Can You Catch My Heart

Book One

Buckets Of Blessings

Chapter Seven

By

Retta Michaels

Disclaimer:

If your laws do not allow you to read this story, then don't. All the rest of you people who read it, if you think it's true, boy, have I investment opportunities for you!

Notes From Retta:

Read and enjoy.

Chapter 7:

When we entered the den, Mitch said, “You want everyone here?”

“Not for a moment and then you can have them in if you want.”

“Ok”

Joan came in and said, “Lance, I'm going to sit next to him and then, we're going to discuss it and he'll know.”

Mitch looked at Joan and said, “What's wrong Sis?”

Joan looked pained and forgetting all sense of decorum, I sat on the coffee table directly in front of Mitch to look him directly in the eyes.

“Mitch, this is going to be as hard to tell you as it is for you to hear. It's to the point we've been torn on when to tell you, but we all agree you should know.”

“Ok, it's in regards to Wendy?”

“Yeah, so it's going to be hard because the situation we're in is getting tougher and tougher. Each time we think we've got it handled, it comes back and rears it's ugly little head and now, it's calling in it's big brother. Without communication with you, we're afraid someone else is going to tell you and that will be something which we're afraid will hurt you more than if we tell you ourselves.”

He looked at us and then lowered his head. “I think I know what you're going to say.”

“Well, Mitch, if you know, then that's somewhat of a relief but just the same, I think it's going to hurt you to know everyone knows and that's not something we really wanted.” I took a deep breath and said, “But, we love you and I believe she loved you too. I don't know where it went bad, but you told me you thought your marriage was dead and I'm now finding she thought it was there too. What the problem is I think, is I know you've stayed faithful to the marriage and she didn't.”

His face looked blank and for a brief moment, his face broke and I thought he was going to cry. Then, he straightened up his back and said, “First of all, it's been thrown at me a time or two by her. I didn't want to believe her, but I also am not dumb and knew it was more than a rumor. When little ladies are patting me on the arm in church and nodding sympathetically, I'm knowing more than she and I knew. So, how's it coming out?”

Joan hugged him and said, “Lance, just start off and tell him everything.”

“Well, first of all, Gregg knew.”

“Oh jeez....how's he taking it?”

“He hates his mother more because of what it's done to him and what he perceives it will do to you.”

“I'll have to have a talk with him and tell him I knew but I still loved her and hoped she's realize her mistake.”

“Then, what we now know is the guy that you fired yesterday was the first one.”

Mitch's shoulders slumped and said, “So, there's more than one?”

“Not at a time, but she went from one to another. The next one, however, was someone she got serious about. They've been an item for around three years and they've not kept it discrete.”

“What sort of indiscretions?”

“Mitch, if I told you what I know, you'd be amazed at how many people could possibly know and what sort of character you've become in the community. I'm going there because I want you to know and I want you to know the damages it could have caused you. If you want to sue the other person, I'd advise not, but it's character assassination on a larger scale than most.”

“Ok, so tell me what I'm facing and then we'll deal with it.”

“On Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's they had lunch at TJ's and then followed it up with afternoons spent at Motel 6. The man worked in the office out there and he's the son of the editor of the newspaper.”

Joan took an intake of breath and I continued.

“Mary Lou's got hard enough feelings for Wendy, that she didn't want to print any eulogy and obituary, but I advised her against any defamation on her part. She's doing it reluctantly albeit she knows any retaliation is aimed at Wendy and not your family.”

He nodded and said, “Well, Wendy said he was well connected in the community. Now, I know.”

“Well, when I was on the phone with her, she told me you guys had inherited a hundred million. That figure to me seemed preposterous, but what I just discovered down the hill is Life and Casualty had a policy for twenty five million naming the boys and him as beneficiaries.”

Joan's hand went over her mouth and Mitch looked at me and said, “That's not going to fly, is it?”

“Well, I had a talk with the man down there and learned the double indemnity is kicking in too and he asked me a lot of questions. Adultery is illegal in this state and it's a class B felony, when it's prosecuted. What that means is it's not a misdemeanor and it's punishable by prison time and not a slap on the wrist and or a fine. What it also means is if someone does that on legal documents like that policy, it could nullify it, or it could strike out the offending party which it will in this case. Now, what that does do is it brings in the boys and they're going to get the money. I wanted you to know because they're going to get that much and unfortunately, you're not on it.”

“That's ok at least the boys will be taken care of.”

“Yeah, but it's got to hurt, and I want you to know you're the first person I thought of when I was told it.”

“That's ok, the love was gone and I knew it. All I had hoped was we could make it to Ty graduating. You know that, so I'd be a hypocrite if I should act otherwise. She had her life to lead and she was going on.”

“Yeah, but for her to do it in the manner she did, wasn't legal or morally upright. You, on the other hand, need to know in case any investigations come and they're surprised you're the husband.”

“You mean she listed him as the husband?”

“No, not that precarious, but she did list him as a secretary for the corporation.”

Mitch sneered and said, “So, where the hell was Ty's name listed upon this policy?”

“Well, fortunately, she did think of the kids better than Ty even imagined.”

“He knows too!”

“Yeah, it's came out and he's not surprised.”

“Ok, but everyone knows.”

“Yeah, and they're all feeling like shit for how you must feel.”

“Oh, well, I just need to tell them I'm ok and that I had hopes for a future too.”

“Mitch, that wasn't how it was at the time she died, so what we need to do is leave it at the time of your losing her. When any questions are asked, this is to be complete surprise and it's got to be made so you mourn her at the visitation and funeral. There are going to be people there whose tongues are going to wag and I want those fuckers, excuse my language, to think you're completely in the dark so they go back and sympathy falls upon you. If anyone thinks otherwise, then it looks bad all the way around and your business suffers because busy bodies then put malice where it shouldn't be.”

“Oh man, you're good.” he smiled.

“Yeah, but I do it for a reason. Fuck the one's that think you didn't love her and gain the support of the ones that knew.”

