The Alchemist's Recipe

By Jason McKenzie

James Callaway, Senior Mine Engineer, had worked the last nine years at the gold rich Q.V. Mine and every Thursday, he would watch the Brinks armoured truck drive into the mine site and pick up millions of dollars of gold. Then he would look at his own situation, working for a wage, never being able to get ahead. He had spent considerable time developing a plan which would significantly improve his life but he would need key accomplices. Accomplices, who would be patient because if successful, they may have to sit on the gold for years to avoid any suspicion that this was an inside job. When the accomplices turn out to be James' best friends, the risks increase that put the entire plan and the long time friendships in jeopardy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Feb 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781773706115

Jason McKenzie

Jason B. McKenzie is a Certified Mine Engineering Technician who has worked in the mining industry for forty-five years all around the world, underground and surface, hard and soft rock, precious, industrial and base metals. The last thirty years, Jason has worked at senior mine management levels and has greatly enjoyed the people he has worked with including all the people who have brightened his life. Mining people are a breed of their own, pure, honest, funny, caring and hard working and always lend themselves to the subject of a good story. Jason and his wife, Karen, reside in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

Book preview

9781773706115.jpg

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Epilogue

Copyright

Disclaimer

Due to the subject matter, reader discretion is advised.

The following novel is a fictional work that is drawn from a variety of sources and published works including personal experiences. This novel is not a documentary.

For dramatic and narrative purposes, this novel contains fictionalized events, composite and representative characters and dialogue, as well as time compression.

Any similarity to any person living or deceased, or any location existing, or any business or company existing presently or in the past is purely coincidental and the author has no intention defaming, insulting or insinuating any comment or criticism on any person, alive or deceased, nor company, authority or institution, existing or pre-existing.

This is purely a work of fiction for the sole purpose of entertainment and not to be misconstrued as anything but what it represents.

1

James sat in the large armchair, mindlessly picking a tune on his guitar that he had played a hundred times before. He was watching Calvin and Murray banter, both drinking beer, with the hockey game about to start. It was apparent that Murray had already had a few beers today by the volume of his voice. James’s mind was a hundred miles away from where he was sitting in the basement rec room of his friend Calvin’s house. James had been working at the QV mine in the middle-of-nowhere town of Discovery Bay for nine years. There had to be a better life than this.

Discovery Bay was a mid-sized Ontario town with a population of around thirty-five hundred people. The town was located two and a half hours west of Thunder Bay and was home to the Queen Victoria Mine, the Vermillion Bay Mine and the sawmill down on the lake. There really wasn’t much there for retail, as most people drove down to Thunder Bay to do their main shopping, but there were three moderate-sized grocery stores, two clothing stores, four independently owned sports stores, two banks and a hospital. There wasn’t too much in the way of fancy restaurants, but there were some good established places to eat in town, including the best restaurant, which was in the Timber Baron’s Hotel.

Each weekend, James and his friends took turns hosting a potluck dinner. Tonight, they were at Calvin and Wendy’s house, where Wendy’s brother, Murray, also lived in part of their basement. James’s girlfriend, Dana, couldn’t make the dinner tonight as she was working the late shift at the hospital again. They were expecting Rocky and Kaitlin any minute now, who rounded out the group. If they weren’t getting together for dinner at someone’s house on the weekend, they were all spending Friday night through Sunday afternoon at their cooperatively owned camp, about an hour away from town.

Although James thoroughly enjoyed his friends and their social routine, he felt that he had fallen into a rut in his own life. He just couldn’t see himself working the rest of his life under the present circumstances. He certainly loved Dana, but she was a bit of a project and lately she had buried herself in her work. James had had a lot of time to himself the last couple of months and was focusing on making some changes, but to do that, he needed the help of his friends. He had developed a detailed plan that would change not only his life, but the lives of his friends, too. The plan was fraught with high risks but paid a massive reward. He needed to find the right time and place to discuss this plan with his circle of friends.

James put his guitar down beside his chair, as Rocky and Kaitlin came down the stairs into the rec room. He got up and went over to give Kaitlin a hug.

How’s it going, beautiful? James winked over Kaitlin’s head at Calvin. He knew how jealous Rocky was, but he also knew that Rocky knew he only did this to bug him. When you going to leave that Neanderthal and run away with me? James asked as he helped her off with her coat.

