An Orphan

AN ORPHAN By Lee Mariner June 2002

DISCLAIMER: This story is a gay fantasy that depicts homosexual acts between young men. IF YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO BE READING THIS MATERIAL OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERIAL, PLEASE LEAVE.

All characters depicted are fictional and in no way related to any person or persons living or deceased.

ENGAGING IN UNPROTECTED SEX CAN LEAD TO LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCES AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

This work is copyrighted by the author and may not be reproduced by anyone without the specific written consent of the author. It is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission guidelines but it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the consent of the author.

Copyright: 2002 -- Author: Lee Mariner -- All Rights are Reserved.

Chapter #18

Devon poured the Asti Spumonti for everyone while I pulled a chair over from another table for him. He glanced around the restaurant dining room seeing that everyone was taken care of before sitting down. I looked out the double door at the front desk and Martineze was not in sight but it didn't really bother me that he was or was not. "Gentleman." Robert said lifting his glass. "Drink with me too my brother, my brother-in-law and a long and lasting friendship between us all."

Robert smiled broadly at Stewart and then me as he toasted us both. Cody and Adam looked just a little puzzled and poor Devon was way out in left field looking around at everyone.

Drinking his wine quickly, Devon stood saying, "I wish I wasn't on duty but I've got to get back on the floor before Matineze comes in and has a fit."

"Devon, if Martineze has no authority over the hotel restaurant, why are you concerned with him?" Robert asked, "Who is the Manager of the restaurant?"

"Technically speaking Robert, I am. The regular manager submitted his resignation and no one has been hired or appointed yet since the hotel's status is in question. I can't talk right now but maybe later. Would you look over the menu while I check the floor and the kitchen so I can take your orders? I'll be back in a few moments."

"Robert, our firm is licensed in Maryland. Can you legally practice law here in Nebraska? I can't, I'm not a lawyer yet but I was wondering."

"We are members of the American Bar Association and we filed for reciprocity with the Nebraska State Bar Association when we started investigating Clyde's claim. Dickson probably knows this and I hope he does. He does not know what we did and that should worry him some Stu."

While Stewart and Robert were talking, Devon returned and was standing with his order pad. We all decided that a prime rib dinner all around would make it a lot simpler for Devon and the kitchen. I was still a little stumped on just what we knew that was going to help us other then the differences in the two audits.

"Robert, I'm still just a little confused. What are we going to be able to do that will recover the West Point property that was my uncles but seems to have been transferred into the ownership of this outfit called West Point Associates? Where does the Branston come in too all of this?"

I couldn't help but notice Robert hesitate glancing at Cody and Adam. Looking at Stewart I said, "You can say what ever you want in front of Cody and Adam. They have been a big help Robert and we trust them implicitly."

"Sorry guys, no offense intended. The lawyer part of me comes out when I'm discussing a clients business."

"None taken Robert." Adam said. "We wouldn't want it any other way. There is a hell of a lot at stake here. Cody and I will help out any way we can."

"You already have helped giving me an idea of what is going on and Devon has but I doubt he realizes it. Speaking of the devil here is our dinner."

Devon and an assistant rolled two serving carts up loaded with food. The prime rib smelled delicious and we all settled in for a filling dinner. Conversation became the quality of the food over any legal problems or action that might be in the offing. After the table had been cleared we all declined dessert but asked for coffee.

"Great dinner Devon, your chef really went out of his way." I said.

"I told her the meal was for friends of mine. I'll tell her you liked it Clyde, she will enjoy that."

"When will you close the restaurant Devon?"

"In another hour or maybe sooner if no one else comes in for dinner. From the looks of it, probably sooner Robert."

"We are going up for a drink, why don't you join us unless you have plans."

"No other plans. I'll join you as soon as we get cleaned up." Devon said smiling at Robert.

Leaving the restaurant, we turned towards the elevator when Adam said, "if you don't mind, we'll take a rain check on that drink. It is getting a little late and I've got an early class tomorrow."

