Chapter 101 – Gabe and Security Arrive

"Moving on." Gran said. "The next issue that I want addressed is Thomas and Charlotte's treatment of JP and his friends, including Nathan and Elizabeth."

Gran turned to her daughter and son-in-law.

"What is your problem?" Gran asked.

Thomas and Charlotte just looked at each other, but neither spoke.

"This is going to be your only chance to speak about this." James said. "If you don't say anything, I will take it as a closed matter and I better not see or hear another unkind deed or word to any of the guests in my house."

"Nathan wasn't supposed to actually be friends with JP." Thomas said. "He is an employee and should maintain a professional distance."

"Seriously." Doug said incredulously. "That is what your problem is."

"Douglas." Gran said with a slight warning tone.

"Sorry, Gran." Doug said. "But I stand by my statement. Thomas and Charlotte, would you be surprised to learn that both of Dad's bodyguards regularly spend time with our family including holidays. Heck, one of them is even godfather to Maddie. Like Dad taught me – these men put their life on the line so that he can be safe, the least that we can do is treat them right and that means including them in our life as we would any friends."

"Well said Doug." James said. "I couldn't have said it better. I have told Charlotte this, but you need to hear it as well Thomas. Nathan is good for JP, he pushes him to be better on a horse. When I was watching the two of them working out in the arena, I saw a smile on JP's face that I haven't seen while on a horse since before Laura."

"For me personally." Gran said. "I am honored to have Nathan here. He is a wonderful young man and a fine addition to JP's friend group. I hope the same can be said for Gabriel. On that note, Thomas, have you ever seen either of us treat our staff as less than just because they work for us. No. Because we don't. I don't know where you got these wild ideas, but I have never seen your father treat his security or any other employee as less then. Why would you think that is okay? Charlotte I know that we raised you better than that. I hate to say it, but I think you have both spent too much time with those high society snobs in the city."

"I couldn't agree more." Jack said. "Ma, Dad have you ever seen me treat the staff differently then I treat my friends. … What am I saying, of course you didn't notice. You were always too busy trying to push me into something to one up your snobby friends."

"Can I say something?" Lee asked.

"Go ahead Lee." Gran said.

"Thomas, Charlotte." Lee said. "If you would have been paying attention to your son and what he wanted, you would have realized that the more you pushed him to be in the spotlight the more he pulled back. Jack has never wanted the spotlight. In school, teachers were always trying to get him to take leadership roles, but Jack never really did. You know what he told them."

"No." Thomas said.

"Let those that want to be in the spotlight have it." Doug said. "I can do more behind the scenes where I am more comfortable. That is what Jack would say when teachers wanted him to take leadership roles. Our teachers and coaches accepted that because they recognized the naturally introverted personality of Jack."

"JP is an introvert." Thomas laughed. "That is funny."

Jack took a deep breath and looked at Lee.

"Lee." Jack said. "Will you please go get the orange folder from above my desk?"

"Got it." Lee said. "Need anything else?"

"Grab the laptop and the school folder as well." Jack said.

"Okay." Lee said.

Lee got up and quickly headed downstairs. No one said anything while Lee was gone. When he got back, Lee handed the orange folder to Jack, but sat down with the other items.

"What is that?" James asked.

"This winter." Jack said. "I was talking to the school counselor. I had already been accepted to Columbia, but I was struggling with things and needed some perspective. He recommended a few simple tests to help determine what future career or role would be good for me. I took two different personality test and also an aptitude test to help him advise me."

"Why didn't I know about this?" Thomas asked.

"Because I was eighteen." Jack said. "They didn't need to tell you. To no surprise, it did show what I already knew about myself."

Jack opened the folder, pulled out several pieces of paper and tossed them across the table toward his parents.

"Nathan." Jack said. "Please take the cuffs of Ma. If she can't behave then she can go right back into them."

"Okay." Nathan said.

Nathan got up and went to remove the cuffs. Charlotte glared at him.

"Do it again and I will just call Marcus." Nathan said. "You don't scare me."

Nathan didn't say anything else, but went and sat down.

"What am I looking at?" Thomas asked.

"The results of my tests." Jack said. "They show that I lean more toward an INTJ on the Myer-Briggs test. It means that I lean toward being introverted, intuitive, a thinker and a judger. It basically means that I like to do things one on one or in a small group. I focus on possibilities and the big picture but who can also see patterns. I value innovation, and seek creative solutions to problems. I tend to think using logical analysis and can objectively weigh pros and cons. I value honesty, consistency and fairness. I tend to be organized and prepared. I like to make a plan and stick to it."

"That sounds exactly like you, JP." James said.

"I agree." Nathan said. "I haven't known you long, but I can see that in you after what I have seen and read."

"What is this other one?" Thomas asked.

"It is another personality test." Jack said. "It basically says the same thing using different words. The aptitude test shows that I would be good at business as long as I had creative outlets. After talking to the guidance counselor, he thinks getting a business or finance degree would be best. When I told him that I had plans to take over my grandfather's horse business, he thought that would be perfect for me. It would give me the creative outlet that I need while using my exceptional math and business skills. As you can see I score off the charts in math.

I have always been good at math, you just never took notice. That is why I can see patterns and why Grandpa John said that I am so good with investments. He said that I can see patterns and trends that others can't. He also said that the ability I have to see those trends and patterns is very rare and I could continue to make a lot of money as a stock analyst and/or hedge fund manager. Ask any of my former teachers, I never really had to try when it came to math. I could do it with little trouble and way before most others."

Thomas picked the papers and tossed them back across the table at Jack.

