Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 05:17:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: RON ROBBINS <ron.robbins@yahoo.com>
Subject: FAMILY & FRIENDS-MAC-PART-24

This story contains graphic sexual scenes between males. If material of
this nature offends you then you should not read this story.  Additionally,
if you are under 18 years of age in most states you are not allowed to read
this story by law.

This story is purely a work of fiction.  Any resemblance to person's living
or dead, or to events that may have occurred, is purely coincidental.

The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or
publication of this story is allowed, except by the web sites to which it
has been posted, without the consent of the author.


			     FAMILY & FRIENDS


				****MAC****

				  PART 24

		     By Ron Robbins -- Edited by Bill


			     TWO MONTHS LATER


	The last few months were hectic for everyone.  Mike Lee and Karl
Landsdorf had finally returned from Europe to begin operating their new
divisions from the corporate offices. Drew had sold a parcel of land to
both Mike and Doug to build their new homes. The only restriction being
that if they ever decided to sell, the property would revert to the Retreat
at fair market value. They both submitted their plans at the same time,
which included a provision for a private road that would connect the
estates to the Retreat complex.

	Work on the road and the houses were started, and the new homes
would be ready for occupancy in six months.

	Mac had put together a package for Lenore to establish a new
division that would concentrate exclusively in the general practice of Law
for National & International business firms.

	Mac had succeeded in hiring three full time teachers for Lance. The
schedule allowed him the flexibility to pursue all the activities and
educational programs he needed. He received special permission from the NY
Board of regents allowing Lance to sit for the mid-term exams and any final
exam at the Stevens Glen High School giving him the necessary credits to
allow him to enter college. Of course Yale had developed a special program
for students like Lance and he was enrolled in that program. In the short
time Lance attended Stevens High School; he met and became friendly with
two bright teenagers that were on the swim team with him, Paul Cunningham,
and Frank Hartley. Lance continued his swimming lessons while he was home
schooled and he remained active on his high school swim team. All three
boys were dedicated to their team and attended every match.  Lance asked
his father if Paul and Frank could train with him at the Retreat.

	Mac asked Doug and Pat to investigate both boys and their family
background before he would allow them access to the Retreat.

	Doug said as he presented the final report to Mac, "Paul Cunningham
is a clean-cut young teenager.  He is a junior in High School and an
A-student. He is active in sports and was junior class president. He has a
spotless record and with a ten-year-old sister. Both parents are hard
working middle class parents.  They are own a chain of fast-food
restaurants that have been very successful. Jeff Cunningham runs the
business while his wife Janet takes care of the financial and accounting
end of the business. They both work out of an office they had built onto
their home. They own a nice home in a gated community. Paul works part-time
at the restaurants in town. Their home and grounds are valued at $750
thousand.  The business is grossing six million a year. They are a very
close-knit, loving-family.  Frank Hartley is a sophomore in Stevens High
and is sixteen years old, a clean-cut young man. His father is a regional
manager for a large paint company. They also live in a middle class
neighborhood. Frank has two brothers, one is a senior at Cornell University
and the other brother is a freshman at Seaton Hall University. Mrs. Hartley
is a homemaker and is active in the PTA and the Red Cross. Both families
are well liked and are active in their community."

	Mac said, "Well I don't see any reason why Paul and Frank can't
work out with Lance, do you?"

	"I think they are nice young teenagers.  Pat said he had a chance
to observe the two young men at the High School and said they are okay in
his book."

	Mac said, "I'll let Lance know that Paul and Frank are welcome to
take swimming lessons with him. Will you see to it that they have passes to
use the lift?  I'm glad that they check out. Lance needs to have friends
his own age to hang out with."

	Lance adored Lenore and showed his affection in so many little
ways. Lenore dropped her rough and tough way when she was with Lance, she
acted like a mother. They developed a friendly and close relationship. They
would have lunch every time Lance was in town. Lenore's parents were crazy
about him. He was their second grandson. Naturally, they loved their
natural grandson, Mac Junior, Lenore's first-born, but Lance had that
natural charm and warmth that was hard to resist. They invited him to visit
many times, but he had such a heavy schedule, he was lucky he could spend a
day, let alone a weekend. Lenore and Lance would drive to New Jersey for
lunch and spend a few hours with the folks.

	The MacDonald Stevens board had approved a plan to finance two
special projects. One was a charitable organization to shelter abused
children like Lance. The second project was the establishment of a
Foundation to build and maintain a private school for exceptional students
like Lance. It was named the MacDonald Stevens Academy for Advanced
Studies.

	Mac felt they could recruit enough students from all over the
tri-state area to begin first year class of twenty-five students. They
relied on local schools to recruit their applicants. Each applicant would
be thoroughly screened before they could be enrolled in either program.

	In the case of the abused children program, the court must turn
over guardianship of a child until they reach eighteen. The children would
live, and be educated at the foundation-owned facilities and at eighteen
would be encouraged to attend a vocational training program, or go on to
the university.  Again, the foundation would also pay all costs for that as
well. This was known as the MacDonald Stevens Academy.

	The exceptional child program was handled in the same way, except
the children would only be boarded if travel to and from the academy was a
burden on the student.  The students were encouraged to live at home and
commute to the academy every day. Parents that could afford to pay tuition
were asked to do so.

	The need for the programs was obvious and the benefits to society
incalculable. All students were eligible for entry-level opportunities in
the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation and the GW Stevens Company.

	GW Stevens and the MacDonald Stevens corporations each agreed to
match any private donations. Both men made a private donation of five
million dollars each to the foundation to start the program. Their
directors together donated twenty million. The foundation started with a
budget of thirty five million dollars. All of the top executives from both
divisions agreed to serve on the committees to establish the foundations
and to draw up the rules and regulations for each academy.

	Both Mac and Drew donated stock to the foundation to make sure the
foundation continued long into the future. The board of directors for the
two funds read like the Who's-Who in the social register.

	It would be another six months before they would add on the special
school addition for the MacDonald Stevens Academy for Advanced Education.
Drew had donated the land in the buffer zone between Stevens Glen and the
Retreat. The buildings were a mixture of classic and modern design giving
the appearance of a storybook village. The model showed that the complex
was completely self-sufficient including security personnel and its own
sanitary, water and power generating system.

	Mac mentioned at his board meeting that he was planning to give a
welcoming party for Lance. In addition, the party would celebrate the
announcement of the two new foundations.  What started out to be a nice
family and friend's type gathering was forgotten after Noel Erickson
started organizing things. By the time he finished, the party snowballed
into a huge bash. One by one, his directors outdid the other until the
meeting ended up with a joint corporate sponsored event, which would
highlight the progress of the two companies. Committees were formed, and
additional meetings were scheduled to hammer out the guest lists.

	Mac's initial party totaled a hundred people tops, however the new
party ended up being bigger than Mac's Graduation party at the Waldorf
Astoria.

	Eight committees were formed to deal with different segments of the
party. The final guest list added up to 1200 people, six hundred of which
were to be overnight guests Saturday night. One hundred fifty children were
on the list, including the junior and senior class of the Stevens Glen High
School.

	Charles and Claudia King were appointed as Chairpersons of the
committees. Jen Johnson chaired the children's committee, for toddlers to
teenagers. Rod and David Chang chaired the finance committee.  Mac was in
charge of the entertainment committee. Karl Landsdorf was responsible for
all communications.  Mike Lee's committee coordinates all transportation
both National and International. Noel chaired the committee handling all
overnight reservations, Pete and Doug chaired all security and crowd
control and liaison with the local police departments. Drew chaired the
committee for food and decoration. Drew's mother headed up the committee
for preparing the guest list. Scott headed up the medical emergency
group. Chip, RW and John Chang were in charge of facilities, planning and
erection of stages, lighting and parking.

	Drew was an old hand at this, so his first order of business was to
call in his two Party Consultants and work out the details. One was a
specialist in interior and exterior decorating and space planning.  The
second was an expert in preparing and feeding large groups, from one
hundred, up to several thousand. Drew and Mac spent several days planning
the guest lists. This was their first priority, because this was the
determining factor in planning the party. It was really three parties in
one. The main purpose was to introduce Lance, the second was a party for
Lance and his cousins and friends and the third was to showcase the
MacDonald-Stevens/GW Stevens two year progress report and the announcement
of their two new foundations.

	The Corporate Image presentation was a formal affair that took
place Saturday evening before the cocktail party and sit down dinner. Two
huge tents were set up for the dinner party. A band shell was erected at
the front of the office building entrance that was to be used for three
separate functions. The first was the afternoon Concert program. The same
stage and seating arrangement would also be used for the corporate
presentation that evening. Later it would be changed for the live Variety
show after dinner.  While the guests were watching the show, the two tents
would be set up as two dance clubs. One for Jazz and the other with a dance
band for those that wished to dance.

	The guests had the option of staying overnight at a nearby resort
hotel, being flown by helicopters to any one of the three major airports in
the area, or being flown to midtown New York any time during the
evening. Shuttle buses had been reserved to ferry guests to and from their
hotels, or to the car parks close by.

	After the addition of the last two Divisions, Mac had his
Advertising Agency develop a corporate image presentation to promote
MacDonald-Stevens Divisions. The agency worked with the Presidents of each
Division to expand on their product or service. The visual presentation was
designed as a stand alone, to promote a division, or combined as a
corporate image presentation with all the Divisions included.

	Early on Mac had a meeting with his group presidents and told them
of his plans for the corporate image presentation. He asked them to submit
a list of their top customers, and any prospective customers for inclusion
in his gala.

	He called on his in-house agency to write a short script for the
speech each of his top executives would make at the event including the
speeches for himself, Drew, and Lance. Mac hired his speech coach to work
with him and Lance to polish their presentation. Drew's welcoming speech
was to start at five o'clock, followed by Mac and Lance. After that, the
corporate image presentation would commence with a five-minute speech by
each of the Division Presidents followed by the closing by Mac.

	After his closing statements, he would ask the guests to walk to
the dining area for cocktails and then dinner.

	The teenage party was to begin at the same time the presentations
were being shown to the adult audience.  A pop concert was scheduled to be
held at the Stevens Valley High School. Drew's caterers and decorators
would be handling that party as well.  The concert was to be held in the
auditorium, and only invited guests; chaperones and teenagers would be
attending.

	At first Lance was nervous about making a speech in front of a
large audience until Mac had a long talk with him and explained to him that
everyone was nervous in the beginning, that he must learn to overcome it as
this was the only way to communicate his ideas to his audience. Mac worked
with him until his speech was perfect.

	Finally the big weekend was upon them and everything and everyone
was ready. As the guests began arriving Saturday morning, the teenage
guides who were all dressed in the same uniform greeted them. All the
guests were escorted to the Sports pavilion for the signing in
ceremony. Each guest received a name tag with their first name, their city
and country of residence. Each person was assigned a locker where they
could store their evening clothes.  They were then shown the women's and
men's changing areas and where the hair stylists and dressers were standing
by for those that needed assistance. The guides told the guests there would
be conducted tours of the facilities every twenty-five minutes. They each
were given a program and guide map of areas that were open to the public at
the Retreat.  Those who did not wish to tour were directed to the luncheon
area where they could have light refreshments and snacks.  Brunch would
begin at noon followed by the welcoming ceremonies.

