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Chapter 41
I had arranged dinner at home for a group of people who had expressed interest in what we were doing in our projects in Central America. They weren't just anybodies, they were high net worth individuals who were looking at ways to add back to society through their own philanthropic endeavours. Whilst I felt I had tapped into something, others had been considering similar plans, but we have jumped the gun on them in a short time frame, and were all but ready to go.
As they arrived, Karl introduced me to them, 3 couples, with Sam as my plus one. As we sat in the main reception room, we had pre dinner drinks, and talked about our own individual business interests, and whilst most knew mine, I really only knew theirs from what I had read in the papers and magazines. To admit I was a little start struck was an understatement, and how Sam pulled this off, I will never know, but I was grateful for the opportunity.
As we moved in to the dining room, our cook had prepared an amazing meal with which Karl had paired the wines to perfection. For me, every night was like a restaurant experience, and this was nothing short of it again. As we enjoyed our meal, I laid out what we had done, what our plans we wanted to do and where we were at. I was amazed at how quick I was at replying to their questions in an informed manner, something I had picked up in Marketing roles in board rooms.
As the night was ending, 2 of the couples had left. I was sitting in the reception room with the last couple. They had a net worth equal to mine, made mainly in Tech over the years. Whilst they were slightly older, and childless, they had decided to give their wealth away before they died.
"So, how much are you tipping in yourself?" My guest asked straight to the point.
"My initial start up investment I have landed $5B of my own coin in to the kitty until we start to see a return. If it goes arse up, I will survive 4-5 years on that investment. To clarify, as you know, $150B of my wealth is tied up in the bank, and I am using that to start off with. As I own 100% of the bank, but leave a significant amount tied up in case we have another global crisis, I have the funds to cover accounts under $150,000, which in Germany remains the law."
"So if I offered you a like for like donation, how would it be used."
"Well, I have two options. The first being we would look at expanding our Central American Operations, into countries that were poorer, but have strong democratic rule of law, so excluding places like Venezuela, Columbia etc. I don't trust the Panamanian Government, so potentially not there. Chile, Peru, Ecuador are my next favoured locations, as well as a lot of the island nations in the Caribbean, which keeps me in tight with the my plans for the America's"
As he sat there looking at me stony face, it took him a minute to process what I had said before eventually coming out with, "So I am curious, I have taken the bait, what's the second option."
"Well, late next week I am meeting again with the Prime Minister of Australia. He wants to roll out a similar program to the countries indigenous people, who mainly live in the remote parts of the country. Some are very fine artists, musicians, farmers, but need a commercial partner to bring their dreams to life. The government will find the training, but commercially, we will fund loans and grants through our bank. I roughly estimate that our start ups will be similar, but, we will have a larger footprint as the government is prepared to guarantee funding for 5 years on the training side."
"OK, you remind me a lot of myself. I see your heart is in the right place, and not just your mouth. I will match you dollar for dollar on the Australian project, but I don't wish to be named in conjunction, all of my large philanthropic work is done silently. It keeps the media at bay. Have your lad here send me the account details when you are set up, and we will take it from there. I hope that suits."
"Yes, that is great. To be honest my plan tonight was to pick your brains on how to run such adventures, not have you tip your hand in your wallet. But thank you."
"My friend, what you are doing is being watched globally. I wanted in on the forefront, not as an after thought. You are doing a fine job."
And with that, he stood, his delightful wife reached in and gave me a genuine hug and a kiss, as I walked them out to the door, as Karl grabbed their coats.
"What the fuck just happened Sam" I said in total exhaustion.
"Beats me, but who are we to say no!"
I grabbed Sam in a tight embrace. "Go get some sleep, junior, I need you ready by 5am!"
"Good night Karl, there's no need for you to get up early for me, I'll grab a coffee on the plane, or a Starbucks if I am desperate, get some sleep, I hear you have a big weekend planned." I smiled & winked and walked off.
Chapter 42
Day break, shower, arse moving, in car, collect Sam, head to Airport, via Starbucks, board jet, collapse in chair. I don't think I really spoke until we were at cruising altitude. Sam had gone back to sleep, and Corey and I were aimlessly chatting as the TV was on in the background. I saw one of our teaser Ad's hit the TV for the American Launch, and it made me feel like a kid. After years in marketing, seeing your vision become a reality still excited me after all these years. I felt goosebumps trickle down my body as I watched on.
