No Good Deed Read online

  Acton’s interest was already piqued. “I’d love to.”

  Meitner gestured toward the others. “Very good, but first, I think introductions are in order?”

  Laura stepped aside. “Mr. Meitner, may I present Agent Hugh Reading of Interpol. His son, Constable Spencer Reading of the London Metropolitan Police. Thomas Granger, University of St. Paul, and his partner, Mai Trinh, also of the University of St. Paul.”

  Meitner bowed his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all, and I’m pleased you could be here on such an important occasion. As you may know, I intend…” Meitner suddenly stopped, a coughing fit taking over.

  A man Acton hadn’t noticed emerged from a corner with a glass. He pressed a straw into Meitner’s mouth, and several drags of what wasn’t water, though Acton was certain wasn’t alcohol either, were drawn, and the coughing subsided. The man reached for an oxygen mask dangling by the side of the chair when Meitner waved his hand, dismissing the need.

  “I’m okay now, Bernie, thank you.” Meitner smiled at them sheepishly. “I’m sorry you had to see that, but it’s one of the curses you face when you’re over ninety years old. It’s why I’ve decided to do this today rather than risk waiting any longer.”

  Laura kneeled beside him, taking his hand. “Are you going to be all right?”

  Meitner patted her hand. “No, but as long as I am for tonight, that’s all that matters.”

  “Is there anything we can do?”

  Meitner shook his head. “The best doctors in the world have assured me my time has finally come, and I’m okay with that. I’ve led a long, fulfilling life, honored my family, I hope, and tonight will establish a legacy that will hopefully last long after my name is but a footnote in history.”

  Laura wiped a tear away then laughed. “And here I was worried my husband would mess up my makeup.”

  He reached up and patted her cheek. “Not to worry, my dear. I have two granddaughters here tonight who I suspect are close enough to your age to be helpful. They have everything you could possibly need in a room just down the hall.”

  “Thank you,” said Laura, rising and adjusting her dress.

  There was a knock at the door and Bernie opened it. A woman entered and bowed slightly.

  “It’s time, sir.”

  “Of course, of course.” Meitner reached into his breast pocket and retrieved a memory stick. He passed it over to the new arrival, who extended a shaking hand to take it.

  “Don’t be so nervous, my friend. It’s only twenty-five billion dollars you hold in your hand.”

  Acton’s eyebrows shot up with the number to be donated confirmed at the high end of the speculation building for weeks. It was humbling.

  “Y-yes, sir.”

  “Bloody Nora! Did you hear that?” hissed Spencer.

  Reading elbowed his son and Acton suppressed a smile as Meitner delighted at the display.

  “Yes, son, it is a lot of money, and it’ll do a lot of people a lot of good.”

  Reading cleared his throat, gesturing toward the new arrival as she left. “Does she have security protecting her?”

  Meitner batted a hand. “This entire place is swarming with security. She’s only going fifty feet down the hallway. I can’t go anywhere these days without a team of at least a dozen. One of the curses of the world I helped create, despite having stepped back from running the day-to-day operations.” He sighed. “I founded Meitner Telecom, but I suppose some would say I stuck around a little too long to still be useful. So much is changing and so rapidly, that I found not only did I have no interest in trying to keep up with the latest developments, my bliss was found in my workshop, tinkering with the old toys.”

  “Sometimes happiness is the simpler things.”

  Meitner agreed. “That’s exactly how I feel these days, young man.” He waved a hand at the closed door. “But nothing is simple about tonight. My security people have set things up so that none of the security protocols can be seen during the broadcast. That memory stick contains my private key. My people will have the account balance displayed on a screen for the public to see, and then in what I’ve been assured will be a quite dramatic display, a series of rapid transfers will take place into accounts set up by the various charities, and while my twenty-five billion number will rapidly dwindle, their empty accounts will fill as rapidly. Hopefully, by the end of the night, others like myself will be inspired.”

