The Adventures of a Problem Solver I: The Beginnings

By Richard V. Martin

The Adventures of a Problem Solver is a series of books involving an unusual private investigator as well as his even more unusual associates and clients. Refusing to give in to his fathers demands to run the family business, Garett Kannis circled the globe to right wrongs. He found time to add a trophy wife and two overachieving children to the family tree. If you are looking for fast-paced action, this series will provide it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524511616

Richard V. Martin

Richard V. Martin, better known to his friends as Dick, was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in southern California. He attended Valley Community College and received a designation in public relations from UCLA. His working years included sports and feature writing for the Burbank Daily Review as a story coordinator for Warner Brothers Television Division and a variety of public relations positions for Lockheed-Martin before retiring as public relations director from the company’s facility in Marietta, Georgia. He now resides in a cabin on a river in Ellijay, Georgia.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Adler Kannis took over his father’s small conglomeration of war torn companies when he was 22 years old. Like his father, Adler was a workaholic. He didn’t have a hobby or a vice and couldn’t understand women, so he buried himself in the businesses. By the time he was 42, he had formed the various businesses into a major industrial conglomerate. His personal pride in building the empire kept Kannis Industries in the family hands rather than issuing stock and sharing his success with investors. Then it dawned on Adler, he had no family. What would happen to Kannis Industries when he died? Quite by accident a stroke of luck gave him an opportunity for a solution to his dilemma. Adler was on his way to a meeting in Berlin when he heard a woman scream. He witnessed a man yanking at a woman’s purse as she was hanging on for dear life. Adler raced to the pair and with one punch ended the man’s day. He consoled the shaken woman and offered to buy her a cup of coffee. Maxine was an American tourist, on vacation from her teaching job. She accepted his offer and the two talked for hours. He missed his meeting, but it didn’t seem to bother him, Adler Kannis was smitten. Maxine returned to San Francisco and Adler reburied himself in his work. But, he found it difficult to concentrate, because he couldn’t get the sweet American out of his mind. They exchanged letters and calls until she promised to return to Germany the following summer.

Within five minutes of Maxine arriving in Germany, Adler proposed and she accepted. Adler actually took a week off from his demanding job and showed Maxine the beauty of the German mountains. But, the honeymoon only lasted a week. Adler returned to his dedication to the company and Maxine found herself much alone in the old house, seeing more of his father than Adler. She began to expect her only use to Adler was to provide him with an offspring. And that point came a few months after the wedding. She announced the presence of a child in her body. Adler was thrilled, even more so when they found it was a boy. Since she was lonely and so far from home, Maxine wanted to go back to San Francisco to have the baby. Adler was too busy to argue with her and relented.

When Garrett entered the world, Adler left Germany for one of the few times in his life to spend a week with his son. But, duty called and he returned to Germany and his work schedule. Before he did, he bought Maxine and Garrett one of the biggest homes in San Francisco and opened a sizable bank account for them.

Once a year Adler would spend a week in San Francisco and Maxine and Garrett would travel to Germany. But, love was out of the picture. It developed into a friendship as Adler was too busy to have a wife and Maxine was simply serving as a mother raising a child. The one person to gain from this strange relationship was Garrett. Maxine not only gave him the love, but her experiences as a teacher gave him an expanded education even before he entered school.

CHAPTER 2

Garrett Kannis did everything earlier than any of his friends or classmates and especially anything athletic. Not only was he being educated in the classroom, but at home. His mother’s focus was entirely directed to his growth as an individual since she didn’t really have a husband to occupy her time. Garrett loved the attention and thrived on the learning process as each piece of information entered his young brain and remained there. It was very obvious that his advanced knowledge would be a handicap to him at a public school. Since money was no object, Garrett was enrolled in one of the finest private schools in the San Francisco Bay area. Even more noticeable was his athletic ability and the public schools were dismayed they would not have access to his skills. He ran faster, threw further and was more muscular than anyone his age. There was little doubt his mother was the love of his life. He appreciated everything she had done for him and he always managed to surprise her with little gifts and affection.