I had forgotten completely that Cody and Adam were students and would have classes. Robert looked at me for just a second.

"There are a couple of things I'm still not clear on, could you give me a call tomorrow or better still let me call you."

"Clyde and Stu have our number Robert. Cody and I'll be available if you need us. G'night, thanks for dinner it was great."

Cody and Adam had explained several things that we had seen on our short trip in the countryside and up by West Point. I was really concerned about losing the West Point property and let Robert know about it after we reached our room and I didn't like the differences in the audits.

"Clyde, you are aware that Dickson represents your Uncle and not you. He is only obligated under the terms of the will to see that the conditions set out by your Uncle be carried out and as the Executor he has full control over the assets until those terms have been met. If you had not been found then the estate would revert to the state and he realizes an executor ship fee."

"I thought he was my attorney as well as my uncle's? Didn't you know Stu?"

"Not really Clyde that's why I wanted Robert here. I don't really know that much about probate law. I thought something was wrong when I saw the difference in the audits."

"Okay, what do we do Robert, forget it? That's not my way of doing things."

"Not mine either. Tomorrow we visit Probate Court and talk with the clerk. I want a copy of the will and papers Dickson has filed. Then we go to West Point and check into this company that has recently been set up. I'd also like to talk with the Branston family representative about this offer for the hotel and it's connection with the Hampton Estate."

"What about Dickson calling Robert? He knows we are all here and with Martineze he will be able to keep tabs on our movements and what we are doing." Stewart asked.

"We aren't doing anything illegal Stu and if he is doing his job right in settling Clyde's uncles estate, he has nothing to be concerned about. If he isn't then he will have something too sweat and I think he better worry about Martineze. When you talked with him the evening you got here did you make a verbal commitment of any kind Clyde?"

"None at all, we asked him about the physical assets of the estate being combined in both Stewarts and my name that's all. That's why we were going in tomorrow."

"That can be done after the estate is settled. In the morning, you and Stewart take all of the papers from the portfolio you brought with you and place them in the hotel safe. My laptop has complete files on the investigation we did and the information Dickson forwarded when he retained our firm. If that West Point company was a part of the estate, it should have had the corporate structure and related tax forms included. Too much information is missing."

"Whew Robert, my head is spinning. Stu and I thought this was going to be simple but looks like we have a can of worms here. How about that drink now? I can use one." "Sounds good Clyde." Robert said hearing a knock at the door. Stewart answered and it was Devon.

"I hope I'm not interrupting any thing, we're all closed up downstairs. I could use that drink now if the invitation is still open?"

"Come on in Devon, we were just about to fix one. Cody and Adam went on home and we were just finishing up when you knocked." Stewart said as he turned back into the room walking to the bar.

"Stu, if you don't mind Devon and I will leave you and Clyde. It's been a long day and I know you both have some things you want too go over."

"Okay with me bro. See you in the morning, like you said; we got a lot to get done. G'nite Devon."

I was just a little relieved that Robert and Devon were leaving, it had been a tiring day and I wanted to be alone with Stewart. I could tell by the way his eyes followed Robert he was really excited for him and Devon had a slightly sheepish look but it looked almost natural when Robert put his arm around his shoulders and they looked at each other with a smile and Robert just waved when he slid the connecting door between the two suites. Stu was standing at the bar when I slipped up behind him and run my arms around his waist kissing the back of his neck.

"You still want that drink?"

"Not unless you do, I rather get a hot shower. Do you think I might get a massage Clyde?"

"That might be arranged if he can join you!"

