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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 15
It took several more months before finally, at ten o'clock on the Friday before school broke up for the summer holidays, JJ, Jem, Caden, Peverell, and Gisella were sat in the Family Court of Montclair, behind them in the public seating were Jaque, Pete, Roslyn, Cecile, Woody, and Pierre, and at the last minute, in bustled Maria and Berto, with Eduardo and Carlo, who got a ticking off from Maria as they started to high five all of their cousins.
The proceedings had seemed to drag on, until they'd reached the point where the Judge announced he would see the children in his chambers.
They were led off by the bailiff, looking nervously over their shoulders toward JJ and Jem.
In his chambers the judge was drinking tea when they entered.
"Come in, please, have a seat, I decided it was better to have you all in together because I know how frightening it can be having to go through all of this strange stuff on your own".
When they were all seated, he started asking questions.
"So, let's get started, I need to know if you are all okay with being adopted, and do you understand fully what it means, let's start with you Caden, and it's alright to tell me about any worries you have, I want to know whatever you are feeling".
Cade looked first at Pev and Gis, then answered the Judge.
"I don't have any worries sir, I'm just so happy that we're going to be a proper family, I always imagined what it would be like, but I never thought it could be this good, I'm eleven years old next week, I'd given up hope that anyone would want me".
The Judge was nodding his head.
"And your foster parents, how do they treat you, good or bad, are they kind or harsh?".
Cade looked puzzled.
"Definitely good sir, and they're kind, they don't shout, we discuss things as a family".
The Judge smiled at Caden's answer, but he still asked.
"Have you been told what to say in here with me?".
Cade looked at the others.
"No sir, our new Poppas said you would want to talk to us and we should tell you anything you wanted to know".
The Judge pressed on.
"Tell me, if they told you to do something and you didn't want to do it, how do you think they would react?".
Now Caden smiled, thinking of the day after they'd arrived at the Chateau.
"That's already happened sir, the day after we went to live at the Chateau, they'd arranged for us all to go shopping on the Saturday, but Pev and I had agreed to play in a football match, I was a little nervous but I needn't have been, when I told them, they reorganised the day without any problem, and they spoke to us about how to avoid it happening again".
The Judge was intrigued.
"Explain what you mean about them speaking to you.
Caden answered candidly.
"They told us there was a family calendar on the wall in the office, if we made commitments we should mark them on the calendar, so that we could see what everyone was doing and not get two things happening at the same time, they also told us that we have a voice, if we want to talk about anything, we should do it, with courtesy and manners, they said they will always be willing to discuss any topic, and would only overrule us if security was a problem, but even then we can challenge their decision".
The Judge turned to Pev and Gis.
"Do you agree with the things Caden has said?, is there anything you want to tell me?.
Gis answered first.
"I agree with Cade, I never thought I would be so lucky, it's like a dream come true, I feel safe at last".
Pev spoke as soon as Gis finished.
"I didn't think they'd adopt me, I told them the other kids called me the retard, there's a lot I don't understand, but Poppa JJ explained that I had a condition called dyslexia, we've been finding out about it since, anyway, he said I wasn't a retard and they loved me and wanted me to be their son, I never thought anyone would want me, I still have to pinch myself to believe its real".
The Judge was coming to the end of his questions and said so.
"I'm sorry if it seems like I'm grilling you, only a couple more questions.
"Is there anything about being adopted that you don't like?, anything about the way your foster parents treat you that you don't like?".
All three shook their heads in the negative simultaneously.
"Okay one last question.
"I'm told that you are all taking your foster parents surname, have you talked about this?, is it your choice?, or were you told you would be taking their name?".
Gis answered before the boys could.
"We talked about it over for days, the Poppas said we needed to give it a lot of thought, but none of us want to keep our names, they don't mean anything, we were all abandoned at the orphanage as babies, no one knows what our real names are, we want to be known by the family name of the two people who care enough about us to want us as their children".
The Judge looked at Pev and Cade.
"Do you boys agree with that?".
They both nodded vigorously.
"Okay, well I think that covers everything, I'll get the bailiff to take you back to your prospective parents and I'll see you shortly".
