Chapter 52
Fuck I hate early starts, especially when exhausted, but 2:30am was just ridiculous. I stumbled and kicked the bed about three times as I cursed everything around.
"Shhh, it's only me bub, go back to sleep" I said as Jackson stirred.
As I headed down stairs, Jackson and Karl were ready, with my coffee waiting in my travel mug handed to me by Karl as we walked out. "Shh, don't slam the door." I said as we exited. The dad in me always comes out with those comments.
"Thank you so much for bringing me Grant, I almost wet myself when Mickey told me last night."
"Mickey?" My eyes darted to Michael who seriously wanted to curl up into the leather and die.
Again I said just to make sure he heard me. "Mickey? Really? That's where we are at?"
"Quit it boss, or I will pull out my piece and finish you off here" came his retort.
"Ok Mickey" I said back as I just couldn't stop laughing.
Karl felt really embarrassed by what he had said. As Michael was sitting in the front, I squeezed Karl's leg to let him know it was fine, and I was just stirring him a little.
"It's my pleasure. Someone was having a sook because I wrecked date night, but it should be fun. I have never done this before. It feels kind of surreal."
"You should have bought Jackson, he would have loved it."
"Well, my plan was to place a big bow on the nose as a surprise birthday present, but I couldn't find one, plus I really did want him to rest more. He has really over done it this week" I added, justifying my thought process.
"Well, If I may, I can arrange a bow, I know people who would do it."
"Seriously? Sweet, Could we organise it for Friday before we take off? That would be excellent."
"Well, they should be able to it, but if I could borrow your phone when we land, I can make the calls then, mine only allows calls in the USA."
"Yeah sure," I added. "And remind me when we get home to sort out your phone. If you are travelling with me, you need international roaming all the time."
"Wow. Thank you so much. My mum will be so happy. Long story short, but she worries about me as I don't see her often enough."
Michael was in the front listening to our conversation and thought now would be a good time to pop in.
"Well, maybe, after our trip, we can go and visit here for a weekend. I'd like to meet her and your whole family, if that would be ok."
"I'd really like that." Karl added as the car fell into silence.
Arriving at the airport, we had pre-clearance to board pulling up next to the Jet. As I walked on board, Michael and Karl followed. It was still dark, but the glow from the lights made the morning feel alive. The glow from the city always amazed me at night.
Taking off, we were at cruising altitude in no time, as the first officer flying us had everything under control. I wandered up to the cockpit and chatted with the guys in control, as I often did.
"Smooth flight tonight?" I asked casually.
"Yeah, Radar seems clear, so should be all good, but a rough landing predicted as we move through a cloud bank on our descent." Phil the first officer added.
"Phil I had a question for you, if you don't mind. What sort of training is required to become a captain of this?"
"I am all but there, just a little more flight hours, some tests and an exam including a supervised flight. Why you ask?"
"Well, now we have the new plane, this plane will be used primarily by Jackson and the girls on shorter trips, and Captain Hendrickson will be flying the new bird. I need a captain for this one, and I would really like to pay for your training to be completed, sooner rather than later, and you take over here John left off."
"Damn, thanks Mr Von Garbner, it truly is a dream job flying you guys around. Nothing is ever the same, although the flight from New York to Munich and back is getting lame." He laughed.
"Well, all set, I will speak to John and have him set things up. He has always spoken highly of you."
I turned to walk back to my seat and found Karl with his head on Michaels lap.
I tossed my gaze on to Karl, and looked back at Michael. "things seem to be going good." I said.
"yeah boss, I told him last night I loved him. It was really special, but I felt like I was going to throw if he said no." He said with a very serious tone.
"Nah, he's a keeper!" I said.
I leant back in the deep leather of my seat, raised the leg rest and reclined. I closed my eyes, and the next I heard was Phil telling us we were 10 mins out.
"Shit, I was out cold." I said to the boys now enjoying a coffee.
"Boss, you snore like a beast. I was going to record it, but Karl hit me when I pulled out my phone!"
"See, Karl is a loyal employee, you are out to sabotage my life. I knew I liked Karl better."
This earned a laugh out of both of them.
