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Life's Illusions - Book Four - Chapter 7
It had been nearly twelve months since Junior moved to London, and it was fast approaching Christmas.
He'd already received several requests from his Poppa, from Berto, from his Aunt Jacqueline, for his presence at the family's Christmas House in Lanzarote.
So far he'd avoided replying, but it was getting evermore difficult to avoid the issue.
He'd worked tirelessly to establish Guardian's UK Division, and he had what he considered to be a comfortable, casual, relaxed relationship with Stuart, they didn't live together, but Stuart spent several nights each week with Junior at the house in Kensington.
Then it happened, they'd broken into his house during the early hours, on a night when he'd been sleeping alone, for them, a feat easily accomplished, without alerting the staff, or triggering any alarms, they'd slipped silently into his bedroom.
When he awoke he'd found himself gagged, being wrestled and fastened firmly to a strong chair, from his angry expression they knew, there would come a point where their fate for this act couldn't be avoided, but it didn't matter, they were six, strong, and determined.
As soon as the gag was removed Junior voiced his rage.
Why would you think I'd want to see any of you evil cunts ever again, untie me and I'll personally kick each of your sorry butts' out of my house, you ruined my life, took away any chance I had for happiness, how was that your contribution to a celebration of what I meant to you?, because I'm still struggling with understanding what you did, why you would hurt me like that, and right now, when I'm still trying to come to terms with what you did, you strike again"
They understood his anger, but the reply from Jono shocked him into silence.
"Shut the fuck up, you think we don't know what we did, you don't think it's ripping us apart that we hurt you, but we can't alter that it's out there in our history now, more importantly, we have to do something that gives us, you, an opportunity to fix what happened, we came to help, we all pledged this, after it's done, you can rant and rave all you like, we're truly sorry, we'll accept whatever punishment you see fit to dish out, but that's irrelevant right now, so stop being a twat, work with us, let us do what we came here to do, he needs you, you need him, give us a chance, at least let us try to fix this".
This time it was Juniors reply that shocked them.
"No, absolutely not, I forbid it, I can't be with him, he doesn't trust me, it couldn't work, and besides, I have someone here in London, someone I'm quite fond of".
But it was Juniors turn to be surprised, shocked, disappointed even when Jono replied.
"You're wrong, yes, you're quite fond of this someone here in London, and I don't doubt, in his own way he's quite fond of you, the trouble is, he's also quite fond of just about anyone else who shows even the slightest interest in fucking him, he's on his back, legs in the air, several times a day, at the drop of a hat".
They explained how they'd followed Stuart for the last four days, detailing how he'd been fucked at least six times a day on average, in a whole range of places, from department store changing rooms, to saunas, public bathrooms, and seedy nightclubs.
It had a visible effect on Junior, they could see his obvious disappointment, but no one said anything more on the subject.
Jono shocked Junior out of his deep thoughts.
"We acknowledge we were idiots, clowning around like the free balling nutters we were in days gone bye, and Daniel was stupid, too quick to judge, but think about it Ju, he didn't, still doesn't, know us, our history, what we've shared, the horrors, the pain of loosing friends, and you didn't cut him any slack, didn't go out of your way to explain, so by default you were stupid too, far too hurt and angry to make a sensible judgment".
After a brief pause, Juno summed up.
"There were three stupid parties in this situation, so we, the first party, want to bring you, the second party, and Daniel, the third party, together, because all you're doing at the moment is burying your head in the sand".
Junior didn't respond, they could see he was listening, evaluating.
Jono went on.
"All we're asking for is the chance to test a theory, to put you together in a place where neither of you can escape, if it doesn't work, if you can't set aside your differences, then what we did doesn't matter, we didn't ruin anything, we just highlighted a problem that would have surfaced eventually anyway".
Juno paused before going on.
"But, and this is what really concerns us, maybe you can both get past this if you try, but if you don't try, we will forever be guilty of hurting you, and that out friend, is something we can't live with".
This time Junior understood the problem they were grappling with, they knew they'd hurt him, and it was hurting them, his stance, and his voice level changed dramatically when he answered.
"So what's your plan?".
But yet again he was surprised by Jono's answer.
