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Sadly this is the last chapter of Life's Illusions though I'm thinking I'll return to the story '10 years on' in a little while with the children grown and possibly taking a more active role, (see the small section after the story end re this point).
Thank you for giving your time to follow the story, I definitely wasn't expecting my first attempt would be welcomed as well as it has and it's down to all of you who gave me encouragement that the original intended 12 chapters grew to 16.
Allow me a short break and I hope to have the start of the next book published.
Life's Illusions- Chapter 16 - Farewells and Welcome Home.
I was staring, concentrating, willing him to look my way.
Gramps, dressed in his familiar grey business suit, white shirt, snazzy purple, lilac and black striped silk neck tie, his shoes polished to brilliant perfection.
Under his left arm the black leather folder he carried with him everywhere when out of the office, his name expertly tooled into the leather and highlighted in gold leaf.
In his right hand the familiar Giai Fountain Pen made of 18K Gold, decorated as a tribute to Jules Verne's futuristic vision, my present to him on his 65th birthday, almost 20 years later a credit to its engineering, it had become almost another body part, it was never out of reach.
As far back as I could remember it had been this way, when either of us entered a room, watching and waiting for the other to notice before our eyes met, then the ensuing smiles giving that exchanged reassurance of love from both sides.
"Turn your head, look this way, see me, please, I'm begging, just one last time, I'm not angry, I was, I'm sorry, but Lenny helped me understand, you did it for me, just like you did all my life, anything and everything to help me, to shield me, you were my real father and I would give anything, everything, if you would just see me for one last time".
I felt the arms wrap around me.
"You know he would if he could lover, he'd have ignored anyone, everyone on the planet to let you know how much he loved you and never cared that they might feel snubbed".
She was right of course, laying here before me in his casket was the man I'd loved, worshipped, for as long as I could remember and he wasn't going to open his eyes ever again, he'd died because of my fathers hate for me and because, wonderful man that he was, he'd protected Billy from harm, covered him with his own body, taken the bullets meant for Billy and saved Billy's young life.
It had been just over 2 weeks since that awful day when our lives had been torn apart by the cruel news, the loss of so many of our loved ones.
There had been 4 separate funerals to date, the first for Alice, loyal Housekeeper to Esther and Edward for almost 30 years.
The second for Angus, chauffeur to Gramps for the last 8 years who'd been badly beaten and left in the trunk of the limousine, he'd been taken to hospital but passed away the following day.
The third nearly broke Lenny, saying farewell to her parents was almost more than she could take as they were laid to rest alongside her late brother.
At the 4th funeral when we laid her Aunt and Uncle to rest Lenny and I supported a completely inconsolable young Billy who we'd brought home from the hospital to our apartment.
Today she was the strong one, I couldn't function.
Even dressing this morning was a struggle, my thoughts were irrational, concentration was impossible, tears were never more than a familiar word or sight away.
We'd stayed overnight at Gramps home in the Hamptons.
His wish was to leave on his last journey from the home he'd shared for most of his married life with my Grandmother.
The service and internment were to be at St Mary's Catholic Church on Bay Street, Staten Island, NY where Gramps had grown up, in the church where he and my Grandmother had married, the same place where he had said his farewells to my Grandmother and my Mother, he would join them in the family plot, together again for all eternity.
Charles, Gramps Chief Pilot had come to see me during the first week after Gramps died, he'd expressed his sorrow for our loss and we'd sat for a while chatting during which he surprised me, mentioning that a lot of people from The Hamptons area had expressed an interest in sending tributes floral or otherwise, I looked puzzled and Charles reminded me that once he was home Gramps liked nothing more than to shop in the local area and was on first name terms with most of the local shopkeepers.
Charles told me the local Guild members were arranging a floral tribute and there would be similar floral tributes from many of his friends but at least 10 of his favourite shopkeepers had asked if they could attend the service as a mark of their respect for their friend.
Although I hadn't really wanted to start the planning for this his last journey I'd known I had to.
I'd told Charles when we met what I had in mind.
Gramps would leave his home in The Hamptons at around 9am in the morning, we would travel to East Hampton Airport where Charles would have the honour of welcoming him aboard his plane for the last time.
We would make the short flight into Teterboro.
I had in mind that the funeral motorcade would travel into The City and Gramps would arrive and depart one last time Woodruff Corporate Headquarters, going on we would board one of the Staten Island Ferries which we would charter privately to take us to the Island then travel on by road to St Mary's arriving around 1pm.
I told Charles I would arrange both of our planes to be at the airport at East Hampton and if he could find out how many of Gramps friends wanted to attend in person we would gladly transport them to and fro but they should be prepared for an overnight in New York which I would again arrange and cover.
As we were coming to the end of our chat I realised Charles must be apprehensive about his and the rest of the flight crews employment prospects even though he hadn't brought it up.
"Charles I want to reassure you and the rest of the crew that you will be job secure for at least the next 12 months, I realise you haven't mentioned it but it must be in the back of your minds".
He thanked me, said he'd let the rest of the crew know and speak with the Hamptons people to get details of who would want to attend.
During this last 2 weeks we'd received so many messages of condolence including a private note from The President along with those from Senators and Government Officials.
The Mayor of New York a long time personal friend of our family along with the Chief of Police and the Head of the Port Authority would be attending the service, when they heard of our plans to detour into the city they offered a police escort to ease the journey for which we were extremely grateful.
Billy and Julia had heard the news less than 24 hours after it happened.
We'd spent a tearful time on the phone with them wanting to come immediately home but we'd decided there was nothing to be gained by that so they'd decided to cut short their first week, I would send Charles back out with Gramps Jet to take them onwards to see Billy's Aunt, they would stay only 2 days with her and then return to New York.
I'd dwelt for some days on what Gramps had said to the SWAT guy about 'That bastard not taking any time from him', I didn't understand what Gramps had meant, at first I'd put it down to him rambling because of the trauma of being shot but then everything else he said was specific so he couldn't have been rambling.
My mind went back to the strange conversation we'd had at Christmas when we asked him to visit more often and I suddenly hard the urge to speak with his doctor.
Gramps doctor had, until I left for Europe, been my doctor as well and he agreed to see me later that day.
I came away from that meeting in a daze, confused, angry even.
He'd known for almost 6 months he was dying and he hadn't told me, not even hinted apart from that conversation at Christmas which we'd thought at the time was just maudlin loneliness but now I understood, he was looking at his own death and from his doctor I'd learned he had only a matter of weeks left maybe not even that long.
At home when I recounted what I'd learned, for the first time in a long time Lenny started to laugh, I didn't understand, I was angry, she thought it was funny Gramps had been dying.
"I'm not laughing at Gramps PJ, I'm laughing at the expense of that sick bastard who calls himself your father and given the chance I'm going to laugh and spit in his face, don't you see, he didn't rob Gramps of anything he just saved Gramps a lot of pain, and he didn't get to kill Billy, he missed out twice, that's what Gramps meant in his last message, don't be angry with him PJ, he realised when it was too late he'd messed up, he'd been delaying, trying to save you the extended pain but suddenly there was no time left to tell you, so he did the next best thing, he sent you his love one last time and that trumps everything else lover, not many people get to be so special, to be as loved as we were, now we have to pay the price, we have to pay it on, that's what he was telling us, to love our children the same way, unconditionally, and I know we'll honour that debt because we do love them just as we were loved, completely, unconditionally".
That day was fast approaching, the one I'd been dreading since it happened.
The last 2 weeks had been as if he were still here just absent from meetings
He hadn't known he would die so suddenly but he had been planning for an end which wasn't far away and it showed.
