Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:15:34 -0800 (PST)
From: Randy Howard <randyhoward2@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Strathmore's / Chapter 1 / Beginnings

The Strathmore's
By
Randy Howard2
Chapter 1

This is a work of fiction. The names are no way real or to
be associated with anyone alive or dead.  This is
copyrighted, and belongs to me.  No one is to copy this
without my written permission.

Ryan Strathmore sat in his den before a blazing fire.  He
was drinking a glass of vintage wine all alone on a cold
winters night.  A cold north wind blew outside, but the fire
was warm and inviting.  He sat mesmerized by the dancing
flames as they played about in the fireplace.  On the table
beside him was a copy of Life magazine, with his picture
on the cover.  He had made the Man of the Year, and the
Most Eligible Bachelor for 1930.  He picked up the
magazine and turned to the article.  A full size picture of
him standing with his dogs and below a caption that reads:

Ryan Allen Strathmore
Born August 7, 1905
Resident City: Boston, Massachusetts
Vital Statistics
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Hair: Auburn Red
Eyes: Brown
Awards: 1930 Man of the Year,
1930 Most Eligible Bachelor
Parents: Robert K. and Martha J. Strathmore
Newport, Rhode Island

Where do they get this information, he thinks to himself.
Well it should give his mother more ammo now to use to
find that perfect mate for him. He tosses the magazine back
on the table, gets up and stirs the fire.  He walks to the
window and looks out at the storm that is blowing and his
manservant, Martin, comes in the room.

"Looks like a real nor'easter Martin," Ryan says looking
out into the night.

"Yes is certainly does sir.  Will you be needing anything
else sir before I retire Mr. Strathmore," Martin asks.

"No Martin, I am good for the evening, have a good night
Martin," says Ryan.

"Thank you sir, good night to you also." Martin says
leaving the room and closing the door behind.

Ryan went and sat down and watched the fire, still
pondering his life.  He felt alone, he knew his parents
wanted grandchildren; his dad had always stressed the
importance of heirs. He got up and stirred the fire one last
time, making sure it was good for the night.  He finished
his wine, and then headed off to bed, tomorrow he had to
meet with his board of directors about a replacement for
Lawrence Chambers who had died.  He was the board
chairman and a new one must be elected and a new
member installed to replace the vacancy.  His life was dull,
he thought as he got in bed.

The next day the sun was out and a fresh twelve-inch
blanket of snow covered the ground.  Ryan woke when
Martin entered the room and opened the drapes.

"Good Morning Mr. Strathmore," Martin says placing the
morning paper on the bed.  "You coffee and Danish sir," he
says and sets the tray over Ryan's lap.

"Good Morning Martin, how much snow did we get," Ryan
asks hoping to avoid today's meeting.

"Twelve inches sir according to the wireless," says Martin
referring to the radio.

"That's to bad, I assume the meeting shall have to be
postponed," Ryan says with a smile just vaguely on his
face.

"One would assume sir," Martin says leaving the room.

Ryan did not look forward to an argument with Richard
Farnsworth about placing his son in the vacant position.
His son was just a puppet for his old man and lacked any
sort of backbone.  Ryan wanted Miles Johnston, a long and
trusted friend of the family.  He could be a strong ally when
needed, especially against old Farnsworth.  The phone rang
and Martin answered it and a brief conversation ensued.

"That sir was your secretary, Mrs. Beatty," he says. "She
was calling to inform you that the meeting is still on but has
been moved to four this afternoon, sir."

"Shit, I was so hoping that it would have been canceled."

"So much for assuming, sir," Martin says and leaves the
room.

Ryan finishes his coffee as he scans the morning
newspaper.  The news is all the same, economy this, and
economy that, he says to himself.  He is about to put the
paper down when his eyes catch a brief story buried at the
bottom of the page.

Boston. Massachusetts General Hospital
A local boy, Sean Donahue 22, is in
critical condition following a one car
crash last evening that claimed the
lives of his parents. Their car lost controll
and hit a tree. He is in intensive
care. His outlook is unknown.

My God how tragic, Ryan thought.  He pondered the
outcome of the kid's injuries and decided to look into how
he might help.  He rang for Martin and asked him to get the
head of Mass. General on the line.

"A Dr. Smyth, sir," Martin tells him.

"Dr. Smyth, Ryan Strathmore speaking. How are you this
morning?" Ryan says in greeting to the doctor.

"Very well Mr. Strathmore, and what do I owe this honor
on this bright morning sir," he asks.

"I was reading in the Boston Globe this morning about an
accident victim and I wanted to help in his recovery and
monetary assistance," Ryan informs the doctor.

Dr. Smith asks, "How so Mr. Strathmore?"

"Please sir, call me Ryan, it is less formal. I would like to
pay for his care and any doctors he may need.  I would also
like the best that money can get, and his hospital bill also,"
Ryan says.

"That is very generous of you Ryan, do you know the
young man," he asks.