"We don't have one, we're still working on it, we only came here because we needed to make you look at the bigger picture, we needed to convince you to be open, not pull down the shutters if you came face to face with Daniel, have we done that, will you at least let us engineer a situation where the outcome depends entirely on how you two react?".
Juniors reply was a question.
"I want your word, everyone of you, no influence, a set up only, it has to be just him and me, I'm really struggling with the idea of doing this at all".
Jono undid Juniors bonds, stepped back, and as one, each put their right hand over their hearts.
Junior mirrored them, with tears in his eyes, saying.
"Then you have my word, I'll give it everything I can, there will be a day when I want my revenge, you owe me big time, but right now we need beer and hugs, lots and lots of both, I've missed you all so much.
When Bates entered Juniors suite next morning, he was shocked to find seven naked or semi naked, extremely fit men, passed out in various positions around the room, but there was still the gruff response to his request for a breakfast time.
"Go away Bates, or I'll set my old platoon on you".
For Albert Bates, the gruff statement was music to his ears, he knew how much Junior had missed them, despite his refusal to have any contact with them, Albert had spoken with them independently, many times, as each one called for reassurance that Junior was alright, always ending the conversation with a request, that he didn't disclose any knowledge of their call.
His barked reply was like a bolt of lightning striking Junior in the privates.
"It's Colonel Bates, retired, to you boy, and make sure this shower of shit is wearing pants in exactly one hour, breakfast will be delivered to you, and if so much as one pecker or nut is on display, I'll cut it off, do you understand me".
Junior had been stood to attention since the words, 'It's Colonel Bates, retired, to you boy', and he now replied in typical staccato fashion, belting out the last word, and saluting.
"Sir, Yes sir", understood, Sir".
Bates was giggling as he left the suite, Junior on the other hand was shaking, he couldn't believe how badly he'd treated a ranking officer.
Daniel Worthington had set up his business 'DW Investment' at Maison de Dieu, he was living in the cottage where he and Junior had planned to live.
It had been a really difficult year.
A month of dejectedly moping around in New York had culminated in his Foster Fathers delivering a motivational rollicking so severe, even now, almost a year later, the memory still caused him to shudder.
Most of his staff had chosen to follow him from New York to Montclair, only a few of the younger members had said a sad goodbye, and they were genuine in their apologies for staying in New York, each telling him in their own words, how grateful they were that he had been their mentor, how much they were going to miss him.
Daniel issued an open invitation to all of them, if they changed their minds at any time in the future, there would be no need to call ahead, just turn up in Montclair and they would be employed immediately.
Maison de Dieu had eighteen client, or guest bedroom suites within the main house and six, three bedroom cottages which had been converted from the stables and store rooms.
Those bedroom suites were in addition to the suites on the top floor of Maison de Dieu, where the attics had been transformed into a sumptuous communal lounge, from which radiated eight large suites for his staffers.
It was important for his business that Daniel could accommodate parties of up to forty.
Locking down a client deal meant accommodating Board Members, Accountants, Legal Experts, and their plus one's.
Daniel had secured Jacqueline's agreement to plan and attend formal dinners, for a fee of Two Thousand Euro's, per month, which Jacqueline donated to a Montclair charitable trust.
Maison de Dieu required a massive household and estate staff, which Daniel recruited from the town where possible, making him an absolute star when unemployment streaked down to almost zero.
He'd initially rejected Jacqueline's invitation to attend the family Christmas celebrations in Lanzarote, but then he'd reconsidered, after she informed him Junior had refused his invitation, he'd agreed, if his schedule allowed, he'd come to Lanzarote.
He certainly wouldn't have given Jacqueline that commitment if he'd known, after initially refusing his invitation, and then being told Daniel had refused his invitation, Jacqueline had exacted the same agreement from Junior.
Jono had attended functions at Chateau de Montclair many times and was a favourite of Woody and Jacqueline, so when he left London, his next stop was Montclair, where he struck a deal with Jacqueline, and paid an unannounced visit to Maison de Dieu.
Daniel was in his office when the gate staff informed him of an unscheduled visitor.
When he heard Jono's name he was incensed, he'd instructed them to refuse entry.
Only minutes later, a car came roaring up the driveway, with every alarm sounding within the house.
Daniel met the vehicle as it screeched to a halt outside the entrance.
Jono hoped out saying.
