UNTITLED NOVEL- CHAPTER TEN

Marcus looked at Madina and smiled and she smiled in return. This was when Marcus knew that Madina would become a good friend. Peter and Navette drove up just as the ambulance and security were pulling away. Peter and Navette quickly ran into the house. They didn’t know what had happened so they exuberantly asked many questions.
“What wrong? Who is in the ambulance? Why was security here?”
“Just a moment, Peter. We need to go to the hospital and check on Emerald. I will tell you all about it on the way. Marcus can inform Navette.”
“What happened to Emerald?” Peter and Navette asked almost simultaneously.
Navette was afraid that Emerald had opened his big mouth and he and Marcus had fought and Emerald had been injured. This was the first thing that came to her mind knowing her brother’s antagonistic behavior, not that Marcus was prone to violence.
“He was hit in the head with the butt of a gun.”
“A butt of a gun?" Navette repeated as she looked toward Marcus as though he might have done it.
“Yes, I told you it is a long story. We need to get to the hospital. I will tell your father then Marcus and Madina can tell you. Let’s go Peter.”
Peter and Bright left Marcus and Navette standing in the foyer, Madina had already returned to the kitchen. Navette looked at Marcus and was not sure she wanted to hear what she was about to hear.
“Let’s go to the kitchen and you and Madina can tell me all about it.”
Navette and Marcus walked into the kitchen where they discovered Madina with her elbows on the counter and her hands covering her face. It appeared she was or had been crying. Marcus walked over, laid his hand on her shoulder and asked if she was all right.
“I am all right Mr. Marcus, I am sorry that my brother shot you and Mr. Emerald got hurt. I wish Johnny had taken after Mama rather than Papa.”
“I am all right and I’m sure Emerald will be all right too. Don’t worry. You can’t help what your brother does. If you could, what happened today would not have happened. He will just have to realize himself that he needs to change.”
Navette couldn’t wait any longer. “Ok, someone is going to have to tell me what happened. There was a shooting?”
Marcus took a seat at the counter. “Yes. I will try to explain but Madina may have to jump in.”
Marcus told Navette the story while Madina prepared lunch. It seemed that the healthy groceries were still in the Jeep that Peter and Bright drove to the hospital.
Navette was worried about Emerald. She called her father on his cell phone.

