Please remember to donate to Nifty, it gives so much to all of us.
Any amount, large or small, is welcome in order to keep this free site available.
Thank you, donations to the address below. Http://Donate.nifty.org/donate.html
Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 11
Chris and Max had been house hunting for months and nothing appealed to them, they were getting disillusioned and their agent was rapidly losing patience with them, she'd made it plain they were being too picky, they wanted something that didn't exist.
They'd almost given up hope when the realtor called with details of an unusual property, it was a double wide townhouse in TriBeCa, Lower Manhattan, six floors, currently figured as 25 apartments, most had already vacated, there remained only one tenant in place, the vendors were guaranteeing vacant possession on completion.
The price had been a few dollars short of 16 million dollars, but Chris jumped at the idea of viewing it and they settled on 11am next morning.
As soon as he'd disconnected from the realtor Chris rang Lenny who as usual sounded cheerful when she answered.
"Hi Chris, what a pleasant surprise, what can I do for you?".
"Hi Lenny, we were rather hoping you would be free at 11am in the morning to visit a property with us, it's in TriBeCa on West Street, don't ask me why but it appeals to me".
Chris had explained the details passed on by the realtor and Lenny agreed there sounded as though there was real potential, she confirmed she could just manage it but needed to be away by 12.30 as she was meeting a group of girls for lunch in Manhattan.
That night they were in an upbeat playful mood and as Max slipped under the covers at bedtime Chris called out from the bathroom, "Max we have a problem, something's come up and we need to deal with it".
Max was mystified, what on earth was Chris talking about, then as Chris walked naked from the bathroom with an obscenely protruding cock leading the way Max was grinning, he looked directly at what had come up, and he had definite ideas on how to take care of the problem.
"Oh that looks painful, it needs to be wrapped in something warm and moist to help that swelling go down".
As Chris approached the bed Max lay back and raised his legs exposing his tight little hole, "I think this might do".
Reaching into the bedside drawer Chris pulled out lube and whilst his lips locked firmly on to Max's, his fingers began probing Max's tight young hole, pretty soon the moans told him it was time to move on and his hard cock eased its way slowly into Max until his balls were resting on those beautiful bubble cheeks.
After a couple of minutes to let Max get used to him being inside, he started to ease back and forth, before long he was pounding in and out, to the sheer delight of Max who was uttering encouragement in the form of some extremely filthy language, that served only to urge Chris onwards to a monumental orgasm, spurting his juice deep inside just as Max tipped over the brink shooting streams of white spunk up over both of their chests and stomachs.
Snuggled together later Max was drifting off to sleep as he heard, "I love you Max, more than I could ever have imagined, as long as I have you I have everything, sleep tight my love".
At 11am precisely next morning Lenny's car drew up outside the building they were to view, surprisingly, out stepped not only Lenny but PJ as well.
As the group greeted each other, Chris and Max's agent arrived and let them into the building.
They were surprised to find the entrance hall almost as it was when it was built, the original carved staircase led up to a circular landing on each floor.
The house had been divided up into 15 poorly proportioned apartments over it's 6 floors.
Chris explained his vision for the building to Lenny, he wanted the ground level to be their apartment with 5 bedrooms, lounge, office, dining room, kitchen and a large glass conservatory spanning the full width of the building leading into the rear garden area, half of which would be a light filled studio for Max.
The floors above were each to be converted so that one apartment ran from front to back of the building on either side of the central stair case and lift giving 2 x 3 bedroom apartments on each floor.
Chris's plan would reduce the number of apartments to 11 including the ground level apartment Chris and Max would occupy but he intended to sell 9 of the apartments above ground level at around 3 million dollars each, bringing in 27 million dollars, allowing up to 11 million dollars for renovations and leaving them mortgage free, 1 apartment would be held back for occupancy by a building manager.
As they toured the building a small boy emerged from an apartment on the first floor, he looked to be about nine or ten years old and although dressed in well worn school clothing he was as neat and clean as could be.
