Juan Migallon had heard his future brother in law Coldham Fintan Noose III needed a new middle man. Juan knew just the person. His cousin Adam Granato had opened his own business and was looking for clients.
Fin's reputation - as Coldham Fintan was nick named - had already spread and Adam was sceptical. "You want to get me killed?!" Juan replied: "No. You don't have anything to fear as long as you don't stab him in the back or threaten his family. Damien did both, so he got what he deserved." Juan didn't have any pity for Fin's former middle man. "Fin is also one of the best in his job and on the way to be THE best. It would be good advertising for yourself, if you would be associated with him." Adam was still not convinced. "You have a lot in common. Family goes above everything for Fin. He is married to my girlfriend’s sister and has a little daughter. She is slightly older than your own." Adam paused for a moment. "Set up a meeting, but I won't promise anything!" "Perfect. That's all what I'm asking for." Juan was pleased and sure once Adam had met Fin he would forget his doubts.
Juan arranged for a meeting of the two families in Ottawa. It was neutral ground.
Judy asked her husband Adam: "Are you really sure you want to meet with this Fintan guy?" "Well, yes, I'd like to make myself a picture and if Juan says the guy is good, who am I to doubt my own cousin?" "Alright. You don't think he's going to kill us..." "Honey, we're meeting at the lobby of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier! He brings his wife and daughter, so it's unlikely he would do anything stupid." Adam replied exacerbated. Judy sighed and acquiesced.
Fin and Frieda, Fin's wife, were also discussing Adam. Fin was a bit nervous, while Frieda took it cool. "Adam is related to Juan and you know what an important role Juan plays in our family. He's very supportive of Bobby and an outstanding left hand man." Bobby was Frieda's sister. She and Juan were groomed to take over the family business with Bobby at the helm.
"Yeah, but think about my own family. Nearly all are screwed up..." "Not all families are like yours and if you think Adam is crazy or unsuitable, just don't take him as your middle man." "You're always so wise, my dear." Fin kissed Frieda on the tip of her nose.
Fin, Frieda and Casey found Adam, Judy and Jerri already waiting at the lobby. Adam was around three inches smaller than Fin, had carrot red hair and green eyes. He looked very much different than his cousin Juan. Judy was eleven inches smaller than her husband and had hazelnut brown hair, her eyes were also green. Judy was a bit fuller around the hips, having not shed all the pounds she had gained during pregnancy. Frieda on the other side had been well proportioned to begin with. She had regained her figure ca. six months after giving birth. Fin was 6 ft 2 in tall, light ash blond and had blue grey eyes. His wife was reaching up to his chin, dark haired and had brown eyes and olive skin.
Jerri was also dark haired and had astoundingly blue eyes, while Casey was a miniature copy of Frieda.
Casey was nine months old and very good at crawling. She managed sometimes a few steps by holding on to furniture or someone's hand. In character she was similar to Fin. She was introvert, but a keen observer. Casey went through a phase, having fear of strangers.
She recoiled and tried to hide from the Granato's when the families introduced each other, burying her face in Frieda's neck. Casey hadn't noticed Jerri, who was fast asleep in her buggy. She felt the securest on her parents' lap. Judy liked children overall and would have loved to play a bit with Casey. Fin and Adam checked each other out. The women had their daughters in common, so the meeting wasn't awkward for them. Jerri was four months younger than Casey.
Fin and Adam found out they shared a passion for music. Both liked jazz and Madeleine Peyroux. Adam blushed a bit when he admitted he listened sometimes to Rosanne Cash. Fin didn't like county music, so he hadn't thought about the singer. "She doesn't only do Country. Some of her repertoire is pop and blues." Adam explained. "Hm, maybe I'll check it out." Fin said. "What are your favourites?" ""Take Me, Take Me", "So Fine", "Thoughts from the Train", Anybody's Darlin'", "Big River", "Down on Love" and much, much more... Rosanne Cash has so far recorded ten albums." "Wow, impressive." They enjoyed the tea and smiled about Casey's interest in Jerri. When the baby was awake, she had squawked to get attention. After being fed and the nappy had been changed Jerri was taking in her surroundings with big eyes. Casey was intrigued and urged her father to be let down. Fin complied and Casey was high speed crawling towards Judy and Jerri. She sat down in front of Judy and looked up to Jerri. Both stared at each other. "Jerri is a baby, darling, so be careful with her." Frieda explained. "Want to sit beside us?" Judi asked. Casey didn't like the strange voice and her face scrunched up. Curiosity won out, though, and she let Judy lift her up. Casey touched Jerri soft on the cheek. Jerri thought it was funny and gave a gummy grin, which delighted Casey in turn. They seemed to communicate silently.
