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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 16
Before JJ's body hit the ground Daniel was running, screaming his name, dragging his cell phone out of his pocket, dialling.
"Ambulance now, it's Vicomte JJ, a car's hit him, in front of the Mayors Office, Montclair, he's hurt bad".
Then he was on the ground cradling JJ.
"JJ I'm sorry, hold on, help is coming, I'm so sorry my friend".
A passing gentleman eased Daniel aside saying.
"I'm a doctor, give me room, what's his name, do you know of any health problems, does he take medication for anything?".
Daniel answered as much as he could through tears.
In Guardian's HQ Control Room an alarm was screaming out a distinctive sound, the sound allocated to a family emergency, at exactly the same time, Josef, Juan, and Rick all heard that very sound on their respective cell phones, one which they dreaded.
Josef was in his office at Guardian Torremolinas, and the first to reach the Control Room, slightly ahead of Rick.
Juan was actually in Montclair with Ralph, visiting Berto and Maria, unaware of the drama that had just unfolded no more than a couple of miles from him.
"Who is it?, what happened?".
The Control Chief was a relatively new guy who Josef didn't know, but it appeared he was coping excellently.
"It's JJ The Vicomte Montclair, a massive trauma spike in incoming data, information to say its a hit by motor vehicle, I have an ambulance and motorcycle Paramedic en-route, three minutes ETA, vitals are extremely erratic but that's to be expected, there's a doctor on the scene, a passerby, we have accessed an emergency call that's given us information, the call data has thrown up a link to a family locator registered to Daniel Worthington, I need to inform the partner of the casualty, and The Comte"
Josef barked an order.
"Patch me in I'll direct Traffic, you get an air ambulance mobilised, I authorise it, bill it to Guardian".
When he heard Montclair's Regional Traffic Controller he gave his orders, and no one would doubt they were orders.
"This is Josef Caswel-Thorn, CEO of Guardian Security International, the casualty you are attending outside the Mayoral Office in Montclair is The Vicomte JJ of Montclair, I have an air ambulance on its way to you, take the patient to Clinique de Cimiez in Nice, they will be on standby, they have Guardian's details on file for billing, he's my cousin, your Vicomte, look after him, I'm on my way".
As he was talking Jo had signalled the Controller to listen, he wasn't disappointed when the Controller picked up on his conversation, seconds later Josef heard him instructing the hospital in Nice of the incoming patient.
Jem was sitting with Cade, Pev, and Gis, telling them that, when JJ returned they were going out to eat, as a celebration, their own family celebration, but he was cut short by the ringtone on his cell, he'd looked at the caller ID, it showed Guardian.
"Yes, this is Jem, ........ nooooo, ......... tell me he's alright please, ......... where, ......I'm on the way".
He was in a fog as he shut his cell, but turning to the children, seeing their anxious faces, he knew he couldn't keep it from them.
"Poppa's been in an accident with a car, he's in the hospital, we have to go".
He hadn't realised he was crying until Gis said.
"Don't cry Poppa, we'll make him better, come on, we need to hurry".
Josef and Rick were listening to the Paramedics on scene, when an operator said.
"I have Guardian Two on the line, he's in Montclair.
Josef indicated to put it through to him, indicating to Rick to keep listening to what was happening with JJ.
"Bro, it's JJ, he's been in an accident, hit by a car, his vitals are all over the place, Paramedics are assessing him now, I've sent in an Air Ambulance, I'm leaving in a few minutes, will you go?, I need you to be there, it's Clinique de Cimiez in Nice".
Jo wasn't surprised, he could hear him shout to Ralph then running, as his brother answered.
"I'm on my way, tell Control to patch me in, see you soon Bro".
As the call terminated, Josef spoke to the Controller.
"Patch Juan in, and you've done good, I'll speak to you when I get back".
Turning to Rick he said.
"Normally I'd say that you have the helm, but this is JJ, I know you want to be there, so come on, call Sofia, we need to rumble".
