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.
This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission.
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 ____________________________________________________________________________
An effort has been made to only hint at the area that it is set in so it allows you to use your imagination... Chicago is mentioned, but then again so is Gary Indiana so we know the area it is based in. Other than that we simply know that it is based in a city and most cities have the basic things in common. ____________________________________________________________________________
MOONSIDE MANOR
Chapter 2 – Confrontations
`The Animals went in two by two ...' that was Noah. This may not be quite the same, but it sure felt like that. There was the President and his personal assistant along with Wildcorp's Legal representation and Security team, Finance Officers and IT team as far as the world was concerned. In total all nine people, but with the president's crippled son, doctor and nurse that made twelve. Among them were Darren, Steven, Paul, Peter, Jake, Mary, Jennie and Tracy and all of them were putting themselves on the line for me. I suddenly felt very vulnerable and wondered just what the hell was going to happen to me once Noah did get us all into the Ark.
As we got out of the Limo I knew immediately something was wrong, as Stacy wasn't on the reception and the call centre staff was not at their stations. Everything was still, everything was quiet and everything was so empty. You see I like to keep the ground floor, which people could see as they approached the building, active and on the move; a hive of activity gives the impression to the man on the street of a busy company.
The building was fifteen stories high and had all the major players of Exley International' in the building. To me it was Exley International'. The front of the building was a glass wall just inviting the passerby to look in and see what we do. Inviting them to come in and find out; today though it was horrible, it was so blank and empty and bare.
"Mary ..." she turned to look as if she was concerned about me, and crouched down in front of the wheelchair, "none of the staff are there that should be. Peter has my cell, call Stacy she's the head receptionist tell her that the bear has landed 102. It's our code to initiate emergency status on all levels with only trusted staff that she's chosen with me. It includes Diane the HR director. You may know her as her married name was Diane Gibson. If you do you will know that Stacy's her daughter."
"Ed you know what to do. Call Stacy and activate the status as Jared stated. Myles get on the phone to Aunt Diane and find out what the hell's happening. We're still going ahead as planned though. As soon as you know what's happening let us know. Most importantly get Diane to contact everyone and to get them here as soon as possible... Oh and tell her I'm back! She will know what you mean."
"Sure thing Aunt Mary." They both said.
As we were walking into the building Myles called his Aunt.
"Yes. Hello who is this?"
"Aunt Diane this is Myles, Aunt Mary has asked me to call you, Ed is currently on the phone with Stacy and there is a message you may want to hear. `The Bear has landed 102'. Does that mean anything to you?"
There was a scream in the background. "It means that they're a bunch of fucking liars and my friend's still alive. Myles tell me what we need to do I cannot..." he heard a sob.
"Jared Exley is the man that took the shot when that shooter tried to kill me in the Mall." He heard an audible gasp...
"Is he..."
"He is fine, but the only trouble is it looks like they were trying to kill him. Believe me he's in a lot of pain, but very much alive. We need you and Stacy to activate 102 whatever that is, only you will know I guess. Aunt Mary says she's back and to get everyone here as soon as you can."
"The last continuity test gave us a 20 minute turn around to get everyone activated and back on site, we'll see you then. I'm with Stacy now and she is in tears as well. Call Mary and just say to tell Jared `Welcome 103 is on its way'. He will know what we're doing."
"Thanks Di ... see you soon. Beware, there's police are everywhere so just ask for Ed or me." As he hung up, he wandered over to the police officer in charge and updated him as to what was happening. Then he called Mary.
As were entering the building it was eerie as there was a deathly silence engulfing everything. Mary again took command introducing Steven as the President of Wildcorp and stating that we were sorry for running slightly late, but traffic at this time of day was totally impossible. She ended that we were expected in the boardroom to meet with the board of directors.
The reception hall usually spacious and inviting, just begging you to get to know the Exley Empire was silent and empty and echoed like a crypt. Catherine, my secretary was waiting for us, which though not unusual did not seem right at all. "Was something wrong with the cri... your son sir?"
"Yes, but that has been taken care of thank you."
"Good well the new owners are in the board room and do not like to be kept waiting."
