Porterville

This story is purely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to person's living or dead, or to events that may have occurred, is purely coincidental.

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Mark Stevens

CHAPTER 28

Elaine McKenzie's funeral was held in the Porterville Methodist Church. Devon asked Britt to sit with him during the service. The two of them and a few distant cousins of Elaine's were the only family present. Devon had asked Catherine to sit with them as well, but she had declined his invitation. When he realized his request made her uncomfortable, Devon let it drop.

As Larry Owens, the church's minster, began speaking, Britt looked around the room. He was impressed by several things. The front of the sanctuary was completely full of flowers. Britt didn't think he had ever seen as many sprays and potted plants in any other funeral he had attended. The local florist shops had certainly done well because of Elaine's death.

Another thing impressed Britt. When he looked around him, he saw that every seat had been filled for the service. Thinking back, he didn't remember this many people turning out for John McKenzie's funeral. What amazed him most was the fact that nearly everyone attending appeared to show some type of grief. Britt thought that a bit odd, given the fact that most of the people he had talked with since returning to Porterville held bitter feelings toward the McKenzies. Well, at least toward John and Elaine, he corrected his thoughts.

The minister's message to the family ended, and the people of the community stood to their feet and walked out of the sanctuary. Next the family members stood and walked out of the church. They went past the closed casket and joined the people standing outside of church building.

At the cemetery Britt was impressed once more when he saw how many of the town's people showed up to pay their last respects. If people thought this much of the woman, she must have had some good in her. After the closing prayer by Larry Owens, people began walking by and expressing their condolences to Devon.

Glenn Redding had sat next to Britt's mother and Alice during the church service. The three of them walked over and joined Britt.

"This simply amazes me," Britt said to his mother.

"I would have expected nothing less," Catherine remarked. "Elaine McKenzie has been good to this town, as well as its people."

"I'm sure you are right, Mom."

Devon walked over and joined them. He told them how much he appreciated their presence at the service.

Catherine had a meal waiting at home and invited everyone over for lunch. She smiled at Glenn and told him he was invited as well.

"You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble," Devon told her.

Catherine gave him one of her looks, and he held up his hands.

"Okay, no argument from me," he said.

Catherine looked at Glenn, and the lawyer echoed Devon's words. Then he added, "I hate to do this, but sometime this afternoon I need to speak with Devon and Alice."

"Very well," Catherine said. "However, there will be no business brought up until after the meal," she declared.

"Has something turned up?" Britt asked.

The lawyer shook his head. "Nothing that can't wait until after your mother's meal is over."

Arriving at Catherine's, she told everyone to have a seat in the living room.

"I just have a couple of things to do, and then we can eat."

"May I help you, Mrs. Williams?" Alice asked.

Catherine gave her a smile. "I would like that, Alice. However, I refuse to allow you inside my kitchen unless you agree to call me `Catherine'."

"Very well, Catherine. May I help you with the meal?"

"You may." Turning to the three men sitting on the sofa, she said, "We'll eat shortly."

Devon stood up and walked across the room. Leaning against the mantle above the fireplace, he closed his eyes and remained silent.

Britt finally asked, "Is something on your mind, Dev?"

Devon opened his eyes. He shrugged his shoulders, and a sigh escaped from his body.

"As the people walked by me at the cemetery, a woman took my hand and asked why I had no tears. She said most people, even men, shed tears when they lose a parent." Devon held his hands up. "I didn't have an answer for the woman."

Britt was angry. Some people were just plain stupid, he thought. He said, "You didn't owe the woman any explanation, Devon. People deal with grief in lots of different ways. Just because you weren't showing anything on the outside does not mean you weren't grieving inwardly."

"But was I? Feeling something? I don't think I have any feeling where my mother is concerned. Absolutely no feeling at all," he repeated.

"May I say something?" Glenn asked.

"Please do," Devon said.

"I realize that I've come into this situation rather late in the game. I know there is a big chance the woman you have always known as your mother might not be that person. However, for nearly forty years you have looked at her as such. Therefore, no matter how much you deny it, the feelings are there. Good or bad, you have them."

"Glenn's right, Babe," Britt agreed.

Devon massaged his forehead with his fingers and said, "I'm not so sure I feel anything where she is concerned."

