Chapter 13

I could hear the kids from the boat, "Get up, get up, we want you to get up. Please, come on, get up, Chuck."

Opening my eyes, I could still hear them chant. I flashed on Mercy and told her to keep the kids down so I could wake up. I flashed on Missy and told her mentally, "You're in trouble; I know how to do this now."

I sat up in bed, realizing I had just communicated with both Missy and Mercy. We had really talked. Thinking very hard, I thought of Steve and asked him, "When are we going back to Hawaii?"

A minute later, Mercy was filling my head with admonishments, "You're not supposed to do that to Steve. He was so surprised he spilled his coffee. He says to tell you we're leaving as soon as we can get you out of the hospital."

This was impressive. I didn't understand it, but somehow I knew I was given some form of special ability that I was just barely beginning to become aware of.

The hospital staff brought me a big breakfast that I wolfed down quickly and begged for more. I did get another cup of decaf and thought that a real cup of coffee would go a long way.

I thought of the Tampa girls, hoping all was well with them. What would I do with them? There were too many. Tina had some magic pull that made me interested. Lena was the youngest of the all of them, but she did have something that fascinated me.

Lisa had the strongest magnetism for me. She and I had a lot in common. We both loved to fly and we both loved music. She had her career and knew I had a career. Did it take more than that?

Lena, oh my, another magnificent woman but she was still a baby. She was really too young for me, but in a lot of ways, she was more mature than any of the Fab Five.

Oh yes, the five wonders of my world. So nuts, certifiably nuts. They wanted babies and for me to be the babies' dad, but they didn't want the husband and wife relationship all the time, just when it was convenient for them. I think they really loved me, but they loved each other and their group more.

Then there is Wanda, what did she mean when she whispered to me? Was Wanda more than my buddy, more than my closest friend?

Sue, Mercy, and Missy came into the room, interrupting my thoughts of the Tampa women. They were very cheerful and had brought clothes for me to wear. I put slacks and a shirt on with the girls' help, then they put my sock and shoe on for me as I put on my leg.

I got up and walked around the room, making sure I wasn't too dizzy to make the trip.

The doctor came in with the nurse and a candy striper with a wheelchair. The doctor gave me a thorough exam and said he would release me, again cautioning me about movement. He wrote up his chart and gave it to the nurse who said, "You don't have to worry about the administration offices. The government has already signed for everything. If you want some pain killers we can write you a prescription, but you don't seem to have any problem handling what pain you have."

I smiled and said, "I'm fine and will be even better on the beach in Hawaii. Thank you for taking care of me and for not freaking out about all of my friends coming here to visit."

Steve told the candy striper, "I'll push. We have a van at the front door waiting for us. Come with us to bring the wheelchair back."

At the door downstairs, I was greeted by Juanita and Kathy who were with the taxicab van they had hired. After a couple of gentle hugs, I was put into the van and we were on our way to the airport.

Out at the airport, the taxi rolled up to the door of a G5 that had two crewmen and a hostess standing at the stairway. This reminded me of the way S&S did it. I was helped onto the aircraft and was seated in a large comfortable seat that swiveled around to allow me to converse with others in the cabin.

As soon as we were in the air, I had a cup of real coffee and enjoyed a pastry they served. First, Steve wanted to hear about the raid and how I came to be injured. I gave him the story and he said, "You were lucky. I'm sure you didn't figure on someone coming out of the building like that after what the crazy guy did to that girl and the ACLU guy. We're all glad you were lucky. This time you will have to take it easy."

I know we stopped in San Francisco to refuel then were off flying across the Pacific. I dozed in and out, waking long enough to go to the bathroom, drink some water, or eat something. The next thing I knew, we were in Hawaii and I was being led from the plane to another van.

Instead of going to the boat, we went to a big hotel where we went to a fancy suite that had several bedrooms off a main living room. As soon as I was inside and sitting on the sofa, a thousand kids descended upon me and were constantly being cautioned to be gentle with me as I had been hurt.

Soon the excitement of our return had passed and the children, with parents in tow, were outside playing on the beach. Bonita had remained and was sitting with me. She asked, "Are you going to be able to teach me while you are hurt? Can you still use your hands for the guitar or piano? If not, you can just tell me what to do."

