Chapter 11 11

11 From his aisle seat on the Dutch KLM flight, Randall leaned over Darina and peered far below from the window, just in time for a glimpse of the Dutch capital.Amsterdam looks like a grey-brown irregular checkerboard, with spiers and small old buildings that cannot be repaired, and besides the old canals that glow dimly. During his dark days with Barbara, he came to Amsterdam once, only stayed for two days, and visited some places like a horse and a horse, such as the square in front of the Royal Palace and the commercial building called Calvasterle. area, the painter Lamb Brandt Memorial and the famous paintings of Van Gogh preserved in the Stederik Museum.

Now, in his seat on the plane, he is looking forward to revisiting the old place again, looking forward to a new life full of hope.Although the article in the London papers last night about Plummer's interview with the Reverend Meltin di Frumi did make him uneasy.On the chessboard just below the plane, two hostile parties are secretly contending: one represents the "second resurrection" of the orthodox church, trying to save and strengthen the existing faith; He wanted to bring down the church that had existed since the first century and destroy the Christ who lived in people's hearts.

Randall privately finds the black-and-white rivalry rather amusing because it's like his rivalry in the mall.But he used to be loyal to his customers, and he still feels that way now. He wondered if Wheeler and the others had seen Plummer's front-page story, and if so, how they had reacted.He wondered if he should mention it when he bumped into Wheeler at the airport, because Wheeler was going to meet him at Schiphol.In hindsight it was completely unnecessary, and there is no doubt that Wheeler and others must have seen it too. Five minutes later, the plane landed. After stopping, they passed the escalator without taking a step, and they could go straight to the terminal checkpoint. When a Dutch customs officer in uniform saw Randall and Darina, he immediately said happily: " Are the two Americans?" He looked at their customs declaration form, "Oh, it's Mr. Randall, someone has already said hello, please go."

Darina let out a sigh of relief as they walked with the porters. "I'm really worried that they will confiscate my extra cigarettes." After arriving at the immigration, Randall felt lost for a moment, as if he was in a small glass cage surrounded by a large glass cage, and Darina held his arm tightly. "Shall we change money?" she said after seeing the money changer. "Wheeler will take care of it," he said, "what's the matter, why can't he be seen?" He immediately waved to a KLM flight attendant.The girl was wearing a navy blue uniform and white gloves. "Do you know where people pick up people at the airport?"

She then pointed out an exit leading to the outside world.The tall Wheeler was already waiting there, striding up as soon as he saw them. "Welcome to Amsterdam!" he said loudly, and then lowered his voice, "Come and meet the Chairman of our Publishing Board, the head of the Second Resurrection, the eminent Munich religious publisher - he must Come pick it up with me, you..." Only then did Randall notice another person present.The man was tall and imposing, and Wheeler was nothing compared to him.At this moment the tall gentleman had taken off his hat, revealing his white hair and bullet head.His piercing eyes were framed by rimless spectacles, and beyond that was a pointed nose and large, yellow teeth.

"This is Dr. Emile Deckhard." Wheeler introduced to Randall and Darina. Dr. Deckhard made an appearance of kissing Darina's hand, but didn't even touch it.Then he shook Randall's hand vigorously, and said in somewhat guttural but fairly correct English: "Mr. Randall, we are so happy that you have come to Amsterdam. Our lineup is not complete until you join us. Now We may then bring to the public the fruits of years of work in the most effective manner. Mr. Randall, we have long heard of your reputation." Wheeler had hurried them out of the immigration hall.

"Don't waste time," he said, "now we'll go straight to the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam, the best hotel in town, where most of our heads of departments live. Wait until you put your luggage away." OK, then back to the office. We're going to get you acquainted and meet some of the key people. Then, at one o'clock you'll have lunch with five of our publishers and our theologian. Not including Jay of course Dr. Fries, he won't be here in a few days. Oh, yes, your telegram is very good news. You are almost sure to be able to get Nate. Later you will tell me how you It was a businessman who persuaded him. Here we are, here is the car."

