A/N – Thanks again for all the reviews. I meant to publish this yesterday but I'm on the road for the next 2 ½ weeks, I didn't get in until late and couldn't bring myself to do the final check before uploading. I will try to keep publishing the updates every few days but I'll ask now for forgiveness if some are delayed.
Chapter 23
Ty came out of the bathroom toweling his hair and watched while Amy brushed hers out at the small dressing table in the corner of the room.
"So is there a salary for this Assistant Director's job ?"
"There is Dr. Borden, $180,000 a year which I'm hoping you'll donate to the foundation."
"Not much of a salary if I give it away. What if I want to buy my favorite girl a necklace or earrings ?"
"Hmmm, interesting thought, well I figured my life partner and I would share in our family stake which comes in December so keep track of what you spend on nice things for me and you can pay us back. As a senior partner I guess a large portion of that would be under your discretion."
"And how much would that be ?"
"Figure maybe 7 or 8 million."
"Seriously, half of 8 million dollars, that's insane."
"No my love, that's your discretionary half."
"What do you do with all of that ?"
"I'm about to write a check for $250,000. Brings my charity total up to 1.7 million for the week. That's not an every week thing but it adds up over the year."
"True, I guess, still it's pretty overwhelming."
"It's still overwhelming for me but I've provided for family, our employees and their families and the ranches in my will and a lot goes to charities and the Foundation, I don't feel guilty Ty, I give away every penny I can before the government starts taking offense."
"How much did you, we, spend today ?"
"About $ 36,000."
"You can do that on a credit card ?"
"Yeah, you'll get one of these black Amex cards with no limit."
"No limit ?"
"Not quite sure what that means but I bought those 6 ranch trucks with it. You need a vehicle by the way, a real one, you can't break down on the way to an emergency. There's a partially done 1953 F100 in the other side of the garage. You get it running it's yours for play, I got it about halfway done, I get pulled away. It might be a good project for you to tinker with and take your mind off things. I have an F350 when I need to drive more than the Indian. It's not Alberta but we get a bunch of snow and we've got hills. I almost bought a Porsche a few years ago, we can get something to play with if you want. I just figured I'd never get enough use out of it."
"What do you get enough use out of ? Just listening to uhm, some of your loving staff and others seems that you work yourself to exhaustion, you used to do that just sometimes. You need time for yourself Ames."
"I take most of my free time with the kids Ty. How about I spend my extra time with you."
"Then I'll make sure I take us away from here. Do we have a cabin or something like that ?"
"We have a treehouse."
"And it's beautiful and it will work for short spells or a night away from the ranch house, I mean something away from here, Ithaca, just for relaxing with the family."
"Not really."
"Then that's the first thing I'm going to do with part of my discretionary share. Buy us and the kids someplace to get away with beautiful views and trails and fishing. Maybe in those not quite the Rockies, Adirondacks to the North you love, just a few hours away."
"I will leave that to you then sweetheart." Amy said walking over to him. Ty had a towel wrapped around his waist and she ran her arms around his back and looked up into his eyes and whispered, "you're still going to, you know, get me the pretty jewelry though ?"
Ty leaned over and kissed her gently, that impish teenage grin returning to his face for a second. "I am, but first I'm going to replace those jumping pants."
"It's only fair, you did rip them and the blouse." She whispered with a smile and then leaned up to kiss him as her palms ran over his chest and back around over his back. "We have to get dressed."
"Let me help you with this robe" He said it while pulling the knot loose. His arms snaked under the terry and over her back. He leaned over and took her into his arms and pressed her to him. The kiss was slow, their arms roamed freely over their bodies as they explored each others lips and tongues. Their desires on full display to each other. They stopped to whisper sweet expressions of love to each other as they held on for a last second before breaking apart. They looked in each other's eyes with longing both turning to smiles which showed how happy they were together. Ty walked over to his pile of clothes and Amy began dressing as well.
"My schedule Boss ?"
"Let's do that tomorrow. For now on Monday, you have fishing with whomever until 10:00, then either rounds with Bert and the staff or a consult meeting, both will happen though the order can change. That will determine the rest of Monday. Plan on rounds every day, schedules change, for now your job is to assist Bert, learn from Bert and get comfortable with how we do things. You'll also be spending tons of time with Barb and Katie, it might sound strange to take direction from them for now but they know their stuff and how we do things, what's available, like that nifty 3D imaging machine, stuff like that."
"And Hudson ?"
