“Oh Tom. What a shame this wonderful lamp has been destroyed, and that vase, I could cry!” Tammy said surveying the lost beauty in those precious shards so well crafted of love for the art of fine craftsmanship. A tear leaked down from her left eye as she bent down to examine the largest piece of vase that remained. She lifted it gingerly and looked lovingly at the painting within the circled gold cartouche. Tom’s hand gently patted her shoulder as Duncan and John helped one another stand the large paintings up and leaned them against the wall. “Tom. We have just lost several thousands of dollars I imagine, but I don’t care about that. I have always wanted to own pieces of art just like these. Now they are lost and gone with their master, with the ages they were created in.”

“Well honey, our insurance will cover them and we can have them replaced easily enough.” Tom callously stated.

“Tom! I don’t care about the money or insurance or having them replaced either. I had these for a few moments, something I always had a passion for. Now they are gone!” She told him as she started to cry as women do with sobs that can break the meanest man’s heart. She placed her face into her husband’s chest and cried as Tom held her softly and patted her back ever so softly. Duncan and John were keenly watching and listening as Tom gave them a wink and a nod with a smile that meant to please leave us alone a minute or two. The boys slipped into the foyer.

“Mr. And Mrs. Cornett! What has taken place down here?” Olivia asked as she entered the grand room with duster in hand. “I was upstairs in the back room and heard an awful crash. It’s a long ways to get down here and I’m almost out of breath.” The large heavy woman was heaving her well-endowed breasts with gulps of fresh air. Her hands on both hips and her eyes bulging out with amazement, she took in the scene of destruction before her.

Mr. O’Connor had advised them to keep Olivia employed until they decided whether to sell the place or not as she had worked for Mr. Thompson for the last 40 years and knew every nook and cranny of the old mansion. She also knew all the stories that had taken place within its walls and upon the estate proper as well. She was house Manager and was so jovial and full of charm. Tammy fell in love with her instantly. Tom was unsure as he felt she may be able to beat him in arm wrestling and did not trust any woman who could whoop his ass. He told Tammy and Duncan so.

After Tammy had filled Olivia in on what had taken place Olivia looked at Tammy gingerly and said, “Well, I know who to call to put those pictures back but that vase is history honey. We can find a replacement Tiffany Globe for that lamp I think. I have a journal in my little office with everything you need to know dear.” She surveyed the whole room as though searching for something. “Mr. Thompson!” She yelled. “Now you know better than that. Why did you do that to these fine people? Now you just get on out o’ here and go back to your grave where you belong. This here place ain’t none o’ your business no more!” She gave a shwoosh with her feather duster as if to chase someone away and left briskly taking Tammy by her hand and taking her into her office.

Tom, Duncan and John were left looking at each other with mouths agape, astonished at what had just taken place before them.

“Shit!” Said John as he headed for the door with the others right behind him. They met at the van and Duncan opened the back and opened the cooler and retrieved three long-necks. “Goddamn Dad, I don’t know about this place. Maybe you ought to sell it and get the hell out. That damn woman just scared the hell out o’ me!”

John took a long pull from his bottle after opening it with his teeth. He pointed his thumb towards the front seat of the van and said, “Shit man, I’m thinkin’ o’ havin’ me a toke o’ that good shit in my bag in there. I cain’t deal with this shit yet man. I needs me some o’ my shit dude before I go into that house again this day.!”

“John! Why’d ya say that in front o’ my old man. Ya tryin’ ta get me killed?” Duncan loudly confronted his friend.

“I don’t give no shit ‘bout him or no one else man, it’s time he found out anyway you been doin’ that shit behind his back and actin’ all goody-goody. Ya ought not lie to your parents like that man and I don’t know how many times I told ya that befo’! And I still ain’t goin’ back in that house till I get me a toke o’ my weed.” John said excitedly looking at Tom as he winked.

 “Yeah John.” Tom agreed. “I think I need a toke or two myself.” He slowly pulled some beer after he gave Duncan a grin and a wink. “Duncan, you know you can’t lie to me and yer mom. We’ve known it for a looong time now. We just trust our good friend here to take good care of you.”

Duncan was red-faced as he stared in awe at his friend and father. “ Gee dad….”

“Tom!” Tammy yelled out the door to them. “Hurry, come in here quick!”

The men ran into the house and followed Tammy quickly as she led them into the grand room where Olivia stood with a scrap of paper examining it. “This fell out of Duncan’s painting she said as she held it out to Tom.”

Tom took it and looked closely. He handed it to Duncan and said, “Well, I think we now know how to find that bible.” He walked over to the other painting of a beautiful young woman and ripped the back off after using his penknife to get a good start. Soon he pulled up another scrap of paper and unfolded it slowly. “Rod 40 SE 25 5feet d.” Tom read it aloud scratching his head. The ink was so old on the paper it had rusted to red. He looked slowly around the room and shouted, "Thank you ever so kindly Uncle Duncan. Stick around as long as you like."

Now I can live for two or three months on a good compliment. Think what a great one will do. But if you ain't up to it, just a thank you Charlie will do. Please, if you read this and are too shy to speak to me, at least give me a thumbs up if ya like it. What the hell ya think I write this shit for anyway? ©2009CC Riter