Phillip Goodhouse

By Jerry Roland

CIA agent Henry Wilson was given an impossible task. Find a remote viewer to spy on the Russians. They had theirs we needed ours. He was searching in Brazil, the land of miracle healers, psychics and charlatans when he stumbled upon two boys performing a mind blowing street magic show. As he watched in amazement he found who he was looking for, Phillip Goodhouse and recruited him on the spot.

At Phillip’s insistence he’s forced to bring along Phillip’s streetwise gambler sidekick Gilberto. He settles the boys into quarters at Langley and Phillip tests off the charts. In no time at all Phillip had fallen madly in love with Ava the Director’s daughter and Gilberto had discovered a mafia run poker room in New York.

Phillip is hurled into a world of secrets and when Ava is brutally murdered by a crazed religious fanatic he learns that she had infiltrated the Disciples of Clement. They are cult of religious fanatics who cleanse and purify with torture and they have invaded our government. Phillip goes into action to investigate and find the truth but he’s stopped by his boss Henry Wilson who has been forced to join or be replaced by one of their own.
Phillip’s hope is kept alive as he learns that Ava has reincarnated and is living in Las Vegas with her new family.

When Phillip retires there all hell breals loose as he begins to gift the locas turning degenerate gamblers into winners and hopeless degenerates into stars. It's all for the money and his dream of creating the ultimate spy machine. His old boss is called back into action as he has to turn Phillip's world upside down to stop him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jerry Roland
• Release date: Nov 6, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452483610

Jerry Roland

This was my first novel my second "The Lolly Box" was published by Pegasus in May 2021 its available on Amazon and other book retailers. I live in Rosarita Mexico my authors site is www.thelollyboxjroland.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Henry noticed the crowd spilling into the street as he left the Bishop’s office. Two young men, boys really were standing on a make shift stage. He could see their faces and upper bodies clearly above the throng of people. One was taller and blond the other chubby and definitely Brazilian. He moved closer to hear what they were saying.

Hoje o Sr. Mágico ele vai se apresentar... He couldn’t make out the rest his Portuguese was only two weeks old and here in Fortaleza he found they spoke more quickly than his instructors back in Langley. But he made out magic show and that was enough to peak his interest. Anything to take his mind off his latest assignment.

As he moved in closer. He saw two young girls near the front grab their skirts and pushed them down the crowd went wild with laughter. Henry figured maybe the boys had rigged tubes and a bellows to blow them up. Maybe an accomplice? He pushed closer.

The tall blond boy went through some tricks he had seen in most magic shows pulling scarves from sleeves and bouquets from behind heads, He expected to see a rabbit come out of a hat any minute but none was in sight so far.

All slight of hand, good fun. The kids were a little sloppy but it seemed to only make the show more contagious. The crowd feeling more certain they could figure the next trick out and not get lost in a world that could not be explained.

This went on for a few minutes with an ancient deck of cards some magic hoops and he thought of walking away. He had seen it all before countless time as a boy. The chubby boy then brought out a blindfold and covered blond boy’s eyes. He then turned him facing away from the crowd. He walked quickly to the table and picked up another deck of cards. This time he handed them out at random. Henry managed to push close enough to get one, it was a blue star. His interest was piqued. The boy instructed the volunteers to all move to the front row and hold out their hands he instructed everyone to hold their card face down in their out stretched palm the other palm being empty. Henry complied as did the others.

The blond boy turned quickly and approached the first person in line. He quickly slapped their open palm with some kind of powder and a circle appeared. He turned the card over in their other hand and sure enough it was a circle.

This went on several times until he came to Henry. He paused a moment in front of him the crowd had stopped murmuring completely expecting something different would happen with him. The boy stood motionless for a few moments to heighten the anticipation, then slapped Henry quickly on both cheeks and snatched the card from his palm and held it up to the crowd as he turned Henry around with two perfect blue stars on his cheeks. He pulled off the blindfold and bowed and the crowd roared their delight. They pointed at Henry laughing and cheering. The chubby one held out a small mirror so that Henry could see the stars, he was amazed. How on earth had he done it?

Then things took a more serious turn.

The chubby boy brought out a small cage which held a black dog. The dog was restless and began barking at the crowd. He held it high above his head for a few moments then passed it to a man in the front row. Olha o cachorro pra ver se ele ainda esta vivo e bem.He was asking them to examine the dog and the cage. The dog got passed around to the crowd most passed it hurriedly like they expected it to leap out and grab them by the throat.

Finally it got passed to one of the young girls nearest to the stage and the tall boy motioned for her to join him. She stepped up onto the stage and he gently turned her to face the crowd. He adjusted her arms so that the dog was in front of her face. All of the crowd could see him clearly.

