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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 13
It had been a long day, Mel was clearing up ready to leave for the night, she received a call from the main reception desk, informing her a Mr Marcus Heath CEO of MHT Insurers was in reception asking to speak privately with Jace, she informed them Jace was not in the building, but as she was heading out she would stop at reception and speak to Mr Heath.
When she'd arrived at reception she was surprised, Marcus Heath was young and extremely handsome, though as soon as he opened his mouth he sounded like a typical spiv.
"Hello Mr Heath, I apologise, I'm Melanie Lofthouse, Mr Thorn's PA, he is currently out of the building, can I make you an appointment for some convenient time over the next few days, I can contact your PA tomorrow morning and arrange something if you would prefer".
He was visibly undressing Mel as she talked, she felt her skin creeping.
"Yeh, you do that, her name's Sandra, she's not my PA, though she's definitely assisted me personally on a few occasions, if you know what I mean, I've left my card with the stone faced old bird behind the desk, I don't suppose you fancy a few drinks do you, I'm free all evening, all night if you're game?".
Mel said only one word before turning away.
"No".
She collected his card from reception and left him standing staring at her retreating figure as she made for the elevator to take her down to the employee parking area.
As she waited for the elevator she became aware he had followed her and was standing right behind her, she turned to address him.
"Mr Heath, you have to leave through the front door over there, this is the employee parking garage elevator".
He smirked as he replied.
"I know, my car's down there and my driver's in it, I slipped the lad on the gate a note to let me in".
To say Mel was furious would be an understatement, she pulled her cell phone out and dialled.
"Security, this is Melanie Lofthouse, PA to Mr Thorn, I'm calling an Amber Code, we have a serious security breach, meet me in reception immediately".
Turning to Mr Heath she said.
What you did was stupid and rude, what the person on the gate did was positively dangerous, you could have been anyone, a terrorist even, he'll be extremely lucky if he has a job within the hour, meanwhile I'm asking security to see you off the premises".
As she finished speaking two security personnel arrived at a trot.
"Gentlemen, this is Mr Heath CEO of MHT Insurers, please treat him with the utmost respect, but apparently he bribed whoever is on gate security to allow him access into our secure employee parking area, his chauffeur and car are waiting for him there now, I'd like you to see him and his vehicle off the premises, I also want that gate employee relieved of duty immediately and in HR's office at nine in the morning".
Mel allowed them to take the available elevator, preferring to wait for the empty car to return.
When she arrived back at the house in Barrington Hills it was obvious she was last to arrive home, Bobby, who'd been sitting on the stairs waiting came dashing towards her as she entered the foyer.
After swinging him around and getting several hugs and kisses they walked hand in hand into the lounge where everyone was sat chatting.
Jace greeted her.
"Hi Mel, you're late, did you hit traffic?".
Her reply got everyone's attention.
"No I was late leaving, I had to deal with a serious security breach".
Jace was immediately concerned.
"What happened, were you safe?".
She outlined the visit from Marcus Heath, describing him as a despicable creep, whispering to Jace, calling him a prick of the first order, then describing what the security guard had done, putting everyone in the building at risk, and how she'd dealt with it.
Jace was amazed.
"You were fantastic, great handling of what could have been a difficult situation, just one thing, if you wouldn't mind doing it, contact Marcus Heaths office tomorrow, but advise his secretary, due to his foolhardy invasion of our secure area, I no longer have any wish to meet with him, don't offer any further explanation".
As he finished speaking to Mel he pulled out his cell phone and dialled the head of their HR Department on her cell.
"Brenda, I just heard about the breach of security this afternoon, .........are you telling me you don't know about it, this gets worse, am I wrong in thinking Security report to you, no I didn't think I was, I suggest you make some calls, because I'll be expecting you, with the head of security, the two personnel who escorted a certain Mr Heath off the premises, and the person who caused the breach, in my office at nine in the morning, I'd suggest no one is late, good night Brenda".
