It was Sunday morning; Jack had got up just after nine; it was a beautiful morning. He had his breakfast on the balcony of his luxurious penthouse apartment. He thought that it was eleven years since he had bought it. He had been graduated for two years with his Accountancy and Law degrees. His first book had been published that year; it had been an absolute success; it was now on its eighty reprints. Fourteen other books had also been published; he now had sold over one hundred million books.
Jack had been very quiet about his success; he wrote using a nom de plume, though he had written two successful books on Asset Management in his own name. He lived quietly; he drove a small car but mostly walked around the coastal town he lived in. When he first bought the Penthouse, he had been dating a girl for a year. Jack felt that the Penthouse with its lift would have been ideal if he and his girlfriend had any kids in the future. He has dated this girl until two and a half years ago. He didn't miss her at all apart from the sex. Then after a dental appointment, he asked a busty dental hygienist out for a meal. She filled the sex void; she was married but not in a happy relationship.
Jack's family home was a half hours drive away. He still kept in contact with his mum. Usually, she phoned on a Sunday evening when Jack was watching television. He took the time to talk and listen to her. Over the last couple of months, mum complained that Jack's father was spending less and less time at home. Mum was convinced that he had something going on. Jack's father was an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant. It was not unusual for him to go to other Hospitals to do significant operations. He had also invented several surgical instruments for ENT operations. Jack's father was a wealthy man.
Jack father was now mostly staying with Jack's younger sister. This had sent warning signals to Jack's mum. Jack was very close to his mum and not very close to his father. Jack's mobile rang, it was his mum, she said, "Good morning Jack, what a gorgeous morning, it's beautiful here, how is it with you?"
"It's lovely mum, I've just had breakfast on the balcony; it's going to be a great day today; I think that I'll dust down the barbecue. What are you doing today?"
"Not much Jack, I've not heard from your father for over three weeks; my allowance came into my Bank at the end of the month but not a phone call from him. I'd love to get away for a few days. Can you give me a bed, and I'll cook and clean for you?"
Jack knew things were serious when mum said this; Jack replied, "I would love that mum, come and stay as long as you want. When will you be here? Shall we go to the Grange for lunch?"
"I was hoping that you'd say that, my bags packed, I'd love at the Grange, their roast on a Sunday lunch is excellent there, see you soon, I'll put on something a little more formal if we're going out for lunch."
Jack then checked his wallet; he had no money; he walked to the Bank and got some cash. He got home and changed into a blazer and trousers with a shirt and tie. He looked smart when the security system buzzed; mum was at the door; Jack asked if he could help with her bag. Mum told him her suitcase had wheels. Jack was standing at the lift door when it opened, mum looked good, but she was looking a little tired. Jack hugged her; they cheek kissed each other. Jack carried mum's suitcase into her bedroom, then said, "I've made a reservation for twelve. Shall we have a glass of Champagne on the balcony?"
"I'd love that, let me unpack my suitcase; I have several things that I don't want to be creased. Jack, I'm so happy to be here; I feel so comfortable in this apartment. Is what I'm wearing too formal for lunch, or would you prefer me in something more casual?"
Mum looked gorgeous; the outfit that she was wearing showed her curves to perfection. She looked beautiful with her pearl necklace and earrings; if anything, she could have undone a couple of buttons on her blouse; Jack didn't tell her this; he said, "You look, gorgeous mum, I'll be on the balcony with the Champagne."
Jack was sitting on the balcony, two glasses had been poured, but he had waited for mum. Mum had a smile on her face when she came out; Jack noticed two things, one button of her blouse had been undone, and mum wasn't wearing her wedding or engagement rings. She had a diamond ring on but not on her wedding finger. They toasted each other, then mum said, "It's gorgeous here, I could sunbathe here, and nobody would see me. The last month hasn't been good for me, Jack. Your father has been drifting apart for the last two years. I don't believe that he could afford a divorce as all the medical instruments he made were in my time; the royalties are enormous."
Jack replied, "Mum, remember that I'm a lawyer, I know lots of lawyers, father would be a fool to take us on. You relax and enjoy yourself; I think that you've realised that your marriage is dead, you must move on with your life. You can stay here as long as you want, you'll be under no pressure here, and if anything happens then, I can shield you from it."
"Jack, thank you so much; I believe that your father is fucking one of his junior doctors; she's twenty-nine; I was told that in confidence from another doctor at the hospital. I was going to employ a private detective; should I do that?"