Friends and Family Series
Sandy & Dan
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 9
Sandy's jet landed at Istanbul International Airport. Sandy and Dan were met by a Turkish Customs agent. After the passengers and aircraft were cleared, the plane taxied to a private hanger where Sandy's security teams met with their Turkish counterparts, and were introduced to Sandy and Dan. After deplaning they were met by Captain Nelson who had arrived in a large van to transport all the men. The group included Sandy's chief of security and his team, in addition to the two Turkish security guards. One of them elected to drive the van. Thirty minutes later, the van pulled up to the pier where the Aladdin was docked.
"Isn't she a beauty?" the Captain remarked.
"She sure is huge," Dan said. "What do you think, Sandy?"
"I agree she is a beauty."
They walked up the gangplank and onto the deck where they were greeted by the ship's engineering officer. "Welcome aboard, gentlemen; my name is Steve Jennings. I represent the owner and I will be happy to accompany you on the grand tour. I'll let Captain Nelson lead the way since he already knows every nook and cranny on this ship."
The Captain started the tour on the main deck and then continued to the lower decks. They took the elevator back to the upper deck, and finally to the bridge. The Captain pointed out the area on the deck where he wanted to remove the pool to make room for the two tenders and the crane. They returned to the owner's quarters.
"Do you like it, Dan?" Sandy asked.
"She is fantastic, and will look a heck of a lot better after the renovation. The decor is very ornate, a bit too much for my modest taste. More important is what you think about her, Sandy?"
Sandy said, "I'm impressed, and as long as you like her, I'm happy. Well, Captain, you made the right choice. Didn't you say this ship has been on the market for over six months?"
"That's right," the Captain said. "The owner dropped the price last month to $68 million."
"Call the broker and offer him $65 million," Sandy said. "Let him know we have narrowed our search down to two ships; the other ship is newer and does not have to be refitted like this one will, etc. Also, tell him that we are ready to move on this and our offer is extended until noon, Saturday."
The Captain pulled out his cell phone and called the broker. He explained Sandy's offer and the deadline. He disconnected the call and said, "The broker will contact the owner immediately."
"You bet he will," Sandy said. "I'm sure the broker will convince the owner to take this deal. Were you able to get figures on refitting this ship?" Sandy asked.
"Yes, sir," the Captain said. "I've received six bids in all, three for the refitting and three for the interior design. Of course, they could only give me ball park estimates, but they are all fairly close. I do have my preferences, but the final decision is yours."
"What are we looking at dollar-wise?" Sandy asked.
"Five million dollars," the Captain said. "The structural refit is pretty straight forward and would include the removal of the pool to make room for the two tenders, and redesigning the helicopter landing platform. The interior redesign will depend on how you want the public rooms laid out. I've told design firms that you want functional, clean lines without any frills. They know that they need to add a surgery as well."
"One more change," Sandy said. "We'll need to add a nursery close to the master cabin, with an adjoining cabin for the Nanny."
"Captain, why don't we head for our hotel? We can check in and look over some of the bids you've collected."
The party left the ship and drove to their hotel. The parking attendant took the van as the chief of security, Chet Williams, led the way into the hotel with the other two guards flanking Dan and Sandy. The chief guard signed the party in and handed over their passports. Sandy and Dan were assigned the center suite while the security men occupied the rooms on each side of Dan and Sandy's suite. The guards entered the suite before Dan and Sandy. They unlocked the connecting doors on either side of the suite and checked out their own rooms.
Chet Williams said, "Mr. Dunnlap, you are not to open the door for anyone. If someone rings your busser, please let me or one of the other security guards answer your door. Your cell phone is programmed with our numbers, G-1 and G-2. I've checked with the guards on the plane earlier. They said that the crew is staying on board the aircraft. The hanger has showers and everything the crew will need. The galley is fully loaded and they have a varied menu."
"Thank you, Chet," Sandy said. "Captain, where is your suite?"
"It's directly across the hall, sir."
