The Father’s Son

Jason:  Can I make an appointment for my father to see the attorney.

Cindy (Legal Assistant):  What is the nature and purpose of the meeting?

Jason:  Well, dad has been getting a little tired lately and not feeling well…and, he uh, mentioned that he needed to get some legal papers reviewed and witnessed.

Cindy: Mr. Entwistle will be available on Monday at 10:00 am. Will this be a convenient time for you and your father?

Jason:  No, no it won’t. Don’t you have any appointments later today?

Cindy:  No I’m sorry we are completely booked. (pause) excuse me, I’m sorry, would you please hold for a moment?

Jason: Sure.

(hold music:  1st movement of Summer from the Four Seasons)

Cindy:  You know what? You must have done something good today because we just had a cancellation. We can get you in today at 4:00pm. Will that work?

Jason: That’s a strange thing to say.

Cindy:  That we can get you in at 4 pm today?

Jason:  Really, are you serious?

Cindy:  I guess what I meant to say was, you’re in luck.

Jason:  Got it.  Yes, yes absolutely 4:00 pm — that will work out great.

Cindy: Okay, we’ll see you then.

narrator: Back at Jason’s father’s house, Jason is sitting at the study table in library.  He is in deep conversation with his Dad about the financial strain he has been under recently due to the loss of his job. (T. Monk’s “Round Midnight” is playing the background).

Dad:  Jason, I understand what you are going through.

Jason: Can I at least have $50,000? I mean, that would help me get through the next two weeks.

Dad: Jason, ever since your mother and brother passed away, I have not been able to get over that loss.  Can you comprehend that? (silence for about 10 seconds)  You and I both know that it took me a long time to heal from that tragedy.

Jason:  You all should never have been walking down 7th street after the concert; everyone knows to take a cab.

Dad:  (says a prayer quietly to himself and crosses himself) Lets stop talking about this. I want to know how you could have blown all that money?

Jason:  What money?

Dad:      The $500,000 I gave you over the last year son?

Jason: I have had unexpected expenses.

Dad:  Well, I don’t know how charitable I am feeling at this time especially since your mother is wanting to go to the Canary Islands for Thanksgiving.

Jason: What are you talking about, she is gone.

Dad: (Silence)

Jason: Didn’t you hear me or are you forgetting again?

Dad: (a sigh) No, I did not forget. I know she is gone.

Jason: I need to step out for a while — I’ll be back before the appointment.

A light breeze blows through the window on a more  quiet than usual summer afternoon in Coronado.  Jason’s cell phone vibrates and he picks up the phone to speak:

Jason:  Jason speaking.

Camilla:  Jason, why have you not come over to visit Sophia? It has been over a month?

Jason:  Do you really want me to see Sophia or are you wanting to see me?

Camilla:  I want you to visit your daughter.

Jason:  I may be her father, but I told you that I cannot bring myself to be there right now.

Camilla:  Are you having regret?

Jason:  No. But, I was not ready.

Camilla:  And neither was I nor Sophia.  Jason, I used to think that everything that I wanted to do in life was so much more important than anything or anybody.  Something has changed in me. I guess what I mean is that I think I am beginning to understand that love is a choice.

Jason:  What? Are you kidding?  I am not ready for this emotional baggage… And .. I would appreciate it if you did not starting preaching your song of love to me again.  Let me make one thing perfectly clear to you — We are not married and I do not plan on it anytime soon! (slam’s the phone).

 Narrator:  The door to the house opens.

Jason:  Dad, lets go!

Dad:  Be there in a minute.

Narrator: Jason finds a folder on the kitchen table with some paper inside that looks like a will. He quickly scans the paper and then puts it down.

Jason: Lets get going. The law office made a concession for us to be there today. (RINGTONE:  The girl from Ipanema is heard on Jason’s cell phone — Max calls).

Max:  Are you down for tonight? 

Jason: I don’t know man.

Max:  Good sir, we can partake in fine wine and women — are you seriously looking for something else?

Jason:  I can’t talk  now Max.

Max:  I’ll see you there millionaire. (hangs up phone)

Walking toward the door

Dad:  Alright son, lets go.

Narrator:  The two walk out the  door and drive over to The Entwistle Law Firm.

Dad:  Jason,  before we go in, I need to make something perfectly clear.