I'd had several meetings at our office in the city, Celia his PA for as long as I could remember had been almost heartbroken at first but gradually she returned to her usual efficient self.
Gramps personal attorney had been Edward, Lenny's father who had died along with Gramps so one of his Senior Partners had come to run through everything with me, he was Alfred Turner and he was an immediately likeable man.
Alfred explained that he wasn't coming into this blind, he had worked alongside Edward for the last 3 years and so had been privy to everything we would be discussing.
He explained that since the diagnosis Gramps had been planning for the time when he wouldn't be here and had covered just about everything.
It was a little upsetting to realise that Alfred had known about Gramps impending demise and I hadn't.
Alfred must have realised what I was feeling.
"PJ, stop that, I know what you're thinking and yes, I knew whilst you didn't, but I have to tell you, both Edward and I challenged him on it and he said you didn't need the distraction, it would be bad enough when he was gone without prolonging the misery, he also said he loved you too much to see the heartbreak he would be causing you any earlier than was absolutely necessary".
I realised I had to accept Gramps had done everything to protect me as he always did.
The Will would be read on the day following his funeral but in the interim he had granted Power of Attorney to me.
He had specified his preferences for the funeral which I would follow exactly, he outlined several projects in process and who was lead ( the person or department developing the project) on each, Celia assured me she would oversee those until I was ready to take the reigns.
I'd been surprised to be given a thick sealed folder.
I asked Alfred what it contained and was even more surprised by his reply.
"That is an 'eyes only' matter, in other words it contains paperwork relating to matters and items only your Grandfather knows about or has seen, you have a similar facility with us but until now you've never used it. Please don't open it now, wait until you are in a private place, when you are finished with it, seal it and return it to me for safekeeping".
He passed a small box to me which contained a block of wax, spirit burner and a seal stamp with my initials on it.
After the meeting was over I asked Celia to join me in Gramps office.
We had tea and chatted rather emotionally about the good times.
I surprised her I think with my answer to her question of when I wanted her to end her employment.
" I suppose it's sad really, now Gramps has gone you don't have a role as his PA so yes your employment as PA will come to an end".
I saw the look of sorrow in her face as she responded.
"Don't be too sad PJ, I've had some wonderful years here keeping your Grandfather and even you organised before I trained Pip for you, but lately I've concentrated as much on running the office and it's different divisions as I have on your Grandfathers schedule, I'll be sad to leave but at least I'll have some wonderful memories".
I knew now that what I was about to say would surprise maybe even shock her.
"I remember the day I came here to attend my first board meeting after mother died, I was twelve years old, Gramps was in a meeting so I was sent to wait in your office, I was as nervous as anything but you showed me how to do something and you told me something which I've never forgotten, can you remember what it was?".
I saw her searching her memory and watched her expression lift as she relived that day.
"You looked terrified, I knew if you went in looking like that they'd eat you alive, and no boy of mine was going into battle anything other than prepared, so I stood you in front of a mirror to show you what you were projecting out to the world, I taught you to make your face blank, no wrinkled brow, no expression, how to hold a stare, I told you that was your poker face".
I smiled and nodded.
"That was the meeting where I was challenged rather rudely by the Finance and Legal guys on why I, a child no less, was even at the meeting in the first place. It was where I gave my first ever poker face, I stared them down, told them as a major shareholder I had every right to be present, I asked if they had something to hide, I reminded them the day would come when I sat on that board as a full voting member and I had a good memory. I remember looking at Gramps who I think was on the verge of laughing but he kept it under control. He told me afterwards he'd never seen anyone put the wind up them like that, it was about time someone reminded them of their position and who they work for".
She smiled at the memory.
He may have started this company PJ but he always made sure everyone knew it was you who built it into what it is today, he was so proud of you he would tell anyone who would listen, and he bored the arse of the ones who didn't. Did you know PJ you're the only person who's never missed a single board meeting since that first one you attended when you were twelve".
I was laughing with her now.
"Anyway to get back to the subject in hand, you'll have to resign because I refuse point blank to sack you and you can't possibly be in two positions at once".
She was now shaking her head, definitely confused.
"I don't understand PJ, what are you saying?".
"I'm saying that I want you to continue to run this office in the same successful way you have done for the last few years".
She was dumbstruck that I might know of her actual role at Woodruff.
"Yes Celia I know full well that Gramps has done little more than sign on the dotted line for quite some time now and before you bother to deny it, I got it from the horses mouth and both he and I are eternally grateful for your dedication and hard work in the past but now it's time to be recognised".
She had tears running down her face as I put my arm around her.
"You understand I can't formally confirm your position until after the reading of the will but as soon as possible I'm going to formally name you as CEO of Woodruff Corporate, tell me you'll do it please?".
She nodded her agreement obviously too emotional to speak.
#######################################################
Today was the day I'd been dreading, it was 8.35am, in less than half an hour I'd accompany him on his last ever journey.
I'd traveled the world with him, constantly badgering him with questions sometimes to the point where he would hold up his hands to stop me, laughing as he did it.
For a long time to come this would be the journey I would remember.
I'd spent the last hour just gazing at him, he looked for all the world as though he was just dozing, like any minute he'd open his eyes and that smile would break out, the one that made me warm all over, gave me confidence, but it wasn't going to happen, he was gone, now it was my job to carry out his last wishes and give him the best farewell I could.
Lenny's arm encircled my waist.
"Everything's ready lover, the guys are coming in now".
I watched almost detached as his casket was lifted from the dining room where he had rested for the night, it was carried out and placed gently into the hearse.
His household staff of 10 formed a tearful guard of honour as he left the house then silently filled 2 of the cars following.
Lenny and I, Billy and Julia, Josh and Bryan, Celia and young Billy rode in the limousine directly behind the hearse.
The drive to the airfield took us through the town of East Hampton, the lights were out and the shades drawn down on every shop window, the staff stood outside as a mark of respect and waved to him in the hearse as he passed bye.
At the airfield it seemed the whole of The Hamptons had turned out to wish him goodbye.
His jet stood alone, ready for takeoff at the start of the runway, gleaming in the spring sunshine, the crew in full uniform, hats under their arms forming yet another guard of honour at the foot of the steps.
Behind his jet were our 2 planes ready to board mourners traveling with us as soon as Gramps was onboard.
As his casket was carried up the steps into the main cabin the crew gave a military style salute.
After his casket was secured in the cabin we exited the limousine and boarded his jet to travel with him on his last flight to Teterboro.
Within minutes we we roaring into the sky over his beloved East Hampton.
Charles did a slow turn and flew low over both the town and Gramps house before heading to Teterboro.
At Teterboro all traffic was held so that our three planes could land in convoy, I would see it later on a news broadcast and marvel at the precision of the pilots in executing a perfect convoy landing.
Nothing was moving at the airport, the staff all standing to attention as his casket exited the plane and was gently eased into the hearse for the journey to Woodruff Corporate Headquarters.
Two police outriders flanked the front of the hearse as we moved off towards The City.
The motorcade had now grown by several limousines as more mourners had joined us and I thought suddenly, what if there are too many for the ferry, I couldn't remember how many vehicles it could take, probably around 30 I wasn't sure and we were already up to about 20.
At Woodruff again every light in the building went out as we drew up outside, every employee filed out of the main entrance onto the front steps, I was surprised seeing how many employees there were in this one building.
A man I knew as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Peter Farley approached our car and I lowered the window.
