Friends and Family Series
Jarv Trilogy

Jarv & Scott

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2011 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 3

Atlanta

Jarv checked into the Ritz at four-thirty. After showering, he watched the news until it was time to meet Scott in the dining room. Scott was already seated at the table when he arrived.

"Good evening, Scott, I hope you weren't waiting long. I understand you've been busy at the hospital while I've been in New York."

The waiter came over to take their drink order. "This is a special occasion tonight," Jarv said," I would like to order a bottle of your best champagne."

"You look wonderful, baby. I have been handling a heavier case load, and it's been rough. Sorry I didn't return your calls; by the time I got in, it was too late to call you."

The waiter brought the champagne and poured them each a glass, took their order and left.

"What's the special occasion, Jarv?"

Jarv smiled, "It's really a toast for three events for me, and I thought it would be fitting to have it in this room since this is where it all started. First, let me tell you the good news I wanted to share with you Monday night. You would have been proud of me, Scott. Thanks to Grant, I've landed that account I've been sweating bullets over for the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation. I've made it, Scott, my future is assured. My second piece of good news is that I've formed my own company. As of this morning, I have started the wheels in motion to purchase my division from Carnabee, Carter & Darlington."

"Congratulations, Jarv, this is great news. You've done what you said you would; I'm proud of you." He raised his glass to toast Jarv.

"What's the third event, Jarv?"

"Let's wait on that one until after dinner. In case I haven't told you lately, I think you are still the most handsome man in this crazy world, and I love you deeply. I was reminiscing, as I flew over the ocean, of the wonderful sailing weekends we spent together while growing up, and of the great plans we had for our future. Our lives have been so closely bound together. For me, it has been a love affair that has endured for these past sixteen years. Every year was better than the last. Marrying you was the culmination of everything that was beautiful and good in my world. I don't think any straight couple had the happiness we shared over the years."

"Even though I endured it, I hated leaving you ever Monday morning, but I knew, if we were ever to have the life style that our friends enjoy, we both had to make the sacrifices and the hard work it would take to get to that point. We both knew how long it takes for a doctor to start earning a comfortable living. I don't have to remind you of that. We both knew that I had the best chance at making big bucks. I know you said that it didn't matter, and you were right."

"Scott, I know you still cling to the attitude that I'm your younger brother, and you're my provider. That is very noble and praiseworthy. You also knew before we married that I had a goal in life that conflicted with your views on the matter. I admit, I hid my true earnings from you because it made you uncomfortable. My plan all along was to earn enough money to buy you a practice when you finished up at Emory."

The waiter cleared the plates away and each ordered brandy and coffee.

Jarv smiled at Scott and continued his conversation after the waiter took the check.

"I'm sorry if I've monopolized the entire conversation through dinner, but it was important to me."

"Jarv, baby, you know I love to listen to you. You're the one with the exciting life; please go on."

"I must confess, I was disappointed that you did not call me back Monday night about this big contract, since you knew how much it meant to both of us. When Todd heard the news, he flew up to have dinner with me that same night. I felt disappointed that you weren't there to share the most important event of my career with the one person that means the most to me. My life was shattered after my telephone call to Grant on Monday."

Scott turned as white as the tablecloth. He said in a week voice, "Wait, Jarv, I can explain."

"Please wait until I've finished, Scott. I would like to hear your explanation for the lie you've told me when you sat down tonight. The second and final blow came later that evening when I heard of the gossip circulating about the adulterous affair you were having with Cathy Caldwell. The reason I've taken so long to have dinner tonight is because I wanted to see your handsome face one last time before I leave you."

Scott was visibly shaken, he almost dropped his glass. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out; he just stared at Jarv.

"I thought it was fitting that we have our last dinner together here, because this is the hotel where we made our marriage commitment and where we had our first dinner together as a married couple. This has been the most wonderful and the most depressing week of my life. I was dreading this last meeting with you, because of the deep love I have for you. I had to see your face; I had to know if there was still some spark of honesty left in you. As far as I'm concerned you have ripped my heart out and cast it on the rubbish heap.

"I remember vividly, the night you proposed to me, you told me to open my heart to you, that you would never hurt me. I did as you asked, and you stabbed me. I loved you with every fiber of my being, Scott, and you have wounded me beyond belief. When I think of the deceit, the lies and the total disregard you felt for me, I feel sad and deeply hurt. I decided last night to give you up so you can never hurt me again. I can't think what I did to deserve this kind of treatment from you. How could you be so devious?"

"Everything I've done was for our future. I worked long hard hours and fell into bed exhausted every night to earn the money to set you up in your own practice. And this is my reward. You know, I've suspected something was going on, yet I felt that you would come to me and discuss any problem you had. I trusted you because I loved you and thought you loved me, at least that was what you kept telling me."