Snapping our belts closed, the plane bumped around in the morning light as hit just about every pocket there was.
"fuck me, Phil wasn't kidding" I said as the runway approached.
Our touchdown was hard and fast, pulling up in the Airbus lot a few minutes later. The Airport here was massive, but underutilised by both commercial and private planes, but was the main test runways for Airbus who were stationed here.
As we were taking, I could see my new plane glistening in the morning light. Her Royal blue paint work, with red and gold stripe down the middle of the fuselage was a site behold. The tail fin was gold, with a VB intertwined on it in blue lettering, and a family crest just above it. It was important to me to make that decision as without the Von Garbner wealth, I would not have it.
We were met at the door by both Capt Hendrickson and the Senior VP of Corporate Jets and we made our way in to the office. As I was served the same amazing coffee as last time, there were some documents that both John and I had to sign, including the registration and air worthiness certificates, before we could take over. Once John was done, he excused himself and made his way out to the plane. I was a further 10mins behind him.
Chapter 53
Standing at the foot of the stairwell, I could not believe how big she was. I was just overwhelmed as to what I had actually done. Her paintwork was brilliant in colour and more than I could ever hope for. Her engines looked huge up close, and her under carriage smooth as silk.
As we walked up the stairs, the planes immense size was pulling me towards her, and I tried hard not to run.
As I got to the door, Anthony, our chief steward on the Jet greeted me at the door.
"Welcome Mr Von Garbner" his English accent tight and clipped.
"Hi Anthony, what do you think of your new office." I joked.
"Sir, wait till you see inside, I couldn't believe it myself"
The senior VP was on hand to walk us through to make sure we were happy with everything before we departed. As we walked in the hall way on our right took us through to the main lounge area, but a door on the left led us in to the master suite on the plane. A beautiful private oasis with a king bed, small desk, all crafted in fresh linen and light blue, coupled with oak panelling and plush white carpets. Behind the bed was a full bathroom with shower, which I knew would be a massive plus as we travelled the long distances this plane was designed for. Off the main bedroom there was sitting room, with desk and TV designed as private work space.
Walking back out in to the hall way we walked down to what was the main cabin. Seating for 25 on various lounges and chairs, tables that folded out, and discreet trays that slid back in to the deep leather seats. A full bar was also present, as was the two TV's that hung from different walls.
Further beyond this space laid 40 first class seats that reclined in to full beds, as well as offered you the usual screens, trays, etc that you would find on a similar commercial plane. As we ventured further down, we came across two more smaller bedrooms that came with double beds before finishing our tour behind a door that had a full galley & kitchen, more bathrooms and a crew rest area.
The colour scheme I had selected had kept the plane light and airy, with the wood work purposefully kept light to avoid any darkening. The rich nappa leather was soft and luxurious and even to run your hand across you could feel the quality contained in the seats. Every thing about this plane was opulent, right down to the china selected for use, and the crystal glassware that had been selected.
The fresh smell of leather and wood filled my nose, and it was such a pleasant scent, I wanted to bottle it up and not lose the feeling of owning this plane. I could not wait for Jackson to see it, more so I was desperate to get back in the air and experience it's joys.
I headed up to the cockpit and saw Captain Hendrickson sitting in the piolets seat. "Hey John, what do you think?" I asked genuinely seeking his feedback.
"Well boss, I have flown many planes, but this is amazing. It is just superb. Not many captains have on their resume that they fly a private A330-900. I took her out for a test flight yesterday, and she was just so smooth. But, apologies in advance, as we have strong head winds this afternoon and it may get a bit bumpy."
"Great, thanks John, well I am ready when you are!"
"OK, I will just finish up with the Airbus guys, and we will be on our way in about 10mins. Get comfortable, and I will se you shortly."
As the three of us took a seat in the main cabin area, Anthony approached with a glass of champagne for us all. I asked him to have a seat and join us, to toast her maiden voyage. He sat and as I made a toast, the cabin door was closed by the captain as he prepared us for take off.
"You know Grant, it is so much easier to work on this plane than the Jet. Having actual space is a huge difference. I just love this place. This is my dream job come true." He said I has I heard the engines rev slightly as we pushed back from the factory bay.