"No doctor, I do not. I just felt that in these times of
financial troubles, he might be able to use all the help he
can get, considering the loss of his parents in the crash,"
Ryan says.

"He is not doing so well at the moment, but is in stable
condition.  He has several broken bones and is in a coma.
He is not even aware yet that his parents did not survive the
crash," the doctor says.

"Well, as I said Doctor, just be sure he has the best care
that money can buy, and bill it to me."

"Thank you Ryan, and I will see to it personally," he says
as they say their goodbyes and hang up.

"That was most generous of you sir," Martin says with a
slight tear in his eye, as Martin goes in to the master
bathroom and draws Ryan's bath.  Ryan finishes his coffee,
gets up, and goes in for his bath.

After his bath, Ryan dresses, and gives Miles Johnston a
call.

"Miles, Ryan here, how are you today my friend," Ryan
asks. "You heard about old man Chambers I presume, well
we have to replace him today, and I was hoping to get you
nominated and elected to fill his vacancy Miles."

"Hello to you also Ryan, and I did hear about Lawrence
Chambers, poor man.  To die like that, and in his mistress'
bed, never mind you," he says. "That had to go over big
with the family and all.  I appreciate your vote of
confidence but what about old Farnsworth, Ryan, won't he
try to get that spineless son of his in also," Miles asks.

"He will try, but I think I have the votes to win you in."

"I would really like that position Ryan, and my wife would
be thrilled at the social climb it would provide her," Miles
says.

Ryan asks Miles, "Why do women only see the social value
in things, Miles?"

"I really cannot answer that one friend, you would have to
ask a woman for that answer.  So what time is the meeting
or are we looking at tomorrow now because of the storm,"
he asks.

"No old Farnsworth insisted on today hoping I would not
make it in, and he could have the votes to get wormy in,"
Ryan says and they both laugh.  "So lets meet at three at the
club and we can have a drink before the meeting," he says
and they hang up. Ryan got his papers together that he
would need for the meeting and asked Martin to have
Leonard bring the car around.  Ryan went downstairs and
told Martin that he would not be home for dinner that he
would have dinner at the club.  He went out and Leonard
was just driving up.  He got out and opened the door for
Ryan saying,

"Good Morning sir, are you headed to club this morning?"
Leonard says to Ryan.

"Yes Leonard, but first I would like to stop at Mass.
General and check on some business I have there. I should
only be a short while and then on to the club."

They leave Strathmore Estate and drive to Massachusetts
General Hospital.  He has his driver wait as he goes in to
find Dr. Smyth.  He locates the good doctor in his office on
the third floor and they chat about the young man that was
in the accident.

"Well Ryan, he is still in a coma, but the doctors are
optimistic that he may recover.  He seems to be showing
signs of coming out of the coma and his vital signs have
improved greatly since we spoke this morning."

"That is good news doctor, I do hope that he is getting the
best care and when it is time to move him have him put into
my private suite."

"Yes Ryan, that is no problem.  I have personally called in
a neurologist that is tops in the country.  He happened to be
in Boston for a seminar and I persuaded him to take on
Sean's case.  You are probably not aware of this, but young
Sean is very poor.  His parents had borrowed the car from a
neighbor to take him to the train station.  It seems he was
leaving for the army today."

"Thank you for the information doctor, I was not aware of
that.  I do hope that he does make a full recovery though.
Has anyone notified the army recruitment office," Ryan
asks the doctor.

"Yes, someone has called and we are doing our best Ryan
for Sean.  If I may ask Ryan, why this young man and not
someone else," the doctor asks.

Ryan says, "No particular reason, I just happened to read
about him as I was about to put down the paper and felt that
it would be the right thing to do to help him out.  He will
have enough to deal with when he learns of his parent's
death and all."

"Yes you are right, that will be quite traumatic enough for
him," Dr. Smyth says. "Well at least he will not be facing
large medical bills, thanks to you, Ryan."

"I would rather he not know that I had anything to do with
this doctor," Ryan tells the doctor. "I would like to remain
anonymous."

Dr. Smyth told him, "I can assure you that your name will
not be mentioned to the young man at all, Ryan."

Ryan thanked him and told him that if he needed anything
to feel free to call him.  He said goodbye and left for his
club. Leonard pulled up in front of the Old Boston
Gentleman's Club and asked what time he would need the
car.


"I will call Martin, Leonard.  I suspect the meeting will
take the better part of two to three hours, at best if old
Farnsworth has his way.  Leonard, I will get word to you
through Martin as to the time to pick me up," Ryan tells
him.

Ryan goes into the club, he checks his coat and hat, and
looks for Miles.  He finds him speaking to two of the
current board members and goes to join them.

"I still say that Junior is to much a puppet for his dad,"
Thomas Stone is saying to Miles.  "He could not make his
own decisions if the answer were staring him in the face."