The waiter came back and he signed the back of the bill with his room number. He pulled out a fifty dollar tip and handed to the waiter.

"Scott, will you be on duty tomorrow?"

"Yes, I have to be in early tomorrow."

"Good, then you won't be around when I clear out my clothes. I want nothing from that apartment. Everything in the checking account is yours. I've taken my name off our joint checking and savings accounts. I've also deposited $250,000 in the savings account as a divorce settlement. It would save us both a lot of embarrassment if you would let the folks know in advance when you'll be home, so our paths don't cross. Thank you for being patient; now, if there's nothing else, I'm off."

"Jarv, please don't do this to me, I love you, let me explain, I don't love Cathy, please let me explain."

"I will listen to your explanation if you can answer this one question honestly, have you been having an affair with Cathy Caldwell?"

"I admit I was seeing her, but I don't love her. I only love you, Jarv; please believe me."

"I believe you Scott, but, you have inflicted me with enough pain to last a lifetime. When do you intend to take responsibility for your actions? When are you going to grow up? Until you do that, my love, you’ll never will be happy. I can't see you anymore, because I love you too much. You were always my only weakness. This affair with Cathy is Margot and Princeton all over again. I don't plan to go through that again. Take the money I've given you and see a good psychiatrist. You don't know who you are. If you're straight, then go for it; it's a hell of a lot better that being a homosexual like me.

I'm a homosexual and my orientation will never change. I don't have sex with females, nor will I become involved with bisexual men. Until you understand who, or what you are, you will continue to repeat the same mistakes again. You lost me when you started playing around with Cathy. So if your desire is to marry her, that's your business from now on. You're free to do as you wish; you're not my concern any longer and I never want to see you again."

"Jarv, you can't end it just like that, not after what we've meant to each other."

"Scott, my love, I didn't end our marriage; you did. You should have thought of what you were doing before you started screwing your girlfriend. The funny thing is she will drop you when she gets tired of you. Don't make this any harder that it is, and I certainly don't want to hear any more of your excuses. Goodbye, Scott, and have a good life." He got up and left.

Jarv's Manhattan Apartment

"I appreciate your giving up your Saturday to have lunch with me, Bobbie. This has been one hell of a week for me."

"What's wrong, Jarv? You look awful."

"Scott and I have split up. That's the reason that I've invited you for lunch, and also to ask for your help. I'm not going into any of the details. I can tell you that Scott was unfaithful to me and I ended our partnership Thursday night. What I'm about to say may sound melodramatic, but I going to ask you and the family to never discuss Scott when I'm around. Also, if you know he is going to be attending a family function, I ask that you warn me in advance. As far as I'm concerned, Scott does not exist."

"Jesus, Jarv, what did he do that was so terrible, surely you didn't dump him for being unfaithful just once, did you? From what I have been able to learn from my gay clients, they seem to have a new lover every few months. You and Scott have been together three years now, are you willing to give that up?"

Jarv smiled, "You could say the same thing about many straight couples. Your clients are confusing a fling with a meaningful relationship. In any event, what other people do is no concern of mine. It really boils down to what you as a person think a loving marriage should be like. Our marriage was not any different to me than your marriage, or our parents' marriage. The only difference between us is that ours was not legal or blessed by the church. To me it was just as binding. Perhaps if gay marriages were legalized it would create a more stable environment for gay couples. So many gay people confuse a sexual relationship with marriage, which it's not. I'm disappointed that you took my marriage to Scott in such a cavalier way. You seem to share the same sense of values as Scott. If that's the case, maybe you should examine your own marriage. How would you react if Dan was having an affair with another man, or woman for that matter?"

"I don't think I'd throw him out, but I can't say for sure. I'd have to have all the facts, I guess."

"That's interesting. If Dan gave you a good reason for having an affair, you would overlook his indiscretions? What about the second and the third time? Could you trust him again? If you are willing to accept that kind of a relationship, I feel sorry for you. I will try and explain this to you so you know how I feel, and why I feel this way. I've loved Scott for a long, long time. I've known I was gay since junior high school. Four years ago, I realized I was in love with Scott. As you know, I told him how I felt. He told me that he loved me as a brother, and was sorry he could not love me in the way I would like, because he was straight. I was unhappy, but accepted his answer. At least, it was off my chest, and he knew how I felt about him. Yet, in spite of that, he admitted he was sexually attracted to me, and was hitting on me all weekend. When I left that Sunday, I told him that I had to get him out of my system and it would be better if we didn't see each other again until I could deal with my problem.

