Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2023 15:06:55 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 382

I was up at the usual time and checked the weather and it called for rain
off and on all afternoon. I hated umbrellas so it was wet gear and an old
hat. I hoped it didn't ruin the day for Cole or delay the tournament.
There was no way we could stay another day. I dressed in jeans and a polo
shirt. I went to the restaurant for coffee and breakfast. I hadn't heard
from Winnie but it was early. I found dad and the Major and joined them.
The waiter immediately appeared and I ordered coffee, two eggs over,
double order of bacon, rye toast. Dad looked and what's up with that? I
shrugged and said some coach at VT wants me to gain weight. Dad laughed
and asked Mike, you agreed to that? I shrugged and asked if he had wet
gear for for today? Mike, you don't get to pivot like that, I asked a
reasonable question. What's up? Dad, I'm gaining the damn 5lbs and will
report at 230. Three days at camp and two workouts a day the weight will
vanish. That jerk controls playing time. JJ pointed that out last night
at dinner. Dad laughed and said so you are avoiding a fight until you
start? Dad, that's correct. Once I'm on that field in a game I'm more
than good. We will be lucky to win 2 games next year but the next year we
are playing on January 1 in prime time. Dad smiled and said Mike, one of
these days you will shit that horseshoe out of you ass and things won't
be easy. Well dad if you think what I do is all luck please take the
company back. I'll keep the buildings and I'll give you the empty lots
and you can cut weeds, I'll play football and grow grapes. That's all I
want and I'll buy a cute single engine plane. The food came and I
grabbed my plates and coffee and moved to another table. It was calm,
quiet and very nasty. I can't remember loosing it like that since Bill
was getting his ass pounded by that escort and I had to see that.


 I was eating and calming down when Winnie sat at the table and said,
good morning Mick. I set my fork down and got up and went outside. I
found that quiet spot where Cole and I had talked and sat there, hoping
to be left alone. I was there for about 15 minutes when Major Jim just
sat in a chair. He didn't say anything and just sat there. Then Jim
asked if I was ok to fly tonight with the rain? Well Jim, I should be as
the horseshoe is still in my ass. I can tell because it itches. Mike, are
you okay, that was quite an explosion. Jim, I was calm and I meant every
fucking word of it. Dad hasn't done shit in over a year and then over
some football shit, that is none of his business he says I'm just lucky.
Jim, even you don't know all the shit I'm into. I'm over worked, the
assistant I was counting on won't work out, Winnie has me pissed off.
There is a new mayor and there are two buildings to get started. Then
there is the winery and all I have done with no help from dad. The
company has grown, new projects are manageable and the company is in a
building that has won major awards. Now there is a restaurant and a
marina. Jim, I'm fucking working my ass off and dad contributes it to
luck. I started to get up and Jim calmly said Mike, please sit down.


I slumped back in the chair and he said Mike, I've been with you for a
long time and I have seen this brewing for a while. I appreciated how
calm you were but you could have said that in a way that was nicer and
much less hurtful. Your dad loves you and really appreciates all you have
done and he knows how hard you work and what you have given up. I smiled
and said well Jim, why doesn't the son of a bitch tell me that instead
of sending you to find me and tell me. Mike your dad didn't send me, he
doesn't know I went looking for you. You see you have helped me a lot.
First, helping me find something meaningful to do after NASA. Then there
was your relationship with JJ, hell I hardly recognize him and now the
air school. Mike I need you to do something for me. I just sat there and
Jim said, I want you to have a week off and during that time I would ask
that you meet with your head doctor. Jim, how about the week off and
I'll go to the cabin alone?  Mike that's fine if the head doctor makes
calls in New York and I don't want you working at the winery of solving
problems for Old Charlie and his tribe. Go to the cabin and spend a few
day and get an appointment with the doctor late in the week.


Jim, what about school? Jim laughed and said I'll ask Megan to write you
an excuse. I thought for a minute and said, please have dad do it. The
Major laughed and said Mike, you should do that, I laughed and said I'll
do it myself. The Major looked at me and said that's not an option and I
couldn't be more serious. I smiled and said Jim, that's a deal. Jim
smiled and said Mike, go find your dad. Isn't there something about no
total victories and he is a mess. I laughed and asked Major, is there
anything else? Jim smiled and said, not right now and walked away. I just
sat there as it started to rain. Thankfully this secluded spot was
covered. I just sat there thinking. After about 15 minutes I got up and
went looking for dad.


