Red, White and Gold: Our Government for Sale

By James L. Connolly

The character Jim Dugan is 33 years old and buying a large home in Tubac Arizona about forty miles south of Tucson and close to the Mexican border. During this time he meets and falls in love with a young Artiest from the University of Arizona. The FBI has always viewed Jim as a high end criminal but has never caught him at anything illegal. Jim in this story stumbles across a huge conspiracy of criminals stealing billions of dollars to use in the purchase the election of not only the Congress of our country but also the Presidency.

The characters and the path they take through the novel is what has brought the most joy to it's readers.

I hope you also enjoy Red while and gold.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463409494

James L. Connolly

James L. Connolly has lived most of his life in and around Tucson Arizona. He has been married for over fifty years and he and his wife have three daughters and eight grand children. Connolly worked in the new car business for over thirty years plus owned and operated bars and nightclubs along with other enterprises. His experience in Real Estate, Nightclubs, the criminal justice system and the people he has met has given him good bases for the writing of this novel. After retiring, he and Judy moved to Dallas Oregon and he began painting and became interested in writing. Tucson Sunrise and Secrets is the fifth novel he has written and has had published by AuthorHouse. The first four novels are “The Pawn in The Game, “Have You Seen Her Dressed in White,” “The New Beginning” and “Red White and Gold.”

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© 2011 James L. Connolly. 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.

First published by AuthorHouse 6/21/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0948-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0947-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0949-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011909224

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

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.

This book is dedicated to my loving wife Judy, Thank you

Special thanks to Deb Good

Monday afternoon 04/06/09 Tucson, Arizona

Jim Dugan is sitting in a real estate office in Tucson Arizona with a Broker named Tom Roads. Tom and Jim have been friends since junior high and Jim has bought and sold many properties and businesses through Tom. Right now Jim has Tom looking for a very high end home in a small high end community in Tubac, Arizona. It is about forty miles south of Tucson off interstate 19 on the way to Nogales, Arizona.

Nogales, Arizona is one of the largest gateways for commercial transport, both train and truck coming and going between the United States and Mexico. This makes it, and the rest of the Mexico border, one of the main areas of smuggling of people and drugs into the U.S. and merchandise and money into Mexico. None of this going either direction seems to run into much resistance; well not so much that money can’t buy.

Jim Dugan is thirty three years old and has lived most of his life in Tucson, outside of four years while in the Navy when he lived in San Diego, and two years he lived and worked in Los Angeles. Jim, from the time he was out of high school, worked in the service end of new car dealerships starting in the parts department and moving up to Operations Manager. He earned good money and always invested it into land and houses, buying and selling them and making good money; he also bought and sold gold. Jim, with the help of Tom the Realtor and Mike his accountant, had amassed over two million in cash by the year 2000. His next step was to buy a nightclub in Tucson and at the same time still speculate in land, homes and small businesses.

He named the club Ophelia’s. It was seventy seven hundred square feet including a full kitchen and sections that could be closed off depending on the night and what crowd it would draw. On three nights a week it featured live male dancers and would draw over four hundred women a night. On Friday and Saturday nights it featured Rhythm and Blues music, and would draw over eight hundred people each night.

Jim not only became good at creative bookkeeping but also increased his connections with business people from across the border. He grew up on the south part of Tucson and learned Spanish at a young age and spoke it fluently from a very young age. He had many friends that were Hispanic. Jim was considered a home boy on the south side of town and made sure he never lost that connection because life time friends always meant a lot to him. He was an only child born to parents that were well into their forties and passed on when he was in his early twenties so his friends that he had grown up with were kind of like family to him.

Jim, while working in the car business, went to a junior college at night and received an associate’s degree in business that served him well. He didn’t date much but had a lot of ladies as good friends. They would go to lunch at times and to functions Jim would need to attend. They were good enough friends he could talk to them about the girls he would date.

At this point I should explain that Jim, while involved in the night club business and its connections, started becoming a broker of stolen heavy equipment across the border. It started almost by accident when a friend of his, during a personal financial crisis, had some fairly new road building equipment that was on the verge of being repossessed and if that happened his credit would have been ruined and he would lose his business. Jim easily found a connection in Mexico that would not only buy it for cash but also move it and the low boy semi across the border. All Jim had to do was have the owner park it in a small town close to the border. Jim never had to touch it and made a ton of money, all cash.

That was the start of a business that not only moved equipment but grew into moving arms to countries that were going through struggles for freedom. That included southern Mexico and Central America.

Toward the end of 2007 Jim sold his nightclub for a small fortune then brought his other illegal businesses to a close. He knew it was time, he had been doing it too long and there were factions on both sides of the law that were becoming a threat.

This brings us back to Jim settling in the real estate office with Tom Roads.

I have found three that are close to what you described and all three are over a million each; almost two million. Two years ago there probably wouldn’t be any properties in this area listed for sale. When would you like to see them?

Try and set up all three for midmorning or whenever you can. Call me when you know. I will keep tomorrow open. Thanks Tom.

