Both men had their careers and degrees to occupy their time. The harsh realities imposed upon Ryan by his father forced them to be extremely careful. It a way, Murdoch was relieved because it gave him more time to spend with his mother. Her condition seemed to be growing worse over the last six months. Murdoch noticed that she took longer naps and always seemed tired. Her specialists were a little concerned and keep monitoring her regularly. In spite of this, Mrs. McDonald still remained cheerful and content.
Ryan and Murdoch were able to see each other every day in school. They were able to work out a scheme to see each other without causing attention. Ryan still had another year to go before he reached his 25th birthday, then his father couldn't touch him. By that time, Ryan would wield more power than his father. Ryan thanked the Lord that they would be spending the weekend together at their little love nest.
They were snuggled together on the large couch in the living room of their secluded apartment. "God, I miss you so much," Ryan said. "When I'm with you like this, I'm completely happy. You're all mine again. I can't wait until we move in together. Here, I can forget my family and my headaches for the few days we are together. At least you have your mother to keep you company. I have no one."
"I know, Babe," Murdoch said, "it's been a hardship for you. Just be patient for another year and we will be together for the rest of our lives. I despise your father for keeping us apart like this. You're my other half, I get angry every time I think about the way we must sneak around. I won't even mention my contempt for that hateful stepmother of yours, and that scheming brother of hers."
"I wish your investigators would come up with something against those two. I'm sure we could nail them with something. My boss, Chuck Shaw, has no use for Nat Rollins. We have become close over the last year; and Chuck gave me some inside information on quite a few of the executives in your fathers' organization. He told me to watch Nat like a hawk. He warned me, if I got any orders from Nat, I was to make sure I got everything in writing before making any changes in our normal procedures. In fact, he suggested that I run everything by him first, before making any changes at all. It seems that ole Nat got Chuck in hot water with your father some years ago for approving invoices from an unregistered vendor. Chuck told your dad that Nat made the decision to use Agri-Chem. Of course, Nat denied any knowledge of the transaction. It was only a matter of five-thousand dollars, but nevertheless, Chuck never forgot the incident and has kept an eye on Nat to this day."
"That incident peaked my interest, so I pressed Chuck for the details. He had discovered that Nat had ordered chemicals from Agri-Chem Enterprises, a regional chemical distributor, and was reselling them to Templeton Industries. Your father accidentally found the entry in going over the Templeton Account quarterly statement. He found out that Agri-Chemicals weren't on the approved suppliers list. It turned out all right in the end, because Agri-Chem prices were lower than their regular supplier. Nat apologized to Chuck, saying he did recall ordering the chemicals. Chuck smelled a rat somewhere; to him this whole thing didn't sit right. Chuck asked me to look into it. He wanted me to go back into the old records for three years and made copies of the invoices and the entries. Then, I searched the records and started making a search of all the transactions with Agri-Chem Enterprises over the three-year period. I found a number purchases were made from Agri-Chem. I discovered that they were not a small regional distributor, but in fact were a division U.S. Industries Inc., who has interests in the agricultural, chemical and trucking industries. It's hard to nail down the principles, because they are owned by a cartel in South America. That was as far as I've been able to get. I don't have the time to do too much digging. I also have to be careful not arouse any suspicion."
"That sounds very interesting," Ryan said. "I knew Spencer Industries was a direct supplier for a line of industrial chemicals, but I wasn't aware they were supplying us with agriculture chemicals through a distributor. I can't believe that they can make a profit that way. They are not in that business; anyway, why shouldn't Templeton buy direct from the manufacturers? Why would we go through a middle man? It just doesn't make sense to me. Why don't you give me a list of the products that we are purchasing from U.S. Industries and any of their Divisions. I can run it through our computer."
"Great," Murdoch said. "Anything to catch Nat in something crooked."
"I would like to catch him also, my love," Ryan said. "If I could get the goods on Nat, I could use that as leverage against Vera and Dad, to get them off my back As soon as I get control of my estate, I don't have to bother with them."
"Ryan, I'm really worried about you. I have this terrible feeling that your stepmother will learn the truth about you and pressure your father into having you committed to a mental hospital, if you don't marry before your 25th birthday. Your father is so afraid of soiling the family name, he just may do that. I'm also sure that Vera and her brother will find a way to get their hands on your money."
