Chapter 213 – The Press Conference
When they got to the arena, James, John and Jack walked up to the podium that had been set up. Devin and Andrew stayed behind them and off to the side. John went to the podium and indicated for Jack to stand next to him and James on the other side of Jack. Once they were ready, John motioned for the group of reporters to quiet down. You could hear the snap of cameras, but the talking ceased.
"I have a prepared speech that I will read." John said. "When I am done, I will give my grandson and James Sims a chance to speak if they want, then I will take some questions."
"Where is Elizabeth?" One reporter shouted out.
"As I said." John said. "I will read a statement and then take questions. So please take a seat or you will be escorted out."
John saw Marcus there. He gave John a nod that he saw the reporter and no more disrespect would be tolerated.
"I am making this statement to further put an end to the rumors and speculation about my family. Apparently the statement I released last week wasn't clear enough." John read. "Beyond that, there are things that I feel need to be addressed, so I will do that. However, let me be clear this WILL BE the last time these things will be addressed by either myself, my family or my employees. This is not about the past but the future of Thornton Inc as well as the future of Coal Creek.
I am making this announcement now and waiting until I am ready to retire, because to be honest, it is not only connected but it will also allow for time to make the adjustment. My grandson, JP Thornton, is the heir to my estate and Thornton Inc. He will attend school and once he has his degree, he will continue to learn the business and when I feel he is ready, I will slowly start stepping back. JP is also the heir to Coal Creek and all that entails. JP has been working with horses all his life and will continue to do that. With the help of the employees already here and those who will be hired, I have no doubt that both Thornton Inc, and Coal Creek will be in good hands for years to come. The relationship between Coal Creek and Thornton Thoroughbreds only makes it clear that JP is the person to take over both businesses when he is ready.
JP has indeed purchased land for future expansion of Coal Creek. The land had at one time been a part of Coal Creek and when he learned it was up for sale, he bought it, with my approval and assistance. This was done for several reasons, but not limited to keeping developers out of our back yards and to also to accommodate the future growth of Coal Creek and Thornton Thoroughbreds. If additional land that is adjacent to what had been bought comes up for sale, we might buy that as well. We have talked to those current owners and they know of our interest. I am hopeful that they will agree to sell to us if they choose to sell in the future.
A property manager is in the process of being hired who will oversee the transition of the property and will be there day to day as JP is in the city to attend school. Other staff and changes will be made as we move forward. There won't always be an announcement of those changes. I am leaving JP to make changes to those properties as he sees fit. Fences and signs have already started to go up around the new properties. Coal Creek officially takes possession of the current Miller Orchard at the end of July. The other properties are sometime between Monday and the end of the month, they all have different dates as they were bought as four separate plots of land. I will not comment on what future expansions will be, but I do know that JP has several ideas and plans. When the time is right future announcements will be made.
After Coal Creek takes possession of the Miller property, that property will be closed to the public until further notice. Anyone caught trespassing will be dealt with and handed over to law enforcement. Effective immediately, only the Coal Creek/Thornton Thoroughbreds retirement center will be open to the public. Coal Creek will start taking appointments for trail rides starting on Monday with twenty-four hour notice. All the other properties will otherwise be closed to the public until further notice. Updates will be posted on the website. One change will be the weekend of the schooling show, there will be limited access to this part of the property and this part of the property only. Those people who attempt to try to sneak onto other parts of the property will be arrested, no questions asked. Any arrests from this point on will result in at least a one year ban from all Coal Creek and Thornton properties. Thank you."
John turned to Jack and James to see if they wanted to speak, Jack didn't react, but James indicated that he wanted to say something so John stepped back and James stepped up to the podium. Jack hadn't realized that his grandfathers had made those changes, however he didn't mind.
"Thank you, John." James said. "Yes, my grandson JP will eventually take over Coal Creek. My son Conrad, who is currently the head trainer for us, agrees with this. My older son, Christopher, also is in agreement with this as he spends most of his time with his oldest son in Montana. I also want to let people know that we are looking forward to the show that my grandson and his friends are putting on here in a couple of weeks. We hope to make this an annual show.
I also want to put it out there, we are still looking for additional rider or riders to jump for Coal Creek. Owning your own horse is not necessary. This is for any level, but especially upper levels. We also still have spots for riding lessons as well as for hunter jumper and equation lessons. I would love to have several riders for next year, but if you want to jump this season, you will also be more than welcome. This is for show jumping, cross country and hunter jumper. For more information please see our website if you are interested in riding for us or attending the show. I believe that there are still spots in all the levels.
