[Disclaimer: Everything depicted in this story is fictional and solely the product of the artist/author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual events or people is purely coincidental.]
Background:
From his shadow's point of view, this story contains the poignant events from Raymond Kohl's life that made him what he is today, a self-made tech multi-billionaire.
Somewhat of a recluse now, Mr. Kohl's early public persona was that of a stoic, ruthless, robot-like businessman.
This story reveals the private, very much human side of Raymond H. Kohl.
"La Silhouette Se Souvient: Special Delivery"*
When Raymond arrived at work, two people were already waiting for him.
First, there was Brad, his best friend and the company's CFO. Brad looked like shit. Disheveled, he was still wearing yesterday's coat and tie.
"Yo Brad, what's going on?" Raymond asked.
Brad glanced at Raymond furtively, then lowered his head again and remained silent.
The other person was an athletically built, African American male in his mid-thirties. Raymond instantly recognized as a "Suit"- a person working for one of the many "alphabet agencies" (e.g., CIA, FBI, DEA, DIA, NSA, etc).
"Sir, are you Raymond H. Kohl, owner and CEO of Kohl Technologies, Inc.?"
Letting out a heavy sigh, Raymond said, "Uh-huh. Who are you and what's this all about?"
"Sir, my name is Special Agent Smith - no jokes, please, that's my real name. And I'm with the U.S. Secret Service agency."
A little annoyed, Raymond asked, "You guys are under Homeland Security, right? How come Frank Dodds isn't here instead of you? At the very least, a courtesy call from Frank notifying me that you're visiting would've been nice."
"Sir, Director Dodds was scheduled to visit instead of me."
"Then, where is he?"
"Sir, I'm sorry to inform you that Director Dodds was involved in a car accident last night. He's currently in critical condition in the ICU at Bethesda Medical Center."
"Oh my God. Whatever this is, it surely can wait. Right now I should go see Frank," Raymond said while grabbing his coat and keys.
"I'm sorry, Sir. Due to his injuries, doctors had to put Director Dodd into a medically induced coma. Besides, he is surrounded by federal agents. And I'm pretty sure you don't have the necessary clearance to..."
"Alright! Alright! I get it! Now, like I said, what's this all about?"
"Sir, I promised to let your CFO tell you himself."
Finally, Brad lifted his head and made eye contact with Raymond.
"Jeez, Brad? You really look rode hard and put up wet. Can I get you anything? A drink, maybe? Or we can go outside if you want a cigarette?"
"No thanks. Raymond, do you remember when the company almost went belly up and we both contributed all of our personal funds?
"Yeah. And I'll be forever grateful for your help, buddy?" Raymond said, with the utmost sincerity.
Looking guilty and ashamed, Brad said, "I don't think you'll be so grateful after I tell you where I got the money."
"What do you mean? You said it was money secretly saved up for a surprise anniversary vacation with the wifey."
"No man. You see..."
Brad tells Raymond that he didn't have any money at the time to help the company battle insolvency.
Since there was nobody else to turn to, Brad got the money from a loan shark connected to a prominent Colombian Drug Cartel.
He'd long since paid them back, plus 500 percent interest.
But now, since Kohl Technologies' net worth was up there with Apple and Alphabet, Inc. (the owner of Google), the Cartel is "strongly recommending" Brad to accept another "loan" or his previous "loan" might hit the evening news.
In short, the Cartel wanted to launder drug money via Kohl Technologies, Inc. by blackmailing the CFO.
Speaking to both Raymond and Brad, Special Agent Smith explains, "Sirs, the U.S. Secret Service needs both of your help.
Mr. Kohl? Sir, all you have to do is act like you know nothing.
CFO? Sir, you will accept their "loan" and arrange a meet.
Since we hacked some of their bank accounts last year, the Cartel is paranoid about all things digital - extremely "online-averse"; preferably doing deals with cash and trusted Cartel couriers.
Mr. Kohl? Sir, you don't have to worry about your CFO.
He'll be under constant surveillance the whole time.If things go sideways, immediate backup is ready 24/7.
We'll apprehend the courier when he makes the delivery. Easy-Peasy."
[Two days later...]
Breaking News: Secret Service Executes Successful Cartel Sting
"The U.S. Secret Service led by Special Agent Smith - really. no joke, that's his real name, executed a successful Sting Operation against the Cartel.
Five million dollars was seized along with a phone carried by the courier from the Cartel.
Once decrypted, officials believe the phone will provide a treasure trove of valuable Intel about the Cartel and its personnel and operations.
Four casualties resulted from the sting.
Rohelio Estevez, a known Cartel hitman and courier, wanted in several countries for multiple assassinations; two yet-to-be-identified Cartel gunmen and a civilian working with the Secret Service named Bradley V. Hollingsworth, CFO of Kohl Technologies, Inc.
During the gun battle between Federal agents and Cartel members, Estevez, the two gunmen and Hollingsworth sustained lethal gunshot wounds.
Special Agent Smith states: "Mr. Hollingsworth is solely responsible for creating the opportunity for this operation. The U.S. Secret Service considers him a hero."
From POTUS: 'This country owes him a debt of gratitude for his sacrifice. His actions made the United States a safer place and greatly contributed to our ongoing war on drugs..."
Alone and watching the news at home, a drunk and enraged Raymond yells, "WTF! He was supposed to be safe! Where the fuck was Smith and the backup team?! Sacrifice?! Sacrifice?! Getting slaughtered in a cluster-fuck cross-fire is more like it!"
Raymond took another swig from his bottle of Jack and begins to sob.
"Damnit Brad! You were my best friend - my only friend ever..."
[Submitted for your entertainment.]
May you and yours be well and loving life today.
In Lak'ech, JaiChai