I had a full breakfast on the plane, and I felt so full afterwards. I had to encourage Corey to eat, but eventually me raving how good the omelette was convinced him to join me. As we hoed into it, I got to learn a bit more about him, a quiet guy, Girlfriend he rarely sees, good family, strong military ties, loves his job, saving up to by a charter dive business in Mexico one day. His dreams and aspirations were real, and it was so good to see him talk passionately about it.
Landing in Munich, we had been pre-cleared for customs, as we were now classed as German Permanent Resident, and our plane was marked as safe buy authorities. It was so good to not have to wait for the customs agent to board the plane, check, search and stamp before leaving. This saved at least an hour of our trip.
I was no sooner home and walking in on Jackson, sitting up in bed, no bandage on, reading documents.
"Oi, no work!" I chastised him. "I knew you were getting better, but you aren't that well yet."
"Thank you! I have been telling him this all week. Seriously, the next person who brings in work I may shot, and I don't care if they are your daughter" Michelle said jokingly.
"Ah, so Jules is the guilty party." I added.
"Hey leave her alone, she is only acting on my instructions."
I leant down to give him a hug and a kiss. As I felt a slip of his tongue, I raised my eyes at him, but said nothing.
`Hey, I am fucking horny as!" he whispered in my ear.
I laughed, because I knew how Sexual Jackson was, and the importance sex played in his life. This refraining part must be driving him insane.
Whilst I was pleased to see Jackson starting to return to normal, I did know there was still a way to go, as the surgery had affected his movements. He would require physical therapy to start to walk again, which appeared would start in the following week. The road to recovery after such invasive surgery would be long, tiring, and exhausting for Jackson, but I had seen him fight hard before, and this would be no different. Jackson being bed ridden was not a good site to see.
Jules heard my voice, and came running in. After hugging her, she spewed out at 100mph everything that was happening at the charity, and where building progress was upto. Whilst we still had a way to go, her enthusiasm was amazing, and I was so happy she had found her niche in our new world. Marcus her security detailed liked to laugh it was like keeping up with a hurricane, but I had faith that he was up to the challenge.
Jackson was wheeled into the kitchen and had dinner with us. I could see by his co-ordination that his hand skills weren't the best, and whilst I didn't comment, I was saddened to actually see first hand where he was at. He missed his mouth on several occasions, and the frustration he felt was evident by the amount of swearing he was doing, and refusing to let me assist.
"I will fucking do it myself" he snapped at me in anger as I reached across to help.
"I'm sorry, I was trying to help."
"I don't need your fucking help, you're never here anyway, so don't start now."
Ouch, that hurt. This was not the Jackson I knew and loved. He was never angry.
After dinner, Jules filled me in on his mood swings. They were becoming more and more apparent on a daily basis. I honestly didn't know how to address them, but I felt I needed to.
Once he was set back in bed, I pulled a chair up next to me sullen husband.
"Hey you" I started softly.
"Hey you" was his response.
"I know I don't understand what you're going through, but I will stay here until you are back on your feet if that's what you want. You know I will give this all away if you say the word. Everything and move back our old life in Sydney. Nothing, and I mean nothing is more important to me than you and the kids."
"I'm sorry I snapped. I am just frustrated with it all. You just happened to be the nearest to me."
He looked at me with a massive smile and said, "Besides I am a materialistic bitch, why would give all this up!"
I laughed, as I knew Jackson to be the least materialistic person I knew. But it was his way of telling me that he was ok.
"I know you have work to do. I just hate that I can't contribute."
"In time bub, all in time."
Chapter 43
8 months had now past since our drama on the high sea's, and I had had word from our new Captain that the Lady Lucia was about ready to leave Dubai and return to Barcelona. I had mixed emotions about keeping the yacht, which was a daily struggle, but I knew in the long run, we would be ok with her. It would take time, but we would get there. I discussed it with James and he was ok with it, and as he was the one most harmed, 8 months later he was still using a walking stick.
I wanted to head down there when she returned, but I wanted it to be a family occasion, so I would have to wait till everyone was back 100% before this happened.
More pressingly I was meeting with the Australian PM in London on Friday night, and I still had to return to New York first. I was getting sick of this jaunting around the globe. One day I could stay still for a week, but not yet.