"They can't touch my estate, or my money. My lawyers keep a close watch on everything. I've already spoken to my lawyers about that eventuality. If anything happens to me, or I become mentally, or physically impaired, all my assets are to be turned over to the Templeton Foundation and my present law firm will continue to run my affairs. The Plantation and grounds will become a museum. My father will get nothing. My half-brothers will participate in a trust fund for their education. As my spouse, you will be taken care of as well, Sweetheart. I took care of that last year.
Remember, my love, if anything happens to me, say if my father does succeed in getting me put away, you are to call my lawyers right away. I have set up an offshore slush fund for you to use in case of such an emergency. Use every means at your disposal to get me out of their control. Get to Annie, she is our ally. She'll know more than anyone about my family. My lawyers are very cautious and will not take any bold or daring moves to deal with my Dad, they'll do everything by the book."
"Ryan, Babe, be careful," Murdoch said. "You and my mom are the only people I care about in this world. If they try to anything funny, I'll be on top of them in minutes. Let's work out a fail-safe system with your security team. Be careful of the using the phones in your office, because they can trace my home number. They'll have no trace of an incoming call, unless your phone is tapped."
"Sounds like a good plan. Things are going to get worse after we graduate in six months. I don't think Dad and Vera will cause me any problems until I start working at Templeton Industry full time."
"How's your Mom doing?" Ryan asked."
"Not so good," Murdoch replied, "I think she is losing ground. Although she always has that optimistic attitude, I can see she has become much weaker. She seems tired all the time now. I just don't know. The doctors give me that same pat answer; she is doing as well as can be expected considering her age and disability. They're right, I guess, but it doesn't make it any easer. I'm thankful that my traveling is over until after I graduate, at least it gives me more time to spend with her."
"It's a shame; your mom is such a wonderful lady. I hope this condition is just temporary."
"Yes, I hope so, too."
"Hey, Ryan, Easter will be here in a month and a half, what do you say we take Wednesday through Sunday off and head down to the Plantation to enjoy ourselves? It will be like a mini honeymoon." Murdoch said.
"Great idea, lets plan on it."
Ryan drove through the gates and up to Templeton Manor. Taking the road to the rear of the house, he drove his BMW into the garage. He and Murdoch carried their suitcases into the Manor house where Annie was waiting in the back hall to greet them.
"Good evening, gentlemen; it's good to have you home again," Annie said. "Dinner will be ready in about an hour. Will you be having cocktails before dinner, Ryan?"
"We'll just take the bags upstairs and be down in ten minutes, Annie," Ryan said. "Why don't you break out a couple of bottles of that fine Merlot wine and meet us in the drawing room. I'd like you to join us for a glass of wine."
"Yes, sir, there are a couple of bottles I've been saving for a special occasion."
Murdoch and Ryan unpacked their suitcases and freshened up before meeting Annie in the drawing room.
Annie uncorked the wine and partially filled each of the three wine glasses she had placed on the silver serving tray. Ryan handed each of them a glass. "Annie, please join us, there is something Murdoch and I would like to discuss with you."
After every one was seated, Ryan said, "Annie, you were my mother's closest friend and have shown the same love and affection towards me. I've always treasured your warm friendship and I want you to know the feeling is mutual. You must have guessed by this time, the deep friendship I have for Murdoch. We feel that you should know that we are in love with each other and have been a couple for the past two years. Other than Murdoch's mother, no one knows of this relationship. We're asking that you respect our wishes to keep this information between us."
Annie smiled, "Well it's about time you two lovebirds decided to finally share this with me. Ryan, you're like my own son, I've help raised you since you were a baby. And, I love you as a son. If Murdoch is your partner, than I accept him as I do you. From what I have seen of him, I feel that you have made the right choice." She raised her glass, "Here's to a long and happy life together."
They smiled and thanked Annie for her toast. Ryan said, "I'm sharing this news with you, Annie, because if my father, or Vera ever found out about us, I will be in serious trouble. I'm a year away from my twenty-fifth birthday, and you know what that means. You see, I made the mistake of telling Dad that I thought I might be gay or bi-sexual two years ago. Of course I knew I was gay for some time. But, after Murdoch and I became lovers, I decided to test the waters with Dad while we were sailing in Europe. He took the news badly and refused to believe I was gay. In any event, after I returned home, he forced me start seeing a psychologist. He still believes I can be cured with the proper treatment. Well, I've been in treatment now for over two years, and I haven't changed my orientation."