"Apologies for intruding Mr Thorn, I have a request to make on behalf of all of the assembled employees and we wanted your approval, we didn't want to upset you or any of the family".
I was puzzled but I thought what the heck.
"Thank you for your condolences Peter, what request do you have?".
He nodded.
"The staff want to raise three cheers as a mark of respect before he leaves us sir, but if you don't think that's appropriate we'd all understand".
I smiled, the first time I'd had reason to smile today.
"Peter I think that's a truly beautiful thought from everyone, and yes, if you'll give us a moment to exit the cars I think we would like to join you".
As we exited our car every other car emptied with the occupants looking decidedly puzzled until a rousing Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray boomed out followed by a thunderous round of applause and everyone bowing to the hearse.
We got back into the cars to a final round of applause as Gramps pulled away from Woodruff for the last time.
At the Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal on South Street, Lower Manhattan a single Ferry had been dressed in black and the Woodruff Standard flew on her stern.
The crowds were massive and silent, you could have heard a pin drop as his hearse followed by the motorcade drove slowly onto the Ferry.
As the Ferry departed for Staten Island and the St George Terminal on Bay Street hundreds of flower blooms came sailing through the air from the dockside to land on the deck and in the water, New Yorkers were saying goodbye to one of their own.
It seemed amazing that there were just as many waiting at the dockside on Staten Island and again as we disembarked the flowers rained down onto the hearse.
The drive to the church was a matter of only minutes and as if the crowd outside the church wasn't big enough the crowd from the dockside followed the motorcade on foot.
The service was moving but for me so sad, I would be leaving him here, I'd never see him again except in my memory.
There was one moment which caused me to smile when the priest who originated from Australia said, "Back home where I come from we have a phrase that welcomes home our fallen boys wherever they've been".
He turned and faced the casket.
"Today we see the homecoming of a true Staten Island Boy done good, so to you I say, welcome home Woody, take a load off boy, rest a while with us, we'll look after you now".
He bowed to the casket and the pallbearers moved in to carry the casket to the family tomb.
Our return to Manhattan was very subdued, the mourners from The Hamptons had been provided with overnight accommodations at the Woodruff, we all went back to our apartment accompanied by Billy and Julia to collect Will and his nannies who had spent the day with our brood and their nannies.
We had a very quiet dinner and afterwards we asked young Billy if he felt up to talking to us.
Lenny and I took him into the small lounge and we all three sat on one of the sofas with Billy between us.
We didn't get a chance to say anything before he blurted out.
"I'm sorry PJ, I'm really sorry, I know it was my fault, I was crying, I was being a baby, I should have been harder, it was my fault, he threw himself on me when they were going to shoot me".
He was sobbing now.
"I want to try and make it up to you somehow but I don't know what I can do, I'm no good at anything, I'm a stupid failure, I'm garbage, I'm so sorry PJ, I don't have anyone to help me know what I should do now Gran and Grandad are dead, it should have been me they killed not your grandfather, I know you can never forgive me".
Lenny and I looked at each other absolutely aghast, what the hell was going on with this child, someone was doing a major head job on him, we both realised he was just a whisker away from suicide.
We needed to do something fast.
"Billy look at me".
He reluctantly raised his face to me, it was obvious he expected to be scolded.
"None of this was your fault Billy, I don't blame you, I'm just thankful that you survived, Gramps did what he did, saved your life, because that's who he was, a caring man who couldn't have lived with himself if he hadn't tried to save you".
I'd wrapped my arms around him with Lenny looking on.
"Tell me something Billy, why were you crying?".
He was hugging me like his life depended on it.
"They killed Gran and Grandad, they made me watch, I knew I was next, I didn't want to die".
He was sobbing again.
"Billy I don't know who told you it was your fault, whoever it was they are wrong, I want to speak to them, in fact who's looking after you now, where are your parents?".
He'd stopped sobbing but it was as if there was no spark no life left in him.
" It's okay PJ, Gran and Grandad have paid my school fees for this year, I'll have to live at school now, I don't have a home, my mom and dad left me with Gran and Grandad they said I was useless, I just got in the way, they didn't want me, I don't know what's going to happen to me after this year, I don't have anywhere to go".
The realisation of voicing the fact he didn't have a home anymore started the tears streaming down his face again.
Lenny jumped in.
"Billy, I don't know what all this is about but believe me you are not useless and you don't have to live at school if you don't want to, you have a family right here, I'm your second cousin and I'd be so proud to have you choose to live with us if you wanted to, so how about you try to tell us everything and we'll see what we can do, okay?".
He looked up at Lenny and through tearful eyes nodded his agreement.
His story was almost more than I could take and I could see Lenny was close to losing her temper.
His parents were Lenny's cousin and his wife who had been arrested and imprisoned many times for various drug offences, using, supplying, distribution and recently running drugs from some foreign country, they'd left him to fend for himself for most of his life disappearing for weeks on end only to reappear in a drugged or drunken stupor.
Finally they had dumped Billy on his Grandparents who in turn had placed him in a boarding school which he hated.
His housemaster had been the one who'd told him he was a useless, good for nothing, unwanted piece of garbage, I was furious but my mood was nothing compared to Lenny's she was all for ripping the housemasters head off.
Lenny told him we wanted him to live with us, be a part of our family and clinging to her he nodded yes.
And so it was settled, Billy would live with us, now all we had to do was make it happen, but as Lenny reminded me, she was a qualified lawyer, maybe a little rusty but a lawyer all the same.
The following morning she rang his school and identified herself as family. She informed them Billy was traumatised, which was true, and would be staying with us for at least the next week but she would keep them informed.
This was the day scheduled for the reading of Gramps will. Alfred had given me a list of people he wanted to be present and I wasn't at all surprised by any of the names. We'd arranged that the reading would be conducted at our apartment at midday followed by a buffet lunch.
Around 11am the people I'd notified began arriving and at exactly midday with everyone seated Alfred called for attention.
I'd experienced this same thing when my Mother and Grandmother had died, I knew there would be a long list of bequests to people Gramps held dear and I was certain some would be completely overawed by the generosity of this his final act.
The first bequest was to Celia his long time PA, One Million Dollars and the joint title to his New York Apartment to be shared with the recipient of the next bequest.
To Charles his Chief Pilot, One Million Dollars and the joint title to his New York Apartment to be shared with the recipient of the last bequest.
Now that one we didn't see coming, though I'm guessing by the red faces of Celia and Charles, Gramps had known something none of us did.
To his chauffeur Angus, One Hundred Thousand Dollars which would be passed to Angus's two grown up children.
To his faithful housekeeper, One Hundred Thousand Dollars.
To each of his household staff, Ten Thousand Dollars.
To each of his flight crew, Ten Thousand Dollars.
There was a long list of Charitable bequests.
At this point Alfred asked that all of the people who had already been mentioned to go into the large dinning room where food was now being served.
Once the room had half emptied Alfred started again.
"The following bequests are of a more personal nature".
He paused again shuffling his papers.
"To Leo and Rosa, I want to thank you for looking after the most important people in my life and being a friend to Woodruff, I bequeath One Million Dollars each.
To Reya and any future prodigy of Leo and Rosa or of either, or any person they take legally as their child, I bequeath a trust fund amount of One Million Dollars which Leo and Rosa will administer, until he or she attains their Twenty First birthday whereupon he or she will will inherit a portion of the capital with accumulated growth according to how many children Leo and Rosa have recorded at that time. Once an inheritance has been allocated to an individual no further claim on the central trust amount will be allowed. The last to inherit will take the remaining total with accumulated growth and close the trust.
