Passing Fancy

By Darius Powell

A quirky owner of a professional football team dies unexpectedly and leaves part ownership of his team to his three daughters. The daughters don't like one another but will have to learn how to live and work together in order to save the team and save their lives from the dangers of the outside world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darius Powell
• Release date: Jan 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301778683

Darius Powell

Darius Powell is a former U.S. Army officer and corporate business executive turned writer. Since 2005, he has written two novels, nine short stories, one screenplay and several magazine articles.Raised in Los Angeles, CA, Darius currently lives in Cincinnati, OH with his family.

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Passing Fancy

Published by Darius Powell at Smashwords

Copyright © 2012

Table of Contents

Bad News Travels Faster

Guess Who’s Coming to Dayton?

Two’s a Crowd

Who’s Your Mommy?

Do What I Say, Not What I Do

Back to Reality

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

Turnabout is Fair Play

Are Happy Days Here Again?

Back in the Saddle Again

Be Careful What You Wish For

Humility Bears Strange Bedfellows

Sister Sister

Oops

Post Mortem

Blood is Thicker than Water

Girl Power

Theo, We have a Problem

Going Back to Cali

I Love L.A.

Meanwhile...Back at the Ranch

Sisters of the Night

The Midnight Hour

Balls in a Sling

Whip it Good

Closing Time

Bad News Travels Faster

DAYTON, OHIO

Over the years she’d grown accustomed to the varying ways that all of the low level office staffers looked at her but somehow today felt different. It was as if they all knew something that she didn’t. While some looked bewildered, others looked nervous; nonetheless, all of them paid attention to her every move. Acutely attuned to the current feel of the room yet confidently undaunted, Theodosia Makryonitis, known to everyone as Theo, continued to walk towards her corner office with complete aplomb.

She had given her personal assistant the day off which was fast becoming a decision she was starting to regret because as fate would have it she recalled that today was going to be filled with a lot of tedious work. This was further evidenced by the overstuffed briefcase that hung from her shoulder and the bundle of folders crammed between her arms. The end of the fiscal year was fast approaching so Theo wanted to get a jump start on assessing the present value of existing contracts and developing a realistic personnel strategy for the upcoming free agency period, the college draft and the new league year.

Given all of the work she was going to have to complete over the next few hours, she silently hoped that the looks she was getting so far this morning were not a portent for something worse; something that would take up her precious time. Despite her assuredness she still couldn’t help but feel the office eyes follow her like a bird of prey.

Her gutt instincts were confirmed when, a couple of times, she looked at random individuals who each responded by quickly ducking their heads and resuming whatever activity they were into. Had a tabloid story about her been released without her knowing, she thought? Was it one of the players? Had one of those pampered knuckleheads gotten into trouble downtown again? If so, she prayed that it wasn’t one of the stars or anyone else the team had sunk a lot of money into.

Once she finally reached her corner suite, Theo noticed that the light was on. She couldn’t tell if anyone was inside due to the blinds covering the window but she could definitely see the light shining from the bottom of the door. Once she turned the knob and pushed inward, she was not surprised to see someone sitting at her small conference table. The surprise was who was waiting to greet her.

What are you doing here, Officer…Nolan? she said almost stumbling over her words in order to read his name tag.

The neatly dressed police officer with his shiny badge and multiple ribbons stood up, picked up his cover and put it under his arms. My apologies Miss Makryonitis, he said. One of your employees said that it would be okay for me to wait for you in here.

She looked him up and down and quietly thought to herself that the Dayton Police force was getting younger and hunkier. She visualized him in another uniform and wondered if he had any skills. "Well at least I know why everyone is acting kind of funny this morning. Who is it this time? Did B.J. beat on his girlfriend again or was it Scooter making it rain with something more than dollar bills at The Boob Factory?"

