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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 9
It was September and Woody was due to present his findings to the Woodruff Board shortly.
Six months had elapsed since he'd taken his father to Montclair, he was still there, his health had improved but his medical team had not yet seen fit to allow him to resume his role at Woodruff.
In private PJ had worked feverishly to obtain and catalog the data he knew Woody needed for this meeting, he'd admitted he enjoyed the experience immensely, being able to concentrate on just one project had been like a breath of fresh air.
PJs report was detailed and ran to approximately 30 pages, though 15 of those were financial appendices.
As Woody read through the report two months earlier he'd asked Pete for advice and between them they were unsure of how to interpret the information, it had been factual as PJ collated it, but the picture had been changing month on month, their problem now was, could they be looking at a totally different outcome without actually seeing it in this report.
Woody had asked Pete who he could approach in confidence to help interpret the information PJ had gathered, without a wider audience being alerted to what was being discussed.
Pete's suggestion of Chris Farley had surprised Woody, he hadn't known Pete and Chris were still in touch.
Pete described Chris as a mathematical magician, "He has an absolute love of numbers, he works so far ahead of himself, sometimes it's hard to keep up with him, he can take a scenario and change the variables in his head to bring out a new set of values, it's like having a human computer on hand".
Woody had agreed working with someone he knew would be easier than having to second guess the trustworthiness of a stranger, he'd asked how to get hold of Chris.
Pete had laughed, "You either pick up the phone, or you could descend two floors and ask him face to face, he is first in line below the Finance Director at Woodruff Corporate, it's his goal to eventually attain the position his father held at Woodruff, he's working hard to achieve the Finance Director position at Corporate and then the Chair of Woodruff Banking.
Pete had shared that they were good friends, he and Jaque had dinner with Chris whenever they were in New York.
Deciding to stretch his legs Woody took the elevator down two floors and entered the Finance Department.
Walking idly through the department, Woody had been on the lookout for Chris Farley when he'd been brought up short by the booming voice of someone who displayed absolutely no manners at all.
"You boy, what the hell are you doing in here, this is a restricted area, who let you in?".
Woody had turned, only to be confronted by a rotund, red faced man, in possibly his mid sixties who he didn't recognise, then he'd remembered, the previous Head of Finance had gone to the Banking division to fill one of the Chair positions advising the Chairman, this must be his replacement.
Woody had decided to make the man work for his information.
"No one let me in, I walked in unaided thank you".
The poor chap, that had really riled him.
"This isn't a bloody country club, you don't just wander into different departments when you're bored, your department manager is obviously an imbecile, I'll be having words with him, allowing you free range of the building, you on the other hand will be looking for another post by end of business today, now what's the name of your department manager?".
Woody was having fun, though the old fool had looked close to having a fit.
"I don't technically have a department manager, I'm not actually on the payroll".
The guy had smirked before speaking again.
"You stay exactly where you are, I'm calling security to throw you out of the building".
As the fool was dialling security Chris Farley had walked out of an office and spotting Woody made straight for him, they fell into a man hug.
"Woody, what a surprise, I'm really sorry, Pete said I should look you up but I've been so busy lately, are you well?, I heard you've two nippers now, sorry to hear about PJ by the way, is he doing okay?".
Woody was about to respond, but the old fool had cut them both off.
"Mr Farley, you have work to do, get back to your desk, as for this person, he's not employed here and shouldn't be in the building unsupervised, I've called security, they'll be ejecting him shortly".
Chris burst out laughing.
"You're having him ejected from the building, ohh this I have to see, excuse me if I don't return to my office, I wouldn't miss this one for the world".
The old fool was fuming at Chris as well now.
"Insubordination Mr Farley, either you return to your desk immediately or you will be joining this idiot when he leaves the building".
Chris was still laughing but he winked at Woody.
"Not happening, I'll wager my job on watching you have 'this idiot' ejected".
Chris had used finger air quotes whilst saying 'this idiot', which amused Woody no end, even as he objected.
"Hey when did I become 'this idiot'.
Just then a security detail of three guards arrived into the finance department.
The fool beckoned them over.
"Kindly remove this idiot from the building and do your jobs properly, he shouldn't have been able to gain entry in the first place".
The security guards looked at Woody in confusion.
Just then Woody's phone rang, answering it he was laughing.
"I'm sorry Poppa, we may have to delay this conversation, it seems I'm about to be ejected from Corporate Headquarters by some fool who doesn't know me", PJ could be heard laughing fit to burst, "Poppa, if it's not too much trouble, call Josh or Bryan and ask them to nip down to Finance pronto before I end up on my arse in the street".
Woody turned to the old fool, "Let's all calm down please, you sir, would do well to properly establish who you are dealing with in future before you start hurling insults, did I not answer pleasantly all of your questions?, I quite honestly told you I don't have a department manager, I also told you I'm not on the payroll, do you not think that should have led you to ask a little more before calling me an idiot and telling me I'd be looking for another post by close of business today, by the way exactly who are you?, it would be rather nice to know who is ejecting me".
The old fool didn't take the offered olive branch.
"My name is not important you idiot, you are leaving, security take him out of here".
