Chapter 27

Tai was moved out of ICU into a private room on the same floor. Beth and Bill wanted to come meet her, but we decided not to introduce them until we were sure that the custody had gone through. The other thing we were still discussing was trying to figure out how to get closer to Tessa’s parents’ home. Two weeks later, we were summoned to Child Protective Services for a meeting with Jennifer Wilson and her superiors. We arrived early but were immediately shown into the conference room.

About ten minutes later, Jennifer Wilson, two other women and a man appeared carrying stacks of folders. Everyone was introduced and Jennifer started off the meeting.

“Thank you for coming, Tessa and Chris. First let me start off by saying that this department really appreciates the generous offer that you have made on the behalf of the Nguyen child. With that said, let me turn it over to Ron Hiller our security advisor.” Jennifer stated.

“Good morning, I’m Ron Hiller the security advisor for Child Protective Services. I am responsible for the background checks into the both of you. First, Ms. Williamson, I checked with NCIC, your college transcripts and your medical training. Finally, we spoke to the administrator at the hospital where you work. Everything came back fine with no exceptions to speak of.” he started.

“Mr. Williams, when doing your background check a few things came up where we need to have further discussion. Would you like to do this in private?” he offered.

“No sir, I have nothing to hide.” I stated.

“A few years ago, you were involved in an incident with a female police officer. You apparently stopped to help her with a situation.” he stated.

“Yes sir.” I answered.

“You were given a commendation from the Police Union, correct?” he asked.

“Yes sir.” I answered.

“And just recently you were the Light Heavy Weight Champion in the MMA Circuit. Is that correct?” he asked.

“Yes sir.” I replied.

“Are you still fighting?” he inquired.

“No sir,”, I answered.

“Do you plan to possibly fight again?” he asked.

“No sir.” I responded.

“You have been out of the country several times in the past few years. South America I believe, is that correct?’, he inquired.

“Yes sir, I went several times to Brazil. That’s where my MMA trainer resides. I worked out there with him for several months at a time then flew back to Vegas to fight.” I explained.

“Ok, that pretty much answers everything I have. You’re good to go, Mr. Williams.” he smiled.

“Great, then all we have left are the formal papers that we can have ready in a few weeks. Chris and Tessa, it looks like you’re going to have a little one to take care of.” Jennifer smiled.

Tessa was extremely excited when I dropped her off at the hospital. But we decided to not say anything to Tai yet until it was official. I was on the way home when I got a call from my representative at the bank my mother used to work at. I still used them for all my banking needs. He mentioned that he needed me to come in and sign some papers. Since I was close to the bank, I told him I would be right over.

I had bought annuities of one million dollars each when I inherited the money from Mrs. Gardener. Each annuity paid about twenty thousand dollars a month in interest. I had just been banking that money for years and it had built into quite a sum in an interest-bearing checking account.

It was time to rollover the annuities for another four years. As I began to sign each one, I was struck with an idea. I asked if I decided to not roll one over what would be the consequences tax wise. I was told I had ninety days to reinvest the money, or I would be taxed at the going rate. I then asked would real estate be considered an investment. Since I had never formally bought a home, it would be considered an investment. However, if I did buy a home and sell the house, I was living in now I would incur taxes even though it had belonged to my mother.

I told him to hold one annuity for now and I would get back to him. As I left, I called Bill Williamson on his cell phone and he answered quickly. I informed him that Tessa wanted to get a place much closer to him and his wife. I asked him if he knew of any opportunities in his immediate area. He in fact informed me that a house just around the corner from him was going up for sale. He said it had been updated a few years ago and was in move in condition. He said it was probably about four thousand square feet but would probably list for nine hundred thousand. He told me he knew the owner and could call him immediately. I agreed and hung up.

About an hour later, he called me back and informed me that we could look at the place tonight. I agreed and told him that we would be there at seven o’clock. Tessa got home about six and I told her not to change. We left immediately but she was very confused as to what was going on. As we pulled into the neighborhood, she became more confused. I pulled up to the house on Junius Street and parked.

“What are we doing, Chris?” she asked.

“Maybe buying a house.” I replied.

“What...?” she shouted.

“Don’t get your panties bunched up ... come on.” I laughed.

The owner opened the door and recognized Tessa and invited us in. The home was a Prairie style home that had been built in 1920 or so. It had all of the oversized casings and moldings painted in brilliant while. All the ceilings were ten feet with beams running through most room. The color pattern was gray and white which gave it a very modern style look. The huge kitchen had been completely updated in a gourmet cooking experience. There was a sub-zero refrigerator and a stand-alone sub-zero freezer as well. There were two large ovens and a sixty-inch gas stove. There was a huge formal dining room that could easily fit at least twenty people.

There were four huge bedrooms and four bathrooms as well. There was a nice-sized office that would accommodate Tessa’s needs. They even had a home theatre room with a large 80-inch tv and six theatre seats with surround sound. There was a nice size back patio with an oversized jacuzzi under the cover. This home had everything you could ask for.

The owner informed us that in the next week the home would be listed for sale, and he was asking eight hundred thousand dollars. However, if I would be interested, we could work on the price since he didn’t need to pay a realtor’s commission which was close to fifty thousand dollars. He left the room so Tessa and I could talk for a few minutes.

“So, what do you think baby?” I asked.

“Tim, what would the monthly note be?” Tessa asked.

“Nothing, we are paying cash.” I advised.

“Chris, I have maybe two hundred thousand saved but it won’t buy this.” she laughed.

“I have the money in hand Tessa.” I replied, rubbing her back.

“Wait, you have eight hundred thousand dollars cash?” she asked.

“Yes, and much more than that. I’ll explain everything to you later. Do you want it ... it’s as close as I think we are going to get to your parents.” I asked.

“Oh my god, Chris ... I don’t know what to say.” she stated, tears running down her cheeks.

I called the owner back in and told him we were seriously considering his offer. I asked him about some of the furniture and perhaps if it could stay in the sale. He told me since time was a factor for him, all the furniture was available except for the bedroom suites.