"Mama Bear is conscious and asking for YOU!"

 

I didn't know if I was ready to face Mama Bear but I knew I had no choice. Hugging Junior and bowing respectfully to my hosts I advised my security detail we needed a fast trip to George Washington University Hospital.

 

Oh, did the shit hit the fan as my armed security detail escorted me into the hospital and directly to Mama Bear in their ICU. My "unauthorized" presence in their ICU brought the Director of Nursing and the Hospital Administrator on the run. I advised my security to remove them from my sight hopefully without the need to shoot them. (I had a bad first day on the job and had no sense of humor for bureaucrats!)

 

Mama Bear was conscious and smiling commented I needed a refresher course on how to play well with others. I held Gloria's hand and asked what I can do to help her through this trauma.

 

Gloria told me that Worthington Industries was a living and breathing part of the Worthington World. She regretted not telling me about her corporate "advanced directives" but I was the only person she trusted and knew could assure the survival of this entity she and her family had dedicated their lives to protect our great nation.

 

Luke and John took the lead and protected me and the infants when the Penthouse was breached. When the authorities release it have Omoikane rebuild it and make it better and stronger. You'll find a discretionary account which will more than cover the expenditure.

 

I know Luke and John sustained serious injuries and frankly I don't know if I will survive mine. The Doctors aren't optimistic. Whatever you think of me for doing what I have done to your life and possibly future... I know you love Enos as much as I and we both would die to protect him.

 

I could see the stress this conversation was having upon Mama Bear and told her we could continue this later. She told me she might not be alive later so it had to be done NOW!

 

Save my diamond collection and my will directs them to be given to Gloria on her 16^th birthday. You will become the administrator of my estate upon my death and I know I can trust you to continue to protect my family and follow the goals of my life.

 

I could see and hear the drugs kicking in as Mama Bear peacefully returned to slumber land. I kissed Mama Bear's hand and exited her room to face two very upset and vocal hospital employees who were restrained and handcuffed by my security detail.

 

Ordering them released I only commented: "Too bad you didn't have to shoot them!" I advised them in the future to accept I only answer to the President of the United States. That will save us all a lot of unpleasantries.

 

"There are national security implications that you can and will never understand." Cooperate in the future and we'll have a much better relationship.

 

Returning to my new home away from home my com went off as OPS advised me SecDef on voice.com.

 

"Ricardo, I see you made a couple of new friends at the hospital!" (You must jest!) I just finished a heated discussion with the hospital administrator who advised me you threatened to shoot him. And I know you never threaten. Next time I suggest you have a couple of Wolf War Dogs accompany you. You'll find them much more effective.

 

I'm certain this was the "perfect" ending to a "perfect" day for you. Give Rod my best and I'm here if and when you need me. DISCONNECT!

 

My son was so proactive and had a wonderful hot meal waiting for me when I returned to their secure compound. Junior didn't know if he could function living with my 0500 hour body clock but he would do his best to have a hot breakfast for me most of the time. Those days I sleep in you can blame it on Omoikane.

 

"Dad, I know today had to be one of the worse days of your life." We are all here to support you any way we can. Don't try to do it all yourself. The last thing I want to do is visit your grave at Arlington because of you having a heart attack or stroke caused by your new job.

 

Rod had security drop off your uniforms and suits so you could dress appropriately. I expect my Dad to be the sharp stud I have known all my life especially with the snobs you'll have to meet with every day.

 

Junior quit sniffling and commented he had a hardon that needed his little partner in life. Omoikane WILL be doing the walk of shame most of the day tomorrow.

 

My son hurried off to his bedroom which fortunately for the entire family was SOUNDPROOFED!

 

I advised my security detail I would be leaving to return to the Worthington Executive Complex at 0545 hours. To my surprise, when I entered my office my secretary was at her desk holding a mug of strong black coffee and a warm croissant which melted in my mouth.

 

(Luke actually gets paid for this job? Talk about creature comforts!)

 

I felt like a first year cadet at West Point the first month of my new job. Friday afternoon Rod had OPS connect him with me and he informed me to clear off my desk and he'd be picking me up at our Executive Air Strip. To my surprise, Rod landed in one of our new VTOL Osprey as a squadron of Apache Attack Gunships provided additional support.

 

I thanked my security detail and joined Rod for the first time on our new "toy". Advised we were having a romantic get-a-way to Camp Phoenix and it was clothing optional.

 

The "cat calls" abounded from the Alpha Zulu security which accompanied Rod as we shared one of the most romantic kisses we have enjoyed in years.

 

Landing at Camp Phoenix it was apparent SecDef had supplemented Worthington Security with men of the 101^st Airborne Rangers. Everyone assured me it was a harmonious relationship with security being their only concern.

 

Telling us two Generals to have a romantic get-a-way and security will be out-of-sight and out-of-mind. Unless there is an ALERT you won't know we exist.

 

It is never good when OPS announces at 0200 hours: "POTUS on an Emergency.com for General Mendez"!

