Saving Mr.S Thompson

By Shannon Marsh

Robert lives a charmed life until his 33rd birthday when he realizes he wants more. By chance he meets a dream come true who marries him and bears his child. Once shes gone nightmares from his past threaten his home and family as Robert struggles to free himself from the traps of his unhinged mind. The love and dedication of true friendship is tested. But who will win and at what cost?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479707799

Shannon Marsh

Embracing the belief that all of life is an adventure I left my home in the country where the chickens followed me around my parents’ property like favorite pets and moved seven hundred miles away. I’d met a man who has been worth the sacrifice of leaving an entire world behind. Since moving I have survived economic hardship, a hurricane, and having my wedding blown away into the ocean which is vast and beautiful. I regret very little and am inspired by everything.

Book preview

Chapter one

Robert Thompson was a son of an actor. His father had done well in his prime and amassed a fortune which could easily spoil his descendants for generations. This meant that Robert grew up with all the privilege and opportunity money could afford. Following his father’s untimely demise due to the downfalls that often accompany an opulent lifestyle Robert took possession of his childhood home, a 22 bedroom, 18 bathroom mansion, complete with an Olympic sized swimming pool and its own movie theater, surrounded by ten acres of land. Robert preferred to think of it as quaint and cozy. He followed in his father’s footsteps, faltering at times with complications to his career due to drugs and alcohol. He’d received a few prison sentences that came as less of a punishment than the actual hell of addiction was. Now it was at his 33rd birthday party and he was drinking the same drink he’d always indulged in as his favorite. He realized he felt empty. He looked around the room and saw scantily clad women dancing, some of them high as a kite. He saw the men watching the women, some of them physically unable to stand. This was fun, right? This was what he’d always enjoyed before right? He gulped his drink down, barely tasting it. He looked at his date, a young waitress, who he’d met a few hours before, and said, Let’s get out of here. She grinned in anticipation. This would give her bragging rights for years. She was surprised when instead of leading her to another room in the house he took her to a cheap hotel.

Robert didn’t enjoy his lay. He always had before but now something seemed empty. Sure, she cared that she was with him specifically as opposed to anyone she would have had otherwise, but he seriously doubted that she had any further feelings on the matter. She’d put on a good show. He had to give her credit for that. As he saw her lying next to him, though, he felt revulsion. She was beautiful or she wouldn’t be there, but he couldn’t stand to think that he’d actually been with her. He dressed as quietly as possible and slipped a couple hundred into her purse. He felt awkward about that but he was leaving without explanation and no intent to ever see her again. He felt he had to leave her something . . . After all, his father had raised him to be a gentleman.

Robert drove straight home, barely noticing the drive at all. It was still very cold and rather dark out, an hour before sunrise. There were partiers passed out everywhere in his house. He stepped over and around them in his living room as he surveyed the destruction of the party. Cigarette burns on the couch, alcohol spilled all over his coffee table. Not that he cared. They were easily replaced. He’d deal with that later. He crept down a hallway to his bedroom and noted with annoyance that his locked bedroom door stood ajar. His butler, Niles, had bagged a beautiful blonde in his bed. No, make that two blondes. Not professional, but easily made up for, considering what he intended to put Niles through later. He’d definitely enjoy making fun of Niles for that. But right now he needed a shower. He grabbed some clothes and locked himself in the master bathroom.

Long after he was clean Robert sat on the shower floor, letting the water cascade down his body as he considered the oddness of recent events. Even the shower felt empty. He’d enjoyed it as he always had, but somehow, it felt larger. Or was it that he felt smaller? Whatever. The point was that nothing felt quite right.