Kathy had also stayed in the suite and was listening. I said to Bonita, "I haven't tried yet, Bonita, but I'm sure I can still teach you. Why don't you enjoy the beach while you can? We'll be back on the water soon and that will give us plenty of opportunity to learn and practice. It's important to play outside since it gives you the rhythm to play music."

"It does? Is that why I always hear music in my head? Is it because I like to play outside?"

I smiled, "It probably is, Bonita. Music is everywhere. Enjoying people and animals and the ocean is important. The rhythm of life is what gives you the ability to keep time while you're playing."

Bonita jumped up, hugged me, and ran out the open door. Kathy came over and hugged me. "That was sweet. You just gave her a reason to have fun as well as learn to play music. You're right though, music is everywhere. She has always been a singer and has hummed tunes since she was one or two. I didn't think it would turn out that she was so interested in music, though. She's the only one out of the six that really enjoys music all the time. Greg is enjoying learning how to play the guitar, but he's still all boy. He wants to run and play whenever he can. The guitar is great quiet time stuff for him."

Everyone soon came in and got ready to go eat supper in the hotel restaurant. I went with them and was able to eat a mahi-mahi dinner that was delicious. We seemed to take the long way around the hotel grounds to get back to our suite, but finally did get back. I was surprisingly tired and said I was going to wash up and go to bed.

It seemed that everywhere I went, someone was watching me to make sure that I was okay. I washed up a little, brushed my teeth, and got my clothes off, with some effort, before lying down. I had to lay flat on my back or my collarbone would hurt. It didn't make any difference as I was tired enough to quickly fall asleep.

Sometime during the night, I was aware that someone came to lie down with me but it didn't wake me enough to find out who it was. I figured I may have taken someone's bed and they had come to claim a piece of it.

I could hear breathing and I could feel breath on my face. I opened my eyes to see three small faces looking at me. Bonita and Dewey's two girls were looking at me. Bonita said, "Are you awake? Do you want to get up with us? Maybe we can play our guitars this morning."

I smiled, "What time is it, Bonita?"

She took the alarm clock from the bedside and held it up so I could read it.

"Ah, it's only six o'clock. I think the rest of the family would probably like to sleep later than that, don't you?"

"We're awake and Mama Juanita is awake. She's looking at us right now."

I turned and looked to see Juanita grinning at me. "I think she's probably awake because we're talking. I'll bet she was asleep before we began talking."

"Maybe, but she's awake now. Can we get our guitars?"

"Did you bring them or are they still on the boat?"

All three simultaneously said, "We brought them."

Juanita said, "We brought yours too. Let me get us some coffee and you can take them outside on the patio. They won't wake everyone out there. Come on, let me help you up and out."

As I sat up, I said, "I'm going to have to take a shower soon. I'm getting a little ripe. I'll go to the bathroom and go outside for a while then I need to clean up."

I put my leg on and went to the bathroom then put some shorts and a T-shirt on and went out to the patio. The three girls came out, quietly carrying their guitar cases. Juanita brought my guitar case out and said, "The coffee will be here in a few minutes. I'll bring you some as soon as it gets here."

"How about you three do the scales for me while I see if my injury will let me play?"

The three began playing the chord scales then switched to the single string scales. They said the chord every time they struck the strings or the individual note as they picked the string.

I was able to put the guitar neck down so my left hand could reach the frets, so I could play fairly well. We began alternating chords and strings every other note. It was an exercise my old guitar teacher had used to teach me.

Bonita had a piece of sheet music she said the girls and her had been practicing and wanted me to listen to them play. The girls began playing and it was really very good. Each one would take turns picking the melody while the other two would strum the rhythm. They were having a great time playing "Camptown Races."

Juanita brought out some cups of coffee and three glasses of orange juice for the girls. "You girls really played that well. You are getting very good."

That's all they needed to hear. They were very proud to have been able to figure out how to learn the one piece all by themselves. The said in a group, "Thank you, Mama Juanita."

Beth and Missy came out to the patio to sit with us. Mercy and Sue soon came out with Kathy and Steve. Sheila and Sheena came out with Dewey, then the kids began coming. Soon the patio was full of people. It was agreed that we would get dressed and go to breakfast.