After he left Tom’s, Jim called a friend named Claude Gerald. Claude and Jim worked together for years at two different car dealerships and became good friends. Claude now has his own business doing mechanical inspections for insurance companies. He also has his own shops where he restores cars for himself and on the side finds and checks over cars for Jim to buy and drive. Claude finds low mileage full size American luxury cars, all four doors with all the bells and whistles. He does all the maintenance then makes sure the suspension is working correctly, all questionable parts are replaced, all the tires replaced with high speed radials, and for sure all brake pads are replaced with high speed pads. Claude also takes them to a high performance shop and has them electronically tuned for high performance driving. Jim could buy any car he wanted, but knows he is less conspicuous in a slightly older luxury car. He can buy and have Claude set them up and he only has fifteen to twenty thousand in them. He keeps at least two and sometimes three around in different makes and colors.

Claude and Jim met at a coffee shop inside the old Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson. Jim likes the old hotel. It also has a nightclub that is mainly young people and a lot of Punk music, with wildly dressed young people.

The two friends said their hellos and Jim asked how Claude and his wife Karen were doing. Claude told him of a trip he and Karen had taken to Silver City, New Mexico. It was a four day weekend, and they had a great time. Claude likes his working relationship with Jim because it’s all cash with no receipts. Jim also always pays a bonus.

Jim asked Claude to find him a low mileage Cadillac Deville, light colored, white if possible. He gave him a thousand dollars to cover his time. They talked a little, said their good byes and left.

Jim’s next stop was his condo. It is located in the downtown area close to the community center and arts district. Jim got the condo as part of a large land sale to a local developer. Actually it was the condo that made the difference. Once he had seen it that made the deal. The Condo is in a gated area and is over fifteen hundred square feet, two stories plus a large two car enclosed garage. Inside it is very lavish with two large master bedrooms with baths upstairs. The main floor consists of a great room with a fireplace, and a large bathroom with a bath and shower. Then there is what Jim is told is a gourmet kitchen. Jim, being a bachelor, was not impressed so much with that, other then resale value. It is air conditioned and the lavish grounds are maintained by a landscape company. Jim has a lady that comes in three times a week. Her name is Sylvia Jacobs and has been taking care of Jim’s homes for almost ten years. She is a lovely woman in her forties with a large extended family. Her husband Art works for Pima County and is about six years from retirement. They have two children both in high school. Their son is a freshman and their daughter is a junior. Jim has told Sylvia and Art that if the children want to go to the University of Arizona, and can maintain at least a 3.0 grade average in high school, he will give them each a four year scholarship that would not only cover their tuition but also books, fees, board in the dorms, and a hundred dollars a week spending money. So far their high school grades have been 4.0’s so it’s working.

Jim has a number of people that, for a fee, help take care of him. First is an accountant, Mike Rogan. He has worked for Jim for twelve years. He always says it’s not how much money you make that counts, it is how much you get to keep. Jim likes that. Next are two attorneys Jim keeps on retainer; Richard Bates for criminal law and Hugh Alastair for corporate law, trusts and real estate law. Now one Jim relies on the most is a criminal that Jim grew up with from the time he was seven years old named David Ramirez. David is now respectable and has his own company that provides security to many businesses and special events in not only Tucson but all the way from Phoenix down to Nogales on the Mexican border. Over the years Jim has brought David from being a street criminal to where he is a millionaire that dresses nice, drives luxury cars and lives in a big home. But as with Jim the juice is living on and over that line between legal and illegal.

Jim has a date tonight with a young lady that is an old friend that works in the fine arts department at the University of Arizona. Her name is Linda Reed and she asked Jim to accompany her and another young lady to a cocktail party and showing at the Tucson Art Museum. Jim accepted and asked if after they would join him for dinner. They also accepted. The party was to be at six o’clock; the girls were meeting him there.

By five thirty Jim was shaved showered and picking out the correct clothes for the evening. Jim has spared no expense on his wardrobe from levies to tuxedos. He mostly dressed casually; a sport coat or blazer with a tie. For accessories he wore a gold Rolex President watch and a nice gold ring with a half carat diamond on his right hand. To pull it all together he did two sprays of Calvin Kline Obsession.

Jim Dugan is thirty three. He stands six foot three and weighs around one hundred and eighty pounds. His hair is brown with light highlights from the sun. He works out three times a week and runs five to ten miles at least twice a week. He makes an effort to stay in shape. As for a love life he has been in love once and in lust at least twice. They never worked out. He has a lot of friends, both men and women. He is involved in the community in both time and money. He is a fairly large contributor to art and the performing arts in Tucson. He won’t sit on any board or committees, and for sure stays out of all politics. He tries to stay out of any limelight and on the edge of the social seen. Tucson has more then enough people who want to be out front in both the social and political arena. That’s fine with Jim as long as he is not mentioned. Most of the money he contributes in the community is done anonymously. Jim has more money than he could spend in two life times. The main amount is in gold and is buried because he can’t show how he could have amassed that large of a fortune legally. Besides his real estates and business holdings Jim has over twelve million in banks and securities.

It was ten to six when Jim arrived at the Tucson Art Museum. There were already a lot of people there. Most of them Jim knew including Linda who was accompanied by a lovely young lady Jim had never met. Linda introduced her as Nichol Anderson. She was one of the featured painters for the showing and was obviously excited. She looked really cute and her excitement was contagious. Linda and Jim were trying to keep from laughing. Nichol was in her late twenties and was a graduate student at the U of A.

