Daniel's Story

Daniel looked back, with angst and regret. Had he really made a difference, had he really helped this family? No, he couldn't think about that. That was a different person, the unexpected fool, Donovan Quick. He could not dwell on that. He had spent months in that sanitarium, recovering his former self, the one the real world knew. No, Daniel Quinn was back. Though something in the back of his head told him not to go, he slowly stepped up onto the train and resolved to be sure and avoid this particular station again. He took his seat and closed his eyes, he saw Lucy again, standing there, talking to him. He remembered his last night in her home, how he had tenderly been caressed by her and they had made love....surely so different than it had ever been with his wife. He immediately shot open his eyes, shook his head, "Damn it...No, I won't go there, that wasn't real, not for me, it is not my reality." He leaned down, opened his attaché and pulled out bottled water and a prescription. Thinking, he decided that he had better take another lithium. Even though it wasn't time, he had to clear his head and get back to business. The meeting was only forty-five minutes off. He knew that in six months he had laid the little Pannick family to rest and had so buried them in his mind that he had not recalled their very existence, until now; and suddenly he was struggling to rebury them forever. Sandy married, Gran dead, Lucy sober and looking wonderful.....NO. He had recovered, he had. He would show them all.

Daniel walked into the skyscraper, this was his domain. It belonged to his family, it belonged to him. He had missed much in the past year, but, had read and studied the company holdings, transactions, mergers and take-overs for several weeks and was back up to snuff. There wasn't another soul in the whole of the corporation that could accomplish things so quickly and without opposition as he, and he knew it. Other CEO's, as he knew, called him the "shark," sometimes Count Drakul, as he took no prisoners. Yes, he was back in top form now as he entered his company's office and headed for the conference room. Fully confident now (the lithium had kicked in) he entered and noticed he was the first to arrive. "Figures," he thought, "that's why I am where I am and they are subordinates. On time, not at all, one should always plan to be a bit ahead of the rest."

As he settled in his chair at the table head he noticed a nameplate, not his, he assumed placed there for his temporary replacement in his recent absence. Still, he was incensed, he had been back a bit and though this was the first major corporate meeting since, someone was slack. He would make a note to find out who that was and have their job. One thing Daniel Quinn did not abide at this level in the corporation was incompetence and deemed it inexcusable. Lost in thoughts, he didn't notice people had entered the room but soon felt the cold stares of insincere concern and disdain. Immediately the old style effused as it had never been absent. With cold, steely, brown, piercing eyes and set jaw, he set the record straight instantaneously; "Mackie, Gorman, and all of you, from herein I will no longer tolerate your casual and late manner in attending corporate meetings. Furthermore, the insolent and derogatory stares present on your faces will (hesitating), are to be left well outside Windmills premises. Yes, we all know I had a mid lifer. That, however, ladies and gentlemen is gone and forgotten. It will remain so as long as I remain, and that, my dear colleagues promises to be for many, many years to come, I assure you. We will not, I repeat, will not dwell on such trivialities. You people, in my absence, have run things a bit to ground. Look here, yes, right here, at these figures. You wasted entirely too much time and effort on that ridiculous bus venture. For God's sake, it was one bus run by............."

