Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2021 19:31:03 +0000 (UTC) From: JH Subject: Cards in the Deck Adam and Ben 20 This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction. Please donate to Nifty.org at http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html. Your donation will allow stories such as this to be published. Card in the Deck - Adam and Ben 20 The Last Brevard 2 So the next morning I had to take that infamous walk of shame back from Kent's cottage on the backside of the estate. I called him late last night and told him I was coming over. I needed to be on my knees with a hard cock in my mouth. I needed to be bent over a barstool. I needed to be thrown onto my back with the weight of a big strong man crashing down on me. I needed to be drilled out. I got all that but somehow it wasn't what I needed at all. I got back to the house just in time to get in the shower before Quinn showed up. When I came downstairs Quinn was sitting in the solarium having a bowl of cereal. I laughed. "Help yourself to the cereal!" I said. "Thanks," he replied, laughing. "I did. But you know, cereal just makes me mad. I'm always hungrier after I eat it!" "I know that feeling. Funny how that works." I sat down with a cup of coffee. "Tell me how the audit plan is coming. Are you making progress with the machine reviews?" "Yeah, everybody has been helpful so far. They think I'm going to get them fired. I just keep telling them that equipment review is for safety." "That is correct. I will send out an email today reminding everyone that cooperation is in everyone's best interest. Now Quinn, this is not just for shits and giggles. You are going to have to write an audit report on the inspections. You will have to send that report to OSHA. Get an audit report template from Cynthia and complete it. I will review it with you. Got it?" "Yes boss. I figured I would have to do something formal. You ready to go?" "Yes," I said. We headed out the side door and drove off to the office. It was a blistering day, outside and inside. It was a hot day and I had a lot going on at work. Getting ready for the council meeting that evening was top priority. I was running out of steam with them and I needed something to break. I typed out my notes and points to recall and had a bite of lunch brunch brought in. As it was nearing 5 pm, I texted Quinn and asked if he was able to get away. I wanted to go home and relax before the meeting at 7. He had the car ready for me by the time I got to the front door. He was coming back to the office to work late to wrap up his inspection report for my review. I was rather thrilled to see his product. On the way home he asked if Julia Haig would be presiding over the council meeting. She was the big news maker of the city these days. One could feel the overarching sting of politics as it took a dark turn on friendly, lifestyle supporting laws. Right wing on this and right wing on that. Outlawing rather than promoting. Preventing rather than progressing. I contend its bad lawmaking when lawmakers seek to keep the people - We, the people, in order to form a more perfect Union - from achieving their greatness, whether its pursuing a business or trade, or from expanding one's household via adoption or surrogacy. And the Southern wing of politics was particularly sticky and the tone from the top was just trickling down into local politics. It was in the paper everyday. Well, for those of us who still "read a paper." So I informed Quinn it was Mrs. Julia Haig on the throne tonite. She and I were at school together. She went to public school; however, still from a well-known family. She had her sights on higher office and I believed that I was going to be the stepping stone. Quinn told me she had two kids. One was a star baseball player. A really good kid. The daughter was a dancer, very popular. I took some note of this but was distracted otherwise with my notes. Once I got home, I loaded my notes up on the iPad so as to look halfway modern. Quin went back to work. Kent was on point to drive me downtown. The council chambers were busy. There were a number of items on the agenda. I was 5th and last. How nice it was for me, I thought. When the secretary called my name, I took the podium. I addressed the council respectfully and launched into my concern. Starting with the cost of waste pickup fees to a small organization being treated like a large one. "Members of the Council, I am asking for a thoughtful discussion about how these fees are relative to a proportionate size of company. I have incurred a 2.5 to 3% increase year over year for three years." "Mr. Brevard," said Julie Haig, "We are not unsympathetic but the companies contracted to pick up the debris are elevating their costs to us. We have to pass the cost along." "But they are also picking up for the general population of the town and I don't believe the city folk are incurring raised prices. You are pushing the excess costs onto industry." "Given the economic conditions of today, Mr. Brevard, we have to subsidize those costs on the taxpayers. The slightest increase per