Henry thought here it comes, a cloth over the dog and a few magic words and the cage would be empty. Typical magician repertoire but no cloth came out. The people were as silent as could be staring in earnest at the little dog. The blond boy looked at it intently too and in a few moments the dog quieted and lay down, it’s head turning toward him.

He held out his hands and waved and the dog went completely limp in the bottom of the cage. It didn’t move the crowd let out a gasp. O cachorro estava morto.

The young magician said.

Henry’s first thought was of course that these two had trained the dog to play dead, but the young man took it from the cage and handed it to a man in the front row.

He looked at it closely and sadly passed it to the next and down the row it went.

Old and young feeling for it’s heartbeat. Putting ears to it’s chest. One even slapping it’s nose gently before passing it to the next. Henry had never seen anything like this.

The crowd was in suspended animation and he felt it too. He moved closer and finally the dog came to him. He held it gently and turned it over on it’s back. He put his ear in it’s chest and listened. He felt it’s nose and nothing. It was clearly dead.

Had this kid killed this poor animal just for a magic show? Maybe he was going to switch it quickly for it’s twin. His rational mind raced. At last he walked around the crowd and stepped up on the stage and handed the dog back to the boy.

He couldn’t help his anger. He wanted to hit this kid. What a horrible thing to do. The young magician smiled at him and told him thank you. He looked at the dog for a second and placed him back in his cage. Henry couldn’t move he stared at the cage with every eye there.

The magician picked the cage up and placed it on the table so the crowd could see. He closed his eyes for a moment. The dog began to move as the crowd murmured. It then stood slowly and then began to wag it’s tail.

A couple of the older ladies fainted. Then the crowd burst out shooting. Como voce fez isso?O que foi que aconteceu?O cachorro esta bem?"Just to reassure everyone the boy opened the cage and put the little dog on the table. He invited everyone up for a look.

The other boy quickly put a large red basket next to the dog for tips. The people filed by like proud relatives at an outdoor birth they petted and kissed the little animal and they tipped.

Like Henry they were amazed beyond belief. It seemed that the animal was brought back to life. It was a stunt of Jesus like proportion. He waited until the crowd thinned to talk to the boys.

Voce fala Ingles?

Yes I do.The tall boy said as he was putting away the last of his props.

That’s good. I’m Henry Wilson.Henry extended his hand.

Phillip Goodhouse pleased to meet you and this is my friend Gilbert Rios. He is studying English too.

But your English sounds perfect. You even have a slight British accent.

Yes from my father he was British.

That was quite a show.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Yes but you have to explain to me about the dog.

Explain? Tell me a secret Henry Wilson and I will tell you one.

Well let’s see I’m here searching for a magician who can help me in the United States.Phillip laughed.

Ok my turn. The dog was really dead and I brought him back to life.

So it appears. Can you tell me how you did it?

By magic of course but you seem to be interested in something else. The real reason you are here is that you are looking for spies.Henry winced at his secret mission being revealed.

A special kind of spy yes. See we in the United States are in what is called a cold war with the Soviet Union and we are looking for a certain….

Advantage.Phillip turned and eyed him directly for the first time.

I believe I could help but as you can see I do have a well paying profession and adoring fans.Phillip smiled and waved at the two girls who were obviously waiting for him at the side of the stage.

I can offer you a generous salary, an office, and a secretary that will be just as attractive as those two if of course you can help us.

Hmm.Phillip was obviously enjoying the game.

But what about Gilberto he would need to accompany me. I would be lost without him.

Henry was clearly out on a limb. What would he say to the Director? He thought the kid was worth checking out by psychometric testing but if he failed like the rest. Oh what the hell nothing ventured nothing gained.

Ok Gilberto can come too.

Then we are ready to leave.

Just like that? Don’t you need permission from your parents? I would be pleased to meet them to…

It won’t be necessary. My parents are dead and Gilberto’s parents might as well be. We are ready to travel.

And so it began.

Chapter 2

The boys moved in to a small apartment at the Langley base within walking distance to CIA Headquarters. The Remote Viewing Project as it was named in those days was a bit of a joke to most of the agents. They laughed about crystal ball gazing and seeing through women’s dresses. Certainly there was not one agent that thought that a psychic could be of any use whatsoever, much less two odd characters straight out of the streets of Brazil.

Henry Wilson had his doubts too but he was a career man and that meant he did what he was told regardless of how unlikely the outcome. He helped Gilberto and Phillip get settled then walked them over to the testing area. No sense in wasting time. He had tested twenty six potential viewers so far all had been failures except one, but if the Russians could do it so could we, the Director had said.