The three of them got a glass of wine and mingled with the other guests. It was kind of funny the two girls stayed with Jim. After the appropriate amount of time of mingling and hand shaking the three of them went to visit the exhibit. Nichol had five paintings on display; she was very good and her work was well accepted.

By seven forty the party was over; the exhibit would be on display through the month of April. Linda left her car at the museum and the two young ladies accompanied Jim to the Arizona Inn; an old elite hotel in the center of Tucson that was built in the nineteen twenties and still is regal. The atmosphere and service made you feel like you just stepped back in time. Tucson has no shortage of great restaurants and night life.

You never fail to find just the right place for the right occasion. I love this place said Linda.

Looking at the two of you ladies made it easy. Would you like to start with a nice bottle of Champagne or wine?

The ladies wisely decided on the Champagne. They talked a while before ordering. Linda and Jim have been friends for many years and share an interest in many things. They have been to dinner and functions a lot over the last six years. They have never dated. Not that Linda isn’t beautiful, she is. Linda is in her early thirties, five foot four, very petite with short raven black hair. She is very pretty and knows how to dress. She likes being a friend and Jim makes a safe escort. Nichol is also very pretty and involved with her schooling and art. She also is happy with her life and not looking for a relationship, only friends.

Dinner as always was wonderful. They ordered coffee and talked for another good half hour. Then it was time. Jim drove the girls back to Linda’s car. They said their goodbyes and after a couple of hugs Jim waited until they were in their car and on their way out of the parking lot. All in all it was a great night.

Tuesday Morning 04/07/09 Tubac, Arizona

Jim was sitting in a restaurant in Tubac drinking coffee waiting on Tom Roads his Realtor. Jim, as usual, was early; he’s not paranoid but likes to see what it is like where he is going and what cars are parked where. He is not now involved in anything illegal, and hasn’t been for a long time but old habits have served him well.

Tom came in right on time and had all the information and photos on the three properties. By the time Tom got his coffee Jim had eliminated one of the properties. The two of them had their breakfast while Tom went over the two properties and the information he knew Jim would want like how long it has been on the market, whether it was occupied or not, why it was for sale and who was losing how much a day while it sat there. Jim wanted to see both homes and asked Tom to also look at a large building in the middle of the retail area of what you would call the center of town. Jim said he had driven by it earlier that morning and it was for sale.

Jim took care of breakfast and parked his car out of the way. Tom drove to the building and got all the information on the listing then called the agent and made arrangements to see the building later in the morning.

The first house they looked at was beautiful and so were the grounds. They looked at everything. Jim said, Let’s see the other one.

The second house was much bigger and sat on two acres that was fenced with ranch type wire fencing. Around the house, pool and grounds was a six foot masonry wall. The house was a little over four thousand square feet. It also had a five car garage that was separate from the house but was built in the same Spanish style. It had a two hundred foot long driveway that was made out of concrete and brick; it was fifteen feet wide and made a circle when it got to the front of the house. Where it came off the street there were two large and heavy wrought iron gates. The landscaping was lavish and done very well. Inside on the first floor was an entry room that led into a huge octagon shaped great room. Off to one side was an open kitchen area with a counter that separated it from the main room. It was a gourmet kitchen with islands and multi cook tops and ovens. It was one you would see in home decorating magazines. Close to it was an area that would be a formal dining room. There was a huge fire place on the southwest part of the room and almost all of the south walls were glass. The walls to this room were eighteen feet high and the ceiling was made of huge beams that angled up from each section to meet in the center. The south glass walls on the lower half were all French doors that were all made from finely finished dark oak. When they opened it was to a large covered patio that was covered with the same Mexican tiles that went through the whole lower floor all the way to and including the front porch. The patio led to a large in ground pool and hot spa. Again the grounds were beautifully landscaped.

On the west side of the great room was a hall that led to two large bedroom suits with their own baths. Also off that hall was a staircase that led up to a huge Master bedroom suite with large walk in closets, dressing rooms and a huge bath. The master suite had its own fireplace and seating area large enough for a couch, chairs and coffee table. On the west side of the master suite were French doors that opened to a private patio. The master suite was the whole second floor.

There was also on the southwest part of the property a twelve hundred square foot guest house with its own walled patio and carport.

We need to do our homework on this one Jim said to Tom.

Their next stop was the building in the arts district. They met the agent that had the listing on the building. The building was also empty and had been listed for over eight months. It had gone into foreclosure and was now owned by a financial institution.

The first floor was thirty two hundred square feet. The larger front section had been an art gallery with large windows in the front and Mexican tile on the floor. Now the rear section had been a studio and bath. Out of the studio was a staircase going to the second floor. The second floor was a twenty four hundred square foot home with two bed rooms and baths. Off the back of the living area was an eight hundred square foot patio. The building was only four years old and in great shape. They were asking one point two million.

Jim said to Tom Let’s go over to the country club, have a drink and see if we can put this together.

Tom smiled and they were on their way.

The country club and golf resort were very upscale and beautiful. Tom asked, Are you looking at this as an investment or living here?

I’ve been thinking. I am thirty three and I should have a real home and be part of a community.

Well that is a real home, a really big home.