"Dan and I have to read our email, let's plan on meeting back here in an hour. Do you have any suggestions about where to have dinner?"
"The dining room in this hotel is a four-star restaurant and well worth the price. It's a heck of a lot more reasonable than Savannah, I can tell you," the Captain said.
"Good, would you like to join us for dinner?" Sandy asked.
"My pleasure, sir."
"I'll have Chet handle the reservations," Sandy said. "He'll look over the location to make sure we have a secure table, out of harm's way."
"That's a smart idea in this town," the Captain said. "I'll be back in an hour."
Sandy and Dan hooked up their computers and began answering their email.
Sandy answered his cell phone. "Mr. Dunnlap, your reservations are confirmed for seven o'clock this evening," Chet said.
"Thank you, Chet."
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Sandy heard a knock on the connecting door to his suite and said, "Come in."
Chet walked in the room. "Captain Nelson is at the door. Is it all right to let him in?"
"Yes, please do."
Chet opened the door to let the Captain in, and closed the door after him. Chet left through the connecting door.
"I received a call from Mr. James, the ship broker, a few minutes ago, and he has accepted your offer. He is preparing the bill of sale now. All the papers are in order. He would like to know when he can meet with you to finalize the contract."
"That is good news, Captain. I'm pleased we got her at our price," Sandy said. "I'll email Jules Schenk, my Treasurer, to notify him to wire the funds directly to the broker's bank. They can work out all the details. If you wish, we can arrange to meet at the ship tomorrow morning, and we can go over the ship's logs and check off the itemized list on the schedule. Once they turn over the signed bill of sale, I will have the funds wired to Mr. James, the broker. Please ask him to bring a CD containing all the documents. While I'm emailing Jules Schenk, why don't you show Dan the three design plans from the interior design firms, Captain?"
Sandy sat down next to Dan on the couch and looked over the designs. The first set of illustrations was from a German design company, the second set was submitted by an Italian company and the last from a Canadian firm. After viewing all three Sandy asked, "Which one do you like, Dan?"
"The Italian firm's work is quite dramatic. At first glance they appear very striking, but I don't feel that I could live with that decor for too long. The German approach is a bit too cold and somber. The Canadian's plan is by far the most appealing. Their design is formal, yet aesthetically appealing. I am partial to the earth tones, and the furnishings look comfortable. It has a slight Scandinavian feel to the decor."
"That would be my choice as well," Sandy said. "What are your thoughts, Captain?"
"I agree that the Canadians have the best approach, and they are in tune with our tastes. The primary advantage would be all the work can be done nearby, in Canada. The Canadians have submitted the lowest bid on the refit work as well. I know their work, and it is first class. The other two bidders on the structural work could not schedule our job for six months. They are that busy."
"We'll go with the Canadian bids," Sandy said. "Are their representatives in town?"
"Yes sir," the Captain replied. They said that they would be leaving Sunday morning."
"Good," Sandy said, "why don't you let them know that we are accepting their bid, and ask them meet us on the ship tomorrow afternoon? We will review the bid and have them add the nursery and the Nanny's quarters. I think the three of us should take the drawings and walk through the ship one more time. This would be the time to make any changes."
"That's make sense," Dan said. "Captain, what plans have you made to sail the ship to Canada? I'm sure you'll need a good size crew for the job."
"My thoughts were to fly in some of the crew from the West Wind to sail her to Canada. I was thinking of hiring the engineer that you met yesterday. He is an American and has been the engineering officer on the Aladdin for the last three years. As soon as the ship is sold, he's out of a job. I'll interview him in more detail tomorrow. He did say he would stay on board until the present owner sells the ship."
"He seems like a nice enough chap," Sandy said. "But you're the Captain. Why don't you call your Executive officer and have him round up the crew you will need, and we'll fly them over in one of the company jets. Make sure all their papers are in order. I'm sure you're going to need to figure out a new budget for operating this ship. When you work that out, email it to Jules Schenk. Jules can take care of any funds necessary to stock this ship with the supplies you'll need to sail her across to Canada. I'm sure you will have time, while she is being refitted to select a new crew."
