A Second Chance - 5. Chapter 5

Life goes on . . . It's been a long time since I lost my love, but we must live on. It took me a couple of years before I could sleep through the night. Being alone in bed dreaming of Jim, and how much I longed for him, his warmth, his smile and those deep dark blue eyes. I still to this day, look up at Casper Mountain, thinking of him, and whispering under my breath. "I'll always love you cowboy, someday. We’ll be together again,"

The company reverted to me as the sole owner. James had not made a will, we so intermingled our funds with the company's it would have taken years to figure it out. The legal documents that we both had signed, were so specific that no one could undo what we did, accept by the death of either partner.

I did what I felt right, and gave the Andersen's a million dollars as a life insurance policy, which I told them it was. Knowing this wouldn’t relieve the terrible sorrow. I knew that James would have approved of it.

I wrote a long letter to David, about his brother, and the love we really had for each other. I told him that if he ever needed someone, we could be stand in brothers, just ask, and "I'll be there!" I enclosed a photo of James and I taken with us standing in front of the ranch house with Casper Mountain in the background.

I was very close to Jim's parents, spending many Christmases together, and other occasions as well, they were, until they passed on my Mom and Dad. I won't go into that story here.

David got married from what they told me, and had a son, don't remember the name, I think it was Joshua or Justin, something like that. I don't know where he lives now, we never spoke after I sent him the letter. I guess he will never like me, it's a shame, I think we could have been good friends.

Over the next few years we did get into the computer age. , Greg and Carrie, those two are exceptional, they helped me turn the company into what it is today, and I pay them very well. We have two custom-built Boeing 737/700's, I am just sentimental, so we call one Cowboy, and the other is Buckaroo. I like how their call signs sound over the radio as well. It’s been nearly 35 years. I am getting on in age.

This trip to Paris was something of a surprise to me, and amazingly both of the jets, were in for maintenance, so Greg and I had to use Delta Airlines for the trip over, we would be returning on Cowboy, Capt. Richard Lane, head pilot and chief of our aviation Department, would be arriving the next day. Richard, an excellent pilot, he just turned 30, so I stole him from United Airlines, with a much better salary.

Greg and I, were sitting up in first class, the flight to Paris was uneventful we talked about the up coming meeting. Greg spoke, "Charles’ what do you think of their offer, on the hotel?"

I replied, "I think they are trying to get in with a low bid, I want that job done right." We were planning a major remodel of the Munich hotel. It was getting quite run down. It had many minor remodels through the years. James acquired it more than 40 years ago.

Greg said, "I agree, I think they are trying to get in low, then use inferior materials. That’s what Carrie told me. She is keeping a close eye on them." Yes my wife went over last week checking on the progress, and would be meeting us in the morning, coming in from Munich on Cowboy.

We were about two hours out from Paris, we had just finished dinner, and even the first class meal sucked. I guess I am spoiled by having my personal chef to prepare meals. I'd bet money that Clyde Summers could take a shoe and make it taste like a prime rib. I still call him a cook, he just puts up with an old man, I guess or the money I pay him keeps him silent. I was tired, telling Greg, "Think I am going to get a few winks, before we get in."

As I was awakened, I seemed to be in a daze, as someone was gently shaking me. I felt something touching my shoulder. Forgetting for a moment that I was aboard a commercial jet, Then remembering, as the flight attendant spoke saying, "Sir buckle up, we are on final approach to Paris."

I looked up at him, thinking. Oh what a beautiful young man, he looked to be in his early thirties. He was the mirror image of Jim, it was as if time stood still, "God," how could you be so cruel, I thought, then again maybe God was going to give me a second chance. I quickly tried to forget the memories that came flooding back. Greg must have noticed too.

He said, "Charles! My god, that looks like James." First looking at the young man, then looking at me, shaking his head in disbelief.

I said to Greg, "Do me a favor and see if he'll come back and talk to me." I was puzzled.

Greg replied, "Sure Charles!" Thinking what do I say to him, have to wing this one, for Charlie.

Greg got up and went to the front of the cabin, and spoke with the young man, as they talked, Greg pointed at me. Then Greg came back to his seat, saying, "Charles, his name is JC Andersen, I saw his name tag, and that it would be a few minutes," Thinking to myself, wonder if this could be. James brothers’ son. No way, that's impossible.

I just sat there in a stupor, all sorts of thoughts running through my head, Josh, Justin, could it be. Could this be David's son? I was just staring at him, looking for some indication. I spoke to Greg, "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Greg replied, "Yes, but the odds of that are one in a million."

About that time, the young man approached, and my heart burst, with emotion, and tears welled up in my eyes. Greg grabbed my hand and said, "Easy Charles, Easy."

The Flight Attendant, saw what was going on, and sat in an empty seat next to Charles saying, "Sir, is there something wrong?" looking uneasy when he got a good look at Charles.