It was this moving back and forward that gave me a idea. I picked up the phone and made a call.
"Hello Captain, Grant here. I was hoping you could do me a favour. Could you please move the Lady Lucia over to the Caribbean, as I want to use her over there whilst I am working in Belize etc."
"Excellent idea. She needs a good run, and this will blow the cobwebs out, and give the crew a good working over before you board. I will file plans and email you once I have them."
"Take your time, we have a few weeks."
I then rang Jacksons specialist and discussed the idea of moving him on to the boat for a while. He was in agreement that mentally, it would be great, but, he had to have his nurse with him, and she would need to learn his exercise routine before he left.
Next stop was Michelle. "Hey girl" I said as she was grabbing a coffee. "Fancy a few weeks in the Caribbean?" I asked.
"Well duh! Who wouldn't. What's the catch?"
"You need to learn Jackson's rehab program and make sure you also looking after his medical needs."
"Sweet, I am on to it right away! Can I wear my bikini to work?" She joked. I was so lucky to have her, and Jackson and her enjoyed some really witty banter that I wished I was a part of, but it was their bond, not mine, and I was OK with this.
I asked her to keep it under wraps for the time being as I didn't want Jackson getting his hopes up in case something happened. I went and discussed my plan with James, so he could make it happen for me.
Whilst talking with James, he casually asked where Michael was, as he hadn't yet seen him.
"Oh, that. Sorry my bad, I meant to tell you earlier. I gave him the weekend off. He needed some personal time I thought, and as I was travelling with Sam & Corey, I thought I would be safe. I hope I didn't over step my mark."
"No boss, that's fine, but please let me know in future, I don't want the guys thinking they can go to you, to override me."
I felt bad that I hadn't spoken to James first, and I reassured him that he is in charge of our protection detail. I went on further to explain the reasons. He laughed at the thought, and my conversations I had had with Michael, knowing how Michael is not one to generally open up about personal feelings.
"So you're telling me that big bad Michael has a soft spot"
"yeah, something like that." We both laughed as he poured me a drink.
Sitting out in the cottage, Sam and James Home, was like sitting a friends house chewing the fat and having a yarn. Whist I hated to intrude, sometimes I found that it was an escape to normality. It was a good feeling sitting there with friends knowing I could talk about anything.
Chapter 44
Friday in New York and Karl and Michael had the house to themselves. Michael had planned dinner, take away of course, wine and some conversation. Being very new to the dating game, he felt a sense of awkwardness when alone with Karl.
Karl for his part, whilst having feelings for Michael, was unsure how to express them. Karl felt intimidated by Michael's size. At 6'6" and solid muscle, there was a lot to be afraid of, but as I had gotten to know him, he was a big softy inside. Perhaps his sheer bulk at put a lot of people off, and I'd say at 5'9" Karl was in that league.
As they had finished dinner, they moved in to the reception room, as Michael bought the bottle of wine and glasses in front of the fireplace.
"I'd thought we'd sit here and talk a bit." Michael said.
"yeah, that sounds nice" Karl responded with a look of passion in his eyes.
As Michael was talking, a brave Karl reached in and just kissed him. It was a kiss with passion. Michael opened his eyes and seemed confused as to what Karl had just done.
"Oh sorry, I thought you would like that." Karl said, feeling ashamed of his move.
"No, it was nice, I was just not sure how to respond."
"Lay done next to me" Karl instructed and as Michael did, he reached in again close and said, "Just go with the flow. Let's not have expectations, let's just see what happens" Karl then kissed Michael, who was much more prepared and willing to see where indeed this went.
Whilst they laid on the floor, making out like a couple of horny teenagers, neither was prepared to take the next step. They were ok in their current positions, and enjoying the excitement that a new romance brings.
Eventually Michael stood up, and as Karl stood, Michael Swept him up into his arms and carried him down stairs to Karl's apartment.
As Karl stood in front of Michael, Michael chose to slowly undress him down to his jocks. Admiring his tight body and light dusting of blond hair that swept across his torso. Michael was in aware of what was happening and want to take everything in as he started to undress himself.
