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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 6
Four years on, graduation was in sight.
Pete would be graduating top of his class, it should have been a reason to rejoice, but for him there was nothing to celebrate, he'd decided not to hang around for the ceremony, at that point he had most everything packed, determined to end the torturous existence he'd endured for so long and start afresh.
The first year at Stanford had been idyllic in Pete's mind, but the start of the second year brought terrible heartbreak, they hadn't been prepared at all for the loss of Chris's parents in a horrific road traffic accident, to Chris it was almost like having his heart ripped out, his precious Mother and Father taken without warning.
Pete had done all he could to love, help and support Chris.
PJ and Lenny had made sure to sort the legalities, reassuring him he always had a home with them.
For a while it seemed as if Chris was adjusting well, they settled back into their course work.
Pete hadn't seen the discontent growing in Chris, he'd imagined everything was going well, they'd each found the course work easy, they had a good social life mostly at weekends, that was, until Chris joined the soccer squad.
He took to partying with his team mates after their Saturday matches, sometimes to the extent he was absent for a day or more, leaving Pete to attend Frat and House parties alone, being less and less surprised when Chris turned up, more often than not drunk, often draped over or being mauled publicly by some random girl or guy, whilst not even acknowledging Pete's existence.
Away fixtures meant he was absent from Pacifico for days on end after matches.
By the end of the second year he was absent more than he was home.
The rumours of his party antics came back to Pete each time, vivid descriptions of drunken, drug fuelled orgies, where Chris was a willing and regular participant, with plentiful pictures on social media sites displaying him in various sexual or drunken encounters.
When he did come home he would profess his deep regret and remorse, begging forgiveness, it was given again and again until it became a pattern Pete couldn't stand, there had been many discussions, or more accurately heated arguments, which resulted each time in Chris storming out and not being seen for days.
Finally Chris had stopped coming home to Pacifico, preferring to bunk in with whichever team mates had space, leaving him free to pursue the wild party circuit night after night without Pete's disapproval ringing in his ears.
As the third year started Chris had returned one day, removing all of his belongings from Pacifico whilst Pete, Beth and Dave had been out of the house.
Pete had broken down and cried at the final realisation their relationship was over, it wasn't something he'd wanted to acknowledge, but it had been coming, several weeks had passed since he'd even seen Chris in class, by then he missed more classes than he attended.
On the day Pete handed in his last assignment he ran smack into Chris in the corridor outside the lecture hall, Chris had been waiting for him, he'd asked if they could get a coffee, Pete hadn't seen any point, he'd accepted they were no longer together, it didn't stop the hurt he felt, he knew any words from Chris then would only serve to increase that pain, the sense of loss.
"There's no point is there Chris?, you've publicly dumped me, made me into a laughing stock on Campus, turned back into a party animal, you've avoided me like I was a plague, the last time I saw you I walked in on you half naked with two other guys in a bathroom, you didn't even know I was there, so chatting over coffee like long lost friends hardly seems appropriate".
Pete paused, wanting to pull Chris in close and never let go, but that was now so far away from what he felt was possible.
"I'm leaving tomorrow, you won't have to avoid me in future, I'll be out of your life for good, you should know, I'll never stop loving you, but that's my cross to bare, goodbye Chris".
Pete had walked away leaving a stunned Chris, he'd returned to Pacifico to finish packing, surprised to receive a text from Chris which completely threw him.
'I'm sorry Pete, I can see now what I've done, I've ruined us, thrown away the most precious gift I ever possessed.
I didn't set out to hurt you, I love you, I always have, I always will, it's not something I have any control over, my heart will always belong to you.
I don't know how I let myself get caught up in the crazy student life, it got so out of hand, I didn't see what I was losing, each night was just another night before I had to grow up, to face the future without mom and dad to see me graduate, to be proud of what I've achieved.
Please Pete, I'm asking, don't leave like this, you mean so much to me, give me a chance to make amends, hopefully to change your mind.
Meet me for lunch tomorrow in Luca, I'll wait for you, I'm praying you'll come.
I love you Pete'.