He nodded and I said, “Mitch, it's killing me to tell you this, but that's what we know so far. I do need to take time later today and we have to go out to the office and contact your attorney and hers and find every stock, bond, cd, and account that could possibly be. Now, here's where the hard part comes because I've got to tell you the truth.”

“What's that?”

“She could have had another will and it could have given the other man what was her's in the marriage. You might find you're in business with the other man.”

“Oh man, that can't be legal, can it?”

“I can say she might have tried it, and I can say she might have not gotten that far. But, I do know she had that life insurance policy and I don't rightly know. Now, I'm going to say this and you need to listen and not hear what I'm saying. Ok?”

He nodded and I turned to Joan and said, “Joan, this goes for you too.”

She said, “this has to be serious.”

“Well, you know the man I'm about to bring up and Mitch might, or might not, but I'm going to tell you what I know and then we'll have everything out there. Ok?”

Mitch said, “Ok” and his head lowered again.

Joan put her hand upon mine which was on Mitch's knee and said, “Ok”

“You might be familiar with our Coroner. Well, he's a friend of mine and he's doing me some favors. If he likes you, he'll do things for you and if he doesn't, then you're not going to get a thing from him. But, I'm in good standing and Joan, he's a member of your fan club as am I.”

She smiled and said, “Ben's a nice guy.”

“Yeah, and here's what he's doing behind the scenes. I called him and had him on speaker phone in the truck with Ty present and we discussed this whole mess. He's contacting every department in the state that handles death certificates and he's putting a freeze upon any being given out in this situation. He's given legal advice and he knows there's a sub clause in the state's capital crimes law under capital murder that says if someone who is profiting from someone's death because they're not a rightful heir, they're in violation of that law. It doesn't matter if it's person, or corporation, but Joan, you've got to know that's why you go in and sue to be made a lien holder on a person's estate. You know if you're not there, and if you make any claims to the estate, you could be found guilty of that law. Now, he doesn't know the law and he's not a lien holder on anything you had or she had up until her passing. So, for him to stake claim as heir, he has to make himself known and stake his claim at the reading of the will. When that time comes, if he's not there, then his attempting to claim any moneys is going to put him in violation of the law and he'll be arrested by the Coroner.”

Mitch said, “Is that legal?”

“It's rare, but in our state, the Coroner is an elected official with powers as much as the Sheriff. It's a formality they work hand in hand, but when a private investigation gets made by him on the Sheriff's department, it's binding. But, if he makes an investigation on his own, the findings are as powerful as the Sheriff and his arrests are prosecuted thusly.”

Joan smiled and said, “I didn't know that!”

“Yeah, he's the check in the balance scales of the system. He's paid very little money and he's the one man in the county that could go and arrest the Sheriff.”

Mitch looked up and said, “So this man is going to investigate?”

“Well, do you want blunt terms or polite with what he said.”

Joan smiled and said, “Do be polite because I know Ben. He'd tell you to go fuck yourself and say exactly that.”

“Yup, you know him”

She chuckled and said, “Yeah, and he was ushered out of the emergency room one night when he pronounced someone dead and the doctor dared to question him. That doctor got talked to in terms that I really found amusing.”

“Yeah, Ben doesn't cut it when he gets going, but what he said in polite terms is he's not going to question anything in regards to Wendy's death and wants her buried as soon as we can discretely. He said after that, he's going against the other man and not holding any punches when he's doing his job. He's going to tell the man to dare take money and be arrested and prosecuted and if the guy's stupid enough to do it, he'll follow through. He does want to speak with everyone, but Mitch, I'll tell you now he's standing by his results listed on that death certificate and finds any insinuation anything other is putting his credibility in question. He didn't say it in as polite terms, but he's pulling cannons out of his arsenal to go hunting for a “waskelly wittle wabbit.”

Joan smiled and Mitch looked at me still with fear in his eyes. I know the topic of an investigation was fearful to him and I wanted him to know the focus.

“Mitch, he's going after the other guy and he's aiming at the hole. When that guy pokes his head out, I think old Mary Lou down there at the paper will be found as accessory. So, just know his questions of you are to get the other guy.”

Mitch breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Ok, tell him if he needs my help, I'll speak with him but I'd rather the boys not be asked anything intrusive about their mother.”

“I'll tell him and lay that as groundwork. He's not going to do anything until after the funeral for just cause he doesn't want anything to point at Wendy and get an exhumation. If it's done before, then it could be embarrassing to her.”

Joan looked at us and said, “Why'd it be embarrassing?”

Mitch looked frightened and I said, “Joan, you know as well as I do we're planning on having a funeral. Right after the funeral, we're going to cremate her. For an autopsy, you know it takes time and for a complete lab and toxicology, you know it takes time. The investigation could run on and on and on and it'd be Summer time before we'd have a funeral. That's ridiculous, so he wants the family to have their time and give focus where it needs to be.”

She nodded and said, “I understand, It could get messy like that and for the family, it's an ordeal.”

“Yeah because for all those months, suspicions lay with the wagging tongues and not in clearing the uninjured parties. That's what I told that man down the hill and he knows you guys will sue the shit out of his company if anything other than what we've discussed happens.”

“What do you mean?”

“The boys get their checks cut and the guy gets a polite letter to go fuck himself and face their legal department.”

“Oh” Mitch smiled.

“Yeah, the man was pretty interested in how I know all the ins and outs of the laws, but he now knows I'm just a mortician who's interested in getting repeat business from the family and that's all he needs to know.”

Joan smiled and said, “You had to be talking like a used car salesman.”

“Well, if you want to know how thin of ice I was on, you'd be amazed because I was doing an Olympic performance and hearing the crackle behind me as I skated on.”

Mitch laughed and said, “I imagine, but I'm sure the guy believed every word you said.”

“Let's say if he was a fish, he'd be a trophy on my wall.”

Mitch laughed and said, “Do you fish?”

“No, it's been years. The most I caught was a bluegill.”

“Well, we'll have to go. With that winch on the back of your truck, we'll be able to haul the ones I've had to let go.”

He laughed and Joan rolled her eyes. She said, “Guys, we've got to go.”