The boy addressed Chris, deciding he was obviously the person looking over the building, he was polite and completely civil, "Excuse me sir, I don't mean to be rude, but could you possibly tell me how soon we would have to go if you buy the place?".
They were all impressed with the boy's manners, Chris answered in a similar manner, "I'm not even sure we will buy the building though I have to admit it is very tempting, do you live here with your parents?".
The boy listened intently before answering, "I live in 2d with my mother and sister, my father was killed in Afghanistan when I was little, I have pictures of him in his uniform, I'm sorry I have to run now or I'll be late for school".
With a wave he literally did as he'd said, ran down the flight of stairs to the front door and vanished, leaving all of them smiling.
When they left the building Chris and Max were upbeat and determined to try to purchase it, Chris had confided in PJ the intention of liquidating his trust fund and seeking finance for the difference.
As Lenny left in their car to meet her friends for lunch PJ asked if he could bum a ride from Chris and Max which they were happy to provide.
On the way across town Chris got a pleasant surprise, PJ told him not to approach a bank or liquidate his trusts, funds would be extended from PJs private accounts, Chris could pay it back as he sold his apartments, he did have one favour to ask of the boys though, "Would you find out the circumstances of the young fellas family?, I got the impression that money was pretty tight and without a father around I'm guessing life's quite tough, even without the prospect of being evicted".
Three weeks after they'd viewed the building Chris and Max signed the title deeds and took possession.
Lenny had been brilliant, the rough plans she'd come up with were translated into working drawings by her architect and at a cost level which impressed both Max and Chris, they should be able to achieve the planned renovations at around 6 million dollars, allowing them to repay PJ and add around 5 million dollars to their funds.
Lenny had put them in touch with the agent she preferred and after a consultation whilst looking over the plans and discussing what services the boys intended to provide, she advised they market at 3.5 million dollars per unit on all but the penthouse floor and here she suggested adding a staircase to the roof and landscaping, this she told them would increase the top floor units with a shared roof garden to a marketable value of 4.5 million dollars each or if they installed 2 doors to the roof and segregated it, a private roof space would bring them an increase up to 5 million dollars per unit.
The revised plans would now bring in a minimum of 33.5 million dollars, possibly 34.5 million dollars.
On their second visit with Lenny and Joe, Lenny's architect, they'd again encountered the polite youngster on the first floor above ground, this time he approached Chris and offered his hand, "I apologise for my rudeness when we last met, I should have introduced myself, I'm Daniel Worthington and my mother has asked me to extend an offer of refreshments if you have time".
Chris shook his hand and then introduced Lenny, Max and Joe, telling Daniel they would definitely appreciate refreshments once Joe had finished looking over the building.
True to their word, a little over an hour later when Joe took his leave, Chris knocked on the door of 2d and was greeted by a pleasant young woman with a small girl clinging to her waist who, judging by the resemblances, could only be Daniels mother and sister.
Daniel introduced his mother and younger sister Christine before they were led into a lounge which, though furnished with older and mismatched items was perfectly clean and tidy.
After being seated they were served with homemade lemonade and biscuits which they really enjoyed.
Chris was inquisitive, "Mrs Worthington, have you lived here long?".
"Please call me Amanda, we've been here a little over four years now, since my husband, the children's father was killed in Afghanistan, we couldn't afford the mortgage on our apartment, I know it's not exactly luxury but by working several jobs I can keep our heads above water just about".
She looked pensive as though she wanted to ask a question but didn't really want to know the answer.
"I'm guessing we'll have to move soon won't we?".
Chris was thinking, Max could read him easily and smiled, he knew what was coming, "I'm not sure, certainly not at the moment so please don't be worried, if we did need you to vacate this unit, I'd make sure you were looked after".
She was puzzled, "Why would you be bothered with us?, no one else, including the government has ever offered to help".
Lenny spoke up this time, "Your husband was in the military when he was killed?".