Daniel trailed off as small groups of whispers swelled the room. George stared intently to see his reaction, but Daniel regained composure and continued. "Nevertheless, it was handled badly and not worth the efforts. Had you focused on getting the other routes up and running and not been so intent on one......look, the figures lay themselves out, the lost revenue. We currently control, yes, control the transport here, there, all about us. Now that we have the customers in numbers to turn a profit, they have no choices left, we will raise fares, on every line, across the board. And NO, you will not see raises in your pockets from these increases nor will any subordinates down the line. Currently I will be the only one in on the decision making for the direction of those funds." The meeting continued for less than ten minutes and no one leaving had any doubts that the shark was not up to his previously slimy standards. As they adjourned Daniel called Mackie aside, "George we will talk'" was all Mackie needed to hear and moved towards him as swiftly as possible. "I believe, George, that we have met before........sound familiar? Don't look appalled, I haven't forgot everything. I was not so insane as people give me credit for. I do, however, believe you were making a very concerted effort to replace me, and I am aware, that this effort extended beyond these walls. Ah, astonished are you? Did you really think I didn't know, that I wouldn't find out? You must not have checked my profiles so thoroughly as you thought. I also know my wife all too well to have something like this escape my observation all these months. I too, did a little dabbling whilst I was....well...away. Nevertheless, you will cease you current covert activities with my wife, or you will be looking for a job, possibly as a porter, say, for some other corporate giant. Perhaps Quick and Pannick might find you a position? Oh yes, I hear they are still in operation. Seems your tactics didn't work. I heard from a very reliable source, they got an enterprise grant. Tour Buses. That, sir, will keep them going for years! It's not acceptable." George could do nothing else but stand and take all this in. In total recollection of all that had happened this past year, he was overwhelmed by the unfeeling, callousness this man displayed. Remembering the humanness of his alter ego, he could not fathom that they were, in fact, natures from the same being. Even knowing he had learnt to be ruthless at times, he did feel he had tried to show compassion in dealings while his current boss was "absent." George had not been here before Daniel's "little adventure" but had been moved from the Glasgow office during that time. He had heard about this man, whom corporate heads and Mrs. Quinn, had chosen him to replace, but, was now quite taken aback. "Sir, no, I do not believe we, per se, have met before, I do know you by reputation though and have read many of your past company dealings......" Daniel turned and stared him down. George felt as if evil personified had overcome the room. Yet Daniel's next words were not overtly threatening, "Look, we will leave this right here and now, do I make myself rightly understood? Mackie, I will tell you this once. I like your work, the way you think, your style...do not misinterpret what I say here...or ever. For now, at least, your job is secure, next in command, as it were. That's all, good day."

Daniel could not wait for George to leave. The meeting had been more of a drain than he ever expected. He found the nearest chair and fell into it. "I did it," was the first thought that now entered him. But, as confident and assured as he was thirty minutes ago, he now wondered if all this may be a bit much. He was, he reminded himself, doing what needed to be done. What everyone expected him to do, even he, himself, expected this...and perhaps more. Yet, he now had another of those panic attacks, as the doctors said. His stomach was turning, wrenching, his head throbbed, his chest hurt. He took a huge breath and let out a sigh. He knew he could not let this continue. He struggled for control all the while wanting to break down in tears. "They'll put me away again" his thoughts raced, "I can't let them do that to me, not now, not ever. It would be too much to relive that experience." Dispassion returned slowly, but steadily. Gathering his thoughts and his accoutrements he picked himself up and left for home. His plan set in motion he was now satisfied with the day. Then he remembered Lucy.

He stood in his driveway. For the first time in his adult life he wondered why anyone had to have such an obnoxiously long ride from a main road to their doorway. And what did he really need such a large, opulent, ugly home for, anyway? No children, just his wife and him. Twenty-four rooms, what a waste. "The only consolation," he thought, is that he doesn't have to see anyone (especially the wife) if he didn't want to. "Wait. This has got to stop, here, now. I have worked too many years to get what I have, where I am, the money, the cars, the prestige. My father taught me how to get ahead, stay ahead, be on top. No room for sentimentality. What the hell did I spend that time in that place for if I was going to get all dour about my life? Fuck, I have got to get this all under control. I never had to do this before, never had to think to keep my composure, always in control. always!" Thinking back, he realized that all was going well until he was on that platform today. He didn't respond to that other name, but, he had turned to "Daniel" or was it the voice? It flooded back at that very moment and since then the internal struggle began. "I haven't changed, the meeting went just as I knew it would, as they always had.....control." Satisfied that he was on the right path back, he entered his home, did not see his wife and headed upstairs, removed his clothes down to just his boxers and fell into bed.

Sleep would not come easy this night. He had had some problems since returning home, but this was different, and he knew why. He was tormented, yet, he could not figure the direction, or from whom or what the torment came. Grabbing the sleeping pills from the nightstand he took only one, not the two to three the RX called for. Having taken that many previously, he was unable to wake reasonably and/or get motivated for the next day.

