White Paper Roses

By Edward Lisk

Richard, workaholic, trained by his mother. She drilled him on business and survival. Her sudden death put his learning to work. Those valuable lessons paid dividends in growing up.
Peggy Miller fell in love with Richard best friend. His adopted sister became worried when Tony failed to report from his business trip. Richard went out tracing Tony steps. His first search, dead end. His second search, show promise. His third search, he discovered his friend alive but, where!
Nick,long time friend of Peggy, interfered with the rescues. He wanted her himself. Marrying her would unite two rich family together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 19, 2005
• ISBN: 9781477163139

Edward Lisk

Edward Lisk, author of Adventures of Jonathan Bradfort. Now on sale. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Copyright © 2005 by Edward Lisk.

Library of Congress Number:       2005901747

ISBN:         Hardcover                               1-4134-8832-3

                   Softcover                                 1-4134-8831-5

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4771-6313-9

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and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents

either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used

fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or

dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

"Richard, you’ll find out I’m not in best of health. I need

someone I can trust. I have always wanted a son. If it possible,

I want to adopt you into my family," H.P. whispered.

1

In the fall of 1935, the doctors were summoned. The two-story white house with green frames stood silent. Midday was windy and a chill hovered in the sky. In the driveway were two cars parked carelessly as if the occupants had left in a hurry. Down the long hall, the door to the master bedroom partly opened.

The mighty lady of the house lay dying. Her son, prodigy of her business, was in his room praying. He was quite aware that his world would be a challenge; his continuing presence in his home was in jeopardy. His father had been jealous of him from the attention he received. His wife molded their son for the sole purpose of taking over the business. She summoned her son.

Richard, Richard, she whispered in a low voice. I want two white paper roses placed on my breasts.

Graffing with the blanket, he was tearfully shaking his head. Come, dear, I don’t have much time, please listen. After I die, I want my children to throw three white paper roses on my casket.

It was Sunday afternoon when Reverend Makinson, a dear friend, presented the eulogy. Twelve black limousines drove out of the Presbyterian church lot. There were additional lines of cars of her friends and distant relatives to the cemetery.

The crisp wind was still; the fall season was coming to an end. Relatives and close friends gathered around the open hole. Still shaken from his mother’s death, he gave the white paper roses to his two crying sisters. They pitched their roses on the casket. Richard glanced at his father, who had a mournful look on his slender face.

After the funeral, Richard went about his chores. He wanted to talk to his father but changed his mind. I better take it slow. He should talk to me about joining the family business. I hope he doesn’t hold past jealousies. If he does, my time here would be short. I better prepare myself.

After several days of pondering on what he was going to say to his son, he called Richard into his study. I know you have been wondering what your position at the company. I—I decided that you won’t be needed. At your age, I felt your need to educate yourself. There’s plenty of work around the house for you to do.

Richard breathed deeply and walked away without putting up a fuss. He was returning to his room.

He stood in front of the door mirror. I guess he don’t want me to show him up. Mom, you did a good job. Hell, I can run the business right now. He knows and I know I’m not too young. Richard was six feet two inches, with dark wavy hair and dark eyes. He looked at his muscular body and handsome face and gave off a quick smile.

Several weeks passed. Richard and his sisters were surprised. Their father brought his secretary to live in the house. They were secret lovers until his wife found them together. Relationships at the house began to deteriorate ever since. Richard’s sisters took to Nancy very well. They had met her quite often when the sisters visited their father at the plant. Richard couldn’t stand the sight of her. After the death of his mother, her bedroom was sealed shut. He used to stay in his mother’s bedroom often when he was young. Now, that didn’t help his relationship with his father at all.

Several months had passed before things at the house became unbearable. On several occasions, Nancy made advances toward him. I better stay clear of her as much as possible. This could be the breaking point if I don’t handle the situation carefully.

After several weeks at the house, Nancy and his father got married. The reason his father gave for the wedding at such a short notice was convenience for the children. Richard had been spending most of his spare time getting ready for his departure. He put more time into his hobby, making white, red, and yellow paper roses.

Richard, you should look a little more cheerful around here, said Joyce, his elder sister. She grabbed his arm and led him to a place where they could speak.

