Chapter 165 – Tying Up Loose Ends from the Morning
John, Chris and Andrew went over what areas would be blocked off and where things would be based on the new map that had been drawn up for the vendors and everything else.
"We will be sending around an email." Andrew said. "It will detail what is expected that weekend as well as ask people to sign up for various shifts and jobs. Those who sign up to work the show, will receive a bonus since we know this will be extra work. Once we have people signed up, a full roster of people will be posted."
"We will also be talking to each group of people before the show." Chris said. "There we will go over what is expected and specific job duties that day."
"If people ask." Jack said. "Grooms and hands can sign up to work checkpoints if they are eighteen. We will still need people to do regular chores that weekend so they all need to check their schedules that have been posted already. If they are already assigned to work, but want to sign up for a shift or part of a shift outside of their working hours, that will be allowed."
"Also a reminder." Chris said. "All horses not jumping that weekend, will be moved over to the thoroughbred stables or the retirement center. All feed and tack rooms in the arena are to be locked and remain locked. I will be checking."
"Any questions?" John asked.
When no one spoke up, John nodded to Peter.
"Good." Peter said. "Once I have the sign up sheets and email ready, they will go out. The master sign up sheets will be at the office in the arena. Shifts will be a first come first serve."
"One last thing." John said. "You can spread the word that everyone is to conduct themselves with the utmost respect. Not only will they be working, but they will be representing me and the company that weekend. I have no problem firing people that can't do what is expected."
"We will be in touch." Andrew said. "You are free to return to your jobs."
Kevin and Brandon left while the rest of the people stayed at the table.
After a quick stop at the dry cleaners, Gran double checked her list and made sure they had everything.
"We are good." Gran said. "Let's head back."
Rob pulled out from the dry cleaners and headed to the farm. Katie let Chris know they were on their way back. Gran and Elizabeth talked about what meals they were going to do for the rest of the week.
"Don't forget we are going to be gone Wednesday and won't be back until after lunch on Thursday." Elizabeth said.
"I know." Gran said. "But Lee will still be here as well James and I. I also suspect you will all eat when you get back on Thursday."
"You are right." Elizabeth said.
"Rob, Katie." Gran said. "I am not sure what the plan is, but you both along with Chris are more than welcome to eat at the house tonight. It is just going to be leftovers. There is plenty of food."
"I will talk to Chris when we get back." Katie said. "We need to figure out a plan as well for what we are doing this week. I know Chris wanted to start meeting with employees and talking about the transition as well as expectations for the show."
"Well." Gran said. "Just let me know the plan. We have more than enough food, so there is no need for you to eat out unless you want. Thomas and Charlotte won't be there to make a stink about including you."
Elizabeth let out a harsh breath.
"They are never going to like me, are they?" Elizabeth said.
"Then it will be their loss." Gran said. "Like I told Charlotte. We could have stayed angry at Chris and Molly for what happened, but we would have been the ones who lost out on getting to know our grand and great grandchildren. Just remember, you did nothing wrong."
"Thanks." Elizabeth said. "It is just hard right now."
"I know." Gran said. "I never said it would be easy. Just remember, you are an adult. If people don't support you and JP, then they do not need to be in your life."
"I will try to remember that." Elizabeth said.
"I think I may have told you." Katie said. "But if not, my grandfather used to tell me that family is what you make it. Just because someone is related to you by blood or marriage doesn't mean you have to automatically include them if they don't support you."
"She is right." Gran said. "Bill and Abigail aren't related to us, but we consider them family."
"You are right." Elizabeth said. "I will try to remember that."
Andrew looked around the table, he knew that his boss wanted to say something, but he needed to let them know that he had received a message.
"Sir." Andrew said.
"Yes." John said while still looking at his grandson.
"I just got a text from Katie." Andrew said. "They are on their way back, they didn't have any more trouble after Walmart."
"What happened at Walmart?" Jack asked.
"Elizabeth was accosted by a tabloid reporter." Andrew said. "Katie immediately removed her from the situation. Rob and the manager tried to talk to the man, but he insisted on making a scene. He was removed by the Saratoga Police department. He was trespassed from Walmart property. We are pursuing harassment charges as he had been previously warned about crossing lines and getting in people's faces."
"Good." Jack said. "Not good it happened, but maybe the others will see that I am serious when I said my private life is off limits."
"So, JP." John said. "From that smirk earlier, I take it you knew about Devin, his uncle and the motorcycle club."
Jack ducked his head again, elbowed Doug and then reached into his back pocket. Jack and Doug both pulled out their licenses and slid them across the table toward John. John saw them and looked at the boys with a raised eyebrow.
"Seriously." John said. "How did you get your parents to sign off on that?"
"Technically they didn't." Jack said.
"Explain." John said.
"Devin had signing authority." Jack said. "He signed for me."
"Oh." John said. "Hunting and fishing as well. I am surprised."
"It wasn't that much more." Jack said. "They are lifetime endorsements. As you can see I also have my boat safety and parks pass on there as well."
"You are an adult." John said. "I am going to trust you to behave appropriately. I am just surprised. You have never shown an interest in hunting and fishing."
"Yes, Sir." Jack said.