They left the airport, passed an unknown black statue, ran through a brightly lit tunnel, and then entered the road to Amsterdam.On the way, they also had some intermittent conversations, mostly between Wheeler and Dr. Deckhard about the release plan, and occasionally told Darina about the sights along the way, but Randall didn't pay attention to those . In this unfamiliar place, he would rather be silent in order to store some energy.He did, however, take in some sights during the 30-minute journey from the airport to Amsterdam. He heard Dr. Deckhard say to Darina: "This canal is 13 feet higher than the airport. Did you know that the airport and most of the rest of the city are below sea level? These Dutch people are really hardworking. Oh , did you see the trolley in front of us? Did you not notice the red box behind the trolley?"

Randall looked ahead carefully, and saw a milky white slender tram driving ahead, and their car slowed down as a result. "That's the mailbox," Deckhard continued. "People in Amsterdam run to the back of the tram to post letters. It's very convenient. Isn't it?" The car continued on, slowed down after passing a rather large bridge, and the driver took the opportunity to turn left at the same time. "Here we are at last," said Wheeler from the front seat. "The Amstel Hotel is one of the finest establishments in Europe in the nineteenth century. When Prince Harder celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary, in the Amstel Hotel, dignitaries from all over Europe gathered with unprecedented pomp. Now we want to surprise you, and Dr. Deckhard and I will get you the best The royal suite is the royal suite, which is used by the queen at all times. Compared with yours, the one where Deckhard and I live is like a servant's room."

"Thank you, but you really don't have to be so polite," Randall said. "Well, we are not that generous, Emile, do you think so?" Wheeler winked at the German publisher, and then said to Randall, "We also have our plans. From now on, Only one thing is of the utmost importance, and that is absolute secrecy, knowing that the promotion you are engaged in is an event in history. We anticipate that, once the news is released, there will be many, many press People from TV and broadcast want to see you. We want to receive those people as VIPs from the royal family, and of course you have to come from the royal family. Receiving them in such a luxurious environment will be particularly lively and seductive. So we booked the queen's suite, numbers 10, 11, 12, and Miss Darina's room is next door. All in all, we're here to get you settled so you can start working as quickly as possible with all your might .”