By the time he reached high school he was always the top student in the school. He was almost too perfect. He could easily relate to and converse with adults in a polite manner. The other students liked him. His success in the classroom and on the athletic field never went to his head. In his senior year he accomplished a rare feat of competing successfully in both the California State Academic Decathlon as well as the athletic decathlon. The strenuous academic endeavor included 30 minute tests in economics, art, music, language, literature, mathematics, science and social sciences, along with a two minute impromptu speech and an essay. He aced all categories. The physically demanding athletic effort included the 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meters, 110 meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and the 1,500 meter run, all in two days. He totaled 7000 points to win the competition. The feat made him the talk of the academic community as well as the college sports world. His future was a foregone conclusion, nothing but success. Then suddenly, his world came tumbling down. Having idolized his mother, he was devastated to hear the news that Maxine had terminal cancer. Adler sent the best doctors in the world to observe her, but all agreed it was hopeless. Garrett never left her bedside to the very end. It didn’t affect his graduation because of his grade point average and having already met all requirements. But, it did have a devastating effect on his personality and outlook on life.

Adler came for the funeral, but he and Garrett shared few words. Adler did inform him of his college plans. With his influence and a sizable donation, Garrett was being admitted to the Harvard Business School. As soon as Adler returned to Germany, Garrett called Harvard to tell them he would not be attending the school. Garrett then disappeared.

CHAPTER 3

A couple of weeks after the funeral Garrett found himself guiding his mustang down 101, the Oregon Coast Highway in Coos Bay. He didn’t look like that well mannered high school graduate who was always nattily dressed. He was unshaven and apparently had been wearing the same clothes since he left San Francisco. His mustang matched his appearance, it was dusty, as if he had avoided paved roads and driven the entire distance on dirt roads. Suddenly there was a loud bang and the mustang began limping along on three tires. He pulled to the side of the road, got out and looked for the jack. He didn’t notice a man walking along the road and the voice momentary startled Garrett.

You need help, son?

He turned to see a short, balding man with a giant smile. He returned it.

I would appreciate that. This will be my first tire change.

It turned out to be a piece of cake and the change went quickly.

Where are you headed, son?

I have no idea, just driving.

Are you troubled, son? The smooth delivery of the question seemed like an opportunity to talk to someone, even a total stranger.

I guess so.

You look like you could use a shower and some clean clothes. Why don’t you come home with me? I’m sure I can help you.

Thank you for the offer, but I don’t think I need that kind of help.

Everyone needs help, son.

Why do you call me son? That’s one of my problems.

Force of habit, I’m a retired minister. Despite being retired, it’s still my duty to help people. My name is Ken Lester.

An hour later Garrett walked out of the bathroom, showered and shaved. He joined Lester on a small balcony overlooking the Kentuck Inlet.

Beautiful view, Mister Lester.

One of the best in the country.

The minister business must pay well.

Not even close to this. This place is a result of my business life, before I decided it was more important to help people than to hire them. One day I just walked away from it all, the big paycheck, the long days and the big decisions. I was right, helping people was much more rewarding.

Other than his mother, Garrett had never met anyone so easy to talk with. The pair conversed well into the night with Garrett reveling his thoughts about his father, mother and himself.

Garrett, you have suffered a terrible loss. If your mother were still alive at this stage in your life, what would she tell you?

I honestly don’t know. She always had an answer to everything.

She taught you well and how to get along in this hectic world. She was guiding you toward a successful life. You must reach deep within yourself for that answer, I’m sure she placed it in you. Success varies in each of our minds. To some it is wealth, to some it is good health, to some it is to help people. There are many, many ways to judge success. You are bright, you will find your personal success goal and make your mother proud.

A rejuvenated Garrett left the house the next morning, bought some new clothes and even had the mustang washed. He aimed the mustang south. Ideas were rolling through his mind.

A month later he was in College Park, Maryland beginning a criminology program at the University of Maryland. His research determined the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice there was the best in the country. He needed the best. Information flowed quickly and an hour after he had registered the track coach found him.

Garrett, I am thrilled you selected the University of Maryland. I’ve read all your impressive transcripts and we are looking forward to having you on our team.

I’m sorry to disappoint you coach, but I am here strictly for the degree. I will not be participating in sports.

He rented a furnished condo on Berwyn House Road. Garrett rarely drove the mustang, jogging to classes and back each day. He was true to his word, he was there for the degree and nothing else. As opposed to high school where everyone knew him and he knew everyone, his only friends were those in his classes and when they got together the conversations were mostly about criminology, his new mission.