When I went to the bathroom in my room, Juanita followed me and asked, "Can I help you? I know you can't wash yourself very well, and you might have trouble balancing on one foot in taking a shower. Please, let me help."

The voluptuous Juanita did help me shower and get clean. I helped her wash up as much as I could. She did remind me that the sight of a lovely lady stimulated me. She sure could stimulate me too. When we were clean, dried, and dressed, she gave me a chaste kiss and said, "You were a perfect gentleman. I don't know whether that was good or not. Maybe we'll find out another time when we aren't as rushed. You were a gentleman last night too, but I figured you would be as it had been a long day for all of us."

"Thank you, Juanita. You saw how you affected me. Trust me, you definitely have my interest, but I think I should respect that you belong with Steve."

Juanita came and hugged me. When she looked up at me she smilingly said, "I think you might be an exception around here. Just like the intimacy we shared on the boat, I think we can share that when we want to without fear that we would offend anyone."

"Thanks, Juanita, I have to think about all of this. All of you are so open, loving, and giving. I like it, of course, but I don't know whether I could be as open and generous with you or the other ladies."

Juanita pulled my head down to kiss her then said, "Just stay with us and be comfortable, Chuck. We don't have to do anything, but we enjoy you physically too, not just being around you but sharing ourselves with you."

Kathy came into the room and gave me a kiss. "How do you feel this morning, Chuck? Are you about ready to help Steve out with his harem? I think we're wearing him out and you need to help a little."

"I was trying to get him to, Kathy, but he is such a gentleman," Juanita said.

"I'll get Mercy and Missy to put thoughts in his head. He'll get over being bashful."

We went out to go to breakfast with all of the families. Michael, Chanda, Lucille, and Margaret were with us, and Serene was trailing along behind. I waited for her and we walked together, following the group.

"Have you enjoyed Hawaii, Serene?"

"Oh yes, Chuck. It is beautiful and so nice with the warm ocean breezes. This is a beautiful place. I'm glad you are alright. You gave us all a fright. I didn't realize you were in such a dangerous occupation. It just didn't seem real after you played with the children so gently and lovingly."

"My work is just that, Serene. Work that needs to be done and I've been trained to do it. I think I'm a gentle person other than when I have to be aggressive."

Serene smiled and said, "I think you're right. You are a gentle person. You know the two ladies, Lucille and Margaret, were talking together and I overheard them. I think you should speak with them about a personal matter. They may have duped you into doing something for them."

"What could they have been talking about to make you think I have been duped?"

"They were saying that you had helped the master by giving them what the master could not. They were excited as the master felt their potential new offspring would be of good bloodlines, yours."

"You mean you think they are pregnant and that I helped them get that way?"

"Yes I do, and I'm envious. I want to be a mother one day. The master had what you call a snip job and it can't be put back easily. He thought none of them wanted any more babies, but the two ladies wanted another each. It was going to be either you or master Steve. I think it quite nice that they will have your offspring."

"This is a surprise. I will ask them about it. I hope this isn't a problem with their family, you know Michael and Chanda."

Serene said very seriously, "Oh, I think the whole family made the decision. I think they wanted to have you sire these next children. They think that they will be true warriors."

I didn't laugh, but had to smile. "Thank you, Serene, I hope this doesn't affect how you and I get along."

"For sure it will not, Mr. Johnson, ah, Chuck. I think it is very masculine that you can sire children so easily. I know they didn't have but the one opportunity each with you. If you were to have accomplished the feat so easily, it is nice to know you could help me as well."

"Serene, I think that if you and I were to have a child together, I think I would prefer we raise it together."

"Oh that would be wonderful, but I plan to raise my children in Ireland and you live in America. It would be a real long distance relationship, don't you think?"

"That should tell you that you need to find a good Irishman to make you his wife and give you many children."

Serene smiled, "I could do that, but I may decide to become another lady in waiting to the master. If I should become another toy within the master's home, I would need you to seed the master's toy so he could enjoy many more children. I doubt I would have only two, I think at least four would be proper for the master. All would need the same father and since you are the selected sire for Lucille and Margaret, I'm sure I would want to have the same for mine."

I didn't fall to the ground and roll around laughing, but felt I should. Mentally, I was calling out to Missy and Mercy to come rescue me. Mercy looked back at me and just grinned. Missy didn't even miss a step. They were ignoring my plea for help.

