Chapter 5

I had a week to figure out how to protect Beth Ann – whom I loved like life itself - from Grayson Foster, and the mob. If that wasn't enough pressure, I had a doctor – whom I loved – who wanted to fully examine my injuries in preparation for an action against Hillman Trucking.

After we finished with Colleen and Mr. Bell, and confirmed our appointments to see Rebecca in a few hours, Enterprise delivered Beth Ann's car, and we split up to deal with our own issues. I wanted to talk to Mr. Bell privately, and as soon as Beth Ann drove away, I wandered back into their office and asked if Mr. Bell was still available. Nanette showed me through to Mr. Bell's office, and I posed the question that was most pressing.

"Mr. Bell, as you can see, I'm pretty limited physically for the next three to six months. I need to stick close to Branson because I'm not really able to drive a lot farther. Can you suggest a rental that would take me on a month-to-month basis, that wouldn't cost me vacation rates, and doesn't have stairs?

"I honestly don't care if it is out of town. In fact I prefer it. I don't care if it's a trailer, or park model, or houseboat, for that matter. I need reasonable first floor lodging, with no stairs, that I can move into today.

"Any ideas?"

Mr. Bell thought...

I waited...

He thought a little more...

I waited a little more ... too.

Then he spoke. "Carl, since you are here due a disability injury, that is intertwined between auto insurance, workers' comp, and Hillman Trucking, the cost of your lodging is no issue. I can make two calls and justify the cost of anywhere you need to lodge.

"Beyond your physical limitations, injuries, pain, and suffering, the only thing that we are going to be taking into consideration is your comfort, and how comfortable you are with the lodging you can find, that also meets your physical requirements.

"Here is a thought, and I MUST insure that you clearly hear me on this. I own a houseboat rental operation on Table Rock Lake, which is quite near town, but exceptionally quiet. My houseboats are one floor, unless you wish to drive them from the roof. The bedrooms and hallway are at least thirty-six inches wide, which satisfies the ADA for access by those with physical challenges. AND my boats are tied up to a dock that is six feet wide, flat, and has no stairs.

"I can put you in a houseboat that we have in the fleet on a lease back basis, which means we are not the owner, but the owner gives it to us to use as a vacation rental. The cost is immaterial, as I will be billing your auto insurance company. I'll monitor their liaison with your workers' comp carrier on covering your medical costs. Most importantly for the long term, I'll have Hillman Trucking served with our demand letter. By law, Colleen and I would be entitled to a rather large percent of your workers' comp settlement, but I want you to know up front, that I'm going to take my fees and expenses out of the hide of Hillman Trucking.

"You won't pay me a dime. Not one cent. No matter how long you need the houseboat. My brother and I hire maids, and the rent will include all maid services, laundry service, and weekly grocery shopping at no extra charge to you.

"We can ride over now, you can see the boat, and tell me what you think.

"Would that be Ok with you?"

Would that be Ok???? Seriously?

He wanted me to live on the houseboat I bought for Beth Ann and me, and I'd be living just a couple of minutes from Beth Ann's cabin. It couldn't be more Ok, and I said so.

"Then let me get my briefcase and jacket, and we will head over there," Mr. Bell said, and got moving.

After dying so many times, being shot, rammed with a fuel truck, besides being poisoned, spending months in a coma, and living in three different bodies, I was almost back where I wanted to be. If I could figure the way to save Beth Ann from Grayson Foster and earn the huge rewards that got my whole trust started, I could see a pathway to winning back the best parts of my prior lives.

Mr. Bell carried my suitcase into the houseboat and set it in the master bedroom. I set my laptop bag on the kitchen counter, and asked, "When will your office have a lease ready for me?"

He laughed. "Carl, you're my client, and you gave me formal power of attorney to act for you on all matters related to the collision. Your insurance carrier will pay these bills, not you, and I darn sure don't need a lease to know you are a trustworthy fellow. Enjoy your stay on our boat, and let me know if you need anything. My brother and sister-in-law, Hank and JoAnna will be tickled to know you're here, because they worry about going home at night and not knowing if everything is Ok here.

"You go to see Rebecca Temple, get checked out, have her send her report to Colleen, and I will be all over Hillman Tucking tomorrow morning.

"By the way, Carl, I know Charlie Hillman personally, and should be able to deal with him pretty fast. Don't let this worry you too much. I've got you covered, top to bottom." He shook my hand and let himself out. Beth Ann and I used to own this boat, so I didn't need to take a tour. I got my clothes out and hung them up, set my toiletries out in the bathroom, and headed back to town to Rebecca's office.