The next morning, I was awoken by the sound of knocking upon the door. Steve was sound asleep, so I got up and went over to answer it. It was JT.

“Hi, everyone's awake and is wanting to go to Mabel's for breakfast. I told them what a great breakfast she cooks, so they all want to go see for themselves.”

“Ok, I'll be down in a moment as soon as I get Steve up.”

He smiled and said, “Thanks.”

“Do you like him?”

“He's great. The more we get to talking, the more I like. He's a great guy.”

“Good. I'm happy.”

He looked at me strangely and said, “He told me what happened.”

“I imagine it was hard for him.”

“He's kicking himself in the ass for it.”

“It. Well, there were quite a few 'it's'.”

He nodded and said, “That's my error. He told me about everything... about the affairs and then laying his hands upon you.”

“Well, that's water under the bridge as long as it never happens again. If it does, you bust your ass to a phone and you get me called. He knows as well as I that mistake won't be allowed to happen again. His anger and his stupidity caused us to disintegrate and I'll be damned if it happens to someone I care about.”

He hugged me and said, “Rhette, I don't think it will happen. The look on his face tells me he's really regretting what he's done.”

“Well, I'll forgive, but I won't forget. Never ever let a man lay his hands upon you. Steve knows it won't be tolerated and you need to know you don't need love in that form.”

“I know. I think we'll be fine. He's told me a lot of funny stories about you.”

“I imagine there are quite a few he could tell.”

“What's funny is he goes into details you mentioned in your story “With Love”, but what you didn't do was go into it as much as he does.”

“I couldn't. In the story I had to leave some privacy for us. It was a tell-all, but it wasn't to be all told.”

“I understand that. It's just funny to hear him tell the same story but the details he saw things as...”

“He's got a few of them. If he ever gets to telling you about the hell I raise when we go to restaurants and I don't see someone wash their hands, just know it's all true. I know he was embarrassed quite often about it, but it's something that just grosses me out.”

“He's told me!”

“Well, know it's true. The other night up there at that Crab Shack, I was really sitting on my hands wanting to get up and raise some hell but it wouldn't have looked good for Steve and I's first date to go completely off on people for sloppiness.”

“Well, I'll have everyone waiting.”

“Would you do me a favor and go knock on little John's door and tell him we're going to breakfast?”

“I'll go tell his guys. They're so severe they block off the hallway.”

“I'll get that stopped. This is a home first and foremost and they need to know they're guests.”

“I think it's great. It says they're on their jobs. You really need to have your guards on you more.”

“Guards are fine, but you need to know they'll die just as easily if someone wants to really kill you. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about that.”

“I think we're all in range to be targets from what I hear.”

“What have you heard?”

“I've heard some of those guys who were involved over there didn't get caught and are liable to target us.”

“I doubt that. I think the one that's involved who wasn't caught is going to be exposed today.”

“You know who it is!”

“Yeah. Unfortunately, if I let you know who it was, you'd wonder how easily someone could infiltrate and get us all. Fortunately, we know and we're on it.”

“Who is it?”

“I'm not at liberty to say. What I will say is if you keep your eyes open, you'll notice someone is going to be gone and when he's gone, you're going to be blown away.”

“Man, that's got me wondering.”

“Well, let me get him up and I'll get us ready. What's everyone else wearing?”

“They're all going casual. Your mom is in blue jeans. She's pretty hot for being an older woman.”

“Well, coming from someone who's dated most of the female population in these parts, I'll take that as a compliment.”

“I wasn't that bad!”

“I've heard different. Have you and Brent had a chance to talk?”

“Yeah, he's funny. He's really itching to go into town to scope out the girls.”

“Well, you probably will have to keep a close eye on him because he'll probably be taking numbers and using the jets to come here for dates. “

“I'll give him pointers as to who to go for. That should get him with some of the better ones.”

“Put him with girls who are relationship minded and who are from well to do families. Steer him clear of judge's daughters though.”

He laughed and said, “What about preacher's daughters?”

“He won't go for them. What would be nice is if there are any men who have daughters which are prominent businessmen, then hook them up.”

“Ok, there are a few that come to mind.”

“Keep in mind he doesn't know how to back off of them. That scar in the middle of his forehead came from a fight he got in. The guy was wearing a class ring. The interesting thing about that fight was it was in the middle of a grocery store.”

“Really!”

“Yeah, so that should tell you he's an idiot.”

He laughed and said, “Not like you wouldn't do something like that!”

“Oh no he didn't!”

“Yeah, something about a fight in frozen foods!”