From the doorway Josh's voice boomed out, "Did I just hear you call Woody Thorn an idiot?, because if you did you'd best have a really good reason for using that phrase to describe the man, who has from the age of twelve, steered this company through some of the toughest times in recent years. I would also ask why you felt it necessary to cause him to terminate a conversation with his father our, your, Executive Chairman, PJ Thorn, I'm waiting Mr Olsen, in your own time".
Woody stepped up to the old fool, "This is how it should have happened when you discovered me inside your department, Hello, I'm Mr Olson, Head of Finance, who are you, can I help you". "I would then have replied, Woody Thorn, Executive Adviser to the Chairmen of Woodruff Leisure, WFC and Woodruff Banking, pleased to meet you, could I possibly have a word with Chris Farley".
"So simple and yet you made it so damned hard, I'll leave you now to explain yourself to your Chairman".
At that Woody walked away with Chris to Chris's office.
After they calmed down and finished laughing at Woody almost being ejected, Woody explained his needs, Chris listened intently, but to Woody's amazement he wasn't at all fazed.
"I'd need to look over PJs report but I already have confidence it's got everything that's needed to produce a current forecast, all that's confusing you is the month on month variables, if we strike a trend line, and as long as the variables aren't wildly excessive it will give a fairly accurate forecast, it would help of course if I could link up with PJ, he could answer some of my queries, just makes it quicker and more accurate if I know how and where he obtained certain blocks of information".
Woody was ecstatic, "What have you planned for the next few weeks?".
Chris shrugged, "Work, why?".
"Good, I'm going to have you seconded to me for a while, get your shorts out I'm taking you to Poppa, you'll be staying with us at Montclair".
Chris looked a little concerned, "I need to know how long I'll be away".
Woody immediately picked up on Chris's concern, "Oh, need to explain to a certain someone do we?".
Chris was concerned he'd given it away so easily, "Yes, no, I mean, okay yes I do, but it's not something I want to talk about, no disrespect intended ".
Woody felt bad that he'd spooked Chris, "Hey, no problem, but whoever it is, the invitation can be a plus one if you want, and I'm not prying, it's there if you want".
Chris had been quick to answer, "No it's okay, I just needed to know that's all".
Later in the day Woody caught up with Josh and Bryan who immediately dissolved into laughter when he appeared, Bryan led off.
"How the hell do you manage to get yourself into these scrapes, he must have been the only person in the whole of Woodruff who didn't recognise you and you manage to rub him up the wrong way, 'idiot'".
At the mention of the word idiot all three dissolved into laughter, and it was a good half hour before they could sensibly continue.
Woody asked Bryan to arrange the secondment of Chris Farley to him as he needed help determining the accuracy of PJs report, the arrangements were completed the same day.
Thousands of miles away in Marbella Spain Reece and Pauly had been attending an interview in Judges Chambers, the final court hearing of the adoption process, both were extremely nervous, just as they'd been for every interview and meeting.
It had taken nearly a year to get that far and three weeks earlier their social worker had informed them they'd been allocated one of two youngsters, twins, a boy and girl, almost eight years old, the twins had been in a children's home and foster care, though in foster care they'd been separated and had proved extremely difficult to handle.
They'd been allocated the girl but Reece immediately protested and Pauly had agreed, to separate brother and sister was a sacrilege, a crime, they'd spent the last three weeks petitioning the children's department of welfare and finally gained agreement to apply for the adoption of both children.
There was no recorded father and the mother was a drug user who had been prosecuted repeatedly, accused of child neglect, she was currently in prison serving a twenty year jail term after being found guilty of procuring the murder of her drug dealer boyfriend.
Reece and Pauly had only seen photographs of the twins, they were not allowed to meet until the Judge endorsed the adoption papers.
At last, around midday they were ushered back into court where the Judge wished them well and endorsed the adoption paperwork, they could now collect the children from the two foster homes they were currently placed in.
Josef and Sofia were waiting nervously at their separate foster homes, two plastic supermarket carrier bags contained all of their possessions, both had spent the night sobbing, they had each been told they were being adopted, it had been several weeks since they had seen or spoken to each other, neither knew if they would ever see the other again, neither knew they were being adopted together, thanks entirely to Reece and Pauly who had fought hard to get them both.
For Josef and Sofia it wasn't a happy occasion, it felt like the end of their world.
Josef saw the big white car pull up outside and the tears started again, to him this was where he finally lost his sister, he would never see her again it was too much, Reece and Pauly's first meeting with Josef started with him sobbing that he wanted his sister so it was no surprise Pauly's words stopped him dead in his tracks mid sob.
"Well we'd best go and get her then hadn't we since you're going to be living together again in our family home".
Josef just looked at Pauly, trying to decide if he was telling the truth but when Pauly offered his hand Josef grabbed it, in his other hand were the two plastic bags which contained his whole life.
The tears hadn't stopped, he didn't believe Pauly, strapped into his seat in the big car he was nervous, he didn't know where were they going, the man had said they were going to get Sofia, maybe it was true, but he knew not to trust anyone.
The big car pulled up outside a house and Pauly unstrapped him from his car seat, lifting him out Pauly carried him towards the front door of the house.
Josef misunderstood, he thought they were going to leave him here, they'd changed their mind, he'd cried too much, they didn't want him, he pleaded through his tears.
"Don't leave me, I'll be good, I promise, don't leave me, I'm sorry, don't leave me".
