Building Things

Building Things

Chapter 23

"Derrick," Alec began, as he sat in the chair, next to the head of the table, "I think that's sweet and all, but really, you don't have to go to any trouble for me."

"Alec, it's no trouble. All I have to do is make a phone call, and it will start things going, if you want it."

"Can I think about it?"

Derrick leaned forward in his chair at the head of the table, looking at Alec with narrow eyes. "Seriously? You want to think about it?" Derrick sat back, letting out a slight sigh.

"The only reason I say that is because of Conner. I know what you told him about helping him to find something. I know you're going to stretch yourself out for him, and I couldn't ask for anything more, let alone for myself."

Derrick reached out and patted Alec's folded hands on the table. "My lad, you couldn't be more wrong. You have no idea who I know in this town, and what they can do for me, if I ask." Derrick shook his head slightly. "It's sweet that you're thinking of Conner first, but, what about Alec? You have a talent, you need to use it, and to capitalize on it. Conner will do well, if he gets back here, and lets me get him hooked up with this idea for a job that I have. Then, you two can get settled into some place quiet, while making a fortune, and be completely happy together, if that's what you want."

"Wow, there's a picture." Ty said, dryly. Derrick rolled his eyes at him, half smiling, then looked back at Alec.

"Derrick, I had no idea..."

"Of coarse you didn't, how would you? Unless I said something." Derrick smiled softly at Alec. "And now,...I'm saying something."

Alec sat back in the chair and sighed. His eyes slowly rolled up and looked at Derrick. Alec smiled softly at him, Derrick returned the smile. Alec shifted in his chair, and then got up and walked into the kitchen, to the wine cooler. He opened the door and pulled out a bottle and then returned to the table, Derrick watching him carefully.

"I think we need to have a toast," Alec said, "and that requires a special bottle."

"Oh, I agree." Derrick said, then looked over at Ty.

"I think you guys are boozers." Ty said, exhaling, as he sat back in his chair. "Obviously, you're not going anywhere tonight." Alec opened the bottle and then poured the wine. He smiled at Ty as he poured. Ty watched Alec, catching his gaze, Alec winked at him, then set the bottle down.

"What makes you say that?" Alec asked Ty.

"Well, not that I'm counting, but that makes your third glass. So, I would assume that you're not dippy enough to drink and drive. You know how the cops are here."

Alec looked at Ty, then at Derrick. "I take that as an invitation?"

"Never has to be an invitation." Derrick said, "I thought I made that clear a couple of days ago."

"You did." Alec smiled his million dollar smile, "but, it's polite to ask anyway."

Derrick shook his head at Alec, and then looked at Ty. "Well, at least he has manners."

"Even though he's a lush?"

"Well, I don't think he's a lush...maybe a just a little, but..."

"Oh, my God! You guys!" Alec said loudly. "You are so relentless."

Derrick and Ty chuckled, looking at Alec. "We are...we so are." Ty said.

"Don't you have laundry to do or something?" Alec asked, looking at Derrick.

"You know, you're right. Thanks for reminding me." Derrick got up from the table and walked away toward the back hall.

"And you, mister...isn't there something you need to go nail or something?"

Ty leaned forward and wiggled his eyebrows. "Are you volunteering to get nailed?"

Alec's eyes narrowed, realizing his choice of words, then grinned. "Possibly." Alec whispered.

Ty's eyes widened a little at the suggestion. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"I have the evening shift at the store. Tomorrow is when the trucks come in and I have to help unload them."

"Hmmm. So then your free in the morning?"

Alec leaned forward on the table on folded arms. "Yeah."

"Good. Then maybe you might want to give me a hand in the morning. I could teach you how to hang sheetrock."

"Really?"

"Sure, why not? Puts you one up on Conner, as he's not here."

Derrick walked up behind Ty, putting his hands on the thick shoulders. "What are you two talking about?"

"I'm stealing the chef tomorrow and making him the assistant carpenter."

"Oh?"

Ty reached up a hand and patted one of Derrick's, looking up as he leaned back. "Don't worry, I'll give him back."

"After you 'use' him, I'm sure." Derrick said, leaning down and kissing Ty. "So, why don't you come and 'use' me for the rest of the night." Derrick wiggled his eyebrows, looking down at Ty. Ty smiled wide. Derrick looked over at Alec. "Dinner was wonderful, thank you."

"You're welcome." Alec said softly.

"Come on, you thief." Derrick said, as he pulled at Ty's hand.