“Dad, how’s Emerald?”
Madina and Marcus were just hearing one end of this conversation and wondering what was being said. “That’s good news. Madina has lunch almost finished, since we left the groceries in the jeep. We’ll see you soon.”
“It sounds like Emerald is going to be all right.”
“Yes, but, he has a concussion and a very bad headache. They will be home soon.”
“Thank the Lord.” Madina exclaimed while raising her hands toward the ceiling.”
“Marcus, you have a knack of being at the wrong place at the right time. You helped that girl in New York and then you helped Mrs. Tolkowsky save her ring. And, both times someone shot at you.” Madina was sorry that Johnny had caused all this trouble. “How can I make it up to you Mr. Marcus?”
Marcus smiled. “You don’t have to do anything else Madina. You have already done enough.”
“Why, what have I done Mr. Marcus?”
“You have given me a glimpse of your soul, Madina. While we were holding hands and you were praying, I felt as if I had known you forever. Your words touched me in a way I had never been touched before. I just know you will be my friend forever. The same thing happened when I first met Joe.”
“Who is Joe, Mr. Marcus?”
“Oh, that’s another name I have for Peter.”
Navette didn’t want Marcus to go into detail about Joe. “You can tell that story later. What did you and Mom talked about today?”
“We had a good conversation. She told me a little about the magazine and I got an opportunity to look closely through some past issues and I am really impressed.”
“Did she tell you about how the magazine got started?
“No she didn’t. How did it get started?”
“Well, it was before Mom and Dad married. They were dating and on a ski trip in Colorado. Dad had planned to ask Mom to marry him. But, Mom was working for Tolkowsky Diamonds and she would have to quit if they became engaged. It was a family thing. None of the Tolkowsky’s wives worked in the organization. In fact none of the wives worked at all. Well, while they were at the slopes they saw an old acquaintance: Mom’s old boyfriend. This guy had proposed to Mom on this same mountain a year earlier, but she turned him down. He owned a magazine named JEWELRY WORLD; Mom had worked for him for a number of years. Mom had met Dad and, you know that thing you said about when you first met Dad you knew he was going to be your friend; well that’s what Mom said. She felt she had found a friend and possibly a soul mate. She just could not marry this man after meeting Dad. Mom evidentially quit her job at “JEWELRY WORLD.” She was very uncomfortable working there after she had turned the boss’s marriage proposal down.
Dad hired Mom at Tolkowsky Diamonds soon after she quit. By this time Mom and Dad were dating heavily and Dad felt bad about Mom quitting her job. Mom really loved the magazine and missed it very much. Anyway, it turned out that Mom’s old boyfriend was there to propose to another woman and he was going to sell the magazine and move to Europe with his new bride. Dad saw the opportunity and offered to buy the Magazine. And, that’s when Mom went back to the work she loved. Dad bough the magazine and changed the name to ‘DIAMOND WORLD” and the rest is history.
“The ad makes sense now.”
“What ad?”
“There was this ad about a Perfect Diamond, and I just got the point of the ad. That is a neat story. I am glad you told me.”
“So, what do you think about the whole situation.”
“I am excited. I am a little concerned as to what role I will play at Sloan. I mean the role they will want me to play. However, I know that I will learn a lot and overall it will be a good thing for me. I also know I am excited to be on the team with you. And Sammy?”
“Sammy will be on the team as well.”
“Why am I the last one to know these things? I guess I should be thankful that I have all these people looking out for me, but sometimes I feel useless directing my own life. Why is Sammy a part of the team?”
“Sammy being on the team has nothing to do with Dad or Mom. Margaret is responsible for Sammy being on the team. Margaret put in a good word for Sammy to Mr. Sloan. She knew that Sammy wanted something a little more challenging. Somehow she got wind of this team and felt like Sammy would enjoy working with the two of us. But, like me, Sammy was told not to mention this to you.”
“What am I to do, I mean, it’s a secret right?”
“You will just have to pretend that you know nothing when Sloan talks to you Monday.”
Marcus reached to his side and felt something wet under his arm. He then felt pain. Looking at his hand he saw something that looked like blood. He had discovered an injury he did not know he had. Navette saw this also.
“What is it? You’re bleeding.”
“I must have injured myself when I tackled Madina’s brother.”
“Take your shirt off and let’s take a look.”
Marcus took his shirt off and there was a long gash in his side. It looked as if he had been cut with a knife. Navette suggested they go to the bathroom and clean the wound.
“You were shot.” Madina spoke as if she knew this.
“You said that when you were describing the incidents earlier”
“I felt it when you were shot.”
“Madina, what do mean you felt it?”
“Just as the shot was fired I felt this burning in my side. I knew you had been hit. The pain wasn’t very bad, so I knew you would be all right.”
“I would like to talk about this special gift you have.”
“You two can talk about that later. Now we need to get you bandaged up.”
Marcus and Navette went to the bathroom and washed the wound and put a bandage on it. As they returned to the kitchen, Peter and Bright and Emerald had just arrived. Emerald had a big bandage on his head. Marcus hadn’t put his shirt back on and his bandage was very obvious also.
“What happened to you Marcus?”
“When Johnny shot at me the bullet must have grazed me.” It is just a superficial wound. I will be all right.” Marcus put his shirt back on and looking at Emerald’s head inquired about him. “What about you Emerald? How is your head?”
“Right now it is not hurting. They gave me something for the pain. That guy could have killed me. I hope he stays in prison for life.”
Marcus looked over to Madina and saw that she was sinking deeper into remorse for having involved everyone in her personal troubles. Marcus was trying to think of something to say that would make Madina feel better. But before he could say anything, Bright spoke up.
“Emerald, that guy is Madina’s brother, could you not have a little more sympathy in your words. I’m sure that Madina doesn’t want her brother to stay in prison for the rest of his life.”
“That’s all right Mrs. Tolkowsky; Johnny is already on the street.”
“I just felt a sense of trouble come over me and I just know he is out of jail. He has friends that get him out of these things.”
Emerald seemed to be overcome with fear again. “You mean that guy is out of jail. He is probably going to come back over and get even with us. He will kill us all. I’m leaving. I’ll see you guys back in New York.”
Emerald went upstairs to pack his overnight bag. Marcus thought that Emerald was a little paranoid. After all, Johnny could still be locked up. But, Madina had this special gift that tells her things: like him being shot. Maybe he was out and maybe he was going to get even. Johnny still needed that paper signed.”
“Lunch is ready.” Madina called out. “I am sorry it is so late.”
They all sat down to a delightful meal of chicken salad sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. Macaroni and cheese is one of Peter’s favorite dishes.
“Thank you, Madina for making my favorite dish.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Tolkowsky.”
“The groceries, they are still in the car.”
Marcus wanting Peter to enjoy his favorite dish volunteered to get the groceries. “You enjoy your Mac and cheese and I will go get the groceries.”
As Marcus was walking toward the door the doorbell rang. The first thought was that this could be Johnny. Emerald was coming down the steps when the doorbell rang. Emerald quickly turned and ran back up the steps. Peter jumped up from his seat in the kitchen and walked toward the front door. Marcus looked out the peep hole and then opened the door. It was the officer that had been there before.
“Hi officer.”
“Hi. I just wanted to let you know that Johnny is out of jail. The judge placed a half million dollar bail on him, but someone bailed him out. I don’t know who it was but they must have been wealthy.”
This was the news they had feared. It is exactly what Madina had predicted.
“I don’t think he will be back, but you never know what goes through these guys’ heads.”
“The judge placed an order for him not to return to this address. But, that usually doesn’t stop them. If you see any sign of him, give us a call”
Marcus went out to the car to get the groceries. A taxi drove up. Emerald ran out and jumped into the taxi without saying a word. The taxi drove off and Emerald was off to New York.
Marcus brought the groceries back in and set them down on the kitchen counter. Peter, Bright and Navette were discussing what to do if Johnny returned. They all were concerned about Madina; her brother would still want her to sign the papers.
“How can we keep him away?”
“We can’t.”
“Madina, do you have anywhere to go where he wouldn’t know where to find you? Do you have any other relatives who leave nearby?”
“No, Mr. Tolkowsky. The rest of my family live back east. I’ll be all right. I don’t think Johnny will hurt me.”
“We can’t take that chance. Madina. You stay here tonight. Navette, you and Marcus pack your things and fly back to Manhattan.”
“Dad, we can’t just leave you and Mom here.”
“We will be fine. I will call Bill and have him send a security officer over to keep a watch. I don’t think Johnny will come back, he will probably skip the country.”
“It didn’t take long for Navette and Marcus to pack. They were all together waiting for the taxi. Madina was working in the laundry room when they heard her shout. “Oh my Lord.” She came rushing into the room, “Mr. Marcus, you can’t go now.”
“Why Madina?”
“Something bad is going to happen.”
“You had another premonition didn’t you?”
“Yes, and you should not leave.”
A horn blew outside. It was probably just the taxi, but it startled Madina and she screamed out. “Oh my!”
Peter went to the door and peered through the peep hole in the door. It was the taxi. “It’s just the taxi. Come on you two, just get to the airport and you can catch the red eye if nothing else.”
Marcus picked up his and Navette’s bags and thanked Peter and Bright for their hospitality and wished them good luck. He and Navette got into the taxi and as the taxi was pulling away another black SUV pulled in front of them. It was Johnny. He came up to the taxi and opened the back door on Marcus’s side. He grabbed Marcus and pulled him out of the taxi. He pulled a handgun from his back pocket and pointed it at Marcus’ head. “I missed you last time but I won’t miss now.”
At that time a car pulled up almost hitting Marcus and Johnny. Johnny turned stepped aside to dodge the car and Marcus was able to get leverage again to drop Johnny to the ground. The car that almost struck them was Bill. He drew his weapon and ordered Johnny to slide his weapon to the side. Johnny hesitated and Bill placed his foot on Johnny’s shoulder and ordered Johnny again to slide his weapon over to the side: telling him not to be stupid. Johnny again was reluctant to do as Bill had ordered. Johnny made a sudden effort to rise up and that is when Marcus gave him a blow to the lower back and Johnny went back down. Bill again ordered Johnny to slide the weapon over to him. This time Johnny did as Bill asked and then Bill placed cuffs on Johnny and put him in the back seat of the car. Peter, Bright and Madina all witnessed this from the front door of the house.
“Peter, you didn’t call me anytime too soon.