Pauly and Reece almost cried with him, but Pauly tried to reassure him.
"It's okay Josef we aren't going to leave you, you're safe now, we're here to get Sofia, you're both safe, we're going to be a family just wait and see".
As the front door opened and Sofia came into view Josef struggled to get free of Pauly and ran towards his sister wrapping her in his arms they just stood hugging and crying".
Reece and Pauly sat down on the front steps of the house, the twins between them, Reece spoke to them, "Listen guys, I know exactly how you feel, what you've gone through, we got permission to adopt you, and you get to stay together, be a family with us, if you want to that is, we want you both, we fought hard to get both of you not just one of you, we promise you, you'll have a good life in a home full of love, all you have to do is behave, be honest, and love us back, so shall we go home now?".
Josef looked at Reece, "How do you know what we've been through?".
Reece looked him in the eyes, "I was twelve when my mother told me she was tired of looking after me, she went out one day and never came back, I sat at the window for weeks crying, watching, praying, waiting for her, I was so frightened, but she never came back".
Josef put his arms around Reece's neck and hugged him, he'd decided this man was a kindred spirit, it was a start.
When they arrived at Reece and Pauly's Villa the twins were in awe, they didn't say diddly squat, not a word, they crept slowly around the house, almost too terrified to touch anything until Pauly called them to the kitchen table, "Okay this is day one of your new life so I reckon it's got to be a celebration, you get to choose what we have for dinner, so if we're going to eat you two best find your voices".
Sofia said softly, "Pizza with pineapple please sir".
Pauly smiled at her and put his arm around her, "Sweetie, pizza it shall be if that's what you want, but you don't have to call us sir, we're your parents, from now on you can choose what to call us, Poppa, Daddy, Pop, Dad, whatever works for you, now what about you Josef, what do you fancy for this celebration dinner?,".
Josef was looking at Reece who nodded as if saying, go for it, Josef turned to Pauly, "Pizza would be nice Pops, if that's okay".
Pauly nearly choked, Josef had called him Pops, "That's perfectly okay if it's what you want, how about toppings, what's your favourite?".
Josef was smiling, "Please could I have hot and spicy".
Pauly was smiling back whilst still hugging Sofia, "For being two polite young people you most certainly can have exactly what you want, Reece would you do the honours please".
Reece ordered the pizzas and Pauly laid the table, when the pizzas arrived they tucked in, though Reece and Pauly realised they'd need to up their game if they didn't want to starve to death, these kids could eat in a competition and win outright.
Stuffed to the gills they retired to the lounge and somehow they'd swapped around Reece now had a happy Sofia snuggled into him whilst Pauly had a smiling Josef snuggled into him.
Pauly decided now was as good a time as any to start getting the children accustomed to family life, " You guys have to live by some rules you know, like keeping your rooms tidy, showing respect, good manners, that should be easy, you already proved you know how to act with your elders, homework is a definite, it gets done before anything else when you get home each day, then we have to figure out what you do to earn your allowance, I reckon for starters you should get 10 Euros a week, first week is a freebie, but how are you going to earn it, you need to figure that out and come up with suggestions by week two".
Pauly realised he was now talking to two sleeping children, looking at Reece he nodded to the bedrooms but rather than separate them they put them both in the twin room next to their master suite just for the first night, leaving the door open and lights on all over the Villa.
During the night Pauly became aware of movement, opening his eyes he saw two scared children staring at him, "Hi guys, wanna hop in".
He was greeted by two nodding heads, nudging Reece awake, he lifted the duvet and two little bundles burrowed in between them, "Listen guys, we all get frightened in the night sometimes, you know where we are, don't be afraid, come wake us up, that's our job, our number one priority, to look after you and keep you safe".
In the days that followed there had been a lot for the twins to take in, learning their new surname had been a hilarious experience, all four had laughed uproariously at the kids pronunciation until Reece had the idea of printing it on small cards which he had laminated for anyone who couldn't understand them.
Reece and Pauly had settled on Caswel-Thorn as their surname following their marriage, the children would now be Josef and Sofia Caswel-Thorn, son and daughter of Reece and Pauly Caswel-Thorn, residing at Villa El Santuario, Marbella, Spain.
Shopping had been an experience, neither child thought they needed more than one of anything, so when Pauly and Reece started piling up a dozen of things like underwear, socks, t.shirts, blouses, skirts, shorts, Josef and Sofia had sat in the changing room and cried in each other's arms.
When Reece and Pauly found them they were trembling, scooping each up into hugs they finally learnt the twins were terrified they'd be sent back to foster care because they cost too much to keep.
Pauly closed the changing room door so no one could hear them, "Okay, if you promise not to tell anyone else, I'll share a secret with you".
The twins both nodded.
"We are really well off, we have plenty of money, your Daddies have enough right now that we don't have to worry about money ever again, and we're still earning more every day, we love spending on you so come on, cheer up and enjoy being spoiled for a change".
After the bumpy start they enjoyed a fun day of shopping, most of the shops agreed to deliver their mountain of purchases but they still had a fully packed car when they finally made it home late in the afternoon with Josef and Sofia fast asleep in their car seats.
Dinner was an adventure with the twins laying the table, absorbent kitchen towel sheets were folded in half as napkins, everyone had cups instead of glasses, knives and forks didn't necessarily match up on any place setting but Reece and Pauly heaped on the praise to two beaming little faces.
