Chapter 10: I Know You

Alex had a plan formulated.

Alex hung up the phone.

“Gladys, you will never guess who that was.” She confided to her dear housekeeper as she sat down to a tempting breakfast.

“Well, dear, it sounded interesting, whoever it was.”

Gladys was never one to put her nose where it did not belong. Alex had a real gem of a housekeeper, a friend, faithful and true.

“Did you hear the news of Jason Fisk, the multi millionaire, military tycoon, who recently resigned as CEO? The news has been buzzing about him.

“Ah, yes, nothing bad has happened to the dear boy, has it? I met him when he was a lad, I was actually a friend of his Grandmother. You met him as well, but no way you would remember, you were 3 yrs. old, he was a young man.”

“Oh my dear Gladys, you never cease to amaze me. I did not know that little tidbit about you. Well, that was Jason on the phone. He is on his way to my office, I did not know he lived here. He has a case but would not go into it on the phone. I can’t imagine why he would come to me, when he has many experts at his disposal.”

The pair sat and chatted as they ate, wondering what was up. Alex finished and headed to her office. She wanted to be very professional for this meeting. She gave Glace a quick call to let him know what was up.

“Really? Wow, I knew you had some influence, but Fisk, that is wild. Am I going to get to meet him?”

“We will see what the meeting holds. If I am in need of your help, you know I will call.”

Glace had a sudden though.

” Fisk is a widower, right? He is older though, 60 something?”

“Yes Bobby, relax.” Alex chuckled at the endearing twinge of jealousy.

Alex entered her office, and filled in her secretary on the upcoming meeting. Natasha was interested, and made sure everything was in order. Doing a quick online search revealed that Mr. Fisk liked healthy snacks, so she ordered a fruit and vegetable tray from the deli down the street, and made sure the coffee was fresh.

Jason Fisk was quite the imposing personality. He stood 6’3″ and was slender,and muscular. His deep voice was rich, and he was well spoken. Both ladies had a slight wish that they were 25 years older, briefly.

“Good day Miss Windsor,” greeted the man with an extended hand.

“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Fisk, but Alex will do.

“Well then, Jason will do as well, never did do well with formalities.”

“My secretary, Natasha, has a few snacks for us while we get to the reason for this interesting visit. I have to admit, you have me intrigued.”

The pair went into Alex’s office, and Jason wasted no time explaining his unusual request for Alex’s help.

“You see, I could not go to my usual investigators for this. It is too sensitive. I also do not have any female investigators on speed-dial. Thankfully I had heard of you, several times actually, and made mental note of your service. I just do not feel I can barge into this ladies life, without having some groundwork laid. Who I am, has way too many possible complications, and to be quite frank, I am very much out of practice. I just have never felt drawn to someone, not since I met my wife, 44 years ago.”

Jason was being very transparent. More so than Alex would ever have thought from a man of his influence.

This was a huge task, but an uncomplicated one. Find out as much about Kathryn as possible,

and let her know that Jason wanted to meet her. What could go wrong? Any eligible Christian lady would be very willing to get to know this very eligible Christian man. Jason Fisk was much sought after. Since his wife’s passing he had no shortage of interested ladies cross his path, accidently on purpose. Not one caught his attention, until now. Even though he left the business to Randy, Jason was still the major shareholder. His mass fortune was not about to shrink any time soon. He had given himself a hefty pay-cut. Although he owned the business he did not want to live like he had been. He wanted simplicity. He wanted companionship. He wanted a kindred spirit. He was certain Kathryn was that person.

Alex assured Jason that she would get on the case immediatly, and that she had no pressing cases at the moment. Jason set up Alex’s flight, and rental car.

As they were finishing up their meeting Natasha buzzed .

“Alex, Detective Glace is here to see you, should I send him in?”

Alex chuckled, “Yes, he is checking up on me.” Knowing full well that Bobby could hear her answer.

Glace came into the office with a sheepish grin, and Alex introduced the men to each other.

Natasha buzzed again, just as the trio was getting to business. Alex picked up the phone instead of speaker, to keep privacy.

“Mr. Thurston is here, and is insisting on talking to you.”

Alex asked Jason to fill Glace in on the case, not that she was going to need help, but to ease Glaces mind, since that’s why he was there. Alex went to the outer office to attend to Mr. Thurston, who demanded her attention.

“Glad to meet you, Mr. Fisk,” said Glace as he extended a hand. “You as well, but it is Jason. How is it you and Alex know each other?”