Tom had all the information on the owner of the house. It was funny; the name was familiar to Jim. He had been one of the biggest brokers for produce and other merchandise coming into the United States from Mexico. He had huge warehouses and docks in Nogales, Arizona. He had been killed in an auto accident on Interstate Nineteen coming out of Nogales almost six months earlier. The house, along with most of his estate, went to his two sons. The wife at the time of his death got some kind of cash settlement; she was the third wife. The estate was asking two point three million for the property and had recently dropped it to one point eight million.

Within an hour Jim and Tom had put together offers on both properties. Jim wrote out checks of fifty thousand on each offer. Now it was time for Tom to go to work and Jim to go back to Tucson. The afternoon would be spent at the gym for a good work out.

Monday Morning 04/27/09 Tucson, Arizona

It has been almost three weeks since Jim had made the offers on the two properties in Tubac. Now he and Tom are sitting in a title office waiting to close on both. All the inspections and title searches are complete and now it is time.

Jim had already set an appointment with a lady who was a high end decorator to come out to the home tomorrow afternoon and go through the house with him. Not completely trusting the decorator or himself he had called his friend Linda Reed and asked if she would also come with him, and to bring her opinion; he bribed her with dinner for her services. At Linda’s suggestion she also invited her friend the artist, Nichol.

Jim had already hired the same landscaping company that had been taking care of the grounds at the house; they would also start tomorrow. He also made arrangements with Mrs. Jacobs to meet him at the house in the morning with one of her crews. They would do the house first, then the building and the upstairs living quarters. It was funny. Mrs. Jacobs seamed more excited than Jim. He also had changed over all the utilities, garbage collection and even the security services on both properties, then opened a post office box in Tubac and would use it for a mailing address for both properties. As always his insurance agent was happy.

The closings went quickly and Jim could pick up the keys after one o’clock in the afternoon. The sales would be registered with the county by then. Jim had an appointment for lunch with his friend David Ramirez at a Mexican restaurant / night club that David is part owner of on the south side of Tucson. Even at night it is a high class club for people who dress and act nice and are there to have fun; no gangs or gangsters. They either respect or fear David.

Both of them were on time and lunch as always was great. After they ate they had a drink and talked. Jim told David about the properties he had bought and that he was moving to Tubac. David wanted to know if Jim was going to sell the condo in Tucson.

No, I think I will move all my personal stuff and the really good paintings and then keep it so I have a place here.

That makes sense. You are still single.

I have some work for you David. I need you to quietly find out all you can on a dead broker out of Nogales named Armando Espinoza. He had a lot of warehouses and docks in Nogales. I know he, like us, was into smuggling but I want to know what and how big. This needs to be very quiet and I don’t need any details; just general knowledge.

I know of him and indeed he was into smuggling. I shouldn’t have any trouble getting what you want. I will call this on your cell.

Thanks David. There is no rush.

At four fifteen that afternoon at the U of A Student Union Building Linda Reed and Nichol Anderson were in the café having coffee and talking about their day and going to Tubac the next day. Nichol told Linda she had received a thirty day notice on her studio and loft.

My lease has been up for almost five months and to sign another lease they want another five hundred a month. There is no way I could pay that. I am barely making it now.

What are you going to do?

Start looking. If I can find at least a large one bedroom I can still paint.

Nichol is twenty seven and is going for her doctorate degree in art on a scholarship. She supports herself by selling her paintings. Just the thought of moving, let alone loosing her studio, is a crisis in her life. The earliest she can get her degree would be November. Nichol was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. Her mother was a high school English teacher and has retired. Her father was a retired fireman and died five years ago. She has an older brother Tim who is married with two children and lives in Boulder, Colorado. She also has an older sister Rose who also is married with two children and still lives in Santa Rosa with her husband.

Nichol has always wanted a life in the arts, not tied down in a marriage, but to be self reliant and live a life in a faster lane. She is telling herself she can also overcome this one more bump in the road.

Tuesday morning 04/28/09 Tucson, Arizona

It is seven thirty and Jim is sitting in the café at the Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson having breakfast and talking to some of the regulars that also don’t seem to be in a hurry. He is meeting Mrs. Jacobs and her crew at eight thirty in Tubac at the empty building. He will then take them to the house so they will know the way. It’s not hard to find if you know the way; the street signs leave a lot to be desired.

Jim gave Mrs. Jacobs keys and codes to both properties and went over what he wanted her to do. His next stop was the Tubac Country Club and golf course. Jim met with the manager and filled out an application for both the Country Club and the golf course. He didn’t play golf but still wanted the membership for friends and guests that might like to. While there Jim made reservations for three that night for dinner. After that he went to their bar to have a drink and see who he could meet that was a resident. It wasn’t long and he was talking with two ladies and a gentleman who all lived there. They immediately wanted to know what property he had bought and as much as they could about him. Jim in turn learned a lot about the community. Their social ladder was the rich, the artist, stores, restaurants and bar owners then last but not least the people that worked in Tubac. They made it very obvious that the rich were elite at least in their eyes.

Jim was kind of laughing to himself as he drove back to Tucson. He had time for a work out at the gym before getting shaved and showered. He was picking up the girls at four o’clock.