"The next time we met, he told me he was in love with me and so we became a couple. You know the rest. I love Scott more than anything in this world, that will never change. Sure, I could forgive him, after all that's what loving someone is all about. Unfortunately, Scott is like an alcoholic. He's doomed to repeat the same mistake over and over again. He's been like that since we were kids. If it isn't Margot or Cathy, it would be some other woman. I can't live with a person like that. I'd end up in the funny farm.

"Scott needs to seek professional help; I'm not qualified to do that, nor do I wish to be drawn into the unrealistic life he has chosen. I must get on with my own life, and raise my own family. This was something Scott and I planned to do when we could afford to raise children. Now that I'm a millionaire, I plan to go it alone.

"What! When did this happen, little brother?"

"Last year, and I should be a multimillionaire in five years if everything goes as planned. Ironic, isn't it. Now that I have the money to buy Scott his practice, he's not around to enjoy it. Oh, well, life sucks sometimes. I didn't leave Scott high and dry. I gave him over a quarter of a million dollars. I'm also changing my last name to King-Purdey. Remember that when you see my name in the society pages."

"Congratulations, Jarv, I always knew you would make it big one day. But, the folks are going to be shocked about you and Scott breaking up."

"Mom will take it hard, but I think Dad will be pleased. Deep down, I don't think he wanted to believe that Scott was gay. I've always felt that Dad considered me a negative influence on Scott. Now, he doesn't have to worry about my influencing Scott any longer."

"I know you're smarter than Scott; hell, you're a lot smarter than all of us, but I can't believe Dad would feel that way, Jarv. Or are you lashing out because you lost Scott?"

"You believe what you want, Bobbie, but Scott told me what his father said. A funny thing, Mom was relieved that I was there to take care of Scott, because he was easily lead. This is one of the reasons I don't want to talk about Scott. For that matter, I don't plan to ever go home again, too many bad memories. I've already starting looking for a place to raise my children and it will be large enough to have the family visit me."

"What about this penthouse?"

"Todd and I own it now. You'll meet him at our cocktail party when we announce the grand opening of our agency. He used to be my boss now he is my partner and a super guy to boot."

"Jarv, Dan and I are driving out to the Island to see the folks tomorrow, would you like me to break the bad news to Mom. Someone has to tell her about you and Scott; she needs to know."

"Thanks, Bobbie, please tell Mom that I would like her to come into town when she is free and spend the weekend so we can talk. I've haven't the foggiest when that will be. I'll try to make it soon, but I'm going to be a very busy guy for the next several months. I have more on my plate than I can handle right now, plus the fact that I'll be on the road a lot.

"This has been very stressful time for me, Bobbie. Sometimes the heartache comes in waves, at the craziest times," Jarv said. "I've succeeded in controlling the waterworks during the day, which takes all my powers of concentration." Jarv's eyes filled with tears. "Please let me know if anything serious happens to him, or if he really needs my help. I miss him so much, Bobbie. My shrink has given me tranquilizers to relax me, yet I find they interfere with my concentration.

"Well, I've taken up enough of your time. If you're about ready, I'll see you out. I'm heading back to the office; this breakup with Scott has really screwed up my schedule. Please forgive me, if I've upset you. This must be as unpleasant for you, as it was for me. In any event, I felt you had to know. I'm sure Scott will be in touch with you sooner or later. He'll need the family's support about now, but again, I will absolutely refuse to talk with him or about him from now on."

"Oh, Jarv, you're not upsetting me, I love you and I hate to see you suffering like this. I'm sorry this had to happen to my two favorite people. Look; if you need me at all, I'm only a short ride away."

Four Years Later

Scott had settled into his room, at the Plaza Hotel on a Monday night. He called his mother to confirm their dinner date. He knew his dad was at a convention in Washington. His mom agreed to meet the train at the Islip LIRR station. She insisted he stay overnight and take an early train back into Manhattan in the morning.

After a pleasant dinner at the Chalet Restaurant, one of their favorites, they drove back to the house.

"I'll be a few minutes, Scott; I want to slip into my housecoat and check on the girls. Why don't you fix me a Scotch and water while you're waiting?"

"As usual the girls are engrossed in a movie," his mom said. "Let's sit in your father's study. It's more private." He carried their drinks in and they got comfortable.

"This is better, now tell me what's bothering you, Scott?"

Scott smiled, "You and Jarv could always read me like a book. Mom, I need you to talk to Jarv for me. He won't answer my letters or telephone calls. After four years of therapy, my doctor told me that I'm cured. Dad is not going to be a happy camper, but at this point I'm not concerned with what anyone thinks, except Jarv. It's taken me four years to finally accept the fact that I am a homosexual. You have no idea how many times I've tried to reach Jarv. Mom, I love Jarv more than I ever thought possible. I must see him again to ask for his forgiveness and to see if there is a chance we can be brothers again? Will you please help me?"