“Oh man, I've got to tell him to keep his mouth shut!”

“I think it's funny. It was hard for me to imagine, but your reaction told me it's true.”

“Yeah, unfortunately, it is. Let's just say a life long friend started dating my worst enemy. I saw him at the grocery store and he tried to warn me his lover was going to get something. About that time, the guy got back and made the comment, “I found the trash bags, but I see you already found one.” The fight was on.”

“Oh man. He told me about it, but I'd probably done the same thing.”

“That was when I was younger and a whole lot dumber.”

“He said it was only a few years ago!”

“It was, but now I've got a different attitude.”

He smiled and said, “He really likes Steve.”

“Good. It'll make things more comfortable.”

“I'm glad too. Did Steve say much about him?”

“No, we talked mostly about what our plans are for the day and what we've got to do. Just the same, let me get him up and we'll be down.”

“Ok, I'll get word to Little John.”

“Thanks.”

I shut the door and went over and shook Steve. “Babe, it's time to get up.”

“How long have you been up?”

“I slept the whole night through. I'm finding I'm doing that with you.”

“Well, yesterday was a big day. Hopefully, today won't be as packed.”

“I'm afraid it will be for me.

Everyones already up and waiting on us to come down so we can all go to Mabel's.”

“Ok, I'll have to wear my uniform from yesterday. I don't have a clean change here.”

“Why don't you dress down and wear your badge. “

“No, people have to respect the authority of the uniform.”

“Ok, well, dress down for breakfast and then get a clean change after the funeral home. That way it differentiates the personal life and the public.”

“Ok, that's a good plan.”

“We have to do these things so people will know the difference with us. If we don't the public side will always be on when you get to the Governor's mansion.”

“I've not thought that far ahead. How am I going to tell the difference when I'm in office?”

“Suits mean you're doing your job and dressed down means you're not. The press will be told that and they'll know when to ask questions.”

“Ok, that's a good plan.”

“The good thing is when you do an interview without the suit on, it will show everyone it was a matter of dire emergency. You can use that to your advantage too.”

“I get what you're saying. That's good.”

“Well get dressed and we'll get downstairs. I've had JT go get Little John up so he can go with us.”

“How did things go for he and Kevin?”

“They're going good. The bad thing is I think Kevin spent a good portion of the time talking about me.”

“Well, he does still love you.”

“He has to move on. JT likes him so he needs to drop all that and get on with life.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Well, I'd prefer if he did.”

He smiled and said, “Kevin did have some funny stories about you.”

“I imagine he did. I've got some funny ones about him too, but I'd not tell them on my first date with you!”

“Well, it'd be funny to hear just the same.”

“That's good and I'd like to hear them too, but I think it showed good taste for JT not to ditch his ass too.”

“JT's a lot easier on people than that.”

“Well, I wouldn't be.”

“Hon, we were all letting our hair down last night when Kevin was talking. He's funnier than hell. I think that's his way of disarming people when he's in nervous situations.”

“Yes, and he can sell ice to an eskimo with that charm. It's one thing I borrowed from him when I get into situations of which I'm uncertain. If I get into a situation which I don't know how to handle, I think to myself 'how would Kevin handle it?' and then do it. It works.”

“Well, that says the love you shared is returned.”

“Yes, I don't deny that, but he needs to let people get to know him too.”

“Well, they'll do that. I think JT is head over heels for him already, so that's not a problem.”

“I see that too. JT's eyes are saying it really loudly.”

“Are you feeling threatened?”

“No! What I feel is wanting Kevin to get to know JT on his terms and not based upon our past. It saddens me to think he's not doing that.”

“I think it will happen. I imagine it's already happening to an extent.”

“I hope.”

I got dressed and as I dressed, Steve's eyes were all over me. He was wearing his black outfit which really looked hot on him.

“Hon, you look awesome in that outfit.”

“Thanks.” he said with a slight grin. “It makes me feel good you give me compliments so freely.”

“Well, the first thing I think is you look hot enough to rip them off. Maybe it's a good thing you're not wearing that outfit all day long. All the women of this country would be salivating.”

He laughed and said, “Nope, my eyes are only one you.”

“Well, let's wear that to the funeral home and to McDonald's. It'll differentiate your personal side with the kids and then it'll have the professional side later.

You need to get cameras up there to that site so they can get good photos. I want the shock of that thing to be etched in people's minds.”

“Ok, I'll do that after I make the announcement of there being no casualties other than the ones responsible. That way it won't be seen as a sacred area but something people can imagine happening in their own neighborhoods.”

