Kane and Abel/Sons of Fortune Read online

  “You’ve been a loyal supporter of the Party in the past, there’s no denying that, Mr. Rosnovski,” said Vincent Hogan in a tone that indicated that the statutory time for small talk had run out. “We also know the Democrats, not least of all former Congressman Osborne, have done the odd favor for you in return. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to go into any details of the unpleasant little incident with Interstate Airways.”

  “That’s long since past,” said Abel, “and well behind me.”

  “I agree,” said Mr. Hogan, “and although most self-made multimillionaires couldn’t face having their affairs looked into too closely, you will be the first to appreciate that we have to be especially careful. The candidate, as you will understand, cannot afford to take any personal risks so near the election. Nixon would love a scandal at this stage of the race.”

  “We understand each other clearly, Mr. Hogan. Now that’s out of the way, how much were you expecting from me for the campaign?”

  “I need every penny I can lay my hands on.” Hogan’s words came across clipped and slow. “Nixon is gathering a lot of support across the country and it’s going to be a very close thing getting our man into the White House.”

  “Well, I’ll support Kennedy,” said Abel, “if he supports me. It’s as simple as that.”

  “He’s delighted to support you, Mr. Rosnovski. We all realize you’re a pillar of the Polish community, and Senator Kennedy is personally aware of the brave stand you took on behalf of your countrymen who are still in slave labor camps behind the Iron Curtain, not to mention the service you gave in the war. I’ve been authorized to let you know that the candidate has already agreed to open your new hotel in Los Angeles during his campaign trip.”

  “That’s good news,” said Abel.

  “The candidate is also fully aware of your desire to grant Poland most favored nation status in foreign trade with the United States.”

  “No more than we deserve after our service in the war,” said Abel, and he paused briefly. “What about the other little matter?” he asked.

  “Senator Kennedy is canvasing Polish-American opinion at the moment and we haven’t met with any objections. He naturally cannot come to a final decision until after he is elected.”

  “Naturally. Would two hundred and fifty thousand dollars help him make that decision?” asked Abel.

  Vincent Hogan didn’t speak.

  “Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars it is then,” said Abel. “The money will be in your campaign fund headquarters by the end of the week, Mr. Hogan. You have my word on it.”

  The business was over, the bargain struck. Abel rose. “Please give Senator Kennedy my best wishes and add that of course I hope he’ll be the next President of the United States. I always loathed Richard Nixon after his despicable treatment of Helen Gahagan Douglas, and in any case, there are personal reasons why I don’t want Henry Cabot Lodge as vice president.”

  “I shall be delighted to pass on your message,” said Mr. Hogan, “and thank you for your continued support of the Democratic party and, in particular, of the candidate.” The Bostonian thrust out his hand. Abel grasped it.

  “Keep in touch, Mr. Hogan. I don’t part with that sort of money without expecting a return on my investment.”

  “I fully understand,” said Vincent Hogan.

  Abel showed his guest to the elevator and returned smiling to his office. His fingers started to tap the desk again. His secretary reappeared.

  “Ask Mr. Novak to come in,” said Abel.

  George came through from his office a few moments later.

  “I think I’ve pulled it off, George.”

  “Congratulations, Abel. I’m delighted. If Kennedy becomes the next President, then one of your biggest dreams will be fulfilled. How proud Florentyna will be of you.”

  Abel smiled when he heard her name. “Do you know what the little minx has been up to?” he said, laughing. “Did you see the Los Angeles Times last week, George?”

  George shook his head and Abel passed him a copy of the paper. A picture was circled in red ink. George read the caption aloud: “‘Florentyna Kane opens her third shop, this one in Los Angeles. She already owns two in San Francisco and is hoping to open another in San Diego before the end of the year. “Florentyna’s,” as they are known, are fast becoming to California what Balenciaga is to Paris.’”

  George laughed as he put the paper down.

  “She must have written the piece herself,” said Abel. “I can’t wait for her to open a Florentyna’s in New York. I’ll bet she achieves that within five years, ten at the most. Do you want to take another bet on that, George?”

  “I didn’t take the first one, if you remember, Abel. Otherwise I would already have been out ten dollars.”

  Abel looked up, his voice quieter. “Do you think she’d come and see Senator Kennedy open the new Baron in Los Angeles, George? Do you think she might?”

  “Not unless the Kane boy is invited as well.”

  “Never,” said Abel. “That Kane boy is nothing. I read all the facts in your last report. He’s left the Bank of America to work with Florentyna; couldn’t even hold down a good job, had to fall back on her success.”

  “You’re becoming a selective reader, Abel. You know very well that’s not the way it was. I made the circumstances crystal clear: Kane is in charge of finances while Florentyna runs the shops. It’s proving to be an ideal partnership. Don’t ever forget that a major bank offered Kane the chance to head up its European department, but Florentyna begged him to join her when she no longer found she could control the finances herself. Abel, you’ll have to face the fact that their marriage is a success. I know it’s hard for you to stomach, but why don’t you climb down off your high horse and meet the boy?”

  “You’re my closest friend, George. No one else in the world would dare to speak to me like that. So no one knows better than you why I can’t climb down, not until that bastard Kane shows he is willing to meet me halfway. Until then I won’t crawl again while he’s still alive to watch me.”

  “What if you were to die first, Abel? You’re exactly the same age.”

  “Then I’d lose and Florentyna inherits everything.”

  “You told me she wouldn’t get a thing. You were going to change your will in favor of your grandson.”

  “I couldn’t do it, George. When the time came to sign the documents, I just couldn’t do it. What the hell—that damned grandson is going to end up with both our fortunes in the end.”

  Abel removed a billfold from his inside pocket, shuffled through several old pictures of Florentyna and took out a new one of his grandson, which he proffered to George.

  “Good-looking little boy,” said George.

  “Sure is,” said Abel. “The image of his mother.”

  George laughed. “You never give up, do you, Abel?”

  “What do you think they call him?”

  “What do you mean?” said George. “You know very well what his name is.”

  “I mean what do you think they actually call him?”

  “How should I know?” said George.

  “Find out,” said Abel. “I care.”

  “How am I supposed to do that?” said George. “Have someone follow them while they’re pushing the stroller around Golden Gate Park? You left clear instructions that Florentyna must never find out that you’re still taking an interest in her or the Kane boy.”

  “That reminds me, I still have a little matter to settle with his father,” said Abel.

  “What are you going to do about the Lester stock?” asked George. “Peter Parfitt has been showing new interest in selling his two percent and I wouldn’t trust Henry with the negotiations. With those two working on the sale, everybody will be in on the deal except you.”

  “I’m doing nothing. Much as I hate Kane, I don’t want any trouble with him until we know if Kennedy wins the election. I’m leaving the whole situation dormant for the moment. If Kennedy fai