While Garrett was not participating in any organize sports, he was keeping his body in top shape by going to a gym and exercising. Two females from some of his criminology classes also worked out there. The three became best friends and spent a lot of time together including weekend trips to Washington, especially to the Smithsonian Museum. Monique Vinci was from Italy and Becky Southworth was from London, so Garrett generally acted as their guide. It was during one of those trips that he discovered, while the two were from different parts of the world, basically they had similar, yet unique reasons for being in criminology. Both were a year ahead of Garrett.

Monique was there because of the frustration with the police in Italy. Her mother was the curator of a small museum in Rome when a robbery took place. The police determined that it had to be an inside job and her mother became the number one suspect. They questioned her for weeks and she was finally fired. Since then nothing has been done to solve the case.

I am not going to rest until my mother’s name is cleared.

Becky’s problem was also frustration with the police. Her uncle and aunt were killed in their home and some items were stolen. The police investigated, found little evidence and it had become a cold case.

I want to solve the shooting and give my family closure on their deaths.

Their problems had a significant effect on Garrett, maybe they were the type of incidents that drove him into criminology.

Sure enough, Garrett accomplished his degree in three years the same year as Monique and Becky. The three had a leaving town party.

Garrett received job offers from the CIA and FBI and several police departments, but before he wanted to look into one of those commitments, he had a chore to do in Germany.

CHAPTER 4

Garrett handed his passport to the United Airlines attendant. She looked it over.

Happy birthday, Mister Kannis.

He was caught off guard, he had forgotten his own birthday. Gawd, he thought, is he developing his father’s personality? Adler was completely vacant when it came to remembering birthdays, anniversaries and any meaningful personal event. Yet his memory for company events and dates contracts were signed was impeccable. As he boarded his thoughts continued on his father. He was analyzing what was about to happen with this meeting with his father. He was 21 and independent; he didn’t need his blessings to follow the road map he had set for himself. It had been so long since he had seen Adler, at the funeral, he wasn’t sure he would recognize him. Garrett had decided it was the time for a face to face clash to release his feelings. He had a lot to say and wondered how his father would respond. He relaxed into his first class seat as that was the first section to board. Then he had to watch as the people in the coach section poured into the plane with packages and cases that never would fit into the storage space the aircraft provided. Finally, the doors were closed and he could not believe his luck, no seatmate. He closed his eyes and stretched out.

Then something caused movement in the first class area. He had forgotten that the airline was giving upgrades to passengers in coach. Several coach passengers were being escorted into first class. Standing next to Garrett was definitely a ten. She was a gorgeous young lady in a sun dress. Garrett had friendly dates in high school and college, mostly with women who had asked him. But, none had sparked his interest for more than a casual friendship. But this one caused a different reaction.

Excuse me, I guess I have the window seat.

Garrett arose from his seat. She was immediately impressed since most men merely turn their legs and let women squeeze by.

You may have whichever seat you prefer.

I see the aisle is your preference, I’ll take the window. Hi, my name is Ashley Goodwin. I promise not to chatter too much during the flight, I know first class flyers are not thrilled with upgrades.

Compared to some of my experiences, you are a gift from heaven. I’m Garrett Kannis.

He had a hard time taking his eyes off her, but it didn’t seem to bother or embarrass her, in fact she enjoyed it and returned the favor. She liked his looks as much as he liked hers.

Well, Garrett, I think this might be the best flight I’ve ever had.

A flight attendant with a slight German accent and a tray full of drinks offered them one.

Ashley took one and had a sip of the liquid.

Danke. Das Scheckt.

Garrett was surprised.

You speak German?

Not really. Just showing off for you. I practiced that line just for this occasion. Thank you, that taste’s good. I don’t know what to say if the drink wasn’t any good. I hope I learn more of the language, I’ll be in Germany for a year.

Working?

Heavens no, I’m a junior at Gonzaga University. I’m going to the Berlin School of Economics and Law as an exchange student. I’m probably breaking the law drinking this.

No problem, in Germany, drinking beer and wine is legal at 16 and 18 for liquor.

Well pour me another mister smarty pants. And don’t worry, I’m not jail bait here.

It was a fun flight for both, two young people enamored with each other. The flight was way too short for Garrett. Already it was time to prepare for landing at Tegel International Airport in Berlin. Garrett wasn’t ready to let go of her.

How are you getting to the school?

Bus is the cheapest.

Well, unless my father has forgotten I’m visiting, I will have a car waiting for me. May I offer you a ride? She produced her best smile yet.

If it’s not an inconvenience and there is room for me and my luggage, I accept.

