First of all I want to thank David my editor,friend and proofreader for taking time during his vacation in the wilderness of some forest for his work on this chapter. I guess the internet is everywhere even in the deep woods.
Also I want to thank Allen as well one of his ideas helped to fix a small problem sorry David Allen gets first read lol please email me David and I want to know what you think usock@aol.com
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ritchie and Glenn said goodbye to Allen and dropped him off at his house. Once again, Allen thanked the boys for the ride and the weekend of fun together. When he entered the house and saw his parents in the living room, their mood seemed somber.
"Hi, gang."
Both parents looked up and both simply said, "Hi, Son."
Allen turned and headed back down the hall when he father called out.
"Allen, we need to talk."
Fearing the worst, Allen tossed his bag in his room and returned to the living room.
"OK. What's up?"
His father cleared his throat.
"Son, we have some bad news."
Allen was now really afraid that they might have changed their minds about him... and also about Jason.
"Allen, your mom and I have been trying our best to keep up with our financial obligations, but since I lost my job, and your mom is working as much as she can, we are in a sinking boat with no oars. We moved here because your mom was offered the great job she now has, but I've been unable to find anything in accounting or financial planning. I'm sorry, Allen, but we're almost to the point that we're going to lose the house because we can't afford to keep up the mortgage. We might have to move to a smaller place... maybe even an apartment."
Allen's face was calm. Without giving it too much thought, he said, "Well, Dad and Mom, I know I can help as soon as school is out. I can get a job, but that won't be for a while yet."
"Son, I knew you'd say that, but you're still a boy... although certainly a wise and very adult one. You shouldn't have to give up your summer to work."
"Dad, look, I know what you and Mom have tried to do for me, and I love you guys very much, but this is our problem together... not just yours. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course... anything."
"Well, have you used my college money?"
His dad was a little put-off by the question, but responded, "No, of course not. We would never use that money. That's money we have set aside for you."
"Well, then we're OK for awhile."
His father looked at him and started to say something.
"Dad, look. One, we're in a tight spot. Two, we're all in this together... the three of us. Things will get better, and we'll come out of this somehow. Until then, we can use the money you and Mom have set aside for me to go to college. If I have to, I'll wait a year or two. I'd much rather do that than live somewhere else. So please... let me do this, and let's not worry. Things will get better."
Allen then moved over to where his parents were sitting and hugged both of them. After explaining what had happened over their weekend... leaving out certain things of course... he went back to his room to get ready for school in the morning.
Once in his room, Allen closed the door, lay down on his bed and started to cry. He had known since before they moved here that the family financial footing was bad, and he had been doing all he could to help save money when he could. Now he would have to work a little harder to help.
After a few minutes, he got up and emailed Jena to tell her about his weekend... even some of the things he would never admit to his parents. After all, Jena was his best friend. They had promised each other that when they had sex -- and had gone all the way -- they would share that information as they had shared everything else in their lives.
Just as he hit 'Send,' Jason came on-line, and they chatted for a long while. Allen told him everything about the money problems at home, and even that he had just emailed Jena about it also.
Jason was somewhat worried about Allen telling Jena everything, but he tried to be reassuring.
'If you trust her, then I guess I will as well.'
This made Allen love Jason even more.
'Is there anything I can do to help?'
'No, I don't think so,' Allen typed, and after awhile, they signed off.
'Love you.'
'No. I love you more.'
.....
The next morning was a school day, and just as Wheeler and Lloyd drove into the school lot and parked, Ritchie pulled in with Glenn, Jason and Allen. This is how it had since the six boys had become close friends. Sometimes Lloyd picked up Jason and Allen, but everything was always arranged the night before.
Then the six of them met again at lunch-time. Wheeler was the first to notice that Allen was a little distant.
"Hey man. Is everything OK?"
Allen simply said, "Yeah, I guess so." He reached over and took two fries and smiled at Jason.
Jason smiled back., but Wheeler could tell that something was not right.
"Allen, I know something is bothering you... so out with it."
Allen looked at Wheeler and the other guys.
"Nothing is wrong, man. Just tired I guess. But, hey, I have to go to the library to turn in a book. I'll see you guys at practice or later."
Then he reached back over to Jason's plate and took three more fries. After a smile and wink to Jason, he left the table, left through the outside door and disappeared.
Wheeler watched him walk away.
"OK! Something's wrong. I know it."
"Well," Ritchie responded, "he said nothing's wrong. Maybe he really is just tired."
"Well, he must be. The library's in the other direction!"
All the boys now looked at Jason.
Glenn spoke for all of them.
"OK, Jason, spill it."
'I don't think I can,' Jason signed.
"Why not?" asked Lloyd.
Glenn translated as Jason began to sign.
'Well, I don't think he wants anyone to know personal family problems.'
Ritchie was the first to react. He lightly slapped Jason on the back and said, "Jason, there's nothing we don't already know about him that would change our minds about him."
Jason thought about it, and with Glenn translating, signed and told the guys everything that Allen had told him about the money problems... about his dad not being able to find a job in accounting and financial planning, and how they were using Allen's college fund to help pay the bills.
