Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental and no slanderous intent is implied.
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If you are too young to be here or it is illegal in your state then please leave; finally if you are looking for hot sex scenes then look again as you'll not find any here.
Email me with your comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com _______________________________________________________________________
CHARACTER LIST --------------
Jared Exley -- Uncle Leon Exley -- Guardian of 13 year old Jared Davy - Was Jared's partner, Diane's best friend Dirk Tobias Matthews - Jared's partner
Peter Barrington -- Steven's cousin and partner in the law firm
CJ -- Jared's grandson / adopted son Christopher Matthews -- Jared's adopted son Mason -- Jared's grandson -- Myles and Ed's adopted son Myles -- Peter's 19 year old son, Ed -- Myles' lover Mikey -- CJ's twin
Mary Gibson -- Matriarch of the family Steven Gibson -- Mary's husband Paul Gibson -- Mary's son and chief of police Jake Gibson-- Mary's youngest son and police officer Dr. Darren Cartwright -- Jake's partner and Jared's doctor.
Judge James Haroldson -- Mary's brother Jennie -- Mary's sister Diane Gibson -- Mary's sister -Exley HR Director - Steven's ex-wife. Kathy -- Diane's partner Stacy --Diane and Steven's daughter. Tracy -- Peter's secretary
Sheila Miranda Easby -- Jared's Aunt William Webster -- Jared's Grandfather John McNicolls -- Sheila's adopted son
Mavis Pratt -- Stephen's wife Bryan Patterson -- Exley and Webster Chief Operating Officer Natalie Walters -- Exley and Webster Finance and Controls Director'
Cody James - Overseer and ranch operation manager Ella-Mae James -- Cody's wife -- Davy's friend. Aunty Barb - President of the United States Uncle Colin Williams -- Barb' own Uncle Leon Tyler Charles (Chuck) -- Barbs adopted son Devon Ray (Ray) - Barbs adopted son Peter Jenkins - Barbs adopted son Nathan Jenkins - Barbs adopted son
Carl Davidson -- Jared's security Sean Pearson -- Jared's security Mike Pearson -- Jared's security Agent Steele -- Barbs security Mike Winters-- CJ Security Dave1 Potts -- CJ Security
There are various other ancillary characters, such as the Pratt family that do not play a major part in the story and so are not listed above. _____________________________________________________________________________
MOONSIDE MANOR
Chapter 11 -- The Gala evening
The Gala Evening turned out to be an absolutely massive occasion and only the President really knew what she wanted to achieve. Barb and Mary had worked hard to pull everything together. They had to move the reception to Starlight International as the tickets had sold out and that meant a capacity of around three thousand guests. Being the guests of honour both Dirk and myself were feeling rather nervous to say the least.
The boys were feeling excited and totally at ease, even though this was foreign to all of us. CJ, being CJ would yet again teach everyone a lesson that they would remember for a long time to come.
Stuart was fidgety when he arrived for the night as we had arranged for him and Jon to arrive in a Limo together in style and he wanted to ask Jon to be his partner and only his for the rest of his life. Jon would not know until Stuart got down on one knee later that evening. I felt privileged as Stuart asked me to help him arrange everything.
We surprised the boys because Myles and Ed also had a Limo by themselves, but they insisted on taking Mason who looked totally stunning in his little sailor suit. Bobby had a matching suit and Mason cried when they were separated, so Marty and Bobby travelled with them as well. We had a Limo for Jake, Darren, Roger and Jake Jr and then one for Dirk, CJ, Chris and me.
Barb had agreed to pull up at the hotel first and then we would pull up behind. Again Dirk and I were to be her escorts and Uncle Colin would walk in with all of the boys. As our group moved off then the others would come in two cars at a time.
With so many guests it was like the `Who's who of America' as we walked into to the ballroom once all of the family had arrive. As we were seated and waiting for the food to arrive CJ was typical CJ and needed to use the toilet. He hoped Chris would go with him, but he was too busy looking around at who was there. He asked if he could go to the bathroom, so Jake excused himself and was in security mode yet again and walked with him to make sure he was safe.
To give CJ his privacy Jake stood outside saying that he would be there if needed. After a few minutes Jake got uncomfortable as CJ was taking far too long. Just around that time in the ballroom we heard a scream like nothing we had ever heard before. Barb, Dirk and I were on our feet shouting "CJ!" Security and FBI present in the hall stepped in and were racing with us with their guns drawn.
