Chapter 292 – Jack Talks with Frank and Nathan

Jack left his grandfather and went to find his friends. When he walked in to the kitchen, he found Doug and Lee at the table working on something while Frank and Elizabeth were helping Gran, Trish and Abigail in the kitchen. He went over and Cody saw him and immediately went over for some attention. Jack picked him up and swung him around.

"Play." Cody said.

"I can some play with you." Jack said.

"No, play for me." Cody said.

"You want me to play the piano for you?" Jack asked.

"Pease." Cody said.

"Okay." Jack said. "But you have to sit quietly if you want me to play."

"Otay." Cody said.

Jack took Cody over to the piano and set him on the bench. He then took a seat next to him. Jack grabbed some sheet music that was sitting there and started playing. He played Dreamer and Suddenly before playing another song by Matthew Barber called Our Voices.

Jack took the opportunity to look over at Cody and saw the smile on his face as he got to sit next to Jack while he played. Even those in the kitchen took the opportunity to stop and listen for a minute. They were all enjoying it and they were also loving watching Cody with Jack. Gran and Trish were the first to notice the smile on Elizabeth's face as she watched Jack and Cody. They knew that she was thinking about the future and neither could wait to see it either.

The rest of Tuesday was fairly quiet. The crew in the kitchen got quite a bit more done and knew that they would finish the tomatoes the next day. Gran couldn't believe that they had gotten almost five hundred pounds of tomatoes made into salsa and sauce and then canned. They had just over a hundred pounds left. They had canned so much that Gran at taken the time to have Trish order several cases of jars online so they would have them for the peach salsa and the apples later. They had already used twice as many jars as Gran had used the year before. But she knew that everything would getting eaten, especially with her grandson's growing.

Father Mark and Nathan were back shortly before supper and everyone could tell that Nathan wasn't in the mood to talk. Father Mark suggested that he go up to the music room and they would hold a plate for him. Gran agreed and Nathan headed up to the music room while the rest of them worked to get supper on the table. Gran had made a pot roast in the crock pot. There was roasted new potatoes and veggies as well as the raw veggies and fruit platters. Trish had also made up another batch of biscuits to go with the pot roast.

Trish had gone down and paired the wine with two from Snow Farm Vineyard. She had grabbed the Crescent Bay red which was a medium bodied wine. It was a complex ripe red fruit flavors and aromas with fragrant berry notes with smooth tannins and a hint of oak. The other wine the Trish grabbed was a Rose red which was delightfully fruity red blend. It was a fruity semi-sweet wine is bursting with grape flavors and hints of cranberry and raspberry. Trish knew that the Doug and Jack would like the Rose red better then the other. She also thought it was a nice one to introduce Elizabeth to more wine.

Everyone that was of age ended up having some wine. Elizabeth only had a few fingers, but she even agreed that it had a great flavor and it went well with the supper that had been made. Jack and Doug each had a half of a glass while Frank and Father Mark each had a full glass of wine. Supper was a nice relaxing affair where everyone talked about what else was going on in the next couple of weeks. It was agreed that if the press didn't calm down that Jack and Elizabeth would not head to the races this weekend and play the following week by ear. James and John both felt bad that Elizabeth was mostly stuck on the ranch, but Elizabeth assured them that it was fine. She had already gotten to do plenty and understood that it was a matte of keeping her safe.

After supper was cleaned up the twins worked on homework while the young adults headed downstairs. Jack and Elizabeth worked a lesson from the marriage prep. They only had a few left. Afterwards, they watched a few YouTube videos. The others had gotten into the All-Star game as well as watching a replay of some races from California. The game the group prayed together and then turned in for the night. It had been another long day, but everyone was starting to feel better about things. Even by the time that they headed to bed, Frank and Father Mark had noticed that Nathan was doing better. They didn't want to push it and ask him about it, so they just prayed for the young man and then continue to keep an eye on Nathan for the next few days.

… … … …

Wednesday was another busy day at the ranch because Manny moved all the thoroughbreds over to the track the would be racing over the weekend. That still left over a dozen at the ranch. He was also hosting a huge supper for all the jockeys that evening. Manny invited Jack, Elizabeth and the rest of them, but Jack had let them know he wasn't sure about coming over and would let him know.

The day had been spent doing the last of the canning and working with the horses. Missy and Father Mark worked with Squeak and he was much better. Marco had found nothing wrong with him and even Winnie had come out to check him over and found nothing. They wondered if he wasn't going to be one of the ones that doesn't like a show change. Father Mark enjoyed working with Missy and Squeak. Both were smiling and laughing as they worked with Squeak in the round pen. He wasn't balking at the water trays anymore. He would dance a little still, but was getting better. Father Mark was happy with the progress and how Missy was handling the horse.