"You are quite right, Thomas," Michael Clark, another
board member agrees.  "I have seen first hand how his dad
manipulates that boy of his.  Just last month he told his son
that he was to propose to the Jenkins girl, my God have you
seen that girl?  There is not enough money in the world to
make anyone in their right mind marry her willingly," he
says. "To think that nature could turn out something as ugly
as that."

"Well did he propose," Thomas asks.

"Of course he did, her dad owns half on some utility
company called AT&T," he says.  "He thinks that being an
only child that his son will get his hands, thus his hands, on
her dads shares when he dies.  Here tell he is quite ill with
heart trouble they say."

"Gentlemen, I see we are still spreading the gossip," Ryan
says making his presence known.  "I have it on good
authority that her dad is not ill and he can see right through
old Farnsworth's plan, the girl turned Junior down."

"Ryan, did you just arrive," Miles asks.

"Yes, I had to make a stop at Mass. General first," Ryan
tells them.

"Is everything alright Ryan," they all ask in unison.

"Everything is quite fine gentlemen, just some business
matters I needed to address. Now what is everyone
drinking?"

They spent the next hour talking about the vacancy of the
board and how to spearhead old Farnsworth.  Ryan looks at
his pocket watch and notices it is going on four.

"Gentlemen, I would suggest we adjourn and move upstairs
for our meeting.  I would not leave Farnsworth alone to
long with the rest of the board.  He can be quite
intimidating and personally I just don't trust him," he tells
them and they take their drinks and go towards the elevator.

They enter the one of the great rooms of the club and they
see Richard Farnsworth and his son Junior, as he is referred
to because he is named after his dad, having a conversation
with some of the other board members.

"Good Afternoon Gentlemen," Ryan says entering the
room. "I see Richard has started the meeting without the
full board yet assembled," he adds.

"Why Ryan, now you know I would never do such a
thing," Richard says rather coy.  "We were just having a
friendly conversation about poor Lawrence."

"Well why don't we call this meeting to order now that we
are all here and begin our new business."

"That sounds good, I second that motion, all in favor."
Richard says.  "Good lets begin then," he says.

Thomas read the minutes of the last board meeting and then
moved to the new business at hand.

"Do I have a motion for nomination for the vacancy left by
the death of Lawrence Chambers," Thomas asks.

"I would like to nominate for the position, my son, Richard
L. Farnsworth II," Richard says.

"Are there any other nominations gentlemen?"

"Yes, I would like to nominate for the position, Miles
Johnston," Ryan says with a smile.

"Is there anyone else, gentlemen?" There is a pause as
Thomas looks around the room at the gentlemen.

"Very well, we will have a show of hands vote gentlemen."

"I oppose a show of hands, I propose a secret ballot instead,
Mr. Secretary," Richard says objecting.

"We have always had a show of hands Richard, and there is
no precedent for a secret ballot now," Ryan says in protest
to Richard's objection.  "The rules of election clearly state
that all, and I stress all, elections shall be made with a show
of hands," Ryan says quoting the board's book of rules.

"Your father wrote that book, and it is bias," Richard says.

"My father owned, and now I own, this company Richard.
The rules stand as long as a Strathmore owns Strathmore
Industries," Ryan says with great authority to his voice.
"Now gentlemen, if no further objections hinder our vote, I
move that we take a show of hands vote on said position."

"All in favor of Richard Farnsworth II for filling the
vacancy please raise your hands," Thomas asks.  "Very
good, we have eleven then," he says counting the raised
hands.

"And those in favor of Miles Johnston for filling the
vacancy please raise your hands," he asks a second time.
"Very well, we have nineteen, Mr. Miles Johnston is
elected to fill the vacancy left by the death of Lawrence
Chambers," he announces.  "Will someone please ask the
two parties to please come in and join us."

Michael rises and goes to the waiting room and invites the
two candidates in.  Young Richard comes in rather
arrogantly and strides over to his dad who is looking quite
beside himself.  Miles enters last and looks for Ryan and he
gets a wink from Ryan letting him know that he has won.

"Mr. Johnston, the Board of Directors for Strathmore
Industries would like to inform you, that you have been
elected to the board of directors to fill the vacancy left open
by the death of Lawrence Chambers.  Congratulations to
you, Mr. Johnston on behave of the board." Thomas says
and sits down catching his breath.  The room erupts in
applause and the current members get up to express their
congratulations to Miles.  Ryan stands back and lets Miles
have his glory for a moment.

"Now Gentlemen," Thomas says trying to get their
attention, "we have the matter of Chairman of the Board to
elect.  Rules dictate a secret ballot on this particular vote."
Thomas says as Michael passes around a ballot slip to each
of the voting board members.  "I would have you write who
you would want for chairman.  The votes will then be
counted and he with the most votes will be chairman."

The members wrote their choose for chairman and folded
the ballot in half and placed it in a special box. When all
were finished, Thomas and Michael opened the box and
started to record the votes. When they had finished it was
thirty-nine to one in favor of Ryan for Chairman of the
Board.  The one vote went to none other than Richard
Farnsworth, who upon hearing the outcome was livid.

