Seventeen & Seventy

By Jerrimiah Stonecastle

Alessandro was the first and only man that Claudia had ever loved. Then a fatal heart attack took the shipping magnate away from her. After falling into a state of depression, she started to waste away until a delivery boy lit a fire in her heart. Little did they know that their love affair would tear families apart, and reach the courts as outside forces try to prevent them from marrying.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stonecastle Publications LLC
• Release date: May 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201905583

Jerrimiah Stonecastle

Jerrimiah Stonecastle was born and raised in the South Bronx, New York to a single parent. His mom is a retired New York City educator who always pushed him to reach for excellence in all that he did. In 2002 he retired from New York City civil service and relocated to North Florida. There he started his writing career with a trilogy series called UC 630 Cop or Criminal:The Crack Wars. In 2016 he formed his own Indie publishing company Stonecastle Publications whose slogan is "Throwing Stones At A Glass House". He now has published 4 books and is currently working on his 5th which is due to be released in January 2018.

Book preview

CONTENTS

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Joanna Penn, your YouTube videos were so informative and inspiring for me. I discovered the ups and downs of this career through your experiences.

Bob Proctor’s speeches changed the way

I viewed my world as a writer and businessman.

My friend and Editor, Ms. Elaine McCarthy.

Special shout out to

Julie Broad

Of Book Launchers

Your inspirational videos were valuable to me.

1 the mourning after

1977

S

t. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City was overflowing with people from all over the world who wanted to pay their last respects to Greek shipping magnate Alessandro Kazan.

The line of visitors trying to gain entry to the Manhattan church wrapped around the block. A contingency of NYPD police officers formed a human barrier at the bottom of the church’s steps. A newspaper reporter was shoved back when he erroneously thought his press credentials would allow him entry to the historic sanctuary.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the mayor, governor, bankers, business associates, and politicians. Several of the wealthiest families from New York, Boston, and Beverly Hills were also present. Alessandro also had visitors who went to great lengths to avoid the press’s prying lenses and entered the cathedral through a back entrance.

Alessandro’s immediate and extended family took up the first two rows. The grieving widow, Claudia Kazan, was being consoled by her sister-in-law, Michelle Goldberg. Michelle, now 70-years-old, was the youngest of Alessandro’s three siblings and was always kind to Claudia, treating her like family.

*_*_*_*

Claudia Lorena Schulz was born on Valentine’s Day in 1910 to farmers Hans and Ingrid Schulz. Hans had hoped Ingrid would provide him with sons to help with the farm, but after five years of trying, the first and only child Ingrid could give him was a girl. Even though the disappointment meant he had to work hard for many years to provide for them, he loved Claudia with all his heart. That is until it gave out when she was only seventeen.

The last Monday of the month found Gabriel Kazan having a meeting with his accountant, Flavio Rutello, to go over the books with him. This monthly meeting that Gabriel insisted upon took place in his massive home office. Flavio had suggested doing quarterly meetings, but the landlord and shipping titan wanted to keep an eye on every penny coming in and going out.

So, how did we do last month, Flavio?

It looks like you’re going to have another great year, Mr. Kazan. Your shipping business profits are up twenty-five percent. Your farms are also doing well with one exception.

You’re talking about the Schulz farm?

Yes.

How much did they produce?

Only five percent of what they were producing when Hans was alive, Mr. Kazan. And this is the second month in a row that they have not been able to meet the rent.

In other words, I’m losing money.

I’m afraid so, Mr. Kazan.

I believe in charity, but it has its limits. I told her if she couldn’t get any men to help her, then I’d have to evict her off the property.

I’ll serve them with an eviction notice tomorrow.

No, Flavio, that’s not your job. My son, Alessandro, has done it many times before. He’s a natural. You’re too much of a softie. Those women’s tears won’t work on him.

Yes, he’s definitely your son, Mr. Kazan. I would have never thought he would have thrown the Parsons off their place with the grandfather being in a wheelchair.

