A Miracle's Path

By Aaron Millar

Colby Ruegin unknowingly receives an exceptional paranormal gift. This newly inherited ability first appears as an innocent sleeping disorder but progresses into something fascinating that leaves Colby utterly stunned after he begins to put the pieces together.

Danielle has a troubled past that can't be erased or forgotten. When Colby and Danielle meet each other they have an extraordinary connection.

Unfortunately for Colby and Danielle, a handsome and charming but malicious psychiatrist named Ahriman and his wickedly seductive accomplice Evelyn have been hunting down this astounding gift, along with anyone who gets in the way of it, for a very long time. They will do anything and stop at nothing to manipulate or steal the special paranormal ability Colby gradually finds out he has; including using their own special abilities.

Using wealth, seduction and power to lure and trap Colby aren't the only tactics Ahriman and Evelyn will use.

Suspense builds as Colby's story unfolds with unexpected turns. The action explodes when Colby tries to escape from Ahriman's clutches. Both love and resolve are tested when stretched to their limits but this is only part of the story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Millar
• Release date: Mar 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311202659

Aaron Millar

Born and raised in the midwest meant I'd have to travel to see the mountains, ocean, desert, temperate rain forest and everyplace in between. Reading and writing allows me to visit places that are exciting, dangerous, and exotic. It also allows me to meet new people, battle with powerful enemies, fall in love and get my heart broken and all the while I don't have to pay extra for a second suitcase or put on sunscreen. I have always enjoyed writing and reading. In the past I worked at the local college as a peer writing tutor. I did this partly for part time income and because I enjoyed it so much. Sharing and collaborating with passionate writers and avid readers simply felt right. Years after this I decided it was time to sit down, write and publish so I could share and engage with an even larger community.

Book preview

A Miracle’s

Path

Written By

Aaron Millar

Text copyright © 2013 Aaron Millar

All Rights Reserved

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Knock ‘em Dead

Before You Go

Even He Can’t Help Me

Danielle

That Guy

Light My Fire

Timing

I Know I Heard It

Concupiscence?

Forgiveness and Its Limits

Tides of Fear & Pools of Pain

Ahriman’s Deal and Colby’s Miracle

Impossible Possibilities

Trapped Under Ice

Dissonance

Decisions

Questions Answered Thoughts Provoked

Amealco

DelDuco

Accepting The Love

Unknown Sacrifice

The Dirty Truth

Part I

Knock ’em Dead

Sarah, have you seen my dark blue sport coat? It’s not in its usual spot.

What exactly is the usual spot?

You know, hanging up on the closet door.

There hasn’t been a coat or anything for that matter hanging there for over a week.

Oh just forget it. I’ll buy one when I get to Pittsburgh

Honey, I thought that was your lucky sport coat.

It is but right now if I’m late and miss my flight, it will become my unlucky coat. Besides that luck thing is all in my head. I’ve had luck in other coats.

Maybe if you didn’t oversleep you would’ve had time to find your coat.

I would hardly call it oversleeping when I maybe got three hours after I finally stopped tossing and turning. I’d call that under sleeping.

Just remember Colby - you’ll do fine like you always do. I can always count on you and believe in you.

Thanks, I’ll call ya when I land, Sarah.

While parking at the airport my cell phone rang. Hello? Toby yes…yes I understand that won’t be a problem. I am parking in the airport right as we speak. The list? What…Shit. This is unbelievable! Toby, tell me there is a master list somewhere! What do you mean that was the master list! Who does that? How can there be only one list…ahh… I’m not sure. It may very well be in my lucky coat…Yeah, well except for the fact I couldn’t find the coat this morning and now I’m about to board the plane in an hour. Look, I’ll have to call you back…Yeah, I know it’s more than just my ass on the line. Bye.

Now that the car is parked, I headed to the terminal to try to figure this one out. Okay…okay, let’s calm down and think about this. Relax, clear the mind, I can do this. Think, no rush, no pressure, no consequence. Where is the coat? Breakfast, yeah that’s what I’ll do. I always think well after a full meal. I’ll just get an English muffin then eat and think. Sport coat, where are you and who can see you…hmmm.

