Paparazzi - VIII

6th Sep 1997

The funeral started exactly at 9:08A.M in London when the tenor bell gonged to signal the departure of the cortege from Kensington Palace. The Union jack, a.k.a the Union Flag of the United Kingdom was lowered to half mast. The official ceremony was held in the Westminster Abbey, London and finally ended at Althorp. Bouquets of flowers were installed at the gates of Kensington Palace. Eight members of the Welsh Guards accompanied Diana's body, draped in the royal standard, throughout the one-hourforty-seven-minute ride along the streets of London. At St. James' Palace Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry and Earl Spencer joined to walk behind. The burial occurred privately later the same day. Diana's body was clothed in a black longsleeved dress, which she had chosen some weeks earlier. A set of rosary beads were placed in her hands, a gift she had received from Mother Teresa who died the same week as Diana Her grave was on an island within the grounds of Althorp Park, the Spencer family home. The island was located in an ornamental lake known as The Round Oval within Althorp Park's gardens. A path with thirty-six oak trees, marking each year of her life, lead to the Oval. Four black swans swam in the lake. The lake was filled with water lilies. In addition there were Diana's favorite white roses Celebrities who attended her funeral included Hillary Clinton, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Elton John. Sir Elton John dedicated a song to Princess Diana named A Candle in the wind1997 

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31st Aug 1999

Two years since the shocking bulletin went around the world: Diana, Princess of Wales killed in a Paris car crash. Crowds of mourners flocked her London home, Kensington Palace, leaving a sea of wreaths, flowers and pictures in the surrounding grounds Peter Oborne, the political editor of Britain's Spectator magazine covered the funeral spoke to ABCNEWS' : “Good Morning America!!! That people were still visibly moved by the loss today. You can see those wreaths, little messages and photographs of the princess put against the gates. It's terribly moving. Memories of Diana are still vivid for many people around the world, but Britain is holding no official ceremony to mark the gloomy anniversary.” Oborne spoke and added his disappointment that he was surprised as there was not much being said about the princess on the anniversary "I was shocked today as I picked up the English newspapers on how little there was about the princess on the second anniversary of her death," Oborne said Thousands of people paid their visit both to the Kensington Palace as well as her final resting ground at the Althorp Shahnaz Rizwana Hasan reached the grave of Princess Diana on the Island of Althorp Park. She stood in line patiently. She bought dozens of rose flowers and a card on which she had penned down few lines about the Princess. She carefully placed the flowers over her grave and lit up a candle. Finally she placed the card under the flowers which read: “You gave me life You gave me light Your profession wasn’t that great But you helped me change my fate Your name was Nina Leonhard I will remember you, forever, ever and ever R.I.P” Shahnaz paid her tribute and quickly left for Paris 

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3rd Jul 2000

Off the coast of Italian Riviera

Jonikal

Shahnaz felt happy boarding the Jonikal for yet another time. Her 2 year old son EmanUl-Hasan was sitting next to her admiring the sea gulls passing their yacht 20 m above them. Alongside was Mohamed-Al-Fayed, Prof. Alain Pavie, Dr. Andre, Father Yves and Béatrice Humbert. Mohamed Fayed was thanked by everyone for the wonderful get together he had arranged. Shahnaz served the guests and Mohamed assisted her “Prof. Alain, the loss of my son Dodi still leaves a mark deep down in my heart. But I am glad to have my grandson and my daughter-in-law with me. This wouldn’t have been possible without you” Mohamed addressed Prof. Alain “This is a team effort Mr. Fayed. Without the help of Dr. Andre, Father Yves, Béatrice and ofcourse the hooker who helped us indirectly with her lifeless body, this wouldn’t have been possible.” Alain replied “But how did you manage to fool the media and the other MI6 officers gathered at the hospital? I bet that wouldn’t have been easy” Mohamed asked him with anxiety “Yes, Diana had a fair chance of survival. 

First we gave her the first aid required to keep her breathing and then stopped the internal bleeding. Her breathing rate was not promising initially, but it started to pick up eventually. We shifted her to the second floor and continued with the medication with utmost care and meanwhile Father Yves and Dr. Andre informed the media about the death of Princess Diana and that the autopsy was in progress. This made sure no official was allowed to see Diana. Meanwhile Dr. Andre and Béatrice performed an autopsy on Nina Leonhard and covered her with the bandages and scratch marks were left on her face to make it difficult for anyone to easily identify the dead body. Nina weighed and measured exactly as Diana and that made the job easy for us. Further, we shifted Nina to the room where Diana was admitted earlier and moved Diana to my personal room where we continued the surgery. 

It took 8 Hours to complete the whole surgery. We treated her at my home and in a week’s time she showed positive signs. From then on, Dr. Andre took over and gave her a complete new face. And not to forget you, Mohamed gave her a new identity, a job and a passport.“ He smiled Father Yves played an important role in announcing the death of Diana. “Please forgive me father. I made you lie to the public” Prof. Alain told Father Yves “That’s for a good cause. Even the Lord would have done the same, if he were in such a situation” He smiled Shahnaz was playing with her son Eman curiously “Diana Spencer” Prof. Alain cried out. Immediately she turned to him and asked “Do you want something Professor?” “Yes, one thing and one thing only. You are no more Diana Spencer. Keep that in mind always Shahnaz” He smiled Everyone laughed joyfully and she joined them in their laughter Eman fumbled to walk few steps towards the high platform of the Yacht Shahnaz immediately rushed over to him “Eman, be nice ok? Now where are you going kid?” She faked to scare him Another flock of seagulls flew over the Jonikal as the Sun dropped down slowly over the west Horizon over the waters of Italian Riviera 

