The Manly Paradox

By Max Steiner

The Manley Paradox is the story of a romance between a young poor orphan and a rich girl whose father is not only arrogant and controlling but has something to hide.

The boy, Chris, is a student in computer science but is so poor that he is actually homeless until one of his professors finds him sleeping in the woods. As an undergrad Chris becomes interested in the security of financial transfers. As part of his research he stumbles across the very rich Manly family that controls a financial transfer company.

When Kyle Manly turns up at the same university, Chris is a first year grad student and she is in a freshman in a section that he teaches. He dislikes the Manly family based on what he knows about them but finds himself attracted to Kyle. Kyle for her part is infatuated with Chris and has no idea how to proceed.

Kyles father has given a grant to the university and Chris works on the grant. As part of his work he is asked to see if the companys security can be breached and whether he can take money without getting caught. This turns out to be a setup. Chris is eventually arrested and charged with theft.

One must believe that in all young romance, love and truth should triumph.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477273005

Max Steiner

Max Steiner was born in Prague, grew up in Vienna, and then lived in Paris before immigrating to New York City. This allowed him to see the cultural differences in the conduct of romance. He never married. HIs extended family lives in the greater metropolitan area.

Book preview

THE MANLY

PARADOX

MAX STEINER

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2012 Max Steiner. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/15/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7299-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7300-5 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7301-2 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012917657

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ATHENÉ IS A PICTURESQUE UNIVERSITY PERCHED on a hill overlooking one of the finger lakes in central New York. Founded in the late 1800’s by an idealist, it was the first coeducational institution within the elite group to which it belongs. In the 1960’s, Athené’s administration made a successful effort to recruit more minorities, and to this day, its student body remains racially, economically, and even internationally diverse. Students come from all over the United States and from as many as 38 foreign countries. There are 12,000 undergraduates and a total of 6000 students seeking advanced degrees.

Athené is a large university with 13 distinct schools including a school of arts & sciences, an agriculture school, a school of architecture, a veterinary school, a medical school, a law school, a hotel school, and an engineering school in which the division of computer sciences is lodged.

Architecturally, the university campus retains the grand character to which it was originally built, ivy-covered stone buildings more than a century old - most of the rock quarried at Enehta - or Athené spelled backwards. Attempts at modernization and expansion have generally been accomplished without affecting its character although there have been several universally acknowledged mistakes.

Generations of students have loved the hill as it is often called. Rich and poor have attended here sometimes keeping to themselves in ethnically defined or perhaps socioeconomically defined groups but more often they have mixed creating lasting friendships and changing the shape of a society. The student union itself is named for an orphan who went on to marry the daughter of an extremely wealthy family.

It is certainly still possible for a poor young man to meet and marry the daughter of wealth and privilege. Such a union may not be met with instant approval by the young woman’s family. Many adults who have a comfortable financial position in life begin to think that they are entitled to their special status. They may even begin to think that they are somehow different than other people. They believe they can protect their children by keeping them within the circled wagons. Money is security. There is safety in numbers if the numbers are dollars. There is prejudice.

Sometimes children rebel. It is not necessarily intentional. Young people often form friendships and bonds without considering the needs of their parents.

The fall in upstate New York can be stunning. Often forgotten, it shares New England’s beauty in the changing seasons. Fall brings the students back to the hill. The majority of undergraduates are returning as sophomores, juniors, and seniors but, of course, 3000 are newly arriving freshmen and women. There is excitement in the air.

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Kyle Manly, beginning her first year, arrived with her mom. The two shared a special warmth that was missing from either’s relationship with Kyle’s father. Mary Manly had been unsure about leaving her daughter to begin college. Although she had attended an elite private school, Kyle had insisted on being a day student and had never lived away from home before. Mary and Kyle were both quiet, thoughtful women who were comfortable by themselves and, for the most part, comfortable with each other.

Mary Manly knew that Kyle was self sufficient. Growing up in a large urban center, Kyle could travel the city alone and could acquit herself well at large obligatory social events. She knew that her daughter had no interest in alcohol or drugs and that she was a virgin. It worried her that Kyle was so reserved.