Untitled Novel - Chapter Nine

Bright never made it to the bedroom. As she walked by the kitchen, Madina was cleaning up.

“Hi Madina. How is that grandchild? She must be talking by now.”

“She is growing like a weed Mrs. Tolkowsky. She calls her mama, Mama-one and me Mama-two. I see that your whole family is here for Easter.”

“Yes they are, and you need to meet Marcus.”

“Oh, I have heard about Mr. Marcus from Navette. She called me when Papa died and she told me all about him and she was hoping he would come with her. I hope he is doing ok after getting shot.”

“He is doing just fine. He is in my office. You can meet him after he absorbs my last year’s work.”

“I noticed that even Mr. Emerald made it home this time.”

“Yes, but I don’t think he will spend much time with us. He is going to a lecture in San Diego this afternoon. I think I will go freshen up. Navette and Peter are out on the water today. But, I think Navette is preparing lunch today. They are going to stop by the market before coming home. If there is anything you need, just give them a call.”

“Mrs. Tolkowsky, there is something I need. I am having trouble with my brother, Johnny. We are trying to settle my father’s business, and I found out that Papa had been betting on the horses and he owes a lot of money to people. They are getting mean about it. My brother wants to give them Papa’s house. But the house is better than the place I live. I want to move into Papa’s house and pay my brother rent for his half. I don’t think gambling is right and I don’t want to give them Papa’s house.”

“How much does your father owe them?”

“Oh, he owes them a bunch, Mrs. Tolkowsky. I think it is more than fifty thousand dollars.”

“Have you met these people?”

“No, I haven’t. My brother has met with them. To be honest, Mrs. Tolkowsky, I think Johnny owes them money, too.”

“Don’t do anything just yet Madina. I think Peter should have his friend Bill look into it. Bill is good at these types of things. If you would just tell me how to get in touch with your brother, I will relay that to Peter.”

“I will write his phone number and address down and leave it here on the counter.”

“Don’t worry; I am sure we can work this out.”

Bright was very concerned about Madina’s problem. It sounded as if her brother was trying to mislead her. Bright left the kitchen and was once again making her way to her bedroom when the phone rang. Madina answered. “You’ve reached the Tolkowsky home.”

Madina quickly recognized the voice and Bright heard Madina reply with a distrustful sounding voice. “What kind of papers?”

Bright came to the conclusion that it was Madina’s brother on the phone.

“I think we should wait.” Madina spoke firmly and then turned around to see if Mrs. Tolkowsky was still there: looking for her support. “I don’t want you coming over here.”

Madina hung up the phone and looked at Mrs. Tolkowsky. “That was Johnny, my brother, and he is coming over here to get me to sign some papers that will give Papa’s house to those crooks. I am so sorry Mrs. Tolkowsky, I told him not to come over, but he is coming anyway. He can be a bunch of trouble. He just hasn’t found Jesus yet.”

“When did he say he was coming?”

“Right now, he said he would be here in about five minutes.”

Bright didn’t like the sound of this and told Emerald, who was coming down the steps, not to leave.

“Why, what’s up?”

“We have a situation with Madina’s brother wanting to sign a paper that would, in essence, cheat her out of her dad’s house. I don’t think this is right and I don’t have time to do anything about it other than preventing Madina from signing the papers. You will have to stay until he is gone.”

“Why should we get involved in this? It’s none of our business.”

“You didn’t hear me. He is trying to cheat Madina and that would be our business.”

“Those kind can be dangerous. We don’t even have a gun in this house. If he gets violent how are we going to defend ourselves?”

“I don’t think it will come to that. If you ever want to come into this house again, you will do as I say.”

The doorbell rang. Madina came to answer, but discovered Mrs. Tolkowsky and Emerald standing in the hallway.

“Go ahead Madina, answer the door, but don’t sign anything until we can have Peter and Bill look it over.”

Madina opened the door and a tall and somewhat overweight man stood in the door way. “Sign right here.” This was Madina’s brother giving her these commands.