Linda lived in an older bungalow style home near the university; it had hard wood floors, the kitchen completely redone and air conditioning had been added. It was a beautiful home. When Jim arrived he found two beautiful young ladies ready and waiting. They were both wearing lovely light summer dresses with short heels and matching purses. He made sure he told them both just how lovely they looked.

On the ride to Tubac both Linda and Nichol were excited about seeing the house and being part of doing the decorating. Jim told them he was meeting the decorator Gale Lane in Tubac then she could follow them out to the house.

As they pulled up in front of the gallery Gale was waiting for them. They all got out and did all the introductions. Gale said she would follow them out to the home. Nichol was looking into the windows of the gallery. On the way to the house Jim asked Nichol if she would like to see the gallery when they were done at the house.

I would love to if you think you can get us in.

Well, that I can do.

When they got to the house Linda was awestruck. You bought this to live in? she said.

I am old enough that I should have a real house.

You don’t look this old Nichol said.

Gale said This is a huge house. I have never done anything close to this.

Let’s go inside. I think all of you will like it.

Once inside no one said a word for what seemed like a long time. Jim said to Gale I will be looking to you for mainly furniture and area rugs. I don’t want to change any colors or fixtures. And for art and wall hangings I will be bringing some from my condo and the others I will buy. Nichol, I am glad you came over because on that west wall I have been seeing the dark blue painting you had in your show. I hope you haven’t sold it already.

Are you serious?

Walk over to the wall with me then picture it there with no frame; just the proper lighting.

Jim’s right said Linda.

I can’t believe you see that. I can but I am the one who painted it. And it’s not sold.

Then after your show is over I will buy it and will pay you the five thousand as it was marked. Thank you.

Jim gave Gale floor plans for both floors and the guest house with all the measurements already on them. She shot at least forty pictures of the house and guest house. She had a few questions then told Jim she would call him later in the week. Then with a few goodbyes Gale was gone.

Linda said That upstairs master suite is bigger than my house.

I hope I can make this feel as comfortable as being in your home does but I know most of that is about you. Now should we take Nichol to see that gallery?

Thank you and yes we should take Nicole and go.

As they pulled up to the gallery he got the keys out from under his seat. Linda asked, Are you also a real-estate agent?

Jim laughed and said No. I bought this at the same time I bought the house.

Why would you buy an art gallery?

It was a good price and somewhere inside I would some day like to paint again. I don’t know much about it but it makes me feel good inside.

I really want to see this said Nichol.

Jim opened the doors and turned on the lights. It was beautiful inside. He told the girls, There is also a studio in the back and living quarters upstairs.

Neither of the girls could believe the size or how well it had been decorated plus all the thought that had gone into the planning including the electrical and lighting.

Nichol said Even the way they planned the patio and that glass wall with the French doors; someone spent a lot of time planning all of this including the studio.

Linda said This is just what Nichol needs. She just lost her studio and loft.

Really Nichol, we should talk about that at dinner.

Nicole looked at both Linda and Jim then said No way could I ever afford anything like this; the utilities would be more than I could pay.

Jim laughed and said It’s time to go to dinner. We have reservations.

He put on his coat before he went into the Country Club with the two beautiful ladies. The Maitre D said Welcome Mr. Dugan. Your table is ready for you and the ladies.

Jim palmed him a folded up hundred and they were seated right a way. He sat to where the girls had the view of the room. He asked what the girls would like to drink.

Linda said It has to be Champagne here. Nichol, while laughing, agreed. Jim ordered a nice bottle of Champagne. The conversation was light and the drinks came quickly. Jim asked Nichol if she would be interested in using the gallery and studio and living in the upstairs quarters. Nichol said That would be imposable. Even if I could afford it, with school I couldn’t run the gallery.

Why I was asking is if you would like to do that everything is possible. I would need you to help me pick out furnishings for the living area in nice high end furniture; the same with the gallery so it is a first class operation; lights and furniture. You could have it by appointment only so it would match your free time. Is your car in good enough shape to handle the commute?

Wait a minute I am not sure what you’re saying and for sure what you’re thinking. And Linda you can jump in here at any time. Linda was laughing.

Wait a minute. I should start over. I bought the building for the reasons I told you; I have no immediate plans to do anything with it. I know you have one to two years to complete your doctorate and need a place to live and work. I don’t want to have the building sit empty. So I thought you using it would be great for both of us. I have more money than anyone should have so I am offering it to you with no other strings than we have talked about. So think about it. Meanwhile we should all look at the menus; I think they want us to order.

There was a moment of silence then Linda started laughing. After a minute they were all laughing. They did finally order dinner and another bottle of Champaign. Linda was talking about the look on Nichols face when Jim was talking. Linda said to Nichol I have known Jim for many years and yes he does have more money than anyone should have. Better than that I trust what he tells me and as weird as it sounds I believe him and his intentions, but it is up to you. So as he said, think about it.

Dinner came to the table and the conversion was light and happy. Somewhere in that Linda said This has to be the end of fancy dinners for a while. I have used up my entire fancy wardrobe.

Nichol laughing said I had to borrow this; the only thing I have fancy left with out paint on it I wore the other night.