I don’t believe that I could stand the pamperin’, day-in and day-out, James. Nah … I think I’m goin’ ta keep my man—he’s not so bad, all in all. Kaitlin’s Newfoundland accent was as sharp and crisp as ever.

What d’e hell would she want with an engineer, when she can have a real man, eh, Bucky? Rocky had a pretty serious accent of his own. Rocky also cut an imposing figure of a man: standing six-feet-three-inches tall, he was visibly muscular but not bulky, and sported a dirty blond ponytail and neatly trimmed goatee.

Just then, Wendy, Calvin’s wife, came down the stairs and took Kaitlin by the arm, saying, Come on, girl … come up to the kitchen with me before you get a fight going down here. These roosters only ever see one woman at a time and forget about everything else when a pretty face appears. Wendy was right—Kaitlin was a gorgeous woman. She could and did turn many heads around town. It wasn’t too surprising that Rocky was jealous and got himself into trouble because of this from time to time.

Do you want a brew, Rock? Calvin handed Rocky a cold beer from the fridge before he could answer. How about the rest of you guys?

I’m fine, James replied.

I’ll have one, Murray said.

That’s not a surprise, Calvin muttered as he handed a beer to Murray. Murray had a drinking problem that he would not admit to. Wendy had looked after him for the last year by keeping him around their place when he wanted to drink. Calvin was getting tired of the whole issue, but usually said little about it.

What do you mean? Murray reared up.

Nothing. Don’t worry about it. Here’s your beer—enjoy. Calvin passed the bottle to him and then turned his attention to James and Rocky.

Who’s winning d’e game? Rocky, too, tried to change the topic. The Stanley Cup semifinals were on TV and Calvin and Wendy had invited everyone over to watch the game. Since it was an afternoon game, they were having a barbecue steak dinner after the game was over.

Hey—Toronto’s ahead by two. End of the first period. Murray’s mood changed, as did the conversation. He was a lifelong Maple Leafs fan and the Leafs’ fifty-year winning drought had not deterred his enthusiasm for his team. Murray ate, drank and slept the Leafs. His body always displayed at least one article of Maple Leafs apparel; today he was wearing a Maple Leafs hockey sweater, Maple Leafs sweat pants, Maple Leafs ball cap—even his socks had the Maple Leafs logo on them. Murray considered himself to be the Leafs’ number one fan. He had good reason to cheer for them this year as the Leafs had ended up first in their division and had breezed through the playoffs without a loss—to this point anyway.

Yeah, the Leafs are doing great. But there’s still two periods to play. Calvin winked at Rocky. Calvin and Rocky were both Montreal Canadiens fans, and there was no doubt this series was going to result in some heated back-and-forth.

Ain’t no one touching my team this year! Murray took a long draw from his bottle of beer. No, sir. No one!

Calvin could see that the beer was having an effect on his brother-in-law. Hey, Murray, you want a sandwich? Wendy’s making some right now. Calvin knew Murray hadn’t eaten anything today and probably wouldn’t. He knew that Murray just wanted to get drunk and if he didn’t eat, then he thought he would become that much drunker.

I’ll check and see how the grub is coming. You guys watch the game. James said and headed up the stairs to the kitchen. James was not, nor had he ever been much of a hockey fan. He would watch the playoffs at the end of the season, but he didn’t care the same way his friends did. He found the girls constructing sandwiches and other appetizers on the kitchen island.

Hi, James. Did you need something? Wendy asked as she licked mayonnaise from her thumb.

Yeah. I think Murray starting to get a buzz on and Calvin wants him to get something to eat. Can I help with anything?

No, you just go back and watch the game. We’ll have everything ready in a couple of minutes. I’ll make sure that Murray eats some of this or he won’t even make it to the end of the game. Wendy finished emptying a jar of pickles onto a platter.

You know, Wendy, I could ask Dana to talk to Murray about getting some help. James grabbed the tray of sandwiches and a stack of napkins from the island cupboard.

Both Calvin and I have tried. If he doesn’t do something about this drinking soon, he’s going to be in big trouble. Dana could try, but I don’t think it will do much good. Thanks, James. Wendy picked up two more plates of food while Kaitlin grabbed the utensils. It’s too bad Dana had to work today.

Yeah, they’re short down at the hospital, and you know Dana. She can never say no. James headed back down the stairs with the food as the girls followed behind.

Calvin saw them coming and in a loud voice said, All right, food! I’m starving. This was clearly done for Murray’s benefit.

