A New World Begins

Souls laid bare…

Nathan led the way to a group of leather armchairs clustered around a low table close to a stone fireplace in which a roaring log fire blazed. A small ‘Reserved’ card was on the table, saving for them the best seats in the bar area outside the private Members’ Dining Room. Almost before the group of four had sat down, a steward was on hand to take their order.

“General?” said Nathan.

“A whisky and soda, if I may. I could do with warming up after that wind and rain.”

“Colonel?” asked Nathan, turning to Craig’s dad.

“Whisky and ginger ale, please,” said Colonel Wright, smiling at the steward and then shifting in his seat to face Nathan and his father. Neither placed an order with the steward, who disappeared promptly towards the nearby bar and began to prepare their drinks.

“I have to apologise for the weather, gentlemen,” smiled Governor Bauer. “I like to think we can do most things here at the club, and better than anywhere else, but controlling the weather isn’t one of them. Hopefully it didn’t dampen your enjoyment too much.”

“Not at all,” replied General Armstrong, “The competition more than made up for any rain. I think Colonel Wright and I were very fortunate to win, you pressed us hard right to the last hole. If you don’t mind me saying so, Nathan, you might have posted the losing score today but I get the feeling it won’t be too long before you can outplay all three of us old dinosaurs. You’re certainly a far better player than I was at your age.”

“Thank you, Sir,” nodded Nathan. “I aim to be able to beat pop regularly before too long.”

“He occasionally does already,” said Governor Bauer, “And I stopped letting him win quite some time ago when I realised he didn’t need me to go easy on him.”

“I don’t think you’ve ever gone easy on me, pop.”

The conversation was interrupted by the return of the steward who placed a silver tray on the table before them. As well as the two whiskies there was a glass of bourbon for the Governor and a glass of blueberry juice for Nathan.

“Thank you, Carl,” said Colonel Wright, ensuring he caught the steward’s eye. As the steward smiled and retreated, Colonel Wright picked up his glass and held it out in toast to the Governor. “Thank you, Governor, for the invitation to play today. It’s been a real pleasure.”

“Indeed so,” added the General, joining in the toast. “And to you too, Nathan, for such a competitive game. I thought the Colonel and I were going to have an easy victory right up until your first shot…”

Nathan took a sip of his blueberry juice and cast a look towards both his father and then to Craig’s dad. “I’m frequently under estimated, General. Now, if you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’ve just seen our final guest arriving.” Placing his drink back on the tray, Nathan stood up and then made his way out toward the reception area.

“You have yourself a fine son, Governor,” said the General. “Certainly talented, confident for sure, and do I detect a hint of fire burning within?”

Governor Bauer relaxed back into his chair and smiled appreciatively. “Nathan certainly has his talents, that no-one can dispute. A little headstrong too at times, which I am sure he gets from his mother, but he’s not as rebellious as he likes to think he is. It’d horrify him to know it, but I daresay he’s rather less of a scoundrel than I was at his age. I humor him though, let him play the downtrodden martyr, it’s easier than arguing and takes the wind right out of his sails…”

“I hear he’s doing quite well at Allegheny College, Governor,” continued General Armstrong. “Promoted early to Cadet Sergeant, and also now the dorm senior for Bensinger Squad. Quite an achievement for a sophomore. Even managed to get a group of students out to Kingston Armory to experience some Forward Observation training there, I hear. I’d say that’s a boy with ambition. I trust we’ll see him at West Point in due course?”

Governor Bauer smiled. “Not according to him. Nathan’s made it very clear to anyone who’ll listen that he’d prefer to go to the Juilliard and study music and acting. Strange thing is, I’ve never suggested he can’t, but that’s not the impression anyone gains after listening to him for more than a minute or two.”

“Well, he certainly seems to have the drive to do well at West Point, Governor, I’d certainly be willing to commend him if he ever needs a sponsor for the Acceptance Board.”