I checked the restaurant then the bar and as it was raining I knew he
wasn't outside and Cole had about 4 hours before Cole was scheduled to
tee off. With nowhere else to goi went to his room and as I got to the
room Megan was leaving. She said Mike he in inside and I'm going to
collect Ashley as I'm not watching golf in the rain I'll get her from
the child care and spend the day with her. I'll be there when Cole
finishes. You and Mike need to talk. I smiled and said mom, I know but he
really upset me and it was exactly how he started fights my mom and I
might have seen hundreds of those fights. I meant what I said but I
shouldn't have let him get to me. She smiled and went to find Ashley. I
knocked on the door twice and dad opened the door. We just looked at each
other and dad finally said we'll come in and let's work this out. I sat
down in a chair and dad sat in the loveseat. We just looked at each other
and I wasn't saying anything until dad did. I was prepared to simply
walk out and I wasn't apologizing. Dad finally asked Mike, how did we
get to this point? Dad, you started this just like you would pick a fight
with mom and I don't mean Megan. What pisses me off is that I didn't
see it coming and it certainly was a lot like you and mom.


Mike, I didn't want that to happen. I smiled and said dad, I find that
hard to believe as this has been brewing since football ended. We don't
talk, you have visited where I am living exactly once. You haven't
helped at work and you say I'm lucky. I admit things seem to always go
my way and at first people underestimate me, that doesn't happen any
more. I work my ass off. Have you noticed that there is no COO, I don't
have an assistant and there isn't one on the horizon. That leaves me  to
manage the marina, the restaurant, two new buildings and things at VT.
Then there is the new Mayor and all that drama. What have you done
besides getting married for the third time, have a kid and I see no
indication that you will be any help when I go to school. Make no mistake
about it I'm doing that. This is not separation anxiety as that happened
for me when I moved to make room for Ashley. I don't know if that's
what going on with you or if it's a midlife crisis and I don't really
give a fuck. All I know is that I can't count on you for anything. Dad
just looked but didn't say anything.


Dad, I had a chat with Major Jim and you need to tell Dr. Johnson I
won't be in for a week. I don't care what you tell him. Hell tell him
I'm having a breakdown, it doesn't matter. I agreed to take a week off
and I'm taking the single engine airplane and going to the Winery and my
cabin. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow and returning Thursday
evening and I'll be meeting with the head doctor on Friday. Dillon will
have to deal with Trey and keep him busy but he won't be my assistant.
I'll make a decision about the business and Winnie while I'm away. The
one decision that I have made is that I'm playing football at VT. Im not
sure for how long but definitely next year. Dad was quiet so I stood up
and started for the door. I took about three steps and dad asked Mike,
you talked with Jim? I turned and said dad, Jim found me and he talked
and I listened. When was the last time that happened with us? Dad said
Mike, Jim is correct you need a break. I'm sorry the horseshoe comment
upset you but I have to say you certainly learned how to fight like your
mom. Most of what you said is correct and once you get back and have a
chance to think things over I hope we can have a discussion. I'll also
have time to think. I started to walk to the door and dad asked, what's
with you and Winnie? I shrugged and said the relationship is past its
sell by date. With that I simply went to my room.