Officer Nolan smiled, which made Theo aware that he knew exactly what she was talking about in regards to B.J. Monroe and Scooter Buchanan. No ma’am, I can honestly say that if those two are up to something I don’t know anything about it. Unfortunately, I’m here on a more somber note. You may want to take a seat.

What is it, Officer? said Theo as she dropped her briefcase against the wall and laid her paperwork on the desk.

Please have a seat, ma’am, and close the door.

Theo did as the officer requested and they both sat down at the round table. Normally she’d let someone from her staff deal with police matters, but Officer Nolan seemed nice enough and she thought he was cute, so she didn’t mind the interruption.

Okay, can you cut to the chase now? I really have a lot of work to do. You know, our team is a major donor for your department’s scholarship program?

I’m well aware of that ma’am and we certainly appreciate your continued support but I’m here on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Officer Nolan, no disrespect, but we live in Ohio. That’s a long way from the west coast. What’s this all about? she said.

Ma’am, we received a call from them this morning. Apparently someone named Fred Wilson…

Fred? Is he okay? said Theo, beginning to get jumpy.

The policeman bowed his head for a minute. Theo thought at first that he might be a little embarrassed for being in her office right now but then she sensed something else that she couldn’t put her finger on. When the officer reached across the table and laid his hand onto one of hers, Theo was worried that it was something serious. Is Fred all right? I hope he’s all right, she said.

Ma’am, Mister Wilson is fine, said the policeman while patting Theo’s hand. Unfortunately, he was the person who identified your father, Dionysius Makryonitis.

Theo picked up her hand that Officer Nolan was patting and covered her heart. Identified my father? For what; you’re scaring me Officer Nolan.

Ma’am, unfortunately Mister Wilson identified your father in the city morgue this morning. His corpse was found near the Santa Monica pier.

What? That can’t be true. What happened? said Theo as she stood up.

I’m really sorry ma’am but it appears that your father drowned while swimming in the ocean and he washed ashore near the pier.

That’s ridiculous. My father doesn’t do that sort of thing anymore. I mean, he was a competitive swimmer when he was in college, but he hasn’t swum in the open ocean for years. Something doesn’t sound right.

Officer Nolan looked up at Theo for an extended moment and reflected on the past few minutes. He could tell that she was different from most women. His initially thoughts were formed by her cavalier entrance to the office and then buttressed by her quizzical reaction to the news about her father.

He could tell that she was strong; a leader type that liked to take charge. He could tell that she was serious too. She didn’t wear any make-up and didn’t act overly girly. She was an executive for a professional football team but came to work dressed in a simple sweat suit. He liked these traits and found them sexy but still wanted to be the knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress if she needed him to be.

Ma’am, you have my every condolence but I’m only the messenger here. The LAPD wouldn’t waste time calling us if this weren’t true. Also, I understand that Mister Wilson works for the team. Is that right?

Yeah, Fred is the General Manager for the team. Actually, he’s my boss and has been one of my father’s closest friends over the years.

Officer Nolan shook his head to acknowledge what Theo was telling him. He wondered when she was going to break down and cry, if ever. If she did, she wasn’t going to have to worry about messing up her make-up, he thought. If there’s anything I can do please don’t hesitate. He reached towards the middle of the table and pulled some tissues out of a box. If you need to cry, I understand.

Don’t worry yourself officer, I’ll be fine. I have a team run, right? said Theo.

Ma’am only a few guys at the station know about this right now and they’re all deeply saddened. Your father was a local favorite and much beloved by the department, he said.

Theo didn’t know what to think. She ran both her hands through her short bright red hair then rubbed her freckle dominated face. "We were just together two days ago, you know. It was me, my dad, Fred, and some potential clients. We flew to Las Vegas to watch the team close out the season. Our primary intent was to have a good time because, as you know, the season was a joke. Speaking of which, I’m glad it’s over.

After the game, I came back home to close out the books and Fred and my father flew to California to take care of other business. When can I see the body? Do I have to go to there?"

