Hobby Shop
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Chapter 9
"I'm not saying I'm getting old, but I'm tired," Erik complained to his twin.
"Me, too. We've been stuck with the same high pressure positions far too long.
I'm damn well going to promote Daniels to CEO and let him take over. He's done a
fine job as COO and I know he's trained at least two men capable of taking his
place. He's been hoping to take my place for some time now."
"Some of the others in the practice have been hinting they'd like to buy me out.
Yes," Erik nodded pensively, "I think it's time to let them have it. I'll pass
the word Friday because I know they will all be in the office."
Derik got up and hugged his brother. "We're not abandoning our kids, though."
"Not a chance. This way we can devote quality time to them instead of just
whenever we can find a few moments to spare."
"What makes you think teen-age kids will want to spend time with a couple of old
farts like us?"
"Who're you calling an old fart?" Erik playfully punched his brother's arm.
"Damn, we're just in our mid-fifties; that's not old. Yeah, I wish we'd taken
more time with them when we were younger, but now maybe we can find some
different things for them to enjoy. One of my colleagues mentioned that there's
a new horse farm not far out of town that offers horseback riding. I think some
of the kids might enjoy that. Too, we might ask the guys if they'll let us play
soccer with them when it's just a fun game."
Derik patted Erik's stomach. "Yeah, give you a chance to work off some of this
gut you've put on."
"Look at your own, smart ass." Erik retorted, then continued. "And some of the
guys still enjoy model railroading. We could always help them improve their
layout. Look at Mark, his interest has grown if anything."
Derik nodded. "He's kept the Friday night group going strong, even added some
new members. I sometimes wonder if he's one of our house parents or if he's
secretly employed by the model railroad club, he's taken the modules and members
to so many shows. Not that I object, of course, because it keeps him happy."
"It was a good move to let him hire an assistant to cover for him when he's
out." Erik smiled then changed the subject. "Have you forgotten that Don is
about ready to retire?" He said as Derik got up to fix their evening Campari and
soda with a twist of lime.
"No. In fact, I've been giving serious thought as to who would be a suitable
replacement for him."
"Thanks," Erik said as Derik handed him a drink. "Have you talked with Bobby
recently?"
"No. How's he doing?"
"He's not very happy at the moment. It appears that two of his partners are
resorting to underhanded methods and innuendo to damage his personal practice so
they can drive him out and take over the entire operation."
"But why? Bobby's credentials are excellent and I know he's been more than fair
to everyone associated with him."
"Thank God, I've never had his problems. It's because he insists on a
conservative approach to problem analysis with his patients and doesn't
experiment with some of the more radical approaches to psychoanalysis."
"If he wants to give up his active practice, he'd be perfect to take Don's place
as head of the Home. Think he'd be interested."
"I'm almost certain he'd grab any offer we made him at this point."
Derik grinned. "I helped him set up his practice, remember? The way I structured
it, there's no way his partners can screw him out of the full value of his part.
I made it so iron clad there's not a shyster in town that can break it. Hell,
yes, let's make him an offer tomorrow."
"Hallelujah!" Bobby yelled in delight the next afternoon. A moment later he was
hugging the brothers. "You wonderful men saved my ass when I was a kid, now
you've saved me again, at least my sanity. Now I can leave this sham of a
practice to those quacks who want to indulge in psychobabble and do something
I've wanted to do for a long time. Gentlemen, I just hope I can give those kids
as much love as you two gave me, and be as understanding and forgiving as you
were to me when I took your dad's locomotive."
"If we had any doubts about your ability to do those things with compassion, we
wouldn't be here. Welcome to the Harmon family, Bobby."
He shook his head. "No, I've been 'family' and you have been my dads ever since
you straightened my ass out and got me on the right track. It'll be so good to
be working with you again and Mark, too."
"Erik and I want you to come to our home for dinner Friday night. We'll ask Mark
also. It'll be a surprise for him. Come at six and we'll tell Mark to come at
seven after he's seen to the boys' dinners."
As their after dinner coffee and liqueurs were served, Erik fixed Bobby with a
serious look. "Are you ready to commit?"
"I am," Bobby looked at the Harmon brothers "but may I have a few moments in
private with Mark?"
"Of course. Mark knows where our study is, go in there."
"Wonder what that's all about?" Erik asks idly.
"No idea, but it has to be serious. I hope it's nothing that will keep Bobby
from taking our offer."
The words were hardly out of Derik's mouth when they heard Mark and Bobby
returning.
"I apologize, but I needed to clear something with Mark and now with both of you
before I can accept your offer with a clear conscience." He paused, looking at
the twins. "I don't quite know how to say this, but I guess direct is best. Mark
and I are gay and lovers."
"So?" Derik asked. 'I thought this was coming,' he said to Erik mentaly.
Amazement spread over Bobby's face. "You mean," he looked from one to the other,
"you don't care if your counselors are gay?"
