Under the Sassafras

by Hattie Mae

  Okay old boy you have work to do. He pulled up the figures he searched for and printed the pages, a feeling of resolve settling his nerves. This would work nicely. It had taken the better part of the night, but he’d come up with a good plan. He gathered the rest of the necessary papers, and stacked them in a new briefcase he'd picked up on the way to work. Just one last job to accomplish this morning.

  His watch showed that all the staff should be at their workstations by now. Pushing the button on his intercom, he said. “Good morning Mary, would you step into my office, please.”

  He heard something drop on the other end of the intercom. “Mary, are you alright?”

  “Yes, Mr. Matherson, I just didn't know you were back at work. May I come in, sir?”

  “Of course.”

  A very flustered Mary came rushing into his office. Eyes full of tears she flashed a wide grin. “It’s so good to see you with my own eyes Mr. Matherson. We all thought you were dead. Welcome home.”

  “Thank you, Mary.” William frowned at the woman who served as his right arm in the office. He remembered she knew little things about him. What pens he liked. She even kept a collection of ties stored in her bottom drawer of her desk. Just in case the tie he wore to the office that day didn't warrant the right look for that special meeting.

  “How long have you been with this company, Mary? Four or five years?”

  “No sir, more like seven.” A worried look crossed her face and she added. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “Not at all, Mary, you’ve always done everything right. I think it’s time you call me William. After all I do call you by your given name. A name is very important, Mary, something we take for granted.”

  “Yes sir, Mr. Matherson, I will try to call you William.”

  William turned around and once again gazed out his large wall of windows. Today he would give all this up, something he thought should have been done years ago. All that work and long hours to make this company flourish, had come with a curse. He had so much, but yet had lost everything. A wife he thought was loyal and someone he vowed to love and grow old with, not only betrayed him but now she was gone. If he hadn’t run would she still be alive. He knew he didn’t love her as he once thought he had but he didn’t wish her any harm. It was time to stop running and do things right.

  He picked up the phone and asked Mary to return to his office. He motioned her to sit. “Mary, I'm going to ask you to take care of something for me, and I would like for you not to question my actions or my motives. Let's say they are things that are way overdue, and by no means does anyone need to read anything into them. It's my way to say 'Thank You' to everyone. Now down to business.”

  William looked down on the tablet and checked his list. “I’m authorizing you to have pay roll issue bonuses to all the employees in this amount.”

  “Sir, are you sure you feel alright?” Mary asked with a worried look on her face. “This amount is double the Christmas bonuses.”

  “I have never felt better, Mary. After you take care of the checks for the employees take the rest of the day off so you and your husband can decide where in the world you would like to travel in the next two weeks. All-expense paid vacation, on me. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  ###

  Joelette spent every waking moment working the field, and tending to her small seedlings.

  “MaeMae, did you see how much the Mamou plants are growing? I can't believe my dream is coming true.” Joelette washed the dark, rich soil from her hands.

  “Cher, you are losing so much weight. Why don't you stay out of the field the rest of today? And one can hardly see those seedlings yet.” She handed Joelette a dishrag to dry her hands. “The boys are still moping around the house. They need you to give them a spark.”

  “You know, I thought about that on my way back from the field. Joelette propped her hip on the counter beside the sink while slowly drying her hands. “Maybe I'll take them over to Mrs. Broussard's. She called last night and wanted to see me. Maybe it's time for another dress order. More money would sure be nice about now.”

  She thought for a moment, then frowned. “Although I don’t know why she’d need any more clothes. Last time I was there she had me get her shawl for her and when I looked in her closet all those dresses I’ve made her for special occasions she’d never worn, and I know they fit. I don't understand. Unless her memory is going.”

  “You know, Joelette, I don't think it's such a great mystery. Maybe it's as simple as she is lonely.”

  “You think that's it? Loneliness? But why would she not just call us to go visit her or come by here?”

  “Because she's a prideful woman, just like someone else I know. This way she feels like she's paying her way. She does a little something for you and in return you do something for her. You both meet each other's needs. I think it's very sweet.” MaeMae paused, then added, “Cher, Don't tell her about seeing the dresses. Just continue to make them for her and be her friend.” MaeMae straightened the towel and hung it back on the towel bar. “You know, I haven't done my part either. I think I'll invite her to my next Bourré game. It is time we added a player.”

  Joelette sat in Mansir's favorite overstuffed chair. If she closed her eyes, she could envision him slouched in the old chair as the chair molded to fit him. “MaeMae, I miss him so much.”

  “Everybody does.”

  “I wish we had never found him. I wish . . .”

  “Shh, Joelette, you don't wish that. He would be dead if you hadn't found him. We are all better for knowing him even for a short while.”

  “I thought by now I wouldn't think about him so much. But I do. Every day. When will it stop, MaeMae?” Not waiting for an answer and determined not to shed another tear, she stood up and walked around the room.

  Maybe we'll ride into town and get a hamburger or pizza for dinner to celebrate. We haven't eaten fast food in a long time. Sound good to you?” She turned around. “Besides I would like to see how far that tea room Babette is opening, is coming.”