	A variety of entertainment would start at the tennis courts from
one and continue to four that afternoon. The concert began promptly at two
and official festivities would begin at the band shell at five.

	Drew welcomed everyone and thanked them for sharing the event with
them. He pretty much ran through the program and explained the adult
portions of the party and the teenage party at the high school. People were
free to roam the Retreat and ask the many guides for help if they needed
it. He hoped that his guests would mingle and enjoy themselves.

	After the concert, the band shell completely changed to a stage
with two huge screens, a large podium with two pencil thin mikes and draped
with very expensive fabric.  There were beautiful large sprays of flowers
placed on the stage to soften the effect.

	Drew was the first to speak and again welcoming them to this
celebration and to share the delightful summer evening with them, and then
introduced Mac.

	Mac greeted the assembled guests in four languages than he became
very friendly with his audience. He explained how the little party for his
son turned into this large celebration. He injected humor and had the
audience laughing at some inside humor of putting an international event
like this together. "Now my friends I would like you to meet the young man
who was responsible for bringing us all together tonight, my son, Lance
MacDonald Stevens.

	The audience clapped while Mac walked toward Lance who was walking
onto the stage.  He put his arm around his shoulders and walked with him to
the podium.

	"He told me he was nervous since this is the first time he has ever
addressed such a large and distinguished group," Mac said. "But I explained
to him that every person that has ever spoken to a large audience for the
first time gets butterflies, isn't that right folks?"  The audience
clapped. "I'll keep quiet for a few minutes and let my son say a few
words."

	Lance said, "Thank you ladies and gentlemen for sharing this
wonderful evening with me. I am overwhelmed by the kindness you have shown
me by attending this celebration today. However, my true gratitude goes to
my father who answered my prayers and rescued me from a life of
unbelievable torture. He has given me the chance to lead a normal and
healthy life and I don't think you will ever know the true love and
affection that I have received from my wonderful new family at this
Retreat. Thank you again for coming and enjoy your evening."

	Lance, like Mac, had that magic with his audience. The audience
gave him a standing ovation. He bowed, hugged his father and walked off the
stage.

	"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your warm applause," Mac
said. "Now, for our presentation."  As Mac walked off the stage, the two
large screens merged and the show began. After the presentation was over,
Mac returned to the stage and introduced the presidents of his
divisions. Each man gave his prepared speech and departed.

	Mac returned to the stage once again and said, "Now ladies and
gentlemen the moment you have all been waiting for all evening, it's
cocktail time." He repeated in four languages and left with the rest of the
crowd.

	Drew caught up to him, "That was a clever speech you delivered.  It
was amusing the way you got your message across as well as being very
entertaining.  The way you handled Lance too, was very touching and you
shared your joy with everyone in the audience. I'm very proud of you."

	"Thank you my love, I think that son of mine is going to do just
fine in the future," Mac said. "That was not his prepared speech, that
speech was from his heart, I'm so proud of that kid."

	"Yours was not the prepared speech either, Mac, was it?"

	"No, I thought about it over and over again, and realized that this
whole event began with a little family gathering to welcome Lance to the
family, and it ended up being a slick presentation to promote the
Corporation. When I stood in front of that audience and saw Lance standing
in the wings, I decided to tell it like it was. I felt much better about
myself after that."

	"I'm glad you did," Drew said. "You always manage to do the right
thing Mac, that's why I love you."

	As expected, the crowd thinned out after dinner.  There was a
constant flow of people flying back to Manhattan. Mike Lee had hired a
shuttle service to ferry the people back to the City.

	Only two hundred people were on hand for Brunch on Sunday. Everyone
said they had a wonderful time. The entire party was over by three that
afternoon. The special crews had already removed the band shell and had the
office complex area back to normal. The large tents were gone and the area
next to the mansion was cleared. Lance and his cousins along with his two
friends, Paul and Frank were at the swimming pool playing water polo.

	Drew hosted a supper party for his family and associates who worked
on the gala. Mac made a little speech thanking everyone for their help and
congratulated them on the success of the party.

	They spent the rest of the day recounting some of the humorous
anecdotes and screw ups that turned out to be hilarious. Everyone had gone
by eight o'clock and most of the household turned in early.


                                  **********************


	Mac was still receiving thank you notes weeks after the party. He
was working in his office concentrating on the new project he was putting
together and was unaware that Drew was standing next to him until he
touched his arm. He looked up at Drew and saw the look on his face, "Are
you alright, sweetheart?" Mac said.  "You're as white as a ghost."

	"I've just received some horrible news," Drew said. "Lance, Lenore
and Pat were involved in a bad automobile accident. They are flying them to
the New York Hospital."

	Mac picked up his telephone and called Scott to tell him the news.
He asked Scott to act as the family physician and fly with them to the
hospital. "I need you with us, Scott, can you make it?"

	"You bet.  I'll meet you at the pad," Scott said. "I need to call
Noel with the news before I leave.  Give me five minutes."

	Mac called the pilot to tell him that he wanted to leave in ten
minutes for Manhattan. He called his VP of Public Relations and instructed
him to handle the media and to assign his people to handle the press at the
New York Hospital. He also told him to answer all calls regarding the
accident. He called his secretary Barbara and told her to contact Kim and
Chris to have them refer all calls to the PR Department. Pete Schneider
would also keep her informed of what was going on and she should clear all
personal calls and appointments for Drew and him.

	The helicopter lifted off as soon as Scott and Pete were on
board. The pilot asked everyone to put on their earphones and switch to
channel two; they are repeating the special bulletin about the accident.

	"We repeat once again, the wife and son of the well know
businessman Duncan Stevens were involved in a tragic automobile accident
between a truck and the Stevens' SUV on the New Jersey Turnpike. We have
confirmed that the driver of the SUV was killed instantly. The driver of
the truck was injured and has been taken to the hospital. We don't have all
the facts yet. What we do know is that the Emergency Rescue team of the
fire department was able to remove the passengers from the crushed SUV. The
other passengers in the SUV were Mrs. Stevens, her son Lance, and an
unidentified male passenger. The injured victims are being flown to a
hospital in New York City for treatment. We will have more information for
you later in the broadcast."

	Charles was waiting with the new SUV when they arrived at the
helicopter pad. He drove them to the New York Hospital.

	Mac took Drew's hand, "I'm sorry sweetheart, this has been as hard
on you, but I had to get these things out of the way first. Scott, I sense
that one of the three has just died. The thing that is driving me up the
wall is who. It is essential that Drew and I sneak into that hospital
without being noticed. I'm sure the emergency entrance and the main
entrance to the hospital will be swarming with media people. Can you get us
in through the doctor's entrance?  Do you know any doctor with pull in this
hospital?"

	Scott said, "I know the chief of Staff, Dr. Mosic and the head of
Emergency Trauma center Dr. Grace."

	"Call both of them right now and tell them we are on our
way. Please explain to them that we need to get in without being
noticed. Ask Dr. Grace if he can provide you with three sets of green
scrubs to get into the emergency area without arousing any attention."

	"That will work," Scott said. "I'll have them meet us in the
doctor's lounge. We can change in the locker room."

	Scott made the necessary arrangements. They pulled into the parking
garage and entered the hospital through the Physicians entrance.  Dr. Grace
met them and took them into the doctors' locker room to change into the
greens.  Scott introduced Mac, Drew, and Pete.

	"I'm sorry your family was involved in the senseless accident," Dr
Grace said. "I think you better know what you are walking into. If you have
weak stomachs and can't stand the sight of blood, you should stay out of
the emergency room.  Mr. Stevens, I must inform you that your wife didn't
make it. She is legally brain dead. We have her on life support equipment
now. The baby is still alive. Mrs. Stevens is being prepared for a Cesarean
section operation. We are waiting for the specialists to arrive who will
perform the operation.  Your son is in critical condition, and we have
stabilized him. He will pull through, but Pat McCormick may not make it. I
give him a 50/50 chance. We are waiting to hear from a plastic surgeon and
an orthopedic surgeon to come in before we can start on Lance."

	"My wife is an organ donor and wanted her organs donated to the
organ bank if she was killed, so please make arrangements," Mac said. "I
will sign the papers when they're ready. Scott, you are the best
reconstructive plastic surgeon around, do you think you can operate on
Lance?"

	"Of course Mac," Scott said. "Let me call Dr. Clarence Cohen at
Mount Sinai hospital to see if he will take care of the broken bones.  He's
the best in the business."

	Scott went into the other room and made his call to Dr. Cohen. He
was back in a few minutes and said, "Clarence is on his way over here. We
will need your best people on this one Dr. Grace, and we will need two
teams since we will both be working on Lance at the same time. Now we
better see our patient."

	Mac was shocked when he saw Lance. He was on a large hospital
stretcher and covered with a thermal blanket. He had a blood transfusion
going into his left arm, an IV and antibiotics into his right arm. There
were pressure bandages on both legs and another large bandage covering his
face. There was a plastic oxygen tube inserted in his nose. He also had a
urinary catheter inserted in his penis that fed into a plastic bag, which
held a mixture of blood and urine. He also had been connected to automatic
monitoring equipment.

	Scott read the x-rays and shook his head. He rolled back the
bandages on Lance's face and shook his head again and put the bandages back
in place.

	"He's in bad shape," Scott said. "This operation is going to take a
long time. He won't be able to speak for months afterward.  He has a broken
jaw and a broken nose with some splintered bone chips floating around.  I
hope he doesn't lose his teeth. Both his legs and his left arm are
broken. Life has not been kind to this poor kid so far, but it could have
been a lot worse. We can be thankful that he has no brain damage. If you
and Drew want to be alone with him until he's ready for surgery you can. Dr
Grace will be around and the nurses here are the best. I'll need more
x-rays before we start. If you want to get closer you can; he's sedated and
he can't speak.

	"He doesn't have to speak, Scott," Mac said. He and Drew walked
over to Lance, and using their telepathic powers they were able to
communicate with Lance.

	Lance opened his eyes, "It was horrible dad and I keep passing out
from the pain. The pain is so terrible I can't speak; please tell me what's
wrong."

	Mac repeated exactly what Scott had just told him about his
condition.  "Your jaw is broken. After the operation, your jaw will be
wired shut for several weeks. You have two broken legs and a broken left
arm. You will be able to use your computer to communicate with the staff
and other people. You can still use your power of telepathy to communicate
with your Uncle and me."

	"How are Mom and Pat doing?"

	"Your mother and Pat are both in the operating room now," Mac said.
"We'll know more after they are out of surgery. Your driver didn't make
it."

	"Dad, could I speak with Uncle Drew for a few minutes?" Lance
asked.