"I'm going to pull out all the stops," Randall said. At this time, the car had stopped in front of the hotel, and the gatekeeper immediately stepped forward to open the rear door, while the driver took the luggage from the car and put it on the sidewalk. Randall stepped out of the car and helped Darina down again.He saw Wheeler in the front seat beckoning to him, and he leaned over the window. "Steve, you're already registered," Wheeler said. "You can go to the information desk and check for your mail. But there won't be any local mail except from airport customs. Because except Apart from the 'Second Resurrection' staff and a few people in the hotel, it can be said that no one knows that you have come or will come to Amsterdam. No one knows that you are connected with us. This is very important. If your identity is revealed, There are people out there who can do anything, like hide in your suite, tap your phone, or collude with people in hotel concierges to gather information about you. As one of our outsiders, you are the best of us all. The weak link, I hope you will remember this, and I will tell you - your secretary." "She doesn't know anything," Randall said. "As for being cautious, I'll be invisible from now on." "Can you be ready in 45 minutes?" Wheeler asked. "We'll have the car back. Let me see. Call me before you leave the room. I'll be at the Napolsky Hotel in Gulas." Waiting for you downstairs, we still have a lot of things to do." After Randall saw Wheeler's car leaving, he looked back and saw that Darina had entered the hotel after the luggage attendant, so he followed quickly. After entering the ear room, he stopped for a while to familiarize himself with the environment inside.I saw that the ground floor is all paved with marble, while the upper part is covered with noble oriental carpets, which extend upwards along with the stairs, and then separate to the left and right when they reach the No. 1 landing.To the left is the access to balcony one.Looking to the right, I saw two luggage attendants waiting at the stairs, while Darina was looking at some handbags displayed in the glass cabinet.Immediately to Randall's left is a small information desk, and beyond that is the cashier's desk where you can exchange money. Randall walked into the desk. "My name is Steve Randall," he said, "and I hear my room is booked." The counter clerk bowed to him. "Yes, sir, we have kept your letter in our custody." He handed Randall a stack of thick envelopes, business affairs and official documents, all sent from New York Randall Associates.Some were from his secretary, Wanda Smith, some were from Hawkins, and a particularly thick letter was from lawyer Thad Crawford.There was no doubt that it must be the draft of the Global Enterprise Contract. After he left the service desk, he heard the waiter call: "Sir, I almost forgot this, you still have a note here." "A note?" Randall said in surprise.What Wheeler had just said rang in his ears again: No one here will ever write to you . . . no one must know you're here. "This was left by a man an hour ago, and he is waiting for you in the bar." The waiter handed him the note, which was written on a business card.The name printed on the front is Cedric Plummer, and above it written in purple ink: PLEASE SEE BACK. Randall turned the business card over, it was still written in purple ink, the handwriting was very neat, and the content was as follows: Dear Mr. Randall, welcome and wish you success in your participation in the "Second Resurrection".They do need public relations advice, please come to the bar for a quick chat on pressing issues of common interest.Plummer. Plummer? Randall was shocked, and slipped the business card into his pocket.He still vividly remembered the news that appeared on the first page of the London Daily Express. The reporter who gave the scoop was Cedric Plummer. How on earth did Plummer know he had come to Amsterdam?And why didn't he mention the name of "Second Resurrection" in his report yesterday? Randall had always prided himself on being calm, but at this moment, he couldn't help feeling panicked.His survival instinct told him to call Wheeler immediately, but Wheeler wasn't in the office yet.Randall's other instinct was to retreat to the safety and isolation of his suite, but at the same time he knew he couldn't hide there forever. He began to calm down.Since ancient times, soldiers have come to block them, water has come to cover them, and escape is by no means a way.A better way, of course, is to wait for the opportunity and take advantage of it.In addition, he is also a little curious, wanting to find out the true face of the enemy. He quickly walked towards Darina: "Hey, dear, I have a meeting with someone. It's business, you go up and tidy up first, and I'll be right back." She first protested for a while, then gave in willingly, and finally took the elevator upstairs with the waiter who took the luggage.Randall turned to the waiter. "Where's the bar?" The waiter directed him to turn left in the penthouse.Then added: "He wore a flower in the buttonhole of his coat." So Randall walked to the bar, which was a house with glass walls on all sides, and it was quite