*************THE END************

Paparazzi - VII

Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital 

Paris

Béatrice Humbert, the chief nurse of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris was busy discussing with her boss Dr. Andre Lienhart, a renowned plastic surgeon was enquiring about the patients who were admitted the previous day. “Any casualties?”He asked her. “Yes Doctor Andre. 4 casualties reported. Brian Gifford, A Business Man, aged 37. Tried to commit suicide, and was rescued by the relatives. Condition: Critical Hugh Smith, A Painter, aged 52. Broke his knees while trying to climb a ladder. Condition: Normal Nina Leonhard, aged 27. Met with a car accident earlier this morning and died after few Hrs of treatment. Condition: Awaiting Autopsy” “Richard S. Flickinger,…” The nurse was reading out the case register “Hold on Béatrice. Is she the famous Hooker in Paris Nina?”He asked her “Yes, you are right Doctor” She replied. “Nobody has claimed her body yet.” She added “Strange but true!!! Nobody would want to fancy a lifeless body. Men are always Men” Her voice reflected pity for Nina “Next” He asked “Richard S. Flickinger, A Truck driver, aged 41. Hit by a car while driving his motorbike. Condition: Lesser than critical” She finished Suddenly there was chaos at the hospital entrance. An ambulance screeched up to the scene. Few cops rushed to the front of the hospital and a stretcher was pulled out from the ambulance. Dr. Andre and Béatrice rushed to the stretcher and were pulled back with shock when they saw Diana bleeding with heavy bruises all over her body. For a moment Béatrice felt her knees began to buckle and the room began to swim as she desperately fought the overpowering urge to faint. They recovered immediately and guided the stretcher towards the operating theatre. “Call up Prof. Alain Pavie immediately and tell him this is an emergency; More than an emergency” Dr. Andre ordered Béatrice. She nodded and rushed up towards the reception. Dr. Andre thought Prof. Alain Pavie, one of the France's top cardio-thoracic surgeons would be the right person 

************* *************

02:15A.M

Prof. Alain Pavie arrived at the operating room and by the time he reached, Diana was under severe diagnosis. She was breathing normally and the ECG was close to normal. “Prof Alain, these are her reports. Her Pulse rate is rising 10-15 beats/minute and there is a significant drop in her blood pressure too” Dr. Andre handed over the reports. Prof. Alain came closer to Diana and observed her keenly. “Her skin pigmentation seems to have increased than normal” He told to himself. “Dr. Andre, make arrangements for the CPB (Cardiopulmonary bypass). We must act fast” He said Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery, maintaining the circulation of blood and the oxygen content of the body. The CPB pump is often referred to as a heart-lung machine or "the pump" 

************* ************* 

Diana was dressed up in hospital gown and Prof. Alain wasted no time. He knew it would take nearly 4 Hrs for a normal CPB. But this case was complicated. Dr. Andre and Béatrice assisted the operation. Prof Alain began the surgery. The source of the hemorrhaging was a single lesion, which was a partial rupture of the left pulmonary vein at the point of contact with the left atrium. The tear was sutured and the hemorrhaging was stopped. He tried to reestablish a heartbeat by applying the electroshock, but it did not bring result. Prof Alain never looked like giving up. He kept repeating the procedure and almost failed to make count of it 

************* ************* 

Short and balding at the age forty-six, Father Yves’ resident priest had been fast asleep in his apartment when he was jolted awake by a phone call at 3 a.m. from the emergency unit of the hospital to give the last rites to someone “very important”. He was received by Prof Alain, Dr. Andre and Béatrice. Diana was still breathing, but it was very feeble. “Father Yves. I am glad that you came” Prof Alain spoke first. “Looking at the scene outside the hospital, I don’t think this is a normal car accident. They had planted a car crash to kill the Princess. Some English officials have been approaching me and enquiring me about the princess’ chance to survive this crash. They sound desperate to know about her condition. It is really weird why no one from the Royal Family has arrived yet.” He finished “Any chances of survival, Prof.? Or should I go ahead with the last rites?” Father Yves asked him back “50-50 chances father. But I don’t think she is going to make it. Even if she does, there are people outside waiting to make not survive. Also, She is 6 weeks pregnant, Father” He replied. They expressed shock in his face. “So what do you think, we must do now?” Father asked him Everyone remained calm unable to find an answer to the Father’s question. Dr. Andre looked at Béatrice curiously “I need to inform Mr. Mohamed Fayed immediately” He said. 

************* ************* 

4:00 A.M

They came out of the basement operating room and decided to shift her to the bluewalled second-floor room just above the main entrance of the eight storey PitiéSalpêtrière. Prof. Alain requested Dr. Andre and Father Yves to address the media about the death of the Princess of Wales. They both walked towards the hospital’s entrance. High officials from the French Embassy, the French police department, journalists, TV personals and a huge crowd of civilians were waiting in front of the hospital. Everyone who had turned up went silent when the announcement was made “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Princess of Wales, Lady Diana who passed away on the night of August 31 1997 in a car crash. Autopsy is in progress and the departure of her body from the Hospital will commence shortly” They finished 

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4:30 P.M 

In strict accordance with protocol, a red carpet had been rolled from the curb to PitiéSalpêtrière’s main entrance, flanked by officers of the French President’s colorfully garbed Republican Guard. The Princess’s body was transported from the Hospital to Villacoublay, a military airfield southwest of Paris, and was placed on the Queen’s Flight BAe 146 CC.2. for the journey back home. The body of Princess Diana arrived back in the British soil gloomily. The coffin was accompanied by Prince Charles and two of Diana’s sisters. The coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by the British officials and carried away from the aircraft. They headed towards the Hyde Park where it was to be lain for 5 days and later on would be taken to the Kensington Palace 

*************TO BE CONTINUED *************

Paparazzi - VI

31st August 1997 00:10 A.M 

The Black color Mercedes-Benz W140 finally emerged into sight where the Paparazzi were hiding in the corner of the street. Immediately they jumped on to the street and blocked the car. Henri Paul was the first one to lose temper and he immediately lowered the windows and abused them in foul language. “Come and get me if you can” He shouted at the paparazzi and hit the accelerator pedals. Ron and his fellow paparazzi followed the car in their bikes 

************* ************* 

David spedding watched the couple get into the car and called his men through his Private Mobile Radio, PMR446

Commander in base camp: Goodspeed calling Combat1 

Combat1 here. Do you read me? 

Goodspeed: Loud and Clear. Report the position 

Combat1: Package arrives at the exit. 

