New Beginnings, Chapter 50
 

“ Now, you don’t intend to have any fun without me, do you?”

Everyone turned to look at Alistair Crane.

Julian walked towards Alistair. “ Father, what are you doing here?”

“ What does it look like, Julian. I’ve come to welcome Chad into the family.”

Alistair walked over to Chad. He held out a giftwrapped box. Chad didn’t take it. Theresa stepped up, and took it from Alistair’s hands. “ I’ll put it with the others.”, she said, as she went towards the gift table.

Luis held Sheridan’s hand, because he could see how nervous she was. Luis made a quick check, and realized the he did indeed have his gun, if necessary.

” I don’t remember inviting you.”, Chad said.

” This is all MY property. I’m invited automatically.”, Alistair replied.

” You want the house back? Fine. I’m outta here.”, Chad shot back and moved to leave. Alistair put his hand out to stop him, and Chad stared at him, with a deep fury in his eyes.

“ Don’t put your hands on me.”

” Why Chad…why are you so upset? I brought a gift. An olive branch of sorts. After all, you’re my grandson.”

” And we all know just how happy you are about that.”

” I will admit my hesitation in Julian making such a public declaration in claiming you. I’m not one for publicity. But, what’s done is done, and there’s no turning back.”

Ivy had made it to Julian’s side. “ What the hell is he up to?”

” I have no idea, but if he thinks he’s going to hurt my son, he’s sorely mistaken. “

“ Julian, I think Chad can handle himself.”

“ He doesn’t have to. He’s got support.”

The rest of the guests were frozen; they just stared at the confrontation happening between Alistair and Chad.

“ Chad, how are we to begin anew if you don’t give me a chance?”

” Old Man, there isn’t a reason on this Earth for me to want a relationship with you. Unlike the rest of the people here, I can read you like a book. I know which way is up, and I know that you don’t mean right.”

” That’s just the talk of others. How can you judge me if you don’t know me?”

Chad laughed. “ Man, who do you think you’re talking to? One of the folks who grew up on the right side of the tracks, and goes to your Country Club. This is me.” Chad pounded on his chest. “ Me. Who grew up on the streets. Me. Who had to fight just to live, from day to day. I don’t have book smarts, but I got a PhD in people from the streets. I’ve known your kind all my life. You dress better. Drive a better car. But, I know a snake when I see one. “

Alistair turned to Sheridan. “ Sheridan..”

“ You’re on your own, Father. I think Chad is doing just fine.”

“ Chad, how do you think you’re going to fulfill your destiny, if you don’t deal with me.”

” My ‘destiny’? You’re kidding.”

” Hardly. You are going to be the Crane Heir. It’s inevitable. I’m a practical man, and quite honestly, I don’t want you embarrassing the family.”

” Now, THAT sounds like Alistair Crane.”, Chad replied sarcastically. “ You don’t need to worry about me. I’ve got my FATHER to help me.”

Julian’s heart leapt hearing Chad claim his as his father.

” Julian. Ugh. You’ve got to be kidding. Julian can’t teach you what you need to know.”

” You trust him with your companies and your money. I can trust him with my learning.”

Alistair was about to say something when the doorbell rang. Soon a young woman was standing a few feet away from Alistair.
The girl looked around the room, and could feel the tension. “ Alistair, is this the wrong time?”

” Ah, my dear. Your timing is impeccable. Come here.”

The young woman stepped next to Alistair. “ Chad, I wanted you to meet this lovely young woman. Veronica Townsend. “

Chad shook her hand.

“ Here. I heard it was your housewarming. I brought a little something.” Chad accepted the gift and looked for Theresa, who came and took the box back to the gift table.

Chad looked over to Julian, who gave him reassurance.

“ Well, since I had designed this for a time for games, I think that’s what we should do. Find the game of your choice and begin to play.”

Alistair was over at the bar, ordering a drink, when Julian came over to him.

” What are you up to, Father?”

” Why my doddering son. What ever do you mean?”

” Cut the crap, Old Man! You don’t go to the bathroom without a plan, so what are you up to?”

” Julian. Didn’t you ever hear the phrase – if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em? Well, you win. You and Sheridan win. You wanted your bastard with Eve in the family, and by God, he’s going to be in the family. He’s going to be a Crane.”

“ I won’t let you hurt him.”

” Julian, please. You are ineffective at best. Don’t try and puff up your chest and play Daddy with me. I know you too well.”

” You knew me. I mean it. I won’t let you hurt him.”

” Julian, go away. You’re boring me.”

Alistair walked away, leaving Julian furious, until Ivy came over to him and punched him in the arm. “ Julian! I figured it out.”

” Figured what out.”

” Where I had seen that girl that came with Alistair. I know now.”

” Where?”

” At the Red Cross Ball. Last year, in Monte Carlo.”

“ Monaco? You know that girl from Monaco?”

” Yes…her mother wore this absolutely drop dead Valentino with a pink diamond set from Bulgari. She’s a very beautiful woman. I asked Bitsy who she was, and she said her husband owned a computer firm.”

Julian snapped his fingers. “ Of course, Townsend Electronics. He’s developed some of the most cutting edge products. Oh HELL NO!”

” Julian, what?”

” Don’t you see, Ivy? All the bull about accepting Chad. The crap about Chad being a Crane. That sonuvabitch. “

Ivy sighed hard. “ It’s you and me all over again.”