Three beaming faces came back through the door behind the Judges bench.
As soon as the Judge returned he started to wind up the proceedings.
"I have to say, these adoption proceedings normally give me a great sense of satisfaction, but non have ever given me this much pleasure, when I find three children expressing their genuine joy at being chosen, and the way they describe the treatment afforded them actually warms my heart, I have no reservations about declaring Caden, Peverell, and Gisella the lawful children of JJ The Vicomte Montclair and Jeremiah Alexander Medhurst-Montclair, the children henceforth will take the title Medhurst-Montclair, the court wishes you well for the future".
And it was done, they were officially a family.
Leaving the court the youngsters were practically skipping, and they were headed for The Inn at Montclair, where Aly and Bo were hosting a party in celebration.
When they arrived they found a lot more family waiting to greet and congratulate them, JJ's brother Marcel had flown back from London, Roslyn's brother Paul, plus her brother Danny, along with his husband Petre, they'd flown in from New York, Junior and Daniel were also waiting to congratulate them, but the biggest surprise were the Spanish family, Josef, Carry, Vinny, Paulette, and their children Andrew (Andy) and Jacqueline, along with Juan and Ralph, Rick, Sofia, and their boys, John and Joseph.
Bo had gone to town, doing something he absolutely revelled in, decorating the smaller function room especially for the kids, it was magical.
Marcel made a beeline for his brother and Jem as soon as they arrived, dragging them both into a hug.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of you guys, and the kids are awesome".
JJ looked right into his brothers eyes when he asked.
"So how are things with you Bro, still happy in London?".
Marcel tried to keep the answer upbeat, but he didn't fool anyone".
"Things are good, they're paying me an obscene salary, what more could I ask?".
As Marcel walked away Jem leaned in to JJ.
"That was possibly the least genuine reply I've ever heard, whichever one of us gets the chance, we talk to him, agreed?".
JJ nodded his agreement.
Neither realised JJ's Poppas were both watching the exchange, including Jem's whispered aside to JJ after Marcel walked away.
They'd spoken several times about Marcel since meeting him in Lanzarotte last Christmas, at that time he'd seemed completed demoralised, leading Jem to suggest that JJ offer him a place with them.
JJ and Jem had remodelled the stable block at Montclair to serve as the Headquarters of their business, many years earlier he'd worked from those very buildings when he worked with his Poppa Pete, his brother Marcel, and cousin Paul, but in those days they only occupied three of the old stable buildings, there were actually eight buildings and JJ had remodelled all eight to accommodate their large staff.
Later in the afternoon Jem spotted Marcel sat chatting with his Poppa Pete.
Catching Pete's eye without Marcel noticing, Jem flicked his head to the side, indicating that Pete should leave, Pete got up and moved away, crossing Jem in the process and muttering.
"About time, make it work".
Jem smiled, answering.
"Are we that transparent?".
Pete's reply almost caused him to laugh, but he kept his cool.
"Thankfully, yes".
Jem dropped into the seat vacated by his father in law.
"So, that question JJ asked you earlier, can we run it again, and this time try giving an honest answer, so how are things really with you?, are you happy in London?".
Marcel looked long and hard at his brother in law.
"Like I said earlier, they're paying me an obscene salary, I ought to be over the moon, but in truth, I hate it, the job is driving me crazy, I've never been so bored, but there's nothing I can do about it, I've not been there a year yet, to jump ship this early would do my reputation no good, long term it could seriously damage my prospects".
Jem answered matter of factly.
"Rubbish, your reputation could secure you a much better position with an organisation that does the sort of work you love, why don't you come back to Montclair?".
Marcel laughed loudly.
"Have you noticed how Daniel has remained on the opposite side of the room to me all afternoon, he still hasn't forgiven me for leaving his company, I don't think the prospect of him offering me a job will come about anytime before hell freezes over, and you should know, I'm quoting his almost exact words".
As Marcel finished talking JJ dropped into the seat on the other side of him, and he responded.