Stewart and I had almost reached the point in our relationship where words were not really necessary. He slid his arms around my neck and his lips met mine in a gentle soft kiss that sent waves of intense feeling flowing between us. His body molded to mine and I could feel the intense desire he was feeling. I swung him up off the floor into my arms and walked into the bedroom his head on my shoulder and laid him on the bed. Standing over him, I removed my clothing his intense blue eyes following each move. Reaching down I undid his jeans and shirt removing them with a little help from him until he lay there his muscled beauty rippling as he arched his back tensing the hard muscles of his abdomen and thighs until he stood next to me his proud cock reaching for mine, his eyes gleaming. We embraced once more and then slowly moved into the shower where we washed each other our passions explored as we teased each other like little boys.

Making love with Stewart was a never-ending experience in eroticism. His touch was soft and velvety as he explored the well-known hollows and crevices of my body. I don't believe I will ever tire of the feel of his well-muscled body beneath me or beside me as we enjoyed the hard dripping lengths of each other's cocks. His tongue was like a fire poker searching and caressing me. The heights we took each other to be only limited by the depths we reached in the love we felt for each other. Our bodies tensed and arched as we exploded in ecstatic spasms, mutually fulfilling the need for the nectar of life we both gave freely.

"Clyde." Stu whispered as we lay beside each other having filled our need for each other the after glow enveloping us.

"Yeah babe."

"Do you know how much I love you, I mean really love you?"

"I think I have a pretty good idea. The way you make love with me tells me an awful lot."

"Hold me tight please. I love feeling your arms around me."

Stewart melted into my arms and in almost an instant he was breathing softly and gently and the rhythm of his beating heart and steady breathing lulled me off into a gentle soft deep sleep.

• • • • • • • • • I've often wondered why when sleeping and someone is trying to wake you it sort of becomes part of the dream you are having and it may either be comfortable or aggravating. I was dreaming of The Farm in West Point and there were shadowy indiscernible figures running between buildings that flashed in and out of the dreamscape. Stewart was snuggling closer to my chest, as a loud unwanted knocking was pulling at us both to wake and we fought it. Finally I opened my eyes looking in the direction of the disagreeable noise and a fuzzy figure came into focus, Robert peeking around the doorjamb beating on the wooden casing.

"You guys going to sleep all day or would you like to have a little breakfast before we get started?"

"Damn Rob," I said. "What time is it?"

"It's almost 8o'clock and the sun is up. Devon is meeting us in the dining room at 8:30 for breakfast if you two will get a move on."

"Robert, you could leave the room so we can get up." Stewart said.

"Why, you haven't got anything I haven't seen before, it's just been a long time."

"Clyde might not like you staring at him?"

"Don't bother me none, I was in the Navy remember." I said swinging my legs out of bed my morning hard- on swing from side to side."

"Impressive."

"It belongs to me bro, look but don't touch."

"My, my what I have been missing but Devon made up for some of it. Get showered and dressed, I'll meet you downstairs." Robert said as he left the bedroom.

"I wonder just how much Devon made up for Clyde?"

"I have my doubts we will ever find out, lets get dressed. I am a little hungry."

Stewart and I showered, playing with each other as usual. I had become a part of showering and it was a relief playing with him and feel, really feel the connection between us.

As Stu and I walked towards the dining room, the room clerk stepped from behind the counter and handed me a slip of paper.

"This just came in for you Mr. Hampton."

"Thanks." I said looking at Stu and opening the note. "Dickson called to remind us of our appointment at 10 this morning, think we should call him?"

"Robert said not but lets tell him of the call."

Devon and Robert were sitting at the table in the alcove that had sort of become out specific dining spot. Stu glanced at me as we navigated our way through the tables. Devon was dressed in a light blue polo shirt with collar and it fit beautifully showing a well-developed chest, broad shoulders and smooth muscled biceps. A light layer of dark hair that matched the hair on his head covered his forearms and his dark brown eyes shined as he looked at Robert. Devon looked a lot different then when he was in his work uniform.

"Whoa, Clyde, is that the same Devon?"

"I think so."

Robert and Devon looked up as we approached, "Good morning fellas, hope you slept well. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and lets have something to eat, I'm starved."

"Well Devon, like a butterfly emerging from the cocoon. Never can tell what those uniforms hide, you look a lot different out of it."

