A Family of Friends

By D H Park

The seemingly normal life of a wealthy Michigan teen is suddenly shattered with the imprisonment of his father and death of his mother. Building a new life on his own with only a married sister as family leads to emotional ups and downs as Andy Newland faces the challenges of life.

Andy and his college roommate, Jason Anderson, form a bond stronger than brothers, coming to rely on each other for friendship and support throughout. As their lives and careers grow around Rochester, Michigan, the one constant is a deep commitment to their friendship.

This heartwarming tale of the relationships of family and friends emphasises the need to share our lives with others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524530761

D H Park

As a human resources executive for over thirty years, the author brings an extensive background in working with and counseling people. The son of a newspaper journalist, Park grew up in a family where travel to the south was a regular occurrence. Drawing from personal experiences, family and friends, the characters are closely aligned to people who have come into his life over the years. Park strives to bring warmth, caring, and the importance of interpersonal connections to his writing. His successful books My Lifelong Friends and A Family of Friends have been well received with excellent on-line reviews. The author has lived most of his life in southwestern Ontario, close to the American border. His extensive travels have taken him throughout the world. Decades of travel and exploring the Georgia low country and northeast Florida coast led to the setting of A Partnership of Friends.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Newlands

The mortar boards were tossed into the air and the degrees had been awarded. The sun peaked through the clouds on the cool mid May afternoon at Central Michigan University.

Lara Newland found her parents amongst the throng and gave them a big hug. Her younger brother relented and allowed a kiss on the cheek. Everyone stood around introducing friends to parents. The graduates wanted to go off and party. The parents wanted family time. Most of the parents were victorious. The Newlands headed to Villa Italia for an early dinner. Accompanying them was Lara’s boyfriend Will.

Will’s parents had divorced and one was living in Oregon and one in Nevada. Neither came to the ceremony. Lara and Will both received business degrees. They had met at their college dorm during third year.

As is often the case of parents and their daughter, Lara’s parents didn’t care for Will. They insisted on calling him William to his face and he or him to Lara. They were polite to him but cool.

The restaurant was full when they arrived but Lara’s father Jim had made a reservation a month ago and in five minutes they were seated.

The server asked them if anyone wanted a drink. Mrs. Newland ordered ginger ale, Lara’s brother Andy a Coke and Mr. Newland asked for coffee. Although both were twenty-two and could legally order the beer and wine they craved, given what their parents ordered, Lara and Will had Diet Cokes.

So William, what are your plans now? Mrs. Newland asked. It was obvious that Lara hadn’t told them that they both had accepted positions for the same company, the head North American office of a large auto parts supplier.

I’ve accepted a finance position in Auburn Hills, Will replied. I start June first.

How nice, Lara’s mother Ann replied. That’s the same city where Lara will be working. Are you going to be working near her?

Very close, Will answered, somewhat glaring at Lara who shrugged her shoulders. James Newland frowned.

I thought maybe you would head west, Mr. Newland said. Aren’t your parents in Oregon?

Will knew damned well Jim was aware that his parents were divorced and living in different states. My father lives in Oregon yes, he answered. I may move west someday but getting experience is important now and the job opening was here.

Yes, of course, Mr. Newland said. They ordered dinner. After an hour-and-a-half of strained small talk, dinner was over and the Newlands headed back to East Grand Rapids. Lara and Will drove back in his Civic to their soon to be vacated residence. The senior Newlands would be horrified to know Lara and Will had rented an apartment together in Troy.

Why haven’t you told them we are working for the same firm? Will asked.

It never came up. Lara answered. They can’t accept I’m a grown woman. Dad still gets upset at the thought I am going to live hours from them and work for a company other than his. One day I will tell them the full story.

With their limited financial resources and credit cards they minimally furnished the small apartment. It was cozy and not far from work. Best of all it was affordable and in a decent area.

Lara’s position was in the procurement department and Will was in corporate finance as an analyst. They worked on different floors of the building and consciously decided not to lunch or socialize together at work.

Even by October Lara hadn’t told her parents that she lived with Will and that they worked for the same company.

Mrs. Newland called one evening and made it clear that she expected Lara to be home for Thanksgiving. When Lara said Will would be coming too, she replied, No dear, this is for our family only.

Finally, Lara had the nerve to tell her mother the full story. "Will is family, mother. We have lived together since graduation. We sleep together. And, to complete the picture, Will and I work for the same company. I just never told you as Dad and you never seemed to like Will and have always been frosty with him. I have assumed you don’t approve."

