by David Harder
“Excuse me?” asked Staci.
“Staci, you are important, and I look forward to you being here for your father’s service. If you want Marcus to join you, that’s your choice. I’m sure the company will cover the expenses.”
“And will I embarrass you, too?”
The photo Nate showed during their meetings flashed into Tony’s mind. He hated to admit it, but it was difficult to look at Staci’s picture and not feel slightly repulsed. He lied.
“Staci, Robert was way out of line with his comments, and I will tell him so to his face when I see him. As I stated before, you’re important, and we want you here, along with the whole family. We’re in the process of contacting your uncles as well.”
Staci started cheering up. “I read on Facebook that Uncle Jake just had both hips replaced, so I’m not sure he can make it. It will be good to see Uncle John and Aunt Mary, though.”
Tony felt relieved that Staci was positive. “Excellent, Staci. We’ll see each other in a week or so. I want to meet with you and your siblings in my office and go over the details of your father’s will.”
For a short period, there was nothing but silence on the phone. Tony checked the screen to ensure there was still a connection.
“Okay, Mr. Toncetti. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Staci, and please, call me Tony.”
“Goodbye, Tony.”
After checking his watch, Tony dashed back to the dining room. He made it back to the table in just under five minutes. “I’m back, Rachel.”
Her smile indicated he was still in her good graces.
* * *
Sitting on the edge of their bed, Dr. Nolan lovingly kissed his wife and gave her a big hug.
“Thomas, please don’t stay up too late.”
“I won’t. I just need to take down some notes before our meeting tomorrow. I love you, Susan.”
“I love you too, sweetie. If I fall asleep, please wake me when you come to bed. I want to snuggle next to you.”
Tom smiled. “I will.”
He walked to his study and grabbed his tape recorder. He loved this device because he could free-form process his thoughts and later have his receptionists transcribe the recording into notes. His glass of wine was still nearly full, so he sipped the burgundy liquid and savored its distinctive flavors. Then, with his usual clinical method, he pressed the record button and began to speak. He listed the facts as he knew them.
“The family names of each of the Kreiders were as follows: James’ parents were Paul and Jane. Their sons are Joseph, Jake, James, and John.”
Trying to remember the dates, Tom spoke, “Write the word deceased next to Paul, Jane, and Joseph. Next to Paul, also write suicide and after the Korean War, which I believe would be 1958. Jane gave birth to John that same year, and it was this child who kept Jane from falling apart when Paul killed himself.”
Working backward, Tom calculated the birth years for the boys. “James was born in 1955, Jake in 1949, and Joseph in 1946. Please look in the Kreider family patient folders to verify these dates.”
Tom’s thoughts drifted off to Paul. “Poor man suffered too much death in two wars. Depression consumed Paul. Jane thought adding children to their family would help. After Paul had died, I decided to help be a role model for the boys. Joseph was killed in Vietnam— I think, 1965. He was too young.”
Tom shook his head in disbelief. “After Joseph died, I stepped in to help. Susan and I would stop by every Sunday and collect Jane and the boys and take them to church. Jane was a resilient woman who remained positive, despite her circumstances, and worked three part-time jobs so that her sons could attend college. I was particularly close to James and treated him like he was my son.”
Dr. Nolan sipped his wine as he processed further thoughts. “Jane raised her sons alone and did a fantastic job. All the boys are successful.
“In 1980, Jane was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She survived five years.” Tom shuddered. “Oh my, I feel old— wait, please ignore my last comment.” He turned the recorder off and sipped the last of his wine. He began to reminisce about the past. He quickly jotted down some quick notes. Suddenly, Tom felt drained. Turning out the lights, Tom trudged off to bed.
When he climbed into his bed, Susan was lightly snoring but aroused the instant Tom touched the sheets.
“What time is it, dear?” Susan asked with a sleepy voice.
“It’s late, my love.”
Susan rolled over and wrapped her body around Tom, snuggling her head into his chest. Tom smiled in the darkness, thanking God for his beautiful wife whom he loved so much.