"Precisely," Erik responded. "Derik and I have had our suspicions from the time
you first came to our home. But you never gave us the least worry other than the
incident with the train, so there was no reason to mention it. I would never
have noticed were I not trained in observation."
"Yes," Derik added. "As long as you both remain as discreet as you have in the
past, and save your overt affections for each other for private time, not around
the boys, we have no problem. Indeed, we wish you much happiness together."
"We have that," Mark added quickly, "though it's has been difficult to find
times when we could be away together." He grinned at the brothers. "Bobby
usually goes along with me on most of the trips to train shows. He helps us set
up and then we have our nights together."
"So long as neither of you acts in a sexual way towards our boys, I see no
treason why you need to leave town to express your love. Just keep it private."
Bobby stood. "Then I am honoured to accept your offer to be head of The Steve
Harmon Residence for Exceptional Students, sirs."
"A toast, then!" Erik exclaimed, rising to open a bottle of champagne.
"Oh, my God!" Mark suddenly exclaimed.
"What?" Bobby quickly asked.
"You ... you're my boss now."
Bobby gave him an evil grin, rubbing his hands together. "After all this time I
get my revenge." He pulled Mark into a hug and kissed him. "Boss? I don't think
so. Partner is more like it. I want every house parent to work with me, not for
me. We're here for the boys."
"Bravo!" Derik cried. "Precisely what we want in a leader. You'll do well,
Bobby. I'm sorry for the problems you've had with your practice, but I'm
grateful that they pushed you to us."
Bobby's announcement to his professional partners on Friday brought several
happy expressions and two very despondent looks to those gathered. Turning to go
back into his office, Bobby beckoned to the two forlorn young doctors to follow
him.
Once they were seated in Bobby's office with the door closed, Bobby looked at
them with sympathy. "Is my leaving affecting you this much?"
One of them nodded. "We're too junior to complain, sir, but without your
steadying hand, this place is going to go down fast. We both know our days are
numbered because we don't buy the experimental methods with drugs the others are
eager to use. To be blunt, the others wants us out, too, because you've been our
mentor."
"Yeah. Maybe you don't know it, sir, but you're the only real psychiatrist in
this place." He looked down at the floor. "I don't know where Bill and I will go
now. What with paying off our school loans, we don't have enough saved to set up
our own practice, but if we did, we'd treat kids with problems whether they
could afford to pay or not."
There was a knock on the door. Bobby got up, unlocked it, and opened it to see
his secretary holding out two lage heavy evelopes. "I'm sorry to interrupt
Doctor Browning, but I was told to give these to Doctor Whiting and Doctor
Bradford."
"I'll take them, Carol. Thank you." Bobby shut the door, locking it once more.
"Well, gentlemen, it appears you were prescient, if these envelopes contain what
I think they do." He passed one to each of the men.
"Go ahead and open them if you wish. I'd like to know if my suspicions were well
founded."
Each envelope contained a severance cheque, all related employment papers, their
licenses, and financial records for tax purposes. The two young doctors looked
stunned while Bobby nodded. "Quite as I expected. Well, gentlemen, I expect you
will find a few boxes in your offices for your personal belongings. Shall we
each pack up our things, call maintenance to have them moved to the service dock
and adjourn to a good restaurant for lunch. My treat, of course."
When the young doctors started to protest, Bobby waved them aside. "I insist. In
fact, I wish to discuss a business proposal with you."
Just over an hour later, Bobby and his two companions were seated in a nice
restaurant having coffee while they waited for their meals. "You mentioned that
you have a proposition for us, Doctor?" Bradford said.
Bobby nodded. "While we're waiting, I'll ask you a few questions. How do you
feel about treating boys in and under their teens? I mean medically as well as
psychologically."
Bradford looked at Whiting then back to Bobby. "Absolutley no objection on my
part, and I think I speak for Walter as well; we have dreamed of a practice
devoted to chiildren. It will never happen though," Bradford said sorrowfully.
"May I ask why?"
Whiting reached for Bradford's hand and grasped it. "This may kill our chances
with you, Doctor, but Bill and I have been lovers since we roomed together in
college. If it were known that we're gay, no one would let us near a child. It
doesn't matter that neither of us is attracted to young people in a sexual way."
They were shocked to see Bobby break into a broad smile. "Gentlemen, I believe
you have just passed my test with flying colours. Have you ever heard of the
Harmon Residence?"
Whiting nodded. "Of course I've heard of it, but I don't know anything about it.
They seem to play it close to the chest."
"I may have heard it mentioned, but that's all. Why?" Bradford replied.
"Because, gentlemen, I will be requesting that the Harmon Residence Foundation
fund the practice you will be setting up. The only stipulation will be that you
will treat any boy from the Home, or any child who needs help but can't afford
it. For those children not resident in the Home, you will be reimbursed.