The policeman shook his head side to side. No worries ma’am, you don’t have to go to Los Angeles. According to Mister Wilson, he’s having your father’s body flown back to Dayton immediately and has arranged to have the reading of his Will tomorrow morning.

Theo looked up at Officer Nolan. She could feel her emotions raging but wanted to remain cool in front of him. Is that all Officer Nolan? she asked him.

That’s it ma’am but again please know that you have my every condolence and I really wish that we could have met under better circumstances.

It’s okay, Officer Nolan. We rarely get to choose our fate, she said. Theo stood up and collected the paperwork off of her desk and then she picked up her briefcase and started to walk out of the office. The policeman caught onto her hint quickly and stood up to follow.

Excuse me for a second, officer. I have to make a quick call, she said. The policeman waited for her right outside of her office. She finished her phone call quickly and they left together. As they were walking towards the suite’s elevator all of the office assistants stopped what they were doing briefly to see what was going on.

It’s okay everybody. I’m going to work from home for the rest of the day, she said aloud for all of the office to hear. As expected she heard loud and random mumbling right after her announcement. She turned and joined the police officer in the elevator standing to his right and slightly in front of him.

Neither of them spoke during the elevator’s descent to the lobby but she could tell he was checking her out and really close to saying something. She knew this because she kept herself in good shape and was constantly approached by men for more than a hello, but right now Theo wasn’t in the mood for talking.

When the elevator door opened, Theo turned around and looked at the policeman. Officer Nolan, thank you for your prompt attention and pleasant candor. I have to be going now. She extended her hand to him.

Be well ma’am and feel free to call me if you need anything, said Officer Nolan as he shook her hand and passed along his business card.

Theo turned around and hurried through the turnstile. She looked back and saw that the policeman was still looking at her. Her driver was waiting for her also, so she turned and went to her limo. Rocky, take me home, she said.

Yes ma’am. Will we be stopping off anywhere else before going home?

No, just take me home, please. Theo leaped into the back of the car and leaned over on the elongated seat. Rocky closed the door behind her and before she knew it, the car was moving. For the whole twenty minute ride to her condo in Beavercreek, Theo did nothing more than think about the past thirty plus years spent with her father. She kept her head turned sideways so that Rocky couldn’t see her face. She wasn’t crying yet but felt that the tears were about to flow at any time so she decided to make a call.

Fred, this is Theo. Is it true? How did it happen? What? Why didn’t you stop him? When will you be home? Later today you say? His body is still in California? I thought you were bringing him with you? Whatever; we can discuss this tomorrow at the reading?

When they pulled up into her driveway, she jumped out of the car before Rocky had a chance to stop the engine. She was still carrying her briefcase and folders but they didn’t seem to bother her. Miss Mak, are you okay? said Rocky, as he got out of the car.

I’m fine Rocky, I’ll see you tomorrow. Wait for my call. Goodbye.

Theo quickly walked along the cobble stoned path leading to her front door. Once on the porch, she exhaled and reached into one of her pockets to retrieve a key. She was finally alone and felt that it was safe to express her true emotions. Tears started to run down her eyes as she turned the key.

She placed her folders on a table near her front door and threw her briefcase to the floor. After stepping down into the sunken family room, she fell on a large leather sofa and started to cry like a baby.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Pamela; is conference room A ready? said Alex.

Yes…yes, ma’am, it is, said Pamela, appearing shocked to see her boss so early in the morning.

Pamela, is there a problem?

No, ma’am, everything is fine, said Pamela.

Alex was not surprised by the startled look on Pamela’s face. She figured that most of the office assistants would be confused by her earlier than normal arrival. What they didn’t know was that she had spent most of the one hundred and sixty eight hours of the past week slaving over the financials and other important data for the company, JLT North America. She could finally see the finish line and didn’t want anything to go wrong.

On paper it was her firm and she was clearly the boss. However, although she paid other people a lot of money to conduct vigilant research and manic level due diligence, this project was different. It was the first biotechnology company that they had ever agreed to work with.

