with the return Josh from Mexico things seem to be returning to normal
Tolson arrives in Las Vegas - staying at the 'Athena Park Hotel', and makes contact with Caleb, but Zac ensures that everyone adheres to Teddy's advice about Caleb - meanwhile Ethan and Teddy continue with preparations for the upcoming concert
ADULT MATERIAL - PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL 'WRESTLERS' FEATURED IN THIS CHAPTER WERE OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS AT THE TIME THAT THE ORIGINAL IMAGES AND TEXT WERE PRODUCED
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| Tolson Arrives at 'McCarran International' |
Miss Gandy, probably without realizing, booked a flight for Mr Tolson on the airline that was owned by the person that he would be investigating...
So, the morning after Jim, Ethan and Teddy, and Zac had been discussing their concerns about Caleb, Tolson arrived at 'McCarran International Airport' in an 'AirWest' 'plane and, quite by chgance, McCarran Airport was just a sort distance from the 'California Combat Club'.
And also, coincidentally, Miss Gandy had reserved a suite at the recently renamed 'Athena Park Hotel', as befitted a person of such authority and importance as the 'Assistant Director of the FBI'.
Helen Gandy was the long-time secretary to 'Federal Bureau of Investigation' Director J. Edgar Hoover, who called her 'indispensable'. Serving in that role for 54 years (she never married) she exercised great behind-the-scenes influence on Hoover and the workings of the Bureau. Following J Edgar Hoover's death, she spent weeks destroying his 'Personal Files', thought to contain much secret information, and the most incriminating material he used to manipulate and control the most powerful figures in Washington
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| 'Athena Park Hotel' - Las Vegas |
On the previous evening Caleb, along with Jim, Ethan and Teddy and Zac had all returned to the 'Penthouse Building' in Summerlin - Jim, Ethan and Teddy to the Penthouse itself - and Caleb and Zac to their respective apartments.
But returning to the following morning, just after Tolson had arrived at McCarran, on a flight from Washington DC, Josh had also arrived at 'McCarran International', having flown in from Villahermosa International in Chiapas, Mexico.
Thoughts about the FBI and espionage, however, were far from the minds of Ethan and Teddy as, later that morning, they were driven to Ethan's 'secret office' at the 'Athena Park Hotel' to work on the upcoming concert .
Jim and Zac, however, were still concerned about Caleb, and were driven by Chuck to the 'Club Jaguar' in Summerlin, where they were due to meet Josh - fresh off the plane.
In Jim's office they were to apprise Josh of matters relating to Caleb - and later Josh would meet with Franklin so that Josh could report on financial and organizational matters in Mexico.
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| Las Vegas Blvd South - Nevada |
There they had breakfast together before reporting to Kurt, the manager of the 'Combat Club', for their morning training session at the 'club'.
Neither Caleb or Brody, however, were aware of one customer, sitting well away from the window, who appeared at times to be watching them closely.
That individual, unknown to Caleb or Brody, was an extremely youthful looking FBI agent - chosen by Tolson precisely because he looked young, and would therefore would not be noticed when spending time with Caleb.
The agent would later attempt to make contact with Caleb when Brody was not around - and then arrange a meeting between Caleb and Tolson.
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| Las Vegas Public Telephone |
It was possible to use public 'phones, but many in the area where Caleb worked, were inoperative - and of course 'phoning from the 'Combat Club' or the 'Penthouse Building', or any other 'Athena Corporation ' establishment was not possible, as the FBI knew the corporation ran its own security organization, and probably 'bugged' all the 'phones, as well as the buildings.
So even if Caleb waited until his next monthly salary was paid into his account, (a bank account that the corporation opened on his behalf), Caleb was worried that Zac would probably know that he had purchased a 'phone, and if he came within a few feet of Teddy, Caleb felt that Teddy's 'hi-tech' electronics would probably pick up not only his number, but also all his contacts and recent calls
So 'spying' on Jim and his associates was no easy matter... but Caleb had not realized that when he first agreed to do so, when 'someone' offered him the chance to make good money that would help to pay off his debts - and at the time he didn't know it was the FBI.
Caleb's debts accrued from the medical bills resulting from his father's medical treatment.
So, when Caleb and Brody arrived that morning at the 'California Combat Club', Caleb was careful to play the part of the easy going, relaxed guy - pleased to listen with the others to Brody's tales of his time in Mexico.