	"Sure son." After Mac walked away, "What did you want, Lance," Drew
asked.

	"Since I'm going to have a new face, I want you to ask Uncle Scott
to make me look like my father," Lance said.

	"If that's what you want, I'll tell him."

	"I'm getting a little tired now, I love you Uncle Drew, is Dad
still around?"

	"I love you too Lance," Drew said. "I want you to heal fast; we
have a lot to do when you're better." Drew beckoned to Mac to come over
again.

	"What's up Tiger?"

	"I'm beginning to feel sleepy," Lance said. "Will you stay with me
until they put me under?"

	"I have no intention of leaving," Mac said. "I'll be waiting with
you until your surgery is over. Your uncle and I will be staying at the
penthouse and will be with you every day until you are able to come home."

	"Thanks Dad."

	Mac leaned down and kissed Lance on the forehead and said, "You try
and sleep now."

	The x-ray equipment was wheeled in and the additional pictures
taken.  Scott was back in ten minutes with a large Polaroid camera and
asked Mac to pose for several shots.

	"What's this all about Scott?" Mac asked.

	"Special request from your son; he wants to look like you when I
redo his face," Scott said. "It will be easy since both of you have the
same bone structure.  Doctor Cohen is scrubbing now, so they'll be moving
Lance in a few minutes. After Dr. Cohen takes care of the bone work, I'll
begin my reconstruction surgery. Don't be alarmed it you don't see me for
at least five hours.  I think you should grab something to eat and relax in
Lance's room. It's one of the best in the hospital."

	Mac and Drew headed to the staff cafeteria, but couldn't eat the
food. They went to Lance's room and called Chris to have him arrange to
have a caterer set up an assortment of platters of meats and cheeses, and
fruit and beverages. He gave him the charge nurse's name and number for
permission to set up a small buffet in a vacant room open to all staff and
patients on the floor.

	Pete returned a few minutes later. "Pat is in the recovery room
now," Pete said. "The surgeon said it's up to him now, if he is a fighter
he'll make it; he's in bad shape."

	"I'll visit Pat after he's moved into intensive care," Mac
said. "We'll be staying at the Penthouse until we move Lance and Pat to the
Retreat. Have one of your team deliver our computers to Chris at the
penthouse.  I would like to meet the agent you are assigning to Lance
before you head back to the Retreat tonight.  I appreciate you taking
charge on such short notice, but you have more work that is important back
at the office. You have everything under control now and Chris and Mary can
handle it at this end."

	"You both have a list of messages a mile long," Pete said. "The
only important ones are from your families, Lenore's folks and Robert."

	"I'm not going to call the Hart's until we know about the baby,"
Mac said. "Get back to them and tell them we won't know anything for at
least four hours."

	Dr. Grace returned in two hours with some news. "You have a healthy
seven pound daughter. Lenore's organs have been removed and her body has
been turned over to Campbell's Funeral Home," Dr. Grace said. "Your
daughter is a pretty little baby and is in the nursery if you would like to
see her. If you want to move her, you can. The pediatrician said she's a
healthy baby."

	"I would like her to be brought to this room if that's alright,"
Mac said. "I want to hold her."

	"That's no problem.  I'll have the nurse bring her in to you."

	"I want to have her moved to the Retreat as soon as you can make
the arrangements," Mac said. "Our nursing supervisor from the Retreat will
be here in an hour and will take her home. I would appreciate it if you
would call our own pediatrician tonight and have her examined tomorrow. We
really appreciate your making the trip over here to help us out doctor."

	"It's my pleasure.  I'll put through the paperwork and drop it off
before I leave," Dr. Grace said as he left the room.

	When they were alone again Mac said, "I want our daughter to spend
her first night at home. I'm going to name her after her mother, that's the
least I can do for Lenore," Mac said. "Campbell's can handle the funerals.
Now comes the hard part: notifying the families."  Mac called their
driver's family first and explained the arrangements he had made. Then he
called Robert and gave him the bad news, and finally, the Hart's.

	Mac spoke with the Hart's quite a while and gave them the complete
story on the accident. The Hart's wanted Lenore to be interred in the
family cemetery in Bedminster. Mac said he would have Campbell's make the
arrangements. The viewing was to take place at Campbell's on Thursday and
Friday. The High Mass and interment at Bedminster was scheduled for
Saturday morning. He invited them to drop by to see their new granddaughter
on Sunday.

	Mac also called the District Attorney and his VP of Public
Relations and gave them the sad news and the particulars on the
funeral. The family requested that all donations be made to the Lenore
Stevens Memorial Foundation for Abandoned & Abused Children.

	"Drew, if your Mother would like to visit Lance she can," Mac
said. "She is one of the few people that can communicate with him now."

	"My mother would like that," Drew said. "She and Lance have become
good pals," Drew said. "Did you know that Lance used to visit her regularly
when he was in town?"

	"You're kidding," Mac said. "I knew he visited my mother once a
week, but I was unaware he did the same to Mother Baldwin. That was sweet
of him. It probably makes him feel closer to the family knowing there are
relatives to visit."

	The nurse arrived and handed Mac his daughter.

	Drew walked over and stared down at the baby. "She is a little
doll," Drew said. "Another welcome addition to our growing family."

	After he held the baby for a while, he handed Lenore to Drew. He
walked over and closed the door.  He walked back to Drew, leaned down,
kissed him, and said, "I love you Drew, you are a wonderful husband."

	Pete and Scott arrived a few minutes later, each with a plate of
food. "You should try this food," Scott said. "It's really good. I didn't
realize how hungry I was."

	"The good news is that Lance came through the operation without a
hitch," Scott said.  "I can assure you that my nephew will have no visible
scars in a year or so. Clarence Cohen let me do the stitching after he
finished his work since I am so good at it. God he is remarkable, those
tiny little incisions, I had forgotten how good he is."

	"Lance's face will be perfect," Scott told them. "I was able to put
everything back into place. It's a pleasure working with young healthy
tissue. Now don't be alarmed if you see him with a trachea tube. I'll be
removing it as soon as the swelling goes down a little. I'll have to remove
the plastic splints from his eye in six months, but that's a twenty minute
procedure at most and I can take care of it at the Retreat.  The dressing
must stay in place for five days and ice packs for the next 48 hours to
keep down the swelling. I will keep an eye on him, don't worry.

	"He will be in the recovery room for two more hours and then in
intensive care for a couple of days. He will be under for at least two
hours. I'd say you should be back in three hours," Scott said.

	"I would like to see him now if I can," Mac said.

	Scott said, "Not until I say hello to that daughter of yours."
Scott reached down and took Lenore from Drew. "What a bonny lassie," Scott
said. "I think I'll keep her to round out our family, Mac. We need another
girl in the house, you already have one."

	Scott handed the baby back to Drew, "Here; you can play with the
little one while we visit Lance"

	Mac stood over his son. All he could see were his eyes and
mouth. His body was covered with a thermal blanket and only the maze of
tubes and wires were visible. He was breathing normally and the life
support monitors above the bed showed all his readings.

	"He's doing well considering the trauma he has been through," Scott
said. "He will look a lot better in a few days."

	"You are a good friend Scott," Mac said. "I appreciate everything
you've done.  When do you think I can move Lance back home?"

	"Five days would be my guess," Scott said. "Once that trachea tube
is removed he should be ready to go home. You have everything you'll need
at the Retreat to take care of him and I can check on him every day, so I
don't see any problem."

	"He is in your hands now doctor," Mac said. "Can you break for
dinner at the penthouse?"

	Scott said, "That would be great.  I'll meet you in the doctor's
lounge when you're ready."

	Mac returned to Lance's private room. Pete, the nanny and another
young man were sitting with Drew.

	"I'll just be a minute," Mac said. He called Chris and told him
they would be home for dinner in a half hour with Dr. Macgregor.

	Pete introduced John Shuben, Lance's new security guard.  Mac took
him aside and talked with him for a good fifteen minutes. They joined the
rest again.

	"John is going to hold down the fort and let you know if Lance
wakes up before we return later this evening," Pete said. "He already has
his people in place in the intensive care unit. I'll escort your daughter
and her nurse back to the Retreat and drop you off at the Penthouse on the
way downtown."

	"Thanks Pete," Mac said. "John, make sure your men know where our
lunch room is. Our caterers will keep it operating twenty four hours a
day." Everyone went their separate ways. Mac and Drew headed to the
Doctors' lounge to pick up their clothes. "We might as well keep these on
since we will be back in a couple of hours," Mac said.

	They were eating dinner when Scott said, "It's good to sit down to
a good meal again."

	"I was very happy you handled Lance's operation," Mac said. "I felt
comfortable knowing that Lance had the best surgeon and a good friend there
for him."

	"I was happy you asked me to do the job," Scott said. "I would have
been worried the entire time if Lance had another surgeon.  A surgeon has a
fair idea of what he is getting into in a normal surgical procedure, but
with an accident case, we really can't tell everything from the x-rays. You
really don't know what tissue damage there is until you're in there. I was
extremely lucky in Lance's case. The tissue was not badly torn and the
nerves were all intact. He looked much worse than the damage actually
was. Don't misunderstand me; Lance sustained some serious damage, but
nothing that will scar him for life.  In six months, you will never know he
was in an accident. His broken bones will heal much faster and those scars
will fade and finally disappear.

	"We'll keep him on medication that will keep down the swelling and
keep his pain at acceptable levels.  Tomorrow he will be stiff and will
really be aching. Everything will depend on how fast he heals. Youth is on
his side so he should heal fast."

	"Again, thank you for everything Scott," Mac said. "We really
appreciate everything you've done."

	"I owed you, and still do," Scott said. "Anyway, I'd do it for
Lance, he is a good kid and I like him. I'll stick around here tonight and
check on Lance first thing in the morning before I write up my orders and
head to the office. I've a good team watching him in the intensive care
unit."

	"Drew and I plan to make a short visit to hospital to see Lance and
Pat before we call it a day," Mac said. "I'm sure you have some calls to
make, so do your thing and we'll see you in the morning."

	Scott said, "Great, I'll see you at breakfast."

	When they returned to the hospital, they went directly to the
intensive care unit. The nurse said that both patients were under heavy
sedation. The chief of staff said they could go in together. Pat and Lance
were in beds next to each other.

	Mac and Drew stood on either side of Lance's bed. The bandages were
removed from his face. A small amount of fluid was oozing from the
incisions. His face was covered with a transparent gel that gave some
protection for his skin. The dark circles around his eyes looked as if he
had two black eyes. He was breathing through a trachea tube, and a fine
mist was directed toward his face and neck from two misting machines. The
purpose was to keep the membranes of his mouth and throat from drying and
to keep the incision from forming a scab.

	Pat had a few more drain tubes than Lance. In addition to the urine
bag, he had drains from his stomach and lungs. He had a three-inch bandage
on his forehead and a cast on his broken left arm and hip.

