Shadow of the Son, page 9
“Thank you, Stanley, for everything you’ve said. If I might trouble you for a thermos, I’ll wake Johnny upstairs with some coffee. Having Johnny take my place is a good idea, and as you said, there is a great deal to be done. I should stay.”
“I quite agree. Allow me to get you a thermos and two cups.”
While I waited for Stanley to return, I thought about what he had said. I was more inclined to take the darker view. It’s what I had thought from the start, but what Stanley had expressed resonated with me as well. As usual, more than one interpretation was possible. I had traveled to a foreign land, even if only in my mind. I felt at once overwhelmed, and yet invigorated by the vision’s intensity. My personal problems were small in comparison, and by acknowledging their true measure, I had acquired a better grip upon the future. I now felt wonderfully alive. I saw everything with new eyes. I would have to talk to Johnny.
17
Stanley returned with a thermos and two mugs. “This should hold you both until breakfast. Should you forego the city, please stop by my office around eleven. We can go over the details of this weekend.”
I thanked Stanley and told him that I would confer with Johnny and let him know. I left him to complete the start of his day and climbed the stairs to the top of the house.
Johnny’s bedroom door was open. He must have heard me, because he sat up.
Seeing who it was, he lay back down. “Breakfast in bed? You spoil me.”
“Hardly,” I answered, “but if you get up now, I’ll supply you with some hot coffee when you’re ready.”
“That works,” said Johnny, getting up. He stood and looked at me more closely. “You look different. You have news, I’m sure. You wouldn’t be up here so early if you didn’t. I’ll be with you in five minutes.”
I went over to the couch, put my feet up on the coffee table, and waited. Johnny was quick. He had put on some jeans and a polo shirt and plopped himself in the chair opposite.
“Seeing you in a suit and without a tie first thing in the morning is disconcerting,” he commented. “You definitely need some clothes. I’ll make my wardrobe available if you wish to get more comfortable, but tell me your news first and spare no details. You also mentioned coffee.”
I poured him a cup, and as he sat back and sipped, I told him about my initial conversation with Dagmar, my decision, and the dream.
“Have you spoken to Dagmar and Stanley about this?”
I told him that I had and repeated what they both had said.
Johnny looked perturbed. “Thank you for bringing me up to date. As a news flash first thing in the morning, it’s like waking up to an alien invasion from outer space. I mean good heavens, Percy, now what? But before we go there, are you all right? You look strangely calm, and I’m not sure if that is good or bad. Which is it?”
“Truthfully I don’t know, but I think I’d lean toward the good.”
“Well, that’s something. If it was me, I’d be a gibbering idiot, so I think I will side with you on that. I need a smoke and a drink, and it’s not even eight in the morning. I’ll be right back.”
He returned from his room with a splash of Stanley’s reserve in a plain glass and a fresh pack of cigarettes. He sat back down, opened the pack, and offered me one. After we had both lit up, he raised his glass and said, “Now take it from the top if you can. I want to hear it all again.”
“Very well,” I said and repeated my story while Johnny smoked, listened, and sipped his drink.
When I had finished, he remained silent, thinking. I could tell that his brain was working a mile a minute.
He lit another cigarette and said, “Thank you for the repeat. Having heard your story for the second time, I can give you some initial thoughts, although as Dagmar mentioned, it’s worthy of some serious and sustained analysis. For now, I believe Stanley’s interpretation is closer to the mark as opposed to ‘let’s abandon ship because it’s all about to go to hell,’ which I’m sure you considered. His version at least has some hope, but with complications, such as the possibility that it was Alice who called out.”
I nodded. “I’m inclined in that direction as well—the alternative being too distressing.”
“It is. I’ll never forget that day for a start. It altered our lives in so many ways, not the least of which was our giving up hide-and-seek as a daily occupation. More profoundly, it put front and center the reality that death can visit us at any time, even in the sheltered world we grew up in. It was the casualness and the nearness of it that terrified me. This Alice thing at the end is also most disturbing, and as to what clobbered your hiding place, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Without speculating as to the why and what exactly, it would follow that she may not be in a happy place, and that thought makes me anguished. Besides, what can we do?”
“Nothing for now, I think.”
“I agree, nothing for now. Your story sounds like an excerpt from one of those horror movies that we were forced to sit through every Saturday night at that camp in Maine. They would scare the shit out of us—you more than me, as was the usual with that type of thing. Still, I could never understand how scaring the daylights out of a bunch of prepubescent boys could possibly be a benefit, but such is life under adult supervision. The reason I bring that up is because intense fear, the certainty of imminent demise, followed by an unlooked-for deliverance, can have a profound effect on the mind.”
“It’s like getting a second chance at life.”
“Exactly. I do recall that the mystery religions of ancient Greece and Rome were reported to have done something similar. If that’s the case, then you, Cicero, Plato, and maybe Caesar now have something in common. I also think your wish may have been granted.”
“My wish?”
“Those who underwent the mysteries, particularly the Elysian ones, and drank the kukeon experienced a transformation. Death no longer held a primal fear, and that change in perspective may have allowed those ancients to act in more courageous ways—something I believe you’ve always aspired to.”