The toilets were off to the side and we could see a collection of people gathered around the door ... FBI went in first, but we all heard CJ sobbing and no one on this earth could have stopped Barb, Dirk or me getting to him.
He was on the floor in Jakes lap sobbing as we rushed to him. Jake motioned to the cubicle. There were CJ's little trousers torn and pulled away and his underpants tattered next to them. I looked at one of Jakes men "Get Darren here now!"
As I looked around I could see though he had been assaulted he did not seem harmed. Barb was already on the phone demanding clothes be found for him. I looked around and I couldn't see anyone else, "Jake who did this? Where are they?"
"Hotel security took him."
"What!" I stormed out with Barb and the FBI sealed the hotel with the nod of a head.
"I want to know who the hell he was." Barb insisted. Jake had joined us by now and we were headed to the reception area when out of the corner of his eye he saw something that put him on alert. With the FBI he took off for the entrance and soon returned with two men in handcuffs.
"You think you're so bloody clever breaking the slavery ring. Those kids were not for here they were for the Far East somewhere, where they love young white boys. Do you know what they will do to us now?"
Barb looked at him. "Do you honestly think that I do not know Kenneth? Of course I do, but I had to be sure so we have had several teams out there with our allies breaking them and teaching them a lesson. Do you honestly think that if they were allowed to continue that you would still be alive? Of course not! None of you would..."
She looked at the other man, "Do not even think either of you are out of the woods because I know you as Uncle Milton. You have been my guardian's best friend and lover all my life." He looked at her, "Do not say anything because I've known for years."
"So have I and I always turned a blind eye because you came home to me," said his wife, "but know this. No more. I am so ashamed of you. Remember who has the money, Milton, as well dear. It is being removed and you have no access to it so try getting an attorney to act for you now. Take him away... Barbara I am so sorry. If he was involved then you know who else was." Milton's wife kissed her and handed me a cheque, "This is our donation to the Foundation. I would stay... but I suddenly feel quite ill, I am sure you understand."
CJ ran up to her and gave her a hug, "Will you be OK, Aunty ..."
"Aunty Sharon and yes I will I have my grand children living with me ever since their parents died in an accident. So I will not be alone. CJ come visit when you are here next as I would like to get to know you." He just hugged her.
"Ok Agent, make sure that they know we would like them to share the cell with ... what was his name Dirk?" asked Barb.
"Oh that would be Big Bubba" said Dirk with a smile.
"That's him make sure Big Bubba knows what they were involved in. I am sure that he and his friends will welcome them to the prison and make them their bitches in no time. Oh Kenneth before you go. One suggestion dear ... Never mess with me!" Barb said quite coldly.
I just looked at her, "Sorry Jared, but we had to do something and it was CJ's idea to get the woodworms to come out and show their true colours. Jake was in on it as well." She turned and looked at CJ, "Though it was not supposed to go this far young man!"
"I know, but it worked didn't it?" CJ smirked.
To my surprise the chauffer from Barb's Limo arrived with identical clothes for CJ. She had really planned this. CJ just looked at me, "Sorry dad, but it had to be done. Mike can you help me please?" to my surprise the chauffer ruffed his hair and followed him.
"Mike Winters is now assigned to your family full time and his partner David Potts, since you have Jake and his team they are specifically for CJ and Chris as things seem to happen around those two. That's why when Kenneth saw him leaving he assumed he would be alone. He then ran to the toilet before CJ got there. Knowing what was happening CJ asked Jake to stay outside giving Kenneth the opportunity to take advantage while he could."
"Who the hell is Kenneth though?" Dirk asked.
"That's easy, The Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was the leader that was chosen by all his peers as being the most honourable. I will tell you it is a sad day for America. To think he was second in line to the presidency." Barb hung her head ashamed.
She looked at me, "I meant what I said the embargoes that we are sanctioning on the country that was knowingly allowing this traffic to take place and profiting from children's lives will ruin it. They will stand alone as it will be made known why the US has stepped back and all other countries support will be removed from their country as well.
CJ came back just as Barb took a call. "All of the arrests in Washington have now taken place there is now just one more and then we face the circus. Jared this is going to kill me so can you ask Uncle Colin to come out here please." She fell to her knees and sobbed.
