Faunus appealed for Jim, Ethan, Teddy and Glaux to 'come home' - without telling them about what had happened to the 'Boss'. Glaux, of course, flew, but Jim, Ethan and Teddy decided to make the long journey by Greyhound Bus - something of an adventure, being a new experience......
Please note that this chapter is intended for adults (over 18 years), and contains text adult text and images. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
His thoughts, for some reason that did not occur to him, or to Ethan or to Teddy or Glaux didn't turn to the 'Boss', and whether the 'Bos's wanted them to return 'home'.
Somehow, during that last meeting, the link between them and their long time benefactor seemed to have been severed......
But then such a thing can sometimes happen, as future events cast their shadows on the present.
"So what's going on - all this 'home' business ?", Ethan asked as they continued with their packing.
"It's just like before... 'somethin's up' - ", Teddy replied, imitating Ethan - imitating Thumper.
"Well I think we all know that...", Jim said with an air of resignation.
"Nothing we can do, though... but just wait until Faunus decides to tell us...", Jim continued.
 |
| Greyhound Bus |
"Yes, Ethan... we can go tomorrow - around eight in the morning - the bus has got a toilet for you humans - messy business if you ask me...", Teddy explained.
"Well nobody did ask you...", Ethan interrupted.
"OK... well they have wi-fi, power sockets, and extra leg room for Jim. (Jim was taller than Ethan - and obviously taller than Teddy), and it will take about forty hours...", Teddy explained, trying to sound very professional.
"And how much will all this 'luxury' cost ?", Ethan asked.
"Oh, just under two hundred dollars each." Teddy said breezily.
"Well, we can manage that - no problem !", Jim said.
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| The Edsel outside the La Quinta Hotel - Memphis |
"Yes, but there's five stops - so we get to stretch our legs...", Teddy added.
"Well no matter... it's cheap, so book seats, and use my card to pay on the internet.", Jim said decisively.
"So that all looks OK...", Jim said,
"But what are we to do about the Edsel ?".
"You mean 'Douglas' ?", Ethan asked.....
Jim nodded.
"Well I'm sure that Faunus will pick up the 'Dougie-mobile' - eventually...", Ethan replied.
"Anyway I'm not sure if it is a real auto.
I think it's just one of those 'hologram-thingys', or some 'mind-trick', like Faunus likes to play on people...", Ethan said.
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| McDonalds Memphis |
"Not to worry, Ethan... I'm sure that if Faunus needs it, he'll find a way of getting it.", Teddy said, reassuringly.
So, for the remainder of the day, they did some leisurely shopping, and a little sight-seeing - and 'accidentally' met up with Al, which gave them the opportunity to arrange for him to take them to the pick-up point for the Greyhound bus the following morning.
After that they went to the nearby McDonald's for their last meal in Memphis, and imagined they were back at the Penthouse in 'Vegas having Ethan's favorite - 'cheeseburgers and Pepsi Max'.
It was then back to the 'La Quinta' for a tidy up, a check that everything was packed, and nothing left behind, and an early night, lying on the bed with Teddy, and watching Teddy's DVD of 'Pinocchio'.
"Couldn't we have a cute little kitten like Figaro ?", Ethan asked, as the cartoon came to an end.
"Well he's not a real cat, and I think that a real cat would not get on very well with Teddy.", Jim replied.
So, for the remainder of the day, they did some leisurely shopping, and a little sight-seeing - and 'accidentally' met up with Al, which gave them the opportunity to arrange for him to take them to the pick-up point for the Greyhound bus the following morning.
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| La Quinta Hotel - Memphis |
It was then back to the 'La Quinta' for a tidy up, a check that everything was packed, and nothing left behind, and an early night, lying on the bed with Teddy, and watching Teddy's DVD of 'Pinocchio'.
"Couldn't we have a cute little kitten like Figaro ?", Ethan asked, as the cartoon came to an end.
"Well he's not a real cat, and I think that a real cat would not get on very well with Teddy.", Jim replied.
(subsequently that did not prove to be true - and Teddy became a firm friend of two very 'cute' kittens - who were actually far more than just 'ordinary' cats).
They were up early the next morning.
Glaux had already taken off - and presumably would be waiting for them on the roof of the Penthouse when they arrived.