In the middle of my thoughts about the sport coat I got interrupted. Excuse me sir. I can’t help but notice your shirt has a few wrinkles and your tie has a small spot on it.

Pardon me? I said irritated.

I’m sorry…Jim, my name is Jim. I work for…

Jim, really, I’m sorry but I simply don’t have time for this, I said interrupting him.

Don’t worry, we specialize in quick service because we know all our customers only have hours or even less before they have to catch a flight. I could have your shirt cleaned and pressed in the time it takes you to eat your English muffin.

Wait, what did you just say Jim? I asked with great interest.

I said, I could have your shirt dry cleaned in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Oh, of course…but of course! Jim here is a $50 bill. Don’t ask why, just believe me when I tell you that you have earned it!

But, but… he stuttered.

Jim, I have to go.

Think; think…oh, I got it. I took my phone out and called Sarah. Hello, Colby is everything alright? she asked with curiosity.

Sarah, where are you?

Why?

Please, this is not the time to play twenty questions! Just answer my questions and do what I say. Please!

Alright, I’m at the library getting some research done.

Which library? I barked impatiently.

The one in town.

Great, I need you to run home right now and look for a dry cleaning ticket. It should be near the calendar on my desk.

Colby, can’t this wait? I just got here and…

NO!!! Damn it Sarah, I’ll explain later, just do it, I don’t have much time. I said in a respectful but loud tone.

Gosh, okay I’ll call you when I find it.

Hurry Sarah!

Now it was time to give Toby a call and tell him the good news. Oh man, Toby good news! I think I may have found the coat with the list… Dry cleaners…right but maybe they’ll overnight it to me or worse comes to worse, you can send it to me; hell at this point I’d even let you personally fly out with it. Toby wait, Sarah is calling. I’ll get back to you, bye.

Sarah, tell me you got the ticket.

I do Colby but…

I cut her off sharply. Sarah tell me later, for now just read me the number on the ticket and the phone number to the cleaners.

Colby they’re closed today.

What? I can’t believe it!

It says right on the ticket they are closed on Tuesdays.

When do they open tomorrow?

7:00 am, Sarah said.

But it will be 8:00 am over there and that is exactly when I have to give my sales presentation and that list is critical.

What list are we talking about?

The list with vital information for my presentation is in my coat.

What should we do Colby?

Get to the dry cleaners thirty minutes before they open. Then try to flag down the owner and see if he will let you in early then call me.

Okay, I’ll do my best Colby.

Bye Sarah.

I really don’t want to let Toby down. What should I do? Call him now, wait till I have the list, what do I do? I’ll just call. Two heads are better than one. I’ll call him after I land and get settled in at the hotel.

The whole time I was in the air all I could do was think about the list, that damn list! Everything was riding on Sarah finding that list in time. Without it, the whole trip and presentation, even my career for that matter, won’t matter anymore. Hopefully something positive will develop during this short flight.

The taxi pulled up to the hotel and I am impressed. Normally the hotels I get put up in while traveling for business don’t have doormen.

Here you are, Fillmore Hotel, the cab driver said.

Thanks driver, keep the change. When I got out of the car, the first thought was wow this place is nicer than any hotel I have stayed in, let alone for business. The lobby was opulent with fancy paintings on the walls, floors clean enough to eat off of and furniture that looked like it came right from a designer’s showcase gallery. I must have the wrong hotel.

Again, my phone rang. Toby glad you called but listen to my plan…well maybe it won’t work Toby but we don’t have a choice, now do we? Sarah will be calling me between 7:30 and 8:00 am. They should have a good cell phone signal in that building so that shouldn’t be a problem as long as Sarah gets the list in time. Thanks Toby, I’m going to need it…a lot of it.

Good evening Mr. Ruegin. Your presidential suite is prepped and waiting, the polite and perky desk clerk said.