Subsequently, she didn’t want to leave anything to chance so she did her own research as sort of a second set of eyes in order to ensure that all bases were covered. Alex was curious if her two junior partners, Winston Porky and Harry Schwartz, were going to reach the same conclusion about the intrinsic value of this new firm.

Yes, Miss Lloyd, conference room A is ready and your biotechnical research team is present. I understand that Misters Porky and Schwartz will join you within twenty minutes.

Thank you Pamela, said Alex as she continued to ruffle through folders on her desk. Well, here goes nothing; we’ll see what the guys have to say, she said while gathering seemingly everything needed for the meeting.

See you in a while, said Pamela as Alex crossed the threshold of the door and passed by.

Alex strolled through an antiseptic strip of tan colored cubicles on her way to the conference room, all the while silently remembering the key questions she wanted to shoot at her partners.

Good morning, Miss Lloyd, said one of the members of the research team as Alex opened the door to the board room. All of the members stood up. They were arranged at one end of a long oak table large enough to seat about thirty people.

Please, sit down. Is everyone ready for this briefing? she asked the group, despite her focus on Marme, the middle aged man with salt & pepper hair who was going to be seated closest to her.

"We’re as ready as we’ll ever be, Alexandra. I hope your two partners have done their homework. Personally, I think JLT will make a great addition to the fund," he said.

I hope so; at a minimum if they maintain their current growth rate, we’ll all have nice bonuses at the end of the year. They all chuckled then turned towards the door when they heard knocking.

Get ready; this has to be my guys, said Alex.

Miss Lloyd, said a timid voice from the other side of the door as it slid open.

Alex’s assistant Pamela stuck her head into the room.

Pamela. What is it? Where are Winston and Harry?

I don’t know ma’am, but you have a phone call.

I have a phone call? Hmm, I see. Well, I wasn’t really expecting one. Who is it, do you know?

I have no idea, ma’am, but they said it’s about your father.

Okay, Pamela, I’ll be right there. Pamela left and closed the door and then Alex turned to the research team members. She could tell that they were confused but also noted that they looked curious. She knew she had to think of something to say quickly because although she had never told colleagues much about her private life, they all were under the belief that her father had died years ago.

Marme, take over for me right now and if Winston and Harry show up, tell them I’ll be in shortly. I have to take care of this phone call because I’m sure there’s some kind of misunderstanding.

Sure thing, Alexandra, said Marme.

On her way back to her office, Alex noticed the steady trickle of associates walking to their desks holding bagels and hot cups of coffee. Normally she’d greet everyone that she could but at this moment she wanted to find out what was going as soon as possible so she could get back to her meeting. Pamela, call Winston or Harry and let them know that I need an hour, she said as she entered.

Pamela could tell that Alex was upset by her tone so she didn’t say anything to her boss and closed the door upon leaving.

"Hello…who is this? Sprae, Gould and Bowers? Reading of a will? Dayton, Ohio? I think there’s some kind of mistake because I don’t have a father. Dionysius Makryonitis? Never heard of him. Yes, my name is Alexandra Lloyd but I think there’s been some kind of mix up."

Alex thought long and hard about the name of the man that was supposed to be her father. She was certain that she had never heard it before. Her mother had never mentioned anyone by this name and neither had anyone else. She restated her disbelief to the person on the other end of the line.

Yes, my mother’s name was Dorina Lloyd. How’d you know that? No, she died a few years ago. Look, what is this all about? I see. Well, somebody’s got a lot of explaining to do. Okay, I’ll be there tomorrow.

She slammed the receiver down onto the phone. She wasn’t angry but she was puzzled and beginning to question who she was if this were real. Alex started to visually relive as much of her thirty five years as she could remember. Could this explain how she and her single mother were able to live on the Upper East Side for all those years? Was this the reason she always had the best toys and nicest clothes? Did this unknown father pay for the four years at the Stuyvesant Academy for Girls?