“Alex has helped the Sherrif’s office on several cases. She really has a keen sense in difficult situations. I am sure, that she will give her upmost to help you. She always gives her best.”

” That is comforting.”

Jason filled in details of his meeting Kathryn.

“Well, Jason, one thing we have going for us. We have The Lord to guide. Alex will give the task her upmost, and will be bathed in prayer. If God is in this meeting, He will sort out the rest.”

Alex returned as the men neared the end of their meeting. She was pleased at Jason’s comment as she entered.

“That is the most comforting piece of information. Knowing that you rely on The Lord makes everything better.”

“It has been a long time learning that lesson, but it has made all the difference in my work ” Added Alex as she sat down.

They chatted for a while longer, and were well settled that all was in order.

Both men got up to leave, Jason saying bye with a handshake, and Bobby with a quick hug. Alex smiled at him as if to say, ‘see, no worries.’

Glace headed to the Sheriff’s office to get on with his day, and Alex made plans for the trip to the small city where Jason had met Kathryn. Plans were easy since Jason covered all the travel. Alex just found a cozy B&B.

Gladys made sure Alex had everything she needed for the trip, and then some. Homemade snacks topped the list, as Gladys put it, ” you can’t always count on good food when you travel.”

Alex chuckled, at the line that would have been something Bobby would have said, and certainly would have agreed with.

Bobby had offered to go with, but Alex assured him that this was not a trip that needed an official police presence. Bobby knew that, but the chance to spend time with Alex was more his reasoning.

The B&B on the Bay was cozy looking, and was looking forward to a relaxing time. Arriving at the small business just before supper, she found herself hungry and tired.

The evening was simple. Supper, a walk to familiarized herself with her surroundings, and locate the church, and then early to bed.

As it was, the church was within walking distance of the rooms and she wandered past it, liking the small country feel of the building.

Alex finished up the cookies while writing up notes, and going over things that Jason was wanting to convey.

Morning came with a burst of thunder. A storm had built in the night, and was unleashing it’s fury.

Alex was not prepared for this weather. She called the B&B proprietor to see if they knew where she could get rain gear.

The older lady that ran the business was quick to offer help. She told Alex she would be right up. Alex dressed for breakfast and was just finishing when a knock came.

The lady at the door instantly reminded Alex of Gladys. She had a rain jacket and umbrella in hand.

“These will help dear,” she said as she offered the gear. Alex took them with a ‘thank-you’, then went downstairs with the lady, to breakfast.

For a small city, and being off season, the dining room was a bustle of activity. Alex looked over the other guests, with her usual PI examination. Always on alert.

One man caught her attention. He did not look comfortable, and he fiddled with his phone in an odd way. Alex had a feeling in her gut, that feeling she got when something was not right.

After a wonderful breakfast, Alex freshened up in her room, and made a quick change of plans. Instead of walking the 1/2 block to the church, she went to her car. The man was sitting in the entry way as she headed out, and he came out a bit behind her, and went to his car. Alex headed away from the church, she had a hunch, and rarely was wrong.

As she drove, she checked for another church on her GPS, then drove to the downtown area, and then she called Glace.

“Morning, miss me already?” Came his answering voice.

“Yes, but that is not why I am calling, I am being followed, and I need you to run a plate. GUBK 136.”

“Alex, are you okay?” Glaced asked with the concern of more than a police officer.

“Yes, I am safe. I am not going to Kathryn’s church though, heading to a big city church to see if this guy is really following me.

Glace knew by now not to second guess Alex. She knew what she was doing, and was right more often than not.

“Someone must have found out about Jason hiring me, how, I don’t know, but it was leaked somehow. I must protect my client’s privacy, and Kathryn. Let me know as soon as you have who owns that vehicle.”

“Sure thing, and be careful.”

Alex arrived at the church, and went on in like it was exactly what she had planned. The man came in soon after and sat at the back.

After church there was a missed call from Glace.

“Wow, that was fast for a weekend.” Alex noted as she answered the phone.

“I pulled a couple favors. Get this, the car is a rental, but rented by Thurston Technologies.

“Wait, Mr. Thurston was in the outer office, did he see Jason? Why would he care?” Alex had to call Jason.

“Jason, good afternoon. I will get right to the reason for the call.” Started Alex, before Jason even had a chance to say more than Hello.

“Is there any reason, someone from Thurston Technologies would be interested in your hiring a PI?”

“Oh yes, big reason, but why do you ask?”