"As far as Dad knows, my casual experimentation with males was just that and nothing more. He knows nothing of my marriage to Murdoch and I don't want him to know. Dad and Vera are still putting a lot of pressure on me to find a suitable bride and get married before I reach twenty-five. Dad has threatened me with all kinds of legal action if I continued to believe I was gay. He said that news, and the resulting notoriety, would not only hurt the family's good name, but could hurt both businesses as well. Regardless, of that, he would clap me in a mental institution so fast I wouldn't know what hit me. He would have me declared mentally incompetent so I could not take control of my inheritance. No way would he allow a fairy to take over Templeton. He promised to keep me in a mental institution until I was cured. Either way, if I ever did get out, I wouldn't have the brains to run a tractor, let alone run a business."
"You're father has changed for the worse," Annie said. "I can't believe he would act that way toward you, his own flesh and blood. I always liked your father because of the way he treated your mother. He was a loving husband and devoted father, when I knew him. He took you're mother's death very hard and doted on you after her death. I'm so sorry he is reacting this way. I'm sure a lot of this can be laid at Vera's doorstep. You created yourself a vengeful enemy when you threw her out. I know all about her family, and I don't trust her or that family of hers. She has driven a wedge between you and your father. I'm convinced she wants to get her hands on your estate for her own children. Yet, that doesn't excuse your father's behavior for treating you this way. He was always a macho guy, into sports and all. I'm sure he feels that your being a homosexual is a personal affront to his manhood. You're father was always a bit arrogant and something like this would overwhelm that perfect image he has created of himself."
"I've never told you this, Ryan, but your mother was a strong and intelligent woman, a heck of a lot smarter than your father ever was. He couldn't hold a candle her. She was as intelligent as she was beautiful. Why, she had more business sense than your father ever will have if he lived to be a hundred. She was tough, and could be ruthless when it was called for. Yet, no one ever knew that of her. She always appeared as the gentle, sophisticated Southern lady that she was, and always tried to persuade people with her genteel manner. Her Daddy, and Granddad, trained her well. We grew up together and were close friends until the day she died. I've never seen her show her real feelings in public. She maintained that placid exterior to everyone. I'm telling you this, Ryan, so that you can understand what I'm about to tell you."
"I may have questioned your mother's motives at the time, because she never explained everything to me in great detail. But, I never had any reason to doubt her wisdom, or her motives. I think you were about four years old at the time. Your mother and I were seated in the garden, and you had fallen asleep on her lap. I knew something was troubling her, because she was preoccupied with some problem she was trying to work out in her own mind. She did that often. I knew when she asked me to sit in the garden with her, that she had something important on her mind. She was gently stroking your hair."
"She said, 'Annie, this boy is my future, and the future of my family's legacy. He must be taught and nurtured to accept the responsibility of running Templeton Industries when he reaches his twenty-fifth birthday. George and I may not be around to see that happen, but never the less, I have made arrangements to see that Ryan is protected at all costs. No one will prevent that from happening. I love George dearly, and I'm sure he loves Ryan as much as I do. I trust he will do his part as a loving father if I should die.'
'I fully expect to live to a ripe old age, just like my parents, but I promised my parents that only my children will inherit the Templeton estate. That's the way it's been since the beginning and that is the way it will remain. No one other than my family, including George, knows the exact extent of the Templeton holdings. It is a privately held corporation and its assets are not in the public domain. Even Uncle Sam does not know, because of the complex way my Grandfather's advisors set up the parent corporation and the sub-corporations, both here, and abroad. Let me say, the holdings are vast and sizable. If Ryan turns out to be an only child, and he dies, or is unable to take over control of the Templeton holdings, they will revert to the Templeton Foundation. In that event, the businesses will be liquidated and cash turned over to the Foundation.'
"Murdoch, I must ask that you leave us for a few minutes, I have a private matter for Ryan's ears only," Annie said.
"No problem," Murdoch said as he stood. "I'll be in the den watching TV. Call me when you're finished."
Ten minutes later, both Annie and Ryan walked into the den. "Murdoch, will you join us, we have some exploring to do in the basement," Ryan said.
"Sure, Babe," Murdoch said. "I hope this is not going to take too long, because I'm starved."
Annie laughed, "Ryan, maybe we should wait until after I feed your other half."
"Good thinking," Ryan said.
After dinner, they took the elevator to the sub-basement. "This is the utility area of the house, where the heating plant, generators, electrical and laundry facilities are housed," Ryan said. "There is also a hurricane shelter at the far end of the basement near the service tunnel. The tunnel acts as an escape route and a ventilation shaft. We use electric carts and forklifts to supply the house. Our generators can create enough power to supply this building, the guest villas, and the garage. It is not unusual to have power outages in this area, sometimes lasting for several days. Annie, why don't you lead the way to this vault you were telling me about?"