Greg spoke saying, "He will be ok. You just remind him of someone from his past." I still could not believe what I was seeing. "Your name is, JC Andersen, where are you from?"

JC replied, "Tempe, Arizona, is there something I can do for him?" Looking helpless.

I pulled myself together and asked him, "What's the JC stand for?" Just knowing he wasn't, It couldn't be.

JC said, "I just prefer to be called JC?" happy and confused.

I just looked for a few minutes to long, then he spoke saying "Sir’s I have to take care of the other passengers can we talk later." I put my hand on his bear arm, I felt something familiar, I just pushed it aside in my mind, and said, "one second, please?" I took out a business card and handed it to him, saying "Please call me at the toll-free number when you have time." He said, "Ok will do" then left.

JC, thinking to himself as he walked away, that man, I know him from somewhere, but where? Then being interrupted by another passenger asking a question.

I turned and looked to Greg asking, "you think he'll call me?" oh God, I hope he calls, there's so much I want to know. I knew there was a connection to Jim. I just knew it!

Greg replied, "Charles, I think so, if he doesn’t, I will find him for you, I guarantee!" I have this strange feeling that something wonderful is about to happen, call it intuition, call it what you want.

There was an announcement over the public address system. "Ladies and gentlemen could. I have your attention please, this is your captain speaking. We are on final approach to Paris, the temperature is a mild 75 degrees or 23 Celsius, we should arrive at the gate in about 30 minutes, please return to your seats, put your seat backs in an upright position, and fasten your seatbelt firmly. Thank you"

I told Greg, "I certainly hope so, I feel strange, like something is about to happen, and I don't know what it is." Thinking, could it be something rekindling, oh no he could be my son, for god sake, don't go their Charlie, a little voice told me. There was something, something about the way he looked at me, I just have to wait. I then had a strange feeling of guilt, where did that come from, I thought.

Greg and I deplaned at the terminal, heading for customs, after clearing customs we headed to baggage claims. Carl my chauffeur/bodyguard, oh yes, met us, when your worth the kind of money I am you need a bodyguard. There is always some nut out there looking to make a quick buck.

We arrived at Le Meurice, a magnificent Parisian hotel, Greg checked us in, we had two suites adjoining and four or five extra rooms for the others. Greg and Carl each had there own rooms, and I was always in a private suite. It was getting late. Telling Greg, "Get a good nights sleep, if I need you, I'll call." He knew that to be true, cause I had done that occasionally in the past. We had that meeting in the morning with the contractors.

It wasn't more than five minutes and Greg called, telling me. "Charles, JC called he wanted to know if you can go see him at the airport, he only has about and hour and a half before the return leg of his flight leaves. I have his location and phone number." I paused

Thinking for a second, "Yes, tell him I am on my way, and I’ll be there when I can! Have Carl pick me up in the lobby."

Greg said, "Ok, well, I'll get Carl on his way, and Charles, good luck," thinking I hope this works out for Charlie. Carl was standing there and was on his way before I could tell him anything. I chuckled.

Telling Greg, "Thanks, but I’m not sure where this is going, I kind of feel guilty about something," Things still floating in my mind, he could be the son I have always wanted, the we could not have.

I hurried and changed, from pajamas to something casual, then down to the lobby.

I met Carl in the lobby and we drove to the airport, and to the Delta Airlines terminal building. I said "Please wait for me, I will call you when I am ready to leave, at the most about and hour. JC’s flight will depart by then." I was getting nervous, and I could feel butterflies gathering in my stomach, I just kept telling myself to be calm and all will be OK.

I was in suspense, you'd think I was a little kid getting ready to go to the dentist, my stomach tied up in knots, I was sweating, but it wasn't warm, the night air had a chill to it. I entered the terminal building an asked a sky cap where the employee's lounge was, he pointed me in the right direction and I was off down a long hall way. I saw the door and paused for a moment trying to gather my thoughts.

Then opened the door, and I saw him. He truly was gorgeous, the mirror image of James. Then I had a strange feeling of guilt again, still not knowing why. The room was empty except for us. He spotted me and stood, as we approached each other, I put out my hand, saying, "Hello JC, how are you this evening,"

JC replied, "just fine thank you, are you Mr. Lambert?" Thinking to myself; I wonder where this was going, he is an attractive looking gentleman and he might be someone I know, still can't put my finger on it, then I remembered, "Oh my! . Are you Charles Lambert, James Andersen's partner?" I was shocked beyond belief, this could not be the same man my dad told me about. My face flushed, and I must've looked like the cat that swallowed the Canary.

I was startled, JC knew something, and I was about to find out what it was. Then I replied, "Oh my God yes! Yes I am," the tears just started to flow, as my thoughts went back to James and how much I really loved him, and missed him. "And I loved him so, there's not a day goes by I don't think of him!" I said sniffling trying to hold back the tears.