“It's a shame there aren't any before photos....hold up! We've got the aerial shots from the helicopter which can show the before. I'll tell the helicopter pilot to study the shots and get the after photos so they can be compared. We'll get those out on CNN so it can show the difference.”

“Good looking out.”

“I'm trying.”

We went downstairs and I went over and gave my mom a hug and kiss. Then, I went over to Rose and did likewise.

When Steve came down, he went over to his mom and did the same. What was nice was he went over to my mom and gave her a hug. Afterwards, he went over and gave all of my family hugs too.

Brent said, “Jeez, someone woke up happy this morning!”

I smiled and said, “No, that's him. You should see him and JT when they're together, you'd know how they love each other.”

Brent smiled and said, “Well, it looks like we've got a new tradition to uphold.”

“With our Italian heritage, you'd think we'd already be doing that.”

He nodded and said, “Come here brother.”

I went over and gave him a hug. He smiled and said, “That felt good. We'll do that a lot from now on.”

I hugged Ash and his wife. I made a mental note to find them something for their baby that was really special.

“You guys ready for breakfast?”

Mom said, “Little John isn't down yet.”

“Ok, let me go get him and then we'll get a move on.”

I headed up the steps when little John was on his way down. He smiled and said, “I was coming! It's just hard leaving that comfortable bed!”

“I know. I slept all night again which is rare.”

We went into the living room where everyone was congregated. It was decided who all would ride with whom and we'd meet up at Mabel's. In my car was my mom and dad, Rose, Steve, and I.

Mom said, “This car is nice. Even the back seat is comfortable and not cramped.”

“Yes, did you get ample time to drive it?”

“Yes! That's why I'm looking forward to getting home!” She laughed.

“I understand. I'm glad things worked out as they have so I could get the boys theirs.”

“They're really proud about that. You did good.”

“I'm glad. If it pulls us together, then that's nice.”

“Brent's making plans of heading this way as much as he can.”

“Steve and I discussed him earlier with his seeking greener pastures. There's a whole new crop of girls for him to conquer. The good thing is I spoke with JT and he's going to point him in the direction of upstanding daughters who are relationship minded. Hopefully, that will put him on the right path.”

“I think he's looking at colleges out here. Don't ask me how I know, but a part of me says he's not doing so good at that school he's going too.”

“It's the college mom. The partying atmosphere up there is prevalent. I graduated, but don't ask me how I did it.”

“You partied too, I know. I just think he's partied too much.”

“If his grades will let him, then maybe he'll see it as a fresh start. If not, then he'll have to bring them up. I know we'll concentrate on those with him.”

“Good. Don't let him think it's all a party here.”

“I won't. Things will settle back down here and he'll see we're not about that.”

When we arrived at Mabel's, we went in and JT had her up in the air. When Steve came in, he hugged her as did I. She smiled and said, “The best for last in my ear. I saw you on the news!”

“Don't tell all my secrets hon!”

She laughed and said, “I think it's great. The locals will probably know sooner than later, but he's loved enough, they're going to let him be him.”

“How are you doing today?”

“Oh hell, this place could fall down around me and I'd still have a smile. You'll learn that about me.”

“That's the best way to be. Here, I'd like for you to meet my mama and daddy. Mom, this is Mabel.”

The greeted each other and I said, “Mom, she's a hugger. You gotta hug her in order to get a seat!”

Mom laughed and hugged Mabel. Mabel said, “I tell all the guys that so I get to hug them.”

Dad said, “In that case, I gotta hug her!” He hugged her and Mabel blushed.

“You guys go over there to that table. It's big enough to seat everyone.”

Little John came up and I said, “Mabel, this here is a special friend of mine. His name is John, but we call him Little John.”

She looked at him and said, “Little John, who's your daddy?”

He blushed and said, “Ma'am, you probably didn't know him. He's from New York City.”

She nodded and said, “I have a good feeling I know who it is. You've got the same eyes. Tell your mama I've not heard from her often enough and tell her I still make those strawberry pies. I'll get you one to take home to her when you go.”

Little John looked surprised and said, “You're the one that makes those pies!”

“Yes dear, your mama and daddy were down through here on a trip a long while ago and your mama fell in love with those pies. She'd pay high dollar to have me send them to her.”

“I bet she did. She'd rave on and on about them. To her, if you got a piece of that pie, it really told you that you were in good standing with her.”

Mabel smiled and said, “Your mama is a nice woman. Your daddy, well, he was a man.” she said with a disgusted look upon her face. “Don't you be like him!”

“I try not, but it's hard.”