Madina did what Mrs. Tolkowsky had told her and refused to sign the papers. This is not what he wanted to hear. It made him angry and he reached behind his waist and pulled a handgun from his back pocket and pointed it toward Madina. Just then, he noticed Bright and Emerald standing in the entrance way. He pushed himself inside, holding the gun out in front, waving it, pointing it towards Madina, then to Bright and then to Emerald and back again.

“I have no beef with you two. I just want Madina to sign the papers and I am out of here.”

Emerald stepped up and pointed his finger. “You don’t come into our home and wave a gun around. I suggest you leave before security finds out you’re here.”

Emerald took one step, reached around Johnny, and pushed the panic alarm. Johnny realized what Emerald had done, but instead of leaving, as Emerald thought, he hit Emerald with the blunt end of the gun and slammed the door shut. Emerald was knocked to the floor. Emerald grabbed his head, indicating he was in great pain, and he was trembling with fear. Bright stooped down to take a look at Emerald’s head.

Madina stormed out at her brother. “You can’t come in here and beat up on this family. I won’t have it. You get out of here before the police come.”

“I am not going anywhere until you sign these papers.”

“I am not signing any papers.”

“You will sign these papers or your friends will die.”

He pointed the gun to Bright and Emerald. Madina felt she had no choice but to sign the papers. “Give me those papers.”

Madina quickly signed the papers and threw them at Johnny and shouted. “Now get out of here.”

Marcus heard the voices and stopped short of making himself visible. He could tell it was some kind of confrontation but wasn’t sure what it was about.

“There is something else I want before I leave. I want that diamond on your finger. Give it to me lady.”

Marcus heard this and stepped into the hall.

“What’s going on here?”

Marcus startled Johnny. He must have assumed that Marcus was the security. He pointed and fired his gun in the direction of Marcus. Marcus fell to the floor.

“Give me the ring!” He demanded as he grabbed Bright by her hair.

She handed him the ring, hoping he would then just leave. Backing carefully toward the door, holding the gun in a horizontal position waving it back and forth, keeping an eye on everyone. Was he going to shoot again and again until they were all dead or was he just going to leave? He opened the door, turned and began to leave. At that moment, Marcus, in a run, leaped forward and tackled the guy like an all pro defensive tackle. Johnny hit the ground face first. The gun went sailing onto the driveway and skidding for at least twenty-five feet. It was a hard fall. It rattled Johnny badly, almost to the extent of unconsciousness. The timing of the security was excellent. Before Johnny could regain full consciousness, the patrolman had cuffs on him.

With an emotional cry Bright called out to Marcus. “Marcus, are you alright? I thought you were shot.”

“I was hoping he would think that too. So I just remained still until I could figure out what to do next. Did you find your ring?”

“No!”

“Officer, wait a minute. He has a ring in his pocket that belongs to Mrs. Tolkowsky.”

The officer retrieved the ring and gave it to Marcus. Marcus then walked back and handed the ring to Bright.

“Thanks, Marcus.”

Marcus and Mrs. Tolkowsky walked back into the house. Madina was putting an ice pack on Emerald’s head. Marcus was not sure what had happened to Emerald.

“Let’s go to emergency. You took a hard blow to that stubborn head. You need to have it x-rayed; you may have a concussion or maybe even a fracture. Marcus you stay here and wait for Navette and Peter. I will call them and let them know what happened.”

The officer secured the guy in the car and then returned to fill out his paperwork and to find out just what had happened.

“Excuse me. Mrs. Tolkowsky is it? I need to ask you some questions as to what happened here.”

Bright knew that he needed to know these things and while she was deciding how to handle the situation the paramedics pulled into the driveway.

“Oh, I called them.” The officer confessed.

Bright agreed to let them take care of Emerald’s injuries while she, Madina and Marcus went back into the house with the officer to answer his questions.

Marcus discovered the whole of the story when Mrs. Tolkowsky and Madina completely described what happened to the officer. Marcus’s opinion of Emerald improved slightly when he discovered his somewhat brave actions. It was a delight to met Madina, and somehow he felt a spiritual connection with her. The officer also told them something they didn’t know. Madina’s brother was already wanted for armed robbery and assault. He had robbed and attacked a store clerk the day before. This was hard for Madina to hear, but she knew that he had become a bad person. She was thankful to Mrs. Tolkowsky, Emerald and Marcus for coming to her defense. And she was thankful that, for now, she hadn’t lost her father’s house. After the officer left, Madina asked if it would be ok to have a prayer and she reached out her hand. Marcus grabbed it and he also reached out his hand to Mrs. Tolkowsky. Bright accepted his hand and they formed a circle when she held Madina’s other hand. Madina prayed and a sense of relief came over them. It was a timely prayer.

Untitled Novel - Chapter Eight

Navette began the awkward, but gratifying, explanation of how she and Sammy knew of Marcus’s new position within Sloan Advertising. It was difficult for her to find a place to begin.

“It all began, well not that your bravery had anything to do with it, when Dad came to see you in the hospital. Let me start all over. “DIAMOND WORLD” is partnering with Sloan Advertising. This has been in the works for several months. Dad felt it was so courageous of you to put your life on the line for that innocent girl; well he just wanted to do something for you. He convinced Mom to make part of the contractual agreements between “DIAMOND WORLD” and Sloan Advertising that you become the representative to “DIAMOND WORLD” for Sloan. I suppose Sloan felt our relationship would benefit the outcome of this partnership. Anyway, it means you will be working directly with Mom’s magazine, but still working for Sloan Advertising. Of course Mom negotiated the terms of your salary and everything. But, that’s not all; I am going to be on the team also. I will still be working for Justin Sloan but assigned primarily to the “DIAMOND WORLD” account. I don’t know your job description, precisely.”

