"A Breaking News Story … good evening. CNN-News Watch has learned from our correspondent in Atlanta that a Federal Grand Jury has handed down kidnapping indictments against five people today. Those indicted are prominent businessman, George Spencer and his wife, Vera Rollins Spencer, a well know socialite in Atlanta; her brother, Nat Rollins; Dr. Bain, owner of Sunnyvale Sanitarium; and Seymour Helms, owner of AAA Detective Agency. The kidnap victim was Ryan Templeton Spencer, eldest son of George Spencer. Ryan Spencer was a star quarterback for Georgia State University. His attorney, Stewart Kline, renowned criminal lawyer with the law firm of Belden, Bell, Cartwright, Horowitz, Kline and McCormick, said that he will be filing civil charges against the indicted co-conspirators, in addition to the federal charges.
The kidnapping charges were filed by the Federal Prosecutor for the Southern District. Mr. Kline said his client would be filling civil charges against George Spencer, Vera Rollins Spencer and the Rollins family for grand larceny and embezzlement. Mr. Kline said he is working closely with the District Attorney and the Federal Prosecutors since the charges may involve violations against interstate commerce. Mr. Kline said he could not comment about the case, but he did say that Ryan Spencer had hired the services of a public relations firm that will be available to answer any questions for the media. Any one interested can contact Mary Lewis at his Atlanta office."
"Mr. Ryan, do you wish to speak to Mr. Kline from Atlanta?" the butler asked.
"Thank you, Raymond, please put the call through."
"Hi, Ryan, sorry to bother you, but something came up that I wanted to run by you. I received a call from your father's lawyer this morning. Your father wants to talk to you regarding this mess he is in. I thought you should know. How do you want me to respond?"
"We both know what he wants, and the answer is no. I'm not going to let him off the hook," Ryan said. "Look, why don't you send one of your savvy assistants to the jail to talk to him face-to-face. Try to get a reading on him. I don't want you to make the trip, because he'll think I gave some credence to his request. One thing though, I want your assistant to tell him that my genuine concern is for the welfare of my half brothers and sisters. They are young and at an impressionable age, and I'm sure they are worried right now. This mess is not going away any time soon. There will be media camping on his doorstep all the time, trying to take pictures of the kids, etc. I don't feel the kids should be exposed this kind of publicity. Until this is settled, I would like to suggest that my father award me custody of the children. They would be under my protection at Oakdale Farms. This way they won't be exposed to the feeding frenzy in Atlanta. Tell him I'll move their nanny as well. Impress upon him that he, his wife, and her family are going to be behind bars for a long, long time."
"I agree that the children should not have to suffer because of their parents mistakes. As much as I would like to go eyeball to eyeball with your father, I agree with your decision. Depending on what he tells my assistant, I just might have lunch with his lawyer and let him know your offer to take the children is genuine. How do you think your father is going to react to your offer?"
"It's hard to say, I don't know if he has accepted the seriousness of his situation. Things have always gone his way for most of his life. My feeling is that he has in his mind that he can walk away from this. Knowing my father as I do, I have the feeling he has convinced himself, that at the eleventh hour I will save his ass. I still believe he thinks he can control me. This request that I meet with him was typical. You can expect many more calls from his lawyers before this is over. Have you noticed that the Spencer Company stock in already dropping. Wait until the civil case starts and I begin dumping huge blocks of stock. We'll see how he reacts then. He claims he loves his children, well, if he does, he will consider my offer. But, right now, he is not ready to budge. That is how I read it from here. Yet, I could be wrong."
"You mentioned that you own twenty-five percent of the stock in Spencer. Can't your father take that away from you?"
"No, my grandfather placed them in a trust for me when I was born. They were turned over to me on my twenty-first birthday. That makes me the leading minority stockholder. I plan to demand a complete audit of the Spencer Corporation. I need to determine the true value of the company at this point. I'm sure we are going to find some additional accounting errors. I'm also sure his investment bankers are a little nervous right now."
"Sounds like you have everything under control," Stewart said. "I'll keep you posted on any new developments at this end."
"Thanks, guy, keep plugging away," Ryan said.
Ryan was seated in one of the large chairs viewing the screen on his laptop as Murdoch walked into their suite. "Do you have a minute?" Murdoch asked.
"Sure, Babe, what's up?"
"Tristan called and wanted to know if we would mind putting the kids up for three days next week?"