As CJ and Dirk looked after her as I readied myself to walk back into the hall to get Colin, I can tell you that my heart had never been as heavy.
Mike Edwards knelt next to CJ, "Madam you do not need to do this..."
"Mike you're wrong. Yes I do." Mike nodded to me and I walked to the top table and asked the Vice President to step out as Barb needed him. He was immediately on the alert and reached into his pocket as he walked with me. FBI followed as they had seen what he did.
As we reached the ballroom registration area we saw Barb, "Colin it is over. We know." He just nodded pulled his hand out of his pocket and he had a gun.
"I knew this was going to happen when that stupid Kenneth had to try something. How long have you known?"
"Long enough, please we can work with ..." she never got chance to complete the sentence and he moved quickly, put his hand to his head and pulled the trigger.
As he was doing that CJ who had seen his actions screamed "Nooooooo!"
Barb just pulled him to her and sobbed with him. After a few minutes she looked at him and said, "Are you hungry? I am." CJ smiled and nodded. "Think you can go through the rest of the evening?"
CJ looked at her, "Will you be able to?"
"Yes little one I will just cry tonight."
Dirk put his hand on her shoulder and said, "You stay with us till you're OK, the country will just have to accept that you need time to grieve." She simply nodded.
Hand in hand and surrounded by the FBI and Jake's men we headed back to the table. As Barb sat down visibly shaken and hugging Devon and Tyler I stepped up to the microphone, "Ladies and Gentlemen we are sorry for the delay and I'm sure you will all have an official notification by the end of the night as to what has happened. As you can see Madam President is visibly shaken at the moment and needs to have something to eat with her friends. We ask that all cameras avoid this top table during this time and allow her privacy. Once we have completed the banquet the evening will progress in the manner that has previously been announced, with the exception that there will be a Presidential announcement at some time. Thank you."
It was just like our family as all of the kids gathered around Barb and tried to hug her. "Aunty Barb." No reply, "Aunty Barb..." still no reply. Bobby was not to be deterred he walked over to the microphone where had just seen me talking, jumped up on the chair and yelled at the top of his voice, "Aunty Barb!"
All eyes looked at our table again and a now crying Bobby looked at Barb and said "I ust wan to lug yu beta." Barb looked at him and smiled, jumped up grabbed him and held him to her chest and the two sobbed together. "I uv you Aunty Barb."
"I love you too little one. I love you too," She looked at the room and stepped up to the mike. "You know Ladies and Gentlemen sometimes it just takes love to let us know that we are never alone when we have a family. Please eat there will be announcement soon, but we all need to eat." She looked around and then whispered into the mike, "Especially at these prices!" Everyone laughed and applauded and Bobby waved to them as if he had just seen them and that got another laugh.
The meal was absolutely delicious. For starters we had Duck Prosciutto with Roasted Pears and some type of berries. That was followed by a very tasty salad. With the main course being a choice between Roasted Amish chicken breast with Midwest grown mushroom ragout or Loch Duarte Salmon with braised brussel sprouts and roasted apple relish. I went for the chicken as I hate brussel sprouts. Finally we ended the meal with a choice of Chocolate fudge cake of some description, Lemon Meringue or Honey Brulee. The choice was obvious for the kids and that was the chocolate, me I love Lemon Meringue. Thinking back I do believe that the kids managed to get seconds would you believe.
Steven stood as Master of Ceremonies and with a few well devised jokes along the way managed to entertain the crowds. What had us all hooting with laughter was the auction that took place of some of the more well known men for one day alone with them. Ed managed to win Myles, but only because he saw who was voting for him. The final two items were donated by CJ and Chris as a surprise for Barb. The first was a photograph that CJ had managed to get even though we all had our hearts in our mouths as he was laid beneath the horse while it was in rampant glory with its hoofs kicking in the air. You just knew that at any moment those hoofs would come stomping down on him.
There was a gasp as the large print that had been frame was revealed. I sat gobsmacked as the British would say as the voting gradually reached above $100,000 dollars and then from the back of the room a lady stood and bid $250,000 for the city's art museum. CJ just sat there in tears. As the bidding ceased the lady stood and asked, "May we know who the photographer of this wonderful picture is please?"