There was dead silence on the other end. Finally, Lara’s mother said, I will have to discuss this with your father. You know he has always wanted you to return home and work for his company. If you can’t spend Thanksgiving here without William, please don’t come. She hung up.

Will had been sitting there on the sofa listening to the one side of the conversation. You look upset, what happened?

"If I take you home I’m not welcome. My mother has to talk to my father and will probably try to insist I leave you and my job and return home and work for his firm," Lara replied.

I didn’t know they hated me that much. Why? I barely know them, Will answered.

It’s not rational, Lara replied. I’m not sure why. All I can assume is they believed I would finish college and return home as their virgin daughter to work at my Dad’s law firm doing God only knows what. Then they could find me a suitable mate from the country club or wherever. We never really seriously discussed it. They probably see you as being responsible for none of that happening.

Why don’t you go home for Thanksgiving alone and talk to them about it? Will asked.

I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction, Lara replied.

It’s not about who wins Lara. You need to tell them about us, your career and your goals. Set their assumptions straight, Will said.

I’ll think about it, Lara said.

After more pressure from both Will and her parents, Lara drove home to the family’s lake front home in East Grand Rapids for Thanksgiving. Will was fine staying home alone. He planned to eat out with some single friends from work who were also detached from their families.

Lara arrived Thursday morning. Her father was not in the best of moods. Lara had not been home since before graduation.

Well, look who has graced us with her presence, Lara’s father said sarcastically.

Jim, please, said her mother as she gave her daughter a loose hug and a kiss on the cheek. Come on in dear. Why don’t you take your bag up to your room?

Lara said very little. She went upstairs and tossed her bag onto the bed. As she walked past her brother’s room, she saw Andy sitting at his computer through the open door. Hi little brother, she said to the six-foot-one seventeen-year-old.

Hey, he replied. How are you? I hear you have besmirched the family name by shacking up with Will. Congrats.

Asshole, she laughed. Thank God you’re here. I don’t know if I could make it through this if you weren’t home. I was told to leave Will at home or stay away.

And you didn’t take them up on it and stay home? Idiot. Andy laughed. I will be so glad to get out of here next year. Do you think you can see if your company has any summer jobs? Maybe I could flop on your sofa for a couple of months. Dad wants me to work in his law firm doing something crappy of course.

I can ask. Our apartment is really small. If there were jobs and you got one, I would have to ask Will what he thought. Lara answered.

Her mother’s voice carried up the stairs. "Will you two please come down here with us? It is Thanksgiving."

They raised their eyebrows to each other and Andy got up and followed Lara down. When Ann saw Andy, Andrew to her, she ordered him to go and change from his blue t-shirt, jeans and white socks to something suitable for Thanksgiving dinner, including shoes. Andy gave a big sigh.

I don’t like your attitude Andrew, Ann said to him. Jim, come here and tell your son to dress properly for dinner.

Jim came through, looked at his son and said, You look like a damned bum. Go up and put on some decent clothes like your mother said.

Lara stayed quiet. When she saw that the dining room table was set for nine people, she asked who was joining them.

Your Aunt Carol and Uncle Ronald of course and your father’s partner John Reynolds, his wife Shelly and their son Alex are coming, Ann replied. They’re all coming at three and we’re eating at five o’clock. Last year I’m sure you remember we all went to Carol’s. The Reynolds invited us two years ago and it’s our turn."

And is Alex still in college? Lara asked.

No dear, he graduated last May like you did. I thought you would remember that. He’s got his law degree and is working at the firm now, Ann replied.

Aw, of course, Lara said. How nice of you to invite Alex when you ordered me to leave Will at home.

That has nothing to do with anything, Jim answered angrily. He at least had the common sense to return to Grand Rapids and join the firm.

Common sense, threatened if he didn’t, or an easy lazy way to find a job? Lara said, getting angry.

Why you… Jim started as Andrew returned wearing a blue shirt, khakis and brown loafers.

Am I interrupting something? Andy asked, sorry he had come down.

Lara answered, Dad was just telling me how the Reynolds’ perfect son Alex had returned home and joined the firm. Unlike me who left the nest to build a career elsewhere and lives with someone she loves.

Loves? Really, that’s ridiculous, Jim almost shouted.

Ann quickly intervened. Please can’t we call a truce and try to just enjoy a nice family Thanksgiving together. Lara? Jim? Please?

Lara simply turned to Andy who had sat beside her on the sofa and asked him, Have you decided on what college and program you are pursuing next fall?

I’ve applied to a few but my number one choice is Engineering at Oakland University. Dad wants me in Law at Michigan, Andy replied, looking sheepishly at his parents.