Breakfast became a real family affair at the restaurant. We were served at a large table that had been put together just for us. We had a selection of fruit, breakfast meats, eggs, pancakes, and French toast. I was starved, as usual, and ate like it. I thought I should hold up a little but couldn't resist the good food.

When we left breakfast, I engaged Steve in a conversation about his plan for the remainder of his vacation. Dewey and Steve had decided to tour all the islands and to move every four or five days, up to a week, until we had visited all of the islands and experienced all of the enjoyable native feasts we could endure.

No one seemed upset at missing the visit to Japan or the Philippines, so I settled down into a routine that should be good for my healing process and for my mental attitude.

Throughout the days, I stayed near the beach, sitting in a lounger, enjoying the breeze and the sun. I was tanning nicely, becoming as brown as Sue, Juanita, and Mercy. Juanita's natural tan gave her the edge, making her almost as creamy chocolate as Tiani. By the third week in the islands, I was moving around very well, but still using the sling when walking around. I could now easily play the guitar and was giving a collective lesson for an hour each morning to all of the kids.

Bonita and Dewey's girls demanded an extra hour each day to learn more. Serene was now joining us each day to learn and practice with the three girls. Serene had found some Irish tunes on the internet and printed them out so we could practice them. We did enjoy the new music, different from what we were used to.

On a Friday evening, the four girls, with me playing a background rhythm as if I were playing a bass, played six Irish tunes for the families. Michael and Chanda were very excited that we had prepared the music just for them. Lucille and Margaret informed Michael that Serene had found the music and was instrumental to our learning the music for the master's entertainment. This politicking was done to entice Michael and Chanda into taking Serene as an additional lady within Michael's household.

This must have worked since Serene was invited to stay in the master's suite with the other four. A good time must have been had by all, as Michael and Serene both had smiles the next day. After the guitar lesson and practice, Serene advised me that my services may be needed soon, since Chanda was insisting Michael add Serene to the group.

The family had rented most of a small resort on the island of Molokai that fronted on a small harbor. There was a great beach, plus acres and acres of lush grass for the kids to run and play on.

The ladies and children were all as brown as the Hawaiian natives were and the men were all very rested. Dewey, Steve, and Michael were being their typical selves and had found and purchased a hotel and condo complex that served as an executive retreat for many companies in the U.S. This first purchase was on the island of Molokai. This was only the second stop on our visit to the islands. The existing owners had not put any money into upgrading the facilities for a long time so the buildings and accommodations were beginning to look run down.

Dewey was the real estate expert, or rather the person most knowledgeable about hotels and resorts, and knew the owners were at odds with each other and all wanted out of the property. With Dewey's knowledge, Steve's luck, and Michael's accent, they were able to convince the property owners to sell at what Dewey said was, at a maximum, fifty percent of the real value of the resort. Their next purchase was a professional quality golf course that adjoined the resort, along with a local theme restaurant in between.

The existing manager of the resort had tendered his resignation as he was going to look for a position with a company that wanted to be profitable and was willing to invest some capital to get there. That's where I came in. I had been following the men around during their visits to the property and the golf course and had visited with the manager of the resort a few times. He was a guy, in his late thirties or early forties, who had a ready smile and seemed to have the respect of his employees.

Two of the maintenance men who were working on the sprinkler system were discussing whether the manager would be able to talk the owners into some new sprinkler heads. Since I was nearby, I mentioned that there may be new owners and I was sure they would want to make purchases of equipment when it was needed. The one man said, "Hope these guys get as good a manager as we have now. Our guy is going to be gone by next week and I know the owners haven't even begun looking for a replacement yet."

My curiosity was aroused, "Why do you think the existing guy should continue to be the manager?"

"Martin has worked hard to keep the place up and to make sure the employees have been taken care of even after the owners canceled the health insurance. Martin found a way to trade out some services that we could provide on an overtime basis that would cover the cost of our health insurance. Everyone was willing to work the extra time to make sure our families were covered. If Martin leaves, there won't be anyone to manage the people who cover the restaurant. That's where we all work in order to make the extra money. Martin manages the place and we all do everything from cooking to cleaning. Martin must be one hell of a business manager as the restaurant owner says he's never made as much as since Martin took over. Wait till he finds out that Martin is leaving. He'll cry too."

