Diamond Cut Diamond: “Web of Deceit”—Continued . . .

DISCLAIMER

The International Society of Currency Traders is purely fictional. I have no idea if such a society exists, or has ever existed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To Robin Sword of Sword and the Pen, for her diligence, patience, and dedication in translating my words from what I wrote, to what I meant to write. Any errors are mine alone. And, to Angela P. Summer, who, through her artistry, is responsible for the smile on my face.

DEDICATION

Can’t even begin to express my profound appreciation for the time and effort expended by my good friend, Lea Ann Morris, for her valuable support in keeping my novels on track when they tended to drift.

AuthorHouse™

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© 2013 by Darlene Cox. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/27/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4772-9999-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-9998-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012923824

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Disclaimer

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Epilogue

Praise For Novels By Darlene Cox

DIAMOND

CUT DIAMOND

(Web of Deceit—Continued…)

DARLENE COX

PROLOGUE

It was a cold, dreary night in November when the life of the law firm of Morrison & Brock was snuffed out by a fire that broke out in its offices on the top floor of a New York high-rise office building.

M&B had opened its practice only three years previous. From a small firm with only two senior partners and a handful of associates and staff, it soon grew into a powerhouse. Like a tsunami, it swept through many of the established New York law firms, leaving in its wake the truth that nothing lasts forever.

Now, as quickly as it arrived, it was gone. The damage from the fire was devastating, the spacious offices gutted by the force of the heat and flames that engulfed them. Only the blackened remnants of paperwork strewn throughout remained, which lead to the obvious conclusion that the fire was intentionally set.

In addition to the questions posed as to why this particular law firm was targeted for destruction, were the questions of how it was set, who set it and, most baffling: Who was the charred body found lying on the floor of one of the firm’s corner offices?

CHAPTER 1

Two months previous…

Peter Brock was only 35 years old when he was found slumped in his office chair, dead.

Peter was a phenomena, a self-made man who with his friend, Jack Morrison—both only a couple years out of law school—had taken the New York City law community by storm, pooling their talents to form the young law firm, Morrison & Brock.

They met in college. Peter was the big man on campus, envied by the nondescript Jack Morrison. Ever the opportunist, Peter recognized early that friendship with Jack could pave his way more rapidly to a successful and lucrative future. While Jack had only average academic credentials, he was heir to an East Coast banking fortune, and was pliable.

So Peter thought.

The law firm was a success from the get-go, but the anticipated financial rewards weren’t adding up fast enough to satisfy Peter’s goal—to get rich, and get out. When he met James Campbell, a wealthy New York diamond dealer eager to keep a good portion of his wealth out of the hands of a greedy IRS, Peter recognized how his goal could be attained more quickly. Unbeknownst to Campbell, the systematic movement of his assets into banks in various locations and under various names would ensure Peter’s future.

Fate had other ideas.

The game was up when Jack got wind of Peter’s plan. That his partner was committing a felony didn’t really bother Jack. What did bother him was that he was not invited to participate in the plan. This oversight on Peter’s part would prove to be his Waterloo.

In the end, Peter had not only misjudged Jack’s pliability but, more importantly, had grossly underestimated his partner’s predatory nature. Compared to Jack, Peter was bottom fish. To avoid personal humiliation and preserve his professional reputation once the sharks would start circling, Peter’s out was the little pill nestled in the vest pocket of his Armani suit.

Four days after Peter was found, his identification confirmed and an autopsy performed, his body was released. Bernie Baranski, Peter’s Administrative Assistant, met with his parents, who would be taking their son to his final resting place in Poland, the land of his birth. A small, solemn procession accompanied the gray casket containing Peter’s body into the gaping hole of the 747 that would take him home. After again expressing her sorrow over the death of their son, Bernie assured his parents that she would see to the payment of all debts and expenses, and transfer the remainder of his estate to them.

A week after the departure of Peter’s body to his homeland, a memorial service was held in the main ballroom of the St. Pierre Hotel for his associates and colleagues to bid him a final goodbye. The service, with reception to follow, was arranged by Bernie; Jack delivered the eulogy.