After dinner Josef asked Pauly to show him how to load the dishwasher, he'd informed Pauly that Sofia and he had decided that would be one of their daily chores, clearing the dining table, loading the dishwasher and tidying the kitchen after meals.
Pauly had hugged him and planted a smacking great kiss on his cheek then proceeded to teach him how to place the China and glasses, where to get the washing tablet from and how to set the controls.
Reece and Pauly had thought everything was going smoothly until their housekeeper asked to speak with them one morning after the children had left for school.
Josefina had been Reece's housekeeper since a week after he bought the Villa and looked upon them both as her boys, "You have to do something, it's not right, they think they have to do everything, it's no wonder they sleep so well they're exhausted".
Reece and Pauly were looking puzzled.
"You don't know do you?, let me explain their day for you, they get up at least an hour before you, shower, clean and tidy their rooms, lay the breakfast table, empty the dishwasher from last evening, eat breakfast, clear the table, load the dishwasher, clean and tidy the kitchen, collect the laundry, sort the laundry into piles in the utility room, take out the trash then catch the bus to school".
Reece and Pauly were stunned.
"Oh we aren't finished there, after school they get home, do homework, change clothes, lay the table for dinner, after dinner they clear the table, load the dishwasher, clean the kitchen".
When the twins arrived home from school that afternoon Reece and Pauly scooped up one each and carried them into the lounge.
Reece spoke to them, "Slow down guys, we need to talk, and don't panic it's nothing bad, it's just, we think you're doing too much, don't get us wrong, everything you've done is perfect but it's too much, far too much, you don't have to earn your keep, you only have to do enough that it gives you a sense of earning your allowance, so from here on this is what your chores are".
Pauly took over, "You keep your rooms tidy, you take your own breakfast dishes to the dishwasher and take out the trash, nothing else before school okay?".
Both of them nodded.
"Then in the evening, after school, homework first, then after dinner you clear the table if you have nothing else to do like meeting friends, it's okay to miss chores sometimes okay?".
Josef's little voice almost brought them to tears, "We wanted you to be proud of us, did we mess up?".
Pauly pulled him in close, "No son you didn't mess up, you just did too much, we want you to enjoy yourselves, we don't want you working so hard you don't see any fun, you're children, it's important you enjoy yourselves, so that's an order okay?".
Pauly ended his little speech with a tickling session that had Josef laughing hysterically as Reece and Sofia watched, laughing at the antics of Josef and Pauly.
One month after the twins came to live with them, Pauly told them they were all going on a trip during the Fall holiday to meet some other members of the family, Josef wanted to know if they were going by car and when Pauly told him they would fly Josef's face took on an almost wondrous look, he'd seen people flying in planes on TV but never thought he would get to experience it.
Up until the day they flew out to Montclair from Malaga Josef peppered Reece and Pauly with questions.
He didn't believe at first they wouldn't be flying commercial, but he had no reason to think Reece and Pauly would lie to him, so he believed them, but a little part of his mind was sceptical.
They answered questions on what plane were they flying on, where were they flying to, how long would they be in the air, who would they meet.
When the day came for them to travel Josef was bouncing, he couldn't wait but he was also aware Sofia was frightened, and that calmed him, Sofia was more important than anything else, he held her hand as Pauly strapped them into their car seats.
At Malaga they pulled up at the FBO operators building and Josef started to believe.
As they left the FBO lounge and walked across the Tarmac to the Gulfstream V Josef's eyes were as wide as saucers with anticipation, Sofia's eyes were just as wide with terror.
Sofia wanted to sit on Reece's lap but Pauly explained they all had to sit separate for the take off but once they were at cruising altitude they could move around freely.
Reece took the seat next to Sofia and pulled her close whilst holding her hand.
Josef was already excited but he let out a really loud whoop when Pauly promised he could visit the cockpit and talk to the pilots during the flight.
They were in the air a little over 2 hours but by the time they landed Josef was certain, he wanted to be a pilot, Sofia confessed she preferred traveling on the ground.
As they got nearer to Montclair the children got noticeably quieter.
Pauly sensing the nerves pulled them both into a protective hug.
As their car drew up a stream of faces came out to great them.
First into the car, not even giving them time to get out was Roslyn, she went straight to Sofia and Josef, "Am I glad to see you guys, at last someone my age to play with, come on I know where your rooms are I'll show you".
Woody had to hang onto Roslyn or she would have dragged the twins away without them meeting anyone.
Once the introductions were over Roslyn was having no truck with Woody holding them back any longer, she whisked the twins away to show them their rooms which were next to hers.
In her room Sofia sat on the bed and started to cry, Roslyn sat down next to her and put an arm around Sofia's shoulder, "What's the matter, don't you like the room?".
Through her tears, Sofia told Roslyn she didn't like being alone, she was scared.
"Well that's easy to fix, you can share with me, I've got two beds in my room, let's move your things next door".
Sofia immediately brightened up, she had found a friend in Roslyn.
Josef meanwhile was ensconced on a lounger next to PJ describing the aircraft they had traveled in, and when he discovered PJ owned the aircraft he couldn't help himself, "Wow, you must be loaded".
