Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2016 17:31:29 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: The Oak and the Ash Chapter 12 *The Oak and the Ash- Chapter 12* *By Eff Del* Nolitimere156@gmail.com *It is important for us to learn to be decisive. To make decisions and stick to them.* *It's all right to realize that some of our decisions may not be the correct ones and we may live to regret them.* *However, as we move progressively through life, we need to make and act upon our assesments. * *If any of them subsequently turn out to be wrong, then we can attempt to correct our actions after that realization.* *The important thing is not to hesitate.* *There is nothing worse than failing to decide and therefore, not acting.* *If you need proof, just drive down a country road and look at all of the sadly flat squirrels and raccoons who didn't decide which side of the road to run to as a car was bearing down. * The three boys were with me and Richard in the helicopter. Although this bit of business didn't really apply to Brian's future in Magnus Venatus, the sabotage had potentially affected his life and so, I thought he needed to be there. Besides, like Sean and Jack, he surely needed to understand that our family had its own level of justice. Richard and I had discussed the situation and we both agreed that the man being held in the `Steele Cunt' may very well be the man who sabotaged the plane but almost certainly was a minor player in the plot. Richard felt that he could be easily frightened into revealing every bit of information he knew. Hopefully, that would be enough to move us up to the next level until we found the mastermind behind this. The prisoner's name was Rod Tanner he was a maintenance technician at the seaport and because of his terror, he admitted his actions at once. "I poured five quarts of oil into the engine and I knew that the bottles were filled with little steel ball bearings that would tear up the engine. I was assured that the engine would seize up right on the water...that it was a kind of expensive private joke between two rich men. I never in my wildest dreams thought that plane would take off. Since it crashed, I've been drinking so much that I have the shakes. If those boys had died in that crash, I'd have killed myself. I only did it because that oriental guy assured me that it was a private joke and of course, he offered me a lot of money. My little daughter Jane has a rare form of cancer and I can't afford the treatment especially the medicine that can help keep her alive." Tears were pouring from his eyes and he scanned all of us as we sat there. "There's no help out there for people like us. What the hell would you have done if you were me? I never intended to put anyone's life in jeopardy but...to simply seize up an engine before takeoff. Certainly. For the kind of money he paid...yes I did it. Are you going to kill me now?" I smiled bitterly. "No Mr. Tanner, I'm not going to kill you. The passengers in my pontoon plane all survived with only minor injuries. I'm more currently interested in your daughter and I believe I can help. However, I need your full cooperation. You sit here with Richard and answer all of his questions honestly, and then, we'll fly back and pick up your daughter and the rest of the family, we'll bring her medical records to my Doctor Mohamed and from there, we'll get her into the hands of the best specialists in the world and I'll take care of her medication. "B-but I almost killed your children." "Yes, but you didn't you see, and that allows me to be kind and merciful. Just be truthful with Richard and I promise you that if money can save your daughter's life, it shall be saved." Tears were pouring from his eyes as the boys and I left the cell. "Jack and Brian, I think you're going to be surprised at how good the food is here in the outpost." "Where the heck are we Dad?" Brian asked. "Actually Brian, only Sean and Jack are allowed to know that. It's one of six very secret places that we have all over the country but it has nothing to do with your future role in the `Great Game'...this is very Skuggor. It's better if you know as little as possible." "Kay Dad." He looked up at me and I couldn't tell if he was sad or not. I just hugged him into me and ran my hand through his dark brown hair. He seemed to accept the situation and eventually became chatty little Brian. About and hour later, Richard caught up to us. "Well, there's no doubt that the mastermind of this plot was our old friend Charles Chang but you won't believe who first approached Rod Tanner. It would seem that enemies of Eric Tucker somehow find each other. It turns out that Mr. Tanner was first contacted by none other than Moses Whyles that real-estate developer who tied to attack you at the big lake." "All right, let's get these fuckers and this time, we'll send them to the cornfield Richard." Rod Tanner's neighborhood was certainly astonished as our helicopter landed in the middle of their street and four grey clad Skuggor rushed into the house and helped Rod's wife and daughter into the craft. We landed rather quickly onto the car park of Joyous Gaurde and Rod's daughter (whose name was Jane) was whisked quickly down to the infirmary where Doctor Mohamed was waiting. Rod couldn't stop weeping and so, I urged his wife to take care of him as they were escorted by Daniel up to a room in the mansion. "Believe it or not, it is two of our old friends. Charles Chang and Moses Whyles. Those two met by accident as Whyles was working his way out of the desert...go figure. Whyles sort of softened up Tanner and then Chang came in with the money and the lie. Either way, they both intended to kill everyone on that plane." Richard reached for my empty tumbler, moved to the bar, and filled both glasses in his hand. "We could move in