The Doctor Gets a Visitor IV
by: E Walk

(Copyright 2007 by the Author)
Editor Radio Rancher

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...


Chapter 10

Scholarship Day

The next morning when Granddad Morrison came downstairs, Beau was asleep with his head on the dining room table.  When he heard Mr. Morrison, he jumped up and went to get dressed to go jogging.  He came down with Dylan and Danny.

They went for a three mile jog and when they came back, Carole Anne and Mrs. Morrison were waiting for them.  They were told to get ready for the day, that breakfast would be in twenty five minutes.

As they were finishing breakfast, Beau handed the payroll listing to Dylan and said, “I made some changes in the salaries and made some additions and deletions.  You will notice that you are about to terminate several more employees.  Here is the speech you can use to introduce your new department heads and employees.  Some of these people don’t even know that they are even being promoted yet.”

Beau excused himself and said, "I need to make several phone calls."  Beau left and came back and was helping with the dishes when I called him back.  “Dad, thanks for checking with the other three.  Grandpa Robinson okayed my plans too, so the vote is 5-0 so far.  See you this afternoon.  Love you and give everyone a hug and a kiss for me … Yeah, Danny is being good.”

Danny dove for Beau but Beau deflected him.

Everyone was getting ready to leave when Dylan’s parents arrived.  Mrs. Morrison was sniveling, “Dylan you have to give your Dad a job otherwise we’ll have to file for bankruptcy.” 

Beau said, “The Company is going to need a parking lot attendant and we’ll be hiring some cooks and some security guards, if you would like to apply.”

“Oh shut up you snot.  We weren’t talking to you.” shouted Dylan’s mother.

Dylan very quietly said, “Mother, be quiet.  Beau happens to own 51% of the company.  He also just happens to be a genius.  He can read people like a book.  He also has the highest IQ of anyone in this room.  With an attitude like yours, we don’t want either one of you working for our Company.  It was nice seeing you.  Come on everyone, let’s go to work.”

They went to the Company and everyone went and signed in.  Beau and Howie stood greeting people at the door.  When Mrs. Howard arrived with their two youngest sons, Beau broke away and had the young guys eating out of his hand.  He started talking in Spanish.

Mrs. Howard said, “Mr. Benson, I can speak English.”

Beau continued to talk in Spanish, “Mrs. Howard, what I am going to talk to you about, I don’t want anyone else to know, yet.”  He then went on to tell her that he would like to offer her a job in the day care services as the day to day operations director.  The manager who would be announced later would take care of the paperwork and finances.

Just then the McCann’s arrived.  Beau went to them and said, “Hi, I am Beau Benson.  I need to talk to Mrs. McCann and these handsome young boys while their Daddy helps get everyone signed in.”

Beau took the boys and introduced them to the Howard boys and the guys were eating their snacks that Beau had given them.  Beau explained to Marcie McCann what he had in mind.  The two ladies visited and agreed they would like to do the day care thing as long as they had some say in the facilities and the hiring of the other people.  Beau assured them that would be easy to handle.

Lance came in and Beau cornered him.  “Dude, how did you sleep?  Did you have wet dreams about Wayne or are you too proud for that.  You know you really like the guy, so why not give him a little slack, because I think he really likes you, but he is also afraid to show it, since he’s already been burned badly once.”

Before Lance could say anything, Wayne came in with Aunt Mim and two young boys.  When the guys saw Lance they ran to him and jumped into his arms.  Vinnie said, “Uncle Lance, we miss you.  When are you coming back to live with us.  Daddy misses you too.  We hear him crying at night asking why you left?”

Beau decided to diffuse the situation and said, come on Mr. Vinnie and Mr. Lanny; I have some other men I want you to meet.  He introduced them to the Howard and McCann boys.  “Danny here is going to take you to the CEO’s office, and make you some popcorn and you can watch a video.  He won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Everyone started going to the auditorium and the television people and the press arrived.  At 9:00 Dylan went to the podium and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for coming.  My advisor handed me a speech for what I was to say, but I can’t read it since it is in Russian, so I’ll just turn the meeting over to Mr. Beau Benson.”

Beau got a funny look on his face but went right to the podium and said, “Boy CEO, this isn’t Russian its ancient Gaelic.  Thank you Boy CEO.  I’m going to share the good new first, then I’ll throw in some bad news and end with some really exciting news.”

Beau introduced all of the new department heads and when he got to the Security Department he said, “This is the first time that anyone has heard this, but Mr. Fort’s employment here has been terminated, and Mr. Joey McCann will be the Director of Security and his assistant will be Mr. Wayne Kepler.”