I thought about that. I had always wished to be less fearful and maybe even courageous given time. My fears and anxiousness were things I had struggled with and had worked on all my life but with only modest success. That I felt changed on some deep level was certainly true, but in what direction I had no indication. Johnny’s take was so different from Stanley’s and my own, but not to be dismissed by any means. What he had said resonated in ways I had yet to comprehend. He might even be correct.
I nodded. “You may be right, although I’ll have to live with myself a while to see if that is the case.”
“Please do.” He paused and added, “I mean that. Lastly, you tend to favor the more dire predictions, and I think doing so in this case would be premature and ill-considered. Besides such an outlook violates my first law of prognostications. Do you remember it?”
“All omens are good.”
“I see you do. So, for now, no more grim thoughts from you, Percy. Banish them from your mind. Yes, there is that point about Alice and yes, that does trouble me, but for now, I would do as Stanley suggests. We must await further developments. We are all free to interpret our lives in any way we wish. The more empowering one is the preferred, I think. Given all that, how are you feeling?”
“Better, actually.”
“Excellent. I’m sure we will discuss all of this some more, but for now, let’s move on to happier things, like the pending dinner at 21 with your future father-in-law. That establishment has some outstanding vintages in their cellar, and I might be willing to sample one or two.”
“I’m sure you would. Well, anyway, my thanks. I feel more optimistic, which is a marked improvement from earlier this morning. Now moving on as you suggested, I’m glad to see you feeling positive as well, particularly after last night’s revelations about your mom. I’m sorry about that.”
“Not to worry on that score,” said Johnny. “Father and I had a good chat. I see my mother differently now. She’s no longer just my mother, but a real person. I know that’s a bit strange, but I feel I can speak to her now more realistically, and that can only be good.”
I nodded and smiled. “Yes, it is a good thing. I was worried about you, but not any longer.”
“See? Things are looking up. Now back to this evening. If I show up instead of you, Hugo will likely be a bit put out. My thought is to tell him I’m picking up the tab on your behalf.”
I laughed, but inwardly cringed at the potential size of the bill. “I suppose that might work, since it is our only option. All I ask is that you control the wine list. I can picture you two breaking open a bottle of Lafite.”
“Unfortunately for you, that might become necessary to convince him to stay. I’ll use it only as a last resort, of course. Besides, they might have something better. I’ve heard they have some serious brews in their cellar, and tonight might be the chance to uncork one or two.”
Johnny laughed at my expression. “We’ll get through this,” he said. “You’ll see.”
Johnny’s enthusiasm was as infectious as ever, and I did feel better. He had made some sense of what had been impossible to understand. I sensed a change in myself. Rather than feeling tentative, I was filled with an eagerness to live that was altogether new and different. It would take some time to understand what had happened to me.
18
Despite the night’s events, mundane tasks took center stage once again. Anne and I sat down at the desk in the library and wrote out the invitations for Johnny to deliver, while he prepared to return to the city and have dinner with the baron. Anne also seemed in better spirits after a long sleep and a hearty breakfast. I let her do most of the work. Her handwriting was a work of art.
“Percy,” she said after the last invitation was completed and sealed, “would you like some help with the table seating? I’m quite skilled in that department.”
“Yes, of course. I was hoping you’d volunteer.”
“How could I not? I’ll make the necessary arrangements with Stanley.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Anne stacked the pile of invitations and handed them to me. “Now that these are going out, I suppose we’re committed to whatever happens this weekend.”
“We are,” I said. “It’s one of those things that must be endured. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it.”
“I can’t say that I am, either. On another matter, have you told your mother about your engagement? I’ve not been able to reach her.”
“Not as yet.”
“Would it be all right if I told her?”
“Of course. Please do.”
“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled. I would also like to apologize about last night. I was not myself.”
“There’s no need. If anything, I should be the one to apologize for having caused you any upset. It was never my intention.”
“I know. It was the news of your father’s coming to this house that set me on edge. I met him long ago during a bad time in my life, and if it hadn’t been for your mother, I’m not sure I would be here now. It is the reason I mentioned her. His pending arrival brought back memories that I thought were long since buried. It will be hard for me. Meeting him for the first time may be as difficult for you. Likely it won’t be easy for either of us, but somehow, we’ll get through it. It’s what we do. Anyway, I’ve said what I wanted to say, and I will call your mother. She might even decide to come herself. What would you say to that?”
“Well, it would certainly ramp the tension up another notch and put my father in an interesting position. Nonetheless, having her here might make things easier for you, and for that reason I would allow it. Anything I can do for you, I will. Anyway, Anne, thank you for your help, as always. We’ll both have to be brave.”
“That we will. I’ll speak with Stanley now, but before I go, thank you for saying what you did. I appreciate it more than I can say.”
We stood and hugged each other. She needed that as much as I did. After Anne left, I wrote a hasty note to the baron. I explained that with so much to do in preparation for the coming weekend, Johnny was there in my place, and that I would cover all expenses. I was quite sure that Hugo would see this alteration of his plans as a golden opportunity to sample the cellar at 21 on my account.