We got up and left the den. When we exited, Gregg and Heather were there and Gregg looked scared Both he and Ty went to hug Mitch and Mitch said, “Guys, I knew. I wasn't going to say anything because I had plans on divorcing her when Ty got through with college. She beat me and started her new life. The problem is, she did it without getting divorced. I'm not holding it against her, but I'll hold it against the guy.”

Gregg said, “Dad, he's fired and I'll do it personally.”

“Not yet Gregg”

Gregg looked at me and I said, “We've got a few more surprises for him and we need to keep him on the payroll so he receives what he's got coming. While we're at it, you guys really need to have an auditing firm come in and do an inventory to tell you what isn't there. I know the guy has a kegmeister at his residence.”

Mitch nodded and said, “Well, she let them have what they wanted to keep them happy, but all that stuff has to be returned.”

“Mitch, the problem is I think no one bothered to check anything out and no one knows who has what.”

“Oh, well, we need to get an audit to see what we need to write off, but Gregg, we've got to change that policy.”

Gregg nodded and said, “Dad, I think if someone takes something home from now on, nothing's to be lent out again until they bring what they've got back. You and I are different as well as these guys, but employees aren't going to be furnishing their personal bars at home on our dimes.”

I nodded and said, “Guys, let's go. We can still make it, but Mitch, I need you in front as we've got phone calls to make. Ty, I'll need you in the rear up behind me so we can make phone calls.”

Mark said, “How about if I drive and everyone makes phone calls? Then, my leading lady can sit next to me.”

Joan smiled and said, “Mark, I've got a few phone calls to make myself, but I'll sit next to you.”

He smiled and said, “Well, it sounds like the phone company should be happy with us!”

We all went out and I was surprised to see the limo parked outside. Ty smiled and said, “I told Gregg and Heather to bring it.”

“No problem, it's nice it's here. Good looking out. I'm glad I hired you.”

He looked at me and smiled, “Hey, what's my salary?”

“Oh a kiss here and a kiss there and oh man, I forgot a kiss here....”

Joan smiled, “Guys, get in the car.”

“Ok”

We got in the car and I said, “Man, I've never ridden back here. This is nice!”

“You've never ridden back here?”

“No, always been the driver.”

“Well, you own it, you should've gotten a ride.”

“Well, I'm glad I am now, I've got business to do. Ty, I need the red book for the florist.”

We made phone calls and about halfway through the florist call, I got beeped Ben was trying to call me. I told Ty, make me call Ben as soon as I'm off this call. He's trying to call now.”

Joan handed me her phone and I dialed him. He said, “You're calling on Joan's phone?”

“Yeah, I'm talking with the florist on mine”

 

“Oh, tell her hi.”

“He says hello Joan”

“Tell him I've got a steak dinner for him and his wife.”

“Tell her I know how tough the bull is she tries to sell me.”

I laughed and said, “Joan, he says that bull is too tough”

She laughed and said, “Tell him I mean it this time.”

“Tell her I said, Promises promises.”

“Promises Promises Joan”

She laughed and I said, “hold up a minute Ben. Yeah, it's to be a pink rose funeral and all the flowers tinted in pink that aren't roses otherwise. Yup usual arrangement and I want a brilliant spray for the casket and two sconce sprays in the same pink roses. I want every arrangement you can get to have pink roses. This one's special and I need it..... No, none other. If you can't do it, then I'll find someone that can. Yes, I understand there's tons of arrangements ordered already, but you can make them how the family will remember it. I want that place exploding with pink roses. Oh....I had no idea. Oh.....do you rent stands? I had no idea there were that many. I'm sorry....”

Tears flooded my eyes and Joan reached for me. I paused and said, “I understand. I'll have someone there this afternoon to start taking flowers. My God, I had no idea there'd be so many. Yeah, I understand almost every bar and restaurant. It's just overwhelming. Well, get me what pink roses you can, but tint everything pink. Great. I'll make exception this time. This is way beyond what I expected. Yeah, you have a good day.”

I got off the phone and said, “Guys, we need someone at the funeral home to take in floral arrangements. They've got orders for five hundred and sixty so far and the phone's ringing non-stop.”

I think the news shocked everyone Ty and Gregg immediately had tears in their eyes and Mitch looked staggered.

“Man, that's going to be overwhelming, isn't it!”

“Yeah, I only have one hundred and fifty stands. I've got to call every rental company and get their stands. While we're in Quincy, I'll have to have them deliver the stands. Ty, get on the phone and call several places to get pink satin material.”

“How much?”

“Well, tell them we'll need like two thousand yards.”

 

He looked at me and said, “Man!”

“Well, each stand that isn't made for a funeral will be made for either a wedding or a prom and I need them to match. If they're six feet tall, that's six up and six down. So five hundred of them will be two thousand yards.”

Joan said, “Ty, order four hundred yards and tell them if they can't get it, we'll need white satin or burgundy.”

I looked at her and said, “Joan, what are we going to do?”

She smiled and said, “I'll have that place looking nice. It's going to look like it exploded with everything, what we'll do is have flowers on stands and then some on the floor. So people don't have to bend over to see who sent them, we'll pin the card to the satin. Tell the florist we'll need five arrangements in purple hollyhocks and we'll need eight in red in burgundy. We'll go up the steps with them and we'll have those I just mentioned in the women's and men's restrooms.”

“Oh”

She smiled and said, “This one here hon is going to put you on the map. When they see how you've went all out on it, they'll think you've got an army working for you!”

“I'll have to have for this one.”

“Let me call the family and we'll get people down there.”

“Man, this is bigger than I thought.”

“Yeah, but hon, you're swimming!” Ty said smiling

“Yeah, but that just dunked me.”

“Yeah, oh sorry Ben. Yeah, I just found out how big this funeral is going to be. No, I'm not a dumb ass, I just have been treating it with the usual....I know she's a huge person in the community....yeah, well the reason I was calling is the insurance man and I talked. Which one? You mean there's more than one? Yeah, well, Life and Casualty was the guy I spoke with. Yeah, I'll tell them to contact Prudential and Aaflac. I really didn't know. Well, who knew because we sure didn't. Yeah, and there's another account? Where? Ok, I'll call them. Well, thanks and I want you to know how much we're appreciating everything Yeah, and Ben, when your office has a cow chip throwing contest from the bull I send you, I don't want no guff.”