Britt walked over and gave Devon a hug. Then he stepped back and said, "The main thing for you to understand is this: it doesn't matter a damn what other people think of you. They are not your judge nor are they your jury."

He smiled at the man and added, "Just know that everyone in this house is here for you, and we would do anything for you."

Glenn echoed his agreement just as Alice stepped into the room and announced that lunch was ready.

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Catherine had prepared a delicious meal, and even though Devon declared he wasn't hungry, Britt noticed the man displayed a healthy appetite and left nothing on his plate. Britt's mother had baked a peach cobbler for dessert. Everyone declared it a hit, especially Devon.

After the meal was over, those around the table watched as Glenn Redding pushed his chair back and stood to his feet.

"I have something I need to discuss with Devon and Alice. However, I am sure they won't object to the rest of you sitting in on our meeting."

Glenn reached for his briefcase and placed it on the table in front of him.

"I do want to apologize to Devon and Alice. I received this information earlier, but I made the decision to wait until after the service to hand it over to you both."

He reached inside the case and brought out an envelope. He handed it to Devon. Next he removed a second envelope which he gave to Alice, saying, "I wanted you to have a copy as well, Alice."

Devon and Alice opened their envelopes at the same time, but it was Alice who spoke first.

"I'm confused. What does this mean?"

Devon suddenly pushed his chair back and stood to his feet. "I'll tell you what this means, Alice. You and I have been robbed of the life we were intended to live. It's all been a damned lie."

Devon threw the report down and disappeared from the room without another word.

"So it was true. My poor mother," Alice whispered softly.

Catherine stood to her feet. "Britt, go see if you can find Devon. I'll stay with Alice."

Britt hurried out of the room. There was no sign of the man in his mother's living room. He opened the outside door and discovered his lover sitting in one of the two chairs Catherine kept on the porch. He sat in the other one.

"Hey," he said. "What can I do for you?"

"Make this all go away," Devon answered bitterly.

Britt reached over and grasped Devon's hand. "I wish like hell I could, Babe. I'd like to grab hold of an enormous eraser and make all of this disappear from sight. We both know I can't do that."

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

Britt didn't speak right away. He took a moment to search for some inner peace inside himself. Then taking a deep breath he said, "I wish I could tell you how to handle this; have some type of plan for you. Truth of the matter, I don't have a thing for you. All I can do is be here if you need me. You do know that I am, right?"

Devon gave Britt's hand a gentle squeeze. "I do know that," he said.

For a time they sat in silence on Catherine's porch. It was Britt who finally spoke.

"I'm not exactly sure what you should say, but I think that you need to go to Alice. She's going to need her brother to help her through this. The same as her brother is going to need his sister," Britt added.

"Oh, God, Alice," Devon groaned, "What do I say to her, Britt?"

"At this moment I don't have a clue. Just go to her. Everything will work out."

The two went back inside the house and joined the others, who by this time, were back in the living room. Catherine was sitting on the sofa beside Alice, and the lawyer was in one of the oversized rockers across the room.

Devon stopped in front of Alice and tried to speak. "Alice, I don't know what..." The words seemed to stick in his throat and refuse to come out.

Catherine stood to her feet. "Let's go out into the kitchen and leave the two of them alone," she said. "There is more peach cobbler if anyone is interested."

Once Alice and Devon were left alone, a heavy silence came into the room. For a time neither one spoke. Finally Devon broke the ice. He gave Alice a weak smile.

"I always wanted a sister," he said.

"Is it possible the test is wrong?" she asked.

Devon shook his head. "I'm told paternity tests are nearly one hundred percent accurate. I don't think you can get much more precise than that," he added.

Alice became very still as she sat on Catherine's sofa. She seemed to be studying her feet as she continued looking downward. Then she raised her head, and her face took on a very determined look.

"I want to assure you of something, Devon. "You don't owe me a thing. We may have discovered we're siblings, but that doesn't mean I want anything from you."

Devon's jaw made a little twitch. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Alice. I was kind of hoping we would get to know each other. After all, whether we want it or not, we're both faced with a situation beyond our control."

"You and I have nothing in common."

"Oh, but we do. We have a lot of things in common," he added.

"My weakling of a father, and your ...strong willed mother. Yes, I guess we do share that, don't we?"

Devon clasped his hands together and pressed a finger to his lips. For a time he appeared to be lost in thought. Finally he spoke.