I have an answer to that problem that should be fun; let me take the two of you shopping at the high end shops in the mall. We can start with two large suitcases on wheels and I will sit and play sugar daddy and get all the bills. The only rule is that neither of you can look at price tags. Now that would have to be fun for all of us.

You have to be the strangest man I have ever met; to be honest you scare the hell out of me.

Jim laughing said Change that word scare to excite and it will be a lot more fun. Well, I am again serious so that gives the two of you something else to think about. Now what else can I do to entertain the two of you tonight?

I don’t know about Linda but I have enough to think about.

Jim took care of the bill and tip then the three of them had a good time on the drive back to Tucson and Linda’s.

Friday Morning 05/01/09 Tucson, Arizona

Jim has a ten o’clock appointment with Gale Lane the decorator to go over the plans she has come up with for his new house plus samples of materials and pictures of the furniture. He had called Linda Reed early before she left for work and asked if she and Nichol would make some time over the weekend and go over everything with him. Linda said she would talk to Nichol and call him back. She started laughing before she hung up.

Jim didn’t think that was a good start for the month and it was also May Day. Jim was also meeting David Ramirez that afternoon to find out what information he had gotten on the dead broker Armando Espinoza.

Gale Lane had done a good job and had everything mounted in a notebook that made it easy to follow. Jim thanked her and put it all in the trunk of his car. Jim had three more stops to make; his accountant, insurance agent and last Claude Gerald to pay him for the rehab of the car he had bought for him. Claude helped moved it over to Jim’s condo. Jim had already taken care of the license plates and insurance. The car was a light golden color with all the windows tinted to meet the legal standards. It was a good looking car. Jim drove Claude back to his shop.

Now Jim has too many cars. This last Cadillac gives him five full size cars. Plus, at a warehouse he owns, Jim has an Isuzu, fifteen foot diesel box truck with a fold down lift on the back, a Dodge full size van, a Dodge 4x4 pickup truck and a Dodge 4x4 SUV. Jim has a friend Ed that has the Dodge dealership in Tucson. The warehouse and all the vehicles belong to one of Jim’s corporations called Catalina Consulting. He uses the business to handle a lot of cash business and money he wants to give away and make it legal. The business has its own tax number and bank accounts. Jim has two young guys, Chris and Frank that work for him on the side doing odd jobs; whatever it is that Jim needs. He pays cash and always with a bonus. He knows they won’t talk about him or what they do for him. They live in a nice two bedroom house on the property.

At three o’clock Jim met David Ramirez at the Congress Street Hotel bar. David had a folder full of documents and photos on the deed broker Armando Espinoza. They ordered a drink and as soon it came to the table David started showing Jim what he had found.

This guy Espinoza was not only a big time smuggler of drugs and people for the last twenty some years but was also a big time fence for expensive stolen jewelry, art and cash. David had pictures of all his properties and businesses; one was the house that Jim had bought. David said "The FBI is all over the businesses and has search warrants going over all their records. The sons are staying clear and letting the management that is in place run the business for now.

They’re smart. If and whatever the Feds find they can claim no knowledge of and with their full cooperation they will never be charged with anything. What do I owe you for this David?

How about five thousand? That will cover it well.

Jim handed him a black zipper bag and said It’s ten. We haven’t done anything in a while.

Jim and David stayed and had another drink and flirted with some of the young ladies and bought them some drinks.

On his way home Jim stopped at the Safeway market near his condo and picked up something already prepared to take home for dinner.

It was after work and Linda was over at Nichols drinking coffee and talking about Jim and his offer. Nichol loved the building but was having a problem with Jim’s offer; it scared her. Why would he do that?

Linda was laughing and trying to assure her that she has known Jim for years and has seen him do a lot of things and give away a lot of money with no hidden agenda. I am not sure where he gets all his money. He buys and sells a lot of land, properties and businesses all over Tucson and southern Arizona. But there is another side of him. He stays in the background on everything. Most of his contributions are anonymous. He keeps his picture out of the newspapers. He has two cell phones; one he changes out quite often. He changes cars quite often; never new ones and never sporty. He likes to blend in.

Well he seems to be in his early thirties, rich, good looking and doesn’t seem to be gay. So that in itself is scary. Have you ever met any of his girlfriends and if so what are they like and what happened to them?

Linda while still laughing said I have met a number of young ladies he has dated over the years. They were all very nice and very pretty and for sure out to land him; but to be honest he has always kept them a little distant. I think he and I have a better relationship and I know more about him than any of them. But I don’t think you need to worry about him.

Well call and tell him; Saturday morning would be great.

I will but I can tell you he will want to take us to breakfast.

Nichol laughed and said We do have to eat.

Linda called Jim and they agreed he would pick them up at eight in the morning and start with breakfast.

Saturday Morning 05/02/09 Tucson, Arizona

Jim arrived at Linda’s right on time; she and Nichol were ready and waiting. Jim suggested the café at the Hotel Congress. Neither Linda nor Nichol had been there before. He told them that almost made them under privileged.

The waitress commented that Jim had guests this morning and said hi to the girls. She brought them all coffee and menus then asked if they would like Juice. Once they had all ordered Jim told them how the decorator had put together a notebook with the placement of everything she had picked out plus photographs of each piece of furniture and samples of fabric where necessary. She also sent along catalogs of other furniture in case he didn’t like any of the pieces she had picked out. Nichol said This should be fun as long as it is your money.