Richard Sr. and Junior both stormed out of the meeting
quite upset by the turn of events.  As Junior passes Ryan,
Ryan grabs his arm and whispers in his ear,

"If you ever decide to grow a set of balls, Junior, come look
me up for a job," and he chuckles as Junior quickly hustles
to catch up with his dad.

"Well gentlemen, first I would like to thank you for your
vote of confidence, secondly I suggest that we adjourn this
meeting and go downstairs for refreshments.  All in
favor." and the room empties as they head downstairs.
Miles takes Ryan by the arm pulling him back and says to
him.

"You may have made an enemy today, kid.  Richard gave
you a look that had you dead and buried," he said to Ryan.
"I would be watching my back in the future if I were you,
Ryan."

"Miles, thanks for the concern.  I have no intension of
letting old Farnsworth intimidate me.  I still own this
company and I will fire his ass so fucking quick his head
won't know what hit him." Ryan tells him. "Now lets go
have a drink my friend, I want to speak to you about a
matter of importance."

They go downstairs to the clubroom, get a drink, and find a
quiet table.

"Miles," Ryan asks, "did you happen to read the globe this
morning?"

"No I did not, Missy used it for that damn puppy," Miles
says referring to a new puppy the kids have.  "If I do not
get to it first, she grabs it and lays it out for that fucking
pooch," he asks.

"There was an article in there about a family that were
involved in a serious car accident last evening.  The parents
were killed and their son is in Mass. General in a coma.  He
has several broken bones and some internal injuries." Ryan
tells him.  I have decided to take on the cost of his medical
care."

"What on earth for, Ryan?  Do you know what you are
doing," Miles asks.  "That boy could end up costing you
hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs, and for
what, a stranger," he says.

"Why Miles, you fucking snob.  I have more money at the
moment than the fucking government, and why not help out
a fellow human being in need," he says to his friend.

"Ryan I am sorry, I am not a snob, and I know that you are
right, that is the humane thing to do.  He will have to face
the loss of his mother and father, as well as insurmountable
medical bills. Those of us that have the means at this time,
we should be looking out for our fellow man."

"I not doing it for fame or publicity, Miles.  In truth, I have
asked that my name not be mentioned at all to the young
man or anyone else involved in his case."

"You are a much better man than I am, Ryan," Miles says
raising his glass to Ryan.  "I drink to you my friend."

The room erupted with "here here, when they saw Miles lift
his glass to Ryan, thinking him toasting his election.  Ryan
placed a call to Martin and had Leonard come to pick him
up.  Martin informed Ryan that a Dr. Smyth had called and
had asked that he call him back.  Ryan tried several times
but his service kept saying that he was in intensive care
attending a patient.  Ryan said his thank you and goodbyes
to his board members and friends and met Leonard as he
pulled up.  He motioned Leonard to stay in the car, and
opened the door and got in.

"Mass General Leonard, thank you," Ryan says rather
urgently.

"Are you alright sir," Leonard inquires of Ryan.

"Yes Leonard I am fine, just some urgent business I need to
attend to.  I do not know how long I shall be, but wait for
me and do not leave," Ryan tells him.

"Very well sir, I can find a place close to park or I will
drive around until you come out," Leonard says.

Leonard pulls up to the front door, there is a parking place
in the front, and he pulls into it.  Ryan gets out and hurries
into the hospital.  He takes the elevator to the floor for the
intensive care unit and sees Dr. Smyth.  Dr. Smyth sees
Ryan getting off the elevator and hurries towards him.

"Ryan please come with me," the doctor says as he takes
Ryan's arm guiding him towards an office.

"What has happened doctor, is he dead," Ryan inquired.

"No Ryan, he is alive.  He had some internal bleeding that
we missed until his blood pressure dropped.  He has just
gotten back from the operating room and his condition is
still serious.  The next twenty-four hours will determine his
fate Ryan.  He has the best doctors working on him."

"Please keep me posted doctor.  Have you been able to
locate any relatives at all?"

"The neighbor that owned the car came in and told us that
he had no known relatives except his parents, of course you
know their fate."

"May I see the young man please, I would like to have a
face to go with the name, doctor."

"Of course, Ryan.  Come on I will take you.  Now he still
looks a mess, with the tubes, wires and all his cuts.  But his
face seemed to escape injury, he must have used his arms to
protect his face in the crash."

Dr. Smyth leads Ryan to Sean's pod in the ICU.  When
they walked in the doctor was right, he did look a mess.  He
was hooked up to machines and IV's fed his veins with
medicines to keep him alive.  The thing that caught Ryan's
attention the most was Sean's handsomeness.  He had
reddish blonde hair and he did not know what color eyes,
though the doctor did say when asked, they were blue.  He
had a splash of freckles across his nose and tops of his
cheeks, and a cleft in his chin.  Ryan could not get over
how handsome he was and remarked that he was lucky that
he had not been cut in the face.  He again reminded the
doctor to keep him posted as to the boys condition, and said
goodbye.  He got home, told Martin about Sean, and went
upstairs to retire.  He got into bed and just stared at the
ceiling thinking about Sean.  All he could see was his
handsome face.