To Ramon, thank you for your amazing foresight and business sense which you gifted unreservedly to Woodruff. Thank you for the loyalty you have shown to the most important people in my life, I bequeath One Million Dollars and the sum of the outstanding mortgage on your Torremolinas Apartment.
To Pip, thank you for caring for the most important people in my life, I bequeath One Million Dollars.
To Raul and any future prodigy of Ramon and Pip or of either, or any person they take legally as their child, I bequeath a trust fund amount of One Million Dollars which Ramon and Pip will administer, until he or she attains their Twenty First birthday whereupon he or she will will inherit a portion of the capital with accumulated growth according to how many children Ramon and Pip have recorded at that time. Once an inheritance has been allocated to an individual no further claim on the central trust amount will be allowed. The last to inherit will take the remaining total with accumulated growth and close the trust.
To my Great Grandchildren defined as any prodigy of PJ and Lenny or of either, or any person they take as legally their child, to the ones I've met and to the ones I haven't, you have to know that I so regret I won't be there to watch you grow, I beg you, make me proud, I bequeath a joint trust fund of One Hundred Million Dollars, to be administered by PJ and Lenny until any child attains the age of twenty one or enters into marriage, at which time that child will take and inherit the fraction of the trust as a whole with accumulated growth according to the number of children Lenny and PJ have legally recorded at that time. Once an inheritance has been allocated to an individual no further claim on the central trust amount will be allowed and that individual is no longer used to calculate the total number of children of PJ and Lenny. The last to inherit will take the remaining total with accumulated growth and close the trust.
Josh, you've made me happy, sad and angry all at different times but above all Josh you've made me so proud of you, to you I bequeath from my personal holdings fifteen percent of the total stock in Woodruff, I hope and pray that you will continue to enjoy your life.
Billy and Julia my surrogate musketeers, you always told me how grateful you were for what I did for you but you have no idea what you did for me, like PJ, you were, are, and always will be my children, I love you. You've grown up kids, you're a family now and you need a place to kick back, to enjoy family life, to leave the city behind, I bequeath my house in East Hampton, I hope you can be as happy there as I have always been.
PJ, Lenny, I love you, if I could do it I'd send or say this to you every day of your lives so listen sometimes, and maybe, just maybe, you'll hear me. Everything that's left I bequeath equally between you, I know you don't need it, do whatever you feel is best with it. Think of me sometimes, keep me in your hearts, I love you.
And it was over.
Within a week Lenny had secured the legal documents to make Billy our ward, we would be his guardians for the time being and if Billy wanted us too we'd move heaven and earth to adopt him but we told him when he was ready he'd need to tell us if that's what he wanted.
On the day she secured the final papers she placed them on Billy's napkin at dinner, his face was a picture, his lip quivering he hugged us both.
We'd arranged to visit Billy's school the following day to collect his things and bring them back to his own room here at the apartment in New York.
We arrived at Billy's school the following day in a limousine having flown from New York to Boston.
To say our visit was unusual would be an understatement, I doubted the school would ever forget us, or rather Lenny, who resembled a lioness protecting her young.
We were met in reception by the Head of School, a rotund, obnoxious, man who clearly had delusions of self importance.
After what seemed like an eternity listening to his droning voice extolling the wonderful things he sincerely believed he had achieved and strolling around the school we were in the central quadrangle surrounded by Billy's fellow students when we were interrupted by an absolutely rude and obnoxious prick, there was no other description, this was Billy's Housemaster.
I saw Lenny's gaze zero in on the man and I felt bloody sorry for him, he had absolutely no idea what was about to happen, I'd liken it to walking up to a Grisly Bear and poking it with a stick, the outcome was inevitable.
Anyone with even the smallest iota of common sense would have picked up on Lenny's vibes, it was obvious the Head of School had sensed her mood and backed slowly away, sensing an impending blood bath.
Following the introductions he virtually dismissed us and directed his gaze at Billy who shrank back to me.
I placed my arm around his shoulders to give him strength, squeezing to reinforce the fact he had backup when without warning the prick started in on him.
"Hepworth you stupid pathetic boy you're late back, you'll be in detention for the next week, get your useless backside to the dorm, I'll deal with you later".
He made to walk towards Billy until Lenny stepped in front of him stopping him in his tracks.
"Stow it you pathetic piece of shit, what was it?, bad childhood?, bullied at school?, decided you'd make yourself into a big guy by bullying the little guys did you?, well this time you picked the wrong one, you picked on one of mine and I don't take kindly at all to that, in fact I think I'm going to make your life a misery instead, now back off unless you want these lads to witness a woman laying you out flat".
He was shocked to say the least, but he was almost shaking when she turned to the Head of School.
"As for you, you pompous idiot, you're so busy patting your own bloody back you don't see this bullying prick preying on young vulnerable boys?, I'm going to give you a get out here, you sack this prick and I'll leave you alone, refuse and I'll lay a law suit on you and your school so big I'll bankrupt you both and I guarantee you'll wish you'd never been born".
Turning back to the Housemaster.
"You utter just one word and I'll make it my personal mission to destroy you".
Turning to Billy she morphed back into the caring cousin.
"Come on Billy lets collect your things say goodbye to your mates and get out of this place".
By now Billy was almost walking on air, he understood with Lenny on his side he was safe.
I heard him as we made our way to his dorm say to Lenny, 'Thanks Lenny, I've never seen anyone stand up to him before' and I heard Lenny's reply, ' PJ and I told you you're family, it's what we do, we protect our own, when the time comes you'll do it too, stick with us kid".
Back on the plane whilst Lenny was freshening up, I spoke with Billy.
"You've never experienced that before have you?, someone who'll stand up for you?".
Billy shook his head, "Only on the holidays, when I was with Gran and Grandad".
"Understand this Billy you're not alone anymore, you're part of a big family, we all look out for each other, as long as you are honest and true we'll be there, oh and I shouldn't need to tell you this you've seen it first hand, don't piss your cousin off, she can be frightening".
He started laughing and was still laughing when Lenny came back.
"Well whatever the reason I'm glad to see you laughing again Cus, and if I find out my husband has been dissing me he should be worried".
Well at that Billy and I laughed even more.
Back in New York at the Apartment we set Billy up in his own bedroom, he had great trouble believing that he would have his own room in every one of our homes until Lenny and I sat him down and explained.
"Billy, you understand that you're a part of this family now don't you".
He nodded slowly seemingly unsure where she was going with this.
"Okay, so as a part of this family you have a choice, live and travel with us or attend a boarding school".
Billy immediately went into melt down, he was sobbing.
"Don't make me go back please, I'll work, I won't be any trouble, I don't need a room, I don't need anything, please don't send me back".
He was sobbing uncontrollably, I couldn't stand to see him like this, I scooped him up into a hug and dragged him across the couch onto my lap shushing Lenny at the same time because she was going to say more but taking my lead she kept quiet.
He was hugging me as tight as I was hugging him but still sobbing.
"Hey buddy, calm down, no one is going to send you anywhere you don't want to go, now I want to tell you something about me, it's not something I tell everyone, will you listen to me?"
He calmed a little, he was still crying but he nodded yes and buried his head into my chest.
"My mother died when I was twelve, I thought she was the only person who loved me and she was suddenly gone. I was devastated, I can say that now, then I just didn't know what I felt except alone, I didn't have anyone who would care if I was alive or not. There was my father but he didn't even like me, he took every opportunity to hurt me, he told me loads of times, I was a nuisance, a brat he didn't want to be saddled with. At my mothers funeral I sat all alone, my father didn't speak to me, I felt so lost until my grandparents came in and sat on either side of me, they put their arms around me and from that moment on I never looked back, I drew strength from them, they were concerned enough to come to me, they were hurting but they put that aside, they could see I was hurting too, I knew right there and then they must love me and oh boy was I ever right, from that day on my father could never get to me, I was loved, I was invincible".