Combat2 backing up. Heading southwest on Sector1 

Goodspeed: Roger that. Combat3 come in. Report the position 

Combat3: Sector2 Blocked. Waiting for package. Over and out 

Goodspeed: Roger that. Combat5 come in. Report the position 

Combat5: Waiting for Combat1 confirmation. Inside Sector3. Confirm package status 

Goodspeed: Roger that. Package left from Source. Arrives on Sector1 Wait for confirmation from Combat1 

Combat5: Roger that 

Goodspeed: Combat1 come in. Report your position 

Combat1: Am tailing the package. Package is heading to Sector3 as expected Combat2 just confirmed position 

Goodspeed: Roger that. Loud and clear 

************* ************* 

The Paparazzi tried to overtake the Merc, but the fight with the Paparazzi made Henri drive faster. “Could you please slow down Henri? You’re going to have us all killed” Dodi ordered Henri. “Relax, Sir. Let me take you safely off the sight of these Paparazzi” Henri replied and sped faster 

************* ************* 

Ron held the Laser gun close to his camera in such a way that nobody could notice it. He drove his bike close to the Merc and wondered why Henri took a totally inappropriate route all on a sudden. The dark Pont de l'Alma tunnel stood just a few hundred meters from them 

************* ************* 

Jean-Paul Andanson was a skillful driver and a shrewd Paparazzi. No wonder David had chosen him for this particular task. He could afford to lose a Paparazzi instead of blowing up the whole team. He waited about 900 meters from the Tunnel on a white Fiat Uno. As the Black Merc emerged the road, he slowly moved the car. He was puzzled to see a bike following very close to the car and a dozen other bikes heading towards the Tunnel from a distance. He had no time to call his commander and decided to act immediately. He accelerated more to match the speed of the Merc and allowed the car to pass him by his left side to avoid collision with the Motorbike following behind. Both the cars approached the Tunnel at full speed and Jean-Paul saw his speedometer reading to jump above 90Kmph 

************* ************* 

Trevor was sure the car would crash any moment and he held to his seat tightly. Suddenly the Fiat Uno overtook the Merc from behind and brushed the sides of the car. At the same time Ron was aiming Dodi’s eyes with his Laser gun pointed through his Camera. He was ready to push the trigger and when he aimed at Dodi’s eyes, Henri lost balance due to the sudden collision with the Uno from the sideways. The car turned the car and almost hit the motorbike. Ron realized the car was about to hit him and in a reflex, he forcibly applied breaks to slow down the bike but lost his balance and rolled from the bike and the trigger was pulled. It hit the right front tire of the Merc. Combat1 immediately passed the message to Jeanne-Pierre for which Jeanne-Pierre pressed the remote control which turned the lights off inside the tunnel. 

Meanwhile Jean-Paul crossed the Merc and Combat5 dropped the Bomb It exploded with a huge noise between his car and the Merc. Henri was shocked by the sudden explosion and tried to control the already swiveling car and applied the brakes. The car made one full rotation before it hit one of the pillars. The first hit was on the front left side where Henri was sitting and then it banged its rear against the wall of the tunnel and came to halt. There was smoke everywhere. The tunnel went dark and the other Paparazzi looked puzzled. Some of them went on to help Ron stand up who looked terribly injured. Combat5 who was hiding behind one of the boulders inside the tunnel came out in a flash and went straight towards the car. The car’s horn kept honking as Henri’s bleeding head was lying on the steering wheel unconsciously. 

He immediately took the syringe containing alcohol and injected on the driver’s neck. He took one good look at the co-passenger sitting next to Henri. He was not badly hit and was trying to unbutton his seat belt and failed to notice Combat5. Combat5 checked the back seat where Diana was still moving her arms stretching out for some help and there was hardly any movement from the guy who was sitting next to her. He immediately rushed to the other end of the Tunnel to join Jeanne-Pierre. Soon, the paparazzi rushed towards the car and took pictures of the already dead driver Henri, the fatally wounded Dodi Fayed and Diana and the least injured Trevor. “Oh my god!!! Oh my god!!!” Diana kept repeating. Nobody dared to call up the paramedics. Frederic Mailliez, a French doctor who was returning from his duty stopped the car seeing the accident. He checked for survivors and rushed back to his car and called the emergency service. By the time he reached back the Merc, a fireman was attending to the person seated next to the Driver. He went to the back of the car to attend the woman and recognized her to be Princess Diana. 

*************TO BE CONTINUED *************

Paparazzi - V

10:15 P.M

“So what’s the plan commander?” Jeanne- Pierre asked David “No Guns or artilleries. We are going to make it appear to the entire world as an accident” David replied and added “And how good is this place you pointed out, Jeanne?” “Commander, Pont de l'Alma is a narrow tunnel with two way traffic. It will be dark even with the lights on and we can nail them down easily” He replied

David thought for a while “Is it possible to blow off the lights for, say 20 seconds and bring it back again? I don’t want any evidence from the traffic cameras”

He asked Jeanne “I can do that” He smiled

“Very well. I need dry ice and a Bottle” He said

“What is that for Sir?” Jeanne asked him

“To make a Dry ice Bomb. A dry ice bomb is made from a container that can be easily sealed, water, and dry ice. The bottle is filled with quarter full of water, some dry ice is added, and the container is shut tightly. As the solid carbon dioxide warms inside the bottle, it sublimates to a gas. 

The pressure inside the bottle increases as the quantity of gas increases with limited room to expand. The Bomb will typically rupture from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. It predominantly depends largely on the temperature of the air outside the bottle” He explained

The Dry Ice Bomb was made in no time. David continued Combat1 take position outside the Hotel exit and follow them close. If the package tries to deviate from its route course, report it!!! If the package tries to return to the source, block the way Combat2 block the way to the Avenue de Champ Elysees. Combat3 back him up Combat1 you will still follow the package right from the Hotel exit and have a close watch on Combat-X and report the status to Jeanne-Pierre Combat 4: Combat-X will park his car a few meters from the Tunnel and stay alert.

