World High

By Walt Williams

Roger Sheehan leads a treacherous path to the highest seat in the nation. A CIA top secret is underway in the South of France. Construction of an ultra-modern nuclear reactor is put on a Flash Drive and falls into the hands of an American Senator. Hitmen from the CIA are closing in on Paul Bradley, but the Flash Drive is up to the highest bidder. It reaches a zenith point twisted metal at a resort on the Caribbean Island 380 feet up. Marianne Sheehan is standing at the threshold of Washington's world power holders. Deception and distrust hang over the Capital turning its lightsome image dark and grey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Dec 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781456629816

Walt Williams

Walt Williams is the award-winning video game writer known for his work on such beloved franchises as Star Wars Battlefront, Bioshock, Civilization, Borderlands, Mafia, The Darkness, and the acclaimed, genre-bending Spec Ops: The Line. His book, Significant Zero, explores the hardships and insanity of AAA game development. He lives in Louisiana with his family.

Book preview

World High

by Walt Williams

Copyright 2018 Walt Williams

All rights reserved

Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com

http://www.eBookIt.com

ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-2981-6

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-three

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-six

Twenty-seven

One

Ellen Richards routinely took a late-evening shower, but this time it was a few minutes longer. The headache would go away, and it would be different. She kept trying to push the thought aside, but there comes a time when we must face the bare facts of life. Enjoy it to the fullest; she had no regrets. Teri was an honors student at Harvard, and a degree in biotechnology would put her right where she wanted to be. She hoped to land a position at some laboratory. Providing support is being firmly rooted.

Overseas job offers were already coming in. She stood in front of the mirror and blow-dried her hair. Next the undies, denim slacks, then the blouse. In was 92 degrees in San Francisco, a 40-degree difference from Cambridge. She held the phone in her hand and punched in the number. Someone picked up on the first ring.

Teri.

I bet I caught you in the middle of studies again?

How large are you planning to expand? There’s New York, London, and where else?

I’m sorry, darling, you must forgive me. I hope you understand. I’ll explain later.

You must take care of yourself, Momma. Before you know it, you’ll be old and gray.

Of course. And don’t worry too much about your father, darling. You remember the route we used to run on? We ran the entire five miles in half an hour. But that was only a portion of the run. The total distance was over seven miles. She turned the keys over in her hand. The run of the two sisters.

Honey, you’ve got two long years. You can’t wish it by, but take one day at a time.

B average.

That’s because we raised you well. Teri, you were so gifted at portrayals in plays at such an early age. I wish I could’ve started you out even earlier.

Why, Momma? I was there every Saturday.

You spent all that time with those plays and paintings when you could’ve been running, but I admired your talent. All the other kids looked up to you. You could pronounce those difficult words and phrases so well. You knew the entire play by heart.

Would you have liked it more if I had gone into acting?

Too many fake people, who needs ’em? You sounded just like Judy Garland singing Hitsville. It was all to no end, because look where you are now.

What do you mean, Momma? I’m gonna be a lawyer and get a degree in biotech.

When you should be with the company.

Those Hollywood people are no good to be around. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. Have you ever cheated on Dad?

Well, if you can call a friendly kiss at the convention cheating. Did you ask Karl that question?

Momma, he’s cheated several times.

It’s hard to say those three simple words to you. We’ll meet again somewhere on high when they roll out the red carpet.

Dial tone. M-Mother, are you there? She went and got in the Ford Expedition. I didn’t intend for it to end this way, but it’s too much to live with. Her eyes were brimming with tears. I couldn’t stand to see the disappointment in her eyes. Somewhere along the road of gold and silver, we’ll meet again. She stopped at the San Francisco Bay Bridge, got out, climbed up on the platform, and leaped off.

Two

Teri was descending the three-layer steps of Harvard when she turned to her companion. Roger, the only thing I don’t like about physics is Mr. McLaughlin’s boring speeches.

Sounds like my music instructor, Mr. Kosinshy. More airtime and less talk. There’s an upcoming gig for the holiday, and we have to rehearse. Her hair was reddish-brown and hung down her shoulders. He was tall with wide-set eyes and dark, curly hair.