Marcus suggested Navette return to the house. He turned around and headed back up the hill, telling her he needed to think and take one more look at the nine letters. Marcus thought this must be a great opportunity for him, but he was a little concerned about the situation in which it came about. He had always envisioned his creative knowledge would get him his executive position and not a favor from a friend, especially a favor that had absolutely nothing to do with his occupational skills. Once Marcus reached the top of the hill, he took another look at the magnificent sign and wondered how actors and actresses would view this situation.

After much back and forth deliberation with himself, he assessed that the actors would probably jump at the opportunity to prove themselves as a worthwhile choice, regardless of how the opportunity came about. But, it was still difficult knowing that his new job would be from a commiserative act by a friend and not from his own efforts. The sign helped him to discover that decisions are just a part of life and his own inhibitions should not be the determining factor for his choices. He should face this as a challenge and prove himself worthy. He remembered a saying from a book he once read: Never enter the arena expecting to lose.

This quiet time to think led Marcus to feel good about his job and his future in advertising, realizing this is the break away from the drudgery of the monotonous calling of his old job. He hurriedly made his way back down the hill, anxious for some of those pancakes that Peter had promised.

“Get down here if you want some of these pancakes,” Peter was calling up to Emerald just as Marcus walked in. “Marcus, you have not had a pancake until you have had my double dipped pecan and cream cheese California cakes. Get in the kitchen before they get cold.” Peter pointed into the kitchen and turned to call to the bedroom one more time. “Emerald, they’re getting cold!”

Marcus walked into the kitchen and Navette and Bright were at the kitchen bar pouring syrup on what looked to be something from the gourmet cooking show. Peter had returned to the kitchen and placed two more of these delicious treats on a plate and placed it in front of Marcus.

“These look too good to eat, but give me some of that syrup.”

Emerald did not come down. You could tell that Peter was a little disappointed that the family could not all be together for this fabulous morning treat. Peter placed two more of these cakes on a plate and took a seat beside Marcus.

“What do you think of these cakes my friend?”

Marcus, with a mouthful, looked over to Peter and murmured something that sounded like: “They’re great.”

“Dad very rarely treats us to these, but we are so happy when he does.”

Navette was so glad to see Marcus in such a good mood: enjoying the breakfast and emotionally in good spirits. After all, she had just revealed a bit of tumultuous news to him.

“Marcus, Navette tells me she revealed our plans with Sloan Advertising. I hope that you are eager to get back to work and make this joint venture work. I feel better about it since I have talked to Navette and I’m sure the team that has been selected at Sloan will do a wonderful job. Navette, have you told him about the team?”

Bright looked to Navette with encouragement to continue the discussion and tell Marcus more about the new team.

But, Peter jumped in. “Let my friend finish these wonderful cakes and then we can talk about business. Bright, do you want to go with me to Dream Island? I want to see if I can find my sunglasses. I think I left them there. It will give you a chance to get in touch with nature.”

“I think you and Navette should go and give Marcus and me a chance to get acquainted and discuss his future. He must have a million questions and so do I.”

Navette wasn’t sure how to respond to this suggestion so she left it up to the others. Before anyone could make an objection, they were interrupted by the clamoring of feet coming down the stairs. Emerald had awoken with an appetite.

“I smell pancakes; I hope you have some left for me. He popped himself on a stool and looked over to Peter. “Well, aren’t you going to cook me a couple of those cakes?”

“Sure son, but it is time you learned this family tradition. Let me show you how to make California cakes.”

Peter took hold of Emerald’s arm and led him over to the griddle to show him the art of making California pancakes, but Emerald was not too interested in learning what he considered a menial task.

Emerald stepped away. “I don’t think this is something I want to do. I’ll just get me a coffee and bagel down at the coffee shop. Mom, want to come along?”

This is more in line of Bright’s daily activity, but she enjoyed the family gatherings also and she relished Peter’s enjoyment of these traditional breakfasts. She disapproved of Emerald’s actions so she quickly berated his suggestion.

“No, I have something to talk to Marcus about.”

Emerald had ignored Marcus and Navette even being in the room. He was not sure himself if he wanted to leave with such a conversation taking place. But, he decided that he would not appear to let this bother him and left with a simple gesture indicating he was off.

Navette decided to go along with her mother’s suggestion that she go with her dad to Dream Island. However, she was curious about what her mom and Marcus would be discussing.

“Dad, I would love to go with you on the condition that we stop by the market and get some healthy food for lunch.”

“That’s a deal. You will be responsible for lunch. Medina will be coming soon and she will clean up. Go put on your sailing clothes, my lovely sailor, and we will bow to the mercy of the wind.”

Navette looked at Marcus to try to decipher his opinion of this arrangement by looking into his eyes. It was obvious that he was undecidedly confused, but not enough to disrupt the plan.

“Don’t worry honey, Marcus and I will be fine. I have something in the office that I want Marcus to see. I want us to get off to a good start so we need to talk business for a while. I want to bring him up to date with “DIAMOND WORLD.” You and Peter have fun and don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine.”

Marcus looked at Navette with a look that revealed conflicting desires. “I am beginning to get enthusiastic about this new position. I think I will let your mom fill me in.”

Navette wasn’t sure this was the best way for Marcus to be introduced to his new position. It would have been more appropriate for Sloan Advertising to break the news especially since she had promised Justin Sloan that she would wait and let him tell Marcus. But, she decided to be loyal to her mom and let her mom have the advantage of revealing her desires first. She could see no harm. She would just tell Marcus to act as if he was hearing it for the first time when Sloan tells him Monday.

