' head injury as the source of the amnesia." Faunus said.
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| Dr. Lockwood |
"Well that' shouldn't be a problem.
Brand knows Dr Lockwood - but with a little 'sweetener', I'm sure that one of Lockwood's colleagues would be happy to provide a referral.", the 'Boss' explained, warming to the subject.
"Then I need someone to 'take' me to Brandt's office - after all I'm supposed to have severe memory loss, and be recovering from a head injury.
And it must be somebody that Brandt couldn't possibly know - for instance, Brody." Faunus said, with a wicked grin.
"OK....So what will you do once you get to see Brandt ?", the 'Boss' asked, obviously intrigued.
"Well, without me giving away too many of my 'professional secrets' - it's simple.
I just start getting Brandt to talk about himself - that's the one thing that you humans really love to do - and then we start talking about his research, and finally about Jim.
Then, when I've found out about Jim, I get Brandt - and Brody - to forget everything he's told me.
And then, hopefully, we can set out to get Jim back.", Faunus concluded.
"And you make it all sound so simple !", Ethan said, with a big smile on his face.
"And I hope it will be !", Zac said, far more seriously.
"Don't worry, Zac.....we'll get Jim back.", Josh added, although he looked pensive.
"So, let's get down to the 'Club Jaguar', and get Lockwood to make some arrangements.", the 'Boss' said, putting down his cup of coffee.
"Anyway, I need a couple of Jack Daniels after all that.", the 'Boss' said, making for the doors of the penthouse.
"Yes, and what about Brody ?", Ethan asked.
"Don't worry..... he will sleep soundly - guarded by Glaux - until you awaken him with a kiss, when you get back !", Faunus said, playfully slapping Ethan on the back.
"And Ethan...!", the 'Boss' interrupted.
"Phone Chuck and tell him to park the white limo, and get a stretch black Cadillac from the garage....and be ready, as we're coming down, and need to be taken to the 'Club Jaguar'!".
At the same time the 'Boss' was 'phoning Lockwood to say he wanted to speak to him in his office in a few minutes....when he arrived at the Club.
"Now Zac..", the 'Boss' continued.
"You stay here and make some 'hard copy' of that information you found about Brandt....and also phone for an armed security detail to follow us to the Club Jaguar in a black limo."
Zac nodded, and got to work.
"You, Ethan, and Josh... come with me and Faunus.
I don't want either of you disappearing while I'm gone.", the 'Boss' said curtly.
Moments later they descended in the elevator and were accompanied by security to the comfort of the large black limousine that Chuck had parked close to the entrance.
It was only a short drive to the 'Club Jaguar', and as soon as they arrived they met Katrina in the plush main entrance, (you first met Katrina in Chapter IX - remember ?), who accompanied them in the elevator up to the top floor, and the marble lined office of the 'Boss'.
On arrival in the office the 'Boss' activated his huge desktop.
"Right, Katrina, get me a large Jack Daniels, and ask Dr Lockwood to come and see me.", the 'Boss' said, as he checked his e-mails.
"Isn't it a bit early for a Jack Daniels ?", Katrina said, eyeing her 'Boss' carefully.
"Not today....we have big problems to deal with.", the 'Boss' responded.
"OK...." Katrina said, wisely not asking for any further explanations.
"And you boys will be OK with coffee and sandwiches ?", Katrina asked, as she set her gaze approvingly on Faunus.
(Katrina had met Faunus before, but he had always carefully wiped her memory of their previous meetings, as Faunus was meticulous about not leaving any traces that could be problematic at a later date.)
As Katrina left the office to organise the refreshments, Dr. Lockwood appeared in the doorway.
"Come in, Lockwood.
We've got some urgent business to deal with !", the 'Boss' said, trying to sound as cheerful and relaxed as possible.
"Sit down and let me explain.....", the 'Boss' continued.
Lockwood sat down, and nodded to the boys.
"Now Lockwood....I said nothing in detail on the 'phone, as this is very sensitive.....so not a word outside this office regarding the details of the matter.", the 'Boss' began.
"Of course, 'Boss'...as always.", Lockwood replied, looking suitably concerned.
"Phone Chuck and tell him to park the white limo, and get a stretch black Cadillac from the garage....and be ready, as we're coming down, and need to be taken to the 'Club Jaguar'!".
At the same time the 'Boss' was 'phoning Lockwood to say he wanted to speak to him in his office in a few minutes....when he arrived at the Club.
"Now Zac..", the 'Boss' continued.
"You stay here and make some 'hard copy' of that information you found about Brandt....and also phone for an armed security detail to follow us to the Club Jaguar in a black limo."
Zac nodded, and got to work.
"You, Ethan, and Josh... come with me and Faunus.
I don't want either of you disappearing while I'm gone.", the 'Boss' said curtly.
Moments later they descended in the elevator and were accompanied by security to the comfort of the large black limousine that Chuck had parked close to the entrance.
It was only a short drive to the 'Club Jaguar', and as soon as they arrived they met Katrina in the plush main entrance, (you first met Katrina in Chapter IX - remember ?), who accompanied them in the elevator up to the top floor, and the marble lined office of the 'Boss'.