When Robert finally emerged from the bathroom, perfectly dressed and groomed, the sun was just perfectly positioned to fill his east-facing bedroom with blinding morning. He decided to be cruel. He put some sunglasses on and opened the drapes with quick, deliberate motions. Niles sat up suddenly awake and blinded. One blonde pulled a pillow over her head and groaned. The other stumbled out of bed in search of clothes. Good morning, sir! Robert addressed Niles playfully. Niles groaned. Robert smiled at him and said, Mr. Thompson, it does you no service to stay abed at this hour! Niles nodded. Robert had imitated him perfectly, down to the exact cadence of his usual morning speech. The difference here was that Niles didn’t threaten to fire or dismember him. Niles slid from the bed and stumbled to the master bathroom shower. He wasn’t worried about being fired. He’d done far worse before and was still around. Meanwhile, Robert very gently assisted the girl in getting out of bed and dressed. He made sure she had cab fare and saw her safely into a cab. She was still drunk from last night, which for her probably only ended a couple of hours ago, and she slipped him her number. Give this to Robert, she slurred.

As soon as he was rid of her he ripped the bedding from his bed and dragged it out of the room. He left it in the hallway and went into the master bathroom where Niles was still showering. Well done. They were both quite luscious, Robert complimented. Niles grunted his agreement. His hangover prevented further bragging. Tell me, Robert continued, were they both legal? Sure, Niles responded painfully. I don’t really question her, Robert proceeded carefully, but he looked awful young. He was legal, Niles replied in annoyance. Are you sure? Robert pushed. Should I have carded him? Niles asked hotly. Yes! Robert answered a little angrily, It’s my name you used last night and I don’t want to have to face any charges! And I’m done paying settlements for you! Oh, Niles replied softly. He hadn’t thought of that. I’m sorry. Niles, are you sober enough to drive? Robert asked after cooling down for a minute. A groan emanated from the shower. Thought not. Hurry up, though. We’ve got a busy day ahead. The shower was turned off immediately. You can finish, Robert muttered. ’S okay. I’m done, Niles replied as he wrapped a towel around his body.

Robert followed Niles to his room, where he dressed quickly as Robert gave instruction. I want everyone out by the next hour. That instruction was cause for pause. There’ll be no sleeping it off at my place this time, Robert continued. Niles felt deep concern at this point. I’m fine, Robert replied quickly, seeing his face, I just don’t want everyone in my house. And I think I’m partied out. I need a break from that. Niles stopped moving. His jaw was on the ground. Robert had never said anything remotely similar to that statement before. It’s okay, Robert assured him. You can still get some, just not the same way anymore.

Cab fare was not given freely to all guests. Robert felt that those who weren’t close personal friends or who had not given him that extra special good time didn’t deserve it. After all, they’d just partaken in far better . . . party favors than they’d ever get on their own. It was difficult, but Niles did have them all out before the hour was up. Something big was happening with Robert and he felt it was best to humor him now. It might also be best to start a job hunt later. If the parties were over who knew if Niles still had a job . . .

Niles felt odd in the passenger seat of the car while Robert drove. Normally, it was the other way around, but today Niles was too hung over to drive. He felt particularly lucky that he wasn’t vomiting or passing out at the moment. He’d behaved very unprofessionally last night . . .I want you to donate all of my living room furniture and my bed, Robert was saying, It’s all damaged anyway. Auction it off and give the money to charity or something. This wasn’t unexpected. The stuff was pretty damaged. The only thing that would sell it was who it’d belonged to. Go ahead and arrange that now, Robert continued, I intend to have my new things delivered tonight. And fire Theresa. I saw her pocketing my watch yesterday morning while she was cleaning my room. She didn’t take it for herself, Niles replied, She gave it to me to have the battery changed. Oh, someone could have mentioned that, Robert mumbled. He still would have felt better if he’d never seen it go into her pocket. It should be ready to pick up today, Niles offered. Robert smiled. That’s better. He felt naked without his watch, not that he ever really cared about being on time, but it’d been his father’s.