Amanda nodded, "Danny was a Captain, he was on patrol, his vehicle detonated an IED, he was badly injured by the blast but he got two of his unit to safety before he was shot by a sniper, he died before they could evac him, he earned the Medal of Honour for his bravery".
There were tears rolling down her face as she turned away.
Lenny was up on her feet in an instant wrapping her arms around Amanda, "You just answered your own question, he gave his life for others, he deserves to rest in peace, safe in the knowledge his family are taken care of".
Chris and Max were looking at each other, sharing one thought, before Chris spoke, "We're going to need a building manager once the renovations are complete, the plan is to offer full service apartments, everything taken care of, the building manager will be responsible for hiring cleaning and maintenance staff and making sure everything gets done to the apartment owners satisfaction, would you consider the role, it comes with an apartment and a decent salary?".
Amanda just stared at him, unable to speak, the tears still rolling down her cheeks when Daniel spoke for her, "Say yes Mom, it means we won't have to leave, I won't have to change schools again, please say yes".
Amanda was smiling at him, "It seems the man of the house thinks it's a good idea, so yes please, I'd be honoured to accept if you think I could do it".
Chris and Max were grinning when Max spoke this time, "We're sure you can, it will mean moving, you're going to be having one of the apartments on this floor, they'll all have a balcony built on so you have a small outside space but if we concentrate on getting the one on the opposite side of the building completed first you'll get to move straight in".
Almost eight hundred miles away in Chicago, Billy and Jay were lay spooned together in their Superking bed, Jolly was due back today after a weeks absence and boy was she in for a treat, the boys would be as horny as hell.
Billy had often remarked how strange it was when one of them was absent, the sex drive of all three dropped to zero.
Jolly had attended an insurers conference in Las Vegas, as a leading Insurance Broker their company was viewed as an important player in the market.
All three had taken Insurance as a major and had the qualifications required for underwriting, with Billy and Jay earning extra qualifications in Assessment and Loss Adjustment.
It had been Billy's suggestion of starting up their own Brokerage House that had set them on a path that would make them a household name.
'JBJ Brokers', had started by dealing direct with the general public providing insurance for buildings, contents, motor vehicles and travel.
Mostly the policies were pre packaged by the major insurers and they earned five percent of the value which was an extremely lucrative income stream, but lately more major earnings came from their Assessment and Loss Adjustment work for individuals and insurers.
It had become common practice for either Billy or Jay to be engaged by a major insurer to examine or investigate a claim for which they collected a fee of five percent of the claim value plus ten percent of any saving they secured for the insurer.
In the last year alone Billy and Jay had exposed a number of fraudulent claims totalling in excess of one hundred million dollars.
Their most lucrative earnings came when an insurer wanted a second opinion on another specialists report for this they earned the usual fee plus twenty percent of the savings secured for the insurer.
Jolly ran their Brokerage call centres dealing with the general public, of which they now had five, in Chicago, Boston, New York, Atlanta and Washington.
As they expanded it became a struggle to constantly keep up with the amount of travel until their stay with Woody and Jacqueline a year earlier.
Woody had shown them his Tele Conference Facility, they had been suitably impressed and within a month of their return had installed a facility in each of their centres.
Jolly could now run daily conferences with the General Managers of each centre and travel more selectively.
This last week had been particularly difficult for Jolly, she'd not been in great form when she'd set out for the conference on Sunday night putting it down to a cold or oncoming flue.
By Tuesday she was feeling awful and attending the nightly networking social events had put further strain on her.
When Friday finally arrived she was eager to get home but the flight made her almost vomit on takeoff, she was struggling to stay awake for most of the journey, confident both Billy and Jay would be waiting at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, she thanked the lord, because she didn't know if she had the energy to get from the airport to their home.
As the flight prepared to land in Chicago Jolly was feeling hot, queasy and light headed, she'd called the cabin attendant to ask for water but passed out as the cabin attendant approached.
In the arrivals hall Billy and Jay knew the flight had landed but there seemed to be some delay on passengers coming off the flight.