I just nodded and agreed with them but took off to find Steve, Dewey, and Michael.

I found them in the restaurant that the maintenance men had just been talking about. They were sitting, having a cup of coffee when I pulled up a seat. Dewey said, "Just in time to celebrate with us. We just bought this place. This will become part of the resort along with the golf course. You should see the books for this place. It's a regular gold mine."

"Dewey, I've just heard why this place is making money. It's the manager. Two men were working on the sprinkler system at the hotel and were talking in confidence to me. The man who manages this place actually uses his entire salary from here and all the salaries from the people who work here as a way to get them health insurance. You see, the manager here is the manager of the resort. He's given notice and is leaving next week. In order to take care of his people, he took over managing this restaurant and has hotel employees working part time here to cover the costs of their insurance that the former owners canceled. I think that was pretty smart of the man and you also just complimented the place as being a gold mine. You better go talk to the manager and make him an offer he can't refuse."

Steve was grinning, "Good detective work, Deputy, I knew there was some underlying problem next door. I've noticed several people in here that I've seen next door and figured they were moonlighting here for a few extra dollars. Now this all makes sense. The resort owners think they're sticking us with a property that will go further downhill without a manager. The only guy who doesn't know he's into us is the guy who owns this place. He's retiring and liquidating his businesses."

Dewey made the observation, "You know we're going to need an overall manager for the resort, the restaurant, and the golf course. I think we've found someone who might measure up to the job. Let's go find this guy and spirit him away to join all of our families for dinner this evening."

Michael said, "Let's do it up right. I'll have the Captain set up a gala dinner party for us this evening on the yacht. That ought to impress the man."

Dewey commented, "What if he's just a plain type of guy. We should have supper out on the deck of the Mercy Mercy with all the kids. This guy might enjoy just some good ole companionship."

I suggested, "Let's find the guy and get him to join us first. We can do all of it. We can visit the Executive Suite for before dinner cocktails, have dinner on the Irish Bell, then go to the Mercy Mercy for dessert and after dinner drinks. That way he'll get an idea how crazy a bunch you guys all are. He'll run for his life or join up on the spot.

Steve said, "Great idea, let's go find this Martin character. I love the name as my neighbor, Martin, is one of my best friends back home."

The four us went to the hotel and were able to find Martin talking to the maintenance men I had overheard and spoken with earlier. Martin was showing the men how they might fix the sprinkler head they were showing him.

The two guys recognized me and were a little apprehensive to see the four of us together. Dewey introduced us, "Martin, I'm Dewey, this is Steve, and this is Michael. We are the new owners of the resort complex. We haven't had a chance to meet you yet, but we need to talk to you. I understand you plan to leave and from what we have heard, the employees here think that would be a terrible thing to have happen. Would you join us for dinner this evening so we could talk about your future?"

Martin looked surprised, but as Dewey talked, you could see he became hesitant, "I have an obligation in the evenings that I have to attend to. If we could have the talk later or maybe early in the morning it would be best."

Steve and Dewey didn't put it together so I stepped up, "I'm not one of the new owners of the resort, Martin. I'm a friend mooching off these rich guys. Since you are the manager here and these three are now the owners, why can't you guys just walk over to the restaurant that we know you manage and have a cup of coffee? They do make a good cup over there."

Steve, Dewey, and Michael all looked at me funny as Martin said, "You're right. You guys are the owners and since it's on your dime, you can have me talk to you wherever you want. Let's go, good idea."

Martin told his secretary where he was going and told her he would be back in a while.

While we were back sitting in the restaurant, I opened my mouth again, "Martin, these three want to impress you this evening, so you really need to figure out how to give them opportunity to show off their boats to you. Listen to them for a while, then plan on coming tonight. If you need someone to watch this place for you, tell me what to do and I'll stay."

"Too bad you're not one of the owners, I like the way you just push on ahead," Martin said to me, then to the others he offered, "I'll listen to you guys and see if you have any reason for me to stay around here."

