Jack Sullivan had heard about and wanted to join the club after taking his new job as plant manager in the new town, and now his family was settle in, his sixteen year old daughter Marlene was now comfortable in her new school and his thirty two year old wife had made friends and doing the social thing around town. Now he had received his invitation to visit, with the possibility of becoming a member. It was Tuesday night the special meeting was set seven o'clock, his friend Rob told him he would meet with the membership committee and learn just what the prestigious men's club was about.
Ron picked him up after work, and drove him to the club. Ron Little was a middle aged man with salt and pepper hair, broad shoulders with a narrow waist, he stood six foot tall and was in very good shape. As they rode to the club he gave Jack some advice, " they'll want to know all about your past, tell just what they ask about, don't volunteer anything, Ralph will ask most of the questions, he always does, if he asks you something you don't feel comfortable about just look at me and I'll get you out of it." He said trying to calm his friend's nerves.
After the car was parked the two men walked to the front door where they were meet by a tall man in a gray suite. "Eric, this is Jack Sullivan, I am sponsoring him for membership tonight." Ron said taking the man's hand and then presenting Jack to him. "Jack this Eric Taylor our sergeant at arms.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Sullivan, I hope you find our little club to your liking." The big man said taking Jack's hand.
"Yes nice to meet you also, and I believe I will love to be a member if I am expectable." Jack replied.
Rob lead Jack into a room to the right of the entrance hall were there was a table with six chair one on each end and two on each side. "Sit here," Ron said pointed at the chair at the end of the table with the back to the door. "The committee will be in shortly." Then he left Jack in the room alone.
After a short wait the committee members filed in. first Ron, took the chair to Jack's right and nearest to him, then Eric sat in the chair to his left the other three chairs were taken by rest of the men. At the head of the table was an older gentlemen with gray hair, to his right was a much younger man maybe in his mid twenties to his left was a man about Jack's age.
After all had been seated Ron stood, "Gentlemen, I would like to present to you, Jack Sullivan, an outstanding member of the community and family man for acceptance into the club." He announced and then he sat back down.
"Thank you Mr. Little." The older man at the head of the table said standing, "Each member of the committee will introduce himself, I see you already know Mr. Little, and you have meet Mr. Taylor. I am Conrad Carter. My grandfather was one of the founding members of this club. I am the High Commissioner of this club for men , there are things you will see and hear that should not be repeated. Do you under stand?" he said never taking his eyes off of the prospected member.
"Yes I do understand." Jack replied.
"Good we may continue." The older man stated. And took his seat.
Then the man to his right and left rose in turn, and each introduced them self as Rodney Smith and Thomas Hyatt, before sitting down. Then the questions began, Jack answered each carefully even the once that became personal about his wife and daughter. He told them he had long wanted to join the club and would do what ever it took to do so. After an hour of this he was asked to step out side the room while they discussed his membership, so he went into the hall and waited. After a while he was called back in.
"Mr. Sullivan, you have been excepted by this committee. That means by the club, as of now it is up to you whether you are a member in good standing." The commissioner stated, "but before you decide we want you to know more about what the club is about." He continued. "But first you must swear that what you see, hear and do will go to you grave with you."
"I so swear." Jack said hold his right hand in the air with his left one on the bible presented to him by his friend Rob.
"Good, Ok Gentlemen lets pick the lucky member. For tomorrows introduction meeting." Conrad said pointing to Eric, who brought forth a box and sit it on the table, he opened it and stuck his hand inside pulling out a slip of paper, then handed it to Rob.
Rob took the paper and unfolded it, "Robert DeVoit." He read aloud, handing the paper to Eric who then left the room and returned with another man.