He was fuming when he came off the call.
"That woman is useless, she's been coasting for years, unless someone can convince me this was a freak incident, she's on her way out".
They could all see he was thinking.
"Will, you have a woman called Monica Day working as an Operation Controller, could you do without her?, she used to be second in command of HR Department, I'm pretty sure Brenda drove her out, I never could get her to say why she wanted an immediate transfer at a reduced salary".
Will knew immediately who Jace was referring too.
"I know exactly who you mean, it would gut me to lose her, she's a one woman management team in herself, works fantastically as a team player, does the work of three people, always on the ball, I test her occasionally, think of something as a theoretical plan of action, she just can't be thrown, she just takes my question on board, I'm pretty sure she reads my mind because she has the information on my desk before my backside hits the office chair, but if needs must, I wouldn't deny her a promotion, she deserves it".
Jace nodded.
"Thanks Bro, I think I might be talking to her shortly, but keep it close for now".
Turning back to Mel he said.
"You realise you just earned the top bonus payout".
Mel looked puzzled, so Will explained.
"It was Uncle Woody's suggestion, Royce was sold on it immediately he heard about it, irrespective of any other bonus deals on offer, this one relates only to ensuring and maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone within our buildings, there are several levels, starting with logical things, like not lending someone your security pass, not allowing someone to tailgate through a secure entry door behind you, the level before the top level is detecting and challenging a person who is classed as an intruder, one who is not authorised to enter a secure area, the pinnacle level is effecting removal of said intruder, whilst maintaining minimal risk or harm to anyone in the building, we've never actually paid out on it before, I think this should be a big feature in the company magazine, it heightens everyone's awareness of what could happen, how dangerous it is to allow a stranger inside, whatever their story, it's not acceptable".
Jace saw her embarrassment.
"Mel, stop it, I can read your expression like a book, it's a half years salary, and it's worth every penny to keep our employees safe inside our buildings".
She sighed and hugged Bobby who had climbed up onto her lap.
"Okay Jace, I get it, but I was only doing what anyone with the slightest modicum of sense would do, plugging a breach, he wasn't dangerous, he was just a, well you know, what I described him as before, but something I can't say out loud now, because certain persons are in the room".
Jace was having none of it.
"The point is Mel, you followed protocol, exactly as everyone should, and I hazard to point out that you're focusing on Marcus Heath being allowed through the security gates, have you asked yourself, how he got from the parking area to reception without a pass, who allowed him access, someone must have allowed him to tailgate into the elevator, and what do you know about his driver, someone who had unlimited access to our so called secure employee parking area for some considerable amount of time, if you look at the whole picture it shows us to be unprofessional, not secure, and placing our employees at great risk if we don't act, and we have to be seen to act aggressively against whoever allowed this to happen, and praise the person who stood up to the plate and stopped it, you might be embarrassed but you deserve credit for how you behaved, so tough, you're getting it".
Bobby made them all laugh by slating Jace without malice whilst reeling off what he and Ary had been up to that day.
"Ary's Poppa is bossy, we been to zoo, saw lions, monkeys, efferents, and we saw agators, they got big teeth, I got you a picture upstairs, I did it for you, its me and Ary at zoo".
Just then Shelby popped her head in.
"Okay munchkins, bath water is ready, let's be having you, last one in has to clean the bath round after you've finished".
Both boys scooted rapidly off the lap they'd been occupying and hurtled through the door, giggling madly.
Mel stood up.
"I'll go freshen up for dinner, I could easily get spoilt rotten if I was here for too long".
Jace jumped up.
"I'll walk up with you".
As they walked along the landing to their respective rooms, Jace put his arm around her shoulder, and instinctively she leaned into him, so he did it, he'd never be able to say how he ever found the courage but he did.
He stopped dead, spun her round to face him, and kissed her full on the lips, a lip-smack that didn't end, it developed pretty quickly into an urgent searching kiss from both sides, their arms encircling to stop the other from moving away.