Annie led them down a long passageway beyond the generator room to a double, wide, heavy metal door with a glass panel in the center of each panel. The door was marked Authorized Personnel Only. Annie punched a code on the touch pad next to the door and the door swung open with a whoosh. When they went through, the door closed automatically. Ten feet beyond this door was a second set of heavy steel doors, marked Archive Storage Room. Annie worked the tumbler dial and opened the massive doors. Inside was like a mini-warehouse with row after row of fireproof steel filing cabinets stacked from floor to ceiling. At the end of the large room was a larger circular steel vault door. Annie worked the dials and swung the two foot thick door open.
'My god," Murdoch said. "This vault is built like the First National Bank vault."
"Ryan's grandfather was paranoid about secrecy and security. He had this facility built years ago and it is still in use today. This room is used to house the corporate books, corporate seals and the minutes of every board of directors meeting, as well as the annual financial statements for every year since the corporation was formed in the early nineteenth century. Of course, many improvements have been made over the years, to preserve the original documents. For example the temperature and humidity are computer controlled. The last major improvements were made by Ryan's mother, when she installed a positive air filtration system for this entire storage area. She also had every document scanned and fed into the main frame computer. Again, the original copies are stored with a backup copy in a bank vault. Ryan, you were not to have access to this information until you became twenty-five. At that time you were to be given a sealed document from your mother. However, your mother conceived a backup plan for an emergency. She instructed me to allow you access to this room if you or the estate was in danger. From what you have told me about your father and Vera, I feel that time has come."
"I have no interest in the contents of these rooms," she said. "Anyway, it really is no concern of mine. My job is to open the outer doors for you and the people authorized by your trustees. They come down here on the first Monday of the new month with the minutes and documents from the meetings. Any documents requiring a corporate seal, requires special handling. Your trustee for that company is accompanied by the corporate Secretary. Each has a key for the appropriate safety deposit file. When their keys are in place I insert my key and the file is opened. After they affix the seal to the documents, the original document is inserted into proper place in the file, the seal returned to its proper place and the keys removed until the next time. Of course this whole transaction is recorded. Nothing is left to chance. All the executives have been cleared by our security people and their credentials are carefully checked before they ever set foot in this manor."
'What happens if you became sick?" Murdoch asked.
'I have two backups that can substitute for me in that emergency."
'Well, the big moment has arrived for you, Ryan," Annie said as she pointed to a second steel vault door at the end of the room. Only you can enter through that door, Sweetheart."
Ryan walked up to the door and stood in front of the lock. 'What is the combination, Annie?"
'I don't know that, honey," Annie said. 'Your mother said she gave you the combination and you could open the door."
He turned and looked at Annie and Murdoch with a surprised look on his face, "Oh, dear Lord," Ryan said. "I don't remember Mom ever giving me any combination number, ever."
'Try to think back, Baby," Annie said.
Ryan paced the floor for ten minutes and couldn't think of anything his mother had mentioned that could be construed as a combination to this vault. Annie said, "Did your Mom every tell you to keep a secret that was just between you two? Try and think, Baby."
"Ryan, did she have a special name for you that no one else called you?" Murdoch asked.
Ryan smiled, "I need a pencil and paper to figure this out," Ryan said.
Annie opened a drawer and handed Ryan a pen and a small note pad. He sat down pulled out his telephone and looked at the touch pad as he wrote out four sets of numbers. 52, 62, 35, 68. He ripped off the sheet of paper and walked over to the safe. He spun the dial left the 52, right to 62, back to 35 and ahead to 68. When he turned the wheel in the center of the door it swung open. As the door opened, a bright fluorescent light blinked on. This room was a little smaller then the other room with a modern wooden desk in the center of the space. There was a sealed manilla envelope in the center of the desk marked Ryan.
"Ryan, we'll wait for you in the sitting room," Murdoch said.
"Just close and lock the steel doors to each room on your way out," Annie said as she left. "The alarm system will reset itself. Take as long as you want."
"Thanks, guys, I'll be up in a bit," Ryan said.
Ryan sat down at the desk, opened the sealed envelope and pulled out the letter his mother had written.
My Dearest Ryan,
I knew I bore a smart son since you have figured out the combination to this vault. I'm so sorry that I could not have lived to see you grow into the man you are today. Thank God for my wonderful friend, Annie, for watching over you all these years and for showing you this vault.