I also brought photographs of the art at my condo I want to move with me. Maybe you ladies could help me decide where each piece might look the best.

Linda said I have never seen your condo. I have seen a lot of the art you have bought but have never been there.

We can do that later if the two of you have time.

We can make time.

Breakfast was over and the three of them were on their way to Tubac talking and having fun. Jim told the girls that he had gotten another car and because he didn’t want to drive the same car too long. "I have a number of full size cars, different makes and colors. They all, like this one, have been gone through mechanically plus new tires, brakes and shocks. I would like to give this one to you Linda. I have the title and registration with me and the title has been signed and notarized.

I don’t know what to say. It is a beautiful car.

Great. Then when we go back to the condo you can take it from there.

Jim stopped at a convenience store on the way to the house and picked up three bottles of Diet Coke. They spent almost three hours at the house laughing, working, and having fun. They changed out some of the furniture and planned where to hang all the art that Jim was bringing including the one that Nichol had painted.

When they were done Jim asked Nichol if she had decided to take the building in Tubac because if she was they also needed to decide how she wanted to have it furnished. We can get you and the decorator together.

Nichol with complete panic in her eyes looked at Linda. Then she said, Yes I would like to, but you’re not going to do this to it. Are you?

While laughing, Jim said, Of course. You will be living there. It should be nice. We will do everything: furniture, rugs, dishes, silverware, kitchen stuff, bedding, towels, window coverings and anything else you might need.

Linda was sitting in the middle of the floor laughing so hard she had tears running down her face. Nichol didn’t know what to say.

"Let me take the two of you to lunch. There is what looks like a nice Mexican food restaurant here in Tubac if Mexican food is alright.

It was and minutes later they were sitting in the restaurant drinking Margaritas. Jim said The two of you never answered me on the shopping trip.

Nichol said You are spending a fortune on us, well mainly me, and I don’t know why, and it scares me. Whether you mean to or not, it does.

Then I need to apologize. That was the last thing I wanted to do. I will try and explain. First, I think a lot of your work and your desire to go after your dream. Second, to be honest, I find you like Linda; very attractive and not pretentious; a quality I hold highly. I enjoy being around you. Now the money; as I told you before I have many millions of dollars in cash and much more in investments. There are many stories about me, some say I am a huge criminal and gangster, the FBI and many other government agencies that have letters for a name all think I am. There are also many people in organized crime and international crime that also believe I am. I have never been arrested or charged with any crime let alone been convicted. That is some of the reasons I change phones and cars quite often. Our government and others like to do surveillance on me. They don’t even know why. I did at one time own and run night clubs, bars, and other ventures that gave many people that impression. I sold all those business enterprises over a year ago. Now I only buy and sell properties and land. I also have a consulting business that really I use to donate money anonymously to where I believe it will help people. Once in a world far, far away I painted with oil. I wasn’t good but I really enjoyed it and so the gallery. Now the two of you know more about me than the FBI.

So you think we are cute. Linda said. Nichol started laughing.

I still want to take the two of you shopping. Well, after lunch.

Well let’s eat lunch and then we will see. Now Linda was laughing.

Lunch was good and a lot of fun. Everyone, especially Nichol, was more relaxed and not as guarded. Every one was talking, laughing and having fun.

After lunch they were headed to the Tucson mall; the newer and larger of all the malls. His first stop was a store that sold luggage. He bought two fairly large canvas suitcases that had their own wheels. Not the little plastic wheels that break but nice serviceable wheels. He had the girls pick their own colors. One was a blue and Nichols was an olive green. Now it was off to the fancy dress shops. Jim reminded them that looking at price tags was not allowed, and not to forget shoes, purses and other necessities to go with each outfit. He tipped two of the sales ladies and asked if they would assist the two young ladies. He also told them the rules. They got big smiles and the shopping started with a lot of laughing. Linda and Nichol started modeling each outfit for Jim. They were all having fun. It took a good three hours and the girls were exhausted.

The next stop was Jim’s condo. He parked in the visitor’s parking and only took out his stuff from the decorator. He gave Linda the two sets of keys, the activators for the alarm system plus the title and registration. He told her she would have to go to motor vehicles and transfer the title, and not to forget to call her insurance agent. Jim told her the transfer and insurance on it would be expensive. He handed her an envelope with her name on it and said This should handle it.

I don’t know what to say.

That’s good; because you don’t need to say anything. I am having a great day. To be honest it’s been a long time since I have had this much fun, so I would like to thank the two of you. Now let’s go see the condo before I start sounding mushier.

The girls were laughing as they walked to the front door.

Right away Linda said You have been keeping a secret. This is beautiful.

Well it’s not a secret; it has been home for quite a few years.

We need to see the whole thing.

With that they started their own tour; first the upstairs then after a short time the girls came back down and started on the lower floor and last the kitchen. The girls were talking and laughing to each other the whole time. Jim just sat in his chair and let them have fun.

When they were done they came and sat on the couch. Nichol said Everything is immaculate even your clothes witch you do have a lot, are not only pressed and hung but they are in order by color and type, your bed is made and there is nothing out of place. Again I was thinking you must be gay until I saw that beautiful kitchen; there is nothing to eat in the refrigerator but cheese, crackers, two pieces of fruit, condiments then Champaign, Vodka and Diet Cokes. So again you’re probably not gay.

