Killed Over A Watch

It was October 14th 1987, and the Seiko family had decided to have a banquet at their residence in Denver, Texas and show off their latest watch being released by the family business.

I Professor James Dunhill, a long time family friend of the Seiko family, was one of those fortunate enough to be invited this fantastic occasion.

I was looking forward to the night and couldn’t wait to get there. I had already heard of how amazing the new Mark 2000 Yacht Timer Watch was, not to mention Fredrick Bover the finest chef in the world was cooking for the event.

However I did not expect the evening to go without a hitch, and had my doubts as to why the once nearly bankrupt Seiko Company suddenly had enough money to spend $2000000 dollars in designing the Mark 2000.

Finally the taxi driver arrived at the Seiko estate family home mansion. “How do I owe you”, I said to the driver. He paused for a second, “wouldn’t you know it I forgot to turn the meter on” he replied. “Here is twenty dollars” I said. “Oh forget it he said, this one is on me, besides I can make up here on a return trip” the driver replied. “Thank you”, I said with hesitation and got out of the taxi to rush inside to secure a good seat.

Once inside I reserved a seat about three rows back from the front stage. Then I went over to try the delicious dishes being served. Chef Fredrick had prepared a magnificent menu for the banquet, and it was not hard to see why he was the best chef in the world.

There was such a large range of food; I could not make up my mind what to try first. There was Kiev Chicken slices, Marinated Lamb cutlets, Pork croquettes and Lemon Chicken. The wines and spirits were from all over the world. The dessert was the easiest to choose from because it a multi layered cake in the shape of a giant watch, it looked and tasted fantastic

After stuffing myself with every delicious offering for dinner and then finding room for the cake and imported coffee from Columbia, Mr Seiko requested all guests to make their way to the display room for the unveiling of the watch.

Most of the guests I recognised like the Seiko family lawyer Mr Stocking, all though Miss Susan Quartz was a strange guest to be invited as her watch company was a direct competitor of the Seiko Brand. I put it down to one company showing off to another and intimidating them to do better. It was unusual to see Miss Quartz wearing gloves as she detested them and never usually did wear them. Another guest was Senator Fred Benny hill, who had taken a keen interest in the Seiko Company recently. Some of the Seiko staff had been invited too, like Charles the Butler and Mr Carlton the gardener.

The crowd was preparing to for the display and I quickly took my seat with the last guests still standing. I waited impatiently along with the other guests as a hush went over the assembled audience. I glanced around to see if other people were as excited an anxious as I was for the showing to begin.

It was then that I noticed a familiar face that I could not put my finger on where I knew him from or who it was. Then it hit me, I knew exactly who this person was. The Taxi driver who brought me here! His clothes were changed into a suit and his hair was combed down but it was definitely him. But why was he still here and how did he get inside the house, it was invitation only. I watched as the Taxi driver moved slowly towards the stage looking for someone or something. His eyes were searching all around, maybe he changed his mind and wanted that $20 dollars from me. Not wanting to cause a seen I slouched down in my seat hoping the Taxi driver wouldn’t see me as the lights went down concealing the crowd and a spotlight shone on the stage.

I was just starting to imagine what the watch my look like when the curtains were drawn open on the stage to reveal the display case.A slight murmur went through he crowd, followed by a flash of light and a loud scream! The lights were quickly turned on. There in middle of the stage lying on the floor in front of the display cabinet, was Mr Grant Seiko with a knife his back eyes open and facing the crowd. I looked around to see if the person I suspected was making their way to the exit amongst the confusion. There he was, the taxi driver almost to the door. Stop that man! I yelled.