Presidential? Miss, someone must have made an error. Who upgraded my room?

The change was made this morning by a staff member from your employer. They said Mr. Almgren was going to be personally attending the presentation and wanted all his people to be well rested and ready to knock ’em dead.

Great I will really sleep well tonight…

Miss, can you please have room service send up two bottles of your house wine? No, make that a fifth of gin instead.

Sir, the presidential suite has a fully stocked bar.

Perfect!

My alarm went off at 6:00 AM. All I could think of was why did I drink half that bottle? Oh my head. Maybe a hot shower will clear my head; a long, hot shower.

While drying off and walking around the room getting ready, I thought, how impressive, finally a hotel with actual water pressure. I felt almost 50% better after that shower. Then by the door I saw a note slid under it.

ATTN: Mr.Ruegin. You are requested to be seated with Mr. Almgren promptly 30 minutes prior to speaking at table 9 seat 3 in the Flamingo Hall.

Flamingo Hall…let’s see 30 minutes prior would be, give me a break, 15 minutes from now. I’m done! What else could go wrong?

20 minutes later in the Flamingo Hall

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Almgren Marketing & Consulting Nutri-Gel campaign kick-off. Our first speaker Colby Ruegin will be out shortly…

Ruegin, knock ’em dead son, said Mr. Almgren.

Thanks Mr. Almgren. I’ll be sure to bury them afterwards too!

I walked from our table to the stage and reminded myself to stay calm, just walk backstage and remember nobody has a program as to what I’m supposed to say, so just pull it together and the only people who will know I am improvising will be my boss and my associates; which if Sarah gets the list in time, all will be forgotten.

Mr. Almgren said, Ruegin has handled this project from the beginning, Paul and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How so? replied Paul.

Just watch and see. Ruegin is a natural who knows his talents but also loves what he does like no other…just watch Paul.

And that concludes a brief history of Almgren Marketing & Consulting so with no further ado Colby Ruegin. The crowd applauded briefly.

Colby, he’s not here yet, I heard Sarah say in my ear piece.

I am walking to the podium as we speak Sarah.

I know but what can I …wait, I see him!

I stepped to the podium, took a deep breath and began. Good morning folks. Before I go on and bloviate for the next 45 minutes or so, I want to take the time to get a message across about Nutri-Gel and what Almgren M&C can do for Nutri-Gel and all the players involved. Nutri-Gel is a life style change; not just another supplement. It is a paradigm shift in the way people will go about fulfilling their nutritional needs beyond just good, fast, easy and inexpensive nutrition. Nutri-Gel can and will…

Hey this isn’t right, this is not part of the pitch, said Paul.

I know, I know but let’s give it some time and see where it’s going Paul, said Mr. Almgren.

Nutri-Gel has the chance to be the Coca Cola of the eighties, the Red Bull of a decade ago but Nutri-Gel will offer more, make good on its promises and be just as profitable. Everyone wins. Plus Nutri-Gel will…

I got it! I got it! exclaimed Sarah.

Give me a minute Sarah and when I give you the word start reading slowly but steady and clear.

Well that is enough of my rah-rah speech. Let’s dive into the weeds and review all the technical points and lab results that support my enthusiasm. First on the list, bone density. Lab results have shown a 12% increase among the 55-72 year old demographic but nearly a 17% increase among 40-55 demographic with little statistical difference between male and female. Next on the list…

35 minutes into my presentation

Mr. Almgren, sorry to bother you but I am Phil with Med Chain Inc. and my director sent me over here to see if we could have a few moments with Mr. Ruegin after his presentation.

Sure Phil, no need to ask, just grab him when he is finished speaking.

Right, just like all the other people at our table and the table next to ours! Mr. Almgren, Colby struck a few points that have the room buzzing. I would like to have the first chance to speak with him or at least a chance to speak with him this morning.

I’ll do my best Phil.

Thanks, Mr. Almgren.

Mr. Almgren said, Paul, when Colby is done speaking, usher him back to our room and ask Sally to start taking appointments, with each appointment clearly defined as to what conversations they want to have with Colby.

