But who is Mr. Hayden?
[Author's note: everyone involved is at least eighteen, and no kids are present.]
William and Dick were over for a family dinner. Something we tried to have once a month, since we all lived in the same area. After dinner, we retired to the music room, where some soft music was playing in the background, while we talked about recent events.
Dick said, "Well, it's been a while, but the bank is finally happy with the insurance settlement. Another five years, or so, and I'll own my own massage shop in Milpitas. And the folks from the hunting lodge you inherited really like my work."
William asked, "How did you guys meet them?"
I said, "Well, I got hired to evaluate a hiking trail outside San Jose. A fishing lodge had heard of me, and wanted my opinion of some hiking trails. Well, I was talking with the hunting lodge's former owner on a trail, when he suddenly died. He was a strange recluse of a man, including his last will and testament. The end result is I was named by my circumstance. He left everything to the last stranger he talked with, and one of his servants saw that was me. A few months later, the ink is dry, and I own a mansion in the hills, with a permanent staff and everything."
"So that's why you have those monthly visits to the country?"
"Yeah. Learning to manage the new staff, and all the assets is a lot of work. Fortunately, there are some accountants on that staff, and they are working with me to get me up to speed. I think I have a handle on most of it now, so I won't have the emergency calls I've been getting every once in a while."
Dick added, "As I was saying, those guys loooove what I can do with their bodies. And they love the eye candy, as well." At this, she lifted one of her breasts. Since she had just come from work, she was still in her work outfit, which was a short skirt and nothing on top.
William reached over and grabbed the other breast, and said, "Yep. Grade 'A' eye candy."
Dick just said, "William, down boy."
"Aw, do I have to?" He continued to play with her breast, but soon stopped as she gave him a look. "Okay, sis, I'll behave, for now." Then he released it.
Terry asked, "How is the bigger place doing?"
"Well, most of the old staff came with me, and the new staff is coming along nicely. I also have a good relationship with the cops. They know I push the edge of the law, but they also know I point them to, let's say, interesting people."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You know I have a sixth sense for criminals. The cops don't believe me, exactly, but they don't care, since I have a good track record."
I added, "Yeah, I do something similar at the night club. But I think I may have occasionally crossed the line of legality, and certainly crossed the line to the supernatural."
Will asked, "Mom, don't they have a problem with you doing, um... stuff? Or turning bad guys in?"
"Well, a lot of the ... stuff ... is forgotten. Perk of being me. As to turning bad guys in, I don't turn in the petty ones. That would be over half the clientele, some nights. No, I save it for the big bads. The ones that prey on the innocent, and enjoy harming others. Boss doesn't object as they also hurt business. But sometimes, I allow them to turn themselves in, or to at least sing like a canary. The cops wonder at it, but accept it like manna from heaven."
Terry said, "Mike, you may be made for sin, but man, you are truly good."
"Some might not agree."
Dick added, "Don't worry, mom. We know you mean well, generally. We also know you can kick butt when you must."
Terry added, "She can kick my butt any time she wants, and I bet I'd like it."
"Enough about me. William, what of you?"
"Well, since I was assigned to oversee the maintenance department, I have learned quite a lot. I had some issues at first, but I got them ironed out. Getting to know the people has proven enlightening. Some have been there since grandpa took over the company."
"So, you get why you need to be there?"
"Oh, yeah. I figured that out early. Our company is large, and one day, should I be selected, I might take over the company. In the meantime, I need to understand how all the various parts of the company work. I am curious, dad, why you haven't moved up into management."
"Well, I do fill in when my boss needs to be absent. He does like taking a three-week vacation and not be worried about the sales department going to hell. Also, I do quite well in sales. What you don't see, are my monthly reports to the board with what I see the customers wanting. Not just new products, but new ways of doing business, new relations, and even potential customers and rivals. Unlike the other salesmen, I am far more aware of how the company works, and how customers affect the company. I also spend one day a week reviewing stuff from all the other parts of the company, so I can keep aware of things."
"I didn't know any of that."
"When you finish your rotation, you will then seek out your place. When you find it, you will likely be given a similar role. Heck, if you wind up as a manager, you may take over, instead of me. I don't desire to be in management, but I will do so, if needed."
"Hm..."
"Don't get your hopes up yet. Gramps looks to be sticking around for a while."
Dick spoke up, and said, "Hey mom! I read on the net a story that Randy U is having troubles with a nasty rapist."
"Oh? Do tell."
"Well, mom, our alma mater seems to have some terrifying dude hunting on campus. He's preying on students, staff, even the campus cops. Yet they haven't been able to find any evidence of who he is. And the descriptions are not consistent. Also, he only attacks at night."
"Oh my! That's gonna hurt attendance."
"Yeah, they have already recommended people stay inside at night, but you know people. They will party, shop, and whatnot."
"Yep. Students go there to learn, yet continue to be stupid."
"I remember. But I'm thinking of taking some time off to check it out."
William said, "That's stupid."
At the same time, Terry said, "Huh? Why?"