The Millionaires

The restaurant's tinkling of china clashed with the soothing strings of the violin. Busy waiters expertly glided around tables, watching for the slightest needs of the clientele; all dressed in elegant dresses, or crisp coat and ties. 1

A handsome gentleman appeared on the landing just inside the entrance and the maitre-de moved quickly toward him. 2

"Ah, Senator! Welcome. I have your table ready." 3

Following to the back of the room, the Senator nodded and spoke briefly to other patrons. 4

"So nice to see you again, Hiram." 5

"Ah!... Mrs. Wentworth, tell your kind husband, `hello' for me, will you please..." 6

Pointing to a gentleman sampling his wine, "Hi Roger! Nice seeing you at the club the  other night. Kiss your lovely wife for me." 7

The Senator seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew him. The maitre-de stood next to a booth against the back wall with its usual two place settings and patiently waited for the Senator to pay his respects. 8

"Will your dinner companion be joining you, Sir?" he asked as the Senator arrived. 9

"Yes, thank you, Simien." 10

The maitre-de nodded and disappeared, leaving two menus. Seconds later, a thin waiter with a red vest and plastered hair, left a bottle of white wine, nodded and abruptly turned and disappeared. 11

Senator Tom Mangan of Wisconsin, stood at six-two. At age 53, his broad shoulders gave him a look of a towering fortress. His integrity and confidence showed in every action he made; the way he dressed, his gray hair trimmed neat, and double breasted suit pressed to perfection. He slid a phone from his coat pocket to make a call, and was interrupted by a bold young man. 12

"Excuse me, Senator. May I have a word with you?" 13

"What is it you want?" the Senator asked, visibly irritated. The intruder saw an opportunity to speak, and did so quickly. 14

"Sir, I represent a group of investors who are interested in acquiring the old Princess Hotel from you. As I understand, you purchased it a few years ago, and these people are willing to pay handsomely for it." 15

The Senator looked the young man over, noticing his plastic appearance. Black suit with a thin rose colored tie. Everything in place. From his hair to his perfect complexion. He even had a fake smile that showed perfect white teeth. 16

"I'm sorry, but the building has been sold to another individual." 17

The man's face dropped slightly, but quickly recovered. 18

"Is it possible, the new owner may be willing to sell. My group is willing to pay well." 19

"I don't think ..." He stopped in mid-sentence. Had the bold young man known the Senator well enough, a cold smile could've been detected, as if a sinister idea came to him. 20

" ... why don't you join me for lunch, and we'll discuss it." 21

The young man sensed the quick change in the Senator, and saw it as a door through which progress could be made. Noticing the table setting for two people, "Are you sure I won't be intruding upon you and your guest?" 22

"Oh! Of course not! Please sit down. What did you say your name was again?" 23

"Well, that's very kind of you sir. Ted, sir. Ted Dorman." He took his seat and removed his wallet from his back pocket, placing it and his cell phone on the table next to him. Then added a silver inlaid cigarette case with its lighter, and topped it off with a large ring from his finger. Once he had settled in beside his neat little pile, the bold young man checked his tie for perfection, while his eyes shifted around the room to see if anyone saw him sitting with this well known senator. 24

The young man cleared his throat, like one who enjoys hearing his own voice, and continued speaking his case. The group he represented, has an interest in tearing the old building down for a major hotel to be built in that area. Ted's group was offering two hundred thousand for property purchased for seventy-five. All the while watching the front door to see who the Senator's guest would be. 25

Altho the Senator never married, he dated many beautiful women. It was not uncommon to see him escorted by models as well as actresses. A heavy, attractive lady, with furs clinging to her shoulders and her hands laced with jewels, appeared up front.26

`I wonder if this is her?' 27

But she turned and met an elderly gentleman who was exactly her match. Another woman in her 50's came in, and waited for the maitre-de, followed by a tall, very old black man with sunken eyes and pants above his ankles. 28

`Maybe this is her. The black guy's the dishwasher.' 29

But the woman was ushered to another table. 30

Then a beautiful, tall brunette showed next. In her mid 30's. Dressed in a white evening gown, low cut in front, with her hair intertwined with blue ribbons that brushed lightly against her skin as she walked. 31