As they watched the gate door a paramedic crew wheeled a gurney out with what looked like an unconscious person on board, Billy's stomach lurched, on top of the gurney was Jolly's purse, the big Louie Vuitton she always traveled with, she called it her mobile office suite.
With hardly a sound Billy took off running towards the paramedics, out of sheer instinct Jay was only feet behind him, "Please, that's my partner, what's happened, is she okay?.
One of the paramedics blocked his path, "All I can tell you is she collapsed on the flight as it was coming in to land, we've given her oxygen and we're on our way to...........".
Billy stopped him, "Take her to Northwestern Memorial, we'll meet you there, I'll call ahead and have them ready to meet you, I have the insurance details, I'll get her checked in, we'll be right behind you".
The trip across town to Northwestern Memorial took only minutes as Billy and Jay caught up with and then followed the Ambulance.
As Jay drove Billy called Northwestern and alerted them to expect Jolly's arrival, although Billy didn't like using his family's influence he had no problem right then ensuring they knew he was William Thorn of the Woodruff Thorns.
As Jolly was rushed through into triage Billy urged Jay to stay with her while he went to reception to give their medical insurance details.
Once he had the reception staff satisfied he followed the path Jay and Jolly had taken finding them in a cubicle with a nurse and several doctors.
Jolly was still unconscious, Jay looked stunned just staring blankly at Billy as he entered the cubicle.
"What is it, what's wrong with her, is she going to be alright, why is she still unconscious?".
The doctors all looked towards him, one spoke, "Whooo slow down boy, who exactly are you?".
Billy pulled out a miniaturised copy of their joint Power of Attorney from the back of his wallet and handed it to the doctor who'd spoken, "I'm her partner, so is he, what is it, what's wrong".
The doctor was smiling, "As I've just told your friend here, there's nothing major wrong, I think she's just exhausted, is there any history of multiple births in either of your families?".
Jay just shook his head then realisation struck, he turned to stare at Billy who, at that very moment realised the doctors were doing an ultrasound scan of Jolly's abdomen, he stuttered his reply.
"No, I'm adopted, I know my adoptive mother had triplets and my adoptive sister had twins but that's not going to count for anything is it?".
The doctor wasn't so sure, "There's no scientific proof, but I've seen several times where really close families, biological or not, adopt more than just names, almost as if the body re identifies with its new family".
The doctor held out his hand which Billy shook on automatic.
"Anyway it looks like you'll have bragging rights over your sister because this young lady is pregnant with triplets, I'd estimate she's about 16 weeks, I'd like to keep her here for a day or so until she stabilises, right now she's exhausted and dehydrated, rest and fluids will take care of that, the babies all seem to be well developed and we don't detect any stress, it seems exhaustion just took over, can't see anything wrong other than that, but she's going to need some serious care over the next few months, this episode means her batteries are run down, she needs to rest and recharge, I'll give you a diet sheet to make sure she has enough of the right things to build her up again".
The doctors left after arrangements were made for Jolly's transfer to a private suite.
Billy and Jay just stared at each other for ages until a smile started spreading across both their faces, it was Jay who spoke first, "We're going to be a proper family, oh my god, I never guessed life could be this good, are you happy Billy?".
Billy's grin should have been the indicator, "You bet I'm happy, I already had the two most wonderful people to share my life with, now we're going to have three wonderful babies, I just want Jolly to wake up and share the news with us".
As if on cue Jolly began to stir, "Where am I, what happened",
Her hands reached out for Jay and Billy on either side of the bed.
Jay answered her, "You're in Northwestern Memorial silly, you passed out on the plane, you gave us quite a scare, for someone who's so organised you sure missed this one sweetie".
Jolly looked back and forth between both of their grinning faces.
"I don't understand, missed what?".
Billy looked at Jolly then Jay who was still grinning then back at Jolly, "Well how about several periods".
Jolly looked confused then the light came on, "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, I thought it was flu, I've been so tired, exhausted, I never gave it a thought, I'm sorry guys, I don't know how it happened".
There were tears running down her face.