The street looked familiar, yes, this was it...and there, that's the house. Newly painted, shingles fixed, it looked special in the sunlight. Daniel slowly walked up to the door. Would anyone be home this time of day? Gran...no, Gran had died and he wasn't here to say good-bye. He hadn't even offered Lucy and Sandy his condolences, he had just kept that blank annoyed look on his face. Had they been able to afford a decent grave marker? He would have to find out. Why was he even here? Didn't they have a business to run? But, maybe Jim was driving and Sandy collecting. Wouldn't that leave Lucy free to be at home? It was worth a try. Forcing himself he climbed the stairs, looked down and saw the stone he had pretended to fix, and smiled, turned back and knocked. No answer. He knocked again...."hello, anyone home?" He hoped as much as wished for someone to come to the door, again, no replies. Why should he expect anyone, anyway? Hadn't he turned his back on them, just yesterday? Didn't he just barely acknowledge their existence? Heart in hand he turned back and headed down the stairway. "Donovan?" Wot in God's good name ar ya doin' here?" Excuse my bein sa late answerin, I was taken a shower." He looked back and could not contain his enthusiasm, running up the stairs "Lucy, oh, I was afraid you weren't here, I had to come, I had to. I have so much I want to say to you, to tell you, to apologize to you for..." Lucy gently placed her fingers to his lips, "shh, Donovan, no need to fret, we are doin just fine. Ya gave us the strength to finish your quest. Ta continue on, perhaps a bit different then ya had intended, but, we're happy and the bus tours are better than we could have hoped. So ya see, it all worked out then, didn't it?" Her soft touch to his lips had moved to his cheek, his body began to stir as it had not in months. Her hair all up in a towel and the sweet scent of lavender that came from her body was almost too much to bear. Daniel tilted his head ever so gently towards hers and kissed her. As in one motion, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the couch. He could no longer repress his passion. He had waited far too long to come back. He lowered Lucy gently to the cushions, with care he untied her robe.................

"NO, dammit, NO," Daniel sat up in his bed, his body covered in sweat from head to toe. "This goes against everything I have laid out in my plans, Quick and Pannick will soon enough know my strength and resolve. I won't let this happen so soon. I have set steps to take. It's written down. It's in my head, calculated." He rose and headed for a shower, peering at the clock, 5:15. No matter, he could be ready for work, early for the train, and spend more time lying out the framework more carefully. Also he would have time to head over to the clerk's office and pick up the paperwork he needed, himself. Solicitors didn't open until nine so that would have to be a phone call. Dressed now and ready to begin the day, all thoughts of the previous days strains were gone. He decided to drive in this day so he could do his own errands. He had so soon tired of the incompetents around him. As he drove calls came in on his mobil. Methodically he dealt with each call and solved the problems. He didn't notice the sun, wispy clouds and light breeze that would have pleased him just a few short months ago. Everything was business and this day was directed on setting his plan in motion. He had taken great care to devise this one, but had not quite got to the point of setting it in motion. Before yesterday he had a few loose strings to tie up, that had now changed.

He looked at the clock on his office wall. It was moving impertinently slow this day. His corporate solicitors and their other representative would not be here for another hour. No mind, plenty to do. Figures to calculate from the across the board rate hikes on the rails and buses. He had asked, no commanded, George to get those to him promptly by 10:30, it was 10:13. No George in sight. Had he not made himself clear yesterday at the meeting that he did not tolerate on time, preferred to see someone take the ball and be ahead of the game? He had thought that was what he stated... and profoundly. This was nearing unacceptability.

George's intercom phone rang up, he looked and saw that Daniel was calling. As he lifted the phone he glanced at his watch, "Hello sir."

"George, I had expected you to be in my office before now."

"Mr. Quinn, sir, It is not yet 10:30, I was just summing up and head...... "

"I do not tolerate excuses in this business, there are none. Did you assume that in fifteen minutes time I would be so familiar with your findings without my ever having seen them?"

"I didn't know...er, think."

"That's very obvious. I do not carry papers around the room when I conduct business. If you appear to not know what you are talking about, people will take advantage. They will. I have seen it and I have done it. I'd have thought you knew at least that much by now."

Daniel slammed the phone and paced, "God, I had thought Mackie more competent. Maybe he was just Gorman's puppet. I'll soon know what side he is playing for. No matter, when this is all said and done, heads will be rolling anyway." He had called the solicitors at nine sharp, surprising even the secretary in that office as the phone had rung precisely on the hour. Instead of talking over lines he had set a meeting with one group for 10:45, one other barrister for lunch. All would go as planned, even if a little earlier in the scheme he had so carefully worked on. He had begun to formulate this action back in the asylum. After all, the drugs had helped him clear his head, get it back on straight, and he had had hours and hours to devise such dealings in his head. The door to his office opened and George ran in, out of breath.