"You know, Alice, ever since this nightmare began I've felt confused. I think we have several things to work out, but when all is said and done, we have two choices we can make. I say choice because that's what it really is. One choice is to become bitter and hate the world because we feel our lives were taken from us. We can hate our parents and never forgive them for the choice they made years ago; one that we can never forget. The second choice, of course, would be to accept the new situation and get to know each other. If we choose the road of bitterness, our lives will be meaningless. We both know that. At least I hope we do," he added.

"And what will we get if we choose the second choice?"

"I can't say for you, but for me, I'm hoping it would help me get to know my sister."

"You actually want me to be a part of your family?"

"Of course," he assured her. "I'm not exactly looking forward to living a life without any family. I think we could be a lot of company to each other."

"You have Britt," she reminded.

Devon gave a nod. "Yes, I do. I love Britt very much. However I would love having a sister as well. Especially one as nice as you."

Alice felt her cheeks turn red. She opened her mouth to say something but changed her mind. Instead, she remained silent.

Devon took a seat on the sofa beside Alice and took her hand in his. He studied her carefully as his eyes traveled over her face.

"Alice, I wish you would give me a chance to be your brother. I would love the job."

Alice pulled her hand away and said, "I think I would like that. I just want to make one thing clear. I am perfectly capable of taking care of and supporting myself."

"Yes, you are. I've never doubted that."

"Good. I'm glad we understand each other."

"I have to warn you about something. About me, actually," he added. "I intend on doing nice things for my sister, and I won't stand for anyone trying to persuade me differently. Not even from said sister."

Alice stood to her feet and said, "I'm suddenly hungry for some of Catherine's peach cobbler. Would `said' brother like some as well?"

Devon stood up and gave her a quick hug. "I think I would."

They entered the kitchen and heard Catherine say, "Of course you made the right decision, Glenn. You made the right choice to wait until after the service. Besides, what did it matter? It wasn't going to change anything.

Britt gave his mother a smile. "You always find the positive, don't you, Mom?"

"I try to," Catherine told her son.

"So what decision did Glenn make that was so right?" Devon asked. He and Alice took a seat at the table.

It was Britt who answered the question. "I asked Glenn how and when he received the paternity test results."

Devon looked at Glenn and asked, "When did you?"

"After I arrived in Porterville, Britt gave my name and number as a contact to the hospital. They called me this morning and I spoke to the doctor who did the test."

"Wilcox?" Devon asked.

"That's right," Glenn said with a nod. "I talked with him on the way to your mother's service, Devon."

Britt saw the defiant look that suddenly appeared on his lover's face. He spoke quickly, hoping to avoid a rough scene.

"Mom and I were just saying we thought Glenn made a wise decision when he decided to wait until after the service to give you the news."

Devon leaned over and placed a hand on the lawyer's shoulder. "I agree, Glenn. You're a professional, and I appreciate the way you have handled everything so far."

"Thank you, Devon." Glenn finished the last of the cobbler on his plate and said, "I have to tell you, this is the best peach cobbler I have ever tasted, Mrs. Williams."

Catherine's face turned red, but everyone around the table could see how pleased she was by the compliment.

"I thought I made myself clear. You are to call me `Catherine'."

Glenn pushed his empty dish to the side. "You were very clear, Catherine. My bad," he added giving her a grin.

"We've come for another dish of Catherine's wonderful cobbler ourselves," Devon said.

Catherine went to the kitchen counter and returned with clean plates. "If my cobbler is this popular I'll need to get busy and make another," she said. Everyone around her table saw how pleased she was with the idea.

Britt looked first at Devon, then at Alice and said, "Okay, I'm going to ask the question I'm sure is on everyone's mind. Did the two of you have a good talk?"

It was Devon who answered his question. "I believe we're off to a good start. Alice and I have a lot of questions, some which I fear might never be answered. However, there is one thing we both have come to realize. This is a crazy situation at best, and we both agree that it's one we could not handle if it weren't for good friends like you guys. Especially you, Britt," he added softly.

Alice smiled and agreed with Devon. "We are lucky to have people who care for us."

"We do care for you, dear," Catherine assured her.

"I know. Which brings up something else," Alice said. "Catherine, I can't tell you how much I have appreciated being in your home the past few days. It's time now for me to return to my own home."