Through tears Pete had explained the strange day's events to Beth and Dave, but by the time he went to his room in the early evening he hadn't made any decision, the questions were playing over and over in his mind, despite both Beth and Dave urging him to at least hear what Chris had to say.
Pete had spent the rest of that night in his room alone.
The following day Pete was a complete mess, he'd wanted to go to the restaurant, to just wrap his arms around Chris, be back where they were four years earlier, but was it possible, he hadn't been able to decide, could he forget what he'd seen, what Chris had put him through, those past three years, he'd known he couldn't forget, but could he get past it, could they maybe start again, perhaps it was a possible, if Chris was being honest.
By ten am the next morning he'd made his decision, he would meet and let Chris talk, not prejudge, make a decision based on what was said, after all Chris had poured out his heart, it had seemed he was being genuine.
At midday he'd set off for Luca with a detour to campus, collecting his graduation certificate from the university central office, he'd run into two of the campus tramps, they couldn't resist regaling him of Chris's drunken antics including his naked party trick, having sex with several of the guests both male and female on the pool deck in front of a chanting audience.
Pete had attempted to defend Chris as being a reformed character, until they'd told him they were referring to the previous night at the end of term party.
Pete couldn't know the accusations were a vengeful fabrication, the evil pair had been stood up by Chris the night before when he made the decision to change his ways once and for all, instead of partying he'd driven to Pacifico for a talk with Beth and Dave after Pete had gone to his room, he'd been there until first light talking to Dave, insisting they didn't tell Pete he'd been there.
It had been like a stab to Pete's heart as he listened to the graphic descriptions, what a fool he'd been, while he'd been in tears trying to decide if he should give Chris another chance, Chris had been out partying.
Leaving the Campus office he'd driven straight to the airport FBO building where his fathers pilots had been surprised to see him, but his distressed state meant they immediately filed flight plans, they were airborne within 30 minutes.
Once they were at cruising altitude Pete allowed himself to relax, turning on his phone he received a text from Chris.
I'm waiting Pete, please turn up, let me tell you how sorry I am, how much I love you, how much I want you to be the one I spend the rest of my life with.
Pete was almost sick, he knew how stupid he'd been, he'd believed Chris, he'd wanted to believe, he'd been desperate to believe, but he was wiser now, he'd replied.
I believe you Chris.
I think you do want me but you can't be honest, if you really meant everything you said then last night you would have been sitting at home just like I was, torturing yourself, asking if we could be what each other wanted, needed, but that wasn't what you were doing was it?, I met two of your slut friends today, they took great pleasure in describing how you were having drunken sex with multiple partners to the amusement of a chanting audience.
Goodbye Chris.
As Pete's flight sped through the skies on its way to Torremolinas Chris was sat in Luca's restaurant with tears coursing down his face, he'd read, then re read Pete's text, it was Karma he thought, Pete had given him chance after chance when he'd been guilty, now when he was innocent Pete had believed the lies of two jealous bitches.
For Beth her graduation would be an achievement which she'd never dreamed possible, her babies had grown, her relationship with Dave had gone from strength to strength, she'd watched in wonder as he took up the role of devoted father to the twins.
Dave had graduated and was interning at a local hospital, he'd so impressed the surgeon who'd taken him on that already he was performing some surgeries unaided whilst the master just watched.
Beth had been operating her Web Design company for over 2 years and graduation meant she could now concentrate on it full time.
She'd tried her hardest to be there for Pete and Chris, but even she agreed, some things are just broken beyond fixing, end of story.
After Pete left so abruptly, he wouldn't discuss with Beth why he hadn't met Chris, but she had made him a promise to look out for Chris and let Pete know if he was ever in need of help.
Beth hadn't had any contact with Chris for over two weeks after Pete left, she'd intended to contact him, make sure he understood Pacifico was still his home if and when he needed it, but her plans were thwarted when he paid them a surprise visit.
The outcome of that visit had been that Chris did indeed want to move back to Pacifico whilst he completed his Masters, probably a two year course, during their conversation Chris had explained to Beth about the vindictive accusations Pete had believed, Beth had been shocked, she'd immediately wanted to talk to Pete, but Chris had asked that she leave it, he didn't think it was fair to drag Pete back to a position where he had to decide all over again, he confirmed Beth's suspicions that he'd always love Pete, but he wouldn't do anything that might cause Pete further pain, if fate decided they should be together then it would happen.