Mother and daughter did the usual things. They had deliberately arrived a few days early to explore the environs. They shopped, went out for dinner, and spent hours walking together. The countryside around Athené has several state parks with waterfalls and Kyle loved them instantly. She felt that she and her mom could be truly alone, surrounded by the roaring rush of falling water. And she worried about her mom. She didn’t want to confront her mom but wanted desperately to know the answer to why her mom seemed to be keeping something from her.

Don’t you think this is beautiful? Kyle said to her mom. And it makes me feel that you and I are totally alone. Surrounded and alone. No one can find us here. The waterfall protects us. Mrs. Manly smiled. I will be sad when you leave Kyle continued. I love you, mom.

Kyle then added cautiously. You’re the reason I never wanted to go away to school when I was in high school. Seems silly, huh? I didn’t want to leave my mom. And sometimes I feel like there is some terrible secret that you need to tell me. There, she had finally said it. She turned and smiled at her mom, giving her time to answer.

Mary Manly looked at her daughter and thought to herself. God! How I wish she would remain a child forever, but I am glad she is becoming my friend. Mary Manly steeled herself against showing the emotional content of her answer. I love you, too, Kyle. More than anything. There, she had told part of the secret. You must forgive me. You are right there is something I must tell you, something you must know. But I am not ready. I will tell you soon. Life is never as simple as it seems. We all make terrible mistakes. I will tell you as soon as I can. I am just not ready.

I can tell you one thing, Kyle, she continued. You are the most thoughtful and insightful daughter and friend I could have ever imagined. Still waters do run very deep and then changing course, she continued so unlike this waterfall that is full of spray and noise and rushing away without a thought as it moves by us.

Kyle didn’t want to hurt her mom and suspected the secret had to do with her father. She sometimes wondered, they were so different. But more than anything, as Kyle realized she was becoming an adult, she wanted to be her mom’s friend. She sensed that her mom really needed that. Don’t worry, mom. I’ll always be your friend. I will be here when you need me.

Mary Manly looked at her daughter and thought her special. Perhaps as all mom’s do. She saw in her daughter intelligence, thoughtfulness, and loyalty. But she also knew that someday soon she would have to tell truth about the one thing she had hidden from Kyle.

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Chris sat in his jail cell and thought about Kyle. The kidnapping charge had surprised him. Perhaps he wasn’t as clever as he had thought. On the other hand, the kidnapping charge might really work to his advantage. While he would be expected to ask for bail on the other charges, kidnapping might be used to prevent bail. He didn’t want anyone to find out that he had no way of making bail. There also might be another hidden advantage for him. He might actually be safer in prison. Then again he might not be safe anywhere. He had a powerful enemy and he was the only one who knew why that enemy was so angry. He knew that Kyle was safe. She was surrounded by people who would protect her at all costs. He hoped that she had forgiven him for not telling her where she was going. She had gone without a fuss because of her trust in him.

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The first day of orientation, Kyle was immediately happy she had chosen to have a roommate. Jennifer had a shy but engaging smile and Kyle liked her instantly. They seemed suited to each other in temperament and style. Neither was a show off. Kyle also knew she and her mom would have to bend the facts for her father. It was clear that her new roommate wasn’t rich. John Manly would be unhappy that a suitable roommate had not been found for his daughter. Kyle and her mom had talked about this contingency and were prepared to lie. They understood each other. It was not a problem. They did not share Mr. Manly’s feelings on class and privilege. And they didn’t share their doubts with him.

Kyle and her mom were not ostentatious about their wealth, and they had chosen a rented car over one of the limousines. It was a far less conspicuous way to travel. But Jennifer’s mom had twice advised her daughter. If you think you need more money, let me know. Kyle never discussed money. She had so much it embarrassed her. She had learned to become an inconspicuous child of the city. No one ever knew she could afford absolutely anything, anytime, anywhere. Sometimes she was just another girl on the subway. She had chosen very simple clothes for college. When questioned by her father she said she would want new clothes for parties. She hated to lie but it was so easy.

Jennifer and her mom also mentioned they had come by bus. Mary Manly asked Jennifer’s mom if she would accept a ride back. Both mothers would be lonely and need someone with whom to talk. Kyle loved her mom for the grace with which she made these arrangements. Both mothers had come early with their daughters and both were prepared to leave immediately as a gesture to the independence of the new generation.