"Are you sure about that?" Britt asked.

"Alice, I want you to know you can stay here as long as you want," Catherine told her.

"I know, and I appreciate your kindness. Given everything that has taken place, I feel sure it will be safe for me to return home."

"You believe it was either the jeweler or Elaine McKenzie that broke into your home and took your mother's journal?" Glenn asked.

Alice gave a nod but didn't speak.

Britt said, "I'm sure Elaine didn't do any of the dirty work herself. As for George, who can really say?"

"Are you certain you want to return home just yet?" Catherine asked.

"I appreciate your concern, but I really would like to go home."

"I had the locks replaced like you ask me to," Britt told her. "There are two new deadlocks installed. She should be safe," he assured the others.

"You could stay with me," Devon spoke up, "except I don't have a guest room. Well, actually I do have one, but I have my office in that room."

"I'll be fine at home," Alice assured them.

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Devon walked through the doors of Porter Textile the next morning and greeted a security guard by name.

"Devon, I am so sorry for your loss," the guard greeted.

"I appreciate that, Frank."

"I hope you're not returning too early. It takes time to adjust to these things."

"Trust me, Frank, I am ready to return. However, work is not the reason I am here this morning. I have a meeting with Robert Hollis."

"If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know."

"I appreciate that, Frank."

Devon walked into the office and was greeted by a lady at a desk.

"Good morning, Devon."

"Good morning, Louise."

"I'm surprised to see you this morning."

He explained about his meeting with Hollis.

"Devon, it's good seeing you."

Devon turned and saw Robert Hollis walking toward him.

"I am so sorry to have to call you in so soon, but I felt I really needed to speak with you."

Devon followed the man into his office and took the chair he offered. He watched as Robert closed the door and took a seat behind his desk.

"I'm sure you have things you need to get taken care of, Devon. I do apologize for asking you to come in, but I was given strict orders to take care of this business as quickly as possible. By your mother, no less," he added.

Devon remained silent and waited for Robert to continue.

"I have something I need to give you, Devon. Our next meeting will be when your mother's will is read. This business needs to be taken care of first."

"Okay, I'm listening, Robert."

"Shortly before your mother's death she gave me a letter with a strong directive. I was to give it to you at her death and before the reading of the will."

Devon watched as the lawyer pulled a long white envelope from his desk. He took it from Robert.

"I have absolutely no idea what the letter contains," Robert said. "I just know I was supposed to give it to you at this time."

Robert stood to his feet. "I'll step outside and give you some privacy."

Devon took a deep breath and ripped the envelope open. He unfolded the paper and let his eyes focus on the words. It was definitely his mother's handwriting.

Devon:

After our meeting this morning, I decided to make some changes where you, the Company, and I are concerned. You have thrown Britt Williams and the love you have for him in my face for the last time. I will not step aside and allow this unnatural affair to take place in my family. I will not allow your foolish actions to affect the sterling reputation of this company which my family has worked long and hard to build.

As you seem to think having money is unnecessary and causes nothing but unhappiness, I am removing you completely from my will. You had nothing when you came to me, and you will have nothing after I am gone. It will be stated in my will that all of your rights to Porter Textile will be severed. You are to receive nothing from my estate. When the reading of my will is done, you will be finished as well.

You could have had everything. Yet you chose to give it all up for something you call happiness.

Elaine McKenzie

Devon read the letter a second time, and then he folded the paper and placed it back inside the envelope. A tear slowly made its way down his cheek. It wasn't the thought of losing everything that brought the tear. No, that wasn't what made him sad. What bothered him the most was that she could place so much stock in material things.

He stood to his feet and went to the door. Robert was talking with his secretary, and he told the man he had finished reading his letter.

Robert returned to his seat behind the desk. Devon's silence caused him to ask, "Is everything all right?"

Devon asked, "When do you plan on reading the will?"

"I would like to in the next day or so," Robert answered. "I still have some people I haven't contacted yet. Everyone who is mentioned needs to be here."

"Then it won't be necessary for me to be here," Devon replied.

Robert shook his head. "I disagree. You definitely need to be present."

"According to the letter I just read, I have been disinherited. She has removed me from her will. I am to receive nothing from her estate. She also said I would not have any connection with the company any longer."