* * *
Early the next morning, Tom woke with a broad smile. He slowly slipped out of bed and looked down at Susan, who was still sleeping. He leaned over and carefully pulled the bed clothes over Susan. He kissed her shoulder, and she moaned softly.
Tom slipped into his bathrobe and saw Susan’s nightgown tossed to the floor. Tom smiled again.
Tom tiptoed from the room and shut the door quietly.
After exchanging the empty wine glass for a freshly brewed cup of coffee, Tom returned to his study. Staring at the recorder, the doctor sipped his coffee, knowing he was just postponing the inevitable.
Holding the recorder in his hand, Tom stared out the window overlooking the deck and lake. The table where he and Susan had dinner just the evening before sat in solitude as the morning gray light vaporized into warm sunshine. Tom pressed the recorder button.
“Jane was a God-fearing woman, who deserved to see her sons grow old. Surrounded by one tragic event after another, one has to wonder what God had in mind when He looked at the Kreider family. Jane’s ability to stay positive, despite her circumstances, was a personal inspiration. James was a middle child and the peacemaker. He was a jokester, too. Jake taught James how to fish. I taught James how to play golf. Their brother, John, was much younger.
“When Jane died, Jake brought John to stay with his new family and provided John with a stable home environment. The household income was modest, but Jake managed to see John attend college. Thankfully, none of the other Kreider boys ever served in the military.”
Tom stopped the recorder and sipped more coffee. He suddenly became aware of someone’s presence. He swung his chair around and saw his wife leaning against the doorway. She smiled at her husband, like a young woman. Despite the span of time, Susan still captured Tom’s attention.
* * *
Showered and dressed in classy, comfortable attire, Susan sat at the breakfast table with Margaret. Susan’s feet were propped on an adjacent chair as she slowly ate her meal. Tom entered the room, leaned over, and kissed his wife on the head. He looked across the table.
“Good morning, Margaret.”
Surprised, both women stared at the doctor.
“I thought you had a meeting this morning.”
“You look like you’re dressed for golf.”
Tom was wearing a colorful, pale green golfing shirt with a light print; tan, comfortable slacks; and loafers. His favorite panama straw fedora was perched atop his head.
“You look delicious, sweetie.”
Instantly, Margaret jumped from the table and gathered her dishes. Looking down at the floor, she dashed for the kitchen.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to play a round at the country club afterward. Care to join me there this evening for dinner?”
“What time shall I meet you?” Susan said smiling.
“Six o’clock would be excellent. Oh, and before I forget, I love you so much, Susan.”
“You’re not going to sit down for breakfast with me?” Susan asked, almost pouting.
“I’m afraid I’m running late, dear.”
“I understand, but I’m disappointed you can’t join me.”
Tom passionately kissed his wife. “Me too, but I look forward to seeing you this evening.”
Susan deliberately pulled Tom into a heartfelt hug.
Tom quickl
y scanned the room, ensuring Margaret was not present. Tom kissed his wife goodbye and headed out the door.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“GOOD MORNING, BETTY. THESE ARE for you.”
Betty Thurgood looked up from her computer monitor and spotted a large bouquet of flowers. But her beaming smile was instantly wiped from her face the moment she saw the person presenting the flowers.
“Why, Mr. Langley?”
Joe was dressed in black slacks, a pale blue button-down oxford shirt, and a simple dark tie that stopped six inches above his beltline. Betty was shocked to see Joe’s shirttail tucked into his trousers. He actually looked quite presentable.
“We started off on the wrong foot my first day here. I want to apologize.”
Betty forced a smile. “Why, thank you, Mr. Langley. These are lovely.” Betty set the flowers on the desk. “Please, follow me—a few of the others have arrived.”
Betty escorted Joe to the conference room. When they opened the door, Dr. Nolan, Nate, and Arleen were waiting. The credenza was filled with an assortment of drinks and snacks. Joe frowned.