Taxiing out to the runway I could the engines hum, but they seemed quieter than the G8 but undeniably more powerful in their earthy tones.
"Good Afternoon all, this is Captain Hendrickson, all crew prepare for take off."
With that Anthony excused him self to check on the other crew members to make sure they were right to go.
As we sped down the runway and up in to the air, I could feel her thrust and power glide above the streets below. In 10 mins we had reached our cruising altitude of 35,000ft and the plane levelled out.
"Well boys, what do you think?" I asked Michael and Karl.
"Damn Boss, this is serious stuff. I am speechless." Michael chirped in.
"I cannot believe I am flying on such a unique plane. I am in awe of everything" added Karl as they looked around the cabin, we were in.
"I am not sure what we will name her yet, as I wanted to get Jackson's input. So for now she will remain nameless, but she will always be my special lady."
The flight time was 45mins quicker in the A330 than what the G8 could do it in, and that was with a stronger head wind. I was surprised at how well she handled the brief patch of turbulence we endured mid way over the Atlantic.
I was so eager to show Jackson, but it wouldn't happen till tomorrow afternoon, when we departed to go on our trip, flying from New York to Belize where we were to meet our yacht.
I went and tried out the bed for a few hours, and it was so strange to be lounging on a king bed inside a private plane, but I understood that this was now my life, and it was ok to spoil myself. Her range was amazing, and she could just about anywhere with a reach of 10,400nm, or 19200km, the world was now at our disposal.
Landing in New York, I was both happy and sad that the flight was over. I couldn't wait for Jackson to experience this with me. Nor the girls for tht matter. I wanted to show off, and I couldn't wait.
As we drove back to the town house, it was just on dinner local time when we pulled up. We were back a few hours earlier than expected, but I managed to join the family for dinner.
"How was your day dad?" Maggie asked.
"Long, a quick trip to Munich and back so I could finalise some business before we take a break."
"Ah cool. I am so looking forward to the yacht, I had so much fun last time."
"That's good sweetheart, I can't wait to take a break either." I added.
As we talked casually around the table, I mentioned to Jules that after dinner, I just wanted to catch up with her for a bit on a few things. Whilst she assumed work, I was going to be the bearer of bad news, because whilst I was going to be talking to her, James was in the middle of letting Marcus know that he would be redeployed to Sam, and Corey would be the new lead detail to Jules. I knew this was going to end in a screaming match and tears, but for Jules Safety, I had to follow the advice of James.
Chapter 54
AS Jackson and I sat in the study on the sofa, Jules walked in and took a seat. How we raised this issue, we weren't sure, but either way we knew we would be the bad guys in this.
"So Jules," I started off causally, "I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I have instructed James to remove Marcus from your detail."
She looked shattered and angry, and I knew the outburst was coming. I gave her time to gather her thoughts, and we all knew it was coming.
"Well that's just bullshit Dad. He is an excellent person and protects me better than anyone here. Why would you do that!" she screame out loud so all neighbours in a 3kmm radius heard her.
"Calm down and let me explain please."
"No, I won't and you can all get fucked." She exploded back at me.
OK, so this was going according to plan I thought. It was at this point Jackson piped up.
"Listen her young lady, sit your arse down now, and do not speak to your father or I like that. If you pulled your head out of your arse and let me speak, I will, but I am not going to sit here in a yelling match with my daughter."
It is rare that Jackson takes the bad cop role, but in this case I was letting him go, as I think his concerns would far outweigh mine in the long run.
"No one is sayig Marcus is not a good guard, but it has come to our attention that you and he are more than just protector/protectee. Whilst neither of us have an issue with yu exploring a relationship with Marcus, it will not be done whilst he is supposed to be protecting you. It is not how these things are done, I will not have another word mentioned about it. The decision is final, and Marcus is aware of it. Do I make myself clear."
"Whatever."