"Well Bert likes Scott, a lot, and word is Cass is an excellent surgeon. We've needed a place on the west coast for a while and while Canada is further north than we originally thought of, we've offered to make the clinic part of Pegasus, and with White Horse it makes sense I think."
"Cass is great, Scott's a good teacher. How would that work ?"
"Which part ?"
"Well, uhm."
"Oh that, well, you're in an odd position, you see technically I guess, you're probably Bert's boss and you simultaneously work under his supervision with him as yours. If we do this, Scott will be medical director of Pegasus Hudson but as medical director or even assistant here makes you his boss, twice actually. It's a lot easier for me when I think of Bert and Scott and Bryce as my big brothers, Charlie and Trev as uncles, like that."
"And the actual operation ?"
"There will be traveling for all of you. Them here to assist and learn, you and Bert there to help, teach and also learn."
"And you, Alberta ?"
"I think after the surgery maybe, we'll see, I miss it, have missed it."
"You've never gone back ?"
Amy was quiet for a few seconds, "I've been back twice, the first time to buy White Horse and then with Haddie to set up the Alpacas."
"Did you go though Hudson, see Heartland ?"
"Both and over Heartland also actually."
"Didn't think about stopping ?"
"I did think about it, one time you were gone, BC I think Scott told me. It wasn't time, I wasn't ready, I don't know Ty, shame, sorrow, fear, anger, love, always love, I just don't know why I made some of the choices I did, the kids and Pegasus drove them and I put things second, prioritized relationships I guess."
He didn't want her upset, this was hard for her and he knew she would answer and spend the time when it was right so he decided for now to change the subject. "What time is dinner ?"
"As soon as we walk out probably, I know, weird right."
"Can I go jacket-less ?"
"It's fine in camp, it'll chill out later so the suit will help. I'm sorry we had to start with this, I know it seems over the top but it's necessary. Things will seem more normal back on the ranch once this is over."
They got outside just when the twins were apparently returning from their chores with the horses.
"Girls was there a problem ?"
"Yeah, well no, Charlie and I did 6 interviews." Mad answered.
"Trish, apparently this Jaeger guy and his buddies are terrorizing girls in the Lake George and Lake Placid jumping region which I think goes all the way up to Plattsburgh. Sounds mostly being too bold like with Brin but one of you may get more. We have 4 names of girls who'd like to meet with a den mother and 2 from down here with other guys harassing them or just the usual uncomfortable lewd vocals, so that would be Kali I guess. Those are the just the ones who came here for the weekend."
"Kali would probably handle them all Charlie, Plattsburgh is way the hell up there. She'll talk to Carol and they'll figure it out."
"Well, we have the girls names and cell numbers and as much as we could get here under the spotlight and out in the open. So here you go, wish we were closer. If it'll help we can Skype if they want to talk with us."
"You girls have done great Mad and these girls have come forward to be heard because of you two. Amy, you might know who we can speak with, maybe we can set up booths at jumping events to tell people we're here, let these girls know they're not alone. I think this may be a real issue with some of these entitled bratty boys."
"I'll ask around Trish."
"Amy, any time."
"Thank you Pavel, folks let's all get something to eat. They don't eat here until most of us are usually heading to bed."
"We'll get changed quick mom."
"You going to go pick up Brin sweetheart ?"
"Bobby will on the way and meet us here."
"Amy, the boys are here with the trailer to take the girls Harley's, I'll drive them back with ours tomorrow, there's a chance of rain on the road home, want us to take the Scout ?"
"Ty ?"
"Absolutely John, thanks, I have no desire to ride in the rain."
"We'll drop them at the ranch, you two are welcome to drive back with us tomorrow if you'd like, just an option."
"Thanks John, I think we'll ride with the family. Monday morning after 10 by the way, Ty's fishing with JT and Grandpa and has to be back then for work" Amy added.
"Maybe we'll ride him up to Dinosaur for lunch." Trish suggested.
"Oh he'll love that but uhm ah."
"We'll bring you back some."
"Thanks Trish."
"Dinosaur ?"
"Dinosaur Barbecue Ty, small chain out of Syracuse, very good."
The girls came out dressed in nice jeans and had time until they got dressed.
"What time are you scheduled for girls ?"
"9:30, they'll call for us at 9:15." Charlotte answered.
Amy sat back in a chaise and closed her eyes, she wasn't that hungry and would wait.
Ty was over getting a beer and something to eat.
