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 17

Sandy woke up at ten to a sunlit bedroom with Dan still deeply asleep. He untangled himself from Dan and slipped out of bed without waking him and headed to the bathroom for his daily toilet. After dressing, he headed down to the morning room where he dialed the kitchen and ordered breakfast. Shortly, Ludlow walked in the breakfast room. "Good morning, Master Sandy," he said, as he poured a cup of fresh coffee.

"Good morning, Ludlow. I'm sure Chet briefed you on our exciting early morning wakeup."

Ludlow smiled, "Yes, sir. I'm sorry to hear that Jeremy had to be rushed to the hospital. That young man has had his share of bad luck. It's a shame; he's such a good boy. I guess it's just another bump on the road of life. Mr. Shelby asked me to tell you that he would be in the office if you needed him. The two boys took the plane over to your brother's this morning to attend school. I took the liberty of calling your brother to let him know what happened to Jeremy early this morning. He asked that you call him when you can. Also, Dr. Ross called this morning and asked you to return his call."

"Thank you, Ludlow. You're right about Jeremy, he has had a rough time of it, but Dan and I are trying to make life better for him. He's a great kid and I think he will bounce back from this without a problem. I appreciate your calling Pete to let him know about Jeremy, and to have him and Penny keep an eye on Chip and Lloyd. I'll return his call in a few minutes. I need to call Dr. Ross first."

"Yes, sir; here is the number of Dr. Ross's service," Ludlow said, handing Sandy the message.

Sandy dialed the number and reached Dr. Ross who said, "I called to let you know that I don't think it will be necessary to hire special nurses for Jeremy. Dr. Hanover and I examined him this morning and he is doing just fine. The floor nurses are the best and with your security people watching over him he should do fine. If Jeremy's condition were more serious, I would consider special nurses. The physical therapy people will be working with him today and will have him out of bed this afternoon for a bit. We find that the patient feels more comfortable, and recovers much faster, if he is moving around rather than lying in bed all day. We have already removed the catheter so he can use the bathroom if he likes. He is on a liquid diet for the next 24 hours."

Thank you, doctor. I'm glad Jeremy is doing so well."

Sandy then called Jeremy. "So how is it going, Son?"

"I feel a little sore but it's not too bad. The nurse gave me some pills for the pain and I feel fine. I've received some beautiful flowers and gifts from your family. Uncle Pete, Aunt Penny and my cousins sent me Get-Well balloons. Uncle Chris, Uncle Pete and Aunt Penny all called today to wish me well. Nana also called me this morning. It was so nice and thoughtful that they took the time to call me. You sure have a great family, Dad."

"Yes," Sandy said, "we do; they did that because you are a very special boy and they all love you. Dan and I will be over to visit in a little while."

Sandy called Pete. "Hey, Bro, Jeremy just told me what a great Uncle and Aunt he has. Thanks for sending him the balloons, he got a big kick out of them, and thanks for calling the family to let them know about Jeremy."

Pete said, "He's a great kid and we all love him. We would like to fly over with the boys to visit him. Let me know when would be a good time."

"While I have you on the horn," Sandy said, "I wanted to ask if you and Penny are free a week from next Friday. Dan and I would like you and the family to be at our commitment ceremony in Boston. Mom already has taken care of the paper work. The ceremony shouldn't take long and we can be back in Georgia in three hours. I need to contact the rest of the family to see if they are available and would like to attend."

"Look, Bro, Penny and I will make sure we're available. If you want, I can call the rest of the family to see if they can make it. I thought you were planning to do this up big. What's the deal?"

"Dan and I still plan to have a big reception down the road, but we want to get married now, and we thought we would only invite our immediate families. There is just too much going on now to plan a big reception. That takes time and we need to make sure to give our guests enough advanced warning so they can make plans to be here. You know how long it took us to plan our company anniversary gala. There is just too much at stake right now."

"I see your point, Sandy. I agree now is not a good time to be planning a big reception."

"I was thinking of restricting this ceremony for adults only. If Jeremy is well enough to travel, he may like to attend. He knows the score between Dan and me, but I don't know if you and Penny want to let the twins to attend?"

Pete said, "They are eleven, and as you well know, they know more than their prayers. I'll talk to Penny to get her thoughts, yet I have the feeling they already know the score between you and Dan. Not that we have ever broached the subject, but knowing them, it wouldn't bother them. Sometimes they scare me about what they know. I don't know if I'm slowing up or they are just years ahead of me."

Sandy chuckled, "I think it's a little of both. I personally think you are hanging around the animals too much."

Pete laughed, "God will punish you for that."

"Look, Bro, I need to run. I would appreciate it if you can check out the family on our commitment plans. I'll let you know about the best time to visit Jeremy."

Pete said, "I'll talk to the folks and the sisters and let you know."

