Chapter 18
Writer's Notes:
'Real Love' is my personal tribute to JammyJimmy's (JJ) story, 'Threads: The Island'. I give JJ credit, because credit is due, for this story and for my own inspiration and entrance into writing. 'Real Love' is actually the first story I wrote, even before 'Tale of Two Teens', my first published story.
As I was writing this story way back when, I was hoping JJ would be the editor. Having been unable to make contact with him, I have been reluctant to release it. Some say JJ has passed away, but I don't know. JJ, if you read this and want this story removed, please contact me. Several readers have relayed to me, both publically and privately, that they would like it released.
Therefore, 'Real Love' is an unauthorized, reimagined rewrite and sequel to JJ's story, 'Threads: The Island'. The general storyline in JJ's story is embedded in this story. Several of the character names have been changed because this is my story. Anyone who has read JJ's story will identify the characters quickly, starting with my main character, Bradley Weber, formerly known as Kyle Watson in JJ's story.
This story is long, but tolerant and filled with several emotions. If you stick with it, you will experience euphoria, happiness, sadness, sorrow and it will make you horny. You'll be disgusted, pissed off, scared and you'll grieve, cry, frown, smile and sometimes, you'll laugh, I hope.
'Real Love' starts off slow, but gains speed with age. Feel free to leave comments about what you like and what you dislike about the story. Feedback is a good thing for those writers who want to know what reader's like and dislike about their stories.
Please don't be mean in the comments because those that put in many hours over a period of several months, and thought into designing and writing these stories don't appreciate it, nor do they deserve it.
I do hope you enjoy the 'Real Love' series. Just don't forget one important detail -- it's fiction. Please do give us 'not so professional' writers a little slack.
JJ, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, fair winds and following seas my friend.
Let the saga of Bradley Weber continue...
MDSW
* * * * *
As Brad makes his way to where Peggy, Stacy, Craig and Brian wait on the stage, he joins his sisters as the Security Chief calls the room to order. As the noise quiets to a dull roar, Brian begins the explanation of why they have been called to the meeting.
"Thank you for gathering here and our apologies about the lack of notice, but we're dealing with an unusual circumstance," Brian begins, speaking loudly to the room.
Brad notices the amount of frowns that look back at them and he set his face in a neutral expression.
"Two days ago, Master Bradley was approached by a member of the staff, who will remain anonymous, with allegations of sexual abuse committed by Charles on a numerous occasions over the last year..."
A voice looms from the packed in crowd, saying, "It was me," Sara interrupts, unexpectedly, speaking loud enough for all to hear.
The room goes so quiet you can hear a pin drop.
"I've been a sex slave to Charles for the last year. He has done things to me I wouldn't dare tell my mother. I want everyone to know he did that to me, but it could have been any one of us. I put up with it for a year because he blackmailed me into doing it by making up a really good, believable, but false story and provided false documents to prove it to me. I found out later he made it all up, thanks to Master Bradley."
"I was afraid to report his abuse. I'm sure everyone has heard of the rumored helicopter ride I took with Master Bradley. It's not a rumor. That was when I got the courage to make my accusation. I had to get clear of Charles or I would never be able to say anything about what happened to me. I gave Master Bradley a note asking him to arrange the helicopter ride through Charles for another reason, but it was just a cover."
"It wasn't easy for me to admit to being a victim, but I felt it was now or never. I don't want to talk about it anymore and I hope everyone will respect that. I have lived with it long enough and now it's over for me. All I have left to do is survive the healing process... Thank you all for your understanding."
She's quavering by the end, runs out of the meeting to her room, expecting to cry the rest of the day. The meeting room remains silent until Brian takes back control.
"All of us owe Sara a debt of gratitude for doing what she did. Remember what she said... It could have been any one of us and I agree with her assessment, having seen the evidence Master Bradley has uncovered, which includes a video of Charles actually abusing her."
"An investigation into the matter was conducted with the assistance of Mr Grant, and with Mr Alden as a legal advisor. Early this morning, Master Bradley went to see Charles in his apartment to notify him he's under investigation. With him was Connor Grant, a guest on the Island, and, as many of you know, a Security Specialist."
A murmur runs around the room and Brad knows every set of eyes are looking at him.
"During the course of questioning him and presenting evidence, eventually, Charles admitted his guilt, but attacked Master Bradley in a rage of anger. The result of the attack was that Master Bradley was struck on the back of his head, giving him the concussion he's currently recovering from. Mr Grant was on hand and gave immediate assistance, rendering Charles temporarily incapacitated from doing any more damage."
Another ripple of whispered conversations and giggles rush around the room, gradually ceasing when Brian holds up a hand for silence.
"At this point, knowing him to be guilty, Master Bradley dismissed Charles from his position as Island Manager with immediate effect. Arrangements have been made to fly him back to his home country of England, and Master Bradley has just returned from escorting him to Betsy, where Captain Wales and Mr Grant are taking him to the big island. Mr Grant is rendering his assistance on the boat to ensure that he's put on the aircraft that's waiting for him and they're doing that as we speak."
Brad can see many of the expressions turn to smiles, some hidden, and many of the staff appears to be pleased by the news. The rest look either uninterested or aren't showing what they are thinking to protect themselves, in case he shows up later that day.
"Now, obviously, this leaves us with a post to be filled and Mr Alden has been asked to fill it on a temporary basis until the vacancy can be filled. In the meantime I'd like you all to render him every possible assistance to ensure a smooth transition."
The audience engages in conversation with one another as the noise level increases substantially. Brad takes a deep breath, knowing there's a couple of things that needs to be said and takes a step forward.
"I'd like to add a few words," Brad says loudly.
He looks around the room, then begins to wobble on his feet as his head informs him he's in no condition to be yelling anything, and gets dizzy. Stacy and Peggy jump in and steady him before he falls to the floor. He's close to doing that when Brian also steps in and assists his sisters.
Kelly is deeply concerned about his condition, but thought it best to stay out of the way, for now. She has to hold herself back with all the will power she has, and she needs all of it to stay in her seat.
"I shouldn't have yelled so loud..." he says, getting his eyes to focus again and proceeds. "The Island staff is important to myself and my sisters, Stacy and Peggy, and I'm personally offended when someone is abusive toward the staff. When I found out for sure what Charles was doing, I fired his ass and escorted him off the Island. He's being taken by boat to the big island as we speak where he will be escorted to a plane that will fly him back to England."
"Strangely enough, he just had to have both of his throw rugs to go with him and so we wrapped them up so they won't get wet on the boat ride, and put it on the boat. I honestly didn't know throw rugs were that heavy either," he says as a few giggles break out.
"Anyway, anything of this nature will be handled quickly and efficiently as possible. The situation with Charles came as a surprise to us all, but it's been dealt with. If there are problems like this on the Island, or any abuse of our employees, we want to know about them. You can trust myself, Peggy and Stacy, any of our assistants and we all have the utmost faith in Mr Kane and Mr Alden. So again, if there are problems, we want to know about them. They will be dealt with as quickly as possible."
He pauses for a moment, formulating his next point in his head, then continues.
"Sara didn't have to reveal she was the victim. At first, I thought she would have been better off if she kept it to herself. But, now that she has admitted it to everyone, I realize I was wrong because it's part of her healing process. She deserves respect and a little love from all of us so the next time you see her, I ask you to give her a hug. Her courage earlier in this meeting and from the helicopter ride has been an inspiration to us all. The ride she took with me was the beginning of the end of the abuse she has endured for a year. If nothing else, she definitely can use all the hugs she can get right about now. During the course of the last year, she has experienced what hell is like. I admire her bravery and her strength for doing what she did..."