A puzzled look appeared on the lawyer's face. "May I see the letter?" he asked.

Devon handed the envelope to the man and watched as he read Elaine McKenzie's letter. When he had finished, he returned it to Devon.

"Mrs. McKenzie may have intended to change her will, but I can assure you, no changes have been made."

"Are you certain about that?"

"Without a doubt," Robert declared. "She had me draw up a new will after your father passed away. Nothing has been changed since the day the document was written."

"I see," Devon said quietly.

Robert stood to his feet, indicating the meeting was over. "We're done for now, Devon. That is, if you have no more questions."

Devon stood to his feet, shook the hand offered him and left the office. Several employees called to him as he walked through the building, but he was so caught in his own thoughts he didn't hear them.

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Britt walked into the front office of the Beacon. He discovered Alice sitting at her desk. For some reason, her presence in the building brought him relief. He gave her a smile.

"I see you made it," he greeted.

"Sam was glad to see me. In fact, I haven't seen him this happy in a long time," she added.

"I take it everything was quiet last night at your house?"

"As I knew it would be," she said.

Sam came up from the back of the building and greeted Britt.

"Do you think you have enough for a story?" he asked Britt.

Britt nodded. "I think so. Like everyone else, you're going to have to hang around and see."

"You never could give a straight answer, Britt Williams." Sam gave him a head shake and disappeared from sight.

"Sam appears to be in a bad mood, Alice," he replied. "I have some errands to run. I'll catch up with you later."

Just as Britt reached his car, Devon pulled in beside him. Instead of getting into his car, Britt walked over and took a seat on the passenger side of Devon's vehicle. He immediately realized that Devon was upset about something.

"What's the matter, Babe?"

He had been with Devon the evening before when Robert Hollis had called, asking Devon to meet with him the next morning. Britt had offered to go with him to the meeting, but Devon had assured him it would probably be nothing important.

Britt tried to smile at his lover. He said, "Something tells me that whatever it was Robert wanted to discuss with you was more important than you thought it would be. What gives?"

Devon handed him the envelope. "Read this," he said.

Britt pulled the single sheet of paper out and unfolded it. He read the short letter in silence. Like Devon had, Britt read it through twice and digested the words slowly.

He stuffed it back inside the envelope and handed it to Devon. "You have to be fucking kidding me," he sighed.

"How does it feel to be in love with a guy who suddenly has nothing? As the old saying goes, `no pot to piss in, or a window to throw it out'?"

"I hope like hell you are trying to be funny here," Britt told him. "As if I give a shit whether you have money or not," he added.

Devon reached over and tapped him on the shoulder. "Lighten up, dude. I was trying to be humorous."

"Well, you succeeded then. You're a barrel of laughs."

Devon placed the letter on the seat between them. "It really is kind of funny. The letter she wrote said I was going to receive nothing. Yet, when I let Robert read the letter, he assured me nothing has been changed. The woman died before any changes were made. At the risk of sounding greedy, it appears that I still get it all. Can you beat that? You think its poetic justice, Britt?"

Britt shook his head. "I'm not sure, but whatever it is, I find it amusing."

Britt's cell phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket.

"Hey, Glenn, what's up?"

"Do you think I could have a talk with Mrs. McKenzie's assistant?"

"I'm sure Devon could arrange that."

"Great, let's do it."

"Today?"

"Now, if possible," Glenn answered.

"I'm with Devon now," Britt said. "Let me ask him."

He held his phone away from his mouth and asked Devon if he could arrange a meeting with Carol Taylor. "He would like to see her now if possible," he added.

Devon reached for his phone. "Tell Glenn to hang on a second," he said punching a number on the key pad.

When Elaine McKenzie's assistant was on the line, she agreed to meet with Glenn. Devon told her they would be there in half an hour. He relayed the message, and Britt told his lawyer they would pick him up at his hotel shortly.

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Britt and Glenn followed Devon inside the McKenzie mansion. It was still hard for Britt to believe the woman of the house was dead. The drawing room was still roped off. Carol showed them to a side room just off the main hallway.

"I trust you are doing well, Mr. McKenzie," she said offering them seats. "If there is anything you need me to do, you only have to ask."

"I appreciate that, Carol. For starters, how about calling me `Devon'?"

