The urgent message was from Steve in Oklahoma City.
A "Major Energy Company" was faced with the choice of having to go bankrupt, or arrange a deal to settle its debts for pennies on the dollar
Steve's message told Ross that Steve really needed Ross to come to OKC that morning, to have RFS lawyers meet with the company's lawyers, with Steve and Ross present, and the only reason Mister P would be allowed via Zoom, was because Mister P could not physically move.
Kayley knew something was up from the way that Ross jumped out of bed.
Kayley tried to remain calm, but between Ross's falls, and shooting pains from his head to his toes, and the fact he could not even go into his own office in New York, Kayley's temper reddened.
Teacher would have been screaming had it not been one am when Steve's message came, but she spoke in a tone of anger to Ross.
"I would like to have you declared insane! You have not been able to move from bed to barely go to your own office here except for that one time! What happens if you get a severe migraine? A dizzy spell? What happens if you fall? " Kayley said with a low tone of fury
"Kayley Ann, did you read what that said. Pennies on the dollar? If we can work it out with these people, we can get a huge source for a steal!" Ross said.
"I do not care! I'm not stupid, I've seen you pick apart companies before and fold them into RossShell. Then Damnit, wait for the energy company to go bankrupt, and have Hell or someone else buy you the pieces in a bankruptcy proceeding!" Kayley said, shaking with rage as she spoke.
"That will take a year! If we do what Steve proposed now, we can have it this week!" Ross reasoned.
"What happens if you get a massive migraine or dizzy spell during the trip, or a seizure? I had thought you had changed your ways with watching yourself while you have not been feeling well! If you do this, I will know that you are certifiably insane!" Kayley clipped.
"Are you finished attacking me?! I'm sitting here very calmly, and all you have done is rip me to shreds!" Ross clipped.
Then Ross continued. If I take a nurse with me, have the nurse with me at all times, and promise to go to the hospital if I truly have a problem, will you consider that a compromise where you know I need to go, but I'm being mindful of my health, especially considering how I've acted this week, going into RossShell one time, and canceling numerous trips until this came up?" Ross said, trying to calm Kayley down.
Kayley sighed. "You are so manipulative. Okay, then yes, but, very, very reluctantly. Please be careful, and please go to the hospital or come home at the first sign of trouble. I'm sorry if I acted like a bitch and attacked you. I'm just terrified, okay?" Kayley said.
Ross kissed Kayley. "I know, and I appreciate it"
Ross called the nursing company, explained his situation, then made a 7 am flight to OKC, and packed clothes.
The nurse came at 4 am. Ross was dressed, and kissed Kayley goodbye.
Ross got to the airport, went through the complicated check in process, got on the plane, ordered iced tea, ate a bagel, took his meds in his pocket, and then slept the whole way to Dallas, with the nurse helping him through the changeover, and on the plane to OKC. When they got to the office, Ross showed the nurse the other office that Mister P usually used, promised Steve would tell her if Ross had a problem. The nurse went into the other office, and Ross and Steve got down to business.
Ross and Steve discussed the situation. From the proposal Steve showed Ross, the company involved had a normal worth of at least a billion dollars. Yet, it was saddled with debt due to a failed offshore oil exploration, and mountains of bank debt. Steve knew that with Ross's experience of buying the most complex companies in trouble, between Ross, Alan Hell, and someone Alan Hell knew, this could be figured out.
Ross called Alan Hell. "Alan, we dont even have to ask this, because we know the answer. We know that you cant call these people or talk to the potential bankruptcy court because you are an investor with RFS. What would you think if RFS gave Tom and the office in Philadelphia, a retainer to deal with all of this business for us? You , Steve and I all know that while Tom and I have been getting along much better lately, Tom is a shark, and I say that as the greatest of compliments. " Ross said.
"I agree with you one hundred percent. I will tell you what. FEDEX me all of the papers on this situation. I will look at them for a day, and then FEDEX them to Tom. In the meantime, I would recommend that you and Steve call this company, tell them that you are prepared to work a deal with them, but that because you and Steve are in OKC, and your lawyer is in Philadelphia, the lawyer needs a brief time to look over the details to be able to make an offer. With the way you have pulled off the most complex of deals at RossShell, Ross,. I will bet that you can buy us up to a week" Alan said.