“What’s wrong, Joe? You look like you swallowed sour grapes!” noted Nate.
Joe looked down and mumbled, “I’m on a new diet and lost twenty pounds so far.
Tom darted around the table and stuck out his arm. “Congratulations, Joe! That’s fantastic!”
“Thanks, Doc.”
“Come, let’s see if there is anything here that you can eat that will benefit your diet.”
Joe turned and walked to the opposite end of the conference table. He sat down in his usual chair and stared straight forward, avoiding any eye contact with the credenza.
“Thanks anyway, Doc, but I’ll pass.”
Betty actually gave Joe an approving smile. “Thank you again for the flowers, Mr. Langley. They’re gorgeous.”
Both Nate and Tom looked at Joe with an expression of surprise but, being polite, said nothing.
Joe was shocked to see the doctor dressed so casually. Tom’s fedora was sitting on the table, alongside a glass of red wine. Nate was also casually dressed in cotton chino slacks, a tartan plaid short-sleeved shirt, and loafers. He was sipping on a glass of red wine.
Arleen was wearing red high heels and dressy slacks that cropped close to her ankles. She also had on a wispy, chiffon blouse with see-through sleeves. Despite her attempt to look casual, her ensemble was again picture-perfect and straight out of a fashion magazine.
Then the conference door opened, and Tony walked in.
“Ah, good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming here on a Saturday.” Tony’s cheerful greeting was met with various responses.
Noticing Joe at the other end of the room, the lawyer looked stunned. “Joe, you look classy today. Since today is Saturday, I’ve asked everyone to dress casually and comfortably.”
Dr. Nolan added, “Joe has been on a diet and has lost twenty pounds.”
Joe nodded and smiled.
“That’s great, Joe. I think you do look thinner.”
“You really think so, Tony?”
Oh, absolutely.”
“Congratulations, Joe. You look terrific,” agreed Arleen.
“Thanks, Arleen.”
As folks were going to their respective chairs, the conference door opened again, and Pastor Mike entered, followed by Betty and the stenographer. Mary quietly set her equipment up and sat waiting.
“Mr. Toncetti, shall you need anything further?”
“Thanks, Betty, but I think we’re good. I apologize for having you work the weekend.”
Betty smiled. “No problem, sir. You’re paying me double time today.” She closed the conference room door and returned to her desk.
“If any of you would like something to eat or drink, please help yourself.”
Joe sat with his arms folded while the others gathered something from the credenza. Finally, Joe got up and surveyed the goodies begging for him to indulge, but, instead, Joe plucked a couple of water bottles from the icy bowl holding various sodas and drinks.
Pastor Mike glared at Tom, Nate, Tony, and Arleen as they each poured a glass of wine. Mary accepted water from Dr. Nolan. Once everyone was situated in their seats, Tony handed out a piece of paper.
“I had the opportunity to speak with Jim Kreider’s children. Stephanie, Robert, and Staci will be attending, along with Stephanie’s fiancé, Charles, and Staci’s boyfriend, Marcus. Without your permission, Nate, I said yes to their guests. I hope this meets with your approval?”
“There shouldn’t be any problems, Tony.”
“Thanks. Doctor, were you able to reach Jim’s brothers?”
Tom cleared his throat and opened a manila folder, glancing down at his notes. “I was able to make contact with both of James Kreider’s brothers. His older brother, Jake, just recently underwent replacement surgery on both hips. Because Jake is undergoing rehabilitation therapy, he feels that he cannot travel at this time. He sends his regrets. Their youngest brother, John, will be attending, along with his wife, Mary, and their two youngest children.
“When I spoke with John, he also indicated that he would send out emails to the distant family members regarding the services. Looking at your handout, I see a date and time has been determined for the services, so I will ensure this information is given to John.”
“Excellent, Doctor. And now, please pass this down to Joe.” Tony pulled a thin, black, three-ring binder out and slid it across the table. Mike pushed it to Tom, who then stood and handed it to Joe.
“What’s this, Tony?”