"George, I do not appreciate the inappropriate manner in which your entrance was just made. Childishness is detestable, do not ever enter my office without a knock, nor without my consent again. This is not some playground where you swing from limb to limb of your own accord. Nor do you ever come here unannounced, be it by a personal ring up or notifying my secretary. Am I understood?"

George took a step back. He knew that this man had returned because of him. He thought back to paying off that Clive fellow to get his name. Now, he wished he had left it alone. Let the "madman" have his bus route, but he was playing hard, the way he had been tutored. That tutoring came from studying, unbeknownst to him at the time, the dealings and practices of this man who had just chastised him like a child. And he began to wonder if he had not recreated the monster. Business was business, he knew but, there had to be some point of civility with colleagues, didn't there? Daniel Quinn seemed to have none. He had seen that in Donovan Quick, at least, a sense of business, a good one (naturally as it was he), but with a sense of humanity and compassion, a zest for life and adventure and an air of ease. All great qualities of a corporate CEO. Nothing he had seen since this man's return had shown any signs that he cared for anything in life or business other than himself and what it would gain him. It was appalling, almost repugnant to him. No wonder his wife had taken "his vacation" as an opportunity to find someone else, to feel free. She had not cried but, had told him how horrible it was at times to even be in the same house. He was cold and had not been with her, oh she had lost track of the years. She had wanted children, he didn't have the time, nor the inclination. He had told her "With all this I got for you, what do you need children for, isn't this enough....yet?"

"And I'm not quite satisfied with this work." Daniels' reprimand brought George back to the focus of his presence in this office.

"Leave me, I have this already memorized, I don't need you or your figures now, the solicitor will be here any second...good-bye."

He was holding the door and pointing out, George, still stinging, headed out and heard the door slam behind him.

10:40, Daniel began to shake, his palms were sweaty, his stomach in knots. An unaccustomed reaction was hitting him again. He had taken his medication only three hours before, it was too soon to take another round. He sat down, slightly shaken, drank some water, looked at the clock, took a deep breath and then in his head, he heard Lucy's voice, "finish yer quest, Donovan, finish yer quest." He turned back, slammed his fist on his desk, slammed it again, he now turned and walked over to the window and looked out over the city. For the first time in months he noticed the sun.

"Mr. Quinn, the gentleman from your solicitors office has arrived."

His secretary had buzzed him, he straightened, knew he could not fall apart now.

"Thank you, show them in."

As the door to his office opened, the poise and determination returned. The steely eyes were focused on the moment and he knew he would set this in motion. Nothing or no one would stop him now, not today, not ever. He had taken every precaution, studied all the angles, read all of the legal information. Now or never, and he did not normally use never when it came to one of his business enterprises.

"Daniel, good to see you again, it's been quite awhile." Daniel was annoyed.

"Yes, yes, do you have all the papers ready for me to sign, then?"

"Why yes I do. They're right here. I just need to lay it all out and fill in the names of the major parties. Daniel are you sure you want to do this? It may not go over well with other board members, or stockholders."

Daniel turned around, abruptly, and stared the solicitor straight in the face.

"Are you questioning my maneuvers? Do you think I haven't thought this through as I always have, or do you too think I still don't have all my faculties back? Let me explain it to you, plainly. I wasn't really that far gone at all, so I had a minor detour in my career. People like you......yes you, and others just didn't like what I was doing. That man died because of ME. So I had a little pang of conscience and I took a little vacation and adventure, what did it really matter anyway? Whom did it really hurt? Let me make this clear, I have never steered this company wrong and I am quite certain this will only benefit - more than you, or anyone else around here, may think. I decide where the money goes and where we invest unmarked revenue. I have thought and studied this long and hard, be assured. Now, may we get started?"

"Alright, I didn't mean to offend you. I'm ready, so, now, we need the names of the litigants...Pennick was it?"

Daniel lowered his head as if he were ashamed. "No, it's Pannick, P-A-N-N-I-C-K."