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| Athena Corporation Security Service |
Now in addition, while the 'Combat Club' appeared to be part of the 'Athena Corporation', it was actually a separate legal entity, and most of the employees of the club did not hold the status within the Athena organization of Kurt and Brody - and it was for that reason that Kurt and Brody, - and also Zac, Ethan and Josh viewed the others who worked at the club as outsiders ('extraneos') who were not apprised of all that was, or had occurred.
So on that morning, when Ethan and Teddy were wondering just how to begin their preparations and planning for the next concert, Clyde Tolson was checking in at the reception desk of the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
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| Ethan's Secret Office |
And there was also the matter of the teddy-bear...? -
It had been 'suggested', by some foolhardy members of the staff of the 'Athena Park', that Mr Duncan talked to his teddy bear - and some had even claimed that the bear talked back - but few believed such a far-fetched story.
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| Ethan |
Nobody, however was prepared to gossip about such matters, particularly after the hotel owner, Mr James Johnston, was seen conferring with a well-muscled young man in the entrance lobby, by reception, the day before the previous manager, a certain Mr Damrosch, was found in 'Lake Meade' with a broken neck.
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| Brody at Reception |
"So what's this thing about a 'pipe organ' that you were asking Jim about before ?", Teddy asked.
"Well, with the sort of music people listen to in this place and time, if they want to hear something really big and grand - then it needs to have not just an orchestra, but also a big pipe organ and maybe even a choir.", Ethan explained in his simple, boyish way.
"So - I need to search for companies that make pipe organs, and we need to get the specs for the 'Park Theater', because if these things are as big as you say, then I think they need to be built into the structure of the theater - ", Teddy said.
'Mm... big job..." Ethan mused thoughtfully.
"Well, you get to work on this organ-thingy, and I'll get hold of Aaron and let him hear this new tune that I've been orchestrating.", Ethan said - taking out his cell-phone.
While Ethan was asking Aaron to come to the 'Athena Park', a delivery was being made to Ethan's 'secret office' (fortunately the reception staff actually knew where Ethan's 'secret office' was situated) and so the large crate made its stately way up to the very top floor of the hotel in the 'service elevator'.
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| 'Kawai CA99 Hybrid Digital Piano' |
"And just when you really needed it.", Teddy observed.
Once the crate had been opened and taken away, it was just a simple matter for Ethan and Teddy to remove all the packing.
"And what are we going to do with all these foamy-bobly-thingys ?", Ethan complained, as he struggled to reach the actual piano, which was buried deep in the seemingly endless layers of foam and plastic.
"It's well packed because its very expensive and delicate - so you be careful - and later we can get the cleaning lady to sort out this mess in the office.", Teddy said as he quickly found the instruction manual.
"And don't do anything until I've read the instruction manual !".
The Advertising Blurb - The Kawai CA99 Hybrid Digital Piano provides an incredible 'concert piano' experience for the discerning piano player. Successor to the award-winning CA98 digital piano, the CA99 combines a new keyboard action with improved digital piano technology to create uncompromising touch and tone - but what will Ethan think ?
Teddy then sat down on the desk-top and read the bulky, thick instruction manual - but because of his built-in 'Speed Reading' function he was was able to read, and digest, all the complex information in a matter of minutes.
"Simple !", Teddy declared -
"So just you sit back and sort out you music manuscript, while I get this big 'bad-boy' up and running.", Teddy said, in an unusually tough and workmanlike manner, as he began flicking switches and twiddling knobs - with a some help from Ethan, as Teddy was only little.
Ethan looked confused.
"Yes, it's very nice having it turn up here, but I thought we had ordered it for the Penthouse", Ethan said hesitantly.
"Yes - we did, and there will probably be another one at the Penthouse when we go back there later, because I ordered two - they were doing a 'special offer' you see - and I thought you would also need a piano here at our office at the hotel, and also one at the Penthouse.", Teddy explained.
"Ah - good thinking - clever !", Ethan concurred, as he patted Teddy on the head.
"I would prefer it if you brushed my fur, rather than patted it." Teddy commented.
"Okey-dokey...", Ethan replied, as he casualty played an arpeggio on the already switched on piano that any concert pianist would die for...