I checked my rain gear and just shook my head as it wasn't sufficient. I
needed new gear and a hat that would help keep the water off as well and
I wanted no part of a umbrella. I want to the Pro Shop and started
looking for a hat and settled for a Cabana grey hat. The rain gear was
simple as it was a grey XXL suit and was top of the line. I might sweat
but no rain water would bother me. I charged the stuff to the room and
asked about the weather and was told off and on all day. The Assistant
Pro said that I would definitely need the wet gear. Back at the room I
found a note slid under the door saying "Lunch and shopping, love
Winnie" I scribbled a reply which was "Wheels up at 9:00, Mike. With
that I packed, took a shower and dressed in the new gear. It was about 90
minutes before Cole's tee time so I went to the practice area. Fred and
Cole were only a few spots away from each other and I was glad to seeLiam
was there with Cole. It was impossible to get near the two of them as
there was a lot of people watching. I went over to the Marshall and
introduced my self as Mike Simmons with the USGA. He got on his
communication device and a few minutes later he let me inside the ropes.
I just stood a few yards away from Cole and Liam saw me and waved me
over. I asked how he was and he said Mike, I'm fine and it was a 24 hour
thing and it's going around. Hell, Trey picked up a round as a
replacement and he should be on 7 or 8 by now. Mike, he is very good for
the right bag. I laughed and said well that would be nice. Liam left and
handed Cole another club and was drying off the club. Mike, Cole really
wants to fly back with you as he want to spend time with Jessica but that
needs to be wheels up at 10:00. I'll go back with the Major and his
crew. He went back to tend to Cole who was wrapping things up.


Cole was in wet gear similar to mine and when he was finished Liam handed
Cole 3 balls and a putter. Cole and Fred walked to the putting green
together and Liam went inside to make sure the clubs were dry. I just
followed Fred and Cole to the putting green and moved back outside the
ropes. Cole finished putting and came over and said Mike, I just don't
want to blow up and while I'm in second I'm a ton back. I'll settle
for anything under par today. Fred is breaking all kind of records and
there is no catching him. Hell, I'm at -8 and have no chance but the
100k and a jump in my world ranking would be a great week. I laughed and
said well wheels up at 10:00 and I'm serious. Cole smiled and I said
well hit the damn thing where you want it to go. We hugged and Cole went
to work. Work it was as it got windy and there was intermittent rain all
round. Cole went very conservative and was hitting fairways and greens.
The conditions were much less than ideal. Fred was doing the same but he
had a giant lead. Cole was even par after 9 and had a 2 shot lead over
the guy in third. He was still even par on the 16th tee. There was a
great drive and Liam and Cole had a lengthy discussion. Cole took an iron
and laid up leaving him 103 yards to the hole. He was hoping to hit it
close and make the putt for a birdie. What happened was better than he
hoped. I don't know what wedge he hit but it hit on the green took one
bounce hit the pin and stopped a foot from the hole. A simple tap in and
he was one under for the day and -9 for the tournament. 17 & 18 were pars
and Cole finished in second by 2 shots.


AP was sitting in a chair under a tent but he got up and went right to
Cole. I was never told what AP said but the hug and the smile on Cole's
face said a lot. AP spent an equal amount of time with Fred who had set a
tournament record. Cole simply went inside and left Fred to deal with the
media. Fred's world ranking was now #1 and he was paid 180,000 for the
win. Cole winning were 100,00 for second. Liam would be paid 7,500 and
Trey would get 2,500. I had no idea what Trey would be paid for today.
All in all it was a great day for the 3 of them. Cole went to the awards
ceremony. It was him just showing that Fred had played well and he wanted
to support him. Cole met with reporters but it was a low key event. He
congratulated Fred on a more than fantastic tournament. He said it was
fun being in the last group and he learned a lot from that experience but
hoped next Tim he was 9 strokes behind. He thanks Trey for filling in and
said that Liam was the best and that there was no plans to make a change.
Then he thanked AP for the invite and all the support. He added I would
be this far in my development without his help. There was a shoutout to
his mom and his new dad. Finally he said, and there is my brother Mike
who has supported me in many ways and he keeps me focused. I laughed at
that as I needed someone to keep me focused.


I went to my room and simply finished packing. I hadn't seen JJ all day
and Trey the entire trip but I knew he caddied two days. There was a
knock on the door and when I opened the door Trey was there and he asked
if we could talk for a minute. I smiled and invited him in and he got
right to the point. Mike, I have an offer from Chuck Scaley to be his
caddie for the next three weeks and if it works out I will be replacing
his caddie who has a bad back and simply can't do it anymore. Mike, it
includes travel, lodgings and a salary plus a percent of the winnings. He
finished 10th this week. I won't be flying back with you and if you
could please have someone send my shit to the next event. He handed me a
note card with the hotel address. Mike, I will be glad to pay the
shipping costs. Trey, I can do that but what about school? Mike, I'm
chasing my dream and the money is good. He stood up and we shook hands
and he was gone. When I was alone I just laughed and thought dad might be
right about the luck as I didn't have to send him packing or carry him.
I needed to rethink my approach to finding an assistant. Possibly giving
the position a real title.