large.Looking through the window, you can see an outdoor dining room, where several couples of late risers are having breakfast in the sun.Looking straight ahead, you can see part of the canal scenery, and a light boat is rippling in the green waves.Except for a counter with exotic colors, most of the bar in this hotel is hidden in wisteria trellises, which is very romantic.At this time, the cheerful waiter was humming a tune while wiping the glass, showing a contented look. Randall looked carefully at the bright room, and there were only three or five customers sitting sparsely.Near him was an obese man, sipping orange juice while flipping through a guidebook.At the other end of the house, sitting on a blue armchair in front of the window is a well-dressed young man who looks about 30 years old. There is a red flower on the lapel of his suit—he rival. Randall started walking across the room and in. His nemesis looked like a dandy. Plummer's wispy black hair was combed to one side to hide a scar.His face was characterized by round eyes, high nose, thin lips, and sunken cheeks, which, combined with his pale complexion, gave off a cunning and sinister look.He was wearing a conservatively cut striped suit, a maroon bow tie, and a large jeweled ring.There was nothing about this man, Randall thought, like a no-frills reporter from London. As soon as he saw Randall, he dropped the newspaper he was reading and stood up immediately. "Mr. Randall, I am very honored," he said in a high voice, showing two fangs in a mechanical smile, "Mr. Randall, please take a seat. May I buy you a drink?" order what?" "No thanks," Randall said.He sat down, and Plummer sat down opposite him. "I don't have much time," Randall said. "I just signed up." "I know that. What I want to discuss with you is only a minute or two. Did you see my note?" "I see," Randall said, "it took a lot of work for you to get me here." "Didn't you," Plummer said with a half-smile, "you're absolutely right, dude. I knew you'd be here today, I knew you'd accepted the 'Second Resurrection' public relations job, So I tried to invite you here..." Randall felt that this person's words and deeds were as regrettable as his appearance, so he said coldly, "Well, what exactly do you want to do?" "Your cooperation," Plummer said. "What kind of cooperation method?" "Sir, I think you are well aware that I have fairly reliable sources. I know everything about you for this job, your trip to London, and when you got here. As for the 'Second Resurrection', well, yesterday The exclusive report on the London Express, I believe you have also seen it." Randall sat down silently, tapping his fingers on the table deliberately, and he didn't speak. "Very well, keep your mouth shut," said Plummer, "but I advise you to be realistic. With so many of you on staff, it's not going to be possible to secure the secrecy of this new Bible before it's released. It's only a matter of time before it leaks. Dude, you know the truth will come out. My colleagues are well acquainted with your staff, and in fact I already know a lot about your work plan." Randall pulled back his chair: "If you already know a lot, then you don't need me." "Mr. Randall, please hold on a minute, let's open the skylight and talk straight. Honestly, I don't know everything already, but I will, and I'll figure it out long before you make it official. Clear and clear. Once I know what your Bible says, I know what I need. I can assure you I can get every fact, every detail within two weeks. However, our business is competitive Also quite powerful so I have to get exclusive access to this material first, I will get it. However, sir, your cooperation will save me a lot of time and effort. Now you understand, I just want your material Content. When I get it, it will be beneficial to your 'second resurrection'—that is, if you are willing to cooperate." "And what if I refuse to cooperate?" "Well, then I will hold a grudge, and at the same time I may write out my feelings." His tone of voice has revealed the vileness. "You don't want to be like that, right? Of course you don't. And sir, I have studied your background and paid special attention to your relationship with clients in recent years. You don't seem to be very virtuous. If you You can do it if someone pays the price." He paused. "Mr. Randall, my colleagues and I are prepared to pay the price." Randall wanted to punch him, but he held back because he had one more thing to figure out. "You're ready to pay the price," Randall repeated. "Why? What do you want?" "Yeah, that's true. I know you're a reasonable man, and you ask me what I want? I want that—the proofreading sample of the new Bible. You'll have no trouble getting it, your staff." No one will be affected, you can still continue to prepare for the announcement at the appropriate time. I just want to be ahead of the competition, I am ready to talk to you now, sir, what do you think? " Randall stood up suddenly: "I said, Mr. Plummer, give up your mind!" He spun his heels and walked quickly towards the exit, while Plummer yelled behind him: "Dude, I won't give up, and I'll bring your 'second resurrection' before long To expose it, as I said, it can definitely