Six months later, Jonathan sat at his Uncle's desk with Tony seated right beside him who was showing him the various files contained on the hard drive of the computer. He was instructed, step by step, how to navigate each one and continue the orders and pay outs that would keep the business running.
It didn't go unnoticed that many of the files had been removed, leaving only half of what had been there the last time Jonathan had tried to decipher the codes. But, he didn't ask many questions knowing Tony would tell him if it were that important. And with the strange happenings that had been going on in the mansion since they had been there, he really didn't need to ask. He assumed that Mr. Bowman must have made a special appearance of some kind to Tony and told him what to do and where to look.
For that matter, Jonathan had seen the particular disc that Tony had slipped into the drive prior to their session, but had thought it only contained a program for the computer. It made since though that if Mr. Bowman wanted to hide the code translations that he would do such a thing as write 'word processor' on the disc. So, he didn't let it bother him at all that he had been fooled into thinking that, being it was what was supposed to be thought in the first place.
In the last six months, he had been undergoing rigorous therapy to regain the use of some of his other faculties. Walking was one of those that had plagued him to utter determination. He once confided to Tony that he would die first before he would be bound to a wheelchair – and so far, he had made good on that promise. The finite usage of his hands and fingers were being addressed as well. Just sitting at the computer operating the mouse had once been a frustrating task for the kid. But his resolution to be a whole man once again would not allow that to stop him at all.
Short-term memory problems had surfaced, causing the family to be even more patient with him. He would often forget things as soon as they were told to him, but had come to a mildly humorous solution by hanging a small notepad around his neck, with pen attached that he would scribble in when given important information. But then, if he could just remember to look at it once in a while, everything would be perfect.
All in all, it was getting better though. He was recalling more short-term information than he had been. Although, many days he just couldn't remember anything at all. Most of the time, it just depended upon what mood he was in or how he felt that day.
Greg was away that morning, having gone to the hospital to check on an existing position he might be able to fill. Everyone had agreed that it would be good for the doctor to go back to work, utilizing his skills and at the same time, keeping him sane. At least the rest of them wouldn't be blaming him for it being he was just practically bored slap out of his mind. So, driving the rest of them crazy seemed to be the most obvious thing for the doctor to do.
Tony had had his hands full with running the new club. It was almost obvious to them all that he might had found his new niche in the family and was enjoying it but seemed to miss using his other skills as a nursing bodyguard, and so forth. They all supported his tremendous efforts in getting the club up and back to running again.
The new club had all the amenities as the old one, minus the drugs and prostitution that was once in the background of running the place. It was also practically running itself. The profits each night were outstanding, given the new additions that Tony had basically thought up and implemented. It also added to the excitement of the place drawing in a larger crowd than what had been there before. It was beginning to be believed that a new building was in order. A multi-story building in that each floor would house a different genre of music thereby satisfying a greater number of patrons.
Peter had come to Tony about opening a P.I. service that would also help with some income to the family. Both of them were registered firearms experts as well as highly trained in detective work and other areas of investigation. It would give them a chance to utilize what skills they had accrued and also enjoyed.
It was discussed with the family during the dinner meal the night before to gain the feedback of the rest of the crew. Bruce suggested they should hire Jonathan to help with answering the phones and doing the office work at which the kid became a little nervous though excited to help whenever he could. Of course, Tony and Greg suggested that Bruce could also help by filling in as a secondary office person or even some legwork once in a while. It soon grew to include Greg as a fill in for medical situations. In the end, they all agreed it was a superb idea.
Someone knocked on the door as Tony was helping Jonathan with the business files. Jonathan, who was so enwrapped in his work, never heard the knock at the door. But, Tony called to whomever it was, bidding them to enter.
A tall man with short black hair and a dark tan entered the room dressed in a three-piece business suit. His gait was full and determined, though gracefully poised as if he had been reared from a very distinguished background. Long limbs added to the handsome man's features that made Tony take notice of him right away. He rose slowly from where he had been sitting, as the man seemed resolute in coming into full view of Jonathan, if no one else.
Tony knew he had seen this man before, but couldn't recall when or where. And it concerned him that the man had yet to speak a word to either him, or Jonathan, as he stepped further into the center of the room.
"May I help you?" Tony finally asked, drawing Jonathan's attention from what he was doing.
"No, but I've come to see the boy," the man stated with some finality.
The sound of his familiar voice rippled through Jonathan causing him to shudder. He looked up from the computer screen to see the man standing before him. At first he didn't believe his eyes, having not seen the man since the first day they had returned to the mansion.
"I've received a very –" the man stopped abruptly for a moment looking away from Jonathan's stare as if he didn't even deserve to be seen by the kid. "...Strange visit from a mutual acquaintance," he barely looked back at Jonathan to say. "It's time we had a little discussion about your parents, Jonathan."
"Don't you think this is a little sudden?" Tony asked with deep concern.
Jonathan felt himself begin to tremble from the inside out. A line of perspiration formed over his upper lip, as he was suddenly flooded with overwhelming warmth that was almost nauseating to him. He placed his hand on the arms of the chair and attempted to stand – only to plop back down in the chair, as if his legs had no strength at all.
"Stay, Jonathan." The man held up a hand to him and it was obvious this was most uncomfortable for the man. "Just sit still and try to relax. Do you need a drink, son?" the obvious concern in the man's expression and in his voice caused Tony to suddenly look up at him not having expected it.
"I think I do," Jonathan looked up at Tony who stood over him.
"Okay, baby," the man leaned down planting his lips to Jon's lovingly before he stood again and went to the bar.
"Mr. Preston," Jonathan almost muttered inaudibly. "Who visited you?"
Joshua shifted from one foot to the other nervously it seemed. And it appeared he was trying to decide how to answer that question.
"Won't you have a seat?" Jonathan then motioned to one of the two chairs that were facing the desk where Jonathan watched the man find the one closest to him to park in.
"I'm sorry this is such short notice, Jonathan. But the – " Mr. Preston cleared his throat before continuing. "...The mutual acquaintance was quite adamant that I do this today."
"I've never seen you like this before, Joshua. Did Jim scare you?" Jonathan looked up while he spoke, as Tony handed him the drink he had asked for.