"Thanks but you were in the Navy weren't you Clyde? I've seen a few sailors in uniform."

"Yeah but that uniform enhanced rather then hid. They can get you in trouble too if you aren't careful." I said thinking of my ex and our problems.

"I don't think there was any trouble in this one Clyde. Robert looks like the cat that ate the mouse."

"We don't need to go there Stu. Just say I learned a little more about myself."

Breakfast was served as we talked and Stewart told him about the Dickson call reminding us of the appointment we had. "Should we call and cancel it?"

"No let him stew a little. First thing we do is go over to the Probate Court. Devon is going to be out guide, he has the day off."

"It's not very far from the hotel, only a couple of blocks."

"How far do you live from the hotel Devon?" Stewart asked.

"I live in the hotel in a suite on the top floor. Mr. Branston allowed me to live here after my parents died. Martineze fusses it costs the hotel money since he can't rent it out and if he owned the place things would be different. I don't worry about it."

"He always seems to be in the background somewhere doesn't he?" Robert said. "I bet we find out he is involved in this mess somehow. If we are finished, I'd like to get going."

We drove to the Lincoln Courts Building and Robert identified himself as my attorney and asked the clerk for copies of the Last Will and Testament of Samuel Hampton and the attending petitions that had been filed with it. The clerk was gone for what seemed like an unusually long time before he returned.

"Sorry for the wait Mr. Ricksford, here are the files you requested. Are you and Mr. Hampton aware that the Probate Judge will rule on this petition this coming Friday? The hearing is set for 2:00PM."

"We knew it was Friday but not the time. I thought that it usually takes up to0 six months before a probate hearing is held? We seldom are under that time in Maryland."

"Let's see. Mr. Dickson petitioned for an early hearing last Tuesday and filed an amended petition to the effect that all avenues had been exhausted and a Mr. Clyde Hampton, you client, was the sole surviving heir. He attached all the required documents and the presiding Judge approved the request on Friday. It's all in the file you have there."

"Thanks, what is the charge for the file copies?"

"It will be charged as a court expense. Mr. Dickson directed that all expenses in connection with the probation of the estate be charged against the estate. Unusual but it is proper when a member of the immediate family is involved. As a rule there are seldom any requests since most probate hearings are cut and dried."

"It is unusual. Who is the presiding Judge in this case, can you tell me?"

"Judge Albert Doumar. He is the sitting Chief Judge on the Lincoln Circuit. You will like him, he likes things in order and stands for no nonsense."

"I like that, thanks again." Robert said as we listened to the interchange between him and the clerk.

"That is a pretty large file Robert, bigger then the one you gave me before Stu and I left Baltimore."

"It is but that is not unusual in complicated cases. In the case of your uncle's estate it should have been a pretty simple case. Devon, where is the State Corporate Commission? We won't have to drive up to West Point for a listing of the corporate officer's of West Point Associates. All of that information should be on file there along with tax records, state and local."

"I think it is located in the State Offices Annex over on Main St. I drove Mr. Branston there not long ago after he had a meeting with Martineze. Don't know what it was about, I waited in the car."

"Interesting Devon, thanks. Lets head that way."

The building where the SCC was located was on Main St. as Devon said. Stewart and I couldn't help but notice that Robert kept his arm over Devon's shoulder's as he drove the Explorer. We sat in the back seat holding hands watching and smiling at the obvious attachment they were forming for each other. I went inside with Robert while Devon and Robert remained in the SUV. If they talked, Stu would tell me about it later. Robert asked for and we paid for copies of the forms that set up the incorporation of the West Point Associates Company. Walking down the hall we obtained the public tax records of the corporation and returned to where the Explorer was parked. I had a pretty good idea where Robert was heading with the gathering of this information but waited for him to get it all together before telling Stewart and I what he suspected. I had a hunch he was right.