Yes, when it comes to money, Alessandro is less forgiving than I am. I’ll send him there tomorrow. He’ll have them packed and off my land by the weekend. Let’s have a drink.

It’s a little too early in the morning for me, Mr. Kazan.

Nonsense, you want to go out and drop-dead without having your last drink? Gabriel said, filling a glass with vodka and handing it to Flavio. Cheers.

The ten o’clock sun made the beads of sweat glisten on Claudia’s forehead as she bent over to pluck the peas from the field. The sundress she was wearing became transparent when the morning light shone through it at a certain angle. When it did, Claudia’s long shapely legs and thighs were visible. It was that view that Alessandro saw when he pulled up to the farmhouse in his chauffeur-driven 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Claudia straightened up when she heard the car drive up. She shielded her eyes as she tried to make out who was in the car. Her long blonde hair lifted as a breeze crossed her face. Ingrid, thinking it was Gabriel coming to collect the rent, hurried over to the car while rehearsing her excuse in her mind. When the chauffeur opened the door, and the tall, broad-shouldered, 31-year-old Alessandro stepped out, Ingrid stopped abruptly in her tracks.

Oh, my, I thought you were Mr. Kazan, she said. How may I be of service to you, sir?"

Alessandro walked past Ingrid without answering her. The beautiful angel standing in the field had his undivided attention. Ingrid had to repeat the question louder to gain a response.

Oh, I’m Alessandro Kazan, Mrs. Schulz, he said, never taking his eyes off of Claudia. I’m here to collect the two months back rent that you owe us.

Mr. Kazan, as I told Mr. Rutello...

Yes, yes, you said you would have the money for him last week and the week before, but not one penny have we received as of yesterday’s accounting.

Oh, please understand, Mr. Kazan, Ingrid said, clasping her hands in front of her face. I’m trying to do the best that I can with my husband being dead only a few months.

Yes, and I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Schulz, but I have a business to run, and we’re losing money on this farm. Now, your husband promised us that he was going to hire men to help him with the farm.

Yes, I know, but all the men are working on the other farms. And some of the men who have volunteered to work are drunkards and hooligans. I dare not have them near my precious Claudia. My dear Hans died in the fields trying to make the harvest for us.

Claudia ran over when she saw her mother clasp her hands and begin to cry.

What’s going on here? she demanded.

And who is this beautiful spitfire of a woman?

I’m Claudia Lorena Schulz, and I demand to know why you are upsetting my mother.

The way you said your name, it sounded like royalty, Ms. Claudia Lorena Schulz.

To my father, I was a princess. But you still haven’t answered my question.

I’m sorry, your highness, he said, bowing. I’m Alessandro Kazan. My father is Gabriel Kazan, and he has sent me here to collect the rent that is due on this farm.

And if you don’t get it, what do you plan to do with us, Mr. Alessandro Kazan? Throw us out into the street?

Shh...Claudia, Ingrid said, frantically waving her hands. She didn’t mean anything by that, Mr. Kazan. She’s just a child.

Yes, I did, Mother, and I’m not a child. I’ll be eighteen next month, and I want to know if this gentleman will throw a widow and her daughter out in the cold. I heard about what your father did to the Parsons. Throwing that old man who used a wheelchair out in the cold. What a horrible monster someone must be to do such a thing.

Oh, you heard about that?

Yes, I did, sir.

Well, your highness, it wasn’t my father who evicted the Parsons; it was me. And my father waited four months before he got tired of the excuses that Mr. Parson’s daughter was giving him. I took over when Mr. Parsons wheeled into a local pub I happened to be visiting that day and gambled away the rent money.

Well, I didn’t know about all that. I guess if I were a businessperson, I would have done the same thing.

So, princess, I’m not a horrible dragon needing to be slain by a knight in shining armor?

Maybe not slain, but I’m still  waiting for an answer as to what is to become of us?