"I hope so, Alan. Let me draft an e-mail to these people, send it to them, and then text the head of the company, tell him all of this, and get the ball rolling. We will of course keep in touch" Ross said.
"We certainly will" Alan said, as the conference call ended.
Ross sighed. "Okay, so the ball is rolling. Now, why the Hell did I come down here? Ah, no offense" Ross said.
"None taken. How do you feel?" Steve asked.
"Not bad. We can have lunch, I will go back to the hotel with the nurse and rest, we can figure out what to do for dinner, and then ah.. could you get together a small show or two.? I will stay two nights and go home late in two nights from now so that I am not trying the teacher's patience or my luck with my health" Ross said.
"Good idea. Go and rest up. See you tonight" Steve said, as Ross called an Uber for Ross and the nurse to the hotel.
"Nurse Jones, we are going to stay here two nights? Is it okay if you stay with me? I will get a suite with two beds. Please just leave the door open so I can call you except of course for you to dress, shower, etc. I hope this is acceptable." Ross said.
"Of course, Ross. Let me just call the company and let them know our plans" Ms Jones said.
Ross knew that Kayley would be home. Ross dialed the number, Kayley answered, and growled like a lion.
"GRRRRRR! Its you!" Kayley said in greeting.
""I thought you said you were not angry with me for being here, and that it was okay if I came here with a nurse? Why the reception like that? I did exactly what we agreed to. I am with a nurse" Ross said.
"Me? I'm ready to wring your neck! I dont care if I love you for twenty six years, Mister. This time you have really pushed the envelope and have tried my patience to the core!" Kayley said, with fury but not yelling.
Ross sighed. "Fine! Be that way! I am not going to fight with you on the phone 1500 miles away. I suppose that you are not interested then that I am feeling fine, and have decided to stay for two nights to do a couple of shows? I will text you when I am ready to come home" Ross said.
"Do whatever you want! Now that you are gone, it is out of my hands. Dont text me until you are ready to come home! I need some space!" Kayley clipped.
"Fine, then I wont , teacher. You have a nice evening as well" Ross said, clicking off Kayley.
Ross took off his shoes, set the alarm for 2 hours later, and tried to sleep. Ross wanted to be pissed at Kayley , but he was not that angry because perhaps he wanted to see it from her point of view if the situation was reversed.
Ross had a restless nap. He woke, showered, and changed, and then went to dinner with Steve, and the nurse at an adjoining table so that Ross and Steve could have privacy. Ross told the nurse to order whatever she wanted, and that Ross would let the nurse know if he needed her.
"Well , its short notice. I was able to get together three hundred people the next two days. I want to do shows a short distance from here so as not to push you. I know that you pushed yourself to come here" Steve said.
"Kayley sounds like she wants to break me in two. Last night she wished me a good trip, and when I called her just before, she growled at me, and sounded like she was ready to kill me. She said she wants to wring ,my neck" Ross said.
"Ross, look at it from Kayley's point of view. You have postponed several trips here and to see John in Toronto due to falls and dizzy spells. I'm sure that she is just mad. When you get home, she will be happy to see you, and will probably have calmed down by then" Steve said.
"I hope so" Ross said.
Dinner was complete. Steve drove Ross and the nurse back to the hotel. Ross and the nurse settled themselves in the separate rooms in the suite for the night.
"Steve will be here at 8 am to take us to the field. Say we will just order breakfast in the room by 7. As I said last night, just order anything you want, and charge it to the room" Ross said.
"Okay, Ross. Thanks. Call or text me immediately if you feel anything. Goodnight Ross" The nurse said.
"Goodnight, Miss Jones" Ross said.
"Ross, you can call me Mandy. I know about your condition, and I hope that I am just here to watch and help you and that nothing will happen where you will need my nursing skills" Mandy said.
"I do as well, Mandy" Ross said.
The next day, Ross and Mandy awakened. They had breakfast, showered separately of course, got dressed, and then Steve picked them up in the SUV and drove to the field.
Two hundred potential investors were waiting. Luckily for Ross, it was not that hot. Ross was given a chair as Mandy watched over him. Steve and the foreman did the presentation, and in the end, seventy five people committed to sign, about the size of a usual commitment.
On the way back to town with Steve, Steve said to Ross. We are going to visit Mister P, and then after tomorrow's show, please get on a plane back to New York" Steve said.