PJ hadn't laughed so much in a long time, he found both of the twins to be like a breath of fresh air, but in Josef he sensed a soul who cared for others, Josef had confided in PJ he knew about his illness, if PJ needed anything, anything at all, he was to shout out to Josef who would get whatever was needed.
After dinner that evening Josef and Sofia got up to help the staff clear the table and Woody was about to stop them when Jacqueline raised her hand up to him, she was indicating he should watch, and looking toward his daughter he saw Roslyn get up to help her cousins.
The three children did very little but they did help clear the table and received thanks from the staff which caused beaming smiles on their faces before they returned to join the adults.
Woody cornered Reece and Pauly later and thanked them, he hadn't realised he was denying Roslyn the simple things in life, Pauly reminded him that as kids they'd had chores to do and penalties to pay if they missed doing their chores, it gave them an appreciation of helping others as well as helping them value the allowance they earned, Pauly was determined the twins should experience it.
Since arriving one week earlier Chris had been hidden away in Woody's office at Montclair.
PJ had spent several hours with him the first two days then left Chris to himself.
At dinner one evening Chris had told Woody he was ready to lay out PJs report with updated forecasts on all three areas of the company, Leisure, Banking and WFC, they set a time of 10am the following morning.
Woody wanted to get a sense of what Chris had found before he presented it to the full board.
Chris had suggested PJ should be present, acknowledging that PJ had done all of the hard work, he had just polished and adjusted the data to make it both current and understandable.
As the three of them sat in Woody's office Chris started the ball rolling, "First off let me thank you PJ, your research and data were spot on, you achieved a remarkable result, if we weren't in such a globally volatile period financially the Data could have been presented as it was, but as you found out Woody, the picture changes almost month on month".
He gave them a moment to absorb that.
"You gave me a brief to examine the possibility of floating the company on the stock market, either as a whole or as separate parts and that's what I initially concentrated on, however my findings led me to some more intense investigation and I have answers and recommendations for you which are all detailed in the report before you".
Chris had paused again so Woody chipped in, "I think I speak for Poppa as well when I say I'd prefer you to tell us what your findings are in a condensed form, we can then get the greater picture from your report".
Chris nodded and went on.
"Okay, in a nutshell it's not the right time, nor is the company in best shape to effect a flotation on the market, if you're determined it could be done, and there would be widespread interest, but I feel it would be selling Woodruff short, given the right financial circumstances and some further investment, the old girl could be capable of bringing a much improved valuation when the time is right, if everything I recommend is carried out".
They had been talking for nearly an hour and a half at this point and PJ suggested they break for tea.
Woody was keen to keep going over refreshments, peppering Chris with questions, Chris answered all of them but it didn't change the overall position, it was the point where Woody knew what his recommendation to the Woodruff Board would be.
PJs medical team agreed he could travel if he had a nurse along with him, he could be involved in a limited number of meetings but he was not allowed to take up a full management role.
Woody proposed he and his father now take up Joint Executive Chairman roles over Woodruff Corporate, placing them jointly above each individual Chairman, he explained he would keep the role until his father felt ready to fly solo.
On the 10th September the Corporate Board convened in New York.
The meeting was attended by all of the Woodruff Board Members along with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of each company, (Some, like Josh and Bryan had dual roles).
PJ presided over the meeting.
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for attending today, as you will all be aware, a little over 8 months ago I suffered a rather serious episode related to my personal health, in a nutshell I almost died".
PJ gave them a few minutes to absorb his words before he continued.
"I can't blame all of my health issues on any one aspect of my everyday life, but I believe you have been made aware of some of what I was struggling with prior to my episode".
Again he paused.
"It's not easy to admit this but I blame myself for the situation I found myself in, you see, several years ago in a fit of pique I caused my son Woody to feel the need to leave Woodruff, from that day on I was constantly pressured, permanently at a loss, Woody had not just guided Woodruff, he virtually ran the company, though I'm sure he would disagree".
There was silence as they all hung on his every word.
"There can be no doubt, as a whole Woodruff suffered under my guidance in the years Woody was absent, apart from WFC which under the expert guidance of Billy Fielding grew from nothing into a magnificent and profitable division, the rest of Woodruff has stagnated, even regressed to some degree, because of this, whilst I was incapacitated, I asked Woody to take the helm again, I asked him to arrange a flotation which would see Woodruff become a publicly owned company quoted on the stock market, I was prepared to sell up and walk away".
There was a collective gasp from the room.
"As is Woody's way he refused to do as he was told, something I have come to expect, instead he did what he has always done, he came up with an alternative plan which is, I believe, infinitely more appropriate and tailored to suit our needs, and so without taking up more of your time I will hand over to Woody to explain".
Woody stood and walked over to the dais he'd had brought in.
"Thank you Poppa but I disagree with your overall view, it's true Woodruff as a whole hasn't kept up with what is needed, but I don't believe this can be laid at your door, no one could have worked harder than you to make this company a success, and so, as I believe I told you in your hospital room, apologise again and I may have to be extremely disrespectful and slap you".
There was now general laughter in the room.
"To be fair, I did examine the possibility of floating the company but that has been ruled out, Woodruff would command a very respectable valuation if it were offered to the market right now, but it would not be a valuation I would be happy with, it would be substantially short of Woodruffs full potential, so I have a plan.