JC just watched me for a few minutes then said, "Oh Mr. Lambert, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to open old wounds!" He must've really loved him is all I could think, this man has to be someone very special, not the wicked man my father told me about, I want to know him better.

Then I asked JC, "what does the JC stand for, is it Joshua or Justin? I am thinking you are David Andersen's son, am I correct?" I just knew I was, but there was still a question in my mind, and I needed to know.

JC replied, "well you are close, the J. stands for Justyn, and the C. for Case, but I prefer to be called JC. Yes I was David's son!" With the look of evil in my eyes. Then thinking, good guess, I wonder how much more he knows about me?

Shocked I ask, "Was David's son? Has David passed away?" Wondering what's going on here, there's something more to this.

JC responded in a matter of fact tone, "No not that I know of" really not wanting to get into this with this stranger, but was he?

Still questioning, "You speak of him in a past tense, I don't want to pry, if you are not comfortable with it, son?" Oh why did I just call him son, that's not right. Saying, "sorry for being presumptuous, you're not my son." Blushing.

JC was fidgeting with his hands, and looking at his watch, speaking. "Mr. Lambert, I don't mind, but don't really have a lot more time, I must be leaving in a few minutes." Thinking to himself, wishing, I had more time talking to him I really do want to get to know him better.

I glanced at my watch and spoke, "JC I would really like to get to know you, I have a beautiful Ranch in Casper, Wyoming. I also have a couple 737s at my disposal. I would really like to continue this discussion with you," I was beginning to like this young man, and maybe he could be the son I never had.

JC looked at me with an understanding smile, saying, "Mr. Lambert, may I call you Charles? You are my uncle by marriage," gees I shouldn't have said that, "Forgive me that came out wrong," I'm embarrassing him and myself, Charles doesn't even know me, I don't think so, oh I hope so.

In total amazement I replied, "Of course you can call me Charlie, I would be honored that you consider me your uncle." Wishing I had a son and now I have a nephew, well sort of, all this because of a chance flight to Paris, what a lucky man I am.

JC again looking at his watch, with a smile on his face, and glitter in his eyes, said, "Thank you Uncle Charlie. I would like many things explained to me about my Uncle James, which my father would never discuss with me." Thinking I really want to get together with him again.

Not wanting to see him go, I told him, "Look JC, I meant what I just said, call me you have my number, and I don't care where in the world you are, someone will get you and bring you to me, believe me. You'll always have a place at the ranch if you need it"

It was time for JC to leave, as much as I didn't want him to, we reached out to shake hands, and when we did, both of our left arms pulled us together in a friendly sort of hug, no passion, just a friendly goodbye hug. I just stood there, and watched as he swiped his ID card in the employee’s security door opening it, then he looked back at me, saying, "I'm taking you up on your offer, Uncle Charlie." I was so full of emotions then that I just sat their tears flowing, my heart swelled, thinking I now had a family again.

Coming back to reality I noticed that I'd been sitting there for about 20 minutes, opening my cell phone I called Carl telling him I was ready to be picked up in front of the terminal. I just got into the car, and we were off.

Carl said, "Everything ok Charles, you look upset," Wondering if the boss were ok.

"Just the contrary Carl just the contrary, right now I'm the happiest man in the world, I found a Nephew," I guess it was the tears in my eyes making him think I was upset.

We got back to the hotel I told Carl, "Don't forget to pickup Carrie at the airport in the morning."

"Ok boss," Carl said, as he went to park the car.

I went to my room changing into my pajamas. Hashing through my mind trying to make some sense of what David did to his son. To make him not care if he were alive or dead. I can only imagine what might have happened, one day I'll find out when I see JC again. I will see him again.

I thought of calling Greg and letting him know we were back, I pushed that out of my mind thinking he was asleep so I went to bed hoping for a good night’s sleep. Nevertheless, dreams of James came back with fury, but were pleasant dreams, thinking back on them.

JC...

I was rushed getting ready for my return flight from Paris. Nevertheless, it was worth every moment of it, I had found Charlie, the person my father seemed to hate, or at least would never talk about, nor my Uncle James. In some respects, I knew why, my father was a homophobic, he didn't just hate gays, he went out of his way to make their lives miserable. I think that's what he tried to do with Uncle Jim and Charlie. That's what he did with . . . I don't wanna think about it, too much pain.

What little I knew of James, and Charlie, my Grandma, and Grandpa Andersen told me, although it wasn't much cause Mom and Dad moved away while I was a baby, so I only got to see them a few times before they too were gone.

My return flight was okay, if you call dealing with a flock of geese okay, we call passengers geese, I would prefer to call it taxing to say the least. However, otherwise the flight was uneventful. Coming to the end of my shift, our shifts run for two weeks at a time, consisting of several different flights. Only had another flight to Hawaii and return, then I would have a two-week break.