“Just don't you get yourself caught. I think that's the most disappointed I was in anyone. He let that persona go to his head.”

“I try harder at that than he did. Let's hope it never comes to that.”

She smiled and said, “I don't judge people harshly. It takes all kinds to make this world go around. I know well enough that if you're down here, someone screwed up and I have a good feeling I know who it was.”

“Yes ma'am, you'd be correct. We're getting that taken care of.”

“Well go on and have a seat. I'll be over directly. I've got to go check to see we've got a fresh pie for your mama in the oven.”

She gave me a look and from her gaze, I couldn't make heads nor tales from it. We went over and sat down. The waitress brought out drinks and plates for us to fill. Everyone made a line to go up to get what they wanted. Before we began eating, my daddy said grace.

After breakfast, I went up to pay the bill. She smiled and said, “Hon, it's on me. You thought enough of me to bring your family in to meet me.”

“Thank you. I'll remember that favor.”

“Hon, I don't know why you're involved with him, but don't you let him drag you and Steve down.”

“We're not. We're calling in the big guns so Steve's got a fair shot at the Governor's office.”

“So he's going to run!”

“You've got the scoop, but don't let it out.”

“Well, that does my heart good. If I could have the scoop of he and you getting hitched, I'd be a lot happier.”

“I wish it were possible in this state, but it's not.”

“I'll tell you how to do it if you'll do it.”

“How?”

“You and he go through the motions and you have yourself a huge wedding ceremony here. No one is the wiser that it's not for real. Then, you and he go on a round the world trip and you get yourself hitched over in one of those countries that makes it legal. Then, when you get back over here, you take it to someone John knows and you have him make it legal. The only ones who are wise to it are you, he, me, and those that really don't care. In the eyes of everyone, you're married and they don't care how you did it. You just play the part and let him do some good for people. You can do that, right?”

“Oh yes ma'am.”

“Well, what does it matter none?”

“I'll give it some thought and run it by him. I do know he wanted to announce to everyone he'd proposed and I'd accepted today, but that'd get everyone investigating my background which wouldn't be good.”

“I understand. That's something which needs to be private. Go public with it after the wedding and the trip when everything's done. By then, no one's going to say anything and go snooping where they're not wanted.”

“I'll do that. By then, things will be so if anyone does, they'll only find what they've been meant to find.”

“Damned smart of you.” She smiled.

I gave her another hug and said, “Well, it's off to the funeral home to plan for his daddy's funeral and then we've got to eat at McDonald's for lunch. If you had carry out, I'd sneak by here and get me some!”

She laughed and said, “What do you want? I'll have you a special go bag made up.”

“A nice chicken sandwich would be wonderful.”

“Anything else?”

“No, I'll have a salad at McDonald's that should do a good job of filling me.”

“You need to eat more.”

“If I did, I'd be as big as a house. It doesn't take a lot to fill me up.”

She smiled and said, “You know, you look damned fine as a man, but when I saw you on the news yesterday, I was amazed.”

“Thanks.”

“You just keep the eyes of this nation on him and thinking good thoughts and you'll get that office. For the life of me, I can't imagine why that Governor isn't here!”

“I believe he's been told to stay away.”

She nodded and said, “Well, he lost his seat. All the eyes of this state are going to be on him. When's he going to make the announcement?”

“Probably on Tuesday. We've got a lot we're planning on releasing and doing to carry this thing out longer. CNN will hold the spotlight on him, but I want to be sure he's seen as someone that will last a week under pressure so when people compare it to a hurricane, they'll see he'll do well under that pressure too.”

“You just know this. Yesterday the whole place was talking about you two. No one was talking bad about you and all of them were talking about how damned proud they were you were holding him up as you were. I'll tell you now if the election had been thrown yesterday, you'd won by a landslide!”

“That's why we've got to keep the spotlight upon him. We'll be in and I'll keep you more up to date as to what we're doing and how we're doing it, but rest assured, I've got a good plan.”

She smiled and said, “Hon, where my worries rest is you two leave this town and you won't come back.”

“That's hardly going to happen. I've got kids to raise and there's a big plan for that.”

“How are you doing that?”

“I've got word through my family and all the girls who want to do something with their future are going to be paid well to be our surrogates. That way, the babies will have his blood and mine.”

She looked surprised and said, “My lands! You do have a good plan!”

“Yes, that way it's not seen as a hand out to those family members, and it gets them something in return for the precious gifts we're given.”

She nodded and said, “It'll do Rose's heart good.”

“Yes, Rose has some bit of a bad past, but happiness is well ahead of her.”

“I really hope that. Lord knows she needs someone to give her a smile or two.”

