The Run For the Roses: A Novel by John D. Loscher

By John D. Loscher

The House of Machado, led by Dr. Anastasia Machado, M.D., and her husband, Dr. Julio Machado, D.V.M., emerge victorious from the aftermath of a bitter family feud resulting with their taking over the family’s multinational corporation, Sharanski Enterprises. But they only succeed by merging with another multinational corporation, Sabah Incorporated, led by Princess Sheba Al-Sabah. These two fabulously wealthy households quickly unify with the marriage of Joseph “Joey” Machado to Countess Magdalene Al-Sabah. Upon their marriage, Joey and Magdalene discover they are players tasked to live out the lifelong ambition of their Al-Sabah family elders: win horseracing’s Triple Crown. At the same time, the matriarch of the Rearchek clan—Anastasia’s mother—remarries. Upon taking her marriage vows, she instantly becomes embroiled in a quest to fulfill her new husband’s lifelong ambition: see to it that one of their grandchildren becomes the first Italian-Catholic President of the United States. For these two clans, the quest to accomplish those ambitions via manipulation of their offspring will result in a saga that, for both families, cumulates as, The Run For the Roses.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823014298

John D. Loscher

John “J.D.” Loscher holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration and is a Certified Teacher. He served in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the 1991 Persian Gulf War. His novels, Three Cheers For Father Donovan, along with the epic two-volume narrative, The Bolsheviks, put him at the forefront as an author of historical fiction. He authored the novels The Heart of the Matter, The Pontchartrain Connection, and The Maltese Messiah. He is the dramatist for a highly successful double trilogy. The first trilogy: Coming Out of the Dark, The Black Madonna, and In the Hands of the Gods. The second trilogy: To Slay a Dragon, The Unholy Family, and The Run for the Roses. Writing under the penname of J.D. Cooper, he wrote the novel Window to the Soul. He is currently hard at work researching and writing his next novel.

Book preview

1333_c.jpg

The Run

For the

Roses

A Novel by John D. Loscher

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2023 John D. Loscher. 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 10/17/2023

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1430-4 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1639-1 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1429-8 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

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.

Author’s Note

As always, the situations and incidents pertaining to all my characters and their exploits described upon the pages herein exist solely within the author’s imagination. After all, as I asked when writing the previous novel, how on earth can any one single family be this fucked up?

To Dr. Lorelei Frost, J.D., Esquire and Counselor of Law. A beautiful woman—both physically and spiritually—in heart, mind, body, and soul. A talented attorney. A clever bureaucrat. A cunning businesswoman. A magnificent vocalist who can rival any songstress when she sings. But, above all, a true and trusted friend who has always been there in my hours of gladness and sadness to confide my hopes, dreams, and fears. Success could not have found a more deserving person.

Contents

Book I: Out of the Gate…Off and Running

The Wedding of the Century

Everytime Two Fools Collide

Meet the New Boss…Same As the Old Boss?

Not Quite Gilligan’s Island

Book II: Heading Into the Back Stretch

A Problem Child to the Umpteenth Power

A Real Life Family Affair

The First Clash of the Titans

A Second Clash of the Titans

The Final Clash of the Titans

Book III: Coming Off the Final Turn and Headed For the Finish Line

The Price One Must Pay to Win the Derby…The Unraveling of a Stable Symbiosis

Back In the High Life Again

A Bargain Worthy of Barbara O’Reilly

Epilogue: Crossing the Finish Line

Afterward

Book I

Out of the Gate…Off and Running

The Wedding of the Century

J esus H. Christ ! This woman isn’t just hysterical…SHE HAS TO BE OUT OF HER FUCKING MIND !!!

Such was the conclusion drawn by Dr. Julio Machado, D.V.M. upon listening to the mad ravings of Mrs. Marguerite Maggie Al-Sabah.

This is a wedding rehearsal dinner, the veterinarian reminded the bride’s mother. Now, I’ll admit, alcohol is going to be served…BUT NO DRUGS!!!

"We’re not serving any drugs," Maggie protested.

Then why are you asking me to write a prescription for Valium? the groom’s mother, Dr. Anastasia Machado, M.D. inquired.

For God sakes, you’re a doctor, Maggie pressed the groom’s mother. "Haven’t you got anything that will knock my mother out for a couple of hours?"

Surely, you must be joking…right? the physician responded.

Not in the least, Maggie fired back, shaking her head as she spoke.

Why on earth—

"Look, you don’t know anything about the bitch that bore me or the bastard who sired me, Maggie maintained, her tone hostile. But I do!"

Such a loving family! the groom’s father realized.

