Chains Of Love

Book Three

Can You Catch My Heart

By

Retta Michaels

Disclaimer:

If you are not of legal age, or can not read this story legally, then please stop now and leave this site. Your presence jeopardizes the rest of us who are able to read this. Come back when it's legal for you to do so, and we'll be happy to welcome you then.

Notes from Retta:

I am not affiliated with, nor do I pretend to endorse any breweries.

The brewery in this story is fictional. A lot of similarities are taken from other breweries. If you are familiar with a few of these, you'll know where I got my inspiration.

Persons, places, or incidents in this story are purely fictional. Anything mistaken to be otherwise, is the result of an over active imagination on behalf of the reader.

Read and enjoy.

Chains of Love

Chapter one

When I was young, I was raised in a house in the outskirts of the city of St. Louis, Missouri. Our house was known as 'the farm' by anyone and everyone.

Most people's homes aren't a part of a tour. Most aren't as big as a castle. Most don't have world famous draft horses and most don't have a zoo as a part of the attraction. It's safe to say, most people weren't raised like me.

My father's name is Edolphus Stein III. Our family has to have one in every generation, so my older brother got the name Edolphus John Stein IV. He was born to my father's first wife. When he was ten, his mother passed away of cancer.

Shortly after, my father met his second wife. I don't know much about her, except her name wasn't allowed to be spoken in our house. Father had a bad divorce from her and lost a good deal of assets he valued. The most notable was my older brother, Robert Maxwell.

Max's mom took the house in California and Max and went there to live. Father paid for the upkeep of the house, and Max. Max had the best and the divorce settlement at the time was the most expensive in history...a little over seventy million dollars.

After the divorce, my father abandoned the brewery and began jet setting. It was rumored he was infatuated with a woman and chased her to the ends of the earth attempting to prove he was worthy of her affection. She never accepted his advances, and instead married a Count or someone with a title. All I know was Father attempted to dodge the title of beer baron after that. To him, the title didn't get him what he wanted, so therefore, it was useless

When he met my mother, their courtship and marriage was heralded in the press as “Champagne Socialite Meets Beer Baron”. She was French, and he, well, let's just say he was German through and through.

Of their marriage, I was the accident they didn't see coming. She had me and Father insisted she move herself and me to St. Louis out to the farm. Mother went, but she went grudgingly.

What went on after that, was a matter of headlines. Mother went to Aspen to ski one winter, and began having an affair with her ski instructor. The problem was she also was having an affair with someone in the social scene. one found out about the other and a showdown happened at the lodge she was inhabiting. The ski instructor was stabbed to death by the other guy and the press picked it up and ran with it. What it did give her was an immediate divorce from Father, whereby I was imprisoned at the farm.

Yes, you will hear me call it imprisonment. When someone isn't loved and their home is full of 'don'ts' and 'can'ts', to a kid, that's hell. When there's no adult to raise that child with the sense of love, the child grows up clinging to whomever shows any affection.

For me, that person was our groomer. His name was Luis. Luis to me was better than a parent. He was a ready source of joy.

When I'd go to the stables, I'd be allowed to ride a horse. Our farm covered over twenty seven hundred acres, so we had a good sized place to ride

As long as I didn't ride near the buffalo or the tour trains, I was welcome to go wherever I wanted. The only rule was I could neither drive a tractor, nor could I ride a draft horse. Being adventurous, you know what I immediately wanted to do!

What I haven't said was our family lineage. The reason was because it wasn't taught to me. I had to read it in a book that was written by an author who was noted to write “tell all” books which never get endorsed by the person or family who it's about. What I did learn was enough to shock me.

Our family has a good number of people who were deemed “mentally ill”. It seemed back in the day, someone could be deemed mentally ill for all sorts of reasons which are either accepted or corrected with medications today. One such distant relative got put into the attic of the city house nearer downtown and it was rumored, the mental illness was the inability to learn.

I've been there and I can tell you the reason the person was banished to the attic was they were dyslexic. I've seen the scribbling on the walls and on the floor, and words and numbers are all transposed. I could understand some of the writing, but other parts didn't make sense. I imagine being locked away in an attic will tend to make one a bit mentally ill after a while.

The marriage break ups noted in the book and the suicides which happened were all said to be a part of a curse passed down by indians. The indians were native to the region and had used the caves along the Mississippi River. What happened was our family went in and bought the land from some influential person who didn't have the right to sell it and he proceeded to round the Indians up in the caves and kill them all off. The curse got put on the caves and he didn't rightly care. He was there to make beer.

What Edolphus I^st did was he began doing was making the caves into tunnels so the beer he produced stayed cool year round. As his production went up, the tunnels became larger and longer. Eventually, the man got wealthy enough he built a mansion to display his wealth. That became the city house. What he shouldn't have done was build the city house so it attached to the tunnels.

Yeah, it was a good idea because the tunnel could get him to the brewery faster and yeah, it could air condition the house with the huge fans that pulled air from the tunnels, but it also allowed the ghosts of the Indians and the curse to course up into the house.

Now, if you ask me whether I believe in ghosts or if I believe in the curse, what I'll state is when ten of your family members die a mysterious death or of suicide, you have to wonder.

What I do know, is the land the farm was on was purchased and my great grandfather built the Bavarian castle that graces the hilltop there. Yeah, our little farm house is a castle which rivals the ones in Germany.

Great Grand Father went over there and bought one and then had it torn down and moved over here. Somewhere along the line though, a ship went down and parts of it didn't make it, so he set about hiring craftsmen who did that sort of work and brought them over to finish the house. What it became is even more huge than it originally was. It now has well over a hundred rooms...and yes, I do know where they all are and have full details of the hallways and passageways like the back of my hand.

They say when a person grows up learning something and knowing it in detail, they 'cut their teeth on it'. To me, I cut my teeth on that house. As I said, tours were given and those occurred while I lived there, so I had to become knowledgeable about where I could go and where I couldn't. What I do know is the parts I couldn't, I did because I'd go on the tours to see the artwork in the beer tasting rooms.

By the time I was twelve, I'd became so knowledgeable about the house, I applied for and received a job giving tours.

It was neat because no one had any idea who I was and the visitors got an in depth tour of all the animals and the rooms they would've normally never received. I say it was neat because going out through the park, the animals were used to me feeding them. Maybe they could smell my body, but when we were out, the animals would flock to the tour trains Of course, I didn't help matters any when I started giving people on the trains bags of food to feed the animals with. Then, the animals would really flock to it!

By the time I was sixteen, my older brother Max became infatuated with speed boats. He had the complete support of our father because the name of our beer could be plastered all over the boat. Also, the name of the boat became the “Lady Steiner” which father would some day be used to spin off a lighter version of the pilsner beer which was Meister Steiner.

Max, is my brother who was by my father's second wife. They had long ago divorced, but Max very much wanted to seek father's affection. By this time, I'd long ago figured we weren't going to receive it, and realized unless I had the figure of a beer bottle and a label on me, father wasn't going to find any worth in us. To us, we were his future competitors for the helm of the company and we were treated thusly.

All was well with Max racing the boats. It drew father in and suddenly we had sports teams from baseball to football to stockcar to of course, boating. Father would be there to support Max on his racing endeavors when he realized Max was good and the odds of him holding a trophy over his head were getting better and better. This is when father decided a change had to happen in the company and we had to have the name of the company, the logo of the Falcon E everywhere and if it wasn't the draft horses pulling the wagon in a commercial, it was to be one of our race teams.

Of course there had to be a cursory busty babe in a bikini which father even had special competitions like they were off shoots of the draft horses. They each wore the red with the white lettering, or the white with the red lettering for their bikinis.

The time sailed along and father was sponsoring more and more teams. We had a yacht with our sail on it in the America's Cup and everywhere one looked, there were our colors. That was until Max had the boat accident and was dead before he was pulled from the wreckage. That was the day father pulled into his shell and from then on out, the only teams he supported personally with his presence were the baseball and football teams.

By this time, the two babies were born from this fourth marriage. True to form, father doted upon them when they were little but as soon as they could form a sentence, he was out of their lives. By this time, I was old enough to see the damage he was inflicting and began to step in paying attention to them.

It was hard because when father divorced their mother, she took the children to live with her and an ever increasing void filled in my life. I attempted to pay attention to my older brother Jack's children, but Jack and I's differences were such he was accusing me of attempting to poison his kids against him. I don't know where he got such an idea, but I really thought he was beginning to receive the family's curse.

By this time, I was nineteen. I began looking at the animal segment of the operations and went to speak with father about some ideas I had. We spoke and I told him I knew I would never be at the helm of the company, so why not allow me to do something with the animals. He asked me what I wanted to do and I laid out a whole variety of different scenarios. I told him more and more people were wanting interaction with the animals and as we spoke, father got more and more animated because he could see it in his mind where people could come to see the animals and then become a part of learning the heritage of the brewery.

I wasn't thrilled with the idea, but what thrilled me was knowing my dream could become a reality even if it was a huge commercialized version of what I wanted. Father told me he'd think more and more on it and promised to begin having weekly lunches at the Wind Mill (our family's private restaurant) so we could discuss it.

Father and I began discussing it and then, one day we were at a lunch when he told me, “Pete, what if I told you what you want is possible and I've just bought a string of attractions to begin making that happen for you?”

I said, “What!”

“Yeah, there were a number of sea life attractions which the owner got too heavily into debt, so what we'll do is we'll use the one in Los Angeles to begin getting the attention and we'll have a huge special on television. Then, each year, we'll have a new show where we can introduce another one in a different city.

I've got whales lined up and I've also got the trained dolphins and the sea lions. Those are good, but what I want is it to be a center point of a major animal safari where people can take the trains through and see all the other animals. Would you go for that?”

“Of father! Thank you! I think that will be wonderful.”

“Good, now what I'm doing is I've bought a whole huge section down in Florida which we can begin building a park so there will be another attraction other than Disney.

The place out in Los Angeles is sort of in the middle of the city, but what I've done is I've begun buying acreage outside of the city right in the middle of the growth pattern. We've got over two thousand acres, but what I want you to do is to go out and see about getting it fenced in with the type of fencing you'll need. Then, we're going to be building the buildings for all the different exhibits and let me just say, I've got deals lined up for over twenty different sections having a huge variety of animals.”

“What do you mean you've got deals?”

“Zoos around the country have breeding programs. They can't seem to house everything they're breeding, so they sell the excess. What I've done is I've got deals arranged so whatever they breed, we'll take. I'm not sure how it will work with the elephants since they have a heard mentality, but what I want to do is start getting animals for the one out there and the one in Florida.”

“Oh good, so how long is the arrangement?”

“For the next twenty years. By then, I figure it will either making money, or it won't. If it doesn't, I'll tell you now, the land will be worth more to subdivide. I imagine they'll go over, but you've got twenty years to either make it, or break it.”

“Ok, how much of a budget do I have?”

“You don't. You have a blank checkbook. I'd do the same for any of the other kids, so the deal is I want you to have whatever it takes, but at the end of the twenty years, I want you to be self sufficient. The reason I'm doing that is because your brother thinks it's sheer stupidity and I don't believe I'll live longer than that. If he gets control of the company, then I want you to be able to stand on your own because I think he'll most likely stop paying for it.”

“Ok, so what's he going to do with the teams?”

“We had a huge argument over those. He thinks they're all stupid. He thinks they're not bringing in as much in sales as they cost in the advertising. I beg to differ. If I die, I imagine he will sell them. To him, it's all about the dollar bill and not about the good will.”

“Can you sign them over to me? I'll run them and if they can make a profit, then he'll be shown. If they can't, then I'll have to tighten my belt and find a way.”