“It's going to happen. I can't say much, but just know that's in the works.”

She smiled and said, “Well, you run along. I'll have your sandwich when you're ready.”

“Make it about one o'clock. We've got to do that appearance and then I've got to head out. I'll stop by here before I go to the airport.”

She looked perplexed and said, “Is this something you really need to do?”

“It pays the bills and keeps him away from taking contributions which would put him to beholding to someone he shouldn't.”

“We'll sit down and talk some day.”

“I promise we'll do that. With your support, I think we can do anything.”

She smiled and said, “Just know I'll make some phone calls and we'll have the skids greased in a big way.”

“Ok.”

I went out and got in the Rolls. Mom said, “She's taken a liking to you.”

“Yes, She's getting me a sandwich made so I can get it on my way out of town today.”

“When are those jets going to be available?”

“I don't know. I'll ask Little John. They should be available shortly. Do you want to use mine to go home today?”

“No, Little John said he'd lend us his.”

“Ok, I just didn't want you thinking you had to wait for it to come back.”

“We'll stay a bit and then we'll be leaving later. If you don't mind, I imagine we'll use your car to do some sight seeing.”

“No problem. Feel free in knowing you're completely welcome here anytime you want to come. It's not always going to be that we'll have a house full like we do now.”

“I know hon. This is a difficult time. I really want to let Rose know how happy I am she's being as gracious as she's being. I know if I'd lost your daddy, I'd not want all the turmoil going on.”

“Steve and I were speaking about that. I feel badly about how things have happened and I really want you to know Rose, it's not my intention to have done this.”

“I know dear. What you need to know is I completely support what you're doing. If things were different between James and I, I'd probably feel a lot worse. What I see going on is giving me the boost I need to go on with life. You're doing this for Steve and I really want that too. So, don't get yourself down about what's happened.”

When we arrived at the funeral home, we went in and found Rose had everything pretty much decided. It barely took thirty minutes for everything to be decided from the flowers to the music.”

When we left, Steve said, “Rhette and I have an appearance at McDonald's with a bunch of kids. I don't know how many are going to show, but we've given them our word, so we've got to be there. One child is plenty and the more is better.”

Mom said, “I imagine a whole lot will show.”

“That'd be good.” Steve said. “It'd get the no drugs message across and get a theme to them which we can hold them to.”

We went back to the house and when we pulled up, I saw Andrew and June. I went over and greeted them. Andrew smiled and I said, “I hope you were treated well with what you had to tell Steve?”

“Yes, he's great!”

“Good. Now, I need to speak with you a moment.”

“Sure. What's up?”

“Tomorrow, I need you to do us a favor. This favor is going to bring you a lot of clout in this town, so it's imperative you help us.”

“What is it?”

“I'm going to give you an address and it's going to be your job to go over and be seen at that address by some neighbors. Then, later, I'm going to want you to go to the doings downtown and be seen by CNN speaking with Steve.”

“What's going on?”

“If you can hold a secret, I'll tell you, but you've got to understand what I'm going to do has to be kept in the strictest of confidences.”

“Ok”

“What you're doing is you're going over to a house which is a grow house. Inside is a bunch of pot plants and the likes. What we're going to do is we're going to have Steve's guys bust it on Tuesday morning. With you being seen speaking to Steve, it's going to be giving you the credit for bringing it down.”

“How come they don't already have it busted into?”

“It's a plant for the press. I want him to be on camera when they do it and I want you to get the credit. Everyone that's judging you will suddenly be out numbered by the people that are saying good things about you in this town.”

“What if a neighbor calls the cops and reports me?”

“It'll be ignored. You have to be seen there and that's to get you the credit. Is it a go?”

“Ok, but I'm not understanding why you're not having him do it if he already knows it's there.”

June smiled and said, “Andrew, they're doing it this way so you can have credit. They know about it and probably could have busted in and got the credit for it without you. They're doing it this way so you can rub the people's noses in it that speak bad about you. Rhette's doing it this way so you will be better in this town.”

“Ok, it's just weird.”

She smiled and said, “Why don't you run along. I've got to look to Rhette and get him looking his part.”

I sat down and said, “Thanks”

“Sometimes he doesn't know about that world. I know you guys set that house up to be found, but he doesn't. I'm assuming it's for a reason.”

“Steve's going to run for Governor. We need to have him seem unaware of that house so it can be found. Then, we're going to have him find it on CNN so it looks like he's completely unaware of the drugs in this town. Then, we're going to have him get tough on drugs and wipe them out.”