 

Ricardo, forgive me for being the bearer of bad news. John Worthington succumbed to his injuries an hour ago. You are needed back at the helm of Worthington Industries as soon as you can be transported. SecDef has your Osprey and your Apache escorts in route to pick you up.

 

So much for a romantic weekend. Rod asked if I wanted him to accompany me. I told him he would be best served returning to Fort Connor and providing the strong leadership the men would need.

 

Ask our Cardinal Chaplain to contact me as soon as you are back on base. Tell him it needs to be on a secure.com.

 

Rod and I took a quick shower and by the time we were dressed we could hear the sound of aircrafts overhead waiting for us to exit Camp Phoenix and ready to board for transport.

 

A massive security detail met me upon landing at the Worthington Air Strip. I kissed Rod and told him to make certain the men got through this tragic moment. I deplaned and headed to the Executive Offices. My two assistants were already there and I instructed them to advise the head of all the Worthington Offices and Programs of John's passing. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

 

Within the hour OPS advised a secure.com from our Cardinal Chaplain. I thanked Cardinal Emmanual for his promptness and advised him of John's passing if he hadn't been notified. We need to be there for Gloria and know how she wants us to progress.

 

Rod will arrange immediate transportation and security for you and I've instructed him to add two Wolf War Dogs to the security detail. Make sure to have plenty of doggie treats on hand.

 

As my security detail, Wolf War Dogs, Cardinal Chaplain and I entered the ICU we found the nurses on duty far more cooperative than the hospital administration. John died from a massive uncontrollable blood loss. The surgeons did their best but to no avail.

 

Asking if Gloria had been notified... the nursing staff commented they were waiting for her to wake up. Last night was the best night of sleep she had since this traumatic event happened.

 

As our Cardinal Chaplain and I sat at the bedside of Gloria... she opened her eyes seeing us she knew one or both of her sons had died.

 

"Which one?"

 

John, the surgeons did their best but the damage was too severe.

 

As I joined Gloria and our Cardinal Chaplain in prayer for our departed friend we all knew a little angel by the name of Roger was escorting John to his eternal rest. The Chaplains words of comfort were so appropriate... "Death is not the end of life it is the beginning of life eternal"!

 

Gloria informed me I'd find John's wishes for his funeral in his secure personal vault in his office. Your master access code will open his vault. Use your best discretion... John trusted your judgement as do I.

 

The nursing staff advised us Luke was till unconscious and listed as critical. He would not be able to comprehend the situation nor would the knowledge help him with his recovery. Gloria agreed with our Cardinal Chaplain and me to wait till Luke was stronger to share the bad news with him.

 

As we exited the ICU I had to smile as our two Wolf War Dogs had two terrified hospital employees (guess who) trapped in the corner of the waiting room, fangs barred snarling as only a wolf can snarl. Issuing the command to stand down, our Cardinal Chaplain reached into his pocket and gave each War Dog a doggie treat for outstanding performance of their assigned duty.

 

As the hospital administrator and the director of nursing berated our Wolf War Dog commenting how dangerous an animal we had brought into their hospital... I only smiled at the two upset administrators and told them our Wolf War Dogs were bred to be a good judge of character and the two of you are A #1 PRICKS anyway.

 

It was all the nursing staff on duty could do to control their emotions. Yes, indeed... the dogs were correct on their assessment of the two individuals.

 

When the hospital administrator and director of nursing went to the hospital board of directors with the dictum either the military goes or we resign... their resignations were immediately accepted without regret. (I sure didn't see that one coming.)

 

As our Cardinal Chaplain returned with me to the Worthington Executive Complex the news of John's passing was all too apparent from the emotions shown by the employees. Yes, this was a "family" and the loss was truly felt by each individual.

 

Entering John's office, I asked his assistant to join the Cardinal Chaplain and myself as we opened John's personal secure vault. Asking if he knew where John's advance directives were located he immediately handed the document to us.

 

Our Cardinal Chaplain and I adjourned to my office to review the final wishes of our good friend. Not surprising his will dictated all his assets were to be given to Mama Bear and if she didn't survive him to Enos.

 

John's final wishes were simple... a friends and family ONLY funeral at Fort Connor and burial in the family cemetery. The Cardinal had his marching orders and I had him ask Doc to make the arrangements for release of the body and to have it transported to Fort Connor.

 

As our Cardinal Chaplain left to return to Fort Connor he made lasting friend with our Wolf War Dogs emptying his pockets of doggie treats in transit.

 

Now I had to be the bearer of the tragic death of John Worthington to Enos. I now wish I hadn't encouraged Enos to return to Harvard and resume his academic life. Asking OPS for secure video.com with the Generals at the Castle... from the look on my face they knew this wasn't good news.

 

"Can you please have Colonel Roberts join us immediately." As the Generals aide went to notify Colonel Roberts he was to immediately report to the Generals office... a "dead to the world" Colonel appeared on my screen thankfully wearing sleeping attire.