"It tears me apart every time I see him in one of his TV spots. Will you tell Jarv that I love him and there will never be anyone but him? There has not been anyone since I divorced Cathy. He is in my thoughts every day and I miss him so."

"We all do, Scott. It hasn't been easy for him either. The children have helped him adjust, and he has mellowed with time. It's not a pleasant situation for either one of you. He also told me he has never dated since the breakup. His priorities are work and his children. His three children are absolutely precious. They are adorable and as smart as their father. They look just like Jarv. Did you know he named his eldest son after you? The younger son is named Jarv, and he named his daughter Bobbie, and she is rightly named, she is just like her aunt.

"I love both of you and I was not happy when you broke up. You made a foolish mistake marrying Cathy, but, I think in the long run, it was something you had to get out of your system. As painful as the break was, I feel that Jarv made the right decision. If he hadn't, you may have hurt each other again. You are more mature now and hopefully, a lot wiser, maybe this is the time for reconciliation. But I don't know how Jarv is going to take this. I love him dearly, but he can be extremely headstrong, that stubborn streak of his has not changed since he was a youngster.

"Jarv was always a remarkable child. Every mother thinks the world of her children and feels that they are the smartest and most beautiful in the world. Jarv happened to be an exceptional child. He was different from the rest of you. Jarv took life very seriously and had a passion to learn. He had an inquiring mind and had remarkable powers of concentration. I remember the pictures he would draw as a six-year-old and tell me stories of how he was going to be a big businessman one day and make lots and lots of money. No question in my mind that he inherited his father's creative talents. Jarv was always in complete control of his feelings. I'm his mother and I can't predict what's behind that charming facade. That is probably the reason he has been so successful in business.

"Most parents are not pleased to learn that their child is a homosexual. I include myself in that group. In my case, it's not because of the fear of AIDS, but rather for the rejection that you and Jarv will experience from society. There is so much hate in the world against homosexuals. No parent wants to see their children exposed to that kind of treatment. When I learned that you and Jarv were to be a couple, I was relieved, because I felt that you would take care of each other. Jarv has built a wall around his emotions since you left him. It has only been in the last year that he has opened up and talked about you. I feel that he may be ready to talk to you again. I just don't know."

"Jarv is not the same person you knew four years ago. He is a mature, self assured, wealthy man. He is attentive, meticulous, sophisticated and absolutely the most charming host. Jarv has a way of making you feel that you are the most important person in the room. He makes you feel genuinely welcome. His staff is not to be believed. They are efficient and top notch. His home and estate are absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. As many times as I've been in his home, I am awestruck by its understated elegance. The majority of his furnishings in the public rooms are priceless antiques. Spending a weekend with Jarv is always an exciting occasion. It's as if high society moved to the Retreat. The dinner parties are elegant and stimulating. His neighbors and friends are the movers and shakers of industry. Each dinner party is better than the last. After a weekend with Jarv, I go home feeling uplifted. I've yet to meet a boring person at the Retreat. I've seen more famous people at the Stevens' brunches than I have on television."

"The family is always welcome. Your father and I spend a lot of time with the children. Jarv offered to build a home for us on his property, but your dad wants to stay with Sperry until he retires. One of the reasons we all like to spend the Christmas holidays with Jarv is because of the enjoyable time we all have. It is a storybook Christmas, the entertainment and the parties are wonderful and they are not confined to the Retreat either. Sometimes we are invited to attend dinner parties at other friend's estates. We spent one weekend at the Harcourt estate in the Hampton's. For New Year's Eve, we were flown to Paradise Island in the Caribbean to celebrate the New Year."

"I thought Jarv and Dad didn't get along that well," Scott said.

"Jarv sat your father and me down after the children were born and told us that we were his children's only grandparents and he did not want them to be deprived of having a normal family relationship. He told your father that the knife wound in his back had healed and only the scar remained. As far as he was concerned, he forgave him choosing Cathy over him. Jarv said he was not going to allow that to stand in the way of seeing his grandchildren. I was so proud of Jarv at that moment. He put the happiness of his children and his family above his own feelings."

"How did Dad take it?"

"He was shocked and embarrassed. Your dad didn't think that Jarv knew that he sided with Cathy. It took your father a long time to recover. Your father is a good man and he didn't realize that Jarv felt betrayed."

"In any event, I'm going to twist his arm until he agrees to see you. If he agrees, I suggest that you don't come on too strong; let him make all the moves, he will anyway."

"Thanks, Mom."

