Michael stifled his amusement at Karl’s quip concerning his sub-zero personality. At least the guy was aware of his antiseptic presence.
Linner continued, “The Los Angeles firm Cohen and Bradford will be contacted for advice on American laws and tax structure. At this point, they would not need to be privy to the exact details.”
“We have worked with them before,” stated Sven.
Michael commented, “I assumed you were referring to that group. They do have an impressive dossier.”
Karl was pensive. “I think we should have a plan “B” in place before we start this venture.”
Michael spoke up, “Of course.” All three men nodded their heads in agreement.
At the last minute, they concluded the letters would be held back; they would be presented if necessary.
Sven said, “Well then, who should approach Ireland? Would you like time to think about this?”
A prolonged silence filled the room; Michael spoke up. “Sven, I don’t know if this will come as a surprise, but I would like you to consider presenting this offer. I have confidence in your sincerity and knowledge in this particular case. You are quite involved in this saga. Your law firm has an excellent reputation; I believe this will convince them we are on the level.” He paused for a moment. “Do either of you think Ireland might wonder why this was not put up for auction?”
“Good question. My initial thought is to level with them, telling them the owner would prefer Ireland, ergo they have first right of refusal. We will not confirm or deny it could end up on the auction block”.
“Perfect,” said Michael.
Linner spoke, “As for the next quandary, I have spoken to an accountant; for the time being, it would be best to set up a parent charitable trust in Switzerland. He is not sure; it could save taxes and legal sticking points. In the long run, if domicile of the trust is not an issue, it would be transferred to the State of New York. I think it would be a good idea to set this up as a limited liability corporation soon. It should be in place before Sven, or whoever accepts the position, makes the trip to Ireland.”
Michael looked at Sven. “Are you interested in representing me?”
“I am honored that you would consider me. I would like to consider this matter overnight. I will propose a feasible plan. If it meets with your approval, we will proceed. There is a benefit as far as confidentiality; however, I need to do some soul searching regarding my confidence in presenting an offer of such magnitude.”
The men dispersed with the usual formalities, agreeing to meet the following day.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
As Michael entered the room at the appointed time, there was an aura of expectation; it was all about Sven. Would he take on the task? Sven cleared his throat and looked up. “Gentlemen, good afternoon. We know why we are here today; therefore, I shall not beat around the bush, as the Americans would say. I will be honored to represent Michael in this undertaking.”
Approval was unanimous. “Sven, I’m confident you are the right person.”
Linner spoke, “One of our lawyers will start the trust papers today. It will be a boiler-plate format. What will be the name of this trust?”
Michael responded without hesitation, “The Abbey Foundation.”
“Perfect. Will there be a co-signer, Michael?”
“Yes, Sara DiNapoli. I will name a lawyer and accountant after the dust settles. If we need names now, please name Sven and Karl—with a clause that, at my sole discretion, these names may be changed at any time.
“Any other immediate issues?” Sven asked.
“Yes,” claimed Linner. “We have not addressed who we should contact in Ireland.”
Michael stated, “If it is Trinity, there is an organization called Friends of the Library. This group is involved in acquisitions for the library. I believe they are in contact with patrons who have substantial means. Perhaps we should try them first, and then approach the government if necessary.”
Linner appeared to be in deep contemplation. “One possibility is to invite the appropriate representative from the government, the Provost of Trinity College, and the head of the Friends of the Library, and have all three meet Sven at Trinity.”
Sven quickly responded, “All three in the same room?”
“This approach would ensure there are no bruised egos. We will not have skipped any rungs on the ladder.”
There was an extended silence; at last, Sven and Michael nodded in unison.
“Excellent,” said Sven. “It is always best in the end. However, it will spill the beans.”
Linner interjected, “True, the secret will be out, although, if they spread the story, they might think the cover’s price could soar on the open market.”
Michael spoke, “Is there any way to button them up using a legal contract.
“I have no objection to confidentiality papers being signed before the details are shared,” Sven answered.
Linner straightened up as if to leave. “Gentlemen, my understanding at this point; we will create a shell charitable trust, draw up confidentiality papers pertaining to the privacy of the offer. Sven, if you agree to take on the middleman role, we will arrange a meeting with the heads of Trinity, the Friends, and the Irish government.”
Michael asked, “How long will it take to get that type of meeting together?”
Sven spoke in an explicit tone, “It will be one week until they receive the letter; however, getting all three together is quite another question. It would involve clearing their calendars for at least two days.”
Michael chimed in, “Let’s not give any specific details until we meet face to face; just enough to whet their appetite.”
Sven was quick to respond, “I don’t think they will dally on this one.”
Linner gathered up his notes and stood up. “When would you like to sign the trust papers, Michael?”
“As soon it is ready.”
Sven spoke up, “We will have lunch tomorrow, here at the office.”