"Yes, Sir." Doug said. "Just so you know, my father personally oversaw our tests and you know he wouldn't have let us do it if he didn't feel we were safe. Those were my ideas. My father thought since we were doing them, why not get them all, since it wasn't much more work or money."
"I know." John said. "I am just surprised. What about you, Lee?"
"I have mine as well." Lee said. "I just don't have my license on me. It is downstairs. My parents weren't happy, but they understood that I was old enough to understand what I was doing."
"Okay." John said. "Just remember what I said about being an adult."
"I understand that, Sir." Jack said. "But like Devin said, riding a motorcycle safely is virtually no different than riding a horse safely. Only a motorcycle won't try to kill you if you fall off. If anything, riding a motorcycle safely, might actually be better."
"Good point." John said. "Any more thought about your jockey license?"
"I need to call Manny over at the track." Jack said. "I have my owner's license, so Katie said it shouldn't take much. It isn't like I want to race in sanctioned races. It would be to exercise the horses here or run them on our track to evaluate them."
"Talk to Manny and let me know if you need my help." John said.
"I will." Jack said.
"Why don't you get washed up and start getting lunch set up." John said. "Margaret and them should be back soon."
Chris and Andrew worked on clearing off the table while Lee went to the kitchen. Jack, Doug and Nathan quickly went to wash up. They would work out after lunch. Jack also realized that there was something that he needed to talk to Elizabeth about. Once they washed up, they went to help Lee get lunch set up. They pulled the platters of meat and cheese for sandwiches. They also pulled the fruit and veggie platters. There were also salads. They looked at Jack.
"Let's set these up with the ice like we did on Saturday." Jack said.
The boys quickly got everything set up and ready once everyone was there. Jack also made sure that there was fresh coffee as well as lemonade. Just as the boys were going to head to the table to sit for a minute, Gran walked into the kitchen.
"There is plenty to unload." Gran said.
"We got it." Jack said. "Lunch is ready whenever."
"Please get the cold stuff put away first." Gran said.
"Okay." Lee said.
Gran poured a cup of coffee and sat down. Chris, Andrew and Peter quickly went to help unload everything.
"How are you doing?" John asked, looking at Gran.
"I am ready for a nap." Gran said.
"If that is what you want to do this afternoon." John said. "Then that is what you can do. Lee got a lot of work done on the show. We worked out security. JP, Doug and Nathan still need to work out, but there is no reason that you can't lay down. Lee tells me that you are doing leftovers for supper."
"When are you leaving?" Gran asked.
"If you don't mind." John said. "I was going to work here this afternoon. There are a few things that JP and I need to deal with. If you are okay with it, I was thinking after supper."
"I am okay with it." Gran said. "Just so you know."
"I know you had a run-in with the press." John said. "He has been dealt with. I also know that there are still several camped out by the front gate. Andrew and Chris are working to clear them out."
"Thank you." Gran said.
"Did you get everything that you needed?" John asked.
"Yes." Gran said. "Hopefully we don't have to go into town until after the Fourth."
"If you need stuff." John said. "Chris, Katie and Rob can pick it up for you. We can easily pay them back or I can get them a prepaid card."
"We will see." Gran said. "I think that the press is going to get worse before it gets better. I heard some of the questions that the reporter was firing at Elizabeth."
"Yes, I can imagine." John said. "From what I understand it got out that JP bought property and apparently several people saw the engagement ring Saturday night and Sunday. The gossip pages are going crazy. I have the PR firm working on things. I am also going to try and talk to JP about making a statement to the press. He doesn't need to say anything about Elizabeth, but I think if he addresses the property and that it was a business deal to recover property that was once a part of Coal Creek. I think it might help."
"I will leave that to you." Gran said. "And you know that you are more than welcome to stay here as long as you want."
"Then I will work from here this afternoon and leave after supper." John said.
"Will someone please message James and let him know that lunch is ready." Gran said.
"Already did." Peter said. "He should be here shortly."
"Thank you." Gran said.
While the group was putting things away, Jack checked with Elizabeth and made sure that she was fine. She assured him that she was. She admitted that it was scary at the moment, but she was fine with Katie. They got everything put away and while they were waiting for James, Katie and Elizabeth ran the stuff downstairs that needed to be washed and started both loads. When they came back up, James was just walking into the kitchen.
"Let's gather here and pray." James said. "Then we can make our plates and sit."
Everyone gathered around and bowed their heads. Jack took Elizabeth's hand and held it at their side.
"Heavenly Father." James prayed. "We thank you that everyone is safe and back here. Please watch over us as we continue to go about our week. Please with family that is not with us right now. Bless this food to our bodies and the hands that prepared it. Amen."
Several amens rang out. Jack squeezed Elizabeth's hand. The group started to make their plates and take a seat at the table. Even though they had prayed, no started eating until both James and Gran had sat down.
"Other than the run-in with the press." James said. "How was your morning?"
"It wasn't bad." Gran said. "We got everything we needed. I don't think we will have to run into town other than when I take Katie and/or Opal tomorrow to get groceries."
"I can always take Katie in." Nathan said.
"Let's see what tomorrow brings." Gran said.
Nathan nodded. Jack's phone beeped with an incoming message.
"I am sorry." Jack said. "I left it on, because Frank was going to message me when he had Katie and Opal."
"Alright." Gran said.