Goldstein Johnson & Cole (2024 re-write) - 10. Contacts

Isaac considered himself to be a liberal within the Jewish faith. All of the central tenets, such as observing the Sabbath, religious festivals and forbidden foods, were observed, but some things, such as daily prayers, were often overlooked. But today, when he awoke with the worry of Joseph's case – that he carefully hid from those around him – he felt the need to start his day with prayers.

Before he rose from his bed, he recited the Modeh Ani Prayer.

Modeh Ani Lefanecha

Melech Chai Vekayom

Shehechezarta Bi Nishmati

Bechemla

Raba Emunatech

I offer thanks to You,

living and eternal King,

for You have mercifully restored my soul within me;

Your faithfulness is great.

He then rose from his bed, washed and dressed, and entered the room he set aside in his home for prayers. As is standard ritual, he washed his hands and then recited.

Baruch Ata Ado-nai

Elo-hanu Melech Haolam

Asher Kidishanu Bemitzvotav

Vetzivanu Al Netilat Yadayim

Blessed are You, Lord our God,

King of the universe,

who has sanctified us with His commandments,

and commanded us concerning the washing of our hands.

In further preparation, before commencing his morning prayers, he recited.

Haraynee Mekabel Alai

Mitzvat Asai

Shel Ve’ahavta

Lerayacha kamocha.

I hereby take upon myself

to fulfil the commandment of

loving your fellow as yourself.

He then commenced his morning prayers.

After morning prayer, he felt energised and joined Shamira in the dining room for breakfast before leaving for his office. His day at work started at 8 am every day, except for Saturday, the Sabbath, and Sunday, which was their regular family day. There was also the occasional extra family day when his work allowed. Today, he had renewed hope that, in time, everything would work out as it should.

As Isaac left the drive, Joseph came downstairs and joined Shamira in the kitchen.

“Good morning, Joseph. You are up early. Did you sleep well?” Shamira was smiling at the boy. He had been excited since Ian and Kevin arrived, and there were no signs of it wearing off anytime soon.

“Good morning, Aunty. I slept well, thank you. May I help with breakfast?”

“Thank you, Joseph, but you don't have to. You know that.”

“I know I don't have to, Aunty, but I want to. May I help, please?”

“Of course, you can help. I was thinking of making American buttermilk pancakes with syrup and fruit. How does that sound?”

Joseph didn't need to say anything. The twinkle in his eyes and the growing smile answered, and breakfast preparations began.

When Isaac arrived at his office, he was met by Ben Cohen. “Good morning, Isaac. I am sorry to be 'hijacking' you this early in the morning, but there is some urgent business that we need to discuss in my office. Can you spare the time now, or is there anything that needs your immediate attention?”

The intrigue showed on Isaac's face. “I just need to re-read the file for a case I have in court later today. I can give you about an hour or so if that's enough time.”

“That's excellent. Please join me in my office when you are ready. Why don't you bring Joseph's file with you? I am anxious to help you resolve this matter as soon as possible.”

Isaac spoke briefly with his secretary, picked up Joseph's file and went to his partner's office. Ben was sat in one of the armchairs next to a coffee table containing a tray of light refreshments. When Isaac sat in the remaining seat, he noticed the mobile phone next to the tray. It was on an open call set to the loudspeaker.

“Ben, I appreciate your help with this case, but what's with the urgency and what's with this?” Isaac pointed toward the mobile phone.

“Isaac, all of your questions will be answered, but first, I'd like to ask you one question. What do you know of Emmanuel Goldstein?”

“I know enough. I know that I owe my life and everything I have to Manny. He took me in, off the streets of Jerusalem, when my parents were killed. He gave me a home in the UK and funded my education. It is thanks to him that I have the life that I have. I would do anything for him if he were still alive. I know he wanted to do the same for Joseph, so as Manny is no longer with us, I see it as my duty to...” Isaac swallowed with the emotion building inside him, “...to do the same for Joseph. But what has that got to do with this case?”

“I think you have answered all questions that needed to be asked of you. Isaac, as part of your devotion to Manny, please keep this meeting strictly confidential. Will you do that?”

Too emotional to speak, Isaac nodded.

Directing his voice to the mobile phone, Ben continued. “John, I'm sure you heard what has been said. I can confirm that Isaac has agreed to keep everything confidential. I trust him one hundred per cent and know that you can, too.”

The screen on the phone lit up as 'John', Ben's contact, spoke. “Thank you, Ben and thank you too, Isaac.” A slight crack of emotion was also in John's voice. “Isaac, I feel like we are brothers. Manny did for me as he did for you. Hopefully, one day, we can sit and break bread together.”

John briefly explained his connection to Manny and stated that they were not alone, as others benefitted in the same way. John explained that after reading a copy of Joseph's file and speaking to his British associates, whom he is currently working with, he realised that Ian, Kevin, and Joseph's cases were connected to Manny similarly.

John had heard Isaac's meeting with Ian and Kevin covertly and felt confident in asking, “Isaac, we can assist you, although I cannot disclose our methods. Will Ian and Kevin accept all paperwork that can be provided, even if it means altering Manny's will and giving up a part of their business?”

“John, if I didn't know any better, I would swear that you have been listening to Ian and Kevin. Before Manny passed away, he still owned ten per cent of the business. They have already told me they are happy to transfer that to Joseph as if Manny had left it to him. They want to establish a UK connection to help him.”

“That is good to hear. Speak with Ian and Kevin, but do not tell them of this conversation. Ben will let you know when everything is in place. It could be anything from a few days to a week, but it will be done.”

“Thank you, John, but I have to ask how much this will cost?” Isaac was prepared to help financially if needed.

“This is for Manny. It is repaying a debt, and no fee is payable. And I have some good news for you. The people who were meant to look after Joseph have been tracked down, and all of the missing funds have been replaced and are back in the bank.” With that news, John terminated the call.