With little to do I called the airport in Pittsburgh and had the single
engine plane made ready for 9:00 AM tomorrow and I decided not to have
the cabin prepped as I would do that when I got there. I wondered how
long I could be in the cabin before Jace discovered I was there. I
thought about calling him and decided not to do that. A surprise visit
would traumatize him and I was hoping not to be at the winery until
Wednesday and that was for a visit. I definitely wanted to avoid the
Charlie/Chuck drama. This was me time and I was becoming more and more
serious about that. I simply needed away from the world. At any rate I
called JJ and it went to voicemail and I smiled figuring he was doing his
prom date. Being hungry I went to the restaurant and found dad, Megan and
Ashley. Megan asked me to join them so I sat down and endured a very
stiff dinner with Megan trying her best her best to bridge the gap
between dad and I as he was growing with every awkward attempt at a
conversation. I skipped desert and went back to my room. As if by magic
JJ was walking down the hall. I told him about Trey and he laughed and
said he had just dropped his former prom date at the airport in Orlando
as she can't stand the sight of me. MJ, Winnie went with her so she
wouldn't have to travel alone. JJ, I've had a very bad day and even you
dad tried to put on a striped shirt. Besides a blow up with dad, I'm
glad Winnie is gone as I might have left her here. I'm taking the week
off, no school, no work just me and my cabin. I'm even not letting Jace
know I'm up there. I'll just use count on my luck and hope I can hide
from Jace. Then I said that Cole wanted a 10:00 wheels up and Kyle is ok
with that and the others have bailed so we should have a pleasant trip.


JJ looked at me and asked Bro, are you ok? I smiled and said JJ, I'm not
sure but I can't get to VT fast enough. Oh, very soon I need to get down
there and check on the apartment and hanger. MJ, how did Cole play today?
JJ he shot -1 and finished second and was good as he didn't upstage Fred
after the round. Well MJ, what's with you and your dad? JJ he picked a
fight like he did with my mom and I fucking fell for it. Basically I feel
that he dumped a lot of shit on me and then abandoned me and I let him
know that in the restaurant and reinforced it when we chatted in his
room. I feel sorry for Megan as she is trying but there isn't a apology
coming from me as I meant every word I said. So MJ, where does it stand?
I smiled and said neutral states and a couple of hundred miles apart. JJ,
it will be what it becomes. JJ laughed and said, fuck I knew you would
say that but dude you need a new approach. I laughed and said nope, I'm
good. JJ left to pack and I scheduled the shuttle for 8:30 and left Cole
and Kyle a message about the schedule. I had no idea what it would become
with dad and as for Winnie, we needed a break and I wondered what it
would become with Winnie when we got to VT. I was wondering if she would
change her mind about that.


The shuttle was right on time and so was Cole and Jessica. Kyle and his
wife were the last to arrive but we were ahead of schedule by a few
minutes. There was no comment about the "missing passengers" and it was
a fun ride to the airport. At the airport there was the jet and a fuel
truck and JJ went right there to make sure that went well. I grabbed my
log book and the flight plan and headed inside and Kyle yelled Mike, wait
up. I stopped and when Kyle got to me he said I know you have things to
do but there is something I need to tell you. I stopped and asked, so
what's up? Mike, Jim and I talked for about an hour and I know what is
going on and you do need a break. While you are away thinking things over
you need to understand if you turn the company back over to your dad I'm
gone that same afternoon. I just looked and Kyle said things have never
been better we are making a lot of money, growth and new projects are at
a manageable rate. You might not be aware but there is a good bit of
interest from other technology companies to move here and Chief amongst
them is Google. You don't need an assistant as Alan is about the best
project manager around and you should let him run things and let him
bring problems to you. Besides the union doesn't shit unless it is ok
with you. In fact Dillon and I would like you to buy your dad out. Kyle
when did you talk with Dillon about this? Kyle smiled and said 2 hours
ago nd his resignation letter is already written, just in case. I just
shook my head and we went inside. I filed the flight plan which was a IFR
plan and got the weather report. It was looking like a calm and smooth
flight home.