Kyle and Jennifer couldn’t have found a better match. Kyle knew that early on she would have to tell Jennifer the truth about her wealth if only so that she wouldn’t have to lie. She would wait until they were better friends. She was concerned that her last name or her pushy father or an ingratiating university official would make the secret hard to keep. But if she wanted to be friends with Jennifer she would have to show her new roommate who she really was before it became clear who she was supposed to be.

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Chris sat on the cot, leaned against the wall and looked at the bars on his cell. Chris Krail was an orphan. He had come of age early. When he was five, his parents had a second son. The younger brother, Jason, had multiple congenital abnormalities. His parents loved both children and Chris had learned to love a brother who could communicate only in the most primitive ways. It had helped make Chris sensitive to the needs of others. Indeed, Chris had grown into a kind and patient man who on the outside seemed a model of middle class reasonableness. The younger brother had died when Chris was thirteen, shortly after a memorable birthday. Chris thought of this birthday as a focal point in his life. A symbolic coming of age might that have been the last time he was a member of a happy intact family. His brother’s death taught him far more about being an adult than any other event in his life.

Chris had received a birthday gift that he treasured above all others. His parents gave him his first computer. It wasn’t much compared with the marvelous systems he had encountered at Athené but it allowed him to escape. He learned to program, he indulged his fantasies, and he learned about the fine line between the truth and the virtual truth. With his computer he withdrew into himself and he tried to recreate his younger brother. He had a talent and was able to create an interactive game for himself in which he and his brother would spend hours together. It was not too much of an extension for Chris to invent grandparents. All of his had died before he was born. So he created them. Chris was in his element with the world of computers. He knew he could probably create enough facts about his mythical grandparents to actually have them issued social security numbers and credit cards, but he wasn’t yet ready to cross the line between fantasy and fraud. That would come later.

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Kyle and Jennifer went through orientation together and each hoped the other would become the sister, the friend, the confidant each had always wanted. Both cautious and self contained, they opened up slowly and it was through conversations about school, the news, and politics that they learned about each other. They were both from Gotham, both wanted to major in anthropology, and both signed up to learn rock climbing to fulfill the requirement in physical education.

Neither Kyle nor Jennifer were interested in popularity. Neither wanted a lot of friends. Each wanted a few good friends. Jennifer was one of the best looking young women to ever appear on the hill. She often had mixed feelings about her good looks. While Kyle had immediately seen the shy child within, most of her peers thought her a little unapproachable because she was so stunning. Jennifer loved the space. Kyle would often be approached about her roommate but would be deliberately vague.

Both of them dressed simply, mostly in dungarees. Jennifer to hide her looks. Kyle to hide her money. Kyle deliberately borrowed something from her roommate hoping it would make it easier for Jennifer to also borrow.

One sunny fall afternoon they were sitting on the wall outside the library. It was Jennifer who opened the first personal subject. You know, Kyle, I was glad my mom rode back to the City with yours. I spoke to her and she likes your mom. My mom really needs a friend.

My mom’s real special Kyle responded hoping Jennifer would continue. She did.

My dad died about a year ago Jennifer said. He was much older than mom. He was so warm, he was like a father and a grandfather all rolled into one. He always made me feel like all he cared about was our happiness. Like he had no needs of his own. You know, this year on my parents’ anniversary it suddenly dawned on me that they didn’t get married until mom was more than seven months pregnant with me. Kyle was a good listener.

Continuing, Jennifer added Sometimes I think my mom is going to tell me. When she wanted to come here a day early and stay in a motel, it was like she wanted to spill some big secret. Maybe she just wanted to spend time with me. She has had to work really hard since dad died. I almost didn’t go to college because I was afraid she wouldn’t have enough money. But she keeps telling me not to worry. I need to look for a job soon.

Kyle was anxious. This was a really critical moment in their relationship. Kyle really wanted to pull it off. So she did what she thought best. My mom also has a secret. She admitted it to me when I asked her on our trip here. I wish it was as benign as that I was conceived out of wedlock. Somehow I think it is much darker. There is something really wrong and I don’t know how to help her. I just told her I’d always be there for her. But I think her secret must be awful and I do think it is about my father. She says she just can’t tell me yet.

