Short Story: The Prague Connection Part 4

Short Story: The Prague Connection Part 4

DAY THREE: It was nearly 9:00 a.m. when the attorney and his wife were ready to leave their room to go down for breakfast. The phone rang. It was Jerry, the villa salesman. He told the attorney he had several villas to show them and asked to meet that afternoon. The attorney stated they had already made plans to go sightseeing, and that the day after would be better. The salesman agreed to pick them up at the hotel at 10:00 a.m. the following morning, as they would have a full day and he wanted to make an early start. The attorney agreed, since it would give the first heir time to contact the others.

So the Clevelanders started their walking tour of the Old City, stopping in shops and other interesting places. They walked around and looked like average tourists and stopped at a cafe near the Town Hall for a quick sandwich. They sat at a window, overlooking the entrance to the Old Town Hall. It was almost noon when a Russian car drove up and parked a block away from the Town Hall. They saw Paul get out of the car and slowly move to the rear looking at his rear tire.That was the signal for them to ask directions to a certain church. This had been arranged the day before, in case someone might be following them. So they paid their lunch bill and walked over to the Russian car and seemed to be asking the driver something. The driver pointed to his left and told them he would give them a ride to the church. They acted somewhat surprised about the ride in a Russian car. Paul opened the rear right door for them in a very military matter and then slowly walked around to the driver's door. He got in, started the car and slowly drove away. This was completed in a matter of minutes. Paul suggested they could relax now since it would be another hour or so until they get to the farmhouse.

The traffic was heavy at noon in Prague and the attorney and his wife just observed the sights and the people in silence. They started to see open spaces dotted with farmhouses. Paul broke the silence by saying they were almost at Joseph's farm, the second heir on the list. They saw this farmhouse on their right, located almost 200 to 300 yards off the main road and along a dirt driveway. Paul turned up the driveway and as they drove closer to the farmhouse, they realized that they were looking at something resembling the south during the dust bowl. The property was in a terrible condition. There were no farm animals walking around, the barn was barely standing and the house needed some extensive repairs. Paul drove around to the front porch, and before anyone got out of the car, a man appeared. He looked frightened yelled over to Joseph in Bohemian and he quickly relaxed. Paul introduced the attorney and his wife to Joseph, and then to Joseph's wife, who had just walked outside with the children. The family looked very surprised and stunned not knowing what to think about these two Americans. Paul suggested they go inside while he hid the Russian car in the barn. Paul returned and Joseph and his family seemed to relax.

The attorney started to tell the story about their brother from Cleveland, Ohio, who left them an inheritance. They were all seated around the kitchen table, where all meals were eaten and family discussions were held. The kitchen table was the central meeting place in all Czech homes. Joseph and his family still weren't sure of what they had just heard- perhaps it could be a trick. The man was dressed like a KGB agent and spoke excellent Bohemian. But why would the KGB waste their time with a poor Czech farmer? This whole story was very strange and probably a joke played on them by these two Americans. The attorney could see in Joseph's eyes some mistrust but he continued to explain to them his uncle and how he and his wife got involved. Joseph asked many questions about his brother as the last time he saw him was after World War II. He asked the attorney to describe him and what town in Czechoslovakia did he come from? And further, what was his mother's maiden name? These answers could only be known if the attorney actually was his brother's attorney. The old man knew that if the attorney found his siblings that they would ask him questions about his background while the Will was being drawn up. When the attorney answered the questions correctly, Joseph was convinced that the attorney was telling the truth and agreed to contact the other three siblings. This had to be done on horseback since Joseph had no phone or car. It would take him all of the following day to reach them and explain to them about their inheritance. Joseph suggested having the next meeting in three days time but the attorney said,"No, it has to be the day after tomorrow." Joseph said he would try but the attorney stated that his plan would have to be completed on the day their plane left for Paris. Joseph understood and stated he would have the other three siblings at the time requested. He asked if Mary would be there and Paul said "Yes, all the brothers and sisters will be together for the first time in many years to celebrate a happy event, and to pray and thank God for the love of their brother who gave them a great gift."

On the way back to Prague, they discussed with Paul the poor living conditions of these people. It was sad but maybe the inheritance would bring some comfort to these suppressed people. The attorney and his wife knew that the heirs would help their fellow countryman, as that is how the Czechoslovakian people were .

DAY 4: The attorney and his wife were mentally exhausted from the meeting with the second heir, Joseph. They both had a difficult night’s sleep and kept visualising the poor conditions they encountered yesterday at Joseph's farm. They knew making a living as a farmer wasn't easy under normal conditions but under the control of the Russians it was impossible. They stripped the farmers of their livestock, took any crops that were harvested and would leave them with just a few potatoes to live on. It was a wonder that these people were still alive. It was a long night for both of them and when they finally fell asleep, the phone rang. It was still early and who would call at this hour? It was the villa salesman, Jerry, confirming their appointment to show them some villas that day. This was the time to play their part of buyer and to convince Jerry and his superiors they were eager to find a villa. So the play goes on, the actors go on stage and hope to give a convincing performance.

