The Oak Tree

By Joe Tip Thomas

Zachary Zach Huff, 55, a billionaire, family face secrets and buried hurt that haunts them.
Allison, 48, an elegant woman Zach loves and respect. She births Joshua, Madelyn, and Holly. During a visit to New York, Allison is raped by the family chauffeur, Carlos.

Joshua, 30, meets Heather Booking on a 5-days cruise, they engage in a love affair and after leaving the cruise ship, Heather discovers

Joshua is Zachs son, and Zach is her former lover.

Madelyn, 25, marries Todd Whittaker and births Carla and Hilton. She goes home with Bart and he kills her.

Hilton, Madelyns son, has an affair with a same sex partner. The affair ends when Hiltons car is recovered, but not his body.
Holly, 23, has an affair with Victor Sanchez, caretaker of the horses and stable, she gets pregnant, Zach is told Victor is the father, and he gives Victor $100 thousand dollars to leave the mansion and never return.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jul 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466941052

Joe Tip Thomas

Joe Tip Thomas, a former Chicago police officer and child protection investigator (DCFS) for the State of Illinois. He’s a member of University of North Florida Creative Writing and he has a B.A. degree from Chicago State University. He lives in Florida with his wife, Bertha Diane.

Book preview

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CHAPTER 1

COMPROMISE . . . What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Zach Huff, Melvin James, and Scott Carter sits in a private conference room to resolve terms and conditions to build a luxury hotel casino on land owned by Zach. There is a problem regarding the controlling interest, so Zach offers to invest fifty percent of the required cash, and the remaining fifty percent divided between James and Carter. After several seconds of silence, Zach stands, puts his hands on the table, leans forward, and says, Gentlemen, I suggest we end this meeting. I have made a reasonable offer. I will not move forward with this project as an equal partnership. Have a pleasant day and enjoy your stay in Vegas.

James and Carter looks at each as Zach walks toward the door. James yells, Zach, this project is big enough to satisfy eight partners. Why is it you’re not willing to share equal percentage?

James, I do not believe in equal partnership that type of arrangement creates problems. A primary investor’s decision is final. I am sure my reason is clear. This partnership arrangement will terminate according to a contract agreement. There will be a termination clause, which at that time, you, or Charles may buy the fifty percent I own, or you may surrender, to me, the fifty percent you and Charles own. That’s our agreement gentlemen you know how to contact me.

James says, Wait. Wait.

Charles taps James’ shoulder and says, Zach has made his offer, he’s not going to change. We must accept or forget the deal. Let’s enjoy the remainder of the evening and contact Zach with our decision later.

Zach leaves the meeting and calls Muriel, a regular entertainer of his. He tells Muriel, Meet me at the Black Jack table. He disconnects the call before hearing her response. At the table, he loosens his necktie and feels Muriel’s hand on his shoulder. He turns, gives Muriel a quick kiss, and his sport jacket. Zach bends the two cards given by dealer and sees an Ace of spade and a King of diamond. Muriel isn’t able to see the cards and she isn’t concern. She’s Zach’s woman as long as he’s in town and anything he wants she will provide. She raises her glass of champagne, being careful not to spill any on Zach’s sport jacket, wallows slowly, and uses her tongue to taste the champagne on her lips. The patrons sitting and standing around the table look at Zach and the huge amount of chips, on the table. Zach and the players aren’t aware of the laughter, dinging of bells, flashing of different color lights, and smoke from cigarettes and cigars. Zach waves his hand over his cards indicating he doesn’t want another hit. Muriel moves closer to Zach and he feels her breast on his back. He leans backward and moves his shoulders, as if to relieve an itch. Muriel wears a sleeveless white tank and a purple mini skirt that’s three inches below her rear mounds.

The dealer nods his head toward the other players and waits for their responds. The four players hesitate and refuse another card hit. The dealer reveals his cards, a King of diamond, and a nine of hearts. He looks at Zach’s cards and says, You’re a winner.

Zach exhales, and leans backward, until he feels Muriel’s hand on his shoulders. Muriel follows Zach to the cashier’s cage. He puts the cash in a leather bag and gives it to Muriel. She holds Zach’s sport jacket as he put his arms inside the sleeves.