“Thank you, General. Forgive me my conceit for saying so, but I think Nathan could do well at pretty much anything he turns his hands to. He just needs to grow up a little first.”

Colonel Wright smiled. “He’s only sixteen, Governor, let him live a little. I sometimes think we may put a little too much pressure on our teenagers. Perhaps we should try and let them play a little more, they’ll end up working hard and long enough.”

Governor Bauer and Colonel Wright turned to face each other, each apparently weighing up whether or not to say a little more, but were interrupted by the return of Nathan, now accompanied by Jackson Davis.

“Gentlemen, may I introduce Cadet Captain Jackson Davis? Jackson, I believe you have already met both my father, Governor Bauer, and Colonel Wright, at the college’s Parents’ Weekend. You were trying to batter the Colonel’s son, Craig, senseless in the boxing ring if I recall correctly. And this is General Armstrong, head of some unit or other he’s very vague about but also, perhaps more importantly, a member of the Governance Board at West Point Academy.”

Jackson smiled and held out his hand as the three men stood to greet him. Colonel Wright was the nearest and first to speak. “Yes, I recall you, Jackson, you gave a pretty impressive sparring exhibition. Excellent punching power and fast moving too for your size. Certainly kept my boy on his toes dodging you.”

Jackson smiled. “Thank you, Sir. I always relished sparring with Craig. He simply didn’t understand the concept of defeat, just kept on coming at me relentlessly. It’s a shame he had to return to England. I trust he’s doing well? Please give him my regards.”

As the General stepped forward to shake Jackson’s hand, he spoke first to Colonel Wright. “Your boy’s barely fifteen, isn’t he? A bit young to take on somebody the size and strength of Jackson, surely?”

“Craig plays hard, General. In fact, I got a text from one of my company commanders only half an hour ago to say that he’d been helping out on a Royal Marines’ cadets training weekend and ended up dyed bright orange from a smoke grenade booby trap. He seems to think my son had something to do with it. Can’t prove it of course…”

They all burst out laughing as the General pumped Jackson’s hand vigorously and gestured to him to sit down. “Pleased to meet you, Davis. I’ve already heard a lot about you from the Commandant at Allegheny, plus your name is catching ears through other routes too. I understand you insisted the Honor Sword at Allegheny was awarded to another cadet at the college this year in recognition of their pastoral skills with the younger cadets. It’s always important to recognise and nurture our junior leaders. Perhaps we can talk a little more after lunch.”

“Thank you, General, I’d be delighted.”

Jackson delayed sitting down long enough to shake hands with Governor Bauer, then took the vacant seat that Nathan had slipped into place between General Armstrong and his father.

“So, Jackson,” said the Governor as he took a sip of his bourbon and discreetly summoned the steward to take an order from Jackson, “I gather you’re here to try and persuade me to let you use the club and its facilities as the base for the college’s re-forming Golf Society?”

“Indeed I am, Sir.”

“I imagine you’ve already had a chat with your pop about how to handle the negotiation. I’ve sparred often enough with him in the political ring for him to know me and to give you a few tips. What did the old rascal tell you about how to handle me?” There was a twinkle in the Governor’s eye as he put Jackson on the spot.

“He told me that the Bauers don’t negotiate, Sir,” laughed Jackson. “He said you’d simply lay out a list of terms and expect me to be the one making concessions if I wanted your support.”

Governor Bauer smiled. “Yes, the Senator does seem to know me rather well.”

Jackson paused a moment, then continued. “He did say that I’d get what I wanted if it aligned with your ambitions.”

Governor Bauer burst out laughing. “Yes, your pop’s as shrewd as his pop before him. Well, after lunch I’ll show you around and then we can decide where our ambitions might lead us. Now gentlemen, I believe our table is ready. We’ll be dining in the Members’ Dining Room, Jackson, not the public restaurant, so you can weigh the place up and judge if it meets the college’s standards…”

* * *

“Well, that made a lighter and refreshing change after all the turkey this week,” said General Armstrong as he finished the roast quail and seasonal vegetables that constituted lunch. “Sometimes, less definitely is more.”