Father smiled and said, “I'll sign them over to you, BUT you're going to have to begin making appearances at the games. Between being in Florida, California, and now St. Louis, I'd say you're going to need a jet. We'll get you one as I can see things picking up for you. You're choosing the funner side of this business and Jack's just going to have to suffer.”

So, that's the way things began. The nice thing about it was my father and I began spending a lot of time together. I think he saw I wasn't interested in running the brewery, so he never saw me as a threat. Instead, he saw me as being the mascot by putting our family's name and our sports division out there.

What was neat was we had an opportunity almost immediately to buy a group of amusement parks. They were located all over the place and were notorious for being known as money losers.

What we did almost as soon as we took hold of the papers was we went in and created beer gardens in each. They do this in Europe and the profits on each bottle of beer sold is almost enough to pay an employee's salary for an hour. We began turning a profit and each year, we began offering more and more rides. We began massive expansions and my time got filled more and more.

Somewhere along the line, father began harping upon me about getting married. To be honest, I knew I didn't have enough time. He said that didn't matter and he knew he didn't have enough time for his family either but there had to be new blood otherwise the family name would end with Jack's kids controlling everything. I nodded and as time progressed, I began dating more and more.

When I met Brook, I was instantly drawn to her. She didn't look at me like a zoo keeper, she looked at me as being someone who was smart in taking and turning what had been known as money losers into money makers.

We began seeing each other and she would fly over to St. Louis from Kansas City when she knew I was in. We'd eat dinner at the Mill and then, we'd go out to the castle.

We'd been dating about three months when father got word of it. On the next lunch meeting we had, he asked me if I thought she was the girl for me. At that time, I thought she was. We enjoyed each other's company and I could see living together because she knew I wouldn't be home that often. Father then said, “Well, don't let the pot boil dry, propose to her so you can give her enough time to plan a wedding.”

I thought about it and two weeks later, I went to Kansas City and requested a meeting with her father. He gave me the time, and I went in and sought his permission for her hand.

To say the man was an asshole is an understatement. If Kansas City has an asshole, it's that man. He immediately began grilling me about what I would do for him financially and what I'd do for her. I calmly looked at the man and told him. “Sir, if you work for me, you receive a paycheck. If you don't, then don't expect a damned dime.”

He looked pissed and then, he smiled. “Good. I can see you're not about to let this family sponge from you. Take her and see she's happy.”

The next evening, she and I dated and I proposed to her. She accepted and then almost instantly, she began telling me how I could have made it more romantic. I told her I wasn't in the business of romance, but instead I was in the business of zookeeping. Animals don't have wedding ceremonies and if I chose to rut like an elephant, she'd definitely know it.

She laughed and said, “Well, we'll see about your animals later.”

Instantly, I told her. “If you think I'm marrying you to change one thing at the parks, then I'll rescind my proposal. You are to be my wife, not my business partner. IS that what you want?”

“I'll be your wife.”

“Ok, just so you know you're not going to change a thing at the parks.”

“Do you think you'll ever be at the brewery?”

“No, my interests lay with the parks. If you want the brewery, you're choosing to marry the wrong man, but my brother is already married, so you're a bit late.”

She knew I was irked and she let things drop.

What happened is we got married. I'm not going to go into it all, but the title I put on our wedding album is “Brook's episode”. Almost as soon as she started planning a wedding, it became one long bitch fest. She had to have things her way and when her father finally put down his foot about the cost, she started wheedling me for money. I finally decided enough was enough when I realized I'd spent fifty thousand dollars on the wedding. I told her not one more dime was going to be spent of my money and if it were going to be on my dime, we'd go to Las Vegas. She stuck out her bottom lip and I told her that was it. Within the month, we were married and the amount of extravagance displayed was pure folly.

The third month we were married, Brook started attempting to tell me she expected me home on certain days. At first, I thought one day was sufficient, but then I realized she was wanting me to be a nine to five guy and I would be allowed to have weekends to go to the parks. I gave her the one day, but when she started telling me we had engagements for other evenings, I told her I wasn't going. She wanted to throw a fit, and I told her, “Obviously, this isn't working. Now, you can go file for divorce and I'll be satisfied. I attempted marriage, but for me to be a part of the social set just isn't happening.”

She, of course, threw a fit. I, of course, threw my napkin on the table and walked out.

Two weeks later, I was told I was not allowed on the property of the castle, by a guard I didn't even know. I calmly looked at the man and said, “I'll be back. Your salary will be paid in full. Consider yourself fired.”

I went to the police station and summoned up every officer in the place. I told them we were going back as someone was attempting to garner what wasn't theirs. They smiled and came along. When we got to the gate, I told the nearest officer, “Arrest this man for trespass. He's been fired and he's still here.” The officer cuffed him and stuffed him.

When we got to the main entrance, the door wasn't answered. I spoke to the police officer and said, “There's more than this way into the place. She doesn't know all the ways in and out of here, so she'll stay over my dead body.”

He smiled and said, “I knew she'd be out just as soon as the tours stopped running.”

“WHAT!”

“She stopped the tours about two weeks ago.”

“Jesus Christ! All these people work for me and not one would dare give me a call! These tours are our good will to the community. If we don't run them people will think we're all about the money!”

He smiled and siad, “I knew she'd be gone.”

“Like yesterday's newspaper!”

We made entrance in through the cellar doors. As the police officers went through the cellars, they commented upon the number of wine bottles. I turned to them and said, “A product of my mother. She thought she had to have wine instead of beer. He bought her a winery. Now, we're stuck with wine.”

He laughed and said, “You sound like it's not to your liking.”

“Hell, I hardly drink the beer! What would I want with wine?”

When we got into the main house, we found furniture stacked in front of the doors like the old time movies. The police laughed and said, “There are some prized pieces there which have some deep scratches.”

“Whatever maid did that, is now fired. She'll be charged for damaging family heirlooms.”

“What if she ordered it done?”

“Sir, she does NOT own this house, nor will she ever. She's about to be thrown out, and she can take the staff she wants, but she's going to have to leave.”

When we got upstairs to my apartment, I went in and she let out a shriek. I told her, “Pack your things, you're moving out.”

“I'll not leave!”

“I'm sorry, but when did this place get your name on it?”

“It's in your name. It's marital property!”

“I'm sorry, but it might be in my name, but your lawyer is going to have to prove it was received during the time we were married. It wasn't, so get out. You now have one hour to leave. The police officers and I will be waiting downstairs.”

“Where will I go?”

“To hell as far as I'm concerned. You've acted like a spoiled child the whole time we've been married and to be honest, what love I thought I had for you is now depleted.”

“I'll ruin you!”

“How in the world do you think you can do that!”

“I'll tell everyone how much you like the boys rather than your own wife!”

“Well get started because you've got that to prove. Right now, I'd take a fella over you.”

One hour later, her lawyer knocked upon the door. I answered it and he said, “She called to say she wants a divorce.”

“Good, at least she listens well.”

“She's going to ask for this house, you know.”

“She won't get it. You have to remember what side of the state your on.” I turned to the police chief and said, “Show this gentleman out. She can meet with him off this property.”

The police chief pointed at the door and said, “Meet her down on Bravaria street. As soon as you turned off it, you were on their property.”

“That parking lot is...”

“Their private property” finished the police chief. “Meet her down on the street. She'll be along shortly.”

He turned to me and said, “Are you ready to evict her?”

“Yeah, an hour ago.”

“Well, let's go get her out of here.”

We went back up the stairs and when I knocked on the door, she said it was open. She's stripped down and was in her negligee'. I looked surprised I imagine. She looked surprised and I said, “If that was for your meeting with your lawyer, you can meet him down on Bravaria, that's where your going now.”

The police officer said, “Ma'am, you have to get dressed. You're leaving. If you choose to stay here, I'll be forced to arrest you.”

“Ok, Let me get dressed.”

“Ma'am, it seems to me you were dressed a sight different the last time I was up here. I'll be happy to testify on his behalf you dressed this way to meet with your lawyer.”

She looked embarrassed and said, “It is my home, I can dress as I damned well please.”

“No ma'am, it's not your home. I happen to know this residence is in the holding of a corporation. You are not on the board, nor are you on any legal paperwork of that corporation. I'd say you most likely won't be on any legal paperwork with the exception of divorce papers. You now have three minutes before I put the handcuffs on. Please move.”

She got dressed with us standing in the room. She then said, “I have to pack”

“No ma'am, you're leaving. I'm sure he'll be happy to have your belongings packed for you...or not. “ he smiled at me.

She turned to me and said, “I can really make your life hell. You remember that.“

“You remember you're just as out of here as you were the day before I proposed. And remember I've got documented proof of ever penny that went to your family. The second you think you can be a source of embarrassment to my family, I'll start a smear campaign telling the press your family is broke.”

She looked outraged and said, “That is NOT true!”

“It's about as true as me being gay. It seems with the thousands of dollars that have been siphoned from my account by you, they're not in good financial standing. I can only feel compelled to tell the press. There might be some bankers over there who are about to give them loans.”

She said, “You wouldn't!”

“Oh, but I would. You know you really need to check and see who's on the boards of those banks. I believe my father is on at least three. Can you imagine how fast he'll start calling in loans on all their holdings?”

“I'll leave, but we're going to have to negotiate.”

“There's no negotiating. You played your cards and if you think your hand is good, then realize mine is better.”

She stormed out of the house and started to head towards the garage. “Arrest her if she takes that car, or any car for that matter. None of them are in her name. They all belong to this house.”

The police chief got to her door and said, “Ma'am, this car doesn't belong to you. If you have a private vehicle in your name, you may leave in it. If not, the driveway is that way. You'll need to walk.”

“I was given this car to use!”

“Ma'am, he says if you drive off in it, he'll press theft charges. I'll have to follow his request.”

“You're one of his butt buddies just like the rest of them!”

“Ma'am, if that was supposed to upset me, you succeeded. You now have about five minutes to make it across Bravaria before I arrest you for trespass. Now get to moving.”

She stormed off and yelled, “You'll hear from my lawyer!”

“Should I meet him in my night clothes?” I yelled.

“You know he's not your type. He's the only one that could ever satisfy me.”

The police chief said, “Ma'am that was your trespass charge. Should I forward it to your lawyer?”

“OH FUCK YOU!” she yelled. She made it about another ten feet when she broke a heel on her pump.

The police chief turned to me and asked, “IS there any grounds to her accusations?”

“None that she can prove.”

He smiled and said, “Be careful and don't trust anyone. She's most likely going to find someone and bribe them with the money she thinks she can get from you.”

“Dead men tell no tales, sir”

“Don't do anything stupid.”

“I'm not.”

“Good. This family doesn't need any sort of scandal.”

“One is her cousin. She's not going to point the finger that way. Her uncle would shut her entire family's money off if she did. The other is a person that if she attempted to point the finger in that direction, my father would cut her parents financial resources off. I'm pretty secure in where I'm standing. “

“Then my advice is to get ahold of the press and make the announcement yourself and tell the person to put in she met her lawyer in a night gown with a dreamy look in her eye. It can be substantiated and then, contact your security director and find out who's visited the house to see if she might've had gentlemen callers. I'll put word out to find out where she's staying and get word to be reported back to me on anyone that visits complete with license plates and photographs of the person entering and leaving the premises.”

“Ok. I appreciate it.”

“No, thank you for what you've done in this town. I personally know of a lot of businesses who were really worried about their incomes suffering since the tours shut here. You don't realize it be because you don't offer meals out here, they buy them down the street. Now those places are worried. “

“We'll make a public announcement the tours have resumed. Maybe we can make it a commercial in the next special about the tours so we can get more people here.”

He nodded and said, “One other piece of advice. Don't pack a thing of hers until the divorce is final. If you do get back together, she'll appreciate it and if you don't, then she can do without things until then.”