"In case you've not noticed, Daniel ain't the only horse in the rodeo, we want you, come back to Montclair, work for us, or work with us, we're open to whatever you prefer, just as long as you come back, life's too short to be miserable in a job that doesn't fit your talents".
Marcel's face was a picture.
"You mean you'd sell me a stake in your company, or offer me a job?".
Jem answered this time, too reinforce the fact that he and JJ were completely in tune".
"Whatever you want, as long as it gets you back here, it's partly because you're family and we don't like to see you unhappy, but let's be truthful, we all know what you're capable of achieving, how the field we operate in is your personal utopia, for us it's a no brainer, we hope it's the same for you, but we won't crowd you, think about it".
Marcel was absently nodding, as they got up to leave he muttered.
"I'm blown away guys, give me a bit of time, but thanks, really, thanks".
Pete was heading back toward Marcel as JJ and Jem walked away, this time Jaque was with him, Jem winked at them as they crossed paths.
As they dropped into the seats vacated by JJ and Jem, Marcel looked left at his Poppa Pete, not expecting the voice of his Poppa Jaque from his right.
"Take it, stop this stupidity".
Marcel was surprised.
"Take what?".
Jacque's voice now held a touch of irritation.
"The offer your brother and Jem just made you".
Marcel sighed.
"It's not that easy Poppa, if I came back to Montclair there would undoubtedly be a measure of animosity to deal with, it might affect the wider family, that wouldn't be fair, why should I inflict that on everyone because I made a mistake, and I admit I did make a mistake, I should have listened more closely to the advice given to me, but that's my cross to bare".
Pete now chipped in.
"So you think there would be consequences in the form of how Daniel Worthington reacts do you, well I might believe that if I weren't looking at who's having what appears to be a no nonsense discussion with Daniel right now".
They all looked across the room to where JJ was talking rather animatedly with Daniel, whilst Junior looked to be trying desperately to keep the peace.
"I'm not sure why you can't let bygones be bygones, it was only a bad breakup because you've chosen to make it so, he left your company, admittedly against your advice and wishes, but if he was as valuable as he must have been to mitigate this level of animosity, why wouldn't you welcome him back?".
Daniel almost spit his response out.
"I begged him not to go, I warned him they weren't being honest with him, I offered him a blank canvas for his future, all I got in return was a slap in the face, I warn you, if he returns to Montclair I will have nothing to do with anything he, or anyone he's working with, is involved in, in any arena".
Now JJ responded with sparks, Daniels threat had incensed him.
"Well know this Daniel, Jem and I have made him an offer which would see him return to Montclair, if he turns down that offer because of your threats you might be tempted to think you've won, don't be fooled, and don't celebrate too soon, because if that happens all you've done is lay yourself open to a declaration of war from me, and that's not a threat, it's a firm promise, and believe me, I will hurt you".
Most of the family had been listening to the exchange including Carry, so when JJ walked away and Daniel made to follow him, he found his path blocked by Carry.
"Stop it, this is a family occasion, a celebration of the children who officially joined the family today, it's not the place to air business grievances, and I'm about to make that plain on the other side of the room as well, so please let it go for now".
Daniel reluctantly nodded his agreement as Carry headed for JJ, who was now huddled with Jem, his Poppas and Marcel.
"Okay, before you blow a gasket listen to what I'm saying, this is a family day, there's no place here for business arguments, I've said the exact same thing to Daniel, now I'm saying it to you, let it drop until another time, please".
JJ realised, his aunt wasn't saying anyone was right or wrong, she was only interested in avoiding an incident which would spoil the day, he nodded saying.
"You're right, would you come back over there with me aunt, I want to apologise".
Carry walked back with JJ to where Daniel was standing with Junior, as soon as they were in earshot Daniel directed a comment to Carry.
"What are you doing, bringing him back for another shot, how is that you playing the role of arbitrator, Uncle Woody was right when he said you'd be a shit Matriarch".
Before Carry or JJ got a chance to answer, Daniel turned and marched out of the room, Junior looked totally bewildered as he slowly followed.
JJ was stunned for a few seconds, then he ran after them.