Jason: Sure, what’s that?

Dad:  …you suggested that I go to see the attorney; and, I am happy to go because I believe it is necessary. I didn’t think  so at first. But, I believe that now is the right time.  Son, I just want you to know that I am proud of you.

Jason:  Thanks but why say this now? 

Dad:  You have made profound life choices the impact of which you may not yet realize.  Walking in the shoes of a true man does not come with ease.

Jason: (chuckles to himself) Lets get going.

Dad: The future will become your reality soon enough.  — one day you will understand.

They enter the law office.

Dad:  Hello, I am Thaddeus Morgan…I..

Cindy: Yes, Mr. Morgan; Mr. Entwistle is expecting you.

Just then, the attorney walks out of his office to the front desk and recognizes Thaddeus Morgan from a very brief prior meeting years ago.

Mr. Entwistle:  Good afternoon, you must be Mr. Morgan.

T. Morgan:  Please call me Thaddeus.

Mr. Entwistle:  Of course. My conference room is right back here.  (They start walking). 

Jason follows.

Mr. Entwistle:  Have a seat please….(everyone gets comfortable)  Would you care for some coffee or an espresso? 

T. Morgan:  No thank you.

Mr. Entwistle:   Well, then lets talk:  Tell me how  can I help you.

Jason:  My father needs to have some legal documents reviewed since my mother and brother died.

Mr. Entwistle:  With all due respect, because of client confidentiality, I will need to ask you to leave unless your father expressly consents to you being present.

T. Morgan:  Son, this time I need to speak with the attorney alone. 

Jason:  That’s fine. I’ll wait outside.

The door shuts with a smack.

Mr. Entwistle:  Like I said, how can I help you.

T. Morgan:  I have retained other estate attorneys to help me draft all of the legal documents I needed for my estate and related businesses.  But, at this point in my life, I need to recognize my son’s failures and successes. 

Mr. Entwistle: Is Jason the son we are talking about.

T. Morgan: Yes, that is correct.  He made a mistake awhile ago and has not recognized the good that has come out of it.  I need to leave a substantial legacy to a minor child without Jason’s knowledge.

Mr. Entwistle: How does Jason fit into this type legacy?

T. Morgan: You see,  Jason has a daughter…my grandaughter. Her name is Sofia. Actually, it is Sophia Regina.

Meanwhile, Jason is on his cell phone pacing back and forth in the law office lobby while talking with Max.

Max:  Your Dad hurled you out of the law office? Oh man, you are getting disinherited.

Jason:  And you would know?

Max:  My Dad would never disinherit me. 

Jason:  You sound confident Max. 

Max:  My Dad and I have a way with each other.  I thought you did too.

Jason: Contrary to what you might want me to believe or do Max, what my father elects to do is his business.  As his son, I will support his decisions. 

Max: you’re the captain of your ship bro. Don’t let me get in the way. Just heed my advice — you have got to take control as senility sets in.

Jason:  You know what, if I didn’t know better Max, I would say that you more of an outsider in your own family than you probably want to believe.

Max:  Although I have always appreciated your sarcasm and wit, your comments are turning sour.

Jason: Sorry man.

Max:  No, I understand.

Jason:  Hey, I’ll see you tonight.

Max: Cool, be there no later than 10 pm.

Jason: Got it. Ciao.

Welcome to San Diego Mr. Malcolm

June 1998 – San Diego, California

As I arrived at the San Diego International Airport during June gloom as it is called in Southern California, my stomach was wrenched a bit because I was about to meet a Jamaican music legend: Carlos Antonio Malcolm.

At the bottom of the escalator, I stood next to photographer Ted Donovon and Fred Campbell. (the drummer for Carlos Malcolm and the Afro-Jamaican Rhythms, the Granville Williams Orchestra, and Prince Buster’s All-Stars).  Looking back, I had no idea that in a moment, I would be meeting a music legend with whom I would eventually develop a lasting friendship.

And then it happened, I saw this man about my height, in his early sixties, of Caribbean heritage, enter onto the escalator.  Unlike the stereotypical image of a Jamaican musician (who might have natty locks down to their ankles), Carlos Malcolm had the look of a British gentleman; what with a blue blazer, grey slacks, pressed shirt and very short haircut. Immediately, I realized that tucked under his arm were the complete scores of 24 works that would become the body of music for Zimbobway’s King Kingston Orchestra.  With excitement and anticipation, I waited and watched as Carlos descended from atop the stairs. And then in a flash, I shook hands with a master: “Welcome to San Diego Mr. Malcolm.”