I don’t know, sis. You know how I felt about Mom. He didn’t waste time bringing her into the house. Do you know she made a pass at me several times already!

Joyce’s mouth flew open in shock. She seemed so devoted to Papa. What are you going to do?

Richard put his hand on his sister’s shoulder, staring into her quizzical eyes. I’m making plans to leave. Things are not working out here for me. I have been saving my money way before Mom got sick. The bank account with me and Mom would be tied up for some time. Mom’s lawyer is out of the country right now. He smiled, Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll keep in touch with you from time to time.

Joyce hugged her brother tight and then stood away from him. She’s just about shoulder-high to her brother. She had long black hair and big flashy eyes. She smiled and hugged him again. I don’t know when you’re going to leave, but I miss you already. I’ll try to explain to Sal later.

The day of reckoning came. There was a big blowout, and tough words were passed around. He stood firm with his father. Richard stood over six feet two inches, with dark wavy hair and dark eyes. He had a small dimple on his right cheek. Richard was quite handsome and a little shy—sort of quiet. A mere look at him gave people the impression that he can take care of himself. His father accused him of making advances toward Nancy before and after they were married. Richard tried to explain, but to no avail.

With the money he had saved, he sought out the boarding house that he had contacted early in the month. He loaded his belongings into a cab. Just before he left, he hugged his two sisters. He glanced up to the upstairs’ window. He noticed Nancy watching his departure.

Where to? asked the driver.

Twenty-one Fifteen Hudson Street, Richard answered, watching his sister waving good-by.

I don’t want to be nosy, but did they throw you out of the house?

Richard smiled and told the cab driver his story.

You’re the type of guy who can handle himself.

I’ve been expecting this moment, so I’ve prepared myself.

He stood at the boarding house, waiting for the landowner to answer the door.

Hello, Mrs. Hobbs. I lasted longer than I could.

She smiled and stepped aside so Richard could bring his belongings into the two-story house. What you told me, I was looking for you earlier.

I’m paying six months in advance. I hope to gain some employment by then.

Spending his first night away from home, Richard thought of the days and things that were more pleasant. He thought of his earlier days with his friend Tony Peel. They were always together. His mother liked Tony, and she even helped him with some very important business tips. Tony was a few years older than him. Tony was selling the products of the family business. His parents taught him the business at an early age.

Richard decided to wait a few days before looking for his friend. He knew Tony and his parents had moved to a more expensive neighborhood. During his mother’s illness, he hadn’t seen Tony for months. I better start looking for my old friend in a few days. Since I don’t have any job skills, I better nurse this money to last. My age might prove to be a handicap.

After a few days of looking for Tony, he realized that he’s running out of money. His limited resources wouldn’t permit him to expand on a large scale. I should have kept in touch with Tony, he said, disgusted with himself. It looks like I need Tony more than I thought. My money is dissipated day by day. He breathed deeply, I have combed the nearby commercial area and no job. Damn, I have been hustling for a job for two months. I still got four months of rent left. I got to venture out further and tackle the big companies. I might get lucky and get a trainee job of sort. He looked up and down a block of small businesses. I covered that area. He walked further down the block.

To Richard’s surprise, six months had passed. He was fortunate enough to spend the first rush of holidays at the boarding house. Odd jobs kept him close to his area. He also managed to slip some Christmas presents to his sisters when he spotted them away from the house. They were glad to see him, and they told him what have been going on at the house. They also told him that the reading of their mother’s will would be at least a year late; the family lawyer was out of the country.

The winter was not cold. In fact, for several days, there was no snow on the ground. Walking about the streets, checking every store front and small factories that he came across with, he noticed times are not as good. He found out it tougher when he didn’t have any on-the-job experience.

Sitting in his large room, he counted his money. Hmm, I should be past my eighteenth birthday. My real test would be for me to get ready for the second winter. I got to find Tony. I better make a greater effort in finding him. He got up and stretched. His body showed signs of soreness. I better go down and tell Mrs. Hobbs I won’t be able to maintain this room. I don’t need to wait till rent time.

Richard found Mrs. Hobbs in the kitchen. Mrs. Hobbs… eh, in a few days, my rent would be due. I would like to ask a favor. I would like to store my things in your basement.