`This is her. Got to be. Yep. She's coming this way!'32

The Senator stood. Nodded politely to the lady and extended his hand to the black man coming behind her. 33

"Good evening, Samuel! How was your week?", the Senator asked as the beautiful lady turned and kissed a handsome young man at the next table. 34

"Very good, Thomas!" He answered with absolute sincerity and a nod. "And you sir?" 35

"Very well, Samuel." 36

The perfect young man slowly stood, not knowing for sure what was happening. He expected the beautiful lady at the next table to come back and take her seat, yet the tall, very old black man with sunken eyes and pants above his ankles, sat in her chair instead. 37

"Samuel, I'd like you to meet Ted Dorman. Ted, this is Samuel Garfield Tyron." 38

The black man extended a dark, bony hand, crisscrossed with veins. Ted, still not sure what happened, reached out and took the offering. His soft puffy hand collapsed in the firm, bony grip. Eye contact was made briefly. Some eyes convey a depth, few understand. Ted felt uncomfortable, and quickly retook his seat. 39

"Ted is going to join us, Samuel. I hope you don't mind." 40

"Oh, no sir! Not at all, Thomas. It's always good to meet new people..." 41

The black man spoke with very little of the accent of his race. 42

"...Mister Dorman, is Ted your given name, or is it Theodore?" 43

"If you mean on my birth certificate; it is actually Theodore. But I go by Ted, thank you." 44

Ted spoke with a firmness that made him feel in control, but the black man's response knocked him off track. 45

"No sir! If your dear mother named you Theodore, then that's what I will call you. Your mother birthed you, so you belong to her, and she can name you whatever she wants. With all due respect to you, your mother comes first." 46

Ted tried to argue, but couldn't formulate a response fast enough. 47

"So, Theodore Dorman, what is it you do?" 48

The Senator tried to repress his smile. Ted found it difficult to hang on to his senses, but years of negotiations and training, helped him stand firm. 49

"I represent a group of investors who are interested in acquiring some downtown property. The Senator is going to work with us on the acquisition." 50

The Senator's eyes widened. 51

Theodore Dorman thought his response would squelch any further questioning from this strange and ignorant intruder. 52

"So, you are a lobbyist? Yes sir, Thomas is a very good man to work with. He helps me all the time. What property, may I ask, is your group trying to acquire?" 53

The black man's eyes peered out from the hollows of his face, waiting for his reply. 54

`This guy is going to be a bother during the whole meal. Maybe there is a way to get out of the dinner invitation before the meal is ordered'. 55

The lobbyist cleared his throat to be sure it resonated well before he spoke, "It's an old piece of property on the corner of Seventh and Sycamore. Nothing of value, really. Just an eyesore." 56

This time, Theodore Dorman noticed the sinister smile coming from the Senator. 57

"Oh, you must be referring to the Princess Hotel." 58

`Gotta get out of here.' "Yeah." Then turning to the Senator, "I'll get back with you later in the week. . ." 59

But the Senator reached out and touched his arm.  "Sit." 60

The simplest commands are the hardest to ignore. Ted stayed seated. 61

"Theodore, you won't be able to buy the Princess. No, sir. It's not for sale." 62

Ted felt he was starting to lose control, and decided to go into the discussion with a firmer grip. 63

"Well, Mister Tyron, . . ." 64

"Samuel to you sir" 65

". . . everyone has their price." Ted felt his temple start to twitch, and a lock of hair slid down his brow. 66

"Perhaps so, sir. But it will take a very large amount of money, now." 67

"How do you know?" 68

The waiter noticed Ted's irritation as he brought the third menu and sat it in front of him. Samuel's deep eyes looked onto Ted's and held them in check. 69

"Cause I paid haffa million dollars for it and I will not sell it for anything less than two." 70

Ted almost choked on his own saliva! He couldn't believe what he just heard. The Senator quickly raised his menu to hide. All the while, the black man with a sunken eyes and pants above his ankles held complete composure. 71

Ted tried to not show anymore shock than he had to and quickly picked up his menu. 72

"Should we order the regular, Samuel?" the senator asked from behind the menu. 73

"Yes, sir That is fine with me." 74

"Theodore," the Senator said as he came out of hiding, "We usually order the evening's special." Pointing to Ted's menu, "It's over in this section, er... you seem to have your menu upside down! Here, let me turn it over for you." 75