"You need to beef up your security, that was an absolute doddle, and if I was a bad character, you'd be either captive or corpse by now, don't ever exit the building if the alarms go off, unless it's a fire, you plonker".
Daniel was in no mood to be dictated too.
"You ruined my life, now you break into my property to give me tips on how to stay safe, well I hope you'll understand when I say, fuck you, I don't want, or need, your advice, now get off my property".
Jono smiled.
"Junior said you were fiery, I'm not a threat to you, but what you ask, it's not happening, you and I are going to talk, I owe it to you, and to Junior, invite me in for a maximum thirty minute conversation, or I take you captive, and I still get my conversation, you have about one minute to decide, then your incompetent staff will be here".
Daniel wanted to laugh, this guy was exactly like Junior, totally self assured, confident, he wasn't bragging, he was just stating a fact.
"Okay, you get thirty minutes, go inside, I'll deal with the security staff when they eventually arrive".
Jono nodded and walked inside.
Daniel waited, arms folded across his chest as his security detail screeched to a halt in front of him, shouting angrily at them.
"Well that was a bloody disaster, if the intruder had intended me harm, I would be dead by now, as it happens, he is no threat, so return to your posts".
He was surprised to be challenged by his head of gate security.
"Not good enough, we need to see the breach, know that you are acting without pressure, bring him out, or we go into lock down".
Daniel nodded, knowing that Jono was just inside the reception hall, he called out.
"Jono, it seams you will have to make an appearance".
Jono reappeared saying.
"Full marks, gentlemen, you have somewhat redeemed yourselves, that's good, we'll talk before I leave".
Daniel and Jono talked for a lot longer than thirty minutes, in fact, Jono stayed the night, and held a chat with the security detail next morning.
His supposed chat with Daniel had involved Daniel seeing something few others had ever witnessed, tears.
Jono had told Daniel just a little of the things they'd experienced together, the brothers they'd lost, some they'd held in their arms as life drained away.
Daniel understood, Jono had opened up more than he would normally, in an effort to make Daniel understand, it had no significance in the real world, it was no more than a silly prank, by a band of brothers who revelled in the fact they were so inexplicably linked, they had survived hell.
When he left, his departing words to Daniel were direct.
"I fully believe you are a good person, but the time to make the right decision is fast approaching, don't be the cunt you were in the past, hold your goddamn tongue, and reign in that temper, listen to him, evaluate what he says, he is so genuine, so worth it, hurt him again and I will come for you, if I do that, I will destroy you, he means that much to me".
Far from being offended by the vicious departing statement, Daniel held out his arms for a hug saying.
"I don't need reminding of how stupid I was a long time ago, I would never hurt him again, but I doubt I'll ever get the chance anyway, he hates me, and that's my burden to bear".
Jono only said.
"You never know".
Daniel was due to meet the Montclair families in Nice on the morning of twenty third December at 11am.
Everything had been planned meticulously, until the shit hit the fan the evening before.
A plan they'd been working on suddenly hit a stumbling block.
Daniel was confused as he addressed his staffers.
"What the hell has happened, we were all set to sign this off in the first week of the New Year, why are they having second thoughts?, and why are they coming here?".
He'd received a message only minutes earlier that a delegation of bankers was on the way, to discuss problems they'd identified in the deal everyone thought was already settled, and he was bristling.
His irritation was clearly obvious.
"One of you get hold of Jacqueline Montclair-Thorn, advise her I won't be joining them tomorrow, make my apologies, then get the staff set up to greet whatever is heading towards us, do we know how many to expect?".
His staffers were irritating him intensely, and they didn't know how to placate him, which wasn't surprising, they were getting different vibes, different messages.
As far as his staff understood, everything was fine, but if the boss had a message saying that it wasn't, he must be right, so no one had challenged him, they simply prepared for whatever was coming.
Jacqueline had sent a personal message, commiserating with him about his business problems, informing him she had reworked the passenger payload, she'd managed to get everyone who had been due to fly with him onto one of her planes, telling him, if he could solve his business issues before sixth of January when they were due to return, he should fly out to join them.
On 23rd December Daniel was pacing back and forth across his sumptuous study/office at Maison de Dieu until nearly 11pm when an email arrived.