JJ and I did the pre-check and things were good. I checked the cargo door
and it was secure and I got on and JJ followed securing the hatch. The
engine startup was normal and we were quickly cleared for take off and I
headed northwest and then just when we crossed into Georgia I adjusted
the heading as the jet stream would push us east. I avoided all the big
airports and I was able to enjoy the flight. JJ flew for about 30 minutes
and I went to the head as I had to pee. When I got back and took over JJ
asked if I wanted company next week? I shrugged and said JJ I need to
figure out a lot of shit and having you around would be long sessions in
bed and a crazy amount of sex. JJ laughed and said well that ok, I'm
still looking for a prom date. I laughed and said well so am I. The
entire trip was uneventful and I nailed the landing.


We taxied to the service line and shut things down and once the engines
were stopped JJ opened the hatch and everyone got out. I finished the
shut down procedure and joined everyone outside. Cole had no bag as he
had everything shipped home and he and Jessica quickly loaded her car and
they were quickly gone. Kyle made two trips to the car with his luggage
and w shook hands and hugs were exchanged and now it was just JJ and I.
We secured the jet and our bags were tossed in the bed of his truck and
it was 1:15 by the time I was alone in my place. I wasted no time and set
the alarm and jumped into bed and was quickly asleep.


I was up b fore the alarm and when I looked outside it appeared to be a
fantastic early spring day. A quick check of the temperature indicated it
was 49 degrees. I dressed prepped the coffee and went outside. I was
hoping that Cole was going to join us as I wanted to update him on
things. He appeared looking more than a bit groggy. We hugged and I said
we need to chat, he laughed nd said well I heard dad's side of things
and mom just kept shaking her head like a bobble head. I had to laugh at
that. We let Cole set the pace as he was obviously exhausted. It was a
fun and stress free run. When we finished JJ went right in the house as
he was the only one who had school. Cole said MJ, I assume the coffee is
ready? We went inside and each poured a cup and sat on the loveseat. I
told him my side of the story and Cole said so MJ you feel abandoned? I
said among other things, yes. MJ that was quite a life boat he floated
you, how many millions? Cole, not as many as I have now. Cole laughed at
that and asked so what you going to do now? I shrugged and said grow
grapes for a week. Cole almost spilled his coffee and said you will be
bored by noon on Tuesday. Seriously what are you going to do? Cole scare
the shit out of him and then let him up for air. Kyle and Dillon don't
want him involved at all. I'm going to explore selling the company and
possibly going public. Dad will be aware of that by Wednesday. I can't
wait to see how he reacts. Mike, I hope you know that will change your
relationship with your dad and not in a good way, forever. Then he said,
thanks for the coffee but I have thing to do. We hugged and Cole left
saying have a good week.


I finished my coffee and as I sat there I was thinking about Cole and how
much he had grown up and the little shit didn't hesitate in letting me
know what he thought. I cleaned the coffee mugs and jumped into the
shower. While I was drying off my phone buzzed and it was Winnie and I
just let it go to voicemail. Then I simply turned it off. I collected a
few things that I needed for the trip and headed to the airport. The
single engine plane was at the service line and I threw the few things I
had on board and went to the terminal. I pulled out an old VFR flight
plan and started the pre-check. Everything was good and I manually
checked the fuel. I climbed onboard and strapped in and then just started
to laugh. A few hours ago I was flying one of the most sophisticated
small jets in the world and today one of the simplest planes and yet this
was still awesome. I started the engine contact the tower and was quickly
in the air. It was another great day for flying and I kept it at 3,000
feet and was watching the radar and the sky for traffic. I was taking the
long way following US 22 to Altoona and then heading north east to State
College. At the stadium I would head further east with the main heading
north. There was not much to see after State College except mikes and
mikes of trees all without the green leaves that make the trip so nice in
the summer. Soon enough I checked in with the tower and got the ATIS
report which was clear, calm and cold as the temperature was 25 degrees.
I was quickly cleared to land and I secured the plane. In the terminal I
asked them to have it fueled and that I would be here till Thursday
evening but would be doing some recreational flying. Then as I had no
transportation I called the local car rental place and was told they
would have a vehicle available in 30 minutes.