With these questions swirling around in her mind, Alex walked back into the conference room. She was always good at compartmentalizing competing thoughts so right now was going to be good practice.

Is everything okay, Alexandra? said Marme.

Everything is fine, she said, sounding disturbed. She took her seat and glanced at her notes for a split second. Over the next few minutes she turned the pages of one of the reports hard enough to tear them with great speed and authority.

It became really quiet except for the noise caused by her extreme perusal and Alex sensed that her team was concerned. She dropped the notes and took a moment to look at each of them eye to eye and one at a time. She didn’t say anything; she only looked at them.

Each member of the research team felt reassured once they saw the confident look on her extremely attractive face with piercing hazel green eyes. They could tell that she was ready to go to work.

Are you sure everything’s okay, Alexandra? said Marme, as he took a sip of some kind of hot liquid.

It will be after this meeting, she said.

The door opened and two older and shorter than normal men walked in followed by roughly eight associates, each carrying open laptops. Alex and her research team stood up and welcomed the party.

I guess you guys didn’t get Pamela’s message, said Alex.

Message, what message, what’s going on? asked Winston.

Nothing, everything’s fine, and you’re here, said Alex. Are you ready?

"Yes, ma’am; can’t wait to talk about JLT North America," said Winston.

I can’t wait to hear what you have to say, said Alex.

Winston and Harry stood at the front of the table while their team of analysts set up the projection screen and three easels that held poster boards showing growth rates and other information about their new target company.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Come on Amber, more feeling. You have to look like you’re enjoying it for God’s sake. You are enjoying this, aren’t you? said Niki Lade, through the loud speaker she was holding while seated in a director’s chair. She wasn’t in a good mood today considering the run-down trailer she had been forced to use in order to complete her newest movie and the potential cost overruns that were becoming real. She was feeling an overwhelming sense of stress. Can somebody get me a drink? she said.

Niki, it’s only ten in the morning and you’ve already had four mimosas, said Swigh, her teenaged looking yet overly feminine male assistant who was standing over her shoulder. He looked into her engaging set of blue eyes and frowned slightly. He didn’t approve of her early binge but knew that he had to obey.

"It’s going to take a lot more than that to get me through the day. I don’t know what’s wrong with Amber and Tobey. They’re killing me. While this place is no Taj Mahal, all we really need is a room and a bed or a couch. The lighting in here is good enough, the camera man seems to know what he’s doing and that’s a damn good looking bed. I actually happen to love the silk sheets."

What’s wrong then? said Swigh as he walked into the kitchen area.

We’ve had to shoot this scene three times already, she said.

Is that all? Doesn’t sound like that much. Anyway, aren’t you a perfectionist? H-e-l-l-o... Heck, last time I checked, your productions normally average four or five takes per scene. What’s the problem?

It’s easy to be a perfectionist when you have money to burn but the costs for this flick are starting to add up. Why do you think we had to use this dump?

This trailer’s not that bad, said Swigh as he returned from the kitchen with Niki’s drink. I mean, it’s clean, it doesn’t cost that much and it doesn’t smell like piss.

Thank you my love, said Niki as she grasped the drink. Money may be tight, Swigh, but if this place smelled like piss, we’d just shoot this scene on the street. That said I wish the rental fees wouldn’t have gone up on our regular studio.

We could always use your house, said Swigh.

No way, Jose; you know my golden rule is to always separate business from pleasure, said Niki shaking her head from side to side and swinging her platinum gold locks.

All we need is a bed. You say that all the time, he said, smiling sarcastically.

Why do I put up with you? said Niki.

For my good looks, I guess? So, what were you saying about Amber and Tobey?