"See you in the morning." Ty said to Alec, grinning.

    ********************************************************

Morning came, and the house was quiet. Derrick loved the morning, it's soft light filtering in through the large window. He lay in bed, watching Ty sleep next to him for a while. His chest rising and falling as he breathed easy. Derrick slowly got out of bed and went into the bathroom. He shaved, showered and then dressed in slacks and a button down. He walked quietly into the kitchen and made a cup of coffee, putting it in a travel mug. He smiled to himself and walked back into the bedroom, looking at the still sleeping Ty. Derrick bent down and kissed him on the cheek. Ty breathed in deeply and opened his eyes. He saw Derrick leaning over him and smiled.

"What time is it?" Ty asked.

"After six."

"Your leaving already?" Ty asked softly.

"Yes. I want to go in early and get caught up."

"Hmmm. I think you just want to get away from me..."

"Well, there is that too..."

Ty chuckled. "Such a bitch."

"I know. But, you love it."

Ty propped up on one elbow, leaning close to Derrick's face. "I do." Ty kissed Derrick softly.

"I'll see you tonight." Derrick said softly.

"Okay. Have a good day."

"I will." Derrick kissed him softly. "You too." Derrick smiled and then walked out of the room. He grabbed his mug and keys and walked out the front door.

Ty lay back down in bed, hearing the sounds of the keys, and then the door, and then the engine of the car starting. He sighed softly to himself, rolling on his back. He stared at the ceiling blankly, thinking about his life here, how things had changed for him suddenly with Derrick, what it was leading to. He smiled at the thought of Derrick, what he meant to him. The realization of being happy came over him, and it felt so good. He had been alone so long, so many things that had made his life difficult, now were fading away. He closed his eyes and slowly drifted back to sleep.

Derrick unlocked the main door to the building, and then punched in his code for the alarm, shutting it off. He walked through the lobby, and into his office, turning on the lights. He looked down at his desk, seeing notes from calls that he either needed to return or things he needed to handle. He settled into his chair, reading each one and prioritizing them.

He turned on his computer, letting it come up, then opened his email. He scanned them, deleting the junk, and then one by one, opened each, giving them full attention. He read a few and realized his coffee was almost empty. He got up and walked out, going to the room to the right that functioned as a lounge for the staff. He started a pot, and then went back to his office, and read a few more, giving the coffee time to brew. He got up from his chair, and went to walk out, and noticed someone standing in the doorway, giving him a start.

"Jesus, Tom. You scared me."

"Sorry." Tom said, as he held out his hand. Derrick took and clasped it firmly. "I knew you would be in early. Same old Derrick."

"You know me to well. Coffee?"

"Yeah. Then we can catch up." Tom said, as the two walked toward the lounge.

Coffee poured, they returned to Derrick's office and sat down. Derrick told Tom what was going on at the house, leaving out details. Tom listened quietly to Derrick, knowing that there was obviously more to it, but didn't pry.

"So, then the Van Owen thing is over?"

"Yes. Thank God." Derrick said, with a heavy sigh. "I'll have Claire prepare a bill for what was done."

"Just like that?" Tom asked softly.

"Yes." Derrick hesitated, looking at Tom, trying to read him. "Why?"

"Oh, I don't know. Don't you think it might piss him off more, getting a bill?"

"I told him I was sending him one. I'll send the plans along with it." Derrick chuckled a little. "I hope it does piss him off, add insult to injury."

"Wow, you must really be pissed off at this guy."

"He's arrogant and a bigot. He needs to be put in his place." Derrick sat back in his chair, sipped a little more coffee. "Besides, I don't like being ordered around."

"Well, okay then." Tom shook his head a little.

"You don't agree?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then what?" Derrick asked, leaning forward in his chair.

"I was just thinking how I was going to approach telling you about a new project."

Derrick saw the expression on the face of his old friend grow anxious. Derrick chuckled, as he sat back. Tom's expression changed again to one of relief, with Derrick chuckling.

"You thought I was going to take it as being ordered? You kill me, Tom."

Tom leaned forward, putting his coffee on Derrick's desk, and got to his feet. He came around Derrick's desk, next to Derrick. Derrick gave him a side glance.

"Go into the main frame, the shared files." Tom said, pointing at the computer. Derrick turned and closed the emails, then opened the shared files folder. Tom pointed at the one he wanted to show Derrick. "That's it. Open that." Derrick opened it. He scanned the beginning headings and then the summation of the proposal. Tom stood back and waited for a moment, as Derrick slowly scrolled down the page. He heard a slight gasp from Derrick, and smiled wide.