household brings certain consequences," Haig pushed. "You mean lost votes, I'm sure." There was a light chuckle in the room. I moved forward quickly before I got my wrist slapped. "I would request an analysis of comparative data between companies. I need to see how I am paying compared to some of my peers." Kevin Raynard, the Mayor, indicated that such information could be made available. Julie said it wouldn't be available for two or three weeks because she didn't have any staff with capacity at this time. "It's a 10 minute IT request, Madame Councilwoman. Shouldn't take three weeks. That's just to put me off. Listen," I said, trying to get some traction and with a sinking temper, "I am traveling a `moral highway' these days to balance the cost of doing business, the cost of maintaining an appropriate staffing model, and balancing profits! I am barely..." and before I could continue, Julia interrupted me. "Mr. Brevard, given certain events, not sure the `moral highway' is an argument to present to this Council. What we are trying to do here is..." "Sorry to interrupt Madame Councilwoman, what was that again?" "I was trying to say to level set expectations and projections..." "No, I want to circle back to that implication you raised..." "Ben, listen, lets not backtrack!" I leaned over the podium, "Mr. Mayor, I request a closed chamber." "Not necessary," said Julia. "Kevin, closed chambers, NOW!" Kevin nodded to the Council and announced we would go into closed chamber. All the extraneous personnel in the meeting were required to leave. Once the room was cleared, I took the floor. "Members of the Council, I want to be clear on these things. I have come here making reasonable requests of a small company attempting to maintain a presence in this community. Taking pot shots at me for taking on certain responsibilities when it was clearly needed is not the business of the council, as well that was a personal decision! I will also suggest it has not BEARING ON MY BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS!" You get the point, my temper was off the wall. "I want to tell you all here, I have spent my whole life following family rules, expectations, and other such protocols! More so because it was the standards my great grandfather and grandfather set, not just to appease the community! I'm not sure any of you understand what's involved in all of that. I go home with the weight of each of my employees on my shoulders while you go home to kids steeped in play-doh!" I took a breath to get myself through this. "I will inform the Council now that I have three offers for Brevard Packaging and possibly two contenders for Brevard House and Estate. If this is the best it gets for me tonight, it may be better for me to forego carrying this stress and move on." Another pause. And with specific emphasis, I concluded, "Two observations I will conclude with: First you will find that you always needed me more than I needed you. Second, I will never again have to deal with that class of people who think it necessary to say...that thing...which should have never been said." I was quiet now, steel flowed through my voice. I picked up my iPad and turned to head toward the door. Couldn't get there fast enough. Just before I exited the Chamber, I heard Kevin yell out, "Don't do it, Ben!" Then Wham! I slammed the door behind me. The reporter from the paper tried to goad me into an explanation but I refused. I just pushed through the people in the hall and headed downstairs to the main entrance. When I walked out onto the front steps of the City Hall, I was met with two comforts; a cool breeze and Kent and Quinn, Quinn? Standing by my car. Kent flipped the door open to the Rolls and I climbed in. I saw him give a head jerk to Quinn suggesting he get back here with me. Maybe they thought I would fling myself from the door out on the road. The writing on my face told them both that did not go well. I rethought the whole thing. Did I overreact? Did she really take such a pot shot at me? Have I reached a point where I am not so special that people like Julia Haig can slap my face so publicly? Where am I exactly? When Kent stopped the car at the side entrance, Quinn touched my arm. "Try to get some rest Ben. Better day tomorrow." "Thank you, Quinn. See you in the morning. Thanks Kent." I exited the car and headed up the backstairs to my bedroom, the inner sanctum of quiet and safety. I just looked at my phone with stupid dreamlike state that Adam may have texted me but not so. And when did he announce we are not together anymore? Shouldn't I have been CC'd on that memo? The next morning when Quinn stopped in, I told him I was working from home. I had no desire to put on the office face. I had no "poker face" that day. My hand was fully exposed. He drove on down to see Kent. The day was productive. I contacted Taylor Trudeau of Trudeau's Packages Inc. to discuss his offer. I also talked it out with Pace Packaging in Houston. Both had been after me for my contracts with two major phone carriers and the big commercial advertiser seen on TV. We hammered back and forth. Both