Now Phillip this is the testing room. You will sit here facing the wall and I’ll be over there in that room. I will speak to you through that speaker and I will hear you through this microphone.Phillip merely nodded.

Could we have more light?

There’s not enough light? Why?

I can do better when there is bright light. It helps me concentrate.

Gilberto go look in the storeroom and see what you can find.Gilberto rummaged around in the storage until he found several emergency lights and began setting them up. When he had finished he clicked them on and the room glowed as bright as day.

Very nice thank you.

You want to make a trial run?

Sure of course.Henry walked with Gilberto to the adjacent room and closed the door. He sat at the desk and took out a packet of cards. They had different shapes, triangles, hearts, circles and squares. He sat the first one in front of him it was a square. He placed his hands over it.

Ok Phillip can you hear me?

Yes a square.Gilberto let out a giggle and Henry looked at him sternly.

It’s black approximately five inches by five. The next one in the stack is a red heart.

Gilberto was laughing harder now. He had seen all of this before it was a part of their act in the early days. Phillip never missed with him either. He thought about the time Phillip had started guessing the color of girl’s underwear. He was laughing so hard that Henry glared at him.

What are you laughing about?

Desculpe…I no can….

Well stop it then.

The next one is a diamond. Black also and you dropped a blue star on the floor it’s upside down by your left foot also Gilberto is laughing like a baboon.Phillip said so deadpan that Henry began to laugh too. Gilberto walked around to the microphone.

Phillip tell him what color his cuecas are?

His are white boxers but yours are yellow in front and brown in the back.Now all three men were roaring. Henry was pounding the desk as the Director walked in.

Henry what the hell are you doing?

I’m sorry sir…sorry.he struggled to compose himself but Gilberto began pointing to the Director’s bottom this causing new gales of laughter.

The man that just came in the door is wearing no underwear. Esse homem esta sem cuecas.Gilberto fell to the floor laughing. The Director was staring at him hard.

These are the boys from Brazil.

Yes sir I’m afraid things got a little out of hand. But he is amazing sir.

And quite the comedian as well it seems.

He was just having some fun with us about our underwear.

Fascinating I’m sure. Let me test him a bit.

Yes of course.Henry backed away from the desk and the Director sat in his place. He opened a box containing several small items and sat it on the desk. He pulled out the first item. Phillip said nothing. The Director spoke.

Ok son what item have I placed before me?

That’s too easy how about I read the letter from your daughter that is in your inside jacket pocket.

No!

Dear Pops I don’t know how to tell you this but here goes. You remember that boy I…

I said no stop….Phillip talked over him even louder.

met in my Social Studies class. His name is Brad and I want you to meet him.

Stop!The Director screamed.

Ok sorry. It’s a thimble.

The Director continued with the entire box and Phillip got them all right. The Director even tried to trick him occasionally quickly putting one out and substituting another. He had sent Gilberto out of the room to wait in the hall. After more than an hour he stopped and looked at Henry.

He’s unbelievable. We’ve never seen any one like this. Is he ours?

I would think so I’ve been with them every minute since we left Brazil. I’m sure the Russians don’t know about him yet.

Let’s get him into my office so we can make our offer.

They were all seated in the Director’s office. Gilberto ran his hand over the smooth black leather covering the arm of the chair and Phillip stared straight out the window at the dimming sunlight. Things had taken a turn for the better it was true. He and Gilberto had been starving with the magic show. The poor loved the show but had no money and the rich were Catholic and the priests had hated him as they had his father and mother before him.

His father had said that he was a freak of nature and it was true. His father had only wanted to help the sick but the next thing he knew he was a witch, a sorcerer they had called him and ultimately they had killed him.

There was no way for Phillip to reconcile the unfairness. It just wasn’t right. But he would correct it someday soon in a way that would destroy religion and all of those that persecuted others in its name.

The Director had written a salary figure on a sheet of paper and pushed it across the table toward Phillip. He refused to look at it but instead stared straight ahead waiting for the right moment.

It’s not that the falconer knows the outcome.Phillip paused while they stared at him to think about what he was telling them.

I can tell you that I can’t do that, I can tell you when the falcon will fly and the probability of his prey but not the end result. My father could do that but I can’t. I can predict to a point but I can’t give you outcomes and I think you will want that eventually.

I’m not sure I understand what you mean but I assume you mean reading the future based upon actions by our opponents?