Here, Murray. I’ll fix you up a plate. Wendy began to load up a plate with sandwiches and the fixings. Murray would not refuse her, as he was well aware that Wendy was his only source of support left where his drinking was concerned.

All four of the men in this room worked at TerraNova Inc.—the Queen Victoria Mine, more popularly known as the QV Mine. James Callaway was a senior mine engineer, Gary Rocky Newbrent was the mine’s top production and development miner, Calvin Dysart was a senior systems technician, and Murray McVail was lead electrician. Calvin was the most senior with ten years on the job, as old as the mine was.

Calvin and Wendy had moved to Discovery Bay from Manitoba when the copper mines in the north had closed down. They had been married for the last fifteen years and had two children: a boy, Rodney, who was ten, and a girl Rebecca, eight.

Rocky and Kaitlin came to Discovery Bay eight years earlier. Rocky had been working for a contractor in Quebec and the contract had finished up. They had no children, although they both desperately wanted a baby. Kaitlin had had a series of problems, which had caused her to miscarry on two previous occasions.

Wendy had persuaded her older brother, Murray, to move out to Discovery Bay a year after she and Calvin arrived, so that she could keep an eye on him. He had been married when he first moved, but his wife had left him shortly after for one of the construction workers helping put up new homes in the town. Little was ever said about Murray’s wife, Trudy, since the incident happened and no one seemed to want to pry. Murray was a first-class electrician, very knowledgeable and capable. His drinking appeared to have little effect on his work. He never appeared any worse for the wear when he showed up at the mine after a night of drinking, which was lucky for him or he might have been at risk of losing his job.

James had earned his degree in Mining Engineering from a very reputable university in southern Ontario. He had graduated nine years ago and immediately secured a position at the QV Mine, as a planning engineer. He had worked his way up to Senior Mining Engineer, mostly through attrition, as the mine had a reasonably high turnover rate, primarily due to its remote location. Although he considered himself an above-average engineer, James knew that he needed a change in venue to advance his career in mining. He was dating Dana Garnet, a registered nurse who worked at the town hospital. Dana had been divorced for five years and she and James had been seeing each other for the last three. They both still maintained their own residences as they hadn’t yet made a commitment to a permanent relationship.

The announcer on the television was competing with Murray, Calvin and Rocky as they boisterously supported their respective teams. The game was tied up now at two goals each and there were two minutes left in the second period. It was turning out to be a genuine barn burner of a game. James watched as his friends focused on the game and softly picked out the new lick he had been working on his guitar, so as not to disturb the rest.

Although Murray had eaten some, he was becoming increasingly louder. As he had many times before, he would soon become very rude and insulting to the rest of the men in the room. No matter how drunk Murray got over the course of a night, he was always polite and respectful to any women present, whether he knew it or not. But it would soon be open season on the guys. James and Rocky managed to ignore the better part of Murray’s antics, but it bugged the hell out of Calvin.

The period ended in a tie and Murray got up to get a beer. Anyone else while I’m up? He waved a bottle around in the air.

No, I’m fine, Murray, Rocky replied.

Yeah, pass one here, Calvin said as he gave Murray a disgusted stare.

What’s your problem? Murray asked as he handed the beer to him.

Murray, why don’t you lay off the beer for a while? We’re having a big supper tonight and if you keep this up, you won’t eat. Calvin opened the beer and threw the cap in the wastebasket beside the fireplace.

Who appointed you my mother?

Come on, Murray—don’t start your crap. You’d think we all hated you here or something. Calvin went back and sat on the couch.

I’m all right, for fuck’s sake. Just having a few beers and watching my team kick ass. Murray opened his beer and took a deep swallow. He set the bottle down on the end table and went down the hall to the bathroom.

Same thing every time, Calvin said as he picked up the remote and turned the volume down on the television.

Hey, don’t sweat it, Calvin. Just let him be. Except for the yapping, he’s not doing any harm. James started strumming the newest song he had learned. He tried to learn mostly instrumental songs since he was confident he was a good guitar player, but had never been convinced he could carry a tune. As he was just finishing his song, Murray returned to the room.

Hey, good stuff there, James. Play that Garth Brooks song—you know the one I mean. Come on, play it. James knew that Murray meant the song, The Dance, which he always wanted James to play and sing.

Maybe later, Murray, Calvin interjected.

Come on, James. Just once.

All right. No problem. James started playing the song. It was a great way to keep Murray quiet.