"Don't give me attitude Jules, or I will pull you off the projects you are working on, and you can spend your days at the villa. Whist you are 22, and whilst you are a part of this family, you will follow the rules your father and I, and James for that matter impose on us. Do you want to end up in another situation we are all recovering from? I certainly don't, and we are doing this for your protection, and no other reason. So suck it up Kiddo, that's what happening."
She looked at us both with a death stare, and I knew she had received her temper from me, having seen her display traits of my own over the years.
I decided to add a little point in at this stage.
"Jules, honey, whilst you may have feelings for him, no one is stopping you exploring that. We just need to make sure that any protection you have is not clouded by your detail and you sleeping together."
"We are not sleeping together" She added when I had finished.
"You mind want to step than one back Jules, or is there another reason you two were showering together a few days ago in your bathroom."
"So now you're invading my privacy. Great. Thanks"
"Actually no, I came home and was looking for you. I knocked on your door and no one answered, so I opened the door and Marcus' shoes and shirt were on the floor outside your bathroom. I wasn't invading your privacy, I was looking for my daughter. Big difference."
"Fine, so does this mean we can date.?"
"it means if you want to explore things with him, it is done outside of his duties, and I expect you to be discreet. Only James Dada and I know at this stage, and we haven't told anyone. Don't treat us like the enemy darling, because we are far from it."
"Marcus told me to tell you, but I didn't want to."
"Why? Because you knew this would happen, you knew what I'd do?"
"No," she said softly, `Because I was embarrassed to tell you"
"Sweetheart, why would you be embarrassed?" I asked
"I just haven't had to many boyfriends, and I didn't want you to make fun of me."
"of you silly girl. You know Dada and I only do things like that in fun. We'd love nothing more for you to find the right person. And no, I am not saying Marcus isn't the right person. I haven't really spoken much with him, but I will say, just take it slowly please. I'd hate to see you hurt."
I stood up and walked over to my daughter and embraced her in a hug. She had a little sob, which I think came more from relief than anything knowing the truth was out.
"Go give Dada a hug, then head upstairs and wash your face. You need to pull out the last of things to take with you so Sarah can finish off yours and Maggie's packing."
As she hugged Jackson and then headed off, Jackson looked at me, and just looked tired. I knew he was emotional over this and wanted it put to bed. As did I.
"Oh, by the way honey, did you want to tell me where you really were today?"
I stumbled at this question out of the blue, as I had very rarely lied to Jackson in all our years, and our relationship was based on trust.
"I told you, I had to sign Insurance papers in Munich before our holiday. I didn't want an interruption, so I took off to tidy it up." I reenforced in my comments.
As Jackson pulled out his phone, he opened the Flightradar24 app and promptly showed me the location of the G8. She was sitting on the tarmac in Munich, and flight tracking had showed that she also flew to Toulouse in France earlier that day. Ok, think Grant. I need to pull a rabbit out of my hat.
"Yeah, and?" I asked. The G8 needs its routine maintenance done, so I had organised to fly back on a charter as once we get to Belize, we won't need her for a few weeks."
Thinking I had outsmarted him, I sat back with a slight sigh of relief.
"So if that is the case, what was in France?"
"I told you, the insurance company is based there. I promise, I have no reason to lie to you bub. You brain is working overdrive at the moment. It's ok"
I decided to pull Michael in, and hopefully we were on the same page.
"Michael," I asked nervously, "What business did I have in France today?"
"We went to some Insurance place, then had pastries and coffee before before dropping the plane off in Munich and heading back here."
Fuck, I might have just dodged a bullet.
"Thank you Michael, that will be all." I said as he turned to leave.
"Hang on." Jackson stopped him. My heart rate was elevated.
"What sort of plane did you fly back on." He asked.
"No idea Sir. It had two wings and not as nice as the G8." He added stone cold.
"It is a G-650 Gulfstream. It was all I could get for a charter at short notice." I added swiftly.
"Ok Ok. My mind is in overdrive. I apologise to both of you for doubting your whereabouts. I just get so bored at the moment and my mind races off."
"It's ok Bub, we all get like that at times. Oh, and by the way, whilst I was out today, I grabbed you a great big shiny present just like you asked!" Came my cheeky response.
The smile on Michael's face was gold, and he turned and walked out before Jackson could see it.