I laughed real long and he said, “You send me a fucking cow and I'll send you Cora White in a g-string and told you will go straight for her!”

“Oooh, no, please anything but that!”

“Then, you send me a steak dinner and leave livestock out of my morgue! I'll appreciate it more than you not having Cora there.”

“Ok Ben, thanks and I'll see you later.”

We rang off and Ty said, “The Quincy rental store has one hundred and thirty. They can get them to us in two hours.”

“Tell them, we'll have someone there and they'll need to unload them and we'll need to rent them until Thursday.”

“They say they only rent for a day, two days, and for a week.”

“Tell them a week.”

“Ok, they'll have them there. They're twenty dollars each.”

“Ok”

He looked at me and said, “This is cutting into the pennies, isn't it?”

“Yeah, but we've got to do it hon.”

He smiled and Joan said, “What did Ben say?”

“He said if I put livestock in his morgue he's sending me Cora White in a g-string and telling her I'll go straight for her.”

The whole car erupted in laughter and Ty said, “I've got to meet this woman.”

Joan said, “No you don't. And, don't ever give that woman your phone number. She'll call you day and night and three and four times a day. Believe me, I know!”

“Really!”

“Yeah, she called me for something once and I told her to call me to see I got it took care of. Since then, she's taken it that each and every time she comes into the hospital, she has to give me a progress report on everyone who works there.”

“Man, I could see her doing that.”

“Yeah, she needs a hobby, but I'm not it.”

“No, that'd be stalking. She's got that hobby.”

“Yeah, but, what's the next call hon?”

“You need to call Prudential and Aaflac as there are policies with them and there's another account in Quincy Bank that has her name on it.”

Mitch looked at me and I shrugged. “Wasn't told anything more than that Mitch. What I know is they requested death certificates.”

“Can we stop by there this afternoon?”

“Sure, right up the street is the bank, so you can go there and I'll speak with the bakery.”

“Ok, I'll take Mark with me.”

“Ok, if you need me, I'll have a certified death certificate, but they won't get it until I'm assured it's not going for anything other than you or the boys. Man, she believed in life insurance!”

“Yeah, and you can rest assured wherever she had it on her, it was on the boys and on either me or him. That's the way she was. It wasn't a single policy ever for her.”

“Ok, we'll we're now finding more and when we're looking, those companies are going to be hitting their computer systems and we'll have all sorts of things cropping up.”

Mitch looked doubtful and I said, “Mitch, let's concentrate on the suits first and then, I'll go with you and you'll have Mark and I and the boys to stand with you. We might look like a whole clan going in, but we'll leave the shotguns out in the limo.”

Heather laughed and I said, “Biff, Bub, and Bridget have to stay in the car.”

Gregg laughed and said, “I'll mind Bub, you two have to mind the others. Bridgett's a little bitch.”

Heather said, “I'll have you know she's my little angel!”

“And, Biff's a sweetheart. Bub's the asshole”

The others looked at us and Heather said, “Guys, don't mind us. They're our imaginary kids.”

Joan smiled and said, “Oh ok. I was worried.”

Heather explained the situation while Ty and I contacted more people on the phone. When we reached Quincy, we went to the Tux shop and Frederique' met us. He was very warm and inviting and was most gracious in discovering he had multiple suits and didn't find any offense in knowing we were nearly half an hour late. He helped me as the others browsed and I showed him the material I needed for the suits. He quietly stated, “This material is what I wanted for you the last time”

I nodded and said, “Well, you were right. The gray I picked is good for daylight hours and out in public, but it's not stated elegance for viewings and never for a funeral.”

He nodded and asked, “Which satin?”

“Burgundy, But I want a whole line of suits with the dark gray smoke too.”

He raised his eyebrows and said, “Business been good?”

“It's been wonderful, and we're adding additional space into the funeral home.”

“That is the old limo, is it not?”

“Yes, we're going to use it for Ty's funerals and mine will be the newer limo. We've added another pallbearer limo and Ty's got an Escalade ordered.”

I told Ty, “Remind me to call the Escalade people.”

“I thought we were getting the one in St. Louis.”

“We will, but I think we need to get it too. Who knows, we might need it.”

He looked at me and smirked. Then said, “Ok, we'll drive matching ones and it will be the spare. While you're at it, are you getting a spare pallbearer limo and another limo?”

“Do you think we'll need it?”

“It'd be a nice touch to have them matching and then have the spare. You never know when we'll need them.”

“Ok, I'd not said that earlier, but after that phone call with the florist, I'm wondering if we don't need to have extra limos on hand for the funeral.”

He paused and said, “Hold on a second, someone needs to call the brewery and let them know. They'll want dignitaries on hand for the visitation and funeral.”

“Oh, I hadn't thought of that.”

“Me neither, go tell your dad and we'll call information to get the number.”

Frederique looked at me and said, “This here is your love?”

“Yes, he's got my heart.”

“He's sweet. He's polite and he's been very attentive in wanting to know everything you've been getting.”

“He wants to match everything I've gotten.”

“Oh, today?”

“No, primarily, we need the Gray suits today and then I want he, his brother, their dad, and myself to all have matching suits.”

“They all getting into the funeral business with you?”

“No, but as a family, we'll have many functions which we'll be required to attend.”

Frederique' smiled and said, “You've done well.”

“I've done well, but I'm in love. Otherwise, I'd not be involved.”

He nodded and said, “Your usual measurements?”

“Yes, narrow lapels and no cuffs.”

He nodded, “You're going to have to introduce us properly sometime.”

“I know, but we're rushed today. Their mom and Mitch's wife passed away and we've got a visitation tomorrow evening. We're going to need a rush on these and if it can't be done, then please know I'll understand.”

