Chapter Four

The Letter

Sunday

Frank and Alex spend this morning driving Frances to Carmel Ridge. Traffic was minimal and the weather was picturesque for a Sunday drive upstate. Once back in her room, all the stress and lost sleep during the week suddenly catches up to her and she becomes agitated. Her doctor is called and he immediately prescribes a sedative, within moments she calms down and soon she is asleep.

For the first twenty minutes of the drive back to the city, the only sound in the car is the radio. As the car, with Alex driving, merges onto the New York Thruway, she asks, "So Frank, are you going to go back to standing in line?"

"I haven't thought about it," he turns his head to look out the window. "Yes I have, I don't know, I have no clue as to what to do."

"How long, I mean it's really none of my business but how long have you been abusing drugs?"

"I'm afraid to calculate the years. Too long Alex, too long." He changes his position in the seat to face her, "When you and Bobby found me on line that day I think he was more shocked that I was alive then at seeing me standing there. I've been clean since then. I tried to tell him that but he didn't believe me. I suppose he didn't trust me."

"You are absolutely right, that's exactly what he said." Alex lowers the volume on the radio. "If I hadn't dragged you away from the line that day, do you think you would have done the things that you did this week?"

Shaking his head, "No I probably would have used it as an excuse to get high."

She reaches across and opens the glove box, removing an envelope. "Here," she places it on his lap. "This is for you."

"Huh, what is it?"

"Bobby's lawyer Ken gave it to me, to give to you. It's from your brother."

Franks' hand shakes slightly as he tears open the envelope.

Frank,

I had asked Kenny to give this to Alex for you and since you are reading it, I know that you have pulled your weight and been there for Mom at this time.

I know we didn't have it easy but we can't blame her for all the bad decisions that we have made in our lives.

How many more years does she have? No one knows but she shouldn't have to live them alone, wondering everyday where you are and what you are doing.

I wish that we had a closer relationship, much like the one we had as kids. However as the years went on we grew further and further apart. Was the break your fault, entirely? No--not exclusively, as things are now it is too late, sad but it is true.

However, you are my brother and I love you. I have made some provisions for you in my will but you are going to have to make some major changes in your life to benefit. I hope to God that you have the power within you to fulfill these needs.

Call Kenny after you read this letter.

Bobby

He folds up the letter, "When we get back to the city I need to call Kenny." He rubs his eyes, "Do you know his last name?" Frank swallows hard. "I forgot."

Alex digs in her bag, removing her cell phone. "Oliver, here," she nudges him on his arm. "Hit the speed dial button and then number 10."

"Thanks," he dials the number and a few rings later, "Hello."

"Is this Ken Oliver?"

"Yes it is."

"This is ah….this is Frank Goren."

"Alex gave you the letter?"

"Yes she did, I just read it."

"Ask Alex if she would drive you to Bobby's apartment, I'll meet you there at," he pauses to check the time. "At three o'clock."

"Ok, hold on," he lays the phone on his lap, "Alex would you, could you do me a favor and take me to Bobby's apartment, Ken wants to meet me there."

"Sure, no problem."

"I'll be there."

"Good, see you then, bye."

Bobby's Apartment

They notice Ken at the same time that he sees them, he leans down to look through the window, "Wow perfect timing, I just got here." He opens the door for Frank to exit.

"Thanks Alex," Frank says shyly, with his head down.

"You're welcome Frank." He exits the vehicle; moments later, she drives away, lightly tapping her horn as she merges into traffic.

"Follow me," Ken says commanding. Ken removes a key from his pocket, opening the outer door. He checks the mailbox, removing the papers inside. No words are spoken as the two men walk down the hallway toward the elevator. "Push number three," Ken orders Frank.

"I know his floor number," Frank says sardonically.

Ken raises his eyebrows, moments later they are outside Bobby's apartment door; he opens the door and motions for Frank to enter first. Ken pats Frank on the back as he passes him, "More things will be explained tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Why, what's tomorrow?"

"I will pick you up at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning," Ken says as he closes the door. "I will be reading his will tomorrow," he says sadly.

Frank paces slowly around the well-kept apartment, "All of this is his doing isn't it?"

"Yes, he wants you to stay here tonight," Ken says pointing to Frank as he speaks. "Remember 10 a.m., also I may phone here during the night, you had better answer the phone and if you don't, I will come by," Ken stands within inches of the older Goren brother. "And if anything is missing from this apartment? I will call the police," he says intensely. "And have you arrested."