He just stared at the email, almost frothing at the mouth.
"Apologies, it seems we were misinterpreting a clause in the contract, cancel any plans to meet, best wishes for the holidays, we will meet in the New Year".
Daniel was furious, he couldn't voice his annoyance, but he did respond, and got a sense of satisfaction as he pressed send.
'Not a problem, any concerns you have are our concern as well however, it has caused something of a hike in our staffing costs which we do find we need to pass on, and a delay of several days in the New Year before we can reschedule the sign off date, but my staff will keep you informed, we wish you all a Happy Holiday Season".
As he pressed send Daniel had exclaimed.
"And fuck you".
Then he'd asked his PA to call all the staff to the large lounge, insisting he bring in the household staff as well.
When Daniel entered the lounge he chose to sit on a sofa next to the head of the household staff, waiting for everyone to arrive before he spoke.
Standing, he looked around the room.
"I'm sorry, this last minute panic has been for no good reason, I received an email a short while ago which informed me they'd been panicking about a point in the contract they now know they'd misinterpreted".
He'd paused, there was silence, so he continued.
"They're not coming, after fucking up our plans for Christmas, they've called off their planned visit, so it seems we will have a surplus of grub this evening".
Looking at the head of household staff sitting next to where he was standing he said.
"I've had a thought, you, and your staff, work so hard to keep us in comfort, I'm thinking, tonight we all dine together, you've prepared a feast for at least forty, and at least twenty are not coming, so join us, let's have a holiday dinner".
The head of the household was stumbling over his words.
"We couldn't, we don't, we serve".
Daniel chuckled before answering him.
"You have absolutely no idea how important you are do you?, what you do for us, we are so grateful, and it would be an honour if you would join us, now that might have sounded like an invitation, but don't be fooled, my staffers are listening and when I stop speaking, I expect them to help your staff bring in the food, then I expect you and your staff to join us for dinner, no arguments".
Dinner got off to a bit of a rocky start, the household staff were clearly nervous, until, after the first course, when the kitchen and waiting staff made to get up and clear the dishes.
Daniel jumped to his feet.
"Sit, no members of household staff are allowed to do anything else to bring about this meal, this is our chance to serve you for a change, relax, eat, drink, and enjoy".
Turning to his head of household he said.
"I'm afraid it will need you to show us what to bring in, I have to admit I don't have a clue in a kitchen
When the meal was over his staffers surprised him by stripping the table of everything that needed to go back to the kitchen.
When he wandered into the kitchen he was surprised to see how organised they were, rinsing china before placing it into the several dishwashers, boxing leftovers for the refrigerators, and placing items back into the storerooms.
Daniel announced that he was going to bed around midnight, telling everyone to carry on for as long as they wanted.
He planned to travel to Nice the following morning, he'd already spoken with his pilots, they were expecting him around ten o'clock, he would be in Lanzarote by around three in the afternoon local time.
He was looking forward to the solitary flight, it would give him chance to check one last time on the contract they were due to complete in the New Year, a contract which would nett his company around five million US Dollars per year for the next five years before it became due for renegotiation, he was also looking forward to seeing his Foster Parents, he'd missed them so much.
Daniels last thought of the night, looking at the empty side of the massive bed, was of what an idiot he'd been to drive Junior away.
In Nice at nine o'clock next morning the pilots were readying the plane to receive Daniel, a last minute special cargo had already been loaded.
His arrival was without incident, customs completed, he'd boarded and they were hurtling down the runway at exactly ten o'clock.
As they levelled out at their cruising altitude Daniel reached for his briefcase, extracting a sheaf of heavy paper files.
He'd been completely engrossed in his work when he became aware of what he supposed was a steward, offering him a Scotch Whisky with ice and soda.
As he took it without looking up and sipped it, his mind suddenly jerked him back to reality.
"How did you know wha......................?".
He didn't get any further, his voice dried up, it was the supposed steward who answered.
"I know you well enough to know what would help you relax, and I want you to be relaxed, because I want a chance to talk with you, if you will allow it".
Daniel could only utter one word.
"Junior".
In Lanzarote Jacqueline was having what could only be described as a really bad morning.
At breakfast she'd successfully dropped a full teapot, smashing a china cup and leaving the breakfast table awash with tea.