As Junior exited The Inn, Daniels car was already accelerating out of the car park.
JJ caught up with him as he stood staring in disbelief.
"I'm sorry Junior, I was only coming to apologise, I know I went to far, I asked Aunt Carry to come with me because I knew she'd keep the peace, I didn't realise how upset Daniel is".
Before Junior had chance to answer he was thumped hard on the shoulder physically knocking him forward by an angry Josef.
"You and your idiot of a husband just insulted my wife, know this, you have twenty four hours to put it right or he'll need to find a job for you, because you won't be working for Guardian".
That might have been something that could have been dealt with, JJ was already thinking of how to calm Josef when the stakes were ratcheted up significantly by Juan's voice from behind them.
"That's my son you're threatening Bro and you're out of fucking line, lay another finger on him and you'll have my fist in your face I promise you".
JJ now shouted.
"Stop it, everyone, this is ridiculous, Daniel and I got into a squabble, it doesn't have to spill over to the whole family, I'll sort it, with Junior, we'll go and speak to Daniel, now go back inside, tell Jem where I've gone, I'll be as quick as I can".
At Maison de Due, Daniels Offices, they saw his car as they pulled up.
Junior was stopped in the reception lobby by a security guard.
"I'm sorry sir, I don't know what's happened but Mr Worthington has barred all family members from entry, I can't let the Vicomte through".
Junior asked JJ to wait whilst he sought out Daniel, he found him in his private office.
"Daniel, JJ has come to apologise, that's what he was about to do at The Inn, why Carry came over with him, please, just hear him out, let's not let this escalate any further".
But Daniel was furious, his expression showed it.
"No Junior, he declared war, and I'm ready for him, I'm not asking you to be involved".
Juniors reply was short and sharp enough to make Daniel sit up.
"Perhaps you should have thought that one through before you got me sacked".
Junior didn't wait for a reply, he turned on his heal and headed back to the reception lobby where JJ was waiting.
"Sorry JJ, he's fuming, there's no reasoning with him right now, I'll try when he calms down, you go back, don't let it completely ruin the kids day, they're wonderful bye the way, I don't think we got a chance to tell you".
JJ nodded.
"Do one thing for me Junior, until you go back to London keep telling him I'm sorry, I'll repeat it publicly if it helps, I don't want to be at odds with him".
Juniors reply caused JJ to groan.
"I won't be going back to London, I'm a bit sick of working for family, it seems like every time the wind changes someone is issuing threats of being sacked, well I'm calling time on it, enough people heard him say it, so I'm officially unemployed".
JJ arrived back at The Inn, and a lot of the family made a beeline for him but Jem was first to ask.
"Did you manage to sort it?".
JJ shook his head.
"He wouldn't see me, he's barred all family from entering Mason de Dieu, Juniors going to keep trying to make him understand that I admit I got it wrong, I basically caused it, I shouldn't have bitten, I should have let it ride".
Juan commented his doubt about Junior being able to influence the situation.
"Junior won't have much time to devote to it, he's back in London tomorrow".
JJ looked uncomfortable and Juan picked up on it.
"What JJ, what aren't you saying?".
JJ didn't want to be part of another argument.
"Err, ......... sorry Uncle Juan, you'll need to speak with Junior about that".
Juan turned to Josef.
"I'm guessing from his point of view he no longer works for Guardian, so you'd best get your arse in gear, someone needs to attend that meeting tomorrow to secure the new buildings we need for the London expansion, and you'd better get your recruiting head on as well, though I'm sure you gave all those things proper consideration before you sacked someone not even involved, someone who has the potential to issue a serious court case against us for unfair dismissal, well, I say us, that's also in the balance right now, because if my son is not with Guardian, then you should prepare the board to buy my shares, because it will signal the end of us as brothers as well, I'll also be out, you and I will no longer exist".
Juan didn't wait for an answer, he turned and walked away.
They were all stunned, but a little voice brought them back to reality.
"Did we do something wrong Poppa?".
JJ and Jem whirled around to see Cade, Pev, and Gis in tears, but it was Carry who got to them first, encircling them in a hug.