You’re leaving so soon, Richard! Of course, you may store your things here. She realized he won’t stay on credit. She’s a short woman with a sweet nature and a quick smile. Richard realized he would greatly miss her cooking.

Thanks, Mrs. Hobbs. I have to try to make it without charity. You’ve been wonderful to me. I would miss your wonderful cooking. He hugged her and put the bags he needed the most in a wagon he brought for such an occasion.

Richard went toward the part of town where there were factories. I hope my luck would be better. I got to get work before my clothes get so dirty. It would be harder to get any job. With my young age, I have a big strike against me.

The planning ahead paid off when he put some money into a pull-wagon cart. The wagon would carry his things, and he could sleep on it at night. He had plenty of heavy clothes, blankets, and a few hard oak sticks for weapons. Richard also added a long stick to poke around in trash bins. The wagon contained his worldly goods. I better keep this oak stick in hand in case of trouble with street kids. They may want to take my blankets and cooking utensils.

Summer came to an end. Richard had been on the streets for over five months. He was lucky to get odd jobs. His eating habits weren’t put to the test. He had penny-pinched his money. He now realized why some people became misers. He accepted some rewards for his deeds in saving several women from assaults on the streets. He happened to be around at the right time.

One dusty evening, when the sun was barely down among the trees, Richard was in deep thought. The miles he covered and the disappointment at the employment offices made him very depressed. The nation was on rebound from the Great Depression. Work was still hard to come. Businesses were beginning to pick up, but not fast enough for the little fellows on the streets. Apple selling was still visible on the street corners. The store fronts had Out of Business signs across their windows. Still, the large businesses were flourishing. His mother’s business—a middle-size business—continued on its way to becoming a large company. Her sudden death put a skid to the business growth. Earlier, she was tied up with raising children. She turned the business over to her husband, who was then working as the company salesman. He was not a businessman. He liked to dream of business, but he lacked ambition and hard work. Richard’s mother saw what he liked right away. She began to fund all of her assets to her son. She also opened separate accounts with her son. She began to drill into him every bit of knowledge she has had for business. When her health began to fade, she discovered the unfaithfulness of her husband. She made out another will and had her trusted lawyer to keep the new will for one year.

When Richard looked up from his deep thoughts of his childhood, he was confronted by six dirty young street boys. He knew instantly he would have to fight them. They looked hungry. They looked very seasoned with being on the streets. He looked too clean to be a street kid. The street kids figured Richard was going home from the store. Their eyes were on his wagon and its provisions. Richard’s eyes narrowed as he gripped his oak stick.

No word was spoken. He found himself being backed deep in the alley. Then, he dropped the tongue of the wagon. He place two hands on his stick. You’re asking for it. Who is the leader?

A fat kid almost as tall as Richard stepped forward. He seemed a little younger than Richard. The dirty face and clothes made him look older.

I’m the leader, and we’re taking what you’ve got. There’s six of us. So, I don’t think that stick would stop us.

All I have is this stick to stop you. I don’t want to hurt any of you kids, so let’s talk.

We don’t talk, we take. A tough-looking kid came forward with his fist, ready to fight.

You get hurt that way, boy. So if I were you, kids, you should let your leader fight for you. If he’s a real leader. If he doesn’t have what it takes, I’m taking over as the leader.

The kids looked at each other in surprise. They realized he was a street kid with cleaner clothes. The tough kid called Knuckles stepped back with the others. That left the fat kid facing Richard alone. Richard threw his stick back where he left his wagon. They stood there for a moment, staring at each other. Richard watched his eyes.

"You can back out now if you want. Richard had his fist ready for action.

Let’s get him! the fat kid yelled.

No one moved. The fat kid looked about for some help. Richard saw the fat kid has no fight in him. He stayed ready for a fight just in case. All of a sudden, without warning, the fat kid lunged and struck Richard in the face. He stumbled back. Quickly, the fight was on. The fat kid threw in two more blows before Richard was in a position to strike. The kids with their dirty little faces and clothes form a circle. They were shouting encouragements to their leader. Richard began to dance around the fat kid. Occasionally, he’ll flip out a jab. Then, he suddenly nailed the kid with a hard overhand right to his chin. The blow was such a force that the kids gasped in disbelief. The fat kid fell to the ground hard. He was game, for he rubbed his chin and got up on his wobbled legs. He went forward, swinging wildly. The fat kid got several blows through Richard’s defenses. Richard began to dance, circling the fat kid. Another hard blow to the fat kid’s chin. He was thrown off his feet. This time, blood was coming out of the corner of his mouth. Rubbing the blood from his mouth, he held out his hands.