Alessandro had never been spoken to in such a manner before in his whole life. He was amused at the maturity and grit in the young beauty that stood before him. She had a disarming way about her. He couldn’t tell if it was the gorgeous figure that hid beneath her dress or the penetrating blue eyes that made Alessandro feel weak when he looked into them. The one thing that Alessandro did know was that he had never met a woman like her before.

How many days do you need to get the rent money up? I have to tell my father something?

Claudia’s fury had subsided enough for her to notice how handsome and manicured Alessandro looked. At 6-feet 2-inches tall, he towered over the 5-foot 6-inch Claudia. His hair was jet black, which connected to a trimmed beard and mustache. He wore a suit and tie, which seemed to accent his muscular body.

Easter will be coming up soon. Can you give us until the end of April?

Alessandro turned and stepped into the car. He rolled down the window and gestured for Claudia to come over.

How about if I give you until the end of May, Princess Claudia Lorena Schulz?

Why are you all of a sudden being so generous, Mr. Alessandro Kazan?

Maybe it’s because I prefer to be the knight in shining armor and not the dragon. When is your birthday?

Valentine’s Day, why do you ask?

I might want to get you a birthday card, your highness. Home, Wadsworth.

Claudia and Ingrid watched as the shiny car rambled down the road before disappearing over the rise. Ingrid sighed with relief while Claudia was experiencing a feeling of a different nature. It was one of carnality that enveloped her when she noticed Alessandro’s eyes roving over her body. It began with the accelerated pounding of her heart before descending to her pelvic girdle as she recalled every detail of his chiseled face.

He did what?! Gabriel shouted, pounding his desk.

Flavio cringed in his seat when the thump startled him. He had seen firsthand Gabriel’s volatile temper. When one of his ship’s captains claimed the waters were too dangerous to go out, he boarded the boat, slapping his crew out of the way, and tossed the captain overboard. He then went to the first mate and promoted him to captain.

At that moment, Alessandro walked into the study.

What the hell is this shit Flavio is telling me about you giving that farm to the Schulz’s?

And good morning to you too, Father. Hello, Flavio, still spying for my father?

He’s not spying for me, Alessandro. Flavio’s job is to give me an accounting of all my business concerns.

Then he should keep to your business concerns, Father, and stay out of mine!

Since when is the Schulz farm your business, Alessandro?

Ever since you gave it to me as a present on my twenty-first birthday.

I did no such thing.

Alessandro raised his eyebrow, which was his way of letting his father know that he was wrong and was about to lose an argument.

Did I, Flavio?

I’m afraid, so, Mr. Kazan.

You also gave me the two ships you had entrusted Dimitri to manage. That is until his irresponsible management skills let them fall into receivership.

I meant to ask you about that, son. How did you get the Harlan brothers to drop the litigation?

I used the negotiating skills you taught me, father.

Gabriel looked over at Flavio.

The Harlan brothers limped into my office and sold the two ships for a fraction of their worth, Mr. Kazan.

That’s my boy, Gabriel said, leaning back in his chair and lighting a cigar. Why can’t your big brother, Dimitri be more like you?

Do you think Dimitri would stop chasing women and frequenting taverns long enough to manage the Caribbean shipping route and three farms you gave me, Father?

No, of course not, Alessandro.

Flavio watched as Alessandro made the typhoon of strength turn to putty in his hands. It was as if he was watching a younger version of Gabriel break down himself. A trick Alessandro learned how to do from an early age.

Alessandro hated when Dimitri, two years older, would receive attention for something he did right. One day, things changed when they were out picking onions on a farm the family owned. Dimitri couldn’t stand the smell and quit picking after a few minutes. Alessandro continued until his basket was full. Gabriel beamed with pride as he told neighbors what his six-year-old son had done.

From that day forward, Dimitri could never outdo Alessandro in anything. So, he gave up trying.