be done. At that time, you will all be finished overnight." After Randall went back, regardless of whether Darina objected, he arranged for her to travel around Amsterdam alone, and then called Wheeler to tell Wheeler that he was leaving the hotel. At the same time, he also told about the encounter with Plummer. .Naturally, the incident aroused Wheeler's anxiety and concern, which led to a barrage of questions.After hanging up the phone, Randall was ready to go out from the secret exit prepared by "Second Resurrection". At this moment, he was heading for the headquarters of "Second Resurrection" in the limousine sent by Wheeler, and now he had arrived near a large square.Randall only heard Theo, the driver of the car, say in broken English: "This is the central square, our heart area, where all the main streets of Amsterdam meet." Randall looked around, and he immediately recognized it as one of the sights he vaguely remembered about Amsterdam.Because he had not only visited here once, but also a guide booklet that Darina had read to him on the plane just now had deepened his memory.There are two crowded areas in the center of the square. The first place is the Memorial to the Compatriots who died in World War II.When he visited here a few years ago, students from various countries gathered around the monument during the day, and in the dark at night, he would encounter some men and women doing that kind of thing.There are still many tourists staying this morning, but it looks more lively than before.Under the rising sun, some are chatting and some are reading.The second place where tourists gather is a rectangular concrete floor. There is a hand puppet show, which attracts many people to stop and watch.In addition, food vendors are of course indispensable. At this time, an ice cream stand was surrounded by children, and there were some old people sitting on the bench bored or feeding pigeons. "Look to the left, and that's our palace," Theo continued.So Randall turned his head and looked over, only to see that the royal buildings occupied an entire area of ​​the square. "That's our Royal Temple, which is like the British Westminster Abbey. It was built on a swamp, so there are more than 30,000 wooden piles under it. Also, the Queen doesn't live here, she lives Outside the city, she only comes to the palace when receiving foreign guests or state celebrations." "Is there a special place for coronation in the palace?" Randall asked curiously. "The Coronation Hall—yes, of course. It's a great hall, and it's beautiful inside." "The Honeycomb department store in front," he said, pointing.Randall immediately remembered that it was the biggest one in Amsterdam, and there were countless customers squeezing in and out at the moment. "There, past the hive, is where you're going—the Krasnapolsky Hotel—oh, and you see Mr. Wheeler is waiting at the door." Sure enough, Wheeler was standing under the hotel's glass canopy that stretched over the sidewalk. As soon as Randall stepped out of the car, Wheeler stepped forward to shake his hand. "I'm glad you're here safe and sound," Wheeler said. "It's a shame that shameless Plummer is pestering you for no reason. I've never been able to figure out how he found out about your coming to Amsterdam." .” "We should really think about this." Randall said meaningfully. "Yes, we really should do a good job of self-examination, and that's what we're going to do today. I warned you that those cunning guys are everywhere in order to destroy us. But it doesn't matter, we have a way to deal with it Theirs." He stretched out his hand in a welcoming gesture. "This is the Krasnapolsky Hotel and our base camp. We will stay here for at least a month or two." "It doesn't look any different from a normal luxury hotel." "That's what we want," Wheeler said, "and we also rent a space downstairs for all staff gatherings, and we have discounts on any food and drink establishments in the hotel—like the American bar, Restaurants such as the Palm Garden and the White House. However, the workplace of the 'Second Resurrection' can be said to be entirely on the second and third floors. We have covered those two floors for security and confidentiality. Steve, Your publicity department, we have two conference rooms on the second floor for your use. Your private office is in room 206, next door is your secretarial room. In addition, we have given you two hotel rooms for your use. You use it for receptions and meetings, but it has not been converted into an office yet, so sometimes you can rest in it. But whether you can find time to take a nap in the next month is a big problem." "That's true," Randall agreed. "Well, what do we do?" "Just go in," Wheeler said.He grabbed Randall's arm but his feet didn't move. "One more thing to tell you. We have several entrances and exits here. You can use whichever you want. You can use the gate behind us, but you'll often be pestered by people like Plummer. Difficult to get out. Of course once you get out of the elevator once you go upstairs, our security people will check you. Honestly, Steve, I would like all the red pass people to use the other exit." "What's the matter with the red pass?" "You'll