Join Jack Rivers, an off Wall Street Investment Banker, as he bonds with Middle Eastern Bankers and journeys back in time, discovering tragedy, romance and the search for hidden treasure. Meet Vladimir, a Russian warrior, whose honor is unmatched.

EXCERPT

Motar stood up, beginning to pace slowly; the room was not large, “Jack, do you know anything of Russian history?”

“Pertaining to what exactly?”

“The early 1900’s, mainly I am talking about the fall of the Russian empire in 1917.”

“I have seen some movies and read a little history but not a lot.”

“Yes, that is good. Tell me what you know of the royal family.”

“I think I recall the family, Nicholas, his wife and children were killed.”

“Yes, very good Jack. Did you know there are stories that not all of the family was executed?”

“I remember seeing an old black and white movie where there was supposed to be a daughter who lived, but that was Hollywood.”

“This is not Hollywood; there was a son, not a daughter.”

“You are telling me you believe this to be true.”

“We are telling you, we believe this to be a fact. How we came about the information is not important at this time. It is safe in the Cayman Islands and tells a very real story. Our group wishes to explore to its fullest. Relax your mind and I will tell you this story.”

Motar sat across from me, starting his story. There was a Russian soldier named Vladimir, who, according to our letters was a young man of about 30 years old. He had served his king and queen, distinguishing himself time after time under fire, never showing signs of quitting any of his assignments he was ask to perform. At the age of 30 he had served in the Russian army for 14 years. One day he was selected along with other men who also earned the respect of their ruler to learn English. They were allowed to bring their families and were all moved to a village 100 miles outside Moscow. The instructions were for even the family members to learn not only to speak English, but to learn the manners of the American way of life. They were given American information, magazines and candy for the children. The year was around 1915. Two years before the fall of Russia. They were told not to leave the village; guards were posted to make sure this did not happen. They were given no more instructions. For Vladimir, he did not care; he deeply loved his wife and 12 year old daughter. Any chance to be with his family while serving his king could not be all that bad an assignment; he studied hard.

Back in Moscow, Queen Alexandra spoke to her husband, “I must tell you something.”

“Yes, my dear, I am listening.”

“Do you really think our kingdom will be lost?”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe in your plan save the baby I carry?”

“I feel this is the best way to give not only our child, but our family a chance to survive from what I fear is coming our way.”

“I wonder if it will be a boy or girl.”

“You shall give me another son.”

“I hope so; perhaps then, the baby will have a fighting chance.”

“I will make sure our baby has a fighting chance.”

“I trust you darling.”

Part of the training for Vladimir and his comrades which they were told “comrades” was no longer a word they should use, was to be stripped of their Russian uniforms and given clothes from American. This was a complete village where the doctors dressed as American doctors, mailmen, and shop keepers and then Vladimir, who was a professional soldier, was dressed and given a job as a craftsman, working with wood in a cabinet shop. Vladimir would now go by the name John J. Williams. It was tough in the beginning; he learned to enjoy his job, especially at quitting time when he got to go home to his wife and daughter.