Page 4 - double revenge 3.

‘either, get in the back seat with him, or walk on by and use the pay phone over there to get a cab
home. The choice is yours.’

Arnold got out and with shaking legs, walked slowly towards the Sedan. He could not believe this
was happening to him.

This was not the way he ever envisaged he would find out about his true parents and he felt
extremely nervous, scared. It was as if someone had been reading his mind or, more ominously,
spying on what he was researching in the library but for heaven’s sake, the guy was a cop and
besides, Arnold knew it was something he had to do.

He drew close to the rear door and looked back, the cop’s car had turned and gone. He tried to see
who was on the back seat but the windows were blacked out. The driver stared straight ahead.
Taking a deep breath, Arnold placed his hand on the door handle but his shaking fingers lacked the
strength to open it. He still hesitated and removed his hand from the handle. Why didn’t the man in
the back open the door for him? Arnold made up his mind, he took another deep breath and with a
silent yell, swiftly opened the door and stood looking into the car.

The man said nothing; he just looked at Arnold impassively. He was a little guy, not much bigger
than Arnold himself. His suit was beautiful; probably a Giorgio Armani and his after-shave did not
come from a five and ten cents store. He could have been a rich executive or even head of the
Mafia but either way Arnold did not care, he felt suddenly at ease and got in.

‘Hello Arnold. I am pleased you have just made your first big decision.’

There was hardly any accent, neither American, South American or even European as far as Arnold
could detect. His voice was flat and as such presented no emotion.

‘I want you to always call me Mister Lester. I am here to help you find what you seek but the
journey into ones unknown past is not always a ride at the funfair. Everyone has skeletons in the
cupboard and for you to find yourself you will have to accept them at face value and later, perhaps,

understand more fully. Your parents, despite what others may think, are good honest people. They
are in many people’s eyes heroes and I want you to always remember that.’

‘Are they alive?’ Arnold asked.

‘Yes they are but I want you to understand some ground rules. You must not ask any further

questions. It is going to take a very long time for me to explain everything about you and your
parents past and to do so I need to explain everything in its proper sequence and order of
importance. Do you understand?’

‘Yes, I’m sorry.’

‘Very well. Now give me the ten dollar bill.’