It was after 1PM when we arrived back at the motel. Devon excused himself after we turned the SUV over to Nicky the parking attendant saying to us, "I need to check on the restaurant staff. I'll be up in a few minutes."

"Don't let them trap you into working Devon." Robert said gripping his hand. "I won't, don't worry." He said as he slipped into the side door leading into the kitchen area.

Just as we passed the front desk, Martineze called out, "Mr. Hampton, Mr. Dickson called again and I told him you were out. He asked that you return his call when you returned to the hotel. You have his number don't you?"

I started to answer but Robert, gripping my forearm, stepped between the desk and me. "He has the number Martineze and so do I. Tell me, what was your investment in West Point Associates? Must have been considerable to be named the Treasurer. Is it a good investment?"

Martineze's eyes grew large and you could see a hint of fear flash suddenly before he regained control of himself. "I'm sure I don't know what you are referring to Mr. Ricksford."

"Really Martineze, you don't know of the West Point Associates in West Point, Nebraska close to where Mr. Hampton's uncle lived before he passed away? Strange since it is involved with the Branston Hotel as well, I should think the hotel Manager would know when his hotel was involved in a possible sale wouldn't you? Mr. Hampton will need the files he deposited in your hotel safe earlier if you don't mind getting them. Stu and I will see you upstairs Clyde when you get them."

Robert caught me off guard for just a moment when he said that since we had just put the files in the safe. Martineze was totally flabbergasted and looked at me his mouth open.

"What is he referring too Mr. Hampton?"

"You will have to ask him that Martineze. Lets get those files."

Martineze was frightened and you could see the telltale bead of sweat that appeared on his upper lip by the way his pencil thin mustache glistened and a sudden damp circle stained his shirt under his arms. Robert had hit a couple of nails on the head. Stewart showed me another side I hadn't seen before; he could be just as calculating as his brother by the way he stood just behind him watching, his eyes glittering like the cat playing with a mouse. Martineze was visibly shaken and his body was trembling as I followed him into the hotel security box vault. These boxes operate just like safe deposit boxes in banks with double keys. The door was not the heavy time locked type but still pretty sturdy with an interior gate and a video camera that was activated when the door opened and before the gate. It took Martineze two tries before he unlocked the box with his key allowing me to open it and extract the file folders I had placed in them.

"Isn't that the envelope that was delivered the other day Mr. Hampton? I recognize the handwriting of the address."

"It might be, I'm not sure. Never paid any attention to it. Thanks a lot."

"Any time Mr. Hampton, always happy to be of service. Call on me anytime while you're with us."

Turning and looking at him as he closed the gate, I said quietly, "You might want to think about what you were asked a few minutes ago, for your own sake" and I turned walking quickly away.

As I walked out of the office and around the desk, I glanced back and saw Martineze watching me intently as I left, that worried look in his eyes.

Devon was pushing a hotel cart in the direction of the elevator as I walked up on him. It had several plastic covered trays and bowls on it. As he reached for the button I leaned over his back and pushed it for him. He glanced up and smiled, "I didn't hear you coming. I thought we might be able to use some lunch."

"That sounds good to me. There is plenty of beer and soft drinks in the refrigerators and I am a little hungry."

We reached the room and sliding my magnetic key card in the door opened it and held if for Devon so he could push the cart through. Robert and Stewart were sitting at two tables spreading papers over them and looked up as we came in.

"Oh, its you guys." Stu said looking at me.

"Who were you looking for if not us?"

"We called down for a card table and thought that was it coming in. Whatcha you got on the cart Devon."

"Sandwiches, salad, fruit cocktail and potato salad. I thought maybe you would be hungry."

"I am not that you mention it, what about you Robbie, feel like something to eat?"

"Yep, I'd forgotten all about eating going over these papers. Good Clyde, I see you got the files. Lets check them against these we picked up this morning."

"After we eat Rob. We aren't in that big of a rush are we?"

"No not really, I just get excited when I'm on a case like this. I've been doing inside work for so long I'd forgotten how it feels to use my brain."