Mac took hold of Lance's hand and held it. He tried to communicate with
Lance using his telepathic powers. Lance slowly came out of the drugged
state and opened his eyes. Mac said, "How do you feel tiger?  You look much
better than the last time I saw you."

	"I feel like Uncle Stan had a go at me again," Lance said. "When
the shots wear off I am really in pain, right now it's under control. What
did Uncle Scott say?"

	"You'll look handsome again in a few months," Mac said. "He also
said you are going to be in a lot of pain for the next few
days. Afterwards, you will have less pain each day. They will have you out
of bed tomorrow for a few hours. I know that's not going to be easy Lance,
but you must move your muscles. Each day it will be easier. I know; I went
through the same thing."

	"Pat is in the bed next to you. Say a few prayers for him tonight,"
Mac said. "If he can make it through the night he will pull through. I
think he'll make it, he's a fighter. I'm having you both moved to the
medical center at the Retreat as soon as your Uncle Scott can arrange it.
Mac leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. "Use your powers to sleep
all night son. I know you can do that.  I love you and I will be here first
thing in the morning. Your uncle Drew wants to say goodnight before you
doze off again."

	Mac turned to Pat and used his telepathic power to communicate with
him. "Pat this is Mac.  Can you hear me Pat?" Mac said.

	"Yes Mr. Stevens," Pat answered.

	"I know you are in a lot of pain right now and can't decide which
part of your body hurts the worse," Mac said.  "You're at a turning point
now. I want you to fight for your life tonight Pat.  You can take the pain,
you're a strong man and you still have to take care of Lance. He is in the
bed next to you.  If you do this Pat, I will see that you will never regret
your decision.  Lance said he is praying that you get well, as we all are
Pat. Now you fight this thing and heal yourself.  We will talk again about
this tomorrow morning. I want your word you'll not take the easy way out.
Oh, by the way Lance's jaw is wired, so he can't speak. He will communicate
with you the same way I did."

	Drew and Mac waited until they were asleep again and left for the
apartment.

	Chris greeted them at the door and said that their computers had
arrived and moreover they both had a number of sympathy calls.

	"Thanks Chris, I'll be heading for the hospital first thing in the
morning," Mac said. "Just put all the messages next to my computer and I
will answer them all tomorrow. We are both beat. We are going to have a
nightcap and turn in. I appreciate all your kind thoughts and your
understanding. It will be a trying time for us all this coming week. I'm
the guest speaker tomorrow at one of the Overseas Press Clubs.  Will you
make sure to have a dark suit ready for me?"

	"I thought you would cancel that speech," Drew said. "Everyone will
understand the reason for the cancellation."

	"I'm doing this to honor Lenore's memory," Mac said. "I want our
community to know the sacrifices she made to protect them from the criminal
element in our society. The PR people have scheduled ten important speaking
engagements for me in the next two weeks. I plan to use this tragedy to
promote legislation for stronger truck regulations. In addition, I will
promote the Lenore Stevens Foundation for Abandoned and Abused Children."

	Mac showered and climbed into bed and fell sound asleep. Drew
followed him a little later. Drew kissed his face and his neck at the same
time he was fondling his genitals. Mac awoke, turned on his side and pulled
Drew into his arms. He kissed him passionately and said, "Hello
lover. Sorry I fell asleep."  Mac kissed him again, and turned Drew on his
back and kissed his entire body.

	"I want you inside me tonight," Drew said. They still enjoyed the
delightful sex of two people in love and never denied each other any
pleasure.

	Mac lay on his back, pulled Drew close to him and said, "I love you
sweetheart.  Its days like today that I need you by my side," Mac said. "I
know this tragic accident has hit us hard.  It's the kind of a day I hope
we never have to live through again. My mind has been an emotional roller
coaster, with the death of Lenore, and our chauffeur, on the one hand. Then
the joy of the birth of our beautiful daughter, and knowing that God has
spared the life of Lance and Pat."

	"I'll miss Lenore, we became very close these last few years," Mac
said. "Did I tell you that our children are the only heirs that can inherit
the Hart family businesses? Lenore's brother cannot have children and only
blood heirs can inherit. My brother in law has no interest in running the
family business anyway.  When my father-in-law retires in a few years, he
wants yours truly to take over and run his business. My brother-in-law is a
gentle person like his parents. He's an archeologist and that's his whole
life. Lenore had the balls in that family. It will be fun watching Lenore
grow up.  If she is anything like her mother, look out world."

	"Lenore had a lot of spunk and liked to stir the pot. Underneath
that tough shell, she was a warm and gentle soul," Drew said.  "I'm going
to miss her. She was a welcome addition to our family. Little Lenore is a
beautiful little girl. Her mother would have liked to spoil her. I can see
a little of each of you in her features. She will grow up to be a beautiful
woman."

	"My heart goes out to Lance," Drew said. "He had a healthy
relationship with Lenore and she was giving him that motherly support he
needed. Her death will hit him hard. That poor boy keeps losing the people
he loves. We must keep him involved with his brothers and sisters. Little
children give their love so freely. I think that will help Lance to feel
less alone. He is a fine young man with his whole life ahead of him."

	"I managed to bring a lot of grief to your doorstep, Drew," Mac
said. "Do you still feel you made the right decision three years ago in
marrying me and having children?"

	"I've never regretted marrying you for one second," Drew
said. "This is what married life is all about. You must take the good times
with the bad times. You are the most wonderful person in this world and you
have filled every day with happiness. These past three years with you have
been exciting and worthwhile, not to mention the joys we have shared
together. You and the children have enriched my life in a way I never
thought possible.  You are still the most dynamic and charismatic person I
have ever known."

	"We cannot expect to sail through life without running into some
bad storms along the way," Drew said. "God has been good to us Mac.  He
took Lenore and our chauffeur, but spared us Lance, your beautiful daughter
and Pat. Lenore lives on in her children. It's our job to see that all the
children grow up and become healthy and well-adjusted adults and to give
them the love and attention they will need."

	"Our marriage grows stronger as we grow older," Mac said. "Our
children have made the bond our marriage needed. I feel love for you in a
mature and different way. I'm thankful you are not disappointed with your
Kentucky farm boy. All my troubles and anxieties melt when I'm in your arms
like this.  I feel content and happy with you"

	Mac kissed him tenderly and said, "Now that I am legally free to
marry again, will you marry me Drew?"

	"I thought we are already married sweetheart?"

	"We are in our own eyes, but I want to be married to you legally
and also have our marriage blessed by a priest. When we are legally
married, the children will become ours. You know I always wanted to marry
you my love and I refuse to marry anyone but you again.  I want to fly to
Hawaii and marry you, even though it may not be legal in every State."

	"You are the most loving person in the world and I would be
delighted to marry you again in Hawaii," Drew said. "Certainly we want our
children to be legal anyway; I like the idea of being legally married to
you."

	Mac kissed Drew again and said, "Be a good baby and go to sleep. We
have another grueling day tomorrow and I must be at the hospital early. You
sleep in the morning, and call me after breakfast. I will make all the
arrangements for our wedding. I'll see if some of our close friends would
like to see us tie the knot."

	"Yes dear, as long as you let me plan everything."

	Mac arrived at the hospital at five thirty, and went directly to
the intensive care unit and spoke to the charge nurse. The nurse told him
that Lance had a restful night's sleep and that Pat's condition was
downgraded to serious.

	Mac walked into the intensive care unit and checked on Pat and
Lance.  They both appeared to be breathing easier. He walked over to Pat
and gently placed his hand on Pat's forehead. He used his telepathic powers
to communicate with Pat. He told Pat he had turned the corner and that he
could expect a full recovery. Pat was overwhelmed by the good news that he
and Lance would be transferred to the Retreat to recover.

	Mac walked over to Lance, and took hold of his hand. He kissed him
on the forehead. Lance opened his eyes and used his telepathic powers to
communicate with his father.

	"Hi Dad, I feel sore all over this morning but a lot better than
yesterday," Lance said. "I used my powers and slept all night.  You were
right, it worked."

	"Good.  I knew you had the power to control pain," I talked to
Uncle Scott last night," Mac said. "He will transfer you and Pat, to the
Retreat as soon as your trachea tube is removed. I'm sure you will be glad
to be home again."

	"Mom didn't make it did she?" Lance asked.

	"No she passed away yesterday," Mac said. "I knew you would have
figured it by now. You have a beautiful baby sister to take care of now. I
know it's hard to take, but as Drew said Lenore lives on in her children."

	"I felt she was gone when she was not with Pat and me in intensive
care.  When you didn't mention her this morning I suspected the worse,"
Lance said. The tears began to fill his eyes. "She was a good person and we
became very close," Lance said. "I will miss her."

	"We all will Lance," Mac said. "Her baby daughter lost most of
all. We must try to make little Lenore loved. I'm counting on you to help
me to share your love with them now. Your mother's estate will be divided
among you four children. The Hart Corporation will eventually be divided
among you four also.  It looks like you will be a busy man in the future
running MacDonald Stevens and the Hart Corporations. What do you say
Tiger?"

	"It's hard to believe this is all happening to me. Are you telling
me that I will share in my mom's estate?" Lance asked. "I don't understand
Dad I've only known her three months?"

	"What's not to understand?" Mac asked. "Your mother and I adopted
you. You are our child and deserve the same as your brothers and
sister. Your mother wanted you four to have her money. I agreed to run the
corporation until you children are ready to decide what you want to do with
the company. Lance, you're a wealthy young teenager. Your mother and I
created a trust fund for you when we adopted you. You, your brothers and
your sister are wealthy.  Now with your mother's trust fund you are even
more so."

	"This is too much to accept right now, Dad. It is certainly
something to think about."

	Mac chuckled, "Don't let it get you down, Tiger. I know what you're
going through. I felt the same, when your Uncle Drew handed me three
hundred million to build my corporation. Only you don't have anything to
prove. Knowing you, you are going to carve out your own niche and no doubt
make us all look like underachievers. Look son; don't let this wealth
overwhelm you.  You must continue to study and learn. Use this time given
you to plan and decide where your future lies."

	"I'll try Dad, but wow, this is something. I'm feeling sleepy; the
medication must be kicking in again."

	"You rest, son. Uncle Drew and I will check in on you later. Your
grandmother Baldwin will be by to visit you later this morning."

	                 ****************************


					TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED

	Lance and Pat completely recovered from the effects of the car
accident. Lance received more than enough credits to graduate from the
Stevens Glen High School. Both Paul Cunningham and Frank Hartley, Lance's
friends from Stevens Glen High, had succeeded in winning the State swimming
championship for their school.  All three would be graduating together in
May with the senior class of Stevens Glen High.