Law should be your choice dear, Ann said. Your father is counting on you joining the firm one day.

What are your strengths, Lara asked.

Math, physics and computing, Andy answered.

Those are far more suited to Engineering than Law, Lara noted as she saw her father’s face redden. In your heart, what do you really want to do?

I’m okay with law, Andy said, looking down at the floor like a defeated athlete.

Just then the doorbell rang. It was Lara’s aunt and uncle. Ann breathed a sigh of relief. Carol and Ron came in carrying a pie. They hung up their coats and Ann and Carol took the dishes to kitchen.

Good to see you Lara, it’s been some time, Uncle Ronald said.

She doesn’t come home much anymore, Jim said as just another dig. She lives with her boyfriend over in Troy.

Uncle Ronald, I am busy at work, I have a good social life and Will and I have a great apartment close to everything. What twenty-two-year-old wants to go home to their parents often? Lara asked while smiling.

The Reynolds family arrived. John brought wine, Shelly brought a pumpkin pie. Alex went to take off his shoes and Shelly shook her head. One didn’t remove footwear when invited to a classy dinner.

Alex shook hands with Andy and gave Lara a semi-hug. For a twenty-three-year-old law clerk starting a career he looked unhappy. Perhaps he just didn’t want to be there today. John and Alex wore suits and ties as did Jim and Ronald. Andy was somewhat surprised he hadn’t been ordered upstairs to put on a tie.

The older adults chatted about the cold weather, the upcoming dinner and other menial non-controversial proper social topics. No one discussed Lara’s career or her living with Will. They were all forewarned that it was a hot topic.

Alex, Andy and Lara went through to the family room after dinner.

My parents seem to think this get-together will create such feelings that I will beg you to go out with me, Alex said to Lara, and then he laughed.

I assumed that, Lara replied. And then I will return, work for Dad, we will marry and have 2.4 perfect children.

It’s going to be a crushing blow to them isn’t it? Alex smiled. I’m actually going out with a girl I met through a friend when we went to a hockey game downtown. Trouble is she’s a server at Applebee’s and just not right for a handsome brilliant boy like me.

I can relate. I live with Will. They don’t like him seemingly because they blame him for me not living here and working with you guys at the firm. Lara replied. Now I have to try to help Andy escape.

Chapter 2

As Christmas approached Lara made it clear to her parents that either Will was welcome to come or she would not be there. Her mother pleaded with her to come alone. Jim was not having Lara’s boyfriend sleeping under his roof even in a mandatory separate room.

Ann finally convinced Jim to welcome Will for at least a visit and dinner Christmas Day. Lara and Will agreed to make the two-hour drive for the day. The parental assumption was that Lara and Will would then drive home. In fact, they planned to stay in a suburban hotel that night.

Will only owned two suits; both were inexpensive. Lara asked him to wear his gray suit with a white shirt and blue tie for the trip. She wore a dark red dress. When they arrived, everyone was in a good mood. Even Jim put on a decent act. As was tradition Jim also wore a suit. Andy did not but looked dressy in any case.

They exchanged gifts before dinner.

Lara and Will had exchanged theirs Christmas morning. Will gave Lara a gold necklace and Lara gave Will a dark green Scottish wool sweater. Lavish for two people only six months into their careers.

Jim and Ann gave Lara multiple expensive gifts and actually gave Will a navy cashmere scarf. Andy gave his sister a faux leather portfolio case and had bought Will a box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts. It was civil. It was polite. Dinner was perfectly prepared, not surprising as it had arrived from a high-end catering company hot and ready to serve.

At seven o’clock Lara and Will left to drive home. Except home was the Hilton Garden Inn. They had checked in at two o’clock and changed into their Christmas clothes before heading to the family homestead.

And now they returned for a mini-vacation in their hotel room. It took about three minutes for Will to unzip and remove Lara’s dress and for Lara to strip off Will’s suit and remaining clothes. They had a physical, romantic night celebrating their first real Christmas together.

At ten o’clock Lara had to take time out to call her mother to lie and let her know they were ‘home’ safely. Hiding from one’s parents.

Winter was snowier than usual. On Valentine’s Day, as seemed to be getting to be a very typical celebration, Will proposed to Lara. He had saved enough to buy her a small diamond ring.

Unlike most newly engaged young women, she called her friends before she called her mother. Andy answered the home phone when Lara called.

Andy, Will proposed and we’re engaged. Lara announced.

Hey congrats sis, Andy replied. The parentals aren’t home. Some country club thing. Want me to tell them your news? I’d love to be able to and see their faces, he laughed.

