Telethon

A Story by David

First part of a first chapter

THE TELETHON

Close To The End

Chapter 1

After 26 grueling hours under the hot, bright stage lights, he finally got to take a break. Walking slowly along a darkened corridor, the aching in his back and legs had become a portion of his stature. He reached for and tripped the light switch on. The dull illumination was a blessing, a cool and quiet place. A peaceful area away from the arena, a place where he could withdraw from all of the hype he had been promoting throughout the year. The strands of ribbons on the air conditioner stood erect as the cool air flooded the room. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. A knock that shattered the silence, that seemed to pierce his every nerve ending.

In the open doorway stood a distinguished gentleman, his graying temples framed his face and offered a vision of confidence; a rock solid appearance of authority as well understanding and compassion.

As Alex gazed into the mirror, the man behind him could sense his exhaustion. He spoke softly and gently.

This was not the first or even the second meeting of these men. They had endured years of conversations and meetings in rooms such as these. They were committed, one to another.

Alex, your show was a greater success this year than ever before.

Every year I am bewildered by you. I expect you to drop from the pressure or exhaustion and yet, year after year you maintain and deliver.

That charisma, that fatal charm.

Every year you carry us through as though it is your first and the results are tremendous.

The last count we had was somewhere around the $40 million mark.

Congratulations! You are amazing. I’ll see you next week in Maryland, OK?

OK, Earl, Thanks, goodnight.

Silently, staring into the mirror, he watched the departing figure until the form had disappeared into the shadows of the darkened hall. Shifting his gaze, he looked straight into his own eyes. A tear found its way down his face and landed without a sound on his sleeve. As he peered, he searched his face for some reason he should not cease all of this. Get out and try to forget all this treachery and lying.

All he could see were tears, no answers.

Tomorrow will change. It has to change, he said to himself but even he did not believe that. Twice before he had deceived himself into the thought that this was the year, the last of this genocide he was spreading.

Twice before he had found that you cannot out power the US government.

Stepping into the steaming shower, he let the hot water drain over his aching , weary body and disappear in a swirl. He felt temporarily relieved. All the sweat and tears washed away.

Twenty years before, Alex had appeared in New York City to make his fortune. During his first years there, he had found an entirely different circumstance than he had ever expected. Twelve to fourteen hours a day he had slaved over sinks full of dishes. Dishes that had been filled with all sorts of delicious and expensive foods. Exotic sounding names and things he had certainly never tasted. These foods costs more for one meal than he earned in a week or more.

Every night after his arduous day he would comb the papers searching for some kind of opportunity. His time spent reading was a delivery from his dreary days and he would read until sleep overcame him. Aside from the papers, he would read everything he could get his hands on. He was determined to educate himself. There were books on languages, mathematics, astronomy, fiction , the classic, politics. Nothing seemed to bore him. He soaked up every word greedily. Not a wasted word for him.

Within six months, Alex had become so very well acquainted with every aspect of the running of this place that he had become noticed. He had washed every fork, knife and spoon. Every plate. He had bussed every table. He knew where everything was and how many were supposed to be there. He knew what had broken and what was to be replaced. He knew the cost. He was well aware of who was to be in their position and when. He knew when things went missing. All of this had come to his benefit. He was promoted to temporary manager and was being watched and unknown to him, groomed.

Each day he would line up the service personnel at exactly four pm. Inspected for dirty nails, unkempt hair, badly polished shoes, even missing buttons. Nothing escaped his attention and every day someone was sent packing for some minor infraction. The money these people earned was better than most folks working a regular job and none of them were about to cross Alex. A trip home to sew a button was not punishment. It was just accepted as proper and never questioned. Every employee knew exactly where he had come from and none envied him or questioned his authority. He knew these minor things soon become major issues if not dealt with immediately and straight forward. Things were good these days and he would do not one thing to lose the favor he had acquired from Jacob .

