Chapter 14
53. Home, but not alone
They left West Virginia at 7 AM. William was not taking any chances that Jemma was going to get home before he was. He nearly broke protocol when they pulled up in front of his Brownstone. Frank blocked his attempt to open the car door, and asked him what the fuck he was doing.
"I have to get ready for my wife, otherwise she's going to kill me."
"What would happen if she's already inside?"
"I didn't think about that."
"Sir, that's the first time I've ever heard you say you didn't think. Relax, we have to make sure the house is secure, before you step into it. If Jemma is in there, we will take you to a grocery store, and bring back a gallon of butter pecan ice cream for her. She may be angry with you, but when she sees the ice cream, she will think you are the most thoughtful husband in the whole world."
"I don't know how much I pay you, but you just received a $10,000 a month raise. After the house is checked, I want you to go to the store, and get me the best butter pecan ice cream they have, and get it back here, before she does."
"There is an ice cream store, where I can get fresh packed ice cream for her. I believe she will love it."
"Get me a few gallons of it, and tell the owner of that store never to run out of it. Tell him if he does, I'll make sure he goes out of business."
"Yes sir."
"The house is clear."
"Are you ready Mr. Zabo?"
"As soon as I am in the house, you get going."
"Yes sir."
The agents formed a box in one around him, and escorted William into the house. William Junior was next, followed by Patrick, and then Audra.
Junior turned around and said to his brother, "What the hell are you doing here? You have a home of your own around the corner."
"I guess the guards are going to take me out the back, and into my home through the backyard. Either that, or they forgot where I am living now."
"I will make sure they know the new living arrangements. I don't want to hear you and Audra bouncing off the walls."
"We don't use the walls anymore. We use the ceiling fans."
"Dad should never have turned you loose. You were respectful, while you were a virgin. Now you're just impossible."
"You must admit my smile is wider."
"I don't give a tinker's damn about your smile. You have become evil, just like dad."
"Thanks Will, I believe that's the nicest thing you have ever said to me."
The brothers hugged, then William pushed Patrick away.
"Get the hell out of this house. I don't want to see, or hear you two, until dinner, unless of course, you and Audra are still busy screwing around."
"We will set an alarm to make sure we leave enough time to shower, and get into our clothes. We will be at dinner on time. We will be able to rest, before our evening recreation begins."
"Damn, it would be wonderful to be 16 again. All that youthful energy, and a beautiful girl at your disposal."
"From what I've heard William, you didn't do too bad yourself."
"I am not complaining, little brother; I am just remembering."
William Senior walked down the stairwell, and looked at his sons.
"Patrick take Audra and go to your new home. If you are here when our wives return, you could be injured in the calamity that will follow."
Junior asked, "Dad isn't that one of your bullet resistant suits?"
"Yes it is. Your mother may not have a weapon, with bullets in it, but her fists are deadly weapons, and I want to protect myself as much as possible."
"That is a fantastic idea, dad. I think I will put one of mine on. From my conversation with mom, I could be in as much trouble as you are."
"I am still a little smarter than you are William. I sent Frank to get a few gallons of fresh butter pecan ice cream. I will keep them between your mother, and me. She won't know whether to kill me, or kiss me."
"Give me Frank's number. I'll have him pick up a few gallons of Rum Raisin ice cream. I hope they get me the same result you are hoping for."
Patrick said, "Goodbye you two, I am not getting married before my 30
th
birthday. I don't have to put up with that garbage until then."
"Remember Pat, I have $100 that says you're getting married before then."
"Give dad a $100 bill, Will, and let him frame it. It is as good as mine."
"Dad, PLEASE!"
"If the bet was for $100 million, I would say yes. It is only for $100, so I have to say no."
"Patrick go home before I lose my temper."
"I love you big brother."
"Do you see what I mean dad; he can ruin your entire month."
"He is learning from you, and he is learning very quickly. You should be very proud of yourself; you are doing an excellent job."
"Are you trying to ruin the following month, dad?"
"No, my son, I am telling you that when I am gone, you are going to be the best Chief Executive Officer any company has ever seen."
"I told you Will, I may be smart, but we will run our companies together, with no animosity between us."
"Patrick, go home."
"Did you know Audra can cook?"
"No I didn't."
"Yes, she is a brilliant chef. She has come up with a formula to burn water."
"Get out of here, and go home."