knew this day was coming but only one would take the prize. Early that afternoon, I got a call. Not recognizing the caller, I answered. "Ben, it's Julia. Have a minute to talk?" "Sure, Julia. What can I do for you? "Well, I levied a low blow on you last night and I need to apologize for that. There was no call for me to be so unprofessional." "Did Kevin put you up to it? I asked with some laughter. "He and I had a conversation this morning and we agreed that settling this matter was in the best interest of all." "Thank you Julia. I appreciate that sentiment. I was ill tempered as well and it too was uncalled for. The stress on me lately has been industrial. I mean, I was never destined to be a captain of industry. I don't have a lady of the manor, so to speak, to take care of this place. There is as much responsibility as there is real estate in my life. When it was Ian and me, it was a fun project. But on my own, it's quite miserable." "I completely understand that, Ben. And yes, the stress is taking a toll. You were not the always elegant Ben I remember last night. I want to make a very personal confession to you. Just please don't hold it over my head later." "Go ahead." "When I was a girl, I was a public school girl, and I have to say, I was one of the prettiest girls there. Iwas head cheerleader, served on student council. Little Miss Popularity. And you, well, one day you strolled through the Country Club like you owned it in those little white shorts and white polo swinging that sparkling graphite tennis racket. I still remember it. You were the finest boy! Lord.. And I had fantasies...no not those kinds...the future kind. I saw myself as the lady of the manor I wanted to host teas for the DAR and the Junior League. I wanted to have nice cocktail parties for you.. I knew I could do it. I could have managed that household for you and been the perfect wife. Then that day came when I realized I would not be the perfect girl for you. No girl would be the perfect girl and I have to say I was a little resentful. I have treated you with a touch of that resentment ever since and I'm embarrassed to say it." "Julia, let me say that's about the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time. But you don't know the half of it. Margo told me once that she feared there would be no one perfect enough for me. No girl or boy. They imagined I was something like a psychopath, only caring about myself and getting my way and playing by the rules just enough to score what I wanted. Then, Ian came to live with us and she said that it warmed their hearts to see that I could care about someone. She had rather it not been our adopted boy, but nonetheless, she knew I would do anything for him. And I miss him so much sometimes." "Oh Ben, we just don't understand what goes on in other people's lives." "Well I will say that you would have made a fine lady of the manor. You would have run this ship like a giant I imagine." We both laughed. "You know Ben, it took a lot for me to make this call. I'm very glad I did." "And you are the bigger woman for it! Oh,. can I say that Julia? Rather sounds like I called you a Fat Ass!" We both screamed with laughter. "I would use caution there Ben but I get the point. And thank you for saying that. I'm very flattered." "Also let me apologize for the `children steeped in play-doh' remark. That was tasteless. I know you have two very fine kids. One is a star baseball player and the other dances her heart out, from what I have heard. I hope they know what a fine mom they have...giving her time to the community as well trying to run a good home." "Damn Ben, you are about to wear me out. I can't handle all that right now but thank you. They are awesome." "Ok, let's talk business. I have had two conversations with the prospective buyers of Brevard Packaging today. The offer that will suit me the best will keep most of the Brevard employees working for three years. This will see two thirds of the team to retirement or pension age. The buyer said they have a recruiter they will send in to help polish the younger teams with good resumes and identified skill sets to make them attractive to other employers." "Oh Ben, that is wonderful. That's great news." "Also, I would suggest a late afternoon press conference Monday afternoon in time for the 6 pm news where I will announce that negotiations for Brevard Packaging are underway and that I am working with City Council very closely for a strong outcome for the community and for Brevard employees. What do you think of that idea?" "Oh damn, that's far better than we could have asked for. It's perfect. Just like you Ben Brevard, perfect!" "Thanks Julia. After this is settled, why don't you bring Charles and the kids out one Sunday afternoon for site seeing and some grilled food?" "That is a date. Name the date and time and we will be there. The family would love it!" "Good, thank you for calling Julia. I feel like I lost 15 lbs today." "That's 30 between us!" "And Julia, I just want to say this. I know you are ambitious but I am having difficulty swallowing food these days thinking about the