When they finally broke the kiss, they were both flushed, and grinning, Jace was the first to speak.
"You won't know how long I've been waiting to do that, and it was so worth it, can I do it again do you think?, just to make sure it wasn't my imagination playing tricks on me".
Mel just nodded.
He moved back in, slowly, so slowly, until their lips met again, it was every bit as intense as the first time, but with less urgency and more passion, when they broke apart this time, Jace asked.
"Can I come to you later?, it's okay if you don't want me too, I think I'm falling in love with you Mel, we don't have to do anything, I'd like to just fall asleep with you in my arms, and know that's where you'll be when I wake up, please".
She put a finger to his lips to hush him.
"Yes Jace, nothing would make me feel safer than being held in your arms, so yes, and let's not plan anything, let's see where we go with this, we have two little heroes who need us to be careful we don't spoil their friendship, but I'll tell you I feel the same, you're an amazing man Jace Thorn, now we have about ten minutes to get ready for dinner before our little heroes send out a search party".
They broke apart and headed for their respective rooms.
Entering the dining room five minutes late, both still flushed, saw Will ask jokingly.
"What were you two doing that made you late?".
Mel felt positively devilish in replying.
Jace was running his seduction technique past me, I'm going to give it a polish for him later".
Wills mouth dropped open and he stared at first Mel, then Jace, then back at Mel who surprised him again with.
"Gotcha".
Everybody burst out laughing, including Jace, who had nearly pissed himself listening to her.
At The Inn at Montclair, Piers had just come through to reception, it was Friday evening, he was bored waiting for Milo to arrive, but he saw someone he thought he recognised, then it struck him, it hit him like a brick in the face, he knew who this was, and his immediately thought, oh shit, this is either going to be hearts and roses, or a really bloody chainsaw massacre, in seconds he was dialling on his cell, he wasn't even going to get involved in this, no way, not a chance, it was time to hand it off to a professional.
"Pierre I desperately need your help".
Within minutes Pierre was rushing through the front door of The Inn at Montclair.
"What's wrong, are you hurt?".
Piers just pointed, Pierre looked where he pointed, and groaned.
"Oh fuck, I don't need this, it's not fair, why me, have I not endured enough".
All Piers said was.
"I'm sorry Pierre, I didn't know what to do, apparently she booked in two days ago, from what I hear, all she's done is sit there each day drinking coffee, she must be on such a caffeine high by now she could become a serial killer without much persuasion, I don't want to be around her when she blows, do something Pierre, please".
Pierre sighed, then approached Cecile.
"Get up Cecile".
And she did.
"You're obviously here for a reason, have you fucked off those arseholes you called parents?, if you have I can help you, if not do us all a favour and go away, you'll never succeed here, now answer me".
Cecile looked up, the pleading look in her eyes hurt Pierre, but she nodded.
"They're gone, well and truly gone, I need her, I can't be without her, I don't know what to do".
Pierre pulled her into his arms.
"Well it's fortunate I do then eh, trust me, and we'll have you two back together again, but mark my words, pull this stunt again and I'll fucking deck you myself, believe me, now go clean yourself up and let's get this show on the road, we're going to Montclair".
While Cecile was gone Pierre saw Milo arrive and watched his little brother fall into the arms that enveloped him while Milo's lips smothered him in kisses.
He couldn't resist sneaking up behind them and whispering.
"For goodness sake get a room".
Milo immediately giggled and turned to embrace Pierre.
"Hey Big Bro, you need some Milo loving, I'll need to tell Juan he's lacking if you need me to make up the difference".
Pierre in a matter of fact tone said.
"Let me know when you intend to do that, I'll sell tickets, it should be good, don't worry I'll have the paramedics on standby to revive you when he's done battering you, now I would suggest you take my little Bro out of here since he's just given me the dodgiest project in recent years to attempt".