Rick, though visibly shaken, started to argue, only to be met with.
"Fuck the company, it can go to hell, family's more important".
At the FBO office in Nice they were a shambles of a family being hustled onto Josef's plane, Carry was crying, Rick was being consoled by Sofia, when the pilot updated Josef.
"He's arrived at the hospital and he's stable, Jem, the children, his parents and brother are already there, so is Daniel Worthington, he traveled with him, Guardian two should be arriving at the hospital about now, he said to tell you specifically, he's got your back, does that mean anything to you?".
For the first time since he'd heard that alarm, Josef sighed and half smiled.
"It means everything, thank you".
Juan jumped from the car after their driver virtually screeched into a parking spot opposite the entrance, Ralph was behind him, but not with him, as they'd entered the hospital, a quick check at reception located where the relatives were waiting for news, then Juan was running again.
Ralph had started laughing at some point in the journey, which caused Juan to rebuke him.
"This isn't funny, JJ's injured, what in fuck is funny".
But Ralph wasn't put off, he continued to laugh as he replied.
"I've listened to you all week, Jo the bastard this, Jo the bastard that, fuck Jo the bastard, but all it needs is a family emergency, and you throw yourself back into the fold".
Ralph was laughing because he knew how much Juan loved his brother, and it pleased him.
Ralph had meant it as a joke, he knew Juan would never stand anywhere except at his brothers side in an emergency, but Juan wasn't thinking straight, and his reply hurt Ralph, really hurt him, badly.
"That's because he's family, a saddo like you with no family wouldn't understand".
Juan was far too wound up to realise that all conversation in their limo stopped right there and then after his reply, or that they weren't together as they entered the hospital, nor even that Ralph disappeared a short time after, in fact it was Carry who asked the question nearly three hours later.
"Juan where's Ralph?".
Juan had looked puzzled.
"He's here somewhere".
But Carry's words had worried him.
"He wasn't here when we arrived, I was surprised, I haven't seen him yet".
Juan slid out of JJ's suite into the corridor and dialled Guardian's HQ.
"Hi, this is number two, can you locate my partner Ralph Esse please?".
The response didn't do anything to ease his fears.
"His locator places him just outside the main entrance, but I don't believe he's wearing it, there are no vitals registering".
Juan was running now, in a parking spot directly opposite the entrance was their limo, he'd yanked open the door, there on the seat was Ralph's watch, but there was no Ralph.
Their driver was standing some distance away smoking a cigarette, he'd nearly crapped himself when he saw Juan approaching.
He was about to throw the half smoked cigarette away until Juan waved his hand.
"That's okay, as long as it's not in the car I have no objection, but I need your help, did you see where Ralph went".
The guy looked puzzled as he answered.
"Yes, he put something in the car, but he was talking on his phone so I didn't interrupt him, then he grabbed a cab from the rank across the road, in fact it was that fourth one in the line, I remember because it's number 96 and I'd thought at the time, even if you turn it upside down it'll still be 96".
Juan was running towards the cab before the driver had finished speaking.
When he got there the cabbie mistook him for a potential passenger, saying.
"Cab at the front of the line is next sir".
Juan waved his hand at him.
"No, you don't understand, I need to know where you took your last fare from here earlier, a Spanish gentleman, small goatee, and very thin moustache, it's really important".
The cabbie looked at Juan for a moment, obviously trying to weigh up if he was genuine, or some nutter, he obviously came down on the side of genuine because he answered.
"Nice airport, but not the regular departure terminal, to the private jet company at the far end of the complex, I think he had a flight waiting for him because I heard him tell them he wanted to depart immediately".
Juan thanked him, handing over a Twenty Euro note in the palm of his hand.
"You've been a great help my friend, thank you".
He'd called Ralph's cell phone, but he wasn't answering, probably because he was in the air so he'd left a message.