  “If it is up to me, I would choose a hamburger. You know I think pizza smells like dirty socks.” MaeMae shook her head. “I just can't get past the smell.”

  Joelette laughed. “I forgot. Hamburgers it is.” MaeMae smiled at her. “See, we can be happy without him. It's just going to take a little practice.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  The meeting with his accountant proved to be a larger task than William thought it would be.

  “Okay now, let's recap. You've set up the trust funds for the two boys and deposited the amount we agreed on for my sister, right?” William picked up a pen and clicked the top, his mind on overdrive. “The amount I requested will be sent to the bank in London and deposited in my special account. The rest you know what to do with.”

  “William, I must say when we started this meeting, I thought you crazy, but you seem to know exactly what you're doing. Are you sure you want to liquidate the stocks you mentioned?”

  “Yes, I've already called my broker and taken care of that. The amount should be in my account by late today. The most important thing to remember, if you wish to claim your generous bonus, this meeting is to remain top secret.”

  His accountant nodded, as if he still didn’t quite believe that William wasn’t crazy. “It's been great doing business with you. Good luck with your new venture. And thanks for the bonus.”

  William walked out to his car. He should have done all of that years ago. He glanced at his watch and hurried his step.

  He opened the door to the outer office of one of the only businessmen he trusted.

  “Mr. Matherson, Mr. Tako is waiting for you in the conference room. May I get you something to drink?” the petite Japanese woman asked, as she briskly walked beside him.

  “Thank you, but I'm fine.” William slowed his step to keep her from having to run beside him.

  An older man with graying hair stood when he entered.

  “Mr. Matherson, ho
w very nice to see that you are alright.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Tako, for worrying about me. But as you can see, I'm as good as new. I think even better than I was before.”

  “Sit, please.” Mr. Tako motioned to a red wing-back chair.

  “Are you sure that's not a throne?”

  “Mr. Matherson, I forgot what a kidder you are,” Mr. Tako said, laughing.

  “Let's get down to business, shall we? I am willing to up the ante so to speak. I know we had started working on a merger that would enable my company to be the Mother Company. How would you like to change that? What about making it so your company is the only company?”

  Mr. Tako leaned closer. “Sounds interesting. But I'm a little confused. Why would you do this? It is not in your best interest.”

  “I do have strings attached. Hear me out and then let me know if we need to work on more of the details.” William pulled some papers out of his brief case. “Do you mind if we move to that table so I can spread this out?”

  “Of course not.” Mr. Tako bowed and waited until William took his seat, and then sat across from him.

  “The first request is that all of my employees stay on with the company with the salary amount stipulated here for two more years. This will give them a chance to see if they want to continue to work for your company and allow you to see if they meet your needs.”

  Mr. Tako looked at the list of employees and the figures beside their name. “Go on, I'm listening.”

  “Second, I plan to sign over the patent to you as part of the deal instead of keeping it as my own.”

  William saw Mr. Tako's eyes light up.

  “How much will this cost my company, Mr. Matherson?”

  “The amount is listed here with the number of stocks I requested. I think you will find it a fair price.”

  Mr. Tako studied the figures presented to him. “Yes this is more than fair. I can't believe that you are offering this. May I ask what you are getting in return?”

  “Out. I'm ready to try some new challenges. I have some old dreams I want to pursue. And there is nothing for me here. This company belongs to the employees that have worked long hours making it a success. I wouldn’t be offering it to you if I had not been impressed with the way you ran your company. You, Mr. Tako, are an honest man. That is hard to find these days. I can walk away from this company if I know it is in good hands.”

  “You honor me, sir,” Mr. Tako said. “When would you like an answer? I’ll need to meet with my board to discuss everything.”

  William smiled. “Would tomorrow be too soon?”

  Mr. Tako nodded. “I see I have much work to do in a very short time. I will give you my answer first thing in the morning. Thank you for this opportunity.”

  “Thank you. After I hear from you and we are in agreement I will set up a meeting with my people tomorrow and announce this agreement and introduce you as the new owner. Please don't get up. I can see myself out.”

  William drove back to his house, feeling ten years younger. He hadn’t known how much the company had been weighing on him.

  He removed his tie and put his arm around Sara's shoulders. “I remembered, Sara. I remembered everything. I’ve met with the police and heard all about what happened after I left the party. I will have to live with the guilt that Marion might have lived if I had stayed and let her go with Tony. I know my love for her died a long time ago, if it was ever love. That phone call I overheard hurt me, and shattered my pride.”

  He gave Sara a quick hug and pointed her toward the stairs. “I think I’m on the right track now. Why don’t you go upstairs and freshen up and I’ll take you to a nice restaurant for dinner. We have much to talk about.”

  William watched as Sara walked up the stairs and made a phone call setting up a visitation with Tony.

  ###

  The phone rang at precisely eight in the morning. William knew it was Mr. Tako before he answered.

  “Everything is ready and I’ve cleared my calendar so I’m at your disposal today. Let me know what time your meeting with the company is and I look forward to meeting my new employees.”

