Chapter 3

I was not real comfortable with what I was going to do next. I knew the monies for the container ship would have made Frank and Dave rich men, but we were out to make this company successful, not just a couple of individuals. I remembered what Sam had said about wanting kids, raising a family and to make the house a home. That is what I had always wanted too.

I picked up the phone and dialed the number by memory.

"Hello. may I speak with Vito please, tell him Mark is calling about Vegas."

"Hey Mark! I'm sorry to hear about your parents! What can I do for my 'former' Son-In-Law, who would have 'inherited' a few of my 'legitimate' businesses. Monica is still 'single' you know; if you could just 'overlook' a couple of her 'diversions'?"

"Hello former 'Dad'. Thank you, it was a shock when Mom and Dad's plane crashed. You know I thought Monica and I wanted the same things, but that became 'obvious' we had different goals. I know now that each of us has some strange and 'peculiar pastimes'. You and I always seem to be able to keep personal and business issues separate. I learned something else from you, too."

"Well, well, well! What is that?" Vito asked.

"That I want a family, children that I can have take over the business! So in many ways you gave me a chance while I was still young. When Mom and Dad died, it was very evident that I was not ready or able to take over. I was lucky, he had some good people. They are helping me, in fact, they have become my De-facto' 'family' now. Without them I would be in trouble."

"Something came up today that brought to mind one of your; maybe 'our' potential projects. When we first discussed it, I was not willing to consider some of the things you and your 'associates' were involved in. The issues we have here though, made me see that the only true way to survive is to grow. I had about 10 seconds to decide something and came to the conclusion that if you still wanted me to be involved with your 'investments' I would do so and see to it that Monica is taken care of, as you say, for the rest of her life. No matter if she marries, stays single or whatever he life style entails. I will even offer her an apartment that will keep her, shall we say, 'peculiar lifestyle' away from yours. If we can keep the personal stuff out, we always seemed to be good in business together, at least the stuff that was not directly 'family' related."

"So, you have had a change of heart, but you still reject my daughter and all that I would leave you?"

"In a way Vito she and I both are weird. As you say, she has her 'diversions', as of yesterday I now have 3, maybe more Slaves. I think we both are screwed up, but yes, I don't think I would ever marry her again; but I do and always have cared for her and respected you!"

"But, you are not married, right?"

"Yes, I am not married, but one of my 'Princess Slaves' reminded me that I want a family and children to raise and see grow up. I don't think that is anywhere near what Monica wants. Like I said Vito, this was not something I had given a lot of thought to. In speaking with you though, it beings back many memories, good memories, and I will always be there for Monica if you are not, even though I do not think I would make her my wife again."

Little misty now. "Mom and Dad passing taught me that being alone against the world is not a good thing. As your buddies in Vegas would say, 'the odds are against you'? Vito, thank you for taking my call. I really am sorry that things did not work out with Monica and we never started any business, but let her know that if she needs anything to let me know. I don't have the Billions you do, but she never has to worry about things when you are not there for her. I need to go now Vito, It's a bit of a difficult time for me thinking about all this. You both take care!" I hung up.

Damn! This was a sad call. It did not go the way I feared. It was even worse. I realized that I really, really liked my ex Father in Law, he had shown me mistakes in life before I ever made them. That realization coupled with Mom and Dad dying brought tears to my eyes. If it were not for the new girls in my life I truly would have no one.

I needed to call Ralph. There were several things we needed to discuss.

"Ralph Vince please, Mark Hoffman calling." After a wait, 'Can he call you back?"

"Sure, ask if he can see me here, there or at his or my house anytime soon. We need to go over both business and personal stuff, none dealing with my Mom or Dad though."

My cell range. I answered. The caller ID was blocked. I had an idea or 3 as to who it might be. Hello! Marks Mortuary, we have the best prices on slightly used body parts!"

"I'll take 3, if they are not human. Hi Stud! I heard from Daddy that you might have a place for me to stay at? Your not wanting to rethink getting married again, are you. I know Daddy would make it worth your trouble?"

"Yes and No Monica. Yes, you are welcome to an apartment, a very nice apartment, that allows animals. He! He! No, I don't think that I want to marry you, again. Monica, you know I was never angry with you, it was your extra activities that I just could not compete with. I had a chat about what your Daddy would have given us earlier. You know I don't have the things he does Monica, but I told him to tell you that if he was not around and you ever needed anything. I would always help you."

"Stop it, Stud! That's what got us married in the first place. You never wanted or needed anything from Daddy and were such a nice guy. You know I never cheated on you; at least with another man or woman for that matter!"

"I know Monica, I know. I guess we both are a little weird!"

"Yeah! Daddy said you now have a harem! Wow, you think my diversions are weird, you should talk!"

"Monica Dear! I just got 3 Slaves yesterday and maybe 2 or 3 more today, I'm not sure Gwen is going shopping today and has Marge getting a collar and may find 1 or two more, that all." What was I saying, if 5 or 6 Slaves did not constitute a Harem, then Bill Clinton never had sex with his aide.