"How's your day going Ty ?"
"It's going well Betty but she never really seems to relax she's always thinking about this place."
"You've slowed her down Ty."
"Well I get that for this week but once we get back into the swing of things again I'm told life gets hectic and so does she. I need your help with something, I need a realtor in the Adirondacks who can deal with a large property."
"May I ask why ?"
"Because a nest where everywhere you look is what you're trying to escape doesn't work as an escape. If she's going to hand me millions of dollars I'm going to use part of it to buy this family a place to get away from work. No cell phone signal is a plus and the more it looks like Alberta the better. I've seen her fixate on horses for weeks, it's not pretty, I can't imagine how wound up she is 100% of the time. Actually I can, and this is it."
"I'm starting to like you Ty, I'll get you a name, how big ?"
"I'd rather not have to spend years building and getting approvals. Something done and nice, modern amenities, at least a few hundred acres and it has to have views of mountains, riding trails and fishing. Stables are good but those are easy to build and a caretaker would be nice, separate residence is better and a couple or small family even better."
"Won't be cheap."
"I already have a $5000 watch Betty and since I've never had eight million dollars to spend, I can live with seven, probably a lot less."
Betty reached up and patted his shoulder. "Definitely starting to like you."
Ty walked over and sat down with Lisa and Jack who were sharing some wine over a plate of cheese. "Betty seems to be warming to you." Lisa said smiling.
"Guess I said the right thing."
"Care to share ?"
"Let's say I'm looking for a big fishing cabin on some nice mountain land to take this family away from Ithaca so Amy can get some actual relaxation."
"And when you find it ?"
"I'm going to buy it for us."
"That's going to run you son."
"Well, Amy wants to share and this is what I want part of my share to do."
"You happy Ty ?"
"I am Lisa it's a feeling it seems I've only played with over the past few years."
"Hey Dr. Borden."
"Hey Jackson" Ty said lifting him onto his lap.
"So fishing Monday ?"
"I have a meeting at 10:00 so until then I'm all yours.
"Awesome, you can ride Merlin, I'll take Jasper. So what's up with the watches ?"
"Well your mom and I promised to love and take care of each other forever. Let's say the watches are reminders of that."
"Are you going to stay ?'
"Eventually, I have to go back to Alberta and probably do that a few times but then I'll come here to live, if it's Ok with you and your sisters. There will be trips but not too often I hope.
"It's fine with me, we can hang out, fish and stuff, I can show you around the ranch and the preserve."
"I'm going to try and get that old truck in the garage fixed up, think you'd like to help me do that ?"
"You think you can ? it's pretty old."
"How about we try together and see ?"
"Sure thing Dr Borden, you know where to find me" and with that he scooted off Ty's lap and ran off after Cars.
"Making a friend ?"
"I'm hoping for more than that Lisa. Can I ask you a question ?"
"Of course, what's up ?"
"You mentioned and just before Amy mentioned that all this is necessary and I don't get it."
"You mean the pomp and extravagance of a million dollars in portable hotels ?"
"That's it."
"I'll just say it and you let it sink in before you react, people who give large sums of money to charities want to know that they are giving it to people who are used to handling large sums of money responsibly. They give money to other rich people and trust them to distribute it for them."
"Rather than ?"
"Driving down the road and handing $10,000 to every ranch that claims it's a rescue facility or uses the money to help bring peace to people who take comfort in being with a horse. Pegasus is a big supporter of the Saratoga Foundation, she believes in taking care of these horses and providing them comfort, I've looked into them on google, I'm actually quite taken by the idea that Fairfield could become a facility like that. Anyway, Pegasus also issues scholarships to rescue facilities. We haven't seen it but Amy spends time with any donor who wants to speak with her and Betty says she's become quite the expressive passionate advocate. They trust her and Pegasus to put the money where it's needed and part of that trust is this."
"Well, she certainly talked us into some harebrained rescues back when so I get the passionate advocate. I guess thinking about it, it's easier to just shop at a big supermarket than around 12 specialty shops, Pegasus is a one stop charity if you love horses. Thanks Lisa. I'm going to check on Amy."
Lisa smiled as he walked away.
"She's pushing him pretty hard Lis."
"She's not pushing him Jack, he wants this as much as she does. She's certainly not pushing him and Jackson together or the girls that I can see. Those kids are what they are and you see the way he looks at them. Sometimes I can't help but think we gave Ty too much leeway, for all Amy's naïveté with men back then the solution to a problem is never turning away and stopping communication, we know that better than most Jack."