see later that the best way to get in and out is outside the hotel." Still holding Randall's arm, he walked along the sidewalk to the right.Arriving in front of a turnstile between the hotel and the Hive department store, Wheeler said softly, "Go in through this door." After they entered, they walked in a long and narrow passage. At the left of the passage was a small side room, while at the right was a large office. The doors of both rooms were open.At this time, at the door of the big office, a robust guard wearing a khaki uniform, belt around the waist, and a pistol was standing right at the door. "Just go straight ahead to the elevator," Wheeler said, "but we'd better meet with Heldrin first." He greeted the guard absently before telling him, "We need to meet with Hull. Delin, this is an appointment in advance." The guards stepped aside immediately, and Wheeler hugged Randall into the safe room.There are a total of 6 people in the office, two plump girls are busy sorting out files, and two young men in plain clothes seem to be checking a map on the table.An older man in a short-sleeved shirt sits behind a semicircular installation that includes a small switchboard, loudspeakers and four television screens that monitor all activity upstairs. Near the office, there is a large writing desk made of pear blossom wood.A strong and shrewd Dutchman in his 50s had just put down the handset after making a phone call. He had told Randall on the brass nameplate in front of his desk that this person was Captain Herder, who was responsible for the confidential security of the "Second Resurrection". Forest. As soon as he put down the phone, Heldrin stood up and shook Randall's hand warmly as Wheeler introduced them. When the three of them were seated, Wheeler said to him, "Steve, after you're settled in, I think you'll have to talk to Captain Heldrin. He's a funny guy, and he's leading a great job." . . . After we have officially opened the International New Testament to the world, people must wonder how we have kept it a secret for so long." "That's true," Randall said, "which means we can really keep it secret." He smiled at Heldrin. "Captain, I'm not saying this to offend you, it's just..." "It's just that you're worried about Plummer calling in, aren't you?" Captain Helderling said flatly. "Don't be afraid." Randall couldn't help being stunned: "Did Mr. Wheeler tell you about my encounter with Plummer?" "He didn't say a word," said Captain Helderling. "As a matter of fact, I didn't know Mr. Wheeler knew about it. Even so, Mr. Randall, you've handled the matter admirably." .I know you said you'd kill him--and he said you'd kill us overnight." "That's weird," Randall smiled awkwardly, "How would you know?" Heldrin kept waving his furry hand in the air: "No matter what, we always try to control the words and deeds of our staff as much as possible. Sometimes this may not be possible, because Pastor Frumi seems to be Got a little wind of us. But, Mr. Randall, we always do our best, and we really do." "I believe you will successfully complete the task." Randall said. "Steve, you don't know anything about Helderlin's past," Wheeler said. "He worked for Interpol in postwar Paris, and in fact he's still a member of it. In our He was promoted to deputy director before trying to get him here." "How could you give up the favorable terms over there?" Randall asked curiously. "It wasn't hard to make that decision," Helderling said. "At Interpol, I was working for people, which was important. But at the headquarters of the Second Resurrection, it was more important to be working for God." gone." It would be fun, Randall thought, to work for God with a gun."I don't know much about Interpol," he said. "There's nothing I'll let you know," Helderling said. "It's a police organization jointly organized by 20 countries, mainly to detect international crimes. I work in the headquarters of Saint-Cloud City, which is located on the outskirts of Paris. , but has branches in more than 100 countries. The US branch is linked to the Treasury, while the British one is based at Scotland Yard." "In St. Cloud, we have more than one million criminal identification cards in our archives. Each card has detailed information on it, including nationality, race, color, gait, bad marks, tattoos, defects, habits, etc. Etc. Now I've brought over here what I did over there. Our files have the necessary information on every single one of our staff. Also to those journalists, reformers and Extremists know it all too." "It's amazing." Randall sincerely praised. Heldrin nodded politely. "As a matter of fact, sir, I'll try to check you out before I issue you a pass. The most important thing is to know your weaknesses—such as how much alcohol or drugs you've taken, who you're living with What type of woman. Also, where are you most vulnerable, such as if someone harms your daughter Judy, reveals your sister Claire's personal privacy, or tempts Miss Darina to tell you about your intercourse fun, etc. , Whether you will be blackmailed or not is what I care most about." I'm fucking unlucky, Randall thought, they've been keeping tabs on me.He said: "I have no ulterior motives, nothing extraordinary."