DIVE INTO THE DEPTHS OF MYSTERY AND EXCITEMENT
Plunge into the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean, where a hidden secret has the power to rewrite history. Adventurers Jack and Emma stumble upon a diplomatic receipt in the Federal Mint’s records room, uncovering the tale of 200 rare 1933 Double Eagle Gold coins lost in a storm. With only 13 known to exist due to President’s Executive Order 6102, their discovery sets them on a thrilling quest to the sunken ship, the Majestic Meridian.
But danger lurks around every corner. A notorious coin dealer known only as Obloo and his ruthless gang are also on the hunt for the coins and will stop at nothing to claim them. Join Jack and Emma in a high-stakes race against time filled with kidnappings, gun battles, car chases, and the pursuit of the Secret Service.
“The Secrets of the Majestic Meridian” is a heart-pounding adventure that weaves together history, danger, and unexpected alliances. Hold your breath and dive into depths of mystery and excitement!
DIVE INTO THE DEPTHS OF MYSTERY AND EXCITEMENT
Plunge into the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean, where a hidden secret has the power to rewrite history. Adventurers Jack and Emma stumble upon a diplomatic receipt in the Federal Mint’s records room, uncovering the tale of 200 rare 1933 Double Eagle Gold coins lost in a storm. With only 13 known to exist due to President’s Executive Order 6102, their discovery sets them on a thrilling quest to the sunken ship, the Majestic Meridian.
But danger lurks around every corner. A notorious coin dealer known only as Obloo and his ruthless gang are also on the hunt for the coins and will stop at nothing to claim them. Join Jack and Emma in a high-stakes race against time filled with kidnappings, gun battles, car chases, and the pursuit of the Secret Service.
“The Secrets of the Majestic Meridian” is a heart-pounding adventure that weaves together history, danger, and unexpected alliances. Hold your breath and dive into depths of mystery and excitement!
CHAPTER 1 - SATURDAY, APRIL 1st, 1933
Jennings Filmore wrapped up his shift at the Federal Mint and prepared to begin his week-long vacation. He whistled a familiar tune aloud that he couldn’t remember but whistled it anyway. At the same time, he eagerly anticipated his vacation and indulged in his favorite hobby: fishing. Before leaving, he had arranged with a fellow coworker to procure one of the durable shipping containers made from Bakelite material used by the Mint to transport currency. He had plans to repurpose it into a sturdy tackle box for his fishing gear that was loosely rolling around the trunk of his car.
"Here you go, here's the box you asked for," his coworker said, handing over the container.
"Thanks. This will make a nice tackle box. I owe you one. I have some tackle in my car, and I am just waiting for it," Jennings replied gratefully.
His coworker chuckled, saying, "Just save me some of the fish you're going to catch."
With a nod and a tip of his hat, Jennings promised, "Sure thing," before heading out the door, eager to begin his well-deserved vacation filled with days spent by the water, pursuing his passion for fishing.
Jennings prepared to leave for the night, ready to kick off his well-deserved break; he was unexpectedly called in for one last delivery. It was an off-the-books assignment, a common occurrence for him, as Jennings was one of their trusted couriers for such diplomatic exchanges.
"Hey Jennings, we got a call for a delivery down at the docks. You want the overtime?" one of the clerks asked, knowing Jennings was often up for some extra cash.
Jennings considered the offer briefly before replying, "Sure, what am I delivering this time?"
The clerk glanced at the request sheet. "It's a shipment of coins for Prince Hoboken. His personal yacht is set to sail out tonight, so they would like to get this delivery to the prince before he leaves.”
"Okay, I'll take care of it on my way home," Jennings confirmed, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead.
Jennings turned around, temporarily putting his vacation on hold. He walked down the institutional-looking hallway with white tiled floors, pale yellow painted cinder brick walls, and an asbestos-tiled ceiling. It took him about 10 minutes to navigate his way down to the dispersal window to pick up the coins. Along the way, a janitor named Steve was buffing the floors, which was one of his daily tasks. Steve nodded to Jennings, “Have a good vacation.
“I hope so. Have a good day yourself,” Jenning replied, and then he continued on his way to pick up the coins. Steve continued his chores and was a silent witness to Jenning’s transaction.