The last thing that I want to say is to please respect my family's privacy when we are out and about. This goes for our guests as well. We have several people who are here or will be coming, including extended family and neighbors as well as all of our employees. We don't care if you take pictures, but the harassment and invasion of personal space will not be tolerated. We want to be able to go to Church and to the store without fear of being assaulted or bombarded with questions. Also unauthorized pictures of minors will not be tolerated. Whether that is our friends' kids or employees' kids, they are off limits. Thank you."
James looked over at Jack who nodded. James stepped back and Jack took a deep breath and stepped up to the podium. His grandfathers stood one either side of Jack.
"Thank you all." Jack said. "I want to thank my grandfathers who have instilled immense confidence in my abilities. I hope to prove to them that the confidence was well placed. I know that I have a lot to learn about both businesses and school to complete. I want to ask for space and privacy while I do those things. I know that I have agreed to jump in a few shows this summer and that is different. I don't mind photos taken of me jumping or working with the horses, but not all of my friends have not consented to being in the public spotlight. We all deserve privacy. I agreed with the statement and photo that was released last night, but I will make no further statement as far as my personal life. If and when that changes, we will let you know. Thank you."
Jack then stepped back. John stepped up and was ready for questions. Reports started shouted questions, one over the other. John held up his hands for quiet.
"One at a time." John said. "Please wait to be recognized before asking your question."
Several reports stood up.
"Yes, you, in the front row in the blue shirt." John said.
"What is JP going to school for and where?" The reporter asked.
"JP will be attending Columbia in the city with his friends." John said. "As far as what he is going to study, that is still up to him. He has talked about business administration, finance or something similar. What his degree is, doesn't matter, the important part is that he gets one."
Jack was glad that John was taking the questions. He didn't like that John had announced where he was going to school, but he supposed that could have been easily found since it was in his graduation announcement.
"Yes, you, in the third row on the left." John said.
"Where is Elizabeth? And what about her father saying you won't let them see her?" The reporter asked.
"Let me make this very clear." John said. "Elizabeth is eighteen and an adult. She has a right to choose where she wants to be and who she wants to talk to. The New York State Police and the FBI have determined that Elizabeth is here of her own free will and has the ability to talk to whoever she chooses. What he father wants doesn't matter. Elizabeth has asked for privacy and therefore will not be doing interviews or posing for photos. JP and Elizabeth have asked for some space to determine what their relationship will be. As a father and grandfather, I respect that and will give them all the space that they need. I agree with my grandson that he doesn't need to do those things if they don't want to, so I will not entertain any additional questions about Elizabeth."
Once John had said that, several reports sat down and appeared to be unhappy. The move didn't go unnoticed by John, James, Jack or security. Peter was quickly determining just which reporters they were. Peter was thinking the same thing as security that those were the reporters that were going to continue to cause trouble. John called on another reporter, who asked about the show and John gave him some information and then referred him to the website for more information. The questions went on for another twenty minutes until John felt that it was enough and called for one last question. They weren't going to get the information that they wanted and no matter how they tried, John dismissed all the questions about Elizabeth. Jack was glad that John had stood firm about not releasing any additional information about Elizabeth or his relationship with her.
"Yes, the young lady on the right." John said.
"What do you have to say about Lacy Pennybaker and her father claiming that she is pregnant by JP?" The reporter asked.
"I will say it is a complete fabrication." John said. "Lacy and her father are known liars and troublemakers. William Pennybaker is under investigation by the Judicial Committee for his behavior and has been suspended pending the results of the investigation. They are working with Lacy's cousin Charlie Kensington to try and smear our name and it will no longer be tolerated. Charlie has been arrested for violation of a restraining order among other charges. Other legal actions have been taken, so I am not at liberty to speak to specifics.
Beyond that, I believe my grandson. Lacy has failed to meet the burden of proof for the courts to compel a DNA test. We have refused to volunteer for one, because I don't trust William Pennybaker that he won't try to use that later in some way. JP is under no obligation to do anything, since they don't have enough to convince a judge that there is a potential case. We aren't even convinced that she is truly pregnant. I have irrefutable proof that my grandson was nowhere near Lacy when she is claiming to have been with him and gotten pregnant. In fact he was several states away. If the Pennybakers think that can convince a judge otherwise, I encourage them to try. Until that point, I will have nothing more to say about it. This press conference is over."