  “Thank you Mr. Tako. I know this will be a good endeavor. I’ll call you shortly,” William responded.

  Two hours later, everything was set up. William sat at the table in the large conference room and looked out at his employees with a feeling of pride. This he’d done right, this company had provided for many and would continue to do so. The look of concern on their faces would be replaced with relief. He stepped forward.

  “The reason I called the meeting this morning is to give you good news. Because of all of your hard work and dedication building this business, I was able to make this decision. I’ve decided to step down as President of Matherson Corporation effective immediately.” A low murmur fed the room. “But don’t worry, I’m leaving all of you in good hands.”

  William pressed the intercom. “Mr. Tako, would you join us please.” Once the man had joined them in the conference room, William continued, “Yesterday afternoon, we met and agreed on a sale. At this time may I present the new owner of Matherson Corporation, Mr. Hu Tako?”

  An hour later, William walked out of his office building, closing the door on his past life.

  ###

  The prison psych ward held many disturbed prisoners one of which was his childhood friend, Tony. The guard led him to a locked door with a small window. William couldn’t believe the look in Tony’s eyes as the door opened. He sat curled up on a chair with a restraint on his hands. The blank look on Tony’s face saddened William. He reached out across the table between them and tried to take Tony’s hand in his.

  Tony knocked his hand away and put his hands in his lap. He rocked slightly. “I know why you’re here. You want me to explain what happened.” He shook his head. “Don’t you see she made me do it? She made me kill her? I loved her first but you won her too. You always won. Everything. I begged her to love me but she laughed at me. She laughed at me William. I loved her. Now I have nothing. Nothing!” Tony stood and banged his chained hands on the glass that separated them.

  William stood, backed away. Guards ran in and removed Tony from the room. He was still crying and yelling as they walked out, calling for Marion.

  Sara was waiting for William outside the prison.

  William shook his head when he saw her. “I don’t know what’s happened to him. I loved Tony like a brother and had no idea how messed up he was.” He took a deep breath. “I always felt like I could do anything with Tony by my side.”

  Sara gave his hand a squeeze. “Don’t you see you’ve always been the one with the ideas and skill, not Tony. He only needed to be needed and you were the one he picked. You, my brilliant brother, can do anything. I suspect without Tony you’ll be free to do even more wonderful things.”

  They sat in the car, not speaking, not moving yet. William let out a deep sigh.

  “You miss them, don't you?” Sara asked.

  “More than I thought possible. I think I left the best of me back there. I can just close my eyes and I'm sitting on that porch looking at the beautiful old oak trees and listening to the call of the swamp. Or sitting with Joelette under her sassafras tree talking about everything or talking about nothing. Sometimes I think my next breath won't come without them.”

  “You’re going back.” Sara said smiling up at him.

  “No, we are. I’m not ready to have you out of my sight yet, plus you and I have plans to make for your future.”

  ###

  A storm brewed in the Gulf. A hurricane was moving toward New Orleans. If it kept up its direction it would pass over the Basin that night. Joelette quickly finished her work knowing the storm was heading their way.

  “I started to send Ozamae to get you,” MaeMae said as Joelette walked up. “The news says that the hurricane will move in just below us tonight. We have a lot to do. This one looks bad, real bad.” MaeMae, who wasn't afraid of the devil himself, hated bad weather. Wringi
ng her hands, she waited for Joelette to take control.

  “I'll drive up and see if Possum can help put the plywood on the windows. Start tying down anything you don't want to blow away. Have the boys drag the furniture in off the porch.” Joelette put her arm around MaeMae's shaking shoulders and pulled her close. “Don't worry we've got plenty of time. I'll hurry.”

  Joelette drove to Possum’s.

  Possum had finished tying down his houseboat the best he could. He tied cables to every oak tree and cypress that circled the little inland cove to anchor his houseboat and shrimp boat.

  Joelette helped him free the deck of any movable items and boarded up the windows.

  “This is going to be a bad one, Joelette. You can smell it in the air.” Possum's hat didn't sit as cocky on his head today. He was all business.

  When Joelette and Possum returned the small crew worked together as best they could for two small boys, an old woman and a tired couple. The phone rang and MaeMae rushed to get it.

  “Thank you, Jesus,” MaeMae uttered hanging up the phone. “Mrs. Broussard invited all of us to the big house to wait out the storm. She said we need to get off the bayous and she's right. The boys and I will pack a bag.” MaeMae called the boys.

  With everything secured, they all five piled into the truck and drove to Mrs. Broussard's. Joelette looked back through the rear view mirror and said a silent prayer that their house would still be there tomorrow.

  No one said anything on the drive into town. Even Ozamae was unusually quiet.

  “Looks like half the basin folks and some of the town’s people are staying at her house,” Possum said as they drove up Mrs. Broussard's drive.

  “It's a good strong house; sitting high on this hill makes it safe from rising water, and that stand of large oaks will protect us from the winds. No wonder folks are here,” MaeMae said trying to be her old reassured self. “Maybe we won't be able to hear the storm much in that big house with everyone talking.”