The tea went well, so Adam and Fin agreed to meet the next day at Fin's room to discuss business.
Fin tried to make the meeting a pleasant one and organized a few things he deemed necessary to do just that. He took his daughter with him. Casey was fascinated by the Christmas decoration at the Rideau Center and scared by Santa. She cried while sitting on his lap and stopped only when she was safely back in her father's arm, still sniffling, but clutching the present Santa had given her. "Want to see what's in there?" Fin asked. Casey hadn't grabbed the concept of a gift yet. She protested vehemently when Fin tried to take the box from her. "Okay, then keep it." Fin shrugged. Maybe Casey's mother had more success later on. Finally having everything gathered, they returned to the hotel. On their room Frieda was already waiting. Casey gave Frieda the package. "Oh, is that for me?" Frieda took it and shook. "Hm, what's in there?" Frieda opened it and revealed a teddy bear. Casey grabbed it from her mother's hand and hugged the bear. "Oh, was the bear for you after all?" Casey nodded. "Okay. We should give it a name." They agreed to call it Polly.
Frieda and Casey were meeting with Judy and Jerri, while the men had their meeting.
Fin wasn't exactly looking forward to it. He had liked Adam and thought they would be able to build a meaningful partnership in the future. The problem was Fin had to convince Adam and most likely some explaining to do.
When Adam arrived Fin had everything set up. Adam's favorite cookies and apples were laid out on the coffee table. There was a bottle of Acqua Panna waiting as well. Soft music was playing in the back ground. Adam recognized the album immediately. It was "Rules of Travel" by Rosanne Cash. He was impressed to what great length Fin had gone to please and make him comfortable. Adam thought Fin behaved Hispanic and wasn't sure if Fin had always been that way or influenced by Frieda and her family. "Please take a seat. Would you like coffee? I can make it with the machine or order it from room service..." "I'd like to have privacy and go down to business, so the coffee machine will do." Adam was direct. Fin chose the capsule with the strongest coffee. He made himself a cup of green tea. While Fin prepared the beverages Adam asked Fin what he thought about Juan. Fin wasn't sure if the question was a trap or simply small talk, because Juan was the one person they both knew. Fin decided it was the latter and in any case to go with honesty. "I like Juan. He's growing on me and he has proven to be a good friend, but when we first met he decided to get drunk and make love with lamp posts..., so that didn't leave a too good impression. Now I can laugh about it." "Yeah, that sounds like Juan." Adam giggled. Balancing two cups and saucers Fin returned to the table. "Sugar or milk?" "Two sugar, please." Fin returned with two packets. They were quiet for a while, munching on the cookies and enjoying their hot drinks. The silence was companionable. Adam broke it. "If I'm going to be your middle man, what would you expect from me?" "Honesty, integrity, flexibility and that you give me jobs fitting my skills." "What can I expect from you?" Adam's face was unreadable. "Besides monetary compensation I promise I do whatever job you give me to the client’s 100% satisfaction. If I'm unhappy or my circumstances change I'll let you know." "What do you mean by changing circumstances?" "Frieda and I might want a second child, so I wouldn't be willing to take on jobs involving being away for long periods from Frieda during her pregnancy and around half a year after the baby is born." "I understand that. Familia comes first." Fin was glad. Damien hadn't. "Now, rumours have it you killed Damien, beating him to death. Why would you kill him and how did he die?" "He tried to black mail me. Threatening to kidnap my highly pregnant wife, in the hope I would take on a burglary in Australia. I took him serious and I won't accept black mail." Fin's eyes had turned blue. Adam was fascinated. "So you beat him to death?" "No, that's way too barbaric. I told him he had signed his death warrant, called Frieda and told her to go into hiding." "Was that all?" "No, I contacted a friend of mine, who's a contract killer." Adam was a bit impatient that Fin wasn't forthcoming. "And?" "My friend ambushed Damien and shot him." "Why didn't you kill him yourself?" "I'm sorry to say, but I'm a coward in that regards. I wouldn't have been able to do it." Adam was quite. He had to think. Did Adam believe Fin? Was he able to trust Fin and work with him? "I have to sleep over my decision. I'll let you know tomorrow." Adam got up, straightened his clothing and left.