Once there, he was greeted by an elderly lady named Carla. Carla was a chain smoker, as evidenced by the overflowing ashtray on the other side of the window. Carla greeted Jennings with a lit cigarette in her mouth. “What can I do for you, sweety?” she asked; everybody was a sweety to Carla. Smoke trailed upward from the lit cigarette.
“I am here to pick up a shipment of coins, Carla,” Jennings indicated.
“Isn’t it kind of late to be doing deliveries,” Carla asked.
“This is a special delivery for a prince. His ship is leaving tonight, and they want the delivery done before he leaves,” Jennings replied.
Carla shuffled through her stack of delivery receipts she had just received a short while ago until she found the one assigned to Jennings’s delivery. On the receipt was the BIN number for where the package was set, waiting to be picked up. “Okay, give me a minute while I go get it,” Carla said.
Carla got up out of her chair and went over the delivery bins, checking the tags on each one until she found the one with both the prince’s name and Jennings's. Carla put the package on the counter, extinguished her cigarette in the overflowing ashtray, and lit another cigarette before she did anything else.
Carla then grabbed a stack of paperwork for Jennings to sign and for Jennings to get the prince to sign. " Okay, you know the drill: Sign here, here, and here. Make sure you get the prince to sign here and here,” Carla instructed.
For the first time after reading the diplomatic receipt, Jennings saw what he was transporting: 200 freshly minted, pristine 1933 Double Eagle gold coins, each valued at $20.00 each. Jennings thought to himself, lucky bastard. Jennings signed the paperwork and slid it across the counter to Carla, “Here you go, have a good night,” Jennings said. Jennings then took the secure container and left to make his delivery. As Jennings walked down the hallway to get to the exit, he could still smell the cigarette smoke that was lingering out of the pickup window that Carla sat behind.
On that rain-soaked night, shrouded in secrecy, Jennings picked up a shipment of 200 freshly minted, pristine 1933 Double Eagle gold coins. The coins were meticulously packaged in one of the Mint's secure containers, ready to be delivered as a diplomatic gift to Prince Hoboken. As the heavy rain drummed against his car, Jennings loaded the container into his discreetly marked government vehicle, a 1933 Gray Dodge 4-door Salon Brougham. With a sense of purpose, he set out to fulfill his duty.
Driving at night typically did not pose any problems, but the heavy downpour made the trip to the docks a little challenging. Visibility was for shit. Jennings made his way via the back streets to the docks to avoid potential obstacles. The roads were not well maintained, and the potholes shook the car every time he went over one. Luckily, he was driving a government vehicle and not his own. He thought to himself that maybe he should have passed on this delivery. Once he got to the boatyard, he approached the docks cautiously. Jennings's car rolled to a stop; his eyes were immediately drawn to the majestic ship moored to the pier. Etched onto the side of the pilot house was the name "Majestic Meridian," a fitting moniker for such a grand vessel. Jennings was somewhat in awe as he gazed upon the ship. The air crackled with anticipation as Jennings stepped out of his vehicle, his senses alive with the energy of the moment. On the pier, he spotted the prince's entourage, a group of impeccably dressed individuals exuding an aura of sophistication and authority. Dressed in sleek trench coats and adorned with stylish fedoras, they formed a protective circle around Prince Hoboken, their watchful eyes scanning the surrounding area for any potential threats. Prince Hoboken, draped in an air of elegance and mystique, stood beneath a small tarp. Jennings approached with the coins, “Good evening, my name is Jennings Filmore. I am from the Federal Mint and have a gift from our government for Prince Hoboken,” Jennings indicated as he stepped up to the prince.
The prince nodded as he greeted Jennings, saying, “I am Prince Hoboken. Thank you for coming out on such a terrible rainy night.” The prince’s accent was slight but distinguishable. “It's not a problem; it is part of my job,” Jennings replied.
“Either way, much appreciated,” the prince said as he reached for the package.
The prince accepted the package with a regal nod and a firm handshake. Ordinarily, the prince would have eagerly unwrapped the package to reveal the magnificent gift bestowed upon him by the U.S. Government. However, the increasingly heavy rain put a damper on the usual ceremony.
Jennings, ever the dutiful agent of the mint, offered, "Do you want to see the coins, Your Highness?"
