The Insiders

economic system in the world than the one right here in The United States of America. I remind you of the words spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 during an earlier financial crisis in our nation’s history: ‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself-nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.’ We cannot let fear or lack of confidence in our financial markets hold us-and our future-hostage. We will make the necessary course corrections to insure that these abuses never happen again, and we will make them quickly. Let us not retreat in panic but move forward with courage, united in our conviction that We the People can and will emerge stronger and wiser from this crisis. May God bless you and all of us in this time of need. Thank you and goodnight.”

No sooner had the President finished than the press crowded around the front door and along the verandah at Brattle House, turning on their microphones, cameras, and spotlights, waiting for Wilson to give his reaction. Wilson walked onto the flood-lighted porch to a barrage of questions about his reaction to the President’s speech, the state of American capitalism, what his father would think, and once again, the whereabouts of Carter Emerson.

He stepped up to the row of microphones torn between his conflicting desires to protect his loved ones and ensure the reform his father and Carter envisioned. Realizing all too well that it might be impossible to do both, he chose to speak to the latter issue first.

“I think my father and Carter Emerson would be very disappointed by the President’s remarks. They believed our system of capitalism had been hijacked by early industrialists and financiers who emphasized competition over cooperation to solidify their own control and build enormous wealth,” he commenced boldly. He would have to find another way to protect the people he loved. It’s time the world heard my voice, not just my father’s or Carter Emerson’s.

“A widening gap between rich and poor, concentration of political and corporate power, and a compromised and disabled democracy are evidence of the flaws in our system. Abuses by those with wealth and power in this country, and throughout the world, have written our history for centuries. It’s time for change. We can no longer allow our government to be manipulated by people whose sole objective is to enrich themselves while oppressing and appeasing the majority. Apparently, the President believes a flurry of bureaucratic activity followed by a wave of new rules and regulations will bring change. As long as the strong and powerful in this country continue to exploit and manipulate the weak and powerless, America’s capitalistic engine will continue to run at a fraction of its capacity. My father and Carter Emerson hoped that We the People of The United States of America would revolt before allowing the abuses they documented to be swept under the rug. They wanted to end wage-slavery for the working majority and end corrupt privilege for the capitalist elite. As for me, I hope the President will strengthen and accelerate his initiatives. This crisis deserves more than what he’s offered tonight. Most of all, I hope the American people will decide to stand up and demand reforms-broad, sweeping reforms to our capitalistic system- regardless of what this president or this Congress or this Supreme Court decide to do. My father and Carter Emerson believed it was time to humanize and individualize capitalism. I believe it’s time to unite against the hidden tyranny that controls our lives, and I know that We the People can do it.”

There was another barrage of questions that lasted for over an hour. Wilson did his best to carry the banner of his father’s vision while speaking from his heart. By the time the last reporter left after midnight, the press had interviewed everyone in the house except his mother and little Mary, both of whom he’d managed to shield from their intrusive probing.

A few minutes after one o’clock in the morning, as Emily and Wilson were still trying to unwind after the day’s intensity in the belfry library, Rachel climbed the circular staircase to inform them that Agent Kohl was on the phone.

Wilson answered the phone apprehensively.

“Sorry to bother you so late, but I thought you’d want to know as soon as possible.”

“What is it, Kristen?”

“Carter Emerson’s remains were uncovered at the explosion site in Venice.”

Wilson sat down stunned. “Are you sure?” he asked, unwilling to believe that Carter was dead.

“The DNA tests were verified by Italian authorities and the CIA.”

Still unconvinced, Wilson asked, “Does his wife know?”

“I talked to her before I called you.”

“Where is she?”

“Geneva, Switzerland with her daughters. They’ll be here tomorrow for a graveside service at Cambridge Cemetery. The President plans to attend.”

Geneva, Switzerland, Wilson repeated to himself. That’s where Carter is. “I’ll be there.”

“For what it’s worth, Wilson,” Kohl said slowly. “I can’t officially condone what your father and Carter Emerson did, but I think positive change will come from it. Good night, Wilson.”

69

Wilson — Cambridge, MA

A FedEx letter arrived for Wilson just as the family was preparing to leave for Carter’s graveside service at Cambridge Cemetery. His mother, Rachel, Darrin, and their FBI escorts decided to go ahead while Wilson and Emily waited for Driggs and Irving to examine the thin package for explosives and other chemicals. When they were satisfied it was clean, they handed it to Wilson. Inside was a one-page letter from Carter and the key to a safety- deposit box. The letter was hand-written on Hotel San Fantin stationery. Wilson took a deep breath and walked to the den where he sat down before reading the letter. Emily sat next to him. They read the letter together.

Dear Wilson,

I should never have agreed to pull the trigger. We were both dead men walking and we knew it. Our only hope was to come up with a ploy so shocking and yet believable that it would keep one of us alive. With your father and Tate locked in a power struggle, the ‘role’ of staying alive fell to me, almost by default. Your father and I had to convince Tate of my loyalty and that I had no intention of exposing the partnership. But now, I can no longer live with what I did. My ambition for this life has been exhausted.

Your inclination will be to finish what we started, but it’s not worth it. This obsession has destroyed our lives and brought only suffering and misery to the ones we love. Things will never change. I know that now. The enclosed key is to a safety-deposit box at Boston Private Bank amp; Trust on Boylston Street. Your great-grandfather’s memoirs should be inside. They are what started us down this fateful path. Your father decided not to share them with you until after we had accomplished our disclosure. My advice to you is to let them sleep.

I pray your father will eventually emerge from his coma. I can only hope that the position of the bullet gives him some chance of recovery. Tell him that I miss him. Enjoy your life with Emily; she’s one in a billion. Forgive us, if you can. Lastly, would you mind watching over my Elizabeth and the girls? They know about everything, but I doubt they fully understand. Maybe you can help, especially with my grandchildren.

With Deepest Love and Sympathy,

Carter Emerson

Wilson sat motionless on the sofa next to Emily, no longer agitated or dumbfounded by the unending twists and turns. But Carter’s letter didn’t ring true. Things will never change. I know that now. Bullshit, Wilson thought. Neither Carter nor his father would ever believe that.

“Do you believe it?” Emily looked at him, giving voice to the question that was in his mind.

“No,” he said as he stood up and took Emily by the hand. “Do you?”

“No,” she replied without hesitation and wrapped her arms around him.

As they left for the graveside service, Wilson mulled things over. Generations of concealed corruption could only be overcome by generations of open revolution. His generation had no choice but to engage.