Peter Brock was held in high esteem, not only by his partner and the employees of Morrison & Brock, but also by other members of the New York legal community. Even members of the International Society of Currency Traders, of which Peter was a respected member, marked his passing with sadness. He had been a worthy adversary and would be missed.

Among friends and associates present at the memorial service were also many of Peter’s enemies, undoubtedly attending the service only to make certain he was really dead. For every tear shed at the announcement of his demise, there were smiles on the faces of those who had lost fortunes to Morrison & Brock at the currency-trading table.

However, Peter’s premature death left more questions than answers. Who was Peter Brock, really? Opinions varied. Some respectful, almost loving; others not so magnanimous.

There were rumors that Peter had died by his own hand but the true cause of his death was known only to a few. Nevertheless, many considered his death to be more than a little suspicious, which left the question: Why would this successful attorney take his own life—if that were the case?

Peter was an enigma, a chameleon, whose true personality eluded even those closest to him. Now, of course, the mystery of the man was buried with him along with another mystery worrying some. What happened to the millions of dollars purported to have been embezzled by him from one of New York City’s richest diamond dealers?

CHAPTER 2

After the stressful memorial service, and reception that followed, Bernie and Jack met at Lotourno’s, a small Italian restaurant a short distance from the St. Pierre. It was early evening, the restaurant almost empty, awaiting the dinner crowd. Jack, already seated at a table to the rear, rose to greet Bernie when she arrived.

Not an attractive woman to begin with, the pressures of the past days had taken their toll on Bernie. The somber black dress didn’t help, only emphasizing the gray pallor of her face that no amount of makeup could conceal.

God, what a day, she sighed, dropping her purse and light wrap on a nearby chair. As exhausted as I am, I probably shouldn’t, but I’m in dire need of a stiff vodka martini.

Jack nodded. My sentiments, exactly. In fact, I’ll join you, although martinis are not my usual drink of choice.

Once the drinks were ordered, he handed her a menu.

I realize you may not feel like it, Bernie, but you must eat, he insisted. The past several days have been taxing on the both of us. We’re not going to do the firm any good if we get sick. So, please, even if it’s just something light, soup or a small salad, you must force yourself. Then, home for a good night’s sleep. I don’t want to see you in the office until at least noon tomorrow.

Bernie ignored the menu, reaching instead for a soggy handkerchief from her purse.

Oh, Jack, she said as she dabbed at the threatening tears. I just don’t know what we would have done without your strong guidance through these terrible days.

Jack handed her a clean handkerchief from an inner pocket of his midnight-blue suit jacket.

It was the least I could do, he said patting her hand. Now we must get on with the job ahead. Peter would have expected us to pick up the pieces and carry on in his stead. In fact, he would have insisted upon it. We can’t let the firm go under because it has lost one of its most valuable members.

She sniffled, continuing to dab her eyes. Yes, I understand. I do.

And, he continued, "I hope you know that you’re going to serve as my right-hand man, so to speak, just as you were Peter’s. Fact is, I’m not certain I could have held up without you beside me. The strength you have shown has motivated me to get out from behind my desk and take charge. Something I should have done months ago.

I left the running of the firm to Peter for too long while I concentrated on the bottom line. He was the one the staff looked up to. Now there’s been a changing of the guard. It’s a new day and I see nothing but continued success for all of us, especially you. He held up his glass in a toast.

Bernie reached for the chilled martini the waiter had placed before her. You’re too kind, Jack. I just don’t know how to respond.

Then, don’t. He smiled, taking a sip of his martini.

Jack knew it would take time for the law firm to return to normal. Now, he must forge ahead to preserve the loyalty of the staff and of the client base Peter had generated. And he needed to keep an eye on Bernie, the one person he suspected could lead him to the millions of dollars of embezzled funds that had abruptly disappeared into cyberspace upon Peter’s death.

I thought the turnout for the service was excellent. Jack said, changing the subject. There were no embarrassing tributes, and I thought everyone attending maintained a respectful demeanor. How about you? Did you spot anything amiss?