After deplaning and clearing customs, they walked out to the reception area. Standing in front of them, holding a sign with Garrett’s name on it, was a driver decked out in a full, professional chauffer uniform. He picked up their luggage and guided the pair to a giant executive limo. Ashley was overwhelmed.

Wow, I’m glad your father didn’t forget. What does he do?

He’s a business man.

He opened the door and she slid in trying not to show too much leg. The driver approached Garrett.

Mister Kannis, would you like me to take the scenic route to the college or the fastest?

Garrett winked at him and smiled. It would be the slow scenic route. She was excited by the scenery, but by the time they reached the college, they were seated close together in the spacious limo. The driver got out and removed her luggage.

Mister Kannis, would you like me to take the lady’s luggage to registration?

Yes, thank you."

They walked behind him and she stopped.

Garrett, I want to thank you for being a wonderful traveling partner.

Ashley, meeting you was the highlight of my life. I’m going to be in Germany for a couple of weeks. May I see you again before I leave?

I would have been extremely disappointed if you hadn’t asked. How will we get in touch?

Do you have a cell phone?

No, my budget caused me to drop it for awhile.

Take mine, I’ll get another one.

She reached a hand to the back of his head, pulled it forward and planted a long kiss on his lips. He was caught off guard, but didn’t fight it. He didn’t know what to say, but she did.

Now I know why my girlfriends keep diaries. This will be my first page.

After a stop to buy a cell phone, the limo pulled up in front of Kannis Industries headquarters. The company was housed in a large complex in an industrial area on the outskirts of Berlin. As Garrett looked at the impressive buildings he found it hard to believe that his grandfather and father had amassed such a giant firm. As he entered, the thought of all of this being turned over to him eventually, was overwhelming. But, that was going to be one of the discussions Garrett and Adler would spend much of his visit going over. He didn’t expect it to go well.

CHAPTER 5

A young secretary greeted Garrett.

Welcome to Kannis Industries, Mister Kannis. Your father is in a meeting and asked for you to wait in his office.

Garrett roamed around the office. It wasn’t characteristic of an office he visualized thata man of Adler’s wealth would inhabit. The furniture was probably purchased by Garrett’s grandfather. On the walls were old pictures of his grandfather and father working in mills. The newest thing in the office was a picture of his mother holding Garrett after birth. That made it 21 years old. The old couch had a pillow on it indicating Adler occasionally took a nap or spent the night there. After the long flight, he was beginning to yawn and the couch looked inviting. He was asleep in two minutes. When he woke Adler was at his desk reading a report.

Wow, what time is it? Adler finished reading the page and looked up.

One fifteen, a.m.

Why didn’t you wake me?

I didn’t have time to talk, had to read today’s reports.

Well, it’s nice to see you.

You too, Garrett.

You always work this late?

It isn’t late. The larger the company the more hours it takes to know everything.

Do you really need to know everything?

I own this company, it’s important to know everything that is going on. I’m responsible for the smallest detail.

Garrett tossed him a little jab. Seems to me delegation to good staffing would help. Adler counterpunched. Typical statement by someone who has not yet entered the business world. Text books can mislead you. I have seven presidents, and fourteen vice presidents. They all have to file reports and I have to pour over them. I’m 63 years old, in seven years you will see how demanding this job is. Success requires daily knowledge.

Garrett decided it wasn’t the right time to get into a serious discussion on the issue. He changed the subject.

Am I going to meet Grandfather tomorrow?

You’re too late. He passed on last year.

Last Year? He passed on last year? You didn’t have the time to inform me?

I didn’t want to bother you while you were in school.

Bother me? Your father dies and it isn’t important enough to tell your son. What kind of man are you? Now it was time for Adler to change the subject.

Enough. Let’s go home.

Despite the accidental nap on the couch, Garrett had a good long sleep. When he woke he searched around the house, but found no one. He did find a note on the table. It didn’t have his name on it, but he knew it was for him. The note simply said, ‘house keeper shows up at 9, driver will pick you up at 9:30.’ He went into the bathroom to take a shower. As he stood under the low pressure water flow he had to chuckle to himself. His father was filthy rich and yet his office and house looked like it was the 1940’s. The water pressure was definitely in the 40’s. Obviously Alder didn’t believe in spending money on himself, yet he had a mile long limo with a driver for guests and customers. After getting dressed he went into the kitchen. It matched the rest of the house. The only convenient thing that had been added was a small microwave.