At the very best, both my parents are poor, white-trash hillbillies and at worst they’re the scum of the earth…take your pick! Maggie furiously explicated in the hopes the groom’s parents would finally understand just how serious the current dilemma played out should the bride’s grandmother remain in their presence. "Now Dad’s not a problem…fortunately…he’s in the pen down in Louisiana. And, from the reports I’ve obtained from the Louisiana Department of Corrections, Dad’s not digging any tunnels! So we’re safe there! But my mom, on the other hand, is here!"

And the way she keeps hitting the sauce? Anastasia reminded her soon-to-be mother-in-law. She’ll pass out soon.

"Not soon enough! Listen, this is a bit of an exaggeration, but even when she’s sober? Thanks to my mother being a fanatical believer in these bizarre QAnon conspiracy theories? Trust me, this part is definitely not an exaggeration…you don’t mix my mother with anyone who can read and write. Without any doubt, educated people, Muslims, and my mom don’t mix…and you sure as hell don’t try to mix her with royalty!"

You’re the Mayor of the Palace, Maggie…You do something!

Mayor of the Palace means I manage this place—

So start managing!

"I am managing! And, as manager, I’m tellin’ ya, we gotta get her out of the picture for the time-being…before my mom makes an ass of herself…which is absolutely guaranteed by the way…and embarrasses the hell out of us all! Anastasia…Doctor Machado…Surely you can prescribe something that can do the job? My God, back in the days when Vicodin was still around, my mom would somehow get a prescription that read, ‘TAKE ONE PILL EVERY EIGHT HOURS’…and she would promptly take five every four!"

Did she go to sleep after taking those nine recreational Vicodin pills?

Yes, she did…but not before she’d start talking to all the people who all lived on the ceiling of her single-wide!

So why bring this up now?

"Because it shows how my mother will put anything in her mouth!"

"Look, you’re talking about me giving the go-ahead to prescribe barbiturates to a woman who already has a sizeable amount of alcohol in her bloodstream! For me to do that is beyond unethical…it will most likely be labeled as murder once the autopsy’s pathology report comes back. Maggie, for me to knowingly do something like that is flat-out illegal! Besides, I’m a doctor…not a pharmacist. Just where in the hell are we gonna get this stuff?"

Oh, that’s easy…

Not to be one for leaving anyone guessing her intentions, the bride’s mother turned back to the groom’s father.

There’s an ample supply of horse tranquillizers down at the barn! Maggie explained.

Upon hearing this none-too-subtle suggestion, Julio’s eyes appeared to bug out of his head.

"How much have you been drinking? the veterinarian howled. Maggie—"

Horse tranquillizers…human tranquillizers…What’s the difference? the Mayor of the Palace maintained. "Tranquillizers are tranquillizers. They’ll knock you out!"

It’s not that simple! As my wife said, with the alcohol in her blood stream?

Doctor Machado—

I won’t do it! Julio declared. "Look, I’m a doctor of veterinary medicine. Unlike my wife, I did not swear to do no harm…be that as it may, I’m not going to do something that might cause harm to one of God’s creatures. Two legged creatures or four. I could never do something like that!"

Maggie remained unfazed at this declaration.

"Look, you don’t know the creatures who just happen to be my mommy and daddy, Maggie maintained, continuing with her protest by using even more degenerate terminology for describing her parents. Those creatures are two of God’s most horrible mistakes!"

Julio shook his head in resignation.

Furthermore, Maggie, there’s another problem: like my wife, I haven’t practiced veterinary medicine in years! Today we’re business executives…not doctors…both of us. Oh, yeah, we’ve both got the title that comes with paying the fee for our license renewal each year, but the practice of medicine is not what either of us does for a living anymore!

"But we gotta do SOMETHING just before my mother declares, to anyone who will listen, as to how intergalactic travel is so overrated and then pukes all over the Persian rug or the Louis Quatorze furniture…or something far worse!"

Anastasia stepped forward.

What could be worse?

Barfing all over my husband, the two of you, or Magdalene’s grandparents especially!

Well, at least she’s not taking a shit on the rug or furniture, Anastasia offered.

Julio grimaced. Yes, for something like that to happen at a wedding rehearsal would definitely be bad.

Got any Everclear? Julio suggested.

"Everclear—"

She wants to get tanked? FINE!!! Let her get tanked. I’m sure she can find someplace to sleep it off afterwards.

Maggie, we’ve been friends for a long time, even before Magdalene was born! the Machado family’s private attorney pointed out, speaking for the first time. "So, as a friend, let me tell you this: Doctor Machado here has a…well, I wouldn’t call it a good idea, but it’s the best we’re gonna get on short notice! Maggie, as the vizier to the August Sovereign of Palace Sabah, my word is law around this place. So let me give orders to have your mother escorted from the palace, taken to your home, and, under constant supervision, guzzle all the booze she can drink until she can consume no more."

Maggie had to think for a moment.