Chapter 55
The morning arrived and we were all a little frenzied as we tidied up loose ends before our departure mid-morning. I had a conference call with Steven, Johan & Klaus to make sure there was nothing outstanding.
In the 3 days since we had started our operations in the US we had taken $98m in deposits, and over 450,000 online credit card applications alone, on top of this, we'd had several thousand mortgage applications with reduced rates for first home buyers.
The vibe was we were doing good, and without putting too much pressure on the guys, I asked them to ramp up our openings in Chicago, Washington DC, and the three other branches we had secured in New York.
"One step ahead of you Grant." Klaus spoke up. "I already have the fit out crew in all three NYC sites, and they should be ready within weeks. My struggle is staffing."
"OK, great. Lets do a media blitz on employing people. I am sure with all the branches closures of late across the country there is a wealth of talent we can attract. Go National, and Go big. I want 1500 branches operating with in 5 years. We will need people in all states."
Whilst they all agreed, I knew we could keep the wheels turning in a positive motion, and I knew that between the 3 of them, it would be achieved. Sam came and joined me briefly to grab my signatures on a few things, and as I turned off my laptop and placed it in my bag, I knew holidays were about to begin.
Like a dysfunctional family that I was starting to believe we were, 4 large SUVs arrived out the front along with one van for all our luggage. I remember days gone when we would load up the station wagon to take holidays, packing all the kids' toys and the kitchen sink for a week up the coast. These days it took a lot more than the old ford being loaded to the hilt. It was precision process, and timed to the last minute.
I was so excited and nervous to show off the new plane, I was like a kid at Christmas.
"You're very chirpy this morning," Jackson commented. "I am still yet to receive my surprise you told me I had." He added sarcastically.
"Oh, just wait. Trust me"
"What you got a new yacht? The Lady Lucia is beautiful. Even though our last trip was less than memorable."
"just wait, and no more questions."
"Ah, so you did get a new yacht then"
"I said quit it, you will see" Laughing as he tried to interject.
As we arrived at the airport, the driver purposefully stopped a fair distance from the A330. Sitting proudly on her striking nose was the biggest gold bow I had ever seen. As we hopped out of the vehicle, Jackson was looking for a smaller jet, which appeared to be know where to seen.
"Damn, the planes not here. I wonder where she is?" he added.
"yeah, she is, she's right there." I said without much care.
"Hey, what airline is that blue plane. I don't recognise it at all. It is beautiful though." Jackson commented on it.
"I'm not sure, but whilst we are waiting, let's go have a look." I suggested to the group.
As we approached closer, Jackson slowed down. Standing on top of the stairs was Captain Hendrickson, sporting a huge grin.
"Um, why is our Captain on the plane? Can't he get in to trouble for that?" Jackson was still not registering what was going on, and I just left him to figure it out.
"Grant, honey, what's going on?" The penny was slowly starting to drop.
"Well, you said you wanted something big, shiny and expensive, and because it's your birthday, I just didn't know what to get you. So happy birthday my love!" I said as I kissed him on the cheek.
"Wow, is this what you chartered yesterday? I feel really bad for questioning you know."
I laughed as I reached in to my bag, and pulled out some paperwork.
"Here, I want you to read this." I said passing the paperwork over to Jackson.
"What's this. It doesn't make sense. It says that I am the owner. You only chartered it right, so what this?"
Jackson was never quick to think through a problem when first presented with it, so I offered to help him out.
"No, you said we chartered it, I said nothing of the sort. You my darling man, are the official owner of a $200m A330-900 with all the bells and whistles I could think of. Go on, go explore."
As the tears of both joy and surprise swept across his face, he made his way up the stairs, struggling as he neared the top. I had forgotten that he may have needed lift assistance, but realised on landing to have it there.
As he walked in there were squeals of delight and laughter as everyone shot off in different directions. I hadn't actually given it much thought, but the girls had both selected a bedroom each on the plane, knowing it was three bedrooms they just assumed one each for them.
"But how? This would have taken years to build. How did you pull it off?" Jackson kept asking.
"Don't worry about that, I will explain it later, for now, just enjoy it. It is ours."