Both immediately enveloped her into a joint hug.
Billy answered for them both, "Sorry, are you kidding us, you've made us the two happiest people on the planet, all we needed to complete this picture was you awake and well, now we're on cloud nine".
Jolly brightened, "I thought you might be mad, we didn't discuss having a baby and now it's on the way, you don't really have a choice, it's unfair to you guys, I don't know how I missed it".
Jay took over because Billy was just a grinning, bubbling wreck, " Err there's just one thing Jol, well three things actually, it's not one baby on the way, it's triplets, you're having three and we don't care how it happened, we're a family that's about to get bigger and we are over the bloody moon".
Jolly only stayed one night in the hospital, neither of the boys left the building, nothing would have persuaded them to leave her side, eventually the staff gave in, providing blankets for the two couches in Jolly's room.
At home next day she was settled on the sofa in the large lounge, snuggled into a duvet when the boys asked if she was up to discussing things.
She told them she was.
Billy started off, "I know this is a shock but are you okay with it Jol?, we feel sort of guilty, we were so happy we didn't really give you time to absorb it, to decide if it's what you want".
Jolly was watching them, they were concerned, she knew they would be, it had been like this almost since the first time they met, each of them more concerned for the wellbeing of the others than themselves, it gave her a warm loved feeling.
"Stop worrying guys, I'm more than okay with it, I'm concerned yes, but not about the pregnancy, I'm worried I won't be able to keep up my part of the business, I need to talk to your mum Billy, I need to know what to expect, if I'm so exhausted now what will it be like in another few months?".
Knowing she was happy to be pregnant was a fantastic boost for Billy and Jay, but they had other ideas they wanted to discuss as Billy explained.
"See that's what we wanted to talk about, we agree my momma could give you some valuable insight, but we don't want you wearing yourself out, so we were going to suggest you take on someone to cover the traveling you do, you confine yourself to video conferencing from here".
Jolly couldn't help but love these guys, "I think that's a good idea, it means I could keep on top of the work but not put in so much effort, are you sure you don't mind?, it means extra expense for another salary".
Jay laughed, "Don't be fooled, mostly we want you here so we can share this experience, to hell with the cost, we already have more money than we know what to do with, we know you're the one who's going to be doing all the hard work so anything we can do to help is okay with us".
Billy wanted to add something that had been niggling at him since he'd learned about the pregnancy, "Listen guys I think we need to give some thought to buying a bigger place to live, it's going to be pretty crowded around here when the little ones arrive, I think we should make it a priority before you get too advanced Jol, moving is supposed to be a pretty stressful experience, we don't want it to be when you're in the later stages, what do you think guys?".
Both nodded their agreement though when pressed none of them had any preference for the type of property they wanted to live in, just an understanding that as long as they were together the place didn't matter.
Jolly had an idea she wanted to explore on the employee front, "You both remember Bradley Carpenter, I met up with him on this recent conference, he works for Protect Insurance as an Area Manager, he was promised promotion to National Sales Manager but he's been stiffed by his bosses in favour of a family member, I like him, he seems easy going but he knows what he's talking about, I've only ever heard good comments about his management style, it seems he knows how to get the best out of the people he works with, I think I could work with him, but you guys need a catch up to see if you detect anything else".
They agreed Jolly would invite Bradley to dinner and the boys could suss him out before they made any decision.
Billy knew his parents were preparing to leave New York and travel back to Torremolinas in the next couple of days, mostly at the insistence of Woody who now kept a close eye on his fathers workload.
Placing a call to his Momma's number Billy felt the excitement building as he waited for what he knew would be that warm feeling he got every time he spoke to, or was near his parents, they'd promised him years ago he'd be their son and always be loved by them, he'd never had reason to doubt them.
"Billy my sweet boy, that is so uncanny, I dreamt about you guys last night, I was going to call you to see if it would be alright to drop in on you on our way home tomorrow".
Billy was revelling in the sound of his Momma's voice, "It is uncanny Momma because that's exactly why I'm calling, we wanted to know if you could detour down here for a few days, we're missing you both".