"Ralph my love, I'm sorry, don't do this to me, I've been stupid I can't lose you, I know I'm a fool but I love you, don't hide from me, I need you".
Then he called Guardian's office again.
"Hi, it's number two again".
The response gave him cause to smile.
"Yes I know who it is you dipstick, or had you forgotten what we actually do for a living".
Juan bellowed.
"Rolly, mate, how are you, we need a night out sometime".
The voice at the other end could be heard laughing as he answered.
"Oh no we don't, my missus would kill me, that's if you didn't, you forget, most of my innards are plastic after that I.E.D. got me, you and Ralph very nearly melted them last time, I was in agony for days, now what can I do for you, as if I didn't know?".
Juan became sombre, many years before, back in a time when he and Pierre were still young lovers, Juan and Rolly had been side by side in a military hospital ward for weeks, and firm friends ever since
"I fucked up Rolly, Ralph's taken off, I need to track where he's gone".
Rolly's reply surprised him.
"Fear not my friend, I already have him, it wasn't hard to figure out when he ditched his locator, he's in the air heading for Madrid, the pilot has ordered a car for when he lands, I've substituted one of our guys as his driver, wherever he goes there will be a discreet tail as protection, he'll be safe Juan, I can try patching you through to the flight if you want, but trust me my friend, face to face is better when you're grovelling, I'd recommend right now you go see to your cousin, Ralph will be okay".
As Juan entered JJ's room Carry came straight to him.
"Okay, what have you done?, and don't even think about bullshiting me, your face says it all".
"I lashed out at Ralph in the car on the way here from the airport, I thought he was mocking me, he wasn't, he was being genuine, I said something bad, he's bolted, rented a jet and flown back to Madrid".
Carry was deadly factual in her reply.
"You and your brother should do stand up comedy, you really are the biggest pair of fucking idiots you know".
He half smiled and nodded.
They were distracted then, JJ was starting to come round, the doctors had explained earlier, miraculously, there appeared to be no broken bones, but he was going to be plenty sore for a while, he most likely would be suffering from multiple sprains, torn, or badly bruised muscles, and really bad bruising all over, they'd given him a heavy dose of something to make him relax and sleep, it was obviously wearing off.
Daniel had been there when everyone arrived, but sat alone at the far end of the waiting room and he hadn't left, moving to JJ's suite when they'd settled him in, and Junior had come to join him.
Jem had eyed Daniel suspiciously when they'd met in the waiting room, but he hadn't wanted to cause a scene in front of the children, so they'd hardly said more than a few words, until there were enough family there to take care of the kids, then Junior had whispered to Jem.
"Daniel desperately wants to have a word in private, will you speak with him?".
Jem had nodded, asked Carry to look after the youngsters and followed Daniel out into the corridor, where he'd launched straight into a babbling torrent of apologies.
"I'm so sorry Jem, really sorry, I didn't want any of this, but it's all my fault, I started it years ago, I told JJ how it came about, why Marcel left Maison de Due, I think it shocked him, he said you were going to leave Montclair, then he walked out, by the time I followed him, he just walked out into the road without looking, I swear if I could have prevented it I would have, I don't want to be at odds with him, we're family, we were friends once, I'd do anything to have that back, I know most of the family don't want me here but I'm begging you, just let me stay until I can see he's going to be okay, please".
Jem's expression softened.
"You just said basically what he said, he doesn't want to be at odds with you either, you can stay as long as you want, unless JJ asks you to leave you're welcome here, if anyone has a problem with that, refer them to me".
There were strange looks all round when they reentered the room, each with an arm around the other.
As Carry was staring at the strange spectacle of Jem entering the room with an arm around Daniel, she became aware of a presence beside her, turning she came face to face with Junior.
"I'm sorry Aunt Carry, I deserve a heavy slap across the face, I didn't protect you when it mattered, and I promise, if you want to do it I'll be the one who gets the most out of it, I was so wrong, Daniel was so rude, I don't know how else to apologise, forgive me please".