For Woody things were no better than they were for Pete, life had lost its appeal, he'd laid himself out as a rug to be walked on for nearly 4 years, he felt hurt and used, by his girlfriend and his cousin.
PJ could only watch and observe, Woody, he was sure, was the one who would take over and guide Woodruff forward, but right then at 18, almost 19, he seemed to have lost his drive.
He'd applied to Stanford and Chicago Universities, both had accepted him and he had received letters offering placements, but he'd not accepted either.
PJ had decided enough was enough, cornering Woody one day he'd asked bluntly what was wrong.
He'd thought Woody was about to cry when he'd sat, deep in thought, his expression one of obvious pain.
Woody's explanation almost broke PJs heart, for almost 4 years he'd been devoted to Rosy, believing she felt the same way, but he'd learnt that on their last visit to New York she'd slept several times with Will Fielding.
Woody and Rosy had never had sex, they'd agreed it should be something they'd keep sacred until they married, or rather he now realised it was something Rosy hadn't wanted from him, she didn't love him, she was in love with Will.
Woody had found out about Rosy and Will when Rosy had a pregnancy scare.
Woody found her crying in her room a couple of weeks earlier and she'd admitted she and Will had slept together several times without protection and she was terrified she may be pregnant, she'd sobbed, begged his forgiveness, but admitted she was in love with Will, whereas she only felt a brotherly affection for Woody.
Woody had been devastated, bad enough Rosy didn't have any feelings for him, but then there had been Will, not actually related, but because of PJ and Lenny's long relationship with Billy and Julia Fielding their son was considered a cousin, how could he do this to Woody.
Woody had spoken to Will who worked with his father at WFC's, (Woodruff Fielding Cruises) office in New York.
Will had laughed at Woody during their call, describing Woody as a wimp who couldn't keep his bitch under control, he'd given Woody a graphic description of baiting Rosy and taking her virginity, how she'd screamed when he burst her hymen then moaned for more, how she'd been desperate for it every time they met, and how she was a notch on his bed post no more, one of many.
At the news Rosy might be pregnant Will had laughed uproariously telling Woody she ought to be, he'd fucked her long and hard, enough times to leave her hardly able to walk and dripping with cum, but he wasn't about to play the honourable gentleman so if she was knocked up she should deal with it, at that he ended the call.
Woody had called Pauly, sobbing into the phone as he told his brother everything, Pauly had pulled Pete, Billy and Beth into the call and they'd between them given Woody their love and support.
Woody, despite his own heartbreak had to explain to Rosy that Will didn't want to know, that he didn't feel anything for her.
Luck had seemed to be in Rosy's favour, it had been a false alarm, but the damage was done, her relationship with Woody in tatters, beyond repair, Will didn't want to know her, laughing at her naivety, how easy it had been to bed her.
It had all proved too much for Rosy, the guilt of betraying her precious Woody, and the shame of everyone knowing what she had done with Will.
She'd been prescribed sleeping pills to help her sleep and sedatives to calm her anxiety, on the night where Woody had stayed alone in his room after his talk with Will, Rosy had taken every pill available and laid down calmly on her bed to await the end of her troubles.
Woody had heard the scream next morning, by the time he got to Rosy's room there were several people there staring at a white faced Rosy who looked at peace as if asleep.
Woody had walked away from the dead body of his beloved, stone faced, not showing any emotion, keeping it bottled up inside but determined to exact a revenge.
The funeral had been a somber affair, every member of the wider family was there except Will.
Woody had cried like a baby, placing a single red rose on the casket, kneeling at the graveside as his beloved Rosy was lowered forever into the ground.
Billy and Julia had been devastated to hear from PJ and Lenny of Wills involvement, knowing nothing previously of Wills conversation with Woody.
Unwittingly they agreed it would be good to get Will and Woody to meet and try to put this behind them, believing foolishly that it was a misunderstanding.
