Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2017 13:04:01 +0000 (UTC)
From: jim ford <sojourn1950@yahoo.com>
Subject: Change of Heart chapter thirty-one

This story is fiction. The characters are adults in adult situations.

Warnings: The only person you can ever hope to truly know is yourself.
Trust no one; use condoms. As my friend BearPup says, "dying for sex"
should only be an expression... not a reality."If you are not of legal age
or in a jurisdiction in which this document is illegal, go way. This is my
story. Please respect the copyright. If you enjoy it, let me know.

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If you are still reading this let me know.
Jim Ford
sojourn1950@yahoo.com


Chapter thirty-one

Daniel was eagerly awaiting Raymond's arrival. While he understood the need
for security. Still, he was not fond of having strangers in his
home. Especially, the first time he actually had a sleepover with a
lover. Plus, he resented the idea, just a little, that he couldn't keep
Raymond safe. The lover's had discussed this at length during Raymond's
return flight and agreed they would accede to Ilya's threat assessment.

By the time Raymond physically showed up, dinner was well underway. The
chicken was in the oven. The potatoes were ready to join the chicken. Bacon
was frying to provide the hot grease for the wilted salad. The
tiramisu/coffee ice cream dessert had just been slipped into the freezer to
chill. Raymond was greeted with an enthusiastic embrace accompanied by a
toe curling kiss. He presented his host with the wine for dinner. Daniel
accepted the wine and grinned at his lover's shock at such a blatant
display of affection. "I may keep myself in check in public, but I'll be
damned if I hide my feelings inside my own home." As he made his
declaration, he acknowledged both bodyguards with a steady, challenging
gaze. Raymond introduced everybody and assured Daniel,that his men were
accepting and discreet.

Once firm handshakes were exchanged, and he felt he had established his
"king of his castle" role, Daniel immediately relaxed and became the
affable host. To their credit, the bodyguards tried to be as unobtrusive as
possible. They set up in the spare bedroom and arranged for their own
dinner. They were either in the bedroom or outside. Daniel was again
impressed with the professionalism of Ilya's security forces.

Raymond followed Daniel into the kitchen where he immediately washed his
hands and asked what he could do to help. Daniel was draining the bacon and
suggested they relax in the living room with a drink. After a short
discussion they sat on the sofa with Blue Saffire martinis over ice. Daniel
set up the drinks with three olives on a toothpick. He explained the first
was to be eaten before the first sip, the second mid drink and the last
after only the ice was left. Raymond argued that the olives were a holdover
from a time when gin tasted like paint thinner with cloves. The newer, more
subtle flavors did not require such affectations to make it palatable. With
drinks in hand they moved back into the kitchen. Raymond expressed an
interest in seeing the rest of the house since it was the first "modular"
home he recalled ever being in.

Daniel conducted the tour. He explained that it was a three bedroom house,
but since the smallest served as his office he thought of it as having two
bedrooms. They ended up in the master bedroom. Raymond praised the quilt
and was impressed to learn that Daniels mother had made it. He asked if she
would be willing to make some for his ranch house. Raymond wound up texting
her phone number to his decorator Linda. He wanted the quilts to serve as
the focal point of each bedroom, like a work of art. Maybe duplicating
Daniel's quilt and featuring Van Gogh's other works. He included a picture
and Linda soon replied that she liked the idea and would contact Daniel's
mother.

They returned to the kitchen where they talked about Raymond's impending
parenthood. Raymond explained it would be about two weeks before they knew
if his seed took and at least another four months to determine the
gender. He had already told Linda to set up the nursery in neutral colors
and use animal borders or some such along the walls. He explained that blue
for a boy and pink for a girl was a manufacturing ploy, from the early
twentieth century, intended to reduce waste and increase profits.

When profits came up, Daniel decided to broach a topic that he was both
curious and concerned about; the Adams family's wealth. Daniel asked
Raymond to take a seat at the kitchen/dining room table. "Raymond, I, long
ago, suspected that the Adams' had more wealth than even a large ranch
could provide. They have never flaunted it or even discussed it in my
presence. I never asked. That would have been rude and none of my
business. But, now I feel I have a right to ask. I mean, it looks like I
will be a part of their lives through my relationship with you... unless I
am being presumptuous"?