In the meeting the day before, Joseph had told them that the Russians had confiscated most of the villas, removed the owners, and put them on the open market to Western buyers. But obtaining a valid title could be difficult. The attorney didn’t care, as he didn't expect to close any transaction unless their life depended on it. They met Jerry outside of the hotel at 11:00 a.m. sharp. He was driving a brown sedan car. it looked like the same car Paul was driving but this one did not have a military emblem on its front door or a Russian flag flying from its antenna. The villa man was either a Bohemian-speaking Russian or a turncoat working for the Communist Government. The latter wasn't feasible, at least he hoped not. But who knows, there were turncoats in World War II also. The attorney got into the left front seat and his wife sat in the rear. This way the attorney could answer any questions that Jerry would ask and there were many. The attorney felt like he was being cross-examined by a defense attorney. He fielded many of the questions but some were directed to Alice. They gave the story they had practiced at home for weeks before the trip. It was strange but Jerry seemed to know all this and also that he was a lawyer in Cleveland. Ohio. But that wasn't a problem for Jerry, he stated he only wanted to sell them a villa, and an hour later they arrived at the first villa. It was almost 5:00p.m. when they finished looking at the 8th villa. They looked all the same. Cold, draughty and all needed a lot of repair. Only one had some possibilities and Jerry felt like he had done his job and maybe he was close to a sale. On the way back to the hotel, Jerry, asked the wife what they saw yesterday on their sightseeing trip. she was ready for that question and stated they visited Vladislav Hall, walked to Charles Bridge and then to St.George's Church. She said it was beautiful and that they expect to do more sightseeing tomorrow. This impressed Jerry and the conservation turned back to the villa that they had shown an interest in.The attorney told Jerry to put some numbers together and call him tomorrow night. Jerry agreed and dropped them off in front of their hotel. It was getting past the supper hour, so instead of going up to their room they decided to go to the restaurant here they had eaten the first night in Prague. It was not fancy, only locals and no tourists. In fact it had a very relaxed atmosphere. They needed that, as it had been a very trying day. But it appeared that all went well and now they wanted to mix with the real Czechoslovakian people of Prague.

DAY FIVE: The attorney and his wife were wide-awake at 6 a.m. and he called room service for a pot of coffee and an order of toast. An hour later the food was delivered. This is the day they had been waiting for, to meet the other three heirs. They had not heard from Paul so the appointment to meet him at 11:00 a.m. that morning was still on. This time he was to pick them up outside the hotel. It was almost noon and they were setting concerned. Maybe something had happened to him or the KGB had arrested him. A lot of strange thoughts were going though the attorney's mind. He didn't relay them to his wife so as not to worry her. They were sitting in the lobby reading the morning Prague paper. It was a noisy lobby, it seemed there were more guests than usual there. They were all men, wearing suits and looked very professional. Could they be KGB agents or just businessman? He walked up to the front desk and asked the clerk, "Who are all these people"? The clerk stated they were businessman from another part of the country and were in town for a banking convention. This was great relief to him and as he turned around to walk back to his wife he saw Paul walk though the lobby door.

Paul motioned them to follow him outside and then they walked about two blocks where the Russian sedan car was parked. After they got going Paul told them he had a flat tire near his home and had a very difficult time finding a spare tire. There wasn't one in the trunk so he had to contact the service garage to send one out. He was sorry for the delay but now they had to hurry to get to Joseph's farm, as the siblings might be nervous and leave before they got there. They finally arrived two hours late and the siblings were just getting ready to leave when they saw the Russian car drive up the driveway.

They waited inside to meet the attorney and his wife from Cleveland, Ohio They didn't want to attract attention. Paul was not followed, as there were no other vehicles in sight. When everyone was inside Joseph introduced the attorney and his wife to the other three siblings. Each heir greeted them with a hug and warm greeting and said they were sorry to hear of the death of their brother. . Prior to their arrival, Joseph had briefed them on the inheritance but had given no other details. All he knew that each of them was to receive a certain amount of money. So after everyone was seated the attorney told them the story about their brother and how he saved his money so that he could leave it to his family. He also told them that he had to turn in the money to the Bank when they arrived in Prague. He also has a plan to get the money out of the Bank, and distribute it to them the day after tomorrow. That was the day they were to leave Prague, and he hoped all would work out the way he planned it. They all listened and no one asked any questions.

They were stunned by the courage of this man and woman they had never met to risk their lives to fulfil the wishes of their dead brother. One of the heir asked,"Why are you doing this?' The attorney looked at all five heirs as Mary was also there, and said, "It is my heritage and my destiny to carry out the wishes of my client no matter what the risk. Both us feel very strongly about helping out fellow countryman. As you know, we both are 100% Czech and our hearts go out to the suppressed people of our native country. I know giving this money to five families is not going to help others that are suffering, but I do know that you will help other Czechs with your inheritance. That's the kind of people you are."

The room was silent for a good five minutes then tears became evident. The attorney didn't want to go into the exact details how he was going to get the money out of the bank- the least they knew, the safer they were. He did tell them that they would have to sign a receipt for each inheritance and the only signature required would be of the heir, not his or her spouse. These receipts would be the only evidence of exchange of money and he could then smuggle them out of Czechoslovakia on his person. This was the first time they saw smiles on the faces of the heirs and their family. Mary said, "it would be great pleasure to beat the Russians," and another heir offered any help he and his wife they could give. In fact everyone offering to help but the attorney reminded them go on about their business as usual, not to mention this to anyone out of your own family. This must be kept a secret. They agreed.

One of the heirs said, “You might be trading your life for our future. You both are very brave people and we love you.” Again it was hugs and tears but no one asked the amount of their inheritance. It was agreed that they meet again in two days but this time at Ted's farm, which was located a few miles further up the road. The heirs left Joseph's farm 10 to 15 minutes apart after Paul left with the attorney and his wife. it was a quiet drive back to their hotel. It was nearly dark when Paul said good night and agreed to meet them in front of the hotel near 2:45p.m., two days later. He dropped them off a couple blocks from the State Bank.

The attorney and his lovely wife were full of emotion from their visit with the heirs. They never realized, when discussing this trip at home, what a warm and sincere feeling would embrace them after meeting with the heirs. It was destiny that brought the old man and the attorney together.

They decided to eat dinner in the hotel that night. The following day, they would pay a visit to the bank to meet the manager and withdraw some expense money.

The plan was still working!