'What is the matter with me,' Ryan thought to himself. 'I
have never felt like that about another man before, not
since...'

The next day Martin comes in like clock work and throws
open the drapes and then goes and places the tray with the
coffee and this morning a hard boiled egg and bran muffin
over his lap.

"Good morning sir, your paper," he says as he hands Ryan
the Boston Globe.  "What is on your agenda today, sir?"

"The office I suppose Martin, I really do wish I had
something else occupied my time.  I do tire of the same
routine day in and day out."

"There are a lot of people that would gladly trade places
with you sir," Martin says in a rather scolding tone.

"You know Martin, you are like having my parents here,
but all in one person," Ryan says.

"I do apologize sir," he says as he leaves.

He eats his breakfast and goes for his bath, dresses, then
heads for the office.  He goes over his schedule for the day
and he notices that he has a meeting with his vice president
in charge of his refineries in Texas.  He has not seen him in
at least three months and production has been faltering
lately.

"Good Morning Mr. Strathmore," Ryan's secretary
Margaret Beatty says.

"Good Morning Marge," Ryan says.  "Any messages," he
asks.

"No sir, Dan Cooper is waiting in your office, sir."

"Thank you Marge, could you have coffee and Danish sent
in please," Ryan asks.

"Good Morning Dan, how the fuck are you," he asks
reaching out to shake Dan's hand.  "You had better have
some good news about my refineries Dan."

"They are back on line Ryan and at full production," Dan
says.  "We had a hard time getting those parts put we
finally located some in Brazil and now we are up and
running."

"Your coffee and Danish sir," Marge says bringing in a tray
and setting it on the table.

"Thank you Marge, and please hold my calls please." Ryan
says as Marge is exiting the room.

"So Dan how is Nancy and the kids these days?"

"Nancy stays busy with her volunteer work, and Dan Jr. is
hoping for a football scholarship to college.  Beth is a
junior in high school, and quite the young lady."

"Is he that old Dan, and I bet Beth has all the young men at
her feet." Ryan says.

"He just turned eighteen last month, and he is over six feet
already.  I don't know which side he gets it from. Beth just
had her cotillion last month."

"They grow up so fast, and then they are gone," Ryan says.

"Too fast my friend, too fast," Dan says.

"I have put together a program for the refinery for
producing that new bi-product we discovered.  I think you
will find it most demanding at first.  But as you will see as
you study the proposal, things will level off over the next
three to six months," Ryan tells him.  "Did Nancy come up
with you Dan?"

"Not this time Ryan, she had to much she had to do."

"Well then, how about dinner at the club with me.  We can
review the outline for the refinery and catch up on what has
been going one with one another," Ryan says.

Dan says, "Sounds good to me, as long as I am back to call
Nancy by nine, Texas time."

"That would be ten ours, correct," he asks.

"Yes sir, by the way how is your mother these days," Dan
inquires.  "I bet that she is still trying to get you married off
isn't she."

"You know her all to well, Dan.  She is fine, although she
has not been match making in the last month or so.  Must
have run out of debutants," Ryan says laughing.

"How about you take these outlines with you and have a
look at them.  I will pick you up about four and we can go
to the club and have a working dinner.  Dan, please be
careful with those plans, they are top secret and I would not
want them to fall into the wrong hands."

"I will guard them with my life, Ryan.  See you then at
four, and thanks for your help last week.  I cannot tell you
how helpful you were in getting those parts up here Ryan.
I could not get those people to move their asses for nothing.
How the fuck did you motivate them?"

"Lets just say that you should not have anymore problems
with that company anymore, Dan.  I bought the fucking
company right out from under that fucking old man.  He
thought he could hold my parts ransom for more money,
well I found out who owned the place, made him an offer,
and fired the fucker as soon as the ink was dry."

"You are kidding right, Ryan," Dan asks.

"Dan, do I kid about things like this," Ryan says giving him
a look that is serious.

"No boss, I have never heard you kid about business."

"I will see you then at four, and Dan, remember suits and
ties.  This is not Texas."

Dan leaves and Ryan busies himself with other demands of
his time.  He keeps working until Marge reminds him that it
is three-thirty and he still needs to change for the club.  He
goes into his private bathroom and draws a bath.  He takes
a quick bath, dresses, and Leonard picks him up and they
are off to get Dan at his Hotel.  He is nowhere around and
Leonard goes in to inquire and is gone awhile.  He comes
out and he instructs Ryan that he is needed inside.  Ryan
enters the hotel and the manager leads him into his office.

"Mr. Strathmore, we have some disturbing news to tell you.
A Mr. Daniel Cooper was found dead this afternoon at the
bottom of the pool.  He had accidentally slipped and hit his
head and fell into the pool and drowned," the manager said.