Right then after another collective sigh there was again silence, so much so it would have been possible to hear a pin drop.
"As you know I chose to disobey my fathers directive that I take the helm and assume the role of Chairman. I've been asked why I made that decision, it's a fair question and one I have no difficulty answering. I don't have the experience or the qualifications required to do the role justice, however, the people I appointed to the positions of Chairmen do have the experience and qualifications to ensure each individual division flourishes".
Woody stopped for a drink of water.
"That decision was, in part, made because of what happened to my father, and to explain that I need to go back in time. My father inherited a company of several divisions which had always been managed by one person, my great grandfather, he just like my father, was an extremely hard working man, but he oversaw a company nowhere near as large or successful as Woodruff became when my father took the helm, a success I might add for which since the age of twelve he had been responsible for building".
Again Woody stopped for a sip of water.
"My father, if he was guilty of anything, was guilty of both success and neglect, the success of Woodruff and the neglect of himself, because as Woodruff grew he continued to take on more and more responsibility and as a result, far too much stress".
At that point Woody suggested a short break for refreshments.
They resumed after a thirty minute break.
"When we concluded before the break I said, if my father was guilty of anything it was of neglecting himself, of loading himself far too heavily with responsibility. I don't believe my father was alone in this guilt, I believe each of the Board Members along with my siblings and myself must share the guilt because we did nothing to lighten or share the burden. With this in mind whilst I held the position of Temporary Chairman and with the power of attorney given to me by my father, I took steps to prevent that situation ever arising again".
Woody took a short pause.
"As you will all be aware, I appointed a Chairman and Vice Chairman for each of the separate divisions, with instruction to create a Chair Committee of three, headed by the Vice Chairman of that division to deal with the everyday issues which normally take up so much of the Chairmans time, leaving him or her, free to look at every aspect of the divisions performance, to be critical, to experiment, to explore potential new avenues. I believe this move will protect our Chairmen from the stresses that exacted a heavy penalty from my father. I have as I said looked at the flotation idea and dismissed it, for now, but we should not dismiss it completely, I believe we should appoint a project team to explore new revenue streams with their first directive to prepare Woodruff for flotation in the next three years. I also have several project suggestions which I would like to discuss and as soon as the project team is functional I will pass them on. Finally I am proposing a motion that my father be appointed to the role of Executive Chairman of Woodruff Corporate and all of its sub divisions with the express instructions initially to engage in Networking only, with your approval I will co share that position initially until I am satisfied my fathers health will allow him to cope alone".
Woody's motion was seconded and passed.
As the meeting broke up Woody cornered Josh and Bryan, "I hear you could be looking for a new Head of Finance at Corporate, do you have anyone in mind for the position?".
Bryan was smiling, "We have indeed and a letter offering the position should have been received by the candidate this morning though we don't have an acceptance yet".
Woody didn't press for any further details, he was disappointed, Chris's help had been invaluable over the last few weeks and he'd wanted to put in a good word, but events had conspired to distract him, he'd let Chris down.
In his rented apartment across town Chris was laid back on his king bed exhausted, spent, recovering, whilst the boy next to him slept with his head on Chris's chest.
Chris's mind was in turmoil, he was in love there was no doubt of that, his life was almost everything he wanted, but if he followed his head what troubles would he be bringing down on them.
As he gazed at the object of his love he was terrified, it wasn't just because the boy in question was still shy of his eighteenth year and Chris was twenty seven, nor was it because he thought anyone at Woodruff would judge him, no, the worry came from knowing the boy's father was US Senator Maxwell David Spence and he was vehemently and outspokenly opposed to Homosexuality.
Max, or rather Maxwell David Spence II, had been honest in everything, he'd told Chris's from the start about his father, making it clear they had to keep under his radar.
If his father found out about them he would disinherit Max, of that he was certain, but more worrying for Max, he was certain his father would try to destroy Chris and as Max said, that would destroy him too.
They'd met riding the subway six months earlier, there had been nearly two months of meeting for coffee, afternoon walks in Central Park, dinner, afternoon matinees at a little cinema playing old musicals that Chris often visited, then one rainy afternoon they'd ended up in Chris's rented apartment and Max couldn't stand it any longer, "Don't you fancy me?".
It was the question Chris had been dreading, he'd already known who Max's father was, if they took this relationship any further they were heading for a whole lot of trouble, he'd been deliberately keeping it platonic, how he didn't know, because in truth he'd wanted to drag Max into his bed since the first day they met, he'd fantasised, indulging in frantic nightly wanking sessions, closing his eyes, seeing Max beneath him as he plowed his hard cock between those perfect globes, but he knew it had to remain a fantasy.
"Don't Max, we can't, you know how dangerous that could be for both of us".
Max was staring at him, "Answer the question, if the answers yes we'll figure it out, if the answers no, well then I guess it's time I stopped bothering you".
The thought had never crossed Chris's mind that Max might not be around, missing from his life, this was something new, it raised a panic in him, time to bite the bullet.
Reaching out as they stood in the lounge he took both of Max's hands into his.
"How could you not know, yes, oh yes, I fancy you, I love you, I have since that first day in the subway, do I want to have sex with you, oh god yes, I've had to run to the men's room so many times when we've been out just to wank and get rid of my hard on, but it doesn't alter the danger, you're young, am I just taking advantage, you've never said how you feel, do you know what you want?, and remember you could suffer badly if your father found out we were even friends".