Just make sure this is done on the patio deck, Sherrie, Maggie countered. I don’t want my mother getting sick inside my home. The smell of bile turns my stomach.

Not a problem, Counselor Perry assured the mother of the bride, her good friend, and Mayor of the Palace…

We begin tonight’s festivities here at Palace Sabah by introducing the guests for tonight’s formal wedding reception dinner!

As Mayor for Palace Sabah, Marguerite Al-Sabah enjoyed the sound of the voice belonging to the Master of Ceremonies. After the death of Ali Omar from pancreatic cancer, Maggie went on a blind search to find a suitable replacement for the geriatric, oftentimes senile, eunuch who had become something of an institution within the walls of Palace Sabah. Only Maggie found herself left wanting with each candidate she interviewed. Her rejection always centered around one issue: the wrong voice. For some reason, everyone seemed to have a voice which sounded like Batman. The voice Maggie sought needed to be a powerful speaker…someone with vocal chords akin to Michael Buffer. Disappointed and dejected, Maggie planned to renew her search for what she viewed to be a proper Master of Ceremonies for Palace Sabah. That was when the Mayor of the Palace accidentally stumbled upon what she diligently searched for right under her own nose…a kitchen staff butler already working at the palace. That was how Barry Kirk succeeded the longtime eunuch as Master of Ceremonies. A handsome man blessed with both a booming, yet seductive, baritone voice and fine sense of humor, the always quick-witted Barry Kirk liked to joke in lighthearted moments that he was Captain James T. Kirk’s love child! His uncanny ability to correctly read names off a teleprompter—a prerequisite vital for the position—with a dramatic finesse allowed for his promotion. As time progressed, it became a source of pride for Maggie that Barry Kirk, like the late Ali Omar, would announce the guests or dignitaries hosted by the August Sovereign of Palace Sabah with the style, grace, and flair demanded for his duties.

Today was no exception.

We start by welcoming the grandfather and grandmother of the groom…Doctor Scott Langer, Ph.D., his wife Missus Doris Langer, and their son Alvarez!

Having gone through this ordeal once before, each knew what to expect. Although smiling widely, the facial expressions worn by Scott and Doris as they entered the grand hall of Palace Sabah masked their true feelings: boy, this really sucks! After all, was not a wedding reception dinner supposed to be a joyful event? So why turn it into some grand production worthy of a Cecil B. DeMill Hollywood movie set? Why not just seek some straightforward, simple fun in conjunction with a good meal? That remained the perspective of Mr. and Mrs. Langer, as the aging couple took their assigned station along with their son. Though he did not know it, Alvarez had to be the luckiest child in attendance for tonight’s wedding rehearsal dinner: he did not have any assigned role to carry out as a member of the wedding party. Hence, he could merely go along for the ride, stuff himself silly with fine food and make merry the whole time! As grandparents, Scott and Doris could do much the same…but only to a point. The nasty rigors which fell under the guise of protocol and politics stood in the way of merriment. This irked both Dr. and Mrs. Langer. As they saw it, grandparents should not have to play some role in what amounted to an overblown Hollywood production. However, rather than sowing seeds of discord, each smiled respectfully as they took their assigned place at the dining room table. Having been carefully briefed, Scott and Doris remained standing as the father and mother of the groom readied themselves for their formal entrance.

Next, we welcome the father and mother of the groom…Doctor Julio Machado, D.V.M., Director of Operations for M & S Properties Sharanski Enterprises Division. Tonight accompanied by his wife, Doctor Anastasia Machado, M.D., Chief Executive Officer for M & S Properties Sharanski Enterprises Division! Additionally, we welcome the two junior members of tomorrow’s wedding party: the groom’s sister Anne and his brother Scott.

God, I hate this mother fucking shit, Scott whispered to himself, thinking out loud as Julio and Anastasia took their stations at the dining room table. Unfortunately, Scott’s dissent was unwittingly voiced a little too loudly. Fortunately, only the groom’s parents were party to Scott’s true inner feelings.

So do we, Julio bemoaned, whispering back to Scott. Although marrying his biological mother made Scott—legally—Julio’s step-father, Scott Langer was his true father in the eyes of the veterinarian.

Just grin and bear it, Anastasia advised, whispering to her in-laws. "I can guarantee you both: it will get worse!"

At that moment, Barry Kirk quantified the physician’s previous statement:

We welcome the groom’s best man for tomorrow’s festivities…M & S Properties Director for Contracting at the Sharanski Enterprises Division, Mister Gordon Washington Rearchek! Accompanied tonight by the bridesmaid for tomorrow’s ceremony, his wife, Milagra Aurora Rearchek, M & S Properties Director for Education at the Sharanski Enterprises Division!