Lenny was as bad as Billy, she became almost euphoric whenever she connected with one of her children, "Okay so we'll be there some time before dinner tomorrow, we won't outstay our welcome, just a couple of days, I'm longing to get home to Torremolinas, I'm missing the nest".
Billy knew Jay and Jolly would be just as pleased to see PJ and Lenny as he would be, they treated them as son and daughter just like they treated Billy.
PJ and Lenny's arrival the following day was a happy occasion, though Lenny immediately went into Mother Hen mode seeing Jolly wrapped in a quilt lying on the sofa, "You see PJ, I was right, I told you one of them was ill, I always know when something's not right, now what's the matter sweetie".
Billy watched his Momma's face for a reaction as he explained, "She passed out on the flight home last week, it turns out she has the same condition you contracted in Torremolinas around 30 years ago, triple bump syndrome".
Everyone was watching Lenny and PJ trying to understand Billy, then suddenly Lenny gasped, "Oh my god child, you're pregnant, and with triplets, oh lord I'm so happy, I don't know what we did to be so blessed".
At that she scooped Jolly into a hug.
Ana (PJ and Lenny's traveling cook) was tasked with teaching their resident cook to prepare the beef and vegetable soup she'd administered to all of the children growing up, when anyone was under the weather, a recipe so delicious the children often faked illness just to get Ana to prepare it.
When they left two days later, Billy, Jay and Jolly had agreed that they would accept a house as a present from PJ and Lenny, the trio would spend around twenty million dollars, as Lenny put it, "You three are never going to be able to marry, you're missing out on the wedding present we'd normally give you, so this is our present to your union, to your family group.
Lenny also reminded Billy that Jolly was expected to choose something from the Woodruff Jewellery Collection.
The news of Jolly's pregnancy gradually spread around family and friends, good will wishes came flooding in.
The night PJ and Lenny left to fly home, Bradley Carpenter had agreed to come to dinner, they didn't intend to mention anything about possibly wanting to poach him for the management position, instead Jolly had invited him on the pretext of renewing friendships from University.
Dinner was a cheerful evening of reminiscences on their University years.
Bradley had complemented them on their apartment, saying he hoped one day he'd be able to afford something of this caliber rather than the small one room studio he currently rented.
Jolly led into a gentle probe of how settled he was with his present employers, he said he was happy enough that they treated him well and paid him a fair salary but he was intending to look for alternative employment all the same.
Although they already knew the reason from Jolly, Jay still asked why, if he was satisfied with his salary and treatment, was he thinking of leaving them.
Brad, as he preferred to be called, explained, a recent restructuring of senior management roles had produced an opening for a National Manager, Brad had applied and he knew he was the only candidate who had all of the qualifications listed within the job description literature, and yet the role had gone to a family member of a senior exec, someone who Brad had clashed with several times in the past over policy interpretation.
When he'd asked around it became apparent that the exec in question would block any advancement moves from Brad despite the fact that he was currently charged with advising and training the person who had won out on the National Manager role over Brad.
Billy was incensed, "You mean they appointed someone less qualified and have the gall to expect you to show him how to do his job?".
Brad confirmed that was about it in a nutshell but he wasn't a vindictive person, he would give his all until such time as he secured alternative employment.
Billy looked at Jay and Jolly, they nodded, understanding what Billy was asking them non verbally, "Brad, we've been a little sneaky actually, Jolly did invite you to dinner so that we could reacquaint ourselves, but also so that we could sound you out for a role we have, which we think you would be perfect for, do you think you might be interested?".
Brad smiled, "I'm not that dense Billy, I had hoped there might be more to this dinner than just a catch up on old times, explain the role to me and I promise I'll keep an open mind".
Billy explained, "This is not a role that will diminish it will grow from this point on, Jolly is pregnant with triplets and we need to ease her workload considerably, we want a General Manager to control the five call centres, it means a fair bit of traveling, you would be accountable only to Jolly for the foreseeable future but we expect that after the children are born you will take full control, how does it sound so far?".