When my father worked briefly for Winston Churchill he gave him the outcome and gave him advice for war but I am saying to you what you are doing will end stupidly regardless of what I say to you because the ruling political factions will want to always be right regardless of the truth. I am saying that the price is high because of nuclear weapons. We could blow ourselves up and end this little adventure.

Phillip?

Yes.Phillip looked at the Director now.

Just tell me what you want.

First of all U.S. Citizenship for Gilberto and myself.

Ok.

I will need access to your computer lab and I will need to be trained in the study of the brain, I believe its called neuro science?

Why?

Let’s just say I’m curious.

We can set up a class for you.

And Gilberto needs a job too. He could be my assistant.Gilberto spoke up.

I need a car.

You can buy your own car. Look boys enough of this. I’d say right now if you can produce the results we will take care of everything you want.

And whiskey.Gilberto said. Everybody laughed.

Ok do we have a deal, Agent Goodhouse?

We do sir.Phillip shook his hand and so did Gilberto.

Great I’ll introduce you to your team leader.

I thought Mr. Wilson was our boss.

No I’ll bring her in to introduce you.

Chapter 3

Phillip would say later….When Ava walked into that room I was a boy that became a man. I think that is how it works between men and women. When you meet the one that you should meet, time stops and you change instantly in that moment. It’s like the moment that the flower bursts from its bud. It can no longer be contained. It has matured and is ready for the next stage, the stage where it can love and be loved.

Boys this is Ava Kalf.She was quite simply beautiful and Phillip stood without thinking. In fact he couldn’t think but only react to her effect on him for several minutes. He lost track of time.

I am pleased to meet you.Phillip stared into her sky blue eyes and managed to mutter. Yes me too.His confidence went out the window.

Phillip always had had some clever comment to make when he met a beautiful woman now he had become a mumbling idiot. Gilberto stood at his side also stricken. Ava walked around to the front of the desk and leaned against the edge. Crossing her arms facing the boys and spoke in her angel voice. Henry and the Director left the room but the boys didn’t notice.

I want you to know that I will be keeping a close watch on you two. I have reviewed the tapes of your testing Phillip and to tell the truth I was disgusted with your total disregard of what we are trying to accomplish here and your locker room humor will be unacceptable to me.

Azul.Gilberto guessed.

No rosa.The boys smiled at each other.

And I do speak Spanish and a bit of Portuguese. So I know you are discussing my underwear and you will stop it this minute.

"O tapete esta combinando com a cortina? (The carpet matches the drapes?) Gilberto asked.

Neither one of you will ever know that.

Then you can foretell the future?Phillip asked.

"You mean am I clairvoyant?

Yes to a degree I can foretell my future pretty well.Phillip heard the shakiness in her voice. She was not certain and he could tell that she was attracted to him too.

Then you know with one hundred percent certainty that I won’t kiss you by the end of the day.Phillip smiled.

Especially you, though I’m not too sure about Gilberto.

You want to kiss Gilberto?

No but I thought you might.

The boys laughed and began making kissing motions to each other. Ava laughed as well.

Ok you two can we get to work?

Sure just having some fun professora.

"Let’s talk about our mission. We know for a fact that the Russians have a team of remote viewers that they hope can answer a few questions that they can’t answer any other way. We hope to do the same. They want to know about our nuclear capability both on land and at sea.

They would also like to gain information that could help their economy meaning that they would target commercial technology for instance, computer and medical. They want to find something that they can sell before we do. We have to try to disrupt them in any way that we can and we think you can do that for us Phillip. I’d like to hear your ideas."

I could locate them I think if you could give me some coordinates. As far as disrupting them I would have to see what they are. I mean what sort of powers they have. I’ve never met anyone like me and I have been known to be successful at mental persuasion.Phillip smiled at her.

I’m sure you have. I have several possible locations you could try….

There’s one more thing. I can give my ability to others at least temporarily. So if you would like to join me in a little out of body traveling. I could take you along.

You’re not serious.Ava was thrilled by the thought.

I am would you like to try now?

Ask Gilberto he knows I’m telling the truth.Ava looked at Gilberto with a wry smile.

Uh yes Phillip would never trick a beautiful woman.He made a show of putting his hands behind his back crossing both fingers and winking at her.

Please I am serious. Where would you like to go?

Anywhere?Ava was thinking why she would trust this man he was a street magician. But her curiosity got the best of her.

Ok the moon.Phillip pulled two of the chairs and arranged them facing each other.

He gently took her arm and guided her to one and he sat across from her in the other.

Ok give me your hands.She looked at him suspiciously and glanced at a Gilberto who was trying not to laugh. She gave him her hands and he closed his eyes.