She stood and kissed him on the cheek, "Goodnight, dear, I'm off to bed. Thanks for the lovely dinner and I'll see you at breakfast in the morning."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"Jarv, did I catch you at a bad time," his mother asked?

"No, Mom, I was reading a report; is everything okay?"

"Jarv, I want to ask you for a big favor; it's payback time."

"Sure, Mom, anything you want."

"Scott was in town for a visit and he wants desperately to see you. For my sake, will you please talk to him?"

"You've got it, Mom. I'm flying to Brazil first thing tomorrow morning and will be gone for several weeks. Ask him to call my secretary, Sandy. She will know my schedule and will make all the arrangements to have him fly to the Retreat for a long weekend. Are you happy now, Mom?"

"Thank you, dear, and Jarv … please be nice."

Jarv chuckled, "Have you ever known me to be otherwise? I'm a pussycat; you know that, Mom."

"I know that, darling, but some people think you're a tiger." His mother related her conversation with Scott. "Well, darling, I don't want to keep you any longer; I love you, Jarv; have a safe trip."

"I love you, too, Mom."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"Hi, Mom, sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner; this is the first chance I've had to return your call. I've been tied-up in a conference all afternoon," Jarv said. "My secretary said your call was urgent. What's wrong?"

His mother sighed, "I'm sorry, dear, but I have some devastating news to tell you. Your father was killed in an automobile accident a few hours ago on his way home from the office."

"Oh, my God; how awful; how are you holding up, Mom? Is someone there with you?"

"Yes, dear, Bobbie and the girls are here."

"Mom, I wish I could drop everything to be there with you, but it's impossible for me to leave right now. I'm at a crucial stage of the negotiations on this contract and I can't get away. If someone could sit in for me, I'd leave right away, but that's not possible."

"I understand, dear; there's really nothing you can do right now, anyway. The funeral director told me it would be at least another three days before your father's body will be ready for viewing. All the arrangements have been taken care of. The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday. Will you be able to make it home by then?"

"Definitely, I'll fly directly into Long Island Airport early Wednesday morning, and fly back to Brazil to finish this contract after the funeral that afternoon."

"Jarv, one more thing, I want you to put your differences with your brother aside for this one day. It would be unthinkable to ask Scott not to attend his father's funeral."

"Relax, Mom, I'll behave as a perfect gentleman. Sorry I can't be with you right now. Look, if you need any financial help let me know, and please tell Bobbie I'll call her tonight."

"Thanks, sweetheart; I knew I could count on you."

"Sure, Mom, anything for you. I love you."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"Hey, Bobbie," Jarv said, "Sorry I couldn't make it back there to hold Mom's hand. How is she holding up?"

"She's doing well under the circumstances. It was rough going earlier today, but she took some tranquilizers and is asleep right now. Everyone is over the initial shock at this point. It's hard to believe Dad's gone. We aren't looking forward to the visitation at the funeral home in two days. That's when the harsh reality of his death will sink in. Mom and Scott identified Dad's body. Scott said his head wasn't disfigured, so they decided to have an open casket. The pathologist said that Dad's death was instantaneous, which is a blessing. I won't go into all the gory details, but I will tell you that all the major organs in the chest were crushed."

"What a tragic waste," Jarv said. "I'd appreciate your saving me copies of the newspapers. I'd like to read the story when I get back. After getting off the phone with Mom this afternoon, I gave some serious thought about this situation with Mom and the girls. I think they should get the heck out of that house and move to Florida. I called my real estate broker and asked him to find a house big enough for Mom and the girls in the Naples/Fort Myers area. I told him to look for a villa in a gated community that includes full maintenance. I thought a four bedroom house with a separate guest cottage and a swimming pool would suit them just fine. That will allow enough room for all of us to visit."

"That sounds expensive, Jarv; I don't think Mom will want to spend that kind of money for a second home. I know that area, Jarv. Some of Mom's friends already have homes there. The homes in that neighborhood start at $600,000 and go up to near $3-million. Mom would like to be close to her friends and all, but those homes are way out of her price range. I think it's a great idea, but it's not in the cards, little brother. I'm sure she'll do okay with the insurance settlement from Dad's accident, but I don't think she'll get much more than a million dollars."

"Dan and I plan to handle the case for her, yet even with free legal fees, the expenses will run high. Maybe Mom can rent a place down there instead."

"Bobbie, honey, you misunderstood me. I'm buying the house for Mom. I have been trying to convince her and Dad to retire for the last two years. I told them I would buy them a house anywhere they wanted. But you know Dad, he wanted to wait for his retirement to kick in. If you want, we can make this a gift from the three of us, and I don't expect you or Scott, to spend your own money on this, either. If you'd like, you and Scott can take care of the expenses on the interior decorating. That's up to you guys. Please understand that I plan to spend at least two million on the house and furnishings."