An arpeggio is a type of broken chord, in which the notes that compose a chord are played or sung in a rising or descending order. An arpeggio may also span more than one octave. The word arpeggio comes from the Italian word 'arpeggiare', which means 'to play on a harp' - and so is related to playing the lyre - an ancient instrument with which Ethan was familiar. Now even though the notes of an arpeggio are not played or sung all together at the same time, listeners hear the sequence of notes as forming a chord.
".Mm...'bit rusty, I'm afraid - but I haven't played anything all the time we were in Mexico..", Ethan said, excusing himself.
"So what's this piece of music that you're so keen for Aaron to hear ?", Teddy asked,
"Oh, I think is might be a traditional tune, or a least based on a traditional tune.
It's a sort of 'Western-style-thingy', like a 'cow-boy' song, but gentle and romantic.', Ethan tried to explain.
"Well that might appeal to some of the visitors to 'Vegas who come from the 'Mid-West'.
Despite all their 'gun slinging', they're often actually 'big softies'..", Teddy said.
"Yes - and what's all this 'gun-slinging- thingy' about - I mean throwing guns about seems a bit stupid when you can just shoot someone ?", Ethan asked.
"I really don't know...", Teddy replied...
And remarkably, Teddy's data base was of no help regarding this matter !
Now Ethan, in his 'secret office' was gradually coming to grips with his shiny new digital piano...
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| Agent Wayne Gordy |
At the same time, Clyde Tolson, having settled into his suite at the 'Athena Park Hotel', was then descending to the reception area in the VIP elevator.
Having tipped the elevator boy, Tolson wandered about, and eventually selected a comfortable armchair, and waited for a call from Agent Gordy.
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| Caleb Harley |
He didn't have long to wait - which was just as well, as it was a very hot day.
Eventually a figure appeared between the huge classical columns.
It was a young man, dressed casually - and he was obviously waiting for someone
Tolson was also waiting - close to the 'McDonald's' in Las Vegas Blvd South.
Tolson received a call...
Few words were spoken on the cell-phone - simply 'your friend has appeared, and I will join him...'
If the cell-phone call was picked up by the 'Athena Security', which was doubtful, the message would probably be meaningless.
Tolson waited, while Gordy approached Caleb.
"Caleb Harley, I believe ?", Gordy questioned.
Caleb nodded.
"Come with me...", Gordy said quietly.
Gordy took Caleb to Tolson, and the three of them met outside the .'McDonald's'.
"This gentleman wants to talk to you..", Gordy said to Caleb, "So let's go inside."
They took a table at the rear of the restaurant, well away from the windows looking out onto Las Vegas Blvd.
They were drinking cola, and as far as anybody seeing them was concerned, they were just two young guys being 'picked up' by an older guy - nothing special in 'Vegas at midday.
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| Johnathan Kent |
"So, you've met this guy James Johnston ?", Tolson asked, as they sipped their drinks.
"Yes... although most of the time they called him 'Jim'... but I had to call him 'Sir'...", Caleb replied.
"And so far - how many times have you met him ?", Tolson asked.
"Adam - the club photographer, was taking some publicity shots of Johnathan, and then I did a practice bout with Johnathan.", Caleb explained.
"Johnathan who ?", Tolson asked, interrupting.
"Johnathan Kent - he's a young guy from Hutchinson, in Kansas - much better at wrestling than me - did a lot of wrestling in High School."
"I see, and then what happened.", Tolson asked, continuing the interrogation.
"Then me and Mr Johnston - and also Ethan Duncan, who always seems to be carrying a teddy-bear - although sometimes you don't notice it - were driven to the 'Las Vegas Hotel Athena', and there we met 'Sigi' and Max.
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| 'Las Vegas Hotel Athena' - Paradise - Nevada |
"And who is this 'Sigi', and also Max ?", Tolson queried.
"I'm not rightly sure.
They all have various jobs, and 'Sigi' has a German-type accent.
"So when was the next time you met Mr Johnston ?", Tolson asked.
"That was the following day - at the 'Club Athena' in Summerlin."
"And what was that meeting about " Tolson asked.
"Oh, that was when Mr Johnston took me on full-time, and arranged for an apartment for me at the Penthouse Building in Summerlin.", Caleb explained.
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| Roman 'Spectacula' - Pancratium |
"Not much - just regular training sessions at the 'Combat Club', planning and rehearsals for 'fights'.
They call these 'fights' 'Spectacula'- which I was told is a Latin word taken from fighting in the ancient Roman arena...
It's like many of the words they use - Latin they told me - but they don't say why...