"I might not have a home to go to when I get there, but I have no choice" Ross said.
"I'm sure that The Teacher will have calmed down by the time you get there. She was just upset and worried" Steve said.
When Steve, Ross and the nurse entered Mister P's house, Mister P was sitting in a chair, with a walker next to him.
"Steven! How could you possibly have coerced Ross to come down here in his fragile condition? The nerve of you, Sir! I am sure that Miss Kayley is very unhappy with you, Sir" Fritz said to Ross.
"She's upset, but hopefully she will calm down" Ross said.
"So what is new and news, gentlemen?" Fritz asked.
"Well, we did a show today and 75 of 200 people signed up, but that is not why Ross is really here. A huge energy company is in serious financial trouble. Ross came down to see me, and also to see if our friend Tom The Shark from Philadelphia can work a deal with these people about their debt before the company has to go belly up. We might be able to do something. Tom is going to look at it" Steve said.
"How do you feel, Ross?" Fritz said.
"Fair, as my Dad likes to say. Not one hundred percent, but not as bad as I thought I would. I think we can pull off this deal to buy this troubled company. It will just be a process, as Ross's Dear Old Dad likes to say" Ross said.
"Why dont all of you stay and Missus P will make us all some steaks? Forget eat out food. It will give us all a chance to spend time together" Fritz said.
"Thank You, Sir. That is very kind of you" Ross said.
Ross, Steve, Fritz, Missus P, and the nurse all had big Texas Steaks and baked potetoes with salad for dinner. It was a nice, relaxing social event.
When dinner was over, everyone said goodbye, and Ross and the nurse were driven back to the hotel by Steve.
"One quick early show for you tomorrow, sir, then it s home you go, furious teacher, or no furious teacher" Steve said.
"Yes, of course. I will deal with her when I go home. That's my problem to deal with. Let;'s just do our show, whoever signs, signs, and then I can be home" Ross said.
Ross had a decent night's sleep.
Ross, Steve, and the nurse went to the hotel. Ross undressed, said goodnight to the nurse, and went into bed.
Ross did not sleep badly.
The next morning, Everyone awakened. Steve, Ross, and the nurse had breakfast, and then went to the field.
Once again, about two hundred people showed up. A quick show, and then one third or sixty five people committed.
Ross and the nurse were driven to the airport by Steve. Everyone said goodbye, and Ross and the nurse went to New York.
The changeover at Dallas, and the plane to JFK., were followed by the Uber ride home.
"I dont know if I want you to stay. Let me see what the lay of the land is, and see if she is even up. Maybe you can go home, maybe you can stay, maybe you can get someone to relieve you. " Ross said.
"It's okay, Ross. I and or the company will accommodate whatever you need" The nurse said.
When Ross got upstairs, Kayley was sitting there in sweats, and her sister Sarah was there.
"Hi Sarah. I guess you are here to keep Kayley company. I will just stay out of your ladies way, and go to the room that I'm usually banished to when Kayley is furious with me" Ross said quietly.
"Come here, and kiss me, Market Boy. I'm not angry at you anymore. I'm relieved that you and the nurse got home safely. However, we have a much bigger problem" Kayley said.
Ross kissed Kayley, and then sighed. "Uh, Oh. What does that mean?"
"Why dont you tell him, Sarah, you little slut! If you dont, I swear I will!" Kayley said.
Sarah looked at Ross, near tears. "I know that I am an adult, and that technically, Kayley and you are not my keepers, but I suspect you are going to be as upset as my sister just was when I tell you this. I am pregnant, Ross. Its not that, but it is who the father is. I've been having a very quiet affair with your friend Tim. I dont know if he told you that he broke up with that woman he was supposed to marry. They were having problems. It just sort of.. happened. Well, the affair with Tim is not what I have to tell you. I'm pregnant, and Tim is the father. He knows, of course, but we were not quite sure how to tell you and Kayley. Tim told me to tell you that he is sorry for not confessing to you, but he thought that you might be less apt to be as furious if you heard it from me" Sarah said.
Ross sighed. He felt like he had been punched in the gut. Ross was silent. He could say nothing. Before Ross had come home, Kayley had already ripped Sarah to shreds.
What would Ross's reaction be to this shocking news? What would his reaction be to Sarah? To Timothy?