Don’t hit me no more. I got enough. Please, don’t hit me no more.

One of the disappointed kids slammed his cap on the ground. The kid was shouting, For Christ’s sake, don’t hit me no more!

Don’t hit me no more! went the chanting chorus from the other kids taunting their leader. They were very disappointed.

Richard held out his hand to help the fat kid on his feet. He glared at the other kids.

We’re going somewhere to talk. I want your names and where you hang out.

Richard lined up all the kids. He wrote down their names and ages. They looked puzzled at the much taller boy.

Okay, fatty, what’s your name and age?

I’m called Fats. I’m fifteen, and I was on my own for three years. Fats, almost tall as Richard, stood about five feet nine inches, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and no visual scares. He walked straight up like a soldier. He walked back to the line, still feeling the sting of Richard’s fists.

A short brassy kid walked cockily up to Richard. I’m Knuckles. My real name is Don Jackson. That’s Murphy Jones, he was pointing to Fats. Knuckles was short—five feet five—and slender. He’s very muscular and had brown hair and eyes. He had several scars on his knuckles. He also had a few cuts on his forehead. He’s a good-looking kid.

I’m called Bread. My real name is Brady Smith. Bread, medium height, had freckles and sandy hair and hazel eyes. There were no visual scars.

Why the name Bread? Richard asked curiously.

Bread pulled out a well-wrapped slice of bread. He walked away slowly, eyeing Richard as he went.

I’m Cookie, the only black kid in the gang said. My real name is Jerome Brown. I do all the cooking when we get lucky. I deal in knives. Cookie was almost as tall as Fats, with light brown skin. He had hazel eyes, was slender built, and not a bad-looking kid.

Richard stared at his knives. Be careful with those knives. The next kid came forward.

A skinny freckled kid with red hair came forward. He was dragging a small ladder.

You’re Ladder, Richard asked, pointing to the ladder.

My real name’s Tom Walker. He was a short kid with a country slang talk (slow). No visual scars and kind of cute.

A short, muscular kid walked up to Richard. He had a Bible in his hands.

Reverend! Richard asked, pointing to his Bible.

Yes, and may the Lord bless you. He slowly walked away. He turned and said, My name is Joe Wilson. He had dark eyes and hair. He walked straight up with his head held high.

Richard stared at him as the kid joined the others. He paused for a moment. He walked down the line of six dirty kids. Both faces and clothes were very dirty.

I have an empty building down by the water front. We’re going there. Do you have anything better?

They looked at each other and shook their heads.

Then, let’s go. Follow me! Richard yelled as the kids walked briskly behind him.

Along the way, several people on their way to work stared at the single column of dirty kids following a big clean kid. The heat from the sun slowly burned off the nippy air of the morning. They turned down a street of old warehouses. Richard pointed out the empty building. It was a strong brick building with window panes that needed cleaning.

Richard cautioned the kids to be quiet. "I don’t have the owner’s blessing. We are trespassing. This will do until I get a better place. It’s warm in here. We can get some boxes to make a bed. I don’t want anybody sleeping on the floor.

Amen to that, said Reverend softly. We were sleeping on the ground with a bunch of leaves and papers to soften the hard, cold ground.

We’re going to organize. First, we’re going to get a bath and clean clothes.

What! Fats yelled.

Are you kidding? Knuckles yelled.

Richard stared hard at them with his fist on his hips.

I know places where you can bath and get clean clothes. When we hit the streets, we are going to look and act like civilized people.

They looked at each other. Bread held up his hand.

What about food?

You’ll be well fed. We’ll break up into small groups to forage for food. We’re to plan the forage the night before we go out. Now, let’s get this place ready for a living place. We need wood and boxes. We can use the wagon cart for transportation. So let’s get to work.

Across town, H. P. was at his desk, thinking. The tall, partly gray-haired man with glasses stood up