Harrison Towers, Memoirs of a Mogul (Glass Towers Trilogy) (12 page)

It has been several months since the accident. Since the plug on my life has been pulled. I am but a shell of a man…my soul left with Adelaide.

The police ruled her crash as an accident but I know better. I hired a team o
f private investigators once I heard some neighbors near the crash saw her run off the road by a black SUV. Once my investigators began to dig deeper though, the eyewitnesses began to sing a different tune. We offered to match whatever their hush money was and double it but no one budged. Not one person who originally reported having seen elements of the accident is speaking now. Somebody got to them and I will not rest until I find out what happened. The police have instructed me to drop it but I have no intention of doing so. It is not an accident when a large vehicle runs a smaller one off the road causing it to flip several times into a ravine. My little angel was heading back from getting her hair cut at a salon in town in preparing for our nuptials two days later. She was on her way to meet at a girlfriend's home for dinner. She must have been followed by whoever has been threatening her, only this time, they made good on their threats.

Since the funeral I have not been able to bring myself back to Montreal. Adelaide’s death, it is big news up there and I could not take one more meddling reporter or another bouquet of flowers. After that day, I never returned to her bungalow. I couldn’t bring myself to step foot in there again. It would be too painful. As it is I am on antidepressants
until this passes
as my doctor has put it. I don’t think pain and despair from the death of the love of your life magically goes away with a little pill but it takes the edge off.

Instead of my going to her house, her siblings and parents went. Hannah called me on many occasions telling me there were some important items I needed to come around and collect. Personal effects as she put it. I told her to put them in a box and have it sent to my home in Westmount. I told them not to sell the home or anything that I would pay the mortgage off and that way they could decide at a later time what we should do with it. I told her I did not want a single bit of furniture or decorations removed or rearranged. I need for everything to be just as she left it.

She begins to sob. I join her.

“Hannah, look if this is too hard on you, just leave it. It’s not going anywhere. We all need to give it some time.”

Though for me, time will only be my cruel enemy.

I hear her blowing her nose over the phone. “Yes I know, I just feel closer to her when I am surrounded by her things. She had bought some things for the baby that she had tucked away in a drawer. It just about did us in. I am so sorry. I mean she is my sister and the bond there is so deep but I know that she was your soul mate and I do understand the difference.”

I can’t breathe, “I have to go, I’ll let you know when I can come up there, but it won’t be for a while. I need more time.”

“I understand. Take care Harry.”

“You too Hannah.”

Setting the phone down on the desk, I cover my face with my hands and sob. The uncontrollable body wracking convulsive gasps are tearing me apart. I am in so much pain that it’s unbearable. After four months of mourning, I have no idea how to move on with my life.

I am in limbo and don’t want to live without Adelaide. My therapist tells me to acknowledge the grief, don't deny it. I acknowledge it alright. But I don’t know how to process it. I feel like I have a constant dark cloud following me. I have nightmares and wake up hoping this entire thing has been a horrific dream within a dream. In the dead of night, when I wake and realize that Adelaide is truly gone the despair debilitates me. I am rendered immobile and incompetent. I’ve taken up jogging and working out again hoping the exercise will help me release the sorrow. It hasn’t. The only thing it has done is made my body lean and strong. I feel anything
but
strong, however.

I decide to take a drive down the coast to my condo development. All units sold a long time ago but I kept two one for income property and the other for a place to get away. With it only being an hour and half from town, it makes the perfect quick escape. And, it’s not a place stamped with Adelaide’s touch. Not like the Pearl District home. This beach condo had been rarely used when she was in town. We gravitated to the winery when she was here or and the bachelor pad in the city. I grimace at the thought of how much time we spent lying in bed looking out the sky-high view of practically the entire city’s skyline. It was a breathtaking view and with my love in my arms, I felt like I was soaring.

I arrive to the beach condo late in the day but there is still enough sunlight for a quick spin. I quickly change into my wet suit and grab my board. Running down the path, I make it out to the beach and see that I wasn’t the only one with the idea to catch a few waves before the sunset. It’s a beautiful day despite my feelings of despair, I find breathing the salt air into my lungs cleansing. I take a couple runs and then head in following more experienced surfers lead. I sit on a beached log and watch as the sun finishes its descent. It occurs to me, that Adelaide would not want it like this. She would tell me to move on and live my life. While I can’t live without her, I can at least delve into my work. I’ll just become the richest mother trucker on the planet. No holding back now. I got soft there. Adelaide made me soft. Never again will I allow myself to be vulnerable or exposed. That was my one chance at happiness and apparently it was undeserved and now I am left to figure out what is next.