Woody travelled with his parents to New York, they were completely unaware of Woody's pent up anger but his brothers and sister were, they traveled out separately convinced Woody was a ticking time bomb, unfortunately they were too late to prevent the ensuing carnage.
Will had worked alongside his father for the last two years, he had a talent of sorts, he could organise, he could get the job done, no one asked how, mostly it was by bullying staff into submission, he was hated at the WFC Offices, the only ones who didn't see the true Will were his parents, they were totally fooled.
Woody had planned on getting Will alone and exacting his revenge but unbeknown to either of them their parents had arranged that they should meet in the office, believing this would give them common ground and help heal the rift, this had been a monumental mistake, one which would put Woody at odds with his parents and had the potential to lead him toward leaving both his family and Woodruff for ever.
Arriving at WFC's offices Woody had asked why they were there.
PJ had explained there was an impromptu Woodruff board meeting scheduled to attend to some requirements in the WFC management structuring.
Walking into the WFC boardroom Woody had been surprised to see Will sitting next to his father and before even greeting anyone he'd asked loudly with venom in his voice, "What's he doing here".
Will had grinned before answering, "Nice to see you too cousin, still upset I broke your toy I see".
Everyone in the room drew in breath, getting the obvious reference to Rosy's death.
Although completely shocked by his sons reply Billy had tried to calm the situation, "You two need to get together later and resolve this issue between you, but for now we have business which needs attending to so please keep it civil".
It had been around that point where PJ, Lenny and Billy had realised this could possibly be a mistake, perhaps they should have let time heal the rift and not tried to speed the process.
Once the purpose of the meeting had been explained Woody was incensed, this was Will trying to worm his way onto the company management team and he was determined to block any move in that direction.
Will had worked with his father as a sort of gofer over the last year, mainly because he'd failed at every other venture or job he'd tried, and his grades had been so bad no university had been prepared to offer him a place, it was true he'd been able to complete several difficult tasks but Woody suspected he was the only one who knew how Will had managed to get the results he had, mostly it was by bullying, or blackmail.
Woody made it his business to know what the feelings were on the 'shop floor' as he called it, he knew first hand that Will has not just disliked he was generally hated.
Woody had also worked with Wills father on specific projects including staff remuneration and bonuses, mainly because Billy knew how successful Woody had been in building and implementing remuneration packages within Woodruff.
Billy had been certain if Woody advocated a particular method of remuneration it was with the full agreement of the individuals concerned, he knew Woody made it his business to talk through and iron out any problems before implementing a new strategy.
After the usual preliminaries and Woodruff business had been taken care of Billy had proposed an amendment to the WFC senior management structure, requesting the post of Vice President be awarded to Will.
Around the table there had seemed to be a general nodding of heads and Will could be seen grinning, obviously convinced he had it in the bag, but then Woody had spoken up, possibly more venomously than he'd intended he thought later, but from the heart no less.
"Absolutely and categorically no, not now, not ever, nothing could convince me that it would be anything other than a disastrous decision to put Will in a position of power, even a minor management role would be wrong, he has no people skills other than bullying or blackmail and I for one will not willingly unleash his unsavoury management methods on our staff".
The look of glee on Wills face had turned to one of fury, he was visibly seething as he watched the plumb position fading away.
Around the table there was a stunned silence, no one wanted to have this discussion but someone had to.
It was Lenny who spoke, "Woody don't you think it's possibly your own prejudices that are clouding your judgement here, those were pretty damning words, maybe it's an overreaction to recent events".
Had it been any one other than his mother who had challenged him he would have shredded them, but he knew his mother was really asking him to reexamine his statement and give him the chance to possibly amend it.
"Momma, ladies and gentlemen, I made a statement and I stand by it, I could prove my assertions by holding a secret ballot of the staff here in just this building, it's true I have reason to resent even hate him, but I hope you all know me well enough to realise I don't bring my personal prejudices to this table, I will never endorse his employment in any management role, however you should all make your own decision, but, and I don't say this lightly, if you endorse his appointment, I personally will resign my position on the Woodruff board and dispose of my interests".