At some stage Billy had stopped crying and was looking up, hanging on my every word.
"Sound familiar buddy, is that what your life's been like?".
He nodded.
I beckoned to Lenny and she closed in wrapping her arms around him from the opposite side.
"You feel that?".
He nodded again.
"You can have that hug any time you need it, we want you buddy, we love you. We want you to be a part of this family, we want you to know that we love you, feel that we love you, and be sure that we won't force you, or make you, go anywhere you don't want to, now shall we start again?, remember if you don't want to do something just say no and tell us your reasons, in this family we listen to everyone, you okay?".
He nodded yes again.
"Okay so what Lenny said earlier, there's no escaping school but you get to choose, do you want to stay with us, in which case Phil will be your teacher, or do you want to be a boarder at a school?. Before you answer that, you should know we'd prefer that you stay with us, you see I think I know from experience what you need is some quality family time, but like I said you get to choose".
His voice was horse from the sobbing and his eyes were pleading.
"Can I stay with you please?".
He was looking alternately between both of us.
Lenny nuzzled her head into his neck.
"Yes Billy, you can, and I want you to promise if anything ever worries you then you tell us, we want to hear about it Billy because that's the only way we can get it right, okay?".
He nodded his answer but stayed snuggled down between the two of us.
Over the following few days I took stock of what the future held for us now.
We'd inherited Lenny's parents house in The Hamptons which was next door to our own and we agreed we would keep both, use Lenny's old family home and let ours out.
Also part of our inheritance was Gramps estate in Florida right on the beach at Shell Key a large Plantation style mansion with acre upon acre of land surrounding it. The beach wasn't private but it saw hardly any public traffic because the house was built in a cove with access around the bluff either end only possible at low tide
We'd also inherited a further thirty six percent of the Woodruff share capital which Lenny and I talked for quite some time about before asking Josh to join us in discussing what we had in mind, something which would be a big shift from Woodruffs historical set up, but after a great deal of discussion Josh agreed with our plans.
The share capital in Woodruff now comprised twenty percent held by Josh and eighty percent held jointly by Lenny and I.
Josh and Bryan were still using our apartment whilst the renovations were being carried out on theirs though Josh no longer needed the live in staff for his daily physio so they were only using one room and in truth we loved having them close.
I'd called a board meeting at Woodruff Corporate Headquarters and I'd invited Leo, Rosa, Ramon, Pip, Celia and Bryan.
As usual we had legal representation which had always been Edward, Lenny's father but since Edwards death was now Alfred, and financial representation from our CFO, (Chief Financial Officer) Peter Farley.
As much as I felt sad that Gramps was missing, Lenny had just as many sad thoughts about her missing father.
Leo, Celia and Ramon were used to attending board meetings at Woodruff but I could sense Rosa, Pip and Bryan were apprehensive, not understanding why they had been invited.
In opening the meeting I thanked everyone for attending and advised them at this meeting we would not be discussing any of the normal operational or financial aspects of Woodruff instead I wanted to discuss a radical restructuring of the management ownership.
No one interrupted me so I pressed on.
"You will all be aware that by tradition Woodruff has always been a family owned and managed business, we could carry on in that tradition, we are strong, vibrant, and financially successful as a company. However, Lenny, Josh and I, are in agreement that it is time to change. Almost a year ago now you will all be aware of the awful road traffic accident which almost took Josh from us. That incident made me realise that we had grown to the point where our management structure was barely adequate at best and notably deficient should there be an emergency, as was the case with Josh's accident. I, started the change in management structure at that time whilst Josh was recuperating and though I will admit both Gramps and Josh were skeptical, they trusted me and I'm pleased to say that sitting with us today are the two people who implemented my strategy and we saw it work, for that, Ramon and Bryan, Woodruff is extremely grateful. I had planned a further change and I had spoken to both Gramps and Josh about it but of course everything went on hold because I was too busy, well now it's time and today we will implement that change".
There was not a sound in the room, every face was riveted to mine.
"Several years ago my Grandmother started the change we intend to continue tonight, she bequeathed a number of shares to Josh who, although at that time being my partner, had no legal ties to the family".
Again I paused, this time to take a drink of water from the crystal tumbler before me.
"Lenny and I own 80 percent of the share capital in Woodruff and because we are legally married can each vote on any motion, the remaining 20 percent is held by Josh but because Josh and Bryan are not legally bound Bryan cannot exercise any voting rights over Josh's shares, I am going to propose a motion that we relax the ruling that a couple have to be legally bound and substitute a ruling that a couple is defined by living as cohabiting partners for 1 year prior to the voting date".
Lenny seconded the motion and Alfred called for a vote which resulted in a yes from the 3 voting share owners, Lenny, Josh and myself, the vote was carried, the changes had commenced.
Looking around the table I was on the verge of laughing, they all seemed confused about what had just happened and still couldn't understand why they were here, even Bryan seemed oblivious to the fact that he could now vote on Josh's shares if Josh wanted him to.
"Okay we're on a roll so let's go for the rest of what Lenny, Josh and I believe will cement the future of this company. Leo, Rosa, Ramon, Pip, Bryan, each of you in different ways has been responsible for ensuring this company flourished, you have each gone out of your way, 'above and beyond', I believe is the expression".
I had their attention now.
"Lenny and I, as I said earlier, own 80 percent of the voting shares and after today we will retain 51 percent, the other 29 percent we intend to distribute between you our extended family because that's what we are a family".
Now there were a group of stunned, open mouthed, people with looks of complete disbelief.
"I propose a motion that the following percentage of share stock is given free gratis from the stock currently owned by Lenny and I to the named persons, 5 percent to Bryan, 5 percent to Leo, 5 percent to Ramon, 5 percent to Celia, 4 percent to Rosa, 4 percent to Pip can we have a second to this motion?".
Lenny again seconded the motion but this time before we could complete the process Leo spoke up.
Leo's voice was rough, a little croaky as though he were in shock.
"PJ, Lenny, I'm not sure how to say this and sometimes I'm not real good with words so please hear me out, I think, from looking around this table, I'm going to be saying what each of us is thinking, you don't need to do this, we are family, we always will be, we look after each other like brothers and sisters, we're not being ungrateful we just don't understand why you're doing it, we're confused".
I saw a pleading in his eyes, he really didn't understand.
"Alfred, Peter, I hope you won't feel slighted by this request but would you guys leave us for a few minutes, I think we need some quite personal time to explain why we are doing what I've proposed, in fact, Celia would you ring for the refreshments now and have a separate set put in my office for Alfred and Peter".
They agreed and made to leave the room but as they got to the door Peter turned around to address us all and what he said floored me.
"I've worked at Woodruff for almost 25 years, I've watched PJ as a boy and then a man guide this company from strength to strength, I've watched in amazement as he dealt with problems and crises that most men would have baulked at and he does it with love. The one thing I know he's craved all those years is the loving family he never had, with the exception of his grandparents. Looking around this room I'm reminded of a saying I heard to describe my military pals, 'Brothers from other Mothers', you all display exactly what brings that expression to life, parentage is irrelevant, in this room I see a family. I'm sorry PJ, I hope I haven't overstepped the mark".
I couldn't answer, he'd brought tears to my eyes and looking around the room he'd done the same to everyone else.
