Chapter 10 – Will the Real Edward Wilcox Please Stand-Up

The continual disturbance created by a sudden wave, gave the Kraken a boost of momentum as she rode this crest eastward. She feels the tides energy swelling up all around her causing the water to move in a circular motion. She lets providence guide her towards her next adventure.

As she heads onward, her sensors pick up a struggling fish from a great distance. Is this a something that is going to be worth her while? She moves closer and sees a struggle like never before. Nothing seems to be attaching it, and yet it is in danger. Is this a wounded animal or a new predator? She must proceed with caution.

She notices that this potential meal has flippers for feet. It sure does not know how to use them as it flays about. Her target has two legs. Maybe it is some sort of strange bird. She had a few of those. The feathers get in the way to the meat. Surely, it would have to stop its bizarre gyrations. Once it does, she will grab its legs and capture it in her clutches.

Sure enough it stiffens up and starts to sink. For one second she was eye to eye with this… whatever it is. This is no bird. It has skin like a seal, but it is not a seal either. This prey is nothing like anything she has ever seen. She must find out what it is. It could be tasty.

Just as she was about to grab it, her snack flies up and out of the water. Maybe it was a bird after all. Oh, well. It is best to move on to something easier to catch.

****

Conrad feels responsible as he watches the panicky Adam inside of the water. If he can just reach up to him. Uh oh… Adam's body froze. I hope he is not going into shock. He has trouble seeing him at first because of the murky water. He grabs onto him, but because of the wetsuit, he slips out of his clutches. Finally, Conrad grabs part of his equipment, gives a heave ho, and pulls him out as they both come crashing back into the boat.

As they lie together for a second on the deck of the boat, Conrad is exhausted and breaths in fast gasps in and out. However, he notices that Adam is not doing the same. Okay, okay, okay… what did you learn in CPR class? Calm down! Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. However, it is almost certain that Adam will choke back some water.

Swiftly, Conrad turns Adams head to the side. Sure enough, water drains from Adam's mouth and nose. Conrad turns his friends head to the center. He gently tilts his head back. Then Conrad proceeds to use one hand to hold Adam's chin and lift it up. Conrad's mind races a mile a minute. What's the next step?

Oh, keep the mouth open using the thumb. What am I supposed to do with my other hand? That's right, hold the forehead. How am I to pinch his nose? I am all out of hands. Dummy, use the hand on the forehead to pinch the nose. Duh!

Conrad takes a normal breath. He covers Adam's mouth, which causes a seal. You had better be worth Adam ole pal. Next, Conrad blows into Adam's for about a second. Nothing. Well, one breath is not going to do it Conrad.

He strongly breathed four times into Adam's mouth. After he did that, Conrad quickly put his ear near Adam's mouth as he looks at his chest for any breathing movement. He checks his pulse for a sign of life.

Nothing!

Quickly, Conrad repeats the cycle making sure he has done all of the steps correctly. Pinch that nose. It will get any water clogging the breathing passageways from the lungs. Then Conrad breathes four strong times.

Still nothing!

Damn it Adam… breathe. He pounds his chest and slumps over his friend's body.

Then, all of a sudden, there is movement. Adam gasps and spits up water. He chokes as he searches for air. Conrad smiles so big, it almost hurts his face. They both roll over on the deck of the boat and breathed heavy, gazing up into the dusk sky.

To break the silence, Conrad laughs.

"What are you laughing at?" Adam says between breaths.

"You. Damn it, you had me so worried." He sits up.

"You were worried," Adam says. He rolls on his side and props his head up with his hand. "When I went stiff, I could have sworn I saw a… thing… I cannot be certain because my life defiantly flashed in front of me. I would have preferred if it was someone else life instead."

"You are hallucinating. It's not uncommon." Conrad stands up. "Take a moment. You've just experienced the most important lesson to scuba diving."

"And what is that?" Adam tries to catch his breath. "Don't die?" He flips over on his back and stares into the sky. "I guess this would have made for a great story in my blog." He giggles. Conrad joins in. Then they both laugh silly.

"This is life, my friend."

"So," Adam says, "To experience life, you have to face death?"