My closing statement:

Always remember - don’t sell what you see but see what else you can sell. Thank you. Good day. I walked off stage greatly relieved.

Oh Sarah, you were great, simply great.

Paul called out to me back stage while I was talking to Sarah on the phone. Colby.

Hey Paul, I replied.

Colby, please come with me. Mr. Almgren needs to see you in his suite.

Okay. I’ll be there in a few minutes.

Sarah, I’ve got to let you go! I’ll call you when things quiet down, bye.

What’s this about Paul?

Well the little extra improvising you did in today’s presentation has created quite a stir.

Really?! I blurted out.

Yes it has.

Mr. Almgren isn’t upset is he? I said in a quiet tone.

Upset… Paul chuckled, he’s ecstatic!

Why?

I think it will be best if I let him explain it to you.

In two minutes I was about to open the door to Almgren’s suite and had no clue as to what I said that has made my boss so thrilled. The only thing worse than getting blamed for something you didn’t do is to get credit for something you had no idea you did and then have to explain it. At least being blamed for something you didn’t do you can prove your innocence. In this case, the only thing I can prove is how clueless I am.

Hello Mr. Almgren. Let me first start off by saying…

Colby, just stop right there. I don’t know why you did what you did and frankly don’t care as long as it worked and work it did. I had confidence in you but you have exceeded my expectations with your bold approach to today’s presentation.

I really don’t understand, Mr. Almgren. I had to improvise because the list was lost then it was found but it was hundreds of miles away so with the help of my wife, Bluetooth and a fifth of really good gin, I was able to pull off what I did. Half of the stuff I was saying was just stuff off the top of my head and thought it would sound good because I needed to buy time.

Well son, it did sound good and it sounded good to a lot of people in your audience today. Some of whom are scheduled to speak with you in a one on one conversation.

But I don’t…

Colby, don’t worry. Sally has screened the person’s agenda and has notes for you to review so you won’t be caught off guard.

Why? What was the big deal with today’s presentation?

At first Colby, I didn’t see it right away either but some people in the audience did and then it spread. Now I understand also. When Nutri-Gel was first introduced it was just a flavored gel packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. You can add lime flavored Nutri-Gel to water to make it taste better and have nutritional value or add vanilla flavor to coffee and so on. But all this time it was right under our noses. Customization! Gels can be blended to people’s specific nutritional needs, favorite flavors and this gel can be marketed to particular lifestyles. It could be in vending machines, restaurants, bars, you name it! You took us away from thinking of Nutri-Gel as just another supplement but instead as a staple to someone’s diet!

Mr. Almgren cleared his throat. Colby look, this firm wants to put it in baby formula and this firm wants to test the consumer’s blood sample and target specifically what that person needs to fill their deficiencies. Two firms want Nutri-Gel to be used to counter or alleviate allergies.

Sorry to interrupt Mr. Almgren but I have already spoken to legal and they are going to work on closing some gaps and shutting some doors so we can be the premier promoter, said Sally, Mr. Almgren’s personal assistant.

Thanks Sally, you're always on top of things, Mr. Almgren said with a big approving smile.

Straightening her red framed glasses Sally replied, You're welcome, Mr. Almgren.

Ruegin, we’ll talk again when we get back to the home office.

Yes sir, Mr. Almgren.

Hey Colby, when you are done talking with all of these prospects, let's go for a drink tonight; I have a few questions if you don't mind, Paul asked.

No, not at all Paul. I'll probably need a drink afterwards.

Great, then I will meet you in the lobby around 9 o’clock.

I'll be there Paul.

2 hours and 8 interviews later

Thanks again Mr. Ruegin for your time. I know you had quite a day, Phil said. 

Oh, you don't know the half of it and my day still isn't over! You're welcome and thank you for your patience being the last appointment of the afternoon.

Thanks again, we'll be in touch.

You bet Phil…Med Chain was it?