Brad had listened intently, "I'm very interested Billy, I know I can work with you guys, and you're giving me positive vibes on career advancement, plus you're a Nationally recognised organisation which gives me credibility in the workplace if I needed to move on which, I hasten to add, I only mention as something I have to keep in mind".
Billy carried on, "One thing I can promise Brad is that we would never practice nepotism, on that we follow my youngest brother Woody, as he puts it 'You either cut it or you don't, end of story', he even sacked our cousin once at a board meeting. We do envisage further expansion so your prospects will grow as we do, I can tell you the annual basic salary package is 100k, you would have all of the usual benefits, a top class medical package, two year auto change, fuel and accommodation account".
Brads mouth was hanging open, "Guys are you sure about this, the salary you're offering is actually double my current salary?".
Jolly spoke up this time, "Brad, we feel we can work with you, the salary package is a fair remuneration for what we will expect, the guys are relying on my opinion here, but I am confident you can do this with your eyes closed, so I'm asking you to accept please".
Brad seemed to be considering something, "There is one thing I have to tell you, I'm gay, I don't know if that makes a difference, but I wanted you to know".
Jay laughed, "I'm sorry Brad, but unless you're planning on having sex on the call centre floor, I don't see that's any of our business".
Brad laughed along with Jay, "Okay I accept, if I tender my resignation tomorrow, I will be available to start work in one month, but I suspect if I admit where I'm going to be working I will be placed on immediate garden leave, that would mean although I can't be involved in active work until the month is up, I can utilise the time to run through your practices, forecasts, budgets, targets and shadow what Jolly does on a daily basis, by the end of the month I should have a good understanding of how you operate".
Billy extended his hand, "Welcome aboard Brad, there is one other thing, we're working on an annual bonus package which we'll make sure is presented within three months of your start date".
It wasn't long before they knew they'd made the right decision, every Friday Brad spent the day doing rolling conference calls to the various call centres with Jolly, the results of the weekly figures dictated where Brad would be heading the following week.
Within two months turnover in every centre was around ten percent up on previous results and it proved to be no anomaly when the results were sustained and improved month on month.
Brad had listened to Billy extolling the abilities of Woody in designing remuneration and bonus packages and had asked for Woody's input.
By month four business had increased sixteen percent and with Woody's help Brad had implemented a bonus package in each call centre reliant on the volume of increased business, a further quarterly group bonus was introduced, going to the call centre showing the highest percentage increase of business value, thereby pitting the centres against each other.
On the fifth month anniversary of Brads appointment, Billy, Jay and Jolly invited him to dinner, not unusual as he spent a fair amount of time with all of them but this would be a somewhat surprising event for Brad.
Arriving at their apartment Brad, who'd been met at the door by Billy, was surprised to find they were in the process of packing.
Billy had explained about their need for extra space and the house they'd bought in Barrington Hills, as he put it, they only had another month before Jolly was due and they wanted her settled and stress free as soon as possible now.
Over drinks as they waited for dinner Brad mentioned his sadness they were moving, as he enjoyed his occasional dinners here in this apartment with its balconies and roof garden.
All three of them were grinning as Billy spoke, "Well it's something we wanted to talk to you about, you see we're moving but we don't want to sell this apartment, so we were thinking, maybe you'd like to move in, you'd have your office already set up, we'd have the peace of mind that the place was being looked after, we may want to sell in a couple of years but not right now, what do you think?".
"Guys, I'd love to, but I know what sort of rent a place like this would command and frankly I don't have that sort of money".
Billy was still smiling, "Oh I think you can afford this, it's rent free for the next two years, then if you want to buy it you can otherwise we'll market it in two years".
Brad made to protest but Billy cut him off, "don't bother protesting, we are so grateful to you, we could not have made a better decision than approaching you whatever we'd done, the results you have achieved to date are nothing short of miraculous, we had intended for this next thing to be next month but as we'll be busy it's better we do it now".