It' just their way.", Caleb said, beginning to 'loosen up', relax and give more information to Tolson.
"And not 'spettacolo' - Italian ?", Tolson said, checking.
"No, Sir - definitely with a 'c' before the 't', and ending with an 'o' sound.", Caleb replied, wanting to clarify his answer.
"Well you have been very helpful, so far, Caleb.
But now I want you to come to the 'Athena Park Hotel' this evening, at seven and we can discuss things further.
And dress smart - like in one of the suites that you were bought by Duncan."
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| 'Athena Park Hotel' - VIP Entrance |
Tolson continued...
"If anybody at the 'Penthouse Building' asks where you are going, tell them 'to see your friend in the trailer, near the airport'...",
"You know about the trailer ?", Caleb naively asked.
"Of course - and a lot more...
So, take a cab to this MacDonald's, and make sure you're not being followed.
Have a coke, and then walk to the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
Use the VIP entrance, and go to the lobby desk - tell them you're Mark Brandon, and ask for Mr. Tolson - that's me - and I will instruct them to send a 'bellhop' to take you to my suite." Tolson explained.
"I understand - but I really need to get back to the 'Combat Club', as the afternoon session will be starting." Caleb said hesitantly.
"OK, Caleb - I look forward to seeing you tonight.", Tolson said in a strangely 'cute' manner.
"Thanks, Sir.", Caleb replied, guessing what Tolson might possibly have in mind.
Caleb left the MacDonald's...
"So what do you think, Gordy ?", Tolson asked, as Caleb left the MacDonald's.
"Nice boy...", Gordy answered, appreciatively.
"Yes, that I can see- but is he going to come up with the information ?", Tolson questioned.
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| Late Night Sidewalk - Las Vegas |
When he had initially arrived in Las Vegas, and sought employment at the 'Club', he had simply believed it to be an upmarket 'tourist trap' which had an unusual 'gambling setup', combined with a very high class 'gay strip joint' posing as a wrestling venue - and that it seemed is how it was generally thought of on the 'Strip'.
Caleb had been prepared to work there, as it was undoubtedly better that hustling on the 'Strip', or around the hotels and casinos in 'Vegas, or sleeping on the streets, or simply starving.
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| Knock-Out in the Combat Club Ring |
Then Caleb had met Gordy
Gordy, it seemed, was in a similar position to Caleb, struggling to survive on the 'Strip' (at least that is what Gordy had led Caleb to believe) - but Caleb, as Gordy realized, was tired of having to put on a 'show' of being regularly 'beaten up' and stripped for the amusement and delectation of very wealthy, middle aged visitors, and was looking for a way out, and a way of making enough money in order to eventually get into something more legitimate and less demeaning.
Now when Caleb began working at the 'California Combat Club he initially thought it was a relatively modest organisation, despite the elegant classical edifice in which the club was housed.
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| Press-ups Prior to Practice Bouts |
Of course, what Caleb didn't know, or suspect, was that there was no 'business' competitor seeking information, and that Gordy was in fact an FBI Agent.
When Caleb eventually returned to the 'Combat Club', just a little late, Kurt had a few words about punctuality, and quickly sent Caleb off to to strip to Speedos, and begin his afternoon training - prior to a rigorous session of practicing some intricate choreography with Brody, who was already well into his warm up exercises.
Meanwhile, away from the sweaty atmosphere of the' Combat Club's Practice Ring', Ethan was having his lunch in his 'secret office' at the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
Teddy, as usual, was not eating.... as he was an animatronic teddy-bear.
Instead, Teddy had carefully taken off the rear cover to the digital piano, and was taking photos, and making detailed digital drawings of the circuits - against the possibility of a future occasion when he might be required to undertake repairs... after the guarantee had run out.
Ethan, of course, trusted Teddy implicitly, and viewed the little bear's activity as just one of the many advantages of having Teddy as a 'best friend'.
And, in case you are wondering - they are waiting to Aaron to arrive.
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| Sunset Hills Apartments - Henderson |
Instead, he had a nice little apartment in 'Sunset Hills' - Henderson - near 'Green Valley', with his parents living near by, and near where Glen has an apartment, and 'Sigi' has a house.
Henderson is a suburb of Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada, about 16 miles southeast of downtown Las Vegas. Henderson has an estimated population of 320,189 in 2019, and is part of the Las Vegas Valley, occupying the southeastern end of the valley, at an elevation of 1,864 feet (568 m).