Scott and Doris smiled with joy. Both parents marveled at the splendid sight of their only daughter dressed to the hilt for tonight’s supper. This evening, Milagra’s appearance manifested itself as it always did…a fitting tribute to the zodiac sign of the Leo that she was. Had her husband been clad in a black tuxedo with tails, matching black bowtie, and a top hat rather than a three-piece pinstripe suit with a rust-colored tie, Mrs. Milagra Rearchek would have looked as if she were ready to attend an opera performance with her mate! For this dinner, Milagra presented herself wearing a strapless cocktail gown that was dark blue—but not navy blue—in color which extended all the way to her ankles in order to show off both her heels and her cleavage at the same time. The fact that Milagra wore a bustier beneath her cocktail gown further accentuated the married woman’s bust line. The gown’s matching transparent rear train—attached on the backside at both shoulders seemed to flow behind the woman with each step she took thanks to the train’s drawstring loop Mrs. Rearchek held using her left hand. Her right hand was also in use—clutching her white, pearl-studded purse for dear life! True to form, Mrs. Gordon Washington Rearchek sported bleached-white pearl earrings and a matching pearl necklace. Only tonight, Milagra’s coal-black hair was tied in a bun at the back of her head using a Jeairts Leaf Bride’s Wedding Hair Comb that was made of silver and studded with numerous bleached-white pearls. The final accessory worn by Mrs. Rearchek was the only downside to her magnificent outfit: a pair of long white gloves which extended past her elbows, all the way between her elbows and shoulders.

Personally, Milagra disliked how her gloves hid her black-pearl engagement ring and wedding band set which she wore on the ring finger of her left hand. Other than this slight, what highlighted Milagra’s appearance most of all was her radiant smile. No one doubted for a minute how this woman was obviously happy now that she was married to the youngest son of Janos and Konstantina Rearchek. That alone made this annoying pomp and ceremony worthwhile. Both Dr. and Mrs. Langer were pleased to hear Milagra’s description of her wedded bliss: "Yeah, we had a lot of fun when we were dating, but my God, now that Gordy and I are married? We’re having ten times as much fun!" Wed for just over a year, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Rearchek had just about as much to celebrate as the bride and groom this evening. Not only had Milagra finished her course of studies, attaining her Masters Degree in Special Education, but after the graduation ceremony and receiving her degree, that same day she and her husband celebrated that monumental accomplishment by making a baby! Yes, times were good for this young Rearchek family. Their immediate friendship with the bride and groom—demonstrated by how Magdalene insisted Milagra be her bridesmaid and Joey demanded G.W. be his best man in spite of the four-year age difference—was a public validation of that friendship. It was an amity which blossomed after a horse ride at Palace Sabah and later bonded after a hot tub whirlpool bath.

Remember, Gordy, no dancing this time, Milagra reminded her spouse with glee after her husband took his assigned place at the table alongside his pregnant wife.

For his part, the M & S Properties Contracting Director for the Sharanski Enterprises Division grinned like a cat with canary breath upon hearing his wife’s mental refresher. Yes, having inadvertently enticed everyone to waltz to their wedding dance song upon their initial introduction as guests at Palace Sabah was something of lore and a source of considerable satisfaction for the civil engineer…for the act demonstrated how not all engineers are the practical, nerdy builders they are reputed to be. No, when it came to Gordy, here stood a successful engineer who could be a romantic. It also served to lay the groundwork for Milagra and G.W.’s friendship with Magdalene and Joey. Mrs. Langer rejoiced how these four young people bonded so strongly. To see a Rearchek family couple and a Machado family couple as close friends reminded Doris of her friendship with the now Mrs. Drusilla Rearchek Benelli…a friendship that was unified when Anastasia Rearchek and Julio Machado eloped. It would be reinforced with the wedding of G.W. Rearchek and Milagra Langer. From her station at the dining room table, Doris had no difficulty seeing that cycle repeat itself. Milagra and G.W. were first cousins to Magdalene and Joey. Their children would be second cousins—kissing cousins. As she stood by her husband’s side at their assigned station, Doris privately wagered the odds were at least four-to-one that an offspring of Mr. and Mrs. Rearchek would one day wed an offspring of the soon-to-be Baron and Baroness Machado!

It’s just a matter of time and hormones! Scotty’s wife told herself.

The blast of a trumpet—actually an MP3 file—heralded that the next individual bore regal bearing. That initial trumpet discharge also meant all further guests would be royals. Each would be chimed in singularly with their own ruffle and flourish before the introduction.

All hail! We welcome to Palace Sabah the brother of the groom and the clergyman officiating tomorrow’s nuptials. The Patriarch of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Prince of the Holy See for the Curia of the Roman Catholic Church, His Eminence, Cardinal-Archbishop Juan Machado!