I waited until the refreshments had been laid out before continuing.
"We know you're not being ungrateful Leo, we understand your confusion, it's a big thing we're proposing, but we, Lenny, Josh and I have talked this through extensively and it's what we want to do, not just to cement and ensure the future of Woodruff, but to strengthen and secure the future of us around this table as a family".
I could see I needed to go further, to try and explain the feelings we held for this group of people.
"What Peter said, it kind of surprised me, I had no idea he felt that way but that last thing he said it's true, parentage is irrelevant, to me you are all my brothers and sisters, Leo and Pip are the bossy ones".
They all laughed at that and I could tell we were were we needed to be.
"We're not just giving you anything, this is something which means so much more to us than I think I can explain, but I'll try. Woodruff was for a large part of my early years the only thing which kept me sane when I was battling to understand why my father hated me, why at every opportunity he knocked me down, when my self esteem was at its lowest, Woodruff was kind to me, whatever I did for it, it grew stronger, seeming to pay me back by flourishing and it gave me back my sense of worth. I owe it a debt of gratitude, along with my grandparents it's responsible for what I am today. I know what it needs, it needs a loving family at the helm and it will continue to flourish and provide for us all. So you see we're not giving you something, we're entrusting our precious Woodruff to you".
When I stopped talking I couldn't see a dry eye and it was Rosa who spoke first.
"I can't speak for everyone else but for myself I accept, I promise to love and cherish this gift just as you do".
Similar sentiments and promises flowed from everyone around the table.
When Alfred and Peter rejoined us I proses the motion to bestow the shares on each person and this time Josh seconded it with Lenny agreeing, and so it was almost done.
I had just one thing to clear up.
"When we started talking I mentioned that Lenny and I would retain 51 percent of the share capital, well if anyone has done their sums you'll notice we have 1 percent adrift and although I haven't discussed this with anyone it's something I really want to do so I'm going to propose a motion and it will be the first our new board gets to vote on. I propose the remaining 1 percent of shares is gifted into the ownership of someone who like all of us has given everything to Woodruff, that person being Peter Farley".
Peter was stunned, but it didn't take long for the first voice to sound out a resounding "I second that motion", it came from a smiling Ramon and when Alfred asked for a show of hands in favour it was carried unanimously.
Alfred reminded us that although I'd mostly led the meeting so far we had not yet appointed a chairman.
There was a general babble of chattering around the table confirming they all assumed it would be me until Albert almost laughing reminded them that someone had to propose the motion and it was Leo's voice which silenced all others.
"I propose PJ Thorn to be Chairman of Woodruff Corporate and all of its subsidiary companies".
Ramon seconded the motion and it was again carried unanimously.
I thanked them and asked for their indulgence whilst we dealt with a couple of issues which needed board level approval.
"There will need to be a few job or role changes to complete our transition and I'll outline them one by one".
Only Celia was aware of an imminent promotion.
"Josh mate, I need a Vice Chairman, there is no other candidate, you've earned it with blood sweat and tears. I propose a motion to appoint Josh as Vice Chairman Woodruff Corporate".
Lenny seconded the motion and it was a unanimous yes vote.
"Celia, not many people know that you have been effectively running Woodruff Corporate on an Executive level for the past 2 years, I certainly wouldn't have known if Gramps himself hadn't told me. I, we, are grateful for your dedication and for the way you shielded my grandfather and kept the Corporate Headquarters running on an even keel. I propose a motion to appoint Celia to the position of CEO Woodruff Corporate".
Josh seconded the motion and again it was a unanimous agreement.
"Josh, I thank all of our lucky stars that you found this next guy, I don't think it's an exaggeration to describe him as a maestro in management, I just hope we don't have the same problem convincing him to take this role as we did the last one".
Bryan's head snapped up, sudden realisation striking him like a bolt of lightning, his mouth hanging open in awe.
"Yes Bryan, it's you I'm talking about, I think I told you before when we were in a similar situation, we could scour the land but we wouldn't find anyone so talented, so able, so willing, so good.
I propose a motion to appoint Bryan as President North American Operations Woodruff Hotels".
Josh again seconded the motion and it was yet another clean slate of yeses.
"Okay we have one more, this time Josh I take the credit, this guy was the Restaurant Manager who impressed me from the word go, he's already revolutionised so many areas of our Operations, he's increased our profits and improved the overall customer experience enormously and yet I'm guessing even now he hasn't figured out who I'm talking about".
True to form Ramon was looking around the table trying to decide who on earth I was talking about.
"I propose a motion to appoint Ramon as President European Operations Woodruff Hotels".
This time Lenny, Leo and Rosa shouted "Seconded" in unison and the following vote carried it unanimously.
I thanked everyone for their time and help in getting us back to a stable place and closed the meeting.
We'd been in the meeting for 4 hours and it was now around 1 pm.
A luncheon buffet had been laid out in the private dining room next to the boardroom and I watched with interest from the other side of the room as Rosa inspected the food not choosing anything.
I was even more interested when Lenny joined Rosa and they each lifted then returned several items with obvious disappointment on their faces.
Not to put too fine a point on it, the catering at Woodruff Corporate Headquarters had been crap for a long time but Gramps had been happy with it, mainly because he very rarely ate here.
I watched as Rosa and Lenny drew in Celia and overheard her say, "This is actually better than the food served in the staff cafeteria, there the food is quite often overpriced and more often than not inedible".
I watched as the 3 of them went into a huddle before I heard Celia say, "Knock yourselves out girls and good luck with the dragon lady".
I saw the look on Lenny's face, oh I knew that look so well, someone was about to be hit by an express train and I doubted they would even see it coming.
That evening at dinner I asked Leo and Rosa if they had a few minutes later to chat and I could see the inquisitive expression on their faces but they agreed.
After dinner I asked Rosa to have the staff serve coffee on the Lounge balcony for us and Lenny joined us.
I could see Rosa almost begging Lenny by expression to tell her what this was about but Lenny just smiled one of those 'wait and see' responses.
"Leo I've wanted to speak to you about how our security and all the other security jobs you do are structured, I was intending to have a talk with you after Billy and Julia's wedding but things went to hell and I've not had chance so here we are".
I could see he was confused so I went on.
"Lenny and I have discussed this at length and we feel we're taking advantage of you, monopolising you to your detriment".
Leo had waited for me to pause then he jumped in.
"PJ, even if you knew how to take advantage of someone you wouldn't, couldn't do it, it's not in your nature, but what you've said so far has me interested so please tell me where this is leading".
Lenny was almost laughing now, "PJ you don't half waffle sometimes, can I?".
She was right I sometimes forget I could cut to the chase with friends, I nodded smiling at her, knowing she'd lay it out easily.
"Leo, we asked Rosa to join us because this is something which I'm guessing you'll need to discuss between you. I think we've said before that one of the most important and beneficial decisions we ever made was to have you onboard, but as PJ rightly pointed out we feel we are holding you back. We feel you should set up your own security company and capitalise on what you do best, providing a safe environment for people to operate in and live in. We would ask you to still be the one in overall charge of our family security but we feel you could, in a very short time have an international success on your hands. We're willing to finance the set up from our private funds so what do you think?".
To say he was staggered would be an understatement but as he looked at Rosa I saw that tell tale, 'I told you so' look on her face.
"You two never cease to amaze me, Rosa and I have talked about this a few times and she is in agreement with you, but of course I don't have the funds to bankroll something like this".
He paused and looked right into the faces of both of us.