Marcus and Mrs. Tolkowsky walked down a hallway to glass double doors leading into a large room. Marcus thought the room looked as if it should have been in a downtown office building. When the door opened and Bright turned on the lights, Marcus could see photographs of diamonds all around the room. One in particular caught his eye. It was the same photo he had seen in the window of Tiffany’s just a few weeks ago. . The photo was of a tall man in his mid-twenties, dressed in ski regalia, on a snow covered mountain, presenting a diamond ring to a girl dressed in a long black formal. The caption of the photo read: Maybe not the perfect place, but it’s the “PERFECT DIAMOND.”

Marcus walked closer to the photo and looked up to it with a sense of curiosity. “Why do you have this photo in your office? I saw this same ad in Tiffany’s window a few weeks ago.”

“Oh, that’s the “PERFECT DIAMOND” ad for Tiffany’s. We ran that ad in our March edition of the magazine. Peter’s company, Tolkowsky Diamonds, is supplying the ideal cut diamonds for this promotion. It is in full presentation now and doing very well.”

“Is there such a thing as a perfect diamond?”

“You need to talk to Peter about that. He will tell you in detail. I can only say that perfect to me is huge and brilliant.”

Bright then brought her hand up to the light for Marcus to see her diamond ring. It was huge and flashes of reflective light made their way across the room.

“Peter sees that the diamonds are as perfect as possible and I make people want them.”

“This is what your magazine is all about huh? Do you have a copy that I can see?”

“Sure, they’re on the table.”

Marcus turned to look and on a glass top table he saw a row of twelve strategically placed magazines, one slightly atop the other. Bold faced letters spelling out DIAMOND WORLD were across the top of each issue. The current issue was in full view on the end of the row. Its cover was illustrated with a striking oversized photo of a diamond. The diamond photo was centered on the cover with the top of the diamond slightly overlaying the “DIAMOND WORLD” heading. The topic titles and subtitles all contrast with the 100% black background. There were rays of light representing the sparkle of the diamond that contained hues of red and blue. The titles and subtitle colors seem to harmonize with these rays. One more look at the combination of the photograph and the content of the cover lines told Marcus that what he saw was art and words, combining to speak to the reader. It was, in Marcus’s opinion, a very striking cover.

“I don’t know what it says inside, but the cover is great.”

“I feel the content inside is as great as the cover. We have a team of writers who keep up with all the latest trends and technology. These writers are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry. We report on all jewelry related events and have special features that interview the movers and shakers in the industry. Our magazine is printed in eight different languages. We sponsor one of the largest international gem and jewelry events in Antwerp, Belgium. There is definitely more inside the cover than photos and fonts.”

“If you have done all of this, why do you need Sloan?”

“It is simply dollars and cents. Our partnership with Sloan will consolidate expenses by using their talent and staff in graphic design and layout. We will continue to supply the news and editorial content.”

This project was almost too much for Marcus to comprehend. It was a much larger challenge than he had anticipated: to move from a research and service call center to such a level of enormous detail and complexity. He was beginning to have doubts as to whether he could do the job.

“Mrs. Tolkowsky, what exactly will be my position? I mean, what do you expect of me? I have not had hands on experience in ad development. I have been in research, if that is what you want to call it. I have been calling purchasers of our customer’s products and doing surveys and the like. I am not sure I can jump in and do what is expected of me.”

After Marcus said this, he almost immediately wanted to retract his statement. After all, this was a great opportunity. And he just told the supplier of his dreams he was not ready. Marcus had all these feelings running thorough his mind. He was very confused. More and more he reflected back to his dreams and decided that he would not let the fear of making a mistake interfere.

“Marcus, I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do. You can grow into the position and the position can grow with you. Navette has told us of your abilities, but most of all, you have shown us your heart. If the heart is right, you can gain the experience. My life has been spent cultivating this magazine and I wouldn’t have made this decision if I thought you could not do the job. Anyway, if you are going to be involved with our family, it’s time you learn the businesses that are a part of our lives.”

Marcus was relieved of a great deal of stress with Mrs. Tolkowsky’s words. It changed his perception of his new job: from having to know much, to the opportunity of learning much.

“I didn’t mean to imply that I didn’t want the job. It is just the unknown expectations that seem to be weighting on my mind. I am sure the more I learn about your magazine, the more I will find ways to contribute to its continued success.” Marcus seemed to swell with confidence. He was pleased with the statement he just made.

“I want you to look through those twelve issues and get a feel for what we are doing for the industry and what we are doing for the success of the magazine. It is really important to gain satisfaction from our clients. Both, Sloan Advertising and “DIAMOND WORLD” must work together to give those who purchase advertising in our magazine the results they need. We must unify our products to ultimately serve the same client. I’ll let you know when Peter and Navette return with lunch.”

This gave Marcus a new perspective of a magazine. After all, it was not a magazine that he would pick up at a newsstand. He was not looking for the latest profile on the New York Yankees. He was looking for flow, style, and artistic quality.

Bright walked out of the room and gently closed the door as if she knew Marcus would not want to be disturbed. She knew their conversation had sparked a flame within his passion for life. She left the room confident that Navette and Peter had been right when encouraging her to include Marcus. As she walked back toward the master bedroom, Emerald entered through the front door.

“Did you enjoy your bagel?

“Yes, I did and I ran into an old friend. You remember Todd Robinson, don’t you? He is going to be running the triathlon this afternoon. I think he is crazy. Why would anyone want to put themselves through that torture just to win a stupid trophy? He has lost any brains he ever had. I’m going to run down to the diamond institute to listen to Matt Diamond talk about the new color treatments. Want to come?

“No, I will stay here and enjoy the time with the ones I love, not the ones who despise my opinion of color treated stones. But, you might see Carla; she will be covering that story for the magazine. I know you and she share some common interest.”