And I’m sure Flavio has informed you that the profits from the business you turned over to me are up by thirty-five percent.

Yes, he has, my son.

Alessandro walked over and stood in front of Flavio, who had to lean back in his chair to look up. His heart was pounding as his mind wondered if Alessandro had inherited Gabriel’s fierce temper as well as his business acumen.

So, I’m going to remind you for the first and last time, Flavio. When you are accounting to my father, you make sure that you leave my business concerns out of them. Is that clear?

Yes, Mr. Kazan, Flavio said, nodding his head frantically.

Do you have the deed with you?

Yes, sir, Flavio said, handing him an envelope.

What’s all the shouting about? asked a groggy Dimitri.

I’m sorry, big brother, were we disturbing your hangover?

As a matter of a fact, you were, little brother. But now that I’m up, you might as well tell me what you two were arguing about.

It seems your little brother has found himself a sweetheart just in time for Valentine’s day, Dimitri.

Is that so, Father? Don’t tell me it’s that dirt farming wench on the Schulz place.

Watch your mouth, big brother, Alessandro snarled. Unlike the women you sleep with, I don’t have to pay for Claudia’s company.

You think you’re better than me because I buy my tramps with a silver coin, and you buy your whore with a farm?

By the time Dimitri regained consciousness, Alessandro was gone along with two of Dimitri’s lower teeth.

What...what happened? asked Dimitri as Gabriel helped him to a seating position.

I believe it was a right cross, son.

Claudia had just placed the remaining dinner plates of food in front of Aubrey and Brian Pitts when there was a knock on the door.

Who could that be, Mother?

I don’t know, Claudia. Are any of you men expecting anyone?

No, Mrs. Schulz, said Aubrey.

When Ingrid opened the door, she gasped when she saw that it was Alessandro.

Oh, Mr. Kazan, we weren’t expecting you until the end of May. Look, we’ve found two men who are willing to work for us for no money until we get our first harvest in. Surely, you can wait two more months.

I know about the men, Mrs. Schulz. I’m the one who sent them here. Hello, boys.

Hello, Mr. Kazan.

Then why are you here?

I’ve not come for the rent, Mrs. Schulz. I’ve come to speak to the princess if she will grant me an audience.

The Pitt brothers laughed when they saw Alessandro bow ceremoniously.

I will speak with the peasant, Mother. Have him wait outside.

Claudia! Ingrid gasped.

Thank you, your highness, Alessandro said, bowing as he backed out of the door.

You can’t speak to him like that, Claudia. Do you want him to throw us off the property tonight?

Mother, I know what I’m doing. As of today, I’m legally an adult. Please, start treating me like one.

Yes, you are, aren’t you? I see so much of your father in you. I’ll set your plate aside for you.

Thank you, Mother, Claudia said, kissing Ingrid on the cheek.

Alessandro was pacing back and forth when the door opened, and Claudia stepped through it. She suddenly remembered she was still wearing the apron. Alessandro laughed as she quickly snatched it off and tossed it back into the house.

Now, then, what is it that you wanted to speak to me about, Mr. Kazan?

Alessandro walked over to Claudia and lifted her chin with a finger.

Please, call me Alessandro, your highness.

Okay, I will if you stop making fun of me and calling me, princess, Alessandro.

Trust me, Claudia, I mean no offense when I call you that. Like your father, you’ve become precious to me.

But you hardly know me other than that I’m a tenant on one of your many properties.

No, that’s where you’re wrong, Claudia. I’ve known you long before I saw you in the field that day. Whenever my sister tried to match me with one of her girlfriends, I didn’t see you in them. I knew the woman that would be my wife would make me feel the way I do.

And what way is that, Mr. Kazan?

The way I can’t let a minute go by without thinking about you during the day. The way my heart pounds when I recall the first time I laid eyes on you. I lie in bed for hours thinking about a future with you before I can fall asleep.