"I'm sorry, I owe you an apology, Rosa said to approach you with a business plan and you'd help me work it out but, and here's where I have to apologise, I said you had enough on your plate without me worrying you, I should have known you wouldn't brush me off, again I'm sorry and yes it's something I long to do, it's something I love doing but from what I've found out so far it could be expensive to set up and a while before the benefits would be apparent".
Lenny hooked Rosas arm, "Come on girl they don't need us now, let's go look at the new baby stuff we picked up".
They went off leaving Leo and I to chat.
Leo watched them leave as I did smiling.
"You reckon they set that up?".
I thought about it and I knew the original idea was mine but I wasn't sure how it had come about that I decided to broach the subject tonight.
"Seriously Leo I'm never sure with Lenny if I've decided something or if she's maybe steered me towards it. You realise we'll both be proud parents of newborns again anytime now so let's set the powers that be on getting this company set up".
Within two weeks it was settled, Leo had an office in Manhattan and his client list consisted of Woodruff Corporate, Fielding Presidential, SPECTRUM, Thorn Family, Fielding Family.
Because it was a risky venture in as much as there was no way to gauge its success or failure rate nor to predict what new business would be earned or at what rate, we agreed that Lenny and I would extend a personal loan to Leo from our private funds, though it took some hard talking to convince Leo to accept the terms, if it failed, it failed, tough, no repayment due.
#####################################################
There was just one thing burning at me, it was a constant ache, I wanted desperately to hit back at that bastard my father.
Josh had gone to war with his doctors and achieved a win, they'd allowed him to resume work, he would run the business from New York.
I was sitting in my office in Torremolinas, we'd traveled home and agreed no more traveling until after Lenny and Rosa gave birth.
Leo leaned through the doorway into the office and tapped on the frame.
PJ do you have a minute?".
"Sure Leo come on in, have a seat by the fireplace I'll just be a minute".
I could see he looked worried, I finished up the report I'd been studying, closed down my computer and joined him.
"So what can I do for you".
He was rubbing his hands, not looking at me.
"Okay Leo, there's obviously something troubling you so spill the beans".
He looked at me, just looked, didn't say anything at first, I could see he was torn about telling me then it came gushing out.
"We have him, your father, our plan worked, he's secured in a safe house in Buenos Aires, he's sedated but that's all".
Leo was staring at me I knew it, I knew he was waiting for me to answer him but I couldn't, I couldn't think straight, I knew I really wanted to just kill the bastard, I wanted to tell Leo to have him shot, slowly in each limb so he'd feel pain like he'd never felt before, I realised I was crying, tears were just flowing, I was shaking, I could see Leo freaking out but I couldn't stop it, I heard Leo shout for Lenny, I saw her come into the office, I tried to stand but there was a spinning, falling feeling, and real pain, then it all went black.
I was aware of someone stroking my face.
" Come on lover you have to come back at some point there are three anxious children wanting to know where you are and I can't tell them Poppa's having a melt down".
She was still stroking my face, my hair, I heard Leo say we needed a doctor but Lenny stopped him.
"This is personal, I'll deal with it, just give me time, I just need to get through to him, I could bloody slap myself, I should have seen this coming, he was far too calm all along, he propped up every one of us just like he always does, I, we, should have taken more of the strain".
I opened my eyes and there she was sitting on the floor amid the debris of the smashed table where I'd fallen, cradling my head, stroking my face and hair, I looked at her and the tears just flowed again, she didn't say anything she just pulled me in closer, held me tight until it passed, until I was so tired I slept.
When I opened my eyes it was morning, the sun was streaming in and on the bed were three wide eyed little wonders just waiting for me to say something.
"It's my munchkins, come here, give Poppa cuddles".
That's all it took, they launched themselves at me and I was in heaven.
I realised Lenny was standing back looking apprehensive.
"Okay gang move over I need to talk to Momma".
It was like the parting of the Red Sea.
There stood Lenny and I held out my arms.
"Come here you beautiful woman".
She didn't say anything just smiled and climbed onto the bed and into my arms.
"Christ PJ you frightened the crap out of me, but you're going to be okay now, I've got your back so rest, that's an order".
She wrapped me in her arms and I'd never felt safer, I didn't remember falling back asleep.
I didn't know how long I'd slept but after a shower and clean clothes I felt human again.
As I entered the lounge all conversation stopped.
"Okay guys I'm over the freak out stage so quit the scrutiny, I'm sorry if I worried you, I've never experienced anything like that before, but I'm okay now".
Rosa jumped up.
"You must be starving I'll get you some breakfast".
Then she shocked me, she hugged me really tight and she was off to get my breakfast.
I looked at Leo.
"We need to talk, perhaps after I've eaten, I'm bloody starving".
I should have been bursting with the amount Rosa put in front of me but I ate like I'd never seen food before and at last I actually felt good, it was as though my body had needed to shut down and rest for a while to recharge its battery, right now I felt I was firing on all cylinders.
I sat in the lounge with Leo and I could see he was nervous, I'd guess he was thinking I might flip out again if we broached the subject of my father so I cleared the air.
"Leo relax, it's not going to happen again, I think I bottled up too much, that was entirely my own fault, I should have talked it out with you guys, but I didn't and when you told me you had him I'm ashamed to say my mind went into overdrive thinking of how many different ways I could cause him pain".
Leo let out an audible sigh of relief.
"Bloody hell PJ, I near shit myself, I didn't know what to do except call Lenny. I've been in some pretty tight spots over the years and I've dealt with all sorts of injuries but I couldn't do anything for you I felt so helpless, you wouldn't breathe, your eyes were rolling back, I watched you fall and I couldn't get to you in time, you completely smashed the table and you were still shaking, but as soon as Lenny held you it was like you relaxed and just passed out. Don't fuckin do that again, you hear me?".
I was almost laughing he was so serious.
"Sorry Leo"
He just stared at me, I realised he wasn't even slightly amused.
"And stop fuckin apologising, we're all to blame for that little episode, we let you take it all on board, we were all too wrapped up in our own feelings, we let you deal with everything, we're a family as you keep reminding us, we should have insisted we take some of the strain and we didn't, I'm the one should be saying sorry, and I am PJ, really sorry".
Okay this had gone far enough it needed to end, it had become a complete turnaround, I felt great and everyone else felt lousy.
I called Lenny and Rosa into the lounge.
"Listen, all of you, I was a dick, I took on too much and I had a flip out, it was not, and I emphasise, not, the fault of any of you. I did what I did because I'm programmed to, it's the way I've been all my life. The only person to blame for my flip out is me, so I want an end to this beating yourselves up, I want happy, happy, happy, no more long faces, are we okay?".
I saw Lenny's face and I knew just as she did how to restore the balance.
I jumped up at exactly the same time she did and we did the high five hip bump routine before dropping back onto the couch laughing, and thank the lord, Leo and Rosa were laughing as well.
"Okay back to business, I want him brought back to the US Leo, I don't care how we do it but I want him on American soil, the only problem will be his wealth, he'll be able to finance some heavy legal representation".
Leo was almost laughing now and I didn't understand why.
"When we took him his laptop was open and one of the guys I sent in is a techie, the US Government uses him in an advisory capacity quite often. He changed the password and he's had control of the laptop ever since. While we waited for your instructions I authorised an electronic payment of one million dollars to the rival gang leader of the ones protecting him, and we made sure they were aware of his double dealing, he now has a price on his head from his so called protectors".
I was absolutely bubbling, "Fantastic Leo, I love it, let the bastard chew on that for a while".
Leo was smiling as he went on.