“Well I have a tail, and the rental car is registered to Thurston Tech. I had to skip going to see Kathryn this morning because I had no idea why I was being followed. Unfortunately I have a job with Thurston, that has nothing to do with you, or his business. Like you he was looking for annonimity in a case. My only thought is that he saw you in my office the other day, and has gotten a wrong impression.”

“Thurston is trying to buy up a division owned by our holdings overseas, he has been pushy to say the least. I can see how he would be nervous about me going to a PI. Thank you for not getting Kathryn messed up in this. We have to let Thurston know that your work for me is personal, not business…but how?”

“Do you trust me enough to leave that to me? I have an idea, and I can do it without involving Kathryn. It will put something better for Thurston to think about in his path.”

“I trust your judgements. You have already proved it by seeing the tail and dealing with it so quickly. Should I pray?”

“Yes, prayer would be good. This tail is going to get a dose of something more than he expects. He under estimated me.”

Jason chuckled and they said bye. Alex had a plan formulated. She called Glace to let him know what she was doing and asked him to pray. She had to settle this before she could get on to what Jason had hired her for.

Alex set her plan in motion. Just a typical Sunday for her. Whoever the tail was, he was about to get some information he did not expect. Alex relaxed for the afternoon, and had a delicious lunch at a little family pizza shoppe. She readied for church, noticing her tail was still hanging on.

“This guy must think I am a lame PI, if he thinks I have not noticed him. He is not being very careful about his tailing.” Alex recorded into a file she was keeping on her phone. Time for church, and true to form, the tail sat at the back. During the closing prayer, Alex slipped out a side door came around front, and had a quiet chat with the two ushers seated beside the main doors. She armed herself with some church literature.

To her tails credit, he kept his eyes closed during prayer, not a credit as far as a tail goes. Alex stood back and watched him, a little bewildered, as he exited the auditorium. The two ushers came up on either side of him, and Alex came to him face on.

“Hello, I do not believe we have met. I am Alex Windsor, PI. I need to ask you why you are following me.” Alex gave the man zero wiggle room, and the ushers also gave no space.

“Sorry, you have me confused….” he started, but Alex cut him off.

” Blue Ford Escort licence #GUBK 136, Church this morning, Dannie’s B&B, and Pizza Palace….need I go on?”

“No, I did not think you saw me, Oh, my employer is going to be mad. “

“No, Mr. Thurston will be fine. Yes, I know who hired you. Tell him two things.

One, my work for Jason Fisk has nothing to do with Thurston Tech, so he can back off.

Two, he needs to read this, if he really wants help with what he hired me to do.

Oh, and back off, this is none of his business.”

Alex did not waste words, she handed the church literature to the tail, and showed the man the email she was sending to Thurston. She backed away, and waved the bewildered man towards the door.

“Bye, I don’t want to see you any time soon.”

When he left Alex and the two ushers had a good laugh.

“Well, if I ever need a PI, I know who to call, that was awesome.” Said the one man though his chuckles.

“Thanks, here is my card, ” offered Alex. “Appreciate the help.”

Alex left, and called Jason.

“All good, that tail will be lucky if he has a job tomorrow. I will stay around. The church has a mid- week Bible study. This town is quaint, I like it. I will get some much needed rest.”

“Thanks, I will likely hear from Thurston. He is not going to like my decision about our business, but if he cannot trust my word, and feels he has to spy on me, then he is not someone I want to do business with.”

“Agreed, and I am glad I was able to settle this end of the issue. I will be in touch. If you want someone to talk things over with, Sheriff Glace has a good ear. He would appreciate the friendship.”

“Funny you should say that. I just got off the phone with him. We are going out for dinner tomorrow night.”

Alex laughed, and said goodnight. Now she has two extra stomachs.

Now that Thurston was out of the picture, Alex could get to the job at hand. Monday and Tuesday were spent touring the picturesque city. It sat nestled on a small Bay, and the fall colors flanked the waters edge. Alex could see the draw to small town life, and hoped to settle somewhere small when it was time to start her family. When….well when Bobby got the courage up. Alex laughed at her own thoughts.

Wednesday was quiet. As Jason had predicted, Thurston had called him. The tail was fired, but the damage had been done. Jason was glad to close the door on any more business dealings with Thurston Technologies.

Glace had called, three times. Once to assure Alex that the tail was off, once to report on the dinner with Jason, and once, just because. The just because made Alex hopeful.

Alex had not gone to a midweek Bible study in many years. Just another thing that had fallen by the wayside, and another thing to fix in her walk with the Lord.