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CHAPTER 2

THE TAXI . . . while standing in front of the casino waiting for a taxi, Zach and Muriel observes a man push a woman, she stumbles backward until her body is stopped by a store display glass pane. The man slaps her face, twice, with such force blood flows from her nose and mouth. She struggles to stand, as she uses her hand to wipe the blood from her nose, and spit the excess from her mouth. She sees Zach, Muriel and other people, but doesn’t cry for help.

The man yells, Bitch! Are you holding out on me, where’s the rest of the money? He drops the cash she gave him onto the sidewalk near the woman’s shoes, when she bends to pick up the cash; he pushes her onto the concrete sidewalk that bruises her knees. She cries as mucus and blood flows from her nose, and again she uses her hand to wipe her face. She crushes the money in her bloody hand, stumble, and says, Daddy, this all I have! You know I won’t spend your money. Please, Daddy, don’t hit me again.

She covers her face with her hands to stop the oncoming fist she sees before it makes contact with her face. Zach runs and grabs the man’s arm and yells, You lousy sonofabitch! He forces him onto the sidewalk, grabs his white shirt to pull him from the sidewalk to punch him in his nose, and several buttons rip from his white shirt. Zach releases the man and he falls onto the sidewalk, again. Zach kicks the man twice, in his stomach and Zach yells, Take that you lousy piece of shit. You’re a jerk, shitball! The man attempt to stand and Zach kicks him in the face and the man yells, motherfucker and spits two teeth from his mouth. He falls and rolls from the sidewalk into a puddle of water that’s flows to the curb gutter. Zach waits for the man to stop moving, whereas, he will be able to kick him, again. Blood flows from the man’s nose and mouth and he yells, Hey! Hey! What’s wrong with you? This is my woman. He struggles to stand and Zach lifts his foot to stomp his face. The woman screams, Stop! Stop! She grabs Zach’s sport jacket sleeve and pulls him backward. She extends her hands to assist her boyfriend from the puddle of water.

Zach frowns and says, Lady, you should change your lifestyle and definitely get rid of that monster who should be in a cage.

Zach leaves the woman and he returns to Muriel who’s waiting with the taxi door open. They didn’t exchange words during the taxi ride to Muriel’s condominium. Zach gives the driver a generous tip and follows Muriel.

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CHAPTER 3

ZACH’S PLEASURE . . . he receives the comfort and thrills of Muriel’s professional service. Several hours later, the sun awakens Muriel, and she pushes her hair out of her vision to see the digital clock on the lamp table. She’s surprise Zach didn’t awake sooner to leave for Central Florida, she mumbles, my gosh and pushes Zach’s shoulder, Honey it’s time for you to get up.

She’s one of his favorite who understands his responsibility and complies with his wishes.

She says, Honey, it’s almost noon. You should prepare to leave.

Zach looks at the digital clock, and falls back onto the pillow; pulls Muriel on top of his chest and says, I called for a weather report, prior to coming here and the friendly sky is great for flying, so it’s safe for me to leave later.

Muriel kisses Zach and mounts him controlling her weight on her knees. Zach remains calm until Muriel excites his passion. He tightens his grip around Muriel’s waist and slows her movement until the pleasure ends. They enter the shower, embrace under the warm water, to renew their energy. Zach dress to leave and Muriel sits in a chair to observe. Her satin red robe opens and reveals her bronze legs. She says, Zach, be careful and come back soon.

He places additional cash on the lamp table. Muriel stands embraces Zach, and unbuttons two buttons on his white shirt. She kisses him, and stares into his eyes, Please remember how lonely I will be without you.

He looks at Muriel and smiles, but doesn’t reply to her affectionate comment she watches Zach as he enters the elevator. He recalls the agreement for the construction of the hotel with James and Carter, but he will not remain in Vegas for their decision. He takes a cab to the Las Vegas airport, gets in his jet aircraft, and flies home. He lands, stops the jet on his property, and drives the golf cart to the mansion’s steps.

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CHAPTER 4

THE MAJESTIC ESTATE . . . Butler, Thomas Boudreau, sees Zach through the window of the estate and greets him as he enters, Good evening Sir, I hope you had a pleasant trip.

Yes, Thomas, the pending business situation has a minor glitch, but there will not be a problem. Zach looks at his wristwatch will dinner be ready in thirty minutes.

Thomas bows his head, slightly, Sir, dinner will be served in thirty minutes, is there anything you want me to do for you, Sir?