Otherwise, you will practice medicine and psychology just as you always have. I
will help you find a suitable location for your offices and trained assistants
and secretaries." Bobby couldn't help but chuckle at their looks of
astonishment. "One other thing, Doctors. If you wish to spend some quality time
with our youngsters, both I and my fathers will be most appreciative."
"Did ... did you say fathers, plural?"
"Yes. My adoptive fathers are Erik and Derik Harmon. They created the Home. And,
yes, I am one of their 'early' boys. I was a delinquent and even stole something
precious to them, but instead of kicking me out, Erik, who is a psychiatrist
himself, worked with me, gave me a chance, and that's why I'm a respected
physician today instead of being in prison or dead. Before you ask, I and
several of the personnel at the Home are gay. The only restriction is no sexual
displays before the boys, or attempts to touch one in a sexual way. That doesn't
mean that if a boy needs a comforting hug or cuddle, you shouldn't give it to
him. Just use good common sense."
They were silent as their waiter began to set their lunch platters before them.
Once he retreated, Bradford shook his head slightly. "I'd never have believed
it. A man of your stature almost being a delinquent. It's too much."
"No, it's not. The whole purpose of the Harmon Residence is to give gay and
handicapped kids a chance at a good education and a decent life. I hope you will
be joining us. You won't believe the rewarding feeling of helping a kid in
need."
Lunch concluded, they took leave. Bobby had the last word. "Gentlemen, when we
meet again, I would like a detailed list of your hobbies and activities that you
enjoy in addition to your resumes and the paperwork necessary to your
employment."
That evening, after dinner with Derik and Erik, Bobby told them of his actions.
"I know you didn't expect me to begin hiring even before I began work here, but
the opportunity came unexpectedly." He related what had happened during the
meeting with his associates that day. "So," he concluded, "knowing our need for
a few more staff members, I wasn't about to let two highly qualified men slip
through my fingers. I did promise that they could function on a part time basis
and have private patients as well." He blushed. "I know I stuck my neck way out
by promising that the Harmon foundation would supply the necessary financial
backing for them to set up their practice, but I believe they will than pay for
it by being available to our boys. They're gay, but know the limits you have set
for the Residence."
'Make him sweat a little?' Erik asked Derik mentally.
'Why not.'
"Bobby, Derik and I expected you to hit the ground running, so to speak, but
don't you think that hiring additional personnel and promising financial backing
for a private enterprise even before you have officially taken over is just a
bit much?"
Bobby sat up straight, then fixed the twins with a steady gaze. "Gentlemen, I
expect you to correct me when I exceed my authority, however I have not yet made
any firm commitments. I will have their credentials for your review by Monday
afternoon. If I am indeed made the head of the Harmon Residence, I expect to
have your support and a wide range of authority. I will always welcome your
thoughts, ideas, and corrections."
"Oh, Bobby, Bobby, we're just having a bit of fun at your expense," Derik said.
"We know your first priority is always the good of the Home. Some part-time
staff is definitely needed, and it appears that you have chosen well."
"You definitely have our backing. No way will Derik and I try to dictate to you
and interfere with your leadership. We trust you and love you, guy."
Bobby visibly relaxed. "Thank you. You guys did have me going for a minute
there."
"We know you want to make rounds of the houses, so please don't linger on our
account," Derik told him.
"I'll see you late Monday afternoon then, and we can review the resumes of the
two men you're mad at me for hiring," Bobby said as he was leaving.
Having been directed by Derik, Bobby showed the young doctors a suite of offices
in one of the most prestigious office buildings in the city. "Think this will be
satisfactory for your offices and practice, Doctors?"
"No way we can afford accommodations this plush, Bobby. I mean it's not like we
wouldn't peddle our grandmothers on the street to be able to set up here, but
we'll never be successful enough to pay the rent this place demands."
Bobby threw several catalogues down on a large carton left behind. "Take a look
through these at your leisure. If you don't care for anything I have marked, let
me know immediately. I believe I included everything you could need in your
practice." He tossed a set of keys to each of them. "The Harmon Foundation
welcomes you to your new offices, Doctors. You can discuss all of this with
Doctor Erik and Doctor Derik and me over dinner tomorrow night. Drinks at six
and dinner at seven. You know the address, of course."
Bobby walked out, leaving two visibly stunned men behind him.
Monday evening, the two new associates were soon at ease and chatting with the
Harmon brothers. "Bradford, I noticed on your resume that you enjoy riding,"
Derik said.
"I used to, but I've not had the time since I began my practice. Riding is one
of the most relaxing things I know."
"How would you feel about teaching some of our youngsters who are interested?"
"It would be a real pleasure, sir. Buddy won't ride with me."
Derik raised an eyebrow and looked at Whiting.
"Absolutely not, sir. When I have that much speed under me, I prefer four wheels
and a brake that I can control, not something that has a mind of its own. I love
Brad, but I have my limits. Swimming, on the other hand, is my first love."