Jim then paid off the bill at reception, and checked out.
The Edsel was nowhere to be seen, but much to their relief Al was waiting for them at the main entrance.
Unlike when they arrived or departed with the 'Boss', in a huge Cadillac, there were no bellhops to help with their luggage, as they didn't look like the sort of guests who would be giving worthwhile gratuities.
Glaux had already taken off - and presumably would be waiting for them on the roof of the Penthouse when they arrived.
Jim then paid off the bill at reception, and checked out.
The Edsel was nowhere to be seen, but much to their relief Al was waiting for them at the main entrance.
Unlike when they arrived or departed with the 'Boss', in a huge Cadillac, there were no bellhops to help with their luggage, as they didn't look like the sort of guests who would be giving worthwhile gratuities.
 |
| Al - the Cab Driver |
"Well Al, we need to be careful with our dollars.", Jim replied.
"I see... well hopefully that won't be a problem soon...", Al said.
Jim looked at Ethan - puzzled...
"Anyway, you boys be careful - it's a long trip - and there's no knowing who you might meet.
If you have any trouble, just let me know... you have my number.", Al said, as he shook hands.
Jim gave Al the fare, plus a good tip - but Al refused any of the money.
"No need boys - and remember - when you come back to Memphis, as you will, look up Al...", and with that, their strange cab driver drove off.
"You know there's something very odd about Al...", Ethan said quietly.
 |
| Greyhound Bus - Interior |
It was standing empty, as Memphis was its starting point.
Jim and Ethan - with Teddy in his nice new plastic bag, were the first to get on.
"Wowy ! It's very, very blue !", Ethan said, as they made their way down the gangway.
"Yes...", Jim said.
"And this journey might be a bit uncomfortable.", he added.
In American slang travelling by 'Greyhound Bus' is referred to as 'ridin' the dog', and such a way of traveling appears to be reserved for the poorest percentage of the American population - basically those who cannot afford a car, or travel by 'plane or rail.
The Greyhound Bus, is an intercity bus company serving over 3,800 destinations across North America. The company's first route began in 1914, and the company adopted the Greyhound name in 1929 and is based in Dallas, Texas. Greyhound, and its sister companies in First Group America are the largest motor-coach operators in the United States and Canada.When word came to Faunus and Zac that Jim and Ethan were travelling by Greyhound Bus they became understandably concerned.
Al had been in contact, and he had given the starting station, 'Union Ave' in Memphis, and the bus registration.
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| Greyhound Bus Station - Union Ave - Memphis |
At the same time an armed security agent would board the bus, incognito, at the first stop-over, at Little Rock, Arkansas.
Jim and Ethan, of course, were apparently oblivious to all this, and Teddy was making himself comfortable on Ethan's lap so that he could enjoy himself looking out of the bus window.
On the other hand, Zac was furious with himself for not foreseeing the possibility of Jim deciding not to fly, or hire a private chauffeured limousine to bring them 'home'.
It was unusual, but Faunus had seriously misjudged events.
He had wanted Jim to show independence, and an ability to organize, but had failed to understand that Jim did not know what had happened in the darkness of the jungle in Mexico.
It was possibly a case of Faunus and Zac being 'too clever' for their own good.
The seeming rejection of Jim (and Ethan) by the 'Boss' over a period of time during the 'road trip', culminating in the final meeting in the conference room at the 'Peabody', had deeply effected Jim, who had obviously decided from then on to make his own way.
That was something that Faunus had been looking for - ever since Jim had arrived in this 'new world'. - but now this desire for independence was taking Jim and Ethan into possible danger, at the very moment when they needed to be safe and secure in Las Vegas.
Faunus, against all the odds, had obtained the 'ring', and it was now locked in an impregnable safety deposit box in the organisation's bank - but it had not been given to Jim, - yet - and until then, everything hung in the balance.
Although it was going to be a long journey, with lots of stops, seats that were not wide enough, and probably very nasty food, Jim and Ethan, for some strange reason, were looking forward to this journey.
To begin with, they were on their own, and after so long not being on their own, that was very important to them - being independent.
Of course there were some people they missed.