    ********************************************************

Ty threw back the sheet and swung his legs off the bed. He lifted his hands to his hair, and ran his fingers through the short lengths, scratching his scalp with just the fingertips. He stood and stretched his powerful arms, rocking himself to each side. He looked around on the floor and saw his cargos lying there, reached down and picked them up. He stepped into them, and walked down the hallway into the kitchen.

The house was quiet, as he stood in the kitchen, alone. He had grown accustomed to all the activity, but now it being quiet, it made him feel a little uncomfortable. He shrugged it off and pulled out a cup from the cabinet, then put it in the coffee maker and pushed the button. He waited in silence as the cup was filled, then pulled it out. He smelled it first, then sipped it. He stopped, as he heard something behind him. He turned his head as saw Alec coming around the counter. Ty smiled out of the corner of his mouth.

"Morning, gorgeous." Ty whispered.

"Morning." Alec mumbled.

Ty's eyes looked Alec up and down, as Alec stood there in his bikini underwear. Ty could see that they were shear, almost see through. Alec's length trapped in them, his balls filling them out, pushing the length out a little, Alec's smooth skin, his muscles defined but not overly.

"Coffee?" Ty asked as Alec came up next to him.

"Please." He answered, as Ty reached up for another cup. "Did Derrick leave?"

"Yeah. He said he wanted to get an early start." Ty replied as he inserted the cup and pushed the button. "Why?"

"I thought I heard something earlier, that's all. It must have been him leaving." Alec said, as Ty handed him the cup. "Thanks." Alec said, as he sipped the hot liquid.

"Is that all you heard?"

Alec looked over at Ty, and smiled. "Well, if you're talking about last night..."

"Sorry if we kept you up."

"You kept me up alright." Alec said with a grin. Ty blushed a little at it.

"I'll tell him not to make so much noise."

"I didn't mind..." Alec said, as he set the cup down. He turned toward Ty, then slid his hands up Ty's stomach and slowly over his large pecs, "it gave me lots to dream about..." Alec whispered, as they both looked down at the growing length in Alec's underwear, "lots to cum about." Alec whispered as he drew closer to Ty, pushing his hard length into Ty's crotch. He kissed Ty softly, then slid his arms around Ty's thick neck, going nose to nose with him.

"Someone's horned up this morning." Ty whispered as he slowly ran his hands around Alec's waist, then down over his firm narrow butt.

"Morning is the best time." Alec whispered, then kissed Ty fully, opening his mouth, letting Ty in. Alec tightened his grip on Ty, as he felt firm hands grab his cheeks tighter. Alec moved his tongue back and forth, drawing Ty in more and more. Slowly, Ty pulled out, and then looked Alec in the eye.

"You're dangerous." Ty said.

"You're beautiful."

"We shouldn't do this." Ty said as he let go of Alec.

"Why not? You want to." Alec whispered as he rubbed his length against Ty. "I can feel it in your shorts, growing."

"Well, I'm not dead, you know." Ty said softly, and smiled out of the corner of his mouth. Alec slid his hard length up and down against Ty, his arms still wrapped around Ty's neck. Ty exhaled deeply, then put his hands on Alec's hips, pushing him back gently. Ty leaned forward and kissed Alec quickly and softly. "I need to get busy outside. Did you still want to help?"

"I thought we could get busy...inside."

"Such a little horn dog."

"Can't help it. You're driving me crazy."

"How am I driving you crazy?" Ty asked.

"You standing here, looking all hot. You guys goin at it all night. I..."

"Need Conner to come back?" Ty asked softly. He watched Alec deflate in his expression. Ty could see Alec's eyes start to water up a little. "Talk to him lately?"

Alec pulled his arms back slowly. "Last night."

"And?"

"Said he was trying to hurry up, but it was taking more time than he thought."

"Hmmm." Ty said, then he wrapped his arms around Alec's waist and pulled him close, hugging him. "It's going to be okay, bud. He'll be here soon. He's got you to come home to, and he knows it. Hell, he's probably going crazy there himself."

"He is."

Ty let Alec go, and looked him the eye. "How do you know?"

"He told me. And..."

Ty chuckled, realizing what happened between them. "You guys had phone sex, didn't you?"

"Well..., yeah, listening to you guys."

"Holy shit." Ty said and then laughed, making Alec blush more.