That would all be seen.
A "Major Energy Company" was faced with the choice of having to go bankrupt, or arrange a deal to settle its debts for pennies on the dollar
Steve's message told Ross that Steve really needed Ross to come to OKC that morning, to have RFS lawyers meet with the company's lawyers, with Steve and Ross present, and the only reason Mister P would be allowed via Zoom, was because Mister P could not physically move.
Kayley knew something was up from the way that Ross jumped out of bed.
Kayley tried to remain calm, but between Ross's falls, and shooting pains from his head to his toes, and the fact he could not even go into his own office in New York, Kayley's temper reddened.
Teacher would have been screaming had it not been one am when Steve's message came, but she spoke in a tone of anger to Ross.
"I would like to have you declared insane! You have not been able to move from bed to barely go to your own office here except for that one time! What happens if you get a severe migraine? A dizzy spell? What happens if you fall? " Kayley said with a low tone of fury
"Kayley Ann, did you read what that said. Pennies on the dollar? If we can work it out with these people, we can get a huge source for a steal!" Ross said.
"I do not care! I'm not stupid, I've seen you pick apart companies before and fold them into RossShell. Then Damnit, wait for the energy company to go bankrupt, and have Hell or someone else buy you the pieces in a bankruptcy proceeding!" Kayley said, shaking with rage as she spoke.
"That will take a year! If we do what Steve proposed now, we can have it this week!" Ross reasoned.
"What happens if you get a massive migraine or dizzy spell during the trip, or a seizure? I had thought you had changed your ways with watching yourself while you have not been feeling well! If you do this, I will know that you are certifiably insane!" Kayley clipped.
"Are you finished attacking me?! I'm sitting here very calmly, and all you have done is rip me to shreds!" Ross clipped.
Then Ross continued. If I take a nurse with me, have the nurse with me at all times, and promise to go to the hospital if I truly have a problem, will you consider that a compromise where you know I need to go, but I'm being mindful of my health, especially considering how I've acted this week, going into RossShell one time, and canceling numerous trips until this came up?" Ross said, trying to calm Kayley down.
Kayley sighed. "You are so manipulative. Okay, then yes, but, very, very reluctantly. Please be careful, and please go to the hospital or come home at the first sign of trouble. I'm sorry if I acted like a bitch and attacked you. I'm just terrified, okay?" Kayley said.
Ross kissed Kayley. "I know, and I appreciate it"
Ross called the nursing company, explained his situation, then made a 7 am flight to OKC, and packed clothes.
The nurse came at 4 am. Ross was dressed, and kissed Kayley goodbye.
Ross got to the airport, went through the complicated check in process, got on the plane, ordered iced tea, ate a bagel, took his meds in his pocket, and then slept the whole way to Dallas, with the nurse helping him through the changeover, and on the plane to OKC. When they got to the office, Ross showed the nurse the other office that Mister P usually used, promised Steve would tell her if Ross had a problem. The nurse went into the other office, and Ross and Steve got down to business.
Ross and Steve discussed the situation. From the proposal Steve showed Ross, the company involved had a normal worth of at least a billion dollars. Yet, it was saddled with debt due to a failed offshore oil exploration, and mountains of bank debt. Steve knew that with Ross's experience of buying the most complex companies in trouble, between Ross, Alan Hell, and someone Alan Hell knew, this could be figured out.
Ross called Alan Hell. "Alan, we dont even have to ask this, because we know the answer. We know that you cant call these people or talk to the potential bankruptcy court because you are an investor with RFS. What would you think if RFS gave Tom and the office in Philadelphia, a retainer to deal with all of this business for us? You , Steve and I all know that while Tom and I have been getting along much better lately, Tom is a shark, and I say that as the greatest of compliments. " Ross said.
"I agree with you one hundred percent. I will tell you what. FEDEX me all of the papers on this situation. I will look at them for a day, and then FEDEX them to Tom. In the meantime, I would recommend that you and Steve call this company, tell them that you are prepared to work a deal with them, but that because you and Steve are in OKC, and your lawyer is in Philadelphia, the lawyer needs a brief time to look over the details to be able to make an offer. With the way you have pulled off the most complex of deals at RossShell, Ross,. I will bet that you can buy us up to a week" Alan said.
