It took a little longer than he expected and a ton of paperwork. Luckily, his time in the clinic had been spent practicing Sky’s signature and studying Sky’s businesses. It was not a wasted four months.
Finally, after a trip to Paris and several meetings on taxes and shelters and what not, Jefferson Brown was now, finally, a millionaire. It amazed him still how easy it all had been. It may have taken time and paperwork, but nobody doubted one bit that he was Schuyler Whitney.
He wondered if any obstacles could possibly come his way and then realized that yes, there was one.
Gunther Wagner
He had met Gunther a few times when he was with Sky. The man was a powerful force with his muscular build and bald head. He did not seem to care for Jeff, in fact he seemed to recognize Jeff Brown as a leech, which indeed he was.
The world is going to expect Gunther to be with me. And Gunther knew Sky inside and out, what he liked to eat and drink. This won’t work out, he’ll know something is wrong, even after the plane crash.
He thought for a moment. Wait, Gunther had a brother, a twin brother. Sky mentioned him, a fight over a woman broke them up. All right, time to put your new identity to work.
Jeff knew Gunther spent his time at a bar in the city called ILe Pantheon. Cute name. It was only 11:00a.m., he wasn’t sure the man would be there, but it was a good possibility. But wait! Not now, wait until nighttime. Why take chances?
‘Sky’ spent the rest of the afternoon finalizing the arrangements for a mansion he planned to rent for however long he was going to stay in Paris. Perhaps forever? It was a beauty, on the right bank of La Seine. Now this is living! he thought. No more sucking up with bad jokes to stay on the rich boy’s good side. Now I am the rich boy…no, no boy about it. I am a rich MAN.
He made it to Le Pantheon just before 9p.m. Jeff stopped a passerby and gave him 100 francs to fetch the owner Francois, a wiry little guy.
“Est-ce que Gunther est là-dedans?”
“Oui.”
“Faites-le venir ici.”
About three minutes later, Gunther Wagner stumbled out. He looked like he’d had several drinks already. The man stared, then grinned broadly when he recognized his boss.
“Mr. Whitney! You’re alive!”
‘Sky’ beckoned Gunther to him, then stared coldly into his face. “You drunk oaf! You are worthless to me like this!”
Gunther looked like he didn’t comprehend. “Huh?”
“You’re fired.”
“Wait, Mr. Whitney. W-why? I always took good care of you.”
“Oh yes, you did. And you took liberties with my liquor and whatever you could when my back was turned! No, I want someone completely loyal.”
“M-Mr. Whitney, no! Please!”
“Good-bye, Gunther.” With that, ‘Sky’ turned and walked away. As he did, he could hear Gunther yelling. “To hell with you, Mr. Whitney!! TO HELL WITH YOU!!”
He almost expected Gunther to run after him, but he didn’t. When he looked back, Gunther was gone, probably back in the bar. Now it was time for part B of the plan. He had the number. After he reached his hotel, he made the call.
After two rings, he made contact with the local gendarmes and asked about Bruno Wagner. He wasn’t in jail any longer, so he must be home. He called the number.
It was five rings before the deep resonant voice, not dissimilar to Gunther’s, answered. “Yeah?”
“Bruno?”
“Who the hell is this?”
“Schuyler Whitney.”
“Gunther’s boss?”
“His former boss. I want to see you.”
“Why?”
“I might have a job offer for you. Can you come tomorrow morning?”
“Where?”
“The Ritz. At eight.”
A short pause. “Did you fire Gunther?”
“That’s my business.”
“Yeah, all right. I’ll be there.” The phone clicked as Bruno hung up the phone.
The next morning was bright and cheery. Jeff sat in the hotel’s posh cafe, enjoying a cup of coffee. Oh yes, he was enjoying. There was something about signing one’s name without having to pull out money, it was heaven!
Bruno stalked in at 8:35. Late. He wore a blue shirt and and white pants, both ill fitting. He wore a graying goatee and straight dark hair. He didn’t look very bright.
One of the waiters looked like he was about to eject Bruno from the room but ‘Sky’ waved his hand, indicating it was all right. The waiter showed Bruno to his table. “Sit down, Bruno,” ‘Sky’ said shortly.
Bruno sat and Jeff looked him over. He wished there was another way, but he had to get re-established in the world and a Wagner…no, a GUNTHER was part of that re-establishment. “I understand you’ve been in some legal trouble.”
Bruno just shrugged.
“Was that your best clothing choice for the day?”
“Look, mister-”
‘Sky’ moved to within an inch of Bruno’s face. “No, you look. I’m offering you a job, and maybe this job will give you some sense of self-respect. You do what I tell you, when I tell you.”
Bruno stared back for a moment and looked down. “Yes sir.”
‘Sky’ smiled a bit and sat back. “That’s better. Now, two things. One, we need to get you a better wardrobe. When you are with me, you look like you belong in the room. The other thing is…you are no longer Bruno.”
Bruno narrowed his eyes. “What?”
“I’ll make it simple: I’ve had Gunther in my employ for a long time. I had to fire him for not being up to the job anymore. So I need a new Gunther, and that will be you.”
Bruno smiled. “Yes sir! What do I do?”
“First, shave your head, you’ll look more intimidating that way. After that, we’ll get you some new clothes. I am moving out of this hotel today and into a mansion I rented along the river. Tonight, you will be sleeping in the servant’s room.”
Bruno laughed and looked out in thought. “That sounds perfect, Mr. Whitney. I’ll be glad to get out of the hellhole I’ve been living in.”
‘Sky’ nodded in approval. “Well you will work like hell for me. Now, go shave that head and meet me at this clothing store at eleven sharp.” He handed Bruno a paper with an address. “Good-bye….Gunther.”
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