As she entered the little church she immediately felt at home. The people were warm, and friendly. She had a few moments to talk to the Pastor’s wife before service. Esther was a sweet lady, just a few years younger than Alex, and someone who Alex could see herself being friends with. As the time drew for service to start, Alex noticed a lady that she was sure, from Jason’s description, was Kathryn. When the young man seated with her got up to lead the singing, Alex was sure. The message was pointed. Pastor was working through the book of Nehemiah and was talking about how we build walls. Walls to keep things out, but also walls to keep things in. The Holy Spirit was doing His job. Alex felt keen conviction. Her walk with the Lord just received a huge boost. She looked forward to chatting with Bobby later. She knew that this was where she wanted to settle down.

After the service there was coffee and snacks served in the fellowship hall. Perfect, thought Alex. She would be able to have a good chat with Kathryn. They made their way to the hall. Alex did not immediatly go to Kathryn she wanted to give the lady the opportunity to come to her first. There was no reason to be pushy. Alex did not have to wait long. After sitting at a table with a coffee and a plate of assorted snacks, Kathryn came to greet her.

“May I join you? I am Kathryn, so glad you came to church tonight.”

“Hello, I am Alexandra, Alex for short. I am glad to be here. I am loving everything about this dear church. I really needed this boost to my walk.”

The two ladies chatted, and even though there were 30 years between them, they clicked on so many issues. After a good 20 mins of chatting Alex figured it was clear to let Kathryn know why she was there.

“I have to fill you in a bit, on why I am in town. I am here on business. Even though it is a wonder place to be for a pleasure trip. It would seem we have a mutual acquaintance. I am a Private Investigator. A few months ago you met my client.”

Kathryn interjected, “Jason Fisk?”

“Right, how did you guess?”

“Just had a feeling. We do not get visitors often, and you are from the same place. I put two and two together.”

“You have an investigator mind. Yes, Jason hired me to talk to you. Him being who he is, he did not feel he could come into your life without having some groundwork laid first. Does that make sense to you?”

“Perfectly,” answered Kathryn with a beaming smile.

“I actually have not been able to get him off my mind. When I saw the news that he had stepped down as CEO, I had the feeling he was up to something. I just did not dare hope. Am I right? Is he interested in me? Dare I hope?”

“Yes, wow, I did not think this was all going to be so easy. Jason is a wonderful man. You are very blessed that you caught his attention. He was puzzled how you knew him when he was here, and could not find any connection. How did you know him?”

“My uncle was military. He worked in intelligence, and had dealings with the tech that Jason’s company had presented several years ago. My uncle had high praise for every bit of innovation that PROVISO. brought to the table. Through my uncle I got to know the man behind the tech. I followed the work, and the man.”

Alex listened intently. This lady was Jason’s equal in every way. She was beautiful, intelligent and godly. Alex was so glad to be an acting cupid in this romance. This was not a job, this was an honor. To bring these two wonderful people together was such joy. Alex could not contain her joy. She drew the lady into a massive hug.

“I am so overjoyed!”

The pastors wife had viewed the conversation from across the room, and sensing that it was personal, did not intrude. At the hug she knew it was okay to cross the room.

“Mrs. Haines, have you met Alex? She is a PI, and has come with some wonderful information. I will have to fill you in later, but it is an answer to prayer.”

The evening progressed, and when it was time to say goodnight Alex knew she had made some new friends. She knew a lot of things, actually. She knew that there was going to be a wedding in the not too distant future, she knew that her walk with the Lord was going to be very different, she knew that Bobby would be glad for the progress, and she knew that Jason Fisk was going to be a friend in their lives.

Back at the B&B Alex was torn who to call first, but the business side of her won out and she called Jason first. The news was welcomed, although he was surprised that Kathryn was so quick to agree. When he heard the connection, and how she knew him, he knew he had found a gem. Jason just then remembered the Jamieson name. He remembered Kathryn’s Grandfather. Jason was overjoyed. He said goodnight to Alex and went about plans for a trip to see Kathryn, humming hymns that had come back to his mind from his childhood, and thanking the Lord for His goodness.

Alex then called Glace. The conversation started about the case, but by 11pm, it was all about the Lord, and His plans for their life. Both knew that The Lord brought Jason to Alex, for this. They needed this jolt of romance to get their eyes fixed on the Lord, but also on a life they could build together. It was 2 am when they said goodnight, and Glace, true to his persona, ended the conversation with, “See you Friday night for dinner.”