"No my darlings, this has absolutely nothing to do with you, it's just adults being silly, overreacting to something that was said, unfortunately we act more like children sometimes rather than the adults we are, so don't you be concerned, it's something and nothing, which will get fixed eventually".
By now JJ and Jem were hugging them as well, but it was Woody who summed it up and saved the day.
"Take no notice, they usually sort it out, somewhere around the time they realise they love each other more than they currently hate each other, now come on, Bo's organising a present hunt, it's always good, you wouldn't believe the sort of stuff he buys as presents, last time I got a PlayStation".
Woody had successfully shifted their attention and all of the youngsters took off together.
Josef asked quietly of JJ.
"Is Juan right in his assumption of what Junior is intending to do?".
JJ nodded.
"Sorry, it's all my fault, I should have bit my tongue and just let it ride, now we have a shit storm on several fronts".
Josef sighed, saying.
"No JJ, it's not your fault, he's right, I shouldn't have attacked Junior, I'd have reacted the same if it were Paulette being picked on, but it is a problem, if Juan walks away from Guardian then so will I, we might be at odds but I won't carry on without him, he's my brother, as much the blood sweat and tears that built that company as I am, he's never quite believed it but, without him I can't do it".
Marcel had been oblivious to much of what happened on that day, and thankfully the children had only caught a minor amount, but that didn't mean there was any end in sight.
The day after, a Saturday, JJ and Jem received official notification that Maison De Due International were pulling out of three joint ventures with Montclair-Medhurst International, a body blow to JJ and Jem, but not catastrophic, it just meant they would have to cover that portion of each project, potentially tying up a large part of their joint nett worth, but as Jem pointed out.
"One more project and we won't survive, it's not ideal but we need to put some protection in place".
JJ new what Jem meant, suing Maison de Due for breach of contract, and his suspicions were confirmed when Jem continued.
"Trust me here JJ, I hope to god it doesn't come to it, but we need to cover our arses, I'm going to instigate proceedings, and request that the court freezes the relevant amount of their assets to cover a successful outcome, we need to show our investors we can't be trifled with, otherwise we'll have a mass exodus on our hands".
JJ nodded.
"I agree, you take charge, I'm far too involved to be rational at this point, but I wanted to ask, if we can't resolve this, would you consider relocating, leaving Montclair?, let Daniel have his victory, if it saves the family, I'd do it, but only if you agree".
Jem pulled him into a hug.
"I don't give a fig where we are, just so long as you and the kids are there, that's home, you don't need to ask that question again, we'll do whatever you feel is best".
As they were talking Jaque called JJ to meet him in a coffee shop in town.
JJ was totally confused with why his Poppa wanted to meet, let alone why it had to be at some place in town, but he went along with it.
They were sat in a little coffee shop, where neither of them had been before, as Jaque explained.
"I have a plan, just listen, when Daniel bought Maison de Due, he knew I, as Comte Montclair, was the owner, there were some age old restrictions in place on the deeds which affected any sale, his lawyers kicked up a right fuss about them, but he assured them he could trust me never to invoke them, one is pretty interesting, I can if I wish re-take possession of Maison de Due and offer full market value of only the property value".
JJ was shocked.
"Poppa you can't do that, it would look like you were favouring me".
Jaque's reply left JJ bug eyed.
"No it wouldn't, because I could also rescind your lease on the stables buildings you call your HQ, and I could, in my capacity as Comte, refuse either of you permission to operate within the boundaries of Montclair, along with a statement I could give to the press that I wasn't happy with your business activities, which would mitigate all of my actions".
JJ was almost hyperventilating.
"You do realise that would effectively put both of us out of business?, the wider financial world would interpret that statement as some sort of illegal trading, we'd be ruined, bankrupted".
Jaque watched his son panicking.
"You've missed the point son, I said could, I didn't say would, and in truth I wouldn't, but right now, something drastic is needed to force Daniel to sit down and discuss reasonably your differences, this is my offer, I wanted you to know it is not a reason to launch a further attack on me, it's only a bluff designed to help the eventual outcome".