Now as they sat on the upper patio which led out from the lounge, she'd knocked over a glass of lemonade, managing to soak Woody's shorts.
"For Christ's sake Jacqueline, what is wrong with you, and don't give me that nothing crap, you've been on pins since last night, so come on, spill the beans".
Jacqueline stared at him before she spoke.
"I lied to you Woody, at Montclair, a couple of weeks ago, you asked me if it was Jono you'd seen driving out as you turned in, I said I didn't know what you were talking about, but it was Jono, he came to ask a favour, something that's playing out as we speak, and I'm worried sick I've done the wrong thing".
Woody didn't have to ask what the favour was, the worry evident on Jacqueline's face told him what she'd done, he looked at his watch and said.
"Daniel is in the air now, Jono would only have one reason to involve you by asking a favour, it would centre around Junior, you've put Junior on Daniels flight haven't you?".
Jacqueline didn't answer, there were tears rolling down her cheeks, she just nodded her head, and Woody replied.
"Stop worrying my love, I personally believe, actually meeting is all that was ever needed to repair their rift, if they both weren't so bloody stubborn, it could have been no more than a ripple in the pond, but don't be upset if it doesn't work, the original cause has been somewhat eclipsed by the fact that Junior has since been in a sort of casual relationship, and that I'm afraid could be the ultimate stumbling block, I'm not sure Daniel will be able to get past that fact".
Up above the clouds, the atmosphere had become decidedly frosty.
Sliding into the seat facing Daniel, who still hadn't said a word, Juniors voice was clearly nervous.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what else to say".
Daniel was clearly upset, his sharp response, and stone faced expression gave that much away.
"And what exactly is it, that you are sorry for Junior?".
The reply was an honest one, Junior felt he was opening his heart.
"I shouldn't have been so quick to judge you, I did exactly what you had done, I made a disastrous decision without thinking it through, that's what I'm sorry for, I honestly believe if I had walked away, given you time to cool off, provided you with the truth, we could have worked it out, you were wrong to doubt me, but I was wrong to not recognise you had good reason".
When Daniel replied this time, it was easy to hear how much softer his voice had become.
"I agree somewhat, but not fully, I understand now, it was entirely my reaction, irrespective of what caused it, that was the root cause of why we parted, I know how strongly principled you are, you weren't to blame".
Junior relaxed slightly as he replied.
"No my love, the root cause rests with my stupid friends, their prank was never intended to be seen by you, but it doesn't make them any less guilty, they knew it would offend me just as much as it offended you".
The atmosphere had softened considerably, they were still chatting amicably when the pilot came into the cabin to inform them they would be beginning their decent into Arrecife Airport, Lanzarote within a few minutes.
As they buckled in, and they felt the plane start its decent, Daniel asked a question, one which made Juniors heart start to sink.
"What exactly are you expecting to come from this meeting Junior?".
Junior looked down as he answered, he didn't want to see Daniels expression.
"I want you back Daniel, I'll do anything if you will just say you'll consider my request, I don't expect you to give me an immediate answer, but I'm asking you to consider my request".
Daniel didn't answer.
Junior went on.
"If you don't feel comfortable with my being in Lanzarote, I'll fly back with the pilots, or I could stay, in case you want to discuss anything before you make your decision".
Daniel replied just a few moments after they touched down, as they were still hurtling down the runway.
"I don't have any objection to you staying Junior, but please, don't let that give you false hope, I could give you an answer now, but I don't want to fall into the same trap I chose before, this time I want to be sure the answer I give you is well founded, justifiable".
Junior should have been happy that the answer hadn't been an immediate rejection, but he could sense, Daniel was really saying no, he just wanted time to formulate a response.
Junior spoke as the plane eased into its slot for disembarkation.
"I'm going to fly back with the pilots, I don't need your formal reply, I get it, I'm still sorry, you have to know I'll always love you, and I'll always regret my stupidity, remember I'm out there if you ever need me, your safety will always come first for me, I won't ever have contact with you again, it wouldn't be fair on either of us, goodbye Daniel".
Daniel started to reply, but Junior didn't wait to hear it.
He went to the back of the plane, into one of the many bedrooms, sitting on the bed he put his head in his hands, and cried like a baby.
TBC Allan
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