I collected all the envelopes and met Johnny on the front steps. The chauffeur and the limo for the trip back to the city waited below.
“Should I call you?” asked Johnny.
“No need, unless it’s urgent. Be back here tomorrow early and well before the crowd shows up. All you need to do is give the baron my letter and the invitations. Try to have a good time.”
“Oh, I will, I can assure you.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Johnny and I walked down the front steps. At the bottom, I said, “Thank you for your thoughts earlier, by the way. They really helped.”
“I’m glad. It was an eye opener for both of us, and first thing in the morning, too, but it’s how we do things. Anyway, I’m off. I can’t wait to hear what happens should both of you sleep in that room.”
I was wondering that myself.
We shook hands before I saw him into the car and watched it roll up the driveway. It felt strange not going with him. I had also been looking forward to that dinner. As a consolation, I wondered if Dagmar might offer me a better sole than 21. I considered the question as I went back into the house and chanced upon Stanley in the hallway.
“Stanley, I have a request.”
“How can I help?”
“I was looking forward to a sole and a fine wine tonight. Do you think Dagmar could serve a sole that would put 21 to shame?”
“That has already been arranged. I told her that by forgoing your outing to that establishment, you might be feeling a little low. Dagmar assured me that although 21 serves a fine sole, hers is by far superior. I will even debone it for you at the table. As to the wine, I have something special that will suit—a very rare Clos Blanc de Vougeot that you should find quite surpasses anything to be found in the 21 Club cellar.”
I smiled. “Thank you, Stanley. That should do quite admirably. John Sr. and Anne will be suitably impressed. One of these days we will have to figure out how to continue to keep our cellar stocked with gems like that. I’ll be in the library making some calls and see you after.”
“Very good, sir.”
Stanley ghosted away to continue his rounds, and I made my way to the library. Rhinebeck had three telephone lines and three newly acquired fax machines that John Sr. had insisted be installed. There was a fax and telephone in Stanley’s office, a pair in Alice’s west wing sitting room, and another in the library. The fax machine was set up beside the desk, while the telephone, with a long extension cord, sat on a tiny table that could be wheeled to serve the caller anywhere in the room.
I wheeled the phone so that it was next to one of the comfortable chairs in front of the fireplace and sat down. I picked up the receiver and dialed Maw. She was in a suite at the St. Regis.
“Mary? Percy here, how are you?”
“Very well. I’ve been expecting your call. Are we on for this weekend?”
“Yes, absolutely. I was calling to invite you.”
“Bonnie, Robert the Bruce, and I will certainly be there. Robert is invited?”
“Of course.”
“That will do. John briefed me. This should be quite a weekend. I can hardly wait. We’ll be there around four. I understand your father is invited.”
“He is.”
“Well, that should send the fox amongst the chickens. Lucky for you and lucky for me, I hunt foxes.”
“One of the many reasons I wanted to invite you.”
Maw cackled. “I’m looking forward to it. Hold on … Yes, in a minute. That was Bonnie. She wants to say something. Well, I’ll pass the phone to her, but have a care with that man, even if he is your father. I’ll be available to give him a good smacking if he should become unruly. I’ve started taking classes in self-defense.”
“Good God.”
“Good God, indeed. I can’t wait to use it in a real situation. I might have the opportunity this weekend. See you tomorrow. Here’s Bonnie.”
A few seconds later Bonnie came on the line.
“Hey Percy!”
“Hey Bonnie!”
“Lost the girlfriend yet?”
“Not yet.”
“I have a surprise for you.”
“You do?”
“I do. See you tomorrow. Prepare to be impressed.”
“I’m sure I will be. You wish to complicate my life, as if it isn’t complicated enough already.”
Bonnie giggled. “My life’s purpose. Ciao!”
She hung up. I shuddered. Bonnie was like a shark that scented blood in the water. I didn’t want to imagine what she meant by her last comment.
I had considered ringing the baron, but John Sr. had advised against it. He had chuckled when I informed him that Johnny would be my proxy for dinner.
John Sr. had said, “It’s about time Hugo and Johnny get to know each other. An excellent dinner with some serious drinking will do them a world of good. They’ll surprise each other. What do you say we split the bill, since it’s for all intents and purposes a business expense?”
“John, thank you. I’ve been dreading what those two will uncork with me not there. I can at least breathe a little easier.”
“Johnny deserves it. He may not think that I appreciate him, but I do. He told me he wants to strike off on his own, with you as his partner. I didn’t object, but I told him that I have an interesting counter-offer for both of you in that regard, but only after we all manage to get through this weekend in one piece. Can you hold off until then?”
“Of course.”
“We’ll talk about it on Monday.”
John Sr. and Anne left the house for a walk while I made my way to the library. Thinking about that conversation with John Sr. had allowed me to put off calling Bruni a few minutes longer. It was not that I didn’t want to speak with her. I did, but Bruni had a knack for knowing what I was thinking, and Stanley’s revelations about her past were heavily on my mind.