“Ok, what's Andrew's situation going to help?”

“Well, Andrew's going to suddenly get the credit. For that, he'll be given an award. What it will do is it will make everyone across this nation see they could have grow houses in their neighborhoods and if they report it, they could be the hero of the day.

You don't know it, but back home, we had a grow house and no one knew. It was in the nicest neighborhood where no one called the police and everyone minded their own business. It was a complete surprise it was even there. I have a feeling there are probably hundreds of them across this country.

The fact it's being shown live on CNN is the plan. What will follow is a platform for Steve with what he's going to do in this county before the election. He'll use that to get publicity as being hard on crime. The votes it pulls from the Republicans will be good for his election.”

“Ok, you're saying pulling from the Republicans. He's a Republican.”

“Yes, but he won't be when he runs.”

“Huh?”

“He's running on a platform of the American party...not Democrat and not Republican, but down the middle.”

“Oh, that's going to be hard to do.”

“Yes, and that's why we need all the publicity. If you take a look at what all we've done, it's drawing him attention. Every appearance I made yesterday was for a reason. We hit it like a campaign and it was orchestrated as being such.”

“Well you sure had people talking!”

“Good. My hope is we had people talking all over this state as well as across the country. I want them begging him to run and I want them to be doing it from both parties.”

“I'll tell you now. If you'd been running, you'd gotten it!”

“Good. I've got to look good for him.”

“How'd the rest of your day go yesterday?”

“It went well. My disguise worked too well. I had no idea this nation would see me as a woman, but now that they do, I've got to run with it. If I don't and they find out we're gay, it could turn the tide completely against us.”

“How are you going to handle that?”

“To be honest, we're going to run with it for as long as it takes. If it comes out, then he said he'll gladly come out, but if not, then we'll have everyone thinking we're a normal straight couple. I'll run with it because that's what people want.”

“Ok, so we'll be seeing a lot of each other.”

“Yes, now what I've got to do is I've got to go find an outfit to wear which will look nice because we've got a few public appearances before I've got to leave town again.”

“Oh!”

“A friend of mine got beaten up yesterday. He's lucky he's still alive. Besides that, the meeting I went to yesterday turned about to be a really huge opportunity. I can't say much more, but you know the business I'm in.”

“Yes.”

“Well, let's just say I'm a first of firsts.”

“That sounds really interesting.”

“Oh hell. I got given the whole Miami area of being under me. Along with that, I got given the Missouri area. Both Kansas City and St. Louis are going to be under me. Also, I think Tampa will be under me too.”

“Man!”

“Yeah, I can't go into more than that, but it's rare that anyone would get more than one area, but now I've got all those areas.”

“Can you run it all?”

“It's going to take a lot of management and delegating authority, but it can be done.”

I went to Rose who got me something to wear, she picked out a nice pant suit which looked businesslike, yet masculine. She smiled and said, “Hon, we've got to get you clothes here. You're so tiny, I don't think there's anything else of mine which will fit you! James got me this outfit for some Sheriff's seminar he was to go to. At the last minute, he changed his mind and I didn't get to go. He still went, but I didn't get to go.”

I changed into it and then went to June who got my hair and makeup complete. While we did this, I told her of our plans to put in a washing stand for our hair and how much Steve liked the scalp massage getting his hair washed last evening.

When everything was done, I said, “The man who was to teach you everything with serving food had a change of plans. He won't be with us any longer.”

She nodded and asked, “How are you going to feed all these men?”

“We're looking into that. Today, we're going to cater it. Tomorrow, I don't know. I'm trying to find someone who will come out and work the food buggy.”

“Hon, let me worry about that. I'll find some people to help.”

“They've got to be sworn to secrecy and be told this is a top secret plan of the Sheriff's to wipe out the drugs in this town. They'll know as soon as they start doing take downs what is happening, but right now, they're still gathering information.”

“Ok, I'll do that.”

“I appreciate this. My hands are so full I've not had time to even begin looking for someone. I should make the time, but it's something which came up rather suddenly.”

“I thought your guys were sworn to loyalty!”

“Yes, but this man attempted to kill me not once, but twice last night. He's got to go.”

“Oh!”

“Yes, he's been feeding Gypsy and all I can say is if he'd wanted to get to me, all he had to do was kill her and my heart would have been gone.”

“I understand. What I'll do is I'll get Andrew and we'll start preparing some things for dinner. It might not be the best, but it will be something they'll appreciate.”

“Well, I apologize for things not being as they were yesterday when we spoke, but as you can see, they don't turn out the way they're supposed to around here.”