He got into his vehicle and I said, “Sir, how many cars do you have on your police force?”

“Ten, why?”

“I'll order you a whole new set. You'll have them within a week.”

“You don't have to do that.”

“No, I don't. But, I want to. It makes it good when you respond as you do and give me tidbits of information. I really appreciate it. Here's my personal number if you come up with anything.”

“Ok, do you have an answering machine?”

“No, the brewery provides a service. What I'd like is to have a meeting with you once a week or so. That way you can keep me up to date and if there's any new information, you can reach me and we'll arrange a meeting.”

“Ok”

I went into the house and saw a maid moving furniture. “Who moved that furniture over there?”

“I did sir, along with one of the stable boys.”

“What's his name?”

“Bob sir.”

“Well, pack your things and don't ask for a reference. Those were Chippendale pieces you scratched. She is not owner of this dwelling and I won't have my family's possessions harmed. Your employ here is terminated. You'll be given a week's extra on your pay since I know it was due to her direction, but just the same, you knew she was not an owner here.” I picked up a phone and said, “Could you please send Bob over from the stables.”

The next phone call I made when I got upstairs was to the St. Louis Post. I spoke with someone I knew and told him about what went on. I told him about her meeting her attorney in a night gown and it was witnessed by the police chief. Then, for added measure, I noted both a stable boy and a maid were terminated for affairs related to her.

Affairs...it's a tricky word. It can mean anything. I happened to choose to use it so it pointed at her. It implied she was bi-sexual and if she then wanted to throw the gay card out there pointing at me, it would only be after the references were made to her.

The final phone call I made that evening was to my father. When he answered, he sounded tired. I told him what had happened and he said he'd be right out. His apartment at the brewery was where he'd chosen to stay since we'd gotten married and now, I wanted him back in his home.

When he arrived, he began shooting questions to me as to whom I'd contacted and what I'd said. I told him and then, I told him about what her accusations were.

He scoffed at the idea and said, “Son, your dealings with Max were your dealings. I knew about them because the maids here took to looking for him for fear he'd gotten kidnapped. I knew instantly as soon as I called security when they told me no one had entered or left the house he was here. All it took was one look at the two of you to know where he was. I never said anything because we've all had our affairs. I chose to wait until his death was well in the past to bring up you getting married. Now, you've done that, so your reputation with the press is going to be out there as being straight. Whatever you do, don't mess it up.”

“She might throw out the accusations.”

“She might put a gun to her head and pull the trigger too. One is going to do just about as good to her as the other. DO you think any newspaper in this country will run that slander when I pay for full page ads in them?”

“I never thought of that.”

“There's a way of keeping good press about you. Your brother doesn't know how to play them, but by God I do. After Max's mother, I had to start treating the press as if they were my dearest friends. Them fuckers bar-b-qued me for three solid months over her. I sure as hell wasn't letting that happen again!”

I nodded and said, “I'm sorry father.”

“It wasn't your doing. Your mother did her own damage. That's why I put her on the tightest rein I can. She won't starve, but she's not going to be eating steak every night either. My advice to you is to get yourself one of our lawyers and then negotiate the bitch out of your life.”

“How do I do that?”

“Do you want my opinion?”

“Well, of course.”

“Good. My opinion is you play the press and tell them you want a complete reconciliation. My opinion is you take the Tampa house and you put her sniveling ass down there. Then, my opinion is you give her what she wants and you make it good enough the bitch never thinks about divorcing you again. Then, you get as much information on her as you can so if she does attempt to make the divorce stick, you start leaking the information as to who, what, when, where, and why. And then start shoveling photographs to them so they can start feeding upon her reputation. THEN son, you'll have her where you want her for a divorce.”

“I don't want to get married again father. I'll be discrete, but I don't want another woman.”

“If that's what you want. BUT, don't ever bring any harm to this family. If you must, you bring them back here and my advice is you do it with someone who isn't so public as to make yourself look like a fool. You being with her cousin was walking on thin enough ice.”

“You knew about him too?”

“Yes, there's not much that slips past me. That one there, if you knew how many he'd been with, you'd know there's file cabinets full about him.”

We went in and father said, “Let's get a beer downstairs. This is giving me a headache.”

I smiled and said, “You've known about me all these years and didn't say anything.”

“You never brought it up. Now, you have and if you'd told me you didn't want to get married, I would have dealt with it then. Now, I know and I'll support you on it as long as you don't disgrace this family.”

“I won't do that father.”

“I know you won't.”

We went into the beer tasting room and I said, “It's always so cold inhere.”

“The pipes for the refrigeration are in the walls. They wanted them there so it would be a source of air conditioning in the Summer. Now, we give tours year round, so this room is damned cold. All the paintings on the walls in here have to be done with some sort of special colored concrete. That's how they've managed to never fade.

Between you and I, we love this house. You see where your brother lives and you see he built his own castle. You on the other hand have always loved this house which is why I gave it to you. Your brother is a blooming idiot with the way he wants to get rid of the past, but he has no clue it's what holds his clings his future to him.”

“I've got it now father. He'll never get me to sell it. “

“I know he shouldn't. If he ever gets it in his mind the draft horses aren't to be around anymore, I'll have enough people on the board to fire him over it. You just be ready to step in at that moments notice.”

“I don't want the brewery father.”

“No, I know you don't. BUT, if you think his job is hard, then let me tell you he makes a great show of doing nothing. He walks around that brewery and he talks to people while THEY work. Then, he goes back in and has meetings all afternoon long hearing how other people work.

The boy's an idiot. Me, I got myself hobbies. You might think my ball teams are folly, but they're hobbies. I can go and do things there and those people adore me. I find it relaxing to sit and watch a game and know people are seeing me there because I take an interest in the team.

Heck, the draft horses and animals are yours. You take interest in them because they get you away from the daily routine, that boy doesn't. He runs the place and climbs the walls and if you don't think I know about the real reason we have girls in bikinis then you're crazy. That kid makes them his own personal harem. What a dumb ass.”

I laughed and said, “He what!”

“Yeah, he calls them in and then plows them with beer and then starts making like he's interested in their bikinis fitting them well. They're drunker than a jackass on sour mash and they start giggling and soon enough, he's got them bent over his desk. What he doesn't know is five have come up pregnant and I've had to take care of them. Those sorts of things never reach back to him. I'd love to see him sweating the bullets I have over his exploits.”

“Have you had to do anything like that for me father?”

“No son, not you. I'm beginning to wonder about the one out there though. Promise me one thing, if anything happens to me, you'll see those kids get a normal life.”

“I tried to do that but she took them away. Man, I loved those kids.”

“That you did. You don't know how it made me feel when they ran right past me into your arms.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Don't be. If I'd been home more, they would have had more affection. Just be thankful you never had any kids with the bitch.”

“Let's hope she doesn't come up pregnant.”

“If she does, it's someone else's.”

“True, we were affectionate last month, but nothing happened. The time before that was back in December. She called it her present to me. The whole time we were doing it, she was bitching how I wasn't attentive to her needs.”

“You should have told her then you'd go get the stable boy and that would be caring for her needs.” he smiled.

“Was she having sex with him too?”

“Son, if I fired everyone around here who had sex with the woman, we'd be some mighty lonely people.”

“Oh man. I've been a fool.”

“No, you were doing what you enjoyed doing. So was she.”

“Is that what happened with you father?”

“Let's see...which time? Your mom screwed around on me with my baseball announcer. Jack's mom just screwed around...it didn't matter who. The kid's mom, well, she was too prim and proper to have sex. Those two kids are definitely mine. Sheesh, I call those kids the beginning and the end of my sex life with her. Max's mom, oh hell, I shouldn't say it but her legs were like fine pearls. They were draped around the neck of every rich bitch in the world. It's hard acting like it didn't bother me when she'd make it so obvious. The last I heard, she was living in her house with three other widows. I imagine they're still getting it on.”

“Oh man.”

“There's something interesting about lesbians though. Their business can be put out there and no one thinks a thing about them, but if a gay man's business gets put out there, he's finished. No one will respect him in business again. That's why I tell you to be careful.”

“Ok father.”

“I could make some suggestions if you'd like.”

“No, I'm really not interested in anyone right now.”

“If you do, then please be careful. Your brother is going to hold your purse strings from the brewery. You're aware of that, aren't you?”

“Yes, now what's going to happen about Brook?”

“What I'd tell you to ask your attorney is to make a ridiculous offer to keep her in the Tampa house. Make it enough to keep her happy, but not enough it will take us to the poor house.”

“How much do you suggest?”

“Make it twenty million a year and nothing else. Pay for her servants and pay the bills of the house. Her health benefits are concern for the company and in order for her to receive them, she has to be ledgered as an employee. Whatever you do, don't give her any of your percentage of the company. Put that in writing. If she won't touch that, we'll drag the divorce out until we have something on her more substantial.”

“Ok, well, I'll make an appointment with the lawyer tomorrow.”

“No, it's already made. You're a Stein. All you have to do is walk into the man's office. If he's too busy, then let me know and I'll see he's never too busy again. You need to learn how to flex those muscles. If they think we're a headache to them, remind them we're paying for the aspirin.”

“I'm really enjoying getting to know you more and more father.”

“I am too. I really wish I'd spent more time with you.”

“Me too, but I'm really grateful for the time we're having now.”

“Me too. How about you start taking more of a role in hiring people in the ball team. There's a good number of those guys that are gay. They don't broadcast it and they sure as hell can afford to let you be your own person with the amount of time they're on the road. Your down times are about the same and maybe that would be good.”

“I'll think about it.”

“No, just tell me you'll sit in on some of the meetings. You don't know how it makes me feel when I'm in there helping negotiate a contract of which I don't know I'll see the end and we all know your brother will most likely sell the teams.”

“Why don't you sign them over to me. That way, they'll stay in the family.”

“No, there are a few aces up my sleeve and one of them will be used to leverage some concessions from your brother in order for things to be more fair to everyone. Right now, he's got controlling interest, but if what I'm thinking develops, I'll sell the teams off myself so there aren't any hard feelings.”

“What do you mean? You can't sell the teams. They're like us kids to you!”

“That, son, you are wrong about. The teams are possessions. They can be bought or sold. My kids, as much as I've neglected and ignored each of you, you aren't something I'd ever give up. Yes, I had to let the two little ones go for now, but when the time comes, they'll be back. Just make sure when they come back, Jack is going to treat them as true Steins. They do have my blood going through their veins.”

“What are you planning on doing father? I mean about the company.”

“I'll tell you, but you mustn't tell Jack a word. I want the egotistical man to think he thought of it.”

“Ok, we rarely speak anyway.”

“Yes, and you need to rectify that. Maybe I can help, but Jack is really a person that is all about himself. Maybe that's my fault, I don't know, but be prepared to be his brother when he needs you and in any way he needs you. His life isn't easy either.”

“Ok”

“What I'm wanting to do is reform the company and give everyone of my kids equal shares. Through the generations, we've had members of the family who are rightful heirs to portions of the company not take any interest in the company at all. That has hung over our heads like you wouldn't believe.

If someone chose today to go collect up those portions of the company from all the unknowing heirs, they could take it over and throw everyone out. Personally, our family has dominated the others and now, it's about to be split again with my death.

You, Jack, and the two little ones are supposed to all be equals. I'll tell you now, as Jack dominates more and more, you and the others will take less interest in it. He'll run it and you'll take your shares.

What would happen is one of the little ones grows up and has a child who would be a good candidate to run it? Jack wouldn't let them.