Milo was about to ask what that was when he saw Cecile approaching, all that came out of his mouth was.
"Oh shit, shit, shit, this is so not good, in fact this is bloody bad, hint taken, we're out of here".
And they were gone before Cecile got to Pierre.
He greeted her.
"Are you doing okay now?, if you are we're going to strike while the iron is hot, we're going to Montclair, this sitting around is no use, I'll get you in, the rest is down to you, are you game?".
Looking him in the eyes she nodded.
At Chateau Montclair, Roslyn was having a day that was going from bad to worse, she almost screamed as Pierre came through the estate office door.
"There has to be something good about this fucking day, because so far it's been shit on every possible front".
And then she saw Pierre.
"What the fuck do you want, I have no patience for sympathy today, so bag it and fuck off".
Pierre actually got a buzz out of seeing super cool Roslyn freaking out.
"I bet you'd be calmer if Cecile were here".
Roslyn was close to apoplectic.
"Of course I'd be calmer you idiot, but I'm not, and why?, because she chose those fuckwit parents who don't even like her over me, why?, answered me if you can, why the fuck would she do that?, they're complete arseholes, I love her and she chooses them, so you know why I'm seriously crazy, now leave me the fuck alone Pierre".
Pierre almost cried with her.
Can't do that Cuz, you never left me alone, you drove me to get the operation, so I guess you could say I'm duty bound, I need to ask you another question, and don't bloody well freak out, just fuckin answer me, if Cecile ditched her parents, would she stand a chance with you?, be honest, be serious, don't you dare bullshit me".
Roslyn looked as though she would like to back Pierre against the wall and run him through with the super sharp pencil she was gripping, but through clenched teeth she answered.
"I don't give a shit about her imbecile parents, they can go to hell, or anywhere else that will have them, I only want Cecile, I miss her, I ache for her, there you have it, now unless you can magically give me what I yearn for, go away Pierre, fuck off".
Pierre actually wanted to giggle now, but he thought better of it.
"Okay, as your fairy godmother, it just so happens I have someone with me who has kicked the parents into touch, because she realised you are more important than anything else on this planet, so I introduce Cecile Bernard".
As he said her name he reached out, grabbed her hand and dragged her into the room.
Roslyn's head snapped up, she stood, open mouthed, unable to speak, so Pierre spoke.
"Okay, I've done as much as I can, now it's down to you guys, try to remember, you actually love each other, all of us with bruises can attest to that fact, right now do what you've been longing to do, kiss, love, kiss again, you can do recriminations somewhere in the distant future, now is the time to be thankful, get on with your lives".
Roslyn said only four words before physically pushing him backwards out of the door which slammed in his face.
"I love you Pierre".
In Chicago they'd talked all evening, the boys were snuggled down in bed, there had been no need for stories, Shelby's zoo visit had tired them completely, they were asleep as soon as they were tucked in.
As they left the room Jace and Mel were locked in another kiss, Jace broke it.
"We need to go back downstairs, say our goodnights, then I'm coming to you, I want to hold you, don't be frightened, I just want to hold you, but I don't think I'll ever want to let go".
And so when they reappeared, flushed, the boys knew, and no one said anything when, only ten minutes later they said their good nights and left together.
After they left Will said.
"About fucking time, Jace may have actually scored a goal, and it's a bloody keeper".
Jo and David just chuckled.
Upstairs Jace pulled Mel toward his room.
"Can't be your room, the boys turn up to often in your room, they'll never come to my room, Ary says I'm like a grumpy bear in the mornings, we'll be safe from discovery there.".
Mel agreed, reluctantly, gathering her bedtime accoutrements, they crossed to Jace's room.
Inside he pulled her into his arms and they sank quickly into another passionate kissing session, his hands busy undressing her as they moaned into each other's mouths.
It took only moments before both were naked, rolling around on his super king bed, his hard cock leaking like a faucet found her moist warm entrance and slid slowly up to the hilt, their moans became a crescendo as they reached simultaneous orgasms.