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| Clare |
The best of times for them, however, in this 'new world', had been their time sharing the penthouse - just the two of them - when Jim had first arrived, and that was what they wanted to get back to - and the bus would hopefully take them there.
Jim and Ethan had good seats - even if a bit cramped, near the driver and near the door - near the driver, so at least some sort of help might be available, if needed, and near the door, so it would be easy to leave the bus.
"Now Teddy... if you want to say anything... say it very quietly, so you don't upset the other passengers - we don't want to have to do a lot of explaining...", Ethan said.
"Yes... and sit still, and don't get any silly ideas about exploring by walking up and down the gangway...", Jim added.
"Don't worry, guys... I'll be a 'good bear'... and at least I can look out of the window - it should be interesting..", Teddy replied.
"That's excellent, Teddy, so make yourself comfortable on my knee, and be good...", Ethan said, as the driver came on board.
Then the deep rumble of the huge diesel started, and the bus slowly pulled away from the bus station - and the journey had begun.
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| Interstate 40 |
The highway - 'Interstate 40', was clear, and the bus made the first stop, Little Rock in Arkansas, in less that two hours.
Little Rock is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The city derives its name from a rock formation along the Arkansas River.
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| Little Rock - Arkansas |
At the same time, unknown to them, Jim and Ethan were under surveillance from a large black Lincoln, that had been discreetly following the bus all the way from Memphis.
Meanwhile, back in Las Vegas, at the 'Club Jaguar', on the top floor, Faunus was nervously pacing the heavily carpeted floor of Franklin's office, while Zac kept in touch with his various operatives in order to make sure that all was well with Jim and Ethan.
With the fifteen minutes over, Jim and Ethan (with Teddy in his plastic bag) returned to the waiting bus.
Leaving Little Rock, the Greyhound Bus joined the 'Interstate 30' on its way to Benton, which was only half an hour away.
Benton is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Arkansas, and is a suburb of Little Rock. The area around Benton is known for bauxite mining, bauxite being mainly used in the manufacture of aluminium.
Bauxite Mining - Julius Woeltz - 1942 - Benton Courthouse
Apart from the bauxite, Benton appeared to be a nondescript sort of place, but it was where Jim and Ethan took their equally nondescript breakfast.
After breakfast, it was back on the bus, and on to Dallas, in Texas.
This was a fairly long stage in the journey, taking about four and a half hours, with Jim and Ethan catching up on their sleep, while Teddy continued to look out of the window.
After breakfast, it was back on the bus, and on to Dallas, in Texas.
This was a fairly long stage in the journey, taking about four and a half hours, with Jim and Ethan catching up on their sleep, while Teddy continued to look out of the window.
Located in North Texas, Dallas is a city in the U.S. state of Texas, and the seat of Dallas County. Dallas is a transportation hub, with four major interstate highways converging in the city and a fifth interstate loop around it. Dallas then developed as a strong industrial and financial center and a major inland port, due to the convergence of major railroad lines, interstate highways and the construction of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Dallas - Texas
By this time, Jim and Ethan were coming to realize the problem of travelling by bus... it was the stops that added so much time to the journey - and all Ethan could think of was having a lie down after a warm relaxing shower, at the Penthouse in 'Vegas.
Once back on the bus, there was a five and a half hour ride to Amarillo - also in Texas.
"Ah yes... I remember Amarillo....", Ethan began.Amarillo was originally named Oneida, and is situated in the Llano Estacado region. The availability of the railroad and freight service provided by the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad contributed to the city's growth as a cattle-marketing center. The city was once the self-proclaimed "Helium Capital of the World" for having one of the country's most productive helium fields. Amarillo operates one of the largest 'meat-packing' areas in the United States. 'Pantex', the only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the country, is also a major employer. The location of this facility also gave rise to the nickname 'Bomb City'.
Amarillo - Texas
"Very hot and dusty.
It's where we bought Glen some Western style clothes."
Ethan and Jim, of course, had some very pleasant memories of their first night in Amarillo...
The next stop was Tucumcari, in New Mexico - which lies on the old Route 66.
"Tucum-whaty ?...", Ethan said, as he looked at his itinerary.
Indeed... not a very well known destination...
"Very strange...", Teddy quietly added.