The prince shook his head, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes. "No, that won't be necessary," he replied with a graceful wave of his hand, protecting his eyes from the wind and rain. "This rain is simply too much, and I would hate for the coins to get wet. Plus, we must be on our way. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Despite his desire to behold the treasure within, Prince Hoboken prioritized protecting the gift. With a sigh, he tucked the package securely under the tarp, shielding it from the downpour. As the rain continued to fall, the prince remained resolute in his commitment to preserving the integrity of the gift bestowed upon him.
With the document safely signed by the prince, Jennings knew that a delicate agreement between two powerful factions had been sealed. As the prince and his bodyguards boarded the Majestic Meridian, the exchange unfolded swiftly in the dim glow of the dock's lamplights, shrouded in secrecy.
The signatures in the dockmaster's book were a silent testament to the completion of the clandestine transaction, hidden from prying eyes. With the coins now in Prince Hoboken's possession, they embarked on a journey of their own, their fate entwined with the enigmatic events of that rainy night.
The prince's entourage maintained a vigilant stance as the boat continued its journey, slicing through the stormy moonlit waters. Their fedoras cast shadows over their faces, concealing expressions that hinted at the weight of the gift's significance. The air crackled with a sense of curiosity and apprehension, leaving behind only the rhythmic pattern of raindrops.
THE STORM’S FURY
The crew of the Majestic Meridian braced themselves as the sky darkened ominously overhead. Captain Roberts, a seasoned seafarer with years of experience under his belt, scanned the horizon with a furrowed brow. He could sense the storm brewing, a tempest unlike any he had faced before.
The crew of the Majestic Meridian knew they were in for a rough night as dark clouds gathered ominously overhead. Captain Roberts, a seasoned mariner with weathered features and a steely resolve, eyed the horizon with a mix of determination and concern. His crew, accustomed to the unpredictability of the sea, braced themselves for what lay ahead.
As the first rumble of thunder echoed across the water, the crew sprang into action, securing loose items and battening down the hatches. But nothing could prepare them for the fury that was about to be unleashed upon their vessel.
The wind picked up, whipping through the rigging with a fierce intensity, and the once-calm waters churned and roiled beneath the ship's hull. The wind howled like a banshee as the waves grew taller and more menacing by the minute. The ship groaned and creaked under the strain as if protesting against the relentless onslaught of nature's wrath.
Captain Roberts stood at the helm, his hands steady on the wheel as he steered the ship through the chaos. He had navigated many ships through worse weather than this, but he always liked to be on the side of caution. He called out orders to his crew, each member working tirelessly to keep the ship afloat in the face of adversity.
But despite their best efforts, the storm proved to be too much for the Majestic Meridian to handle. A massive wave crashed over the bow, sending torrents of water cascading across the deck. The ship shuddered violently, listing dangerously to one side.
The prince was awakened from his sleep by the ship being tossed about by the waves outside, tossing it about like a small toy in a pool. He reached and grabbed the side of the bed to gain his balance.
The prince struggled against the relentless force of the storm, his heart pounding with fear and determination. With each attempt to stand, he was met with the merciless power of the tempest, thrown about like a leaf in the wind. Yet, he refused to succumb to despair.
Summoning all his strength, he crawled towards the door, bracing himself against the violent pitch and roll of the ship. With each movement, he felt the icy grip of the ocean threatening to engulf him. But the prince persevered, driven by the urgency of the situation.
Finally reaching the door, he clung to the frame. He opened the door; his goal was to see the captain. As he opened the door, he saw before him nature’s fury in a thunder-lit sky. The waves outside were towering over the ship. The salty spray from the ocean was blown into his face. His fingers white-knuckled against the frame, holding on for dear life. With great effort, the prince managed to close the door and secure the latch, sealing out the fury of the storm raging outside. For the few seconds he had the door open he was now soaking wet. He made his way to his bed and sat down, feeling somewhat safe, but even as he did so, he knew their struggle was far from over.
Captain Roberts fought to maintain control, his heart pounding in his chest as he battled against the raging elements. But try as he might, it soon became apparent that their fate was sealed.
With a deafening roar, another wave slammed into the ship, sending icy water flooding into the lower decks. Panic spread among the crew as they realized the gravity of their situation.