	Paul the oldest of the three was seventeen. Frank and Lance were
sixteen.  Paul and Frank were frequent visitors at the Retreat. Lance would
take them along on his visits to the Kings' home in Pound Ridge and the
Erickson's at Scarborough Hall.  Mac and Drew liked both boys, and were
pleased that Lance found two friends his own age that lived near by. Mac
thought it would be a good idea to see if the young men could continue to
be friends after they graduated from high school. He contacted the
principal at the high school to learn more about the scholastic standing of
the two young teenagers. He found out that both boys were above average
students and had attended the accelerated program for brilliant students
during high school.  He approached the boys to explore the possibility of
them attending the MacDonald Stevens Academy of Advanced Studies. The boys
and their parents were delighted with the idea and willingly took the
entrance exams.

	The test results for the boys were excellent and they were given
the opportunity of enrolling in the school. Their parents were overjoyed
that their sons were accepted. This worked out great for all three
boys. They all would be attending the Academy for the next three years.

	The three musketeers, as the boys called themselves were delighted
to learn that Brian and Anne King, and Jason Erickson were also accepted
and would be attending the Academy together.

	Frank and Brian were majoring in Finance and Paul was majoring in
Chemical Engineering. Lance and Anne were majoring in Law. Anne was
beginning her first year and Lance his second year. Jason Erickson, Noel's
oldest son was beginning his first year in Medical School. The magnificent
six, they called themselves, were all very bright teenagers. They were all
dedicated to their field of study and had developed a close relationship.
Anne King liked Lance and they had grown closer over the years.

	Mac and Drew were hosting the gourmet dinner party that week. This
was the fourth anniversary party. Over the years, the little group had
expanded to eleven couples. Mac was discussing the budding romance between
his son Lance and Anne King. Mac said, "Well it's much too early to tell,
but I think that Anne and Lance are a charming couple. I for one hope it
lasts. It would be great if they both decide to take a serious interest in
our business."

	"I agree," said Claudia. "I have the feeling that something good
will come out of their relationship.  I know they are young, but they are
two very serious and smart young adults. The nice thing is that they
respect one another. They are taking this slowly. They are well beyond the
getting-to-know-you stage. They've known each other for over four years now
and their feeling for each other continues to grow, at least according to
Anne.  I know how Lance feels because he told me a couple of years ago he
wanted to go steady with Anne."

	Drew chuckled, "Well we can certainly save on our security bill if
those two marry. Lance will be graduating from Law School next year. He
plans to stay on at Yale for his MBA while Anne finishes her degree."

	Noel said, "We will only have one child left home when my two go
off to finish their degrees.  I'm happy that they are all doing so well,
but I feel saddened knowing that they will be leaving home to build their
own lives."

	Charles said, "I feel the same way, but at least we still have one
in the nest. The only thing we can hope is they can live close enough so we
can enjoy our grandchildren when the time comes."

	Noel asked, "How are Paul and Frank doing these days? I don't see
as much of them since they are spending so much of their time at the
Academy. I understand from Jason that Paul will be finishing his degree
next year. Frank and the gang are not far behind."

	Mac said, "Paul is depressed because his mother is not responding
to her treatments to stop the spread of cancer. The entire family is in a
funk, but Paul and his dad are taking it hard.  They are a very close
family and it's difficult for them right now. The doctors discovered a
malignant tumor in her left kidney a month ago and they had to remove the
kidney. They started chemo shortly afterward, but they discovered that it
had metastasized to other organs. According to Scott, it's only a matter of
time. She's a very special woman and the heart of that family."

	Drew said, "They are a hard working family, yet they still found
time to enjoy a normal family life."

	Noel said, "Now I'm glad that Jason is specializing in Medical
Research."

	"Did he say what area of research he wanted to explore?" Mac asked.

	Noel said, "Oncology is the area he had selected."

	"For some reason that doesn't surprise me," Mac said. "Jason has
always been a very sensitive young man and I think that his mother dying
from cancer had a lot to do with his decision."

	"I think it's great that he decided to select that area," Drew
said. "I wish more young people felt the same way. One thing for sure, he
won't lack for the money to finance his research. I for one would be happy
to donate money for it. Maybe even set up a foundation to fund his
work. What do you say Noel?"

	Noel said, "When he gets to that point I would be happy to
contribute to the foundation."

                            ******************

	Mac said, "Honey, has Alex spoken to you about the date of his
combination corporation gala and wedding party in Atlanta?"

	"It's still up in the air at the moment.  Alex told me that he and
Sandy are flying up to Sandy's family farm in Manassas, next weekend to
finalize the date for the company party and the wedding party after
that. Sandy's parents are not poor by any stretch of the imagination, but
they are not in Alex's league.  His dad feels uncomfortable allowing Alex
to pickup the tab for everyone. The good Doctor wants to pay the costs of
flying his family to Atlanta.  Old Southern pride is at work there.

	"Sandy tried to explain to his dad that Alex wanted to pay for
everything, yet his dad feels uncomfortable letting Alex pay for his
family's airfare and hotel costs. Sandy's father has no idea that Alex is a
billionaire. They don't know that Sandy hit the jackpot and that Sandy and
Alex have their own fleet of jet aircraft."

	Mac chuckled, "I'd like to see the look on their faces when Alex
and Sandy break the news. Alex told me he gave Sandy five-million dollars
as a wedding present among some other goodies that cost another million."

	Drew smiled, "he must really like the guy," Drew said.

	"You could say that," Mac said. "I think Sandy is a great guy and
the right man for Alex.  He has many of Terry's wonderful qualities. Alex
is lucky to have met and married two fine men. I will never forget Terry,
he was a fine person."

	"He was one of the nicest people," Drew said. "I never thought that
Alex would ever get over him.  Yet he found Sandy who is just as nice, and
he loves Alex as much as Terry did. He's one lucky guy."

                              *******************

	Lance walked into Mac's office and sat down quietly on the sofa.
Mac was working at his desk typing on his computer.  After a while, Mac
looked up and noticed Lance reading a book. "Hi son, is there something on
your mind that you would like to talk about?"

	"Paul's mother died earlier today and I was wondering if we should
send flowers?" Lance asked.

	"How sad, Janet was a nice person.  I sympathize with the
family. I'll make sure that the florist sends a floral arrangement from all
of us. I don't have the Cunningham's home phone number. Can you give me
that, Lance?  I want to call Jeff to see if there is anything we can do to
help."

	Lance gave his father the telephone number, "Thanks Dad, Paul said
his father is taking it very hard. Paul told me that his father is not on
friendly terms with his family. Paul hasn't seen his father's family since
he was five years old. The family has never seen his little sister and
brother. Janet's only living relative is her mother, and she's living in a
nursing home. So there is no family support during this mourning
period. It's very sad."

	"Let me see if I can reach Jeff Cunningham," Mac said. "Hello Paul,
Lance just told me about your mother's death. Is there anything we can do?"

	"Not right now Mr. Stevens," Paul said. "The viewing will be at
Holland's Funeral Home from four until eight for the next two days. The
Funeral is Wednesday at 11AM at Stevens Glen Cemetery."

	"I know this is not a good time to talk to your father, but if
there is anything we can do to help, please let me know."

	"Thank you Mr. Stevens, we appreciate your offer."

	"Who is taking care of Jane and Tony while all this is going on?"

	"My dad hired a sitter to fill in when Dad and I are at the funeral
home. We're eating our meals at one of our restaurants."

	"I would like you to have your brother and sister stay with us at
the retreat every day.  We have a day care school with an excellent staff
to take care of the children. I think the kids would be better off
here. There are other children their age to play with. You can drop them
off in the morning and pick them up after their dinner."

	"That's very kind of you Mr. Stevens. I think that would be great
for the kids. I'll run it by Dad and let you know. I really appreciate your
thinking of us Mr. Stevens."

	"That's what friends are for Paul.  We'll be by to pay our respects
tomorrow afternoon."

	                          *********************

	Mac's intercom rang, "Mr. Stevens, do you want to take a call from
Jeff Cunningham?"  Barbara asked.

	"Yes, thank you Barbara," Mac said.  "Hello Jeff, please accept our
condolences."

	"Thank you," Jeff said. "Paul told me about your offer to take care
of Jane and Tony until after the funeral. I really appreciate you thinking
of us, and I gladly accept your kind offer. I would feel better knowing
that they are around other children their own age.  This whole situation is
difficult for them right now. It would be different if Paul or I could be
with them all the time, but that's impossible right now.  I really don't
like the idea of leaving them with a sitter, no matter how qualified they
may be. To my kids they are strangers."

	"I'm glad we can help you out, why don't you have Paul drop them
off tomorrow morning at the house and we'll take care of everything."

	"I really appreciate this, Mac."

	"I know you have a lot on your plate right now, but have you been
able to find an accountant to replace Janet?  From what you told me once
before, Janet was responsible for handling the accounting side of the
business and you handled the operations side. How are you managing
everything at this point?"

	"It hasn't been easy. Up until a few weeks ago, Janet was still
able to keep up with things with Paul's help. For the past few weeks, I had
to hire a temporary bookkeeper to handle the work. Paul and I were able to
give her some help; however, there were a number of areas where we didn't
have the answers. Paul is a big help, but he can't neglect his studies. I
don't want him missing any more of his classes. I'm really in a bind right
now. I realize I need to spend time on the administration side, but I have
my hands full running the operation side of the business. I never realized
just how much work Janet did.  She did the payrolls, purchasing, filed the
taxes and posted and paid the invoices. It looks like I need to find a full
time accountant to handle the job."

	"At this stage, I don't think that would be wise," Mac said. "No
matter whom you hire, you and Paul will still need to teach him your
accounting system. I'm sure your CPA can help out somewhat, but you will
still need to supervise him."

	"Janet didn't use a CPA. She filed the corporate returns and the
IRS forms."

	Mac said, "I think you should sub-contract all your accounting work
to an outside firm that will take care of all your accounting needs.  They
will set up and streamline your accounting system and also take care of
employee health insurance and retirement programs."

	"I've heard of those kinds of firms, but I thought they only
handled large businesses and not small businesses like mine.  Do you really
think they would be interested in taking on a small account like mine?"

	"Absolutely," Mac said. "I'm not trying to drum up business for my
firm, but you are in a bind and I feel this is a good solution to your
predicament. If you are interested and you are free for a couple of hours
on Monday, I'll have David Chan meet with you to discuss how he can help
you.  I don't think you will be disappointed."

	"I would appreciate your setting that up. I can't wait around on
this; my employees expect to be paid on time every week."

	"I'll have David Chang call you," Mac said.

	"Does David Chang work for you?" Jeff asked.

	"David Chang is the President of the Accounting & Financial
Services Group of The MacDonald Stevens Corporation," Mac said.

	"I thought that MacDonald Stevens was in the Petro-Chemical
business," Jeff said.