Lloyd was the first to say anything.
"That explains a few things."
The boys all looked at him.
"Have you ever noticed that he never buys lunch... ever? He always steals a few fries from someone. Whenever we go to the mall, he never has money for the games or food. He never eats, and sometimes he even says he doesn't want to go at all."
"Now that you mention it," Wheeler said, "I have noticed he does that."
Jason looked as if he were about to cry.
Lloyd looked at the boys and suddenly got up.
"I have to go. There's something I have to do. Jason, don't worry about Allen. He's a great kid, and he's strong. Things will work out. Trust me."
Wheeler started to stand, but Lloyd smiled at him and said, "I'll see you later, Hon. OK?"
He told the guys he'd see them when they all got home. He knew that Jason, Allen and Glenn had baseball practice after school, and Wheeler would be at Drivers' Ed. until six. He had someone he had to call.
The phone rang in John Simpson's office.
John picked it up on the second ring
"Hi, Papa J."
"Hi, Lloyd. What a nice surprise. Is something wrong?"
"No nothing's wrong, but I need to talk to you as soon as possible. Can I stop by after school today?"
"Sure. No problem. Is there something I can do for you until then?"
"No. That's OK. I'll explain everything when I get there. OK? Nothing to worry about. Just thinking of a few things."
"OK, Lloyd, I'll see you sometime after three then."
"OK, Papa J, see you then... and thanks."
Lloyd had a little over two and a half hours, and he spent it doing some serious thinking before his meeting with John Simpson.
He was better prepared when he walked into the outer office and saw Shelia, John's personal assistant.
"Hello. Can I help you?"
"Yes. I'm here to see John Simpson please."
"And who shall I tell him is here to see him?"
Lloyd smiled.
"Please tell him that Lloyd Patterson is here to see him."
"Please have a seat, and I'll let him know you're here."
She picked up her phone
"There's a young man here to see you, John. he says his name is Lloyd Patterson."
"Oh yes, Shelia. That's fine. Please tell him to come right in."
Shelia was a little surprised that John would be so willing to see someone so young, but she escorted Lloyd to the door and into John's office.
As Lloyd entered the office and crossed the room, John stood up and came forward to hug him. Shelia was surprised until John introduced Lloyd as his nephew. As she was leaving the office, Lloyd looked at John and smiled.
"Uncle John," he smiled with a twinkle in his eye, "I want to talk to you about some money issues."
"Sure Lloyd. What's on your mind?"
"Well, I know I need to do something with Wheeler's and my money, and after he and I have talked about it, you could invest some of it for us. But first, I need to talk to you about a problem."
Lloyd informed John all about the situation with Allen's family, and after hearing it all John responded.
"Interesting timing. I had just recently been thinking of hiring a new investment assistant, and, if I'm not mistaken, Allen's dad did fill out an application. Let me call Shelia and have her check on it."
As Shelia was pulling the file, Lloyd continued.
"If you can help me, I'd like to set up a few things."
"OK. What are you thinking of?"
"Well, first, Wheeler's birthday is soon. I want to buy him a jeep just like mine. He loves it, and I know he'd love one just like it."
"Of course, that's entirely up to you Lloyd. Why don't you go down to the dealership on your way home and have a look around?"
"I think I will. And I want to use only my share of the money for this... none of Wheeler's."
"As I think you know, I haven't done anything with Wheeler's or your money. I was going to talk with you very soon because we need to do something to make sure you both don't lose a lot of it in taxes."
"Can we start some college scholarship fund? And, if so, can Wheeler and I decide who gets it?"
"Now that's a really good idea. Let me get some facts together, and we can talk about it after dinner tonight."
Sheila returned with Allen's dad's file, and John looked it over.
"I remember this file. This is one I set aside for further review!
"Lloyd, I want to thank you for coming in. Now I need to do a few things. Can we talk later at home?"
"Sure, Papa J."
John simply smiled and walked Lloyd to the door of his office.
After Lloyd left, John sat down and recalled that he had intended to hire Allen's dad. The file had been on his desk the day Lloyd's parents were killed, and he had gotten the phone call. Somehow the file had been moved, and the issue had momentarily slipped his mind.
John was going to make sure that this time, however, it did not get lost again. He would call Ted Glade himself and invite him over. He knew and liked Ted and was seriously thinking of hiring him, but it had slipped his mind in all the confusion. So now he lifted the phone and called.
"Ted? Hi, this is John Simpson... Yes, it's good to talk with you again too. Sorry it's been so long, but things have been a bit hectic lately, and I'm just now catching up with stuff. I called to ask if you would be able to come by the house today after six? There's something I need some help with."
"Not a problem at all. I'd be more than happy to stop by."
"Good. I'll see you at six then."
.....
Lloyd stopped by the dealership but was somewhat put-off by the way the sleazy car salesman had treated him. He decided to wait before doing any serious looking until John could go with him.
When he got home, Wheeler was just getting home from his driver training class.