Robert pulled into the parking lot at his favorite furniture store and hopped out, tossing the keys into Nile’s general direction. Find a parking spot and come find me, Robert said as he walked toward the door. It was busy today. As Robert passed through the door he glanced around. He saw far fewer sales people than he’d seen the last time he’d replaced everything. It’d been a couple of years, though. Is Abraham here? He asked the first sales person who walked by. He doesn’t work here anymore, was the quick reply. The sales person hadn’t even stopped and was on his way. Robert was baffled. This was very unlike what he was used to. Then he noticed in a corner two sales people. One was yelling at the other. He walked over and stood patiently waiting, nosily observing. The yeller was a manager and he was berating the other sales associate for her poor sales performance on this busy day. Excuse me, Robert interrupted, but I need help and can’t help but notice that you’re humiliating your staff in front of the clientele, so, I’d like to borrow her for a moment, he held out his arm to the yellee, and you can finish with her when I’m done. Both employees seemed confused. I’m sorry, but I’m in the middle of being fired so I don’t suppose I can actually help you, the yellee whispered sadly. She was holding back tears. Robert turned to the yeller and asked, Have you actually gotten to that part yet? The manager stumbled around a no and Robert cut him off, taking the yellee’s hand and saying, How about going out with a bang? I need new everything. Show me the best. He noted with satisfaction the gasp of the manager as they walked away.

So, may I ask what horrible thing you did to get termed? Robert attempted awkwardly at conversation. Even with a red face and tears in her eyes this girl was pretty. He was used to pretty girls and that didn’t faze him, but she was different somehow. Possibly because he was having to work with her. Somehow, he sensed that she wasn’t going to be easy. It was refreshing. He didn’t want easy, for once. There was an innocence about her that could be felt immediately. He revered it. I take no too quickly when it comes to soliciting the store credit card, she replied evenly. I don’t push and try to convince people how wrong they are when they tell me why they don’t want it. Bad for business, Robert conceded, but refreshing. And respectful. She smiled slightly. Her teeth were a little crooked and if it had been any other girl he would have considered walking away, but he didn’t mind it on her. What’s your name? he asked. I’m sorry, how unprofessional . . . I’m Ramona. Call me Mona, though. It’s what I’m more used to. He shook her hand, I’m Robert. Call me Rob, it’s what I’m fairly used to. Pleased to meet you. Robert scolded himself inwardly for such an awkward exchange. Mona smiled shyly, Yeah, I know who you are. The pleasure is all mine, she mumbled, a little embarrassed. There was an awkward silence for a second before she said, So, you need a new everything? Yes, Robert said, grateful for the icebreaker. What was wrong with him? He could talk to anyone anytime! Why was he even bothering with someone who was obviously subpar enough to be fired right on the sales floor? Niles joined them at that moment. This is my butler, Niles, Robert introduced. Niles, this is Mona. She’s going to sell me one set of everything and then get fired. Niles glanced at her in confusion but she didn’t seem to mind. She actually chuckled. Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement and, for a second, Robert thought he could finally understand the concept of infatuation. What rooms need to be replaced? she asked, coming more into the sales person she normally was. I need a new living room for sure and a new bed. I don’t usually care about matching my furniture but considering the events that will transpire later, let’s make it a great sale! Robert joked. She grinned, Right this way!

Robert enjoyed sneaking glances at the manager, who stalked them through the whole course of the sale. Robert even responded favorably to her questions regarding warrantees and credit, buying all of it, just for the satisfaction of seeing the manager’s face. It was more trouble than he usually went to, but it was worth it this time. He bought the best she had to offer, even though he’d have to wait three weeks for delivery. Hold off on that auction, he mumbled to Niles. This will just give us time to organize it properly, Niles agreed, a little relieved.