Alex's Apartment

The letter has been on the table since yesterday, unopened. After changing her clothes, she purposely avoids looking at it. Kenny told her that he wrote this version of the letter only last week, she wonders what he may have added or deleted from the one before. Her curiosity is keen but at the same time, she dreads reading it. When she does, she will have to come to the reality that he is gone and will never come back.

She passes the table, touching it, and then sliding it away. It falls to the floor. As she straightens up after retrieving it, she tears it open. She sits at the table.

Alex,

Thank you for taking care of everything. I knew you would.

It may sound cliché but my life did indeed change, for the better, the day I met you.

A day I will never forget, when Deakins informed me about your background those many years ago and who your father was, well I thought we were doomed, with you being the daughter of a cop and me--well with me being me.

She smiles broadly.

I was certain that this partnership wouldn't last a day never mind seven years. Seven years, can you believe it? Thanks for sticking with me all these years. I'll bet you never thought it would last that long, did you?

You're right about that Bobby.

I have to admit something to you, I didn't either.

She laughs aloud.

Some mornings when the last thing I wanted to do was face my life just the thought of spending the day with you by my side gave me the energy to get out of bed.

You made every day a memorable one, thank you.

Don't ever lose that beautiful smile of yours, it lights up your eyes and your wit, usually at my expense, but I didn't mind.

Sometimes you walked right into them Bobby.

When I needed someone to talk to you were there. When I needed a shoulder to lean on you were there. The one constant thing that I could always count on every day was your friendship.

I realize that it has been crazy sometimes, but hey, that makes for an interesting life, don't you think?

Yes I do.

Though I have many friends and acquaintances you are very special to me, I hope you realize that.

You are my best friend. Do you know that?

I owe you a great deal not only my career but also my sanity.

I have a surprise for you; Kenny will be in touch.

Love to you always

Bobby

She holds the letter to her heart, "Love to you, too." She re-reads it repeatedly, smiling through tears.

Kenneth Oliver's Office

"Alex, good morning," Ken Oliver greets her.

"Good morning Kenny," she glances around the room, "Where is Frank?"

"He's waiting in another office, what Bobby has to say to him; well he wanted it to be private."

"I can understand that."

"If you will please join the others," he opens a door to a large office already filled with people, chattering away. She recognizes many faces, Sister Kate, Rabbi Max, and two of Bobby's friends. The taller of the men greet her first, "Hey Alex," he leans down to kiss her cheek.

"Hi Dave, how are you doing?"

"Ah," he shrugs his shoulders, "How about you?"

"The same," a hand touches her shoulder, she turns. "Andy," a quick embrace. She steps back and a man with a bandaged hand calls her name.

"Alex," he bows his head.

For a brief moment she is not sure who this man in the gray suit is, "Lewis, you, you look very sharp." She frowns trying to recall seeing him at the service; she does not remember him there.

He tugs on the lapels, "Thank you," he leans down and whispers, "It's the only one I own."

She lightly touches the bandage, "What happened?"

"I….after I heard what happened I tried to stay busy, you know do normal things, well my concentration was for…." He bites his lip, "Anyway I closed down the hood of a 71 charger on my hand, spent the morning at the hospital. I missed the service, I didn't want to." He says remorseful.

She reaches up and kisses his cheek, "It's alright, I'm sure he would understand."

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Kenneth says. "Please take your seats."

People exchange short waves and quick hugs as they find a place to seat. "Thank you," Kenneth opens a large manila envelope and begins to read the contents of the last will and testament of Robert O. Goren."

Portions of his insurance he has donated to many non-profit children's organizations, home-less shelters and for the continuing study of mental disease. He has also made provisions for some very close friends. After forty-five minutes only Alex, Lewis and two other friends remain Dave Fanelli and Andy Reilly.

"To Alexandra Eames," Kenny hands her an envelope. "This is for you Alex, please open it now."

Alex opens the 8 by 10 inch envelope and a two keys fall out, along with a 5 by 7 inch photo of a Candy red 1966 Ford Mustang fastback, with black interior. She looks up frowning, written across the bottom of the photo.

'SURPRISE!'

Wouldn't want this car to go to any one else.

Enjoy the ride.

Love Bobby.

The smile and tears appear on her face simultaneously. "I didn't even know he had…." She looks up. "He never told me."

"He never drove it," Lewis says. "The last time he drove it we had an accident, he always blamed me for it. Anyway he fixed it up and never drove it again." Lewis sits back in the chair, "I do, take it out almost every day for a drive, to keep it running."