Yes Mr. Ruegin, thanks again.

Hey, thanks for waiting Paul. I finished up some loose ends and paperwork as quickly as I could.

Work comes first, I fully understand Colby. Well, I'll cut right to the point of me wanting to meet with you. I know you had a long day today and will have your hands full for the next couple of days, maybe even weeks if all goes well.

Alright Paul, what's on your mind?

Colby, how do you do it? How...I mean...you are a rock star around here. Don't take this the wrong way Colby but you only have a bachelor’s degree in business from a state university. You worked at small firms prior to coming to Almgren Marketing & Consulting but yet you command more respect and have more influence than any person around here, including myself.

Paul, really, I wouldn't go that far...

Colby stop. Just tell me what the secret is. How do you do it? Your little gems of wisdom will stay with me Colby. I won't use them against you or sell you out.

"I know you won't Paul but even if you tried you wouldn't be able to. Paul, it is not a matter how I do it but rather why I do it.

Well sure, you do it for the money, reputation and building a secure future.

No Paul. Those are the perks that come with doing my job. You can do anything for money, anything for reputation and choose many different paths for a secure future. I chose this path in life because I like what I do and believe in what I do deeply.

Colby I don't understand. Is this where you tell me I'll be happy doing what I like to do?

"No. Because otherwise we would all try to be Playboy photographers. Paul, was there something you really enjoyed doing and did very well as a kid?

Gee, let me think. I was pretty good at hmmm…I guess...

Something special, Paul. Think of something very special.

I enjoyed hunting, in particular pheasant hunting. I was good at most any hunting I was involved with. From the first time my father laid a rifle in my hand it felt natural and I felt connected to it. 

How did you do it Paul? How did you always manage to take down the game you were hunting?

Honestly, I haven't gone hunting in years, many years, but from what I remember, I was just good at it. Hunting and shooting just came to me. I really can't put my finger on just one or two things that enabled me to be so good at it.

Alright Paul, why did you hunt and shoot?

That's easy, it was fun. No, it was more than just fun it was...it was a passion that defined my existence at the time. I needed to do it. Needed, not just wanted to do it but needed. I get it Colby, working at Almgren M&C is your pheasant hunting.

Actually Paul, yours and everyone else's pheasant hunting defines my existence.  Did you ever share your talents with anyone?

A few times.

How did it feel Paul?

It felt best when they really applied themselves and showed improvement. So why didn't you become a school teacher or something Colby? Then you could help lots of young people find their pheasant hunting.

How many people do you think will be potentially helped by this new Nutri-Gel?  How many people can I reach with our message from Almgren M&C? You know as well as I do Paul, that media and marketing is the single largest factor that motivates and changes society’s behavior. Using this opportunity and all the resources connected just to make some extra money is short sighted.  Look at my other projects and the projects from former firms. All of it had a positive message, a positive motive. It needed to have that. Otherwise I could not stand by it and believe in it. This is why you and others see me as a rock star. The music that rock stars create brings you joy and fulfillment of some sort; otherwise you wouldn't listen to their music or go to their concerts. My fellow associates like the music I'm playing and I love to perform.

So I guess then I should find what it is that I find maximum satisfaction and fulfillment from and go chase that dream.

You asked me how I do it and I told you why I do it. Maybe you can't find the why in your current position but anything you end up doing will confront you with the same question of why. Just make sure the reason why is true and that you believe in that truth; the rest will follow. If all you want is respect or status, you already have that from your position and I don’t think anybody’s position is more secure than yours. I mean that in a sincere and matter of fact way; it is what it is.

I just want to feel I have earned it on my own. Like my father did.

Sometimes the talents we inherit come directly from our creator and we are born with them. Other times they are inherited via our parents. That doesn’t mean they are any less of a gift that you can make your own and create your own destiny with. The advantages you have are not a curse Paul, they are a blessing. Put aside what you think is or isn’t earned and go get what it is that you need. Take it! Don’t get hung up on technicalities. Swing for the fence and run as fast as you can to home plate. Only you can do that for yourself. So when you do you will know you have earned it all on your own.