I have never deluded myself that life was going to be easy and that I would be by your side to guide you into the family affairs, as my father and grandfather did for me. Nevertheless, it is your duty to see that the empire your ancestors have built continues to grow and expand.
Granted, I did not live long enough to see my ideas develop. At least I was successful in divesting the company from all tobacco holdings, against the objections of my board of director's best advice. It didn't take a genius to figure that one out. My board, like so many others, thought the tobacco companies would win out in the long run, because of the billions of dollars of revenue the tobacco industry generates each year in this country and worldwide.
When the tobacco companies began to buy into other companies, the handwriting was on the wall. Yet, my advisors were imploring me to hold onto our vast interests in the tobacco industry. I point this out to you, my son, because you also will be challenged by your advisors. You must be prepared to stand up for what you believe if you wish to continue to see our business flourish. We may have lost a few dollars in the short run, selling our tobacco interests, but in the long run we won big time with the reinvestment of those funds.
I loved your father deeply and he was a good and devoted husband to me. Yet again, you are my Lancelot, and the rightful, and only heir to the Templeton Empire. Your father has his own manufacturing business to run and never had any interest in the Templeton Industries. My father liked George, but never thought he would be totally committed to Templeton Industries. Your father thought of the Templetons as farmers and lumbermen and out of the mainstream of the business world. As much as I loved your father, he was a chauvinist and a snob as well. Nobody is perfect, my son. Your granddad, and my father, were happy to let George think that way, as he would never be allowed to take charge and run Templeton. Only a Templeton can run our empire. Knowing George as I do, I know that he never could have taken orders from me, or from you, for that matter. So, in the long run it worked out for the best.
When I learned that I was dying, I changed my will so that you inherited the Templeton Plantation and Oakdale Farms after my death. My will is air tight and cannot be broken by your father, or anyone else. Not that he would, because he loves you as much as I do, but in any event that's the way it should be. I left your father a generous settlement, but no interest in Templeton Industries. Your Dad didn't need the money, as he has enough of his own. You know the conditions of my will and you will control the Templeton Empire. Your father had no problem with this and understood the reason for my leaving everything to you. He also agreed that you would be raised on the plantation and visit with him in Atlanta when he is in town.
I encouraged your father to marry again after a respectable waiting period. For his sake, I hope he does. Life is for the living. I'm sure there is bound to be some friction between you and the woman your dad marries. That's understandable, but try and understand his feelings as well. Your father is one of those men that needs a woman in his life. You'll understand that as you grow older.
As I have said, I've tried to take into consideration every possible pitfall that could befall you until you reach your twenty-fifth birthday. If you are not twenty-five and you are reading this letter, than you are experiencing some sort of trouble. In that case, you will need to tap into a cash account that has been set up for just such an eventuality. Ryan, my son, you are a very wealthy man, and you will need to protect yourself at all costs.
If you suspect any of your Trustees, fire them. You have that discretion under the terms of my will. As of this moment, you now have access to hundreds of millions of dollars in your Swiss account and in Nassau. Use the Lancelot code to access my computer, and also those accounts. You can transfer the funds to any bank you chose anywhere in the world. I suggest that you get in touch with Mr. Charles Lattimore, of Lattimore & Associates in New York City. His contact information is in the computer. Our family has used his firm in the past, all of their agents are CIA trained and are extremely efficient and very, very expensive. Yet, they are worth every penny.
Be honest and open with them. They will take care of any of your problems. Take their advice, and don't think you can second guess anyone; you must always be two steps ahead of your enemies if you expect to survive. You are a target now, remember that my son. Be careful whom you put your trust in. You can trust Annie, but I have found it a good policy never to put too much of a burden on her, or anyone for they also can be singled out as a target. Annie is trustworthy and loyal to us without reservations. I know she loves you as much as I do.
I think it would be a good idea to have all your advisors checked out, just to play it safe. After all, people can change over the years and it's been a while since I've passed on. I've left you detailed instructions on all our holdings and notes on experts, like Mister Lattimore, as an example. I've indexed them under their area of expertise.
I've tried to think of every thing, Ryan, but there is just so much to tell and so little time left to me. The medication and cancer drain me of my energy. I regret that I could not be around to guide you. You have always been such a loving child and I treasured every moment we spent together. Please read the copious notes on each of the organizations and on the Executives that headed up each company. No doubt some of them have been replaced by now, but I'm sure some of them are still on board. One final note, read my will very carefully, in particular the sections that refer to 'unusual circumstances', this section will give you the authority to take control of the Templeton Empire before your 25th birthday. You will also find the names of the two law firms that control the Templeton Empire on your behalf.