The meeting concluded on a positive note.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Michael took in an evening concert at a local church. The architecture, statues, and art were stunning. He lingered in the church after the concert, wishing Sara had been there. Having been away from her, he acknowledged she was not only his best friend, but she had also, bit by bit, crept into his heart. He wondered if these feelings were mutual.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
The following morning, he perused some of the high-end stores. Now that he was dressed appropriately, he felt more assured in the presence of the arrogant clerks. He strolled over to Sven’s office at twelve forty-five.
The secretary led Michael to a small boardroom. The room boasted a small fireplace and small marble sculptures. The table was set for lunch. Sven and Linner were gathered in light conversation with another man.
Sven greeted him, “Hello, Michael. I would like you to meet Marc Thomann; he will meet with us and familiarize you with the charitable organization documents. Please, let us have a seat.”
Michael recognized the man’s name as the one he had spoken with when the helicopter crashed. He hesitated to thank him now—maybe later when they were alone.
Linner spoke to him. “I hope our meeting will be short Michael; you will have some time this afternoon to explore some of our beautiful city. Are you also thinking of side trip while we wait for a response from Ireland?”
“Yes, as we are not sure of the time frame, I will travel to one of the neighboring countries.”
“I am sure you will have time for overnight trips. Have you seen Venice or Rome?”
“No, this is my first trip abroad. I would like your opinion on which cities would be the most diversified.”
“Prague, Vienna, Rome, Venice, and Brussels would be a good cross section. Start with Rome and Venice.”
“If need be, would I be able to fly back to Zurich in a few hours?”
“Sve
n will be going to Dublin to present the offer. We will have proper notice of their arrival.”
“Well then, let us have lunch.”
Their conversation elaborated on the cities Michael might explore. The cover was never mentioned.
After lunch, as if on cue, Marc and Linner excused themselves. Sven outlined his approach for the offer. He would simultaneously FedEx letters to all three parties, requesting proof-of-delivery signatures. The letter would ask for a meeting with all interested parties present. Sven spoke, “Decisions and dates would be completed upon receiving their response. There will be at least a week, possibly up to a month before I will meet with them. They will be checking our credentials; probably trying to find out more about what we have in our possession.”
“What will you tell them?”
“I will provide no specifics, only that the item is of extreme value, it is not stolen, and our discovery is related to the Book of Kells. I will need a response within thirty days. On the upside, they will be wondering if this could be the missing chapters, or the cover, or both. I may go to Trinity, or they may reply and request to proceed with the offer and come to Zürich for a viewing. Once they are here, they will view both the cover and the appraisers’ documentations. The burning question is whether they should be privy to the letters from the sister and the nanny. We have time to decide whether we will comply. Your name will remain anonymous. You will be the silent partner of the Abbey Foundation. Perhaps we will create another nom de plume for you. I am tempted to wait and see if the Irish request any proof of ownership. If so, a firm offer will be requested with, perhaps, a sizable down payment. Under duress, we will provide all letters.”
Michael gathered his papers. “I guess that wraps up the current issues. In that case, I will take a train to Italy. My trips will be close enough for a one-day return.”
Michael shook hands with Sven and left for the train station. He purchased a ticket to Rome via Milan. He would arrive tomorrow in time for dinner. Rome for dinner—unreal! He would have at least seven days for travel. He would go on to Assisi and Venice, if time permitted. His first stop would be the Vatican, then perhaps some of the lesser-known art galleries in Rome. He would stay in one of the many convents that took in travelers.
The Sisters of St. Brigid ran a convent that was very close to public transportation and the major sites. The commentary on the Internet described the place as “a little piece of paradise, particularly clean and serene.”
He called the convent; a room was available, and he could easily hop a local bus from the train station to reach them.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
When Michael called that evening, Sara answered the phone. “Where are you?”
“I’m still here, but I am on my way to Rome tomorrow. A charitable foundation has been set up. I named it The Abbey Foundation.”
“Perfect. Rome—how great is that?”
“I know; it’s hard to believe. I do wish you were here to share this with me, but perhaps one day. If things go well, we can take your dad and visit some of the places I’ve seen.”
“That would be wonderful. I doubt Dad would ever leave the market for that long, but you never know. He has never visited Italy. His parents left Terni when he was very young. Terni is close to Rome.”
“Better go, Sara; best to all.”
“Bye-bye, Michael; keep in touch.”
CHAPTER FIFTY
After few days in Rome, Michael boarded the train on his way to Assisi. His cell rang. “Michael, Sven here. I have good news! I had a lengthy telephone conference with our three contacts. They will be coming to Zurich in one week. I will not travel to Ireland; they felt it was not necessary. I have convinced them the article must stay in Zurich until it is moved to its final destination. An independent appraiser will be accompanying them; they wish to see proof that the article is legally owned. Confidentiality agreements will be signed before the viewing.”
“Are you familiar with their appraiser?”
“Vaguely; he is from London. He does not have the same status as our two; however, our appraisers will be available for a video conference during the meeting.”
“I want to withhold the letter until we have their serious commitment. Do you think I should head back to Zurich?”