John turned and started to walk away. Jack and James followed. Reporters continued to shout questions after them, but none of them responded. Devin and Andrew quickly got them back to James' office. The police and other security worked to keep reporters in the small arena until the group was safely across to the other arena.
Trish looked at Margaret, Abigail and Elizabeth, she wanted to say something but wasn't sure it was her place. So she changed her mind and decided to just move forward.
"So what still needs to be made?" Trish asked.
"I think I am good on the baking except for sugar and chocolate chip cookies." Gran said. "We might have to make more Thursday or Friday to get through next weekend."
"Well." Abigail said. "We are here, we might as well bake."
"Okay." Gran said. "We might have to make a run into town."
"We can do that." Abigail said.
"Who is all coming for Sunday?" Trish asked.
"Everyone for supper last night." Gran said. "With or without security."
"Okay." Trish said. "You said something about a more snack type supper and music like last weekend. I wasn't here, so can you tell me."
"We had a late lunch." Elizabeth said. "Then instead of cooking, we set out meat and cheese trays with crackers. We also put out the fruit and veggies platters. People ate as they wanted. There were also drinks. Jack, Bill and some of the other guys played music. There was plenty of food for people, even if it wasn't considered a full meal, it was for the most part healthy food."
"Don't forget the cookies and bars." Abigail said.
"Right." Elizabeth said.
"Okay " Trish said. "We have plenty for that. It should be simple enough, especially if we are having a large lunch. If anyone thinks of something else to make for Sunday, say something. I have a few ideas, but I think that they might work better for the Fourth. I know that the girls will eat most of that, but I was also thinking of other things that they like. Don't get me wrong, they will eat fresh veggies once in a while, but I know that they prefer them cooked. Which was why I roasted the veggies last night."
"We will figure things out." Gran said.
"What about the Fourth?" Abigail asked. "Who is all coming?"
"You guys and everyone here." Gran said. "Chief Burke will join us. Marcus, Kathy and their four kids will be joining us. James invited Katie and Opal, if they didn't have other plans. The hands and grooms have decided that they will give us space this year. They are having a large gathering down at the arena for everyone working and their families. Other employees are welcome to join if they want, especially if they don't have somewhere else to go. Manny will oversee the fireworks as usual."
"Katie might want to go to that." Trish said.
"I know." Gran said. "James wanted her to have the option. I think John invited a few people, but I don't remember. They might just be coming for fireworks."
"How old are Marcus' kids?" Elizabeth asked.
"Christian just turned fifteen." Gran said. "Trace is thirteen. Hannah is ten I think and the little one AJ is about seven."
"Okay so not little, little." Trish said. "So with Averys and mine we will have several teens and preteens, so we should make sure that there are games set up or something to keep them occupied. Even if we set up badminton or something like that. As long as it is nice, I think that they should be outside."
"I agree." Gran said. "I know that there are frisbees and a croquet set in the garage or storage area."
"I also ordered a few things." Elizabeth said. "They should be here today or Monday."
"What did you order?" Gran asked.
"Here let me look." Elizabeth said. "Jack told me it was okay."
"I am not saying that." Gran said. "I am just curious."
"I got cornhole, giant Jenga, giant connect four and ladder toss." Elizabeth said. "I also got light up gyro wheels, kaleidoscopes and a few other things for the kids including some candy."
"That should keep them busy." Abigail said. "Please watch the candy with mine."
"Mine as well." Trish said.
"I will." Elizabeth said. "I think that they were mints, smarties and suckers. It was more Doug and Lee that wanted the candy."
"I am sure." Trish said.
"We will just have to watch the kids." Gran said. "But I think depending on how much there is, we can put a bowl on the table."
"I agree." Abigail said. "If you are going to do things like before, people will be coming and going."
"Mostly." Gran said. "There won't be as many employees, but I have a feeling several business associates of John will stop in if they are in the area."
"So how does it work?" Elizabeth asked.
Before Gran could answer, Rosemary was back upstairs and the doorbell rang. Trish went to get the door. Rosemary just stood at the end of the counter looking at everyone.
"What are you doing?" Rosemary asked.
"We were figuring out if we needed to make a run into town based on what I'd going on tomorrow and this week." Gran said.
"Elizabeth." Trish called.
"Coming." Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth went to see what Trish wanted and they came back with several boxes from Amazon and the other site that Elizabeth ordered from.
"Looks like you got your order." Abigail said.
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I think that this is everything, but I will have to check. Let's just put it in the library for now."
"That reminds me. Trish, can you plug in the extra fridge in the garage?" Gran said.
"I will be right back." Trish said.