Turning to the secretary who was taking minutes Woody said, "Please note in the minutes exactly what I've just said and record my vote on the proposal as a definite no".
At that Woody rose from his chair and walked out of the boardroom into the main office area.
The ensuing vote went against Billy's proposal and Will was absolutely furious, standing and addressing the board members he almost shouted, "You idiots can't you see you were just bullied into a decision because he wants revenge on me, you're all, every one of you, pathetic stooges and one of these days I'll make you pay for this".
Will had stormed out of the boardroom and spotting Woody in conversation with staff on the other side of the office, made a beeline for him intent on telling his cousin exactly what he thought of him, that, if nothing else, was a good example of Wills poor decision making skills.
Approaching Woody he called out, "Happy now cousin, you got your petty revenge, after all it was a no brainier that mommy and daddy would agree with their little princess when she throws a strop".
Woody was trying hard to control his anger, he didn't agree with public displays of this sort.
"Firstly, I'm not your cousin, secondly, my parents would never be swayed by anything other than a belief they were making the right decision irrespective of the consequences, thirdly, I told it as it is, as my great grandfather used to say 'No sugar on this pill', try changing your ways and maybe I'll reconsider in time, but right now I stand by my words".
Will should have had the sense to stop there but he hadn't.
"All this because I screwed your precious little bitch, she wasn't even a good shag, I've had better wanks".
As the boardroom doors opened for the remaining members to exit, Woody's right arm was winding back, most of the office staff were watching the argument play out and if one thing was definite it was the fact that an almost collective 'Yessssss', came from them all when, as if in slow motion Woody's right hook lifted Will off the ground, propelling him backwards into the glass panels of an office cubicle.
The panes of glass couldn't take the sudden stress and the whole wall of glass shattered as Will cannonballed through it into the office beyond, clearing monitors from several desks on the way as the occupants, already standing to watch the exchange, scrambled backwards to safety.
His parents, Billy and the other board members were only just in time to see Will vanishing through the disintegrating glass panels, but they stood transfixed as Woody had strode through the now open wall into the office, grabbed Will by the throat with his left hand and delivered another right handed punch to the jaw whilst growling, "If you dare to mention her name again I swear I'll hunt you down and kill you, don't be foolish enough to test me on that because it's not a threat it's a promise you scumbag".
PJ and Billy had rushed to pull them apart with Billy almost screaming at Woody, "What the fuck is wrong with you Woody, this is assault, you could be arrested and do jail time, for Christ sake we're family, you could have killed Will".
Will meanwhile had staggered back to his feet with help from his father and was stupidly shouting threats at Woody and appealing for witnesses from the bemused staff, "You all saw what he did, stay at your desks, I want statements from all of you, you'll regret that little outburst Woody, I'm going to have you arrested and charged with assault".
One of the office managers stepped forward, "I'm sorry sir, I don't think anyone actually saw what happened, it appears we were all looking the other way until we saw Mr Thorn step in and attempt to help you up".
Will was raging by now, "What the Fuck do you mean you didn't see anything you useless shower of pricks?, you were all looking directly at us, all of you saw him punch me both times, he wasn't helping me up he was punching me a second time, anyone who lies will be looking for another job by close of business, now let's see who's willing to lie for him".
As if on queue, the office manager who'd spoken looked back at the rest of the staff and a visible collective nod had been given by all, "As I said sir, it appears no one saw anything, we all were looking the other way, if that doesn't please you and you'd prefer we vacated our desks then so be it, we cannot and will not support you".
Will was fuming and hurling abuse at the staff until Billy spoke, "Shut up Will, can't you see, don't you ever learn?, Woody commands respect, loyalty, every person in this office would defend him because they have confidence he would protect them in the same way, something you don't appear to understand, he's honourable, unlike you, just watch and learn".
Billy turned to Woody, "I trust you to answer me honestly, if I call the police and accuse you of assaulting my son would you make me out to be a liar, would you deny it?".
Woody looked at his parents before replying to Billy, "I'm surprised you need to ask uncle Billy, I wouldn't, I couldn't do that to you, you mean too much to me to risk losing your respect, if you want to press charges I won't deny it".