"No I am sure that they do not, but my son always comes first and they'll have to understand that or face me."
We followed Catherine down a very quiet corridor to the main boardroom, when she suddenly said that since she was on the new board she would be joining us. Now that was one hell of a surprise and I ended up coughing; only I knew who she really was after all.
As we all walked up to the boardroom I saw Myles and the police contingent moving in. Mary's cell suddenly went off and she said, "Hold on everyone this will be the hospital... Wildcorp, how may I help?" She just stood there ... "Yes I understand. Thank you so much." She closed the phone, looked at Steven and said "Mr Gibson `Welcome 103' medical supplies are on their way for your son." Now that was the best thing that I'd heard all day.
"Thank you Mary, that is good news" and with that we continued to the boardroom. I was used to the imposing heavy oak door that was suddenly in front of us, but knew I had wanted that as it said what the room was just looking at it. I also knew that once you were in the room it was a very large and beautifully decorated and appointed conference room with everything that you could want during long planning meetings.
Imagine my shock when we entered a shell. There was absolutely nothing that should have been there left, it was just empty. No large polished oak table, no leather chairs, no fridges lining the walls that were always kept full when meeting were taking place, nothing but canteen tables and chairs. The room had been completely stripped. Just what the hell were these people trying to do to me?
"I'm sorry everyone, but I have been in conference with Mr Exley in the past. This is definitely not the same place that we've seen before. What the hell is going on here? How can you expect to merge with Wildcorp when it just seems that your cupboards are bare? To be honest the whole operation looks like some cheap cowboy outfit and I am no cowboy! Now what the hell is happening?"
Christine just snapped "We're in the middle of decorating the place." Suddenly his crippled son had a coughing fit!
None of the people that were in this empty room were members of my board. There should have been the Director for each of my fifteen divisions along with finance and HR at least with Stacy taking notes like she always did. I couldn't work out what the hell was happening and wondered what the hell had happened to my people. "Mr Gibson, welcome I'm Randy Hollister sole owner of Exley International."
"Oh, I'm sorry. As far as my team were aware we would be meeting with Mr Jared Exley, who according to all of the papers of company that have been filed is sole owner. All of our negotiations have been completed with him. I am sorry, but unless he has handed to you all of the notes and provisions that we made I do not see how you can run this meeting." Damn Steven was good.
Catherine sighed and stepped in at that point, in an attempt to save the moment "We are most terribly sorry to have to let you know, but Mr Exley was killed recently and since he had no will we are trying to do what we can in his absence. Mr Hollister though purchased the company isn't that right Randy and at the asking price and he is now the sole owner. He was after all Mr Exley's attorney. So it is all legit. Isn't that right Randy?"
"Yes... Yes it is."
"Then why is there no record of the sale of the business anywhere?"
"Timing" Randy stated.
My Peter was wonderful, "I'm sorry, but being an attorney and working regularly in settling estates for the deceased that simply does not make sense. Now we would like to know what has happened to the company and its directors that we had already agreed to work with. Plus you might like to tell us exactly where Mr Exley is."
"He's dead and when Randy bought the company we let everyone else go, since we won't need them."
"OK, let's move on for now." stated Mary trying to take control of the situation.
"About bloody time" Randy stated under his breath.
"We are here for the merger of our two companies and were supposed to receive the final presentation about Exley International and all about what you do, with forecasts and projections for the future that would enable us to seal the deal. We have our presentation, but I am sorry we need to know about Exley before we even consider the merger." She stopped, looked around the empty room, "I'm sorry but I just don't see how any presentation could even be attempted in this room, are we moving into a different area?"
"Surely you have to understand that we have just undergone a major upheaval in this company you will have to allow us to mourn our dead leader." Randy stated, "We will be ready to present the findings to you by the end of the week."
By now Peter, Jake and Darren were bent down talking to Steven's crippled son. Suddenly Peter turned round as Jake and Darren helped me to stand. Everyone's eyes were on us. Peter asked, "Mr Gibson's son still does not understand why Jared Exley's will has not been read."
"Is he simple? Look we told you that there ..." Catherine suddenly went deathly pale and the whole room went quiet.