"Ok, sorry, got it. And the major party?"

"Lucy, Lucy Pannick, er, uh, Miss."

"Minor parties?"

"That would be Sandy Pannick. Oh...and wife, I don't know her name."

"That all?"

"No, um...Jim...James Pannick and, I suppose, any future spouse or children."

"Daniel, are you sure? All of them?"

"Quite sure."

"That's spreading it around a bit don't you think?"

"Look, I told you......."

"Okay, okay, got it. The papers will be completed today and filed by four."

"So, how long before they are formalized and binding? I don't want all this to drag out. I want it done as quickly as possible."

"That would be about forty-eight hours after it is filed. You know that, we've done these type things before."

"I know, I just want absolutely no delays this time."

"Well, then, I best go and get on it. Daniel? Are you sure this is what you want? Are you sure that Windmill is up to this? I mean, the Board and others? Don't you think they should have a say in this, I mean....after?"

Daniel turned away and walked to the window, looking out, he, for the first time in months, not only felt the sun on his face, but noticed the light breezy clouds, he turned back.

"William, it's done. It's final and uncompromising. I believe you noted to me over the phone that I had worded it technically perfect according to legal and business standards. That I had been meticulous in my research and administration of details, and that there were no loop-holes to be found. So, if there is nothing else you need from me, please be so good as to head back to your office and follow through on this."

"Alright Daniel, you are absolutely secure in this enterprise going forth?"

"Absolutely. Now, I know you may want to catch up with me a bit as our business is completed, but I do have my personal solicitor to see very soon and I must be on my way."

"Ah, really? Well, I won't stay any longer then, so that you can meet your next appointment. I will go directly back to my office and get these drawn up and headed over to court."

"William, I have always valued your discretion where my business transactions are concerned. Had you not, we, the company, would not be where it is today."

Totally astonished by this uncommon display of appreciation, William picked up the papers, put them in his brief, grabbed his coat. He had never, in the twenty odd years they had been associated, heard anything even close to a compliment from Daniel. He thought perhaps something good may have come from all that had happened in the past year. Yet, knowing the man as he did and what was about to happen, he wasn't so convinced.

Daniel gathered his coat and attaché and headed for his lunch appointment. He opened his office door, started out, turned around, took a deep breath and sigh and closed the door behind him. He stopped to tell his secretary that he would be gone for the remainder of the day and to hold all calls, even to his mobile, as he would have it turned off. He wanted no queries from her, so he walked off immediately, leaving her with unanswered questions. He resisted using the lift and used the stairway instead. As he left the building he looked up at the blue sky and let the slight breeze, that he missed earlier, blow through his hair and the sunlight caress his face. He headed to his car. "It's done."

Meeting with his solicitor had been easier than he thought. He had told him he wanted a divorce, no contentions, she could have whatever she wanted. The two houses and numerous cars, save one. His salary if she wanted, he had other funds tucked away that she was not entitled to. He had made sure of such things years ago. He did not want to be present for any of the legal machinations and trusted that the right decisions would be made on his behalf and to her satisfaction. He had never really been happy in his marriage and planned ahead. Up until now, though, he'd seen no reason to really end it. It was, he supposed, a status symbol. She was a trophy wife. He didn't love her. He was assured, that without contest, the divorce could be final in a matter of weeks. The separation papers would be delivered tomorrow.

The days dealing seemed to drain Daniel immensely. He decided to head for a hotel rather than go to his house and face her; considering what had just transpired. He would not want to talk to her, nor look her in the face. He had rung her up and feigned an emergency trip to London on business. She believed him, she always did, or maybe she really could have cared less that he would not be home. He found a comfortable suite available and could not wait to get to the room he had just obtained. Three days, paid for in advance. He had no luggage, just the attaché. Exhausted, he took his medicine - maybe for the last time, and went to sleep.

He didn't sleep well for all the trying. He had tossed and turned, woken up several times during the night. He called his office and notified his secretary that he would be away for a few days, not to expect him back until Monday and cancel all his appointments. Having accomplished one of the few goals he set for this day he lay back down in hopes of getting at least a little rest, that was now not coming easy. It didn't take long, as his mind and body were exhausted. He finally fell asleep, no dreams recalled.