Adam was waiting for the police report of Damien's murder. He had his contacts too. His acquaintance confirmed Damien had been killed by a gun wound to his head. Fin hadn't lied about it.
Adam spoke with former clients and people Fin had worked together with. The clients were very happy. Fin had always delivered; either quicker than expected or in a timely manner and was discreet.
Fin's contemporaries were of split opinion. He heard Fin was arrogant, stubborn and own minded, a loner, a narcisist and difficult to work with. Others said Fin was shy, focused, self-assured, creative, a perfectionist, straight forward and strategic thinking. No matter what fellow criminals thought about Fin they respected him.
Adam had still a few doubts if he wanted to work together with Fin. He had liked Fin, though. There was also the siren call of money and prestige. Adam weighed up what he had learned about Fin, considered his own feelings and asked for Judy's input.
Fin's demands were sensible. As long as he and Adam communicated and found a compromise or an agreement, Adam had nothing to fear, so Juan had been right.
Fin wasn't sure his pitch had worked. He hoped for the best. Since he had arranged for the murder of his middle man Fin had had difficulties finding new jobs.
He didn't need the income, having earned a lot in the past and a friend had laundered and invested it cleverly, so it had grown. Fin missed the work, though. He believed he was born to be a burglar.
The next morning Fin and Adam met for breakfast. Fin was tense, but hid his nerves well. It was hard for him not to play with his food. "Have you come to a decision, Adam?" Fin asked. "Yes, I'd like to be your middle man." Fin was visibly relieved. They agreed to forge out the details on Adam's room.
They both gained from their partnership. Fin received more interesting and challenging jobs than before, rising to the occasions and being considered the best in his field.
In the beginning Adam got some flak for taking on Fin. He was warned Fin would destroy Adam's reputation or he would get killed if Fin didn't get what he wanted. Nothing came true.
Adam built a client base and thanks to Fin's ability gained also a reputation as the middle man to go to get the job done. Since Adam managed to angle interesting work other burglars and hackers wanted to come on board too.
Adam and Fin never regretted their decision to team up and if there were issues they spoke about them open and found solutions.
©2014
Fin's reputation - as Coldham Fintan was nick named - had already spread and Adam was sceptical. "You want to get me killed?!" Juan replied: "No. You don't have anything to fear as long as you don't stab him in the back or threaten his family. Damien did both, so he got what he deserved." Juan didn't have any pity for Fin's former middle man. "Fin is also one of the best in his job and on the way to be THE best. It would be good advertising for yourself, if you would be associated with him." Adam was still not convinced. "You have a lot in common. Family goes above everything for Fin. He is married to my girlfriend’s sister and has a little daughter. She is slightly older than your own." Adam paused for a moment. "Set up a meeting, but I won't promise anything!" "Perfect. That's all what I'm asking for." Juan was pleased and sure once Adam had met Fin he would forget his doubts.
Juan arranged for a meeting of the two families in Ottawa. It was neutral ground.
Judy asked her husband Adam: "Are you really sure you want to meet with this Fintan guy?" "Well, yes, I'd like to make myself a picture and if Juan says the guy is good, who am I to doubt my own cousin?" "Alright. You don't think he's going to kill us..." "Honey, we're meeting at the lobby of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier! He brings his wife and daughter, so it's unlikely he would do anything stupid." Adam replied exacerbated. Judy sighed and acquiesced.
Fin and Frieda, Fin's wife, were also discussing Adam. Fin was a bit nervous, while Frieda took it cool. "Adam is related to Juan and you know what an important role Juan plays in our family. He's very supportive of Bobby and an outstanding left hand man." Bobby was Frieda's sister. She and Juan were groomed to take over the family business with Bobby at the helm.
"Yeah, but think about my own family. Nearly all are screwed up..." "Not all families are like yours and if you think Adam is crazy or unsuitable, just don't take him as your middle man." "You're always so wise, my dear." Fin kissed Frieda on the tip of her nose.