Raymond reached over and took Daniel's hand. "You know you have been a
member of the Adams family since soon after you and Jeff met in school. The
ranch was only the first source of income for the Adams family. Through
profits from cattle they branched out into banking, then oil and pipelines,
then real estate and now technology. In each of those endeavors they have
profited greatly. The ranch, as a source of income, was eclipsed by banking
profits, both of those were eclipsed by oil and pipeline
profits. Technology investment returns currently exceed, by multiples, all
other investment returns combined. Through puppet corporations we are
invested in a variety of endeavors from personal security to food
production enhancement research. I think what you really want to know is
how much is the Adams family worth. Actual value fluctuates with the
market, but currently they, Jeff, Uncle Joe and Aunt Mellie are worth a
little over eight billion dollars. They aren't the richest family in Texas,
but they are in the top ten.

Daniel was stunned. He had no idea his suspicions would be borne out to
this extreme. A kitchen timer went off and Daniel, still in a daze, excused
himself to slide the potatoes in the oven. When he came back he had still
failed to conceptualize the outrageous amount. He simply pushed it aside
for later consideration. "What exactly is your job? I mean, I know you went
to law school, but you didn't represent Paul so you aren't a criminal
attorney. So, what do you do"?

"Well, my specialty is corporate law I also have an undergraduate degree in
accounting. I am a licensed CPA. As to my actual occupation... I head up a
team that oversees the activities of all the diverse interests of AFT, the
Adams Family Trust. It's my responsibility to ensure that all management
activities are above board and all actions are in keeping with the moral
and financial guidelines established by those who originally established
the trust."

"And your worth? Mine is about $1400.00 in my checking account with
$37,000.00 in savings and investments and nearly $130,000.00 In my
retirement fund. I rent because I get a good deal and I want my first house
to be on my own ranch."

"Believe me, Daniel, even as I tried to stay out of your life, Uncle Joe
has insisted we keep an eye on you. He offered to aid you in attending
college, but you chose the Marines instead. When you did attend college, he
felt any offer of assistance he made would be viewed with a jaundiced eye
and would raise too many questions. Still, he was apprised of your
circumstance every thirty days from the time you left home until
well... today. He was ready to help if you ever needed it whether you asked
or not. Had you not been hired by the Sheriff's Office, he was prepared to
offer you a position with AFT Security. AFT pays better and has better
benefits."

"The only downside to that would be if something happened and we split, I
would be without a lover and unemployed. I think I should stick with
Sheriffin, at least until after the next election."

"Well, think about it. Between the Marines and the Sheriff's office you
have the skills we need. Ilya has become a wealthy man in his own right. He
speaks of retiring to a tropical island where there's no snow and no potato
vodka." This last remark got them both to chuckling.

Before Daniel could remind Raymond that he had answered the question about
personal wealth, a kitchen timer went off. Daniel excused himself and
slipped a crusty loaf of bread into the oven.

Once Daniel resumed his seat, Raymond began, "You asked about my personal
wealth. The Adams Family Trust compensates its employees very well. I get
paid a hefty six figure salary. Actually, much closer to seven figures. My
bonuses usually total several times my salary. I should mention that when I
receive a bonus, each of my team members also receive bonuses. I have
invested all my bonuses and some of my salary as a mirror of Adams Family
Trust investments. As a result of my employment with the Adams Family
Trust, my calculated net worth is slightly more than eleven million
dollars." With that Raymond searched his lover's face. He considered
offering to donate his accumulated wealth if it meant Daniel could accept
his love. Raymond knew that that would not be a demand from Daniel.

At least this figure was one that Daniel could conceive. Where he got lost
was trying to figure out the number of times his own net worth would have
to be multiplied in order for it to equal Raymond's. Suddenly,
inexplicably, Daniel felt a sense of comradeship with Paul that would
ordinarily take years in civilian life or at least weeks in the Corps spent
facing down enemy combatants together.