Dan walked into the breakfast room and kissed Sandy as he finished his call to Pete. "Good morning, Danny. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Rested, but not fully awake yet," Dan said. "Thanks for letting me sleep. Did any fresh disasters crop up while I was sleeping?"

"Just the usual stack of messages and calls. That was Pete on the phone, he's going to see if the family is free for our commitment ceremony in Boston, and I spoke to Jeremy and Dr. Ross this morning. All is well at that end. I told Jeremy we would visit him later this morning."

Dan said, "I'll call my Mom to see if she and Roger are free to attend our ceremony. I spoke to your HR Director and I will be meeting with him this afternoon to work out the salary package for the children's staff. I would like to have them start as soon as possible. Jeremy could come home sooner if we have Joe, his personal trainer, here to watch him. Joe told me that he is free to relocate immediately, so that should work out just fine."

"That's great," Sandy said, "as soon as you work out the package for him why you don't call Joe and make him a verbal offer. If he accepts, have him come down here and take the physical and sign our employment contract."

"I will do that, the sooner he is on board the better," Dan said. When did you want to visit Jeremy?"

"Let's head over to the hospital as soon as you have eaten. I need to make one more call to Craig at the office."

"Craig, this is Sandy. What's up?"

Craig said, "I wanted to know if it would be all right for the boys to visit Jeremy after they get home from school today?"

"That would be great. I know he will enjoy the company. I'm sure he is anxious to tell all the gory details to his buddies. How is Jim Watson's training going?"

Craig said, "He is a fast learner, I told you he would be the ideal manager for this position. I'll give him another two weeks training and he will be ready to take over."

"That is good news, Craig. Keep up the good work; I'll see you later.

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Sandy and Dan walked into Jeremy's room. Jim, Jeremy's security man, had been relieved by John.

"Hello, John, is everything under control?" Sandy asked.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Dunnlap."

They walked over to Jeremy's bed. Dan said, "Well, Tiger, you look a lot better. How do you feel?"

'I feel great, Uncle Dan. They made me get out of bed and walk to the bathroom before."

"Weren’t you a little wobbly on your feet?" Sandy asked.

"A little, but the therapist helped me a bit and it didn't hurt much at all. Dr. Ross was in to examine me this morning and told me that because Dr. Hanover used that macroscopic surgery procedure, the incision is very small. The good news is that I may be able to be discharged tomorrow."

Sandy said, "That is good news. I'll bet you will be glad to be home in your own room again. We brought along your laptop and some of your DVDs and games."

Jeremy smiled, "Thanks, the daytime shows on TV are boring. I'm glad you asked John to bring some of my books to read."

"Chris and the boys will be by this afternoon for a visit. They wanted to know if there was anything they can bring you?"

Sandy said, "Dan, why don't you visit with Jeremy while I see if I can find Dr. Ross."

Sandy reached the doctor by phone at his office and talked to him about Jeremy. Dr. Ross told him that if all went well they could take Jeremy home tomorrow afternoon. Sandy finished his call and returned to Jeremy's room.

Sandy said, "Jeremy, Dan and I need to get back to work, but we'll stop by later for a visit."

Jeremy said, "I appreciate your taking the time to visit me, I know you how busy you guys are." They both hugged Jeremy and left for Sandy's office building.

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Dan thanked the Director of Human Recourses and headed to Sandy's office. He stopped at the secretary's desk and asked, "Is Sandy available?"

"Yes, Mr. Kelley, he is expecting you; please go on in."

Dan entered Sandy's office and closed the door behind him. "I had a very productive meeting with your HR Director. He was very helpful and together we came up with a salary package for each of the three candidates. I've called all three candidates and made them a verbal offer. Contingent of course on their physicals, all three accepted our offer on the spot. Joe is scheduled to fly in this afternoon and take the physical at the hospital. He said he would be available to start work tomorrow. He will be meeting with HR to sign the employment contract and to fill out all the company paperwork needed for insurance and for Uncle Sam. He's booked into the company's guest quarters until he can find an apartment. He'll meet us at the hospital tomorrow to escort Jeremy home. I asked him to call when he finishes up with HR in the morning."

"That's great, Dan. I'm glad that is taken care of. With Joe on board, you will have more time to concentrate on your other projects. He can take over Jeremy's care, allowing you and the security team more freedom."

Dan continued, "Margaret, Pattie and Tara will fly in next week to meet with HR and sign their contracts and fill out our paperwork. HR is making arrangements for them to take their physicals at one of the local labs. Their offer letters will be mailed out tomorrow. Your HR guy is very efficient and he knows his job. He had already checked the candidates' references and had a tentative salary package put together before I arrived in his office. The agency already knew what each candidate was making and what they expected as far as salary, so he just bumped that figure ten percent. Plus all the great benefits your company has to offer. The candidates were all very pleased with the package. I think that is why they accepted the offer over the phone. I told them if they needed time to reflect on the offer, they could let me know by Friday. But, they didn't hesitate once the offer was spelled out. As far as I'm concerned, they are all very competent and have the experience and personalities we require."