"Sandy, I think we should head down to the dining room about now," Dan said.
Sandy knocked on Chet's door, "We're ready to go."
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"Captain, I appreciate all you have done to help us buy this ship," Sandy said. "Jules said Lloyd's has our new insurance policy in effect and he is prepared to email any funds you will need. You can stay at the hotel or you can elect to stay on board the ship. If you are going to stay on board, I want you to keep these security guards on until you sail for Canada. You have our cell phone numbers if you need us. We are staying in London for the next two days and will be flying back to Georgia on Monday. Again, thanks for dropping us off at the airport."
"Thanks for the accolades, boss," the Captain said, "its all part of the service. I think I'll take your suggestion and stay on board the ship. Chet, will you work out the deal with your security company and have security on board around the clock."
"Will do, Captain," Chet said. "Have a pleasant voyage to Canada."
The van pulled up to the hanger and the security guards jumped out. Dan and Sandy said their goodbyes to the Captain. The security guards from the plane escorted Dan and Sandy into the waiting aircraft. Chet shook hands with the Turkish security men and the van drove off back to town.
The bags were carried on board, and the plane took off for London. When they reached cruising altitude, the chief pilot announced that their arrival time at Heathrow was five o'clock. Sandy picked up his cell phone and called Craig Shelby. "Craig this is Sandy, I just wanted to give you a second chance to change your mind about housing five people. On this trip I had to take three security guys with me."
"I told you that I have plenty of room for you and your security people. You know I have a full staff as well, so it's not a problem. I'm having my assistant, John Dearing, met you at your aircraft and to drive you to the house."
"That won't be necessary Craig my security team has already made arrangements for the local security detail to provide transportation. The pilot told me that we would be arriving around five."
Dan and Sandy were seated close together on their comfortable sofa holding hands. "This has been a stimulating two days," Dan said. "How does it feel to spend over $70 million dollars in two days?"
"I didn't mind it at all in fact, I enjoyed it because the money was spent for us. This ship will make our life more enjoyable and it's big enough to take our children with us."
Dan leaned over and kissed Sandy, "Did I tell you how much I love you?"
"Many times, but I like hearing it."
Dan rested his head next to Sandy's shoulder. Sandy put his arm around Dan and pulled him close to him, they relaxed and fell asleep. They were awakened by the pilot's announcement that they would be landing in thirty minutes.
Their jet taxied to their reserved hanger and they were met by the customs inspector, accompanied by the local security guards that would guard the plane. The customs official was polite and cleared them to enter the city. One of the local security guards drove the large custom van. The guards loaded the bags into the van and drove to Craig's town home in a posh section of London. The van pulled into the circular drive of a well maintained Edwardian four story home.
Chet Williams walked up to the front entrance and rang the bell. He was admitted into the house. A few minutes later he returned with Craig Shelby. "Welcome to London, Sandy."
"Craig, I have the pleasure to introduce my partner, Dan Kelly, and my security guards," Sandy said. "Chet, why don't do the honors and introduce your men to Craig?"
When introductions were completed, Craig let the way into the house. Craig said, "Chet, I know the drill, so why don't you let Justin, my butler, show you around and meet the rest of my household staff."
"Thank you, Sir." The three-man security party left with Justin.
Craig led Sandy and Dan into his study and settled in around the coffee table near the fireplace.
"This is a beautiful home, Craig," Dan said. "It's as grand as the mansion in Upstairs-Downstairs."
"Thank you, Dan. This home has been in my wife's family for generations. It's close to two hundred years old. It's a grand old building, but it cost a small fortune over the years to maintain the structure and to modernize the place. I'll take you on a tour after a while. My wife passed away three years ago and I've never really adjusted to her death. She was a healthy, happy woman that morning when I left for work. She suffered a massive cerebral stroke and died that same afternoon. If I didn't have my work and two boys to raise, I think it would have taken me much longer to recover. I would like you to meet my two boys. They are playing in the family room, just down the hall."