She frowned. The presence of Jenny Abbott surprised me. I thought we were finished with her when we sent her on her merry way to Brazil, or some other Godforsaken country. Out of sight, out of mind, I had hoped.

Only the two of them knew Jenny had been the conduit through which loose diamonds from Campbell’s coffers had been ferried to Europe for resale. She was also the person responsible for Jack and Bernie learning of Peter’s plan when she decided things were becoming too risky.

Yes, Jack replied, thoughtfully. As did I. That was certainly my hope when I advised her that a long trip out of the country might be prudent to avoid any unexpected fallout from Peter’s death.

Well, she would certainly have avoided any questions the police might have had were they to catch wind of her association with Peter. God only knows what she might have blurted out if she feared the fortune she had skimmed from the sale of diamonds would be discovered. Did you by any chance talk with her during the reception? Bernie asked.

Jack motioned to the waiter to refresh their drinks, and to order a bowl of soup for Bernie.

Oh, yes. I was hoping to avoid her, but she managed to catch me at the refreshments table.

And?

She was cordial; I was cordial. Nothing was said about what she was doing, where she had been, or where she was going.

Do you think she’ll try to call you at the office? Or contact you in some other manner?

No doubt. But, you needn’t worry; I’ll deal with her.

Still, one can’t help but be concerned, Bernie said. She’s the only one left who was directly involved in Peter’s plan, the only one who could tip the boat, putting us all in danger of drowning.

He frowned. You mean because she knew we were aware of the embezzlement and chose not to do anything about it?

Yes, that would be a worry, Bernie responded.

Jack chose not to comment, but changed the subject again.

Did you notice, Jack asked, that she was circling Catarra like a pickpocket eyeing a prospective mark? This particularly alarmed me. I wasn’t even aware that she knew him.

Hmm, Bernie murmured. Yes, an interesting observation. What do you suppose that was about?

Don’t know, but whenever that little lady is present, he sneered, you best hang onto your wallet.

I’ll remember you warned me, she said finishing the remains of her second martini.

After a half-hearted attempt to finish the soup Jack ordered for her, Bernie got up and picked up her purse and wrap from the empty chair beside the table. It’s been a long day. I think I’ll call it a night, she sighed.

Can I offer you a ride, Bernie? he asked solicitously as he escorted her to the door.

No, thanks; I think I can get home on my own. She smiled as she stepped to the curb to hail a taxi. Jack stood outside the entrance to Lotourno’s, stroking his chin in contemplation, his eyes narrowing to slits as he watched the taxi travel down the street.

He didn’t dislike Bernie as much as he had Peter, if dislike was even the proper word to describe his feelings for his former partner.

He shook his head. If not dislike, what was it that had driven him to cause the downfall of his friend? Could it have been petty jealousy—the fact that Peter was blessed with all the attributes he himself lacked. Possibly. But, no, it was Peter’s lack of respect for him and the Morrison name that Jack could not tolerate.

However, the taste of his victory over Peter was bittersweet. It was a hollow victory that left an emptiness that he still felt when he thought of his friend.

As he turned to go back into the restaurant, he wondered if he might not have replaced one adversary with an even more dangerous one. Bernie was the only one whose knowledge could put him behind bars for concealing a felony, but she was also the only one whose knowledge might lead him to the missing funds.

CHAPTER 3

Monday morning after the memorial service, Jack called a meeting of all the associates and staff to meet in the firm’s large conference room. Platters of fresh pastries, pots of fresh coffee and hot water for tea, fresh fruit juice, and pitchers of ice water were arranged on a long table at the end of the room, along with paper plates, cups, napkins, and utensils. There not being enough chairs to accommodate the entire staff, only the partners and senior associates took seats.

When most everyone was present, Jack stood at the head of the table and rapped a spoon against his glass of orange juice until he felt he had the full attention of the room.

Folks, he started, these past weeks have been difficult for all of us. Peter was your mentor, your role model; he was not only my partner, but also my closest friend. There aren’t any of us here who didn’t respect him, love him, and who will miss him very much.