Max was beaming, Chris had said he loved him, he'd actually said it, loud and clear, he loved him, it was time to move things forward and if Chris was determined on being careful it looked like he would have to force the issue, after all, it wasn't quite as easy to say no if what you were trying to resist was being flaunted right there in front of you.
"That's all I needed to hear, I feel the same, don't tell me I'm too young to know what I want because that's just bullshit, I love you, I know exactly what I want, I want you, I understand what will happen if my father finds out about us, I'm prepared to take that risk and deal with it if necessary, all I need to know is, will you stand by me if the worst happens?".
To Chris it was a no brainier.
"Yes, whatever happens, I'll be right here by your side".
They'd fallen into a hug with lips locked for the first time.
Max excused himself to use the bathroom, once inside he'd stripped naked then sneaked down the hall into Chris's bedroom, when Chris had finally gone searching for him he'd found an unbelievable sight before him lying stretched out naked on his bed.
It had been true, resistance was easy until temptation was laid out before you, Chris hadn't even tried to resist he'd been out of his clothes and on the bed in seconds, their lips locked, his hard cock seeking out Max's tight hole.
Only an hour or so later Chris had been the one on his back legs raised, moaning as Max plowed him deeply to orgasm.
The afternoon had turned into night and since that day there'd been no pretence, no denial, at every opportunity they were together.
Max had his own key and would be waiting when Chris arrived home most evenings.
As Max stirred it brought Chris back to reality and he spoke gently.
"We need to talk Max, something's come up and I'm not sure what to do".
To Max, still in a half sleep it was like a bolt of lightning, he stiffened, Chris was about to give him the heave ho, tell him it wasn't working, he couldn't remember doing anything to upset Chris, perhaps he wasn't adventurous enough in bed, maybe Chris had just tired of him, the tears started and he couldn't stop them, it wasn't fair, he'd found his partner, he wouldn't cope without Chris.
Chris had been gazing absently away, unaware that tears were flowing freely down Max's face until the first sob caught his attention and turning he saw the hurt etched on that beautiful face, in a split second he had him scooped into a hug.
"Hey fella what's this all about?, what brought it on?".
Max was sobbing and trying to talk, through sobs he managed tell Chris his fears before his sobs became deeper, wrenching.
"You're fed up with me, you want to finish, don't please, I'll do anything you want, just don't leave me".
Chris was hugging him close, wiping away tears with his hand, "Hey there my love you're way off base, I wouldn't leave you for all the tea in China, I only wanted to talk about a job offer you daft thing, me and you are forever if it's what you want, now calm down".
Max's tears had subsided, "I'm sorry, I got scared, I thought you were going to say we were through, forgive me Chris".
For the next hour Chris held him close and explained the job offer he'd received out of the blue, what the position meant to him, how he'd worked so hard to get a chance at the position his late father had once held.
"I needed to talk this through with you because before I can accept the position I have to come clean with my employers about us, I have to tell them what may possibly surface if your father finds out about us, it's only fair they should know what they're taking on".
Max was listening but he was nervous about revealing their secret until Chris assured him he knew and trusted his employers they would never disclose any information about Max and Chris but they may not want Chris in a high profile post with the possibility of trouble surfacing.
Max trusted Chris and agreed he could reveal their secret.
Next morning at the office he asked to speak with Bryan Fielding and was told within minutes he could go up to the executive floor whenever he was free and Bryan would make time for him.
Stepping out of the lift Chris had never felt so nervous in his life, he was hoping and praying he would get the chance to show how well he could perform if only Bryan could see past the problem lurking in his private life.
As he approached the executive reception Bryan came out of his office and pulled Chris into a hug.
"I hope you're here to tell me you're accepting the post because I'm not taking no for an answer".
Chris didn't know how to tell Bryan so he asked if they could talk in private.
"Sure, come into my office".
One Bryan had asked for his calls to be held and not to be disturbed they sat in the lounge area and Chris explained.
"I really want to say yes, it's something I've been working towards for a long time, I wanted to rise to that post as a mark of respect to my father as well as to Woodruff, but I have a situation that's developed in my private life, it has the potential to bring some unwelcome press, knowing that, I couldn't in all conscience accept the post without making you aware of what could happen, I'm asking for your discretion but you need to have this information before deciding if you still want to offer me the post, I promise if you feel the need to withdraw the offer I will understand, I'll be gutted, but I'll understand".
Bryan was baffled but he could see Chris was really concerned.
"Okay we can do this one of two ways, you answer a few questions and if the answers stack up no problem or you can tell me the whole story, what would you prefer?".
Chris couldn't believe Bryan would give him a way of not mentioning Max but he knew he'd still be hiding facts if he didn't give Bryan all of the facts.
"I'd actually like to answer a few questions but I can't accept that option because you may not fully understand what could be lurking, so I'm going to have to explain it in detail".
Bryan sat back and listened to Chris's explanation, his smile getting wider and wider as Chris finally fell silent.
"Is that all?, bloody hell Chris, I thought you were a serial killer or something and I hadn't picked up on it. I am so pleased you've found someone, I wish you well and I want to meet him pronto, what have you planned for this evening? Can you do dinner at our place?".