CJ still in tears stood. There was a gasp, then silence. The whole room as one stood and applauded. As all went silent the lady continued, "You have a rare gift and I would like to help it blossom young man. Your picture is sure to win you many accolades, mine accolade to you though is very simple and that is to study with me while you are still young enough to accept and learn what is taught."
"Thank you Miss Millie I would be delighted, I have always loved your work. My security will organise it before we leave" and with that he looked at Mike and he just nodded. It was as if the two of them could communicate without speaking. I just sat there proud as anything thinking that he was adjusting to this money thing better than I was.
Chris reached over and told us who the unknown lady was and we simply gasped when we realised the depth of the offer that he had just received. She was renowned worldwide as the best photographer in the world.
When the final picture was uncovered I simple gasped as there stood a portrait of Barb standing at Peekes Point overlooking the land as its appointed leader. Barb stood up and asked, "How? Who has painted this wonderful picture?"
Thinking he was in trouble Chris raised his arm and started crying. "Chris my darling I had heard that you were good, but I have never seen any of yours or CJ's work. This is simply breathtaking. I even remember the moment as I was thinking `If only it was this easy to watch over America'. I love it. To start the bidding I'll offer $100,000.
As Barb sat down the head of the Smithsonian Art Museum stood, "On behalf of the Smithsonian we would like to purchase this for America and bid $350,000 Madam President." Chris just sobbed.
The gavel went down before Barb could say anything, but the gentleman continued, "This picture will hang as the centre piece in the gallery of presidents." I think both Dirk and I felt ten feet tall with pride at that moment.
Steven stood, "Ladies and gentlemen from those two donations alone the Uncle Leon foundation has benefited by $600,000 and by the way one of those boys is British. Just like his father who sits up here with him. Britain should be proud." As the auctions came to a close Steven stood, looked at the audience and announced, "I am proud to announce that we have raised for the Uncle Leon Foundation with ticket sales and the auction a grand total of $13,675,000 and now as promised there is an announcement from the President of the United States. Barbara Jenkins, First lady President of the USA."
Barb stood and moved forward as she did so we all stood as one and sang `Hail to the Chief' followed by a very British "Three cheers for the President" which CJ initiated. The whole room exploded in response and then we sat and waited to hear her. The press was on edge and all cameras were running."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow citizens of America it is with heavy heart that I have to tell you this day that Colin Williams, Vice President of the United States took his own life when it was discovered that he was one of the leaders of the child slavery ring that has been operating this land."
She looked at the cameras, "Also the Leader of the House of Representatives has been arrested tonight for assault on young CJ in an attempt to murder him as he is seen as the cause of the purge that had taken place in this land. There is simply the leader of the ring that now needs to be arrested. I can tell you that embargoes and sanctions have been placed on the country that was buying and torturing these children. Never will America trade with them again and all its allies are of one opinion. It is time to finish this, don't you think? All, all of your assets have been seized and we will arrest you tonight."
"How long have you known...? Oh it doesn't matter all I had to do was sell the idea to the men who like money and soon the whole of America fell into my grip." He looked around the room, "If there is any regret that I have in life it is that I finally found a place in a family and was loved by them." I now had all of my boys sobbing in Dirk and my arms. All of us were in shock, there Judge Haroldson stood before us asking us to forgive him, Mary was devastated as he was her brother and Sheila had to move to help Steven console her.
FBI stepped up and were ready to take him when he pulled a gun. Very determined he aimed it at the person who was generally accepted as the media king of the States who was looking very smug with himself. "I led the operation only because the true leader was too much of a coward to do it himself and yet he raked in the profits. He thinks he's untouchable. Guess what he isn't ... I'm going down because that bastard has too much on me, but he is not untouchable after all!" He shot the man called Peter Donaldson in the head and then killed himself. His last words were, `and now it's ended'.
There were screams all around, and the room was erupting into chaos. CJ stepped up and begged for calm when he got no where he looked at me and started to sing `I'll walk with God' from the Student Prince. Nine years old, going on ten and he stood there and sang with all of his heart and soul.
I watched with pride as he calmed the nation and won their hearts. He may have only been nine, but his voice was mature and a tenor which was a shock. Though it was clear he had a full range and could sing soprano as well, we put it down to everything that he had been through. He was fantastic. By the time the singing ended he was holding the Presidents hand and there was not a dry eye in the room.