"It's nice to be rich," Bobbie said.

Jarv chuckled, "You'd better believe it, and I highly recommend it."

"All kidding aside, you're really a sweetheart," Bobbie said. "Dan and I will be happy to pick up the tab for decorating the house. I'll talk to Scott. I'm sure he'll want to contribute."

"Another favor," Jarv said, "I don't want Mom and the girls going back to that house after the funeral. You talk Mom into taking two weeks off and spending them at my villa on Paradise Island. It would be nice if you and Dan could take the time off and join her, even if it's only for a long weekend. If she agrees, I'll have one of my corporate jets fly everyone down to the Island after the funeral, Wednesday. You'll all need a change of scenery by then. If my broker comes up with something in Naples she can fly over to take a look."

"I don't think it's going to take a lot of convincing, Jarv. I'm sure Mom and the girls will be ready to go. Dan and I can use a week off. Do you think you can take off a few days and join us?"

I wish I could, but I'm booked solid for the next three weeks. It's a stretch even to make the funeral on Wednesday. As I told Mom, I'm flying back to Brazil Wednesday afternoon and back home on Friday morning for the weekend, then back to Brazil Tuesday morning."

"Why not just stay in Brazil until Tuesday, Bobbie asked?"

"Because, I want to spend the weekend with my little angels."

"Jarv, I'm so glad you've agreed to see Scott again. He's suffered enough. It would be wonderful if you could find it in your heart to forgive him. If nothing else, I hope you will at least talk to him at the funeral."

"Bobbie, I love you dearly, and I know you mean well, but Scott is a closed issue. I gave Mom my word that I would not allow my personal feelings to interfere with Dad's funeral, and I keep my word. Let's leave it at that."

"Oops, sorry if I opened an old wound."

"You're forgiven. Look, honey, I'll see you on Wednesday let my secretary, Sandy, know if it's a go for Wednesday. She'll make the arrangements for the villa and the jet."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Long Island Airport

Jarv's stretch limo was parked next to a large hanger within the general aviation section of Long Island Airport. Seated inside the limo were his chauffeur, and Jim, the second bodyguard. They were awaiting the arrival of Jarv's aircraft. Ten minutes later the 737 taxied up in front of the hanger. The stairs were rolled up to the aircraft door. The door swung in as the chauffeur pulled the limo close to the foot of stairs. Jim ran up the stairs and into the aircraft. A few seconds later, Jeff, the chief of security, appeared at the top of the stairs, followed by Jarv, with Jim bringing up the rear. They all climbed into to the limo and drove away. Twenty minutes later the limo pulled up to the rear entrance of Jarv's parent's home in Islip. Jeff and Jim quickly scanned the area and escorted Jarv into the house.

He walked into the foyer and over to his mother who was waiting for him. He hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. "It's good to see you, Mom."

"Jeff, the only people in the house are my daughter, my son-in-law and the maid," Dr. Purdey said.

Jeff smiled, "Thanks, Dr. Purdey, you make our job easy."

They all followed her into the living room. Jeff checked the room and then left closing the door. Bobbie and Dan were there waiting. Jarv hugged Bobbie and shook hands with his brother-in-law, Dan. Jarv looked around the room and smiled, "I like the new wall covering, Mom. Everything looks nice."

"I'm glad you like it, son; it has been a long time since you were last here," she said.

"Seven years," Jarv said. "Where is everyone?"

"Scott took the girls out for breakfast," she said. "They'll meet us at the church. Would you all like a cup of coffee?"

"That would hit the spot, Mom," Jarv said. "I'm really pleased that you've all decided to spend some time on Paradise Island. I think you'll need to get away after today. Jeff will see that your luggage is transferred to the aircraft that will be taking you to Paradise Island. I understand it has already landed at the airport. The limo service will take you to the airport after the crematory service."

"Now, Mom, we get to the good stuff. Did Bobbie, talk to you about you and the girls moving to Florida?"

"Yes, dear, I've talked it over with the girls and we have decided to make the move."

"Good choice, my real-estate broker will be calling you next week to make arrangements for you fly over to Fort Myers Airport to look at a few homes he has picked out. They have a good school system there and the girls should do quite well. It should be like old home week to get together with some of your old friends who are living in the area now. I feel you should sell this house furnished. It holds too many bad memories for you. We don't want you to worry about a thing from now on. Bobbie and Dan have offered to take care of all of your legal work and will handle all the paperwork on Dad's estate. The house in Florida will be a gift from the four of us. So don't trouble yourself about anything. After you are settled in Florida, you and the girls can fly back and take whatever keepsakes you want to take with you to your new home. I've leased a furnished house for you and the girls in Naples until you move into your new home. The girls need to get back to school after your vacation."