"Wonderful!" Derik exclaimed. "We had a large pool installed just off the quad
several years ago, but proper instruction for the boys has been rather hit or
miss. I assume you wouldn't object to holding a few classes of instruction?"
"My pleasure."
"Then, gentlemen, would it be too much to ask that you give one weekend day each
week to our boys who wish to take advantage of your avocations?"
"Doctor Harmon, nothing could please us more, especially considering what you're
doing for us."
"Thank you. Bobby desperately needs the help. He will arrange things with the
riding academy, Bradford, and let you know. I expect no more than four of the
boys will participate, which means you can drive the SUV instead of the bigger
van. Swimming, on the other hand is very popular, so I trust Bobby will find a
qualified instructor, perhaps a college student, to work with you on weekends,
Whiting."
Within a month, the boys at the Harmon Residence had become highly motivated,
moved about with purpose, and radiated happiness. To his surprise, Brad had six
dedicated riders who now went to the stables at least twice a week and more
often on holidays.
"I thought Browning was nuts when he said helping kids would give me a feeling
like I never had before. It ain't the horses that wear my ass out, it's the
kids," Brad complained to Whiting as they prepared for bed one evening, "but
I've never been happier. God! I'm so glad the Harmons hired us. They're great,
too."
"You know it. I've got fifteen in swimming, have to run two separate groups to
give them all a chance at practice. Browning hired two college guys who are
qualified and they do all the teaching on weekends." He smiled. "I just have to
watch them when the pool's open during the week. I get to swim, too."
"Has Mark invited you to go with him and the six boys after dinner some nights?"
"He has, but I haven't taken him up on it. You know what they do?"
"There's a room in the basement of the house he covers. I couldn't believe the
train layout those guys have built. Mark said Bobby built it for him when he was
just a kid and living here as one of the boys. Now his boys are rebuilding a lot
of it, and refurbishing the rest. I guess the Harmon's are funding it, 'cause I
know some of the things they have cost a pretty penny."
"I was wondering, because I've seen the Harmons going in Mark's house rather
frequently. Bobby shrugged when I asked him and said something about them being
great with animation."
"You've gotta see it, because you won't believe it. Those kids are proud as
punch and they make sure their grades stay high, too, because if they keep their
grades up, they get to go to train shows and all that. If it's somewhere the
North Carolina Railroad goes, they get to ride a real train. Mark told me the
kids always behave perfectly. He's really proud of them."
"Good. God knows, it's probably the first time some of them have ever had anyone
be proud of them. Maybe that's why we've seen so few professionally since we've
had the practice."
After dinner one evening, Derik and Erik called an assembly of all the boys and
staff. His face beamed when he began his announcement. "I know none of you boys
or new staff will remember Tom Morrisy who was the second boy to come to the
home my brother and started. He has created a superior reputation for himself in
music and stays busy performing all over the world. I'm delighted to say that
he's returning here for a brief visit and has offered to give a concert
especially for you guys." Derik nodded. "Yes, I expect some of his program will
be classical, but I know Tom well enough to think that he will have some music
that you will enjoy a lot. If you wish to attend, please give your name to your
house parent by tomorrow night. The program will be held in the music room of
the museum."
The Harmons were disappointed in the lack of response. Less than half of the
twenty-five boys in residence indicated they would attend.
The evening of the concert, Derik and Erik enjoyed hearing of Tom's artistic
adventures over a dinner perfectly served by Brat. For the concert, Tom appeared
in nice casual slacks and open neck shirt, instead of his usual tux.
His playing of a piano reduction of Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals brought
laughter from the boys when he comically prefaced each movement with the Ogden
Nash poem. When he swung into a lively performance of Scott Joplin's Rags, the
boys began to sway and snap their fingers in time to the music. Erik noticed a
few more boys beginning to trickle quietly into the room.
For a finale, Tom moved to the huge organ console and had the boys laughing at
the jazzy Lefebre-Wely Sortie. When there were yells of 'more, more,' Tom
dazzled them with the Perpetuum Mobile for Pedal by Middleshulte. Even looking
at his hands clutching the organ bench until the last three or four measures, No
one could believe he played four notes at once with just his feet.
Bobby had to remind the boys to let their guest be first in line for
refreshments after the program, but as soon as Tom had gone through the line,
the goodies vanished at a rate that left the table bare by the time the last boy
had passed.
"I had forgotten how much fun that old organ is to play," Tom told the twins.
"And I always loved that Bosendorfer. It's still the finest piano I've ever
played, though I did come across its equal in a hotel I stayed in, in Lucerne."
"It's so good to have you home, Tom. I just wish you could stay longer. I think
you would enjoy seeing all the improvements and trying to keep up with the
boys."
"I wish I could, too, but I'm on a tight schedule. I promise to take more breaks
between bookings and to spend them here." He hugged Erik. "You brought me here
and made this my home. Truely, this is my home and I love you guys."