	"That's only half of our business; the other half concentrates on
the Health & Services Industry. David's Company is part of the services
group. We have a great group of interacting service Companies that make up
our Health & Services business. David's group takes care of Accounting &
Financial services. Another group handles Federal & International Tax Law,
another, Computers & Communication. The other groups cover Security, Health
and Child services, Advertising & Promotions Group, Corporate Motivational
Presentations Group and the Paradise Island Resorts Group, and we are still
growing. This is not public knowledge yet, but next year I will be running
the Hart Corporation. As soon as my children are old enough to take over
I'm bowing out.  My late wife left her interest in the company to our four
children. My father-in-law wants to step down next year. He's leaving his
stock in trust to my children. When his daughter, my wife, was killed, he
lost all interest in the business. He had always hoped his daughter would
end up running the company. With three boys and a girl, I hope one of them
will be interested. Lance has set his sights on running MacDonald Stevens
and he doesn't think the Hart Corporation is for him."

	"I never realized your company was so diversified. I'm sorry we
were not able to attend your last party. It looks like we missed out on a
lot."

                             ********************

	Mac, Drew and Lance were returning from Janet's funeral in Drew's
limo. Drew said, "I dislike funerals with a passion, but in particular, I
hate funerals where a parent dies at a young age and leaves three children
behind. Janet was a good mother, homemaker and wife. From what Paul has
told me, his mother was the mainstay of that family and contributed a great
amount of her time to the business as well."

	Lance said, "Paul said that his father hired a fulltime housekeeper
to take care of the children and the house. He told me his father is taking
this hard and is trying to keep up a brave front for the family. He has
enrolled them all in a family grief counseling program."

	Mac said, "That's a good idea. They all need that important
counseling. Jeff is the one I'm most concerned about. He's under so much
pressure right now; I just hope he doesn't snap. I think that David Chang
will be a big help to him.  Once Jeff has that big load off his shoulder, I
think the other issues will disappear."

	Drew said, "I'm glad we were able to take care of Janie and Tony
for the last few days. They are really well behaved children. They are
certainly no burden to our staff. Lance, you let Paul know that the
children are welcome at the Retreat any time if they have a scheduling
problem. Make sure Paul and his dad both understand that. Those children
are no burden to us."

	"That's very thoughtful of you Uncle Drew. I'll make sure Paul
understands that. He and his Dad said that it was very thoughtful of you to
offer your help at this time."

	Mac said, "Jeff took me aside at the funeral home today and told me
he was adding a codicil to his Will. He asked if I would be the children's
guardian in case anything happened to him. He explained why he didn't want
his family to have anything to do with his children.  He said that Paul
would be eighteen in a few months and was an intelligent, responsible young
man. He felt he could take care of his siblings. However, he felt that Paul
did not have the experience to handle the business and raising the kids as
well as going to school. It would be too much for him to handle everything
even though the money was there to take care of the children."

	"What did you tell him?" Drew asked.

	"I told him I would let him know my decision after I talked it over
with you."

	Drew said, "How do you feel about taking on this responsibility if
anything happened to Jeff?"

	"That's why I wanted your answer before I committed us to such a
serious responsibility.  Not that anything is going to happen to Jeff, but
nothing is certain in this life. On the other hand, I've grown fond of that
family and I would not want to see anything bad happen to those children if
anything happened to Jeff."

	"I appreciate your wanting to consult with me before you gave him
your answer. I happen to feel the same way about that family as you
do. Paul and Jason are good friends and I feel that they will continue to
be close friends in the future. I think between us, we can shoulder the
responsibility. Why don't you call Jeff and tell him you will be the
children's guardian. I'm sure he will be relieved."

	Lance said, "Thanks Dad, Uncle Drew, for offering to be their
guardian. I would hate to see the same thing happen to those kids as
happened to me when my father died."

	"You're welcome Son," Mac said. "Will you tell Paul that if he or
his father is stuck for a babysitter, that they should just call and bring
Jane and Tony over here."

	  "Thanks Dad, I will."

                               *********************

	Drew walked into Mac's office and said, "I just got off the
telephone with my mother. Thomas Hopkins committed suicide.  Edith tried to
wake him this morning and called 911. They pronounced him dead at the
hospital. Edith found a note. In it, he said that he had failed and he had
no intention of spending years in prison. He was not sorry for what he did,
he was only sorry that his family had to suffer. Mother said she and
Claudia were going over to Edith's home to see how they could help. She
will call me later to let me know how Edith and the boys are doing.  I
talked to Charles, and he said nothing has changed except the key
conspirator is gone. We have a strong case against the rest of the bunch."

	Mac said, "Well, well, well, Thomas was a self-righteous,
thickheaded coward right up to the end. He still thought he was right in
what he did. The sad thing about this is that he convinced six intelligent
executives to play this dangerous game as well. I'm amazed that their quest
for power and their greed took the place of their good judgment. It was
luck that they were not caught sooner."

	"I'm going to have a talk with Edith and my two nephews. I want to
learn if they are really happy working with GW Stevens. Maybe Edith wants
to sell her shares of stock in GW Stevens now that Thomas is out of the
picture. If she does, Mother, Claudia and I will buy her out. She and the
boys could live very comfortably on the millions Edith would receive."

	Mac said, "I suppose you will need to attend the funeral services
for your sister's sake?"

	"Well it's the right thing to do. Edith is my sister and I know she
had no idea what Thomas was doing. I also know that my nephews know nothing
about Thomas' deal either.  He didn't respect them enough to keep his
secret. I guess he thought that they might say something to Edith. They are
too much like Edith in their thinking."

	Mac said, "I'm glad they were not part of Thomas's grand plan.

"Alex sent an email saying that the gala and commitment are in three
weeks. He asked us to coordinate with his Social Secretary for those folks
from our neck of the woods that would be flying in our 737 to Atlanta."

	"That's fine, the more the merrier," Drew said.

	"The annual board meeting is set for next Monday and Tuesday. The
people from overseas are flying in Sunday," Mac said. "The joint will be
jumping, it should be fun. I'll be good to see everyone together again."

	Drew said, "It's hard to believe the international corporation that
you have built Mac. I just never imagined that you could have built a
multi-billion dollar conglomerate in less than ten years. You are a marvel,
my love."

	"I could not have done it without you, sweetheart," Mac said. "I
must say we have the most talented and hardworking executives heading our
divisions and I am proud to call them our friends.  I'm heading over to the
nursery for lunch; I want to spend time with the children today. I get a
kick out of watching them play together. They are so cute at this age. Want
to join me?"

	"I'd like to, but I'm having lunch and a stockholders meeting this
afternoon in Manhattan. We'll find out what Edith wants to do about her
stock."

	"I wish you good luck," Mac said. "Will you be home in time for
dinner?"

	"I plan to be back by five o'clock at the latest," Drew said.

	Mac said, "I have a meeting with Jarv Purdey, Carnabee, Carter and
Darlington.  He is that creative young advertising executive that Grant
Westerville recommended. Our in-house advertising department is snowed
under with work. I need to look into hiring some outside talent to bid on
some of our special projects. I'll let you know tonight if he has the
talent we need."


                               ***********************

	The telephone woke Mac up. He picked up the phone, "Hello," Mac
said.

	"Mac I'm sorry to wake you up at this hour but this is an
emergency," Kim said.

	"What time is it Kim?"

	"Its one o'clock, Mac. A very upset Paul Cunningham is on the line
and needs your help."

	"Thanks Kim, put his call through."

	"Mr. Stevens, I hate to bother you in the middle of the night like
this, but you are the only person I could think to call."

	"That's alright son, how can I help you?"

	"It's about my Dad. I was in bed when I was awakened by this loud
crash downstairs a little after midnight. I quickly went down to see what
caused the noise and found Dad lying on the floor with a gash on his
head. He had fallen and knocked over the table in the middle of the foyer.
I tried to rouse him but he wasn't responding.  I called 911 and they
rushed him to Stevens Glen Memorial Hospital. The children are still
asleep.  I want to rush to the hospital to be with Dad, but I can't leave
my sister and brother alone."

	"You've done the right thing Paul and you can't leave your brother
and sister alone. Can't the housekeeper take care of the children while you
go to the hospital?"

	"She would if she were here. She doesn't stay the night; her hours
are from noon to eight o'clock. Dad takes care of us in the morning and
makes sure we all get off to school."

	"I know you want to go to the hospital to see about your father,
but you need to stay home to look after your brother and sister. As soon as
I get dressed I'll head over to the hospital and check on your father. I do
have some influence at that hospital and I will make sure your dad gets the
best of care. As soon as I talk to his doctors, I'll call you back with the
news. Give me your cell phone number Paul."

	Paul gave Mac his number and said, "Thanks Mr. Stevens, you are a
life saver. I wouldn't know where to look for my dad's medical insurance
records. I know the hospital will want to know that."

	"Don't worry about that Paul.  I'll take care of everything. Try to
get back to sleep. I'm sure we won't know much for several hours."

	"I'll try.  Thank you again for your help, Mr. Stevens."

	Drew said, "I heard some of the conversation, Mac. What is this all
about?"

	"Jeff Cunningham fell and hit his head on a table. That was Paul on
the phone. He's very upset about his dad.  I told him to stay home and take
care of his brother and sister and I would go over to the hospital to check
on his dad."

	"Would you like me to go to the hospital with you, sweetheart?"

	"You need your sleep. There is no sense both of us losing our
sleep. I'll take Pete Schneider with me. I'll be back when I know what's
wrong with Jeff."

	Mac kissed Drew, turned off the bedside light and walked into the
dressing room. He made the call to Pete and dressed. He took the elevator
to the lower garage level where he was to meet Pete. While he was waiting
for Pete to arrive, he placed a call to the emergency room at the hospital
to check on Jeff. They told him that Jeff was still in the emergency and
they had no information about his condition. Mac placed a call to
Dr. Gordon, the family internist, to explain the situation.  Dr. Gordon
said he would call ahead to speak to the chief of staff on duty, Dr. Brody,
to let him know that Mac Stevens would be by to talk to him. Mac thanked
him and closed his cell phone.

	Pete said, "Sorry to keep you waiting boss, what's up?"

	"No need for apologies, Pete," Mac said.  "You made good time. I
wanted you with me on this one. You have more experience working with me on
the hospital beat. We need to drive over to the Stevens Glen Hospital to
check on Jeff Cunningham. His son Paul called me a little while ago. His
dad was rushed to the hospital with a head injury. I was the only one he
could think of to call. That family has had their share of grief lately."

	"That's too bad, Paul is a good kid. I remember checking on his
family background a while back. They are a nice family. Chet is the duty
driver tonight. Which vehicle do you want to take?"

	"Let's take one of the SUV's," Mac said.  "I want to keep a low
profile."

	There was hardly any traffic on the drive to the hospital. Chet
pulled up to the Emergency Entrance and let Pete and Mac out.

	Mac walked up to the desk and said, "I'm Mac Stevens, is Dr. Brody
available?"

	"I'll let him know you're here, Mr. Stevens."

	A few minutes later Dr. Brody walked into the Emergency waiting
room. "Good morning, Mr. Stevens, I'm Dr. Brody, Dr. Gordon ask me to let
you know how your friend Jeff Cunningham is doing. I understand that you
have Jeff's power-of-attorney."