Turning to the office staff Woody said, "Thank you, all of you, my friends, but please, if you are required to make a statement please answer honestly, it would be more than I could stand knowing you suffered for my sake".
Will immediately started ranting again, "There, he admits it, I'm calling the police, I want him arrested".
Billy cut him off again, "Will you're fired, clear your desk and go home, I'll speak to you this evening, don't say another word because if you do I might just put you through the next window myself".
Will stormed out not bothering to clear his desk or collect anything personal.
PJ was visibly furious, he had never before witnessed such a blatant display of poor behaviour, brawling in the office, before he walked out he addressed Woody in a terse and unfriendly manner, "I'll see you back at the apartment, in my office within the hour".
Lenny on the other hand, though disappointed that Woody had resorted to violence, could understand his motivation, she'd longed to tell Billy and Julia what a nasty little prick their son was, now it seemed Woody had done it for her.
Back at the apartment, Woody's brothers and sister had arrived, oblivious to the meeting or the upset at WFC's offices, they were completely dumbfounded when their father strode straight past them to his office slamming the door, followed by Woody who also ignored everyone, heading to his room, slamming the door behind him.
After allowing himself a few minutes to calm down, Woody went in search of his father.
Knocking on the office door he received a loud and terse, 'Enter'.
PJ was standing looking up at the portrait of his grandfather, his back to Woody, he hadn't acknowledged Woody before he'd spoken.
"He would have been so disappointed, as am I, your behaviour today was nothing short of criminal, you acted like a hooligan, brawling in our office, and with family of all people, I can't ignore this, there has to be a price paid, some form of retribution, therefore, just as Billy fired Will, I'm firing you..............................".
Woody was dumbfounded, he was being convicted without trial, branded as low as Will, "Have I not earned the right to speak in my own defence?, you've tried and convicted me without knowing the facts?, this is you expressing your disappointment irrespective of my guilt or innocence, a kangaroo court, what happened to the love and allegiance you're supposed to afford me?".
PJ knew Woody was right but to back down now would show a weakness he'd always been loathe to display.
"My eyes know what they saw...........................".
PJ hadn't turned around, but he didn't get any further in his speech, there was no point, the slamming of the office door told him that Woody had heard enough, he'd walked out, PJs heart sank, he realised in that moment he'd lost something precious.
Back in his room Woody had called the company secretary and advised him, as was legally required, that his Woodruff shares were the subject of a change of ownership.
His next call was to Alfred Turner the family Attorney, he asked Alfred to arrange the transfer of his Woodruff shares to his parents, there would be no exchange of monies, purely a transfer of shares, it was to be an immediate transfer.
Woody knew there would be an immediate press interest in why a family member was bailing on the company.
To forestall any bad press he asked Alfred to issue a statement that he (Woody) had decided to forfeit his position on the Woodruff Board to pursue a career outside of the family companies, confirming he had transferred his stock back to his parents from whence it came originally, adding that he wished to thank the Woodruff Board and every one of its employees for the experience and knowledge they'd allowed him to gain along the way.
He asked Alfred to communicate this information directly to each Board member before giving it out to the press.
Dialling Pauly's cell he asked him to come to his room and predictably Beth, Billy, Pete and Reece turned up with Pauly.
He told them the whole story, he broke down and sobbed describing how Will had referred to Rosy, and again when he told them he was breaking all ties with Woodruff, he asked, almost pleaded with Pauly to let him stay with him and Reece until he could organise a place to live and as expected Pauly and Reece had welcomed the idea.
He told them he'd be leaving in the morning and would ask Pip to charge his flight cost back to him personally, his brothers agreed they'd go with him whilst Beth would remain here for her mothers sake before heading back to Palo Alto.
He'd refused their request to speak with his father insisting he'd heard enough from him already, but he did agree he owed it to his mother to explain his actions and so Beth was despatched to bring back his mother.
Whilst Lenny was listening to Woody with tears streaming down her face, PJ along with every other Woodruff Board Member was receiving the press release announcing Woody's departure.