Dewey was the hotel guru, so he said, "I know a little about hotels here in the islands, but I don't know anything about resorts with condos. I do know that the hotel I own on the big island has done well and it's not because of me, it's because of the manager I have there. He and his family have given their best to keep the hotel and the grounds desirable and full year round. What I know, is that it's not what I know, but what the people who work for me know. In this case, I talked Steve and this Irish guy to join me in this venture. If Chuck had some money, he'd be a part of it too, but it's just the three of us right now. Let us tell you what we've planned and what we've done so far to make it work."

Dewey said, "Steve is the dreamer, let him give you his dream."

Steve smiled and continued the chat, "We found this place while listening to some businessmen talking about albatrosses that needed to be gotten rid of. They didn't want to be associated with each other any longer and wanted to dump the place. We accommodated them by offering them what Dewey considered about twenty-five percent of what he valued the place to be worth. There was some negotiating, but we ended up buying the place for a good price. A good resort in Hawaii needs a golf course, so we made a deal on the golf course next door that has a lot of extra land to the north of it that can accommodate more resort housing. There was a last piece of the puzzle we needed to add, and it was this place. Earlier today we made a deal and have transferred funds to buy the restaurant."

"The golf course and the restaurant are making money, so the place to start remodeling first is the hotel. When we get that place to be a real prize, we have to do the condos. Now, while we do this remodeling and upgrading, we'll probably want to remodel and expand the restaurant, then remodel and expand the golf course clubhouse."

"Here's our problem. None of us live here. All of us can come to help with major decisions, but we can't manage the complex, and since we won't be on site, we definitely won't be able to micromanage any of it. We know we need a new hotel and maybe a resort manager and a new restaurant manager, but what we really need is someone to manage the whole complex. You're popular and you obviously have talent managing businesses and people, why not be our complex manager?"

Martin's face had gone through a variety of expressions, but was now fixed in surprise. His mouth was open and he was sitting with his palms up, totally vulnerable to anything we wanted.

Dewey, recognizing the body language, said, "And Martin, if you take us up on our offer, you have to come to dinner this evening so we can show off to you and show you off to our families. Are you married?"

Martin was still stunned and just slowly shook his head and said, "No, haven't had time to date much since I've been working in this industry."

Michael said, "We'll have to work on that. You need to have a social life, even if it is tied to your business life. You need to entice more young beauties to come to your new exclusive restaurant and night club."

This shook Martin out of his stupor, "What new exclusive restaurant and night club?"

Dewey grinned, "The one that will be attached to your fancy hotel, Martin. We need an additional draw to bring people to us."

Martin said, "This is a small island, not like the big island. This is a kicked back resort island that happens to have one of the best golf courses in all the islands. We have four here, and the one next door is the best in all the islands. With that as an included draw, I think I can keep the hotel and condos reserved twelve months a year."

"Then you'll come to work for us?" Dewey asked.

Martin's face turned serious again and he said, "I do have a couple of things we need to agree on. One, is the employees health care. You know we've been running this place for our health insurance. If we can hire regular employees here, we could make this place even more profitable. If some of the people want to keep part time jobs for the money, I'm agreeable to that. But my people need to have health insurance."

Martin was looking at the three men to see if they objected. He didn't see any frowns and went on. "If we remodel, I don't want to be a part of just glossing the place over. I want it to be a real remodel, designed to be modern, current, and desirable, but not a casino. If we do this right, we can have a really nice family resort that is a place for people to relax. One thing we need is a sea taxi to the other islands. We can use the helicopters, but some people don't like to spend that much to travel between the cities. If we had a fast sea taxi, folks who want to gamble could go to the big island or go into Honolulu. I know I'm dreaming, but these would be good improvements to the place."

Steve was the one to speak first, "Every one of my companies' employees have health insurance and I want you to know that I want all of the employees within your new scope of management to make what they deserve. First, you find out what the average of all of the let's say, the housekeepers, make on all the islands and make sure yours are paid at least ten percent more than that average. Do that with every job you have. If you set a precedent that you pay well, you will attract the right people. Now what do we expect from those who are paid more than average? I expect that every person in the organization strives for perfection. If your people try to do their job in a manner that says "perfect," then your customers will be perfectly happy to come back often. You can have signs over the door where your employees leave to go work with customers that say "Is it perfect?" Those signs are over every one of my businesses' doors. I really believe that if you try to do perfect work, you will be rewarded."