"I know what you told us Catherine, but you see I know there is a will" I dropped the hood and there was an audible gasp, "and can somebody please tell me what's happened because I feel amazingly alive and would love to know when I died. You know just so that I can send flowers to my own funeral." I staggered a little, wincing with the pain as I did so I leaned forward to steady myself. "I could really use my old leather chair that used to be in here."
Darren stayed at my side, "Jared, are you sure you're OK?"
"Thanks Darren I'm fine, but stay close please. I have to do this." I winced in pain again and you could see that the shoulder wound had opened again and was bleeding. I looked over at Randy, "Now, how about you tell me what is really going on and exactly when I died?"
I looked towards the door, "Oh Catherine, sit down it's no good trying to leave the room as no one is going anywhere. Police have had the whole building sealed and surrounded ever since we entered."
"It's too late as all of the funds from your bank accounts are being transferred as we speak to accounts in England." Randy simply stated and laughed as if he had beaten me.
Mary snapped "Do I fucking look like I were born yesterday? I had all of Jared's company and personal accounts sealed by order of his new attorney and Judge Haroldson, until Jared contacts the bank in person with the correct release code and the judge with his, none of the monies can be moved and the bank is administrator for the company in the meantime. Oh you may also like to know that any requests for money transfers from this site are being tracked by the FBI to find out exactly where the EFT funds would have been sent."
Peter stepped in "Now that's out of the way, Paul as Chief of Police and you other officers I want these people checked for weapons and handcuffed to make sure that Jared's safety is maintained. They have already attempted murder once." At that point I gasped from the pain and Jake and Darren were suddenly moving me back to the wheelchair. Darren went into action and was soon checking my wounds and redressing them.
While Darren was busy I managed to let Jake know what I wanted. Walking up to the person concerned, who was sitting on the right hand of Randy Jake stated, "Sir, stand please I have reason to believe that it was you who attempted to murder Mr Exley."
"How the hell can you say that? I was at work and Jared knows that I was."
"Nope," I winced as Darren worked on my shoulder, "I'd been sitting outside Starbucks in the Mall for about thirty minutes so anything could have happened in that time and it seems that it did."
Sure enough Jake found a gun and Paul found Randy was carrying as well, but only after he had to warn him not to try anything as he was about to pull one on me.
"I may have a gun, but there is no way that I was the one that shot Ian."
"Ian? Who's Ian? This is Jared." Mary smiled at him.
"Well we have your gun now and we have the bullets that were taken out of Jared, so it should be easy to match the two" Jake stated. The man's face just went white.
Darren now satisfied that I was OK allowed me to continue "Give it up I saw you as you pulled your hoody down and looked across at the chaos that you'd caused. Satisfied you had done what you wanted and that must have been to murder me. I remember your eyes and thought then that I knew who you were. I saw you as you pulled the gun and you know bloody well that I did. I just couldn't place you at the time ... Mr Stephen Pratt." He just glared at me.
"What do you mean? You know my name's Simon..."
"Do you think that I wouldn't do a background check on everyone that works for my company? What do you think Catherine... Pratt?" I looked over at Catherine "I believe you're Stephen's cousin after all. So obviously a distant cousin of mine and breaking all restraining orders against my family in both the UK and the US. Then there's Randy your gay lover of fifteen years Stephen." He just hung his head.
"Jared, what the hell are you talking about? Stephen and I have been happily married for twenty years and you know Randy's my brother. You... You must be wrong."
"Sorry Mavis, you are the one that I am sorry this is hurting as we always got on together. I know he's your husband and Randy's your brother, but they have been fucking behind your back ever since they were in college in Leeds where they met and have been lovers most of that time."
Mary stepped in and put an arm around the now sobbing Mavis as she ran to the door extremely embarrassed. "Tell me Mavis exactly who is Jared's family in this office and any other members that may have been behind all of this and if possible who we can trust. Then maybe you'll avoid being arrested and Peter or my Steven can help you. I feel you're an innocent in all of this just like Jared does."
"Your Steven?"