Once the package crosses him, he will overtake the package, ram it and make it lose control. If his move works fine, the package is sure to hit one of the hard boulders to the left or the pillars to its right. You will be accompanying Combat-X in his car, Handle the calls and make a drop of this Bomb once Combat-X crosses the Package just before the tunnel in front of the Package’s car. Be careful with the Bomb. It will explode with huge noise and might cause severe injuries if not handled properly. Combat4 make sure Combat-X rams the package’s car exactly 10 meters from the Tunnel

Everyone looked curiously at David as he was describing his plan

“I will brief Combat-X part later gentlemen” He replied

“Jeanne-Pierre stay outside the exit of the Tunnel and wait for Combat1’s instructions. He will instruct you when you should switch off the lights.” David explained further

“I get it Commander. It was long back when I was in college I switched off the lights. It used to thrill me” Jeanne-Pierre laughed

“As you all might be aware of, UKN is an ultra-secret branch within our MI6 ranks. I don’t think any of you are aware of Jean-Paul Andanson is a secret member of the UKN and will be working for us under the cover up name Combat-X” “Combat4, kill him once Combat-X role completes his task” David continued

“What about me, Sir?” Combat5 looked anxiously at David “Stay 50 feet inside of the tunnel from the entrance” David answered him

He reached for something inside the bag he had been carrying all the time. He took something from the inside - A syringe and a bottle of Alcohol.

“Combat5, once Henri crashes the car inside the Tunnel, Inject this alcohol on Henri Paul, the chauffeur. Additional information to all: Henry is a double agent working for us and another undisclosed agency. Henri believes Diana is going to be murdered by the MI6, getting shot. He has no clue that we’ve planned a car crash instead” He handed them both to Combat5

“This way the case will be closed as a car crash by a drunk driver. There will be no proof for the media that MI6 is involved in this” David finished

************* *************

Ron with the other paparazzi waited outside the Hotel for more than an hour. There was no trace of the couple leaving the hotel. Suddenly it struck Ron. “The couple were being followed and harassed by the paparazzi since they landed in Paris. Dodi wanted to avoid the sight of Paparazzi and changed his dinner plans to his suite. They’ve planned to leave the hotel with a new chauffeur. It’s Henri Paul, the Hotel’s Head Security. If Dodi was cautious about every step he takes, why would he prefer the usual exit? There should be another emergency exit to the Hotel. 

This could be it!!! Dodi might slip away with Diana through the other exit without being spotted by the Paparazzi. Sh** what have I done” Ron thought to himself. Without wasting his time, he rushed up in the motorbike he had hired the morning and halted in the corner of the road which met the Hotel’s exit way. Few other Paparazzi joined him in the corner of the street and they hid themselves from being noticed by the French Police

************* *************

Not even when he first met Kelly personally was Trevor this tensed. He waited outside the door along with Henri Paul. Henri smelled alcohol, but the 2 rounds of the drink didn’t seem to have had any effect on him. Trevor had devised a plan to Kill Diana while on the way back to their apartment. He was also too keen that his plans shouldn’t kill Dodi. 

The Mercedes-Benz W140 which was rented stood waiting outside. It had an improved braking power to the rear wheels which increased stopping effectiveness. In addition to this, the Brake Assist engaged during emergency maneuver boosted braking power to maximum. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) used on-board computers to improve vehicle handling response during difficult driving conditions. Trevor had plotted his idea considering all these in mind. 

There was a wire in the break pad that touches the brake rotor when the pad is worn, and closes the circuit. This would make a screeching noise from the front when the brakes are applied. That would be a metal-to-metal rubbing against the rotor, and this in turn makes the brakes to overheat, and causes the brake fluid to boil. Eventually this effect would melt the tubes carrying the brake fluid and result in a brake failure. This would turn the driving panel warning light ON. 

He made the warning switch malfunction. All Trevor did was to replace the new pad with a worn out one. Nobody would doubt a break failure on a luxury car like Merc. He ensured that the car did more kms after the replacement was made. He informed the rental car company that they wanted a rented car due to security issues and wanted to ensure the safety of his Boss by cross checking it with few test runs. The fluid tubes had already started to wear out. 

The passenger seating would be decided by the bodyguards and he made Diana sit behind his seat. This way, Dodi would have to sit behind Henri Paul. Trevor finally ensured, Diana’s seat belts never worked. Dodi and Diana emerged from their suite. “Shall we leave, Trevor?” Dodi asked him. “Yes Sir. We are all set to leave” He replied He opened the car and made the seating arrangements as planned. He sat next to Henri. He did not wear his seat belt immediately. 

Diana failed miserably with her seat belts. Dodi tried to help her, but in vain they never fixed. Before he could put on his seat belt, Henri moved the car towards the exit. Trevor immediately put on his seat belts, turned to Dodi and said “Sir, your seat-belts please”. Dodi smiled “Diana couldn’t put on hers. It isn’t working. Let me sit without a seat-belt too” He turned and smiled at Diana.

************* TO BE CONTINUED *************

Paparazzi - IV

The Imperial Suit, Hôtel Ritz

“Dad it’s me Emad. I checked in sometime back and just wanted you to know about it” Dodi talked over the phone

…

“Well, No. I am not alone. Oh, Come on dad” He laughed wickedly

…

“Yes, she is here with me”

…

“No. She is having her hair done, Dad”

…

“Yeah. I’ve booked the dinner table. Bye Dad” He ended the call and slipped out of the Hotel quietly

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Repossi Jewelers

The £130,000 ring was sparkling and looked extremely beautiful. It was an emerald-cut diamond, surrounded by four smaller diamonds, set in a gold band. This was the ring Diana had selected earlier that morning. . "Dis-moi Oui!"was inscribed on the ring which merely translated to "Tell me yes!"

Dodi felt extremely happy looking at the ring. He paid the bill, thanked the Jeweller and left the Place.

************* *************

 He called his dearest cousin Hussein Yassin who was living in Saudi Arabia. "We are very serious . . . we are going to get married, Cous".

Dodi’s voice was full of excitement and enthusiasm. Hussein wished him good luck. Dodi felt like he was on cloud nine. He slid the ring into his pocket and went to check if Diana was ready. By the time Dodi reached the Ritz salon, Diana was done with her hair and she was extremely happy to see him back. They had a casual chat and walked towards the dining table. For dinner, Dodi had initially booked Chez Benoit, a fashionable but cozy restaurant. 