Colby thanks, you always put things straight and I appreciate that.

Paul, all I did was open up your mind to what was already there. I just nudged you in the direction you seem to want to go. It is up to you to stay on course.

You’re right. Please don’t say anything to my father about this conversation ‘cause he won’t understand.

You’d be surprised at what your father understands but don’t worry, I won’t say a word. As far as I am concerned if asked why we were at the hotel bar so late, I’ll just tell ’em we were trying to get you laid. Now I really must be going, I’m drained.

I understand Colby and thanks a million again.

9:00 AM the next morning

I was at the front desk ready to check out and the same young lady from the night before was at the checkout. How was your stay Mr. Ruegin? she said cheerfully.

Okay I guess.

Just okay? Was something not to your satisfaction?

Well the suite was great but I didn’t really sleep all that well. I probably had too much going on to fall asleep soundly but thanks for asking.

Sure thing, the shuttle to the airport will be leaving in ten minutes. Thank you for staying at the Fillmore Grand Hotel.

When I got off the shuttle at the airport, I called Sarah and it went to voice mail. Hey Sarah. I just got off the shuttle and I’m about to board the plane so when you get this message hopefully I will have landed. I’ll call when I’m back in town. I have some great news!

Hey Sarah, I just landed and I got your brief e-mail about you needing to leave town for work with short notice. I sort of understand but I’d like to talk about it because I thought you were going to still be in town when I got back. Call back when you get this message, bye hon.

I checked my other messages and what a surprise, Toby called. Colby my main man, if you have any left in the tank after you land call me. We are all meeting at Mulligan's Public House for a few pints to celebrate you killing it in Pittsburgh.

I returned Toby’s message but ended up playing more phone tag. Toby, got your message and although I’m dead tired, the wife is out of town so rather than sitting in an empty lonely house, I'll swing by to throw back a few. So call me when the party is starting.

Ahh, the drive home from the airport was always filled with mixed feelings. Did I do enough or achieve enough while out of town? At the same time I’m happy to be home because so much effort and time was invested in the trip and now I need to balance it out with investment in my personal life and marriage. Almost there, almost home.

As I pulled my car into the driveway I saw my neighbor. Mr. Ruegin, how was your trip? Rooney asked while leaned back on an old lawn chair with his arms folded over his big stomach, as he puffed on a fat, smelly cigar.

It started out okay but ended up spectacular, I guess you could say.

That's swell, glad you had a good trip. I don't want to be the nosy neighbor but I saw Sarah leave this morning getting picked up in one of them fancy limo cars.

Thanks for the heads up Rooney but she was leaving town for work so I don't think the Richard Gere type whisked her away to Paris or anything.

She's never left in a limo car for work before, Rooney said as he flicked the ashes of his cigar on his lawn.

Well she has a new boss and new job position so things are a little different.

Different, huh. Is that your way of saying not as good as it was before?

Maybe, but sometimes things are just different Rooney. It’s not like things were perfect before or ever will be. Things could change in a month from now and I could look back at this period of time and say things aren’t the same and not as good as they used to be, or just different.

Yeah well, I don’t care much for change ‘cause once you find something that works there is no need to change it, right?

Unless you are looking for something that works better or just easier, maybe even both.

But along the way you may end up with something worse and wish you could go back but can’t. Better safe than sorry I always say.

"I can’t argue that point Rooney but safe isn’t always the right or best direction. Sometimes a little risk makes you feel alive and motivates your soul to operate at its maximum. It’s good to exercise your soul. Remember, all exercise programs have a plan, a goal, and you gotta stick to it even when the water gets a little choppy because in the end the only thing that will pull you through is your conviction to achieve your ideal outcome. No one else will pull you through and don’t let anybody or anything pull you down."

Mr. Ruegin, you sure talk nice and sound good but that must be the stuff you tell your customers or coworkers and it’s all well and good but I don’t see you living in an ‘ideal outcome.’