"You have to be mistaken, I just spoke with him not less
than five hours ago.  When was this suppose to happen,"
Ryan inquired.

"The pool attendant found his body about twelve, when he
went to clean the pool before the afternoon swim. He must
have been going to his room when he had the accident."

"Was his brief case found with him," Ryan asked.

"All he had was his room key, there was no brief case."

"What about in his room, is his things still there," Ryan
asked knowing he had the top-secret plans for the refinery
in that brief case.

"The maid packed his belongings and the police took them.
She gave the police one suit case and that was it," the
manager said.

"I cannot believe this, thank you sir, I will talk to the police
then and inquire as to Mr. Cooper's possessions, good day
to you." Ryan left quickly and instructed Leonard to take
him to the police station.  When Ryan had gotten to the
police station, he looked up his friend captain Brian
O'Malley.

"Brian, how are my friend, it has been a long time," Ryan
said shaking Brian's hand.

"Ryan, what the fuck brings you down here, you aren't in
trouble are ya," Brian asks in his strong Irish accent.

"I have a situation and it could be serious," he tells Brian.
One of my vice presidents was found dead today at his
hotel," Ryan tells him.

"Ah yes, I heard of that, a Mr. . Cooper I think it be," he
says after thinking a bit.

"That's right. He also had some very confidential papers
and they are missing.  The hotel manager told me that the
police took all of his possessions here, would you have his
brief case among his possessions, Brian," Brian asks.

"I wasn't the one who worked that case, but lets see what
they have.  Have you notified his family yet," Brian asks.

"No, I will do that once I get back to my office," he tells
Brian.  "These papers are very important to my business
and in the wrong hands could cost me millions."

"Here is the room that we keep things like that in, would
you recognize the brief case," he asks.

"Yes I would Brie, it's a black leather case with a brass
plaque and has his name engraved on it.  I gave it to him
for Christmas a couple of years ago."

"Well this is all we have listed for a Mr. Cooper, Ryan.  I
don't see no brief case listed," he says.  "I need to ask you
something, and it may not be to pleasant Ryan," he says a
bit nervously. "Is there any reason to suspect fowl play
here?  I mean, he is relatively speaking a young man, what
.. about thirty something?"

"Thirty seven, and quite athletic also.  I have begun to
wonder that same thing Brie," Ryan says.  "Now that the
brief case is missing, I really do wonder."

"Let my people look into this, I'll get back to you.  How is
that mother of yours, is she still trying to fix you up," he
asks slightly jabbing Ryan in the ribs with his elbow.
"When you going tell her Ryan, the truth?"

"That is my business Brie, and none of your concern.  Ryan
says giving Brian a sharp look.

"Hey," Brian says holding up his hands, "Put the daggers
away kid, I was just asking.  Besides we were not right
together and you know it kid," he says slapping Ryan's ass.

"Well that's water under the bridge now, Brian. If you can
find out anything about Dan I would appreciate it," Ryan
says leaving the room.  "Oh, as a matter of point," Ryan
says turning to face Brian and closing the door, "I was not
the one who left that day."

"Ryan, I am never going to be forgiven am I for walking
out on our relationship," he says to Ryan with his hands on
Ryan's hips.  "I have apologized a million times over and
you still throw it in my face."

"I know I do, and I have forgiven you, but . well lets just
say I will never do it again Brie," Ryan says and gives him
a quick kiss on the lips.  Brian pulls Ryan into him and
kisses him hard and long, there tongues searching and
remembering days gone by.  Brian lets out a soft moan and
then pushes himself away.

"No Ryan, not this time.  I will not let you use my emotions
against me, to get me back into your bed for a one-night
stand and then you are gone again," Brian says.

"Goodbye Brian, let me know what you find," Ryan says
turning and leaving the room.

Ryan's heart is racing as he leaves the room, realizing that
he was the one who did not have the courage to save their
love.  He had been the one to afraid of the consequences of
revealing a gay relationship to his parents.  He turned and
went back into the room and found Brian with tears in his
eyes.

"Brian, I want to apologize to you.  I just realized that I
have been such a fool about us.  You were never my toy
Brie I did love you.  I was afraid of revealing our love to
my parents and being ostracized from my family.  Can you
forgive me love," Ryan says holding Brian in his arms.

"I did the day I walked out babe, I knew where I stood with
you.  I knew you loved me, but not enough to overcome
your fears.  I have moved on though.  I have a man I have
been seeing now for almost three months.  He is a fellow
police officer and it works out better for us," Brian tells
him.

"I am happy for you Brian, and I wish you luck," he says
and they kiss a light kiss.  "Goodbye Brian, I will always
hold a spot in my heart for you, love."
"And I for you Ryan," knowing he is lying to him about
another man.


  Ryan left the station and he got in the car and instructed
Leonard to take him back to his office.  As he sat there, he
thought back to when he and Brian had separated.

"When are you going to tell your mother about us," Brian
asks.

"It is not that easy Brie, mother is not going to understand
that her son is in love with a man.  My dad will flip a lid
and will probably disinherit me," Ryan tells Brian.