He smiled and said, “You don't know how I do things! Most of the suits are already made and all I have to do is take in seams to your measurements. These sizes aren't unusual, so I could have them done in about three hours.”

“Oh man, you're too good. I really appreciate it.”

He smiled and said, “Yours is quite handsome. His brother is nice, but yours is yours because his eye tell me there's none other than you in the room.”

“Thanks.”

“The other one, I'd like to tell you she's his only, but I think he's hot for anything which moves. He thrust into my hand when I was measuring him.”

“Well, we're watching him. I'll have a talk with him later about his actions.”

“No, it was nice, but he needs to know I will not tolerate that in front of anyone else.”

“I'm sorry and apologize on his behalf.”

“Ok, let me get to measuring the father, his suit is going to be wonderful for him as I've got just what he needs. Also, he needs that pair of shoes over there that lift him.”

He pointed and I went over to look at them. I said, “Mitch, come over and check out these shoes. He thinks you need them.”

“Ok, he's measuring me now.”

Ty came over and said, “I think Frederique felt me up. It was discrete, but I think the guy wanted to see what I had.”

“Well, you acted appropriately, but your brother thrust his into his hand.”

Ty looked at me and said, “Really!”

“Yeah and Frederique' was amused but not with all the people in the room.”

“Well, Gregg needs to watch that.”

“We're going to have a talk later.”

Gregg came over and said, “I'm ordering suits from this guy in a lot of colors.”

“Gregg, tell him what colors you'll need and he'll make them from your measurements. When you come back to try them on, bring Heather. He told me what you did.”

Gregg smiled and said, “Well, I felt him caress me and I just thrust forward.”

“He's discrete Gregg, but he doesn't appreciate it in a room full of people.”

Gregg nodded and said, “Well, that was dumb of me. I understand.”

“Gregg, we all like to be appreciated for our bodies, but what would you do if Heather was being sized by a seamstress and he felt her up?”

“It'd piss me off.”

“Then expect to be treated equally and do what you think she'd want if you can't control yourself.”

“Ok, I never thought about that.”

“Well, it takes time, but don't let being inconsiderate of Heather's feelings ruin it for you.”

“I need to apologize to him.”

“Yeah, but what matters is you're now thinking for two.”

“Yeah, and it means a lot to me she's even putting up with me.”

“It's an adjustment for her too. But in a different way. She's used to running to me and now, she needs to be running to you.”

“Yeah, but that's fair. I even run to you.”

“I understand and I'll run to you guys too.”

Ty came back over and said, “I'm ordering a match of every suit you get.”

“Ok, I ordered suits in both the gray and the burgundy satin lining. I think there will be times we'll need both.”

“How much is he charging us?”

“For all of them or each suit?”

“Well, either?”

“For all of them, it's less than a suit will cost in a major city.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, ask your Uncle Mark, he's over there taking looks at suits and he and your Aunt are picking a lot of them. They know how much suits cost and they're acting like it's a fire sale.”

“How's he sell them so cheap?”

“I don't know, but I'll tell you they're selling that expensive in the city because they can. What's ironic is we'll be dressed like those people down there and they'll think we're really made of money.”

“Well, we are, but who knew!”

He went over to Mark and Joan and Heather came over to me. “I don't know what you said to Gregg, but he's over there apologizing his ass off to me.”

“Hon, He's adjusting to being a couple and forgot. I pointed it out to him and noted he might think of how he'd feel if you acted like he did.”

“Oh, well, there's times I forget too.”

“Yeah, and I noted that. He said it's fair of you but not of him.”

“Well, I've got to stop that, but it's hard hon.”

“Yeah, it is. We'll learn and when we do, it will be like we're a huge family.”

She smiled and said, “Aunt Mary sure missed a fun filled day.”

“Well it's understandable. She had a doctor's appointment. I think once they get their schedules aligned, it's going to be sweet.”

“Mom said she went on and on about Mitch.”

“Really!”

“Yeah, Mom said, Mary never uses the marriage word for herself and used it twice.”

“Wow. I think Mitch felt something with her too.”

“Good. It'd be nice for them to actually find someone that would return what they'd give.”

“Yeah, and it's going to be real nice when the grand babies come along for real.”

“You think?”

“Oh yeah, they won't know a thing about how bad things were and will be raised with grandparents who love each other.”

“I think when Gregg and I get married, we're going to go to France on our honeymoon.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, he says he wants to see a lot of the country and I find it intriguing.”

“Good. At least you'll have that in common. How long do you plan?”

“If we get married early in the Summer, we can spend a month or so over there. Then, I can come back and go to school.”

“Good. I'm really happy for you hon.”

“Me too. It's strange isn't it.”

“No, it's like we've had buckets of blessings poured over us.”

“Wow, that's beautiful. It makes me think of a theme for our wedding. Lord knows it's going to have to be themed pink because of all the extra material you have around.”

I laughed, and said, “Hon, you only die once and I want her to go out in style. A part of me really doesn't care for her, and another part makes me think of the fairy tale of living happily ever after and realizing sometimes it's not happily.”

“Well, we've got that.”

“Yeah, and it's going to take work to keep it. I find myself wanting to baby him and at the same time act like I'm Gregg's big brother.”

“He likes it. He told me last night when we were laying in each other's arms how much he feels comforted by you being there.”

“Good, It's nice too for me.”

She smiled and said, “When Lonny and Lennie get home, you'll be complete.”

“Yeah, but they're going to hate me.”

“No, I think they'll realize it was rough on you too. You know they always trusted what I had to say, so I'll have to sit down with them and see what I can tell them. Do you know where they are?”

“Joan told me last night they're up in La Grange”

“Really!”

“Yeah, it's a small town, so at least they're not halfway across the state.”

“Well, maybe I'll drive up there and see if they are around town. If there's a ball diamond there, I'll find them.”

“Hon, I don't know if they'll allow it.”

“Hon, I rightly don't care what's allowed and what isn't. The state sure didn't think of you and get them back to you as soon as they should've.”

“Yeah, but I'm worried what the state will say.”