 

Colonel Roberts... Jon... the most difficult task any officer has in the line of duty is to perform a death notification. I am asking you to be the one to tell Enos his brother John died in surgery from the wounds he incurred during the attack on the Penthouse. The death will be leading the morning news on all of the media... he needs to hear it from us before he or one of his friends learn of it from the media.

 

POTUS will use his influence to have Enos excused from his classes at Harvard and military transport will be waiting for you at Logan Airport as quickly as the two of you can prepare for the trip. Plan on relocating to Fort Connor till Enos is ready to return to his academic life.

 

As Colonel Roberts asked to be excused he had to go break the heart of an imp he truly loved.

 

Entering the room he shared with Enos, he was quizzed about where he went.

 

"I woke up and you were gone, what gives?"

 

"Enos, I love you! You know I love you but what you don't realize I truly LOVE YOU! I hate to be the one to break your heart but it is my duty as an Army Officer to tell you your brother John died from his injures a few hours ago.

 

Enos was in shock which was to be expected. We need to pack and return to Fort Connor. The Generals will provide us with all the information available after we land.

 

I still remember Enos as the little imp with the sexy bum running back to his bedroom so Jon could tuck him in and kiss him goodnight. Now I had to accept this college age young man who had matured into a 6 foot 5 inch hunk of a bronze God praying when he found out he was one of the richest young men in the United States wouldn't ruin his life and future.

 

Enos and Jon arrived at Fort Connor and Rod demanded they move into our guest bedroom for however long necessary. I flew out to Fort Connor that evening and gave Enos all the facts necessary at the moment.

 

Before Enos and Jon asked to be excused from our meeting... the two men needed a personal moment of our time. On our trip back to Fort Connor we both decided to request permission from the two of you to be married at Fort Connor.

 

We have been discussing this for some time and the current situation only is forcing us to make this commitment as none of us know how long we have on this earth.

 

We will ask our Cardinal Chaplain for an extremely small wedding considering the circumstances. Once Mama Bear and Luke are totally recovered we can hold the huge wedding they both would want us to have.

 

Both Rod and I told Enos he was wise beyond his years and we both would be honored to approve his wedding at Fort Connor. We both suggested he read in POTUS so he isn't blindsided if the media ever find out. POTUS was far more understanding than we ever dreamed possible provided both Enos and Jon assured him of an invitation to their "Wedding of the Year" in the National Cathedral once Mama Bear and Luke had recovered.

 

Even keeping this wedding as small as possible and on a "need to know" basis there were still 50 Alpha Zulu soldiers with raised sabers in an arch glistening from the sunlight as Enos and Jon exited our Basilica.

 

As Rod and I were the best men and we knew we didn't tell anyone. Our Cardinal Chaplain was the epitome of discretion so he was ruled out. That meant the only guilty culprit could be our Command Sergeant Major who was asked to function as the "ring bearer".

 

"GUILTY AS CHARGED, SIRS!" I couldn't let the two love birds think the men of Alpha Zulu didn't approve of what they were doing. I'll put myself on report for a breach of security.

 

When Rod held the formal hearing on the Command Sergeant Major's security breach, as the Commanding Officer he determined the action taken was well within the authority of the Command Sergeant Major and no action was deemed necessary. Attached to the disciplinary action was a letter of commendation signed by both Rod and me commending the Command Sergeant Major for finding a way to express the feelings of the entire compliment of Alpha Zulu soldiers and still maintain the wishes of the newlyweds for a "SMALL" and informal wedding.

 

Mama Bear was growing stronger every day and everyone was concerned Luke was still listed in "GUARDED" condition. Asking Doc to review the medical file on Luke, Doc only comment it truly was a miracle he has survived for so long.

 

I knew I had one last task which I was avoiding like the plague... Asking my current secretary to join me in my office I needed to update her on Luke's condition. The poor woman had bonded with Luke even more than she had with her partner. I advised her Security would provide transportation for her to her home and her partner had been read in on the situation.

 

Take off whatever time you need to process this news... Your position will still be here when and if you decide to return and you'll continue your salary and benefits for as long as necessary. I know it is what Luke would want and I am in total agreement.

 

My two assistants had all the corporate "fires" extinguished and I decided to spend the weekend in passionate love with the man I married. Enos and Jon had returned to Harvard and we had our billet all to ourselves.

 

Rod met me as I landed and only commented he couldn't believe we actually have the weekend to ourselves to be out of control lovers. I smiled at Rod and reminded him I had to be able to walk and function as a CEO come Monday morning.

 

As Rod smiled and only commented: "NO PROMISES"... we walked hand in hand like two teenage lovers as we crossed base and entered our "love nest".

 

Entering our billet Rod burst out in laughter commenting there is no such thing as a secret here at Fort Connor.

 

The scented flowers filled the room, the mess staff had a spread of all the finger food known to have any reputation as to sexual motivation and Doc had provided more lube and super lube than I had ever approved for delivery to Fort Connor.

 

I smiled at Rod and told him when he was chewing out the ass of our Command Sergeant Major you can then tell him we are awarding him another Good Conduct Medal!