“What could we possibly share?”

“You are both workaholics.”

With that said, Bright walked away and Emerald went up the stairs to change into more appropriate clothes for his lecture. Bright started toward to her bedroom to freshen up.

Untitled Novel - Chapter Seven

“My life in the diamond and gemstone business has been phenomenally rewarding and I could not ask for my life to be any better. I thank God every day for the life that I have. But, sometimes the pressures of the business take away the desire to be yourself and the need to release your humanistic qualities. That is what I get to do by selling hot dogs. I understand why Bright has such opposition to me working the hot dog stand. I have asked her to come by, anonymously, to see how much I enjoy this. She is so business focused and she just cannot understand the “letting go” experience.”

“I would have to say that I have a hard time understanding someone wanting to peddle hot dogs when they owned a diamond company. You would have to admit that you could not have all this (Marcus looked all around the room) if you only sold hot dogs.”

“Your right Marcus, but having all this doesn’t dissolve the need for humanistic desires. There is something that one gets from activities and relationships one experiences outside the business world. For some reason, while I am selling hot dogs, people do not look to me as a businessman but as a friend. It gives me a chance to humble myself and see the real world.”

“Why would you want to humble yourself? It looks like to me, there is no need to belittle yourself by taking off your Armani and putting on an apron.”

“Well, Marcus, it is all how you look at life. The greatest philosopher to ever walk this earth once said to keep yourself humble at all times. I find comfort in it and I will continue to search for a way hold on to that humility. Bright just doesn’t want me selling hot dogs.”

“I don’t know Joe; I may be on her side.”

“Peter. You must call me Peter. I know you have had a very full day and frankly I have also. I believe I will retire for the evening. I’m sure that Navette and Bright have concluded their little discussion, whatever it might have been. You two can stay up as long as you like.”

Marcus agreed with the very full day and caught himself yawning also. He walked to the parlor with Peter. Marcus and Peter heard Navette and Bright laughing when they approached the parlor and knew that it would be safe to enter.

“Well, I don’t know about you girls, but I have had a long day.”

Peter leaned over and kissed Navette on the forehead and said a gentle goodnight. He then turned to Bright. “I assume you’re not far behind?”

Peter then said his final goodnight and walked toward the hallway that led to the master bedroom.

“Goodnight Peter” Marcus said while briefly laying his hand on Peters shoulder.

Marcus had not seen the master bedroom, except a quick peek through the double doors that led to what appeared to be a huge room.

At that time Mrs. Tolkowsky stood. “I believe I will join Peter. We have had an incredible day. A good night sleep will serve all of us well.” She looked at Navette and said, “Everything will work out find honey, goodnight.”

Navette, stood and while clasping her mother’s hand looked her in the eyes. “I’m glad we had this talk Mom.”

That said, Mrs. Tolkowsky released her hand from Navette’s and went toward the master bedroom. She stopped half way and turned. Navette, you will show Marcus where the guest bedroom is won’t you?”

Navette with an assuring smile agreed. “Of course, Mom.”

Navette looked at Marcus with shoulders raised. “Well, what do you think?”

“About what?”

“My parents, my home, California?”

“I know I like your Dad.”

“See, I told that I knew you would like my dad. How about Mom?”

“There is something about her that reminds me of someone else but I just can’t put my finger on it. But, the verdict is still out, but I think I could like her also. I have had a good day…No! I have had a fantastic day.”

“Well good, want to share a piece of that cheese cake?”

Navette and Marcus went to the kitchen. Navette put a piece of cake in a plate and handed Marcus a fork. Marcus begins thinking about Sammy. “I bet Sammy and Margaret are cuddled up next to a fireplace about now.”

“I don’t know; it’s about 12:30 now in New York.”

“Wow, no wonder I am so tired. It’s after midnight.”

They picked at the single piece of cheesecake until it was gone.

“Move over to the sofa, I’ll be back in a moment. There is something I want to show you.”

Marcus moved over to the sofa and that is all that was needed: quietness and a comfortable sofa.
When Navette returned, Marcus was sound asleep on the sofa. What she wanted to show him could wait. She grabbed a throw that was on her mom’s chair and covered Marcus. She was tired also. She put away the dirty dishes and went to her room, leaving Marcus asleep on the sofa.

Marcus woke just before dawn grabbed his bag that was still in the entrance hall and made his way up the stairway to where he assumed his bedroom would be. He opened the door and went in quickly not to disturb anyone. He fumbled along the wall looking for the light switch. He shortly found it and turned on the bedroom lights to find himself in Navette’s bedroom. She rose up in bed slightly startled but quickly recognized it was Marcus.

“Marcus, what are you doing?”

“I’m sorry, I am looking for the guest room and I just opened the first door that I came to.”

“Let me show where it is.”

Navette and Marcus opened her door and stepped into the hallway.

“What are you two doing?”

There was a guy about the same statue as Marcus standing in the hallway. Marcus had no idea who he was. Navette however spoke up.

Emerald, what are you doing here?”

Marcus then knew that it was Navette’s brother. And that it was totally unexpected for him to be here.

“The question is what is he doing sneaking out of your bedroom? I’m sure Mom and Dad would like to know about this.”

“He was not sneaking. He just came into the wrong room. I was showing him the guest room.”

“Sure.”

“I didn’t think you were coming home.”

“That is obvious. You must be Marcus. You had better get into the guest room. I can always use this bit of information as an ace to play at a later date.”

Marcus looked at Emerald with a stare and couldn’t decide which way to handle this matter. He could quietly go to the room and avoid a scene or he could stand up for what he knew to be the truth and confront this ___________guy. He decided to take the middle of the road approach.