“You've got a good home, and you've got an excellent income. You can afford to raise them and you're in love. If the state finds fault in that, then maybe we need to take it public and show them as home wreckers.”

“Listen. Please don't. They're trying to do what they can, and I've been told it will be soon.”

She looked at me and said, “I know. I'm just excited for you and want you happy sooner than not.”

“I'm happy hon. Right now, I'm building things with Ty and I don't know how he's going to handle being a parent to two boys too.”

“Oh, you think he'll be ok, won't you?”

“Yeah, but they're not much younger than he and that's got to feel overwhelming.”

“I never thought of that. Why is it we always think we were so mature?”

“I don't know, but you and I were a team. That made us more mature. If Gregg and Ty had been brought up like that, they'd be more together.”

“Well, they're pulling it together now, so that's what matters.”

Frederique clapped his hands and said, “Ok everyone! I have measurements, come back in three hours and I'll have the first suits prepared.”

Everyone was surprised and Frederique beamed with the compliments. As we left, I went over to Frederique and said, “Did you get your apology?”

He nodded and said, “You have a way with him. If she didn't have him, you'd have two!”

“No, she's got him. He needs to realize it.”

He nodded and said, “He loves you too.”

“I know, but my heart is with one.”

He winked and I said, “Here's our card, how much was it?”

“Don't worry.”

“No, add on another five hundred for the tips and give them what they want on our bill.”

He looked at me and I said, “Hon, Ty and I need to do something to tell them we love them, and what better way can we do it than tell them every day with the clothes they wear.”

He nodded and said, “I'll have the others all ready by a week.”

“Take time for you and I'll have them up here then. We'll be back.”

He nodded and came around the counter and gave me a hug. You are so nice. You've came up here when many others have not.”

“I know, it's hard getting a new clientèle started, but I'll tell everyone where I got mine and I believe Mark is a fan now.”

He smiled and said, “I can't believe how much he paid for one suit!”

“Yes, and that's how much they charge.”

“Well, I'll not raise my price.”

Mark came over and said, “On Friday, I'd like to bring my boys up and have them measured. There'll be a third with them who is my oldest son's lover. He'll need fitted too. Give them what I've ordered.”

Frederique looked at me and I nodded. He smiled and said, “I'll be here and if I'm not answering the door, please ring the bell, I'll be on my sewing machine!”

Mark and I chuckled and I said, “Frederique thank you, we'll be back.”

We left and went to the bank. When we walked in, I went to the head teller and said, “We need to speak with your accounts person.”

She looked at me and said, “You're at the wrong branch hon. Their branch is uptown, here's the address.”

“Would you call the person and tell them Mitch Truman will be there to speak with them in regards to the estate of his wife Wendy. They've been attempting to get a death certificate for her and I'm the funeral director for that service.”

She nodded and said, “One moment, I'll have her on the line.”

She rang and spoke briefly. She nodded and said, “Sir, she'd like to speak with you.”

I got on the phone and said, “Hello, this is Lance Green, how may I help you?”

“First of all, the death certificate for Wendy Green would be nice, but I can't help you as the beneficiary is for a Randall Brookside.”

“Well, Randall Brookside won't get the account. If he accepts one penny for that account, he'll be in violation of the law.”

“His names listed on the account as her husband.”

“Well, that's in violation of the law. I'm sure Mr Truman's attorney will be in contact about the account. Who should I say your name is so that person may contact you?”

“You would need to contact our legal department.”

“Well, I'll contact his attorney and let them haggle it out. In the mean time, be advised Mr Brookside is under investigation under the capital crimes law in our state.”

“Oh man, I'm glad you told me. He's sitting here!”

“Well, you tell him a message from me and you tell him we're in contact with Prudential and Aaflac and both are frozen. Tell him Life and Casualty just contacted the State's Secretary of State to see if he's recorded as a member of their corporation and fraud charges are going to fall on that.”

“Oh dear!”

“Yes ma'am, what you're sitting across from is a big time crook. My advice is to quietly call the police and report him so you can get charges too. If they have any questions, tell them to contact the Coroner. Here's his number.”

“And he's being investigated for.....Hold on, he just got up and is leaving.”

“Oh dear, he ran out the door!”

“Well, I'd go ahead and press charges. What he just did was conspiracy to commit fraud.”

“Thank you, I'm sorry I couldn't help more!”

“No dear, I'm glad I called when I did. Freeze that account as the real heirs of the woman will be contacting you through the attorneys.”

“Ok, I've gotten it frozen. We'll keep it that way until legal tells me otherwise. I'll call the police and make them away of it as well as our branch offices. Could you please hand me back to the head teller there and I'll get her made aware?”

“Sure hon.”

I handed the phone off to the head teller and she smiled. Mitch looked at me and I said, “We'll have to call the attorney and have him call their legal department. Randall Brookside was who the account money was to go to.”

“Can he have it?”

“If he files his right to be a rightful heir. If not, then he doesn't get a dime.”

Mitch smiled and said, “And I'm sure you're going to have Ben there to arrest him when he steps up.”

“You know the game. So, let's make the rules.”

Mitch smiled and said, “Well, I feel sort of sorry for the guy. He had to loved her too.”

“Mitch, your heart's in the right place, but the timing was wrong. If Ty wants to be with someone else, he's welcome to that person as long as he tells me first. If he doesn't, then you can best be assured, I'm going to fight to keep what's mine. If after the breakup, there's anything left, then Ty can have what's his and I'll take what's mine. But, it will be in the contract Ty goes down the road and the funeral home is mine and not to be shared.”

Mitch nodded and said, “You don't think she did anything with the business, do you?”

“I don't think she could. But, I'm not a lawyer. Rightfully, in a irrevocable trust, she can't touch it. But, if it was a revocable, she can do what she wanted.”

“I'm not sure, I'll have to call my lawyer.”

“Well, you can do it in the limo and I'll speak to the bakery people.”

“No, I need to do that too.”

“Well, contact the attorney's office and get a call back. That way you're in line for that.”