Allen's father, Ted, was already there as well.
As Wheeler and Lloyd were crossing the drive, John called from the kitchen.
"Hey guys! Can you come in for a minute?"
The boys walked into the kitchen, and John told them that he had just hired Ted Glade, and he wanted Ted to be in charge of the Patterson-Dalton account.
Unnoticed by Ted, the boys looked at each other and grinned.
Ted asked John what the account entailed.
"Well, there are these two gentlemen who have about ten million dollars to invest, as well as some property and shares in a few small companies, and they need to set everything up in an arrangement that would defer as much tax as possible."
Ted asked what Mr. Patterson and Mr. Dalton did for a living. John looked at the boys.
Wheeler said, "Well, we go to school and play some sports."
Ted looked first at the boys and then back at John.
"Ted, I'd like you to meet Mr. Patterson and Mr. Dalton."
"These two guys are Patterson and Dalton?"
The boys laughed.
"Yes," said Lloyd, "and since you'll be working for Papa John, I know we can keep this sort of private."
Wheeler added, "Yeah. We don't want everyone knowing our business."
When Ted said, "Ten million?" both boys laughed.
"Well," answered Lloyd, "really it's five million each."
Lloyd looked at John.
"Hey, did you mention an advance bonus?"
"No, I hadn't gotten to that part yet."
"Well," said Lloyd, "we want our money to be well-handled. Let's make it ten thousand dollars... just for starters."
Ted was shocked... to say the least.
Lloyd added, "We know we're going to be happy to have Ted making us money, and we're sure he'll be happy also with the commissions he'll be making. After all, if we make money, so does he."
Ted just laughed. "This could be real fun."
There was a knock on the back door, and Wheeler went to see who it was.
"Hey, Allen! Come on in."
Allen walked into the kitchen, and, when he saw his dad, said, "I thought that was your car, Pop. What're you doing here?"
"Just finalizing some details on my new job, Son."
Allen was confused to say the least.
Ted told Allen that he would be working for Simpson Investments, and he was just getting some background on what his job would entail. Allen was happy, and gave his dad a hug.
"Well, let's you and I go into the study, Ted, and we'll get that advance we were talking about."
Ted asked, "Are you sure about this?"
Lloyd waved them off.
"Yeah. You guys go talk business. We'll see you both later."
Then the three boys went up to the dormer and were sitting around when Ritchie, Glenn and Jason came in.
Allen was visibly happy. This new development was a major load off his shoulders.
"Hey," he said to Jason, "my dad got a job working for Mr. Simpson."
Jason looked at Lloyd and then back to Allen and smiled.
Ritchie said, "Well that explains what you had to do this afternoon."
Allen looked a little stunned. "What are you talking about?"
"Well," Ritchie went on, "Jason told us what was going on, and Lloyd thought he might be able to help."
Allen turned and looked at Jason.
"You told them? How could you do that?" and he shoved Jason away with both hands. "How could you betray me like that?" he was screaming at Jason.
"Allen. Wait," interrupted Wheeler.
By this time, Jason was crying hard, but Allen yelled at him again.
"Why would you do that to me? Why would you tell anyone what I told you? I thought we trusted each other. I thought I could trust you. Look what you've done. Did you have to make yourself better than me?"
Lloyd yelled at Allen.
"Hey, stop. This isn't pity. We're your friends. We care about you. We all noticed that you never buy lunch, and we forced Jason to tell us what was going on. Wheeler noticed when you left that you didn't go to the library like you said you had to. Did you think it wouldn't matter to any of us if you were having hard times?"
During all this, no one noticed Jason leaving.
He stumbled down the stairs. 'How could he have done this to Allen?' he asked himself. He loved Allen with everything he had. He thought he was trying to help him. He never meant to hurt him.
He walked down the driveway. Ted and John were standing by Ted's car and both stopped to look at Jason as he passed. John asked, "What's wrong with Jason?"
Jason was so wrapped up in his own thought that he never looked up.
He never saw the car coming down the road.
"Jason! Stop!" Ted and John both yelled.
The next sounds they heard were those of tires screeching and braking glass.
The sickening thump.
As John and Ted watched in horror, time seemed to slow down.
To them, Jason's body seemed to float up into the air... slowly tumbling over and over... and over...
In reality... it was tossed like a rag doll, and was sent flying towards the curb, smashing into the empty garbage containers that were there.
The boys had just realized that Jason had left when they heard Ted and John's shouts.
... and the awful sounds of steel impacting flesh and bone.
They came running down the drive... and stared in shocked disbelief.
Allen screamed and raced toward the place where Jason's tangled body had landed.
Ted grabbed his son and held him back.
Wheeler ran to the house to call 911.
John ran to Jason.
"Lloyd," John yelled, "go get Jerry... NOW."
Glenn freaked out and roared, "NOOO!" at the top of his voice, then just passed out, and Ritchie barely caught him before he could hit the ground.
Thanks for reading David has 26 and at least he knows what happens now if I can just get him out of the woods? Please email me and let me know what you think usock@aol.com