Jim didn't even bother to wake up.
Fortunately Tucumcari was just a 'drop-off' and 'pick-up 'point.
The next stop was Tucumcari, in New Mexico - which lies on the old Route 66.
"Tucum-whaty ?...", Ethan said, as he looked at his itinerary.
Indeed... not a very well known destination...
"Oh I am so glad I don't live here...", Ethan muttered, quietly, just in case any residents were returning home, and would be getting off the bus at the stop.In 1901, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (?) built a construction camp in the western portion of modern-day Quay County. Originally called 'Ragtown', the camp became known as 'Six Shooter Siding', due to numerous gunfights. Its first formal name, 'Douglas' (?), was used only for a short time. After it grew into a permanent settlement, it was renamed Tucumcari in 1908. It has also been known as the 'Gateway to the West' !
Tucumcari - New Mexico
"Very strange...", Teddy quietly added.
Jim didn't even bother to wake up.
Fortunately Tucumcari was just a 'drop-off' and 'pick-up 'point.
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| Hotel Chaco - Albuquerque |
Now Jim and Ethan had some very fond memories of Albuquerque, and the 'Hotel Chaco', and it would have been nice if they could have had their evening meal at the 'Hotel Chaco', but it was not to be.
Albuquerque, of course, is close to 'Chaco Canyon', which was the site of the rendezvous with the 'Pyramid Ship', and Upuaut.
"Well, Ethan... at the rate we're going, we'll soon be 'home'.", Jim said, as they finished their not very appetizing meal.Albuquerque is the county seat of Bernalillo County, and is in north-central New Mexico. The Sandia Mountains run along the eastern side of Albuquerque, and the Rio Grande flows through the city. Albuquerque has one of the highest elevations of any major city in the U.S., ranging from 4,900 feet (1,490 m) above sea level near the Rio Grande to over 6,700 feet (1,950 m) in the foothill areas of Sandia Heights and Glenwood Hills. Albuquerque is home to 'Kirtland Air Force Base', 'Sandia National Laboratories', the 'National Museum of Nuclear Science & History', and the 'University of New Mexico'.
Albuquerque - New Mexico
"Thank goodness...", Ethan replied.
"It's all very well for you, Jim, at least you can get some sleep, but I have to keep Teddy amused trying to answer all his questions about the places we're going through.
All I want to do is just go to bed, and sleep - for a very long time.", Ethan continued petulantly.
The bus joined the 'Interstate 40', and then cruised down the highway for two and a half hours, until they reached Gallup.
By Ethan's reckoning Gallup is another of those 'I wouldn't want to live there' places, but that was OK as they were only passing through.Gallup (Navajo: NaʼnÃzhoozhÃ) is a city in McKinley County, New Mexico, A substantial percentage of its population is Native American, with residents from the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. Gallup is the county seat of McKinley County and situated along the historic U.S. 'Route 66'.
Gallup - New Mexico
The city was founded in 1881 as a rail-head for the 'Atlantic and Pacific Railroad', and named after David Gallup, a paymaster for the railroad. Because of the nearby rugged terrain, it was a popular location for Hollywood 'Westerns'.
The stop at Gallup was only for thirty minutes - enough time for some fries and a Pepsi Max.
It was then on to Flagstaff.
Jim, of course, remembered Flagstaff well, as it was right at the beginning of his road-trip with the 'Boss'.Flagstaff is a city in northern Arizona. Usually referred to by the inhabitants as 'Flag', Flagstaff lies near the south western edge of the Colorado Plateau, along the western side of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the continental United States. Flagstaff is next to Mount Elden, just south of the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountain range in the state of Arizona. Flagstaff's early economy was based on the lumber, rail-road, and ranching industries, and is home to Lowell Observatory, the 'U.S. Naval Observatory', and the 'Northern Arizona University'.
Flagstaff - Arizona
Ethan, however, had never been there, but Jim promised to take him, once they had got over their present trip.
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| Meade Reflecting Telescope |
 |
| Dr. James Smith - Flagstaff - Lowell Observatory |
There was another stop at Flagstaff - this time a long one for three hours - but Jim and Ethan, although they had time to have a short wander round the town, were just too tired.