“Listen Emerald, nothing happened here that I care for anyone knowing. I suggest you go to your room while Navette shows me the guest room. We can forget that any of this ever happened.”

Marcus was not sure whether this was the best way to handle the situation, but it seemed to work and Navette seemed pleased that Marcus stood up for the truth. They got back to the guest room and they stepped in together.

“I’m sorry for my brother’s ignorance and especially the way he displayed it. This is one of the reasons we live our life apart from one another while in New York.

“I can easily see who in this family have a heart. You and your dad seem to be somewhat alike and your mother and Emerald seem to share some characteristics.”

“Dad and I are somewhat alike. And I am glad that we are.”

“I am wide awake now. Are you sure you want to go back to your room?”

“Well, I am awake also. Let’s go for a walk.”

“That is not exactly what I had in mind.”

Navette grabbed Marcus by the hand and they went back down the hallway to Navette’s room.

“Give me two minutes to change.”

Marcus stood outside her room, hoping that Emerald would not show his face again. Things were going good and he would hate to have a confrontation now. It was a long two minutes, but Navette came out dressed in a sweat suit with a hooded jacket.

“Let’s go. You better grab your jacket.”

Marcus grabbed his jacket and was out the door right behind Navette. The sun was just beginning to come up over the hills but it was enough to glisten on the beautiful lawn. Marcus thought for a moment of his dad and how he was so good at keeping Mr. Abernathy’s place looking like a work of art. He thought, maybe his dad could do that again when he got out of prison.

They headed in the opposite direction as when they arrived. The hill continued to steepen. They had been quietly walking for a good while, when Navette broke the silence.

“This is a good workout, much different than a walk in Manhattan. This is the part of California that I miss.”

“How much further up are we going?”

“We are going to the top. Your are not going let this little hill get to you? We don’t have much further to go and there is something you need to see when we get there.”

Marcus found in himself the extra ump to continue on. It was more difficult for Marcus than Navette imagined. He was still recovering from his gunshot and hospital stay which drained his strength and energy greatly. He was not in pain now, but it took a lot of determination to climb that hill. Navette was hoping that this would be good for him. So she kept encouraging him to continue.

“We are almost there.”

“Where are you taking me?”

As Marcus was bringing forth his last bit of energy the ground seemed to flatten and the strength needed to put one foot in front of the other was becoming less of a challenge. His thoughts of reversing this little walk was less than the curiosity of what Navette wanted him to see.

“Well you are here.”

Navette took a good long breath, stretched out relieving some of the tension of the walk. Then she stood upright and turned slightly to her left.

“This is what I wanted you to see.”

Marcus turned and there it was: Hollywood in big white letters on the side of the hill. It was something he had always seen on TV. They are just nine block style letters on a side of a hill, but they stand for much more. When you make it to Hollywood you have made it. Marcus was just taking in the moment and recouping from the climb by staring at this famous symbolic sign. It is like magic.

“You’re right, it was worth it. And, just think, all who seeks success feels like they reached their dream when they first lay eyes on that sign.”

“But, you were right when you said it is just nine letters on the side of a hill.” Navette, with her fist loosely formed brought it up to her heart. “What determines success is in here, not on a side of a hill. But my father walks up here every chance he gets to look at this sign. He says it gives him hope similar to another statement on a hill.”

“Do you know what he means?”

Before Navette could answer they heard of voice from behind. “Hey you kids got out early this morning. Couldn’t you sleep or are you like me still on Manhattan time?”

“Some of both Dad.”

“Marcus, what do you think of our little sign?”

“It is somewhat majestic. I would never have dreamed it would have such an effect on me. It is like looking at Ms Liberty.”

“You’re right. They both mean that you have made it, I guess.” When I climb this hill I can look at the sign and it tells me that I made it up that horrendous hill.”

“I guess you know that Emerald came out?”

“Yes, I left him and Bright still in bed. They don’t appreciate the blessing of the morning. I don’t know why he changed his mind about coming out. It could have had something to do with jealously.”

“Jealousy? Jealous of whom?”

“Oh, I suppose he may be envious of both of you. He is disappointed in himself that he can’t do everything. He can’t follow in the diamond business and in the magazine business at the same time. He feels he should have a place in both, therefore, he doesn’t want anyone else to have that place.”

This was getting a little like secrete code to Marcus. He didn’t know exactly what to say, so he kept quiet. This was the second mention joining his name with the magazine. He was beginning to realize that his new job may have something to do with Navette’s mother’s magazine.

“You guys take your time and I will run back to the house and see if some fresh coffee and hot pancakes will get them up.”

Navette and Marcus headed back down the hill. Marcus was now enjoying the walk more since he was not exerting as much energy. He thought he might probe into the talk he had been hearing. Maybe Navette would reveal new information since her dad had brought up the subject.

“What did your dad mean when he said that Emerald might be jealous of us?”

“Emerald is full of jealousy and envy. His has anger controlling his life. He desires to be so perfect and everything that happens to him, he blames someone else. He has always been that way. I wouldn’t let it bother you. I have found that he will trigger the worst in you if you allow him. If he could just get that chip off his shoulder his life would be much happier. Instead he keeps looking for the next thing that will make him happy. He doesn’t know how to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Even Mom can do that. She has this enormous drive, but yet she does stop and smell the roses.”

“Thank you for the lesson on your brother, but you still didn’t answer my question: why would he be jealous of me?”

“There is possibly a reason, but I’m not supposed to tell you just yet. Although, I should learn from past instances; it is not good to keep secrets from you and I don’t want to repeat my past mistakes. So here is what I know.”