In the morning, I grab my phone and make a few calls. It’s time to get back in the saddle and resume my mogul status. The last call I make before I take a break and head out to surf is to my contractor Karl Halverson. He is surprised to hear from me.

“Hey hey, good to hear from you. Where the hell have you been? Ready to get underway with those projects?”

“You have no idea what I have been through.” I clear my throat, “Ah yes, which is why I am calling, I am indeed ready to break ground, but hang on to your hat, I want to get the Glass Towers project under way. We already went through all the plans, permits and studies. I was just waiting on the additional funding and as of this morning, I have the funds I need to go forward with this project. Go clear out your schedule for the next three years, because I am going to keep you busy!”

Laughing, “You’re kidding right? You do realize I have a full plate as it is?”

“I don’t really care, and if you can’t do it,
you do realize
there are many others that can?”

He hems and haws for a couple minutes and then asks if he can take a couple days and then call me back.

“Sure, you get one day and then I start calling other hungry contractors.”

“Ok. Just let me see what I can do. I DO want this project, but I have to make sure my other projects don’t suffer, I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Fair enough. I can respect that but I still have my agenda to worry about, not your other clients so call me back tomorrow and let me know if you are going to play it my way or not.”

Once we hang up I decide to make one last call.

“Olivia Castor.”

“Miss Olivia Castor, my amazing agent, how are you?”

“Is that you Harrison Towers, my sexiest client?”

I chuckle, “I do believe you flatter me too much.”

“Or maybe not enough?” She laughs again.

“I am ready to resume acquiring more properties. Care to show me some options?”

“I thought you’d never ask! What do you have in mind honey?”

I hate it when she pours on her Mrs. Robinson act. Especially now.

“Maybe something in the country. I want something on the Westside…close to downtown but rural. I want something run down that we can renovate and restore.”

“Nothing pops in my head immediately but let me do some checking. Do you want acreage?”

“Yes! Definitely some acreage, I want an estate, a manor house.”

“Wow, what you described doesn’t usually exist in this area. Those type of homes are closer to town and don’t usually have much more than one to two acres. I do know that in the Vista Hills that frame Portland there are some estates like that but they rarely come on the market. Portland is a relatively new city when you compare it to the Eastern US. So there just aren’t too many of those homes around . I’m up for the challenge though but I warn you, it could take some time so be patient with me.”

“You are in luck, because I’ve got nothing but plenty of time on my hands. Keep in touch and let me see anything with acreage that comes across your radar. I think I know what I want but I don’t know if I can describe it to anyone. I’ll know it when I see it.”

“Fair enough. How about I touch base with you as soon as I find a possibility?”

“Ok”

“Oh and Harrison, I heard about your tragedy. I want you to know I am truly sorry for your loss. But, I also know how hard it is to move on so, I will not say another word. Just know I have two shoulders should you ever need one.”

“Thanks Olivia. I best go. Talk soon.” Just when I start to feel a length of strength return, I get a bitter reminder of where I am really at. The tight chest and lump in my throat never seem to go away. Damn it! I don’t want this, none of it! I slam my fist on the table leaving no mark on the wood but a shooting pain traveling up my arm. I would rather feel that sort of pain.

In the last nine months, I have finally made significant progress both emotionally and professionally. It has been exactly thirteen months since Adelaide died. I am now able to think of her without sobbing or choking up… although in the dark of night when the world is it’s loneliest…I do find the overwhelming sadness creep in if I let it. I have been mourning the death of her and my baby for a year straight and I am making every effort to train my focus on my work and nothing else. I have made little or no time for a personal life. I keep my social life to a minimum and that is in the form of making a brief appearance at mandatory events.

I turned Adelaide’s house into headquarters for her charity with her family’s approval. In fact, Hannah has been instrumental in helping to make that happen. Adelaide would be happy to know that her home has been turned into a reading resource center and a hub for the fundraising
. There is a lot of funds needed to continue to provide counseling and support to schools for children with learning disabilities.

On the anniversary of her death, instead of mourning her all over again, Hannah came up with a brilliant way to ensure she leave an everlasting mark on the world. That was the day we chose to do the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new center. We invited everyone and it was a successful fundraiser and a way to make it through the day.