She smiled, not in triumph, a soft maternal smile, as she put a hand to either side of his face, drawing him in until she could kiss his temple.
"We're family Junior, sometimes we have a meltdown, then regret it, sometimes we're not even the guilty one, we're just there by association, it doesn't matter, it's how, or if, we can see a way to put it right that's important, and you have, we're good Junior".
At that point Josef joined them.
"You know I was joking don't you Junior?, I'd never sack you, so can we expect you in London anytime soon?".
Juniors reply didn't give Josef any pleasure.
"No uncle Jo I don't know that, in fact we both know that's a lie, see, even now you can't do the decent thing and just admit what you did was wrong and apologise, we're pretty invincible as a family, when we circle the wagons there are few who can beat us, and it doesn't matter if, or for what reason we're at odds with each other, when push comes to shove we're united. But sometimes it fools some of us into thinking we're immortal, above the law. Even our own words can become barbs that are capable of hurting us, or the ones we love. There are times when it would do good for us to remember we're actually mortal, able to feel pain, to help keep us grounded. I've made my peace with someone who means a lot to me, but I'm not going back to London. Maybe next time you decide to lash out you'll give thought to whether it's justified or not, because I've never done anything but good for you, and for Guardian, and I'm left asking myself, where exactly has that got me?".
Junior turned and walked away.
Juan had been stood listening, now he moved into Josef's line of sight.
"I love you, you're my brother, we've been through a hell of a lot together, but I did warn you, now it's come true, prepare the board, I want out, unless you want me to put my shares on the open market, you have one month to sort it".
JJ was semi conscious, he'd had more of whatever had been prescribed to ease the pain, and it was definitely helping him, but it was making him say things he would have normally kept to himself.
When he realised, through his drug induced fog, that Daniel was there, he reached out his hand to him.
"Why do you always stay on the outside".
Daniel thought he meant why was he holding back now, he and Junior standing on their own in the background, but JJ's next sentence dispelled that thought.
"We're a jumbled rag tag bunch this family, so many of us, just like you, a chosen child, for whatever reason, we were chosen by our adoptive parents, we should have a kindred spirit, but you've always held back, don't, it will only cause you pain, I don't want to be at war with you, I want you as my friend".
Daniel was crying, he wanted to respond, to tell JJ he felt the same, but JJ had slipped back into his drug induced slumber.
It was Carry who slipped an arm around him.
"As they say, out of the mouths of babes comes the truth, he has no inhibitions right now, you can take it as the truth, or not, but I believe he will tell you the same at any day you might choose in the future, don't be upset, he's going to be alright, and I think you'll be great friends once again, now it's time for you to get some rest, he's not going anywhere, let Junior take you home, you two need some time to remember how much you mean to each other as well".
Daniel looked at Carry through his tears.
"I'm sorry, I was so wrong, in so many ways, thank you, for not hating me, you would have been justified".
Carry smiled, and like she'd done with Junior, she pulled him in and kissed his forehead.
"No I wouldn't, because I can't give up on anyone in this family, it might hurt at the time, but turning the other cheek isn't so hard if it brings us back together, now get gone, come back tomorrow, he'll be more lucid then".
Daniel nodded, and Carry heard his parting words.
"He spoke the truth, and it gives me hope".
Junior took Daniel home, Jem shooed everyone else out, he and the children bedded down in JJ's room, giving him drinks and chatting with him whenever he drifted back to consciousness throughout the night.
By morning he was himself, in pain, but refusing much of the medication, telling them.
"I'm sorry, I spoilt what was meant to be our special day, I'll make it up to you as soon as I'm out of here, we'll do something as a family, because it's what we are now, and always will be".
As he was talking his cell phone signalled an incoming call, Cade passed it to him.
It was Piers, and JJ actually laughed at hearing his opening words.
"You stupid idiot, who doesn't look when they step into the road, I nearly died when I heard".