JJ sighed in relief.
"Sorry Poppa, it just shows how much this thing has me not thinking rationally, to think you would do anything to hurt me, if anything it gives me more certainty that something I discussed with Jem is becoming a more credible solution".
Jaque was intrigued.
"And what was that?, if you're at liberty to divulge it of course".
JJ smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile and his Poppa saw it.
"If the only way to placate Daniel is to give him his pound of flesh, I agreed with Jem we would leave Montclair, if that's what it takes to keep the family intact then we'll do it".
Jaque's tone of reply was completely acid, something JJ could only remember hearing a couple of times in all the years they'd been father and son.
"No, absolutely not happening, I'll scorch earth before that will happen, no further discussion, my plan it is, you are forbidden from divulging any details about it too anyone, that includes Jem".
JJ was left staring at the departing figure of his angry father.
Daniel was stressing, the ultimatum from Jaque's legal team had seriously freaked him out, he had to meet with JJ on neutral ground or forfeit Maison de Due, and suffer the statement he'd had to read from the Comte being given to the press, but worst of all, he knew he had to confess something to Junior, something that just might drive Junior away.
He'd faced his demons, met with Junior at The Inn, after all said and done, since Junior had moved back to Maria and Berto's they'd not spoken much, but Daniel knew he had to do this.
"I don't know why I'm doing this, I'm effectively giving you the reason to leave me for good, but you have to know that I love you, and I'm sorry".
Junior was surprised, he'd left their home, moved to Berto and Maria's, only because he didn't want to be constantly arguing with Daniel, but this, he could see whatever it was, it had Daniel frightened.
"Why don't we just lay all of the cards on the table, because it's going to take a pretty shit hand to make me be really angry with you, and I'm not sure what it would take for me to walk away from you, but I can say I don't think that hand exists, I love you much more than you realise I think, or we wouldn't be here right now".
They'd talked for more than an hour, with a lot of tears, but it was Junior who'd summed it up.
"Daniel I love you, agree to the meeting, please, put this thing to rest before the family is ripped apart, be the bigger person, for yourself, bare your soul, if you want me to be there with you I'll make it happen, and thank you for telling me, I still love you, don't ever doubt that".
And so there they were, JJ and Daniel, sat facing each other in the Mayors conference room.
JJ opened their conversation, he apologised.
"I'm sorry Daniel, I don't even know why I was so irritated, I just saw red that you were so anti Marcel, which is something else I'm confused about, but that's bye the bye, it's yours and Marcel's business, I don't want to even go there".
JJ could see Daniel was uncomfortable, but he understood when he explained.
"That tells me a lot, Marcel has never told you about what led up to his leaving Maison de Due has he?, it was completely my fault, he overheard me ranting nastily about you, I blamed you for breaking the original company structure because you couldn't cope with Pauls behaviour, he went ballistic, said he was taking the London job, I tried to apologise, told him what I knew about them, but it was his parting shot which hurt the most, he told me I was two faced, that I'd sell out anyone to further my own ambition, that's when I told him it would be a cold day in hell before I'd see him come back to Montclair".
JJ was deep in thought, Marcel had been defending him, and he'd never divulged anything about it, and he said as much to Daniel, not in anger, quite softly, in a resigned tone.
"So we're at war because of something you said, but Marcel is so honourable he wouldn't tell me about it even now, because he thinks it might destroy our family connection, and he's not the only one we've involved, so many of the family are involved, the way I see it Marcel has more good in his little finger than you or I have in our whole body, because we were prepared to go to war, well that at least means I was right in something you probably won't understand, I'm prepared to let you have your victory, I don't want to fight you anymore, Jem and I will leave Montclair, you win".
JJ looked totally dejected, without saying anything more he stood up and walked out of the room, leaving Daniel looking aghast, definitely not feeling like he'd won anything.
It took Daniel several moments to decide what to do, finally he'd chased after JJ, catching sight of him as he stepped off the pavement in front of the Mayoral Offices, hearing the horn blaring, watching frozen, almost in slow motion as the car hit him, tossing JJ's body into the air.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.