The group remained relaxing in their chairs as the table was quickly and discreetly cleared around them. Jackson was sipping on the orange juice he’d asked for but the rest, including Nathan, finished their lunch with a glass of cognac which had been brought to the table unrequested. A very fine cognac, hors d’age, Colonel Wright had noted from the label left conveniently alongside the decanter when it had been served.

Governor Bauer had carefully guided the conversation over lunch, primarily leading Jackson with seemingly innocent questions about his interests and future, subtly aided by Nathan. General Armstrong and Colonel Wright exchanged a knowing smile: they knew well the concept of ‘intelligence preparation of the battlefield’ and understood how the Bauers were collectively assessing Jackson’s potential utility to them: as the scion of one of the leading political families in the country he could either be a threat or an asset to them. How much of the hostility bubbling under the surface between Bauer Senior and Junior was real, and how much an act, particularly intrigued Colonel Wright as he watched how closely and carefully they worked together…

“I wonder if you gentlemen would excuse me for a short while,” said General Armstrong as he reached into his pocket and slipped out his phone. “It seems I’m required for a moment by someone rather important.”

“I guess you’re never far away from the Pentagon,” said Jackson, surmising that as they hadn’t heard it ring, the phone must have been on silent vibration mode.

“No, even more important than that,” smiled the General, “My wife just buzzed me. I’ll just pop to my room for a short while and return the call.”

Governor Bauer smiled. “It’s certainly good timing. General, we’ll meet you back in the bar area once you’ve done. I’ll take the opportunity to show Cadet Captain Davis around and I’m sure Nathan can entertain the Colonel for a while.”

As General Armstrong left and headed towards the door to the accommodation, Governor Bauer and Jackson disappeared in the opposite direction through a door marked ‘Private’.

* * *

“Looks like we’ve been abandoned, Colonel,” said Nathan. “Let’s grab our unfinished drinks and return to our seats by the fire out in the Members’ Bar. I’ve been hoping for a chance to talk to you.”

Once seated by the fireside, Nathan took a sip from his brandy and leaned forward ready to speak. Colonel Wright bided his time, noting that though Nathan had lifted the glass to his lips he had taken very little of the brandy onboard: his glass was still almost as full as when it had been poured quite some time before. He might be giving the impression of drinking, but hardly any was actually disappearing from the glass. Just enough to taint his breath and give the illusion he was imbibing. It was a trick he had used himself many times before…

“It’s an excellent cognac, Nathan,” said Colonel Wright, swirling his glass around and taking a sip himself. “Your vintner clearly has great taste. Presumably the requisite budget to indulge it too.”

Nathan smiled appreciatively. “As my pop said, we try to ensure we do things better than anywhere else.”

“Such a shame you don’t seem to be enjoying it yourself though. A good hors d’age Monnet like this deserves to be savoured after such a fine lunch.”

For a moment Nathan’s face looked alarmed but he quickly regained his composure. “It seems I can’t fool you quite so easily as I hoped, Colonel.”

“Why try, Nathan? Most times it’s far simpler just to be open and honest. I’m assuming you want to talk to me about Craig. He certainly wanted me to talk to you, and you appear to have gone to considerable lengths to get me here today. Nice interrogation of Jackson, by the way…”

Nathan raised his glass and this time did take a drink from it. “It’s actually just Extra Old, not hors’d’age. The label was just for show.”

“It’s actually not even Monnet,” smiled Colonel Wright, “More like a vintage Hardy XO, I suspect. Quite good enough to stand on its own pedigree without trying to masquerade as something else.”

“Point taken, Colonel.”

“Now we’ve cleared the decks, Nathan, shall we talk openly?”

Nathan nodded.

“Craig likes you. He puts it stronger than that: he told me he thinks he loves you.”

Nathan looked deeply into his glass. “Just thinks?”