I found a spot in the empty lounge with a view of the runway and started
to update my log book. I wanted it totally current as there would be a
good bit of time in the air this week. If I was going to relax and think
flying and physical activity were keys. The log book was in good shape
and I added the Orlando trip and the flight up here today. I made a
mental list about groceries that I would need and would do the shopping
before I went to the cabin. The rental car arrived and I drove the guy
back to the rental location and headed to town and a supermarket. I had
to settle for a grocery store as nothing was super large here. I picked
up some shrimp, a couple of steaks and 4 baking potatoes, hotdogs and
buns. Then I added lettuce for a salad and some vegetables. Then I headed
to the cabin. The big place was empty and I was glad bout that as I
didn't want people around. Inside I turned the heat up, put the
groceries away and lit a fire. I went outside looking for logs and found
plenty of logs for the fire and a pile of logs that needed split. Back
inside I stacked the logs beside the fireplace and sat in a recliner
facing the fire. I turned on my phone and I saw that I had a few messages
- 3 from Winnie, 1 from dad and one each from Kyle and Dillon. I deleted
the ones from Winnie and dad without listening. Kyle message said I'm
glad your phone is off but don't do something that will have me looking
for a job. I laughed and hit DELETE. Dillon said Mike, I have this enjoy
your time away and that was deleted as well. With that I turned off the
phone and went to the bedroom and put on old jeans, a flannel shirt and a
vest. Outside I found an ax and started to split and stack logs. I went
at it for two hours and was about halfway through the pile and I was
kicked in the ass. I slammed the ax into a log and started down the path
to the winery but the winery wasn't the goal, I was going to the rock.
It seemed that I wanted to get back to the memories of granddad and
skinny dipping and all those memories that remained foggy.


I took my time but it wasn't a long walk and when I got there I simply
sat down and watched patches of ice float around in the lake. I quickly
realized that I was never here in March. Usually for Thanksgiving and a
lot in the summer. I just beat there looking at the lake and it was a
great view an the leaves didn't restrict the view. I remember how scared
I was when granddad grabbed me and tossed me in the water. Then how great
it was when I came to the surface. It was the summer before 1st grade.
When I climbed out granddad said I should try it with no clothes and then
he added Mike, you need to jump in, I'm getting too old to toss you.
Just jump out as far as you can. I remember looking at him and granddad
stood up stripped and went to the edge and jumped in. I remembered
looking at him and before I knew it I was beside him in the water. It was
fun and we did it a couple of time and dried off using our underwear and
went back to the cabin and granddad cooked hotdogs on the grill. That was
a great day and then something hit me as I sat on the rock. Granddad told
me, it's ok to be afraid but you can never let what you are afraid of
control you. Then sitting there I got really sad as that was one of the
last times granddad had together. I just sat there with tears running
down my check and I wish he was here today to help. But then there was
that message stuck in my head that kept telling me that the only person
you can trust 100% of the time is yourself. I have no idea where that
came from but it has been in my head a lot.


Back at the cabin I was starving but there was no way I could eat
smelling like I was. The flannel shirt was great but sweat from splitting
logs and that fabric was awful. I went up to my room stripped and took a
long hot shower. I dress in shorts and a tee shirt and went back down
stairs. I tended to the fire and ducked outside and lit the grill. While
that was happening I put together a salad. I was cold and I barely had
clothes on and I threw the dogs on the grill and ducked back inside.
There was a second trip to turn the dogs and a third to turn off the
grill and grab the hot dogs. I put Heinz ketchup and relish on the dogs
and Italian dressing on the salad and sat by the fire. I finished one hot
dog and got up and threw 3 logs on the fire and put a Classical Mix on
the sound system. I finished eating and put the dishes in the dishwasher
and cleaned the kitchen. Back by the fire but this time in the giant sack
which I placed on the floor in-front of the fire. As I laid there I
thought of Winnie as this was where we had sex for the first time. I
really liked her but the longer we stayed together it was obvious we had
many different things we were interested in. Money was not the issue and
her dad knew a lot about the company. I didn't want to dump her but we
each needed a bit more space. Then I was thinking about Kyle and Dillon
and their resignations if dad came back. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could
trust dad to be totally involved and yes Kyle and Dillon could run the
company. There were 4 people I totally trusted; Kyle, Dillon, Major Jim
and Tim. That was all tumbling around in my head but was just confirming
what I knew or thought I knew.