"That's fine with me, I've grown fond of the little darlings; is Tris okay?"
"He needs to go in for his monthly check-up this morning. The doctors want to run a series of tests, he'll be in the hospital for three days."
"Oh."
"Yes, I don't like the sound of that either," Murdoch said.
"Why don't you ask Tris and the kids to spend the weekend with us and you can take him to the hospital on Monday. I'll see that the kids get to school."
"Thanks, Sweetheart," Murdoch said. "I'm really pleased the way you have accepted my kin folk. Incidentally, I received the confirmation back from the DNA samples we took two months ago. Tristan is my cousin. This weekend may be a good time to talk to him about the trust fund I plan to set up for him and the children. I've been thinking about it since our last discussion and have decided to take your advice."
"I would like them to be part of my life. They are the only family I have left. Plus the fact that I've grown attached the all of them. They are so sweet and full of life."
"I love children, and I want to raise a family of our own when this mess with my family is finished."
"That's exactly what I want too, Sweetheart. Why wait, let's contact a few agencies to start locating some surrogate mothers?"
"I'm all for it, I'll make that one of my top projects, lover."
Tris and the children arrived for breakfast on Saturday morning. "Tris, would you mind if I took the children into town with me this morning?" Ryan asked.
"Are you sure you're ready for that?" Tris asked.
"Not to worry, I'll have my two trusted body guards along to help. Then it's settled, kids, we'll leave right after breakfast." The children had big smiles on their faces as they nodded their heads in agreement.
After Ryan and the children left, Murdoch asked Tris to join him in the morning room.
"Tris, the results of the DNA tests show that we are cousins. So that makes you my first cousin. Being that we are blood relations, I have decided to make things a little better for you and the children. Are you happy in the cottage?" Murdoch asked.
"Yes, it's been my home for a long time and the kids like the place. Why do you ask?"
"Well, if you really like that place, I plan to renovate it to make it easier for you. I'll have a master bedroom suite built on the main floor for you, complete with a modern bath. I think we can modernize the entire place and add another bath on the second floor for your daughter. I was going suggest a modern one story ranch house for you, but if you like the cottage we'll put it in first class condition. After the alterations are completed to your satisfaction I'm having my lawyer deed the farm and cottage over to you and the children."
"My God, Murdoch, I'm absolutely dumbfounded. This is a marvelous gift, you are very generous, and I don't know how to thank you."
"Wait there is more. I also will be setting up a trust fund of four million dollars for the children, one million for each of them. The interest alone should be enough each year to pay for the all their living expenses. There will also be a scholarship fund available to those children that wish to attend a University, or a vocational school. In addition, starting next week you will receive an income of $200,000 dollars a year. I also plan to buy you a van equipped for your special needs. If you think of anything else you need just let me know."
"You are too generous, why are you doing this for me and my children?"
"There are many reasons, Tris. Some of them are personal. First of all, you, like my father, have been screwed over by this family, and I think you deserve a break. Secondly, you and the children are my only living relatives. Thirdly, I'm very fond of the children and I want them to have the chance at a good life, something you and I never had growing up. As I told Ryan, I want you and the children in my life. My family was taken away from me and I still miss them to this day. Having the children here these last few months, brought it all back. Please let me do this for you and the children. You won't regret it."
"I'm very grateful, Murdoch, and I accept your generosity. I'll rest a lot better knowing that my children will be taken care for the rest of their lives. I was worried sick with the thought that I may have another stroke and they would be placed into foster homes. Now, if something does happen to me, I will have the means to remain at home and receive proper care. I thank you for all you have done for the children and me already. The new help you have sent us has made our lives so much easier. The children are very fond of their new uncles, and they look forward to their visits here, as much as you like having them. I hope that the bond can continue to grow and that we become a family. I never thought, in my wildest dreams that something like this would ever happen to me, it's going to take me days to assimilate all of this."
"I'll have the papers drawn up for you to sign by Wednesday. While you're in the hospital, I'll have a contractor take a look at the cottage and come up with some ideas for your consideration. Don't worry about the disruption, you and the kids will stay with us when they renovate your cottage. This will allow us to make up for lost time."
"That will be fine, Murdoch. If you don't mind, I would like to talk to Sean about this. He is a bright lad, and old enough to understand how this will affect his future. I would rather not let anyone know about this. It could make it difficult for the children in school. Let me handle the locals. This is a small community and I don't think the folks would feel the same way towards the family once they learned of our sudden good fortune. You know they were kind to us when we needed their help. I feel that they would see us in a different light now, if they found out. I'll make it up to them in my own way, in a way they'll understand."