Both Joey and Wayne fell back in their chairs.  Beau said, “Now for the bad news.  Some of you will be having your pay decreased, others will be receiving increases.  Everyone in this company will be signing new contracts with the new rates.  If you do not sign them, then your employment will be terminated.  The forms will be completed by Friday in the Human resources Division.  Are there any questions?”

A man stood and said, “You can’t do this.  Some of us have worked here forever, and you can’t take anything away from us.”

“Oh, but Mr. Lassiter, the contracts that you all signed when you were first employed have a clause that says.  If the company changes management, or ownership this contract will no longer be valid.  Well, this company has a new CEO and President, and since I now own 51% percent of the company, we can do anything we need to do to get this company back on its feet.  Are there any further questions?”

Beau looked around and said, “Now for the exciting news that not even the Boy CEO or the President know.  We will be having a well child care day care facility.  The only requirement is that the children must be potty trained.  The hours will be from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  The cost will be minimal.  It will be a self sustaining operation and will not be expected to show a profit.  As soon as the facilities have been completed and certified, the center will be fully manned, and since we now have a nurse on the staff that makes the going much easier.”

Beau looked at the audience and said, “Okay, it's time for the most exciting news of the day.  I would like these people to come up to the stage.  There are seven chairs on the platform.  I’m going to introduce these people in the order I met them, and I would like them to come and take a seat.”

Beau looked out and pointed to Howie.  “Mr. Howie Howard, the ex-tire slashing parking lot attendant, who is the new Public Relations Director.  Next we have Laura Jenson, who is the assistant to Mrs. Nan Chandler.  The third chair belongs to Mr. Joey McCann, our new Director of Security.  Sitting in the fourth chair will be Mr. Lance Elliot, our new Quality Assurance Technician.  Chair five belongs to Mr. Clark Howard.  Mr. Wayne Kepler the sixth chair is yours, and finally, a lovely lady I met for the first time this morning gets chair number seven, Mrs. Marcie McCann.”

Beau applauded the seven people and said, “No one else in this room knows what I’m going to say.  The Executive Board has voted 5-0 to offer these seven people scholarships to attend the certified college or trade school of their choice.”

“There are some stipulations.  They must maintain a B average or better in all classes, and they must take at least six credits each term.  The Comptroller will pay the tuition costs directly to the school, and the recipients will be reimbursed for their books if they submit the proper paperwork.  Since they are all employed here, they will need to work at least a year after they graduate except in extenuating circumstances such as pregnancies or whatever.  Oh, they may take more than six credits, but I think they should start slowly and see how it goes.”

Danny came back in with the six young boys and Beau said, “Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for coming, but I see six handsome men that I need to talk to.”

Beau went to the guys and said, “Men, thanks for coming.  I have to leave now.”  He kissed each of them and whispered something in their ear.  Beau went to Howie and Clark and said, “I have $1000.00 here.  I want you to spend $200.00 on each of your five brothers and sisters who weren’t with us last night.  Just make sure they don’t use it frivolously.”

Beau went to Wayne and Lance and said, “I wish you two creeps could get your heads screwed on straight.  Don’t you realize that you two guys have feelings for each other?  It’s obvious that Wayne’s two sons love both of you.  Just go slow and keep whatever happens in your bedroom there.  The most important thing right now is the two little guys.”

“Amen.” said Aunt Mim who had been standing there listening.  “So when are you moving back in, Lance?  Maybe you two can work out a schedule so I wouldn’t have to baby sit any more.  Heck, we’ll even build you a separate apartment if you want, but it would be more fun if we could be one big happy family.”

Both guys started to laugh.  “A spoiled 13 year old brat and a bossy mother in law boss have just turned my life upside down.”  Lance laughed.

“Gees, you sure are handsome when you laugh.  Your blue eyes almost dance.”  Beau said, as he hugged Lance.

Beau hugged Wayne and whispered, “You and Blue Eyes are sure going to make some beautiful new babies.”

Wayne started to laugh and said, “My ex wife insisted that I get a vasectomy after she found she was pregnant with Lanny so I can’t be the father.”

Yeah but Lance ain’t had no vasectomies.”  Beau said.

“Do you suppose I can get a maternity leave or whatever?”  Wayne asked.

Beau hugged the three of them.  Everyone wanted to say goodbye to the people leaving for Fremont.  Dylan finally said, “We really need to go or I’ll get kicked out of college and then I’ll be fired.”

As Dylan, Carole Anne, Danny and Beau were walking to the van, they were accompanied by Clark.  When they got to the van, Clark got tears in his eyes and said, “I just want to thank you personally for everything that you have done for me and my family.  I feel good about who I am, for the first time in a long time.” He grinned.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”  Clark hugged and kissed Dylan, Carole Anne and Danny.  When he got to Beau, he kissed him on the lips and said, “Thank you for believing in me, Beau. I promise, I’ll make you proud.”