That’s what I tell myself every morning because I have not reached my ideal outcome yet and may not but that doesn’t change anything because I’m not fooling myself hiding in the shadows of safety.

Okay well, glad your trip was good Mr. Ruegin. I best be going now.

Rooney, you would not have asked if you weren’t second guessing yourself, now would you?

Mr. Ruegin, you’re a good neighbor and this talk has been helpful but I’m not looking to take some big leap in life right now.

I understand. It’s not easy, for if it was it wouldn’t have so much value or weight on the decision of whether or not to do it. I’ll see you around Rooney.

1 Hour Later

I heard rapid knocking at my front door and then Toby’s voice. Open up Colby! I know you're home. I can see the shit box you call a car in the driveway.

I came rushing down the stairs to open the front door. What the hell? Didn't you ever hear of calling first? I asked.

If I did that I wouldn't have the chance to catch you in just a towel after a shower or whatever it was you were doing. You were just showering or something right?

What do you think?

Shit, maybe you and that fine looking wife of yours were hitting it.

You really think I would have answered the door if that was going on...ha ha besides I told you Sarah is out of town.

I know but I thought that was just a cover.

I wish it was. We haven’t been hitting anything ever since she started that new job.

Alright, alright I’m sorry. I’m just giving you a hard time. Can you be ready to go in about 10 minutes?

What are you my baby sitter for the night? Couldn't I just meet you at Mulligan’s?

Right sure, so you can just throw back a few. Colby this is big. You just set the two of us on a straight track to the top...the top Colby! We're doing a little more than just a few pints of beer. Afterwards you will be lucky if you are still conscious let alone able to drive.

That's not my style and you know that.

Well you, your life and your style are going to change. Mine already has.  

How so?

Just get ready and you will see soon enough.

I'll be down in 10 minutes.

I'll be out by the car Colby.

10 minutes later

Toby, what the fuck is this?! I asked with a shocked look on my face.

My car! Toby replied with a grin on his face from ear to ear while sitting on the car’s fender.  

Your car...as in your car? Not a borrowed car, stolen or rented car?

What, a friend of yours can't own a nice car, Toby said, chuckling.

Toby, a Corvette is a nice car. A Porsche is a sweet car but this ...this is unreal Toby.

I admit it is a little over the top but what the hell, you only live once.

You won't live long enough to pay it off.

See Colby, things are going to change. The car is paid for.  

How?

It’s complicated so I will explain it later; for now we need to get moving. We have a big night planned ahead.

So how fast does it go?

Get in and I will tell you. It will hit 120 mph by that stop light at the end of your block...if it stays green.

What if it turns red?

Then we’ll test how fast it stops.  

Well, let's hit it.

Toby dropped the car in first gear and no sooner do I hear the tires breaking traction do I feel the back of my head slamming the headrest behind me, unreal! Toby grabbed second and it pulled just as hard and fast as it did in 1st , only now we are moving so fast that trees and mailboxes pass like baseballs being thrown by a major league pitcher. No time to think, just react and I love it. Every second of it. The little voice in my head that usually keeps me out of jail was being drowned out by the twin turbo powered engine screaming at 7000 rpm. The light did stay green, there is a God, and Toby’s car hit 123 mph by the end of the block. Now if we survive the rest of the drive to Mulligan’s, I’d be surprised.

When we pulled up to Mulligan’s, the valet guys were drooling. Wow! Sweet ride sir. Our valet can park the car in front if you’d like.

Sounds good to me kid but I’ll park it myself if you don’t mind. Colby go on in. I’ll meet you inside.

Hopefully the rest of my coworkers haven’t lost their mind like Toby. Sure, things are going to change with this new account and new found business but this is ridiculous.

Colby over here! Paul cried out.

Hey Paul! I didn’t know you were going to be here?

Well I wanted to be the first person to tell you before it’s official.

Before what is official?

Wow! Toby can and did keep his big mouth shut.

Mouth shut about what?