So, what I'm wanting to see is us put a small announcement in an unknown paper and tell everyone who has an interest to step forward and those who don't to ever hold their peace. Then, what we'll do is we'll buy them out and reform the company, take it public, and start using the cash infusion of the initial offering to start buying up smaller breweries all over the world. We're big enough now if we choose to flex our muscles and buy up companies, we'd be the biggest in the world. That may not mean much to you, but to me, knowing what we've worked for all our lives and my predecessors lives would mean we're a household brand. We'll be the ones that the average person thinks of as soon as someone says beer.”

“That's a nice idea. Will I have to be putting my parks on the line?”

“That's entirely up to you. As I see it, they're yours. You don't realize it, but your brother has cost me that much if not more.”

“How?”

“Do you think those girls who got pregnant just laid down and had abortions simply because they wanted to? No, they did it because I paid them enough to make it in their best interests. I kept track and your brother is way ahead of you on the amount of money he has went through. Hell, your little brother out there in California wanted a train set and I went out and bought him a whole fucking railroad for chrissakes and the kid isn't into as much money as Jack. “

“You what?”

“Yeah, the kid owns his own railway. You might talk to him about trains for your parks. He's definitely got more than he could use and in one of those barns is some old steam sugar trains someone brought up from Costa Rica sometime or another. They'd be perfect.”

“Do you think he'd deal for them?”

“You're family. He still remembers you, so I imagine all you'd have to do was ask. He's still the same person you knew.”

“Well, I'll have to start going out to see him. Is his mom going to let me see him?”

“I'll speak with her. I don't think she'll have a problem. She's been kissing my ass more and more lately. I upped her allowance to five million a year and she thinks I'm great.”

“You're going to give my wife twenty million and she only gets five?”

“Yeah, your wife didn't piss me off like mine did!” he smiled. “Mine took away two kids that weren't to be pawns in her games. She made them that way, so I low balled her and only gave her a million a year. Now she's getting five and thinks I'm great.”

“Oh man.”

He smiled again and said, “You could try offering yours less, but I bet just as soon as I croak she'll be back to the bargaining table. Make it worth her while and she'll leave you be.”

“Ok, I'm going to offer fifteen. Sheesh.”

“Ok, if you think she's worth it.”

“If I paid her what she was worth, she'd not be able to afford bus fare back to Kansas City.”

He laughed and said, “She could probably make that much by selling a book or two.”

“She wouldn't.”

“Don't be surprised. That damned Kitty Kelly is really cleaning up in by airing everyone's dirty laundry now.”

“Ok, I'll put that into the contract. She'll sign a contract, won't she?”

“She will or she won't get a dime!”

“Ok”

He made himself ready to go to bed and said, “I'll sleep here on the sofa. If you need me, I'll be here. You go get some sleep and I'll be here.”

“No, you can sleep in your old room. I'd prefer it if you moved back in.”

“I've got my own apartment at the brewery now. They think I'm ill if I don't answer the door there. If I did that here, I'd be dead two weeks before you people ever thought enough to check on me.”

“You know that's wrong. I'd be in there the next day.”

“Oh pfft. You're gone four days a week and probably will make it five now.”

“No, let you and I start going out to see the two young ones and get them to knowing they've got family.”

“Ok, I'll start arranging Saturdays.”

“Ok, you might have to fly out by yourself since I'll be out there. I can drive up and we all can start spending time at the park, or going to do something.”

“They'd like that. They love that park.”

“You've taken them there!?”

“Yeah, I've went out and taken them through the place.”

“Why didn't you tell me, I could have given them a special tour.”

“No, I wanted them to see it from an outsider's point of view. They know it's yours, but I didn't want them being around you bringing up bad memories.”

“Oh, well, is it going to bother you if we start spending time together?”

“Not now. I'm getting more set in my potential demise. I know you'll be there for them and that's what matters.”

“You'll probably outlive us all.”

“No, my doctors tell me I've got but a short time to live.”

“What aren't you telling me?”

“Nothing. I'm not telling you I have cancer because I don't want to be treated like someone that has cancer. Instead, I'm telling you I've got probably less than two years.”

“Oh man. Just when I thought everything was going great, you tell me this.”

“That's what I told my doctor. He found it humorous. I didn't find it funny at the time, but I now see the humor. I'll have to tell him.”

“It's not funny.”

“It isn't, but there's nothing that can be changed. If I did it so I could live longer, I'd do it at a cost of being sick all the time. Instead, I'm choosing to get to know you and I'm now telling you to see those kids out there have someone in the family to be there for them. Their mom is going to get that allowance until the day she dies, so let's hope she lives forever.”

“Are they all going to receive allowances?”

“All of them that stay alive will!” He had a humorous twinkle in his eyes and said, “I'd be sorely tempted to take your mom out with me when I go though.”

“Do it after you get all those damned bottles of wine out of the cellar.”

“Keep those. They're all worth some serious money. Some of those are worth nearly six thousand a bottle!”

“What!”

“Yeah, that winery I bought the woman was the best. Now, she's let the vines go to shit and the bottles that are out there like those down in the cellar are some of the most sought after on the planet.”

“Who's taking care of the winery and the vines?”

“No one as far as I can tell. You might ask her to give it to you as she's not doing anything with it and she sure isn't drawing anything from it.”

“No, our family's logo can't go on the bottle, I don't want it.”

“You might try again some day. People's tastes change all the time.”

“I'll speak to her, but that's going to cost a lot to put back into shape.”

“Don't tell her I told you so, but I've been keeping those people all on a salary.”

“You what!”

“People like that can't help it the woman doesn't know a thing about running the place and she's too damned dumb to even begin learning. If it were me, I'd be over there learning the trade, but I'm too fucking old. So, if you can get her to let you have it, the people are there, and they'll know what to do.”

“I'll have to go over sometime and see what it needs.”

“Get her permission first.”

“Why?”

“How would you feel if she suddenly went to one of your parks and started asking questions. You'd resent the hell out of her for it. Everything you've done with me is because you've asked. I figured if you showed an interest, you were responsible enough to take it and give it a run. So, ask her. I'm sure she'll let you. The woman sure knows she's not going to get a dime from it unless she lets you have it.”

“I'll give her a percentage after profits.”

“She'll appreciate it. Just make sure she doesn't bleed you dry like the leech she is.”

“I know father. Your love for the woman has to surpass mine. She's hurt my feelings for the last time.”

“I've felt that a time or two with her myself. In her own way, she's a good person. She just couldn't deal with being faithful to me.”

“Father, she couldn't stay faithful to the affairs she was screwing around with behind your back. Sheesh.”

“Remember she's paid her debt to society. Don't crucify her more than what she's already been.”

“It sounds like you're mellowing.”

“No, I'm letting bygones be bygones. It's interesting when you see your time is near how you let go of things that don't really matter. I've had my times too and you're letting go of things you should be really pissed at me about, but instead, we're getting closer.”

“I'm seeing you're making an effort. It's not like you stopped loving me. It's just like you were away and now, you're taking the time.”

“That's true, but I really wish I'd taken more time. That brewery still pumps out beer with or without me. I know that now. I should have learned it before, but now, it doesn't matter. Fortunately, you know that, but your stupid fucking brother won't learn it until he's in a grave.”

“He'll learn some day.”

“You can hope, but I'll meet my maker and he'll meet his before that happens I'm afraid.”

“Maybe something someday will get him to seeing things differently.”

“Don't hold your breath. Now, let me go to sleep and you get yours.”

As I went into my bedroom, I thought of all the things he and I did together. Now, he's just as good as handing me the younger ones and telling me to be a parent to them. I'll have to start making a day for them.

The next day, when I awoke, father was already gone. For him, there weren't any off days. I went out to order breakfast cooked and then, as I took my shower, I was startled by my manservant.

“Sir, will you be going riding this day?”

“No, I'll be going to speak with my attorney. Things happened last evening which will mean changes are going to happen around here. If my wife happens to ever think she can step foot upon this property again, please notify me immediately.”

“I will do that sir.”

“Were you one she had sex with?”

“No sir. I don't find women appealing.”

“Ok, well, neither do I.”

He smiled and said, “I was wondering when you'd notice that sir.”

“It took me a while, but I now know.”

“If I can be of any further assistance sir, please let me know.”

“No, I might be separated from her, but I'm not interested in doing anything with anyone else. Just do what you can to see everyone in this household who had sex with her is terminated and replaced.”

“That would be the head of the household's job sir, but he's had sex with her too.”

“Well, he'll be replaced. Do you know how to do his job?”

“I've worked in most of the jobs here, yes, but I've never done his.”

“Well, let's hire you for that job and I'll go terminate him myself. I want all those people gone. And in the future, if you know of anyone who's having sex with another member of the household, please let me know. I'll probably let it slide, but I really don't want this place seeming like a Peyton Place in front of the tours.”

“The tours will be continuing then?”

“The tours never should have stopped. I really would have liked to have been notified they had stopped.”

“She fired the train drivers sir.”

“Oh Christ. How much will it take to get them re-employed?”

“I doubt if they'll come back, or you will want them back. One of them didn't have sex with her because he's like us. All the others did.”

“Oh, well, call and find some people that can do the job and have qualifications.”

“Sir, if you don't mind my asking, would you mind terribly if I ask some gay people I know if they'd like the jobs?”

“As long as they're qualified, I don't care who they are. Just be sure to let them know I'm not interested in any of them sexually.”

“Ok sir. Now, when will I be starting my employ in the head of household position?”

“Is he here now?”

“He lives here sir.”

“OK, let me go down to eat breakfast and then, I'll request a meeting with him and get him terminated. Let's say you be prepared to start the job at nine o'clock. Ok?”

“Thank you sir.”

“No, that's no problem. Thanks for staying faithful and not screwing my wife.”

He smiled and said, “Sir, for the next few days, it will be hard to live around here if I terminate them all.”

“Here's what you do. You terminate and hire all new household staff. I'll send a plane to Florida and get my spare veterinary staff brought up. Until then, I'll feed and care for all the animals myself. When that staff comes in, tell them to all meet in the main living room and sack each who has been with her. The one's left and I will care for the animals. I absolutely don't want any of the ones about to be fired to be feeding any of the animals. We'll probably end up with a bunch of dead animals on our hands if that happens.”

“Oh no sir. There are quite a number of them who are gay. You won't have to worry too much there. She tried, but there wasn't many there who would.”

“I'm surprised she didn't have them fired.”

“She did sir, but the director out there would hire them back and then put them on the other side of the farm. She never dared to go over there.”

“I really wish someone had brought this to my attention.”

“Sir, they were all afraid. They thought you'd terminate them for dare speaking against her.”

“No, I'm more fair than that. What I can not tolerate is thinking the person cooking my food is wanting my wife and will kill me to get her.”

“Sir, she only had them one time before she was onto someone else. It was rare she had one more than once.”

“Well, all it took was once to get themselves fired with me.”

“I see that sir.”

“Well, let's begin our day. I really hope breakfast isn't poisoned.”

“It's not sir, the cook who cooks for you is a big healthy woman who is very straight. If the Mrs had attempted anything with her, I'm sure the Mrs would have been black and blue.” he said chuckling.

“If only more in this house were like her. Well, let's go get this job done. My father thinks I won't find them all.”

“Sir, I can point them out. They all bragged about how they did her and each one would turn around and tell how bad she spoke about you while they were doing her.”

“Well, they are going to be leaving and they won't be allowed back on the place.”

We went downstairs and I ate my breakfast. The Globe made reference to it in the morning paper. I knew her father got that paper because I sent him the gift subscription. I found it humorous he'd read about his daughter's exploits rather than hear about them.

When I was done with breakfast, I called all the stable hands into the house. As they arrived, I told them to meet me in the living room. They all trudged in and their feet really made a mess of the entry. It didn't matter as far as I was concerned. The whole house was a mess and it needed to be righted.