Laying spooned together as they came down from the high, luxuriating in that warm all over afterglow, Mel fell asleep feeling safe, loved and protected.
Jace lay awake for nearly an hour watching her sleep, a silly grin on his face, he knew now, for sure, he was in love, this was the real thing, nothing like the feeling he'd experienced with Abby, why didn't life give you a manual, he should have known back then it wasn't the real deal.
When Jace awoke at around six in the morning, Mel had slipped away back to her own bedroom, throwing on his robe he crossed the hall and listened at her half open door as the boys chatted to her, peering in he said.
"Well good morning, it's rather busy in here, I'm jealous".
Mel patted the bed next to her.
"Come join us, the boys were just telling me what they're doing today with Shelby, they have a full day of hiking up to the top of Barrington Hill, then they are having a picnic lunch before hiking back down, I don't know how she does it, she has different activities planned each day".
When the staff bought Mel's tea tray, they found three extra bodies on her bed.
"Okay you two, with me please it's shower time, would you like your coffee in here Mr Jace?".
Jace thought, oh well why not.
"Yes please, that's very kind of you".
In truth, as soon as his coffee had arrived, Jace locked the door and they made urgent love again, ending up sweating and sticky, panting madly.
"I love you Mel, I'm certain of that, do you think you could love me?".
She looked deep into his eyes as they cuddled.
"Oh I don't have to think about it, I knew it a long time ago, this is a dream come true for me, I've been in love with you since way before I became your PA".
As they finished breakfast Jace said.
"I'm in the office all day today Mel, if you want to ride with me instead of driving, I'd enjoy your company".
They'd chatted all the way to the office.
As soon as he arrived in the office he called Security to get the secure password enabling him to log into the various security cameras around the building, which he did whilst still talking.
"This is Jace Thorn, I want the password for reviewing security camera footage for yesterday please, thanks, and what is today's password, the same, okay, when was the password last changed, I see, okay that's all I need thank you, oh no it's not, the young guy on gate security yesterday, I don't recognise him, how long has he been with us, really, okay that definitely is all I need, thank you".
As a complete fluke Jace pulled up the camera on the main front entrance and watched as Brenda from HR tailgated into the lobby behind another employee.
At nine o'clock there was one person sitting in the waiting area outside his office, it was the young guy who had been on gate security yesterday and he looked understandably nervous.
By nine fifteen there was no sign of the rest of the group he had requested, and Jace was becoming seriously irritated.
He called Security again.
"Is your Head Of Security in the office today?, he's doing what, how often does this happen, okay, who am I talking to, thanks Sam, could you and one other from security come up to my office right away, bring two boxes with you for personal belongings, I'm about to terminate someone's employment, I need you to ensure the person leaves the building promptly after I've given the instruction.
Jace walked out of his office and spotted the young lad still waiting nervously, he walked over and held out his hand.
"Hi, I'm Jace Thorn, CEO of JBJ Corporate Holdings, what's your name?".
The lad was almost shaking.
"James Wilmington sir, I'm sorry I messed up yesterday".
Jace turned to Mel.
"Mel, would you have someone get James a drink, I'll be about thirty minutes down in HR, could you also call down to Will, ask him to send Monica Day up to see me in about an hour please".
Just as he finished talking to Mel, Sam turned up with a colleague.
Jace turned to young James.
"Enjoy your drink and stop shaking, nothing bad is going to happen to you today, I want a chat with you when I get back".
The lad nodded, and sighed with relief.
Jace indicated for Sam and his colleague to follow him.
Inside the main HR Office Jace asked Sam to wait there until he called him, there were several people all looking busy, he walked past them and without knocking entered Brenda's private office, once inside he closed the door behind him.
Brenda looked up from the magazine she was reading, surprised to see him.
"Did you forget about the meeting in my office at nine o'clock Brenda?, because instead of the five people I requested be there, one person turned up, is there a good reason why you didn't do as I asked?".