For the first and only time outside of having to report to Rome for a synod of the Curia…complete with the Holy Father as presiding officer…Cardinal Machado entered the room wearing his crimson robes and red hat. His matching crimson headgear bore a lengthy series of yellow knots woven in triangular patterns dangling from each side in order to designate him as a Most Holy Prince of the Roman Catholic Church.

Hi everybody, the Cardinal-Archbishop informally called out to his family members upon reaching his prescribed station at the dinner table.

Pleasantries were exchanged amongst the Langer, Machado, and Rearchek family members when that damned trumpet let go with another loud blast!

All hail! The brother of the bride and member of the groom’s wedding party. The heir to Palace Sabah. His royal majesty, Count Talos Al-Sabah, Sheik of the American Royal Imperial House of Al-Sabah of Kuwait.

The bride’s family members greeted this tall chemical engineer who would be a groomsman in tomorrow’s ceremonies using respectful silence. That was for the best. For the count believed himself to be short-changed when his own baby sister refused to insist that her brother and the heir of Palace Sabah be the best man. As such, Count Talos Al-Sabah wordlessly took his station. Upon coming to his chair, the trumpet sounded anew.

All hail! The sister of the bride and member of the bride’s wedding party. Her Serene Royal Highness, Countess Guinevere Al-Sabah, Princess of the American Royal Imperial House of Al-Sabah of Kuwait.

Just as her brother did earlier, Jenny wordlessly assumed her station. The countess’ silence reflected that of her brother and for the same reason: much in tune to the characteristics of the stockbroker that she was, Jenny believed she was being short-changed: her sister designated someone other than herself to be the maid of honor for tomorrow’s ceremonies! Yes, such jealous sibling rivalry between the children born unto Farrokh and Marguerite Al-Sabah was a commonplace occurrence. Fortuitously, happiness would flow as the outcome of another trumpet blast followed by the booming voice of the Master of Ceremonies. On the downside, Barry Kirk’s stirring introduction of the next couple only caused that sibling rivalry to reassert itself anew:

All hail! Ladies and gentlemen…We welcome the guests of honor for tonight’s dinner. Her Serene Royal Highness, Countess Magdalene Al-Sabah, Princess of the American Royal Imperial House of Al-Sabah of Kuwait. Accompanying the countess as her escort for tonight’s festivities is Joseph Machado, her future husband!

Determined not to be upstaged by her own bridesmaid—a little friendly consultation between these two friends prior to tonight’s rehearsal dinner ensured how each woman knew exactly what the other would be wearing—thus, Magdalene opted for a bit of a retrofit from an earlier time: as the tiny woman entered, all took notice at how the countess was wearing the same light green evening gown she wore on the night of her engagement to Joseph Machado. Everything was identical, including the large, elliptical, emerald ring surrounded by sparkling diamonds she wore on the ring finger of her right hand—honoring the Mestizo custom of her bridesmaid and close friend—in order to declare to the world that she was formally engaged. Tomorrow, that same ring would be placed on the ring finger of Magdalene’s left hand along with her wedding band in order to symbolize how the countess was now a married woman! The only difference tonight belonged to Magdalene’s future husband: rather than entering the Great Hall of Palace Sabah wearing a black tuxedo with a green bowtie and matching cummerbund, tonight Joey—after some friendly consultations between the groom and his best man—wore a three-piece navy pinstripe suit with a green tie which matched the ring worn by his future wife! As the guests of honor wordlessly took their assigned stations, all noted how this smiling couple were appropriately clad for a wedding rehearsal dinner whereby a woman of royal status would wed a commoner.

The chorus of friendly salutations between family members was quickly drowned out by another MP3 trumpet blast followed by the booming voice of Barry Kirk:

All hail! The father of the bride. The M & S Properties Operations Director for the Sabah, Incorporated Division and the Royal Chamberlin of Palace Sabah. His Royal Majesty, Prince of the American Royal Imperial House of Al-Sabah of Kuwait, Sheik Farrokh bin Sultan Abdulaziz Al-Saud ibn Al-Sabah! Accompanied tonight by his wife, the mother of the bride and the Mayor of Palace Sabah, Madame Royal Consort Marguerite Conner Al-Sabah.

The permanently exiled and defrocked Kuwaiti sheik and his flame-haired American-born wife from the heart of Dixie assumed their stations. Despite having once been little more than a lowly cook at Palace Sabah, the one-time Chief Steward graciously accompanied her regal husband to their assigned stations without slippage. Yes, renouncing his Islamic faith and adopting Christianity in order to wed an American white trash woman is what it took for Farrokh to be exiled from the Middle East for life. However, Farrokh did not care. Thanks to the generosity of his half-sister, Farrokh found a place to live, a job, a wife, and a modified restoration of his titles! The tears of joy—what Maggie’s sister-in-law described as, Tears from Allah,—running down the cheeks of the Mayor of the Palace expressed her true feelings…relief! For Maggie had just learned that her reprobate biological mother was safely passed out!