He hesitated, dabbing his eyes with a clean white handkerchief, then continued. "But, life must go on. I believe those would be Peter’s very words. This law firm and all of you were his life, his pride, his reason for being the first through the door most mornings, and the last to leave at night. His devotion to his profession and his loyalty to this firm must remain the hallmark for each of us—a fitting tribute to him.

With that in mind, our loss will naturally result in some changes in staff responsibilities. How do we replace Peter and still maintain the strong leadership fostered by him? I will be the first to admit that international law and monetary strategies, which were Peter’s expertise, are not mine.

There were a few chuckles, none of a derisive nature.

He smiled. "That being said and from your response, agreed to, it will be my pleasure to continue my role as managing partner of the firm.

Lofty, he said, looking over at Larry ‘Lofty’ Jackson, I’d like you to continue as head of the Litigation Section. I would ask, however, that I be informed of any matters that might be more problematical than profitable. I need not cite our involvement in the Campbell divorce to make my point.

Ah yes, thought Lofty, the divorce case from hell that had almost involved the firm in the investigation of the deaths of both James Campbell and his wife, Delilah, the firm’s client. It was unnecessary to assure Jack that the point was indeed taken.

Jack continued. As head of the International Law Section, I have asked Bernie to assume Peter’s responsibilities. In addition, she will, of course, continue to monitor all other sections of the firm and be available to lend a helping hand, as she has so efficiently done in the past.

As he beckoned Bernie to stand beside him at the head of the table, there were at first gasps then whispers among those who had worked with Peter in that most lucrative section of the firm.

He raised his hands to signal quiet. Now I am aware that this appointment may come as a surprise. I am also aware that several of you have sought and relied upon Bernie’s wise counsel many times over the past couple of years, as have I. But is her efficiency as an administrator sufficient for her to head such an important section of our firm?

There was a disturbing silence in the room as the associates pondered the question. Would an Administrative Assistant be intellectually prepared to lead such a profitable section? Would the international community of currency traders accept her as worthy of stepping into Peter’s shoes?

Jack had given this decision much thought. He didn’t like giving her so much power but how else could he keep her occupied and under a watchful eye while he continued to search for the elusive funds embezzled by Peter?

"I realize many of you are questioning my selection, but I doubt most of you are aware that Bernie came to our firm with an MBA from Harvard, summa cum laude, no less. She is a brilliant economist and was Peter’s right hand, privy to and collaborative in all the economic strategies developed by him.

"As she takes her place as the head of this section, I have the greatest confidence that she will earn your respect and that we will all profit from her leadership as she continues the excellence established by Peter.

"That she lacks the legal background as well as the camaraderie Peter enjoyed with many of the principal players in the very complex international currency market, is true. However, if it becomes necessary, I, along with other senior attorneys and associates will be stepping up to assist her in that role.

So I don’t see lack of experience as a down side to her appointment. Peter taught her well. It is at the currency trading table that I believe she will demonstrate the lessons learned from him, to the benefit of us all.

He looked around, still seeing hesitation on some of the faces, disappointment on others.

I say, let’s give her a chance.

As the low murmurs continued, he added. Now, if any of you feel you need to move on, that you cannot continue working without Peter’s guidance, the firm is prepared to offer a generous severance package as well as any other help we can give to start you in new careers.

This pronouncement met with fewer murmurs, and even some smiles.

In conclusion, I want to say that, while I may not have previously expressed it, I have great respect for all of you. I know it has been your intelligence, energy, and hard work that has contributed to the rapid growth of Morrison & Brock. It is my hope that you will support my decisions and will continue your best efforts on behalf of the firm in the future.

Jack looked around at the group of anxious staff. Any questions?

There were none.

Any comments?

There were none.

All right, then, I’m going to hand the floor over to Bernie. I’m certain she has a few words to say about what she envisions your individual roles to be for the future of the firm. Then let’s get back to work, he said. Nodding to Bernie, he left his spot at the head of the table.

Low murmurs could still be heard as Jack left the room. Bernie quickly took command.

"First off,