On arrival in the office the 'Boss' activated his huge desktop.
"Right, Katrina, get me a large Jack Daniels, and ask Dr Lockwood to come and see me.", the 'Boss' said, as he checked his e-mails.
"Isn't it a bit early for a Jack Daniels ?", Katrina said, eyeing her 'Boss' carefully.
"Not today....we have big problems to deal with.", the 'Boss' responded.
"OK...." Katrina said, wisely not asking for any further explanations.
"And you boys will be OK with coffee and sandwiches ?", Katrina asked, as she set her gaze approvingly on Faunus.
(Katrina had met Faunus before, but he had always carefully wiped her memory of their previous meetings, as Faunus was meticulous about not leaving any traces that could be problematic at a later date.)
As Katrina left the office to organise the refreshments, Dr. Lockwood appeared in the doorway.
 |
| Dr Lockwood |
We've got some urgent business to deal with !", the 'Boss' said, trying to sound as cheerful and relaxed as possible.
"Sit down and let me explain.....", the 'Boss' continued.
Lockwood sat down, and nodded to the boys.
"Now Lockwood....I said nothing in detail on the 'phone, as this is very sensitive.....so not a word outside this office regarding the details of the matter.", the 'Boss' began.
"Of course, 'Boss'...as always.", Lockwood replied, looking suitably concerned.
"Well..the bad news is that Jim's been abducted.",the 'Boss' began.
"What !", Lockwood exclaimed, genuinely stunned.
"But why...? .By who ?...", Lockwood said.
"Well this is where I need to explain some very disturbing - and completely confidential facts.", the 'Boss' began, as the door buzzed.
"That'll be Katrina.....", the 'Boss' explained.
"I'll just let her bring in the refreshments, and then we can get on with the business."
And so the 'Boss' started to explain to Lockwood how Jim had been abducted from the California Combat Club.
Of course the 'Boss' failed to mention the killing of the prospective young wrestler Damien.
The 'Boss' then went on the describe the disturbing facts that Zac had found on the internet with regard to Dr Brandt and his activities during the Third Reich.
What particularly surprised, and intrigued, Lockwood was the fact that Brandt had apparently discovered some seemingly effective treatment for 'life extension'.
The 'Boss', however, gave every indication that Brandt's research into 'time travel' was some sort of 'insane aberration', and that Brandt's reason for abducting Jim was his belief that Jim was some kind of 'time traveller' - and the 'Boss' indicated that such a belief, on Brandt's part, undoubtedly suggested that Brandt was probably psychotic.... an assumption with which Lockwood obviously agreed.
So the 'boss' then got down to the essential matter of arranging for a referral for Faunus, so that Faunus could 'interview' Brandt.
Faunus, for reasons best known to himself, has chosen the alias 'Douglas Spaulding' - (presumably neatly lifted from 'Dandilion Wine') - and all that the 'Boss' was asking for was the name of a physician who was willing, for a reasonable 'sweetener' to provide a referral with no questions asked."That'll be Katrina.....", the 'Boss' explained.
"I'll just let her bring in the refreshments, and then we can get on with the business."
And so the 'Boss' started to explain to Lockwood how Jim had been abducted from the California Combat Club.
Of course the 'Boss' failed to mention the killing of the prospective young wrestler Damien.
The 'Boss' then went on the describe the disturbing facts that Zac had found on the internet with regard to Dr Brandt and his activities during the Third Reich.
What particularly surprised, and intrigued, Lockwood was the fact that Brandt had apparently discovered some seemingly effective treatment for 'life extension'.
The 'Boss', however, gave every indication that Brandt's research into 'time travel' was some sort of 'insane aberration', and that Brandt's reason for abducting Jim was his belief that Jim was some kind of 'time traveller' - and the 'Boss' indicated that such a belief, on Brandt's part, undoubtedly suggested that Brandt was probably psychotic.... an assumption with which Lockwood obviously agreed.
So the 'boss' then got down to the essential matter of arranging for a referral for Faunus, so that Faunus could 'interview' Brandt.
Lockwood, of course, as usual, was thoroughly amenable.
"Well, 'Boss', there is a doctor I know who's not too fussy about taking on 'unusual' work....a Dr Fritz Becker.....
I can 'phone him now, and see if he would consider 'helping'.", Lockwood suggested.
"Good....See what you can do.", the 'Boss' replied with a knowing look.
"And how much ?", Lockwood asked.
The 'Boss opened a drawer in his desk, took out an envelope, and handed it to Lockwood.
"Take your cut, and let Becker have the rest.",the 'Boss' said, handing over the envelope.
Lockwood looked more than happy, and immediately left the office to make the call privately - not realising that Faunus would know exactly what was being said.
After a few minutes Lockwood returned to the office.
"That's all fixed.
A courier will deliver the referral to me in half an hour." Lockwood confirmed.
'Faunus visits Dr Brandt
and then the search is on in earnest for Jim...'
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