	"Yes doctor, I would like you to meet Pete Schneider, my
associate." They shook hands.  "How is Jeff?  His son Paul called me and
asked me to see what I can find out about his dad."

	"Jeff is in intensive care at the moment. The Emergency staff
treated his scalp wound and admitted him to the intensive care unit. Our
Neurologist examined him and diagnosed Jeff's condition. It seems Jeff
suffered a cerebral stroke. That was the reason he fell and hit his head on
the table. The scalp wound is minor and required a few stitches. However,
the stroke is another matter. He is unconscious now. He was lucky the
emergency response team reacted the way they did. We were able to medicate
him, before his condition worsened.  We won't know more until later
today. The neurologist has ordered another series of CAT scans for later
today along with other tests to determine the amount of brain damage. We
have no way of knowing when Jeff will regain consciousness. There is
nothing you can do at this point, we'll have to wait and see.  I will say,
from what I observed in other cases like Jeff's, that given his age and
physical condition, he should come out of this. The only thing we won't
know is how many nerves are affected. There is no doubt at all that he will
require many months of therapy.  You are welcome to see him before you
leave."

	Mac said, "Thank you Doctor, I would like to see him."

	"Come with me, I'll make sure the Intensive Care unit will allow
you to visit Jeff. Will other members of his family be visiting him?"

	"I know his son Paul will want to visit him later this morning."

	"That shouldn't be a problem. If you wish, you can call the
intensive care floor and they will give you the latest on Jeff's
condition."

	"Thank you doctor, you have been very helpful. As you've said,
there is really nothing we can do until we know more. When Jeff is ready, I
want him moved to one of your VIP suites and please order around the clock
special nurses. The MacDonald-Stevens Corporation will pay for any charges
that his insurance doesn't cover. I will have my Health Services director
call the administrative office with all the information."

	"Thank you, Mr. Stevens. It's a pleasure meeting you in person,
your family has been a generous contributor to this hospital and it is
appreciated. I will notify the business office that your office will be
calling."

                            ******************

	It was two AM as Mac called Paul to let him know of his father's
condition. Paul thanked him and said he would visit his dad after his
brother and sister left for school.

	Mac said, "Paul I want you to drop by my office after you have
visited your dad. We need to talk."

	"I will Mr. Stevens, and thank you for being there for me."

	Mac returned home, crawled into bed, and fell asleep. It was seven
o'clock when he awoke the next morning alone in his bed. Drew was gone. Mac
quickly did his morning bathroom thing and left for the dining room.

	Drew was at the table reading the morning paper.

	Mac walked over to Drew and kissed him. "Good morning, sweetheart,
sorry I'm late."

	"You needed the sleep. What time did you make it back last night?"

	"It was after two AM." Mac told Drew about Jeff's condition, and
what he had told Paul. "We need to decide what we are going to do about
Paul and the other children. Since I am their guardian, I wouldn't feel
comfortable allowing them to live at home, even with a housekeeper. She is
only there for eight hours a day. Someone should be there day and
night. Paul is a mature young man, but he should not have to take on the
responsibility of caring for two young siblings. Paul is still in college
and needs to concentrate on his education at this point. Anyway, he doesn't
know the first thing about running a household and doing the things that a
parent does automatically. Do you have any suggestions, Drew?

	"I do, but I don't know if everyone is going to like it," Drew
said. "I gave this a lot of thought this morning. Since you are the
children's guardian, you are responsible for their care and safety.  I
agree that Paul is not ready to take on that responsibility. My solution is
to bring all three children to live here at the retreat. We have the room
and the staff to take care of them. They can socialize with the other
children their age here at the Retreat. Paul and Lance have been friends
for years. I don't see the problem with him taking the suite next to
Lance. The other two children can move into the children's wing. There are
several spare bedrooms there as well."

	"That was my initial thinking; however, I didn't want this to
become a burden for you and the family. I thought I could hire a staff for
the children so that they could live in their own home. The only problem I
see with that arrangement was that I would still be liable if anything
happened to those kids while under the supervision of a hired staff. I
really cannot devote the time that would be required to monitor the staff.
If you are really serious about bring the children here to the Retreat, I'm
all for it."

	"Of course I am, sweetheart. It's not a problem taking care of two
more kids. I don't consider Paul a problem. He's an intelligent young
adult. Hopefully Jeff will recover and the children can return home again."

	"Thank you for opening your home to these kids, Drew. I'll go up
and talk to Lance before he leaves for school."

	Drew said, "Sweetheart, the Retreat is our home now, remember
that."

	"Thanks baby, excuse me for a few minutes."

	When Mac returned a few minutes later he said, "Well Lance is all
for your solution. He was shocked that Jeff Cunningham had a stroke. He was
concerned about Paul and his family. He said Paul is a great guy and he
liked the idea of him living here."

	Drew smiled, "That's my boy, he is always considerate of other
people. I think the loss of his parents and being left in Uncle Stanley's
hands has a lot to do with his thinking about the plight of Paul's
family. I know he will be a fine steward to run your company down the
road."

	"I think so too.  Now that we have solved that problem, the only
thing to resolve is finding an administrator to run Jeff's
restaurants. I'll call David Chang when I get to the office to get his
input. He is responsible for the accounting and finances for Jeff's
business. David should have some ideas about who to hire to fill that job."

	"See dear, everything is settled and you still haven't eaten
breakfast. Now, be a good fellow and eat."

	Mac chuckled, "You're right, sweetheart, I'll need all my strength
to get through the morning."

					*******************

	"David, I have a problem.  Can you give me a few minutes of your
time this morning?"

	"I'll see you in five minutes," David said.

	As he walked into Mac's office David asked, "What's up boss, did
you buy another business that you want me to audit?"

	"Don't talk dirty, David. That's all I need today. I have some bad
news. Jeff Cunningham had a stroke last night and is out of it for now. Let
me tell you what has gone down so far."

	David said, "Well that's a damn shame.  He's a nice guy. I'm glad
you are taking care of his kids.  His business is healthy and is making a
nice profit every month.  Of course no one man can replace Jeff. He's a
workaholic and is on top of everything. He is meticulous in everything he
does. That's why his restaurants are doing so well. But he has a problem
with delegating responsibility. He has a great, well-trained staff that
knows what they are doing, yet he still likes to micro-manage.  It doesn't
surprise me that he had a stroke."

	"Well his restaurant business has been dropped into my lap now. I
can tell you right off the bat I don't intend to spend any time
micro-managing a chain of restaurants. You're his business manager, is
there anyone I can promote to manage the business until Jeff is able to
return?"

	"The answer is no.  All his restaurant managers are good and they
have no problems running their restaurant, but I don't see that any of them
have the desire or the ability to become a general manager. I think you
need to find someone from the outside.  Let me give this some thought, I
know some top guys in other chains that may fit the bill. I know one guy
off the top of my head that would fit. He told me he's looking to make a
change. Ethically, I can't get involved directly. He is second in command
of a large chain, and I know he will not get the number one slot. The chain
is family owned.  Let me feel him out. If he's interested, I'll give him
your contact information."

	"That would be great David. I will be talking to Paul later this
morning. He isn't ready to run the chain, but I want him to be involved. I
don't know how long Jeff will be out of the picture. I have a feeling it
will be for some time. If Jeff is ready to take over sooner, I'm sure we
can find a slot for the guy in one of our divisions. What's this guy's
name, so I can let Barbara know?"

	"His name is Jess Williams, David said."

	"I'll need a P&L statement on Cunningham's Restaurants.  If you're
free this afternoon, we can go over the statement. I'll need to know from
you what kind of salary we want to offer Jess."

	David said, "Are you free at two?"

	"Let me check my computer," Mac said.  "Okay, you're on. Thanks
David, I'll see you at two."

	Mac was finishing working on his email when Barbara announced that
Paul Cunningham had arrived.  "Please send him in Barbara."

	Paul walked into Mac's office. Mac stood and shook Paul's
hand. "How is your dad, Paul, any news?" Mac directed Paul over to the
lounge area.

	"I wish I could say he's better, but his condition is about the
same as you reported early this morning.  The nurse said he is stable and
that he would be having several more test after lunch."

	"I asked you in to talk about you, your brother, and
sister. Shortly after your mother's funeral, your father made me legal
guardian with his power of attorney in case something happened to him. I'm
sure you know what that means."

	"Yes sir, Dad told me that he was appointing you as our
guardian. That's why I called you last night. I'm concerned about Dad right
now and I really don't know what I'm supposed to do next. There's enough
food in the house now and the housekeeper will prepare our meals. I told
her about Dad and she's concerned about what she should do about the
marketing.  I told her to make a list of what she needs and that we would
go shopping after I talked to you this morning. Dad had given me a credit
card for school and emergencies. I thought I would use that to cover the
food shopping."

	"You're a smart young man, Paul. That would be the way to go since
you have no access to your father's checkbook. It must have been quite a
shock to you this morning when you found your dad. It's tough to discover
that your only parent is in a coma and you are responsible for taking care
of yourself and your siblings. Let me lift some of that burden off your
young shoulders. I have decided how we are going to handle this situation,
until your father is able to take over again.  You, Jane and Tony are going
to live with us for the present. We have the staff to take care of you.
All three of you will continue to attend your regular classes. We have an
excellent staff to supervise you brother and sister in our day care center
after their normal school classes. All my executives' children attend this
center until their parents pick them up every evening. The staff is there
to supervise the children and even help to see that their homework is
completed. In your case I have arranged for you to have the bedroom suite
next to Lance. You two attend the same classes at the academy, so that
should work out fine.  I have discussed the Cunningham Restaurant business
with your dad's business manager and we have decided to hire a general
manager to run your restaurant chain until such time as your father is able
to take over.  I want you to sit in when I select a suitable candidate for
the job. The individual restaurants have store managers who I understand
are doing a good job, but they need direction and there needs to be someone
like your father to handle the day to day operation. Do you have any
questions so far?"

	"Wow!  I never even gave a thought to the business. You are right
of course, we can't neglect the business.  I'm so relieved that you are
allowing us to live with you.  I know my brother and sister will be better
off. They can be a handful at times. My mother's death has been difficult
for them to accept. Now that Dad in not around they are worried. They were
crying this morning when I told them about Dad. They're worried that we
will be left homeless. You know the imagination kids have today. I
appreciate your taking charge and supervising our restaurant business. I
would like to sit in on your interviews. What about our home?"

	"Are you satisfied with your housekeeper?"

	"She's okay, she does her job just enough to get by. Her cooking
leaves a lot to be desired. That's why we eat at one of Dad's restaurants.
She's there for the kids when they get home from school. She does like to
watch her special shows."

	"From what you tell me, I don't think we will keep her on. I intend
to keep the house just as it is until your dad gets home.  I will have a
service come in every two weeks to dust and clean and have one of my
security men check on the house every day."

	"That's a smart move, Mr. Stevens. I won't lose any sleep over that
housekeeper leaving."