You could see Martin becoming energized, excited at the prospect of lifting the resort out of the doldrums of uncaring owners, into a new era. Martin said, "I'm sold. I can get one of the guys or ladies to manage the restaurant tonight. I'll come, but I want to announce to the employees some good news, something special."

Dewey looked at Steve and Michael, but it was Steve who again spoke, "Do you have a time clock at the restaurant?"

"Sure, that's how we account for the pay we put into the insurance plan," Martin said. "The restaurant owner pays everyone what they make and then the employee signs the check over to the fund. The waitresses even put the tip money into the fund. What is extra has gone into a kitty that I've invested in a mutual fund. It's okay, but not a lot of money yet, probably about a hundred dollars for each of the members."

Steve was smiling, "Start a rumor, tell everyone that as of this date, everyone working at the restaurant will keep their checks this week and the tip money needs to be divided up between the other folks that work there. Do you think that would be a good first announcement?"

"It will be great, but I want the people to know what you're really planning."

Dewey said, "Wait until we have the architect's plans and the permits to do the additions. When that time comes, Steve and I and possibly Michael will come to have a party for all the employees of all three venues. We'll close them all down or have two separate parties, two days in a row so everyone can come to one. We'll have a celebration all the islands will hear about. Everyone in the hospitality industry will want to work for you."

Martin grinned, "You mean work for you guys."

"We couldn't make this a success without you managing all of it for us," Dewey said smiling. "What do you think a person in that position should make, Martin?"

"I don't know," Martin said. "I thought you would just continue my salary and possibly a bonus for keeping the place profitable. The other owners never seemed to think it was that big a deal that I kept the place profitable even if they didn't spend any money keeping the place up. I made it work."

Michael said, "I think we'll check on a few resorts around the islands. There are a few with golf courses, so we'll check with them and find out what their general managers make. We'll make sure you're at least ten percent higher than the average with a good bonus plan. Will that work?"

Martin grinned, "I don't spend money. I've saved my salary for a long time. One of these days, I want to buy a sailboat, but I don't have time for it yet. Perhaps you'll let me keep my apartment at the hotel, which would be good. We can use the other owner's apartment for the new manager."

Dewey said, "Sounds like a good deal to me. You might want to live over at the golf course though. They have a great group of apartments over there for the ex-owners. We may have to use them as places for our stateside folks to stay at when they are visiting. Steve uses trips here as a bonus for his people. As they do well, he sends them to various places for vacations."

Martin looked at the three men and then at me. He asked me, "These guys are for real aren't they. This is real. They really did buy the resort, the restaurant, and the golf course."

I nodded, "They're for real, Martin. I know that if you work with them, you will be rewarded far beyond your wildest dreams."

Martin went back to the resort after getting directions to the harbor where our boats were anchored. He said he would be there by six. The rest of us went back to see what the family was doing and to prepare for the evening. Michael went to have his crew get ready for a special dinner. Steve told Beth and Missy what the deal was about dessert and they said they would have something fixed. Dewey told Sheila and Sheena about the evening and they said they would have appetizers with the drinks before dinner.

Dewey had the Captain of the Irish Bell lash the three boats together so we could easily travel between them. They put the Mercy Mercy in the middle as that was where they would go after dinner on the Irish Bell. Since it took a ladder to go from a sailboat to the deck of the Irish Bell, they put it at the end.

Martin showed up right at six. Steve and Dewey were on the dock. They met and ferried him to the Executive Suite for drinks and appetizers. Once on Dewey's boat, Martin was mesmerized by all the children and all of the good feelings he experienced while being introduced.

After some snacks and a couple of drinks, the adults made their way to the Irish Bell where they were seated in the formal dining room of the luxurious boat. Uniformed waiters served the food, one entrée at a time, until a whole roasted lamb was brought to to be carved and slices placed on individual plates.

The meal was accented by a continuous change of wines to accent the taste of each serving. About the time the lamb was served, Martin couldn't contain himself. "Do you folks eat like this all the time, with this much grandeur?"

Steve laughed and said, "Come again tomorrow and we'll show how we usually eat. Most meals are at our large tables on the Mercy Mercy's main deck. The ladies put the food on the table and you have to fend for yourself. It's beer and hotdogs, or hamburgers off the grille. Sometimes we have good old steak and baked potatoes. You should join us for a few meals to feel the fun of a dozen or so kids enjoying themselves."