At this particular time Aaron didn't have any transport of his own - simply because he couldn't drive, and didn't want the distraction of learning at that period in his life.
It was not a problem, however, as there was always a big black Cadillac available for any journeys (such regular trips to the Park theater) that were connected with the Athena Corporation.
And so, conveniently after Ethan had finished his lunch, and Teddy had returned the new digital piano to it's original state, Aaron arrived at the 'secret office'.
"So how's it go'in, Aaron.., Ethan said by way of greeting.
"Very well, Mr Duncan, Sir", Aaron replied
"Good - but Aaron, I know I'm 'sorta', 'kinda' your 'boss thingy', but you can call me Ethan.", Ethan said smiling.
"Oh - if you think it's OK, and Mr Johnston won't mind." Aron replied.
"Now Aaron- we've got a new piece of equipment here - a digital piano, so we can do some practicing up here in the office.", Teddy, who was sitting on Ethan's desk with the Kawai user's manual, said brightly.
"Oh, sorry Teddy, I didn't see you there.
Hi... and that's real good - I mean about the piano.", Aaron replied.
"So Aaron - I've got this new piece of music.
It's a sort of 'Western-style-thingy' - based on an old cowboys song - but it's very romantic and sweet.", Ethan said as he sorted out the sheet music.
"Now first I want you to get the melody in your head, and then we'll go for the lyrics.
Later I'll figure out a lush orchestration so we can pad it out with an orchestral interlude in between the sung parts.", Ethan explained.
"That's goo, because I really need some new material.", Aaron remarked - as Etha n set the sheet music against the open piano lid, and played a few appropriate chords (more of those arpeggios actually) - establishing the key..
"Is that about right ?", Ethan asked.
"That's fine, Ethan.. so play me the melody.", Aaron replied.
And so Ethan played - a sweet, gentle tune...
Ethan, of course, could play and talk at the same time.
"So if I remember rightly, you play the guitar, so possibly you could also play an accompaniment on the guitar, and so we could include that when you perform this....", Ethan said - questioningly.
"Yes, why not ?", Aron replied.
And Ethan continued to play, so that Aaron, who could not read music, unlike Teddy and Ethan, could memorize the melody.
(now if you haven't yet guessed what the songs is - it will be available on this page very soon - but first...)
It was early evening, and the main training session at the 'California Combat Club' had come to an end.
While the club remained open as a public gym, as well as a casino and restaurant, there were no 'fights' taking place later - so it was a quiet evening for the club.
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| Las Vegas Yellow Cab - Paradise - Nevada |
It was, however, here that the problems began for Caleb - for while Johnathan normally took a cab back to his apartment in 'Sunset Hills', in Henderson - which only took him 20 minutes, and would cost about $3, it was usual for Brody to be taken in an 'Athena Corp' Caddy to Summerlin, only twelve miles away - and since Caleb's arrival at the 'Combat Club', Caleb would accompany him - as they now both had an apartment in the 'Penthouse Building'.
So Caleb had to find a reason not to return to the 'Penthouse Building' straight after training.
As an excuse, Caleb explained that he was intending to visit the trailer-home that he had previously shared with a close friend - and Caleb emphasized the idea that it was a close friend, so that it would probably be possible to use the excuse more than once.
Politely, Brody offered Caleb a lift in the taxi (even if it was slightly out of his way), but Caleb declined the offer, saying he needed to 'take the air' - and it was only a short walk.
And so, Johnathan had left the Club to get his taxi, and in the locker room, Caleb changed into his suite, and then left the club by the rear entrance - thus avoiding having to make any explanations to Kurt - who was in his office anyway, or Mikey or Tripp, who were cleaning up, or Adam, who was busy in his dark room.
And so Caleb made his way to the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
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| The Reception Lobby of the 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel' |
This was the fourth hotel that Caleb had visited since his arrival in Las Vegas - the four being the 'Las Vegas Athena Hotel' (formerly 'Caesars Palace'), the 'Club Jaguar Hotel and Casino', the 'Flamingo Hotel and Casino' and this - properly named the 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel' - and before that time Caleb never visited any hotel.
What was significant was the fact that all these hotels were owned by the 'Athena Corporation' - and they were not the only Hotels, Casinos and Restaurants in Vegas owned by the 'Corporation'.