"We can drain the majority of his funds to just about anywhere you want but he'll still have his investments of around 100 million dollars, it's only a fraction of what he has now but it's still a sizeable fortune to fund his defence".
Leo stopped, I think to let me absorb all of that.
"A rough plan is in place to get him back here but it's a little tricky. Right now he thinks he's being protected by the rival drug family, he hasn't a clue who's really hiding him. We have introduced him to a fake Russian contact who has him believing he'll be granted asylum in Russia and a flight can be arranged, but it would mean traveling under an alias and stoping in Paris to refuel which is dicey because if Interpol got wind of who he really was they could detain him on trafficking charges and that would allow The US to request extradition".
Again Leo stopped to give me time to take it in.
"We've studied just about every option and this seems the best plan for having him in the hands of the authorities, it's not ideal, I know we'd rather he was on American soil but once he's in captivity in France the State Department can drag his ass back here".
I hadn't said anything yet and I could see Leo was waiting for me to speak but I knew he wasn't going to like what I would be saying.
"Leo, please don't loose it when I say this, I want him on American soil, can your guys somehow convince him to travel on American Airlines?, I know they do a direct flight into JFK, what about telling him the Russians have granted him Diplomatic Status until he gets to Moscow so he'd be protected en route, that way we can have our guys nab him at JFK and I think I've got a plan for depriving him of his remaining funds".
I was a little nervous because Leo wasn't looking upset or angry as I'd expected, in fact he was grinning.
" You sneaky bastard, you knew what I'd say didn't you?"
He laughed openly.
"Guilty as charged, but thanks you just came up with the perfect way to get him to stop off in New York, he's such an arrogant prick he won't question the validity of a Diplomatic Passport".
I could have hugged him.
"Thank you Leo, this means so much to us, even if the plan fails at least we tried".
That did rattle Leo, "Wash your mouth out mister, my guys don't fail".
"Sorry".
The next few days seemed to drag on forever as we waited for news that he had taken the bait then at last on the 5th day we got confirmation, he would be traveling tomorrow leaving Buenos Aires around 2pm local time and landing into JFK around 10am local time.
The plan was set, as soon as he was airborne and unable to contact his banks the majority of his wealth would be drained from his accounts in the various tax havens he was using.
The tech guys would send it on a helter skelter ride around the globe before dropping it anonymously into around a thousand charitable organisations accounts, let the old bastard try tracing that back if he ever gets out of prison.
Leo asked if I'd considered grabbing some of it, then before I could reply he answered his own question saying it wouldn't have even entered my head and to be honest we didn't need it and I considered it dirty money, much better it should now play a role of helping those less fortunate.
As for his invested wealth which we figured amounted to about 100 million dollars with most of it in America, I'd had our legal guys draft civil law suits against him with each one demanding compensation in the amount of 10 million dollars for the loss of loved ones. I had three law suits against him, Lenny had 4, Brian had 4, each of our children had 3 so in all we were claiming 200 million dollars and petitions had been launched to freeze his assets pending trial.
The IRS were also supporting the asset freeze for unpaid taxes in the sum of 15 million dollars.
By the time he arrived into JFK he would be penniless.
Behind the scenes so much was happening as soon as his flight was airborne.
In Washington the Russian Ambassador was summoned immediately to the State Department and quizzed on why a fugitive from justice in The US was traveling around the world on a Russian Diplomatic Passport, moreover he was warned that unless the passport status was rescinded before the plane touched down on American soil the US would expel every Russian Diplomat below the Ambassador.
To say the Ambassador was shocked would be a grand understatement.
Within 2 hours a full diplomatic incident was playing out, The Russians had been carefully cultivating a better relationship with the US and suddenly they looked to be supporting Drug Trafficking, International Money Laundering, Murder and Initiating Murder by Hire and Tax Evasion.
The Russian Diplomatic Passport my father was traveling on was in fact a genuine passport procured with a host of false information so the Russians had every right to withdraw its status but of course that suggested they were a load of Numpty's who could be duped so easily and they wanted to avoid that at all costs.
In the end news came through that the passport had been declared a forgery, of exceptional quality with its ID ringed from a genuine passport, but a forgery non the less, thus Argentinian Border Control was excused for allowing the passport holder to board an international flight and a further diplomatic row was averted, American Airlines was excused for transporting an individual without a valid passport avoiding a heavy financial penalty and most critically Russia was deemed to be totally innocent of any wrongdoing.
We didn't get to see him other than what we saw reported on the news channels and to be honest I think that was fortunate because neither Lenny nor I could have resisted the urge to physically harm him and that would have played into his hands being broadcast by the Media.
I did hold up a glass of wine to the TV screen and toast his return with, 'Welcome Home Daddy Dearest, may you rot in a cell for ever', and the toast was echoed by everyone in the room.
The New York District Attorney went all out, charging him with Multiple counts of Murder, Procuring the Deaths of Multiple Individuals by Hire, Attempting to Procure and Actually Procuring the Abduction of Multiple Individuals including Children for Ransom, Drug Trafficking (several kilos of pure cocaine had been found in his luggage, surprise, surprise, I wonder how that got there), Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, Fleeing the Country to avoid a Federal Arrest Warrant on Tax Evasion, Forgery and Theft of an International Travel Document.
As expected bail was denied and he was incarcerated in a maximum security penitentiary pending trial.
His Lawyers turned up at Woodruff Corporate a few days before the first court hearing, I suspect to plead for help with his defence costs, Celia rang me and I instructed her to have them physically ejected from the building, I didn't even want to hear their pleas.
They then tried Billy at Fielding Presidential Headquarters and he gave them the same response though gossip got back to me to say Billy used the phrase 'Not even the shit off of my shoe would I give to that sorry excuse for a human being now get off my property before I do something I might regret'.
In the end he caved and pleaded guilty to all charges on condition he was protected in isolation to avoid the wrath of the Drug Families in South America he'd crossed.
I still think it came as a shock to him when he received several life sentences without the chance of parole.
On the day of sentencing we were all sat in the lounge of our Apartment in Torremolinas watching CNN, as the sentence was announced Lenny loudly exclaimed 'Oh God' and Rosa followed closely with 'Oh Shit'.
I was surprised that either would have any pity for him so I said, "Oh come on girls you can't feel sorry for that bastard".
Lenny looked at Rosa and she nodded before Lenny replied, "We don't feel sorry for that bastard we feel sorry for you two, our waters just broke".
THE END.
We leave 'Life's Illusions', the Woodruff, SPECTRUM, and the extended Thorn Family there.
I have to say again I'm really grateful to all who've persevered and read my story. Never in a million years did I think it would generate as many followers as it has. To date I've answered every comment of which there have been many.
Mostly the comments were positive and of the ones not exactly positive, again most were, I have to admit, raising genuine concerns in a polite manner, though I do genuinely regret in just one single solitary instance becoming terribly irked and sending back the equivalent of a middle finger flip, sorry, if you read this, 'enough said', (you'll understand that), I sincerely apologise.
Okay, I'm taking a short break before commencing a follow up "Life's Illusions - 10 years on".
It will be a return to the wider family but I need some help here.
I'm torn on a couple of issues:
Should the story narration come, as in this story, just from one persons perspective (PJ's), or should it be expanded to others, or maybe just written in the third person?.
Should the follow up contain more explicit sexual content?.
Please take few moments to let me have your thoughts they are invaluable.
Constructive comments, good or bad to Allan at, cfgw2000@aol.com please, headed "Life's Illusions" in the subject box. Thanks again for giving your time to read this.
Author ARB