"I am sorry that had to happen and I did not foresee it." Barb paused and then nodded. "Ladies and Gentlemen it is my pleasure that tonight America recognises several people who have given of themselves for the greater good. They are not all here tonight, as a government we have created a new medal. It will be called `The Uncle Leon Congressional Medal for Bravery'. This will be awarded to every one of the children who has been affected by these ignominious men and all of the adults of the Exley-Gibson clan who are not otherwise honoured tonight." There was an uproar of applause in the room as she presented all of the family with their medals.
"Next the highest medal that the government can bestow upon a civilian `The Presidential Medal of Freedom' is awarded to three people tonight Jake Gibson for risking his life for the sake of the nation's youth ... Jared Exley-Gibson a throw away child from England who has been champion for the youth of America and his son Chris." We all walked forward to the applause of the hall we received our medals.
"Now there is one more. You know it's a shame the Purple Heart' or the Medal of Honour' can only be granted to the armed forces, and most are posthumous. I know of no civilian who has constantly put his life in the front line of battle.
"He has been sold, raped, beaten nearly to death. He has saved over two hundred and fifty children's lives. He has been instrumental in the bringing down of the most insidious group that has ever been known in this land. He is responsible for the down fall of many evil and wicked men who hunt and hurt the innocent. I can announce that I have congressional approval to grant the `United States Congressional Medal of Honour' to Christian Justin Exley-Gibson a nine year old, almost ten as he will be next week.
"Even tonight he went into battle to enable the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle to be put into place. I would like to introduce to you CJ my darling, darling boy." By now I was a shaking bag of bones as I sobbed tears of joy.
CJ clearly in shock walked up to the President and bowed his head to allow her to give to him the medal and the whole room erupted in cheers and applause. He just stood there and held up the medal for the press and Barb repeated "The first Medal of honour to be given to a civilian and he is British!"
As the crowd went quiet CJ stood up to the podium and looked around at all the famous people that he could see. "This is not for me. This is not even for my twin that was murdered by these evil men. Nor is it for my daddies who are the greatest men that I have ever known. I accept this honour on behalf of all of the children of America. I cry because of the pain that you have had to experience. If there is any hurt or pain still happening then call 312 312312 and talk to someone at Uncle Leon. We can help you, this I promise." HE was looking straight at the cameras and said to the children watching.
"I accept this medal for you. Let adults learn that we will not accept bigotry. We will not accept beatings. We will not allow you to throw away your kids." He looked around, "They, the kids of America have a protector now and we will do all that is in our power to bring you who hate, to your knees. You may hurt me. You may kill me, but you will not kill what has been started. We have the right to life, you... grownups wanted to be parents then accept that and love your little ones otherwise you will learn and that I promise you with the last breath that I have - if needed - America will learn!"
There was a hush throughout the room and then as one everyone stood up and cheered and cried for more. CJ was stunned and Barb just took him in her arms and lifted him. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the future President of America... and he's British! Come on family step forward, you are all that I have left." We all stepped forward and as the pictures ceased the evening came to an end.
We talked Barb into staying at the Manor for a few days before heading back to Washington. When she did head back to Washington on Air Force 1 the family travelled with her as she was going back to bury the only man that she had ever known as a father. It was an adventure for the kids as we all stayed at the Residence with Barb. That meant that Dirk and I slept in the Lincoln Bedroom' and much to everyone's delight Myles and Ed slept in the Queen's Bedroom' ... Everyone had their own rooms as including our rooms there were eight bedrooms that we were able to use. Devon and Tyler talked their mom into letting CJ and Chris sleep in their room and Nathan and Peter adopted Marty and Bobby for the night as Bobby loved having Nathan around him the two were like brothers that never were even, though Nathan was twelve years older than Bobby.
The first day that we were there the family was able to spend with Barb's kids relaxing and with the security exploring. While this was happening Barb, Dirk and I were able to make final arrangements for the funeral and Barb decided to put Colin's house up for sale. She could not face returning there.
We then went to the reading of the will together. The offices were pure opulence and we wondered how the hell they made the type of money to afford this setting. Well that is until we found that the head partner had recently committed suicide. His grandson came into the room and invited us into the office. Once security was sure that it was safe we entered the office. Jake insisted that he remain in the room though.