Daniel woke after one, he finally felt refreshed. In want of a shower, he realized he had no other clothes than those of the previous day and he had slept in those. Staring in the mirror he actually laughed at himself. He grabbed his wallet and headed down to the hotel store. He knew he had not seen business suits there, upon glancing in yesterday as he passed on the way to his room, no matter. He didn't really want one anyway, what would be the point? About an hour later he returned to his room with several pull over shirts, a sports coat, one jumper, casual slacks and jeans, the necessary undergarments and a small spattering of basic toiletries. He felt that these would now suit him just fine. Heading now to shower and otherwise make himself presentable, he realized, through much indoctrination over the months, that it was long past time to take his medication. Having retrieved that from his attaché he headed back to the bath, opened the bottle, counted what was left there and flushed them down the loo. Totally satisfied, he finished dressing, grabbed his wallet, keys and sport coat and headed out. Striding with confidence and purpose he had not known in so long he soon found himself at the rail station.

"One round trip fare to Stanville, please." Had he said please? Out of character, "actually felt good," he thought to himself as he headed to the platform. Having a ten minute wait for his train, Daniel sat on a nearby bench and got lost in his thoughts. "Did William make the filing deadline? Did the separation and divorce get served today as scheduled? It has to have all been done, this is a timetable. Hopefully, others I have so far involved with this will not let me down."

The train ride was a short commute from where he had gotten on. He stepped out and headed for his final destination. A short walk, but, pleasant as he soaked in the sun and breeze on this day. He stopped, there it was. His heart pounded so that it hurt. Taking another deep breath he headed towards the house. Would she be there? As quickly as he had gotten here, anxiety overcame him and he could not go further. "What was I thinking? Did I think I could just come over here and forage my way back into all of this? They don't even know what is about to happen. I thought I could come over and explain everything ahead. I can't even bring myself to face her after all the upheaval I have caused in their lives. But hadn't Lucy said, don't be sorry, Donovan?"

So, did she love Donovan, the man that had stayed with her so long who's love for her was finally consummated on that fateful night? The myth, the man that really didn't exist or would she accept Daniel and all his imperfections? He couldn't go further, could not face the possibility of humiliation and rejection. He turned and walked away.

Lucy was in an upstairs room, fixing things up a bit. Needing to air it out, she headed over to open the window. It was a beautiful day after all, and the breeze was pleasant. As she reached for the lock, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man standing in the road, apparently staring at the house. She looked intently and saw "Daniel." She raced down the stairs in one motion and raced for the door. She grabbed the handle and flung it open. He was gone. Had she imagined it? Was it only wishful thinking?

Daniel raced back to the station, emotions he was unfamiliar with overcame him and he was sure he did not know how to cope. "What was I thinking, why did I try to come here anyway? Could I really have explained the machinations I have set in motion without the papers in hand for her to see? She would know soon enough anyway. And would she think me gone "mad" again? After all, she had known me as Donovan, the lunatic with a guilt ridden psyche, driven to try and prove that the small person mattered. I failed at that, didn't I? She said not but, that's hard to believe. Haven't I hurt this family enough?" How could he ever try to go back? He soon felt a bit depressed and lowered his head to his hands, waiting for the ride back to his hotel. It seemed like the train was taking forever. Filled with anxiety and inner pain, he waited.

"No, no more pills. I don't need them. I wonder if I actually ever did." He had seen other doctors, than those appointed by the court, who had analyzed his "little problem" as an overdue and overwhelming pang of conscience. Long repressed and so it became overwhelming when it hit. That no one around him helped him cope and sort through what he was experiencing, he reached a breaking point and went a little over the edge. It was, from his previous lifestyle and temperament, a life altering experience. The actions he then followed had actually been a catharsis. They had assured that he was well on his way to better relating to the world around him, outside of his work. He had taken steps after that to make sure no one could ever have him sanctioned again without his doctors consent.

Ordering some dinner, Daniel relaxed as best he could muster, on the bed in his room. The hours were going by slowly, but, he knew at this point he had nothing but time on his hands. He found a remote control and turned on the television, thinking to perhaps catch the last of the news. Flipping channels, he simultaneously reached for his cell phone to check for messages. Two, the first from his solicitor, acknowledged that his wife had been served the divorce papers. The second from his wife (to his eternal gratitude) who left the message that she had no problems with the thing and that they should get it done as quickly as possible. She also left a sarcastic query of "What took you so long?" Just at the end of her message his attention was refocused as he heard the news reporter on BBC1 make an announcement that he could not escape.