"Very well, Devon. What can I do for you gentlemen?"

"This is Glenn Redding, Carol," Devon told her. He is my personal lawyer, and he has a few questions for you. It's okay," he hastened to assure her when a worried look appeared on her face.

"Miss Taylor, you were Mrs. McKenzie's assistant?"

"I was."

"Did you the two of you work closely together?"

"That would depend on what she needed for me to do," Carol answered. "Most of the time the two of us would meet first thing each morning and go over the day's events. It was not unusual for us to go separate ways afterward, depending on what her plans were for the day."

Glenn asked her another question. "Was Mr. Carson, the jeweler, a frequent caller??

A guarded look suddenly appeared on Carol Taylor's face. "They seemed to be good friends, from what I could see," she answered.

"Do you think the two of them could have been more than friends?"

"They were close," was her answer.

"Just how close would you say they were, Miss Taylor?"

"They were close."

Glenn asked, "Were they lovers?"

"I can't say."

"You can't or won't?"

"It's okay," Devon said. "Trust me, Carol, there is nothing you can say about the woman that would hurt me in any way."

"I'm fairly certain the man spent nights here in the house."

"You don't know for certain?"

"It wasn't my place to know, Mr. Redding. After all, my job was to do as Mrs. McKenzie asked. Nothing more," she added.

Glenn continued his questioning. "Did you ever hear the two of them having any type of disagreement, Carol?"

Carol didn't answer right away. Then taking a deep breath she said, "There were a couple of times I heard them in the drawing room."

"Could you tell what they were discussing?"

"One time I heard Mr. Carson saying she must have been crazy for going to some house. He said something about someone coming into his shop inquiring about some type of diamond. I heard him tell her he was afraid there was going to be trouble."

"What else did you hear?" Glenn asked.

"Nothing," she answered. "I felt guilty for listening in on their conversation, and I hurried up to my apartment."

"You said you heard them another time as well?"

Carol seemed lost in thought for a moment. Then she said, "Mr. Carson was here the night Mr. McKenzie died. The three of them were having a meeting of some sort. Mrs. McKenzie dismissed me early and I went upstairs. Later I left to run an errand. Loud voices were coming from the drawing room. I quickly left the house."

"Were you gone away from the house long?"

"About an hour, give or take," she answered.

"Was the meeting still going on when you returned from your errand?"

Carol shook her head. "When I returned I met Mrs. McKenzie on the stairs, and she told me her husband wasn't feeling well. He had already retired for the night. She asked if I would bring a glass of milk up to her."

"And did you?" Glenn asked.

"Yes, I did. She was in her sitting room. I asked about Mr. McKenzie, and she told me he had been going through quite a bit of stress at work. She thought a good night's sleep would be good for him, and he would be better come morning."

"What time did you return home?"

"I don't remember for sure. I think it was somewhere around ten o'clock. It could have been earlier." She looked at Devon and asked, "Is there some sort of problem here?"

"Nothing that concerns you, Carol," Devon assured her. "Glenn is trying to work out some details on a few things. That's the reason for our visit. He's trying to piece some things together, that's all."

"Mrs. McKenzie was never anything but kind to me. I do not like the idea of talking about her this way."

"I understand your loyalty, Miss Taylor," Glenn told her. "Your devotion is very admirable."

"As I said, she was nothing but kind to me."

"You've been very helpful, Miss Taylor. I apologize for interrupting your morning," Glenn said.

As they were leaving, Carol asked Devon what his plans were for her.

"For the time being, continue on as usual," he directed.

Once they were outside, Britt asked, "Tell me what you think, Glenn."

"Her story sounds reasonable," his lawyer answered.

"Do you believe George killed Elaine McKenzie?"

"My gut says `yes'."

"What does your brain tell you?" Devon asked.

"My brain wants to know why my gut thinks so," Glenn answered.

As they reached Devon's car, his cell phone rang.

"It's Alice," he said.

"Hi, Alice," he greeted. "What can I do for you?"

"Devon, I just received a call from Brian Poteet. He said something has turned up and he needs to see us both immediately."

"Britt and Glenn are with me. I'll swing by the newspaper office and pick you up."

"What was that all about?" Britt asked.

Devon shrugged his shoulders. "Don't have a clue," he answered. "Poteet wants to see Alice and me in his office soon as possible."