Bo & Dusty
By:
Ron Robbins
(© 2010 by the author)
Editor:
Frank Perry
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Chapter 4
The twins were animated and smiling when they returned home and told their father about their afternoon. "Well, boys, there's school tomorrow and it's time you got ready for bed. Say 'good night' to Mr. Taylor and thank him for the nice time." The boys walked over to Dusty to thank him and shake his hand. Dusty hugged them and said, "Good night, boys; I will be seeing you again soon. I'm going to ask your dad if you can spend the weekend with us. How would you like that?"
They both had big smiles and both said, "Yes." The boys kissed their dad and skipped off to their room.
"I think your boys are super and I would like to adopt them as soon as possible," Dusty said.
"Thank God," Jack said. "You don't know how relieved I am. Now I can die in peace. Jack picked up an envelope off the coffee table and handed it to Dusty. "Here are the adoption papers my lawyer has drawn up."
Dusty took the envelope. "I talked with my dad this evening and we have decided to have you and the boys move into our home as soon as possible. All I'll need is the name of your doctor and we will take care of the rest. First thing tomorrow morning I'll have my lawyer review these papers and get together with your attorney and finalize everything. Dusty went on to explain how he wanted to handle everything so that the transition would be as painless as possible. "You can tell the boys that because of your condition, I've insisted that the three of you move into my home. Jack, I don't want you to worry about anything from here on in. You don't have to say anything to the boys until you feel you must. By that time they will be comfortable with us and the transition will be much easier on us all. Look, you're tired and I need to get back home, I have a lot of loose ends to tie up in the next couple of days. I'll be back to you tomorrow."
Jack had tears running down his cheeks, "God bless you, Dusty, and thank you."
Dusty patted him on the shoulder "Thank you, Jack, for giving me your most precious gift, you wonderful sons. Try to get some sleep and I'll call you in the morning."
Dusty, his dad and Bo left early the next morning after having breakfast with the children. He handed a copy of the adoption papers to Bo and his dad. "I know this is not your area of expertise, but I wanted you to eye-ball it before I hand it over to my attorney. There are a few minor changes I plan to make regarding the boys' trust fund. All the proceeds will be placed in the trust and no funds will be withdrawn to pay for the boy's upkeep. I'll support the boys as I do my own children."
"Not only is that a thoughtful gesture, Dusty, but I'm sure your accountant will applaud the idea," his Dad said.
"Dad, I know Bo has a lot on his plate right now, so will you ride herd on a few of my important clients that may need some stroking?"
"Sure, that's no problem. Have your secretary refer any of your important calls to me."
"Thanks, Dad. It won't take me long to get this Bailey project off and running. I spoke to Standish last night regarding setting up the suites for the boys and Jack. He said he would personally see that the Bailey boys' clothes and keepsakes are moved into Dusty-Junior's bedroom. He wants to see the boys' furniture before setting up their bedroom. He feels they may need new furnishings. He will make sure Jack is happy as well, although I think Jack is going to need a hospital bed and some special medical equipment. It depends on what his doctor has to say. I also want to see if the twins can enroll in the same private school Dustin and Claudia attend. The school may have to add on some special teachers to educate them. I like the idea that all the children will attend the same school and not have to worry about chauffeuring them to separate schools. Security-wise, I feel that it's the best way to go. My first appointment this morning is with Sidney Goshen, the children's attorney. Dad, you may have to call your favorite Judge to push this adoption through. Time is not on our side as far as Jack's health is concerned."
"You get the attorneys to finalize the adoption papers and I'll see that it gets through the court," his dad said.
"Look, Dusty, if I can help in any way, please let me know," Bo said.
"Thanks for your support, guys," Dusty said.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
"Jack, Dusty here. I've squared everything away with your doctor and our attorneys. Your attorney said he would bring the copies of the adoption papers by your house this afternoon for your signature. Did he tell you about the changes I made in the document?"
"Yes, he did, Dusty. I think that is very generous of you to support my sons and not touch their money. They should be well off by the time they reach their twenty-fifth birthday."
"Look, Jack, they will be my sons, too, and as such will be multi-millionaires by that age. All my money and businesses will be divided between my children so their future is assured. I'm hoping that down the road, they will want to take an active role in running the business."
"That's wonderful news, Dusty. Knowing you, I know it will happen."
"Okay, next item on the agenda. My house manager, Standish, and his assistant will stop by your home tomorrow morning to look at the boy's room. I want you to tell them which of your clothes and keepsakes you want to bring with you on Wednesday. They will pack everything up and make sure it's in place in your suite. When the boys return from school tomorrow afternoon, Standish and his assistant will pack everything that the boys want, and will see that it's placed in their suite as well. I'm moving you all to my home on Thursday.