Brenda shrugged her shoulders before saying.
The Head of Security isn't in today and the two personnel who escorted Mr Heath off the property are not on shift until this afternoon, I sent up the person responsible for the breach, there didn't seem any point in my coming as I knew nothing about the incident".
What Jace said next completely stunned her.
"I agree there was little to be gained by you attending as you don't appear to be doing the job I pay you to do anyway, hence why you don't have a clue what's going on do you?, like The Head of Security moonlighting as a private security guard a couple of days each week, on our time I might add, if you're interested he's at the open golf tournament today and tomorrow, then there's the young lad on gate security yesterday, who I find out, actually started his employment with us yesterday, he had no training, no induction, no knowledge of who to consult in the event of a problem arising, and just to top it off, guess who I watched tailgate through the front entrance this morning, that would be you Brenda".
As he stopped talking, she just stared at him, realising at last where this meeting was heading.
"I don't know what you expect me to say Jace".
He'd had enough.
"Nothing Brenda, exactly the same as the job your supposed to carry out, you do nothing of that either and for that reason I'm terminating your employment as of this moment, you have thirty minutes to pack your personal belongings, then you'll be escorted off the premises, all relevant paperwork and remuneration will be sent on to you".
He walked to the door and called Sam in.
"Sam, I have just terminated Brenda's employment, she now has thirty minutes exactly before you escort her from the building, please ensure her company cell phone, laptop and security pass are all accounted for before she leaves, once you've seen her out of the building would you come alone up to my office please".
Sam nodded.
"Yes Mr Thorn, I'll see you in about thirty five minutes".
Jace went back up to his office where a nervous James was still sitting.
"Come in James, don't be nervous, I don't bite, well not very often".
Jace chose the lounge seating area of his office.
With them both seated Jace started talking.
"Yesterday evening I was prepared to fire you on the spot when we met this morning, but that was when I was ignorant of what's been going on, and more importantly what hasn't been going on, like correct protocol, for instance I learned that you only started your employment with us yesterday morning, you had no training, no induction, no backing, therefore I'm exonerating you of all blame for the events of yesterday, Sam will be here shortly, I'll ask him to ensure your proper training is carried out, welcome to the company James, now for putting up with my schedule and hanging around I'm sending you home on full pay, see you bright and early tomorrow morning".
James jumped up and stuck his hand out.
"Thanks Mr Thorn sir, it's a relief, I'll work real hard I promise, I won't mess up again sir, and everyone calls me Jimmy".
Jace smiled.
"Everyone calls me by my first name Jace, and drop the sir, see you around Jimmy".
As Jimmy left, Sam turned up, he was chatting to Monica Day as she walked in with him.
Jace waved them both to seats as he was dialling on his phone.
"Hi, am I talking to Peter Brunson, good, I wouldn't want to be firing the wrong person, yes you heard me correctly, this is Jace Thorn, until a moment ago your CEO, but as I said, you're fired, please ensure all company property is returned promptly, your final salary won't be released until we're all square, if you intend to collect personal possessions, please ensure you make an appointment, goodbye".
He walked across to a surprised looking Monica and Sam.
"Okay guys, you just heard me fire the Head of Security, Sam I'm offering you that job if you feel up to it, if you accept I expect a complete overhaul of security, there is a process plan available, I will be checking you out in one week, I want this place to be as safe as possible for the people working here, you'll answer to me in future not HR Department, oh and I've exonerated young James or Jimmy of any blame for yesterday's fiasco, would you take him under your wing, teach him, he seems like a really willing lad".
Sam nodded smiling and saying.
"At last, yes Mr Thorn, I'll do it, but can I suggest, give me seven days to get everything up to scratch, then do your inspection on a random day, no notice, terrorists and nutters don't give notice when they intend to strike, we should be up to scratch every minute of every day, and you can leave Jimmy to me, I agree he's enthusiastic, he'll be okay".