"You got it. Why do you think thrill seekers do this crazy shit? For fun? Dude, it is that moment when you don't know if you are going to live or die. That's when you know you are truly alive."

"I feel like shit. I guess it's better than dead." Adam sits up. "You won't tell anyone would 'ya? I mean it's embarrassing and all."

"Nah, of course not. It's all part of the learning curve."

"More like a dead-end."

"At least you won't do that again."

"No, I won't."

Conrad pokes Adam's arm. "See… lesson learned."

They head on back to Harbor Shores. Adam never got a chance to look at the Estuary.

When Adam gets back to the apartment, he does not mention his near death experience with Ashley or she'll have him stop it. Conrad is correct. There is a sort of thrill to it all. The entire day was eye opening, but in a far different way than one would expect.

Something Conrad said about Silicon Beach Realty intrigued Investigative Reporter Adam. When Adam goes on the internet, he sees Wilcox' press conference. That is not like him to give money to anyone, especially children. Edward Wilcox looks out for Edward Wilcox.

And Adam doesn't doubt the payola of the local politicians because that's what they do. As the saying goes, follow the money. This takes some doing, as it requires many open tabs on the computer so he can follow the trail. Like a puzzle, when you get the pattern, the clues are obvious.

The money for the Charter Schools comes from Silicon Beach Reality. It took a detour from the Silicon, to the Charters, and to the Chambers of Commerce. This triangle trade of these entities results in multiple hands washing each other. Special interest groups all over the place like bees to honey. And if you don't play along, you will get stung.

Of course, you will have your PR guys who will put the spin on it to make it sound legit. Adam is well of aware of these journalism dropouts. He recognizes this as all sugar coating to make the deal seem sweet.

And don't forget the lawyers to make sure that it is. It does not matter what the perception is as long as in court, nothing can be proven. A good lawyer is not just one that can argue well in court, but must prevent any sort of set of arguments brought to court in the first place. It must die in discovery.

Since Adam is not a lawyer and does not pretend to be one, he must cull out the evidence before he can present to the one court that does matter. The Court of Public Opinion. But, from what Adams has, he cannot place that one last piece into the puzzle. How did the company acquire the deal? Much to his better judgment, he must pay Wilcox another house call.

As Adam walks to the beach side office of Silicon, he wonders what excuse can he use now? If he popped in again, Wilcox will be suspicion. He must find another reason to do so. The Kraken buzz has built up again. That might be the subterfuge to get his foot in the door.

When Adam gets there, he is told that Edward is at the main headquarters in downtown. Dang. He has to walk back to his car and take a trip. But Adam really doesn't want to hang out at the apartment or Ashley will bug him about bringing in money.

When Adam enters the office, they don't know who he is, so they let him in. They buzz Wilcox and tell him that a reporter wants to ask a few questions. Adam looks around the main office and spots past projects. Some he has seen around town. Others seem unfamiliar. Maybe they are new ones. Then he reads awards that past executives have won. Adam is surprised when he sees Wilcox' name appears on many humanitarian awards.

There is also an article that is framed from many years ago how Edward is a pretty good guy, helping out the community. In the picture, Wilcox is actually smiling with his eyes.

Adam is puzzled. Is this the same guy?

He would run over a kid crossing the street if the child got in his way. And yet it says how he would volunteer his time for the Boys and Girls Club. His donations to charity is, "…unselfish and from the heart."

I did not know Wilcox had a heart, Adam thought to himself.

Then Adam is startled when he hears the door open. It is Edward Wilcox walking out of his office. When Adam turns around and Wilcox sees that the person he was waiting for was Adam, he rolls his eyes. "I have to get better screeners."

Wilcox never reaches to shake his hand and Adam never offers it. "Nice to see you too," Adam says.

"Now what? Did Elvis return and you want to know if I've been hiding him in my basement. Well, I have news for you… I don't have a basement, so be off with you."

Knowing he cannot just come out and ask him about who he has paid off. Therefore, he falls back on his journalism background and uses misdirection to divert from his real set of questions. "Now that the squid attacks have continue, the people of Harbor Shores are terrified. What is your opinion about the fear that is created by the beast of the harbor?"