Jake did not feel happy with the atmosphere and asked special Agents if they had a K9 available. Once that arrived and was released into the room it uncovered an antechamber that had three armed men waiting for us to be alone. Barb turned round to the grandson of the founder, "Is there anyone else involved in this or am I to lose all of my friends Charles?"
"Barbara..." Security arrested him and he was removed from the premises along with the others. After K9 had done a complete sweep and was now happy we asked if there was anyone else that could read the will. All that was left in the building was a junior partner. I called Steven to ask if he could arrange to come down.
Within minutes Steven arrived and took control once he had heard all of the facts. "Ron? I understand your name is Ron... Yes?" He nodded.
"Who are left in the firm now that the Crowther family have been removed, I seem to remember that there were other partners."
"Yes, there is. Greg disappeared earlier this year. He had his teeth into a missing child case at the time. His wife is the only other partner. She arrived just a few moments ago. She's heavily pregnant, but we called her in. Her name's Donna. You know, I wonder now what has happened Greg."
"Can you bring her in please as she and you are legally going to have to take control." Donna stepped in and stepped up to Steven and thanked him for his help.
As she started reading the will Dirk held Barb's left hand and I held her right. It was mostly regular stuff, but Donna handed Barb an envelope. Barb was doing pretty well up to that point.
"Steven, I can't read this at the moment. Will you read it aloud for me please?"
I looked at her concerned, "Are you sure? Do you want us to leave?"
"Absolutely not...! You, Dirk and the kids are my family now so you have to stay."
Steven looked at me and I just nodded for him to start, "Sweetheart if you are reading this then the last thing that I wanted to happen has taken place and you are currently totally ashamed of me. Please know most of us were, initially, blackmailed into the organization. Then we just got embroiled in it all and greed took over."
He paused and looked over to see if she was ok, "I am so sorry that I have let you down. The will may as well end here as everything that I own is yours. That is with the exception of the DRT bank account which is everything that I or the organization has gained from the operation that those little busy bodies uncovered. It is my will that this be left to the Uncle Leon foundation as it seems fit that it is used now to benefit children. I know Judge Haroldson is no longer on the Foundation, but trust that it will use the money wisely. There is over $75,000,000." We all just looked up and gasped.
Steven continued, "I trust you will not be alone and as such hope that you will sell up in Washington and move to the city so that you are closer to Jared and Dirk who I know will be there for you. I know that you will doubt this, but know that I have always loved you ever since I saw you sobbing in the undergrowth of that park when you were seven years and old covered in dirt and dried blood." There was silence.
Donna continued. "Thank you Steven. Madam President you are set to inherit his home and a grand total of £175,000,000. Each of your children has been left a total of $25,000,000 as well. All of his stocks, shares and businesses will be transferred to you of course. The only exception is that `Williams Advertising and Investment' which was started over one hundred and twenty five years ago, is to go to Master Christian Justin Exley-Gibson in an effort to make amends." Dirk and I just looked up and gasped as everyone had heard of that company.
"We will ensure that the will is completed and that all transfers are made as soon as the courts will allow. I do not see any problems that may cause holdups. Now as far as Exley- Gibson is concerned we will need and executor for that portion of the will to protect his property from the property of the family in general. I must say that we watched him speak at the Gala evening and thought what a wonderful young man he is."
"Yes he is thank you." I said, "Steven as attorney for the family can you find someone who is willing to act as CJs attorney. What with the Gallery and now this I think he will need his own attorney. I would say you, but from a controls point of view there needs to be separation of duties and there would be a conflict with you as our attorney."
"We interviewed a young man to run the office at the village when it opens. Gabriel Knight, but he likes to be called Gabe. I was going to just take him on as part of the firm, but I think it will be good to be a sleeping partner now and let him run his own show. I think the boys will like him. He has already got his own Chief accountant to run the accountancy practice that I wanted to open, and he is also an investment adviser as well. Ross Carter, Gabe's partner qualified CPA and investment adviser. I think putting them in touch with CJ would be good for all of them."
"Gabriel Knight, the one that went to Yale?"
"Yes I believe he did. Do you know him?"
"Mr Exley-Gibson there is no nicer or honest man alive. I would trust him with my life."
"Would you trust him with your unborn son?"