Martin was smiling and said, "I would like that. I've never eaten in such luxury and grandeur. This is an exciting venue that I would love to duplicate for customers to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. Perhaps I should learn more from your crew."

When everyone had laid their utensils down, Sue suggested, "Why don't we go over to the Mercy Mercy and have some coffee and dessert. I believe Missy made some of her wonderful tiny cream puffs. I know mom made cookies for the kids today as well."

The group went to the long sailboat on the Mercy Mercy and entered the huge main lounge. Tonight, Serene and Gloria had joined Michael, Chanda, and the two assistant wives. This night was different, as Chanda had Serene sit between her and Michael as if she was assuming a new role within the group.

Gloria was trying to be inconspicuous, and was standing with me as I was acting as bartender, pouring drinks to go with the coffee being served. Steve's ladies were all rum and Diet Coke drinkers while Dewey and Steve were scotch drinkers. Dewey's ladies wanted Manhattans, while Michael and his ladies all desired some white wine. When I asked Martin what he would have, he said to me softly while looking hungrily at Gloria, "Some of that with crème de mint and a cherry would be nice."

Gloria had heard him, and at first didn't get what he said, then blushed bright red when she realized his intent. She looked at him with a shocked expression, but when he smiled at her, she demurely lowered her eyes and grinned.

I asked Gloria what I could make for her and she asked for some scotch as well. Martin then spoke up and said, "I'll have some scotch with the pretty lady if she will forgive my inappropriate remark."

Gloria looked Martin in the eye and said with a smile, "I'm flattered you have such thoughts, Sir."

Martin was not used to how direct the English, or in this case, the Irish can be. He was momentarily tongue tied as I handed them each a glass. While the others were all chatting, I asked Martin and Gloria if they would accompany me out to the deck. They followed.

The three of us walked forward to the bow and were looking out at the sea and the moon rising from the water. It was very romantic. I excused myself, saying I needed to get back into the lounge.

Mercy was coming from below, carrying my Blues King case. She handed it to me and said, "Why don't you play a little for us. I think this evening is a good blues and jazz night. I'm going to redesign this lounge so we can have a piano or a place for a keyboard up here."

I did play several blues tunes that I remembered sounded good on an acoustic. About forty five minutes after I had come in, Martin and Gloria came back into the lounge. Both of their faces were red, not from embarrassment, probably from kissing. They were holding hands, smiling, not caring that they displayed their feelings so easily.

Seeing them come back in the mood they were in, I played a couple of ballads that I knew would enhance the mood a little. When Michael, Chanda, and the three women stood to leave, Gloria went to Chanda and had a quiet conversation with her. Chanda smiled and nodded to her with a few words. The Irish contingent, minus Gloria, went to their big luxury yacht for the night.

Dewey softly said to those remaining, "Now for some serious drinking. Those amateurs put a damper on our merriment."

As Dewey got up to pour some more drinks, Martin said to Gloria, "Let's have another and then I'll show you my resort."

We all had another drink, with Missy asking me to play just a little longer. She was sitting beside me with Beth on my other side. I played some of the usual that they enjoyed, such as "Georgia" and "I left my heart in San Francisco," then Beth asked, "Play us a lullaby and we'll head to bed. It's probably past time."

Martin thanked everyone for a great evening and said he wanted to see the men in the morning, if they had time. He then guided Gloria toward the back of the boat where J.J. took the two ashore. J.J. handed Gloria a cell phone and told her to call him when she wanted to be brought back, whenever that might be.

I played "Summertime" for the group as they cleaned up the glasses, getting ready for bed. All of us went to either the Executive Suite or below on the Mercy Mercy for the night. I put the guitar away, washed up, and brushed my teeth, then slid between the sheets, very content after a very nice evening.

Sometime during the night a body that was encased in soft nylon or silk, or some kind of nightgown, slid into bed with me. I knew it was female, as she snuggled up with her butt spooning against me and put my hand over a very generous breast. She didn't seem to want anything but company, and I obliged, as her warmth was comforting.

Primary editing by Pepere

Proofing by Sagacious