"I hope so, Alan. Let me draft an e-mail to these people, send it to them, and then text the head of the company, tell him all of this, and get the ball rolling. We will of course keep in touch" Ross said.
"We certainly will" Alan said, as the conference call ended.
Ross sighed. "Okay, so the ball is rolling. Now, why the Hell did I come down here? Ah, no offense" Ross said.
"None taken. How do you feel?" Steve asked.
"Not bad. We can have lunch, I will go back to the hotel with the nurse and rest, we can figure out what to do for dinner, and then ah.. could you get together a small show or two.? I will stay two nights and go home late in two nights from now so that I am not trying the teacher's patience or my luck with my health" Ross said.
"Good idea. Go and rest up. See you tonight" Steve said, as Ross called an Uber for Ross and the nurse to the hotel.
"Nurse Jones, we are going to stay here two nights? Is it okay if you stay with me? I will get a suite with two beds. Please just leave the door open so I can call you except of course for you to dress, shower, etc. I hope this is acceptable." Ross said.
"Of course, Ross. Let me just call the company and let them know our plans" Ms Jones said.
Ross knew that Kayley would be home. Ross dialed the number, Kayley answered, and growled like a lion.
"GRRRRRR! Its you!" Kayley said in greeting.
""I thought you said you were not angry with me for being here, and that it was okay if I came here with a nurse? Why the reception like that? I did exactly what we agreed to. I am with a nurse" Ross said.
"Me? I'm ready to wring your neck! I dont care if I love you for twenty six years, Mister. This time you have really pushed the envelope and have tried my patience to the core!" Kayley said, with fury but not yelling.
Ross sighed. "Fine! Be that way! I am not going to fight with you on the phone 1500 miles away. I suppose that you are not interested then that I am feeling fine, and have decided to stay for two nights to do a couple of shows? I will text you when I am ready to come home" Ross said.
"Do whatever you want! Now that you are gone, it is out of my hands. Dont text me until you are ready to come home! I need some space!" Kayley clipped.
"Fine, then I wont , teacher. You have a nice evening as well" Ross said, clicking off Kayley.
Ross took off his shoes, set the alarm for 2 hours later, and tried to sleep. Ross wanted to be pissed at Kayley , but he was not that angry because perhaps he wanted to see it from her point of view if the situation was reversed.
Ross had a restless nap. He woke, showered, and changed, and then went to dinner with Steve, and the nurse at an adjoining table so that Ross and Steve could have privacy. Ross told the nurse to order whatever she wanted, and that Ross would let the nurse know if he needed her.
"Well , its short notice. I was able to get together three hundred people the next two days. I want to do shows a short distance from here so as not to push you. I know that you pushed yourself to come here" Steve said.
"Kayley sounds like she wants to break me in two. Last night she wished me a good trip, and when I called her just before, she growled at me, and sounded like she was ready to kill me. She said she wants to wring ,my neck" Ross said.
"Ross, look at it from Kayley's point of view. You have postponed several trips here and to see John in Toronto due to falls and dizzy spells. I'm sure that she is just mad. When you get home, she will be happy to see you, and will probably have calmed down by then" Steve said.
"I hope so" Ross said.
Dinner was complete. Steve drove Ross and the nurse back to the hotel. Ross and the nurse settled themselves in the separate rooms in the suite for the night.
"Steve will be here at 8 am to take us to the field. Say we will just order breakfast in the room by 7. As I said last night, just order anything you want, and charge it to the room" Ross said.
"Okay, Ross. Thanks. Call or text me immediately if you feel anything. Goodnight Ross" The nurse said.
"Goodnight, Miss Jones" Ross said.
"Ross, you can call me Mandy. I know about your condition, and I hope that I am just here to watch and help you and that nothing will happen where you will need my nursing skills" Mandy said.
"I do as well, Mandy" Ross said.
The next day, Ross and Mandy awakened. They had breakfast, showered separately of course, got dressed, and then Steve picked them up in the SUV and drove to the field.
Two hundred potential investors were waiting. Luckily for Ross, it was not that hot. Ross was given a chair as Mandy watched over him. Steve and the foreman did the presentation, and in the end, seventy five people committed to sign, about the size of a usual commitment.
On the way back to town with Steve, Steve said to Ross. We are going to visit Mister P, and then after tomorrow's show, please get on a plane back to New York" Steve said.