PJ dropped heavily into his chair, he felt as though the weight of the world had just landed on his shoulders and it was no longer something he wanted to deal with.
Across town in the apartment of Billy and Julia Fielding, Billy had been horrified to receive the press release announcing Woody's departure, he'd raged at Will, congratulating him on setting in motion the destruction of a Multi Billion Dollar, Multi National Corporation, all on his own, quite the bloody achievement.
Objecting loudly and expecting his mother to defend him, Will was shocked when Julia slapped him hard across the face and agreed with his father, it finally sank in, the arrow had finally found its mark, he actually realised he'd fucked up big time.
When Will had asked his father why Woody was so popular Billy had attempted to explain, by the time he'd finished Will understood, not just why Woody was so respected and loved, he also understood why his parents were so disappointed in him, he hadn't doubted for one minute they loved him, but they weren't proud of him like PJ and Lenny were of Woody.
The following day Woody had been up early for breakfast expecting to avoid almost everyone, he'd been surprised to encounter his father already seated in the breakfast room.
He'd toyed for a second or two with the idea of going back to his room and eating later, but he wanted to be out of the apartment, on his way in the next hour, so he bit the bullet and after collecting his breakfast sat down next to his father.
"Good morning Poppa".
PJ wanted for all the world to turn to his boy, wrap his arms around him and beg him to stop this foolishness, but he realised it wasn't foolishness, to Woody it was a natural reaction, he was reeling from the harmful blow PJ had dealt him, by firing him PJ had hurt him badly, he needed to move on to lick his wounds.
"Not such a good morning son, I find myself short of a very capable executive, any ideas on where I might find a replacement?".
Woody almost giggled, "You could try 'Very Capable Executives Are Us', I hear they're quite good".
Both were silent for a few minutes before PJ spoke.
"I do love you Woody, I wasn't being nasty, but I suspect I might have been hasty, stupid even, if I was I'm sorry son".
Woody realised the agony this was causing his father, "Poppa, if there is one constant in my life it's the knowledge that you, momma and my brothers and sister love me, I don't have to speculate on that matter it's a given".
He paused, thinking.
"I do believe you were hasty, I feel you should have waited until your anger abated, until you were in possession of all of the facts, I believe you made what turned out to be a not so clever decision, one which hurt me a lot more than you intended and left you in a bind".
PJ realised that Woody had avoided using the word stupid but the meaning was the same, he had also confirmed that PJs actions had hurt him badly, it had been a relatively simple process to get to this point but the road back seemed impossible.
"Could we go back Woody, could I un-sack you, could you take back your shares, is it possible?, for the last 7 years you've given us your guidance on every major issue, some of those issues had the potential to severely damage us but you steered us safely through each and every one of them, I'm frightened Woody, for the first time ever, I feel I've caused us to be rudderless, I've cast us adrift, everything my grandfather and I worked so hard to build is now in danger of crumbling into dust because I was hasty, stupid".
Woody had almost cried hearing the pleading in his fathers voice.
"No Poppa, there's no going back, my credibility has been destroyed, maybe in time I can become involved again, but right now I need to go, you should know I'm not going to university, it doesn't appeal to me, I'm going to find something else to occupy me whilst I think, and remember Poppa I'm only at the end of a phone, I may have to set up a company called 'Ex Executives Who Advise', I love you Poppa, I have to go now".
Woody wrapped his father in a hug conscious of the very unusual fact that no one else had ventured into the breakfast room whilst they had been talking, something which never happened, it had been a set up to facilitate a U turn, or to perhaps find a compromise, which sadly hadn't worked.
PJ spoke last as Woody released him, "Make me a promise Woody, please, if at any time I became incapacitated, you would come back, take the helm, I need to know Woodruff would be in safe hands, please".
"Yes Poppa, you shouldn't need to ask, but I give you my solemn promise, should the need arise I will return, I will take the helm".
Woody left New York to the newspaper headlines 'Woodruff Heir Apparent Flies The Coop', and 'Rumours of a Fight in the WFC Boardroom, is this the End Of The Line', and 'Boy King Abdicates, Woodruff in Chaos'.
TBC
ARB Allan
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