Jay held out an envelope, a large well padded envelope which Brad gingerly took from him.
Billy carried on, "That is your new contract, if you agree, Jolly is bowing out, you will assume the role Jolly previously held, your new title will be CEO, JBJ Brokers, we want you to hire your own replacement, your salary increases to 200k and once you've bedded in a replacement for yourself we want a further 2 call centres, you get to do the research on where is best to place them, okay now you can tell us what you think".
Brad was, to say the least, gobsmacked, "I don't know what to say, I never expected any of this".
Jolly spoke up this time, "We know you didn't expect it Brad, but you deserve it, you're good, no, you're bloody good, you've earned every bit of what we're giving you, it's not a present, its a reward for the hard work you've put in, and we hope you'll carry on as you have been doing, JBJ has been my baby for several years, I love it and seeing you grow it as you have makes us all proud, so please accept".
Brad actually had tears in his eyes, "Thank you, and once again I accept, I will say this, I promise you'll never be sorry you hired me and you'll always have reason to be proud of JBJ".
Billy had the last word, "One last thing, the bonus we promised you will now operate just the same, but it will be based on your new salary".
Brad couldn't believe after everything else they'd just given him, they were still offering a bonus which had the potential to double his annual salary if he reached target on his twelve month anniversary.
Brad wished he'd had the courage to bring Royce with him, he'd have liked them to meet, " I nearly brought a guest this evening, Royce and I have been seeing each other for a few months and he's moved in with me, I wanted you to meet him but he's a little nervous, he's not had the best of lives".
Jolly asked where Royce was right then and Brad told them he was back at their apartment, Jolly looked at Billy, "I bet you could do it, off you go, I'll tell cook to delay dinner".
Billy called down to reception for a car service and took off for Brads apartment.
When he arrived Billy rang the doorbell and waited, nothing, no sign of life, he rang again and this time a timid voice could just about be heard asking what he wanted.
"Hi, is that Royce, I'm Billy Thorn, Brads at our place for dinner and we wanted you to join us, do you think you could maybe open the door?".
Royce was torn, he was literally shaking he was so frightened, but if this man was who he said he was, then he was Brads boss, he couldn't upset him it wouldn't be good for Brad and he would do anything for Brad, the only person who'd ever had faith in him, protected him.
Opening the door a little he couldn't see anyone, this worried him until he looked down, there, with a big grin on his face was Billy, sat cross legged in the hallway, his back against the wall.
"I'm guessing you're nervous, you don't know me, I could be anyone, so I figured if you're taller than me, that puts you in charge while we chat, okay?".
Billy's grin was infectious and Royce couldn't help but grin as well, "Are you really Brads boss, I didn't expect someone funny, I thought you'd be all serious and grumpy, I am nervous, I don't mix with Brads friends, I wish I had more confidence but I don't, if I come to dinner I'll mess up I just know I will".
Billy was still grinning, this guy seriously lacked confidence but he knew he had to run with what he had.
"I'm asking you to trust me Royce, I'll hold your hand until we're next to Brad then I'll hand you off to him, I promise faithfully, the people you'll meet at dinner are no different to me and you, okay like me and like Brad they have more confidence than you, but they won't harm you, if the need ever arose I can promise, they, like me, would protect you, just as Brad would, so how about it, you up for some dinner?".
Royce had listened, he was frightened but he nodded a yes.
Billy held out his hand, "Come on then Pal, let's go eat".
At the apartment Billy led a shaking Royce in and introduced Jolly and Jay before handing him physically to Brad, "You okay Pal, ready to eat?".
Royce looked at Brad who was smiling, "Yes, I'm okay, thank you for being patient with me, I know I'm hard work".
Dinner was a fun affair and Brad was amazed at the extent Royce opened up, when Brad explained they were going to be moving into this apartment in a few days Royce was amazed but agreed to let Jolly show him around.
Over the next few days Jolly was banned from any strenuous activity and finally the day arrived when they were established in their new home in Barrington Hills.
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.