"I've made arrangements to transfer them to the same private school my children attend. I've spoken to the Dean and informed him of the twins' IQ. The Dean said he will work out a special educational program tailored for your boys. In fact, they have a dozen students that have special education needs the same as your boys. The Dean also suggested that they participate in sports as well. They need that interaction with boys their own age. You will need to call their present school and notify them that the boys are being transferred and to have their records ready for pickup on Thursday. I will take the boys to their new school on Thursday to get them tested and enrolled.
"Item three, I've spoken in some detail with your doctor and told him of our plans. He concurs that you would be much better off living in my home. You will have your own medical team to take care of you. You can have as much privacy as you wish, but the family will be around to interact with you as you see fit. I've asked my own personal physician to supervise your care plan as well. Your oncologist has no problem with that. The male RN I've hired will be here Thursday to accompany you home. I feel that you will be more comfortable and that your sons will be able to adjust better to the move that way. You let me know if you are not happy with the staff or your doctors."
"I accept and agree with everything you have proposed, Dusty. You have removed a great burden from my shoulders. You have accomplished a lot in one day. Once I sign the papers today, I plan to have a long talk with my sons. I think it's time they know the truth."
"I think that's a wise decision, Jack. My heart goes out to the three of you."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Dusty drove home early that afternoon to break the news to Claudia and Dustin. After he changed, he found them at the stables.
"Daddy, what are you doing home so early?" the children called out as they ran to him. He hugged them and kissed them on the forehead.
"Oh, I missed you and wanted to spend some quality time with you. Dusty asked about their day while they walked back to the house. "Tell me, kids, what did you think about Dan and Doug?"
"They are cute," Claudia said. "They are much nicer than some of the boys in my classes. They are very polite and are not pushy at all."
"What do you think of them, Dustin?"
"I think there cool," Dustin said. "They were telling me how much they miss their mom and sister, and their grandparents. They think we are very lucky to have such a nice home and horses and everything."
"Do you both feel that you can get along with them on a permanent basis?"
"I know I could," Dustin said. They’re good sports, I think."
"I want to tell you a little about the boys. Dustin went on to tell them about the boys' background, how intelligent they are and some of the problems they face being so intelligent. "You see, Jack Bailey was someone I knew from college. He has a very strict family who disowned Jack years ago. They have not spoken to him nor have they seen their grandsons. The twins don't know yet that their father is a very sick man and is not expected to live very long. That means that the twins will lose their only parent." Dusty waited for that to sink in.
Dustin asked, "What's going to happen to them, Dad. Will they become orphans?"
"Daddy, we've got to help them," Claudia said. "They are nice kids."
"I'll do my best to help them, children. What would you say if we adopted them and asked them to live here with us," Dustin asked.
"That would be cool," they answered simultaneously.
"You know they are going to be very sad when their father tells them he won't be around much longer. We are going to have to help them to live through this."
"We'll help them, Dad," Dustin said. "Won't we, Claudia?"
"Yes, Dad, I want them to be part of our family. It will be nice to have three older brothers around."
"Now, you are sure you will be okay with this?" Dustin asked.
"Yes, Dad," they chimed together. "Are they still coming this weekend?"
"I was thinking, maybe now that you want to adopt them, we can ask them to come on Thursday. What do you think about that?"
"Cool," they both answered.
"That takes care of that. You kids are so smart, you just solved that problem. Let's go inside and see if you can teach me a new game on your Play station."
One Week Later
Dusty walked into Jack's suite holding a large envelope in his hand. God afternoon, Jack," Dusty said. "You're looking much better this afternoon. How do you feel?"
"Much better today. I think I'm strong enough to join the family for dinner tonight."
"That's great. How do you like that new electric wheel chair?"
"It's really easy to operate and it saves my strength."
"Good. Well, you and the boys have been here a week so far, any complaints?"
"None, everything has worked out just fine. The four children visit me several times a day. Some days I am able to sit with them in the family room. They all get along just great."
Dusty handed Jack the envelope he was holding. Here are the final adoption papers, signed and sealed by the Judge. The adoption is now official."
"That's great, Dusty. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The boys are very happy with the idea that they are part of a family and that this is their home now. Of course, all the luxury and being waited on by your staff doesn't hurt either. They told me that you were taking them to the breeding farm so they can pick out their own horses. It's a whole new way of life for them now. They are crazy about their new school. They're even enjoying playing sports. We never played golf in our schools."