With the opening of the Academy where all of the boys were enrolled, their lives
settled back into a routine. Seeing the success of the swimming program under
Whiting's direction, Derik had a heated inflatable enclosure erected over the
pool so that its use could continue all winter.
It was Ronson, the curator, who brought Derik and Erik into recognition of the
present when he requested that the boys and staff all enjoy Thanksgiving dinner
in the dining room of the museum, rather than dining separately in the houses.
"Of course, Ronson, that's a great idea now that we have too many boys to seat
them together for a meal. Thank you also for reminding us of the date; time
certainly flies around here. May I assume Bratton has help?"
"Quite, sir. I believe you will find everything most satisfactory. The young men
will also, if I may be so bold."
"Excellent. You will be our guest of honour, for you mean so much to us all."
"You're most kind, sir. The grower has contacted me about our trees. The one for
the entry is only about fourteen feet this year. May I assume you wish your
personal tree as usual?"
Erik smiled. "Yes, we would like our tree, and trees for each of the houses
also. I know the curator will have a coronary, but let's plan on having our
Christmas dinner in the dining room just as you've planned for Turkey Day."
"Turkey Day, sir?"
"Sorry, Ronson. It's a term the boys use for Thanksgiving because turkey is
traditional. Now you see what a bad influence they are on me." Erik said with a
smile.
"However, you and your brother have a most salutary effect on the young men.
They are unfailingly courteous in my presence, and Bratton speaks highly of them
when they come into the kitchen for their snacks."
Ronson strode towards his office. Erik looked at the departing figure and shook
his head. "I'm amazed that he refuses to retire. He's old enough."
"Not really," Derik replied. "I know his assistant does most of the work, but
letting Ronson keep his office and giving him little things to do makes him feel
that he's needed. We have been blessed to have him with us, especially since
Roberts passed on."
"For sure it's time for us to get our heads together about Christmas for the
boys. I'll tell the staff to keep their ears open for the boys' wants."
"I know the guys have Christmas in their homes, but what would you think of
putting their big gifts around the big tree in the house and meeting there
before dinner?" Derik asked. "I'll bet some of them have never even seen the
place at Christmas."
"Great idea. But how can you personalize it in a museum?"
"Remember how Daddy Mike told us about the personalized ornaments he had? Why
don't we do the same and let the guys each hang theirs on the big tree after
it's put up?"
Derik was grabbed in a hug. "Fantastic. That way the guys will feel like it
belongs to them."
Taking the boys, five each day after school, to the shop Derik had remembered
Mike taking them to for their ornaments, by the end of the week each boy proudly
possessed his own personal ornament with his name and the date added to the
decoration.
The big surprise came to Derik when he answered the phone in his office to hear
the caller announce himself as the editor of Creative Model Railroading magazine
and asking for information on the HO club's layout. Derik got Mark on the house
phone and set up a three-way call. The caller remained interested even when Mark
informed him that the club layout was only about half sceniced. He added that
the modules taken to shows were more complete.
The caller was delighted that there were two layouts he could photograph and
write up for the magazine, but when Mark mentioned the twins' N-scale modular
layout and its perfection, the editor become excited. "I was about to ask about
that, because I remember seeing them at the show a few years ago. I lost my
notebook on the way home so didn't know whom to contact. This trip will be a
gold mine of information on relatively unknown layouts."
"I don't know if you'll be interested, but the boys here have their club and a
nicely done layout of their own."
"Oh, my God!" The caller shouted. "I don't believe it. Two fixed layouts and two
modular layouts. Will you give us permission to photograph any of these we would
like to feature? If so, I need to have a writer and photographer down there by
next Friday to meet a deadline for the January issue. I know that's a weekend,
but if the boys' layout is as nice as you indicate, I would like them in at
least one group picture."
"Hold a moment, please, and I'll discuss it with the boss," Mark said, placing
the outside line on hold. "What do you think, Derik?"
"It's strictly up to you. You handle the HO group and are leader of the boys'
club. The HO group meets tomorrow night, so you may wish to ask them before
committing them to this. I will say that I think it would do a lot for the boys'
self-esteem if their work appears in a national magazine. I just don't want any
publicity on the Residence, however."
"Thanks, Derik." Mark put the caller back on line. "I will be able to give you
an answer on Monday. I can't do so earlier because I haven't the authority to
speak for the club or the boys."
After listening for a few moments, he replied," Monday it is then. Have a good
one." Mark said and dropped the outside line, saying to Derik, "I sure hope the
guys will do a little work. I know the boys will. What about you and Erik?"
"Nothing more than a bit of dusting. We've had a plastic drop cloth over it. We
will have to check out all the animation and fix whatever doesn't work. Now that
we have time, it'll be good to get back to improving it, maybe even adding a new
module or two. I'll talk to Erik tonight."
At dinner that evening, Mark had the members of the rallroad club sit close to
him at the table and told them of the upcoming visit by the magazine personnel.
In seconds their excitement had spread to the other boys, a few not members of
the club appeared equally eager to help put the layout in good order.