He was born in the States, but his parents were residing in England. Born into wealth, the Sheehans were a dynasty with financial assets in the hundreds of millions. The excited figure rushed through the doorway and descended the concrete steps.

Teri! Teri! There’s an emergency call, you must come at once!

She spun on her heels and headed back up the three-layer steps. Matters of urgency instill fear and have a way of distorting the mind, and that’s what happened when he stepped in front of her and pulled the door open. The open line on six. She entered the chancellor’s office. Let it be something good! But it couldn’t be. Her mind was racing. One tragedy was enough to take. Why would he want to take his own life? Getting run over by a train was a horrible way to go. The readings said there’d be tragedies. There was a stirring inside. She stepped in the office and took the receiver. Teri.

There’s been another accident.

Accident? Who? Who is this?

Aunt Glades. Your mother committed suicide last night at around ten-thirty.

Suddenly, the room was spinning.

Lieutenant Thomas Blaine was by the phone and hesitated for a minute.

Should he put the call through or wait to meet the senator for a formal interview? Hell, the guy’s so damn busy, I’m lucky if this call gets through. The receptionist was on the line. One moment, sir. A few minutes later, the senator came on.

Senator Flannery O’Connor.

Lieutenant Thomas Blaine.

You kinda threw me there for a minute. I’m good, no more traffic tickets.

Senator, I don’t mean to take up too much of your time, just a few quick questions. Ellen Richards. Do you know her?

Sister. What has she gotten herself into now?

She got herself dead.

Ellen—dead?

She threw herself from the Bay Bridge yesterday. Do you have any idea why she’d take her own life?

The poor soul... Whatever it was, she had it bad.

How about spouse trouble?

Whatever. You figure it was too much for her to bear.

We thought it appropriate to ask around and speak with people who were closest to her. This’ll be put into the report. The autopsy hasn’t been done yet, but you can view the body at the city morgue. I appreciate your time and effort, Senator. The line went dead. Lieutenant Thomas Blaine was a seventeen-year veteran on the force and had seen his share of jumpers.

He was over at the Richardses’ rounding up the report. Mrs. Kearns, this is standard departmental procedure on an apparent suicide. I still have to ask you these questions. He pulled out a pen and pad.

Your full name?

Mrs. Glades Kearns.

Where do you live?

Tacoma, Washington, seven-o-one President Street.

Your relationship to the deceased?

Sister. He stopped writing and drummed the table.

Did you know of your sister being under stress or having mental problems? Someone was at the door. Excuse me. She was so self-assured and upright that small things didn’t matter. Then it happened that the door swung open. Teri was a younger version of her mother; her sandy-blond hair was in a ponytail as she dabbed her eyes. Aunt Glades ushered her in. I’m glad you made it okay, dear. Detectives are here to see you. She meekly found a seat. The detective had his arms folded.

When your mother was pulled from the San Francisco Bay, they were looking at the possibility of a late-night jogger. Teri was bent over in the chair; the pain and anguish cut through her like a knife. The lawman looked up from his notes and saw what kind of shape she was in. This won’t take long, I’ll be as brief as possible. Teri Richards, am I right? She nodded in the affirmative. Blaine, Homicide. I’m doing a routine investigation on the death of your mother. There was a reflection of the body being pulled from the water. He held out his hand. First the father, then the mother. Anything that may have pushed her to the edge? Inner circle? Or maybe it was because of Karl? The family went from being super rich to just about nothing in less than a few weeks. She found her voice. I-I... This is s-so unimaginable, she stammered. I’m shocked beyond words. Pause.

Is there anything at all that you can tell me?

Some psychic told Dad about hardships and calamities.

The detective took in his breath. So your parents wanted to envision the future through all this, is that it?

He looked at his partner and put the pen away.

Tom, some kind of cure.

First your father throws himself in front of a train, then your mother drowns herself. The two lawmen stood heavily.

I can arrange for someone from the agency to speak with you. There are usually psychological bouts that follow this sort of thing. Before you know it, you’re way out in the zone.

I’ll be okay, she chided. I have my aunt Glades.