"Why didn't he drive it?"

Andy fidgets in his chair, "I think just knowing...it's just a car yes but for him." He pauses, "It was the last thing that his Mom ever gave him, not the car itself but the money to get it. It started out as a big lump in the driveway and after a year and a half well...that's how we all met Lewis."

The group remains still, the only sound in the room are sniffles. Kenneth continues to read, "To Lewis Dixon, Andy Reilly and Dave Fanelli," he hands each man an envelope with a substantial sized check inside. "This is in Bobby's words--The three of you can go to a Yankee game and you'll be able to have an extra beer this time."

They laugh and one by one, each man rubs his eyes, "Son of a bitch," Andy says under his breath. "This really sucks you know." He stands abruptly and the chair falls over. He looks at his acquaintances, "Sorry, everyone, I'm sorry."

Alex stands taking his hand, "No need to apologize, how about we all go out and have a beer, now."

They say their goodbyes to Kenny and one by one, they exit the office.

Kenneth opens the door to his office, "Frank would you please come in now," he passes the foursome. Franks walks slowly into the office, hands stuffed deep into his pockets.

"All that I am to read to you was written by your brother,

"Frank, as I said in my prior note, I have arranged for some provisions for you but I'll tell you something man, you are going to have to work for this. To start Kenny has a check that is written out to the Harbor House Rehab center and for the next 28 days that will be your new home. You must complete the program and continue the sessions afterwards.

I have arranged for the rent on my apartment to be paid for fifteen months. In that time you will have to secure a full time job, you're not above washing dishes as a start. The only expense you will have is to feed yourself.

By the way, if items from my apartment disappear at anytime, because you sold them, Kenny has the authority to kick your sorry, pitiful ass out.

Good luck to you Frank.

"Your brother is given you the opportunity of a lifetime, unfortunately he wasn't able to do all this when he was alive. I hope you take him up on it."

Frank fidgets in the chair, "You would think he was the older brother," he hesitates. "When do I leave?"

Kenneth picks up the phone, "He's ready."

The door opens and a tall gray haired man walks in, extending his hand, "Frank, my name is Alan Summers, I'm here to take you to Harbor House."

"So exactly what is going to happen?"

"We have to get you settled in and then after a thorough evaluation of your situation can we decide the correct course of action."

"How, how do I start?"

"Frank, this is the treatment plan I would suggest for you. After you finish the 28-day residential program, you should follow a 6 to 12 month outpatient program. In the outpatient program, you will be required to get a sponsor. You must attend AA and NA meetings. Your sponsor is someone you can lean on everyday. It is common for you to treat him like a parent. You may call him when you are upset, when you're considering changing things in your life, when things are good and definitely when they are bad. Phone him day or night, he is there to help. He will work with you on everything. From going to meetings, finding you a job and finding you a place to live."

"My brother has arranged for me to live at his place rent free for a year."

"As I said after we evaluate your situation, living alone may not be the best thing for you, there are places referred to as Chemical Free Living Centers, where you must find a job, pay rent, attend the outpatient program and AA and NA meetings. Take drug tests on a random and or regular basis. You must follow the house rules and participate in maintaining the house and yard also keep up your own personal area." Alan crosses his leg. "But that decision is in the future."

"My mom, I should call her to let her know where I'm going."

"What's the number?" Kenny asks.

"212-555-8394."

"It's ringing, here."

Frank takes the phone, "Carmel Ridge Center, how may I help you?"

"Frances Goren please," Frank says nervously. "I'm scared why should I be scared?"

"Because you're finally admitting to someone in your family that you do indeed have a drug problem, now is as good a time to start."

"Hello," Frances says.

"Hi Mom it's Frank. I'm not going to be around for about a month. I….I'm going to a rehab clinic; Bobby's arranged it for me." Silence on the line. "Mom did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, yes Frankie I did. I won't see you for a month, will you, can you call me?"

"Ah, hold on a minute. Will I be able to call her when I get there?"

Alan pats Frank on the back, "You may phone your mother on Friday, she may visit you on Sunday between the hours of 2 and 4."

"Friday Mom, I will call you on Friday and every day after that. I promise."

"I'll be looking forward to your phone calls. Do right by your brother."

"I will Mom, I will."

"Take care of yourself Frankie, I'm proud of you."

"Thanks Mom, I needed to hear that, bye."

"Bye Frankie."

He replaces the phone on the cradle, standing up straight, "Ok, Alan. I'm ready, let's go."

TBC