"Okay, then guys. We give it a good going over tomorrow. We can take care of the
little things we find Sunday and after school next week. Dr. Browning can help
you at night, because I'll be helping the HO club put their modules in order."
As they worked on their layout, one of the boys mentioned an item he wanted for
Christmas. A flurry of excited chatter all but replaced work. The next evening,
the boys get together in the computer room and Rick, the most computer savy of
them, set a search mode. They quickly found what they were looking for, but were
stymied as to how they could pay for the item. "I guess we'll have to ask Daddy
Mike if he'll let us use his credit card and we can pay him the money."
"But he'll want to know what it's for." Another objected.
Rick shrugged. "I guess we could get a money order, but if we use the snail mail
somebody else may buy it. But, hey, we need to get another one."
"Get something different." Eddie demanded.
The search continued. Rick was about to pass by one site when Eddie stopped him.
"Look at that box car. It's almost like the other one, but it says we can order
it with special names and all. Let's get it and have these words put on it." He
whispered the words bringing approveal from the others. He ended with, "What'cha
think?"
"Great idea."
"Yeah, I think he'd like it," added another.
"Gee, that's two orders, guys. You think Daddy Mike will go for it?" Rick asked.
"Why not? It ain't like he's not gonna get his money back. We've got enough,
don't we?" Gary was certain they did, for the boys had all contirbuted from
their allowances. "Guess we'd better ask him."
Mark was a bit surprised when the six boys of the club trooped into his office
and Rick began to speak. He listened thoughtfully, then said, "Guys, let's go
see what you want to order. I'm really proud of you for thinking of this."
Seeing the cars the boys wanted, Mark quickly ordered the first and turned his
attention to the second, filling out the short form with the type of car, the
words and picture to be placed on the sides of the car, the colour, gauge, and
other minute details. When the price was calculated, Mark paused. "Guys, this is
a little expensive. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yeah. They been real good to us and we got enough money."
"Let me suggest that you get two of each car so each man will have one. If they
want, they can run one set and keep the other as a collectible."
"Yeah, let's do that," the boys chorused.
Their order placed, the boys paid Mark and turned their attention to their
layouts for the upcoming photographic session.
"Guys, please remember that there's no guarantee the magazine will want to use
your layout, so don't get your hopes too high. I don't want you to be
disappointed if they don't want to write up your layout." Mark told them as they
worked.
The Home remained a beehive of activity for the next week. Thursday night the
Harmons called a meeting of the boys in the club after dinner. "Guys, we've all
done our best. It's time to stop and relax and see what the decisions of our
visitors will be. But whether they use any or all of our layouts, I want you to
know that my brother and I are really proud of the way you have worked together.
Be courteous and helpful to our visitors if you're asked, otherwise stay out of
their way. I know the waiting will be hard, but so is their job. Now, if you'll
go back into the dining room, I think Marty has a treat for us."
The boys cheered when Marty began to set out chocolate nut sundaes for them all.
Derik and Erik waited impatiently in their office in the museum until one of the
docents announced their visitors. Both were delighted to see a grand-fatherly
man introduce himself as Devon Kovak from Creative Modeling and his slender
young accomplice as Jim Heinrich, the photographer. After a bit of conversation,
they were joined by Mark and the president of the HO club who led them down to
the HO layout first.
Devon studied the fixed layout critically then remarked, "Not much in the way of
scenery as yet."
"We're more operational oriented" the president replied. "The scenery is on our
modules." He opened a door and switched on lights to show the modular layout
assembled as best as they could fit in the restricted area.
"Nice," Devon commented nodding. "We'll make our decision on what to shoot and
have Mark with us." He looked at the twins. "Shall we see your work next."
He failed to see the club president shake his head dejectedly, for he knew the
comparison would greatly favor the Harmons' work.
Derik switched on the lighting they used to display the layout. Devon gasped,
then walked around the layout several times before speaking. "Is it ready to
run?"
"Of course," Erik replied, handing the man one of the digital controllers.
"Start your run."
Once Devon exhibited familiarity with operating his locomotive, Derik switched
on the computer that controlled the layout for exhibitions, one of the last
improvements they had made.
"What?" Devon asked as the computer took over his train.
"Computer control," Erik said. "This way you can see the animations we've built
in."
"I don't believe it, I don't believe it," Devon muttered over and over,
marveling at the amount of animation incorporated into such a small scale. He
finally looked at Jim. "I hope you have your video camera. I'm thinking of a
bonus DVD for our subscribers. This is fantastic."
He turned to the Harmons. "I trust you have no objections, gentlemen?"
"Not at all."
"Excellent. Now, where are your modules?"
Derik grinned. "You've seen them."
"I have?" Devon sounded bewilderd.
"Yes. Our entire layout is modular."
"But the seams between the modules?"