"Off the record? I can care less what the people of the community thinks." He picks up a red delicious apple from his desk and takes a big bite out of it. Its artificial color is just as fake as he is.

"They are your tenants. Certainly you care about the money they generate."

He places the half-eaten apple back on his desk. "Those 'tenants' will not be part of the future of this new community we are building." He gives a smirk knowing that he is untouchable. His face tells the entire story to his treachery.

"I know that your heart is cold," Adam said, "And the only thing you care about is the profits to be made. Where there was once a good person, it seems now that greed has turned you into this ruthless person you are now."

"I'm sure there is a point to this soliloquy of yours. You see, I am familiar with Shakespeare and his corny trappings."

As if he was about to summon the Bard, Adam dramatically turns the tables on Wilcox. "If it is money you care about, then how about the fear of a supposed mythical creature will create to hurt your Estuary Restoration Project?" Wilcox' smirk drops. "Ah, no so smug anymore when it comes to losing investors now are we?"

"Do you realize there are thousands of sea creatures in the ocean? How can one slimy fish scare off years of planning? You are over confident in your little yarn you are spinning." Wilcox takes a step towards Adam.

"You are over confident on how far your money will go." Adam moves a bit closer to Wilcox.

Finally, Wilcox moves right up to Adam's face and goes eye to eye with him. "If you have something say… then say it." Edward's eyes protrude.

Now it is Adam's turn to give a subtle smirk. Seems like he hit a nerve. He does not dare bring up what he suspects without facts to back him up. Adam must keep his cards close to his chest. And so doing, he must adapt a good poker face.

By the looks on Wilcox' face, he is frustrated to no end. His usual calm demeanor is replaced with irrational pent up anger. He loosens his tie on his collar.

For now, Adam will call on his wager so he can make Wilcox show his cards. Wilcox will fold his hand in order not to reveal his plan. Adam takes his leave of this high stakes game so he can return with better chips to add to the ante.

****

As Wilcox watches Belfort saunter out the door, he cannot help but think that he has underestimated this foe. Wilcox uses sweeping arm gestures. "I thought we stopped Belfort from doing anything stupid," he says aloud to no one in particular. His face is as red as the apple on his desk.

But despite ruining him financially, he has not prevented his curiosity on the upcoming projects.

That asshole just would not stop. Wilcox' nostrils flare. Belfort is not as smart as he thinks her is. He usually can arrange some sort of accident to occur and no one would be the wiser. He will pay just like the others that got too much into his business.

Nevertheless, the sad fact is that bumping off Belfort will not make the problem go away. A meddling want-to-be reporter will ruin all of the money spent on the project. If Adam Belfort keeps snooping around, then it is just a matter of time that others will too. A vein from Wilcox' neck pulses.

Edward walks over to the bar and pours a glass of whisky in a glass. He pops open a bottle of pills and puts a few in his mouth. Then he downs it with the whisky. He takes a few breaths, and then lets out a sigh.

A dead body will only cause suspicion. And right now this new community must appear to be a sound investment and a dwelling where potential homeowners will want to come in safety.

No, the best thing is for Wilcox to keep Belfort busy or he will create such bad publicity that it will ruin the big payoff. With the death of the dolphin, Wilcox cannot ignore the crisis anymore. The news is out on the creature and Wilcox knows it. It just a matter of time when all roads will lead to the project. Now is not the time for it.

It is apparent to Edward that it's essential to eliminate the creature instead. He needs to get rid of both beasts… Belfort and the squid. Every living being has a weakness. Humans more so than animals. Animals can be scared off, but if they desire something, they usually do not stop until they get it.

On the other hand, humans tend to fall prey to blackmail. They let their thinking part of their brain over tax itself until they implode from the inside. Edward is certain that Belfort is not is clean cut as he portrays himself to be. He has ways of discovery it. Edward will use those resources to get rid of this cockroach under his shoe.

He glances over at the pictures on the wall. Mementos of the past. Edward taps his fingers in a steady and rhythmic pace. Thump… thump… thump… thump. Ah, those days on the yacht when one had time to relax. Thump… thump… thump… thump… The thrill of catching swordfish when the beast fights you back. Thump… thump… thump… thump—of course.