"Thank you all for this wonderful gift. Now I have something to look forward to, other than your father's funeral. I'm so relieved that I don't have to come back to this house after the funeral. I didn't really know how I was going to face the loss of my second husband."

"Some of my close friends and business associates will be attending the Mass and the brief service at the crematory," Jarv said. "They also will be returning with us to the airport after the lunch at the Yacht Club. I mention this because security will be really tight. Jeff will give each of the family a special pin to wear when you leave the church, please make sure they are prominently displayed on your lapels when we arrive at the crematory. I'll have Jeff step in so he can give you your badges. I'll make sure that the girls and Scott receive theirs as well."

Jarv called Jeff in to distribute the small gold pins. Each had his logo on it.

Jeff said, "In a few minutes, we'll be leaving for the church. We can all ride together in the boss's limo. We'll all meet in the reception room next to the church. We can walk directly into the church from there."

There was quite a sizable gathering in the reception room when they arrived. Drew, Mac, and Lance, along with all the top executives of the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation were there. Of course the top executives of Jarv's company were also there. Jarv gathered the family around and led them to the front to the raised platform.

"My friends, my family and I wish to thank you for being here with us today. We appreciate your taking the time from your busy schedules to comfort us on this sad occasion. For those of you who have not met my family, I'd like to take a moment to introduce them to you now. This is my mother, Dr. Purdey, my sister Bobbie and her husband Dan, my brother, Dr. Scott Purdey, and my two sisters. Again, thank you for being here." He walked over to Scott, "Scott, if you have a minute, I'd like you to come with me."

His request took Scott completely by surprise. This was the first time that Jarv had spoken to Scott in over four years. Jarv could see the shocked look on his face. He smiled, put his arm on Scott's shoulder and led him to the back of the room. "It's good to see you again, Scott. You haven't changed at all; you're still as handsome as ever. What are your future plans?"

"I was planning to return to Atlanta, tomorrow, but if you have something to discuss, I'll stay over."

Jarv said, "We need to get together and talk. I'm headed back to Brazil this afternoon, my schedule will be hectic for the next several weeks but I would like to invite you to spend this weekend with me and meet my children." He handed Scott his card. "Here is my card, please call Sandy, my secretary, and she will make all the arrangements to fly you to the Retreat. I wish I had more time to talk right now, but I need to greet some of our guests." Jarv patted him on the back and left.

Bobbie observed the whole thing and walked over to Scott. "What was that all about? Our little brother was acting like his old self again."

"I'm still in a state of shock, myself. Jarv was cordial and absolutely charming. He took me completely by surprise; I was at a loss for words. Mom was right, he has changed. God, I couldn't keep my eyes off him, Bobbie. He is breathtakingly handsome; I know that it's not right to say this about a man, but he is absolutely beautiful."

Bobbie smiled, "Jarv is all that, and charismatic as well. It's easy to see why he's made it to the top of the heap. Now, are you going to tell me what he said, or am I going to have to use force on you?"

"Jarv apologized for not having the time to talk with me longer, but he had to thank his friends for coming. He also invited me to spend the weekend with him and the children."

"Wow, that is great news," Bobbie said. "It's about time. I suggested that he talk to you while he was here, but he bit my head off, and told me to mind my own business. My words of advice: don't be shocked when you see his home. And keep an open mind about his wealth. Our little brother is filthy rich. He plans to spend two million for Mom's new house in Florida, and treats it like it was petty cash. Did Mom tell you he owns his own fleet of aircraft? Hell, he's flying us all down to Paradise Island in one of his jets. The same goes for that 737 he's flying to Brazil."

"Dad told me that he was doing well, but I had no idea he was that wealthy."

"That doesn't surprise me," Bobbie said. "Jarv never told Dad much about his business, or his private affairs. But he still tells me everything. Did you know that Jarv never spoke about you after you guys split up? Things were never the same after that. Today was the first time Jarv set foot in our home in seven years.

"He made it quite clear that we were never to mention you while he was around. You should call Mom tomorrow; I know she'll want to talk to you about Jarv. You'll find the telephone number for his villa under Paradise Island in Mom's telephone book in the office at home. You won't have time today. Looks like it's time to leave for the Mass. We'd better join the others."

Atlanta

"Doctor Purdey, this is Mr. King-Purdey's driver; I should be at your home in thirty minutes, sir. Will you be ready for your trip to the airport?"

"Yes, thank you."

The limo was on time and dropped Scott off at the general aviation terminal. "Have a pleasant flight, Dr. Purdey," the driver said. "Let the information desk know you are here."