  Laura squeezed Acton’s hand. “We won’t be making any announcement, as that’s not who we are, but when we return home, we’ll be donating ten million dollars, spread out among the charities you chose tonight. It’s a token amount compared to what you’re doing, but we’ve already set up our wills so that when we pass, the bulk of our fortune will fund causes that are dear to our hearts.”

  Meitner smiled broadly, extending a hand to each of them. They both took his hand and Acton was surprised at the strength of the squeeze he received. “Thank you both. I know, Laura, that your brother would be proud that the legacy he left behind is in such good hands. I pray more will feel like you two.”

  “Hopefully, more like us who have been fortunate will follow our example.”

  “Hopefully,” agreed Acton.

  “Oh, I almost forgot!” Meitner glanced over his shoulder. “Bring it to me, would you, Bernie?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Bernie lifted a briefcase from the floor and placed it on a table. He entered a combination and opened it, removing what appeared to be a jewelry box. He handed it to Meitner, who then opened the box and turned it around. Everyone leaned in and gasped at a beautiful necklace, littered with diamonds and other precious stones, all set in a substantial gold chain.

  “It’s stunning,” whispered Mai.

  “It was in my family for a very long time. I was forced to sell it at one point to get my start, but I vowed if I ever could, I would buy it back. It took me a while to find it, and the owner didn’t want to part with it, but I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

  Acton chuckled at the Godfather impression.

  Meitner stared up at Mai. “Perhaps the young lady would like to wear it tonight?”

  Mai’s eyes shot wide as she took a step back. “Oh, no, I couldn’t!”

  “I insist. I think it will look lovely on you. And it would warm my heart to see someone enjoy it in my presence one final time.”

  Mai glanced at Laura, as if seeking permission. Laura nodded encouragingly and Mai finally acquiesced. “Well, I suppose.”

  Meitner handed the box to Tommy. “Why don’t you do the honors, son.”

  Tommy gulped and took the box. He lifted the necklace out gingerly, handing the empty box to Acton. Mai lifted her hair and the inexperienced Tommy fumbled putting it around her neck as his hands trembled.

  “Umm, just how much is that worth?” asked Spencer.

  Another swat from his father was dodged.

  “In dollars, you don’t want to know, but to the family, it’s priceless.”

  Mai trembled. “Are you sure you want me wearing this?”

  “Absolutely.” The old man stared up at her, his eyes glistening. “The last time I saw that worn was over eighty years ago by my mother.” A tear rolled down his cheek, unnoticed.

  There was a quick rap at the door, answered by Bernie. A woman stepped inside. “Everything’s been confirmed, sir. We’re ready to go.”

  Meitner smiled. “Everybody, this is Azar Vida. She’s in charge of making sure this show runs smoothly.” The woman flashed a smile at everyone. Meitner gestured toward her. “I have to get ready now. Agent Reading, I have no doubt you would be interested in the security we’ve put together for this project.”

  Reading agreed. “I would, as would my son, I have no doubt.”

  Spencer’s head bobbed. “Absolutely.”

  Tommy raised a hand. “If we’re talking the cyber side of it, I’d be interested too.”

  Meitner regarded the woman. “Miss Vida, do you mind?”
br />   “Not at all, sir.”

  Acton suppressed a smile. It was evident she did mind, and he didn’t blame her. This was probably the biggest night of her life, and the last thing she likely had time for was playing tour guide. Handshakes were exchanged with the old man, and as they were about to leave the room, he cleared his throat. “Don’t forget, Miss Trinh, to return that necklace. We wouldn’t want this night to be remembered because of a theft, now, would we?” Her cheeks paled slightly and he laughed. “Don’t worry, dear, I have no doubt the moment you put that necklace on, Bernie arranged a member of my security detail to watch you.”

  Bernie stepped forward. “As protection, of course, not distrust.”

  “Of course.”

  Vida opened the door impatiently. “Sir, if I’m going to give them a tour and make sure this goes off without a hitch, we better leave now.”