“Craig isn’t so eloquent as you with words, Nathan. At heart, he’s a simple soul. I believe he doesn’t know what he truly feels. He’s been through a difficult time: America was very alien to him and he didn’t get off to a good start. I do know the time he spent at Allegheny College made a great impression on him. I know that you made an even greater impression. What I don’t know, and what I believe Craig himself doesn’t yet know, is whether he does actually love you, or whether it’s just a simple schoolboy infatuation. That doesn’t worry me too much, it’ll soon sort itself out, either way, now he’s kicking his heels back home amongst his old friends. What concerns me is if it transpires that he does genuinely love you.”

Nathan’s eyes blazed with indignation but he was careful to remain calm. “So, what if he really does love me? This is the 21st century! I can’t believe you’ve just said that. I…”

Colonel Wright cut him off. “You’ve not fallen at the first hurdle, Nathan. Craig being gay isn’t the problem. As we’re being totally open, yes, I’d prefer he was straight and nicely fitted into the stereotypical warrior mould. But if he’s gay, that’s not a problem. He’s still my son, I still love him, still want the very best for him. That’s where my problem arises. Are you the best, Nathan, or just masquerading? What does he really mean to you? Is he just a plaything? A toy to be driven around in your Mustang, taken for a ride in your speedboat, paraded at a society event or two, then discarded when the novelty wears off? That’s what I aim to protect him against.”

Nathan said nothing for a while, cradled his glass but didn’t drink. His face was calm but his eyes gave away the turmoil within. Finally, he spoke and there was a bitterness in his voice no matter how he tried to hide it.

“So, that’s why you sent him away. You think I’m just using him? That I’m not good enough for him?”

Colonel Wright said nothing. His body remained immobile. Not a flicker of emotion passed over his face. The room fell totally silent to Nathan. He could hear his own heart beating. His watch ticking on his wrist. His tongue felt dry and unresponsive. Worst of all, two cold eyes drilled deep into his soul, laying it bare.

“No, Nathan, I think you could be very good for him. And for what it matters, I didn’t send him away.”

The words powered through Nathan like a jolt of electricity. A wave of cold surged from the tip of his head to his toes, followed immediately by a scorching heat. He was aware of sweat forming on his brow. Knew he was turning red. This wasn’t what he had planned. The conversation wasn’t meant to go down this path. For almost the first time he could remember, he was out of his depth. No longer in control. Just like that moment at college, on Parent’s Day, when Craig had chased him down after the prank in the pool. Chased him down and kissed him.

“You did send him away,” stuttered Nathan.

“No. Craig chose to go home, Nathan. He didn’t really want to, I’ll grant you, but he thought it was for the best. We talked it over, and I was in favour of him going home, encouraged it, but the final decision was his.”

“But why? He seemed to like it at Allegheny! He’d made good friends there. Like Shane! He seemed to be able to talk with Noah too, way better than most people. And I’m sure he liked me. He told me he liked me. We…”

Colonel Wright let Nathan’s tongue run dry.

“That’s exactly why, Nathan. I told you, Craig is a simple soul. He liked all his new friends. He liked you. As far as he was concerned, Allegheny was an amazing place. He liked you so much that he agreed it was better for him to go home. Partly, he was afraid he wouldn’t measure up, but, even more, that if he did measure up, you might be so interested in him that you’d take your eye off the ball. Let your feelings for him get in the way of your own future or your responsibilities towards the other students in your care. He didn’t want that to happen. He wasn’t prepared to let that happen, no matter how much it hurt him. And it did hurt him. He’s not as tough as he tries to appear, Nathan. Yes, physically, he’s hard as nails, a true Spartan. That’s my fault. Beneath that façade though, he’s emotionally vulnerable. He gets that sensitivity from his mother. I wouldn’t have him any other way. If a man can’t be compassionate, he’s not worthy of the name. Trust me, Nathan, Craig’s beau geste really did cut deep. He’s still hurting.”