“Ok”

We went to the bakery and they were breaking for lunch. Me, being in a suit accompanied with other people in suits had the guys all wondering if they were getting their pink slips. The foreman came over and said, “Hi, how can we help you?”

“Hi, my name is Lance Green, He's Mitch Truman and Mark Jacobs. These guys here are Gregg and Ty Truman. Mitch here has the Meister Stein distributorship and he's going to be needing drivers. We hear you guys are going to be out of work soon and we'd like to see who wants a job and who wants to drive a beer truck.”

The guy looked at us and his eyes got big. “How much you paying?”

Mitch spoke up and said, “Well, how much are you making now?”

“Me, or my drivers?”

“You, your drivers, your dispatcher, your maintenance people and whoever else is on your crew.”

“Well, it varies according to seniority, but if you start the drivers out for sixteen and me out for eighteen, we'll talk.”

Mitch nodded and said, “Well, we pay more than that, but let's sit down.”

The guys gathered around and Mitch said, “Legally, I can't offer you jobs. You know that and I know that. What I can say is hypothetically, if you put in applications, I'd put you on routes and the way we work is probably similar to what you've got here. If you build it up and it splits off, you get a percentage of that route all the way up until you retire. Based upon that paycheck, you get a retirement that's fifty one percent of that paycheck for your retirement. That's what I offer and it's full benefits. If you want, I can leave applications on the front seat of someone's vehicle and you can pick them up. I can not, nor will I hand them to you directly. You know the law and I do too. If you want, we'll be talking on Saturday at the office and I can give you tours.”

The guy looked at us and said, “After two pm, my guys are all off. Most will be off for the day and none I can think have found jobs which are worth what you're offering. I'll spread the word. I'll need thirty nine applications.”

Mitch nodded and said, “Guys, what we're doing here is we've got a whole mess of employee theft going on down there. Rather than guess who, we're firing the whole bunch from the front office to the dock man You know that's a full sweep as do I. We're shut down for a death in the family now, but I'm the new man in charge. I want a crew that will work and a crew that will take me seriously None of them down there do either. So, I'll see you then.”

The foreman followed us out and said, “You drive around in a limo?”

Mitch smiled and said, “No, this here is my best friend. It's his limo. My truck is a plumber's van that's so beat up I didn't know if the fenders would fall off to make it up here. We had some business at the bank, so he offered me a ride and the banker refused to see me. Well, an attorney will handle that, but I'm a hard working guy like you guys.”

The guy nodded and said, “You had me wondering. I saw a limo and wondered if we were going to be working for someone who would sell us out like we got shafted here.”

“No, I'm aware of your situation. That's why I decided to see if I could make some changes. Since we're shut down, I want the changes made so when we reopen, we'll have a new start.”

The foreman came over to Mitch and said, “So, what are the perks of the job.”

Mitch looked at him and me and said, “Well, here's what I'm offering. On Friday night, I'm telling each man to pick up a case of their choice. If they DON'T drink, then I'll hand them a fifty dollar bill. There's to be absolutely no drinking on the job and I'll enforce that. Your friends and family have perks and they're first hired if an opening comes. Hopefully, we'll have openings, but I don't want to fire anyone. However, I will. You'll see me in a suit and that's because I've been told that's what is expected of me, but you'll all have suits and uniforms too. The suits will be provided and the uniforms come with the job.”

The guy nodded and said, “Company vehicles.”

“Each guy drives a company vehicle. They're leased, but none will be older than three years. I want a new unit so maintenance is down and productivity is up. I'll pay that expense to see everyone has a sure way to work. That's a part of my package.”

The guy smiled and said, “I'll be glad to tell the guys, don't say anything more. I think you're legit.”

Mitch smiled and said, “I'm sorry it didn't work out for you guys here, but I'll be happy if you come to work for me.”

The guy looked at Mitch and said, “You could be getting a bad bunch of guys but you're not. I don't allow it and if someone wants to jack me on company time, then I'll see him to the door and tell him to jack me on unemployment. He'll do that, but he won't have the job like he had here. He knows it and I know it. Unfortunately, the crew that bought us doesn't know that. I'll bring the experience and you can rest assured, we'll see eye to eye.”

Mitch smiled and said, “One thing I forgot. We're a tolerant work group. Absolutely none of the guys will sexually harass another employee for anything. My own son is gay and if there's any jokes and they come to me, I'll take it as a full affront towards him.”

The guy smiled and said, “Good. I've got three guys who are gay and we've had a zero tolerance. You offering the benefits to the gays the same as everyone else?”

Mitch nodded his head and said, “They sign a paper that states the person is their significant other and they go on the benefit plan just like anyone else. It's handled discretely and it's handled with respect.”

The guy held out his hand and said, “Sir, you've got the guys, I'll see they're there if I have to drive them myself. You might want to have that fleet of vehicles because you'll have them hired and working by next Monday.”

Mitch smiled and said, “Do you need to give notice?”

The guy looked over his shoulder and said, “They gave us notice and haven't cut any checks for severance at all. Seniority and years didn't mean a thing. Guys here have worked for twenty or thirty years don't matter to them. They're out the door without a penny. I think if they see the life raft you've thrown, they'll climb aboard and not look back.”

Mitch nodded and said, “Lance, get me that company so I can get that fleet of trucks ordered. If we don't get these guys trucks by Saturday, I'm going to feel bad.”

“Let's go out to Ford now and get them to get the trucks up here.”

The guy bristled and said, “Do you mind if I make a suggestion?”

“What?”

“You'll be happier with Dodge. Dodge makes a diesel motor that lasts. Their transmissions last and their lease maintenance plans are tops.”

“Ok, well we'll see what we can get you. The trucks will be white and the paint might be fresh on the doors, but we're working on things.”

The guy smiled and said, “I'll have the guys paint them myself if you can come through.”

Mitch nodded and said, “I'll have your trucks if I have to buy them myself instead of leasing. We might have to hit every car lot around, but when I promise it, you'll have it.”