"I bet Devon is glad that's all you have forgotten how to use Robbie." Stu said with a grin, as Devon turned crimson. "What about it Dev?"

"It's like riding a bicycle Stu. Once you learn how, you never forget." I may have been a little rusty but it comes back real fast and with someone like Devon, wellllllll lets just say there are no problems. Let's eat, how about beer? Anyone want one?"

Robert pulled 4 beers from the refrigerator and we sat at the coffee table for our lunch. Stu and I sat on the floor opposite Robert and Devon. I looked at Stu smiling and nodding in their direction. Stu grinned looking at his brother, his eyes soft and shining. I could see a lump in his throat as he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I can't remember when I saw him as happy as he is now."

You could see Robert was not the same man that they had met at the airport. He was looser; more animated and exuded a confidence I hadn't seen before. The petulance he had displayed when I first met him was gone. He looked at Stu with a difference in his eyes, the love a brother should have. A knock came at the door as I sat there eating and thinking of some of the things that had happened. Stewart opened the door and it was Nicky the parking lot attendant with the card table they had requested.

"Nicky." Devon said looking up. "How come your doing bellboy work, where's Alton?"

"He called in and told Martineze he was quitting, that's all I know. Martineze is having a fit. I hope he doesn't get on my back or I'll tell him to shove it up his ass. I need the job but not that bad."

"He won't Nick, he isn't that dumb I don't think."

"I wouldn't be that sure Devon. I got a hunch he has done some pretty stupid things. Did you get a chance to see if he did what I thought he would Nick."

"You mean after you and him were in the vault? Yeah, he went right to the telephone in his private office and called someone just like you thought he would Mr. Hampton. You couldn't hear what he was saying but boy he was hollering at someone. You could see his arms flying around and he was pacing back and forth. I think he saw me looking and dropped the blind over his office window. I don't care about that if he did." "He won't bother you Nicky, just do your job and stay out of his way. Let me know if he does anything out of the normal routine, okay?" I said handing Nick a $20.00 bill.

"I don't want that Mr. Hampton, thanks anyway." Nicky said as he opened the door to leave. "Devon, be careful. He knows you are up here."

"I will Nick, thanks. You be careful too, hard telling what he might do."

Nick left closing the door softly and I looked at Devon.

"Devon, is Nick gay?"

Devon hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "I don't get into other peoples business Clyde but it surprises me you ask that question from the way Nick looks at you."

"Looks at me, what does that have to do with it?"

"He feels about you the same way I felt when I saw Robert. But he knows you and Stewart are a couple and that ends it as far as he is concerned. He will do whatever he can to help you and us out but that is as far as it goes. I've known Nick since he was a baby and someday he will find the right person and that will be one hell of a lucky guy. He is like a little brother to me and to answer your next obvious question, yes we have."

"The thought never crossed my mind Dev but I had a feeling he was gay."

"And now I have something to worry about." Stu said hugging me tighter.

"Not hardly babe, not hardly. Are we going to finish going over these papers Robert? I have a hunch where you are going and I'd like to see if I'm right."

"Oh, what's that?"

"Lets just see if I'm right. Okay?"

"Sure, let's get back to it. Let me have those files and Dev, how about you setting up that card table Nick brought up?"

Robert and Stewart did most of the work in comparing and analysis the various documents. Devon and I just sat and occasionally added or removed a paper from the various stacks on the three tables. Robert was giving a lot of attention to the SCC documents we had gotten and the two different audits that had been done by the Ingles-Summers- Simpson Auditors in Omaha and the one done later by their office in Lincoln. I had compared the two audits and the differences seemed obvious but I hadn't seen the corporate documents that had set up the West Point Associates Company. I felt pretty sure there had been some type of fraud done but I wasn't entirely sure. Devon leaned over as asked quietly.

"What are they looking for Clyde? Robert seems to be going over everything with a fine tooth comb."