The lawyer just smiled while Joe examined the binder. The pages were brightly colored with sleeved photographs of the paintings collected earlier by Frederick. Joe’s serious, business-like expression turned joyful as he flipped the pages. Suddenly, he became animated, and, opening the rings, he pulled pages from the binder. Standing, Joe pushed a photograph toward Nate.
“This painting was the first one that Jim considered worthy of keeping.”
“What happened to his earlier paintings?”
“He destroyed them. Jim could be a harsh critic of his own work and kept only certain paintings.”
Nate shared the photograph with Arleen, and so the pictures slowly circulated the conference table.
“Oh, I remember this one! Jim tried his hand at impressionistic art. I bought him books that discussed the various art styles, so Jim experimented. See this one and this one.”
Joe pushed more pages around the table. The room was quiet as the group watched Joe with fascination. Then it dawned on Joe that he was dominating the room. His school teacher instincts kicked in, and he regained composure.
“Oops. Sorry about that, Tony. I guess I got carried away. May I keep these?”
“The binder is yours to keep, Joe. You were correct; Jim’s paintings are beautiful.”
As Joe returned the pages to the binder, he noticed people nodding in agreement with Tony’s declaration.
“When I meet with Jim’s children, I’ll impress upon them the desires of this group regarding ownership of the paintings. In the meantime, at least you have copies for memory’s sake.
“Now, if everyone is ready, shall we move forward with our next speaker?” It was a rhetorical question, but Tony paused nonetheless. “Whenever you’re ready, Doctor, you now have the floor.”
Dr. Nolan made eye contact with each person. “Thank you, Tony.” He opened his manila folder and pulled out several typed pages of notes and scanned the pages.
“James Kreider came from a small family of all boys. James’ parents were Paul and Jane, and they had four sons—Joseph, Jake, James, and John. Joseph was born in 1946. Jake was born in 1949, and James was born in 1955. Their youngest son, John, was born on Christmas day in 1958. When I reflect back on being present for all their births, I sometimes feel rather old because so much time has passed.
“In 1958, Paul, James’ father, took his life, which was just five years following the Korean
War. His death was hard on the family, but Paul had served in the military at the end of World War Two and then was recalled to duty during the Korean conflict. Depression consumed the man until he could no longer handle the various battles inside his head. I tried working with Paul, but he withdrew from most outside influences. I was beginning to feel like he and I were making headway when the unfortunate incident took place.
“Jane, James’ mother, was devastated and eight months pregnant with John. Raising four boys alone, she assumed the responsibilities of Paul by earning income through multiple part-time jobs. Through her heroic efforts, she was able to send her sons to college. Initially, when Jane became pregnant with John, she thought the child would help Paul focus on something other than his depression, but it was John who actually saved Jane from falling apart after Paul killed himself.”
“How tragic, Doctor,” interrupted Arleen. “I had no idea. James never discussed his family details.”
“You’re absolutely correct, Arleen. To look at this family, one would never know they endured such pain, but it didn’t end there. After Paul’s death, I decided to help be a role model for the boys. Their oldest son, Joseph, was drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam. He died within the year, which was 1965. He was only nineteen years old.”
Nate stared at the doctor is disbelief. “Jim was such a positive influence at work. He never discussed any of this information about his family.”
Tom nodded in agreement. “After Joseph died, I aggressively worked to keep the Kreider family together. On Sunday mornings, my wife, Susan, and I would collect Jane and the boys and take them to church. In my opinion, James received his positive attitude from Jane because she was a resilient woman, who remained upbeat, despite her circumstances.
“Even though Jane raised her sons alone, she did a fantastic job. All the boys are worthy of a parent’s pride. Jake owns several car dealerships. James, as we all know, became a high-level executive with Nate’s advertising firm, and John is an insurance executive.
“For reasons I cannot explain, I had been particularly close to James, and I treated him like he was my son. When I started teaching James how to play golf, I realized how much I cared about the Krieder family.