The senator corrected the menu, but the lobbyist seemed not to notice, as if his senses left without him. 76

During the dinner, Ted kept to himself. All the while trying to understand what he heard. How could this old black man pay a half a million dollars for an old run down building the Senator paid seventy-five thousand for? If this was true, the senator made an incredible profit! Surely, there was a mistake in the conversation. But a situation is never lost when it comes to money. Everyone has their price, and a price can always be reduced. 77

"Samuel..." Ted decided to try respect to reach his goal, whether or not this black man deserved it. 78

"...You don't seem to be like the usual wealthy men I work with. You hide it well." 79

If Samuel didn't notice the play on his modesty, the Senator did. 80

"Hmmmm.....thank you, sir." He answered, with his head slightly tilted back and his deep eyes watching Ted to see what his next comment would be. But the Senator responded first. 81

"Samuel's wealth has been in his family for generations. Originally coming from... your Grandfather?" turning to the black man. 82

"My Great-Grandfather, Thomas. He acquired it after the War," turning back to Ted. 83

"World War I?" 84

"Civil War." 85

Ted's eyes squinted, creasing his brow. `That wealth is more than a century old...' Ted thought. `...Must be an incredible amount by now!' 86

"Well, that certainly is old money. So...you're certain about not selling the Princess?" as if a connection existed between the two thoughts. 87

"Very certain, Theodore. As a matter of fact, I live there. As do many good people." 88

"Samuel has purchased it for a housing project," the Senator interjected. "He provides safe housing for approximately sixty families. Is that correct Samuel?" 89

"Yes sir. 62 at last count." 90

"Is that kind Miss Wombly still trying to get you to marry her?" 91

"Goodness, yes! Thomas. I try my best to avoid her." 92

"I don't know. The last time I was there, she fed me some of her sweet potato pie. Maybe you should reconsider." 93

"Oh no sir! That woman; she just want to sit and talk about gossipin'. I tried to carry a conversation with her about the last Great War, and she just wanted to talk about Mr. Fitzler's fight last night with his wife." 94

Both Ted and the Senator chuckled. 95

"Not many women know anything about war." Ted commented. "It's too boring and complicated for a woman to understand." 96

The Senator squinted his eyes. "What do you know about the last Great War, Theodore?" 97

"Uh...well...exactly which war is that?" 98

"Samuel is referring to World War II. He spent six hard years fighting in Europe. I turned 20 the day I stepped onto Vietnamese soil. Did you serve any?" 99

"No, I was a little too young to get into any of that." Then quickly added, "How old were you when you joined, Samuel?" 100

"I was 37 when I joined in 1942, Theodore." He solemnly answered. "I remember with a chill, the words spoken by our President at the time: 101

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 ... "102

The black man's deep eyes focused on nothing in the distance. 103

"...-- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the empire of Japan - "104

"Yes, those are well known words." Ted expertly added. Samuel turned his deep eyes toward Ted and continued. 105

"The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific."106

"I see..." Ted said, not realizing Samuel was still quoting President Roosevelt's famous speech. 107

"Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his  college delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack."108

"Yeah, I remember studying that in one of my classes." `Why is this guy telling me all this?' Ted thought. 109

"The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage  to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Americans lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu."110

It was only now, Ted realized Samuel was quoting the same eerie words spoken by the Commander-in-Chief almost five decades ago. The Senator remained silent, staring into his wine glass, while Samuel slowly closed his eyes and continued the speech. 111

"Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. 112

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. 113

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. 114

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. 115

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island."116

Men of dignity, feel and sense the solemnity of Life. Samuel brushed away a tear from his cheek as he continued with a shudder. His eyes remained closed. 117

"And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area... 118

...As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense... 119

...With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God. 120

I ask that the Congress declare that, since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."121

Samuel took a slow deep breath and opened his eyes. The Senator had already reached for his napkin to remove his tears. Ted Dorman sat stunned. He didn't know if all he heard was the truth or not, and wasn't going to question its validity. 122

"Well, that's quite an accomplishment. How long did it take to memorize that?" 123

"As long as it took me to listen to those costly words, from a radio sitting outside a barber shop, for us Negroes to listen to." 124