They had to abandon their attempt to go there because of the harassment by pursuing photographers. So, they returned to L’Hotel Ritz. The Espadon restaurant inside the Hotel Ritz was no exception. Dodi spotted half a dozen Paparazzi with their cameras.

“Honey, this isn’t a good idea. Let’s go back to our suite” He reckoned her

Diana was relieved when she heard Dodi say those words. She wanted to get away from the sight of paparazzi more than he did. On the way to their suit, Dodi informed his personal butler, to make arrangements for their dinner in their suite.

"Dinner à deux. And don’t forget the Vantage Champagne on ice. That’s how my lady likes it” He told the butler. Dodi still had the ring inside his coat pocket. They happily enjoyed their dinner and the drink.

“Are we going to stay here for the night, Honey?” Diana asked him

“No sweetheart. We are going to our Apartment” He replied

“That would be great. I want to spend some quality time with you. Just you and me. Alone!!! This Hotel is not giving me the privacy I want” She replied

“Don’t worry sweetheart. Our Apartment is on the Arsene-Houssaye Street, en route to the Arc de Triomphe, just few miles off the Champs d’Elysses. I promise you tonight will be the most memorable night of your life” He told her and kissed her forehead gently

************* *************

David Spedding placed his men at all the important roads leading out from the Hotel for surveillance. He had booked the table close to the table where the couple were to have their dinner. But for some reason, Dodi abandoned the dinner plan. David waited patiently. He knew the couple were to get engaged in few days and this was his only chance. He sipped Château d'Yquem, a Bordeaux white wine. He tried hard to concentrate but was lost in his thoughts. He really wanted to break free but this operation wouldn’t allow him to do so. He placed the glass with the cold wine across his temple and tried to relax.

************* *************

“I would like to make a toast gentlemen. To a Happy and Romantic life of Dodi and Diana and the wonderful photos and headlines they give us

Long live the couple!!!” a paparazzi made a toast and the other paparazzi sitting around the table had a mighty laugh. Ron Gallella laughed with the others

“So where are you from, Fletcher?” Someone asked him

“Well, I am from England” Ron Gallella replied and he cursed himself for telling them his real nationality

“Oh, from Lady Di’s land eh? Then you could tell us a lot about her” One big fat paparazzo asked him

“Well, yes. Ofcourse” Ron laughed

Ron was happy when he saw the couple earlier that morning in the Hotel. From another Paparazzo, he learned that they’d come all the way from the US, as they suspected something big was to happen with the Dodi-Diana relationship.

************* *************

Hôtel Ritz

30^th August 1997

9:35 P.M

Henri Paul, the Deputy Head of Security at the Hôtel Ritz was having a wonderful time at the restaurant. He had been with the Fayed Family for the past 11 years and Dodi Fayed usually engaged him, whenever he had any personal work in and around Paris. Henri was not only the security head, but a loyal and skillful chauffeur to Dodi Fayed. Dodi had earlier announced to him that he had planned to marry Diana soon and promised him a voluptuous hike and a promotion .

He enjoyed his bottle of Pernod Ricard, without caring the loud chattering of the paparazzi behind his back or the old but smart looking guy sitting and staring at him from the opposite table drinking his wine. Trevor Rees-Jones, Dodi’s bodyguard was approaching his table, but seemed to carry a worried face.

“Hey Paul. What in the name of god are you doing here? I’ve been looking for you everywhere” He pulled a chair. Henri gave a puzzled look at Trevor.

“The Boss is planning to leave to his pied-à-terre on the Arsene-Houssaye Street in couple of hours and he wants you to drive the car” He informed Paul.

It appeared that Henri Paul wasn’t much excited about the news, but it sure did excite the gentleman sitting opposite to his table and the paparazzi behind him

************* *************

David Spedding smiled to himself. He knew Henri Paul was a double Agent working for the MI6 and some undisclosed Agency. Initially he thought of getting the information from Henri Paul about the movements of Dodi and Diana. But later he dumped the idea as he thought Henri might pass on the information to the other Agency as well that he had passed the information to the MI6. That could very well spoil their plans. 

He was waiting patiently for some lead and felt this could be it. He got up from his table, took his glass and walked towards Henri Paul. “Would you mind if I sit here?” David asked him. Henri took one good look at David and said “Ofcourse, No. Please have a seat” Henri replied back but still looked puzzled. David broke the silence.

“Jonathan Goodfield” He stretched his hands. “Henri Paul” He shook back.

David tried to figure out what could be running in Henri’s mind at that moment. 

“Why would a complete stranger like Jonathan come and sit in front of him and start a conversation” David thought this might be the one

“I’ve been watching you sitting here idle for the past couple of hours and thought would give you some company. I myself need one” David laughed to which Henri gave a wry smile

“What would someone as lonely as you be doing something very important than enjoying a drink all alone in a wonderful Saturday night as this” David tried to extend his conversation

“My boss wants me to drive him down to his apartment. He has high regards for me. I can’t turn him down, can I John?” Henri asked him

“Probably not” He replied

Three days ago I successfully passed the annual pilot's physical examination. The examination included a test for addiction towards alcohol. So I  gave up drinking for some time and was under severe medication. Today my Boss announced me a promotion and a hike. I wanted to celebrate this with my family. But, my work won’t let me leave and here I am enjoying my dinner all alone” Henri replied

“Stephen get me a Pernod Ricard please” He called up the Head waiter

“But Sir, you are under severe medication and this is the 2nd pint you are ordering” The waiter replied

“Thanks for your care Stephen. But, could you please get that for me? It’s the second and the last” He smiled

“But Henri, could you drive your car with so much alcohol content in you?” David asked him

“Awe this is nothing. They allow 0.5 grams of alcohol in blood. A couple of beer or something above that would cause a problem. Not the Ricard” He replied David told Henri that he had something very important to do and took leave

************* *************

David Spedding rushed back to his suite and gathered his men at the conference Room. He spread a detailed Paris road Map which he had bought earlier

“Are the cars ready for our operation, Jeanne?” David spoke. “Yes, commander” Jeanne replied

“Good” He acknowledged

“Dodi has planned to leave the Hotel in sometime from now. There are 2 possible ways to get to Dodi’s apartment from Hôtel Ritz. Head southwest on Place Vendôme toward Cour Vendôme. Turn right to stay on Place Vendôme. Continue onto Rue de Castiglione. Turn right at Rue de Rivoli. Continue onto Place de la Concorde. Turn right at Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Take a sharp right at the Rue Arsène Houssaye and he will reach the apartment. This is hardly 3 Kilometers from the Hotel and takes about 6 minutes to reach the apartment.