  Meitner waved his hand at the door. “Go. And, Miss Vida, if you don’t have time, just say it.”

  Vida’s shoulders slumped and she smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry, sir. It’s just that I’ve been brought in last minute, as you know, and I just want to make sure everything goes off smoothly.”

  “I know, I know. Get one of your subordinates that you can spare to give the tour.” Meitner turned to Laura. “I’m sure you understand.”

  “Of course. If it’s too much of a bother, we’ll happily forgo the tour. We don’t want to cause any difficulties.”

  Meitner batted his hand. “Nonsense. You’re my honored guests and I’m one of the richest men in the world. If I can’t cause headaches for my staff, then what’s the point of having all this money?”

  Laura chuckled, as did the others. “What you’re doing is a great thing, and I’m sure it’ll go off smoothly and inspire many others. Good luck tonight.”

  Meitner bowed his head. “Thank you, Professor.”

  They followed Vida out of the room, Bernie shutting the door behind them. The guards stationed there earlier remained, but a new one trailed them, undoubtedly the necklace’s assigned escort. Acton glanced over at Mai, who kept touching the necklace, her fingers still trembling, though the smile suggested it was a combination of fear and excitement, and he couldn’t help but choke up as he witnessed what would become a story she would tell for the rest of her life. And as he followed Vida, Laura’s hand held in his, he adjusted his bow tie, excited to be part of history in the making.

  Despite the penguin suit.

  8 |

  Vienna, Austria February 19, 1941

  “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “Yes,” replied Daniel’s mother. It was a rare day. Uncle Peter, the apothecary, was here while his father was out on some sort of business. They were venturing outside more out of desperation, the food deliveries from Peter and a few others now scarce. Even his own plate was mostly bare now. “Just make sure my husband doesn’t know.”

  “I’m very uncomfortable lying to him.”

  “Just don’t mention it then, and you won’t have to lie. But we’re going to do it tonight.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. It’s too dangerous now. Every night another building is searched and the Jews are taken away. I want to do this peacefully, on our own terms.”

  “But you’re willing to let your son potentially suffer?”

  Daniel peered around the corner to see his mother shaking her head, her eyes red as tears flowed. “If you could arrange for all three of us, it would be a different matter, but like you said, one child is much easier and far cheaper.”

  Peter sighed heavily. “I wish there were something more I could do, but the arrangements I’ve been able to make were only for my family. Adding your son almost scuttled everything.”

  His mother reached out and took Peter’s hands, squeezing them. “Thank you, thank you for saving our son. All I ask is that you tell him of us, of how much we loved him, and how sorry we were that it came to this.”

  Peter held her hands to his chest. “I assure you that his life will be filled with stories of his family, and when it’s safe to do so, I will make certain he is raised in the Jewish tradition.” His mother collapsed into Peter’s arms, sobbing as he held her in silence. After a few moments, he gently pushed her away. “I’ll be back tonight as discussed to collect Daniel. Is there anything you want me to do to your...” He sighed heavily and she shook her head.

  “No, unless during our death we suffered some indignity, leave us as you find us. Just save our son. That’s all that matters.”

  Peter closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and staring at her. “Then this is it?”

  She nodded. “I suppose it is. I know if my husband knew what was happening, he would thank you.”

  “And you’re still not going to tell him?”

  She shook her head. “No. We discussed it before, and he said it was too dangerous. Daniel could be captured and unspeakable things done to him. I believe he deserves a chance. Just make sure he has his powder with him so that if anything does go wrong, he doesn’t suffer.” She stepped over to one of the few remaining tables in their home, and Daniel noticed for the first time a small bundle wrapped in brown paper, tied with a string. She picked it up and handed it to Peter. “Payment for your people, plus hopefully enough to ease your journey, and perhaps even give our son a start in his new life. They’ve been in our family for generations and are worth far more than their weight in gold.”

  Peter clasped the small package to his chest. “I was surprised you were able to hold on to them for so long.”