"That's fine with me; you do what you think best for yourself and your family. But, if there are any problems at all we'll send the children to a private school."
Two months have passed since Ryan heard from his father's lawyers. His father agreed to award Ryan temporary custody of his step-brothers and sisters. He realized that the media had become a problem for them and he did not want to leave his children in the care of his staff. He again wanted to meet with Ryan to see if some compromise could be worked out. Ryan refused once again; and realized it was only a matter of time before he must return to Atlanta to supervise the takeover of his father's company.
Murdoch and Ryan met with their consultants and agreed to a plan to form a joint venture Corporation between the McDonald Corporation, and the ART Corporation that would consolidate the overseas divisions of both companies. Ryan decided to purchase the Spencer overseas divisions and fold them into the new corporation. That would happen as soon as Ryan took over control of Spencer. After carefully studying the financial statement of Spencer, they determined that Spencer's overseas operations was operating in the red, mainly because of his father's mismanagement. With the merger of the three companies into one company, they were able to cut the administration and staff expenses by two-thirds.
Murdoch walked into their dressing room as Ryan was dressing for dinner. He pulled him into his arms and kissed him tenderly. "We're all set, Sweetheart, my 737 is set to fly us to Oak Dale Farms a week from Monday."
"That's great, Babe. Are Tris and the kids coming over for the weekend?"
"They sure are. I just got off the phone with Tris. He is all excited about his new van. He has been all checked out in its operation and said he will be driving the family over the first thing tomorrow for breakfast."
"Sounds like a winner, you know Tris is a new man since you made that settlement. He told me the other day that he loves the job that they did on the cottage. I'm glad you did that for his family. They are good people."
"I'm glad I took your advice and didn't overwhelm him by making him a multi millionaire right off the bat. I don't think he would have adjusted as well." He kissed Ryan again, "Come on beautiful, it's cocktail time."
The house telephone rang waking them both up. Murdoch turned on the bedside lamp and answered the phone. "Master Murdoch there is an emergency call from a Doctor Hastings at the hospital. I wouldn't have disturbed you at this time of night, but it's an emergency, something about your cousin, Mr. Burns."
"Thank you, Raymond, you did the right thing, please put the call through."
"Mr. McDonald, this is Doctor Hastings, Mr. Burns' doctor. You are listed as Mr. Burns' next of kin. I'm afraid I have some bad news for you. Tris has a massive stroke and passed away within the hour. It seems his housekeeper found him on the floor of his suite and called 911. This is the first opportunity I had to contact you. Would you like me to contact the funeral home he had listed on his chart?"
"Yes, please Doctor, I'll contact the funeral home tomorrow morning. Is there any need for me to come to the hospital, now?"
"No, there is really nothing that you can do here. I don't envy you the painful duty in letting his children know the sad news. I've already contacted his attorney, Mr. Terry Julian, and he said he would call you tomorrow morning. You may wish to speak to Doctor Godwin, our child psychologist. I think the children are going to need grief counseling. This is going to be quite a shock to them. Again, please contact me if you have any questions and let me again say I sympathize with you and your family in this trying time."
"Thanks, Doctor." Murdoch hung up the telephone.
"Murdoch, what happened? You look like a ghost."
Murdoch took Ryan in his arms, "Tris died an hour ago from a massive stroke."
"Oh, my God. What a tragic loss, those poor kids. Murdoch, you must call the housekeeper right away and tell her we will be over at six in the morning to be with the children. You must be the one to break the news to them."
"You are right, Baby." Murdoch called Tris' housekeeper to tell her that he would be at the cottage before the children woke up. If they do wake up and ask about their father, just tell the truth. He was taken to the hospital last night. After they're up and dressed, I'll be taking them over to the Manor House."
Murdoch and Ryan gathered the children into the morning room. "I wanted you to have a good breakfast before I tell you about your Dad," Murdoch said. "Last night your Dad had another stroke. The doctors did everything they could to save his life, but his life is in God's hands now. The angels came and took your father to heaven to be with your mother."
Sean burst into tears and cried. Murdoch walked over to him and took him into his arms. "I'm sorry, Sean, everything will be alright. You, your brothers and sister will stay here with me and Ryan from now on. We love you and want you with us."