The second route, from the Hotel exit, heads southwest on Place Vendôme towards Cour Vendôme. A right turn from there leads to Rue de Castiglione. Again take a right at Rue de Rivoli. Continue on the Place de la Concorde for half a kilometer and then continue on the Voie Georges Pompidou for about a kilometer. Turn to the right to stay on Voie Georges Pompidou. Continue onto Cours Albert 1er from there. Take a slight right at the Place de l'Alma. Turn left to stay on Place de l'Alma. Turn right at Pont de l'Alma. This is a Tunnel and it takes maximum 8 minutes to reach. Now the catch here is we have 3 different routes from this Tunnel to the apartment – via Avenue Kléber, via Avenue d'Iéna and via Quai Branly and Avenue George V. The first one is the longest route of all the three, the second one slightly lesser than the first one and the third one the least among others.

So the second option covers 6.3Kms from the Hotel to the Apartment. It takes about 15-20 minutes under normal traffic. The first route is the busiest part of the city and it is suicidal to hit our Target. While the second route is less crowded and makes the job easier for us” David explained.

“So what do you think Jeanne-Pierre?” David asked Jeanne

“Whatever you explained is clear to us. But in my opinion no professional driver would choose the second route. This is a very long route and why should someone choose this if there is a short one? The sad thing is the second route is the easiest and safest where we can hit our target” Jeanne poured his thoughts  

“We will make him take that route” David replied

“Very well. I could think of one particular location where we can nail our target with minimum risks” Jeanne replied

“And that would be?” David looked at him curiously

“Right Here!!! He circled a particular point in the map, which read Pont de l'Alma”

Reference:

Dinner à deux – Dinner for two

Pernod Ricard – An alcoholic drink

Place Vendôme- Famous square where Hôtel Ritz is located

pied-à-terre – This is a temporary second residence, either for part of the year or part of the work week, by a person of some means

*************TO BE CONTINUED *************

Paparazzi - III

20th August 1997

The Buckinghamshire Golf club was situated near the beautiful city of Denham, spreading a wide expanse of 6800 yards. Carl had been a regular member of the Golf Club since it was opened in 1992. Ron Gallella arrived at the Golf Club before Carl. He was more than a Happy-go-lucky guy who never took life serious for anyone or anything. He Knew Carl for a year now. Carl had helped Ron acquit from a case when he was charged for selling marijuana to few college blokes in Northampton where five lost their lives. Since then he owed him a debt personally. But Carl never had much use for it himself. Ron got a call from him earlier that morning and he told him he wanted to discuss something very important in person. Ron realized it was time to pay back the debt

Ron met Carl in a coffee shop inside the Golf Club. Carl asked him to be his caddy so that nobody would suspect them. Ron agreed and carried the bag, which had many Golf clubs, pencils, scorecards, Towel and a Ballmark repair tool.

They both walked towards the course. They reached the teeing area and Carl positioned the tee peg carefully and placed the ball over it.

Carl started with a casual conversation and got ready for a Backswing with the Driver club “So how are you Ron?”

“I am doing fine sir, and what do you want me to do for you?” Ron put it plain and straight.

Carl stopped himself going for the first hole, turned and smiled at Ron.

“You are as Irish as a Paddy’s Pig, Ron. The most cunning, cool, wise Paparazzi I’ve ever seen. Why don’t you start practicing Law? I could help you” Carl smiled

“I would rather feel happy screwing one person’s life than the whole nation, Sir” He laughed.

“You lousy son of a $(0!@#$%” Carl patted his shoulders.

“Let’s get straight to work. I want you to do a job for me. Something important”

“Anything you say sir” Ron told firmly

“Ron, reach for the bottom of the bag that you are holding and pull out the leather bag” Carl guided him Ron immediately slid his hands inside and Carl reacted immediately “Careful!!!”

Ron looked puzzled and pulled out the small leather case. It was heavy and looked bulky “This $1750 handheld shooter comes fully assembled, runs on standard AA batteries, and packs enough focused energy to blast a hole in the hardest of metals. A set of Alkaline loads about a hundred-fifty 6,000 Watt shots with a 20 to 30 second recharge lag between blasts. And you know what? They'll tell you that the product is intended as an advanced science project. After digging into the details you'll have to sign the hazardous equipment affidavit before purchasing since this is a Class IV, a highly dangerous laser” Carl finished

“Sir, what do you want me to do with this Gun? Blast metals?”” He asked him

“You must kill Dodi Fayed, the oldest son of Mohamed al-Fayed” Carl hissed in his ears. Ron examined the instrument with curiosity

“Looks like you have already made up your mind to take the job. That’s my boy” Carl brushed his blonde hair

“What if I get caught?” Ron asked him back

Carl smiled “One is too many. I managed to get a five murderer acquitted” He replied him back

************* *************

Paris

26th August 1997

David Spedding arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris dressed up like a normal civilian waiting for the others to report.

They arrived one by one in various disguises. One dressed up as a Traveler carrying huge travel cases; Next one came along shortly as a medical representative; Third one as a software engineer carrying laptops; Fourth one as an Automobile Engineer with the artilleries hidden among the heavy automobile spare parts; Fifth one as a Honeymoon couple, who hired a hooker after promising her a free holiday in Paris and later got rid of her.

His men had worked round the clock and collected all the information about Dodi Fayed and Diana since the day Miles met Spedding at the SIS headquarters. They knew this operation was once in a lifetime opportunity to please the Royal family. The five men occupied various parts of the airport but maintained eye contact only.