"Yes my Steven, standing next to Jared and Jared's partner Peter who is the one standing over there..." she pointed to Peter, "are partners in `Gibson, Barrington and Smyth', Jared's new attorneys by the way" she glared ay Randy.
"Mavis we always liked each other. Who is the head of all of this rubbish and where are they?"
"I am so sorry Jared, but this is going to kill you..." Mavis started to say only to be interrupted by a knock at the door.
As the door opened Diane and Stacy gasped as they looked around, then they saw me and ran straight over to me, followed by Gavin Taylor my second in command. I looked at Gavin who was looking at Peter, as I looked at Peter my gaydar was ringing warning bells.
At the same time Myles and Ed followed by two officers entered, yet again there was a gasp as Stephen my cousin saw Myles, but there was an even bigger groan of shock from me when I looked over at Myles and Ed and saw the people who were there as well, in hand cuffs.
Myles looked at me and realised that I was quietly sobbing. Both he and Ed were soon at my side "Jared?"
I looked up at them and Myles just hugged, "Mate we are so sorry." I wept. There stood my ex wife and two children looking very proud of themselves. How could they?
The officer that entered with Myles suddenly said, "Chief we've just had Scotland Yard confirm that they have arrested Edwin, Barry and David Pratt."
"Excellent news son" said Paul.
"Sir seems the name fits real good as they were actually at the bank trying to get the funds before the funds actually hit their accounts."
"Watch what you say son, as the former Mr Ian Pratt is sitting in the wheelchair over here." Paul crouched down to me ... "Are you ok?"
Still sobbing I looked at him nodded and said, "Yes I think so."
"Ian, sorry Jared I am so sorry, but we've been watching your family for some time and working with Scotland Yard. It seems they set off a series of the alarms that Davy set in place to protect you."
"My Davy..." I gasped and wept even more.
"Yes mate your Davy, he really loved you; from that point Scotland Yard have been on full alert and working with the FBI."
"Why?" I sobbed.
"You filthy cock sucking bastard. Why do you think?"
I just looked at her. DJ ever the big man of the family piped up, "Hell when we went to your dad and brothers they jumped at the chance to ruin you. I've never seen anyone hate someone as much as they do you." he spat.
"Oh shut the fuck up DJ I knew damn well they hated me before I even met your mother. I can understand that, I mean they have disowned me once and left a complete stranger to bring up when I was just thirteen years old. Hell at that age I was on the streets in a small mining town in Yorkshire until Uncle Leon found me, but you three? Why?"
"We want your money. Why the hell should we be penniless, scraping every penny together that we can get. Working for a minimum wage at little high street stores when you have everything?" Susan spat at me only to have Mary slap her face real hard.
"Officer did you see that?" DJ said.
"Sure did sir."
"Well aren't you going to do something?" Ella screamed...
"Sure am miss. Mum slap that bitch as well it might teach her a lesson never to scream at me." Paul literally screamed at Ella and Mary did just as he had asked. Sorry I know I am her father, but it is about time that someone put her in her place. We never could.
I looked at my once wonderful family, "You already have Leon's house and antiques, even if I still do have the deeds to the house. I also gave you £3,000,000 each. Hell that's almost $5,000,000, that's $15,000,000 between you, how can you say that you're penniless?"
Mavis looked up at that point "Jared it was all their idea. They approached all of us with their plan to ruin you. Susan has been gambling heavily and has lost everything that you gave them even the kid's money." Looking at DJ she said "Where did you leave little CJ?"
"None of your business bitch let the little fucker die, he's been earning good money since we got here. Dead or alive, I said dead or alive; just that the little bugger won't die."
I looked up in utter shock. "Mavis, who the hell is CJ..."
"Jared he is your nine year old grandson. Ella where's the baby?"
Jake stepped up to DJ "Son I don't like what you've all done to your father, but tell me where your son is or believe me things will get very ugly very quickly" and he just took his gun out and placed it on DJs forehead.
"Tied up in the hotel room where he's waiting for the next punter to arrive; got me paid $50,000 for an afternoon of fun with the little bugger. Only stipulation that's set is he comes back dead or alive, I don't care." and he spat at Jake.