"OMG there is a shower in there!" He screamed as he discovered the full bathroom located behind the Master Bedroom. "I thought it was just a cupboard!"
"I tried to think of everything" I added.
"When I saw the bow and didn't recognise the airline, I thought it might be a new carrier."
"Well, you can thank Karl for that touch!" acknowledging his work.
As this was happening, the Captain announced our slot was getting close and everyone needed to take a seat and prepare for takeoff.
"I just don't know where to sit" added Jackson.
"On your bum" came Maggies reply.
I laughed as slid back in to a deep couch and wrapped my belt around my waist.
"I can't believe we are on her maiden voyage." Jules added.
"Well, not quite. Michael, Karl and I went to France yesterday to collect her."
"You're all a bunch of lying pricks!" Jackson piped up with a smile.
"Yeah, about that. I shouldn't have made Michael lie last night, but damn it, you wouldn't let go! You almost wrecked your own surprise."
"Well, in this case, and only this case the three of you are excused" Jackson replied, tongue in cheek.
"Don't blame me, I just do what the boss tells me to" Michael added to reassure his innocence in the matter.
"Oh don't pull that innocent shit with me Michael. You're just as bad as him" Jackson said whilst pointing his finger at me.
We all laughed as we started to taxi to the head of the runway. As the plane gained speed heading down the runway she took to the skies again like a bird in the breeze. It was so effortless and graceful as if I had never flown before. The flight time was almost 5hrs to Belize and it was a good run. The thing I realsied the most was the space. Normally we'd be cramped on the G8 if all of us were on board. Here with 22 on board, plus crew, it was like an empty plane. I thought maybe I had over done it, but no, I kept reminding myself it was about distances travelled not about the space so much. Besides, I owned it now, no turning back.
Our cook from New York had boarded the plane earlier and had prepared a beautiful crab salad, some cold meats, cheeses and breads which was bought out not long after hitting cruising altitude. Along with some Australian wines I had imported it was an enjoyable way to start our vacation. Karl was officially on holidays, but couldn't resist helping the cabin crew with service, and I had to keep reminding him to take a break.
"Michael, keep him under control, will you" I said jokingly.
"Yes Boss, I have my piece pointed at him now."
"Well, there are bedrooms for that" I laughed.
Hugely embarrassed Michael added, "No no, I meant my gun, really I did."
We all laughed and eventually Michael let loose a little.
There was something about Michael that I had come to realise over the past month. Had we of had a boy, he would have been just what I wanted in a son. He was so respectful, with almost a sense of innocence about him. A tour in Afghanistan hard hardened him up a fair bit, but it hadn't broken him. He was always polite, considerate and respectful. He had the world at his feet, yet he chose to work for me. I was trying to figure out why, was it a sense of belonging, the family vibe we gave off? I had never really spoken in great deal about his family, and he avoided most discussions about it. I was intrigued to find out more, and hopefully peel back the layers of one of my closest inner circle.
The fun & joy we experienced continued on the rest of the flight as we all discovered different bits & pieces the new plane offered. Jackson went and laid down an hour whilst Michelle gave him his medications, and I entered as he was just dozing off.
"Hey beautiful, how you doing there." I asked as I kissed his hand.
"just a bit tired. I think the surprise took everything out of me, and those fucking stairs were a killer." He added.
"It's ok, I have asked them to have a portable lift waiting when we land. I had forgotten about that." I replied, with genuine concern in my voice.
He looked tired. I knew he was putting on a happy face, but underneath, I knew his recouperation was taking more time than he would admit to.
Pulling Michelle aside, I asked her thought on his recovery.
"It was major brain surgery. It will take moths for him to be back to normal, but he is doing ok at the moment, just needs rest, and no more big surprises. His brain just isn't coping at the moment."
"Well it looks like your job is safe for a while!" I joked. "but seriously, we'd be lost with out you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"I'm travelling the world. I am on a private plane, the second in a week. I am about to spend time on a private yacht in the Caribbean. Yeah, it's torture. Please, I want to quit hahaha."