A guy came out of nowhere and walked casually towards David. He was carrying a travel book and wore a traveler’s hat. He was a Frenchman and he looked smart with his brown eyes. He looked around curiously, just like someone who had landed on a foreign country. He came close to David and opened the book and started the conversation as if he was asking for directions.

“Bonjour Monsieur. Désolé, je suis un peu en retard” He apologized for making them wait.

“Jeanne-Pierre Leaud” He introduced himself.

David nodded “I don’t understand nor speak French” David responded and waved his hands on some direction as if he was telling him the route

“Oh, sont monsieur désolé… I am sorry Sir. So shall we move?” He asked him and they walked out of the airport. The other men arrived one by one

“Taxi!!!” David shouted for a taxi with a lighted orange light under the "taxi" sign on the car's roof which was about to move out of the airport.

“Sir. It’s already engaged. We should look for the ones without the orange light below the sign” Jeanne-Pierre replied

 Jeanne-Pierre signaled to a taxi which was slowing down

“Prenez-nous à numéro 15, Placez Vendôme” He talked to the taxi driver
…
“Je suis inconnue à cet endroit. Ce monsieur a dit qu'il va au même endroit que je suis. Vous opposez-vous si nous pouvons partager les frais?”
…
“Merci tellement. Permettez-moi de recevoir nos Bagages” He smiled at the Taxi driver

“We are set to leave.” Jeanne told David.

David immediately took his mobile and made a conference call to his men

“In the Interval of 20 minutes. Reach Target and confirm. Report on further communication” He ended the call and left with Jeanne-Pierre

************* *************

#15, Place Vendôme

David was the first person to get down from the taxi. He took one good look at the mighty, beautiful hotel which stood in front of them.

“Hôtel Ritz is no wonder a master piece of art!” David admired the hotel.

He didn’t wait for the others to arrive. He had left them a message in their individual rooms.  He walked towards the reception

“Soyez bienvenus à l'Hôtel Ritz. Comment puis-je vous aider?” The receptionist welcomed them warmly

“We have a reservation under the name Young Victor” David replied The attendant checked the electronic ledger and completed the formalities.

“Enjoy your stay at the Ritz, Sir” The receptionist smiled and gave him the key

The suite could not be described in words. His men gathered in his suite one by one in regular intervals

“Gentlemen, we have no time to relax. We will get to work immediately” David addressed the members where they were gathered in a small conference room attached to the suite.

Jeanne-Pierre spoke next  “Package’s current location: Island of Elba.  Activities: Sightseeing, vacation, physical intimacies. Package expected to change course likely in 24 Hrs. Predicted course: Sardinia Islands, 38° 51' and 41° 15' north and 8° 8' and 9° 50' east. Suspected activities: Unidentified. Package expected to arrive at Paris on 30th”  He finished narrating the couple’s schedule for the next 4 days.

“Brilliant” David replied.

Jeanne-Pierre sensed David had already started working out the plans for them

************* *************

Le Bourget airport, Paris

30th August 1997

 Dodi Fayed was very happy admiring his antique cufflinks Diana gifted him on their vacation. She also gave him a gold cigarette case with the engraving: "With love, from Diana". He decided to get rid of his smoking once and for all.

“Honey, you’ve showed me what life is and how much amount of love is required to make one feel close to heaven” Diana was holding Dodi’s hands with hers’ as they came out of the airport.

“You made my holiday memorable, Lady Di. I would do anything for another Holiday and still many more to come” He kissed her forehead

Diana pulled herself back when she saw more than a dozen photographers and people staring at the couple.

“Paparazzi!!! They are everywhere. What is it they want from us Dodi? Can’t we have a normal life, just like others?” Diana asked him

“Your questions will be answered when our relationship becomes official sweetheart. I’ve got a huge surprise for you here in Paris “ He smiled at her

She pulled him closer. “Really? What is it? I want to know sweetheart?” She showed her eagerness

“Not now” He responded

They drove out of the airport towards a place he was very familiar with since he was a kid. He grew up there; he had seen many ups and downs of this iconic place in the whole of Paris, which later became one of the proudest asset of the entire Al Fayed family - Hôtel Ritz

************* *************

Hôtel Ritz

“Your name, Sir” the receptionist asked Ron Gallella

“Well, does that really matter? I have a booking under the name, Martin Fletcher Could you please check your ledger?” He replied

The receptionist looked at him annoyed. “We have certain rules as far as this Hotel is concerned, Sir. Can I have your name and address” She replied firmly

He gave her his name in disguise and scribbled an address which never existed

“Room number 473. Fourth floor” She said

“Is that a costly suite?” He asked her

“Well, Sir. This is the most economical of all the rooms we have” She handed him the key. “Enjoy your stay at the Ritz” She smiled and he didn’t care to return back

“Oh Carl. Don’t you think I deserve something really better than this, for the work I am going to do for you?” He thought to himself and walked towards the elevator

*************TO BE CONTINUED *************

Paparazzi - II

Hedsor, Wycomb district of Buckinghamshire

August 1^st 1997

The village of Hedsor was the most preferred hangout for Tiny Rowland. He strongly believed the village, detached from the routine busy schedule relieved him from all business stress. Whenever he found time to relax, he would take his wife, three daughters and son to Hedsor. It was a lazy Saturday morning in Hedsor and Mrs. Rowland was relaxing with him in a rocking chair at the porch.

“Isn’t the weather wonderful?” She asked Rowland. Mr. Rowland, a young and energetic man in his late 70s looked dull and was lost in his thoughts

“Dear is something wrong?” She shook back to reality

“What is it Josie? Sorry I was not following you!” He said

“Is something bothering you? You look terribly upset since morning. Is there anything that I could help?” She asked him again

“No Josie. Everything is just fine. I was just thinking about…Honey I will be back in an hour” without waiting for her reply he went in and changed his night robe to a sweat shirt and a pant and walked towards his car

“Honey what are you up to?” Josie cried from the porch

“Nothing Josie. I need to make an important call to Carl. I will be back soon” He replied

“Shall I wake up Tobby?” She asked him. “That won’t be necessary. I can handle it” He answered and sped away in his car

************* *************

SIS (MI6) headquarters, Vauxhall Cross

Sir David Spedding was stunned when Brigadier Miles briefed him about the operation. His reaction was more of shock than excitement. But he could neither deny nor question the orders from the Buckingham palace. Miles dropped by at the MI6 headquarters personally. He did not want to assign Prince Philips’ task over the phone. Although, Miles had spoken to David for earlier assignments, they had never met in person. Miles had imagined David to be bald with a big paunch. But he turned out to be trim for his age.