    *********************************************************

Derrick went through the file with a fine tooth-comb. Tom returned to his chair and finished his coffee, just watching Derrick concentrate on all of the proposal in the file. Derrick picked up a pen and grabbed some paper and was making some notes as he continued to scroll through the proposal. Tom smiled to himself as he saw that Derrick was now totally lost in the file and oblivious to the rest of the world. He waited for a few more minutes, and then slipped out for more coffee. When he returned, Derrick was tapping the pen on the desk, reviewing his notes on the paper. Tom sat back down, Derrick looked up at him.

"Did you accept this yet?" Derrick asked.

"It's commercial. I can't accept it without your consent or Calvin's."

"Obviously you haven't talked to Calvin about it." Derrick frowned. "Were you going to?"

"Honestly, Derrick," Tom sat forward, "do you think Calvin gives a shit? He's so wrapped up in his own bullshit, he doesn't give a fuck about the firm."

"Maybe we should both talk to him then."

"Maybe we should buy him out." Tom sat back in his chair. "You know how hard it is to deal with him. He's more interested in his golf game than anything else. I, for one, am tired of it." Tom sipped at his coffee. "He snaps at everyone, doesn't take calls, doesn't return them." Tom shook his head, "I don't know."

"I'll talk to him." Derrick said. "But, just in case, do you have the backing to be able to help buy him out?"

Tom smiled a half smile, almost an evil grin to Derrick. "Yeah, I can get my hands on it."

"Then let's call Sid, and get a plan together, just in case."

"Now, you're talking." Tom said, looking more excited.

"You also have my approval for this project. I'll put it in writing, and attach it to the file."

"That would be fantastic." Tom stood up. "When are you going to talk to Calvin?"

"This morning. The sooner, the better."

"Just don't be a prick, okay?" Tom asked. Derrick chuckled, then stood. He held out his hand. Tom took it firmly, and shook it once. Derrick patted the back of Tom's hand with the other.

"You should know me better than that by now. You're the asshole of the group, remember?"

"I know, I know." Tom said. Tom turned and went to the door. He stopped and turned, looking back at his old friend. "I'm glad you're back, Derrick. You want to tell me what is really going on at the house?"

"What do you mean?" Derrick asked with a surprised look.

"I mean, you just look...happy. Happier than I have seen you in...well, a long time."

"Soon."

"Alright. How about dinner, soon, at the house, my house."

"Sure." Derrick smiled. "Better clear it first, don't want trouble like the last time, remember?"

"Yeah." Tom said, the color draining from his face at the memory. "Yeah...I'll make sure it's cleared first." Tom turned and walked away toward his own office to the left, down the hall.

Derrick returned to his computer and continued through his emails. He was interrupted several times as employees were starting to come in, walking by his door, saying good morning, nice to have you back, hope you enjoyed your vacation, and all the other niceties. Derrick would stop and acknowledge each of them with a smile and direct eye contact. He liked each and every one of the people that worked there, and had hired most of them himself. He trusted them to do their jobs and he did his best to make it a good place to work at.

    *********************************************************

Ty kissed Alec on the cheek, and stepped back. His eyes scanned Alec up and down again. Fuck, he was so hot and sexy, Ty had trouble with himself to not lick his own lips, and more trouble to keep himself in line not to ravish this gorgeous body that was in front of him. If Derrick could restrain himself, than I can to, Ty thought. Fuck it was tough. Ty rolled his eyes, and then walked away, heading toward the bedroom.

"Did I do something wrong, again?" Alec asked, following Ty into the bedroom.

Ty turned around as he pulled out a tee shirt and slipped his arms into the short sleeves, holding the neck with his thumbs. Ty tightened his lips, and gave Alec a soft scowl.

"What makes you think that?"

"Well, I blew it with Derrick, making a huge pass at him. He turned me down. Now, you."

Ty pulled the tee over his head, and pulled it down over his muscular chest and back. He raised an eyebrow, and stepped forward toward Alec. Ty put his hands on Alec's shoulders, resting them gently.