"So that is all I am.  A rich kid's play toy.  Ryan we can
live on my salary, I am in line for a promotion to captain
soon.  I love you, babe, and I want to spend the rest of our
lives together."

"Why can't it be like it is," Ryan asks.  "Why must we
upset the apple cart by telling the world about us? This is
not something that people will accept, you know. It may be
the roaring twenties but there is a limit to what is
acceptable to society, love."

"We don't have to tell the world, just your father and
mother, that's all.  I love you so fucking much Ryan and I
hate sneaking around like this, I want us to be able to live
together babe."

"Well it has to be enough for now, love. I am not going to
loose everything for some illicit love affair," Ryan says and
then soon realizes his regret.

"Is that what I am to you, Ryan? I am nothing but an illicit
love affair," Brian says and the tears start to fall.  "You
love your money more than me."

Maybe I was too quiet for to long, Ryan was thinking to
himself.  I should have held him and told him that he was
not my toy or plaything.

"Brian listen, some day things will change, and then maybe
our type of love will be accepted.  Then we can announce
our love."

"And until then, Ryan, what do we do.  I am not going to
sneak in here under the cover of dark and leave in the
middle of the night.  If I can't live with you as your life
partner, then it is over Ryan."

"You must do what you have to do then Brie, and I must do
what I must do," Ryan says turning his back to Brian.

"Then goodbye babe.  I hope you find happiness in the life
you have chosen.  I will miss you love, and I hope that you
will someday overcome your fears," Brian tells him and he
walks out of Ryan's life forever.

I should have gone after him and never let him walk out,
Ryan thought to himself.  Well as I said that was water
under the bridge.

Ryan got back to his office and told Marge about all that
had transpired with Dan.  She broke down in tears and he
comforted her.  He then went into his office and made the
call he most dreaded, calling Dan's wife.  He had Marge
make the connection and he picked up when Nancy was on.

"Nancy how are you, dear," Ryan says soberly.

"Ryan love, it has been so long, how are you doing these
days, are you married yet," she asks.

"No not even close Nancy.  Listen love, this is not a social
call Nancy.  I wish I did not have to do this over the
telephone.  There has been an accident, and Dan is dead,
Nancy," Ryan says.

There is a long silence and then Nancy says, "Ryan, I must
have a bad connection, I thought you just said that Dan was
dead."

"I did Nancy.  He fell at his hotel and hit his head and fell
into the pool and drowned," Ryan tells her and she breaks
out in tears.  He can hear a man's voice in the background
and he picks up the telephone.

"Hello, who is this," inquires Dan Jr.

"This is Ryan Strathmore, Dan. I had to call to tell your
mother that your father died today in an accident," Ryan
says.

"Ryan . dad, he can't be dead," Dan says in shock.

"I am so sorry son, he had a terrible accident, hitting his
head, and he fell into the hotel pool and drowned."

"Thank you sir, for calling us. I need to go and help my
mother," he says and hangs up.

Ryan calls Marge in and instructs her to see to shipping
Dan Cooper's body home for the funeral.  He is from
Texas, and will want to be buried there he tells her.

 "Please arrange for me to attend the funeral.  I will need
train and hotel accommodations, Marge."

"Yes sir, I will get on it right away.  When do you suppose
the funeral will be," she inquires.

"I will call and see if an autopsy is going to be performed.
If it is, it could be sometime next week.  Why don't you
plan to get me tickets for this Saturday, and I can spend a
few days with his family, if necessary.  Make it an open
end ticket, I don't know when I will be back though," he
tells her.  "Marge, please keep this between you and I, no
one is to know, not even my staff, just the two of us.  If
necessary I am in mourning for Dan, if you need an
excuse."

"I understand sir, do you suspect fowl play sir?"

"Well at the moment it does seem that way.  That is why I
do not want anyone to know my plans.  Also did you make
a copy of the plans I gave to Dan?"

"Yes sir, they are in your cabinet drawer marked
miscellaneous junk, sir," she says with a smile.

"Why there, Marge?"

"Would you look there for top secret shit if you were a
thief, sir," she says with a smirk.

"You are such a clever woman, no wonder I keep you
around."

"And do not forget the big bucks you pay me also love,"
she says leaving Ryan's office.

Ryan calls Martin, tells him his plans, and instructs him to
pack for him.  He then calls the hospital to check on Sean's
condition.

"Dr. Smyth, Ryan speaking.  How is our patient doing
today?"

"He had a rough night, but is holding his own at the
moment," he tells Ryan.

Ryan tells the doctor that he must be gone for a while and
tells doctor that he can be reached through his office.  The
doctor wishes him a safe trip.  He leans back in his chair
and thinks about Dan.

"I know this was no accident Dan, and I will find the
person responsible for your death," Ryan says to himself.

Ryan gets up from his chair and retrieves his copy of the
refinery plans.  He places them in his brief case, and closes
and locks it.  He says goodbye to Marge as he leaves and
she gives him his itinerary.