After sharing pleasantries, he introduced me to his family who was at the time residing in San Diego.  And then without much delay we gathered his luggage, left the airport, and arrived at my home in the Mission Valley area of the city near the University of San Diego at Alcala Park.

Upon arriving at my home, I introduced Carlos to Frank Pakozdi, the clarinetist for Zimbobway’s King Kingston Orchestra (I met Frank in Italy during the summer of 1997 at the Orvieto Musica Festival).  Together we reviewed the itinerary set for the band for the next two weeks.  Then I explained that we needed to leave in haste because there was a set time for an interview with George Vargas of the San Diego Union Tribune.  But more importantly, it was Sunday — and a very special Sunday indeed; for it was the Feast of Pentecost. 

Since I was to be on my way to mass, I invited Carlos to join me.  Without hesitation, Carlos gave his usual smile and stated, “Yes, I follow the Carpenter.”   Right away we were off to the San Diego Mission de Alcala near Friars road.

What a gift God gave both of us.  During mass, in this California mission founded by Blessed Junipero Serra, we prayed and offered the musical work we were to begin that week to God the Holy Spirit so that it would become a true opus dei.  

As mass ended and we exited the Church, I told Carlos, “you know there are no coincidences with God, right?” 

Without missing a beat, Carlos retorted, “we are all conduits of the Holy Spirit.”

- Zimbobway

Cause of Death: Trust

Narrator: It was a  Thursday morning around 10:30 am.  The main line office phone rings and the front desk legal assistant picks up the receiver.

Assistant: Good morning, law office.

District Attorney:  Hello, this is Mr. Stevens, Deputy District Attorney for the San Onofre County District Attorney’s Office Homicide division. May I please speak with Mr. Entwistle.  This is regarding a trust that he drafted.

Assistant: He may have just stepped out; would you please hold for one moment.

Mr. Stevens:  Yes of course.

Assistant:  He is on another line, can I take a message or give you his voicemail?

Mr. Stevens:  No, I need to speak with him right now if possible. This is a serious matter.

Assistant: Oh, he just got off the phone. I will put you through.

Telephone hold music playing: 3rd movement of the Bach D minor concerto for two violins

 Mr. Stevens: Mr. Entwistle, my name is Rick Stevens, Deputy District Attorney in the homicide bureau of the San Onofre District Attorney’s Office.  I am calling because this morning a trust your office drafted, was found scattered around a victim’s home. 

Mr. Entwistle: Wait a second. What happened?

Mr. Stevens: In addition to the papers, we found the trust’s owner shot in the chest…

Mr. Entwistle: The Trustor?

Mr. Stevens: Yes. And the victim’s son, who was a beneficiary, was also shot dead.  After we identified the victim’s son, investigators noticed that  a loose leaf piece of paper, was apparently written and signed by the victim, which appeared to be an attempt to try and disinherit his son from the trust.  In our estimate, it looks like the son went ballistic and killed both his father and then himself.

Mr. Entwistle:  I am, to say the least overwhelmed and grieved by the news. Can you tell me, was anything written on the trust? 

Mr. Stevens: Yes, there was a provision of distribution to the son that was scratched out in blue pen.

Mr. Entwistle:  Interesting. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Mr. Stevens:  Really not much right now. There won’t be a prosecution and I believe that the investigative report will close the case.  Nevertheless, you should expect that one of the homicide investigators will be calling you this week for some follow-up.  As a courtesy, I wanted to give you a heads up to the call.

Mr. Entwistle:  Understood. I appreciate your professionalism.  Anything else.

Mr. Stevens:  No that’s it. I don’t expect you will hear much more from me at this point but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me; my assistant will give you my office email when we are finished.

Mr. Entwistle: Sounds good. Take care.

Mr. Stevens:  So long. Oh wait! Could you check your file and see if you have the telephone numbers of the other beneficiaries or grandchildren and email that information to me?

Mr. Entwistle: I’ll see what I can do.

Mr. Stevens: Thanks, take care.

Placed on hold. Smetana’s The Moldau is now playing.