"When will Daddy be coming home?" the twins asked."
"I'm afraid your mother needed your daddy more right now, he will be staying with her in heaven," Murdoch said. "Ryan and I will be taking care of you from now on. Will you like that?"
They both smiled, "Oh, yes, Uncle Murdoch. Can we ride our ponies and swim in the pool every day?"
"Yes, my loves, there is no reason you can't. In fact, why don't we have the pony cart brought around and you and your sister can go for a ride around the grounds?"
"That would be super, Uncle Murdoch."
Murdoch called the stables and made arrangements for the groom to take the children for a couple of hours.
"Sean, would you like to stick around with Ryan and me for the rest of the day?"
"I'd like that, if you're sure I won't be in the way. I really don't want to be alone right now."
"Come with me into my office, there are some interesting shows on the satellite you may like."
Murdoch got busy on the telephone while Sean began to surf the cable for TV programs from the USA. Murdoch finished his calls to the funeral home and Tris' lawyer.
"Look, Tiger, I need to run into town for a while. If you get bored or lonely, go on up and see Uncle Ryan, he always enjoys your company." He patted Sean on the shoulder, "Okay? I'll only be a couple of hours."
"Thanks, Uncle Murdoch, I'll be okay."
Murdoch stopped in Ryan's office to let him know he had to run into town for a few hours. "Ryan, I know you like the kids and all that, but are you absolutely comfortable with them living with us. They are wonderful children and all that, but you're my spouse and you come first, as far as I'm concerned. I won't allow anyone, or anything to come between us. If you have any doubts about the children, you should let me know now, before I talk to the lawyer."
Ryan smiled, "Thank you, my love, for putting my needs above all else, but the only doubt I have is if the children will accept us when they are old enough to understand our lifestyle? I love those children as much as you do and we certainly have the money to provide them with the best things in life. I think they are at the ideal age to be of help when our own children come along. No, I believe you can't have too many children around."
"Thanks, Sweetheart, I feel better already. After everything is settled, I would like to take them with us to Oakdale Farms to live, if that's alright with you?"
"That's a terrific idea; I thought I would have to make that trip alone."
"Look, Sweetheart, we made a promise to each other when you came here. We would never be separated again. I never had any intention of allowing you to fly to Georgia alone."
"Thanks, Murdoch, I really didn't want to face that mess alone."
"Well, I'm off. Will you check on Sean after a while? He watching some shows on my computer, but I don't think that's going to occupy his mind that long. I told him to find you if he felt lonely, but he won't intrude on your time."
"You go on; I'll look in on Sean in a little while."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. McDonald," the Lawyer said. "Tristan spoke very highly of you. It's indeed an honor to meet the Master of Mc Donald Hall."
"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Julian. I ask that you not let anyone know that I'm in town. The media will be on us in no time once they learn where I am."
"My lips are sealed. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Now, down to business. I have a copy of your cousin's Last Will and Testament. He also left me a sealed letter to be handed to you after you read his Will." He passed the letter over to Murdoch. "The Will is pretty straight forward. He leaves all his worldly goods divided among his children. He has appointed you as his executor and as such he asks that you become their legal guardian and that you raise them as you would your own. His final request is that his wife's ashes and his be interred in the family crypt. That is the extent of his Will. Tristan confided in me that he was concerned about his deteriorating health and wanted to be prepared just in case. I know you are a single man, and this is quite a responsibility to be thrust on you all of a sudden. But, I'm sure you will make the right decision regarding the children. I have already received a copy of the death certificate and will file his Will with the court. Do you have any questions, Mr. McDonald?"
"None at the moment. It is my desire to legally adopt all four children. I would like you to handle that for me. I have no objections if they elect to keep the Burns name as well; just add McDonald to the end. I also want to establish dual citizenship for each child, and they will require passports. I would like to have them in two weeks time, if at all possible. We will be leaving for our estate in Atlanta. If you need any help at all, please feel free to call my Executive VP, Ian Taylor-Jones. He has friends in high places. Better still, I'll have Ian contact you. Do you have any questions for me, Mr. Julian?"
"No, sir, I don't foresee any problems. I let you know of my progress in three days time."
"It's been a pleasure, Mr. Julian, I expect to hear from you soon. Now, I'm off to some unpleasant business with the funeral director." Murdoch shook hands with him and left.