Fin, Frieda and Casey found Adam, Judy and Jerri already waiting at the lobby. Adam was around three inches smaller than Fin, had carrot red hair and green eyes. He looked very much different than his cousin Juan. Judy was eleven inches smaller than her husband and had hazelnut brown hair, her eyes were also green. Judy was a bit fuller around the hips, having not shed all the pounds she had gained during pregnancy. Frieda on the other side had been well proportioned to begin with. She had regained her figure ca. six months after giving birth. Fin was 6 ft 2 in tall, light ash blond and had blue grey eyes. His wife was reaching up to his chin, dark haired and had brown eyes and olive skin.
Jerri was also dark haired and had astoundingly blue eyes, while Casey was a miniature copy of Frieda.
Casey was nine months old and very good at crawling. She managed sometimes a few steps by holding on to furniture or someone's hand. In character she was similar to Fin. She was introvert, but a keen observer. Casey went through a phase, having fear of strangers.
She recoiled and tried to hide from the Granato's when the families introduced each other, burying her face in Frieda's neck. Casey hadn't noticed Jerri, who was fast asleep in her buggy. She felt the securest on her parents' lap. Judy liked children overall and would have loved to play a bit with Casey. Fin and Adam checked each other out. The women had their daughters in common, so the meeting wasn't awkward for them. Jerri was four months younger than Casey.
Fin and Adam found out they shared a passion for music. Both liked jazz and Madeleine Peyroux. Adam blushed a bit when he admitted he listened sometimes to Rosanne Cash. Fin didn't like county music, so he hadn't thought about the singer. "She doesn't only do Country. Some of her repertoire is pop and blues." Adam explained. "Hm, maybe I'll check it out." Fin said. "What are your favourites?" ""Take Me, Take Me", "So Fine", "Thoughts from the Train", Anybody's Darlin'", "Big River", "Down on Love" and much, much more... Rosanne Cash has so far recorded ten albums." "Wow, impressive." They enjoyed the tea and smiled about Casey's interest in Jerri. When the baby was awake, she had squawked to get attention. After being fed and the nappy had been changed Jerri was taking in her surroundings with big eyes. Casey was intrigued and urged her father to be let down. Fin complied and Casey was high speed crawling towards Judy and Jerri. She sat down in front of Judy and looked up to Jerri. Both stared at each other. "Jerri is a baby, darling, so be careful with her." Frieda explained. "Want to sit beside us?" Judi asked. Casey didn't like the strange voice and her face scrunched up. Curiosity won out, though, and she let Judy lift her up. Casey touched Jerri soft on the cheek. Jerri thought it was funny and gave a gummy grin, which delighted Casey in turn. They seemed to communicate silently.
The tea went well, so Adam and Fin agreed to meet the next day at Fin's room to discuss business.
Fin tried to make the meeting a pleasant one and organized a few things he deemed necessary to do just that. He took his daughter with him. Casey was fascinated by the Christmas decoration at the Rideau Center and scared by Santa. She cried while sitting on his lap and stopped only when she was safely back in her father's arm, still sniffling, but clutching the present Santa had given her. "Want to see what's in there?" Fin asked. Casey hadn't grabbed the concept of a gift yet. She protested vehemently when Fin tried to take the box from her. "Okay, then keep it." Fin shrugged. Maybe Casey's mother had more success later on. Finally having everything gathered, they returned to the hotel. On their room Frieda was already waiting. Casey gave Frieda the package. "Oh, is that for me?" Frieda took it and shook. "Hm, what's in there?" Frieda opened it and revealed a teddy bear. Casey grabbed it from her mother's hand and hugged the bear. "Oh, was the bear for you after all?" Casey nodded. "Okay. We should give it a name." They agreed to call it Polly.
Frieda and Casey were meeting with Judy and Jerri, while the men had their meeting.
Fin wasn't exactly looking forward to it. He had liked Adam and thought they would be able to build a meaningful partnership in the future. The problem was Fin had to convince Adam and most likely some explaining to do.