“I agree, Michael; the letters will be last thing we produce. No use hurrying back, you have ample time to visit Venice for a day and a few small towns nearby.”
“This is great news Sven.”
*******
Michael informed Sara of the latest news. Sara was on her way to a physical therapy class; they arranged to talk soon.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Over the next week, Michael spent his time admiring the monastery in Assisi where St. Francis had lived and worked. Next on his agenda was Venice, and he took in the sights around the magnificent city built on pylons in the water.
Finally, it was time to head back for the big meeting. The overnight bullet train to Zurich slithered into the station in the early morning mist. Michael unpacked and called Sven to confirm dinner that evening. The day passed in a blink.
Sven greeted him as he approached the table. “You look rested, Michael. Italy is grand, is it not?”
“It is incredible!”
“Let us have a relaxed dinner and then get down to details.” As the meal wound down, Sven dabbed his mouth and replaced his napkin. “Our four guests will be arriving from Ireland early tomorrow. I will take them to lunch, then to the bank. Are you still wishing to remain anonymous?”
“It is tempting to bask in the fame, but the long-term ramifications concern me.”
“The meeting will be at the bank in the same room. You will retrieve the cover prior to our arrival, and I will enter the room alone. At that point, you can leave the area. I will call you after the conclusion of the meeting. Yossi will be at the door. The bank has provided two plain clothes guards and one in uniform. I will be with the cover at all times. All guards will be armed, some with visible weapons. You are familiar with Yossi’s background?”
“Fill me in.”
“He is ex-Mossad. Their fearsome reputation is worldwide. I have arranged for you to have coffee with Yossi early tomorrow morning at the bistro adjacent to your hotel. I want you to be confident in his ability to protect you and the cover. In that you have already experienced his expertise, I am assuming you will feel secure with him at the helm.”
“Thanks. I’m a little squeamish about not being in the room during the inspection of the cover. Tell me more about Yossi.”
“His full name is Yossi Shamus. He will bring his credentials and references with him. Keep an eye out; he is never late. He is licensed to carry a concealed weapon. I will let you in on a little secret; he has been with us longer that you might think, in fact—since we left Ireland. I thought it was best.”
“I wondered when he had come on board. He is beyond invisible!”
Sven grinned. “As it should be.”
“We’ve had Yossi, and the guy with the limp with us for our whole journey—incredible! I can’t tell you how happy I will be the day this mission is fait accompli.”
“I appreciate your concern. I feel I must tell you of a serious incident, regarding the man with the limp. He tried to kill Yossi the night before we left France. When Yossi saw him outside your room, he confronted him, and the fellow attacked him with a knife. Yossi had no choice but to make sure he was incapacitated for a long time. This is confirmation he was after your cover. ”
Michael was dumbstruck, so much so that he decided to dodge the subject. He had no idea how to respond. “Wow, Sven, I am dumbfounded; may we discuss this later?
“There isn’t much to say, Michael. He’s gone, and Yossi had no choice in the matter.
“To change the topic, Sven, as far as the Irish know, the floor on the supposed bidding is seventy million. They will either accept, counter, or up the ante. I’ll leave it to a higher p
ower.”
“You have put a price somewhat above rock bottom. They may attempt to negotiate. Although, due to the importance of this item, they may be concerned that another country will come in higher. They may even offer higher at once, you never know. Please call me after your meeting with Yossi; I want you to be comfortable with his role.
“By the way, Michael, it is no one’s business where the cover came from, unless it can be proven that you stole it. If it becomes a legal issue, the letters will be produced.”
“You’re right.”
“The directions to the cover’s location, were they part of the letter?”
“No, the specific instructions for the cover’s location are in the form of a map that was separated into four pieces and included with the letter.”
“Was the letter written on letterhead that would identify the convent?”
“No.”
Sven nodded thoughtfully in response, and Michael remembered something else he had been meaning to ask.
“Sven, I made an offer on a property near Slane, in Ireland. It is important that I own this piece of land. Aileen O’Reilly is the name of the realtor’s secretary. I did make a deposit on it. Would your firm reassure them the full payment will arrive soon?”
“That can be arranged. Any particular name you would like to use?”
“No, please make it as anonymous as possible, perhaps a Gaelic inference.”
“Done. Come by tomorrow morning around eleven. I will contact Aileen O’Reilly.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
In the morning, Michael headed out for his appointment with Yossi. He situated himself at the rear of the bistro, and within minutes, he heard his name. “Michael?”
“Yossi?” Michael made a mental note: Yossi’s handshake was the firmest hand he had ever clasped.
The Israeli stood about five foot eleven; his stature was compact and muscular. He had not one visible inch of fat on his body. His jet-black, curly hair was in sharp contrast to his light complexion. His pupils were barely discernible from his ebony-brown eyes. Yossi’s voice was monotone. He scanned the room on a continual basis. His clothing was nondescript; he had aviator sunglasses perched on his head and replaced them as soon as they exchanged formalities.