right now and take Moses but Chang will be a bit more difficult because he has hired guards protecting him. Obviously, it will only take a few gassed shadow flies to handle that situation. You've just got to give the orders." "So, it's obvious that Chang's story about a boy school in Brazil was bullshit. He intended to kill me and my family and then re-establish the NEST in its old configuration. Let's move on them tonight Richard." I grinned and said; "Make it so." He grinned back and said; "I'll call you before nine-o-clock." "Let's have one more drink and then, you can get to work friend." I poured the two glasses and we sat and sipped in comfortable silence. Doctor Mohamed and I were sitting in my study. Because of his faith, he didn't drink alcohol and so he was sipping an orange and lemonade. "The girl is suffering from a blood cancer that this medication can certainly keep under control. There is a Doctor in Seattle who has made magnificent strides in this particular disease. I've contacted him and he is willing to take the girl on as a patient. He is very expensive and so is her medication." "Well Mohamed, expense isn't a consideration for us. Please inform the Doctor that they will be arriving tomorrow." I met with the Tanner family...father, mother and daughter and informed them that they would be flying to the west coast to be under treatment of the foremost doctor in the world for her special cancer. He followed me down the hall with tears streaming from his eyes. "I almost killed your family and you are doing this greatness for my daughter. How is that possible?" "Because I don't ALMOST kill anyone Mr. Tanner. When I do kill someone it happens quickly." ******************** We were gathered in the music room because we'd agreed to rehearse a number to surprise everyone at the next gathering. Brian sat in one of the chairs because he didn't play an instrument. We were trying to decide upon a song or musical piece when the brown haired boy stood up and said; "Why don't you do `Ain't Misbehavin' I used to sing it for my Grandma since I was very little." He wiggled and swayed and began to sing; *"I don't stay out late.* *No place to go.* *I'm home about eight just listnin' to my radio.* *Ain't misbehavin' I'm saving my love for you."* I grinned because this was a side of Brian I'd never seen before and he also had a wonderful voice. I quickly switched to a `stride' form of piano playing and backed him up as he continued the song and Sean soon joined in with an almost ragtime picking on his guitar. At the break, Jack jumped in with a wonderful violin/fiddle interlude. By the end, we were all laughing hysterically. "OK...now let's do it one more time but Brian, we'll give you a musical introduction and I bet you'll know just when to come in. We actually practiced the song three times and after the boys put down their instruments, we enjoyed a wonderful group hug. "We'll knock them dead when we do this guys!" I laughed. "Yea...the Tucker family band!" Sean exclaimed and we all laughed again. Martha had made ravioli with a spicy marinara sauce that also displayed that she certainly didn't have a light hand when it came to garlic. Along with a side dish of fried breaded chicken cutlets smothered in sautéed mushrooms and a large bowl of fresh greens salad, we were all very well fed. Somehow, the boys had decided that Jack was going to share my bed and I smiled as he performed a `Jack strip' in front of the window. I smiled as I guided him onto the big bed and soon had him wrapped up in hugs and tender kisses. He was growing so big... Almost a man but essentially, he was still a boy and I loved him so much...my young Jack who was so important to my world. We wrapped our arms and legs around each other and fell asleep. Sex just wasn't that important between us, love on the other hand was. I awoke in the morning and he felt my attempt to gently leave the bed without waking him up. He raised his tousled head of ginger hair and smiled sleepily as he reached out his arms to me. I leaned in and we kissed sweetly. "See ya later Early Bird." He grinned as he wrapped himself in the sheet an rolled over. He was snoring softly in a few minutes. Teen-aged boys certainly loved their sleep. I just smiled as I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I was up in the command room sipping on a cup of coffee. "We've got them both Eric. I don't think Chang fully understands our capabilities even now. They're in the Steele Cunt waiting for your command." Richard was sitting next to me at the big table and waiting for my decision. I sighed and said; "A bullet to the back of both of their heads. We've tried mercy on both of them and it hasn't worked. Some people simply see mercy as weakness and a license to attempt further exploitation. Rod Tanner may have believed that what he'd done was an expensive but simple joke, but those two certainly knew that this sabotage would probably result in the deaths of everyone in that plane. They both have attempted to kill me or members of my family before and Chang is ultimately responsible for the deaths of Walter and those dear fallen Skuggor. Send them both to the cornfield Richard. Do it tonight. I won't fly out to talk to them or try to turn them or even frighten them. Just remove them from the world. Now, as to Mr. Tanner, I DO want to talk to him so, once his little girl has met with the Doctor and the family has been settled into the apartment we're providing, I want him picked up and brought here." "Yes Sir Boss." He gave me a strange almost pensive look. "No worries Richard, I have no intention of hurting him. I fully believe his story and I believe that he was truly duped by a very evil man. I may actually be offering him and therefore his family, a new life but it can't be done casually, he needs to understand there are prices