Scott was met by the flight steward. "Dr. Purdey, did you have any other luggage, sir."

"No, just one bag and my briefcase."

"Follow me, sir." The flight attendant led him out to the flight line to a 737 jet aircraft. The plane was painted in a light blue with black lettering on the side reading, King-Purdey, Darlington Agency. Scott followed the steward up the stairs. "I think you would be more comfortable in the lounge, Dr. Purdey."

Scott was lead into a spacious lounge and selected one of the leather lounge seats and strapped on his seat belt. "I'll be back in a few minutes, sir."

The steward returned a few minutes later and took the seat opposite Scott. "Captain Ryan is cleared for immediate take off, Dr. Purdey. We should be landing in Westchester County Airport in approximately three hours. What would you like to drink after the Captain turns off the seat belt sign?"

"A cup of tea, if you have it," Scott said.

"No problem, sir, would you like cream or lemon with your tea?"

"Plain, no sugar, please."

"I didn't see any other passengers up front, who else is on board?"

"You're our only passenger, Dr. Purdey," the steward answered. "My name is Paul, and I will be serving you on this flight. The Captain said he would be back to welcome you aboard as soon as we reach cruising altitude. If you need anything, please let me know."

"Good morning, and welcome aboard, Dr. Purdey, I'm Captain Ellis, your pilot. Is Paul taking care of you okay?"

"Yes, thank you for asking. This aircraft is quite a departure from the aircraft I'm used to flying in."

Captain Ellis smiled, "This baby is a great aircraft to fly, first class all the way. Mr. King-Purdey designed the interior himself after he purchased her three years ago. Yes, sir, your brother is some slick horse trader. This jet was originally owned by Exxon Oil. Actually, several aircraft were put on the block at the same time. The boss was shopping around for a jet then. The two aircraft he was interested in were parked in the same hanger. My flight engineer and I were signing off on some invoices when Mr. Purdey approached us. He thought we worked for the dealer who was handling the planes he was interested in. Then he spotted this aircraft and started asking questions.

"By the time he's ready to leave he's picked our brains and calls his broker. His broker's not really interested in getting involved with Exxon on this aircraft. So your brother calls in a private consultant to check out the plane. The next day the boss hires a lawyer to make a low ball bid on the jet. I mean almost half what this aircraft is worth. Exxon came back with a counter proposal and — bang — your brother has bought this aircraft. The Exxon bean counter is happy because he unloaded what he thought was an old aircraft. However, your brother bought himself a first class, state of the art, refurbished aircraft.

"The boss has the aircraft moved to another hanger and redesigns the interior himself. This baby has a miniature art studio complete with the latest state of the art computers for digital graphics, large screen monitors, and the whole nine yards. This is the boss's office and home away from home. It's fascinating to watch him put together a program. I've seen sometimes twenty guys working with him on a presentation.

"Anyway, six months after the boss buys the aircraft, he receives an invoice from Exxon for ten million dollars for the first installment for the work that was completed on this aircraft. Your brother returns the invoices to Exxon with two pages in the contract that states that he purchased the aircraft 'as is' and that he is not responsible for any work that was completed prior to his purchase of the aircraft." The Captain laughed heartedly, "We never heard from them again. Your brother's smart; he hired one of the best lawyers in Houston to write the contract the way he wanted it for Exxon to sign. Believe me, that contract was binding and it really protected your brother. Would you like to see our baby?"

"You've hooked me now," Scott said. "Lead the way."

The Captain gave him the deluxe tour, including the sleeping quarters for the staff. He pointed out some of the specialized electronic equipment and the forward compartments and the redesigned baggage area that housed large water storage tanks for waste and fresh water and the portable generating equipment that was used when the aircraft was parked on the ground. He led him back to the lounge.

"I'm impressed, it's quite an aircraft."

"This lounge converts into your brother's private sleeping quarters when we are in the field. Every foot on this aircraft is utilized and is functional. Yes, sir, the boss is one smart dude."

"I gather from what you've told me, you like working for my brother."

"Mr. King-Purdey is a super guy and the best boss I've ever worked for, bar none. When I first laid my eyes on him four years ago, I remarked to my Flight Engineer, that here was another Exxon management trainee nosing around with his check off lists. You know, your brother can pass for a college kid. But, I'm going to tell you, he is one smart dude, and I hope he'll stick around until I'm ready to retire. Well, I'd better amble back to the cockpit. We should be landing in New York a little ahead of schedule. Your helicopter ride to the Retreat takes about thirty minutes from Westchester County airport. That should put you at the Retreat a little before lunch time."

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To be continued...

Posted: 04/06/12