"Pretty boy, let me tell you something..." Ty said softly, "you didn't blow it, at all. In fact, I sent Derrick back out in the kitchen to take you. He couldn't, because of me...I can't...because of him." Ty said, lifting his eyes to the ceiling for a moment, coming to his own realization, then brought his eyes back to Alec. "And...for the first time in my life, I understand." Alec stood there just looking at Ty, bewildered. "Don't you see? It's love, total love, total trust." Ty smiled wide at Alec. "I love Derrick...more than I have ever loved anything in my life...he's everything to me, everything that is...right." Ty shook his head slowly from side to side. "There was a time, not too long ago, that I would have just taken you...I mean, look at you...you're fucking gorgeous, but if I did, I know that I would be putting myself in a bad spot with Derrick, and I love him too much to risk that." Ty saw Alec's expression change. "Don't get me wrong, if there was nothing between Derrick and I, I would be all over you, taking you again, and again, and again. But, I won't unless we're all together." Ty leaned forward and kissed Alec softly, then pulled back, then winked at Alec. "And believe me...when Conner gets his ass back here, and we get into another fourway, oh, I am going to fuck you so hard, you're just going to die." Ty smiled wide. Alec blushed, and then wrapped his arms around Ty's neck, leaning his head on Ty's thick shoulder.

"I can't wait." Alec whispered.

"You'll have to." Ty whispered back. "Now, go call your boyfriend, and have him hurry it up. Tell him I said so, and that there are big cocks waiting here to get off. Then get dressed, and meet me outside."

"You're wonderful, you know that?" Alec said as he pulled back, going eye to eye with Ty.

"And you're to fucking hot to handle alone." Ty winked and then kissed Alec on the cheek. He let go of Alec and walked around him, down the hallway, then out the back door.

    *********************************************************

Derrick looked up as Calvin walked by Derrick's door, on his way toward his own office. Calvin did not look, or even acknowledge Derrick being there, making Derrick narrow his eyes. Derrick just nodded his head, slowly, carefully, knowing that he had to deal with this, on his own. Derrick turned back to his computer, but looked up when he heard a knock on his open door. He looked up and saw Terry, his young assistant, standing in the doorway, smiling.

"Morning, boss."

"Morning, Terry. What's up?"

"Wanted to let you know, I have those prints ready to go."

"Oh, thanks." Derrick's expression changed to a gloomy look.

"Something wrong?"

Derrick sat back in his chair. "Come in, have a seat." Terry looked a little nervous now, his smile disappeared, as he sat down.

"Is there something wrong?" Terry asked again.

"Bud, I owe you an apology." Derrick said quietly.

"For what?"

"There has been a change. We're not proceeding with that project. I neglected to call and let you know. I feel really bad about that, I'm so sorry."

"No problem." Terry said, in a deflated voice.

"Did you work the weekend on them?"

"Both Neal and I did, yes."

"I'll make it up to both of you. I'm really sorry. It was thoughtless of me, it won't happen again."

"Boss, it's no problem, really." Terry leaned forward in his chair, resting his arms on his thighs. "Can I ask what happened?"

"Let's just say that the client is...not worthy of our attention." Derrick smiled.

"Gotcha." Terry sat back, grinning. "Pissed you off, did he?"

Derrick chuckled. "You could say that. Is Neal in yet? I need to apologize to him, too."

"Yeah, he's here. I think he's doing something for Calvin." Terry replied. Derrick got to his feet, then came around the desk. Terry stood, watching Derrick come around.

"I need to talk to Calvin as well." Derrick said, putting out his hand. Terry took it and shook it firmly. "We'll talk more later, okay?"

"Sure, boss." Terry said, as they walked out of the office together. Derrick looked down the open hallway toward Calvin's office. He started walking in that direction, passing one of the girls that worked there. He smiled at her when she said "good morning". Derrick stopped at Calvin's closed door, knocking. Derrick opened it, after hearing the muffled reply to the knock.

    ********************************************************

Ty was moving some material around in the garage, starting a staging area to get ready for the days activity. He went to the truck and pulled out couple of cords and plugged them in. He picked up some scraps that were on the stack of materials against the wall. After doing some quick measuring, he plugged his saw and made some cuts. He put the material down and walked over and grabbed a partial sheet of plywood. He laid it down and made some quick measurements, and then snapped some chalk lines. He picked up the saw and cut the lines on the sheet, rendering him two pieces that were good size, and then some smaller, narrow and long. He put the saw down and put the pieces all together. Ty knelt down on the floor in front of everything. He looked up as he saw Alec walk in through the large doors. They smiled at one another.

"That doesn't look like sheetrock to me." Alec said, a little sarcasm in his voice.

"You're right, smartass." Ty answered, narrowing his eyes at Alec. "This will help to hang the sheetrock. We just have to put it together. Would do me a favor and go grab my drill out of the bed of the truck?"

"Sure." Alec smiled then turned and walked away. He returned a minute later and walked over to Ty. "Here you go."