Having seen Michael in his Gym gear, he had not appreciated the sheer muscle that was under his shirt. His body a tower that was a fantasy to many. His clippered chest, the small tattoo above his right pec of his Military days, and deep brown, large and hard nipples that stood out on display. As Michael took Karl and laid him down, they continued with more kissing, and as Karl reached down into Michaels jocks, there was a moan that escaped both of their mouths. Karl amazed at the thickness of his cock, and Michael because very rarely had he allowed this side of his life to be played out, and it felt good. Really good.
It wasn't before long that both were naked. Karl was laying on top of Michael, and Michael had reached around and started to feel Karls arse, leading to noises that meant Karl was receptive to this move. Karl wormed his way down Michaels bulk frame covering him in kisses as he moved lower, and lower, and starting to kiss the inside of his thighs. Micahel was bucking about. His sex life had mainly consisted of blow jobs and hand jobs, and he had fucked plenty of woman, but it was always more of a release, he had never actually mad love, and this was definitely a new experience.
As Karl worked his experienced tongue across the tip of Michaels cock, Michael could only throw his head back in lust and hunger. Karl could hear and see the effect he was having, but didn't want his lover to be finished so soon, as he caked off and went back to kiss him. Michael thought this was the ideal moment to do the same to Karl, and as he went down on him, Karl slightly parted his legs, and Michael was soon playing with his arse.
"Fuck me Michael, I want to feel you in me. I want to feel you make love to all me." Karl let out.
Michael stopped what he was doing, and look hurt and confused. This caused Karl to sit up.
"What's wrong baby? Did I say something wrong?" Karl asked.
"um well, I have never done it with a guy before." Michael responded softly.
"What do you mean? You seem perfectly ok at it for me."
"I mean I have never fucked a dude before."
"Ah, OK. Did you want to? We done have too." Karl reassured him.
`No No I want to, but I don't want to hurt you. I mean I have had chicks tell me I am too thick, and I don't want to hurt you."
"Ok. How about this, you just lay down, I will lube your cock, and if it hurts me, I will stop."
"Ok, that would be nice."
As Karl reached over to his bedside table, he pulled out some lube, first applying some to his arse, that a good amount rubbed in to Michael's cock. Michael was in heaven. Karl them hopped up and sat on Michael, with Michael's cock just near his eager hole. Using the lube applied to both of them, Karl slid back and down as he could feel the thickness of his lovers cock slowly start to open his hole. The more he pushed back, the further he opened up, the. More they both moaned. Karl was relaxed enough now to try and conquer the beast of meat before him and slowly he edged down until he could feel Michael's pubes rubbing against his arse.
"Baby, that is amazing, you are so tight, but I don't know how long I can hold off. This is the most amazing experience I have ever had." Michael yelled out. And true to his word, Michael grabbed Karl by the hips and pushed him down hard as he unleashed his seed deep into Karl, as Karl sat on top with a smile that was cemented by this bond.
Karl started to hop of Michael, and Michael held him there, "unless I'm hurting you, stay there, you look amazing baby." Michael said.
"Ok, normally when guys cum, it's over, but hey, I haven't yet." Karl reponded.
It took Michael all of 5 mins to be a phallic of stone again. But this time, he was an eager partner to keep up with Karl. Slowly he started to pump his lover, and then discover many new positions he enjoyed, of which Karl was eager to help him explore.
There love making lasted well in to the early morning, and ended with both men climaxing a final time, from exhaustion, with Karl cuddling up under Michael's arm and both drifting off to sleep.
The rest of their weekend was spent love making in Karl's apartment, with Karl, being the more experienced lover, teaching Michael everything he needed to know about love making.
Chapter 45
The weekend rolled around to fast, and I had decided to leave Sunday night instead as I needed to squeeze 5 days in to 4 this week. Our launch was due Monday week, and I had a meeting in London Friday evening I couldn't miss. I decided to have Johan from our Munich office join me, as I wanted to make sure all our team was on board. Johan had worked for my family for 22years and was currently the CFO. A highly talented numbers man, and he was one of the few I could confide in, and trust when it came to the business. He and Steven had built a solid rapport over the past few months, especially when I was out of action, and he added value input in to everything we were doing. He was meeting me at my hotel Friday, and we would travel together to Australia House to meet with the High Commissioner & the Prime Minister. For a guy from Sydney, I had come along way.