No, Thomas I’m fine. Zach enters the half bath near the dining area, washes his hands, face, and examines his appearance in the mirror above the sink. He sees a couple of gray hairs that wasn’t visible during his last inspection. He looks at his wristwatch, again, and checks the time. Those sittings at the table, look at the other, and wait to hear what Zach has to say. He never reports the exact detail of his business trips. Allison respects his privacy and demands equal respect. He sees an empty chair and knows Madelyn isn’t present. It’s not the first time she has been late. She’s a reader and has a strong desire to succeed. Zach hasn’t said, but Madelyn is his favorite child.

Where is Madelyn? Zach says in a voice slightly below a yell.

Holly responds, Daddy! Madelyn is sitting under the oak tree, near the river. I told her it was time for dinner, and I’m sure she understood what I said.

Joshua says, Well, since Madelyn isn’t sitting at this table, you go and tell her it’s time for dinner, again. Joshua notices Zach’s stare and he slightly lowers his head, "I’m sorry Dad, and I think it’s time for you to put your foot down."

Zach replies, Joshua, you’re not in a position to tell me when I should put my foot down. Don’t ever forget, Son, you’re a link in the chain I possess.

Sure Dad. Sure. I understand.

Your sister, Madelyn, isn’t wasting time; she’s acquiring information. By the way, before leaving for Las Vegas, I had a conversation with an employee of the hotel, and I was told you are involved with female staff. I’ll talk with you after dinner.

Sure Dad.

Holly moves her chair from the table to leave the dining room to tell Madelyn it’s time for dinner.

Zach yells, Sit down Holly!

Thomas, the Butler, hears Zach’s yell and waits for his next command. Thomas! Tell Madelyn to come to dinner.

Yes Sir.

Zach’s wife, Allison, during the shouting and verbal chaos is sitting at the other end of the table. She takes a sip of lemon water and waits for Zach to stop yelling. Finally, he looks in her direction and nods his head. They’ve been married twenty-nine years and Thomas has faithfully served the family. Thomas, during leisure moments has nurture Joshua, Madelyn, and Holly.

Madelyn enters the dining room in front of Thomas. She places the book on the table near the entrance door, and washes for dinner. She sits next to Holly and with her hand under the table, hits Holly’s thigh. She looks at Zach and says, Daddy, I have a question for you regarding this great country of ours. I don’t agree with the decisions of the elected officials in office and I want to know if you have the influence to improve the standard of living for the less fortunate?

Holly and Joshua stares at Madelyn. Allison disregards the question and looks toward the entrance of the dining room. The chief chef, Diane, checks the dining room to see if the family members are present, then she waves her hand to serve the food.

Zach thinks of an answer regarding Madelyn’s question. He certainly doesn’t want to admit he has failed to help the poor. He says, I’ll answer your question, after I bless our dinner. Zach, lowers his head, closes his eyes, and speaks slowly, Father, continue to bless my family and maintain a place in your kingdom for me. Forgive my son, my daughters, and my wife for their sins. Show them the way. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Amen, Everyone says and is surprise to hear Zach’s new prayer. He doesn’t attend a particular church. He stirs his spoon in the soup, looks at Madelyn, and says, My Dear, our vote is the powerful weapon that controls who remains within the political arena.

Yes, yes, I know Daddy. However, you and I know there are decisions made and changed by others outside of the political arena. Explain your position, Daddy.

My family is my primary concern over all matters in my life. I’m selfish, determine, and greedy, Zach says knowing he has placed himself in a position for criticism.

Daddy, you haven’t answered my question. Madelyn says.

"Well Madelyn, if I had not taken the path that was open for me, the benefits you’re enjoying wouldn’t have been available. Dear Madelyn, equal justice has a price and the less fortunate people must earn the golden ring in order for them to compete.

I have built a bridge for my family that will provide everyone’s comfort and happiness. My success will be taken away if distribution is greater than the income."

I’m familiar with the mathematics of survival, Madelyn says. She waits for Joshua or Holly to add to the conversation.

Zach continues, The President of our great country must agree with Congress to correct this nation’s debt, the employment of citizens is higher than ever, major financial institutions have gone under, and a threat of war is at hand. Our men are fighting an unjust war, and in the near future, this world will not be suitable for human being to survive, animals, or plants. The world problems are too massive and can’t be resolved with a quick fix. It’s going to take more money and teamwork to make the necessary changes that will benefit the people.