I don’t think so, as much as you might enjoy it. Have Mom call me. For fun you can be nearby when she does, Lara said.

Will do. Are you home for my big eighteenth birthday? Andy asked. It’s in two weeks in case you forget.

I wouldn’t forget. We’ll try to make it, if we are invited, she laughed. I can show off my ring.

Lara and Will agreed to attend a family get together for Andy’s birthday. They drove to Grand Rapids in Lara’s new leased car.

When they arrived at eleven o’clock, there was a black sedan in the driveway. As they got out of the car, James Newland was being led out in handcuffs. A hysterically crying Ann Newland was standing at the door and Andy stood behind her.

Dad, what the hell? Lara shrieked. Will walked over to who he assumed was a plain-clothed police officer. What’s this all about, Will asked.

Who are you? The stern looking man asked.

I’m his son-in-law, Will lied.

Then go ask your mother-in-law, the officer replied. Embezzlement and money laundering are a start.

Jim did not look at his daughter. He was dressed in a ski jacket, gray pants and old brown shoes he probably had been wearing when the police arrived.

Lara ran up to her mother and brother. What’s going on? This has to be some sort of mistake. Lara shouted.

Seems Dad’s a crook, Andy said. Ann turned around and smacked Andy across the face, something she had never done before. Andy turned and went up the stairs to his room, saying nothing. Ann dissolved in tears again. Lara took off her coat and took her mother’s hand and led her to the formal living room. Will hung up his coat, kicked off his boots and joined them.

Tell me exactly what happened, Will said. What did the police say when they arrived?

Ann was still crying. Lara wanted to smack her too but instead squeezed her hand firmly and said, Mother answer Will. It’s important so we can try to help.

Well the door bell rang and I went to answer. I assumed it was you two, except I didn’t know why you wouldn’t just come in. I opened it and those two men were standing there. They asked if James Robert Newland lived here and I of course answered yes. By then your father had come down to the door. They asked if he was James Robert Newland. He said, I quote, Who the hell are you? They identified themselves as detectives. I can’t remember their names. Jim turned white. They said he was charged with fraud, embezzlement and money laundering. Jim said nothing. One of them told him to put on a coat and he went out just as you arrived, Ann concluded.

Did he ever let on to you that something wasn’t above board in his law practice? Will asked.

No William, I thought everything was normal. This has to be a mistake, Ann said, looking bewildered.

Do you have a family lawyer not in the firm? Will asked. Lara jumped in and asked her mother, Is Richard Evans still on his own? Ann nodded.

He was a classmate of Dad’s and they’ve been friends for years. Dad always wanted him to join the firm but Richard liked to keep his own small practice, Lara said. Do you have his number anywhere Mom?

You can check the small blue book by the phone in the kitchen. That’s where we keep all numbers we have, Ann said. There was no speed dial or i-Phone used by Jim or Ann.

Lara went through and came back with the book. There was a number for Richard. It was old and written in pencil so Lara figured that if it worked at all it would be a land line.

Lara dialled the number and a young-sounding woman answered. Would Richard Evans be at this number?

Yes, who may I say is calling? The voice asked.

It’s Lara Newland. My father Jim is an old friend of Mr. Evans. We need his help, Lara said.

Just a moment please. I’ll see if my father is available, she said.

In a moment a male voice said, It’s Richard Evans. You’re Jim’s daughter Lara? he asked.

Yes Richard, Lara said. We need your help. Lara went on to tell him pretty much word for word what Ann had said.

Jesus Christ, Richard exclaimed. Sorry Lara, I shouldn’t have sworn. What the hell has he gotten himself involved in? I’ll find out where they took him and go see what I can do to get him out. Stay put. Give me your cell number and I’ll call you.

Lara did as she was told. Ann sat there stunned. Lara said to Will, Would you please go up and talk to Andy? I need to stay here right now. He nodded and went upstairs.

Will went up and found Andy lying on his stomach on his bed.

Hey man, you okay? Will asked. He liked Andy and felt somewhat sorry for him living with parents who seemed rigid and proper most of the time.

She’s never hit me before, ever, Andy replied. Some eighteenth birthday.

She’s not herself Andy. Her husband was just taken away by the police who have made some serious allegations towards him. You just said the wrong thing at the wrong time and she physically reacted, taking her anger and confusion out on you. Her seemingly perfect world cracked a bit and you were standing there. She’s probably feeling terrible already about it. But don’t forget Andy, you both need to apologize, Will said.