Some people were worried by Jim's acquisition of so many properties in Las Vegas - and some of those people had their 'own thing' - as opposed the the 'thing' that Jim had inherited from the 'Boss' - and by then they were struggling to survive in a town that they once considered they owned -
The Boss', of course had inherited his tradition, the tradition that he had then passed on to Jim, from his own culture - that of ancient Rome.
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| The Ancient Roman Capital - En fête |
The relationship was hierarchical, and obligations were involved.
This was the 'traditio' (tradition) that Gnæus Octavian Gracchus brought with him to the 'New World' from that far distant time in ancient Rome.
The 'patronus' was the protector, sponsor, and benefactor of the cliens, and the technical term for this protection was 'patrocinium'.
Although typically the 'cliens' was of inferior social class, a 'patronus' and 'cliens' might even hold the same social rank, but the former would possess greater wealth, power, or prestige that enabled him to help or do favors for the 'cliens'.
'Patronus', from all positions of power, sought to build their power through the control of 'cliens' and resources.
'Patroni' protected individual cliens from government authorities and other public obligations.
In return, 'cliens' gave the 'patronus' money and often services, and some 'cliens' even surrendered ownership of their land to their 'patronus'.
The significance of 'clientela' changed along with the social order during ancient times, and after the initial period of the Roman Republic the 'clientela' came to mean a contingent of armed retainers ready to enforce the will of the 'patronus'.
Such groups of 'cliens' were often referred to as 'gens' (a family), and would often be referred to by the family name - hence the 'family' or 'House or Gracchus'.
In theory, each 'gens' or family functioned as a 'state within a state', governed by its own senior members, following its own customs, dispensing its own justice, and carrying out its own religious rites, and the decisions of a gens were theoretically binding on all of its members.
It is generally believed that some aspects of the Italian, Sicilian and American 'Cosa Nostra' had their origins in activities and traditions of the ancient Roman 'Clientela'. Of course there was a considerable time lapse between the original 'Clientela', and the later forms which evolved and became known as the 'Cosa Nostra' - and many of the differences between the separate traditions undoubtedly derives from the fact that the Roman 'Clientela' was basically 'pagan', whereas the Italian, Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra was primarily 'Christian'.
But at this point we can leave the 'ancient Roman Clientela', and the comparisons with the more recent 'Cosa nostra' - (Teddy, and possibly Novius will have more to say about this topic later) - and return to Caleb entering the reception lobby of the 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel'...
Now normally a young man asking for access to a guest's room would be refused if he was not a guest at the hotel - unless, of course, a previous arrangement had been made at the reception desk - and that was obviously the case with regard to Caleb.
.jpg) |
| Clyde Tolson |
Tolson came to the door of the suite, as always immaculately dressed.
"Good evening 'Mr Brandon' - so nice of you to come...", Tolson said with a smile.
Now it must be remembered that although Caleb and Tolson had met previously, at the MacDonald's earlier that day, Caleb did not know who Tolson was - or at least what his job was.
Tolson, of course, was mentioned in the news papers, and occasionally on TV, but was always in the 'shadow of his boss, J Edgar Hoover - and anyway Caleb had never been an avid reader of newspapers, or one for watching the TV news.
So what did Caleb think ?
Well he probably thought that Tolson was some 'big boss', or maybe was working for some boss of some other 'outfit' that owned hotels, casinos and entertainment venues that wanted to 'get the jump on' the 'Athena Corporation's' future plans - or weaknesses - or operations - in some way.
All a bit vague - but then Caleb really knew practically nothing about the ways in which such businesses worked.
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| Tolson's Suite at the Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel |
So, seated with a vodka and coke, Tolson sat opposite Caleb.
"Now Caleb - I don't expect you to tell me anything about how the Combat Club is run - or how much money they are making, or anything like that...
You haven't worked there that long, so you wouldn't know anything like that anyway...
But what would help us is some information about the people running the place - you know - who they are, what they're like - what they talk about...", Tolson said encouragingly.
"Well I think I might be able to help - but who are we ?", Caleb asked.
"Good question - but I can't be too specific.
Enough to say the we are a 'government agency', and it is our job to ensure that businesses - like the one that you work for - is not doing anything illegal - and if they are doing anything illegal, then it is our job to advise them how to alter their business practice so that it conforms to the law." Tolson replied somewhat deceptively.
"I see.
So you are not the police ?", Caleb concluded.
"No - not at all - although if there were serious problems, we might need to inform the police of what was going on."