He will convince that spineless dolt to lead a team to catch the creature. Edward knows that Belfort is not equipped to do anything like this and he will surely perish doing so. He will get rid of the pest and not have blood on his hands. Yeah, but somehow it will lead back to me.

Then Edward glances at the pictures of all of the politicians he has bought off down the years. A smile breaks from his sour puss. Make it seem that it was Belfort's idea all along. Ew, I am good at that.

Still must hedge my bets. He picks up the phone. On the other end is Edwards's research specialist. "I know you checked up on this guy Adam Belfort before. There must be some sort of skeleton in that closet of his. What? It is just an expression. I'm glad I keep you around or you would be selling pencils in the street."

Edward hangs up. When playing high stakes poker, it is good to have an ace in the hole. And blackmail is the best card to keep up your sleeve.

****

When Adam was called in for an appointment with Edward Wilcox, his sensors went on high alert. Yesterday he could not wait to get me out of his office. Now he wants to be all nicey nice. Who is Wilcox trying to kid? Everything with him has a motive. I just have to figure out what that is. Unfortunately, I will have to figure it out like a heavy weight boxer, as I am being punched to death.

Lately when Adam comes visiting the offices of Silicon Beach Reality, they seems to be out of coffee. But, today, not only was there coffee, but donuts and bagels. Adam is being buttered up and he cannot figure out what that could be.

What surprised Adam was how congenial Wilcox was. "Congenial" is as about as "nice" as he can get. He actually agreed with him that the squid is a menace to our fine community. "Something needs to be done about this beast before it kills more innocent people."

Okay, who switched Edward Wilcox with a double? He has never cared for the people at Harbor Shores. What's his angle? Adam decided to go easy on him. "I'm glad you think so," Adam replies. "The fear is growing faster than the telling of the size of the creature."

"That's why we need to get rid of it. The only question is… how? That's where you come in Adam."

Adam… he has never called me by my first name before. "What can I do about it?"

"I noticed that you have befriended a lot of the local fishermen around the village. Certainly one of them has the guts enough to take on a little squid."

"If it was just a little squid, it would already be on someone's dinner plate as we speak." Adam stars to reach for a jelly donut, "Uh, may I?"

"Go right ahead. Help yourself." Edward picks up the donut, puts it on a plate, and then hands it over to Adam.

Always the neat freak, Adam picks up a napkin before picking up the donut. Despite the fact that it has sugar all over it and jelly oozing out, Adam does not get one crumb on him nor is his face dirty. "To be honest with you Mr. Wilcox-"

"—Edward… call me Edward, Adam."

"Edward… um, most of the fishermen I know tend to be the kind that stick to themselves and don't do much favors for others."

"I find that hard to believe. When I fished—"

"—you were a fisherman?"

"No, not in the classic sense." Wilcox walks over to his wall of mementos. "Sport fishing is what I dabbled in. I mean… when I was young and stupid and threw hell to the wind."

Adam thinks to himself, I knew he had a connection to Satan. "Looks interesting. Which one is you?"

"The guy with the big smile."

"No… that's not you. You seemed so… happy."

"I was back then. That is why I cannot believe that with all of those bunch of sea fairing blokes, that not one of them would care to take on a once in a lifetime adventure. Of course they will be well compensated."

"Well, I do know one fisherman that cares for the community."

Wilcox pats him on the back. "Talk to him. See if he is up to the challenge."

"I don't know." Adam hesitates. "I will have to ask him if he will lead such a mission."

"Lead? No, no, no. As much as I think these types have the courage to go on such a daring escapade, I need someone with smarts to be in charge."

Adam picks up the coffee cup and brings it to his lips. Then he looks up. "Who do you have in mind?"

"You!"

Adam choked on his coffee.

"Are you okay," says Wilcox

Still trying to recover, Adam said in a hoarse voice, "Me? I am not trained to go in the high seas and lead any expedition?"

"Oh, I disagree with you my friend. You have been going out and learning to scuba dive, have you not?"

There is a long pause from Adam who is processing how Wilcox knows this.