"I don't need some psychobabble to tell me about my own son." Thomas said. "John Parker, you have been groomed to take over my law firm since you were five years old. You are going to law school or I am not paying for Columbia. You are a Thornton, you could be president one day. Your grandfather and I have already planned everything out. We have funds set aside to help you run for the State House shortly after you graduate from Columbia. You're really going to throw all that away because of some girl."

Gran gave Thomas a sharp look, but it was Jack who would respond.

"I know about all your plans." Jack said. "But, your plans are not my plans. I have talked to Grandpa John about that, and after telling him what I wanted he agrees that as much as he would love for me to have a political career, he knows that is not the route for me. He sees that I am not cut out for politics and he thinks that the path that I am on is where I belong. He has seen my head for business and he has also seen how great I am with math and numbers. He has no doubt that I will do well in business. He is amazed at how well my investments have done with little effort. He told me he wouldn't be surprised if I surpassed him if I actually tried and applied myself full time to the effort."

"I don't believe you." Thomas said. "My father was so excited when you were born and we named you after him. He knew that carrying his name would take you far in politics."

Before Jack could answer, there was a knock at the door. James got up and went to get it. He was surprised to see five people standing there including Gabe.

"Please come in." James said. "We were just sitting and hashing some things out."

When the group walked in, Jack and Nathan immediately got up and went to them. Nathan gave Gabe a hug. He then shook hands with Chris and was introduced to Katie, Rob and Matthew. Jack shook hands with Gabe and each of the guys. He then gave Katie a quick hug. The group walked over to the table.

"Everyone, remember Gabriel from last night." Jack said.

"Please call me Gabe." Gabe said. "Thank you for having me here."

"Lee, please show Gabriel where he will be." Gran said.

Lee jumped up.

"Follow me." Lee said.

The two of them quickly headed downstairs. Jack looked around the rest of the table.

"Everyone this is Chris and Katie, Rob and Matthew." Jack said. "You should know everyone except maybe Elizabeth."

Elizabeth got up and walked over to the group.

"Thank you for coming." Elizabeth said.

Katie and Chris each gave her a hug. Rob and Matthew each shook her hand. The only one she hadn't met before was Matthew.

"JP what is the plan?" Chris asked.

"Don't know yet." Jack said. "We were trying to hash some things out around here. We then need to sit down and put a plan together for tomorrow. We have guests coming after church on Sunday. We also planned on riding on Sunday. Monday, Gran and Elizabeth need to head into town and do some shopping."

"I will definitely go with them." Katie said.

"I will fill you in later." Elizabeth said.

Katie nodded.

"How about this?" Chris said. "Let the four of us head over to the hotel and get settled. We will come back, sit down and work out a security plan when John gets here later this afternoon. We stopped and talked to his assistant and they plan to be up here by five or six o'clock this evening. Peter said that they were dropping John off here to stay and the rest of the group will be at the hotel with us."

"Yes." Jack said.

"I think that sounds like a plan." James said. "We still have some things that we need to deal with here at the table."

Chris stepped forward and whispered to Jack.

"Should I be concerned?" Chris asked. "Devin has filled Katie and I in a little that things are tense."

"Working on it now." Jack whispered back.

Chris nodded and then stepped back.

"It was good to see you again." Chris said, turning to James.

"Why don't you come back when John gets here." James said. "We can sit down and have a quick meeting about tomorrow and work out the rest later. Michael and Adam are no longer employed here. Kevin is the security lead, but after talking to Devin this morning it sounds like you, Chris will be in charge as long as you are here. Kevin knows this. I also brought Mason over from transport. Devin was working on getting me a few more people. All gates are currently locked and only authorized people are allowed in. That would include anyone scheduled for lessons down at the arena or who have called and reserved a trail ride. I have changed the website for now to say that all visits and rides must be scheduled at least one day prior to coming."

"Very good." Chris said. "I have information for you from Devin, but it is in the car. We just stopped by to let you know that we were here."

"Very well." James said. "Go, get settled and we will sit down later."

The four security turned to leave and with a wave were gone. About that time Lee and Gabe came back up.

"Gabe." James said. "What would you like to do? We are talking some things out. Nathan, Doug and Lee have been asked to sit in."

"If you don't mind." Gabe said. "I wouldn't mind wandering around and looking at the grounds. I might stop down at the stables and see the horses. I brought some riding gear. The only thing I don't have is a helmet."

"Just a moment." Gran said.

She got up and headed to the office to grab something.

"If you want to look around that is fine." James said.

"Our jumpers are down at the family stables." Jack said. "Be careful, two of them, Ghost and Athena, are not too fond of many people, but most of the other horses should be fine."

"I have a rule that no one rides alone until they have been evaluated by one of our trainers." James said.

"No problem." Gabe said. "I wasn't planning on riding today. Just wanted to get my bearings."

Gran came back and handed Gabe an envelope.

"This has an all access badge and map of the facilities in it." Gran said. "The badge will get you into most any locked door on the property, with a few exceptions. Those need an access card and an authorized thumb print. Please return them to me later. If anyone asks you what you are doing, please tell them you are personally working for me and if they have a problem they can call the house."

"Thank you." Gabe said. "How long do you think that you will need, I need to sit down with Jack, Nathan and Elizabeth about a few things."

"Please give us at least an hour." James said.

He then pulled out the keys to the side by side.

"These are the keys to the side by side that is parked out back." James said.

"Where is your car?" Nathan asked.

"I was told to pull up to the garage." Gabe said.

"That is fine." James said. "We might move it, but we will see. For now it is fine there."

Gabe nodded and then headed out the front door that he came in. Everyone else went back and sat down at the table.