* * *

The door marked ‘Private’ opened to a corridor, off which was a door that led into the Bauers’ private dining room. Governor Bauer led Jackson into the dining room and gestured to him to take a seat at the exquisitely worked maple table that took pride of place in the walnut panelled room. Along the walls hung portraits of Bauers interspersed with pictures of Masters’ tournament winners.

“Your pop’s an astute man, Jackson, and you seem just as smart as he is. The speech you made on Parents’ Day, giving the Honor Sword away to the other guy, was a master stroke. Shall we cut the crap and get down to business? I can tell you don’t care a fig about golf, but you do care about what golf can do for you. It’s the same here. I know what budget and remit the Commandant has given you. If you can go back with better, that’s a real feather in your cap. I’m sure you understand that I want this to look good on Nathan too. Do we have common ground?”

“I think we do, Sir.”

“I’m prepared to give you a five-year deal, potentially renewable, so the college can use the course on Wednesday afternoons, six times a year, to host a match against another school. The Allegheny golf squad can have access to the course on all Wednesday afternoons, and one Saturday each month, for training. The college team can have lessons from the club pro for four hours each month. Does that sound attractive?”

“Very much so, Governor.”

“In addition, the Allegheny club President can have use of this private dining room, twice a year, for his own purposes. He’ll also have all the privileges, gratis, of a full member of the club. Does that suit you?”

“It does indeed, Governor.”

“When the Allegheny club holds a tournament here against another school, they’ll have use of the Members’ Dining Room rather than the public restaurant. If the other school is travelling a distance, they will be able to have priority bookings over the cabins by the lakeside for accommodation, and their accompanying staff will be given a room in the hotel here. Fair?”

“More than fair, Governor.”

“That’s what I’m offering you, to take to the Commandant. Other alumni sponsor prizes or facilities at the college. Let’s call this my sponsorship. It’s worth rather more than a refurbishment of a dorm or a prize to be awarded on Parents’ Day.”

“it’s a very generous offer, Governor, but what do you want in return?”

“To me, it’s an investment in Nathan’s future. I’m assuming you’ll be the club’s founding President for the remainder of your time at Allegheny. When you leave at the end of the year, I expect you to ensure that Nathan succeeds you. As you don’t play, I expect you to take Nathan’s advice on who the club officials should be and who should be in the team. Let him look after the golf. When Nathan leaves college, the agreement will still have time to run. He gets to nominate his successor. I’m sure the Commandant will understand that…”

“I’m sure he will, Governor.”

“Excellent. Shall we re-join the others? I’m sure you have no interest in looking around the greens or trying out our computerised swing assessment system…”

* * *

General Armstrong returned to the Members’ Bar almost simultaneously with Jackson and Governor Bauer, joining Nathan and Colonel Wright at their fireside seats. Governor Bauer didn’t sit down.

“General, might I steal Colonel Wright away from you and the boys for a moment or two? I’d just like to seek his opinion on a small private matter.”

“Certainly, Governor, it’ll give me an opportunity to discuss some aspects of West Point Academy and options for its future with Captain Davis and your son in their capacity of cadets and potential future attendees. While maintaining the Academy’s traditions and standards, we must seek to ensure that it remains relevant and attractive to each new generation. Their opinions are just as valid as those of the current Academy staff. Perhaps more so if we seek to continue recruiting the finest minds leaving our school system.”

Colonel Wright rose and followed Governor Bauer from the Members’ Bar into a small private office. A backward glance showed that Jackson seemed rather more interested in the General’s questions than Nathan. Nathan had clearly guessed that the ‘private matter’ his father had alluded to concerned him.

“Thank you once again, Governor, for the invitation to play here today, and for the excellent lunch. I suspect though, that it wasn’t entirely your idea…”

Governor Bauer allowed himself to smile and then nodded, placing his cognac on a small low table between them.