I found myself at my desk in New York 1am local time. It was funny because the cleaners were not prepared to see Corey standing outside my office, and the lights on. As they came in they apologised and said they would come back.
"Don't be silly. I just need my bin emptied really. But thank you, I don't want to disturb your routine."
As the cleaner put a new liner in my bin, she thanked me for giving her a job, and the difference it made to her family. Whilst normally touched by this, this occasion it had a more profound effect on me.
"Where are you from" I asked noting her heavy Latino accent.
"South Bronx" She said earnestly.
I let out a slight laugh, "no I mean, what nationality are you?"
"Of so sorry sir, I am from a small nation in the Caribbean not many have heard of. We came here so my daughter could have school and need hospital. We are from Belize."
In my thoughts on six degrees of separation, here I was about to launch a major project in her home nation, but she was forced to leave due to poor education and health care and abject poverty. I knew we were going to make a difference; I just wasn't sure how much.
"What is your name. My name is Grant."
"I am Maria, Sir. I let you go back to your work. So sorry."
"Hey, it's ok. Have a seat, I want to talk to you."
As fear washed over her face, I could hear a man calling out to her in the distance
"¡María, dónde estás, mejor no estés holgazaneando! Saca tu trasero de aquí ahora o te golpearé el tresero" Was the aggressive voice I heard.
Maria who was now on the verge of tears looked at me again
"Señor señor, debo irme antes de perder mi trabajo."
"Maria, slow down, what did he just say, and what did you just say."
"He said if I don't come out he will sack me and I need this job."
My anger rose as I realised that I employed such inhumane people, and I wasn't about to tolerate this any more.
"Corey, go find that arsehole and bring him in here. Maria, do not move."
As Corey approached with the offending Male, his face dropped the moment he realised Maria was sitting at my desk, with me.
"Sorry, we've not met. My name is Grant Von Garbner, and you are?"
"oh sorry Senor I was looking for Maria, I didn't realise she was busy." Came his meek reply.
"Actually what I think you said was get your arse out here before I fire you? Does that sound like a more truthful version?" I replied cold faced.
"Um, So sorry Senor, it won't happen again."
"You are right it won't. You are fired. I will not tolerate any form of bullying in my operations. I will not tolerate any of my staff not feeling safe at work. You sir, have broken our code of conduct and company values. My friend Corey here will help yu collect your things and depart the building."
Maria was relived that he had gone, as the expression on her face started to soften.
"Was always like that?" I asked
" Si Si Senor. But work for me is hard because I am undocumented and I get me and my family thrown out, so we put up with it."
"Can I ask what skills you had in Belize?"
"I worked in a marketing company, but it went broke and then my husband fell sick and then we came here. My family is back in Belize and I try send them money to survive. I miss my home so very much."
It was words like this which made me think more about what we were doing. And whilst I couldn't change everything in Maria's life, I was thinking I could start.
"So tell me Maria, when you worked in the Marketing Agency what did you do."
"I proof read all the English and translate for the locals. But the boss was nasty and stole all the money and we went bust."
"Well, I have a need for someone like you, and if you wanted to, I would be happy for you to work with our team in Belize, doing exactly what you used to do, but I won't be stealing the money, I have more than enough. And I would pay you enough to make sure you and your family can lead a better life."
As the tears washed over her face, I knew that I was doing the right thing. Maria was a part of the reason for what we were doing in the first place, and I needed to put my money where my mouth is, and make this happen.
"I want you to go home, at then at 9am I want to you to phone Paul Fernandez on this number, and he will have all the details for you. We will pay for your family to fly home, and you start at our office in Belize in a week."
I stood up and looked at Maria, and whilst I am not the tallest person, her frame was tiny and I decided to then and there embrace her. It was love. It was respect. It was the right thing to do.
Chapter 46
As everyone made their way in to the office, I was busy tapping away at my keyboard and was making some much needed space on my desk. Steven dropped by my office around 7:30am and asked what I was doing here.
"Catching up!" I said, my face contorted in my outlook.
"Just don't burn out. I need you buddy!" Was his reply.
Just after lunch, I was buggered. My body clock was screwed and my tank was empty, as was Corey's who had stood at my door the entire time.
"Hey Corey, get the driver to meet us out the front in 10mins, we both need some sleep!"