Once Robert had ordered everything he needed he was hesitant to let the sale end. That would mean the end to his interaction with her and possibly watching her get fired. So, any idea what you’ll do if they actually do let you go after this? he asked. No, Mona said quietly, I guess I’ll have to hunt. What if I offered you a job on the spot? Robert offered spontaneously. Doing what? Mona asked suspiciously. She’d heard about his reputation, apparently. I don’t know yet, Robert admitted, but nothing raunchy. It’d be real employment. She smiled at him. Yes, she said, I’d be honored to work for you. As she gave him the receipt they saw her boss approaching. He didn’t say a word but printed a copy of the receipt for himself. It was enough to make the entire store’s sales goal for the day, plus she’d sold warrantees and a credit card. It was clear he was baffled. Robert grinned at him and said, I believe you left off on ‘your performance isn’t near what it should be this far into the game’. Please proceed. Mona turned to her boss with an amused look. Well, perhaps something could be worked out, he stumbled. Don’t worry about it, Mona sang cheerfully. It’s okay. I quit! She clocked out and walked Robert to his car. Niles followed far enough behind to seem respectful but still be nosey. When do I report for my first day? she asked. Tomorrow morning at 10. Do you know where I live? She shook her head. He borrowed a pen from her and wrote his address on the back of his receipt. He gave it to her and asked, Will I need that when they deliver my stuff? Maybe, she said, but I’ll give it to you when I see you tomorrow. He was relieved to hear that. He really wanted her to work for him. He didn’t know why, after all, pretty women really meant nothing to him, but he just wanted to know she’d be around. She said goodbye and walked back into the store to collect her things. Robert and Niles watched her walk back into the store, Niles often glancing at his employer in confusion, and then got into the car. Robert sat there with his head back against the head rest for a moment. Who was she and why do you care what happens to her? Niles demanded. I have no idea, Robert said evenly, but she’s important somehow. So, you just hired her. For no particular position with no background check, Niles demanded. I did that for you, too, Robert said defensively. You’ve known me since preschool! Niles retorted. Well, I appoint you as her spy then. But no watching her when she’s naked, though. If you see her do something untrustworthy I’ll trust your judgment, Robert said, instantly regretting it. And don’t go out of your way to look for a reason. Give her a chance, Robert said as an afterthought. Both men were quiet all the way home.

As they walked back into the mansion Robert asked Niles, How many housekeepers do I have? Niles thought for a second and said, Just Theresa. Does she work hard? Yeah, she really does, Niles nodded. As they walked into the living room Robert stopped. The living room was spotless and Theresa was kneeling next to a couch with a needle and thread, attempting to put the stuffing back into a cushion. It’d only been four and a half hours since he’d last seen this room. Theresa, don’t worry about doing that. She looked up with a worried look. He rarely addressed her and when he did he was usually angry. And he never told her not to finish her work. You’ve done an amazing job and I’m promoting you. And I’m giving you an assistant. She’ll be here at 10:00 tomorrow morning. You can go home and take the rest of the day off. Before you go, though, make a list of the stuff you’d like her to do tomorrow. I’d like you to give her a grand tour tomorrow and then take a couple of days off. You deserve it. Both Niles and Theresa were staring at him with their mouths hanging open. Theresa walked up to Robert and felt his forehead. No fever, she muttered, who are you and what have you done with the Robert I know? she demanded almost angrily. I’m fine, Robert assured her, I’m just beginning to open my eyes and realize a few things. Her demeanor changed. Tears came to her eyes as she muttered, Thank you! Now, tell me, what my promotion is? Head housekeeper, Robert said with a grin, For now you’ll have one assistant but let me know how that turns out. I can hire another if you need. And how much do I pay you? Theresa was speechless for a second. She was used to cleaning the whole darn house by herself every week! She hated when he had parties. It took two and a half weeks to get everything back to normal by herself if she doubled her usual pace! Now she’d have help! Whatever, Niles, check the books and double her pay! Can I have a few days off, too? Niles asked. For what? You have a day off every day! Robert teased. Can I have a raise then? Robert thought for a second. Yeah, you can have a couple dollars more. Theresa and Niles both fainted. Neither had seen a raise in years. Neither had ever asked for one because they both figured they were paid well enough. Well, Niles more so than Theresa, but she usually only complained when cleaning up after parties. Robert carried Theresa to a couch, well aware that she wasn’t really unconscious. He laid her down gently and then stepped over Niles to get to his room. Hey! Niles called after him indignantly, still lying on the floor. You’re just going to leave me here? You made her comfortable! Take the day off to rest, Niles! Robert called back. Last night had really taken it out of them both. And Robert had had no sleep. He noted gratefully that Theresa had already made a fresh bed for him. He slept peacefully clear through until the next morning.

Chapter two

Mona left her job with multiple emotions. She’d hated her job so she felt relief at leaving it, but she cowered at the uncertainty ahead of her. She came close to beating herself up for behaving rashly. After all, he was a Hollywood star. He had a