Despite that, Jim told Teddy about his previous visit to Flagstaff, and the observatory, but wisely left out any reference to Max - the young man from the 'Club Jaguar' who had been with Jim for that part of the trip.
Then all that was left was a four hour drive to Las Vegas.
Jim and Ethan were very much relieved.
It had been a long and arduous journey - and they imagined that they would be very glad to get back to 'Vegas and the Penthouse.
Zac's security operatives contacted Zac and Faunus (Don Picaro), who were at the 'Club Jaguar', and informed them that the 'Greyhound Bus' carrying Jim, Ethan and Teddy was on the last lap of the journey to 'Vegas.
"Well this is it...", Zac said, as he closed his cell-phone.
"Now we have to tell them...".
"And everyone else - quite soon..." Faunus added.
"Where will they go when they get to 'Vegas Bus Station' ?", Faunus asked.
"The Penthouse - I would presume.", Zac replied.
"So what if they ask Clare about the 'Boss' ?", Zac then said.
"Yes...", Faunus said thoughtfully.
"We need to tell her... as she would be a good person to break the news to them.", Faunus said.
"Yes... yes of course...", Zac replied, as he rang down for a limousine.
At the Penthouse Claire looked nervous as she opened the double doors.
"Sorry to disturb you so late, Clare.. but we needed to see you - urgently.", Zac said.
"Oh no ! It's the boys, isn't it ?", Clare said, panicking immediately.
"No Clare, the boys are fine - but we do have some sad news to tell you - so perhaps we should all sit down...", Faunus said.
Glaux, who had already arrived from Memphis, fluttered down and sat on Faunus' shoulder.
"No, Clare... I'm afraid it's the 'Boss'.
He had an accident when he was in Mexico.", Faunus said gently.
"Oh no... but how ?
I knew he shouldn't have gone - he's not as young as he was... it was dangerous.", Clare carried on - obviously upset.
"Well it doesn't matter how, he was in the jungle at night, and it's a dangerous place....", Zac said, trying to avoid upsetting Clare any further with unpleasant details.
"But it's the boys, Clare.
They've been out of touch, and they don't know...", Faunus began.
"But I don't understand, they have 'phones and emails and things....
How could they not have been told ?", Clare said.
"There have been problems, Clare, and we couldn't get in touch with them." , Zac said lamely.
"But Jim... he has to know... it's his inheritance !" Clare said.
"That's it !...
You're going to try to take away his inheritance !", Clare said, beginning to become hysterical.
"No Clare... Please..." Zac said.
"It's something you don't understand.
We can only tell Jim - 'Marcus' I mean - face to face, with certain people as witnesses - when the ring is placed on his finger.", Zac said, as he picked up his heavy padded leather briefcase.
"You're right - I don't understand....", Clare said, sounding very angry.
Zac then took out a small black leather box from his briefcase.
He opened the box, and there, on dark red velvet, lay a gold 'seal stone ring'.
It looked to be of ancient workmanship and design.
The ring was set with an oval dark red stone, and set into the stone was a gold monogram of two intertwined letters - the capital letters G, surrounded by an antique wreath.
"This is Marcus' ring, and before Marcus had it, it belonged the the Dominus, Gracchus - and now 'Marcus Octavianus Gracchus' - who you know as Jim, must have it, but it must be passed on in the right manner, as ancient custom demands.", Faunus said - formally and emphatically.
"Yes... I didn't understand...", Clare said quietly, picking the ring from its bed of velvet, and gazing at it, almost entranced.
"So we need you, Clare, to break the news first to Jim gently, and also to Ethan.
Jim is the heir to the 'Boss', but Ethan, even in that 'other life' was very special to the 'Boss', and looked to the 'Boss' as if he was the father he lost so very early on.
Ethan, here in this 'New World', was his 'special little guy'.", Faunus said carefully, as he took the ring from Clare, replaced in its leather case, and returned it to Zac for safe keeping.
"So we need you to let them grieve, but not for too long, and remember, once Jim has been given the ring, he will be - well I am sure he will let us all know what he should be called, but I doubt if it will be 'Boss' - but something rather more dignified....", Faunus concluded.
"So will you be able to manage, Clare ? - because they will be here soon..." Zac said.