"Without question, his partner was a throw away child as well." With that Steven gave her Gabe and Ross' details and also Natalie my auditor's contact details so that she could oversee the initial transfer for us the foundation and make sure that CJ was looked after.
"Natalie is also the auditor that we use for the Foundation so she will be able to tell you how to handle their transfer." With that, security led a very distraught President back to the residence where she rested with loved ones for the rest of the day as tomorrow would be hell for her.
Colin did not have any family so it was supposed to be a private service, but since he was he Vice President the media was there in droves, but I must admit in very respectful droves. As the cortege approached the chapel we could see that microphones had been set up and that they were expecting someone to speak. CJ looked at Barb and she looked horrified.
"Mike when the vehicles stop I want you to escort my fathers and I to the stand. Jake you stay with mom and do not let anyone near her." He then looked at the driver, "Let all of the other cars know what is happening."
"Yes sir."
Dirk and me with Mike and Dave followed CJ as he approached the stand. I could not believe how protective of Barb he was. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the press I am amazed and utterly disgusted that you have been so insensitive to set this up here when you know what Madam President is going through today.
"How dare you think that just because she is the President that she does not deserve your respect and your condolences? Everyone deserves time to grieve and recoup. Business will get back to usual and there will be an announcement soon from the Oval Office, but today please be considerate and put yourself in her position if this was your father how would you feel."
"CJ ... why do you think you are the one that should come out to talk to us?"
This clearly riled the little fellow. "Because I'm British and because of that I'm a plain speaker. I speak as I find. At the moment I find that the press are heartless bastards and I urge people not to watch their channels or buy their papers. I think that the American people care and when they see what you're doing to their `First Lady' they will listen and your sales and ratings will go down the toilet pan."
There were cheers from the crowd. "Now to show the country that you care, I suggest you move back and send whoever set this monstrosity up to remove it. Otherwise I know that America will speak by their actions and you the press will suffer. It is totally up to you my friends. Learn to have some respect for those that mourn." The crowds that were being respectful in the background at the side of the roads broke into cheers and applause. One by one the press stepped back and allowed Barb the privacy that she needed to say goodbye.
When we walked back to the family we stood by Barb and she just took CJs hand and squeezed it to say thank you. The coffin was already at the front of the church and as the music started we walked to the front very slowly. Barb had requested a typically English service and stood to read a eulogy that she had written, only to breakdown. I ran forward and she collapsed in my arms. At the same time Myles stepped up and took over with the reading that Barb had prepared.
The service was short and it was simple and we then walked behind the coffin to the family tomb. Dirk and I had to support her all of the way as she clearly was in no state to continue. Darren was on alert and ready with the special service to take control as soon as the service was complete.
The papers the next day carried the word for word speech that CJ had given and then a picture of Barb collapsing into Dirk's arms as we walked back to the cars. Their heading read "WE should listen to our little children".
Darren worked with the doctor at the Whitehouse and agreed that she should be sedated and allowed to rest. The children got together and by her bedside for the next twenty four hours two of the children were found keeping watch over the mother of the family.
As she came too she saw Chris' baby blues and tears were falling from them, "Why the tears little one?"
"Because I lost one mummy and I don't want to lose you as well as you are your mommy now."
She looked around and the whole of the kids were there and they just nodded. We stood at the door and nodded as well and she just whispered "My wonderful family..." then she fell back to sleep for the rest of the day.
After forty eight hours Barb woke and felt totally different. "Jared ... Jared ... WE need to arrange to make an announcement to the nation, with everything that has happened there needs to be an election as none of the structure of the government is still in place. I am also stepping down from politics and want to buy a property close to the family. Will you help me please?"
I looked at Dirk, "Why bother asking, you know that we will." As she sat up in bed CJ ran around us, climbed up into her arms and said "We was worried about you mom." He was followed by a sobbing Bobby and then gradually the rest of the kids.
"You know that since you came into our lives you have been mom to these kids ever since."
"I always wanted kids and never thought that I would be able to have them."
Myles being ever inquisitive simple asked, "Why wouldn't you?"
"When I was seven and had been beaten and thrown out of the house as you all know, well my father had sold me as well and the men really damaged me. In order to save my life they had to remove everything down there so I can never have my own children." She looked off into the distance. "Now I have a gaggle of kids and I love every one of them."