to pay for bad actions." "Understood Eric. I'll check with you before we snatch him. I need to tell you though that we've got a Skuggor Center like the `Steel Cunt' less than 20 miles from where the Tanners are being re-located. You might consider flying out there unless you fully intend to terrify the man." I smiled. "If I'd intended to terrify him Richard, I'd have already done that. I just need to get him straight so, you're right; after I've talked with him, we'll get him back to his family quickly so, I'll fly out to him. You'll come with me of course." He nodded. I finished my coffee and left the room. Down in my study, I was surprised to find that Will was sitting with Uncle Phil and Chris. Will got up and walked to the bar and made me a drink. He smiled as he handed it to me and then we both sat down. "Please don't think I've done anything behind your back Eric. It's just that I'm a relatively new employee and I wanted to learn if what I'm about to propose is even remotely reasonable and I'm assured that it is... if it interests you. With my broken ankle, I've had a lot of time to think about the loss of the float plane and what the alternatives might be and I've done a great deal of research on the subject and I'd like for you to consider a very major decision." "Tell me Will. I assume these two already know what you're going to say?" "Yes Eric, we do but we'd like you to hear Will out before we comment." Uncle Phil smiled as he got up and re-filled Chris' glass as well as his own. I nodded to Will. "First off Eric, you certainly realize that `Duck' was a good and fun idea but it ultimately wasn't ideal because it was only a four seater and so, because of the need for an instructional pilot for Sean for three more years, `Duck' would never have allowed your whole family to fly together especially to the lake. If you've enjoyed those few flights up to the cabin but have missed the comradery of your whole family, as well as guests, I think you need to consider a new plane with a larger capacity. A larger plane could also be used to carry supplies, groceries, liquor and dry goods to both your cabin and Camp West Wind. That will save both landmarks a good deal of money. If I'm to be involved in the camp next year, that's important to me." He smiled and took my glass from me and made two more drinks. "What I'm going to propose Eric is that you consider purchasing a new pontoon plane and I've got a recommendation. You already know that I'm partial to Cessna but I must tell you that no-one makes sturdier, more reliable planes." "So what are you recommending Will?" He smiled a bit nervously and pushed some brochures in my direction. "I'd urge you to consider a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX. It's a sturdy and reliable plane that is well thought of by short haul freight carriers as well as short hop passenger carriers and it's used by most major airlines. It can be configured to seat twelve passengers but I wouldn't consider that. A six-passenger configuration would meet your family's needs and an eight passenger configuration would allow you room for three to four guests. The remaining room could be used for cargo or even freight. The plane is a turboprop so Sean would need additional training before he could fly it but we've got lots of time to do that. The cockpit is completely Garmin equipped so it's state of the art. The floats can be removed and the plane can quickly become a land to land craft. However, since you have your wonderful Jet, I don't know how often you'd utilize that feature." "So, what is the negative here Will? Why do you need my chief financial advisors to be with you for this meeting?" He grimaced and said; "The cost Eric. A new Grand Caravan will cost you from two to two and a half million dollars. Individuals purchase not many of these planes. They're mostly bought by large companies." Uncle Phil smiled. "Will, if we decide to do this, the plane will be purchased by a large company as well, and will quickly become a tax write-off. Eric, if this interests you, I must tell you that even though you are one of the few men in the world who might consider two million dollars to be chump change, Chris and I will make certain that the cost of this plane doesn't even touch your personal income." "OK then, is there one nearby that Sean and I can look at?" Will smiled as he sipped his drink. "Better than that Eric, I've got a friend who owns an older one. He's got it configured for twelve passengers and he runs shuttles out to the Channel Islands. He's agreed to take Sean you and me for a flight tomorrow if you're interested." I laughed at how well prepared Will was for this meeting. "Let me know when so I can notify my little lazy bones." *************************** Barret smiled as he sipped the bottle of the boy's second pale ale. "It's wonderful. You boys follow the recipe and the hidden rules of brewing. I'm proud of you." "I'd really like to try an India Pale Ale Barret." The older man smiled and said; "I think that you're ready for that Jack. What about you two?" "We'd like to continue with the pale ale we've been brewing but maybe change it up a bit Barret." Brian was certain what he wanted. "Maybe though, we could make it just a bit sweeter?" "Absolutely Brian, just add this to your brew." Barret handed the boy a small bag. "It'll ad some sweet citrus to your ale. Not much but probably just enough. Now Jack, for your IPA, you'll need a carboy and all of the equipment. Do you have room in your home brewery?" Jack laughed; "Are you kidding? We live in Joyous Gaurde. Room isn't a problem." As Barret and the boys loaded up the supplies into the van, I noticed that Jack's supplies were tagged in red while the other supplies were untagged. A few cases of bottles and a full load of bottle caps followed. When the loading was