"I'm not really sure Dev, I feel that there have been some changes made but I'm not really sure."

Stewart must have heard me talking with Devon. He turned in his chair holding the postcard that my uncle had sent me years ago.

"This card Clyde is going to hang Dickson if we are right. Robert you want to tell him about it?"

Robert took the card from Stewart and then picked up another document from the table. Taking a big sigh, he looked at me holding the two items one in each hand.

"This post care that your uncle sent you is signed Uncle Samuel Hampton. Unusual in itself since most people would simply sign just Uncle Sam or maybe uncle Samuel. Remember, you and your uncle did not have an ongoing relationship and its not likely he knowingly signed this card for any reason other then letting you know it was your uncle sending the card. I'm am not 100% sure but the signature on this card and your uncle's signature on the application that sets up the West Point Associates Company do not appear to have been signed by the same man."

"Then you think someone deliberately signed Uncle Sam's name after he was dead?"

"It looks like it to me Clyde. The differences in the two audits done by the same auditing firm but not by the same office show this company was established after your uncle died and the dates have been changed on the second audit so it corresponds with the first audit. It's like Dickson asked for another audit after your uncle died and then the changes become part of the estates assets. I would he willing to bet that if we ask for a copy of the second audit direct from the Lincoln auditors it will correspond with the one done before your uncle died."

"What does all that mean Rob?"

"It means Clyde, if the estate goes through probate as it currently stands you will lose the 500 acre farm in West Point along with about $2 million dollars that is being used to buy this hotel. From what I see here, the documents furnished by Dickson in probate do not match with the original audits, there have been changes made in the second audit by a very clever computer operator. Look close and you can see the changes and the difference in the paper grades. Once the Probate Judge discharges the estate & Dickson by right of survivorship takes over West Point Associates, Kyle Marx as Vice- President continues running the farm and Martineze as Treasurer will take over the hotel under whatever deal has been worked out with the Branston family. That's the way I read it. Pretty slick deal if he had gotten away with it."

"Kyle Marx being involved I can understand, he has been running the farm from all that I have heard. Where does Martineze come in on this Rob? He is just a manager."

"Ever heard of blackmail Clyde? Didn't you or someone tell me that Martineze and Dickson had an affair going on? Martineze found out Dickson was negotiating with the Branston's and confronted him and wanted cut in or he would let the cat out of the bag. Martineze is the weak link in this deal."

"Damn Robbie, what are we going to do now?" Stu said gripping my hand.

"Right now we sit tight and get this all put into some order so we can present it to the proper authorities. Dickson would just deny everything if we confronted him with what we know. I can ask for an injunction stopping the probating of the estate until everything is cleared up. Recall, the clerk said that Judge Doumar likes everything in order? He might not like it if he finds out there is some chicanery going on and a law firm is involved."

"Robert." Clyde said still holding Stu's hand. "You mean someone is going to jail behind this don't you?"

"It's unavoidable Clyde. At the very least we have uncovered enough circumstantial evidence it would require an investigation by the District Attorney's office. You and Stewart must have known that or suspected something when you called for me to come out here. I had a hunch that was it, knowing Stewart's background in the firm. I'm sure he spotted it didn't he?"

"Yeah, he sure did while we talking with Cody and Adam. I followed what he was telling me but I didn't know it went this deep."

"It does and could be deeper. Right now, I'm a little tired. What time is it and what are we doing about dinner tonight?"

"It's just after 3PM and I think we will call Cody and Adam while your resting. I might get a nap myself. I think the will like going out with us tonight but not here in the hotel. Somewhere different. What do you think Clyde, a little nap?"

"What do you think, when have you asked me about going to bed? Devon looks kind of beat himself sitting around listening to you guys. Stu, you call Cody and Adam while we get these papers together and locked in my attaché case. Dinner at 7:30 this evening okay Rob?"

"Call us an hour before you want to leave." Robert said over his shoulder as he and Devon left our suite sliding the connecting door shut.