Beau pulled back from Clark and said, “Superboy, now I know that I made a right decision with you.  I’m betting you’ll be bossing everyone around one of these days.”

Beau caught Clark by surprise.  He grabbed his face and gave him a Chipper kiss and said, “Too bad I ain’t gay, or I might jump your bones right here.  I suggest you get back to work before Aunt Etta fires your bottom.  He kissed Clark again and crawled into the van.

Dylan pulled out of the parking lot and Beau announced, “I’m going to take a nap.”  He slept the entire trip to Fremont.  When they pulled up a Gigi’s house, he sprang to life.

Dylan said, “We’ll drop your suitcases by Doctor Dad’s house this evening.  Danny and Beau went into the house, and the guys were just finishing lunch.

They got up and hugged Beau and Danny.  Ranger came over and wanted to be patted.   Beau thanked Mrs. Edmond and Aunt Cora for substituting for him.  They left and the young guys went into the rest mode.

The three 13 year olds were working with Dr. Jeanne Potts.  They were just about ready to quit for the day when Jeanne announced that she was going to fire herself because she felt all three of the guys would do outstanding in high school.  “Danny might have to apply himself a little harder if he wants to keep up with you two.”

Danny said, “Dr. Jeanne, there is no way any of us are going to ever catch up with Beau.  His mind moves faster than the speed of light and he can figure out a person in thirty seconds and boy don’t ever cross him.”

Beau took Danny down and said, “Fat boy, you talk too much, but I still love you.  Aunt Jeanne, thank you for working so hard with us.  You have been a wonderful mentor.  I just wish you could get Dr. Bill straightened out.”

Jeanne had tears in her eyes as did the guys.  Beau had to leave to keep it together and went to fix snacks for the guys.  Ranger went with him and Beau leaned down and hugged Ranger and said, “You can have a snack when the guys have theirs.”

The guys started coming in and Toby asked, “What's for snack time.  I see that Beau is back, so I guess it’s going to be healthy again today.”

Beau handed everyone a dish of rice pudding with raisin and cinnamon sprinkled on top.  Everyone started to eat and Toby started to complain.  “I’m not eating rice for a snack.”

Davey stood up and said, “If you don’t want any, then I’ll eat yours or better yet you can wear it on your face.”

Beau went to Davey and whispered something in Davey’s ear.  Davey said, “I apologize Toby, but I am tired of you always complaining if the snack isn’t something you like.  The rest of us have rights too, and I think the pudding is great.”

Everyone clapped and Toby got the idea, but Jason wasn’t done.  “If you don’t like what we do here then maybe you should stop coming.”

Beau said, “Jason, stop it.  Toby just likes to be the center of attention.  He complains so that someone will pay attention to him.”

Bobby said, “So... the rest of us need attention too and we aren’t always complaining.”

Spence said, “That’s enough people, finish eating and stop talking.  We fifth graders have a lot of work to do.”

Everyone finished their snacks and did the dishes.  Danny and Denny were helping with the homework where needed.  Beau called Mrs. T. and said, “Grams, I need your help.  I think that Lance Elliot was wrongfully booked.  I think that there's something being covered up there.  Could you have Mr. Everett check out the situation?  I would hate to see a neat person like Lance ruined because someone was protecting himself.  Thanks for setting up the meeting tonight.  Love you.”

Beau started fixing dinner for the Baxter’s and Knights when Spencer said, “Beau, I can do that.”

Beau said, “Spence, please let me do it.  My mind is working on a project.  If everyone’s homework is done, get the guys and go to the park.  It’s a beautiful day, so go out and enjoy it.”  Everyone disappeared and Gigi came in to talk to Beau.   They visited about what had happened.  They were still talking when the guys returned.  The parents started to come to pick up the guys.  I was the last to arrive.

When we got home Jeff had already fixed dinner so we were just waiting for Tommy.  During dinner Beau asked, “Dad, any word from the two possible Doctors for your office yet?”

“As a matter of fact Beau, they called today and asked if they could come in this weekend.  I told them they were welcomed and they are going to come in Thursday about 4:00.  I told them they could stay here in the guest bedroom.  Mr. West called and said he would have his revised plans available for Thursday.  That would be perfect so the candidates could review them too.” I answered.

Beau said, “We’ll have a dinner party.  We’ll invite Uncle Barry, Aunt Robbie and Aunt Gwen, Grams, my other Dad and Granddad.  I’ll come home early and fix dinner since Jeff has lessons that day.  I’ll take care of everything while Denny and Danny take care of the babysitting club.”