"There are rumors, purportedly from undeniable sources, that Daniel Quinn, owner and CEO of WindMill Transport and WindMill Industries will be resigning from his company, but not before a major reorganization and what our source says, a major upheaval within its framework. Just recently returned from what was termed "a long needed sabbatical" the source states that the hows and whys are not known at this time. Board members and stockholders are said to have been unaware of any such rumor, and Mr. Quinn has been unreachable for any comment on the hearsay and its implications."

Daniel was glad to hear it and a smile crossed his face. No surprises. William has leaked just enough information as he had been instructed to do. Now, people would be squirming, jockeying for their jobs. Surely they would think him gone mad again or that he had never fully recovered. That his new game was to play them all for fools as they had thought he was before. He had covered all the bases. His doctor knew of his plan. They had discussed it at length at several sessions. Had agreed that it may do him well to follow through. Yesterday had not been the first disclosure or discussion with William and his associates. He had depended on their friendship, confidence and trust that Daniel knew his own mind. They had proven themselves to be loyal friends as well as business associates. Everything was now falling into place.

STANWELL

Jim jumped out of the chair and in practically one motion landed in the kitchen. "Ma, you'll never guess....just now, on the news....Donovan, I mean Daniel - Daniel Quinn, he was just on the news. Well, not him, but about him."

"And so? What is it to us anymore? Men like he are always in the news. Him and his big company, Wind Mill. You should know that by now Jim. I am sure he probably has many times before, we just didn't take notice because he was nobody to us. And we must get to that point again. That he is just another businessman."

"But ma, look what he done for us."

"I know, Jim, I know. But he is not Donovan anymore, and we must move on. We are grateful for what he did and we owe him much, but, Donovan is gone. Daniel has replaced him and will not come our way again. We will never forget him."

"But, ya don't understand ma, ya should've heard, they said he is breakin up his company."

"Who said?"

"The news man."

"But, WHO, said?"

"Well, they said rumors, but...."

"Ah, I see, rumors. Probably some big publicity stunt. Must have something up his sleeve. People like that do it all the time."

[knocks at door]

"I'll get it ma."

Hello, I am looking for the Pannick residence, is this it?"

"Yes, sir, ya have found it."

"I have certified mail here for a, Lucy Pannick, is she about?"

"I'm her son, I can give it to her."

"I am sorry, sir, but, she has to sign for it and I must verify that I have given it to her directly."

"Ma, mail for you, I can't have it, ya have ta sign."

"Thank you, here ya go fer your trouble young man."

"Thank you mame, have a good day.

Lucy closed the door and took the envelope with great trepidation.

"It's from Wind Mill, official business it says. What could this be about then?"

She carefully, yet quickly opened the envelope. It contained a letter which was hastily yanked from it's container, another slip of paper fell from inside that. Not noticing what had fallen, she read, "Thank you for making my life worth living again." It was signed - Donovan. Lucy's knees started to give way and Jim grabbed her. He then noticed the paper on the floor, picked it up and saw that it was a banque cheque for half a million pounds. His jaw dropped as he read a note attached to the cheque "profits from Quick and Pannick bus route. Proceeds herein equal shares to named parties.............Lucy, James, Sandy Pannick and wife."

Daniel woke from the best sleep he had had in as long as he could remember. He showered and dressed with clear intent. He ordered some breakfast then headed back down to the hotel shop where he purchased a small, but adequate suitcase. More towards a duffle bag. No matter, it was all he would need. He returned to his room, ate quickly, then equally as fast packed all of his new belongings and headed out the door. He paid the clerk and walked out of the hotel and into his new life.

Riding in his car was now somehow different, he wasn't angry at the other drivers, "probably," he thought, because he had changed. He wasn't in a hurry to go out and beat everyone to the punch. He was relaxed, as he had never really been before. He felt that the death he caused had been his wake up call from a lifetime of hate and callousness. He liked the way he felt, the way life felt now. But, he knew he had a lot to learn. Hadn't he just a few days ago been able to slip so easily in and out of his old character and nature? Yet, it had caused panic and anxiety no matter which disposition he displayed. It would take time, he knew this, and he knew there would be no going back. Not now, not ever. He drove on with a purpose until he reached Stanwell.