No way can Mom make an ass of herself now! one extremely pleased mother of the bride told herself. Thank you God for making that happen!

Another MP3 trumpet blast was all it took for Maggie to cease her daydreaming.

All hail! the Master of Ceremonies thundered. Ladies and gentlemen…The August Sovereign of Palace Sabah…The founder, owner, and Chief Executive Officer M & S Properties Sabah Incorporated Division. Her Serene Royal Highness, Princess Sheba Al-Sabah of the Royal Imperial House of Al-Sabah of Kuwait! Accompanying our Most Holy August Sovereign is her vizier and life partner. The owner of M & S Properties and the Chief Legal Officer for the Sharanski Enterprises Division…Doctor Sherrie Perry, Esquire and Counselor of Law!

You left out private attorney to the C.E.O. and the Director of Operations for Sharanski Enterprises Division! Anastasia and Julio both thought at the same time, seething at the slight.

The entrance of the two lesbians—one a regal woman from the Middle East and the other a former child of the streetlights who, by her own determination, rose to become an attorney all on her own—was no cause for concern. This open homosexual relationship was no secret to anybody who could watch television! As a sign of the times, Sheba and Sherrie came out of the closet years ago, without much in the way of fanfare…merely an intense public interest due to their radically diverse backgrounds. Be that as it may, the entrance of the regal princess from Kuwait clad in a dark maroon evening gown which highlighted the enormous heart-shaped sapphire necklace surrounded by white diamonds—an imitation of the famed necklace borne by the actress Kate Winslet from the movie, Titanic—which Sheba always wore.

The outfit chosen this evening by Sheba’s blue-haired life partner was also rather familiar. A Fendi black lace power dress…a bargain at $6,700. Professional women’s power dresses became the apparel to which the cerulean-haired lawyer transitioned when she assumed the position of Chief Legal Officer for Sharanski Enterprises. This progression was much in tune with Counselor Perry’s character. Years earlier, Sherrie abandoned the sexy, but unprofessional, skin-tight outfits she wore when she was a major nobody at the company—another overworked and underpaid associate attorney—in favor of costly Fendi business suits when she assumed the duties of private attorney to Julio and Anastasia Machado and found herself subsequently promoted to position of Parliamentarian. Now that she was essentially a business executive as the company’s Chief Legal Officer, Counselor Perry seldom practiced law, but adorned herself with the professional—and expensive—dresses befitting her post. However, one accruement remained: her ruby sunburst necklace…A fifty-three-point-six-eight caret weight amalgamation of many splendid, natural African rubies along with African diamonds all set in fourteen-caret yellow gold. Mounted at the center of this necklace was an oval ruby of 1.66 carets surrounded by what seemed to be a score of tiny, white diamonds…the centerpiece of this pendant-like sunburst jewel. Just outside the ring of diamonds was a union of ten rubies mounted in a circle. A second circular ring comprised of eighteen rubies mounted outside the first completed this ornamental jewel. Much like Drusilla’s quarter-sized golden medallion bearing the image of the Black Madonna of Poland or Sheba’s heart-shaped, diamond-studded, sapphire, Sherrie was never observed without this fabulous jewel dangling from her neck. Each individual jewel or medallion served as a talisman for all three women. Just like Drusilla’s Black Madonna awarded to her by her father or Sheba’s Heart of the Sea bestowed by her mother, Sherrie’s intimate, yet opulent, Sunburst was a gift given by her life partner on the morning each woman agreed they were now mated. For all three women, that talisman only left the wearer’s throat when each lay down in the evenings in the arms of their mate!

To honor the August Sovereign of Palace Sabah, all the members standing at this table respectfully bowed from the neck as Sheba assumed her station with Sherrie in tow. However, all were about to learn that, on this evening, their fealty was a bit premature. For another—final—blast from the MP3 trumpet followed by the thunderous proclamation by Palace Sabah’s Master of Ceremonies heralded the true dignitaries for tonight’s supper.

ALL HAIL!!! Barry Kirk announced with a resounding bellow to underscore how the greatest of fanfare would be required. "We at Palace Sabah are honored this evening to welcome the grandfather of the bride…the father of the August Sovereign of Palace Sabah…the progenitor of the bride’s father…the founder and patriarch of the American Royal Imperial House of Al-Sabah of Kuwait and the brother to the Emir of Kuwait! His Absolute Royal Majesty, Lieutenant General Sheik Abdulrahman Al-Sabah, Prince of the Royal Imperial House of Al-Sabah of Kuwait! Accompanying His Majesty this evening is his lesser wife and the mother of our Most Holy August Sovereign…the daughter of the Pasha of Abu Dhabi and the Emir of the United Arab Emirates…Her Serene Royal Highness, Princess Ibtihaj bin Zayed Al-Nahyan ibn Al-Sabah!"