Daniel did a comedic double take, shake of his head. In spite of all the
numbers bandied about, one thought rang crystal clear in his head, `a man
is only worth his word'. That phrase was uttered by his father when Danny
had failed to complete a promised task. Instead, he had gone off to have a
good time with his friends. Even now that phrase was what he heard if he
failed to keep a promise. "A man is only worth his word." A man's worth
could not be determined by his bank account. Sure, Raymond might be able to
cash a check for millions of dollars, but that didn't make him more
valuable as a man, as a friend, as a mate. Daniel smiled warmly at his
lover and reached over and clasped his hand. "You, Raymond Cargill Adams,
are worth more than millions to me." Before the moment could fade, another
kitchen timer alarm sounded.

Over dinner Daniel stepped, with trepidation, into another potential
minefield. "Raymond, now that everyone knows you're an Adams and you're
Jeff's brother by blood, what does that mean as far as the family fortune
goes. I mean, I don't see you filing a lawsuit. But, I don't see them
denying you a share of your father's inheritance."

Raymond lay down his fork, dabbed at his lips with his napkin and met
Daniel's curious gaze. "The Adams have been my family since shortly after
my father died. Jeff's father is not my father. He was my sperm donor. Had
he known my mother was pregnant with his son, my life would have surely
been different. He is not at fault for my being a bastard. But, in truth,
no one could have loved me more than my real father did." With a wry grin
he continued, "I can't imagine suing the Adams family any more than you can
conceive of eight billion dollars. Believe me I know how difficult that can
be. I work with that figure almost everyday and everyday it's a
challenge. Fortunately, I most often deal in fractions of the total amount.

"Suing the Adams', I would sooner be forced to piss on my father's
grave. If I know Joe and Jeff they've been arguing to see who gives me
more. In a few days, Joe will call a family meeting during which I will be
brought fully into the family fold by becoming Texas' newest
billionaire. The thought alone is a little intimidating. I don't really see
much change in my future. I will still do the same job, because I honestly
love it. The biggest change for me is to officially change my name to
Raymond Cargill Adams. That is being expedited, even as we speak. I just
have to appear before the judge and swear the change is not for nefarious
reasons."

Raymond sincerely complimented Daniel on each dish. After he swallowed the
last of his second helping of tiramisu, he opined, "I am glad you chose
this menu as the first meal you ever cooked for us. I enjoyed two helpings
of every dish. That was twice as much as I should have. But, it was just so
good."

"Well, I'm glad you're pleased, but garlic chicken is hardly romantic. I'd
say it's rustic at best."

"It's not the menu that makes a meal romantic, it's the people, it's the
occasion, it's... definitely not the food. But here, you went and prepared
a delightful feast on this most romantic of occasions. Here on the day you
helped conceive my child, on the eve of the first night we spend at your
place, you have prepared our first dinner together. I am glad because this
menu will forever be a favorite for both of us. I will never, again, have a
wilted salad or garlic chicken or those lemon potatoes or tiramisu without
remembering the man who so lovingly prepared it for me. I enjoyed this meal
so much I can't wait to share it with you again. I certainly hope I don't
have to wait for an anniversary. I could eat this every week... make that
once a month. My waistline would reflect how much I love this meal if you
served it more than once a month."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, You are being loquacious. All that just to get out of
helping with the dishes. Ok. You win." In a falsetto that would make
Scarlet cringe, "I am moved and flattered by your charm and eloquence,
Sir. You may retire to the living room while I do the dishes. I won't be
long. You can watch that new fangled TV while you wait."

As Daniel stood to gather the dishes, Raymond scooted back his chair and
pulled the big man into his lap. "You know that girly talk doesn't do a
damn thing for me. On the other hand, give me a man that talks dirty to me
while I Jack off and then cooks me meal fit for a king and I will gladly
dance through the flaming gates of hell just to lie close to this sweet
man."

Daniel melted into Raymond's soulful kiss. For a few moments, the rest of
the world and the dirty dishes were forgotten. Eventually, they cleaned the
kitchen together.

MEANWHILE....