Sorry I don’t mean to sound like the wise elder. You’re only a few years younger than me. Congratulations. You’re officially an adult now, Will smiled and squeezed Andy’s shoulder. Andy stood up and Will was surprised to see him wipe his eyes. Will didn’t realize Andy had been crying. He didn’t know Andy all that well, but he reached to Andy and hugged him tightly. It’s going to be alright, okay? Will said. Andy nodded.

Downstairs Ann was trying to regroup. Thank God you came today. I don’t know what I would have done.

You need to talk to Andy. He should never have said what he did but you shouldn’t have slapped him either, Lara said. Poor kid, what a birthday.

I’ll go up there and talk to him, Ann said. When she arrived, Will was hugging Andy and she saw Andy’s tears. Will let go and turned to leave. Andy said, Thanks Will. I’m glad you talked to me. Will shut the door behind him.

Andy hugged Ann and said, I’m sorry Mom, I’m sorry. I should never have said that about Dad. She kissed him on the cheek and said I’m sorry too. I have no excuse for hitting you. I vow I will never ever do it again. Please forgive me.

Let’s just move on, okay? Andy said quietly. Where do we go from here with Dad?

Lara called Richard Evans and he is going to try to get him out; on bail I guess. Ann replied.

Did you have any idea he might be doing anything illegal? Andy asked.

Of course not, Ann snapped. I’m sure this is some terrible error.

Will went back down to Lara. He said he had talked to Andy and how Andy had been crying. He needs you Will, Lara said. Dad isn’t much good at communicating with an eighteen-year-old.

Ann and Andy came down and sat with Lara and Will. Everyone was quiet. Lara went through to make some coffee. A birthday cake sat on the counter. No one felt like celebrating a birthday.

Forty-five minutes of sitting, worrying and small talk was interrupted by someone at the door. Lara went to the door and greeted a handsome man in his late forties who introduced himself as Richard Evans. Lara didn’t realize it was snowing and slushy out, even though they were now into March.

Come in Richard, thank-you so much for coming, Lara said. She took his coat. It was obvious he had cut his Saturday activities short and rushed out in a black sweater and gray slacks. He kicked off a pair of snowy Columbia boots and went into the living room. Ann kissed Richard on the cheek and thanked him for coming. Lara introduced Will and Andy, neither of whom knew Richard. Lara got Richard a mug of coffee.

Bail hasn’t been set yet. I’ll go back in a while. There are five charges. All are serious. They also have Jim’s partner, John Reynolds there with the same charges. They are the only two senior partners so I am going to assume others in the firm are okay right now, Richard said.

I’m going to try to call Alex, Lara said. She looked at Richard and said, He’s John Reynolds’ son who works for the firm. She took her mother’s blue telephone book and went to the kitchen. Lara assumed the only number for the Reynolds was a home land line. She doubted that Alex lived at home. She went to the firm’s website and found a cell number for Alex which she called. He answered on the fourth ring.

Alex it’s Lara Newland, she said. What’s happening?

Lara I’m glad you called. I wasn’t sure how to get a hold of you. Are you at home? Alex asked.

Yes Alex. Do you know Richard Evans? He’s a lawyer who is an old friend of my father’s and he’s here. I know he’s been to the police station, Lynn said.

Can I drop over? Alex asked. I could be there in about ten minutes.

Certainly, please do. Lara answered and hung up. She went back to the living room after putting on another pot of coffee.

Alex is coming over Richard, Lara said. I hope that’s okay.

Absolutely, Richard said. I look forward both to hearing his story as well as what, if anything, he has done regarding bail.

In just over ten minutes Alex arrived. He tossed off his wet sneakers and came in. He looked more like the twenty-three-year-old law clerk than a lawyer. He wore a faded red sweatshirt, jeans and white socks. Lara introduced him to Richard. Lara brought in a tray containing the full coffee pot, another mug and cream and sugar.

What happened here with Jim? Alex asked. Ann filled him in. Andy and Will sat silently on the sofa watching the drama unfold. Pretty much the same at our house from what my mother told me. She called me in hysterics as soon as they left with Dad.

You don’t have to tell me anything if you prefer not to Alex, but do you know anything about the charges, any misconduct at the office? Richard asked.

I’d tell you if I knew Richard, Alex said. I’ve only been working there since graduation, less than a year. I’m not included in any meetings. I do research and clerical jobs like the other law clerks. At home Dad never said anything.

In a way that’s really good for you, Richard said.

I talked to my mother as I was leaving. We want to ask if you or a partner will represent Dad also, Alex asked. I don’t see how anyone at our place can do it and we don’t know anyone else.

Sure Alex, answered