The entrance of this Kuwaiti regal couple clad in their formal royal robes was truly a sight to behold. Here stood the sovereign patriarch of this lineage of the Al-Sabah family of Kuwait. From the perspective of Sheik Abdulrahman, this duty imposed upon him by no less than Allah the Merciful and his chosen prophet, Mohammed, must be done according to an ancient, time-honored ritual. Honoring that tradition is what convinced the sheik that receiving a granddaughter and her future husband for the first time demanded the appropriate attire befitting the absolute rulers of a sovereign nation. Thus, both Sheba’s father and her mother made their initial appearance at Palace Sabah traditionally dressed like the Middle Eastern nobility they were.

For this evening the tall, but elderly, man elected to wear his finest bisht. Black in color with gold braid at the wrists and around the neckline, the bisht worn by this Kuwaiti royal was also known as a mishiah. It went without saying how this bisht was an expensive royal robe, worn by wealthy Middle Eastern nobles or clerics only for prestigious/special occasions where ceremony is a must…such as weddings or festivals. Both Sheba and her half-brother knew well how any Semitic man clad in a bisht is very much in tune with an American wearing a tuxedo and black tie as a bisht is a status garment associated with royalty! Of course, adorning the head of Sheik Abdulrahman was the traditional Arabian headdress called a keffiyeh. Also known as a ghutrah, shemagh, hattah, or chafiyeh, the keffiyeh headgear worn tonight by this elite Kuwaiti noble was a flowing snow-white which extended to his waist and was held in place by a black agal. To the Yankees, it seemed as if the sheik sought simplicity with his headgear. Here they were correct: the sheik’s name was Abdulrahman…which, when translated, means, Servant of the Most Gracious. While essentially a Grand Duke or Arch Duke, Sheik Abdulrahman was a servant to his brother, the Emir of Kuwait, and a servant needed to be humble. Clad tonight in a bisht meant this man did not need to advertise his status via a crown or otherwise!

The Sheik’s wife, Princess Ibtihaj of Abu Dhabi, was the daughter of a pasha who always wore the crown designating him as the Emir of the United Arab Emirates! Be that as it may, Princess Ibtihaj, was Prince Abdulrahman’s lesser wife. His first and primary wife…the mother of Farrokh…Her Serene Royal Highness, Princess Shareefah bin Sultan Abdulaziz Al-Saud ibn Al-Sabah of the Royal Imperial House of Saudi Arabia was the product of a childhood arranged marriage between the Al-Saud and Al-Sabah families for political gain. With a name which essentially translated as, She who is noble and gentle, Sheik Abdulrahman’s primary wife definitely lived up to the first part of her name, but not the second. Like the arrogant, stuck up, and all too full of herself Saudi that she was, there was a word for Princess Shareefah that started with a B…and it wasn’t beautiful!

Fortunately, Islamic Law allows a man to have up to four wives. Thus, Sheik Abdulrahman married Princess Ibtihaj of Abu Dhabi to become his second—lesser—wife. That was fine. With a name which translated as, Joy, Delight, or Happiness, Sheba’s mother was well-named. Sheba’s father loved her dearly. Unlike his primary wife—a royal woman Sheik Abdulrahman was compelled by politics to tolerate—it was Princess Ibtihaj who enjoyed her husband’s affection…much to the chagrin of the sheik’s primary spouse. Thus, in order to keep the peace between a pair of warring wives, Sheik Abdulrahman constructed two royal palaces for his official residence in Kuwait…one for each of his wives in order to simply keep these two apart!

Clad tonight in a shayla—identical to a hijab for all practical purposes—that was silver in color, Sheba’s mother elected not to cover her face with a black-veiled niqab or burka. Hence, all could see her facial features. While dressed traditionally, Princess Ibtihaj’s choice for tonight’s rehearsal dinner reflected the pseudo-independence that came with being her husband’s lesser wife. As such, Sheba’s mother walked alongside her husband with dignity wearing an elegant, but obviously expensive, Middle Eastern business suit, cream in color interwoven with pink polka dots that were shaped to represent a diamond pattern. Gold and silver braids adorned both wrists. A matching belt of gold and silver braid covered her waist. A flowing, cape-like pink robe worn over her shoulders gave the woman the appearance of style, elegance, and importance. The massive, mantle-like necklace with an assortment of intermixed precious stones consisting of pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires that extended to the valley between her bosom reflected how, yes indeed, this was a very wealthy woman!

While all the Yankees believed they needed to be on their best behavior per the stringent demands of protocol, the August Sovereign of Palace Sabah shattered those prejudices. The daughter of this couple fled from her station. She ran towards this regal pair with arms open wide, wearing an enormous smile.