Madelyn and the family members stop putting food in their mouth and wait for Zach to continue. He cuts a small piece of the filet mignon and chews before speaking. Madelyn places her spoon in the plate next to the bowl of soup. Daddy, Madelyn says in a worried voice, can’t the scientists and other great minds resolve the problems to save the world?

I’m afraid not. Their recommendations, prior to the crisis, weren’t put into action to prevent global warming. It wasn’t a secret then and it’s not a secret today. The government must become involved and provide the necessary cash, and the cooperation of the people to correct problems.

Holly decides to join the conversation, Dad, I am not willing to change my lifestyle and comfort and I am sure many others . . . with money . . . aren’t willing to share. The rich supports this country . . . and I shall continue to do what’s necessary to remain rich. Equal distribution will not contribute to the progress of this country.

That may be true. However, the government must begin, now, to make the changes to improve the health and wellbeing of the citizens in this country and eliminate the enormous amount of waste. This country has the manpower and resources to make the changes, Zach replies.

Joshua joins the conversation and surprises everyone, Dad, did you contribute to the pending destruction of the world?

Zach frowns before responding, Yes, and no. I’m surprise you question my decisions regarding this family welfare. Your generation wants the thingamajig before you go to bed and again the moment your feet touch the floor in the morning. Few people uses their heads to resolve a problem . . . there is a different size thingamajig doing everything. I will admit that’s a good thing . . . technology.

Holly stands from the table; she has made her comment and she’s not worried about the devastation of the world, Excuse me.

The family didn’t respond to Holly’s remark. Joshua wants Zach to simplify his comment. Allison has release the world problems to Zach.

Well, Dad, did you contribute to the pending destruction of the world, and what’s your advice for our family? Joshua asks.

I have no recommendation or advice. I’ll continue to take risks to provide for this family, and I certainly hope you will have the ability to continue, what I have started . . . in a profitable manner.

Thanks Dad. Joshua says and grins.

I’m proud to be super wealthy, Zach replies, I have my toys and when I get bored with life, I seek thrills. I want you and the girls to listen and learn the business whereas, your mother, and I will be able to live without stress. Do you guys understand me? Zach slams his fist on the table, causing the silverware to move. He takes a sip from his glass of lemon water, raises it, and says, Live well, love frequently, and be happy.

Allison finally speaks, "Zach, you’ve said enough. Let the family enjoy their food. After dinner, you and I will decide how many friends to invite.

What are we celebrating? Zach asks.

Our good fortune and reasonable health, Allison says, and the fact I love only you.

Zach unfaithful behavior, at this moment, is regrettable. He loves Allison nothing and no one will change that. He responds to Allison’s comment, Good idea. I’ll call our friends. It will be nice to discuss new possibilities, and Allison, most important, I truly love only you.

The family leaves the dining room, without further conversation. Allison stands walks to the end of the table and Zach stands, looks at Allison’s lips, and lowers his onto hers.

Joshua pushes the glass doors that slides open to the veranda where the Olympic size pool water is motionless. He removes his shoes, takes off his shirt, and sits on a recliner to enjoy the sun on his face and chest.

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CHAPTER 5

THE MANSION . . . an elegant home surrounded on acres of stunning landscape with live oaks, private gardens, and fern forests near a river flows to an unknown location. There are spacious master suites, ten bedrooms, full baths, and powder rooms. The chef’s kitchen has a beverage center. In the lower section of the mansion, there is a wine cellar, and a secret vault enclosed with steel bars and fireproof material. The vault has cash neatly stacked according to denomination, personal documents, and valuables one of kind items. Zach and Allison are the only persons with the combination. Surrounding the outside of the mansion is a tennis court, swimming pool, and spa. There are stalls for ten horses, and a separate living quarters adjacent to the stable for the maintenance people.

Madelyn returns to the big oak tree and sits on her favorite blanket. She opens her book and recalls Zach’s comment. She isn’t satisfied and will push Zach for an answer, later. She opens the book to read and is disturb by Holly’s voice and the crushing of twigs as she runs toward the peaceful location. Sis, lets go to the Good Time Bar and Grill," Holly says as she takes