Jennie grabbed Darren by the hand and came into action now. "Mavis where the hell were you all staying ... we have to get to him before they do or he will be dead trust me I used to work for CPS."
"They placed CJ at a real dive called Lay your Head' while they're all booked in at the Starlight International. Lay your Head' is just that motel round the corner, he is in room 202 at the back ..." Both Jennie and Darren left the room racing grabbing police as they went.
Darren shouted "Paul we need backup NOW! Plus and ambulance to transport the kid if need be." Paul stepped out and got things moving at our end.
Next thing I knew Mary had Susan pressed up against the wall with her head making a real sweet knocking sound and her arm pulled painfully up behind her back. "Where the hell is the baby?" Susan screamed and Ella tried to fight her off her mother only to be held off by Ed.
"Mavis what's the baby's name?"
"Jared his name is Mason, but those two just, well when she's drunk they just leave him anywhere. I've found him abandoned in the town before. They can't stand crying, but he is a happy boy."
"Punch bag is it?" Mary turned Susan around and punched full on in the face and she flew back. "Now it's the little princesses turn. Do you three have any idea what happens in prison to those that hurt kids? Oh and you are over eighteen so you will be going there. Hell them lot might be murders and criminals, but they are all agreed about one thing ... no-one ... hurts ... kids. Now tell us where Mason is!"
"It's too late he was never wanted anyway." Ella screamed, "He's locked in the Avenger down in the car park." Jake who had been a medic in the marines took off sprinting with Myles and a couple of police officers not too far behind."
I looked at my wonderful family. "What the hell happened to you all? How can you have become so evil?"
DJ tried to say "We got used to the high life!" Only to have one of the police officers punch him in the stomach."
"Get used to it son no one is going to look after you where you're going. Mummy won't be there."
After a pause I looked at Paul as he came back in to the room, "Paul, just read them their fucking rights and get them out of my sight."
"Rights...? You mean you're going to charge us? Ha ha ha! You can't do that as we are all British citizens." Randy stated.
Paul quietly walked to him and when he was an inch from his face he quietly stated "Shame your name isn't Pratt as well! Listen to me and listen well you piece of shit. Yes you are British citizens, but you are all wanted for international crimes that took place in both the UK and the US. Since you were apprehended in the US and because of the nature of the crimes you will serve those sentences first so we will not have to apply to have you extradited. The agreement is already in place."
One of his men continued who was handcuffing Catherine, "Then you will be handed over to the UK once you're released here. That's the agreement, the only agreement we're willing to make; nothing less. The FBI has already been on the phone to Scotland Yard. Jared's father and brothers will eventually be extradited to serve their sentences over here. You are charged with not less than 3 attempts of murders, 2 of child abandonment, several hate crimes, 1 of child prostitution, all of you with embezzlement, fraud and possible many others that I cannot think of at the moment. Can you think of any more chief?"
Paul took over, "Not at the moment, but I am sure one of them will have assaulting a police officer before the day is out and possibly more. You can be sure there will be before you see the judge and get your time in court. Getting to court though may take years as you know how busy the judge can be, but those charges alone will ensure that the powers that be in the US will insist that you complete your conviction in full without probation before being released to the UK authorities."
At that point Paul read them their rights stating again the charges that they had so far against them and that they would be added to as the investigation progressed. The least any one was looking at would be 25 years with no chance of bail as they were a risk of flight from the country. We all watched as they were led away. Mavis just sat and cried and but no one tried to charge her. We all knew that she had just been a pawn in the whole thing. "Jared?" She looked at me bewildered.
"Don't worry Mavis you're free and I hope that you will help me and my new family raise my grand children if we ever find them."
At that point Myles walked in carrying the most beautiful little boy that I had ever
seen. Mary though was looking terrified as she put her phone down. "Peter, while we sort things here get Jared to the hospital. Now! Little CJ has been rushed to surgery.
He was barely breathing when they got to the room they had left him in. They arrested all 3 men who were with him, but he is totally dehydrated and was covered in blood... just like the room." I gasped, "I sorry I didn't want to ask what was happening. Mason
will need looking at as well just in case."