negativity and dismay caused by the State's lawmakers. I want to encourage..." "Before you say another thing, I will tell you I don't like that crap at all. You can't be a human and think that all this side-taking and division is the right way. I am with you on this." "Good, I just want to see you reach your goals on the best side of the `moral highway' possible." "Thanks Ben. Let's meet on Monday to get that press release off the ground." "Have a good weekend Julia." Click. Well that was one fine conversation. Very pleased with the results. I could sigh with relief and enjoy the view of the back yard from the Solarium. Might be a salvageable weekend. I called Cook and asked what she was bringing for dinner. I wanted to be sure there were enough for three. I think Kent and Quinn should join me for dinner. Lots to talk about. Especially where the Brevard House and estate were concerned. I called Kent and asked to come up to the house for dinner at 6. He asked if we could just meet up sometime and talk about it. He didn't feel comfortable dining in the big white people's house. That same shit he had given me since we were kids. I first could not believe he would provoke me knowing the strain I have been under. I secondly could not believe he did not know when to creep by the sleeping tiger rather than poking it! "God mother effing Jesus Christ, Kent! I cannot believe that you would lay that crap on me right now! I have very important news that directly impacts you and I am telling you this is not an option with a polite RSVP required! I mean seriously, this has been singularly the greatest insult I have had to live with all my life! You and your ridiculous pride! You would think we whipped somebody's ass in here at some point! You think this was that kind of place? You know we did not. You know IT was not! Now I will see you at 6 pm, oh, and you will only be eating your own mother's cooking!" Click. He came alright. And I know he was slightly high when we got there but he was most often anyway. We had the chicken casserole for dinner. Then I lunged into the topic at hand. "I want to tell you both that I have accepted an offer for Brevard Packaging today. I also want to tell you that there are three offers for the Brevard Estate." Having let that sink in, I continued, "Kent, the best offer will not grant you an easement access to your cottage so, in short, your house will have to go to the sale. And before you object, let me say that Phil and Uncle James are willing to support an appraised value of your cottage and buy it from you, allowing you to relocate to a suitable place." "Well, that's fine with me. I have been wanting a place out at the lake. This sounds like the right time!" He seemed quite pleased. Thankfully, that was a fight I didn't have to have. "Wow, so you are selling it all?" said Quinn. "I can't believe it. Where will you go?" "All that is to be determined later." "You know there is another matter that has to be resolved." "You mean Adam?" "Hell yeah," said Kent. "What are you going to do about Ghost Boy?" "What do you suggest?" I threw out. "Cut off the cards," suggested Ben. Ben whipped out his phone and showed me some Instagram pics of Adam in Las Vegas drumming it up with some guy. Several other photos of him partying with a bunch of other guys. "How long have you been sitting on these?" I asked. "Well for a while. He didn't realize I was still following him until recently and he cut me off. I screenshot these." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Oh hell Ben, you know I couldn't just haul these out on you. Hell you would snap a chicken's neck in a fuck second. I just couldn't do it." "I get the point," I said. "Well, let's make this deal now. You be perfectly honest with me about anything and you get absolute amnesty. You have been, thus far, far out of reach of my temper and you will stay that way. Consider yourself exempt. Deal?" "Yes, sure. But I think this is the worst I have." "You think that now. We will see about later," I laughed. "What about me?" asked Kent. "From this point on, you will enter this house whenever you feel like and most certainly when called upon. Deal? Winding this place down is going to involve the village and I am going to need you both. More than you know. Deal?" "Yeah, I got you Ben." "So, yes to your suggestion Quinn. The cards will be cut on Monday." "What if he comes running home and cries in your arms and begs to come back?" "That was a very pointed question Quinn," I chided. "However, that ship has sailed. I think it's time to move on." It hurt having to say it even though I was able say it with conviction. It was time to bring everything to its end. "Good. That's all the business for now. Anyone up for some Billiards?" "Oh hell yeah," exclaimed Quinn. You could polish him up as shiny as you like but he was still a country boy:) We had a great evening in the Billiards Room. We took a few hits from a weeklike substance Kent brought with him and just let the stress and the tempers just dissipate into the atmosphere. Not my usual thing, you know, but it was so fun. We hung like men hang.