Sleeping Dogs Never Lie 6

Nicholas Schroder lies quietly in his enormous solid oak bed. Downstairs are his devoted followers: his son Heinrich, his daughter Sofia and his son-in-law Baron Marko Balogh. His wife Vivian has refused to allow Nicholas to be moved to one of the lower bedrooms because the two of them shared this area for decades.

“Your father and I have shared this room for longer than I can remember.” Vivian begins. “I see no need to change it now."

“But it would be much better for you. Having to navigate those stairs is no small feat now that you have reached 70.” Sofia insists.

“I will not argue the point. It is as I wish. I am still the matriarch of this home, and my word is law!” Commands Vivian and there is no further discussion regarding the matter. As she leaves the dining area, she gives each one of her children a stern look and returns to the second-floor bedroom. She has to admit that the journey becomes more difficult but refuses to move her beloved husband.

He slowly opens his eyes and looks at her. “Oh Viv, we’ve had a good life together, haven’t we?” Nicholas laments.

“Yes, we have my darling.” Vivan responds while attempting to hold back tears.

“Where are Sofia and Heinrich, especially Marko?” Nicholas queries.

“They have almost completed breakfast—they will be up in a moment.” Vivian answers. “Everyone seems to be eating a little slower these days.”

“I know the feeling.” Nicholas chuckles. He hears slight movements as the adult children enter his bedroom. Then studying his wife, he makes a discovery. “You’ve got bags under your eyes; have you not been sleeping well?”

“Mom has been traversing those stairs, poppa. I told her to move you downstairs.” Sophia complains. Nicholas looks at his wife tenderly and then calls Marko to his side.

“I need you to make me a promise, Mark.” Nicholas manages to partially sit up while Marko comes close to the bed followed by his wife and brother-in-law.

“Anything at all, poppa!” Marko replies affectionately.

“See that Vivian wants for nothing.” Nicholas looks fondly at his bride. He married her when she was barely 18 years old and loved her at first sight.

“But poppa—” Heinrich tries to interrupt, but Nicholas gives him such a stern look that he is immediately silenced.

“You have been like a son to me Mark,” Nicholas continues, “and I know she will be in the best of hands." Then he looks at Heinrich.

“Make sure Heinrich stays out of jail.” He chuckles. “That boy has more schemes than a rattler has coils."

“Not to worry, poppa.” Nichalos knows that Marko will keep a finger on the pulse of all his operations, present and future.

“Come here my love.” Nicholas says to his wife. “You have been the jewel of my life—my princess. Now, I am leaving you in capable hands. Castle Luchsinger was our fortress even before Heinrich and Sofia made their noisy entrances. Now, it is yours alone. On the main grounds, off to the right near the cliffs, there are a suite of rooms. Use them for your abode. Heinrich can handle the core castle seamlessly.”

“As you wish, Nikki!” Vivian retorts.

“Keep security tight and our reputation blemish free.” Nicholas instructs Marko.

“Sofia, I know that you will assist your mother whenever you can.” Nicholas smiles.

“Of course, I will poppa!” Now there are tears forming in her eyes as she knows her father is nearing his end.

“My attorney has the complete Will. It pretty much states what I just said along with a few legal terms. I chose to give you both your inheritance while I lived so there would be no problems. Marko has enough money and influence to buy another planet.” Nicholas laughs and everyone joins him. Soon he stops, takes one final hard look at Vivian and slowly closes his eyes.

“He’s gone!” Vivian expresses her profound grief. Sofia immediately goes to her side, and they both embrace. Marco looks at Heinrich who soon turns away from him. Within moments, he is at his side comforting his brother-in-law.

“What will we do without him?” Heinrich laments.

“We will honor his memory.” Marco interjects.

The Following Day ...

News travels fast regarding the death of Nicholas Schroder. His Personal Information Specialist Veronica Sledge has informed all the major cable networks as well as social media regarding his demise. Telegrams and cable messages from around the world follow, sending condolences to Vivian Schroder and her children. Even President Kurt Westbrook is moved by the loss and discusses his plans to visit the castle for the memorial services. He speaks to Kit Weinberger.

“I didn’t know the old gentleman personally, but I had a ton of respect for him.” He relays to Kit.

“So did I sir.” Kit agrees.

“Will you accompany my wife and me to the services?” Kurt asks.

“Of course. How has Jennifer been?” Kit inquires, not having spoken to her in some time.

“Busy as ever with her auxiliary meetings and such. It’s like a temporary reprieve from this Calloway mess.” Kurt says.

"Believe it or not, Ingrid Schneider has asked me to accompany her to the services." Kit informs Kurt.

"I had no idea that she even knew the old gentleman!" Kurt retorts in amazement.

"Apparently so and she wants me to be a buffer in case there is any backlash among the group." Kit adds.

"I don't blame her. She is nothing like her infamous brother, I'm glad to say." Kurt interjects.

"No, she is quite the lady." Kit remarks, then looks at Kurt, "Now don't get any ideas."

"Right." Kurt responds, "See you for the services."

To Be Continued ...