Myles, Ed, Peter and Mavis grabbed my wheelchair and we started moving for the door, I
turned to Diane. "Diane help Mary get everything sorted, I take it 103 is complete."
"Yes Jared they are all arriving now and we will sort things for you."
"Great, thank you. Ok, Stacy hospital with me please as I'll need you to support and co-ordinate."
From here on I have to rely on what I was told happened because suddenly the pain was unbearable and I screamed and blacked out. Jake was first to react and jumped over the table to get to me. "Fuck! Can anything get worse for this poor guy?" He was at my side trying to revive me. When he started working on me he found that my pulse was barely traceable. "We have to move and move now or he may not make it back to the hospital."
As everyone started moving Peter just looked and said, "Look I am just getting in the way so I'll stay here for now and come over when he's out of danger."
"Dad!"
"Don't dad me; I'm not needed at the moment." Peter snapped.
"Says who? Jared could very easily be dying and so could CJ." Ed stated. He then pulled Peter into the corridor so no one could hear what he had to say, "I saw you earlier by the way, standing in the corridor, where you thought no one could see you as they were all in the conference room. Remember? It looked to me like you were playing tonsil hockey with that guy. You have always been a father to me. Do not do this now."
Peter just looked at him and said, "I can't help it, I love him."
"Oh for fuck sake you've just met him!"
"No. I've been seeing Gavin for over a year now."
"Great so while the man who saved your son's life is dying you're going to jump in bed and raise your legs shouting whoopee for a piece of cock."
"That is not what this is!"
"Isn't it? You've just made Jared think you're with him. I am so ashamed you," he turned away and then turned back, "I will tell you one thing. If you do not come and watch over Jared and the kids until your own son can cope then I will tell everyone just who `Peter the Great' is. Yes I heard everything as I was in the toilet as well, next time check the fucking cubicles. That is what Gavin called you when you were on your fucking knees like a whore isn't it?"
As he turned to return to the conference room he saw Gavin was approaching and landed a good right hook on the man who was breaking the family apart. "If he is not at the hospital with his family everyone will know your sordid little secrets and you will be out of a job because Mary and Diane will know and Mary has control of the company while Jared is out of it."
As he joined everyone Myles took the phone and threw it at Stacy, "Stacy call Darren's mobile and tell him we are on our way and we're losing Jared. Tell him to get e verything ready. He needs to know Jared's shoulder wound has opened and he has completely blacked out, I guess from all of the stress and pain that he's in. He has a pulse, but extremely faint so we have to move and move fast."
Peter walked back in the room, but released Gavin's hand too late and everyone just looked at them. Mary stepped up to Gavin "You two can do what you want, but as of now you are no longer COO until Jared can make decisions and believe me he will know everything. I won't get rid of you, but you are no longer in charge. Diane, find this scumbag a stone somewhere to crawl under! Oh and make sure it is nowhere near financial stuff. Somewhere that he cannot do any damage. Sir as Jared would say you are now under notice!"
She glared at Peter and simply said "You do not do that to family sir!"
"Hey everyone Jared and I have agreed to have an open relationship."
"That I do not believe it is not like him. Steven, watch him as he's Jared's attorney and I don't trust him one iota. It may be best if you were Jared's attorney, but do not tell him yet. Peter your timing is crap he's not strong enough for this."
Diane stepped up to Peter now, "Jared has been my friend since he came to the States he was Davy's partner and you know what I thought of Davy. I will tell you this, you hurt him and I will ruin your. You can take that one to the bank" she shouted and slapped his face so hard it left a hand mark on his cheek.
Myles could no longer feel a pulse and screamed "Aunt Mary we have to go I've nearly lost his pulse! I am not going to lose him as well. I have already lost one father today!"
"Myles...!" Peter shouted
"Don't Myles me you whore! Peter the great indeed, Peter the shit more like! Ed does
not keep secrets from me. I know dad."
Jake just shouted as he took off running "Mom, get the Limo outside now and we need a police escort!"
_______________________________________________________________________ That's all for now folks, chapter three will follow soon and we'll meet CJ for the first time.
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