JJ's reply had Piers laughing as well.
"Says the one who got himself squashed by a bloody Semi and Trailer, sometimes we have too much going on to be fully alert, but like you, I was lucky, I'll be okay in time, all I need is rest, so how are you Piers, you haven't met our wonderful children yet, I've told them all about you and Milo".
Piers reply stunned JJ.
"Actually we're going to address much of what you just said in about a weeks time, Milo has been talking with Jem, who I'm guessing right now is looking pretty coy, but anyway, they've talked with your doctors, and you have to be grounded for one week, then they've agreed, as long as there is a medical professional with you, a flight is possible, so I'm begging, come to us, we'll set you up in the Gold Coast Apartment, you can recuperate, the children can have the start to family life they deserve, and we can know you're alright, please say yes JJ, if only to stop me from crying".
JJ hadn't realised he was crying until Gis leaned in to wipe his cheeks.
Looking at all of them, and Jem who was nodding, he said.
"Yes, I can't think of anything better, now stop blubbering, you're making me do it as well, I'll see you soon my friend".
As soon as he'd ended the call he was battered with questions, until he held up his hand, and whilst smiling said.
"I believe your rather sneaky father can answer your questions".
All eyes turned to Jem who was laughing as he replied.
"I was really worried, I seriously didn't know if I was being sensible, or lining myself up for a bullet from you, but I decided, you need some warmth and pampering, so I made a decision".
He'd stopped, to look directly into JJ's eyes, and the look he got back was nothing short of pure love, but he was shaken out of his euphoric state by a collective triple screaming.
"What!!".
He was actually giggling like the children were when he answered.
"We're taking a little trip, well actually, when I say little, it's about ten and a half thousand miles, to a place I know your Poppa loves dearly, and where we're going to make him better, so start packing guys, because this time next week we'll be on our way to Australia".
Instead of the euphoria they'd expected there was silence, and three sceptical expressions staring back at him.
JJ saw it and cut them down immediately.
"It's okay guys, I'm sore and aching, but your Poppa is right, it will help me no end, all that wonderful sunshine, plus you'll get to meet your Australian family, and I challenge you to tell me you wouldn't love to live there permanently, it's an amazing place".
They'd relaxed somewhat after JJ reassured them, but in talking later Jem had said.
"I was surprised by their reaction, they didn't trust me, it took you to bring them around, most kids would have been over the moon about going to Australia, they weren't, and it wasn't to do with any of the usual things you'd associate with why, it was solely their concern about you, they were frightened it would be to much for you, they love you JJ, I hope I see that someday".
JJ smiled.
"And if you opened your eyes Jem, I think the radiance they emit around you would have you grabbing for your sunglasses, yes they question, because that's exactly what we encourage them to do, but it's not lost on them who made this trip possible, don't waste your time doubting that they love you, because I know they do, nothing like I do of course because that would be just gross, mine involves wanting to do naughty things, lots of naughty things, but that's a topic for the future, make space in your diary for about two weeks from now, but remember to be gentle".
Daniel had returned to the hospital the following day and was warmly welcomed by JJ.
"Jem told me everything I said to you yesterday, a lot of it I could only vaguely remember, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have said it if I hadn't been on so many drugs, I want you to know that, everything I said stands, I don't want to be at odds with you, I'd like to think there's a chance we could be friends again".
Daniel leaned in to lightly hug him, conscious of JJ's injuries.
"I'd like that as well, and I've spoken with Marcel, apologised for how we parted company all those years ago, he was right, I was being two faced and unfair to you, because what you did didn't suit my business needs, he had every right to call me out on it, he was the bigger man defending you, I hope that's another friendship that can be restored, it probably won't happen overnight, but at least the hostility is gone, and that alone feels good".
A lot had been put right, or at least they were working on improving it, but one thing still worried JJ, and he couldn't leave it alone.