I gave her arm a quick squeeze and returned out to the main cabin. Whilst most were watching some movie, James was squirreled away at a table making notes.
"I thought I said we are on holidays Mr." I said to him as he raised his eyes.
"Sit boss, I wanna have a chat with you."
Sensing his seriousness, I suggested we move in to my private office.
Upon sitting, James opened a folder. It contained letters and other info that had been received for Jules at the Villa. James, as always inspected anything that appeared suspect, and on this occasion it was justified.
Jules was being targeted by an anti-LGBTIQA+ group in Munich. At whilst unaware, there appeared to be a danger to her. Removing Marcus was going to happen anyway, according to James, as Corey was far more experienced in this field.
At this stage, James was not sure of any planned attack, but he was sure it was going to happen. We had entered the `if not now, then when' phase as he called it.
Reading the notes and some of the notes, I was concerned for my daughters welfare. I wasn't sure how to react to these right wing fanatics that were hell bend on destroying the safety of the marginalised in our community. But for now, I was assured we were safe, as both the new plane, nor our travel details had been discussed publicly.
"Can we at least enjoy a short break before telling Jules. I understand if you say no, but, let her have her peace a little longer."
"Yeah, of course. I understand, but, whenever she is away from us, she covered with an extra detail."
I had a plan, and I was thinking on the run, so I grabbed James, and headed back to the main cabin. I grabbed Jules on the way, and asked for Marcus and Corey to join us.
"Right, as you all know James and I have made some changes....."
"Dad, really, now....."
"Jules, please, let me finish. As you know we have made some changes and whilst we have done it for the right reasons, I understand there will be some transition needed. What I am proposing, is whilst we are away, Marcus, you will still be on Jules detail, but, Corey is lead, and you are not to go anywhere without the two details with you, and when we return it will be Corey alone. Is that fair? Am I clear."
All three acknowledged that is fair, and it would work. I now had to people on Jules, and only Corey knew the reason behind the decision.
"Well played Boss." James added when we were alone again. "There is always more than one way to skin a cat."
"I've been the father of two girls for too long. You need to play the long game." I added with a smirk.
Chapter 56
We had never been to Belize before, and as we approached for landing the colour of the waters, and the richness of the tree's appeared to be stuff off a postcard. As we all stepped out in to the sun, the humidity and heat warmed us after spending a winter in the north. Our bodies were due for some rays, and some water.
A few vans had been arranged to take us to the yacht which was docked at the cargo port, due to its size and the need to refuel after it had arrived from Europe. The Yacht had arrived two days before us, and was already stocked and ready to depart once we had bordered her. Whilst I had employed the new Captain via video interview, and spoken on several occasions, it was nice to finally meet him, and seemed a good fit to the team. English in background, he'd been a mariner all his life. Tom Bradley was his name, and appeared to have enjoyed the sun his whole life. His background was the Royal Navy, there freighters, to private vessels both charter and owner. He was 48, but had an air of being much older, but his youthful exterior told me he loved what he did.
As the horn blasted to signal, we were departing, The Lady Lucia was back on the high seas. Our plan was to head off to the Cayman Islands, before moving across to Jamacia and seeing how time was going, move on from there. We had no real plan at this stage, and we were free to do as we pleased.
As I moved up the main Stateroom, Jackson was standing in the middle of the room crying.
"Hey hey, what this about.?" I asked as I led him to the bed.
"I just walked in here and burst into tears after what happened last time. I guess my emotions are running wild at the moment."
"Did you want to sleep elsewhere?" I asked knowing there was heaps of space available.
"No, I just want to have a rest, I am so tired. I need to be honest about something though, and you are not going to be happy.
"Shit Jackson, what?" I asked as I knew he only says this when it is really bad.
"My meds were making me sick so as Michelle gave them to me, I was ditching them, thinking I could get better with out them. But now I am extra tired, I am emotional, I am forgetting things, I don't know what to do."
You're right, I am pissed off. But, first up we need to fix things. Do not move an inch." I instructed him.
As I grabbed Michelle, I started to fill her in on Jackson revelations. She was disappointed, and felt she had let me down. As I reassured her, she approached Jackson.
