My Journal

By Harriman Nelson

5

I adjusted my tie, deciding to appear in civvies at the late afternoon press conference. I’d also sent an institute limo to pick up the Hawthorne’s, as we’d be going to dinner directly after.

I wasn’t looking forward to either event.

“Ready, sir?” Ames asked me.

“As I’ll ever be…”I sighed, weary. “I need a drink,” I added, reaching for the 21 year old Scotch.

“Lee wouldn’t expect you to resort to a little false courage, sir.”

“Hm. He wouldn’t, would he…very well,” I replied, setting the bottle down, “on to the reckoning.”

I’d decided for the promised press conference to be held right at the main gate so I wouldn’t have to let the Hawthorne's back into the office. It was overcast with the threat of thunderstorms but I’d made sure there was no weather tarp over the podium. I wanted the heavens to open up and drench them.

“We’re here at the Nelson Institute of Marine Research,” one of the reporters was saying, “where Admiral Nelson will be hosting a press conference and…here he comes now.”

As I walked through the pedestrian gate I nodded toward the limo driver who popped out to open the door for his passengers who joined me by the podium.

I took a breath as the first booms of thunder assaulted my eardrums. Perhaps my wish would be granted.

“Good afternoon,” I said. “First, let me say that DNA tests have confirmed that Mr. Ronald Hawthorne is indeed my biological son. A financial settlement was reached that I believe will compensate both he and his mother for any suffering they may have encountered through the years. However, I would like to add that at no time had I been approached or even knew about Ronald until he spoke to you, the press. I believe he also has something to say.”

“My mother and I are very pleased with Admi…my father’s, acknowledgement. In fact I’ve applied for a legal name change to Nelson.”

This was news to me. I was not amused.

“I’m hoping,” he continued, “that the ties that bind us together will include for me, hopefully, some small part in the running of the Institute. I know I don’t have the experience or skills of most of the executives, but I’m sure they can always use an extra hand in the mail room,” he laughed.

The nerve, the very nerve. Making himself out to appear humble! Oh, how I wanted the approaching storm to zap him with a bolt of lightening.

“I do not wish to intrude upon the very special relationship that my father has with Captain Nelson-Crane, nor do I seek any kind of status as his co-heir at this time. I also wish to apologize for the rude things I’d called him and about his biological heritage. In my own defense, I admit I’ve been a little jealous as he has claimed my father as his own when he has no blood tie to him as I do. But that’s no excuse for my rudeness…Mother?”

 “I simply hope that now, even though the magic is long past, that Harriman and I can renew our friendship.” 

“Any more questions?" Ames asked, "and please, no gutter talk….yes?” he said, pointing to one of the reporters.

“How will this affect Captain Nelson-Crane’s position at the institute?”

“He will maintain his equal partnership with me as co-owner,” I said.

“Even though you have another son, now?” another reporter asked, “surely you can’t expect Mr. Hawthorne to work in the mail room?”

“My name is Nelson, now,” Ronald interrupted. “At least it's pending. And the mail room was just a joke. I’m sure my father can arrange a position more in keeping with my status as his son, though I've only seen one employment opportunity on their webpage at the moment which is a little beneath what I'd hoped for."

I almost puked.

“Admiral,” one of the reporters asked, “what does Captain Nelson-Crane think about you having  a ‘real’ son now?”

“Even before the DNA tests, Lee  actually suggested I get to know Ronald better, so I doubt if he feels in any way threatened by the arrival of a brother. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a dinner reservation and would like to have a little quality time together now. Thank you.”

Thankfully it began to rain, and it was easy to herd Ronald and Jessica back into the limo, before more questions came our way.

I was not pleased that some of the news trucks followed us, but was sure Ames had requested the restaurant’s manager to keep them at bay once we arrived.