Paul insisted everyone gather in the family room. Once everyone was seated
he began, "This morning, I was not at my best. I was emotionally withdrawn
and feeling pretty sorry for myself. I was rude to all of you, collectively
and individually. Some definitely more than others, but I am embarrassed by
my behavior toward all of you. I want you to know that I am publicly
apologizing for my pissy assed attitude. If I behave like a jerk again, I
hope you all won't hesitate to call me on it. I know we are not family, but
we have been through a lot and I know I speak for Jeff when I say, each of
you matter to us more than just as a respected employee. I would be proud
to acknowledge people of your caliber, any one of you, as blood kin. Thanks
for listening."

Rosarita was the first to speak. "Paul, no one really expects you to be as
perfect as Jeff thinks you are. He's the only one you got buffaloed. We all
have bad days and if your behavior today is as bad as it gets for
you... well, everyone around you is pretty lucky. When I have a bad day, I
try to share the wealth. I cuss and shout and throw things. The last thing
I want to see is a smiling face when I'm in a bad mood." Fred snickered and
nodded his head in agreement.

Rosarita blushed and continued, "That reminds me. You guys need a cook/
housekeeper/ nanny. I think you should consider Fred. I didn't tell him I
was going to speak to you two, but I am. Now, I figure, is as good a time
as any. Fred would be a great choice. He has formal training as a chef. He
is the oldest of ten children and served as a built in babysitter since
before he could do long division. He already gets along great with Maria
and everyone here. You wouldn't have to worry about bringing in a stranger
who might not fit in. He can cook and manage the household plus provide
personal protection for the Princess. Also, if you hire him I could come
visit during holidays and breaks." As the last sentence was uttered, she
stared into Fred's eyes as if unsure she would be welcomed by the one she
really wanted to visit. His warm smile reassured her.

Paul shifted his glance from Rosarita to Fred and finally to Jeff. Jeff
stood beside Paul. "Fred if that is something you are interested in getting
more information about, hang around for a bit and we can discuss the duties
and expectations and compensation. While we are on the subject of security
detail. Sam and Dave and Fred, you are to consider yourselves as
permanently assigned to Paul, Maria and myself as our personal security
team. Nothing really changes as far as your position, seniority in the
company or your responsibilities are concerned. You will receive a fifteen
percent increase in pay effective immediately. Sam as senior team member,
you will coordinate all scheduling of days off, vacation and sick leave so
we have continuous coverage. You will continue to answer to Ilya and
coordinate with Tink. Are there any questions"?

No one was surprised when Fred held back as the others resumed their
duties. In the ensuing discussion Fred confirmed all that Rosarita had
shared. He grew up in a devout Mormon family, on a ranch, in Utah. His
parents accepted that he refused to serve on a mission. He was close to
finishing his degree when funds ran out. That meant that his parents found
out he had a roommate sharing his one bedroom apartment. Worse yet, his
roommate was a female who also shared his bed. He joined the Marines and
once he decided not to reenlist a buddy suggested he contact AFT
Security. The rest as they say is history. By the time the interview was
over, Maria had a new "manny".

When Jeff called "Grandma" Mellie to say they were coming by to pick up
Maria, Grandma insisted they plan on staying for supper. Once properly
greeted, Jeff and Paul were led into Joe's office where Ilya and Tink were
already seated at the conference table. Joe explained. "What we are about
to share is sensitive information. Normally I would have included Raymond
and Daniel in this meeting, but Raymond is on a social call and Daniel is
likewise engaged." At this, Tink giggled unashamedly. Joe, grinned, cleared
his throat and continued, "They will be briefed in the morning. We have
learned that Deputy Jones, the man that refused to arrest Raymond's mother
and whom Daniel fired, has suddenly acquired funds to hire a professional
campaign staff in order to seek the office of Sheriff. Further, he has
hired a local attorney, Sam McMurtry, to represent him in getting the
county commissioners to authorize a special election. All indications are
the special election is a done deal. McMurtry has been to visit the
incarcerated mayor and apparently the mayor has agreed to resign "to
demonstrate his concern for the city he holds dear in his heart". This
clears the way for the city to piggyback onto the county's special election
as an ostensibly cost saving measure. Now, the question is, who is their
candidate for mayor?

Author's Note:Thanks to Nathan who took the time to make this a better
read.

Jimsojourn1950@yahoo.com