"Hey Dufus," she said in a calming manner. "I hear you've been a bad patient ha? Want to tell me why?"
Jackson became highly emotional as he babbled about how wrong it was and why he did it.
"Well Mr, you know what this means, don't you? It means I am going to have to put a line in you and do IV treatment for a few days to make sure you are back to normal. And then, only then, will I consider going back to oral medications."
"Ok, I'm so sorry. I really am, I just thought I was better." Came his weak voice, not knowing who to apologise too most.
As Michelle placed his IV in, she added a mild sedative to help calm him and help him sleep.
Jackson was out in a matter of minutes, and at least back on his treatment.
"He will sleep like a log I am guessing, but, as this was a surprise revelation, I will need more bags of IV medication, as I will have to keep him on a line for about 4-7days."
As a clinical nurse practitioner with a good deal of understanding neurology care, I was pleased she had joined us Jacksons carer. Someone came in to our lives for the right reason I kept saying, and now I understood why.
I had the Captain phone ahead to the Cayman Islands, and We'd be there in the next day, so we had enough to cover us, and the replacement drugs would be waiting when we arrived.
I explained Jackson's absence as exhaustion, and as the girls wanted to check on him, I told them to do it tomorrow, as he was out cold. Explaining his IV would take time, and I wanted to talk with him first.
Sitting out on the deck in the summer was heaven. A vodka in one hand and catching up on millions of messages on Facebook as we sailed around the clear waters of this tropical playground. There was not a cloud in the sky, and as Maggie and Karl frolicked in the pool, Michael looked on envious.
"What's the matter big boy?"
"I'm still on duty boss" came his reply
"Ha, since when? You are on holidays. I thought I made it clear. When on the boat, and not being attacked by pirates, you can relax and do as you wish. When we are on land, yes, you remain my detail, and Karl can travel with us."
"Shit boss, I didn't understand. Sweet. Does that mean I can go in the pool?"
"Yes, of course it does" I laughed.
He took a hundred miles an hour inside and was back with in minutes, taking a run and making a massive bomb in the pool that wet us all. The grin on his face was massive and he was like a big kid as he joined Karl, Maggie and now Sam & Jules who had joined the fun.
I took a walk around the yacht and introduced myself to a lot of crew that were new to the vessel since out last trip. Understandably we lost a lot after Dubai and unfortunately the ones that were killed. In the kitchen I came across our cook from New York, who was in deep discussion with the yachts full time chef. It appeared that they were trying to see who was boss, and I backed away thinking, they can figure that out themselves.
I went down to the crew mess. "Mind if join you for a bit," I said to the 4-5 sitting there. I knew a couple of them, but some I'd not met.
We sat chatting about nothing and everything, as huge bowl of Nachos was devoured by all, and they all seemed to be fairly new to this life, but willing to give it everything they had.
At one point I got lost and I was cursing under my breath I ran in to James who was having the same issue. We just looked at the situation and laughed.
Eventually I found my way to the Wheelhouse, and spoke with Tom, what formally introduced his team, all new since our last trip. After the introductions and the friendly chat, I decided to ask the obvious.
"I am assuming James has already been up and spoken with you all about everything?"
"Yes Sir," Added Tom. "We've been lucky to have James on video conferencing for the last 4 days, everyday."
Picking up the sarcasm in his voice, I let out a small chuckle.
"Welcome to my world!" I responded to a round of laughter.
"Seriously though, James is excellent at his job. I wouldn't be here without him, and I mean that. James is the only person that over rides me at times. If he speaks, you know it has come from me, and is delivered with every ones safety in mind."
"Thank you, Sir. We appreciate it."
As I was walking away, The captain asked me if he could have a word.
"The First Officer is 30 tomorrow. Would you object if I took the crew on shore and had a small party?" There will be a skeleton crew here."
"Certainly. Here's the deal. If you can arrange something in 24hrs, somewhere safe, accessible and have it approved by James, I will even pay for it."
"yes Sir, you have a deal. But just so you know, Mariners are big drinkers."
"And my mob aren't, we are coming with you!"
"fantastic Sir, it will be a good team building exercise."