"That's great, Dan, we can sit down with Margaret when she arrives and tell her what we expect of her and the staff. She should be able to come up with a plan for the staff and a schedule for the boys. Then she'll need to hire some part time staff people to relieve the regular staff for their days off."

Dan said, "For the present, Joe will need to concentrate on taking care of Jeremy. We can watch over Chip and Lloyd until Jeremy is back on his feet again. By that time, Margaret should have organized the staff and worked out a schedule for the boys. Soccer season is upon us again, so I will be spending some afternoons coaching the boys. Our three should be on our team this year. I think it should work out just fine and Joe can help out with the team."

Sandy said, "Well I'm finished for the day. Let's head over to the hospital to check on Jeremy, and then head for home with Craig and the boys."

"Good idea, this has been a busy day and we need some quality time together," Dan said.

Sandy smiled, "I'm all for that my love."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Sandy returned home from the office and headed up to Jeremy's suite. Both Joe and Jeremy were reading. "Well, son, how does it feel to be home again? Is Joe taking good care of you?"

Jeremy smiled. "Joe is taking very good care of me, Dad. I didn't realize how good I had it here. The food is superior to anything they have in the hospital, and it is so nice to be in my own suite again. What a change from the hospital; even though my room at the hospital was spacious, it could never compare to my own bedroom."

"Joe, after Jeremy has his dinner and you settle him in for the night, you're free to leave. I know you must have some unpacking to do. We'll take care of Jeremy."

"Thank you, Mr. Dunnlap. You're right, I need to unpack and stock the pantry with food."

Sandy said, "Buzz me on the cell phone when you're ready to leave. I'm sure Lloyd and Chip will be keeping Jeremy company after dinner. I'll be back later, son."

"Thanks Dad."

Sandy headed to the library to call Pete. "How's it going, big brother?"

"I'm hanging in there, Bro. I checked with the folks and everything is set for your commitment ceremony next Friday. I thought Penny, the twins and I would chopper over to the Mansion and we can all fly up to Atlanta in your jet to pick up the rest of the family."

"That sounds like a good plan," Sandy said. "I reserved a private dining room at the Fishnet in Boston. I understand it's one of the in places to dine these days. Maine lobster is one of their specialties. After lunch we can all head back to Atlanta, and drop off the family."

"Sounds like a winner, little brother. How is Jeremy doing?"

"He is doing just fine. He came home today from the hospital. His new male nanny is taking care of him for now."

"If it is alright with you, Penny and boys would like to visit him after school tomorrow."

"I'm sure Jeremy would like that. Do you think Penny could bring his homework over with her tomorrow? I'll have Dan call the school to find out what he needs to study, and the twins can pick it up from his teacher."

"I'll make sure the boys take care of that for you," Pete said.

"Pete, I wanted to let you know that Dan and I are planning to head over to Great Britain the following week. We're taking James Watson and his wife over to London with us. I'll be introducing him to his executive staff, and to make sure they are all on the same page. After that meeting, we will be flying up to Scotland to meet with Murdoch and Ryan to finalize our new joint venture company."

"I was hoping that Craig would be there as well, but his doctor said that is out of the question. He is concerned that the plane could lose pressure and cause Craig some serious problems. For that reason alone, he said it would not be wise. We have noticed that Craig has been experiencing some sight and mobility problems, nothing serious yet, but that in itself is an indication that the cancer is starting to affect his brain. Craig says he is feeling fine, but he has been spending more time in his suite and taking more mini-naps. I've warned the staff to keep an eye on him and to have Ludlow or Martha call you in case of any emergency. I hope you don't mind, Bro, but I would feel more comfortable knowing you were there for the boys."

"I don't mind at all, Sandy. I'm only happy to help out."

"Thanks, Pete. I'll keep you posted."

Danny walked in the library and kissed Sandy and said, "Well, how did your day go, lover."

"Busy as usual. I spoke to Pete a while ago to let him know about our trip the UK." Sandy related the conversation to Danny.

Dan said, "I'll call Jeremy's teachers tomorrow and make sure they give their assignments to one of the twins. I'm glad we're all set for the wedding ceremony and that everyone can make it on such short notice."

"Captain Nelson called earlier today," Sandy said, "and is sending the design changes for the Danny Boy II. If you have time later, we can study them to see if we need to make any changes. Also, the interior designer sent some full color treatments of the new ship colors and layout. I glanced at them very briefly, and they are quite good."

Danny said, "Let's do that after dinner before we tuck the boys in bed for the night. I'm anxious to see how they've changed our quarters."

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To be continued...

Posted: 06/29/12