Some of Gage’s tension eased and he nodded. “You’ll make a fine doctor someday, Maddy. Never forget that you’ll meet all kinds in this business. The rich can be a particular pain in the ass.” The doctor joined in for a brief time while Madelyn laughed.
“Any other gems?” She queried.
Gage’s expression grew dim. “Just remember that there’s nothing scarier than a crazy man with enough money to fulfill his crazy ideas.”
~~~
“Thank you for the escort Mr. Reed. It really wasn’t necessary. I promise I wasn’t going back to lay your boss flat.”
Jonathan Reed chuckled softly and shook his head. “I wouldn’t have expected you to, Sir. Hospitality isn’t the only reason I wanted to see you out.”
Tilting his head inquisitively, Humphrey glanced toward Gage’s practice now several yards down the wide brick walkway.
“I’ve heard your questions before by others in the medical profession and right here in this very city,” Reed scratched at his nape where a hoard of light brown curls was tapered. “Contrary to what the Doc would like to believe, there are many in the medical science field who are as passionate about reproductive possibilities as you are. One person I know quite well has surpassed the questions stage and is now researching new ideas based on theories related to genetic engineering. I think he’d very much like to meet you Mr. Tesano. He believes he’s on the cusp of great discoveries but could use more manpower. If he were to impress you the way Dr. Gage-”
“Gage was a disappointment,” Humphrey cut in.
Reed nodded slowly, his expression closed. “My guy won’t disappoint,” he vowed.
“When can we meet?”
“How long will you be in Portland?”
“I’m set to leave for Chicago tomorrow. I’ll be there for two weeks.”
Reed seemed satisfied by the information. “Can you be reached there?”
“Tesano’s factory headquarters is there. Call and ask for me. They’ll get me the message.”
Reed gave a curt nod. “Excellent. I think you’ll like what you hear.”
“We’ll see. Who is it I’ll be speaking with.”
“His name is Jude. Jude Ophion.”
~14~
Chicago, Illinois~
There was only a small bit of confusion when the Tesano party arrived that afternoon to claim accommodations at The Palmer Hotel. Humphrey’s staff had handled the travel details, but had apparently neglected to inform their boss that they’d accepted rooms below the penthouse level instead of the penthouse level itself.
The top floor had been booked almost a year earlier and the guests had already been in residence for nearly two weeks. Nevertheless, Humphrey was certain there had been a mistake. His staff would never make such an egregious error, much less keep it from him. He spent a fair amount of time ‘debating’ with the desk staff and any manager he could bully them into speaking with. Afterwards, he called to blast his staff.
Meanwhile, Humphrey’s brothers relaxed in the hotel’s vast and elegant lobby. They lazed about, talking, laughing and being shamefully overserved.
The Palmer had been the Tesano’s hotel of choice since Liam had expanded Tesano Textiles to the Midwest. Liam, along with his younger brothers Toriano and Micalino established factories as far north as Chicago and as far south as Belleville. The locales had elevated the Tesanos to millionaire status many times over.
The Palmer had become more than a place to rest a weary head. It was the place where achievements were celebrated. Those achievements didn’t only pertain to those that strengthened the Tesano business empire. It had been the site for both Tori’s and Mica’s wedding receptions- two for Tori and four for Mica.
Birthdays were also another great excuse for celebrations at The Palmer. Milestone birthdays were always cause for special trips to the famed establishment. The Palmer could claim among its guests, heads of state, royalty from around the globe, sports figures and the Hollywood elite. The place was an outstanding example of architecture from its lobby; that spanned the entire square footage of the main level, to its renowned restaurants and professionally photographed suites.
“Anybody wanna lay odds on how long it’ll take before Hump’s griping makes the hotel start booking our rooms to other guests?” Aaron waved off the waitress who offered him another beer.
“You kiddin’?” Stone grinned. “Those rooms were gone the second he called the hotel manager a sack of cum crusted shit.”
Laughter roared, though inside the crowded lobby, it was just an added chord to the melodic cacophony of sound that thrived in the massive space.
“No big deal,” Mica said, “Not like you’ll be spending the night here anyway.”
Pitch leaned over to muss Roman’s hair. “Ready for your big night, kid?”
“Ah Vic, leave him alone,” Tori fondly urged his nephew. “Let’s not forget how scared you were the night we took you to Lucinda’s.”
“Really?” Roman’s interest had peaked.
“Really.” Tori and Mica confirmed as one. They were all too happy to share the explicit details of the long ago evening.
“What’s it like? Lucinda’s?” Roman asked once everyone had their fill of laughter at Pitch’s expense as well as refills of their preferred drinks.
“Lucinda’s is one of the most exclusive brothels in Chicago,” Stone said.
Roman smiled. “But that’s illegal.”
“That’s why they’re exclusive,” Mica added to the result of more laughter.
“Must take a ton of connections to keep a place like that hidden.”
“Hell yes it does, but when you’re the connection, it gets a lot easier.”