I then called the head of house into the living room and then began to speak. “It seems a number of the help in this house have been with my wife sexually. Those of you who have, need to know you are now hereby terminated. As of this moment sir, you are now without a position. Please pack up and leave post haste. A truck will take you wherever you need to go, but I expect your belongings to be packed within the hour.

I said, “Conroy, please step forward, you are now the new head of household. Please begin firing the ones you know personally are in violation.

Conroy told everyone to line up. He then went down the line and said, “You, you, you, you, and you, you guys can stay. All the rest of you, go pack your belongings. You have one hour and then you will need to have your things up here. The rest of you who are allowed to stay, please don't allow these other near the animals or near the feed.” He clapped his hands and said, “That is all, now go get packed. If any of you others who aren't in the list to be terminated so choose, you pack your things too. None of you will get a reference from your employ here.”

Everyone left and I heard a few muttered curses. Conroy smiled and said, “Thank you sir, that was most empowering.”

“It might be, but we're going to have a hard day ahead of us.”

“Yes sir, I will. You need to go get your appointment with your attorney.”

“I will as soon as we have them all fired.”

“Sir, the maids, cooks, and house servants are now coming.”

They all entered gradually and a few of the maids were crying. I thought to myself, “Man the bitch has been busy!”

“Conroy!”

“Yes sir.”

“Form a list of who all we've terminated. I want a detailed listing so I can hand it to my attorney. This has gone way beyond what I thought it would be.”

“I understand sir.”

He then did the same. He lined them up and then fired about fifteen of them. Every one of the house boys and nearly all the cooks were fired. The big rotund woman Conroy had spoke of wasn't and as soon as Conroy had terminated the staff, I called her over.

“Hi, I'm not familiar with you, but first of all, thanks for not bedding my wife.”

“There's no problem. If you're interested in me too sir, I'll tell you now I won't stay if that's a condition of my staying.”

“No ma'am, it's not. What I'd like to speak with you about is getting some items on the menu which are authentically German and seeing my father is invited to be here for dinner those evenings. He may not want to live here, but I sure want him to be welcome in this house.”

“No problem sir, now I have a few questions.”

“Ok.”

“I wasn't head cook, but he just got fired. Will I be head cook now?”

“Oh, I was under the assumption you were the head cook since you cooked my food.”

“No, the Mrs insisted the head cook prepare hers. I wasn't allowed near hers and if you want me to be head cook, I'll insist on hiring my own staff. As far as authentic German food, that's no problem. That's what I was told you wanted when I was hired, but then things changed when you brought her home. One thing I will insist upon is going back to making my own bread. The bread they use here is French which you know is nothing like ours.”

“Sure, do whatever you need and if there's anything you need, you buy it and get me the receipts. I'll see your budget is reimbursed.”

“Ok, what is our daily staff going to be in the future?”

“I'm not exactly sure. Conroy will know those numbers. What I do know is we'll have more people on in the near future as I'm going to be upping the zoological staff here and getting more animals. If we're going to go ahead full steam here, I want it to be such we've got a lot more to offer the visitors. Also, we'll have some different trains coming as soon as I can get them brought, so the ones who will be building that will need fed.”

“Ok, just be sure Conroy knows what the number is each day and I'll make the adjustments. Now, is there anything you are allergic?”

“I'm allergic to someone being deceitful and dishonest. Other than that, I'm allergic to an empty plate. Things are going to be hard here with the house staff being cut away, but the rooms once they're clean shouldn't be a real chore.”

“Sir, let me notify some people I know. They are good workers and they'll stay loyal.”

“Ok, contact Conroy and you two work it out.”

She nodded and said, “Sir, you did well to get rid of her. There were more things I heard she was planning and I'm glad you got rid of her before they happened.”

“Good. At least if she's gone, she can't do them here.”

“No, and I'm really glad you're still here.”

“I'll be gone a number of days a week, but with hope, I'll have my younger siblings back sooner than they're allowed.”

“I've not met them.”

“They're great kids. They'll bring joy back to this house.”

“Good, just be careful not to keep them from playing with the other children in the neighborhood.”

“They'll be allowed to play with whomever they like. The neighborhood wasn't here when I was growing up. It was lonelier than hell, so I know what you mean.”

“This house seemed sad. Now, I think you'll bring back joy.”

“Let's hope.

After my conversation with her, I asked Conroy for a few moments. I said, “There's a car out there for your use. I imagine you'll be getting household staff, but the head cook has some people in mind. Pay her some mind as she says the people she has in mind will be loyal.”

“I'll do that sir. Hopefully, with the people we know, we'll have a full staff again by the end of the day, or if not, within the next few days. I heard you will be expanding the zoo?”

“Yes, we're going to be bringing up some more zebras and some elephants. Over in the water section, we'll be bringing in some water buffalo and some hippos. I want everyone to feel like they've take a trip to Africa when they tour this place. We've got the barn space and I think we'll be going good if I can get an aquarium built here.”

“Oh sir, that would be lovely.”

“Yes, but we'll have to find the space. I think down behind the horse corrals and the barns would be a nice location, but the parking would be a problem.”

“You'll find the space sir. I have confidence in you.”

“I'm glad you do. Sometimes I wonder about myself.”

He smiled and I said, “I'll be back this evening. If you can, I'd like to have a few moments to speak with you and be caught up. Remember, if any of the employment agencies call for references, they don't get a thing. Tell them they were terminated for sexual acts while on the job. That should give them no opportunities to do that to anyone else. “

I paused and said, “One other thing. I'm going to need that list and don't be surprised if it's in the papers about the number of staff which were sacked. I want it public knowledge what my wife did.”

“Yes sir, here's the list. “

“Man, forty one!”

“Yes sir and that's not counting the ones already terminated.”

“Ok, so we had fifty people gone. How many are left?”

“Thirty six, sir.”

“Almost ninety people to run this house, that's insane.”

“Sir, it's a large estate. The estate I left over in England was over three hundred.”

“Oh man, they had to really have an income to pay all those people!”

“You do too sir.”

“I do, but for a good will mission to the citizens of the community, I really should ask the brewery to reimburse me.”

“I'd speak with your father. He seems to be a reasonable man. Your brother isn't so reasonable.”

“When did you meet him?”

“When he was out here having sex with your wife sir.”

“Oh man, how am I going to get along with him now? That man knows no boundaries.”

I went over to a phone and called the brewery. When the switchboard operator answered, I asked for her to reach my father. He got on the line and said, “Hello”

“Father, it's me Pete.”

“Yeah Pete.”

“Were you aware Jack has had sex with Brook?”

“Oh shit.”

“Yeah, I'm coming down to the brewery and I'm going to speak with him. I want you to know the man went across the line.”

“Pete, I'll be there too. I don't want you killing him over the bitch.”

“I won't father. I just want him to know I know and I'll be a thorn in his side from here on out over this.”

“Pete, we'll sit down and hash this out.”

“Father, we terminated nearly fifty people today. You might want to ask his dumb ass to get tested for venereal diseases. Lord, I hope the man has caught something that won't wash off.”

“Son, he's your brother and just remember you slept with her too. If it won't wash off him, it won't wash off you. So, please be careful what you wish.”

“Ok, but right now, my wish is my fist in his mouth.”

“I know. And my foot up his ass. “

I chuckled and he said, “Hurry on down, but drive safe.”

“I will”

I rung off and then left the house. I took the Range Rover as I needed to feel like I was more distant from the brewery than the Chevrolet they provided.

When I reached the brewery, I noticed a vehicle was parked in my spot. Nothing more in the world upset me than that and I blocked the person in. When I went across the parking lot, I spoke to the guard and said, “Whoever it is parked in my spot, have them towed. Here's my keys and don't move it until that vehicle is on the wrecker.”

“Ok sir, that vehicle is one of your brother's bikini girls.”

“Well, she parked in the wrong spot today. In the future, have any vehicle parking in that spot towed and I don't care who it is.”

“Sir, they park there all the time.”

“It won't likely be after today.”

He smiled and said, “I doubt that, he has them in all the time.”

“After today, each time he thinks he can screw around on his wife, I'll be notifying his wife and if you have any dates and times my wife was here visiting him, I'd appreciate the information.”

“Sir, do you really want those times?”

“Yes sir, I do. I just fired nearly fifty of the staff out at the farm for having sex with her, and I'm going to go see my brother. It seems everyone was getting some except me!”

He smiled and said, “Sir, she was here four times. Here are the dates.”

“Good. I appreciate it and if there's any undo harassment which comes to you over this, please let me know.”

“He won't. I know more than what he even wants to bother me for.”

“Good. If he led a simple life, he wouldn't be having problems. Thanks just the same.”

When I went up to Jack's office, my father was sitting in his outer office.

“He's too busy to see you?”

“He's got one of his bikini girls in there.”

“That stops today too father. From now on, if Jack wants to use this place as his bimbo land, he's going to have to explain to everyone else why we're writing off abortions. You may want to protect him, but after finding out he was with Brook four times, I'm plenty pissed.”

“Four?”

“The guard out there said she's been here four times he knows about. She sure wasn't here to see me and unless she was here to see you, I'd say we know who she came to see.”

“She never saw me. We'll discuss this.”

“Father, you might discuss, but for me, I'm ready to do more than discuss it. The way I see it, Jack can pay the bitch some of my money to keep her quiet.”

Father looked at me and said, “We'll discuss it. Jack's going to have to change things or I'll step back in. You're upset and that's not good.”

“Father, the man accused me of poisoning his kid's minds against him because I dared spend time with them when he was treating them as you did us. He wants to level off accusations which are baseless and yet, he wanted to help destroy my marriage. Now, you might not think that matters with knowing all she bedded but if one person should have stood up to her, it was Jack.”

“True. Thank goodness she didn't try for me!”

“She knew you'd put her out. Jack should have done that too. The way I feel right now, with the number of people she's been with climbing, the negotiating is getting pretty weak.”

“I understand. Just do what you can to get her out of your life.”

“Paying her off isn't really an option to me any longer father. She's got to consider that hush money and the way I see it, she should be paying me!”

“You said 'I do' at that wedding. Now I'm in agreement she was in the wrong, but our name isn't to be slandered by her and if it takes paying her to stay shut, then she stays shut.”

“Father, if I pay her to stay in that house down there, then I'll do it with the agreement she does so with me having a guard on the place keeping everyone out except staff. Lord knows she's screwed enough of them, so even then we're not out of danger.”

“Son, we'll discuss this, but Jack's got about a couple more minutes before he's gotten me completely upset.”

“He's going to be upset because I'm having the girl's car towed. She parked in my spot.”

“Good. He's not going to say a thing about that because if he does, I'll tell him I approved it.”

“No, he can keep the sluts out of my parking spot!”

“Son, they work for this company.”

“Which is something I think needs changed. So, Jack's going to be told the next one he touches and each and everyone one he touches is going to be reported to his wife. If he wants to fuck up a marriage, then he damned well needs to know I'll gladly return the favor.”

“Don't do that.”

“Father, don't attempt to stop me.”

“I won't. I think it's time that nonsense stops myself.”

“Then let's go in and get it stopped now before it costs you some more money.”

I went over to the door and father stood up. I attempted to enter and found it locked.

Father went over and knocked on the door. “Jack, open the door!”

No one answered and father said, “Call security and get the door opened.”

I went over and called security. They said they'd send someone up right away.

It wasn't but a minute later two guards came running in. Father said, “Gentlemen, open the door.”

The man went over and used a master key to open the door. When it opened, Jack was grabbing pants and Brook was grabbing clothes. The bikini girl was getting off her knees and Father yelled, “You fucking bitch! If you think you've got a chance getting my son's money, you just lost it!”