Well, my beloved son, my time grows short, and I must end this letter and place it in the vault before I'm too ill to walk. I suggest that you continue to keep your father and everyone in the dark about your inheritance. Always be on the lookout for those friends around you that can take advantage of you because of your wealth. Keep your true worth a secret from everyone; our family always maintained a low profile for that reason. Your Templeton forefathers could be quite a ruthless bunch, I encourage you to read family history on how they acquired and amassed their fortune and how they went about to destroy anyone they considered to be their enemies. I found it fascinating, much better than any of the adventure stories on the market today. You may be able to get a few ideas on how to cope with any problems you may face in future business dealings.
I love you with all my heart. You are a wonderful, loving son, and I know you will do well running this company. Take the advice of your grandfather, who said, 'Don't be a slave to your business, hire the best person for the job, and let them do the job.' Life is too short; love and happiness are the true goals to strive for. I hope you will find happiness, and love, my son, you have so much to give.
With all my love,
Mother
The tears ran down Ryan's cheeks as he folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. He stayed a few minutes longer to compose himself. He spent some time looking at some of the files in the computer. He also found the listing for Lattimore & Associates and dialed the number. The answering service took his message, then he signed off and turned off the computer and closed the vault door. He did the same with the two other steel doors and took the elevator to the first floor.
The night lights were off in all the rooms on the ground floor when Ryan walked out of the elevator. He walked back into the elevator and rode to the second floor. Murdoch was in their sitting room reading when Ryan entered. He sat down next to him on the sofa.
Murdoch put his arm around him and kissed him. "Looks like you had a rough time, Sweetheart."
"A little, I wish my mother had not died before I had the chance to know her better. Reading her letter made me realize what a smart woman she was. I wish I could tell you everything she said, but I'm bound by rules she laid down for me until I officially inherit the estate. I will tell you everything on my twenty-fifth birthday. One thing for sure, we don't need to worry about money. There is enough there for me to fight off any demands that Father is forcing upon me. It's going to take me time to go through and analyze everything in that vault, but I'm sure we will both be surprised. My father hasn't a clue as to the extent of the Templeton holdings. I scanned one portfolio, and could not believe my eyes. After I speak with Lattimore & Associates, we can both breathe a lot easier. We are not out of the woods yet."
"There is too much to grasp at one time, Ryan. Who is Lattimore & Associates and how are you able to get you hands on the money? I thought that your trustees controlled your trusts?"
"I know, but my mother and her advisers were very clever. They anticipated, and developed a contingency plan for any problems. They had a plan already in place in just such an event. As you know, my mother took over control after the death of my Grandfather. He and his advisers had devised a plan to make sure that the Templeton Empire could only be controlled by a Templeton. So if mother died, the estate would revert to her heirs. They knew it would become very touchy in that eventuality because my father would not benefit from the estate nor could he become my trustee. In this case my mother's estate would revert directly to me and my trustees would manage the estate. My mother settled 100 million dollars on my father."
"Now, the firm that handles my trust fund has nothing to do with Templeton Industries estate lawyers. That is handled by two separate firms. And those are the two firms that look out for my interests. There is a provision in the will that allows me to take control of the estate, under extraordinary conditions. Father's threat falls under that clause. I don't have to wait until I'm twenty five any longer. That aside, my mother has given me access to four overseas numbered bank accounts. My prints and secret code name have been confirmed."
'This is terrific news, Ryan. Now you have the clout to keep your father off your back, forcing you to marry."
'We still have to play it safe until the Lattimore group is in place, and I talk to the law firm that handles my estate. But, that doesn't stop you from getting the inside information on Nat Rollins. We can talk to the Lattimore guys and see what they suggest. I don't want you to get caught in the middle of all this. If Lattimore & Associates are a good as my Mother said they are, I'm sure they can get the information you need. We can also let them approach your boss to get the goods on Nat. I'm sure he is not averse to earning a nice healthy tax free gift."
"This sounds like it's going to be fun," Murdoch said. "I can't stand Nat Rollins."
Ryan smiled, "Enough of this for one night, we're on a second honeymoon. I think it's time to take you to bed and make love to you."
Murdoch kissed his lover passionately, "That's the second best thing I've heard tonight". He turned off the lights and lead Ryan into their bedroom.