James and John were busy as well. They went over to the track to check out some of the other horses and there was press everywhere. They were approached by several, but they refused to talk about anything other then the upcoming season. There were several members of the press that were not happy that the two men refused to speak about their grandson and his relationship. Because some members of the press wouldn't leave James and John alone, Peter and Andrew made the call and had a few of them arrested for harassment. Word quickly spread that John Thornton had several member of the press arrested for continued harassment and they quickly backed off. They realized that the man was serious and decided not to push the boundaries. John had not wanted to make a scene at the track, but it was what it was. He needed to show that he was serious about not being harassed by the members of the press.

John went so far as to apologize to some of the track officials over what happened. They assured him that he had every right to not be harassed and since he had previously warned people he was well within hi rights. They offered to do what they could to help, but they couldn't keep the press out of the track. John understood, but he said he wasn't backing down. They all said they understood and felt bad that it had come to what it did. The track officials let John know that they wanted the best for him and his family, but they also needed to balance that with their own polices. John understood and reminded them that was why he had his own security when he was out.

… … … …

Wednesday night Jack, Father Mark, Frank and Nathan sat down in the library. Jack had explained why he was meeting with them to Elizabeth and she was fine with him meeting with them and not being included. The four men sat down.

"Thank you for sitting down with me." Jack said.

"Always." Frank said. "So what did you want to talk about?"

"I know that you have heard about my grand plans." Jack said. "But you might not have heard many of the details. I know that Frank and I sat down a little to talk about what I wanted for the orchard property, but I haven't shared much more. The reason that I have asked Father Mark to sit in on this meeting is because one – he already knows and two – he will be around to help see that my vision is put into place. While he can't officially be named as beneficiary of my inheritance, he knows that he will always be taken care of no matter where he is serving."

"Thank you for that." Father Mark said. "Can I suggest that we start this with a prayer."

"Good idea." Jack said.

"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Father Mark prayed. "We come together to talk about the future. Lord, help us to have open hearts and listen to what Jack wants. Even if we don't agree, let us listen and then give us the words to speak. Also open Jack's heart to hear, especially if it is something that goes against his grand plan. While it might be his vision, we all need to work on it and if we don't all agree, it will create discord and that wouldn't do well for things in the future. We pray these things in Your name. Amen."

"Amen." Jack said.

"Amen." Frank and Nathan echoed.

Jack pulled out the plat maps and unrolled them on the low table that were sitting around. He started pointing out the different parts of the things that were marked on the map. Things were starting to make more sense to both Father Mark and Nathan. Seeing the plat maps made a huge difference for Nathan as he could put things in perspective in his mind. Once Jack had gone through the plat maps, he started talking about what he saw for the orchard and then for Coal Creek and the horses. Frank and Nathan were both amazed at how much thought and research that Jack had put into what he wanted.

Jack went through the list of things that he had created that he wanted for Coal Creek in the years to come. He talked about the plan to acquire additional land if and when it came available. He talked about expanding the breeding facility and eventually moving that to the land that was currently where his Uncle Chris's place was. The place would have its own security and staff as well as property manager. Jack explained how it would be easier to expand the breeding if they had the room that things at Chris's place would allow. He then talked about how then foals would be moved over to the current property once they were weaned so they could be trained more. Obviously they would start training while still with their mothers.

Both Nathan and Frank asked questions about what Jack saw for the future. He answered all of their questions and even made notes to look into other things that both men spoke about. Frank realized how much Jack was taking on and how much that he was trusting them to do what he saw as his grand plan. Frank also realized that if Jack acquired all the land that he wanted, he would control just about twenty thousand acres in just the Saratoga area. It would be one of the largest horse ranches in the Northeast. Frank also realized that it would be one of the largest in the country because Jack also talked about the facility that housed horses in Ocala Florida and how they were looking at land to expand that facility. The biggest surprise to even Father Mark was when Jack spoke about obtaining/building a facility in California similar to what is Ocala. It would allow them to have more horses in California. Additional the vision for both places included a show jumping area and cross country course. The plan was to eventually host large events there. Jack confessed that he would love to host an FEI event at Ocala and even though he wouldn't be jumping in to maybe design the jumping course.

After Jack had gone through everything and answers questions, he sat back and looked at Frank and Nathan.

"Any other questions?" Jack asked.

"I have one." Nathan said.

"Okay." Jack said.

"What exactly is my role going to be?" Nathan asked. "You made it pretty clear what you want Frank's role to be for the next several years, but you really didn't say what you had planned for me."

"I know." Jack said. "There are a couple of things and I haven't formally decided where you will best fit past the security aspect for the immediate future."

"Well." Nathan said. "Can you share what you were thinking."

Jack took a deep breath and slowly blew it out.

"I had thought that I would want you in a role similar to what Andrew is for Grandpa John." Jack said. "Then I see how well you are with the horses and wondered if your talents wouldn't be better used in training the horses. We will just have to see where things go, just know that I want you around for a long time and that you aren't getting rid of us that easy. I guess the thing that made me question your role was your sister and niece. If something happens and you need to spend more time with your sister and niece, I want you to have a role that has that flexibility."

"Okay." Nathan said. "I would love to work with the horses, but as long as I can ride from time to time I would be fine. I have always thought my calling was more the law enforcement side of things."