  “I refused to let Joseph sell them. They’re too precious to me, but when the decision was made to end this, they lost all meaning. If by leaving the family that has held them for so long, they can save our son’s life, then I believe my ancestors will forgive me.” She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. “Now go. Joseph is due home any moment.”

  Peter stepped back. “Your son will never forget you or his father. This, I swear to you.”

  9 |

  Vienna City Hall, Ground Floor VIP Suites Vienna, Austria Present Day

  Laura knocked gently on the door then stepped back. She and Mai had decided to let the boys have their fun in the control room, and instead take advantage of the opportunity to touch up their makeup. The door opened a moment later and a woman scowled at her.

  “What do you want?”

  Laura put on her best smile. “I’m Laura, this is Mai. Mr. Meitner said we might be able to touch up our makeup here.”

  The woman frowned. “Well, he says a lot of things that are inconvenient for others.”

  Laura resisted the urge to snap back. “If it’s too much trouble, that’s fine.”

  Another voice from the inside called, “Oh, don’t mind her. Come on in, there’s plenty of room.”

  The woman exhaled loudly and stepped back inside, leaving the door open. Laura shrugged at Mai and entered. The woman who invited them in was sitting at a makeup table applying eyeliner. She glanced at them then gasped when she spotted the necklace on Mai’s chest.

  “My God, would you look at that? I can’t remember the last time I saw it.”

  “What?” asked the other woman, her head turning toward the door. The scowl deepened. “Well, that just takes the cake, doesn’t it?”

  She clearly wasn’t pleased, and Mai paled slightly. Laura bristled. “Mr. Meitner insisted she wear it.”

  “Of course he would,” snapped the woman Laura was rapidly taking a dislike to.

  The other woman rose and stepped over to Mai, staring at the necklace. “It looks lovely on you, dear. And don’t pay my sister any mind. She’s just in a mood because Grandpa is giving away all her money.”

  “Our money.”

  The nice one glanced over her shoulder at her sister. “None of it’s our money. It’s his.”

  “If Mom and Dad were still alive, he would have left the money to them and then they would have left it to us.”

  “You know that’s n
ot true. And what do you care? We’re rich. It’s not like he’s leaving us penniless. I couldn’t even begin to spend all the money I have. You just can’t stand that it’s going to people you turn your nose up at. You really should be more charitable. You’d be a happier person.”

  “My share would make me plenty happy.”

  Laura watched the uncomfortable exchange. “Perhaps we should leave.”

  The good sister batted a hand, dismissing the suggestion. “Nonsense.” She examined Laura’s face. “Let me guess. My grandfather made you cry.”

  Laura chuckled. “He did that.”

  “Well then, you definitely need a touch-up.” She directed her toward her seat and glanced over her shoulder at Mai. “You, my dear, don’t need a stitch of makeup. All eyes will be on that necklace.”

  Mai stared at the floor, a hand running over the precious piece of jewelry.

  The woman sighed. “I don’t know if I’ve seen that more than half a dozen times in my life. I’m Michelle, by the way. The rude one is my sister, Holly. What did you say your names were again?”

  Laura finished reapplying some eyeliner. “I’m Laura Palmer.”

  “I’m Mai Trinh,” murmured Mai.

  “And how do you know our grandfather?”

  “He bought my late brother’s company some time ago.”

  Michelle eyed her in the mirror. “Late brother? You seem rather young to have already lost a brother.”

  “He died in an accident.”

  Holly, standing against the back wall with her arms folded as Mai occupied the second chair, grunted. “And when he died, did he give all of his money to charity?”

  Laura finished her makeup, relinquishing the chair to Michelle. “No, he left everything to me.”

  “See! That’s what a responsible adult does. Keeps the money in the family.”

  Michelle rolled her eyes. “Nonsense. We come from money―”

  “That’s not true. Grandpa came from nothing.”

  “Argh!” Michelle jerked a thumb toward Mai. “How many generations has that necklace been in our family?”