Erik smiled. "Careful landscaping. Because of the way we finish off our modules
and the higher base, we can't correlate with other modules. We did have three
modules using the N-trak standard, but after we no longer had time to attend
shows, we changed to our own standard because the visual aspect is more
realistic."
"Don't say this in the presence of dedicated module people, but I frankly admire
someone who marches to his own drummer, so to speak, especially when the results
are this spectacular. This will be our primary layout for the article. I suppose
I should look at the boys' layout to be fair."
"Mark is house parent to the boys in the club, so their layout is in the
basement of their house. A few of the other boys have helped from time to time
with woodworking, painting, and things he didn't feel the younger boys could do
safely."
Mark led them down to the train room and switched on the lights.
"No way this is the work of high school kids," Devon said.
"I assure you that it is," Mark said. "I provided guidance and the Harmons told
the guys the best way to do some things, but the work is all the boys'."
"Where are they?"
"I suspect they are right outside since I know they saw us come down." Mark
walked over to the door and siad, "Okay, guys, come on in and meet our guests."
Quietly, the six boys in the club filed into the room and politely greeted the
writer and the photographer giving their names.
"Gentlemen, what you have accomplished here is extraordinary for young men your
age. I am happy to promise you a complete article in Creative Modeler. May I see
you operating your layout?"
When Mark nodded, the boys set the trains into motion and ran a short sequence
program, then shut the layout down.
It was late Tuseday afternoon before the photography was completed and their
guests left. As their van disappeared down the drive, Derik handed Mark and Erik
each a drink and fixed one for himself. "I'm glad that's over. I hadn't
anticipated that a few photos and some information for a writer would turn into
such a major production."
"The guys feel the same way, but I'd swear they are all walking a foot taller.
It's done wonders for their self-esteem." Mark commented.
"I'm delighted that the boys are feeling so good about this," Erik said. "Having
outsiders recognize their achievements is the best thing that could happen for
some of them. I just hope they don't let it go to their heads."
"Well, several other boys now want to join the club, but the members are being
very selective. It's gotten more like a fraternity than a club. I'm trying to
keep them objective and they seem to be coming back down to ground. I expect you
will be asked for more ideas on improving their layout. I know my club sponsors
them as a junior group, but our layout could benefit from the kids' work if our
members weren't so bull headed about kids." Mark grinned. "Maybe the results of
the articles will convince them they don't know it all. I'm a little disgusted
with some of our people, too."
The advent of Christmas channeled the boys' energies and thoughts from the visit
to anticipation of the holiday. Two weeks before Christmas, Derik and Erik
called the boys together, asking them to get their personal ornaments and follow
them. They led the way through the front door of the museum and gathered the
boys around the huge tree in the foyer.
"Guys, we will all meet here Christmas afternoon to exchange gifts and have
dinner together in the dining room. If you wish, I would like you to hang your
personal ornaments on the tree wherever you think they will look good so it can
be your tree, too."
After enjoying the tree, the boys left after hanging their ornaments carefully
on the branches. Derik turned to Billy Adams, now retired from the position he
assumed after his fathers retirement as administrative head of buildings and
grounds. "I think you surpassed yourself with this year's decorations, Billy.
Everything is so beautiful, I wish Roberts and your father were here to see it."
"Thank you, sir." Billy wiped a tear. "Watching the boys putting their ornaments
on the tree brought back a lot of memories of how kind your Daddy Mike was to a
little boy who desperately wanted something pretty for his little brother."
"And your devotion and loyalty to us and the boys has more than repaid any
kindnesses of the past."
Derik and Erik made a brief visit to each house on Christmas morning. There was
general excitement among the boys who had already exchanged gifts. For each boy,
the twins had discovered a secret desire and now passed that wish to the
particular boy, the gift wrapped in gaily decorated paper. Given hugs were
frequent.
For the members of the model railroad club, they had bought each boy the
locomotive each had admired from time to time in the hobby shop, the manager
having taken careful note for the twins.
After a toast, the adults with wine and the boys with sparkling grape juice,
which brought tears to the eyes of Ronson, they all consumed a meal of
gargantuan proportions. Bratton, who had calculated carefully, had begun to
worry as he saw the food disappear.
When they could all eat no more, Derik asked them to join him and Erik in the
foyer. There were gasps from the boys as they saw the shiney new bicycles and
skateboards awaiting them. Once each boy had found the items intended for him
and settled down, Bobby stood and addressed the twins.
"Doctor Derik and Doctor Erik, the boys have asked me to do this for them.
Because of the love each of them feels for you, they want to present you with
these small tokens of their esteem." Bobby handed each man a small gift. "If you
will, please open them now."
With a glance at each other, the twins opened their gifts and smiled, though
tears trickled down their faces. Each held two identical N-scale box cars. The
first was a Micro-Trains State car for North Carolina. The second box car was
more elaborate, for on each side was a picture of the front of the museum with
two broadly smiling boys' faces superimposed. On the back half of the car was
printed: The Harmon Residence for Boys.