Thinking; if Charlie were going to be available, I might try to take him up on his offer. I had never been back to Casper since we moved away, so I really had no idea what the place was like. I can only imagine and I do remember a photograph of James and Charlie I found in a drawer when I was younger. I remember dad was really mad at me when he caught me with a photograph. I could never understand why.

Charles...

The phone was ringing waking me up; I answered saying, "Hello"

Greg spoke, "Good morning Charles! May I ask how your meeting with JC went last night?" Strangely I knew the answer, but my own curiosity made me ask.

"Oh Greg it felt like the world lifted off my chest, it was as we suspected, he is David's son!"

"Great, sounds like you had a good visit then," I was happy for Charlie, but we have a meeting to get to. It was going to be in one of the conference rooms here at the hotel. The Construction Company was from Paris, so we were holding the meeting here, not in Munich.

"Yes we did, I'll tell you more about it later, I know we have a meeting to attend. Did Carrie, get in ok?" I wanted to tell him, and the world about JC . . . but business was important too. So my tale must wait.

Greg answered, "Yes they had a good flight, and they are servicing Cowboy. Richard will be ready to leave when we are ready, he already has his flight plan. Departure approved."

"Ok have the others aboard. I want to leave when possible after the meeting. I'll be in the conference room in 15 minutes, catch you there." I wanted to get this over and back home. It's funny we never used the name of the ranch, we always just called it the ranch. Oh yes it had a name, my Dad named it before I was born, "The Lazy L" but the Ranch, was all we ever used. Why did I just think of that? Could it be, cause of JC, my new Nephew?

The meeting went well, and the contractor guaranteed that, all materials would be of good quality, and the job would be done on time, of course we required a bond, with penalties for not completing on time. The hotel would be closed for almost a year, 10 months to be exact. This was going to be hard on Greg and Carrie, so I told them that I would have Mike and his wife take a vacation and spell them. However, Greg and Carrie both refused to allow that. They told me that it was their job, and that they would manage.

Greg checked us out of the hotel, and Carl drove us to the private aircraft terminal, where Richard was waiting, The others, boarded Cowboy, while Richard and I spoke.

I asked, "All set for the trip home, Richard?" Knowing it would be, but I always ask, he enjoys telling me. I like hearing it.

Richard replied, "Oh yes Charles, all set, flight plans filed, and we should have wheels up in 15 minutes, ground clearance is all set. The weather is clear the entire trip. Cause there might be some turbulence going into Casper, depending on how fast the storm moves." Then he smiled at me.

I ask, "Who is flying second seat tonight?" Then thinking why do I ask, he's in charge of that, and he is damn good too.

"Alex Lother, good man too." Waving me aboard . . .

I walked up the stairs onto Cowboy. As you enter the door of the cabin, you find yourself looking at a wet bar, standing in the lounge. Two long leather western style couches one on each side of the cabin, and four swiveling recliners, two on each side of the cabin, just before you enter the main cabin area on the bulk head there is a painting of James with an engraved plate that reads;

Boeing 737 - 700
COWBOY
James Robert Andersen
June 2, 1938 - June 14, 1967

Leaving the lounge, you go down a hall that has the galley or as I call it the kitchen. Then comes a large restroom. Then the conference room with a long table offset enough so there is a passage on the left side, with six overstuffed swivel chairs on both sides of the conference table. Then you would go into the forward bedroom, with a passage on the right side of the cabin, back to the rear master bedroom. With a Jacuzzi tub and shower. The entire interior has light oak paneling accented with real leather padding.

Buckaroo is a duplicate to Cowboy except the painting is of me, with an engraved plate that reads.

Boeing 737 - 700
BUCKAROO
Charles James Lambert

I was standing at the bar when Richard came aboard, and I asked him, "What's the flight time tonight?" smiling at him.

"Eight hours give or take 30 minutes, depends on the weather Charlie." Looking at me with his steel gray eyes, with an ever present looked of confidence, he was truly a professional at what he did.

I looked around the lounge, seeing Carl, Greg, Carrie, and Clyde the most important one there right now, my cook, "Clyde, what’s, on the menu for dinner?"

"Oh I threw something together. Dinner will be served in about an hour after we lift off" staring at me, looking like Cheshire Cat, breaking out in a huge grin.

The cabin speakers came on and Richard said, "okay everybody, time to get in your seats and buckle up we're headin’ for the North 40."

I enjoyed his humor, and I think most everyone else did as well, he was an old cowboy at heart. Cowboy started to roll picking up speed and as we approached the end of the runway, you could feel it turn, and the trust the powerful engines pushed us into the wild blue, we were headin' back home.

To be continued . . .