Jacob was the owner of this wonderful restaurant. Jacob was also an immigrant as was most of the city. He was not a school educated man but was incredibly smart. He was a man of the streets of Palermo and New York City. His sense about people was amazing. He could have conversations with peasants as well as politicians. He never demeaned any man for his station in life. He also never made a great deal about some ones position or status. He was a master politician without the actual title. He never let feelings get distorted beyond the actual meaning of the words involved. Never let a perceived slight fester and become an open wound. Never carried the baggage of hate with him. He was an amazing man. Jacob stood an impressive six foot two. He had a glorious full head of hair. Very thick and wavy. Exceedingly well groomed and graying at the temples. His suits were expensive and fit so beautifully. His smile was incredibly disarming and made him many longtime friends.

Jacob had money now. It had not always been so. He was a man that believed in God and appreciated all that had been provided for him. He was an avid churchgoer and did much for the community in which he lived.

Very few people knew but he reached far beyond the sight of those close to him. He was silent donor of hospitals, schools and causes for the needy. He paid quiet money to support widows and the young children in their care. He never wanted recognition or benefit from these activities. He was just a kind, giving and wonderful man. A man ,that most these days, had no concept of.

The current times, it seemed to him, to be coarse and rude. People running all the time, trying not to miss a second of the day. He missed the old country at times. The decidedly more patient pace of life where there was time to savour a glass of wine . A wine grown produced and sold just up the street. That village of his youth where life was unhurried and peaceful. That village where the young girls were comely and innocent not like the painted trollops of New York with their poor manners, bad language and habits.

Tonight , Jacob had other things on his mind. He summoned Alex to his office.

It was an August evening. Sultry and steamy, outside. You could smell a heavy scent of lilac bushes close by. Carriage rides sounded with the clatter of horse hooves on the pavement combined with a carousel spinning it’s song somewhere in the distance. People were heard from all corners out for the evening air. Taxis’ and passenger cars roared by at a frantic pace.

Inside Jacobs office it was cool and lit with just a couple of very ornate table lamps.

Alex, please come in, sit. Jacob went to the heavily hand carved bar and picked two huge crystal snifters. Probably French crystal Alex thought to himself. Jacob poured two generous servings of a very fine cognac and handed one to Alex. He put his nose close to the rim and filled his lungs and senses with the fragrance of a seriously old brandy.

The office itself was an amazing place. There were overstuffed, oversized leather chairs placed strategically about the room. Luscious ferns adorned pedestals and hangers while potted large plants kept watch from various corners. Handsome and expensive Persian carpets with incredibly intricate patterns adorned the highly polished quarter sawn oak floors.

Alex took a long sip of his drink and sunk deep into the huge chair. Each time he came to this room he was overwhelmed with its opulence and beauty. He imagined the secrets this magnificent place held?

Alex, Jacob said as he sunk into his own chair. I want to talk with you about some new business. I have been thinking of making a dinner theater here. It is something I would like you to research and put a plan together for me. The ash from Jacobs cigar dropped to the desktop as the fragrant smoke swirled around his head. Alex thought to himself , what good fortune this presented. I would love to do this for you.

The two men sat and enjoyed the wonderful cognac and conversation for a few minutes more and then it was over as quickly as it had begun.

Having made decent wages of late, Alex had been touring other restaurants and clubs around town before Jacob had mentioned a word. Alex had wanted to see what the competition was about and where he might improve his own circumstances by improving Jacobs’ restaurant. He was always thinking and wanting to improve things. During his outings to other clubs he had begun to meet and become friendly with other owners as well as entertainment talent. There were many singers both male and female. All, very talented, hungry and receptive. Dancers and musicians. The talent pool was booming.

Alex kept Jacob informed and they planned the expansion. It was quite an undertaking. The restaurant footprint was increased by almost ten thousand square feet. All the while remaining open for business. It cost Jacob a small fortune to purchase the surrounding properties he needed for the expansion but due to his charm and even handedness along with the drive Alex possessed, it got done. It got done well, on time and under budget.