When Adam arrived Fin had everything set up. Adam's favorite cookies and apples were laid out on the coffee table. There was a bottle of Acqua Panna waiting as well. Soft music was playing in the back ground. Adam recognized the album immediately. It was "Rules of Travel" by Rosanne Cash. He was impressed to what great length Fin had gone to please and make him comfortable. Adam thought Fin behaved Hispanic and wasn't sure if Fin had always been that way or influenced by Frieda and her family. "Please take a seat. Would you like coffee? I can make it with the machine or order it from room service..." "I'd like to have privacy and go down to business, so the coffee machine will do." Adam was direct. Fin chose the capsule with the strongest coffee. He made himself a cup of green tea. While Fin prepared the beverages Adam asked Fin what he thought about Juan. Fin wasn't sure if the question was a trap or simply small talk, because Juan was the one person they both knew. Fin decided it was the latter and in any case to go with honesty. "I like Juan. He's growing on me and he has proven to be a good friend, but when we first met he decided to get drunk and make love with lamp posts..., so that didn't leave a too good impression. Now I can laugh about it." "Yeah, that sounds like Juan." Adam giggled. Balancing two cups and saucers Fin returned to the table. "Sugar or milk?" "Two sugar, please." Fin returned with two packets. They were quiet for a while, munching on the cookies and enjoying their hot drinks. The silence was companionable. Adam broke it. "If I'm going to be your middle man, what would you expect from me?" "Honesty, integrity, flexibility and that you give me jobs fitting my skills." "What can I expect from you?" Adam's face was unreadable. "Besides monetary compensation I promise I do whatever job you give me to the client’s 100% satisfaction. If I'm unhappy or my circumstances change I'll let you know." "What do you mean by changing circumstances?" "Frieda and I might want a second child, so I wouldn't be willing to take on jobs involving being away for long periods from Frieda during her pregnancy and around half a year after the baby is born." "I understand that. Familia comes first." Fin was glad. Damien hadn't. "Now, rumours have it you killed Damien, beating him to death. Why would you kill him and how did he die?" "He tried to black mail me. Threatening to kidnap my highly pregnant wife, in the hope I would take on a burglary in Australia. I took him serious and I won't accept black mail." Fin's eyes had turned blue. Adam was fascinated. "So you beat him to death?" "No, that's way too barbaric. I told him he had signed his death warrant, called Frieda and told her to go into hiding." "Was that all?" "No, I contacted a friend of mine, who's a contract killer." Adam was a bit impatient that Fin wasn't forthcoming. "And?" "My friend ambushed Damien and shot him." "Why didn't you kill him yourself?" "I'm sorry to say, but I'm a coward in that regards. I wouldn't have been able to do it." Adam was quite. He had to think. Did Adam believe Fin? Was he able to trust Fin and work with him? "I have to sleep over my decision. I'll let you know tomorrow." Adam got up, straightened his clothing and left.
Adam was waiting for the police report of Damien's murder. He had his contacts too. His acquaintance confirmed Damien had been killed by a gun wound to his head. Fin hadn't lied about it.
Adam spoke with former clients and people Fin had worked together with. The clients were very happy. Fin had always delivered; either quicker than expected or in a timely manner and was discreet.
Fin's contemporaries were of split opinion. He heard Fin was arrogant, stubborn and own minded, a loner, a narcisist and difficult to work with. Others said Fin was shy, focused, self-assured, creative, a perfectionist, straight forward and strategic thinking. No matter what fellow criminals thought about Fin they respected him.
Adam had still a few doubts if he wanted to work together with Fin. He had liked Fin, though. There was also the siren call of money and prestige. Adam weighed up what he had learned about Fin, considered his own feelings and asked for Judy's input.
Fin's demands were sensible. As long as he and Adam communicated and found a compromise or an agreement, Adam had nothing to fear, so Juan had been right.
Fin wasn't sure his pitch had worked. He hoped for the best. Since he had arranged for the murder of his middle man Fin had had difficulties finding new jobs.
He didn't need the income, having earned a lot in the past and a friend had laundered and invested it cleverly, so it had grown. Fin missed the work, though. He believed he was born to be a burglar.
The next morning Fin and Adam met for breakfast. Fin was tense, but hid his nerves well. It was hard for him not to play with his food. "Have you come to a decision, Adam?" Fin asked. "Yes, I'd like to be your middle man." Fin was visibly relieved. They agreed to forge out the details on Adam's room.
They both gained from their partnership. Fin received more interesting and challenging jobs than before, rising to the occasions and being considered the best in his field.
In the beginning Adam got some flak for taking on Fin. He was warned Fin would destroy Adam's reputation or he would get killed if Fin didn't get what he wanted. Nothing came true.
Adam built a client base and thanks to Fin's ability gained also a reputation as the middle man to go to get the job done. Since Adam managed to angle interesting work other burglars and hackers wanted to come on board too.
Adam and Fin never regretted their decision to team up and if there were issues they spoke about them open and found solutions.
©2014
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