"There is still one problem though Daniel, what if anything, can we do about Junior, if he doesn't go back to Guardian it looks quite possible the company will not survive as a privately owned and managed concern".
Daniel looked puzzled.
"I don't understand, what do you mean?".
JJ explained what he knew about Josef threatening Junior with the sack, and Juan's threat to Josef if Junior chose not to return, which now looked highly likely to happen.
"So you see, without Junior returning, Juan will walk away, and Josef has already stated he doesn't want to continue without Juan, Guardian will be up for sale".
Daniel made JJ a promise, that he would do everything he could to put things right and get Junior to change his mind.
JJ was discharged two days later to everyone's delight.
Carry had put out the usual message to the family, which resulted in an absolute deluge of floral arrangements being delivered, with get well messages from around the world.
I delivery differed from all the rest.
Piers had sent a box, inside were a pair of sunglasses, a tube of factor 50 sunscreen, and a typical Aussie Outback hat with obligatory corks dangling.
The message card read, 'To remind you we have a date, get them on and get here soon, sent with love from Oz'.
It was signed by Piers, Milo, Fleur, Dale, and all of the children, old and young.
Jem and the youngsters forbade JJ from doing anything all week except resting, his protests that without his input they would be traveling without lots of the essentials was met with a matter of fact response from Jem.
"I don't doubt for one minute that I'll royally fuck up and forget loads of stuff, but I know for certain you're not getting involved in the packing, anything I forget we'll buy when we get there, you my love are on R and R, rest and recuperation is your only mission so relax".
At Jem's request, Carry had arranged a private jet with three bedrooms, they would be flying to Dubai and stopping over for three days, before continuing on to Sydney.
After talking to Milo, Jem had followed his recommendation and arranged for a three bedroom suite at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and after hearing how much fun they'd had when Milo took their brood 4x4 Sand Surfing on the desert dunes he'd asked the hotel to prearrange that as well".
Telling JJ he'd been strict.
"I've not booked for you to do the 4x4 Sand Surfing because I think it would just put your recovery back by days, you can't afford to cause further strain on all of those damaged muscles".
JJ had been disappointed, and said so, but he knew that Jem was only acting in his best interest, and Jem added.
"If you're fit enough on our way back, we'll do it again just for you, is that a deal?".
JJ nodded vigorously.
"Deal".
Marcel was going to be taking charge of their offices at Montclair whilst they were away, he'd not yet decided what to do about JJ's and Jem's offer to join them, he'd partly decided, in so much as he was certain he wanted to join them, he just hadn't decided if he wanted to be employed or a partner, they'd told him to take his time, he could be paid on a salary basis until he made his decision, but he'd at least made one positive move, he'd quit the job he hated, and he was a visibly different person, as his Poppa Pete commented to him.
"Seeing you now and knowing what you were like these past few months, it's like something has breathed new life into you, whatever you choose to do going forward, make sure it has the happiness factor, it's good to have you back in Montclair son".
He'd replied with a beaming smile.
"Don't worry Poppa, that's advice I'm definitely going to follow, and I'm certain I'm going to take JJ and Jem up on their offer, I just can't decide which course to take, so I've stopped thinking about it for the time being".
When the day came for JJ, Jem, and their brood to set off, all of the family was at Chateau Montclair to wave them off.
Woody and Pierre had stayed over the night before telling their cousins how jealous they were, but also admitting.
"You'll have a fantastic time with Jimmy, Franky, and Rosie, they're a great bunch, we so wish we were coming with you".
And so they were off, with JJ groaning each time the car hit a pothole, and Jem commenting.
"Err, now do you understand why I said you can't take part in that something, which shall remain a secretive surprise for you know who, times three?".
JJ nodded, grimacing again as the car hit another hole in the road.
But Jem's words were not lost on the three sets of sensitive ears who he'd been referring to, they smiled knowingly at each other, convinced that although they had no idea what he had planned, it would be good, that much they could rely on.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.