Close your eyes and relax.she did what she was told and there was a flash of light and the next thing she knew she was at ceiling level looking down at the room. She was so startled she shrieked. Her heart was racing she turned her view to Phillip and he was there with her. She looked down on her own body and Phillip’s and a grinning Gilberto. Who looked up at them and waved. Phillip spoke to her with a thought. Are you ready? Yes. Here we go.

It was like being in the middle of an explosion. She could see energy and time flying by and before she could speak again she was standing on hard dry powder she could hear it crunch under her feet. She was looking back at the earth and it was beautiful. She began to weep and she felt Phillip’s presence close to her. She felt his lips on hers and she was swept away in the moment which felt like an eternity of bliss. In that moment all was right with the world.

There was no trouble, no worry, no past, no future and she kissed him back feeling their very souls join. Then as she began to look around at the brilliance of the stars and the stark beauty of it all she was jerked violently back. She remembered crashing into to her limp body. Her heart was pounding as her mind struggled to orient herself. When she finally managed to open her eyes Phillip was there looking at her face to face, his hands resting on the arms of the chair. He had a golden glow surrounding him.

Ava you can’t do that again. I know the emotions are overwhelming at first but you must control them. It’s too dangerous.She thought he meant her feeling about him and she could feel her face flush. He stood upright and gently touched her cheek like a child. She wanted to cry from shame.

We will practice more tomorrow. You will get better. Now Gilberto and I have to find a drink. You should rest. We will do all of our kissing here in the real world from now on.

She heard Gilberto laugh and she tried to slap him but he was too fast.

Vamos Gilberto bebidas agora.

Phillip wait.He stopped and turned at the door.

I have to know.She looked down at her hands. Did we really go?

Phillip walked backed to her and took a small black stone from his jacket pocket.

Here.He dropped it dropped it in her hand. It’s a meteorite black diamond. You can only find them on the moon.

He turned and walked away, she watched him go as she squeezed it in her hand.

Chapter 4

The boys walked through the compound until Phillip found the officers club. Phillip peaked through the glass door and saw Henry Wilson sitting at a table alone. Hank Williams was playing on the juke box. We’ll go honky tonkin….

Mind if we join you?Henry smiled and waved at the empty chairs. He raised his hand and the bartender came from behind the bar and they ordered drinks.

I hope you two were nice to Ava?

We were perfect gentlemen. I took her on a little trip, very appropriate for a first date.

Henry laughed. It’ll be your last date if her father finds out.

Her father how will he know?

I thought you were psychic. Her father is the Director. Remember the letter you were reading. Ava’s his daughter. She’s met some guy that he wants her to meet.

I’ll make a psychic prediction that she’s going to break up with that guy.

Good luck not my problem now. She’s your boss don’t forget that. She’s the only person other than you out of twenty six candidates that passed our testing.

Henry what do you know about the Russians?

I know a little not sure if it’s accurate but we think there are three of them. One we know for sure is famous in Russia. His name is Isaac Romanov. He’s been on Russian TV he supposedly can contact the dead and so forth. He’s the leader we’re told, the others we know nothing about. We’re hoping you can tell us more soon.

Phillip I’m curious. Have you ever contacted the dead?

Phillip’s face was serious, his voice low. I have contacted a member of the dead. Gilberto was choking his penis to death and it cried out to me in the night.Phillip spoke in his best falsetto.

Oh Phillip please save me from the evil man he is choking me. Help!

Gilberto began play slapping him in the face."The men all had a good laugh.

But seriously.Henry said.

Yes but once. I contacted my father. He said he would return one day when I needed him and that my mother had been reborn but he couldn’t say where. I hope to find her one day. I miss them both terribly.Phillip looked as if he was going to cry.

But now you have me.Gilberto said spreading his arms wide. I do have you my friend and I always will.Henry felt a little uncomfortable as the two hugged each other and Phillip patted Gilberto on the head while kissing his cheek.

My wife is dead could you contact her?Henry glanced side to side embarrassed for asking.

I’m sorry for your loss but why would you want to contact her?

We fought the day that she died and I never had the chance to tell her I was sorry.

I can take you there you just need to realize that she may have changed.

Changed in what way?

Sometimes like the living the dead can be angry too.

I’ll take that chance.

Let’s go.Phillip could sense the desperation in the man. How badly he felt. It was the right thing to do.

They walked to Henry’s house. It wasn’t an apartment like they had but a small but well furnished house. Once inside Phillip had Henry sit and he stood facing him. Gilberto sat in a chair to watch over their bodies

Reviews for Phillip Goodhouse

[Jerry Roland · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A real page turner couldn't put it down. Exciting drama and great love story too.