Claudia placed her hands on the sides of her face and stared at Alessandro.

What is it?

I’ve been experiencing and doing the same things ever since your first visit. I have found myself daydreaming in the fields when I should have been plowing. I lie in bed thinking about what it would be like to be called Claudia Lorena Kazan.

This may be presumptuous of me, but may I kiss you?

Claudia answered by closing her eyes and tilting her head back. Alessandro handled her face as if it were a fragile egg as he drew her lips to his. Upon contact, she wrapped her arms around his waist as he pulled her body into his strong embrace.

The crushing hug squeezed the air out of her lungs, but Claudia maintained the lip-lock until their feverish kiss was completed. When Alessandro released his grip, Claudia became weak in the knees, forcing him to reach out and steady her.

Are you okay, my love?

Yes, Alessandro. I just need to catch my breath. I must look a sight.

Claudia fiddled with her hair.

You look perfect, Claudia. Oh, I almost forgot. I have your birthday present.

Alessandro removed the envelope and handed it to her.

Happy birthday, Claudia.

Claudia opened the envelope and removed the deed.

Is this what I think it is?

Yes, princess. It’s the deed to your farm. You own it, now.

Claudia squealed and leaped into Alessandro’s arms, kissing him deeply. When Ingrid and the Pitt brothers ran out to see why she screamed, Claudia was still dangling in the air, kissing Alessandro. She stopped when Brian cleared his throat.

Oh, Mother, look what Alessandro gave me for my birthday?

Ingrid read the document in disbelief.

Is this real, Mr. Kazan?

Yes, Mrs. Schulz, it is. And please, call me Alessandro from now on.

Ingrid clasped her hands together, looked up at the setting sun, and mouthed the words thank you.

Isn’t there something else you want to say to Mother, darling?

For the first time, Alessandro was at a loss for words. He had no problem negotiating big business deals with the savviest of merchants but now found it difficult to ask for the one thing that would make him the happiest.

Ahem, well, you see, Mrs. Schulz...

Go on, darling, tell my mother what you want to do?

Yes, go on, darling, Aubrey mocked.

How would you like to eat my fist? Alessandro snapped.

Claudia placed her hand on Alessandro’s forearm, and his anger subsided instantly.

Now, take a deep breath and ask her.

Brian grabbed Aubrey and retreated into the house.

Mrs. Schulz, I would like your permission to ask for Claudia’s hand in marriage.

If my Hans were alive, I’m sure he would say it was up to Claudia, Alessandro. Do you love him, Claudia?

Claudia’s green eyes sparkled as she looked up at Alessandro.

Oh, yes, Mother. I love him with all my heart.

Then you both have my blessing.

Alessandro and Claudia embraced in another passionate kiss.

When you let her come up for air, Alessandro, come in the house and have some supper with us.

Shall we go in, Claudia Lorena Kazan?

Yes, Mr. Alessandro Kazan, Claudia said, taking hold of his muscular arm.

Three months later, Attleboro, Massachusetts, saw the most prominent wedding ceremony in its 200-year history. Everyone attended except for Dimitri, who was still holding a grudge about being knocked out by his younger brother. Also missing was Tessa Kazan, Alessandro’s spinster sister. She resented having to endure the flippant remarks about her brother courting a common farm girl from her snobbish girlfriends. The first time Alessandro invited her to dinner, Tessa abruptly left the dining room after making a nasty comment.

Marcellus Kazan, who was a year younger than Alessandro, was always easily manipulated by Tessa. It didn’t take much coaxing for her to get him to side with her against Claudia.

The two staunchest supporters of Claudia were Alessandro’s mother, Katherine, who only asked him if she loved him when he told her of his intentions to ask for her hand. The first time she met Claudia, she could tell how her eyes followed her son around the room that she loved Alessandro very much.

The other ally was Alessandro’s baby sister, Michelle. She was older than Claudia by a couple of years but instantly liked her when she saw how smitten she was