The street looked familiar, yes, this was it...and there, that's the house. Newly painted, shingles fixed, it looked special in the sunlight. Daniel slowly walked up to the door. Would anyone be home this time of day? Gran...no, Gran had died and he wasn't here to say good-bye. He hadn't even offered Lucy and Sandy his condolences, he had just kept that blank annoyed look on his face. Had they been able to afford a decent grave marker? He would have to find out. Why was he even here. Didn't they have a business to run? But, maybe Jim was driving and Sandy collecting. Wouldn't that leave Lucy free to be at home? It was worth a try. Forcing himself he climbed the stairs, looked down and saw the stone he had pretended to fix, and smiled, turned back and knocked. No answer. He knocked again...."hello, anyone home?" He hoped as much as wished for someone to come to the door, again, no replies. Why should he expect anyone, anyway? Hadn't he turned his back on them? Didn't he just barely acknowledge their existence? Heart in hand he turned back and headed down the stairway. He had laid a plan and carried it through, now he wanted so much to continue on. "Donovan?" Wot in God's good name ar ya doin' here?" Excuse my bein sa late answerin, I was taken a shower." He looked back and could not contain his enthusiasm, running up the stairs "Lucy, oh, I was afraid you weren't here, I had to come, I had to. I have so much I want to say to you, to tell you, to apologize to you for..." Lucy gently placed her fingers to his lips, "shh, Donovan, no need to fret, we are doin just fine. Ya gave us the strength to finish your quest. Ta continue on, perhaps a bit different then ya had intended, but, we're happy and the bus tours are better than we could have hoped. So ya see, it all worked out then, didn't it?" Her soft touch to his lips had moved to his cheek, his body began to stir as it had not in months. Her hair all up in a towel and the sweet scent of lavender that came from her body was almost too much to bear. Daniel tilted his head ever so gently towards hers and kissed her. As in one motion, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the couch. He could no longer repress his passion. He had waited far too long to come back. He lowered Lucy gently to the cushions, with care he untied her robe.................

EPILOGUE:

SOCIETY PAGE NEWS -

Daniel Quinn, Owner and CEO of WindMill Industries and Transport, and his wife of twenty-two years filed and were granted an expedited divorce. It is reported that the split was amicable and uncontested. The former Mrs. Quinn will receive the bulk of the joint properties and an undisclosed but, considerable, sum of money.

BUSINESS NEWS -

Rumors of a drastic re-organization for WindMill Industries and Transport have now been confirmed and made public. CEO spokesman and solicitor, William Brogan has provided industry watchers and news firms with the following details.

WindMill Transport is to be split into two new and separate enterprises. Each shall be legal and solitary in its own right. Both new companies will have their own infrastructure, stocks and stockholders. WindMill Train and Subways will be headed by George Mackie, a former colleague of Daniel Quinn. Mr. Mackie considered Mr. Quinn a role model and mentor and is said to have been taken totally by surprise. Ownership of the new Train and Subway company will be by stockholders only, thus leaving the predominance of major decisions out of the hands of a powerful few. One insider states that a stipulation was placed for the continuation of the new company: that it refrains from any attempt to form any type of bus system. This is yet to be comfirmed.

The bus system, a former stranglehold of WindMill is a new company and will be wholly disassociated from it. The business is to be named Pannick and Quick Bus Lines. It is reported that this new venture will be headed by Daniel Quinn in absentia. How long that will last is anyone's guess.

WindMill Industries, it appears, has not come away unscathed. The company is to be considerably downsized and management will undergo major restructure. Word from labour unions has also interjected that they have been openly invited to organize at WindMills locations. No word on who will end up heading the newly formed WindMill. Currently, it seems, solicitor William Brogan will handle the transition until further notice. Daniel Quinn has still been unavailable for any comment on these developments.

STANWELL -

Daniel and Lucy talked at length. He told her what he had done and how he had changed. He did not know what the future would hold for him. He only knew that he was here now, it was where he wanted to be. He could not promise her tomorrow. They both accepted what they had for today.