Jack looked at me and said, “Who gave you the right to have that door opened.”

“Who gave you the right to fuck my wife?”

Brook attempted to say something and I said, “Don't even begin to say anything. We're getting divorced and there's not a penny you can attempt to get. If my brother wants you, it will be after his wife finds out and takes him to the cleaners.”

“You wouldn't dare!” Jack yelled.

“Jack, you shouldn't have dared. You want to fuck her, then fuck her, but you just got yourself caught up in being subpoenaed for my divorce case brother.”

He smiled and said, “You thought this through have you! Well, I'll tell them about you and Max.”

Father reached out and slapped Jack hard. “You dare say one word about Max you son of a bitch and I'll kill you myself! Now, you gather your things and you get the fuck off my property!”

“You can't fire me! I run this place!”

“And I just stepped back in. Go home and tell your wife the reason and you better tell her the truth, because you damned well ought to know she'll call and ask me and I won't lie.”

Jack looked at father and said, “Security, have them removed.”

Father reached out and slapped Jack again, “Jack, I brought you into this world, I'll take your dumb ass out.” He turned to the security officer and said, “If you value your job, you won't take one step towards us.”

The man stood and stared and said, “Sir, there's no way I'm making any moves here. “

He turned to me and said, “Sir, if you're divorcing her, I'll tell you more in front of them. She's here every Tuesday and Thursday. She stays about an hour and then, when she leaves, she goes by the office downstairs and receives a paycheck. It seems Jack has her on the payroll as one of the bikini girls.”

Father said, “That stops today. The bitch is fired. And you young lady, I believe I've paid for an abortion for you already. You better leave and never step foot on this property again.”

“An abortion!”

“Yeah Jack, it seems you can knock them up, but you can't take care of the obligations.”

“You had an abortion? You got pregnant! What a dumb bitch!”

“Jack, her stupidity is only surpassed by your own if you think that's the only one.” Father said. “She was paid twenty million to keep her mouth shut. Apparently the payday wasn't good enough for her and she had to come try again. And, if you think she's the only one, think again because you've went through a hundred million on these girls.”

“What!”

“Yeah, you pay them a salary and then knock them up. Apparently you thought you were shooting blanks and I'll tell you now you weren't.”

Jack sat down and Father said, “Jack, get up out of that chair. You're not fit to run this company. Get out and I'll let you know when you can come back. Until then, consider yourself terminated.”

“You can't fire me!”

“Bullshit. Until my name's off the place, I can and I will run it. Apparently you think you're unable to be fired. Well, let me show you the door.”

Father went over and Jack lashed out and hit him. I went over the desk beating his ass. The chair overturned and I ended up on top of Jack punching and flailing away. When I got ahold of myself, Jack was a bloody mess.

“I'll sue your ass off for this!”

“Do it, I dare you! The fucking judge will laugh your dumb ass out of the courtroom!”

Jack got up and Father said, “Jack, leave and don't come back. Security, take him and see he doesn't go anywhere else other than to his car and once he leaves the property, don't allow him to return for any circumstances.”

“Yes sir.”

Brook was standing there and said, “Someone needs to call me a cab.”

“You're a cab Brook, get the fuck gone. Tell your attorney you've got witnesses out the ass who saw this and who've seen you with all the others.”

“You were never man enough to satisfy me.”

“And neither were the fifty some odd people. So, I'd say your problem is yours and not mine. Leave and consider yourself dumb if you ask for anything other than an uncontested divorce.”

“You'll pay.”

“No. I won't pay. Ask Jack to pay, but my ass isn't giving up a dime. If you think you can run my brother's name through the mud, then consider father here stopping the loans.”

She turned to my father and said, “I'll tell my parents to get the loans paid and then, I'm going to fuck him in ways he never even considered.”

Father exploded, “Listen up bitch. Until today, I thought you were a low class slut. Now, I can't even say you're low class. Your father has no opportunities to pay because I'm reaching for the phone now to foreclose on him.”

He picked up the phone and said, “Mary, get me a line to the Union Bank of Shawnee.”

Brook turned on her heel and stormed out. I went to the outer office and called the payroll office downstairs. “Hi, this is Pete. Absolutely for no reason are you to give my wife another paycheck from this place. If she receives one, you better write yourself your severance pay because you'll be fired.”

“Yes sir.”

I hung up and dialed personnel. When they answered, I said, “This is Pete. Jack no longer works here. The bikini girls all need to be notified our company no longer deems them necessary.”

“Yes sir.”

I went back into the office and father was smiling. “Yeah, every one of the loans. Foreclose on everything they have and slap padlocks on everything. If you have a problem, or if there's a loss incurred, I'll pay it. Yes, you heard me. I want them to know they fucked with the wrong family.”

He got off the phone and then took a deep breath. He said, “Two more to go and then, son, we're going to walk this place together and then, we're going to go speak to the attorneys. Jack just lost this place and the way I see it, you are now going to be vice president of the brewery.”

“Father, I didn't want it this way.”

“I know son, but you're the only one that is fit to run it.”

“Get the kids back and put him in with me.”

“He's too young.”

“Bullshit father, when did your father begin running this company? You yourself said it doesn't take a rocket scientist to run it. So, call her. I'll run it with you and him, but I'd really like to have it be a situation of no one feeling more empowered than anyone else.”

“I don't know.”

“Does she know you're dying?”

“No, hell no! Why would I tell her that!”

“Father, let me speak to her. I'll come in, but let me try.”

“She won't do it, I tell you!”

“Does she have a job?”

“Making five million a year off me! Do you think she needs a job?”

“No, but you don't need the money and you work everyday.”

“And so do you”

“Ok, so let me call her. Would you allow me that?”

“Ok, but I doubt if she'll let it happen.”

“Ok, at least I'll say I tried.”

He nodded and said, “I'm going to call those other two banks.”

I went into the outer office and thought to myself, “Jack has no secretary. I wonder if he screwed her into oblivion too.”

When I dialed the switchboard, they got me patched through immediately. They must have kept her number on file. The phone rang twice and was answered.

“Hello?”

“Hi, This is Pete Stein.”

“Oh dear. He's not dead is he?”

“No, not yet, but he's dying.”

“How soon?”

“I don't know. He just told me last night. He's got cancer but won't tell me what kind.”

“Oh my goodness. Poor Ed.”

“Ed?”

“Your father.”

“Yes. I've never heard anyone call him Ed before.”

“That was our special name for each other. I called him Ed and he called me Winnie.”

“Oh, I didn't know. The reason I called is I'd like to speak with you.”

“Ok hon, It's been so long.”

“Yes it has. I really miss you and the kids.”

“They've missed you too.”

“ I was wondering if there's any way you could bring the kids back this way and let them see Father more until he dies.”

“Hon, I don't have a place to stay and the kids have school.”

“You can stay at the farm with me. Father doesn't live there now as he's staying at the brewery.”

“He told me that. He said you;'re married and you and your wife are living there.”

“I'm living there. My wife moved out last night. I'm getting divorced.”

“Oh, I'm sorry.”

“I'd like to say I am, but there's an awful lot of hurt.”

“I understand. Eventually the pain will cease and hopefully you'll be able to see each other as friends like Ed and I have.”

“That's good. I doubt it in this case though. She was kind of....well, let's just say she was unfaithful with most of the staff at the farm and also my brother Jack.”

“Oh my!”

“Yeah, I'm rather upset. We had to let fifty of the staff go.”

“Oh my lands!”

“Yeah, so it was a mess. We're hiring new staff and I'd really appreciate it if I could get to know them again and they could spend time with father.”

“You were always so formal calling him that.”

“He's just now becoming my dad. We're really getting along better. “

“He and I are too. It's like he's settled with things. What's he doing about Jack?”

“Father just fired him as we just caught them in Jack's office together.”

“Oh...that's awful.”

“Yeah, and then Jack hit father and I had to beat Jack up.”

“Good. No one should hit their father.”

“No, and Jack's stepped over a lot of lines, but the one he should have never crossed. So, what father wants to do is to bring me in as Vice President and I said I'd do it if you'll let the kids come back. I'd like for Pres to get a hand in on running some things too.”

“He's too young!”

“No, maybe he could run something out at the farm or something, but responsibility one is never too young to learn. We're not going to pile it on so he is overwhelmed. But what I'd like him to know is this place is just as much his as it is anyone's. “

“That's a wonderful idea. I was worried about the kids not being allowed in.”

“No, they have just as much father's blood flowing through their veins as me, so I think they need to know.”

“You're going to let Jen run something too?”

“If she wants. There's never been a woman President of the company before, but that doesn't mean there can't be.”

“She'd love it. She has more pride in the company than Pres, but what I'll do is I'll speak with them and then make a decision.”

“Is it possible I can come out there this evening?”

“You miss them, don't you?”

“Like a part of my heart is gone.”

“Sure honey, you come on out and you tell your father to be on that plane too. I'll cook up something real nice and then we'll sit down and talk.”

“Ok, we'll be there.”

“Do you need a ride from the airport?”

“Father still has that jeep out there doesn't he?”

“Honey, that jeep hasn't started in years. I've been coming to get him.”

“Oh, I didn't know. He should replace that thing, but if it's no problem.”

“No, the kids will be happy. Pres is going to want to show you trains. Your father went and bought him a railroad.”

“I heard. Well, I just heard last night. He told me to talk with Pres about getting some engines for my parks.”

“That'd be a wonderful idea. Pres would love it. He adores your parks.”

“Well, he may not realize it but the parks are going to be a group effort now and he'll have ownership.”

“Honey, don't overload him. I know you want to give them things, but they're really normal kids.”

“We're not. They're the only kids that I know who are going to get some ballteams and a lot of other things when they grow up, so they need to be aware. I'm not going to overwhelm them, I'm just going to let them know they've got a place here.”

“I know. Your father and I have discussed this and he was worried about Jack.”

“Well, that worry is over. Jack can either find his way back with a lot of apologies or he can find his way out.”

“I understand. Well, I'll see you when you get here.”

“Ok”

I rung off and went into the office. Father had his hands over his eyes and said, “I'm tired.”

“I know father, this has turned into a mess, but I have a feeling it's well timed.”

He looked at me and said, “So, what did she say?”

“She said she will speak with the kids and will come get us at the airport. We're going out there tonight.”

“Oh son, do you think she'll do it?”

“Father, she said she would speak with them and she really sounded like she's accepting of it if they decide to.”

He smiled and said, “You'll get to meet them and I know the kids are going to want to come back. Do you think they can stay at the farm?”

“Father, I extended the invitation. Now, if they come, will you agree to stay out of this office and get to know all your kids this time?”

“Son, only if you'll come around this desk and sit in this chair.”

“Father, what happened to the secretary out there?”

“She quit a few months ago and your brother got bullheaded when I told him no one was going to be allowed to sit out there that wasn't qualified. So, no one has been hired.”

“I'll call personell. Jeez, all it took was a phone call.”

He laughed and said, “You aren't even aware of how refreshing that sounds.”

“Father, I'm not Jack. The ego got left at the door with me. And, by the way, have someone come up and take that door off it's hinges. I don't want anyone thinking I'm in here up to no good.”

“They won't. “

“You call maintenance and I'll call personnel.”

He nodded and said, “This is great. I like running it this way.”

“Well, then maybe we can put a desk in here and rearrange it and you can sit at one and I'll sit at the other. I'll try to cut my days back at the parks to a couple days a week, but it's going to be really pushing it. I'll have to give a lot more responsibility to the staff.”

“They'll know what to do. The places run themselves while you're away, so they can a bit more.”

“I'll have to give the directors more pay for the amount of extra work they'll have to do.”

“They'll appreciate it.”