When the girls heard James playing this song, they both came down the stairs quickly. Rebecca followed close behind. They all sat down as James fingered the chords and picked out the melody. Rebecca, who loved listening to James play his guitar, sat right at his feet and stared directly at him. Everyone knew that she had a crush on James. James would let her play around with his guitar and teach her a chord or a few notes when he finished.

As James finished the last chord of the song, everyone applauded, except Murray, who sat quietly.

Before anyone could request anything else, James passed the guitar to Rebecca and asked her to show him what she remembered from his last visit. The guys went back to talking about the game and Wendy and Kaitlin headed back up the stairs.

The game was about to resume when Murray seemed to come out of his trance. Hey, turn it up, Cal. The third period is starting, he said as he took another pull of his beer.

All right, all right. Murray, keep it down, Calvin nodded his head towards Rebecca. Calvin didn’t like blatant displays of alcohol consumption around his kids, which was becoming more and more difficult to control as their uncle’s problem increased.

No problem, Cal. Let’s get this game going. Murray squinted as he focused on the television.

Within two minutes, Toronto had scored two quick goals. Murray was nearly out of control. James thought that this would be a good time to take Rebecca out of the room. Come on, Rebecca. Let’s go into the living-room so I can hear you play. The television’s too loud in here. James took the guitar from her and helped her to her feet. They headed up the stairs past the guys watching the game. Calvin smiled at Rebecca as they passed by.

The girls were deep into conversation and their white wine as James and Rebecca walked by them. Wendy saw that they were carrying James’s guitar with them and said, Rebecca, honey—James was watching the hockey game with your daddy.

No, no, don’t give it a thought, James said. The game won’t turn out any different if I do or don’t watch it. James waved his hand at her. Besides, I’ll be able to hear when they score by the cheering coming from down there.

Okay, James, but you don’t have to stay in there long, you know. Wendy opened the fridge and took out a stack of T-bone steaks. How’s my wonderful brother doing down there?

Getting louder, I’m afraid. James was able to get a short answer off before Rebecca grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the living room.

We might as well start getting dinner ready, right, Kaitlin? Wendy turned her attention back towards the task in the kitchen. Don’t let her run roughshod over you, James, she added, as they disappeared into the living room.

James left Rebecca practising the notes he had taught her and headed back down to the rec room to watch the final minutes of the game. Montreal had scored to bring the score within a one-goal difference and had now pulled their goaltender. He sat back down in the chair he’d been occupying and picked up the beer he had left, which was room-temperature now.

Come on, you assholes! Keep the puck down in their end! Murray was shouting with little regard to who else was in the room.

Both Calvin and Rocky were sitting on the edge of the couch fixated on the television, cheering on the Habs.

Jaysus … Get it up along d’e boards, b’ys! Rocky was holding out his fist in front of him. Calvin had one hand on Rocky’s shoulder. All three didn’t seem to know James had returned to the room.

As the seconds ticked down to the final horn, Toronto was able to hold on to their lead, withstanding a barrage of shots on goal by the Canadiens. Murray was leaping around the room, cheering at the top of his lungs, shaking his finger at Calvin and Rocky.

I told you! I told you! No one will beat them this year. They might as well go down and get the Stanley Cup now and save us all the trouble. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! At the same time he was jumping around he was spilling beer all over the carpet and coffee table.

Settle down, Murray. You’re making a mess! Calvin stood up to take the beer away from him.

Fuck you. Get your own beer! Murray pulled back from Calvin.

I don’t want your fucking beer. Just stop slopping it all over the place. Calvin had a dishcloth and was wiping up the table and floor.

Sorry about that, brother-in-law. Here let me do it. Murray tried to grab the cloth.

No, it’s okay. I’ll get it. Just be careful.

Yeah, yeah. Murray sat back down in the chair. Man, what a game!

Calvin turned the volume right down on the television set and turned the stereo on low for some background music. It was one of Vince Gill’s old CDs and one of James’s favourites. He wished he had his guitar back now, as he knew every song on this album. But he could faintly hear Rebecca strumming away, trying to play what James had showed her.

Hey, Rocky! What the fuck happened to your Habs, eh? Murray was starting now. He would go around and around the room, picking on each person one at a time until he got an argument going.

Rocky knew enough not to say anything, but he was clearly wearing a little thin of Murray’s obnoxious ways and said, Next game, b’y. D’is one was as close as it gets.

"Bullshit! Close? Not even! The