“He too could get involved in the field work rather than sitting behind a desk” Miles thought to himself.
Miles left immediately after discussing with the operations head. David composed himself and framed the operation with extra care as this highly involved the Royal Family. This particular operation was going to not only change the fate of the United Kingdom, but the history itself. He decided to involve in this particular operation personally even though he had trust in his men. He called up for the 5 best men among his squad, whom he had assigned all the high profile jobs these many years.

“Our mission, should you choose to accept it, designated WHITE SAND requires you to follow Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana and report on anything unusual to me. Any further advancements or change of plans in the mission shall be communicated in advance. Should you or any member of your SIS force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow all knowledge of your actions. We would be leaving for Paris tonight. So guys, its ShowTime!!!” He finished

************* *************

Oxford Road, Beaconsfield

 Tiny Rowland parked his Land Rover Defender 90 Station Wagon in the outskirts of the city. He checked his mobile phone for tower range. It was healthy. He pressed the speed dial

 “Carl. Where are you?” He asked someone over the phone

 Carl handled all the Business dealings and disputes of Tiny Rowland. Rowland never trusted anyone in his life but Carl, a well-known attorney general across England, his best pal, well-wisher and his partner in crime

 “I am on vacation Rowy. Why do you sound so worried? Is there anything bothering you?” He asked him back

 “I need your help badly. I’ve left Josie and the kids at Hedsor and I’ve come all the way to Beaconsfield to talk to you. Is it possible to meet me here at the Bellhouse?” He asked him

 “Oh Beaconsfield!!! Goodness gracious me!!! I am in Maidenhead and will be there in 20 minutes. Now get yourself a drink and relax” He ended the call

************* *************

 Bellhouse, Beaconsfield

 Tiny had booked a table at poolside and was enjoying his round of Vodka, while Carl reached the place around 9:30.

 “Hey Rowy. You look terribly bad. What the heck is wrong with you?” He joined the table

 “Have your drink first” He offered him one. They finished their Vodka and Carl smoked a cigar.

 “Tell me. What do you want me to do this time?” He asked Tiny.

 “A murder!!!” He replied.

 “Let us not talk about this here. Come on, let’s go for a drive” He said and they both left

************* *************

 “So who is it this time?” He asked Tiny while they drove outside the country.

 “Mohamed Fayed. He has been a pain in the wrong places with this Harrods bidding. I lost the departmental store. Now I heard he is going to buy the Fulham Football club too. Carl, I want to get rid of this guy. I want him to be away from limelight, media and fame. I badly need your help” He briefed

 “So you want me to kill this guy?” Carl asked him

 “No, no, no. Don’t do that. I was involved with him in many disputes and nasty fights. If something happens to him now, they will definitely come after me. Instead, I want him to lose his sleep, mourn in agony and take a temporary break from his Business. It will be his son Dodi Fayed” He replied

 “Who? That little prick who has been gossiped to have an affair with Diana?” Carl asked him in total dismay

 “Yes he is the one. He is the one who is going to die for my Carl” He laughed

 “This is much easier than I had thought” Carl joined him in his laugh

************* *************

Paradise Cove, Malibu, California

Aug 22^nd 1997

Trevor Rees-Jones couldn’t hide his excitement when he got a call from his girl of dreams, his boss’s now ex-girlfriend, Kelly Fisher. He had no problems to go all the way from Paris to California as his boss had gone for a vacation with Diana in his Yacht. As luck would have it, everything that had happened to him that particular day was his in favor.

He knocked the doors of the exotic sea-view villa that his Boss had gifted Kelly. Kelly was dressed in a Dolce and Gabbana Glitter Sequins Stripe Print V-neck Dress. She was looking extremely gorgeous. Trevor was unsure if that was because of the privacy he enjoyed that day on his Boss’s absence or was she really good looking. They moved towards the drawing room. He was nervous even after doing a lot of homework for the D-Day. He brought her chocolates, champagne and flowers. He wasn’t sure about her likings and decided to get something which was universally liked or accepted by women.

“Want a drink?” She asked him.

“Yeah, the Champagne would be good for the occasion. But before getting on with the drink, I am puzzled about your invite. Kelly, what is it about?” He asked her

She smiled at him. “Do you like me Trevor? I’ve seen you staring at me when we’ve had dinner together. Don’t you like me to be your date?” She nailed his thoughts to the very perfection

“I really don’t know what to say. But I am no millionaire and I don’t want to be disloyal to my boss. This whole little thing would put my job at stake” He replied

Her facial expressions changed all on a sudden and she looked at him seriously.

“That was why I have invited you” She said. “I need a favor from you and in return you can have Kelly Fisher” She replied.

He was desperate to get his hand on her. Now this is a life time opportunity which he might never get.

“What is it that you want from me Kelly? He asked her back

“Diana must die” She looked away from him

“What?!” He almost jumped from the couch “What are you talking about Kelly? Have you gone mad?” He asked her with utmost shock

“Now don’t create a scene here. I know this is something unusual. She seized Fayed from me and it looks like she is never going to return him back. She mustn’t live Trevor. I can happily marry Fayed if she is shown the staircase to heaven, err Hell” She looked stubborn

“The pathway to your right leads to the bedroom and the one towards my left to the door outside. Which one would you like to choose Trevor?”She asked him

He stood up and carefully placed his drink on the tea table, walked towards her and had one good look at her for a moment. “We will have it in the couch” He smiled wickedly and felt her body for the first time ever in his life

*************TO BE CONTINUED *************