Jace nodded.
"Monica, it seems I have a vacancy in HR Department, I sacked Brenda as well, I never did find out why you left so abruptly, but I'm offering the role to you, Will agrees, he'll be gutted to lose you but he wouldn't stand in the way of a promotion, you won't be responsible for security, I want them reporting to me going forward".
Monica smiled as well before answering.
"Thank you Jace, I don't intend spilling the beans on why I transferred to Wills area, suffice it to say if that lazy so and so has gone, I'd consider it an honour to take up your offer, if I can make HR work the way I believe it should, working with the employees not constantly against them".
Jace nodded.
"Arrange your own transfer, take over from Monday of next week, take a month to get the department into shape then I'd like you back here with your plans, remember both of you, I don't object to expense if it either offers greater security or will pay for itself in some way, thank you both for giving me your time, I'll have Mel put out an official statement this afternoon advising the workforce of your new positions".
As they left Mel came in to inform him that Marcus Heath was on the phone demanding to speak with him.
"Tell him I've made my position clear, we will not be meeting or conversing, and when you've done that, would you call Douglas Goodwin's PA, at MHT Insurers, her name is Judith, tell her I said hello, ask if Douglas could make a few minutes for a chat".
Jace didn't expect an immediate response but Mel buzzed him within minutes.
"I have Judith on the line, Douglas is unavailable but she's asking if you have time to chat with her now".
Jace was definitely happy to speak with Judith or Douglas.
"Yes, put her through, .......Hi Judith, it's been far too long since I've seen or spoken to you, how are you keeping, really, a spring wedding, just don't forget my invitation, oh and Judith, make it a plus one, I might have news of my own for you, thanks, look, the reason I had Mel call you, I feel I owe Douglas an explanation about refusing to do business with your companies, my position won't change and that irritating prick you have as CEO isn't helping matters, especially after causing a security scare in our building two days ago, I'm refusing to either meet or speak with him now, oh didn't you hear, he bribed his way inside our building through the underground parking lot, I've sacked two employees because of it, it caused a near lock down, it could have lost us untold business if the emergency evacuation plan had kicked in, my real reason for refusing you a license is the policy package he wanted to offer your clients, it's a guarantee to fail plan, I won't have us associated with something like that, and I'm pretty sure the State Insurance Bureau would come down hard on you for unfair practice and treatment of clients, I don't mind sending it to you, I'm pretty certain Douglas will agree with me, okay I'll have it couriered over in the next hour, talk soon love, don't forget my invite".
He walked out to Mel's office.
"Could you have a copy of the policy contract MHT sent with their license request couriered over to Judith in the next hour, she's going to give it to Douglas as lunchtime reading, also, I've prepared an all employee information release, could you have it sent company wide this afternoon please, and when you've done all that, would you fancy getting your coat on, let's go for a walk and pick up some lunch".
It was a crisp day in Chicago, but the sun was shining and as they walked past a Jewellery Store, they stopped to look, Jace realised this was an opportunity.
"Tell me what your favourite gemstone is?".
Mel was already gazing at a display which she thought were beautiful so it was an easy question to answer.
"Green, I don't know why, what it is, but the varying shades of green, are the ones that do it for me, they're the ones that float my boat".
"And you Jace, what stone is your favourite?".
Jace laughed.
"I don't have one, it could be any, I have cuff links set with Emerald, Safire, Ruby, Clear Diamond, Yellow Diamond, I don't really value them as anything other than useful objects to hold my dress shirt sleeves in place, but on a woman, that's when I see their beauty, don't get me wrong, this may come out as a little chauvinist, it's not meant to be, I see gemstones as needing a beautiful woman, together they manage to bring out the beauty of each other".
She smiled.
"That's not chauvinist, it's beautiful".
Jace thought to himself, and it's information I needed.
Their relationship was progressing at avalanche speed.
And the oldies were due home in a few days time.
This should prove interesting.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.