Beau turned to Jeff and asked, “Jeff, what’s happening with you?”

Jeff said, “I have a search committee meeting tonight and I have received permission to put on a show at the college, featuring the young people from the homes and my classes.  It will be really special if we can get most of our regular performers together for the show.  We’ll talk more about this later.  I just found out today and haven’t even made a plan yet.”

Beau turned to Tommy and said, “Okay Tommy, what do you have to report?”

“Our first game is Monday and the coach is really pushing us.  I wish Uncle Lyle was here to calm him down.”  Tommy said.

Beau said, “Tommy, I’ll take care of the coach’s jitters tomorrow.”

Jason looked at Beau and said, “So what have you been doing these past two days?”

Beau shrugged his shoulders and said, “Nothing.”

Danny started to laugh, “Beau, your nose is going to need a hydraulic lift like Mr. Dailey’s.  He only reorganized an entire company and got paid for what he did.”  Danny pulled out an envelope and said, Grandpa M. asked me to give this to you tonight.”

Beau opened the envelope and there was a check for all the clothes, dinner and tip and even the $1000.00 for the Howard children, plus a $5000.00 consultation fee.  Beau started to slump in his chair and began to sob.  “Why am I not permitted to do anything just because I want to?”  Beau handed me the envelope and said, “Dad, please put this in the safe.  Come on guys, let’s get the dishes done.”

They were doing the dishes and the phone rang.  Jeff answered. “Just a moment please.”  He handed the phone to Beau.

“This is Beau … Oh hi … You want me to sit when? … Just a minute.”  Beau turned to me and said, “This family wants me to sit from 4:00P. M. on Friday until 4:00P. M. on Sunday.  Is that okay?”

I nodded and Beau said, “I will be glad to stay with the boys with the stipulation that I can take the guys to church with me on Sunday. … Can someone pick me up at the Baxter house?  … I’ll see you then.”

I started to say something but the phone rang again.  This time it was for Tommy.  Tommy took the phone and after talking, turned to Danny and handed it to him and said, “Why don’t you talk to this man.  I already have a job for Friday and Saturday.”

Danny came back and said, “I have a sitting job from six on Friday until noon on Sunday is that okay?”

I shook my head and Beau asked, “So who will you be sitting for?”

“I will be taking care of one seven year old boy.” Danny answered.

Beau laid his head on the counter and said, “How come I got five boys and you only got one?”

Beau looked at the clock and asked, “Dad, could you take me to the Antique Shop please?”

We went to the Antique Shop and everyone was congregating.  Mr. Lincoln and Billy arrived with Mr. Hendrix, Mr. Edmond and Tyler and Kevin.  The Coopers and the Weavers and Denny were already there.

Beau explained, “We want to connect this store with one next door with a passage way.  We would like the ceilings lowered with recessed lighting.  Both spaces need to be painted and made to look inviting.  That is just the start and we want it to happen as soon as possible, with a minimum of time that the shop has to be closed.  Are there any questions?” Beau asked.

Everyone started to look around and Mr. Lincoln came back and said, “The first thing we need to do is update the electrical system in these two buildings.  They are a walking fire hazard.  I’m surprised that you can even get adequate insurance coverage.”

Beau looked at the Coopers and the Weavers and Mr. Cooper said, “Mr. Lincoln, do what you need to do to bring everything to the current codes.”

Mr. Edmond came in and said, “We can make an opening right over there but I suggest that you put a fire door there so that a fire could be contained if one should happen.  The door could be closed during the hours when the facility was closed.”

Tyler and Mr. Hendrix came back and said, “We would like to use our regular people to lower the ceilings after the wiring and lighting is done.  Everyone would probably prefer to work one building at a time.  We could finish the empty building then move everything out of this building while we do our work here.”

Mr. Weaver said, “We’ll let Beau coordinate the activity with your representatives and I assume that will be Tyler and Billy.  It would probably be better if we just stayed out of their way and things will get done faster.”

Beau was starting to shake and I went and held him.  He looked at me said, “Dad, I can’t do much more.  Everyone wants me to solve their problems.”

I leaned down and whispered, “Son, it’s because you are you and people know that they can trust you to do the best you can and it will be done correctly.”

After Beau told everyone what he had in mind, everyone left.  When we got back to the house Beau said, “I’m going to bed.  I’m not talking to anyone else today.”

We walked in the house and Mrs. T., Ben and Josh were sitting there with Danny.  Beau walked past them and said, “Goodnight, I’ll see you all later.”

To be continued...

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:

Wow another very interesting chapter.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 11/02/07