The three men walked into the large family room where the two boys were playing a video game. "Boys, I would like you to meet two special guests who will be spending the weekend with us. This gentleman is my boss, Sandy Dunnlap, and the other gentleman is Mr. Dunnlap's associate, Dan Kelly." Craig placed his arm on the six year old's shoulder and said, "Sandy, Dan, this is my oldest, Chip, or Craig Shelby, Jr. The other handsome young man is my four year old, Lloyd.”
"It's a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen," Chip said. Lloyd nodded his head and smiled, agreeing with Chip.
After the introductions were over, Craig said, "Boys, we will be in the study; dinner will be ready in an hour, so be sure to wash up before you join us in the dining room.
The three walked back down the hall to the study. "Why don't I show you to your rooms in case you wish to freshen up after your trip?" Craig led them up the grand staircase to the second floor and ushered them into their suite.
"This is a delightful room," Sandy said.
"Thank you; my wife had a flair for decorating; it all came so easy to her. She was responsible for the decor. As I told the boys, we should be sitting down to dinner in about an hour. Why don't I give you some time to freshen up? When you are ready, I'll be in the study."
"Thank you, Craig," Sandy said. "We'll be down shortly."
"Those boys remind me so much of Pete's boys," Dan said. "I find their British accent delightful."
Sandy said, "We were all shocked at Clair's sudden death. She was a lovely, graceful lady. They were the ideal couple. Craig appears to have taken her death in stride; at least his work never seemed to suffer. I think he has done a great job in raising the boys."
Sandy took Dan in his arms and kissed him, "I don't know what I would do if I lost you that way."
"Don't even think such a thing," Dan said. "I plan to be around a long time. My grandparents lived long and happy lives. Of course they didn't have many offspring. Both of my parents were born late in their parents' life. That's why they weren't around for me to enjoy. I'm sure Craig and you have some business to discuss, so after dinner I'll spend my time with the boys, so you two can talk. Shall we join Craig in the study?"
"Lead on," Sandy said.
"What would you like to drink?" Craig asked. Sandy and Dan asked for bourbon and soda. Craig had a glass of club soda. Lloyd and Chip joined them and each had a glass of soda. Craig responded to a call. "That was Justin; dinner is ready to be served. Shall we head to the dining room? Chip, why don't you lead the way?"
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Sandy said, "That was an excellent dinner, Craig, not as rushed as the last few dinners we had in Istanbul. Dan and I flew down to look at a new ship and ended up closing the deal this morning. The Captain is getting her ready to sail to Canada for refitting. We would like to sail back with her but we can't spare the time."
Dan said, "Craig, I know you and Sandy have business to discuss, so if you don't mind, I'd like to spend some time with the boys; they remind me of my nephews."
"I'm sure the boys would welcome your company; be careful, they'll beat you every time on that Game Boy. Boys, if you're finished eating, why don't you show Dan some of your new games?"
The boys led Dan back to the family room. They played a few games, and then Dan asked them about their school and their friends, and what they did outdoors for fun. Lloyd said he was too young for soccer but that Chip was on a team. They didn't have Little League baseball or tee ball in England. They did play crochet and were taking riding and swimming lessons three times a week. Dan learned that they both attended private school and had a male Nanny who supervised them during the week. However, he was off on weekends unless their Dad was out of town.
Sandy and Craig headed back to the study. "May I offer you an after-dinner drink?" Craig asked.
"Brandy, if you have it," Sandy replied.
"I just may break my rule and have a glass of sherry," Craig said.
After he handed Sandy his drink, he sat and began his story. "We have been good friends and associates for many years and you have always been there for me. You know more about my early life than anyone else and you have always treated me with respect. I have always appreciated that. You know that Clair's parents never really liked me, in fact they went out of their way to avoid me. I don't regret their passing. Clair was the only remaining survivor of her family after her brother and his family were killed in South Africa. Their estate was passed on to her. My sons and I inherited her estate after her death. You know that my family disinherited me when they learned that I was a homosexual. The fact that I was bi-sexual later on was worse as far as they were concerned. My brother and sister felt the same, and will have nothing to do with me."