“It's understandable. I'll take up the slack until you can get back.”

I gave her a hug and took her to show her the food buggy. Little John was there. I looked at him and asked him to speak privately to the side.

“She's going to take up the slack for dinner. As for lunch, I have no clue what we're going to feed them.”

“Ok, he's about to be told he's got an unexpected emergency. The blue and white plane you see at the airport is the one. If it's not there when you get there, then know it's happening.”

“Ok, I doubt if I see it. I've got to go with Steve to make an appearance at McDonald's and then we'll be leaving.”

He nodded and I said, “Have a good afternoon.”

“I'll probably see you sooner than later.”

“My family will need a jet to get them home. Are they getting those delivered?”

“They've been called and they're working on it.”

“Working on it?”

“Yes, it's taking them some time to get the planes you want.”

“Well, it doesn't matter what they ride home in as long as they get there. I told my mom she'd have a ride home and planes to use at her disposal.”

He nodded and said, “You're doing this right. Your family knows and they're supporting you.”

“I wouldn't do it any other way. Did you get your mama's pie sent home to her?”

He smiled and said, “Yes, I gave her a call and you'd think I told her she'd won the lottery. As of now, I'm her favorite son.”

“I thought you were the only son!”

“Yes, but even then sometimes I'm not the favorite.”

“Well, I've got to get. Before I leave, I have to have the pilot notified he's got to get Rose to the airport when I call.”

“I'll let them know.”

“Have that slow copter with nitrous on it. I'll use it for my aerials.”

He smiled and said, “That will scream like a striped ass ape.”

“Yup, and hopefully, I can get it to do a double loop.”

“It's not a plane!”

“Nope, that's what makes it so exciting.”

“What I'll do is I'll get your parents the trip home and tell the pilot to stay on call there. Then, I'll get Rose readied and go ahead and take her down with me. On our way, I'll take the guy from Tampa's wife down with us.”

“I'm sorry I didn't get to meet her.”

“She knows. We've discussed what we've got planned and she's in on it. She'll do anything to feel useful. She's filled me in on a lot of things she's seen what needs to be handled. I'll fill you in on what I know when I get a chance.”

“That might be a while. Our schedules are a bit hectic.”

“I'll try to make some time this afternoon when I'm down there.”

“Ok, but my time there is going to be abbreviated. David is a priority.”

He nodded and said, “I understand. I need to get people in my organization which have that right.”

“It's all about making your job easier through delegating the authority. When you do it, make sure they're loyal, but don't have the aspirations to run it themselves. One thing I'd do that Gino taught me is when you pull them up, you tell them their job and if they think they have any future aspirations, to forget them because you'd hate to kill them. They get the point. The good thing there is you have their oath on that then and if anything's discovered later, you can bring them to trial on it.”

He nodded and I said, “Well, I'll see you later.”

I went upstairs and gave everyone hugs and kissed. From the look in my brother's eye, I knew he found me attractive.

“You like the disguise?”

“Hell yeah!”

“I thought so. Your eyes give you away.”

When I kissed and hugged Kevin, I said, “Kevin, build it up right with him. He's head over heels for you already and I'd hate to see you mess up a good opportunity.”

He smiled and said, “Rhette, it's hard. My loyalties are to you, but I have to realize it can't be.”

“You're right. It's hard, but I'm moving on. Thing could have been different, but they weren't. I'm not going to repeatedly kick you in the ass over it, but that's the way the cards played. Hopefully, you'll see someone can love you if you'll love him. If not, then be honest and then find someone who will.”

“I think it will work. I do find him attractive in so many ways.”

“I know. He's a cute little shit, but keep your hands to yourself. If I hear otherwise, you won't deal with his wrath but mine. I thought of you because I wanted him to have the best. Give him that and don't prove me wrong.”

He smiled, but there were tears in his eyes. “I do love you.”

“I love you too. Now, life's going on.”

I went over to Steve and said, “Well, you ready to go do this?”

“As ready as ever. You look the knock out.”

“Thanks.”

We went out to the car and he drove. On the way in, I was quiet and pensive.

“What's on your mind?”

“So many things. So much done already today and yet, so much needs to be done. I've got to get used to this grind.”

“I thought it might be Kevin.”

“No, that's dealt with and in the past. What I need to do is I need to bring you up to speed on what's happening with the planes. My family's plane is supposed to be here and will go home with them. That's going to leave two more. If you have time, you might take one and come South. I don't know how long we'll be at the hospital.”

“I'll try, but I don't know what the day is going to bring either.”

When we arrived at McDonald's, we got out. There were several media crews. Some questions got asked about the car. I answered.