"Doesn't sound like he's running this time."
"It also doesn't take much for him to run. She told me she hasn't made him a blatant offer of anything. He asked about what she was offering and she told him. From what I can tell she's answered every question he's asked openly and as honestly as she could and he asked about the men and the money."
"Hey Lis ?" Jack said dropping his voice. "In the jewelry store, when she pulled him aside, did she say $20 million ?"
"I've seen some of the financials, Betty was showing me the "boarding and training" fees, I think $20 is an at least number Jack."
"How do you actually make that kind of money."
"The horse's they board and train at $1500 a week about to almost $15 million in revenue alone and there's a ranch in Arizona and one in Montana. I have no idea how the Alpaca business does but they own almost 2500 of them spread out."
"Hard to imagine."
"Amy's always had a way with horses and people and a desire to do good. As to Ty, I would guess she just told him that she comes with the kids and they come with the money."
Ty walked over and sat on the chaise next to Amy. She opened her eyes and smiled. "Hey you."
"You can go inside and take a nap you know, I'll wake you with enough time to get ready."
"Come nap with me."
"No Ames, you need the rest, just lay down and close your eyes. You don't have to sleep."
"One hour, watch Jackson please."
"You never have to worry about that Amy, go on."
She kissed him and went into the trailer.
Ty wandered back over to Betty, "I need a couple more things."
"Go on."
"First, what time does she really need to be up to be ready for later ?"
Betty looked at her watch, "it's still early, an hour and a half from now will give her plenty of time."
Ty brought his watch up and set the alarm for 90 minutes and listened for an acknowledgement. "Hope that works."
"What's going on ?"
"She was napping in the chaise, I told her to go inside and just close her eyes, she doesn't have to sleep. She agreed to an hour, I didn't."
"I have a schedule, does she ?"
"We all have a schedule, not the kids unless it's assigned. Sandra does ours and Bert's and then I approve it."
"That's easier than I thought. Block out an hour a day in her schedule and mark it Spartan and assign someone with her. You, me, the kids, Bryce, Jack and Lisa while they're here, I don't care and then tell Sandra that this hour is inviolate. It can shift but not disappear. Before you say it, I understand the nature of the business so I understand emergencies but it should be the hardest thing to lose off her schedule. Just hearing her say she feels bad because she doesn't ride him enough is ridiculous. Spartan is a part of her, her confidante, what's the point of all the money and people if you cant take an hour a day and breath with your best friend."
"And when she see's it ?"
"Partner goes both ways Betty, send her complaint to me. Tell her you're not getting in the middle."
"Push back, I like it. Good luck."
"More like payback" He said and smiled that impish grin at her. "How do I do things like order stuff like parts or tools for the shop garage ?"
"Payback huh, this should be fun to watch at least. Anything to do with that building, ask the girls, it's all set up in the shop computer, Charlie Rogers our finance guy will hand you a card when you have that meeting, Board of Directors and overall finances, don't worry, not like what it sounds. Actually depending on scheduling he just may send one over. What are you building ?"
"Jackson and I are going to get that F100 running."
"Either of you see mom ?"
"She's napping Charlotte." Ty answered.
"Is she feeling Ok ?"
"She's fine, just getting some rest."
"Mom ?"
"Charlotte is there something you need your mom for ?" Ty asked.
"We were going for a walk."
"Have fun, be back in a hour and you can wake her, she'd like that."
"Can Cars and I come ?"
"You stay here Jackson, they want to be alone." Ty said putting his hand on his shoulder.
"Why ?"
"Kissing and hugging." Ty answered.
"Oh that."
"Bye girls."
"Bye Dr. Borden, you're scared to wake her on your own aren't you ?"
"Actually I'm not Charlotte but when I do it there's kissing and hugging and she'll be late."
"Scared."
"Bye Charlotte."
"I got to go change Jax, my good clothes are with mom, you know."
"Can I walk Cars Dr. Borden ?"
Ty glanced up and saw Betty give him a small nod.
"Sure thing buddy, don't stay long though, you have to change too."
"I'll come right back." He said and the two walked off.
"Back to the truck Ty, tell me I'm not going to see my grandson driving that thing around the ranch sitting on a bunch of phone books."
"Now why would I possibly tell you that Gran ?"
"You're as bad as she is." Betty said with a smile. "Go on, you look like you've got another quarry in mind."