Prior to the second tragedy, the attorney had gone through the will to resolve what was left of the estate. Mr. Richards held a bond to be committed and pull together. Reminiscing about her childhood upbringing, Teri was exceptionally talented. Aunt Glades felt proud as the crowd came to their feet in a standing ovation. There was an autograph signing. This one was sponsored by the Donna Stovall Art Foundation. The Lexus pulled into the driveway, and Ellen greeted them as they got out. The attorney’s inside.

Any luck in recovering some of the money? she asked.

Small donations, that’s about it. They held up at the doorway.

So none of the money Karl donated can be recovered?

She shook her head.

Not one red cent.

Whatever the lawyers didn’t steal, the rest went to building shelters, social programs, and food banks. Thousands of jobs across the nation have come in. They went inside. Glades noticed the man on the ladder. He was taking an original Rembrandt mounted on the wall. It would go to the highest bidder. Teri couldn’t get over the dire situation her father had left the family in. He had signed the company away. Its shares were quickly divided up and sold off. All financial accounts that bore his name were cleaned out down to the last penny. She dreaded working while in school, but it had become necessary. Sonny Tuchman was a partner at Tuchman, Adam & Soloman. A fiftyish man with salt-and-pepper hair. They were seated around a reception room table. Good evening. There’s not very much to add that you don’t already know. Mr. Richards gave away his fortune, and if he had decided to pay the monthly bills before going on a philanthropic mission, you wouldn’t be eight million in the red. The news is still buzzing throughout the media, but soon it’ll be forgotten.

Ellen had an enigmatic look. There’s a copy of the will. He came to the office and demanded I turn it over to him.

The attorney had a list of questions but decided against them.

Your husband had a spiritual awakening. Tragedies and hardships. The family was in for a not-so-pleasant moment.

He looked to his right.

This is David Warner, an agent with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

There was a folder on the table in front of him. You may wonder how such a large sum of money vanished so quickly. Quite simply, Mr. Richards was an efficient businessman building up his company, and he was the same in getting rid of it. Company shares were signed off and given to whomever, both corporate and capital accounts were in his name, and when he finished, not one penny was left. Teri’s expression had become more weary.

Mom, why didn’t he go to Senator Flannery for help?

Dear, Flannery and your father were close, but he just wasn’t around this time.

As talks went on, the line of questions seemed to never end. What goes up must come down. If only our forefather Sir Isaac Newton had found a better solution to the problem. This only hastened her yearning to be great—most of Teri’s friends had grouped off attending parties and blowing it up at the Leopardone. The future has little to spare for those in reckless pursuit, so let them go ahead. I have more important things to do with my life. There was a copy of The History of Paris in Painting. She picked it up and began thumbing through it. Teri was a natural when it came to art; she could paint as well as act and had been in a number of plays: Pot Luck, The Day of the Wizard, Chronicles of an Olympic Champion, and countless others. Before turning nineteen, she took the lead role in The Stranger. It was so well received that it prompted the attention of a movie production agent. The stoutly built man in his thirties with a receding hairline came over. Pardon me, may I have a word with you? I promise it’ll be short. But before she could respond, he added, I’m Phil Heine, managing agent with Judaica Performance Group. I’d like to welcome you aboard and provide you with the necessary means to reach your potential. Not only Broadway but London and Paris as well.

He beamed across the table at her.

If you’re ready to take that step, the dream is yours.

Excuse me. Her tone was abrasive, but he didn’t lose a millesimal of importance.

Think of the doors it could open. A golden opportunity. How old are you?

Seventeen.

By the time you reach the age of twenty-five, you’d be a household name. Teri got up to leave.

I have to go. Glad that the tryst was over, she charged her mind to find cures for diseases to prevent people from dying early on.

Aunt Glades said to her on the way to the car, Your mother’s proud of you for standing so tall. She’s been under a lot of pressure dealing with the situation. The Lexus turned out on the main road. When I got the call, I flew down here from Tacoma that same hour. The biotech student looked in dismay. I’m your mother’s sister, and when she gave me the news, I mean, it took some thinking to even deal with it. Teri felt as though iron was in her chest. Time heals all pain. One day, she was having dinner at Sea Cliff with her friend Gail.

I need to find a good man. Her words caught her by surprise.