"The reason I asked you for this private meeting is because I'm resigning my position with the company. It is regrettable, but necessary. You see my doctors discovered that I have cancer of the brain. They give me six months, maybe a little more. They say I will gradually lose my ability to walk, and finally normal brain functioning. I will not be in much pain, but most likely I will lose my ability to communicate. I don't think I will be strong enough to face this alone. I 'm hoping that you will be willing to see me through this mess."
"I didn't want to burden you with this, but I don't know of any other person I trust to take on the responsibility of raising my children. I can't leave my sons alone to fend for themselves in some private boarding school. They are such wonderful, well behaved, intelligent children. They have above average intelligence, the same as you and Pete, and a small way like me. I know they would be devastated if they were to be placed under my family's guardianship. I know that there would be a fight for control of them because of their inheritance alone. All of my family are a bunch of greedy, rotten people. I know they would ship the kids off to a boarding school anyway, since they have tainted blood."
"I know that you and Dan are a couple, and from all reports, a happy couple. I'm asking you and Dan to adopt my boys and raise them. Even if you choose not to adopt them, would you at least become their legal guardian?"
"Good Lord, you must be going through hell about now. I'm absolutely shocked by this tragic news. I can't believe this? You are one of my best friends, Craig, and you know I will do everything in my power to see you through this tragic time. I would not hesitate one minute to say yes to your request. But, I'm married and I want to discuss this with my partner before I give you our answer."
"That's fair enough," Craig said. "Dan seems to be a responsible guy; I can see he likes children."
"You've got that right. My brother's kids are crazy about him. He had done wonders with the twins, and Pete and Penny are delighted with the positive role model he has shown them. He loves sports. He wants every boy on his team to play in the game no matter how poorly they play. He will take those poor players and work with them until they do well. That's the way he is. You know, he was a star athlete at Georgia Tech until he damaged his knee. That injury ended his career."
"I didn't know that," Craig said. "I figured he was into sports because of the way he keeps himself in good shape. Look, I'm sure you guys are tired after your trip. Why don't we call it a night and get some sleep."
"I agree, let's find Dan and the boys and get them to bed."
Dan was sitting on the couch with a boy cuddled up on each side of him. He was reading a story from one of their story books. Craig waited until Dan ended the chapter and said, "Alright boys, say good night. We're all ready for bed." The boys got up and thanked Dan, took their father's hand and left.
Dan followed Sandy to their room, where they both brushed their teeth and undressed for bed. Dan slipped in next to Sandy and turned off the light. "You looked preoccupied since your talk with Craig. Is it something that you can share with me?"
"It is just so depressing, Baby. But this is something that you are going to have to decide as well."
Sandy retold the entire story to Dan. "Now you can see why I was so preoccupied."
"O my God, Sandy, my heart goes out to Craig and his sons. They are precious, both of them, and as smart as they come. They remind me of the twins. I'm all for adopting both boys, the sooner the better. It would kill me if those sweet kids were dropped into some private boarding school to be raised, no matter how good the school may be."
"Now you know why I love you so much," Sandy said. "You are so compassionate and caring you'll make a great father for those boys. It's obvious that they like you, but who doesn't, my love."
Dan kissed Sandy, "You know there's never a dull moment living with you. My brain is churning right now. We have a lot to nail down with Craig, and I don't think we can accomplish that in the short time we have left in London. My feeling is that we should pack up Craig and the boys, and their trainer, and take them with us to Dunnlap. I know you and Craig have to find his successor, and we have all the legal stuff to take care of. What do you think about that idea, Sandy?"
"It's a great idea; you always come up with the most logical way of doing things, I'm glad I married you." Sandy kissed Dan tenderly and said, "Now be a good baby and go to sleep."
Dan chuckled, "You don't have to ask me twice, I'm exhausted." A few minutes later they were both sound asleep.
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To be continued...
Posted: 06/08/12