Colby, listen this is all happening real fast and is totally unexpected but it’s what we think is best for me, you and Almgren Marketing & Consulting.

Cut the shit Paul!

I am leaving Almgren M&C…

Paul, I’m tired and I came out tonight to have fun and unwind not to get my chain pulled.

For the next two weeks I, along with some other staff, will be helping you comfortably slide into my position of Executive Director.

Paul, I don’t know what to say…

Toby barged in after parking his car, Where’s the drinks boys?

Sorry Toby, Paul was laying some major news on me.

See, I told you your shit was going to change. I’ll be back with some beers and shots, Toby said.

I resumed my conversation with Paul. Paul why?

You can do a better job than me anyways Colby and it is what you want to do. I have had the position and was neither happy nor satisfied; besides it will give you more resources and more influence to achieve your ultimate goals. Left in my hands these advantages would have gone to waste because I didn’t have the desire or capabilities to bring them to life.

How did your dad take the news?

Well he always pointed to you as the shining example. So when I made the suggestion he was as sad to see me leave as he was happy to have you as his new Executive Director.

What will you do now Paul?

Funny you ask because my father asked the same question and I said dad I am an Almgren so I am bound to land on my feet no matter how far or rough the fall.

Here we go boys, round one of a 15 round fight. May the best drunk win, Toby said while carrying an arm full of shots and beers.

I suppose Toby will be taking my old position? I asked Paul.

Not really Colby, Paul said.

Toby jumped in the conversation and said, Yesterday, the morning you spoke, later that day I spoke on the phone with a guy named Phil from Med Chain and late last night me and Phil met. Because I was so close and in deep with you and the Nutri-Gel project Phil wanted me to be the chief liaison between Med Chain and Almgren M&C. There was a catch though. I have to be neither an employee of either firm for legal reasons so I am a private consultant.

So how did you get the car then?

Let’s just say Phil has great taste in cars and desperately needed me. After some negotiations I called Phil a cab for his ride home and I drove his ride home. Like I said Colby the car is paid for.

Toby, you sold out for a Saleen S7?

That’s a Saleen S7 twin turbo buddy, there is a difference. At any rate I did not sell out. I am helping Med Chain help Almgren M&C.

Paul are you okay with this? I asked Paul before I take my first shot of the night.

It’s exactly what Almgren M&C needs right now.

Everything is happening so fast. Why?

For me it was uncomplicated. I was already sitting on the fence of what to do with my career but after witnessing your performance yesterday and seeing the look in my father’s eyes combined with the chat we had at the hotel bar it was clear what I needed to do.

Toby said, I was at the right place at the right time. Phil was desperate to sink his teeth first in this sweet business deal.

Well then, let’s hit round two! I said.

As we put back round after round of drinks all I could think about was Sarah. I wanted her here to celebrate with me. I wanted to at least hear from her tonight. I wanted to hear her voice just before I go to sleep. Maybe she called but I wouldn’t know. I left my cell phone in Toby’s car. Well actually, it flew out of my side pocket when he hit the gas in his new car.

Toby I need to get my phone out of your car. Toss me the keys.

I got to Toby’s new car and checked my phone. Good, she did call. Hi hon. I got your message and again I am sorry about the short notice but there was unexpected activity on Mauna Loa. You know the only way we can get the pictures, info and samples is to be there during the volcanic activity. With my new position, I am the one who is on call so to speak. I will try to make it up to you and when we talk tomorrow you can tell me about your good news. Good night.

I headed back to the bar and decided to tell the guys I am leaving. Guys I’m going to pack it in for the night. I’m beat.

Oh come on Colbster, we’re only on round eight, Toby said.

I’m good guys. I’ll call a cab and see ya tomorrow at work.

Alright later Colby, the guys said.

The cab ride felt strange, almost like I was going down unfamiliar roads in a never before seen neighborhood. I hope and pray I can sleep well tonight. I’m going to need it. Things are changing around me and at a rapid pace. I will need to be strong and try to keep it all together. I know I can. I just need to believe I