Jim was really laughing hard and finally said I am glad you like it.

Jim made coffee and the three of them sat and talked of many things. He called Gale the decorator and made arrangements to meet at the building so Nichol could show Gale how she would like to furnish it.

The afternoon came to a close. Jim did get two hugs and two kisses. The kiss from Nichol was on the cheek.

It was seven o’clock and Jim was headed to a high-tech electronics shop on the north side of town named National Spy. Jim has bought many trick gadgets from them in the past, from miniature video and sound recorders to scanners that can detect GPS and listening devices.

Once in the shop Jim was telling the owner and technician he was looking for two types of detectors for looking underground. First the best metal detector he could buy and second some kind of radar that would show anything that was under the ground.

Jerry the owner said On the second thing, I think I know what you want and I have it in stock. Jerry went to the back and came out with two large boxes. He opened the first one and got out the pamphlet that showed what it did and how it worked. He and Jim spent an hour going over the material. It was what Jim wanted; it was hand held and had its own rechargeable battery pack and a small screen to monitor what it was seeing. The other box had a large monitor and printer that you could download the information you collected then print what part you wanted. It was expensive, a little over twelve thousand, but worth it. He also got a very good metal detector.

Jim went home with all his new toys. He changed into an old pair of cut off sweat pants and T shirt. He then put on some good music (Tori Amos’ Choirgirl Hotel), (Nora Jones’ Come away with me) and (The music from the motion picture City Of Angels). He then fixed himself a drink and started assembling his toys, putting them on their chargers. Then he sat and read everything he could on their operation and how to decipher what they found.

Jim had the feeling that the previous owner of his house (Armando Espinoza the dead broker) may have had a large fortune of either gold or cash buried somewhere on the property like Jim did himself. Only Armando died unexpectedly and the pot of gold was probably still sitting there.

Jim was laughing to himself; tomorrow was Sunday he would start looking after breakfast.

Sunday Morning 05/03/09 Tucson, Arizona

Jim was up early and sitting in the Congress Hotel Café. There were a lot of young people on Sunday, a very mixed crowd; he liked that. Breakfast was not rushed; then he was off to the house in Tubac.

The first thing Jim did was to walk the property and look at it as if he was planning on burying large amounts of gold. It would have to be where you could add to it or take out some if need be. There were a number of places that might work. After about an hour he got out the metal detector and started with it. After almost an hour looking he narrowed it down to two areas. One was a fountain by the pool in the backyard of the main house. The other was more interesting, inside the walled in patio of the guest house was a water feature built in. It seemed to Jim to be too big for the size of the patio. It looked to made up of concrete and rebar; part of it by the masonry was made of blocks. The metal detector gave off a reading because of the rebar and wire screen in the concrete. Jim scanned both areas with the radar then went inside and made himself a print out of the results. He closed everything back up and returned it to the trunk of the car then locked the house and reset the alarms. Then he drove into Tubac and found a restaurant that also had a bar. He sat at a table, got a drink and went over the print outs and tried to make sense of what he had.

The bar was busy. There was one group of about seven people that looked to be local residents and business owners and it was obvious that Jim was part of the conversation. One of the ladies came over to his table and introduced herself. Her name was Jane Hanson. She looked to be in her late thirties or early forties. She told Jim that she and all the other people at their table lived in Tubac and were either artists or business owners; some of them both. She said, This is a small community and word of someone moving in travels fast. She invited him to join them and say hello.

Jim thanked Jane and moved over to where they were seated. He folded up his papers on the way. They all in turn introduced themselves and briefly told what they did and the name of their businesses. Jim introduced himself as an investor and said, And as you know I just acquired a home here in Tubac.

Jane laughed as she said, That is more than just a home plus you also acquired one of the largest galleries and studios in Tubac. We have heard that you are very involved with the arts in both Tucson and the university. Jim while laughing asked if any of them worked for the FBI. Jane said I told you this is a small community.

Jim said Ok and asked if he could buy a round for the table. The waitress took care of everyone and Jim paid her and quietly gave her a folded up hundred. That got him a smile. People were asking him what he was going to do with the gallery. He told them he had leased it to an artist named Nichol Anderson and she would be moving in shortly. They all liked that; they hated seeing a gallery sitting empty. They sat and talked for almost an hour; they were all very nice and Jim had a good time.

Once back at the condo Jim changed, put on some music, opened a Diet Coke then sat with his manuals and tried to figure out the readings he had gotten.

Monday Morning 05/04/09 Tucson, Arizona

Jim had an early start and was sitting at his favorite café having breakfast and running a list in his mind of what he wanted to get done today. He had brought an old pair of Levi’s, T shirt and old pair of tennis shoes with him in the trunk of his car. He wanted to look around the base of the water feature/ fountain at the guest house. He had spent hours the night before looking at the read outs from the radar machine and had come to the conclusion there was something there; something big. Jim was also meeting with the girls and the decorator later in the afternoon at the gallery.

When Jim arrived at the house it was nice. The landscaper was there and just finishing up. They talked and he went over all the automatic watering systems with