This also was not entirely true as there were long standing conflicts between the FBI and local police forces, and they rarely, if ever, co-operated with one another - but knowing no better, Caleb was prepared to accept Tolson's answers.
"But the people that I work with - they're not going to get in trouble with the police ? ", Caleb asked naively.
"Not at all.
It's only the people who own the business that we would have to 'advise'....", Tolson replied - again deceptively.
This, of course, is how the FBI, and some other federal agencies work, lulling their victims into a false sense of security in order to get the information and the convictions that they need.
"So, who's the boss at the California Combat Club ? ", Tolson asked.
"Well the guy who runs things is called Kurt, but I don't know his other name, and I think someone said he comes from a place called 'Forrest Hills' in 'Queens' in New York.
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| Night Panorama - Forrest Hills - Queens - New York - USA |
Queens is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Queens County, in the U.S. state of New York. Located on Long Island, it is the largest borough of New York City in area, and it is bordered by the borough of Brooklyn at the western tip of Long Island to its west, and Nassau County to the east. Queens also shares water borders with the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
"But he's not the owner - that's the guy you asked me about earlier - Mr Johnston", Caleb added.
"OK, so what can you tell me about Jim Johnston ?", Tolson asked.
"Well, most of what I know is only second hand...
As I said before, I've only had one or two conversations with him, so most of what I know is what the other 'boys' have told me.", Caleb explained.
"And these 'boys' were ?", Tolson probed.
"Well I suppose Brody was the main one - he seems very close to Jim.
Johnathan - well he keeps himself to himself.
And then Adam, Tripp and Mikey gossip a bit - but I don't think they really know much.", Caleb continued.
"And what about Kurt - he must have a lot of contact with Mr Johnston - being the boss of the club.", Tolson questioned.
"Yes, he does - but Kurt is, I think you would say, 'discreet'. - and although he's an important guy, he's not like, one of the 'inner circle'., Caleb said.
"So who's in this 'inner circle' ?" Tolson asked.
"Ethan, obviously - Zac, because he's in charge of security - Josh, although I' not sure exactly what he does, but he seems to meet a lot with a guy called Franklin, although I've never actually met Franklin.
But the top guys are Jim, Ethan, Josh and Zac - and it's weird because they're all young - like my age - very good looking, with blond hair and blue eyes, and look like they're from the same family - like brothers."
By then Caleb was getting into his stride, and there seemed like there was no stopping him - but then Tolson, obviously, was a good interrogator.
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| Siegfried Brandy |
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| Max |
'Sigi' told me he's Austrian, but has lived in the US most of his life - but he speaks German, like me, and has a German accent when he speaks English.
'Sigi' is fair haired and blue eyed, just like the others, and he helps Zac quite a lot with security things.
And then there's Glen, who to me always seems really weird, and also Max, who is really American, and I think comes from here in Nevada.
I was told he was originally an elevator-boy and bellhop, 'would you believe', and then was promoted, and now helps Ethan with the entertainment side of things.
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| Novius |
I don't know what he does, but everyone listens to him like he's someone very important - and he also seems to be part of this 'inner circle'.
Novius is the only one who doesn't live in Las Vegas...
He lives somewhere outside Los Angeles...
Oh - and I've heard them mention someone called Tony - but I don't know anything about him...",
and then Caleb trailed off, unable to remember any other people that he had met or heard of while working at the 'Combat Club'.
"So what separates out what you call the 'inner circle' from the others.", Tolson then asked.
"Well this 'inner circle' - that's Jim, Ethan, Zac, Josh and this older guy, Novius - they seem to have this close connection - it's almost as if they share some sort of 'secret' that they do not share with anyone else.
They all have a slight foreign accent and, apart from Novius, as I said before, look like they come from the same family.
And they sometimes speak to one another in a foreign language - or more exactly use foreign words - but I've no idea what language it is - but it sound a bit Italian or Spanish ?
They are not like any people that I have ever met before...
It's a bit creepy.", Caleb concluded.
It's a bit creepy.", Caleb concluded.
"Well what you've told me is good and very interesting - but tell me now about what actually happens at the 'California Combat Club',
"Well, it's a place where people can come to keep fit - get massaged - and use the spa facilities, but that's all separate from where we are.", Caleb began.
"And where are you - and the other guys working ?", Tolson asked.