Ted was baffled. "What do you mean?" 125

The Senator answered for him. "Samuel has a gift many men yearn for. He memorizes much of what he hears." 126

"You're jokin'?" 127

"Not at all, Theodore." 128

Ted eyes blinked twice and without realizing it, repeated his question. 129

"You're jokin'?" 130

Again, the same answer. "Not at all, Theodore." 131

"But why would you want to memorize speeches. Why not something worthwhile like ..." Ted paused as he tried to think of something worth memorizing. 132

But it was Samuel who spoke. 133

"Do not the words of great men chill your spine, Theodore? Or, are you calloused and indifferent to any history other than your own?" 134

Theodore Dorman sunk in his chair and looked down at his plate of untouched dinner, not even sure he understood what Samuel just said, when suddenly, he caught movement at the table. The other two had quickly stood, removing their napkins from their laps. The beautiful brunette with ribbons intertwined in her hair stood at their table. It took Ted a few seconds to realize why they were standing, but it took a hard glance from the Senator for him to understand he needed to rise also. When he did, his cellular phone fell off the table and danced on the floor, causing him to scramble for it like a fumbled football. 135

"Excuse me Senator," her English accent as soft as her skin, "would you allow me to borrow your dinner companion a few moments?" 136

"Of course, my dear!" 137

Turning to Samuel, "Mr. Tyron, the last time my fiance and I were here, you played the piano for everyone. Would you be so kind to play again, if I should ask the maitre-de?" 138

Samuel's eyes responded before his words did. 139

"By all means, my dear Lady." 140

Just as Ted resurfaced with his football, the beautiful lady took Samuel's hand, and lead him toward the grand piano on the other side of the room. Within minutes, a tall very old black man with sunken eyes and pants above his ankles sat playing a soft blues tune on the piano; with a pretty brunette, with ribbons intertwined in her hair, sitting next to him; one of her hands resting lightly on his arm. 141

"So, how is he able to memorize stuff like that?" 142

"Ted, Samuel has a love for life that we all should have. But he has a problem that is more common than we realize. Samuel is not able to read. He is dyslexic. The connection between his eyes and his brain doesn't transfer the data correctly. But he has such a zeal for life, he has to memorize what he hears that interests him, since he's not able to read it. Has been doing that since childhood. He will be able to regale tonight's conversation, verbatim, a week from now. It's an incredible thing! The wealth of knowledge in him, makes him an enjoyable dinner guest." 143

"What about his real wealth? How did his great grandfather, I assume a slave, get so much wealth after the Civil War?" 144

The Senator had a peculiar look on his face as if caught off guard. 145

"He...acquired it during the aftermath following the surrender at Appomatox. A lot of the South's wealth was jettisoned in the confusion. He made a few choices at the right time, and hung on to it. It was never, uh...spent, until it was handed down to Samuel. And he took it and invested it to what it is now." 146

"So, if he can't read, how can he handle so much money?" 147

"I help him with that." The Senator had a slight smile. "I handle all of his business. He gives me the money in cash, and I pay his debts. The improvements on The Princess Hotel have all been his." 148

"How much has he sunk into that old building?" 149

The Senator paused a moment, unsure whether to say. 150

"...It has been over a half million." 151

Ted's eyes shot open. "A half million dollars!? Are you serious?" 152

"You should go see it. It is a beautiful building on the inside..." 153

As the Senator told of what had been done to renovate it, Ted began to dwell on the business connection between him and Samuel; and wondered how much of the money ended up in the pockets of this well known and honest politician. Ted sensed there was more to the story than what he heard. 154

"...and next month they will start on the outside. The residents are doing most of the work themselves." 155

"Hmmm...I see." Ted said with a slight nod. 156

Samuel escorted the beautiful lady back to her table. Pulling her chair out for her, she thanked him with a quick kiss on the cheek, then rejoined her fiance. Samuel returned to his table and apologized for his departure, and declared it was time for him to take leave. He had to catch a delivery at the hotel. 157

But, before he left, "Thomas, who's turn is it to pay?" 158

"I believe it is yours." The Senator said as he stood. 159

"Very well, then." Samuel removed his wallet, and slipped a bill out of it, placing it in Thomas' hand. 160