That’ll be no problem, just go down to Charley’s Den.

Oh, no, I’m not talking about that kind of man. She was overweight with a double chin. I need someone who’ll love me for me, the respectable type, gentle and understanding. She was skeptical.

Well, there are journals, want ads, singles, matrimony and match periodicals.

Which do you think is best? she asked lamely.

Gail, do all of them. Teri placed countless ads for both of them. Within a few weeks, there were hundreds of replies.

The letter was postmarked Geneva, Switzerland, and Teri tore it open.

Hi, I’m a building contractor and part-time ski instructor. I like classic rock, hip-hop and club music, and having a good time.

She went on to the next letter.

I’m Jeffrey. If you like fishing, hunting, and skiing and bobsledding...

My name is Goran and I own a sports bar here in Sweden. Enjoy rock music and having a good time...

Her correspondence began to grow, and there were people from all around the world. They were older, younger, bold, nasty, and free-hearted, but none of them would she wish to meet. Teri found an even better way to place a personal. She went to retrieve the email. It was the first one that caught her eye. There was something special about it.

Teri, I’m a physics teacher at one of the leading colleges. You’ll find me right at home by the campfire. The outdoor type, likable and charming. Enjoy beach parties, water sports, and candlelit dinners. Harold 615-814-3714.

The two of them got together and hit it off. Things were looking up for her. They dined at the Oasis and took in a movie. They visited the Hayley and McCullough Museum and strolled along Palisade recreational landscape. It’s one of the most popular parks in San Francisco. They watched the sun go down in front of the eighteen-statued waterfall. He was at the house one evening, and Karl said to him, I take it teaching is an exciting career for you? The tall, slender, clean-shaven man cast a slight smile. Oh, certainly, I enjoy every minute of it. It was Teri’s nineteenth birthday with college right around the corner.

Tell me of the distant places you’ve been.

He pretended to give a quick reply but thought the wiser.

If you ever go to Brazil, don’t stand too close to the rainforest, or you’ll fall in. If you ever get caught on Copacabana Beach in Rio, be prepared to take a lot of hits. There are plenty of hailstorms during the summer. Her curiosity wore on.

Are you ready to tell me which school it is? He shrugged the matter off. Ellen was concerned about her daughter’s future.

Teri, isn’t it about time you acquired the fundamentals of how Computer Arts International operates? You may have to take control of the reins one day.

Mom, I can’t.

Why?

Case cites and federal statutes have me deeply engrossed.

She continued the conversation with her husband. That beautiful, young lady has her mind made up.

She’s come into her own.

Karl, she’s only eighteen. There’s a whole world out there. At that age, she barely knows her way around the block.

You know what they say about young people that age. Those are the wonder years. They must lose themselves to find themselves.

I guess you’d say it’s... What do you call it?

Hereditary.

Neil, the kid has to grow up. Make sure the teacher isn’t pampering her.

I’ve heard how students fall in love with the teacher, and the two run off.

It makes for a bad ending. His dismal expression must have been alarming.

Hey, buddy, you okay?

Too much overtime, he answered in a feeble voice. Later that night, the thought was heavy on his mind when his wife said to him, Honey, we’re still in arrears for a few bank payments.

How much?

A hundred thousand. Computer Arts International was failing badly; its revenues were practically depleted. Karl pleaded all around for help, but no one came to his aid. He turned to his wife. Keep your fingers crossed. Business’ll pick up. It was the third late payment notice, and the realtor was repossessing the property. A two-and-a-half-ton truck had already pulled up so supplies and equipment could be lifted and loaded on. After the pickup, boxes of product would be hauled away. A police cruiser was on the scene, and Karl stood by helplessly watching. All the work he had put in didn’t add up. It was the competition that beat him out. He thought inwardly. His delay in diversifying, he thought, was a costly mistake. But, to his amazement, the truck that was to cart away his dreams and everything he had worked for turned back on the road and left. He found out later that the driver was involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Teri’s mind was racing. The dilemma the family faced was quite evident. The two of them had a talk, and the next day he was invited over for dinner. After the meal, Karl spoke with him quietly in the living room.