He opened the ice box. It was nearly empty, some kind of juice, dark bread, butter, sausages, potato salad, and mustard. He decided to walk around the neighborhood to find a coffee shop. After an unsuccessful half hour he returned to the house to find the same driver waiting for him.

Can you find a place where I can get some breakfast?

Yes, sir.

Garrett got in the front seat and the driver looked uncomfortable.

Sir, it is customary for the passengers to ride in back.

What is your name?

Herman, sir.

Well Herman, I don’t believe in custom’s and I’m not an ordinary passenger

Yes, sir.

They stopped at a small sidewalk café.

You want to join me Herman?

No thank you sir, I’ve eaten.

Garrett felt like he was back in Maryland with a cup of coffee and a croissant. He went back to the limo where Herman was standing at attention.

Got any idea what is planned for me today, Herman?

Yes sir, I’m to take you for tours of all seven companies. You will need your travel bag, it will take two days.

I’d rather be going to the Berlin campus today.

For the first time, Garrett saw Herman smile.

At each plant Garrett was met by the president. Each did everything except genuflect for him. If his shoes had been dirty they would have polished them for him. But the tour of the first four impressed him. They were nothing like Adler’s office or home. These plants were fully modernized, clean with the most up to date machinery including robots. He thought of the pictures in Adler’s office of him and his grandfather working in old buildings in dirty conditions. He garnered some of Adler’s pride as he toured the facilities. These buildings were turning out quality items such as automobile and aircraft parts, machine tools, electrical and plastic products. He could appreciate the accomplishments made by his family. The plants were scattered all over Germany, and at the end of the first day he was on the outskirts of Frankfurt at the Hotel Gerbermuhle. It had been transferred from an old tannery into a small, elite 19 room hotel sitting on the banks of the River Main. It was furnished in the best modern style, that probably meant he would have good water pressure for his shower. He ate on the terrace and when finished, pulled out his cell phone and called his old number.

Hello

What have you learned today?

Garrett, when are you coming?

I’m not sure yet, right now I’m in Frankfurt.

What in the world are you doing there?

Made a little trip for my father.

I’ve been hoping you would call.

Was there any doubt?

Well, you are a man and they aren’t always up to their word.

How was your first day of school?

It hasn’t started yet. Just getting to learn where everything is and getting to know my roommate. His name is Brutus.

Brutus?

I just wanted to see if you would be jealous. I do miss you, you know.

The feeling is mutual.

That is nice to hear.

I’m always up to my word.

Garrett, I do have to run, honest. We are having a welcome dinner tonight.

Enjoy it and I’ll call you as soon as I can get there.

I can’t wait, did I say I miss you?

Yes you did. See you soon.

The second day of his tour was as impressive as the first. Every one treated him as the heir to the company and that bothered him a lot. He hoped the next day he would have enough time for Adler to have their heart-to-heart talk about his plans.

CHAPTER 6

Garrett had come all the way to Germany to have it out with his father, he decided it was time. They were in the office, Garrett was looking over all the information he was given at the plants during his tour. Adler was reading his daily reports and making notations on them. Garrett got up and turned off the overhead light, leaving the only illumination to the small desk lamp.

Let’s go.

Adler wasn’t finished reading. Go where?

To some small café where we can eat and talk.

Talk about what?

You, me, mom, and this business, and somewhere no one knows you, so we won’t be interrupted.

A half hour later, after a silent drive, they found a little sidewalk café in a residential area. When the hostess greeted them, Garrett asked for the most isolated table inside.

They ordered drinks and meals. Knowing the impending conversation would be heated over their differences, Garrett found humor in their meal orders. They both ordered stroganoff, at least they had one thing in common.

Alright, Garrett, the floor is yours.

The first thing I want to get off my chest is the treatment you gave my mother, your wife. You ignored her after the marriage and then when I was born. She carried the burden of bringing me up alone, no husband or father for us. How do you explain yourself?

That’s only part of the story. Your mother wanted to live in the United States. I had companies to run in Germany. What was I supposed to do? I loved your mother, but to provide for you both, I had to stay and work. You both were well provided for, how can you blame me, you saw how I built the company. I couldn’t have accumulated all that from the United States. Garrett still wanted to get his point across.

You could have visited for more than a week a year. When we visited here you practically ignored us.

The waitress delivered their drinks and the pair were silent for a few moments, each thinking out the argument and trying to see