“You’d be right there, Colonel, I was pretty much manoeuvred into it by my son. He’s pretty smart, and determined too when he needs to be.”

“So I’ve noticed. Mine can be equally headstrong, though not quite so cunning, at least as of yet.”

“I think that brings us squarely to the point, Colonel. Let’s not beat about the bush: we both have some concerns regarding our sons. More particularly, their relationship with each other.”

“I’m not sure there is a relationship, as such, established just yet, Governor. Nor that it is necessarily something I would be entirely against if there were.”

“I think we both want what is best for our boys, Colonel. My issue is that I am not sure Nathan knows what he wants. He’s been involved with girls before, quite unsuitable girls: that’s partly why I sent him to Allegheny. I understand that your boy Craig was there under a similar cloud. Now Nathan tells me that he loves your son, and that your son feels the same way about him.”

“I’m not sure that’s the case, Governor,” said Colonel Wright. “To be frank, I don’t think Craig really knows what he’s feeling right now. He’s in awe of Nathan, certainly, infatuated with him might be another way of putting it. I also know that Nathan believes Craig has feelings for him. Love if you want to call it that. Nathan does. Craig said much the same thing too.”

“But you’re not convinced, Colonel?”

“I’m sure they do have feelings for each other, Governor. I’m just unsure how strong those feelings are, on either side. And, without trying to sound like the defensive father, I worry that Nathan is making the running. He’s more mature than Craig.”

“I’ve never met Craig, Colonel, only seen him box on Parents’ Weekend, but my wife and daughter haven’t been slow to offer their opinions on him. Favourable opinions, as it happens. However, I do know my son, and so I don’t doubt that he is probably taking the lead in whatever is going on between him and Craig. Once Nathan has set his mind to something, he does tend to concentrate on getting his way. It’s not a quality I’m ordinarily against.”

“But on this occasion…?”

“On this occasion, I’m wary. I’m not sure if Nathan genuinely does have feelings for Craig, or if he’s just a useful means to get at me. A pawn in one of Nathan’s little games. That, I suspect, is your worry too.”

“If you’d said that a few hours ago, Governor, I would have agreed with you. Now, having talked with Nathan, I’m a little more inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. I think he does actually have feelings for Craig, I’m just not sure how deep they run.”

“And, if Nathan’s feelings are genuine, and the same is true of your boy Craig, does that present a problem?”

Colonel Wright and Governor Bauer were looking at each other. Weighing each other up once more.

“No, not for me. It may for them. And they are the ones who matter. I’m sure you’d agree with that, Governor?”

“Believe it or not, Colonel, it doesn’t bother me either. If I were being truly candid about it, I’d say it could even be an asset. This country is changing. Has changed. Nathan being gay wouldn’t harm me, politically speaking. Him going to Westpoint would certainly appeal to the Republican voters here: the blue-collar Pittsburgh vote and the rural farmers across the whole state. That’s what Nathan thinks I want of him when he digs his heels in and tells me he wants to go to the Juilliard. If he’d listen to his mother and sister, they’d probably tell him that going to the Juilliard would actually win me more votes. There are two powerhouses in this state, Colonel. Pittsburgh here in the west and Philadelphia over in the east. We Bauers have never had a problem holding Pittsburgh, but Philadelphia is more liberal and has three times as many Democrats as Republicans. If Nathan were to be gay, I doubt it would actually lose me much popularity amongst those with Republican sentiments and it would certainly gain me a disproportionate number of those with more liberal tendencies.”

The Governor paused, took a sip of his brandy, looked closely at Colonel Wright before continuing.

“For four generations we Bauers have adopted a non-partisan approach to politics, put Pennsylvania first and played the Republicans and Democrats off against each other as necessary. Both parties need this state to win America. It works well for us. So, on a political level, Nathan’s sexuality is not an issue. What does matter to me though, is that people might think it does matter politically. I will not use Nathan as a political pawn. He matters to me far more than any political consideration, even if he doesn’t see it. We have more in common than you perhaps think, Colonel. I no more want to see my son hurt than you want to see Craig hurt. So, you see, we actually do have the same interest in common. How do we do right by our boys?”