The situation looks grim. If we don’t secure the loan within twenty-four hours, the business and our livelihood are gone, Karl Richards warily stated. How much money’ll get you out of this bind, Mr. Richards? The physics teacher eyed him from across the table. A hundred thousand dollars. The words tumbled out.

I can do that for you, Mr. Richards, no problem. A look of certainty. I’m grateful to you, sir. You saved us from losing this home as well as the business. His expression was already brightening up.

It’s no big deal. We can work out an easy payment plan where you can reimburse me at your own pace. He had the phone in his hand. I’ll make the call for the wire transfer now. Barely acquainted, the two came together as distant strangers. Somewhere among countless souls, there is a kind heart.

Minutes later, he brought the receiver to the hook.

There, it’s done. Teri’s father was still smiling while his wife stood alongside.

Mr. Steinberg, we’re so grateful to you. Without the loan, it would’ve been a disaster. We look forward to big things happening.

Happy to be of help.

The business’ll rebound, Karl said, half-smiling at his wife. Honey, you know what this means? He turned back to the distinguished-looking gentleman.

If there’s anything you need, just ask. There was a collectedness in his tone. The statement would draw uneasiness from him in times to come. Later that evening, the couple was reflecting on the subject.

Word from the realtor was received that the foreclosure and eviction notice had been lifted.

The guy was a gift straight out of heaven. Who ever would’ve thought? Of all things, my daughter meeting a stranger who would come to our rescue? Isn’t it nice, Ellen? A caressing hand was around her shoulder.

We have so much to be grateful for, she gleefully offered. That goes to show you that miracles do happen, and the Lord works in mysterious ways. A fine man had come into Teri’s life; he was so nice and supportive. But there was just one thing that had to be uncovered. She was looking through the Times Dispatch and turned to the page that featured horoscopes by Marigold:

Libra Sept 23–Oct 22 This is a bad day for meeting new friends and mixing it up. If you do so, proceed with caution. Your most compatible sign is Sagittarius.

She’d find out soon enough. The first day at the Ivy League school was interesting. By the time she had settled in and gotten adjusted, it was noon break. Upon stepping into the steward’s office, a dark-haired woman with horn-rimmed glasses greeted her. Good morning, may I help you?

I have a relative working here. Let me rephrase that. I need to know if I have a relative working here. The receptionist stared back at her.

And you need to know if that person’s working here. She reached over to the rack on her desk and pulled the employee printout sheet.

I believe this is what you’re looking for. It took only minutes for her to locate the name: Harold Steinberg, full-time physics teacher.

The Ph.D. made him more distinguished. I imagine there’s a dark side or something he wants kept secret. Would he understand I’m the least of his worries? His sense of humor and generous nature are what I like about him.

I had a feeling you picked Harvard.

Nice joke. Her tone was almost cynical.

You could have told me.

Now that you’ve gotten over the shock of it, he cheerfully stated.

Two majors. You’re exceptionally bright. I owe you one. How about dinner tonight?

Where?

De Angelo’s. I’ll pick you up at six. He let her hand drop.

The relationship fared on into the year, and the couple saw much of each other. Every month or so, there would be a postcard with a number on it: 198...199...200. They went boating on the Merrimack and camping at Mount Greylock. Teri stood at the spot where Ronald Reagan offered a key campaign speech. Many thought it was the turning point in the election. Then he kissed her.

Phone calls home were at random. In the midst of the workload, she practically forgot she had a family. Teri.

We were thinking you fell off the earth. Come up for air. A walk in the park or a tour bus ride.

This place has its ups and downs. Tell me the company’s still there and you’re not losing your shirt.

Saint Tropez in two weeks. There hasn’t been a vacation because Karl is getting over the flu.

The best doctor money can buy, and he can’t get over the flu?

Well, we thought it was the flu. Osteoporosis.

What happened to the Caribbean?

Teri, so much has happened. We’re excited about how True Blitz has skyrocketed. The company has produced at such an enormous rate, it’s become an international conglomerate.

So you got rid of Computer Arts International?

Oh, sure, it’s long gone. On our trips abroad, most of our time is consumed by board meetings, fund rallies, and conventions. We rarely get to go out.

"Mom, you’re not gonna act