DADDY!!! Sheba shouted as she hugged her father affectionately.

MOMMY!!! Sheba announced, smiling with the utmost of joy as the Kuwaiti princess repeated her affections in order to greet her mother. She then turned and waved to the surroundings with a sweep of her right arm:

Welcome to my home, Palace Sabah, Sheba proclaimed. Mom…Dad…Please allow me to introduce our guests…

With that Sheba began by specifically pointing out the woman with blue-hair standing behind the chair next to her:

…Please let me begin by introducing my vizier and the Chief Legal Officer for the Sharanski Enterprises Division within M & S Properties, Doctor Sherrie Perry, Esquire and Counselor of Law…

The cerulean-haired woman respectfully bowed from the neck to the royal couple from the Kingdom of Kuwait.

Please, come and join us, Counselor Perry, Sheba’s mother called out, displaying an inviting smile with arms extended. Both my husband and I have longed to meet you for quite some time.

Counselor…my wife…the mother of your life-partner…speaks the truth, Sheba’s father added.

You know? the attorney began, her tone one of genuine surprise.

"One of the advantages of being a lieutenant general, and the brother of the Emir of Kuwait, is that I have a nation’s intelligence services at my disposal, Sheik Abdulrahman reminded his daughter’s mate. I know who you are and I know your background…I know what you are now and what you were before…and that is why I must say that my wife and I are so glad to finally meet you, Counselor Perry. So please, do as our daughter implores…feel free to come and greet us."

Sherrie obeyed this request that she took for a command. She stepped forward. Upon coming alongside her mate, Sherrie dropped to one knee and bowed low from her neck.

Please, Counselor Perry, there is no need for you to genuflect before us, Sheba’s mother protested. We are family.

No, we’re not, Your Majesty, Sherrie corrected as she came to her feet. "Majesties."

You share our daughter’s life…her hopes…her dreams…her joys…and her pains, the Kuwaiti sheik reminded the blue-haired attorney a bit more sterner than before.

Your daughter does no different for me, Sherrie maintained. And my sorrows are quite extensive.

"My wife and I are very much aware of that. Yes, Counselor, under Sharia Law we cannot officially recognize your union with our daughter. But that doesn’t mean we do not respect you. For one to have, ‘pulled herself up by her bootstraps,’ as you Americans like to say, in spite of all the obstacles you had to overcome? Doing so completely on your own and without help from anyone? That speaks volumes about your fine character."

So know that, within the shadows that can be found under Sharia Law, of course, my husband and I welcome you as a daughter, Counselor Perry, Princess Ibtihaj confirmed.

Thank you so much, Sherrie wept just before hugging Sheba’s mother.

This is a joyous day, Counselor, not a day for tears of sorrow, Sheik Abdulrahman stated just before hugging the cobalt-haired attorney. By the will of the Prophet Mohammed, it is a time for smiles!

Upon hearing this, Sherrie, Sheba, Ibtihaj, and Abdulrahman did just that. It was a good sign. A smiling quartet of V.I.P.s did much to alleviate any misgivings.

Acceptance complete, Sherrie stepped aside. In her stead was a tall man bearing Semitic features. The Kuwaiti sheik knew this man well. He was his first-born son. However, Sheik Abdulrahman was meeting his son’s accomplice, a smaller woman with hair that appeared to be on fire, for the first time.

The bride’s parents, Sheba simply announced due to the fact that the man she introduced might be her biological half-brother, but that same man had been stripped of all titles and banished from the Middle East for life. Such was the sentence of Farrokh…Freddie…for marrying the Chief Steward of Palace Al-Sabah. For Maggie was essentially a palace cook! Then, of course, there was Freddie’s conversion from Islam to Christianity in order to do so! When combined? Those circumstances dictated that Farrokh be disowned and banished from the Middle East by imperial decree of the Al-Saud family of Saudi Arabia…Naturally, the Kuwaiti Al-Sabah family was obligated to follow suit. As such, Sheba was careful not to mention that her half-brother doubled as her company’s Operations Director by serving under the title of Royal Chamberlin.

Father, Farrokh whispered deferentially

My son, it is so good to see you again, Sheik Abdulrahman replied reverentially just before kissing his eldest offspring.

Believing…however, still uncertain…that a state of war would not break out, Farrokh stepped to the side and greeted his father’s lesser wife:

Your Grace, to be allowed to greet one so distinguished, the daughter of the Emir of the United Arab Emirates, fills me with a joy that I cannot express in words, Sheba’s half-brother confessed with the greatest of humility.

With that, the bride’s father hugged the lesser wife of the man who sired him.

I thank you for such a kind welcome, Farrokh, the Middle