Glaux then fluttered off Faunus' shoulder, and landed on Clare's outstretched palm.
Clare nodded, wiping away a tear, as she quietly let them out, while Glaux climbed up onto her shoulder and gently nibbled at her ear.
"Yes... yes of course...", Zac replied, as he rang down for a limousine.
At the Penthouse Claire looked nervous as she opened the double doors.
"Sorry to disturb you so late, Clare.. but we needed to see you - urgently.", Zac said.
"Oh no ! It's the boys, isn't it ?", Clare said, panicking immediately.
"No Clare, the boys are fine - but we do have some sad news to tell you - so perhaps we should all sit down...", Faunus said.
Glaux, who had already arrived from Memphis, fluttered down and sat on Faunus' shoulder.
"No, Clare... I'm afraid it's the 'Boss'.
He had an accident when he was in Mexico.", Faunus said gently.
"Oh no... but how ?
I knew he shouldn't have gone - he's not as young as he was... it was dangerous.", Clare carried on - obviously upset.
"Well it doesn't matter how, he was in the jungle at night, and it's a dangerous place....", Zac said, trying to avoid upsetting Clare any further with unpleasant details.
"But it's the boys, Clare.
They've been out of touch, and they don't know...", Faunus began.
"But I don't understand, they have 'phones and emails and things....
How could they not have been told ?", Clare said.
"There have been problems, Clare, and we couldn't get in touch with them." , Zac said lamely.
"But Jim... he has to know... it's his inheritance !" Clare said.
"That's it !...
You're going to try to take away his inheritance !", Clare said, beginning to become hysterical.
"No Clare... Please..." Zac said.
"It's something you don't understand.
We can only tell Jim - 'Marcus' I mean - face to face, with certain people as witnesses - when the ring is placed on his finger.", Zac said, as he picked up his heavy padded leather briefcase.
"You're right - I don't understand....", Clare said, sounding very angry.
 |
| The Ring |
It looked to be of ancient workmanship and design.
The ring was set with an oval dark red stone, and set into the stone was a gold monogram of two intertwined letters - the capital letters G, surrounded by an antique wreath.
"This is Marcus' ring, and before Marcus had it, it belonged the the Dominus, Gracchus - and now 'Marcus Octavianus Gracchus' - who you know as Jim, must have it, but it must be passed on in the right manner, as ancient custom demands.", Faunus said - formally and emphatically.
"Yes... I didn't understand...", Clare said quietly, picking the ring from its bed of velvet, and gazing at it, almost entranced.
"So we need you, Clare, to break the news first to Jim gently, and also to Ethan.
Jim is the heir to the 'Boss', but Ethan, even in that 'other life' was very special to the 'Boss', and looked to the 'Boss' as if he was the father he lost so very early on.
Ethan, here in this 'New World', was his 'special little guy'.", Faunus said carefully, as he took the ring from Clare, replaced in its leather case, and returned it to Zac for safe keeping.
"So we need you to let them grieve, but not for too long, and remember, once Jim has been given the ring, he will be - well I am sure he will let us all know what he should be called, but I doubt if it will be 'Boss' - but something rather more dignified....", Faunus concluded.
"So will you be able to manage, Clare ? - because they will be here soon..." Zac said.
Glaux then fluttered off Faunus' shoulder, and landed on Clare's outstretched palm.
Clare nodded, wiping away a tear, as she quietly let them out, while Glaux climbed up onto her shoulder and gently nibbled at her ear.
 |
| Las Vegas Greyhound Bus Station |
 |
| Las Vegas Greyhound Bus Station |
"Definitely... so let's get our luggage, and then find a cab.", Jim said.
The boys were still being 'watched', but still didn't seem to know as they found a cab.
Zac, who was back at the 'Club Jaguar' with Faunus, was informed.
"I'm just hoping we've done the right thing...", Zac said wearily.
"We have, Zac...
In the end it will all work out...", Faunus replied.
 |
| Penthouse Apartment Block |
Jim paid the cab driver, and they took their luggage into the reception area, where the concierge was waiting.
 |
| Clare |
Arriving at the Penthouse floor, instead of using his keys, Jim pressed the buzzer, as if he was a visitor.
Clare opened the large double doors.