	"Good!  Another task settled. I think it would be better if you
called me Uncle Mac from now on. Mr. Stevens sounds too formal. Have you
had lunch yet, Paul?"

	"No sir, I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast and I'm starved."

	Mac chuckled, "Come on Paul let's head down to the dining room and
have lunch with your Uncle Drew."

					THE EXECUTIVE DINING ROOM

	Mac and Paul walked over to Drew's table. Mac said, "Drew, I
brought a starving young man for lunch, mind if we join you?"

	Drew chuckled, "Sit down Paul," Drew said. "I'm glad you could join
us for lunch. The deal here is to look over the small menu and pick-out
what you want to eat. Next to your plate is an order card. Write down what
you wish to order by the number on the menu. The bus boy will come by and
pick up your order. You will be surprised how much time this saves."

	"Thank you for explaining that Mr. Stevens," Paul said. "That's a
clever way of ordering."

	Mac said, "I've told Paul to call me Uncle Mac, from now on.  We
had a nice meeting and Paul is happy to accept our hospitality. He's going
home to tell his brother and sister about the new living arrangements."

	Drew said, "Well that's great Paul, I'm glad you have agreed to
Mac's arrangement. You see, he's responsible for you and your siblings and
he feels much better having you under our roof for now. If you don't mind,
I think you should call me Uncle Drew as well."

	Mac said, "I plan to call the agency and release the
housekeeper. Paul and I have decided to close up the house and have our
security keep an eye on the place. I'll call Kim as soon as we finish lunch
and have him show Paul the rooms he will assign to Paul, Jane and Tony.  I
thought I'd have Kim and one of his staff meet Paul at his house and move
the children's personal things and clothing to their rooms in the manor
house."

	"That's a good plan, Mac."

	The waiter served their lunch and left.

	Mac said, "Paul it might be a good idea to have Kim follow you over
to your house. You can tell him what you want to move. This will give him
time to pack the clothing and the other things you want.  Don't feel you
have to move everything today. Take what you will need and you can always
make other trips back later."


	Paul said, "That's a good idea, Uncle Mac. Will you be contacting
the Junior High to let them know the new contact information?"

	"Thanks for reminding me Paul, I'll do that when I get back to the
office."

	Drew said, "Mac you have a lot to do this afternoon, let me take
Paul over to the house and talk to Kim."

	"Thank you Drew that would be great.  I have a meeting in twenty
minutes with David. This will give me time to make a few calls. Well
gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I need to get back to work."

	Paul and Drew finished their lunch and Drew led Paul to the
mansion. As they were walking, Paul said, "I really appreciate everything
that you and Uncle Mac are doing for my family. You have such a beautiful
home. I've always admired it when I was a guest. It's like a palace. It's a
privilege to live here. I couldn't get back to sleep last night thinking of
everything that could possibly happen now that my Father is
incapacitated. My only thought was what the worst thing was that could
happen to us. My credit card has a maximum credit of a thousand
dollars. That's not enough to buy food and pay for lunches and gas for
long. I really lost it when I saw Dad in the hospital. It was really a
frightening experience seeing him like that. I didn't know how I was going
to handle everything and continue my education. The kids were a mess after
I told them about Dad. I was able to calm them down and get them to
school. I didn't want them to stay home with our housekeeper. God knows
what she would tell them.  I didn't know what plans Uncle Mac had for
us. Dad told me he was naming him guardian after Mother died.  I almost
cried with relief when he told me we were going to live with you. He is a
smart man, he thought of everything, about Dad, our home, getting rid of
our housekeeper and about running the business."

	"You're right, Paul. Mac is a heck of a smart guy," Drew said. "You
can stop worrying about your future, Mac will make sure that you and your
family is safe and that Cunningham Restaurants is in good hands. If Mac
takes it on as a project, it will triple the business in five years. I'm
sure your dad will be on his feet before that. Do you plan to enter the
family business after you graduate?"

	"No sir, Lance and I have been kicking around some other ideas. You
see Lance wants me to join Uncle Mac's company after I graduate college. I
just don't feel that the restaurant business it where I want to be."

	"If that's what you want to do, I'm sure Lance is right. That would
be a smart move," Drew said.

						*****************

	Mac returned to his office and made the calls to the Stevens Glen
Junior High and to the Academy to change the contact information and
address for the Cunningham's. He had time to call the agency to cancel the
housekeeper before David showed up for their meeting. David walked into the
office, sat in the chair facing Mac's desk, and waited for him to finish
his call.

	Mac said, "Right on time as usual, David. Were you able to print
the last P&L statement from Cunningham Restaurant's Business?"

	David handed Mac a copy of the report. Mac took a few minutes to
peruse the P&L. "Jeff is doing well, I can see where he could make some
improvements, but overall it looks good. Tell me does Jeff pay the
housekeeper out of his personal account?"

	"Yes.  I set up a separate account for him that handles all his
personal accounts. Everything is posted and paid out of that account."

	"The reason I mention it is because I called the agency to let her
go as of today. She will be paid until the end of the week. Paul was not
happy with her and there is no need to keep her around now that the
children are moving in with Drew and me."

	"That's great Mac, they are a real nice family. Is there any more
news on Jeff's condition?"

	"I haven't had time to check with the hospital yet."

	"Oh, I talked to Jess about the opening and he said he would call
you later today. He doesn't want to make the call from his office."

	"Good.  Let's hope he does.  If not, I'm going to turn it over to
an agency. I'm glad to see that you are handling all Jeff's household
expenses. That's one less thing I need to worry about. You have done a good
job setting up his accounts. Keep me posted on any changes. I still want
you to take care of the payroll and cut all the checks. The general manager
can sign off on all the invoices and the weekly payroll but you are to
control the bank accounts. I also need to know who is handling his health
insurance. We'll need to give that information to the hospital. Would you
look into that for me?  Don't forget to charge your time to the Cunningham
account."

	David chuckled, "Don't worry boss, I've already taken care of
that."

	"Okay David, I don't want to see your division lose money on my
account.  You see that the insurance company is notified about Jeff and
that the hospital gets the insurance information they need. I'm picking up
the difference that his insurance company doesn't cover on that VIP
suite. I think that's where he needs to be when the kids go to visit him."

	"If that's all Mac, I have another meeting in ten minutes."

	"I'm finished, thanks for squeezing me into your schedule."

	"Talk to you later.  I'll take care of the insurance thing."  David
said as he left.

	Mac was working on his correspondence when his cell phone
rang. "Hello."

	"Mr. Stevens, this is Jess Williams, I understand from David Chang
that you are looking for a General Manager for a Restaurant Chain."

	"That's true Mr. Williams; this is an upscale restaurant chain that
caters to the middle and upper middle market. I need a good operations
manager that knows the business and can manage this operation."

	"I would be interested in hearing more about this position. Would
you like to receive a copy of my resume?"

	"That would be helpful Jess.  Here's my email address, would you
send it to me and if you have the background I'm looking for I will ask you
to come in for an interview?"

	"Great!  I'll send that to you later today, Mr. Stevens"

	"I'll let you know as soon as I have a chance to read it."

                            *********************

	Mac finished his last call and headed for home.  He took the
elevator to the second floor and went into his bedroom suite. He changed
into casual clothes and found Drew working out in their gym. "Hi
sweetheart," Mac said. "Is everything under control?"

	"Everything is fine, the Cunningham family is all settled in.  Tony
and Jane have had their dinner in the nursery dining room and are amusing
themselves with one of those new fangled computer games that kids love to
play with. Paul and Lance will be dining with us at seven."

	"Well you and Kim have done your usual efficient job of managing
everything, Sweetheart." Mac kissed Drew and said, "I'm going up to the
nursery for a little while to see how my other loved ones are doing."

	"That's nice, they will enjoy your visit," Drew said. "I joined
them while they had their dinner a little while ago.  Tony and Jane are
nice kids, although I think we need to think about moving Tony into his
brother's suite. I think he feels a little out of place with the younger
children.  Jane is content and is like a mother hen, you know how little
girls are."

	"You are probably right; I'll run this by Paul. The suite that Paul
is in has two good size bedrooms. They would share the sitting room, but
that can be worked out if that's what they want. I will be back in time for
our cocktail."

                         ***************************

	Mac returned to join Drew in the drawing room for their cocktail
before dinner. Mac said, "Our children are the smartest kids in the world,
bar none. They are really bright for their age and so lovable. Paul and
Lance are deep into some discussion about the law, God it's like being in
college again with those two. I think this new arrangement is going to work
out fine. I called the hospital about Jeff, and he's holding his
own. Dr. Gordon said the new MRI showed some improvement and that the new
medication was helping.  They won't know much more for a few more days.  If
he gets by the next few days without having another stroke, they feel his
chances are good."

	"Well that's good news Sweetheart," Drew said.

	"I was impressed with Jess Williams' resume and I'm meeting him
tomorrow morning.  If he's as good as David says and his background is as
he shows in his resume I think we have the general manager for Cunningham
Restaurants. I'll have Pete check him out."

	"Well that's good news; you really don't need that distraction with
everything else you're working on now."

	Mac said, "You know sweetheart we have been very fortunate, and
blessed. We have each other and we are both healthy, with beautiful and
healthy children. This incident with Jeff made me realize how fragile life
can be. Who would have thought that a young man like Jeff would be struck
down by a stroke?  I am so glad that we have the financial resources to
take care of his children and to see that Jeff and his family come out of
this whole."

	"Yes sweetheart, we are very lucky. It looks like Lance has
recruited yet another candidate for our company."

	"Don't tell me he's already recruiting people to run our company.
I knew about the Kings, but who else has he been talking to?"

	Drew said, "His two best friends, Frank and Paul.  Paul told me
that he and Frank plan to work for Lance when he joins MacDonald Stevens."

	Mac laughed, "I hope they give us enough time to clean out our
desk. Come to think about it, Lance will be twenty-one in four years
time. I guess we had better start grooming them to take over in the
future. Maybe you can develop an executive training program for them and
any of the other young people that want to join the program.  Your dad
trained you while you were in high school. I can see no reason why these
young people can't do the same."

	"I agree sweetheart. I'll make that one a priority. Why don't we
place that on the agenda for our next board meeting? I think they can come
up with some good suggestions. Since all the divisions will benefit from
the program, I think they will be more helpful in seeing that it works in
their respective divisions."

	Mac said, "I better say good night to my son.  I won't be long
lover."


			       T H E   E N D

To my devoted readers,

This ends Part- 24 of Book three of Mac.  Mac and his family will appear in
other Books in the Family & Friends Series. After the last Book of F&F is
published, I will close the series with the last chapters of Mac.

I plan to post Family & Friends-Alex the end of next week. I hope you will
continue to read the series and continue to let me know how you like my
stories.  I will be publishing other books that are not part of Family &
Friends. I plan to announce those stories as they are posted in Nifty.

Ron

********************************************************************************
ron.robbins@yahoo.com