He made his phone call while I called and got a secretary ordered up. They said they'd send one up and I told them to wait until in the morning, but her desk is ready for whenever she decides to come. The man said he'd go ahead and send one up. I said, “Just make sure she's well qualified. I don't want someone who thinks she can just file her nails.”

He chuckled and said, “You're sure different than your brother.”

“Yeah, his only qualification for a secretary was a mattress on her back, I know.”

He laughed and siad, “That's about it except your forgot that she has to fill out a bikini nicely.”

“Yeah, those days are done.”

“I can't say I'm sad to see it over. Let's hope it doesn't happen in the future.”

“It won't as long as I'm here.”

He rang off and father smiled. “Son, do you realize you're probably the highest profile gay man in America?”

“Father, right now, my sexuality isn't a part of this. We just put Jack out because he thought with his dick. Now it's time to run it as a business.”

He smiled and said, “Son, I ran it with mine too. Maybe it's really time to see what we can do when we're all about the business!”

“Good. Now, what we need to do is we need to put out a newsletter and let everyone know if they have issues our door is always open. If it's been run badly, they'll make their way up and we're going to have to pay attention to their complaints.”

“I doubt if there are many. The union sees to it we don't hurt them too bad.”

“Good. Now, let's make them happy to work here.”

He looked at me strangely and said, “What's on your agenda?”

“Getting the most production we can out and then, getting the most to our workers so we can get everything maximized as possible. Maybe someone knows an easier way or a way that saves time and money and they've not been allowed to give us that knowledge. You don't know how many dollars we can save if we give it some thought and work it a different way.”

“That's a good idea.”

“I'd love to say I thought of it, but the Japanese have thought of this a long time ago. Now, the car plants are just catching onto the idea over here.”

“Oh, well, then we'll have to give it a shot.”

“Who do we contact about getting something put out in a newsletter?”

'I don't know. We don't have one.”

“Oh man, well I'll call the graphic artists and have them print one up. We'll have to get some people into a group to print one.”

“What are we going to put into it?”

“Well, we can put notices for job openings. And we can put job spotlights as to what people do on certain jobs and then we can put notes out from us and put out profitability reports. The suggestions can be put in it and then everyone can see their ideas matter. You're going to be amazed at the number of ideas that are generated. What we'll need to do is give an award for the best idea per month or something like that. But, what you'll see is us getting flooded with a lot of good ideas.”

He smiled and said, “You really think that?”

“Yeah, let's give it a try and then you'll see.”

“What do we need to do?”

“Well, what we need to do is contact maintenance and have them make up a bunch of boxes. Wherever there's a break area, we need to put up a box and then have forms printed out and close by.”

“Do you think we'll get a handle on absenteeism?”

“Yeah, what I did at the parks was I put a different incentive system out. What we do is we understand approved absences such as medical or even doctor's appointments, but for unapproved, we have a point system. What it does is we give them ten points a year. They lose a point for each absence. If it's unapproved, then, they lose a point, however if it's approved, then they don't lose a point. At the end of the year, we give awards for points. “

“How do you do it?”

“If someone has one point, we give them a hundred dollars. If they have two, they get two hundred and fifty. If they have three, then they get four hundred. It goes up like that until the person that has ten points and for those people, we give them a vacation for two weeks. You'd be amazed at the pride they have when they get to take that cruise or trip to London. Each year, we give different vacation packages.”

“Oh man, that sounds good.”

“It came in as an idea from a secretary. For her idea, I gave her a hundred dollars because I used it.”

“So this does work.”

“Yeah”

“Well, let's give it a shot because if it worked there, I think it will work here. The union will love it because they'll see it as something they got without having to negotiate it.”

“Father, what you don't know is how much an employee costs this place by being gone one day. At the park, it costs me about seven hundred dollars with all the amount of extra man hours used to cover that one position being open. The person that came to work every day saved me seven grand and I'm giving them a vacation that costs about three thousand. It's on their vacation time, so it's nothing I would have lost anyways.”

“Do you do anything else different?”

“Oh yeah. One thing I do is cross training.”

“What's that?”

“It's another idea from the Japanese. What it does is you have each employee trained to do several different jobs. When someone's absent, then you have those people trained to fill those spots fill in. That way, you're not down and the person doing the job knows it. I'm sure there's areas that don't work every day here, so those people need to be cross trained.”

“I'm not following. It sounds like the union will go bananas.”

“No, the union realizes you hire the people and you work them. As long as they're not crossing pay levels, it will work. They can't expect you to pay people to stand around, do they?”

“They're not complaining now.”

“I imagine not. If they do complain, then I'll go stare them down. They'll back off because I'll start sending those people home and give them show up time. They'll realize we're about business and the ones that want to work will be here to earn a check. The ones that won't, will go home and enough short checks and they'll start staying. That is in your contract, isn't it?”

“Yeah, but we don't use it.”

“Well, we're going to start using it. You told me last night to flex the muscles. I'm going to start doing it. If the union wants to bitch, then they'll be bitching to me and I'll stare them down. Just as much as they want concessions, they better realize they've got a contract too. Maybe you've not used it to your advantage, but from now on, you will.”

He smiled and said, “What else?”

“There are a lot of things. One thing I've done to save money was I went to a shoe company and I bought a bunch of steel toed work shoes wholesale. The contract states you have to buy them shoes, right?”

“Yeah, we give them a check and they go get them.”

“How much is the check?”

“Fifty”

“Ok, so the wholesale shoes cost twelve seventy five. At the most, if you give them two pair a year, you're still half the cost of what you're giving. So, how many employees?”

“About two thousand.”

“Jeez. So you just saved fifty grand. Tell the stock room to start ordering shoes and take surveys as to what sizes everyone wears.”

“Ok, now eyeglasses.”

“We pay them a hundred for safety glasses.”

“Ok, are they prescription?”

“Yeah, in most cases.”

“SO that's two hundred grand a year. For that price, we can hire an optometrist and have them come in and order the glasses ourselves and save the money.”

“Ok”

“Father, you don't understand that when we outsource something, we spend more.”

“What's outsource?”

“It's when we buy something outside of this place. We're paying retail when we could be getting things wholesale. My advice is to find a room and get an eye doctor to come here. He'll give us his salaries worth and then save us money.”

“Ok, but where else are we spending money we don't need to be?”

'All over the place.”

“While I'm thinking of it, I need to call Dave Sinclair Ford and order some cars.”

“What the hell for?”

“The chief of police out there. I told him I'd buy him ten cars.”

“What for?”

“Father, the man gave me advice and he showed up really fast.”

“That's his job.”

“Yeah, and he was doing some tracking and tailing Brook. He was going to tell me where she was staying and who was going in and out of that place that was seeing her. He was even going to get me photographs.”

“Ok, so you get him cars and he turns around and give the farm better protection.”

“Something like that.”

“Ok, well that's all you had to say.”

“Did you realize she stopped the tours?”

“What!”

“Yeah, two weeks ago.”

“Why didn't anyone tell you?”

“They were all afraid of her. Hell, she fucked nearly every one of them.“

“How many?”

“Fifty. We only have thirty six left of the good help.”

“Oh man, how you going to make it out there?”

“I hired Conroy as my head of household. She screwed the last one. Conroy is going to get good help.

We also have a new head cook for the same reason. The woman's promised me authentic German food, so you need to start showing up for supper.”

He smiled and said, “As long as you get back the good bread. That French shit was terrible.”

“That's what she said. She's going to get us the German breads back. I do want Austrian pastries though. Now, can we start selling off that wine?”

“You need to call your mom.”

“Father, I'm running a brewery. Putting a winery on me right now isn't what I'm thinking about.”

“It's not that much harder son. Just call your mother and get permission. Then, next week, we'll fly over and get things back. It'll take some time, and you'll have it to spare in a few years.”

“Ok, let me call the woman.”

“She's your mom.”

“She's the woman that gave me birth. The one I just spoke to on the phone was more mother than mine.”

“She loved you. It was just that I never had time for her.”

“You do now, so why don't you put a little romance in it.”

He smiled and said, “I've been kind of dating her again.”

“Good.” I smiled. “She'll be back and maybe that will put a little pep in your step.”

“You should talk about dragging feet. You won't even call your own mom.”

“I'll call her right now. You just be prepared for the cussing I'm about to get.”

“She's difficult, but she's mellowing.”

“Yeah, hell hasn't froze over yet.”

I picked up the phone and said, “I'll need to get ahold of my mother in Athens, Greece.”

“The bitch moved back there!”

“Father. She has someone over there. He's a shipping mogul” I said rolling my eyes.

He chuckled and said, “And he's got big pockets and a big pecker.”

“You ought to know. You married her.”

“She gave you birth!”

“Lucky you!”

He laughed and she answered. “Hullo”

“Mom!”

“What the hell do you want?”

“I called to see if I would still get the same friendly greeting. I see I'm ass out on it. How the hell are you?”

“I'd just as soon hang up now and save my breath.”

“If it were your last one, we'd both be a little disappointed if the next one happened.”

“So, you going to continue speaking to me this way!”

“I'll be nice about the second you start.”

“Ok, so how are you darling?”

“I'm doing well. I'm sitting in the President's office at the brewery and I'm about to start running it.”

“Jesus Christ, your father died and no one called me!”

“No, Jack was caught screwing my wife.”

“That son of a bitch. Did you kill him?”

“No, but I did beat the tar out of him. He knows he's ass out as far as this family goes.”

“Serves the fucker right.”

“Well, the reason I'm calling is I've got a cellar full of wine and father tells me you've got a winery that's unemployed and no vines. What are you going to do with it?”

“I'm going to bend your father over and tell him to shove it up his ass. He bought the thing and is relishing the fact I can't run it.”

“Do you mind if I run it?”

“You want me to give it to you?”

“Not necessarily, but I would appreciate a percentage if I go in and invest in it.”

“You give me twenty percent of your profits for the next ten years and I'll give you the damned thing.”

“Ok, but you realize the new vines will take a few years to produce.”

“Yes dear.”

“Ok, so what I'll do is I'll start selling off the cellar full of wine I have and I'll give you a percentage of it.”

“Ok dear, I'll be sure to spend that check all in one spot. The damned thing will probably be too little to even cash.”

“I don't know. I heard the bottles are worth about six grand each. If you get twenty percent, then that's going to be a nice chunk of change.”

“Oh. Yes it will.”

“It would probably get you out to Chanel to get yourself some clothes.”

“Oh hon, Dimi buys me those things already.”

“Oh, well, lucky you. How's Dimi doing?”

“He's doing marvelous. He proposes to me daily and I tell him to shove it where the sun don't shine.”

“Why? Don't you love him?”

“I love him, but hon, after your father, I don't want another man to put a ring on my finger.”

“Mom.”

“Son! You know I'm still trying to outrun that ruined reputation.”

“And who caused that?”

“Don't give me your judgements too.”

“I'm not mom. I'm just telling you to get off the pity pot and start enjoying life. Shit, if he loves you enough to give you all you want and you're staying with him, I say why the hell not get married to him?”

“Son, you stand a better chance than I do of being married to him and keeping him happy.”

“Why? He gay?”

“Not hardly.”

“Then I'm afraid I couldn't keep him satisfied. For a second there I thought you knew about me.”

“I do hon, that's why I said you could keep him better satisfied. The man wants head and I'll be damned if I want to suck a schlong.”

“Mom! Just spit for chrissakes.”

She laughed and said, “I can NOT believe you just told me to spit!”

“What's wrong with it?”

“Nothing if you want to think about where it's been.”

“It's an expression of your love for him. If you love him, then give him some. Sheesh, he eats you, don't he?”

Father busted out laughing and she said, “You didn't just ask me that with your father in the room!”

“Yeah, sheesh, we're adults here and I'm having the conversation.”