"Same here," Dusty said. "I was never interested in sports anyway. I was talking to Dad, and he thinks we should join the local Episcopal Church. He wants me to take the children to church this Sunday. I plan to enroll all the kids in Sunday school. Although I had religious instructions when I was a kid, I never continued it after grammar school. I thought that I would drop in to see the pastor and if you would like, I'd ask if a priest could drop by and visit with you. Would that be alright with you?"
"Yes, I would welcome that; thanks."
"Good, I'll take care of that this weekend. I'll be back later; I want to walk down to the barn with the kids while they feed the horses."
Dusty walked into the family room. "Are you children ready to feed the horses?" Dusty asked.
"Yes, Dad, we're ready."
"Let's go then."
As they were walking toward the barn, Dusty said, "Your grandfather told me I've been neglecting your spiritual side. So starting this Sunday, we are going to start going to church and Sunday school. Do you guys have anything planned for tomorrow morning?" Dusty asked.
The four children shook their heads no.
"In that case we are going to take a ride out to the breeding farm to pick out mounts for Dan and Doug. You better double check with Nanny to be sure she hasn't scheduled any appointments for you."
Dustin said, "That's cool. That farm is great. You guys will really like it."
"It can take a long time to find the horse you want. And you get to ride as many horses as you want until you find the one you like," Claudia said.
Dustin laughed, "That's because you're a girl, Claudia," Dustin said. "You took as long to pick out you're saddle and bridle too," Dustin said.
"Get used to it, boys, ladies take more time to select anything, that's the way they are. I think it's a good idea to take your time in selecting the right animal for you. Of course if the animal is a bad actor, we won't keep it."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The telephone rang, waking Dusty out of a sound sleep. "Yes," Dusty said.
"Mr. Taylor this is Martin. Mr. Bailey has died in his sleep. I've already called the ambulance to take him to the hospital."
"What time is it, Martin?"
"It's five o'clock, sir."
"I'll be right down," Dusty said.
Dusty walked down the hall to Jack's suite, opened the door and walked in. Martin had prepped the body for the hospital. Dusty walked over to the bed and patted Jack's folded hands. "Goodbye, my friend, you're in good hands now. His hands are cold. How long ago do you think he died?"
"That's hard to say, Mr. Taylor. My guess is about two hours ago. He was so thin that his body couldn't retain the heat the way a normal person could. Even with his electric blanket on him he was still cold. He never could manage to stay warm. I've left a message with his doctor's answering service and also with the funeral director. I've told the ambulance service not to use the flashing light or their siren under any circumstance. They should be here soon. Standish is waiting for them at the front door. I'll make sure they are as quiet as possible."
"Thanks, Martin, you've handled this very professionally. I want to make sure the children's doors are closed. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Dusty returned a few minutes later, "They are all sleeping soundly," Dusty said. "You said you called the funeral director, what is his role at this point?"
"The funeral director will pick up the deceased from the hospital as soon as the doctor signs the death certificate. He'll handle everything from that point on. Mr. Bailey was a good man, and a young man. It is a shame. He told me that you were a great guy and had made his last days on earth peaceful. He loved his boys so much. His only regret was for the boys to see him wasting away toward the end. He had me cut back on his painkillers when the boys visited him every afternoon, but for the last two weeks, the pain was just too much for him. He had so many rough breaks in his young life. The thing he regretted the most was not being alive to see his sons grow up. He told me he was glad that you have taken on that responsibility. He knew that they would have a better life than he had growing up. Martin took an envelope from his pocket. "Mr. Bailey asked me to give you this envelope."
"Thank you, Martin. I would like you to stay on long enough to make sure all the hospital equipment is returned to the hospital supply company. You can leave after that. Your salary will continue until the end of the month. I'm sure that a man with your experience is in demand. You are welcome to attend the funeral if you wish."
"Thank you, Mr. Taylor. It was a pleasure working for you. I'll make sure everything is returned."
The door opened and Standish led the ambulance attendants into the suite.
Dusty walked back to his bedroom suite and sat on the chair in front of the fireplace. He opened the letter from Jack.
My Dear Dusty,
You will never know how grateful I am for what you have done for me and my sons. By the time you read this letter, I will have joined my loved ones. My only regret was that I was unable to see my sons grow up to make their mark on the world. However, God had other plans for me.
You are a good man with a loving heart. I know you will raise my sons to be strong and healthy and take their place in society. The boys have told me that they love you very much and are happy living with you and your family.