"They’re screwing up the scene. It doesn’t look real. They look like they’re working instead of enjoying each other. To make matters worse, Amber’s not only an A but she’s a contract girl, on loan from Brilliant Studios. They owed me a favor so instead of having to pay her by scene, the studio is charging me per hour for her time. Hence, the longer it takes us to finish, the more expensive this movie will be. Get the picture?"

"I certainly get the picture and I agree that Amber is an A, but Tobey, what’s with him? Why is he so special? He’s older, a little fat and very grey," said Swigh.

Yep, but he’s one of a kind darling. He has a special talent to keep on going and going and going, and he can do it on cue, if you know what I mean, said Niki.

Point well taken, said Swigh as he shook his head and looked onto the set.

He’s definitely old school but I don’t know how much more Tobey has left and we have to get this scene in today. We only have enough money for two more days of filming, you know. I might have to do some scenes myself in order to keep the costs down, she said as she handed him another empty glass.

Swigh listened to his boss while he walked back into the kitchen to fix her yet another drink. Your fans would love to see you back on screen; you’ve never looked better, he said.

Thanks, but what can I say? Better living through a few nips, a bunch of tucks, and a whole lot of suction, she said.

What about the boob jobs?

Hey, buddy, these are real, said Niki as she clutched her two oversized breasts and shook them. Come on Amber and Tobey. Put some oomph into it. Make us believe it feels good. How about some grunting and sighing, she shouted. Swigh brought her an Apple Martini this time which she guzzled quickly.

While watching Amber and Tobey get more and more intimate, Swigh and Niki heard a knock on the door. Swigh immediately went to answer and the cameraman turned around as well. Niki could tell that he was curious as to what was going on. Keep on shooting; it looks like they’re finally into this, said Niki to the cameraman while she pointed at Amber and Tobey. Who is it, Swigh? she said.

You have a telegram from Western Union, Niki. It’s from Ohio.

Well, don’t just stand there, bring it over here, she said.

Swigh handed her the envelope and she opened it immediately. Amber and Tobey were now well into the middle of their scene and fully naked. As Niki had encouraged them to, they were making a lot of groans, grunts and sighs. Swigh left Niki’s side and walked over by the cameraman.

Niki monitored the action until Tobey made his move. She liked the pureness of the breach and really loved how their bodies were moving together. Once she felt confident that the scene would be a keeper, she began to read the telegram.

Ms. Nikoleta Makryonitis,

It is with our deepest sorry to inform you of the passing of your father, Dionysius Makryonitis. The reading of his Will is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 11:00am at the team facilities in Triangle Park, Dayton, Ohio. Reservations have been made in your name at the Downtown Hilton. It is mandatory that you are present at the reading. Look forward to seeing you again, Niki.

James Dishman

James Dishman, Esq.

Sprae, Gould and Bowers LLC.

Niki looked to the floor after reading the letter. She could hear that Amber and Tobey had finished the scene but she kept her head down. It sounded like the two actors as well as the cameraman and Swigh were celebrating the scene’s climax but then all of a sudden, they all got quiet.

Niki, I thought this was what you wanted. Did you see those bubbles? Did you hear the sounds? said Swigh.

Niki looked up to her assistant and then scanned the small area and made eye contact with the cameraman and the two actors. It was good guys, really good. I guess that’s a wrap.

Miss Lade, I got about two hours of tape left. How many more scenes are we going to do today? said the cameraman.

We’re not going to do anymore today, said Niki.

Swigh didn’t understand what was going on and he gave his boss a confused look. Niki, what are you doing? he said, speaking in a low tone and close to her ear.

We’re going to have to stop shooting for a few days. I’ve got some things to do.

What about the costs? What about the movie? What about your company? This movie is your ticket back to the big time. Are you sure about this?

Niki stood up and rubbed Swigh on his boyish face. Everything will be fine, Swigh. After I get back, we won’t have to worry about money ever again.

Guess Who’s coming To Dayton?

DAYTON, OHIO

Can we get this thing started already, Jim? said Theo. She had gone through her mourning period, crying all that she could and would yesterday