The music needed change and this time it was Chopin. I grabbed my phone
and turned it back on and again there was 2 messages from Winnie and one
each from dad and Megan. I deleted the message every one but listened to
Megan's message. She said that she wanted me to know the she was there
for me and I could call her anytime and it would be between the two of
us. I deleted the message and turned off the phone. I simply laid there
listening to the music and at some point I put more logs on the fire and
grabbed a blanked and covered up and fell asleep.


There was no alarm and better yet no reason to get up but when I opened
my the fire was out and it was cold. I relit the fire using the gas
starter and let it burn until the logs were well lit. With that done I
started the coffee and put jeans and a hoodie on. I sat at the counter
eating fruit and drinking coffee and trying to figure things out. That
didn't last long as I had slept much latter than normal and found my
vest and went outside and split logs until I couldn't. I had to admit
that smashing that ax into the logs was good for me and I realized that I
missed the contact of football. Physically and mentally dominating
someone. Then I realized that was what what was happening with me, I was
transferring that to business and work. I needed it when and how I wanted
it. That was a lot to take in and yet with dad I couldn't trust him to
step up and some of the people I really trusted felt the same way.  Well
for them he would step up in a way that was unacceptable, to them. With
all that in my mind I took a hot quick shower and called the airport and
asked that the plane be fueled. At the airport there was no flight plan
as I wasn't going anywhere, that I knew of, I was just flying around and
relaxing. Once in the air I headed for Lake Erie and proceeded east until
I found Niagara Fall. I kept going east and flew over Lake Ontario and
just kept going. When I finally got to the Atlantic Ocean I turned around
and went back to the airport.


Back at the cabin I was starving and fired up the grill. While it was
getting hot I sliced a potato and added oil and seasoning and fixed
another salad. The potatoes were first and when they softened up I put
the steak on. Drinks were an Arnold Palmer and I sat at the counted and
with Simon and Garfunkel playing had a very nice relaxing dinner. Once
things were cleaned up I turned my phone on and was glad to see that
there were no messages. Either I had pissed dad and Winnie off or they
got the message that I didn't want to talk with anyone. The days we're
getting longer and I grabbed a beer and sat on the deck and just looked
at the lake. Things were starting to make sense to me and I knew what I
wanted to do. I just needed to figure out how to do it without leaving
bodies all over the place. I would simply let dad ease his way further
and further out and let him become the new him. As for trusting him, that
was a work in progress but there have been too many issues, especially
with money that I would no longer ignore. I just hoped he wouldn't
become a drunken fixture at the Club. I would always take care of him,
Megan and Ashley no matter what. I just want them healthy and safe. I
would have a meeting with Allen, the construction manager, and see how
much more he would take on. Kyle and Dillon would continue to run the
company and Heidikamp would run Standard Property. Tim would continue to
run and watch over my legal affairs and I would have a long chat with
Jordan, the CFO, about my finances. I was glad to be out of the stupid
arrangement with Trey. Cole and Liam were in a good spot and I knew Cole
was about to have a major breakout. Suddenly I realized it was dark and
cold and while it was only 9:30 I closed up the cabin, turned on the
dishwasher and went to my room. I had brought a book and simply started
to read until I fell asleep.


NOTE:


Thanks for read and following the story August 7th marks the 4th
anniversary of the start of "Bets". It has been an interesting journey,
sometimes easy and sometimes difficult. Many of the characters,
especially MJ, have moved into my head and I often fall asleep figuring
out the next step. Lately my busy retired life has caused delays in the
frequency of the chapters but over the 4 years the average has been a
chapter every 4 days. I am glad that many of you still enjoy the story
and I enjoy hearing from each of you. THANKS FOR READING!!!


IT CONTINUES FOR A WHILE YET. However as you can see MJ is getting ready
for his escape.


Mike