Captain Roberts made a split-second decision, ordering his crew to abandon ship and take to the lifeboats. But it was too late. The Majestic Meridian was already sinking beneath the waves, dragged down by the merciless grip of the ocean. In the darkness of the night, with the wind howling and the waves crashing around them, the Majestic Meridian slipped beneath the ocean's surface, taking Captain, his crew, and the prince and his entourage to a watery grave. The sea, unforgiving and relentless, claimed its prize, leaving behind only memories of those who had dared to challenge its might.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5TH, 1933
On April 5th, 1933, a chill hung in the air as the nation grappled with the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. The streets of cities were lined with long queues of people, their faces etched with worry and despair. Little did they know that this day would mark a pivotal moment in history as President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 6102, forever altering the relationship between the American people and their gold.
The executive order, signed earlier that day, required all persons to deliver their gold coins, bullion, and certificates to the Federal Reserve by May 1st, 1933. The government aimed to combat deflation and stimulate economic growth by taking control of the nation's gold supply. Citizens were allowed to keep a limited amount for personal use, but the majority had to be surrendered to the Federal Reserve.
April 5th, 1933, marked the day when the government took control of a significant aspect of individual financial autonomy. The executive order left an indelible mark on American history, its impact resonating through generations as a symbol of the complex relationship between government authority and personal liberty.
Executive Order 6102 prevented the 1933 Double Eagle Gold coins from being released into circulation. In the days that followed, all known 1933 Double Eagle Gold coins that had escaped the mint were rounded up. The significance of these coins would only be realized many years later. The 1933 Double Eagle is a $20 gold coin from the United States. Although 445,500 of these Saint-Gaudens double eagles were minted during the Great Depression, none were officially circulated, and all but two were ordered to be melted down. However, 20 coins were stolen and ended up in the hands of collectors before being recovered. Nine of these recovered coins were destroyed, making the 1933 Double Eagle one of the world’s rarest coins, with only 13 known specimens remaining. Only one of these, known as the Weitzman Specimen, is privately owned. Since the coin was never released to the public, it is illegal to own any 1933 Double Eagles privately, except for the Weitzman Specimen. The United States Secret Service continues investigating reports of other specimens that come to light.
Emma Morgan and her boyfriend, Jack Harvey, find themselves on a dangerous adventure in their attempt to unveil the secret long lost in the ocean. For these two, it all begins when Emma finds a mysterious receipt and once curiosity gets the better of her, she involves Jack, who then calls upon his best friend, Chet, and soon enough, the search begins. Except they’re not alone in this endeavor. They are being followed, of course, by people who’d do anything to get a hold of the 1933 gold double eagle coins believed settled under the sea’s bottom when the Majestic Meridian ship sank many years ago.
Steven P. Gower’s Secrets of the Majestic Meridian is about ordinary people caught up in their ordinary lives until they’re interrupted and plunged deep into a pursuit both dangerous and rewarding. Chet and his favorite cat, Rusty, love the feel of water underneath them. Emma would pedal to work and loves Jack. But then the landscape changes for them, and they have to adapt to not only survive but also get the reward that awaits ahead. Interestingly, the entire story finds a solid foundation in one man’s mistake, reaffirming that sometimes the small, innocent mistakes we make in life can grow into something bigger, even bigger than we anticipated. What Jennings Filmore did or didn’t on that fateful night of 1st April 1933, outlives him, and defies time as well, eventually changing lives.
On characterizations, Gower got it right. Rusty the cat is to be remembered, given the story its owner gladly shares about it. Jack proves not only intelligent but also the guy capable of taking care of himself. Emma’s courage and determination make her a character to love and follow. Chet is a funny guy, one with a smile on his face, and resourceful too.
Regarding the plot, again Gower gives his best shot. He begins the story in 1933, establishing a solid foundation before transitioning to the present. Breadcrumbs are hard to find, which makes Emma-led team up their game. Just when they think they’ve found the remains of Majestic Meridian in the deep waters, it turns out the hunt is far from over. Just after they’ve found a ledger detailing crucial transactions, an important page is missing. Just when the enemy is defeated, it turns out there’s another enemy, whom the reader couldn’t have anticipated. In other words, the plot has the twists and turns any reader would look out for.
Overall, this book is a must-read. It unfolds like a treasure hunt, filled with high stakes and surprises at every turn. More of Jack and Emma to come, a promise any reader will look forward to, especially after reading Secrets of the Majestic Meridian.