I leave this life knowing that I took advantage of you in the worst possible way that anyone could. I can never forgive myself for that horrendous act. I believe you when you told me that you forgave me for which I am grateful.
I would like you to thank your father and Bo for their kindness, and the staff for all they have done to make my final days pass so easily.
One last thing I ask of you, Dusty, and that is to change my sons' last names to Taylor. The Bailey name is tainted, and since they are starting on a new road with you, I think they should start out right. I know you will be the father to them that I cannot be.
I thank God that I was able to spend these last ten years with my boys, I love them so much.
I pray that God will grant you a long life and the time to see all your children grow and become useful members of society.
Goodbye, my good friend,
Until we meet again in heaven and with all my love,
Jack
With tears in his eyes, Dusty closed the letter, placed it back in the envelope, and cried.
One Year Later
The banquet to celebrate Bo's promotion to Vice-President was held at the Waldorf. Dusty was in his glory and spared no expense for the evening. The cream of society was invited, from mainline Philadelphia to Boston. Naturally, the guests were housed overnight at the Waldorf. Dusty was now an old hand at giving grand parties and this one was perfect. Everything had been planned down to the last detail, including such things as hiring a limousine service to transport the guests to and from the local airports. The evening turned out to be a smashing success and everyone enjoyed the festivities. It was also a sad time for Bo and Dusty. Bo decided to make the break and move into his apartment in Manhattan. In addition to Bo's promotion, Dusty and his father gave him a gift of a Mercedes convertible. The following morning Dusty and Bo boarded the small corporate jet for their flight to South America and their island-hopping vacation.
The first three days were spent unwinding and taking in the sights in Brazil. This was also a business trip for Dusty. He would be meeting with several of the company's chief executives who were running the Taylor divisions in South America.
"I hadn't planned to work on this trip, Bo, but I didn't want Dad to make this trip. I've noticed how his age is catching up with him in the last several months. The hectic pace is becoming too much of a strain on him. He wants to retire and play with his grandchildren. Lately, he's turning over more of his responsibilities to me. This trip is just another step in the process. Dad thought it would be good for me to meet with the men who are running our offshore operations. It looks like my language skills are going to pay off after all. While we're on the subject, I wanted to bring you into the picture on my thinking for your future as well. I've made the decision to have you take over my position as president of Taylor Law Division. It would be a good idea to finish your MBA as soon as possible. I feel that is essential since you are about to run the division. It's not necessary, but I think you'll find it useful. What's wrong, Bo. Don't want the job?"
"Are you crazy? Of course, I want the job. I'm just shocked, that's all. You haven't changed one bit since we met. If I live to be a hundred, I don't think I'll ever guess your next move. It will take a few days for this to sink in, Dusty. You're offering me a terrific opportunity. It really is overwhelming to say the least. You must realize that this move will cause some ruffled feathers in the firm. I'll be jumping over the heads of some seasoned men who are expecting this slot."
"I'm well aware of that, Bo. It's true we may lose a few men in the process, but that would happen in any event. Unfortunately, there is only room for one man at the top and you're that man. I think we can come up with a package that will appeal to the men we want to keep. My decision was not an easy one. It was made after a long and painstaking survey of all the eligible men in the firm who were in contention. It was a business decision and had nothing to do with my personal feelings toward you. Happily, in your case it happened to be the better of two worlds."
"After evaluating every possible candidate, I narrowed it down to five candidates. You, of course, were the best man for the job. My father agrees with my decision. Your intelligence, loyalty and hard work made you our top candidate. I know you better than anyone does, and you have the same progressive outlook on the direction I want the firm to move in the future. Above all else, you have been loyal to me and I know you would never do anything to hurt me, or the firm. You have lived up to the pact we made nine years ago and I'm delighted that I can keep the promise I made to you back then."
"How could I ever forget, Dusty. I'm completely overwhelmed by your loyalty to me. What more can I say that I haven't said a million times before?"
"If you don't screw up, and do the job I know you can, you will be earning over a million dollars a year. How does that grab you?"
"I'm speechless."
"Sorry to hear that, Bo. I never did like communicating by email. Dusty smiled, "C'mon, baby we have ten minutes to tee off. I thought by springing this on you before the game, it would give me the edge to beat the pants off you today."
Bo smiled and hugged Dusty, "You're crazy, but I love you anyways. Thanks, Dusty."
"Hey, I like this. Does this mean we're engaged? Mary Ellen, wherever you are, eat your heart out."
Bo laughed, "You may have a brilliant mind, but you are one sick puppy."
"One day you will eat those words, my friend."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
To be continued...
Posted: 03/23/12