For a moment neither man said anything.

It was Colonel Wright who spoke first.

“I think, Governor, the best thing we can do, is to do nothing. If we try to interfere, tell them what we think they should do, we may end up alienating them. They don’t truly know how they feel about each other. They need to work that out for themselves without us shaping their thoughts. Let’s be realistic: time and distance are against them. In a month or two they may have forgotten all about each other and be off chasing someone else. They’re at that age. And if, by some chance, their relationship doesn’t just fade away, then they will have something truly worth having. Each other.”

Governor Bauer nodded. “So, we don’t put obstacles in their way, but we don’t make things easy for them either. A policy of benign indifference, you might say. I can agree with that.”

* * *

* Incoming call *

Craig:Hi dad!

Dad: Hi Craig, how are things? Busy? I’ve tried calling you a couple of times already this afternoon, well tonight for you, but you were engaged.

Craig:Yeah, sorry about that dad. It’s been manic here. Didn’t get back from cadets till late this afternoon, so loads of cleaning and tidying to do, then the phone’s been ringing non-stop. First Mandy, you know, Major Scott’s daughter from over the road, wanting to know what I’d been up to and then…

Dad:Yes, I’ve been wondering that myself. I had a quick chat with Scotty earlier. Seems a smoke grenade ‘accidentally’ went off in his Rover. Turned him orange, I understand. Can’t imagine how that might have happened…

Craig:Me neither, dad. He can’t blame me though. He put it in the exercise log book that my patrol didn’t manage to get within visual distance of the camp we were meant to be observing. So, it can’t have been anything to do with us, could it?

Dad:Clearly not. Seems like you are totally exonerated. I guess the smoke grenade must have just climbed out of its storage box, found its way across a river and under the seat in his Rover, then got tangled in a bit of string and lost its pin.

Craig:Yeah, that must be what happened, dad.

Dad:Did you keep the firing pin? Hypothetically speaking …

Craig:Maybe…

Dad:Good, when I get home on leave at Christmas we’ll stick it on top of an orange and wrap it up as a Christmas present for Scotty!

Craig:Bloody brilliant idea, dad!

Craig:Guess who else called too, dad. Shane and the guys from my old dorm in Allegheny! They were in a plane. You remember Travis, the guy from Dakota? His family actually have a private plane, they all used it to go to his house for Thanksgiving. It’s part passenger jet and part survey plane. They switched on its cameras and stuff to show me a live video of the ground they were flying over. It was pretty awesome.

Dad:It sounds it! I remember you saying something about a trip to his farm at Thanksgiving.

Craig:Dad…

Dad:Yes?

Craig:How did your day go? You did go to the Allegheny Country Club didn’t you? Played golf with Nathan and his dad? They did invite you. You said you’d go…

Dad:Yes, I went. I said I would.

Craig:Did you win? The match? You were playing Nathan and his dad weren’t you? Was Nathan there?

Dad: Yes, I was teamed with my boss, General Armstrong, against Governor Bauer and Nathan. We just scraped a win against them. It was close though. Nathan’s a pretty good player for his age. A bit like your friend Shane, the one who stayed with us at your Parents’ Weekend trip.

Craig: Did Nathan have anything to say? You did say ‘Hi’ to him from me, didn’t you? I asked you to.

Dad:Yes, and to your boxer friend too. Jackson Davis. He was there. He joined us for lunch. He was trying to talk Governor Bauer into letting him set up a college golf club or something along those lines. He sent you his best wishes.

Craig:What did Nathan have to say, dad?

Dad:Oh, he sent his best wishes too. Asked how you were getting on. I said you were doing fine…

Dad: And Craig…

Craig:Yes?

Dad:If you still have a few minutes to spare before bed, I think Nathan would love to hear from you…