"Thanks, bud." Ty said, taking the drill. "Now, let's put this together."

Alec looked puzzled as he watched Ty screw all the pieces together, making it look like a short table. Ty was flipping it around, putting screws in various places, until he was done and set the drill down. He looked up at Alec and gave him a half smile.

"I don't get it." Alec said.

Ty stood, and then stepped up on the top. "It's a platform to hang sheetrock." Ty said as he reached his hands up. "Makes it easier than using ladders. You'll see." Ty said, as he stepped down onto the slab floor. He picked it up and walked it into the bathroom, setting it on the floor. He turned back and looked at Alec. "Now, all we need is sheetrock."

Alec looked around, then turned back to Ty. "I don't see any."

Ty grinned. "Very good. If you want, we can go get some."

"Sure. Will it take long?"

"Are you pressed for time?"

"Just have to be at the store by three."

"We could have the half the inside rocked by three. Come on, let's go." They walked out of the garage side by side. "Let me go close up the house. I'll meet you at the truck."

"Okay."

    ********************************************************

Derrick stood in the open door, seeing Calvin behind his desk, a young Neal standing next to Calvin, with a group of papers in his hands. Derrick smiled at Neal, who looked relieved that Derrick was there.

"Morning." Derrick said.

"It is that." Calvin said in a rather nasty tone.

"Am I interrupting something?" Derrick asked.

"Yes." Calvin said flatly, now sounding irritated. "What do you need?"

"A few minutes of your time, if I may?"

"Can it wait?"

"Not really, no." Derrick said, as he crossed the office and took a seat in a chair across from the desk. "Neal, I'm wondering, could you give us a few minutes, please?" Neal's eyes were wide at Derrick's question. He set the stack of papers down on the desk, and then looked at Calvin and then at Derrick, who were now glaring at each other. He came around the desk and walked quietly to the door, and then shut it behind him. He hurried down the hall to Tom's office and knocked on the open door. Tom looked up from his computer at a pale colored Neal.

"So, you're back from vacation, and now you want to talk. Let me guess, Tom sent you in here."

"We spoke this morning, yes. He has some concerns."

"I don't need to hear this." Calvin snarled.

"Look, bud. I just want to..."

"Look, bud? Derrick, why don't you just get out of here? Good find someone else to talk to, I don't need your shit."

Derrick was set back by Calvin's words. They had always been good friends. Calvin was always receptive to talking to Derrick, even through bad times. Derrick was shocked for a moment and then his shock turned to anger. He knew he had to keep his cool throughout this.

"I'm afraid you're going to have to deal with my shit." Derrick said flatly. "There have been a few complaints by the staff. You want to tell me what's wrong?"

"It's none of your fucking business." Calvin said in a hushed voice, making Derrick narrow his eyes.

"That's where you're wrong, this is my business, or did you forget that?"

Calvin stood up, leaning over the desk, resting on his hands, glaring at Derrick. "You come in here, and want to throw your weight around? Let me tell you..."

Derrick got to his feet quickly, leaning in toward Calvin as well, going face to face with him. "No!" Derrick snapped, "I'll tell you." Calvin's eyes went wide with Derrick snapping at him loudly. "I came in here to talk to you, to try and find out what's wrong, wrong with an old friend. And all you give me is attitude. Well, if it's attitude you want, then it's attitude you're gonna get." Calvin leaned back away from Derrick. His eyes were still wide, as he took his chair again, Derrick leaning a little more over the desk. "Now, I'll ask you again, what's wrong?"

Calvin collected himself. "I told you...it's none of your business."

"Why are you here?" Derrick asked. "I mean, you don't do anything, you don't take calls, you're not involved in any projects. What are you doing here?"

"Waiting."

"For what?" Derrick asked, as realization started to set into him. He knew, all of a sudden, he knew.

"Waiting for this moment to happen."

"I thought so." Derrick said, as he stood straight. "Alright. What do you want?"

Calvin glared up at Derrick. "I want one million, all payable in one lump sum, or, I want twenty percent off your fourty-five percent of the firms holdings."

Derrick narrowed his eyes at Calvin. "You've got to be joking?"

"You forget, I know what it's all worth."

"I'll close the doors first." Derrick said, flatly.

"Really? And what about all of the people that work here? Everyone losing theirs jobs...such a shame. And then there's your reputation...sad, I don't think anyone would hire you, even as a penciler."

Derrick became enraged, his fists balled up. He wanted to come across the desk and grab Calvin by the throat...