Adam Blake - 151. Chapter 151

I did go with Marie and the children, accompanied by Billy and his family. Gerry was glad to see us, and I spent long nights with him going over his annual plans. We discussed his girlfriend. He showed me pictures, and if you ever wonder what a boy's sister would look like, this was a good test. She looked almost identical to her brother, only much prettier. I told Gerry he's a lucky man, and I had it in good authority Heaven approved.

Billy identified five boys he thought had a chance. He worked with them every day he was there. Three girls hung around, and I told him they wanted to run as well. The next day they were running too. So now we had a squad, five boys and three girls plus Billy, to enter the Olympics. I would handle all of the registration.

We had to go and dedicate the runner statue in the park. Gerry said a statue would be erected for any gold medal winner. A small plaque on the bottom of the statue had the person's name, the year they won the gold. I showed Billy his plaque he was surprised. A little boy was playing in the park, and he came up to us when he saw we were reading the plaque. I told him who Billy was, instant fame. The boy ran, and soon we had a gathering of seven boys. Hans gave us coins, which Billy handed out. They wanted to see him run, and he told them tomorrow, he would run.

The next morning seven boys were going to run with us. Billy took the time to show them how to warm up, Hans did the translating. Then we ran, not fast but fast enough so that the boys knew they were running. Hero worship, Billy had it, and the boys gave it. He had to go home to meet their parents. Hans and I went with him. The parents were surprised. Billy, Hans, and the Father Prince, the parents, were overcome with excitement.

Hans told them that the Prince was pleased with the boys. I added my two cents, "Your sons are the potential gold winners. They need your encouragement."

We left with the neighbors watching and waving; I knew seven young boys would be the stars of that neighborhood. What we didn't expect, they ran with us every morning we were there. I saw Billy taking down their sizes and knew they would be receiving running clothes from him.

On the way home, I missed Gerry. We had several talks which just impressed upon me that he was going to be a successful Prince. Leaving, we hugged and checked each other's hearts. That seemed to be the personal touch that would bond us for a lifetime.

Back home, Henry had a draft of the clinic drawing finished. I met with the Board, and there were a few comments. Henry marked up the drawing, and approval was given to proceed. The exterior had to be in line with the exterior of the other two buildings; Henry found pictures of a stronghold from early times, it fitted perfectly. With those drawings approved, he now had to work on the girls' academy drawings.

It was three weeks after the approval of the drawings that Henry started to build. The boys wanted to know what the building would be. It wasn't a secret, so we told them. The following day I had letters telling me it was long overdue. The usual what took you so long, I didn't care, it was the right thing to do, and the boys approved. That was all I needed.

"Adam, the realtor is on the line."

The call's outcome was that the people would sell under a set of conditions. One, the sale had to be in cash, two, we'd pay for their moving, and three, we would help them pay for their place in Florida, if needed. I countered the offer. We agreed to pay their price in cash, we would agree to help them move, but we wouldn't agree to finance any property in Florida. The realtor went back, and they agreed to our terms. We signed an accord to purchase under the conditions that were agreed.

Henry can begin building the girls' academy with the land secured, but I wanted a Greek motif, unlike the boys. I also would put a fence that would actually be a Greek garden.

Henry posted a sign, the future home of the Hypatia Girls Academy.

How fast do you think news can travel in today's scientific wonders? Two minutes after the sign was posted, Richard called.

"Adam, what are you up to now. Your Board approved the clinic, but a new school for girls, the Board, didn't approve that."

"No, we hadn't had the property. Now we do. I'll present drawings at this month's Board meeting. This has been long overdue."

"Do we need a girls school?"

"Yes, we have several staff with children who qualify. Who knows Richard's children might attend both schools."

"You knew about this at the last Board meeting. Why didn't you mention it."

"Richard, we didn't have the land until two weeks ago. Why get everyone excited when it may not happen? We got the land, and now we are working on the drawings."

"Is this going to be part of the complex, or are you going this alone?"

"No, Richard, I need your input. You know I'll explain it all at the Board and seek your input."

"Ok, I'll wait, but Adam, no Knights."

I laughed, "Come a day early, and I'll brief you. I have the name and the theme."

I didn't realize I had ruffled his feathers. Now I need to preen them. Once he realizes the advantages, he'll be on board.

My next step is to appoint a governor over the Academy, Kings College, and Hypatia Academy. They will report to me, so I'll still be able to make sure my methods and standards are maintained.

That night I told Marie about my conversation with Richard. "I was surprised that he was a little angry. I explained that at the last Board, it was an idea."

"I think he was surprised. He's a good friend; I think the next time you dream up these programs, run them by him. He'll feel a part of it and will give you his support. How are you going to smooth this over?"

"I asked him to come in early for the Board meeting, and I'll eat crow.