"I might not have a home to go to when I get there, but I have no choice" Ross said.
"I'm sure that The Teacher will have calmed down by the time you get there. She was just upset and worried" Steve said.
When Steve, Ross and the nurse entered Mister P's house, Mister P was sitting in a chair, with a walker next to him.
"Steven! How could you possibly have coerced Ross to come down here in his fragile condition? The nerve of you, Sir! I am sure that Miss Kayley is very unhappy with you, Sir" Fritz said to Ross.
"She's upset, but hopefully she will calm down" Ross said.
"So what is new and news, gentlemen?" Fritz asked.
"Well, we did a show today and 75 of 200 people signed up, but that is not why Ross is really here. A huge energy company is in serious financial trouble. Ross came down to see me, and also to see if our friend Tom The Shark from Philadelphia can work a deal with these people about their debt before the company has to go belly up. We might be able to do something. Tom is going to look at it" Steve said.
"How do you feel, Ross?" Fritz said.
"Fair, as my Dad likes to say. Not one hundred percent, but not as bad as I thought I would. I think we can pull off this deal to buy this troubled company. It will just be a process, as Ross's Dear Old Dad likes to say" Ross said.
"Why dont all of you stay and Missus P will make us all some steaks? Forget eat out food. It will give us all a chance to spend time together" Fritz said.
"Thank You, Sir. That is very kind of you" Ross said.
Ross, Steve, Fritz, Missus P, and the nurse all had big Texas Steaks and baked potetoes with salad for dinner. It was a nice, relaxing social event.
When dinner was over, everyone said goodbye, and Ross and the nurse were driven back to the hotel by Steve.
"One quick early show for you tomorrow, sir, then it s home you go, furious teacher, or no furious teacher" Steve said.
"Yes, of course. I will deal with her when I go home. That's my problem to deal with. Let;'s just do our show, whoever signs, signs, and then I can be home" Ross said.
Ross had a decent night's sleep.
Ross, Steve, and the nurse went to the hotel. Ross undressed, said goodnight to the nurse, and went into bed.
Ross did not sleep badly.
The next morning, Everyone awakened. Steve, Ross, and the nurse had breakfast, and then went to the field.
Once again, about two hundred people showed up. A quick show, and then one third or sixty five people committed.
Ross and the nurse were driven to the airport by Steve. Everyone said goodbye, and Ross and the nurse went to New York.
The changeover at Dallas, and the plane to JFK., were followed by the Uber ride home.
"I dont know if I want you to stay. Let me see what the lay of the land is, and see if she is even up. Maybe you can go home, maybe you can stay, maybe you can get someone to relieve you. " Ross said.
"It's okay, Ross. I and or the company will accommodate whatever you need" The nurse said.
When Ross got upstairs, Kayley was sitting there in sweats, and her sister Sarah was there.
"Hi Sarah. I guess you are here to keep Kayley company. I will just stay out of your ladies way, and go to the room that I'm usually banished to when Kayley is furious with me" Ross said quietly.
"Come here, and kiss me, Market Boy. I'm not angry at you anymore. I'm relieved that you and the nurse got home safely. However, we have a much bigger problem" Kayley said.
Ross kissed Kayley, and then sighed. "Uh, Oh. What does that mean?"
"Why dont you tell him, Sarah, you little slut! If you dont, I swear I will!" Kayley said.
Sarah looked at Ross, near tears. "I know that I am an adult, and that technically, Kayley and you are not my keepers, but I suspect you are going to be as upset as my sister just was when I tell you this. I am pregnant, Ross. Its not that, but it is who the father is. I've been having a very quiet affair with your friend Tim. I dont know if he told you that he broke up with that woman he was supposed to marry. They were having problems. It just sort of.. happened. Well, the affair with Tim is not what I have to tell you. I'm pregnant, and Tim is the father. He knows, of course, but we were not quite sure how to tell you and Kayley. Tim told me to tell you that he is sorry for not confessing to you, but he thought that you might be less apt to be as furious if you heard it from me" Sarah said.
Ross sighed. He felt like he had been punched in the gut. Ross was silent. He could say nothing. Before Ross had come home, Kayley had already ripped Sarah to shreds.
What would Ross's reaction be to this shocking news? What would his reaction be to Sarah? To Timothy?
That would all be seen.