"I will keep that in mind." Jack said. "For now, you are listed as personal, close security for me and Elizabeth. At least for payroll purposes."

"Okay." Nathan said. "I look forward to seeing where you take all of us. Because from the sound of your plans, we are all in for a wild ride."

"I agree." Frank said. "Thank you for sitting down and explaining things to us. I know that is hard to share a vision so early in the planning. We also understand that our roles and responsibilities will change as things happen and things get added, but this gives a great jumping off point and it makes it easier to see where you want things to be so we can help you work toward that."

"Thank you." Jack said. "It has been overwhelming at times thinking about all that I want to do for Coal Creek. I know that some people might think I am crazy for wanting to take on so much, but really if you are overseeing the orchard and Doug is handling the day to day of Thornton Inc, and I hire the right people to oversee things here, I honestly think that we will all be able to juggle everything."

"As long as you let people do their jobs." Father Mark said.

Jack ducked his head.

"We will remind you if and when needed." Father Mark said.

"I am sure that you will." Jack said.

"Let's end this with another prayer and then we can join the others downstairs." Father Mark said.

The four men sat forward.

"In the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit." Father Mark prayed. "Thank you bringing us all together and help us to be there for Jack as he takes over things and grows both Coal Creek and Thornton Inc. Help each of us to be there for Jack and to help him to bring his grand vision to life. Help us to see what Jack sees for this property and business. Help Nathan and Frank to feel truly a part of things and to have the wisdom to do the things that Jack has asked of them. Please be with Jack as he deals with the press and keep us all safe as we try to go about our lives. Amen."

"Amen." Jack, Frank and Nathan said.

After they had prayed, the four men sat back. They all took a collective deep breath and looked at one another.

"Thank you." Frank said. "I have a much better idea of what you want and the land involved. I also think that you have a very clear idea of what you want for the future."

"As much as I would love to sit and talk here with you." Jack said. "I want to go spend some time with my fiancée."

"Go." Frank said. "We will join you guys in a little bit."

Jack got up and nodded the other three and then headed downstairs. As Jack left the library, the other three looked at each other.

… … … …

Jack headed downstairs. He found Elizabeth in the sitting room reading while Doug and Lee were watching some racing from California. Elizabeth watching the racing and asking questions. Doug and Lee were able to answer most of them. Jack was so happy that Elizabeth was trying. Jack went and took a seat next to Elizabeth. He nudged her with his elbow and when she looked over, he gave her a dimpled grin.

"Hey there." Jack said.

"Hey there." Elizabeth said, pushing Jack back with her shoulder.

"Having fun?" Jack asked.

"I am actually." Elizabeth said. "Doug and Lee have been great explaining things to me."

Jack looked at the screen.

"Where are they broadcasting from?" Jack asked.

"This is today's races from Del Mar." Doug said. "But they have shown a few from Santa Anita."

"Okay." Jack said. "I think we have a couple of horses running at Del Mar this weekend."

"Cool." Elizabeth said. "How many of your will be running this weekend here in Saratoga?"

"I think that there will be about eighteen." Jack said.

"And you are sure that you don't want to go?" Elizabeth asked.

"I like the races." Jack said. "But I can watch them from here. I don't have to be there. IF I had a couple of my higher prized ones running I might consider dealing with the press. Even though it is a big weekend with a graded stakes race on Saturday, I am not in the mood to deal with the crowds."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I was hoping to at least see the track."

"We will find a Thursday to take you." Jack said. "Maybe in couple of weeks. I think that things will get better. I got a message from Devin that Grandpa John had several members of the press already arrested today for harassing him and Grandpa today when they were there."

"So that is where he went." Elizabeth said. "He I saw him leave, but didn't catch where he was going."

"There was an owners meeting there." Jack said. "I could have gone if I wanted, but I didn't want to. Grandpa said he would take care of it. He also wanted to see some of the other horses. Since he was already in town he figured he would head over."

"Oh." Elizabeth said.

"Do you think we could still go see the Diana on Saturday?" Lee asked. "I always liked watching the fillies on the turf and it is a grade one race."

"If you want to go." Jack said. "I am sure that Grandpa will see that you are able to go."

"Thank you." Lee said. "I will speak to him tomorrow."

"Thank you." Jack said. "I just don't want to deal with the press. I know that we have horses running on Saturday, but not in the Diana so for me it is fine. I think if we had a horse running in the big race I would consider braving the press."

Jack then turned to look at Elizabeth.

"I just feel bad that you are stuck here on the ranch." Jack said. "I know I had promised you more freedom up here."

"I have said it before." Elizabeth said. "I am fine here on the ranch. I love spending time with Gran. It has also been wonderful with Trish and Abigail. I have learned more in the last month then I did in years at home. So please don't feel bad. I understand that it is to keep me safe."

"Thank you for understanding." Jack said. "I am hoping that things start to get better now that Grandpa John is actually making examples of some of the aggressive ones."

… … … …