"Oh Jim !... Ethan !... I've been so worried about you !", Clare said.
"Hi honey.... Good to see you too !", Ethan replied.
"Come in boys....", Clare said, helping Jim with his luggage.
"Sit down.... we need to talk."
 |
| Penthouse Living Room |
"It's not you or Jim, Ethan... it's about the 'Boss'.", Clare said, tearfully.
Jim shook his head slowly - he felt knew what was coming.
"Zac was here earlier - he told me that the 'Boss' had an accident in Mexico...", Clare said.
"Told you there was 'something up'...", Teddy said quietly.
"Shut up Teddy... this is serious.", Ethan said.
"I know...", Teddy said, as he walked towards the bedroom, closing the door behind him.
"Now look what you've done, Ethan.", Jim muttered.
"Don't worry Ethan... we're all upset...", Clare said, trying to calm things down.
Clare didn't know what to say next... and for a few moments they all sat in silence.
Clare then lent over and put her hand on Jim's knee.
"When Zac came over, and told me the news.... he showed me a finger-ring, and said that at some time it must be given to you - but I didn't really understand what he meant.", Clare said.
"I know...", Ethan said, as a tear trickled down his cheek.
 |
| Terentius |
I was there when Terentius gave it to Jim - or Marcus - as he was known then.
It's special - and Jim needs it to take over from the 'Boss'.
It's like his inheritance.", Ethan explained haltingly.
"I see - so that's why he was so careful with it - and wanted to show it to me...", Clare said.
"Yes... and it was on that night, when Jim was given the ring, that Glaux first came to us... by the way, where is Glaux now ? ", Jim asked.
"Oh, he's gone out hunting now.", Clare replied.
There was a pause.
"Well should we tell Zac and Faunus that you've arrived safely ?", Clare them asked.
"No need...", Jim replied, as he stood up and went over to one of the huge picture windows, and looked out over the city, and the starry sky.
"They already know...
They've had a guy on the bus all the way from Little Rock, and also a big limousine following us..."Jim said.
"Really...!", Ethan said, obviously surprised.
"Nothing to do 'til morning...", Jim said with a touch of resignation.
"Well... do you want help unpacking, Sir ?", Clare asked.
"What did you just call me ?", Jim asked, turning suddenly.
"Sir... you are the new 'Boss'... after all... it's only right.", Clare explained, embarrassed.
"Perhaps.... but not here, just between us.
I'm still Jim, to you - and you're still Clare.
And Jim went over to her, and kissed her gently on the forehead.
"And no thanks about the packing... that can wait 'till morning.", Jim said.
"Come on Ethan, let's go and see Teddy, and then go to bed."
And with that Jim and Ethan went for a well earned sleep.
 |
| The Penthouse Master Bedroom |
Teddy had already settled himself on the pillows, and was sitting patiently waiting.
Clare had obviously kept the bedroom immaculate during the many weeks of Jim's road trip.
Ethan followed Jim into the bedroom.
"So... 'there's no place like home'....", Ethan said, echoing the words that the 'Boss' had said when he had recounted the story of the 'Wizard of Oz'.
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| 'There's no place like home'. - 'Wizard of Oz' |
Ethan then sat on the bed beside Teddy.
"I'm sorry I was rude to you, Teddy, but I was very upset, and not thinking straight.", Ethan said, as he ruffled Teddy's fur.
"I understand...", Teddy replied,
"But after all that time in that smelly old bus, I do think my fur needs a very good brush", Teddy added.
"Yes, of course...", Ethan said, and he went to get Teddy's brush, which was in Teddy's plastic bag.
Teddy was relaxed as Ethan brushed him, and Ethan was relaxed as he brushed Teddy, and Jim stripped off, and headed for that nice warm shower that he had promised himself during the uncomfortable bus ride from Memphis to 'Vegas - and at last they were 'home'.
It's the first morning 'home'.....Jim makes an arrangementto meet with Zac and Faunus - as Jim needs to give his initial orders. Also Jim summons Novius, Josh and Glen from Los Angeles. Then it''s just a question of eliminating all references to 'Jaguars' - including 'Jaguar Jim' - and establishing the new 'Club Athena'.
andCLICK BELOW FORandAll text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021