I however did not fare so well that night. I created somewhat of a shrine with her picture and the one ultrasound image we had and I sat and cried the remainder of the night. I had to let it out. I have been strong for the last year and have been learning how to live without her by my side but now watching over me. It hasn’t been easy and I have found myself vulnerable and weak at times. I continue to vow that I will never let myself be open and raw again. I will never let myself love or be loved. The loss is far too great to risk it again.

The phone rings on my seat next to me in my car. The caller ID reads Olivia Castor. I debate on whether I want to answer the call. She may have found me something to look at so I answer.

“Harrison Towers.”

“If it isn’t still my most sexy client!”

“Hello Olivia, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, it  has been far too long my dear. Listen, have you any time for the most amazing agent today? I think I have finally located a possible country manor for you.”

“I don’t have time today I am heading out to the winery as we speak. Can you make it later in the week say, Thursday?”

“I just so happen to have time Thursday. Say eleven? Oh, and I’m not telling you a thing about it. I want you to base your opinion on your initial reaction. Suffice it to say that it’s in your price range, it has most of the character you are looking for and it has a few things that you did not ask for but I think you will like. Sound good?”

“Eleven it is and you have me intrigued. Email me the address and I’ll see you then.”

“You may want to grab another bottle of champagne, I am betting you will want to celebrate once you see this place!”

“Hmmm. Enticing. Talk soon.”

That woman does not change.

We meet at her office on Thursday and while I’m standing in the lobby, I notice four 3-D house plans sitting on a white acrylic table. I walk closer and admire the floor plans and the thought that went into the space planning.

“That’s a subdivision we are selling. Interested in investing?”

“Ah Olivia. Good to see you.” She looks at my outstretched arm and ignores it grabbing me into an embrace.”

“We’re old friends, handshakes are for strangers and people you don’t like and I really like you.”

Shaking my head. “It’s been way too long.” I am still laughing under my breath.

“So you interested?” She points to the plans.

“No but I am interested in obtaining that architect for the house plans in my subdivision.” I smirk and then walk around the plans to look at the backside. A moment later she too is leaning down looking at me through the windows of the mini house. I stand up. “What Olivia?”

“Are you going to tell me about this outright or do I have to pull the information out of you?”

“Yes, I’ll tell you but let’s do that on the way to the country manor. Shall we?” I gesture toward the door.

“Of course, let me just grab my things.” She sashays past the reception desk and disappears. After a few moments she reappears with her handbag, jacket, a stack of papers and a folder. “Ready.” She turns to the receptionist. “I will be out the rest of the day. Take messages and if it’s urgent patch them through, I have my Nextel.”

I wait for her out at my car, holding the door open for her. She cackles something unintelligible and while I shut the door, sadness washes over me as a petite blonde passes me on the sidewalk pushing a baby stroller. I watch her as she passes and feel the emptiness inside of me gurgling. I straighten myself and walk around to the driver’s side. I struggle with my resolve for a moment but I get in and muster up a smile.

All the way out to the manor house, we chat about my ideas for the Street of Luxury Homes project I want to do. Olivia is full of ideas. She is pleading with me to spearhead the project on behalf of her realty group.

“Olivia, I would trust no other group of agents to handle the sales at this project. You should know that!”

She claps her hands together and squeals. “Oh, this is going to be an amazing project. Are you going to bring in different architects and interior decorators for each lot? How are you planning this?”

“I don’t know, maybe you should advise me on that. You know this  market place better than I do. I just have a few requests to make.”

“Sure, such as?”

“I want one of the home’s designs to be similar to a bungalow but on a grander scale. For the other home I want it to be ultra modern, high tech, almost cold in feeling. The two homes have to be next door to each other too. The facades have to exhibit cohesion with one another, especially since they are to be pricey million dollar homes in a neighborhood of twenty other homes.”

“Wow! Kind of a tall order Harry. A bungalow meets
Tron
in a neighborhood. Almost sounds like a bad bar joke. This ought to be interesting. Maybe that architect’s work you were admiring in the lobby would be good for the bungalow, but I will have to think about the other.”

“I already have someone in mind for the
Tro
n house as you put it. I just want someone to really catch the essence of the sweet bungalow home and that guy who designed those homes seems to have the touch I am looking for.”

“This sounds very personal to you Harry.” She says in a hushed tone.

“It is.”