Kyle stalled and changed the subject. I gotta ask you a question. What do you like to be called? Jenn? Jennie? Jennifer? I’ve been calling you Jennifer because that’s how you introduced yourself but I thought it was OK to ask this year instead of waiting ‘til just before we graduate.

Jennifer laughed. I think of myself as Jennifer because that’s what dad called me. I even asked mom to call me Jennifer after he died. I wish you could have met him. You would have loved him, too. She paused. But I have kind of an outrageous idea.

Kyle smiled and said yeh?

Jennifer blushed and said We’re gonna be together through a lot of time and a lot of changes. Whaddayathink we call each other KJ? It’ll always remind us we’re close friends.

I love it, KJ, but nobody else calls us that unless we add them to the roommate list.

Agreed. They both laughed.

Kyle said seriously. Listen, KJ, there is something you need to know about me. But first I have to ask you for a favor. If I tell you my own personal secret, will you promise that you’ll still be my friend? I’m serious, I am very embarrassed about what I’m going to tell you and you are going to have to help me keep this secret. Somebody will figure it out sooner or later but you need to hear it from me.

Don’t worry Jennifer said. Now that were both the same person I have to take care of you. And I knew we were gonna be best friends the moment we met.

Kyle also knew she had chosen the right person for her friend and was overwhelmed with gratitude for whomever had set up the roommate program. She began. My father is not at all the man you describe as your dad. He is appropriate but distant. He is very structured in what he wants for me. He can be rigid. He never shows his temper but I believe down deep there is one lurking. He always behaves properly but he is controlling. My mom and I know how to get around him. When I think about him what I really hope is that he is secretly more caring toward my mom in private. She deserves so much more than I see. It’s not that I don’t love him. He is my father, but sometimes I feel like a trophy. My mom is my friend. Kyle paused, then continued.

The real issue with my dad is that he is obsessed with work. He is the founder, president, and largest shareholder of Global Financial Transfer. Global Financial Transfer is the dominant provider of electronic fund transfers in the entire world. Some people say that my father directly or indirectly controls 80% of all the money on the planet. He no longer works to make money. He has more than anyone could ever count. He just likes his position.

And there is more. His politics are incredibly conservative, I find them embarrassing to the point of pain. He is always talking about how other people should live. He is intrusive. If he weren’t so busy with his company I am afraid he would run for office - maybe as a Nazi. If I ever don’t invite you to my home, it is only because I am sometimes so embarrassed.

Jennifer didn’t know how to respond so Kyle continued. So there it is. I was brought up having everything. I have worked hard to be myself regardless of my father’s wealth. I try to buy only what I need. At the same time I am lucky. Money is never an issue. So do me a favor. If you’re going to get a job, find one where we can both work together. I think a job could be fun. But don’t ever worry about money. It’s you and me, we’re both KJ, we’re going to need to share a lot of things.

Kyle waited. She hoped by emphasizing that the real problem was her father and her concerns about her mother, a few billion dollars wouldn’t be a big deal.

Finally Jennifer said Well, maybe we could do something nice for our moms.

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Some events had taken place on the hill about 18 months before Kyle told Jennifer her little secret. Destiny was moving toward the young woman who would one day inherit the bulk of the Manly fortune.

Walter Black was the head of the anthropology department at Athené and he had a problem. His favorite student puzzled him. He had talked it over with his wife Marcia and they had agreed to invite him to dinner. Dr. Black valued his wife’s impressions of people. Chris Krail was a computer science major who was seen as a genius. Chris Krail was also interested in anthropology where he excelled. But Dr. Black had discovered that he was either a young man in trouble or a dangerous psychopath.

They had first met at the request of Chris who wanted to take an advanced course given by Dr. Black for which he did not have the prerequisites. Since he had done so well in introductory anthropology, Dr. Black waived the usual requirement. He was pleased that he had done so since Chris unlike many undergraduates was intellectually engaged, always came to class, and often had a novel point of view. Chris was the best student he had taught in years.

Dr. Black loved nature and it was his interest in the outdoors that led him to what he thought of as the Chris problem. His wife had bought him a pair of snowshoes for Christmas so after the first