"Thank God for that Boss. I thought you would never ask" was his only reply. I really liked Corey, and the last few days I got to know him a little better.
It was about now, I remembered that I hadn't spoken to Chris this week, and I wanted to check in on him. Whilst he was back doing some training to return to fitness, I had placed him on leave until Jackson was back on the move. I needed him 110% and I didn't want him pressured into returning.
"Hey Chris, how you travelling." I said as he answered the phone.
"I am bored shitless! Let me do something!" He said in an almost begging way.
"Well, if your Doctor signs off that you are 110% you can come back, but, I want you on light duties a little longer. Sally who is now looking after Maggie here in New York needs a week off to attend her brother's wedding. Perhaps you can backfill for her? And then in a few weeks we are taking a family trip on the yacht, and whilst I am not expecting as much shit as last trip, you could join us and catch up with everyone, and reacquaint yourself with Jackson, you know the guy you are supposed to look after"
"Of very funny Boss. I miss work like crazy, you keep me on the benches much longer, I will go insane. But yeah, happy to detail Maggie for a week."
"Good, I will ring James, get your medical clearance, and we will talk later bud."
"Thanks Boss, I appreciate it."
I straight away dialled James number, knowing I didn't want to circumvent his authority.
"Hey Stranger, just a heads up. I just did my weekly check in with Chris, who is going insane. I just made a suggestion, and if you are not happy, please tell me to fuck off"
"Oh boss, you promising the world again?" he said in a jovial manner.
"Well, with Sally needing the week off, I thought rather than have a temp trail Maggie, it maybe a good way for Chris to start to get back in to the swing of things, before Jackson flies the coup again? You know, a soft start. But, I have told him he needs medical clearance first."
"Actually, that's pretty much perfect, and if you checked your email, I sent you the same thing 30 mins ago."
"haha, smartarse aren't you!"
"No Boss, just doing what you pay me to. Keep one step ahead of you!"
With that I shut off my phone and hopped in to the car. Sleep was washing over me.
Arriving at the Townhouse I was greeted by a very cheery Karl. The smile on his face told me that the weekend appeared to be enjoyable.
"Afternoon Grant, I have organised to tea to be sent up to you, I have a drawn a bath, I suggest you take an hour and soak and relax" was the greeting I received at the door.
During our life, I can't remember ever wanting, or needing to have some alone time. Being married to Jackson, I was never sick of his company, nor, as the kids grew, did I ever need to be alone. It was the decisions we made to be a family, but, today, my dire need to be alone and jut unwind, was overwhelming.
Making my way up to our bedroom, I stripped of my clothes, and walked in to the bathroom. Karl had the water at the perfect temperature and I good smell the sweet scent of Lavender filling the room, knowing he had dropped some oil in the bath. Sliding in, I felt at peace, and was really non committal to covering my privates as Karl knocked and entered with a tray of tea, which he placed on a small table I'd never seen before.
"Tea Sir." He said placing the delicate china cups on the table.
"So, am I allowed to ask?"
"Ask what?"
"The weekend? Well?"
"Ah, that, well let's just show a little bit of discretion, and say I am rather tender in the nether regions this morning." Was all Karl had to say.
Backing out with a smile, my peace was interrupted again by Michael. I swear it was worse than having kids at time!
"Hey Boss, just wanted to let you know I am back on duty, Corey is sleeping and if you need to go anywhere, just let me know."
"Ok big boy, sit, now!"
Michael looked at me like a lost Puppy.
"Spill!" I said.
"Ha?"
"Spill, you didn't just walk in here to tell me you've started work for the day. I am in the bath, relaxing, and surely you didn't walk in to look at my hot body." I responded laughing.
"Well, I kinda been busting for you to get back so I could talk to someone." Michael proceeded. The excitement in his voice was infectious.
"We kinda had a big one. It was so nice and he taught me so much, you know, things about sex I hadn't done with dudes before. It was amazing.........."
As he continued on explaining to me the karma sutra of gay sex, I didn't have the heart to tell him that I knew, but I was glad he was ok. Michael still had an air of innocence about him, even thou he was trained to kill. It was his interpersonal skills that he had been lacking. I was thinking that this may have been rectified in a weekend of love making.
"You're a very special lad, Michael." I ended up the conversation with. And I know he knew I meant that as a term of endearment. His cheeks blushed deeply