“Honey, he does for your answer and I do occasionally, but the man's too well endowed for me to do it all the time.”

“Then do other romantic things. IF it's a hair that gets in your throat, then trim the bush.”

“Son, let's get off this subject. I'll tell you what, I'll sign the papers for the winery and overnight them to you. I was thinking about giving it to you already but I wasn't sure. Now, you've asked and I'll do that for you.”

“I'll give you the percentage.”

“Ok and I'll promise to consider it more the next time he asks.”

“Let me know when the wedding is and I promise to attend. Fuck, for that matter, I'll give you away.”

She laughed and said, “Knowing you, you'll slip him a fiver just to be rid of me.”

“Nah, then who would I call to find out I'm so well loved.”

“Dial a prayer?”

I laughed and said, “Ok, I doubt if it will help, but it beats the suicide hotline.”

“No, if you get that bad off, call me, but don't be ringing my phone all the time. I need to have a life here.”

“Ok, I'll call you on Mother's day.”

“Ok, call me on Easter, or I'll call you.”

“Thanks mom. I feel loved now.”

“Oh shut up with it already.”

She hung up and I said, “Man, I feel so loved now from that woman.”

“You give it just about as good as you take it.”

“What's that mean?”

“You really go in slashing for the jugular. Even I've forgiven her for what happened out in Aspen.”

“Father, you might have forgiven her, but her actions took her away from me. Growing up out at the farm by myself wasn't something I'd wish on anyone.”

“It wasn't bad.”

“Not if I called Luis my best friend, but father, it was damned lonesome.”

“I know. I'm sorry.”

“Well, there's all those apartments across the street now, so Pres and Jen will get to have more normal lives.”

“You love those kids.”

“Yeah father, I did. I hope to again, but there's a big chunk of their lives that's gone and I really wish I hadn't missed out.”

“You know Winnie is closer to your age than she is mine.”

“Father, I'm kind of gay.”

“You were kind of straight when you were in bed with the bitch too. I've got eyes!”

“Why don't you work on getting back together with her. She loves you.”

“She doesn't either.”

“Oh bullshit. She just as much said it and you don't have to hide the fact you two are virtually dating again. She sounds more excited about it than I've heard anyone in years.”

“Really!”

“Yeah, so why don't you slice off a piece of that heaven and serve it to yourself. Just let me have the kids in my life again.”

“You sound so grown up. Your world fell apart and you're over there trying to get your mom laid and now me.”

“Father. Mom doesn't want to give him head and yet she wants him to eat her. That's crazy. If she loves the man, what's her hang up?”

“Probably talking about it with her son for one.”

“Sheesh, she's not wanting to agree to his proposals over that. The man gives her what she wants and she lays around all day spending his money and all he asks is the privilege to put a ring on her finger.”

“Well, maybe she thinks if she does, she won't be able to leave when she wants.”

“They've been together for three years.”

“Five, but who's counting.”

“Then, I'd say to her it's time. If she's not ran off in that amount of time, I'd say he's keeping her happy. Now, back to you and Winnie.”

“She told you I call her that, didn't she?”

“Yeah, and she called you Ed which threw me for a loop, but I think it's neat. She can see you've changed and I'm happy for it. You don't know it, but she also knows how close we're getting and how much more of a dad you are than my father which makes me happy.”

“That's nice. I appreciate it. I hope I don't let you down again.”

“You're not. We're able to talk now. We're able to tell each other things. For once, I think I've got you and it really scares me to lose you.”

He had tears in his eyes and said, “Why don't you just say it. You love me.”

“I do love you. It's just hard because the trust issue. For years, there was that pain and now, I've got you and I'm afraid if I say it, I'll wake up and it was all a dream.”

“No, this is the real thing.”

Just then, the door to the outer office opened and a woman came in who looked to be in her mid thirties. She smiled and said, “My name is Jackie. Don't call me that. If you want to call me anything, call me Cracker Jack and I'll come running.”

I smiled and said, “Tell me you weren't down there and someone couldn't have you as their secretary.”

“No hon, They put me in the secretarial pool three years ago and from then on, I've been a constant source of their aches and pains. Now they sent me up here to you.”

“Well, guess what. I like you already, so there's your desk. Just keep the personality turned on because it's going to be a helluva ride. We're changing things in this office and you're going to get to be a part of it.”

“It looks that way. The first thing I'll tell you is I look like shit in a bikini.”

“So do I. The bra fits all wrong!”

She let out a big laugh and so did father. He said, “Oh jeez, you two are made for each other!”

She laughed and said, “It takes someone with a sense of humor to get me going, but I think I'm going ot like it up here.”

“Good, starting today, your pay went up.”

“Good, how much. I want to know if I need to buy a new wig.”

I looked at father and then told her, “Not that much, but you can borrow a few of mine.”

She looked at me and said, “Tell me you're joking!”

“No, I don't lend them out to many, but you're welcome to them!” Then I smiled.

She started laughing and said, “You had me there. You've got one on your chalkboard in the sky.”

I laughed and said, “Hon, you keep the score and I'll keep 'em coming. My name's Pete by the way and he's Ed.”

“You're running the place right?”

“Yeah”

“So, you're a Stein.”

“Yeah, and so's he. But if you ask for Mr. Stein, I'll point to a bottle of beer.”

She laughed and said, “Ok, that's fair. So what we gonna do up here. If you want to play Pinochle, I'll tell you now we're a hand short.”

“No, we're going to work our tails off. What we're doing is reorganizing. Father here is stepping back in and I'm just now stepping in. This office here is the idea factory and you're the wizard. It's your job to take our ideas and see they get to the people that matter. It's also your job here to see we get someone up here and get us another desk in this office as well as another phone line and get that door off it's hinges this afternoon. You'll need a computer, and you'll need a typewriter. Order up whatever your heart desires and if you order chocolates, then order me some too.”

She smiled and said, “Tell me you're single.”

“Hopelessly now. But what I'll do is I'll take you out and give you the time of your life and see you make it home safe. That way you can be my covergirl and I'll be yours.”

“You read right through me, didn't you.”

“Nope, don't know a thing you're talking about.” I smiled.

“How could you tell?”

I touched my chest and said, “It's your undershirt. Women don't wear men's undershirts. It's not that cold out.”

She smiled and said, “You're hard to read.”

“It's because I'm not wanting everyone to know. You can know and he knows, but I don't want the world knowing. Not yet, at least. Maybe there'll come a day, but not now.”

She nodded and said, “Ok, so I order up everything I want and what are you two doing?”

“We've got an appointment in California for supper. We've got to catch a plane and with hope, we'll have my baby brother in here and my baby sister tomorrow. If not, then I'll be disappointed as hell.”

“You're going to hire children!”

“No, they're family. They were hired at birth. What we're doing is we're going to show them the ropes and then use them as morale boosters. I figure if we take them out into the plant and then show some of these hard case motherfuckers a kid can do their job, they'll shut up and actually work for a living.”

She smiled and said, “Well, don't sit anyone at my desk. I want you to think I work for a living!”

“Good, now here's what I want you to do. I want you to go home and sit down and think of how much it takes a month to pay all your bills without a man or anyone else in your life.”

“That's easy. I'm doing it already.”

“Are you living where you want to be?”

“Honey, I live in the filthiest city on the planet. Unless I move to Ladue, I'm not going to be doing better.”

I turned to father and said, “Call a real estate agent and get this woman an appointment to look at houses in Ladue. Then, get her one and we'll pay for it. I want her happy.”

She looked at me and said, “You're shitting me!”

“Nope. Now, you figure out how much you need a month for bills and tell me.”

“I need fourteen hundred dollars a month.”

“Ok, so that's a little under eighteen grand a year. What they paying you downstairs.”

“Twenty one.”

“Well, you stepped up some steps and you got to this office, so what you need to do is tell personnel we're paying you fifty grand and that's after we get you that house. Then, we're going to have you a car and you park down there in the executive parking lot.”

Father said, “What sort of car you want?”

“Oh hell, make it a Lincoln”

Father smiled and said, “Good, he needs to call the Ford dealer anyway.”

I said, “Well, do us the favor and call the Ford dealer. Tell them we need the police special Crown Victorias and we'll need ten of them. We need them by the end of the week and tell them to deliver them to the Pacific Police Department.”

“Way out there!”

“Don't tell me you've never heard of our farm”

“No, so you're a country kid?”

“I smiled and said, “You could say that. I was raised on a farm with a lot of animals.”

She smiled and said, “I always wanted some place like that. But I just can't see you with bib overalls on.”

I smiled and said, “Father, Tell Cracker Jack she has the morning off tomorrow as long as she reports out to the farm. I'll take her on the tour and then, she'll know what this place is all about.”

He laughed and said, “Cracker Jack, you heard the man, now what I say is you call the Ford dealer and then, you tell them I said to prep you the nicest Lincoln they have and to license it to the company. Tell them you'll pick it up this afternoon. Do you need a ride out there?”

“I rode the bus to work.”

“Well, call them and we'll give you a ride on our way out to the airport. Then, tomorrow, you come out to the farm. You'll recognize it immediately. All you have to do is take 55 South until you get to the Bravaria exit and then, you go on it up and hang a right. Then, you just go on out until you see the draft horses and a huge picket fence forever long. As soon as you see the turn off for the parking lot, you turn in and then, you'll see the road that goes up the hill. Take it and you'll end up in our upper parking area. He'll get out a tractor and take you around the place. I'm sure you'll like it. Be ready to pet all the animals you can think of.”

She smiled and said, “Can I bring my girlfriend?”

“Sure, as long as she's not afraid of animals. Maybe if we're lucky, Father'll decide I'm grown up enough to hitch up a wagon to a team of draft horses and we'll take the tour that way.”

“Oh man, you're joking me, right?”

“No, where do you think they're bred? The farm out there is the breeding ranch as well as other things.”

“So I'll get to see baby horses.”

“Yeah, and their bad assed parents too.”

“Oh man, just promise me I can drive the team.”

“I'll do that.”

Father smiled and said, “You're joking me that you've never seen the farm, right?”

“No, I've never been out there.”

I looked at father and said, “The company picnic has to be out there this year. When was the last one held out there?”

“Son, it's been fifteen years.”

“Sheesh, we've got to change that. Outsource, outsource, outsource....that's got to change.”

He smiled and said, “Well, we thought we were saving money.”

“By spending it hand over fist. We've got a new cook that told me all I have to do is tell her the number eating and she'll prepare the meals. So, I'll tell her we'll have ten thousand for lunch say the third Saturday in June. Then we can have the picnic out there.”

He smiled and said, “Do you realize all we've accomplished today? Now we won't have anything to do for at least two weeks.”

“Oh, but that's going to change!”

Chains of Love

ab

Notes From Retta:

I'm an author. I'm not perfect, nor did I ever state I was in any way, shape, or form.

Writing comes to me as I write this stuff. I type along and it just pops into my mind.

Some things I research, but not much. I state this because I've gotten letters telling me I've really screwed up. Well, either I do, or I don't, but about as much as I research, I imagine it's going to be flawed.

With that said, I'm going to tell you, if you're here to read and enjoy, then enjoy yourself and read. If you're here to find flaws and criticize, then I'll beat you to the punch and tell you life's too short. Go fuck yourself and mess with someone else.

If you can put the criticisms into a voice or verse where it can be deemed decent, I'll gladly read and learn. Keep it brief...nine inches or less...and I'll appreciate it.

“From My Keyboard To Your Heart”,

Retta

RettaMichaels@Gmail.com

Copyright Notice - Copyright © 2008 by RettaMichaels

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Disclaimer: All individuals depicted are fictional, and any resemblance to real persons, locations, or incidents is purely coincidental.