“Oh turn up there.” She points to a tree lined drive that appears to go on for some distance.

Turning down the small lane, I notice that it is overgrown but I can imagine it with manicured grass all along the trimmed and shaped trees. This would be an impressive approach to a manor. Once we are through the clearing there is another large overgrown area of unrecognizable foliage in the middle of a circular drive. I pull up to the house and note that I could have seen
her
here. It’s her style.

I take a deep breath and get out the car. Olivia has already scrambled out of the car and is heading up the grand stairs to the covered wraparound porch.

“Oh! This place must have quite a few stories to tell! I didn’t get up here to preview it so this is a first for me seeing it too!” She is struggling with the lockbox. “Ugh, can you help me with this?”

She punches her code in again and we hear a click but the box won’t open. We punch in the number once again and the same thing happens. I let go of the box that is attached to the railing. I walk over to the front door and push the knob down with my thumb just in case it’s not really locked… it doesn’t budge. I walk around the perimeter and see no windows open and end up at the back door. I turn the knob and push on it with my body and I feel it budge a little so I do it again and with a loud pop, the door opens. Olivia joins me just as I stumble inward and I turn my head to see the surprised look on her face. “Well, I do hope you plan to buy it now that you have broken in the back door!”

“The minute we turned down the drive it was mine. Now let’s see what I am in for.”

She flashes me a knowing look but if only she really knew my thoughts. It is bittersweet for me. Here I am snatching up one property after another. Essentially buying homes for a lonely bachelor who is in purgatory. It is easier to invest in property than people, the risk doesn’t seem to be as great.

She joins me in what appears to be a mudroom with built in benches, pegs, and cupboards. We pass through the interior door finding ourselves in the dated kitchen.

“This is in need a complete gut job. It looks like the last time it was updated was in the 1970’s.” I chuckle,  “The almond appliances and avocado green tiles are awful!”

She nods and seems to be speechless. “Although the apron sink is kind of cool…maybe we can salvage that and possibly the base cabinets and island but the rest is just garbage. Let’s see what else this place has to offer.”

We head through a butler’s pantry that had all the usual features such as cabinets and a sink. Nothing exciting there. The next room is an enormous dining room with a table that could possibly seat a small softball team. Above the table hangs a magnificent chandelier that I will definitely keep. There are built-in china cabinets with leaded glass windows that Addy would have loved. I stand looking at them envisioning Addy stowing away her pretty dishes after a dinner party. ‘Snap out of it Harrison, I secretly scold myself’.

The large living room through the arched doorway has a nice view of the over gown yard and valley beyond that. Out in the foyer is a large impressive staircase and an enormous chandelier that is wearing what appears to be a few decades worth of dust. I follow Olivia up the stairs trying not to watch her hips wiggle from side to side.

“Olivia, what kind of floors are these, do you know?” I ask as we ascend to the next floor on the squeaky steps.

“I think once all the years of wear and tear are sanded down, beautiful mahogany flooring will be revealed. Oh and by the way, I read on the listing that there is a ballroom and a gentleman’s study and lady’s parlor on the first floor. We need to take a peek at those when we head back down, before we leave.”

“Ok.”

On this floor there are several bedrooms to one side and then we head in through a door that reveals an enormous room. “This must be the master suite Harry. Oh look, there’s an old bed. What do you want to bet that thing has been here since the house was built?”

I laugh, “Yeah, it looks so old I wonder if the room was built around it. Can you imagine how many men it took to haul up here?”

Looking to the direction of Olivia’s gaze, I see what has her attention. The room is filled with natural light through the many windows that have a spectacular view of the grounds and the valley. I like this room. It is pleasant and doesn’t appear to need too much work. In fact most of the rooms up here just need wood restoration and other cosmetics like a good scrubbing, some paint and new window furnishings. I wander around the room looking in the nooks and crannies and then go into the master bathroom. I turn to Olivia who is following me. “Isn’t this a bit odd for a house of this age to have a master bathroom?”

“Well, yes and no. I mean you have to figure that whomever had this built clearly had some money and this appears to be a custom job. I am guessing it was to please a woman.”

“Yeah and what makes you say that?”

“Well, this built in dressing table for starters and this enormous soaking tub. It is clearly built for at least two. I think the master of the house built everything around pleasing his wife. I think she must have been adored. Look at the intricate detail of this vanity here, the inlaid tiles in this garden motif is quite extraordinary and extremely unusual.”