Goldstein, Johnson & Cole - 10. Chapter 10 Contacts

Eventually it was time for everyone to turn in for the night, but not before plans were made for Ian and Kevin to take Joseph to the outdoor swimming pool in Beit Zayit the following day, Shamira and the twins would be going with them. Joseph's took it upon himself to call Jacob and tell him to bring swimwear the next day. Hugs were exchanged as they said good night to each other and peace descended on the house for the night.

*****

Isaac considered himself to be a liberal within the jewish faith, all of the main 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 bed, washed and dressed, then entered the room he set aside in his home for prayers. As is standard ritual he washed his hands 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 the 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 8am 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 down stairs and joined Shamira in the kitchen.

“Good morning Joseph, you're up early, did you sleep well.” Shamira was smiling at the boy, he had been excited since Ian Kevin arrived and there were no signs it was going to wear 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 smile that grew gave the answer and breakfast preparations began.

When Isaac arrived at his office he was met by Ben Cohen. “Good morning Isaac, I'm 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 that I have in court later today, I can give you about an hour or so if that's enough time.”

“That's excellent join me in my office when you are ready. Why don't you bring Joseph's file with you, I'm anxious to help you get on top this matter as soon as possible.”

Isaac spoke briefly with his secretary, picked up Joseph's file and made his way to his partners office. Ben was sat in one of the armchairs next to a coffee table containing a tray of light refreshments. It was when he sat in the remaining seat that he noticed the mobile phone next to the tray, it was on an open call set to 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 to 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 was 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 of him, “...to do that for Joseph instead. 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 I need you to keep this meeting strictly confidential, will you 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 percent 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.” The 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 gave a brief explanation of his connection to Manny and stating that they were not alone as there are others who benefitted in the same way. John went on to explain that after reading a copy of Joseph's file and speaking to his British associates, who he is currently working with, he realised that Ian and Kevin, and Joseph's case was connected to Manny in the same way.

John had covertly heard Isaac's meeting with Ian and Kevin and felt confident in asking, “Isaac I believe we can assist you although I cannot disclose our methods. Will Ian and Kevin accept any and 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'd swear that you have been listening to Ian and Kevin. Before Manny passed away he still owned ten percent of the business, they have already told me that 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's good to hear, speak with them but don't let them know too much. 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 is this going to cost?” Isaac was prepared to help financially if needed.

“This is for Manny, it is repaying a debt, 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, all of the missing funds have been replaced and are back in the bank.” With that news John terminated the call.