Chapter 10

   Old Wilson took a sip of his drink and said "Now on to other matters. Young Master, you are now a man of great wealth not to mention status. You must find a way to become the man you are meant to be. I know that your father was very proud of how you married the love of your life, and even became a construction worker to help support your family. He was awed at how humble you became and did not act pretentious and aloof having come from such privileged beginnings. Although I never told him of your exact whereabouts, I did keep him up to date on the important matters of your life. You adapted to your circumstances well. But now it is time to adapt again. It is my sad duty to also inform you of what I suspect concerning your Green family. As you know, you have several uncles and aunts who would rob you blind if given the chance. I believe that they suspected that your father was building a fortune for you, and I have evidence that they have been searching in the last few days into all of your father's dealings. Since his death, especially your Uncle Roy has been trying to find out if your father had put money aside. He is a most greedy fellow. Your father's other will has been located and will be read the day after tomorrow. It does not mention you so you need not be present for the reading. Your mother is it's sole benificiary. She will be well provided for in the future."

   "But, of course, this is dependant on your uncles leaving her alone. They may try to take everything from her if they get the chance. We shall see. I do have a suspicion that your Uncle Roy may have had it in for your father, but have no concrete evidense of that as of yet. I will continue to investigate this matter. All of your holdings are secure at present, being under various company names and holding companies. I have seen to it that they have all been transfered to your name solely. Short of anything happening, you should be safe for now." 

   "Thank you Old Wilson for all of your hard work. I would have had no clue how to deal with all of this. Your help has been invaluable. What are your suggestions for Debbie and I now?"

   Old Wilson said calmly "First of all, I have decided to retire from the Green family. This should not come as a shock to them considering my age. But that does not mean that I will abandon you. I would rather serve out my days as your faithful retainer than have anymore to do with the rest of the Green family. If you will accept my service, I will continue as your mentor." 

   Rick was relieved. The thought of being without Old Wilson's counsel was unthinkable. He said "Of course I will accept your service! But I do not want to think of you as a servant. I will promote you to our personal manager, if that is acceptable to you. You mean much more to us than just a retainer. You are our friend. I hope you always feel that we treat you as one."

   Old Wlson was very moved by this. As a humble man, he would never presume to consider himself more than what he was. This statement from Rick made him feel proud. 

   Rick knew that Old Wilson had been his father's right hand man. He had been taught over the years how Byron wanted things done, and was well versed in the elder Green's business practices. Byron had always treated Old Wilson as a friend more than an employee. This was something that the rest of the Green family did not approve of, so their attitude towards Old Wilson was one of general distain. Rick  then asked Old Wilson a question that had been on his mind. "Old Wilson, what had the family been paying you? Do you have enough to live on?"

Old Wilson chuckled and said "The family paid me an annual salary of $50,000. Your father also paid me a generous salary that the rest of the family was unaware of. The house that your father gave me here in Silver Hill has no morgage, so it has been sufficient to live on."

   Rick was startled. Knowing how much Byron had trusted him, along with the amount of work that Old Wilson did, he was shocked. "That is no where near what you are worth! I will pay you $5 million annually from now on. You are worth so much more to us than just a servant! In addition, you will recieve a company car, and your household expenses will be paid. And as for your retirement, I will start a retirement fund that will grant you enough money for whatever you want to use it for. I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest. I hope this will help."

   Old Wilson said "Thank you Young Master! That is so generous! Now I can start to save for my real retirment!"

   "So tell me Old Wilson, what do you think Debbie and I should do tomorrow? Should we return to work as normal to keep up the ruse that all is as it was?" Rick asked.

  Old Wilson thought a moment then said "Madame may want to work a while longer as to not raise suspicions in the firm. But ,Young Master, it would not do for you to continue to work as an employee for your own company. I think it would be wise to resign now and we will build up your resume into the Chief Executive Officer that you really are. We have so much to accomplish now, and I may need you at a moment's notice. You must be available if the need arises."

 Rick and Debbie agreed to this plan. Rick replied "Then it's settled. I will await your call."

 Old Wilson left leaving the couple with a lot to think about. 

   Both Rick and Debbie had been on an emotional rollercoaster the last few days. Old Wilson was the anchor that kept them steady. Although the trappings of wealth were not alien to Rick, but more of a distant memory, Debbie was having a hard time processng all of the changes happening all at once.

 Rick asked Debbie "Have you heard from your mother?"

  Debbie answered "No, and I'm not sure I want to at this point. If she really did have a hand in my father's death, I will never be able to forgive her. But until there is proof, I should just keep my distance. If she calls I'll answer, but I will not be calling her."

 "Understood" said Rick. He felt much the same way about Lois as well.