"Your tickets are waiting for you at the ticket office.  You
have a private sleeper car with dining and sitting room, sir.
I have booked you at the Houston Royal Palace Hotel."

"Thank you, Marge," he says and gives her a kiss on the
cheek.  "I have told Dr. Smyth to call you if he needs to get
in touch with me.  Please call me if any emergency arises
with Dr. Smyth's patient."

He leaves his office and Leonard is waiting downstairs.  He
gets in the car and over to the police station again.  He sees
his ex-lover and inquires about an autopsy.  He tells him
that he has requested one, seeing how certain articles are
missing and now it looks like a robbery/murder.

"So you think it is a crime now, Brian," Ryan asks.

"Well after you mentioned the missing briefcase, I had
some men go to the hotel and do some investigating.  The
area around the pool at the time Mr. Cooper was to have
slipped and fell was dry, that' one against.  Then the head
injury to the area of the head seemed suspicious, that is two
against.  Then his physical condition being so fit, that was
three against.  I decided I would like the coroner to give me
his opinion as to the cause of death.

"Thanks Brian, I owe you one. Brian I was thinking after I
left, about us.  You were right, I was afraid of telling my
parents about us.  My fear was greater than my love for you
Brie, and for that I am so sorry," Ryan says taking both of
Brian's hands in his.

"Ryan, I hope you can find true happiness someday, babe.
I only hope that you overcome your fear of being
discovered before it robs you of all happiness."  They
warmly embrace and kissed, a kiss as friends departing.

"I will let you know babe what the coroner says."

"Let my secretary know, I am headed to Texas to see his
family and for the funeral.  My office is taking care of all
expenses for shipping his body home, Brie.  Would you
please inform the coroner's office and make the proper
arrangements," Ryan asks.

"Count on it babe," Brian says and gives Ryan another kiss.

Brian walks Ryan out to his car and says goodbye and
Ryan heads home to get ready to leave.

The next morning Ryan is up early and at the train station.
He is not looking forward to the long trip.  He boards the
train and finds his car; Martin puts away his things before
he leaves.

"Have a good trip sir," Martin says as he leaves.

"Thank you Martin, and I will call and keep you posted as
to my travels."

Two days later Ryan arrives in Houston, Dan Jr. meets his
train.

"Mr. Strathmore, I am Dan Cooper Jr.," he says.

"I would not have recognized how young man, it has been
so many years since I last saw you. How is your mother
and sister doing," Ryan inquires.

"As well as to be expected, I guess.  We got a telegram that
dad's body will be coming in Wednesday, and the funeral
will be Thursday."

"I wish this visit was under better circumstances Dan. I .
well just wish they were better circumstances," Ryan says
hesitantly.

"Is there something that you are not telling us, sir," Dan
asks looking Ryan in the eyes.

"Between us son, the police feel that there might be some
kind of fowl play involved.  I would not tell your mom
until we know for sure," Ryan tells Dan.  "My friend on the
Boston police force is keeping me informed about the
investigation, son."

"Would you let me know when you learn the truth sir," Dan
asks.  "I need to know the truth about what happened to my
dad," he says and tears well up in his eyes.

"I most definitely will son," Ryan says putting his arm
around the young man.  "Now lets go to my hotel and then
to see your mom."

"My mom insisted that you stay with us sir, while you were
in Houston.  She told me to make sure you came home with
me to stay," Dan says.

"That is very kind of her, I do not want to be an imposition
at a time like this, son."

Ryan follows Dan to his car and stows the luggage in the
trunk and they drive off to Dan's house.  Nancy greets them
once they are there.

"Ryan love, how sweet of you to come," she says and her
eyes are red and swollen from crying.

"Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I so wish this was a
better circumstance for my visit. How are you holding up
love?"

"As well as can be expected, I guess.  It was such a shock
when you called, and I do miss that man so much, Ryan,"
she says and she cries again.  "I don't know what we shall
do without him."

"I am here for you and the children love, anything you need
I am here."

"Thank you, Ryan."

The funeral was very sad and Nancy did not do well.  She
lost control several times and had to be consoled. I left the
following day assuring Dan that I would keep him
informed about the investigation, and to let me know if
they needed anything.  My train got in to Boston station at
shortly after twelve in the morning. I arrived home and
Martin informed me that all was well at home.  I went
upstairs and collapsed in bed from exhaustion.  I fell asleep
as soon as my head hit the pillow.

"Mr. Strathmore sir, Mass. General is on the line.  Would
you like me to take a message sir?"

"No Martin, I will take it," Ryan says getting up and
crossing the room to the telephone.  "Hello, Ryan
Strathmore speaking," Ryan, says.  "I am on my way," he
says and hangs up and rushes to dress.

Sorry readers, to be continued...

This is my new series and the next chapter is almost
finished.  I hope you enjoyed it and your comments are
most welcome at randyhoward2@yahoo.com.