“Gentlemen, that car is mine. My income is such I can afford it and that multi-million dollar house up there I bought with cash. If you choose to look into it, you'll see I own the rights to the program for the electronic billboards which make the advertisements chase you. For each of those, I get four hundred grand. Sales are such I've made fifty million in the last six months.

If you look further, you'll see I've got a trust fund from the Ha Corporation. I don't go into that money much and there's more there than can be spent in this lifetime. I'll tell you this. IF he chooses to run for Governor, I'll dive into that money like you've never seen anyone before so this race is not funded by special interests.” I said smiling.

“Do you think he will run?”

“Between you and I, we spoke about it last night. That decision is ultimately his, but I can't tell you what we'll decide. BUT, in all fairness to him, we spoke about many things last night from marriage, to our futures, to a potential run for Governor.”

That immediately sent the crews over to Steve to ask him if he's running. He looked at them and said, “Guys, if I answer that now, then this thing in here will look like a campaign stop rather than what it really is and was meant to be. This is to get pledges from kids they won't do drugs. Let's let the kids have their time and then after I take Rhette to the airport, I'll give you a statement.”

What was interesting was when I went inside, the place was full of kids seated in all the booths with families. When I entered, a huge cheer went up. The smile hit my face and I said, “Hi everyone! Did you give them your orders?”

One kid said, “No, they made us sit until you got here.”

“Well, let's see they work really hard. Are you all hungry?”

A huge cheer went up with a loud “Yes” being the main chorus.

I went over to the counter and asked someone. “Could I speak with your manager please?”

“He's out with the kids.”

“Well, I guess I'll have to find him.” I said rather irked.

I turned around and did a scan. No manager was present.

“He's not within eyesight, so here's what we're going to do. I'm going to send all these people up here and I want a grand total of what they're orders total so I can pay you. I'll need to speak with the manager because already, I'm not happy.”

“I'll see what I can do to find him.”

“Thank you.” I said. What I thought was, 'If you were about your job, you'd already done that.'

I went back to the dining room and said, “What we're going to do is we're going to take 4 tables at a time to get everyone their food. They're rather under staffed, so we'll have to be patient with them. What I will do is get everyone cups so they can at least get their drinks over at the drink fountain.”

The manager came over and said, “Hi, I'm the manager, how can I help you.”

“First of all, these people should have been fed. Second of all, I had this place called yesterday so you definitely knew we were coming. A call out went out on CNN to draw people in, so you definitely knew it was happening. Now, we get here and I find people hungry and I find you have what, three people working?”

“Well, more than that, but we weren't expecting the amount of people. Your people never told us what to expect.”

“We didn't know. Now, if I were a real bitch, I'd be moving this down the street to the Burger King, but there are parents who dropped off their kids and they'd be alarmed if they came and never found their kid here. So, we're staying put. What I expect is some good fast food. If you need, I'll run a fry station. I've done that before, but I doubt if I plan on anything at this McDonald's again. So total up the orders and I'll get you paid.”

“I might need you to run that fry station.”

“If CNN can film it. I want there to be some goodwill that comes of this. You might put the Sheriff on something too so he can get the press from it as well.”

“What can he do?”

“One second.”

I looked over at Steve who was speaking with the press. “Steve, they don't have enough help. Have you ever worked in fast food?”

“I was a cook in high school.”

“Your hired. Come on. I'm doing fries.”

I went back and said, “I need a hat and an apron.”

The manager got them to me and I asked the kid cooking fries. What button does what?”

“That button puts them down and then they cook automatically. They'll come up when they're done.”

“Ok, I'll do that. You give each kid an extra large order no matter what they order.”

I went up to the counter people and said, “When they order, you put in extra large orders for their fries.”

“A bunch are ordering Happy Meals.”

“Oh, damn. Ok. Well, we'll handle that, but anyone else that orders fries separately, you give them extra large.”

I went back and said, “Ok, this thing delves the fries into the basket, right?”

“Yeah, all you do is turn that crank and it dumps them into the basket.”

“Ok, well, let's get this thing running full speed ahead.”

He smiled and said, “You're going to make too many fries.”

“That's the price they pay for not having enough help on hand today, isn't it!” I smiled.

We made fries and I couldn't begin to tell you how long I cooked the things. I do know about the time I thought we were ahead, the whole rack would disappear. I had eight baskets going and then someone came up and rather frantically was telling me I needed to drop fish and chicken.

“What the hell!”

The kid helping laughed and said, “Here, you have to drop the chicken and fish over here.”