Chris was gobsmacked, Bryan didn't seem to give a toss about the problems that could surface.
"Are you sure about this Bryan, after all he's a prominent US Senator and a loud mouthed bigot to boot, are you sure it wouldn't cause Woodruff embarrassment?".
Bryan smiled, "Okay for your peace of mind I'll take advice, but I guarantee the answer will be the same".
Bryan walked over to his desk and dialled a number, "Hi, would you guys have a couple of minutes to listen to something and give me an opinion?, okay I'll come over, by the way I'm bringing Chris Farley with me, be there in a couple of minutes".
Bryan turned to Chris, "Okay, you get your wish, come on, let's go seek some advice".
Bryan led Chris out of his office and across the corridor to the office of PJ Thorn.
Chris was almost shaking as Bryan knocked on the door, opened it and walked in beckoning Chris to follow.
Sitting around a large coffee table spread with papers in the lounge area were, PJ, Josh Hartnet and Woody, "Guys, apologies for the interruption but I have here the man I want as Head of Finance and he won't take the job because he thinks something in his private life could give us problems, so I need you guys to tell him he's wrong, we will deal with any fall out and to take the ruddy job".
Bryan did a quick explanation and he was right, Woody was the first on his feet dragging Chris into a hug, "Bryan's right Chris, that old goat can't hurt us, Poppa would cream him if he started, in fact it's probably the best protection you and Max could have, you'll be fireproof".
Josh was next, "Bryan and Woody are right Chris, whether or not this makes waves for us is of no consequence, you're doing nothing wrong, it won't be the first time we've done battle with Senators and I'm sure it won't be the last, welcome aboard".
Finally PJ stood and hugged Chris, "Your father would be so proud to have your name on the door of what was once his office, they're all right you know every one of them, we've dealt with similar situations in the past and come out okay, I won't bow to the pressure from bigoted pricks and more to the point you'll have Lenny on your side, we still thinks of you as a son you know, so I echo Josh's words, welcome aboard, now how about you come to us for dinner this evening?".
Bryan was laughing, "Hey, stop nicking my dinner guests, unless of course you're inviting us as well, I told him what you would all say, so I guess I've got my Head of Finance".
Chris was overwhelmed, "Thank you, it's not so much a weight off my mind as a feeling of euphoria and yes Bryan, I accept the position".
Back in his own office Chris dialled his apartment knowing Max would be there by now, "Hi I'm looking to speak with a beautiful young man who happens to be the partner of Christopher Farley, Head of Finance at Woodruff Corporate, if that is you by any chance, you'd best be changing for dinner, we are invited out to celebrate my promotion, I'll be home by six and we leave at seven, so no planning to ravish me, though I reserve the right to be ravished thoroughly later this evening"
Max shrieked, "You got it, they were okay with us, with what could happen?, I can't believe it, are you sure they want me there?, oh you are so going to be ravished in every conceivable position at some point this evening Mr Head of Finance at Woodruff Corporate".
Seven thirty saw Chris and Max being ushered by a security guard into the private penthouse elevator at PJ and Lenny's apartment.
As the doors opened Lenny was waiting to welcome them.
Chris hugged and kissed her before introducing Max.
"You have a lot of grovelling to do Chris, though I suspect you will be forgiven, you've not attended a family gathering in a long long time young man, I expect to see you at the next one, keep him in line Max, now come on there are a whole host of people waiting to meet you Max, no one's interested in Chris he's old news but you, you're a new family member, just remember that, you have a whole family here if you need us".
The evening was a great success, Max seemed to pass from one to another all night, though he froze at one point when Chris came up behind him and planted a resounding smooch on his cheek, he'd been with Woody and Jacqueline at the time and Jacqueline had leaned in close to whisper, "Relax, you're among friends, here everyone is able to express their love without being judged by hypocrites, you're family, if you ever need help you may be surprised how quickly we circle the wagons around anyone under attack, and when we fight back we take no prisoners".
At home later Chris was cuddled up on a sofa with Max, when the question came, "Why do PJ and Lenny describe you as family, I know your father worked at Woodruff but that's a long way from being family?".
Chris had never told Max about Pete but he'd never intended to keep it from him either.
"You know I was no virgin when we met, I've had lovers, one of them was Woody's elder brother Pete, he's a good friend now and you'll meet him and his husband Jaque very soon, I am ashamed to say I treated Pete badly, I loved him, I still do in a way, but not in the way I love you, which involves lots of unmentionable acts performed naked on the things you keep hidden in your pants".
Chris explained everything that happened after his parents died, how he went completely off the rails for a long time, how losing Pete through an ironic twist of fate finally made him see sense, and how lengthy counselling helped him rebuild his life.
He told Max there had been no one after Pete until there was this one day, he'd spotted a beautiful guy who he immediately knew he had to get to know, he'd gotten to know him and fallen madly in love with him.
Max asked if he still saw the guy and Chris had answered, "Yes, he's the one I was waiting for, my soulmate, and he's right here in my arms, exactly where he's staying for as long as he wants to be with me".
They'd gone to bed that night with Chris reminding Max about some promised ravishing, life had seemed idyllic, but everyone knows, life's illusions can sometimes mask the coming heartache.
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.