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| Adam - the Club Photographer |
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| 'California Combat Club' - Poster |
We have our own gym, complete with changing rooms, and showers, although we use the massage facilities that are used by the general public.
There is also a fully equipped photographic studio.", Caleb continued.
"And why a photographic studio in a Fitness Club ?", Tolson asked.
"Well, photos of the guys are taken regularly in order to monitor their physical progress.
Also while the wrestlers are performing in the ring photos are taken to be used in a decorative way in the building, and also photos are sent to Mr Duncan - who I told you is in charge of entertainments, and he gets artists and designers to use the photo is posters and brochures for the club.
And we have our own doctor at the Club - Dr. Lockwood.
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| Dr Lockwood |
The 'Doc' is a friendly young guy - not like most doctors - and you can go to him with any problem...
a note for our readers: we first meet Dr Lockwood in Chapter I - 'Once Upon Another Time'
"So tell me more about these 'Spectacula' that you mentioned when we spoke last...", Tolson said almost casually, as he poured Caleb another drink.
"Well they're usually staged on Saturdays and Wednesday. - that's to give visitors to 'Vegas the chance to see at least two or three events before they might make a real serious bet.", Caleb began.
"So, Caleb, are you implying that people that attend these 'shows' do so more that once." , Tolson suggested.
"Yes, because some visitors come to 'Vegas because they particularly want to see this sort of wrestling - and also for the betting - so Kurt publishes a list of the months 'performers', and from that the punters feel that they can work out the odds about the outcomes of the matches.
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| Wrestling in the Main Auditorium |
Of course this only works with 'punters' taking three to four week vacation - but there's always plenty of those.", Caleb explained.
"So the 'fights' are fixed ?", Tolson queried.
"Yes - I told you that before...", Caleb replied a little petulantly.
I told you that we spend a lot of time planning and rehearsing the fight, mainly to avoid anyone getting seriously hurt, and also to ensure the outcome of the 'fight'." Caleb further explained.
"And I suppose that you know that's strictly speaking illegal ?", Tolson asked.
"Maybe - I don't really know - but it's Kurt, or Johnston's decision.
We just do what we're told - like it's our job.", Caleb stated.
Caleb was not used to the alcohol, and by then he was becoming rather overconfident.
“and who organizes the betting ?“, Tolson asked.
“Kurt, of course - but betting is very complicated, with lots of different kinds of bets - particularly things like proposition bets - like if the fight is decided by a straight knockout, or ‘ball-busting’ or a submission, or if one of the fighters gets stripped, and various combinations of such things.
it’s the boys, Mikey and Tripp who go around taking the bets - which they can do easy, just by being very ‘cute’, if you know what I mean.”, Caleb elaborated.
“I see - very interesting...“, Tolson commented, his interested having been piqued.
“And there are no rules to these fights ?“, Tolson asked.
“No rules at all, except one - which is no eye gouging.
But no one gets really hurt - it’d be bad for business - and there’s always Dr Lockwood on hand for quick first-aid.“, Caleb said reassuringly. |
| Reception - Main Lobby - Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel |
“Well - difficult.
You see you would first need a ‘Platinum Membership’, which costs a lot, although if you can afford this hotel suite, then maybe that would not be a problem for you, - and as you are staying in this hotel, which is part of the ‘Athena Corporation’, then you can get a ‘Platinum Card’ from reception in the main lobby.“, Caleb replied.
“So, it’s that easy.“, Tolson said.
“Yes - if you are staying at one of the ‘Athena’ hotels, as they will have already checked your identity and your credit status.“, Caleb replied.
“So how do you know so much about this ?“, Tolson asked.
“Well when I started here Kurt gave me a sort of 'lecture' on how the business was organized - it’s given to everyone - so if they ‘pick up anyone’ they can answer any questions.“, Caleb answered.
“And what do you mean by ‘picked up’...“, Tolson asked.
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| Tripp |
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| Mikey |
"Well if I 'd seen you, I would have asked Mikey or Tripp to get you to meet me outside.:, Tolson said softly with a gleam in his eye.
"But you don't have to - I'm here... with you... now...", Caleb said....
Caleb returns to the Penthouse Building - meanwhile Tolson showers and then gets on the encoded 'phone to Hoover - with what he thinks is the good news. Ethan and Max start working at full stretch with new posters for new contests, and the installation of the pipe organ is underway - while the 'spying' continues apace.
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with brief résumés
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2022
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2022
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2022