The guy patted Mitch on the shoulder and said, “It's going to be refreshing to have that. You don't know how we've had it. We've been running junk and they've been scuttling everything just to keep tires on the trucks. You get the boys something they're proud of, and I'll get you a crew that's damned thankful to have a job.”

Mitch smiled and I went up to the guy and said, “Thanks, you really made his day. He was really afraid he'd be stuck with a bunch of no counts.”

The guys smiled and said, “We're counting on you. If that other crew got to where they were at, then someone wasn't doing their job.”

I winked and said, “From the front office back they were too busy seeing who could fuck the boss the hardest. Now, they'll see how hard the concrete is out front. Trust that.”

We got in the limo and Mitch let out a “Yahoo!” loud enough to be heard three blocks down the street. He said, “Boys, that's how it should be and that's how it's done. We're in business now and them sons a bitches need to see the light on the truck to know they're getting mowed down.”

He turned to me and said, “Lance bud, you gotta get them guys their trucks.”

I was already dialing the phone and calling the Dodge dealer. As soon as I got through, I said, “I need the number of your main leasing department at your corporate headquarters.”

The guy on the line said, “I can probably help you sir, what are you interested in?”

“Well, we need forty diesel pickups with extended cabs and utility beds.”

“Hold on a second sir, I'll patch you through to headquarters right now, that's off the charts for what I can do.”

I chuckled.

Mitch said, “He ran out of gas on the starting line!” and gave a knee slap.

I'd not seen Mitch so happy and the pride in the raise of his shoulders was evident. The boys were looking at their dad and knew he was changing in front of their eyes. Joan was smiling quietly and I knew she was seeing the Mitch of old coming back.

Mitch's cell phone rang and he answered it. His face beamed and I turned to Ty and said, “Three guesses who it is and the first two don't count. Look at his face.”

Ty smiled and said, “I hope her doctor's appointment went good.”

“You win the prize.”

“Can I open it tonight?”

I winked and started to reply when a voice came on the line

“Hello, yeah, I need to lease forty trucks by Saturday. Yeah, diesel, fully loaded and utility beds with tommy lifts.”

“Ok sir, that's a tight request.”

“Well, the guy wants Dodges,. So we promised them.”

“Who might this be for?”

“It's for Falcon MS Distributorship.”

“Ok, what do you want as for the color?”

“White with red interior but the interior doesn't have to be red.”

“No, that's fine. We understand that's the company's colors.”

“Fully loaded..”

“Yes sir, and Utility beds?”

“Yes, with Tommy lifts and headache racks if you got them. If not, then that's fine too.”

“We'll see sir, we've done beer distributorships before. Do you want radios?”

“Yeah, but cd and tapes aren't really a requirement.”

“No, 2 way radios.”

“Oh, I guess, I've never ordered these things before.”

“Is there someone who would know better?”

“Yeah, but he's on the phone with his lawyer, let me give you to the company President.”

“ok”

I handed the phone to Gregg and he got a business tone to him that shocked even me.”

“Hello! Yeah, Gregg Truman here. Ummm, yes, he's legit. Yeah, we're going with leased due to maintenance and management preference. Yes, you've got that right, everything as he said. Yeah, you're doing good. Tires, well, they'll ride rough but we want 8-ply on the front and ten on the back Yeah, rough ride, but they'll wear forever. Quad cab, let's see, what the price difference per month? Ok, well, if you've got that many and can get them there by Saturday, we'll order them, but we're hiring a complete new crew on Saturday and the promise is they'll get a truck to go with the job. Yeah, that's a requirement. If you can't get them, then we need to talk to Ford. Yeah, I understand it's a tough order, but we're talking about a lifetime of satisfaction from the first order. The others won't be like this. Ok, load them up for the guys and make them proud they came to work for us. All I want is automatic transmissions and everything else that can be had. One second, let me see. Ty, do you think the guys would like sun rooves?”

“How much do they add to the cost per month?”

“Well, it comes with a leather package and the cost is a hundred bucks a month for the truck and the fleet is going to be like one hundred and seventy grand for a year.”

Ty looked at me shocked and said, “Well, that's not bad considering it's about the cost of four or five trucks purchased outright, so tell them to do it and if they can't then we'll do without it.”

“This guy says they can get them, but they'll be pressed to deliver them and since it's February, if we run into bad weather, they'll not get there.”

“Oh, yeah, well tell them we'll understand if there's bad weather, but if there is, we'll put them up once they get here.”

“The guy now wants to know if we want four wheel drive.”

“Tell them......Ty looked at me and I shrugged.”

Mitch nodded his head and Gregg said, “Yeah, The owner says yeah.”

“ok, so you want an lease agreement signed?”

I nodded and said, “Tell them to fax it to my office and we'll have it returned to them this afternoon.”

Mitch said, “No, here's the fax number for the office, we'll have to give them the corporate account number and the tax number and that stuff, so we'll have to go out there.”

“Ok”

Gregg gave them the fax line for the office and told the guy, “We're about forty miles away right now. We'll be there by four pm, so go ahead and get the order processed and we'll be ahead of the game. Yeah, this is my cell phone number. I'll give you the office number but no one is in now due to a death in the family. Yeah, I'm the son. It was my mom that died. I appreciate the condolences. It's been rough, but we're making it.”

He smiled and then said, “Sure, however you want to do it. One second.”

“Heather, do you want a car?”

She looked at him and said, “Why don't we wait.”

He smiled and said, “They're giving us a car for the use for a year and I thought since you'd need it to drive back and forth to school.”

“Yeah, give her a car. Yeah, that'll be great. Company colors are fine. Ok, I'll tell her it will be delivered too. Thanks.”

He got off the phone and sat back with a smile on his face and said, “Man, that was awesome. Dad, I don't think you're funny now. Ty, you've got to try that. It's awesome when they take you seriously and you're doing something huge.”

Ty smiled and I knew the smile was something that should be attended to.

“Care to talk about it?”

“Not now, I'm happy for him.”

“Look at me and talk to me.”

He blinked back a tear and I said, “Mark, pull the car over, Ty and I need to go for a walk.”

Mark pulled over and said, “You guys ok?”<