finished, Jack pulled out his wallet and was ready to pay Barret. "Oh no you don't Jack! This is a science project and I pay for it not you." He smiled and gave me a silly grin. "Even if it came out of my wallet, it was still you who paid for it anyway right?" I grinned at him and said; "Yeah, but if you'd paid for this, you'd have less money to buy me a birthday present eh?" He giggled and then he and I lifted the new carboy into the van and bid Barret goodbye. I suspected that he was enjoying having our family as clients. As we pulled into the estate, Jack made it clear that he would help the younger boys set up their brewing but that this first batch of IPA was his alone. He got no argument. The Tucker Brothers Brewing Company was coming into full swing. I had to laugh. Three of the richest boys in the entire world were worried about brewing their own beer. ****************** Will had informed me that our flight was scheduled for ten o:clock tomorrow and I informed Sean. "Kay Dad, that means that I'm sleepin with you tonight right?" "Yes little man, it means that you're SLEEPING with me and nothing else got it?" "Yeah you meanie." He grinned as he said it and then hugged me tight. The plane was long, sleek and very attractive. It was painted commercially because it was used mostly for carrying passengers. "Eric, say hello to Paul Helmold." Will said. I thrust out my hand. "Hello Paul. It's kind of you to do this for us." "Not at all Eric. It's a pleasure to show off this wonderful airplane. You are Sean I assume?" My little man looked up at him and smiled. "Yes Mr. Helmold. It's very nice to meet you." "Well Sean, since your instructor there has still got a cast on his ankle, you sit up front with me and those old guys will sit in the back. I've got to tell you what you already know I suspect that this is a turbo prop plane and it will require you to do some extensive practice however, the basics are the same and so, I'm comfortable having you sit by my side. Here's the clipboard, let's go through the checklist." Soon, we were racing down the cove and the plane was airborne. I didn't know if it was my imagination or not but it certainly seemed the plane climbed quicker and steeper than `Duck'. We flew for about forty five minutes and then landed rather silky soft into the cove. Sean just grinned as he thanked the man and I shook his hand. "This was very good of you Paul." "Not at all Eric. I think the world of Will so, therefore I think the world of you." ********************* "OK then, let's order one but let's all agree what we want... so you, Sean and I will meet with people next week. I'm thinking either six or eight passengers certainly no more." Will smiled. "I'll set it up boss." "If we buy this plane, you know that you have a lot more training to do right Sean?" "Yeah Dad but it'll be worth it." I was sitting in the library with Doc Swaim, Tim and Gary and we were joking and just enjoying each other's company. Suddenly Daniel was standing at the door and he motioned me over. "I've received a message from the Ranch in Montana Eric. It seems that young Marty has been shot. I thought you'd like to know." I ran to the telephone and called the ranch. A weeping Pete Riddle took up the phone. "It was poachers Eric looking to kill our bison and take their skins and heads and Bronco came upon them by accident. He was just riding the fence and before he could even react, they shot him. Eric, he's such a good young man...such a good boy and he was brought here to be safe and look what I've allowed to happen to him. His horse brought him home as he was sagged over his saddle. He called his horse `Coal' and they loved each other and `Coal' brought him home." "Pete, I'm having high speed helicopters dispatched right now, they'll contain Doctors and medical teams. We'll take care of our cowboy. What about Paulie?" "He's curled up on the floor like a little baby crying his eyes out. Those two boys love each other." "I'm flying out as soon as I can get my jet cleared. The medics are already on their way. Please tell Paulie that I'm coming." As John drove me to the airport, I couldn't help but think that I'd promised those boys that they'd be safe and now one of them had been shot and was perhaps dying. "I'm a total fuck up John. I can't make anything come out right." He came around the front of the car and wrapped me in his large arms. "No Eric. That's not even close to being true. Lately almost everything you do comes out right. Your sons are safe here. You go love those boys that care so much about. Marty will live. I just know it Eric. We'll all watch over the Tucker boys." ************************************* I walked over to my jet and shook the hand of Captain Lucas, accepted a drink and sank into one of the luxurious leather seats . I cared so much and hoped so much for that boy that I couldn't help being tearful at the same time, I realized that I had no control over his future. As my jet landed, Pete was waiting. "The Medic choppers left about an hour ago and we haven't received a word since then Eric." I nodded. "I'm having a copter flown in so that we can get to the hospital quickly. What about the little boy...the Chef?" "Paulie is devastated and almost catatonic. Those two are literally joined at the hip. If Howie dies, I don't know what Paulie will do Eric." "Well, let's all get some sleep and fly into town and see what Howie's future is. We'll include Paulie on this trip and hope that it helps." ***************************** My gratitude for your input is astonishing. Thank you for your input and your expressions of personal concern. I must remind you that NIFTY could use your contributions and I must remind you that personal email is what keeps us writing. If you like these stories, take the time to tell us. The alternative being that we'll stop writing.