"The usual hundred," Samuel confirmed. 161

"Yes," and the Senator placed it in his pocket. 162

"Good day gentlemen." And then turning to Ted, "And it was a pleasure meeting you, Theodore." 163

"Yes. Please reconsider the ... " Ted remember it was a lost cause, but finished the sentence anyway. "...offer." 164

"No thank you." 165

And with a handshake to each men, the very old black man with sunken eyes and pants above his ankles, took his leave. 166

"So, he gave you a hundred dollars to pay for the meal?" 167

"Yes, and what's left is the gratuity." 168

Ted looked suspiciously at the Senator, but said nothing. Thomas could see in his eyes what he was thinking, and pulled the bill out of his pocket and quickly stuffed it into Ted's. And with a pat, "Here, you can pay the bill." 169

Ted just answered with a nod, and quickly changed the subject. 170

"So what is it that makes this guy so special to you?" 171

"As far back as I can remember, Samuel has been a close friend of my family. Every Sunday afternoon, he would come to dinner; and he and Dad would get into discussions of things, most men know nothing of. The two great men met during World War I. He gave the eulogy for my Father's funeral at a time when he was not allowed to sit with the whites in the church, yet he held the whole congregation spellbound with his rhetoric and wisdom. And you ask what makes him special? It is his love for Life and its people. We should all be like him." 172

The Senator leaned closer to Ted. 173

"Mr. Dorman, let me set my modesty aside for a moment. I can walk into any restaurant in Washington DC, and I will personally know at least half a dozen people in it. I have a standing invitation to the White House. I have dined with a great many actors and actresses. But of all people on this planet, I know of no one else I'd rather sit with during a meal, than Samuel Garfield Tyron. He can enter my office anytime, and I will give him my undivided attention. He is a man of great intelligence and integrity. He is an individual we all should imitate." 174

- It was at this time, Ted Dorman spoke the last words he will ever say to Senator Tom Mangan. 175

"Well, you can imitate him if you want; as for me, I have to figure out a way to tell my group the Princess Hotel is owned by some old nigger... " 176

Only a snake would strike faster. 177

In a blur, Ted felt himself thrust forward, and face to face with the Senator. A massive hand had a death-grip on his perfect tie. A glass turned over, pouring ice water onto his lap. The noise of the restaurant became silent. The voices became whispers. The music stopped. Ted felt every eye peering at him. His eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights, yet the expression on the Senator was one of control. 178

And it was at this time, the Senator slowly spoke the last words he will ever say to Theodore Dorman. "You will never use that word again." 179

Only Ted's eyes answered. Not because of the choking grip on his tie, but so as not to invoke anymore of this man's ire. 180

The Senator regained his control as quick as he lost it. In one fluid movement, he released the grip, stood and turned leaving the man with the crumpled tie and ruffled suit, sitting in the same position, afraid to move. 181

Thomas Mangan moved straight to the entrance, and with a consenting nod from Simeon, made his exit. Slowly, the noise of the room increased, yet 182

Ted felt every eye pinned on him. 183

Not wanting to stay a moment longer, he quickly gathered up his belongings and walked to the door. Approaching the counter, a young girl stood with his check while looking down at his wet lap. 184

`I can't believe that guy did that' Ted thought as he pulled the $100 from his pocket and flipped it onto the counter. 185

`I'll get him back for that. I'll expose him and his crooked deals. I wondered how much of that nigg...black guy's money he has stolen?' 186

"Ah, sir..." 187

`I'll go to the Washington Post and give them a story they won't pass up.' 188

"Excuse me sir..." 189

"What is it you want?" Ted snapped back. 190

"Sir, that will be $78.20." 191

"Right there!" pointing to the bill in her hand. It took a full second to realize what it was. Ted did a double take, then plucked it out of her hand. 192

"What the ...?" 193

"We don't accept that currency here, sir." She spoke apologetically. 194

Ted gasped as he held the $100 bill out into the light. 195

"Confederate States of America..." Ted whispered. "Confederate...money?!" 196

In his wrinkled suit and rumpled hair, Theodore Dorman looked as worthless as the bill he held in his hand. He raised his eyes to the door the Senator just left through, but had a faraway look on his face. 197

"Sir, that will be $78.20 please."198