Over the next couple of days we met with all of her advisers and all of the congress that were still true to her. It was a time to remember when we walked into the decimated house of representative to discuss the way forward and to get approval of what she felt she needed to do.
She was magnificent, but alone without Colin you could tell politics no longer meant anything to her. She seemed like an empty shell and Darren felt that she needed to step down before we lost her.
On the third day we gathered as a family to support Barb as she sat in the Oval office and addressed the nation.
"My Fellow Americans I come to you with a heavy heart at this time knowing that many of us have lost dear ones in the ordeals that have happened over recent months. I personally lost the only family that I have ever known. I was a throw away kid myself at the age of seven and the Vice President, then Colin Williams saved my life and raised me. As you know we said goodbye to him just under a week ago and I am grateful for my darling CJ addressing you all and asking for privacy for me." She pulled CJ closer to her.
"I now find it impossible to continue without the support of my family. They all live a long way away though and I need to with them. For that reason I am stepping down as of January 1st. In the meantime there will be an emergency election. As we already knew we had to replace many leaders of this country we will also replace and re-elect the President of the United States as well. All of the parties have agreed to this and there will be no rallies, no debates just simply the American public stating what they want."
She paused. Looked around the room and continued, "I have loved my time serving you all, but losing the only father that I have ever known has made continuing impossible. Being a mom to all of these wonderful kids now is most important to me. This one here I have already introduced to you at the Gala as the future President of America so you will no doubt see me again when I enter the Whitehouse Residence as the mother of the new President. CJ and these children are born to lead and I will do everything that I can to guide them in the directions that they choose.
"Finally my father left quite a considerable amount of money to the Uncle Leon Foundation, after many conversations with the Foundation I can now announce that they will award two scholarships each year to recognise the youth of tomorrow and to encourage the continual desire to improve and perfect. One of these scholarships will be in the Arts in recognition of the talents that are often not encouraged in youth... The other scholarship will be at the discretion of the foundation. They will be complete and full with all expenses covered until the qualification is gained. A counsellor will also be provided during this time to help and advice."
"And cut! ... Thank you Madam President. The press are now assembled for any questions if you want to field them."
"Yes we will ... We will attend as a family and support each other." We all walked into the press briefing room where the press had watched the announcement. "Ladies and Gentlemen we will now answer any questions that you have."
"Christian Justin, is it true that you have already won one of the scholarships in Art?" "Sir you were obviously not at the Charity Gala Evening. Miss Millie was there and purchased one of my works for the museum in the city to encourage my talent she offered to let me study with her on a one to one basis. If no one has any other questions that relate more directly to the matter in hand we will close this session."
"Yes CJ and all of the other Kids with you. Do you see yourselves as future leaders of this country?"
Myles stepped forward, "Mind if I answer this little bro?"
"Go right ahead... Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome my brother Myles."
"Hello everyone... If by your last question you mean do we care about what the world gives us? Do we care about the decisions that the government make and how they affect us them yes we consider ourselves leaders of tomorrow. No one should just sit back and let other do everything for them."
"Mr Exley-Gibson, will you be continuing to work or will you retire now that you have a large family to look after?"
"I have many interests and many people that work with me. Do I have people that I can leave to get on with it? Yes I do... Will I? CJ is dad someone to just sit back and let things happen?"
"No ... He'll still be working when he dies. It is what he does best other than CARE."
"Madam President, what do you see yourself doing?"
"Recently as a family we have purchased several premises to develop into new businesses. One of them will be the Art Gallery to show CJ and Chris' work which they will run. I would like to think that I can become involved in the management of the site to ensure that it becomes a success as we all want it to be. It is something that I will be able to get my teeth into." As if one we the family just agreed that it was an excellent idea ... "Sounds as if I have just been hired." The press all laughed.
CJ stood again, "Ladies and Gentlemen if there are no more questions?" He waited, "Thank you for your understanding as you are leaving there will be a package with all of the information that you need. Further announcements will be made as the elections draw closer...thank you."
"Ladies and Gentlemen you heard it from the future President ... Thank you for attending and for your understanding..." Barb stood to applause and as a family we all walked out of the room and left the FBI to clear the place.
_______________________________________________________________________ That's all for now folks ... In the next chapter all I can say is that there is great sorrow.
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