Erik, actually the less sentimental of the twins, at last found his voice.
"Guys, these are just beautiful. You couldn't have given Derik and me anything
we will treasure more." He smiled at Bobby. "And don't even think about
snitching these, because we won't be so forgiving. These are really special."
Bobby's face flushed for a moment, then he realized that Erik was teasing. None
of the boys, other than Mark, knew what Erik's words referred to.
Derik stood, holding the cars out so the boys could see them. "You guys know how
much my brother and I love North Carolina so we're thrilled to have the state
car, but each of you is far more precious to us and the special car will always
remind us of our love for you and your love for us. Thanks so much, guys."
After a moment to collect his thoughts, Derik continued. "It's nice outside, so
if you want to go outside and ride your bikes or skateboards, do. For those of
you who would like to, Erik and I would like to have you join us at our layout
in the basement while we give our new cars an inaugural run."
Eight of the boys followed the twins down and watched in delight as each set his
two cars on a section of track, making certain that they were coupled together.
"You don't have a loco," one of the boys said.
"We know," Erik replied. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of
keys, selecting a small one. "Bobby, open the case and bring us the Conrail
locomotive. You know which one."
Bobby's forehead wrinkled. "Are you sure, sir?"
Erik nodded. "Yes. That way this has a connection for you as well as the boys."
It was supper time before each boy had an opportunity to run the trains,
thrilled at the rare opportunity.
Occupied with their new toys and a holiday from school to enjoy themselves, time
passed swiftly. On the thirtieth of December, the postman left a bulky envelope
addressed to Mark.
Mark brought the mail to the Harmons' office and showed them the envelope. "I
haven't bought anything, so I don't know what this could be," he said.
"Open it and find out," Derik said.
As he carefully pulled the opener to one side, a dozen magazines fell out. He
picked up one and gasped, "Oh, my God! The boys will go crazy." Derik and Erik
each picked up one to see a beautiful colour photograph of one section of the
boys' layout on the cover of Creative Model Railroading with the caption: They
Did It!
The bell for dinner was ringing before they had even finished thumbing through
the pages. The twins delighted not only with the coverage of their layout, but
delighted by the coverage of the boys' layout.
"I've got to go herd the boys in to dinner, but, I can't wait to read this
issue." Mark said.
"We'll go with you," Erik told him. "Say nothing to the boys until we get them
down to their layout. Obviously they have sent a copy of the magazine for each
boy and you, as well as for us. I plan to have the cover and each page of the
articles on our layouts framed. The boys can hang the pics and article on the
walls of their clubroom. Derik and I will hang ours on the walls of our layout.
We'll save you the pages for the HO group if they want to do the same."
Mark grinned. "They may not, seeing as how the boys got almost half the issue
and you all got most of the rest. I keep telling them to make the boys' group an
active part of the club, but they're so damned hard headed. I'll bet this drives
that home. Unfortunately, the boys no longer care about the HO group. The cars
they gave you at Christmas were their idea because you have given them so much
of your time and help."
"We're just sorry it's taken us so long to realize that we were not doing what
we had promised oursleves and the boys that we would do." Erik said.
"I think the boys understood that your work was important to the Home, but they
really love having you around most of the time."
The Harmons managed, with great difficulty, to keep the boys from suspecting
anything unusual until after dinner. As dessert was served, Mark announced a
call meeting of the model railroad club in the club room.
"What?" Several of the boys asked Mark once they gathered in the clubroom.
"The Harmons and I have something for you. Hold out your hands."
There were yelps of joy as each boy looked at his magazine. The oldest boy Dom
pointed to the portion of the layout depicted on the cover. "They used ours
instead of Doctor Harmon's layout." He shook his head. "I ain't believing this,
'cause theirs is so great." He looked at the twins. "You all ain't mad, sir?"
Derik hugged the boy. "No, son, we aren't mad. You guys have done some fine work
building this layout and we're both thrilled to see you get the cover and such a
long article. If there is a big show during your spring break at school, or this
summer, Erik and I will take all you guys. If you want, we'll take some of your
modules, too. I'm almost certain this publicity will get you an invitation."
"Oh, wow!" The boys exclaimed.
The boys' demands for suggestions from the Harmons increased as the boys worked
on their modules with increased enthusiasm. After a few of the swimmers
complained that they were being slighted by the Harmons, the twins set a
schedule whereby each group was accommodated equitably and left time for
themselves.
One evening over drinks, the twins looked at each other. "Think we've fulfilled
Dad Mike's expectations, old man?" Derik said.
"Once we learned that the world didn't come to an end when we retired and we
started to give the kids more of our time, I'd have to say we've probably
exceeded his expectations. I rather like to think that he's looking down on us
and giving us a thumbs up."
Derik refilled their glasses, then remained standing. "A toast to the best
second dad a couple of guys could ever have."
Erik stood and raised his glass. "Hear, hear!"
To be continued...
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Posted: 08/15/08