With the Congress in session work was busy and there was little time for anything except going to the gym. Theo and I went regularly and many times Al joined us. In the middle of March, before Al and I travelled to New York, I was alone with Al in the locker room. I hesitated but had to say something because I was concerned about Mr. Roosevelt. “Al, I’m concerned that Curtis is forgetting appointments.” He didn’t immediately respond but acknowledged by nodding. He continued to dry himself. I continued, “Have you noticed any changes?”
“I haven’t but I will pay more attention. I’ve had so much on my plate. You know Curtis has asked me to take several of his clients. That’s why we’re going to New York.”
“Is Curtis coming with us?”
“Yes, I want him to personally introduce the clients so we can smoothly transition them.” Two days later he, I and Curtis boarded an Acela first class coach. I hadn’t ridden a train in a long time and couldn’t believe what excellent service was provided. We took a town car to the New York Marriott because Curtis thought The Plaza was too pretentious. We had a quiet dinner in our suite. Curtis and Al were making plans for two meetings the following morning. The meetings were introductory so I wasn’t going to attend. I was needed for the afternoon meeting. I was to meet them in the lobby of a building on East 48th a short distance from 5th Avenue. I was there in plenty of time. Only Al arrived. Al said, “Curtis said he didn’t feel well and went back to the hotel. We’ll meet him there.” The meeting went smoothly as Al and the client discussed meeting with several Congressmen which I had already scheduled for the following week.
Al seemed uneasy as the meeting was concluding and insisted we quickly get back to the hotel. He tried calling Curtis cell and didn’t get an answer. We walked back as quickly as we could without running. As Al predicted Curtis wasn’t in the suite. Again he tried to call Curtis’s cell and didn’t get an answer. Al decided that rather than wait in the suite we should go look for him. I shook my head wondering how we would find a sixty-something year old man dressed like thousands of men in dark suits, white shirts and red ties. Al thought Curtis got lost walking back to the hotel after lunch. We walked six blocks to the restaurant. Al decided that we would take different routes back to the hotel. That didn’t produce anything. I took the elevator up to the suite to see if Curtis was there and he wasn’t. Al asked the bellmen and front desk staff if they might have seen him. As I walked back across the lobby I saw two policemen walk in with Curtis. Al saw the same thing. When we approached them Curtis said, “Al, where have you been you were supposed to meet me? These nice gentlemen helped me.”
Al remained calm. I knew something was wrong with Curtis. In the bathroom Al quietly said, “I wonder where he was for three hours. Al handled the two morning meetings the next morning without me. We didn’t want Curtis to be left alone. Curtis was happy and acted like nothing had happened the day before. But didn’t ask why he didn’t attend the scheduled meetings.
Went Al returned I said, “I know it wasn’t my place but while you gone I called your personal doctor and asked the assistant to suggest a well regarded neurologist. He suggested a Dr. Leslie Grange on the GW faculty. I called and made an appointment. I hope you’re OK with me doing that?”
“When is the appointment? Did you tell Curtis?”
“The appointment is next Tuesday afternoon. I checked with Theo and neither of you have any scheduled meetings. I did mention to Curtis that he had a doctor’s appointment for next Tuesday.” Once back in the office Curtis seemed fine and with Al close by made the rounds at a diplomatic event at the Singapore Consulate. Tuesday morning I reminded Curtis about his doctor’s appointment which he didn’t remember. I told him Al was going with him. He said that wasn’t necessary, but I knew otherwise.
That evening Curtis asked me to bring his dinner on a tray to the upstairs den where the television was. I was surprised because I had never seen the television turned on in the evening. When I came down Al was reading something and put it down as I walked in. I didn’t want to be noisy but asked what the doctor said. Al said, “When the doctor asked Curtis if he was having trouble remembering Curtis adamantly said his memory was fine. I reminded him about his walk in New York. He said he was just taking a walk. The outcome of the visit was the doctor’s prescription for a battery of tests. He indicated he would talk to our doctor to bring her up to date.”
With the sailing trip approaching Al and I decided to delay the sailing trip. He asked that I call the charter company and see if they would allow us to move our cruise to the Memorial Day time frame. The company representative was not happy but neither Al nor I wanted Curtis to get hurt. I informed Theo and Brian of our need to delay the trip. That prompted Brian to tell Theo to make the reservations for a trip to Taiwan. It was decided that Theo would not go. Brian said he would talk to Jason about the delay. We had a pay a modest penalty but that was fine. Al asked Theo and me to report to him anything unusual that Curtis did. For the most part Curtis seemed normal and the tests the doctor prescribed didn’t reveal anything significantly abnormal.
One warm, sunny spring day Al informed me he was going to suggest to Curtis that they walk home. Shortly after they got going he would say he forgot something. He would encourage Curtis to continue but asked me to follow him about a block back behind him. Not five minutes after Al left Curtis turned the wrong direction and began walking toward the Capitol. Two blocks later he turned west which was completely in the wrong direction. Our plan was for Al to meet him and walk him home without making a fuss. At the corner of Connecticut Avenue and K Street Al caught up with Curtis and they walked the sixteen blocks to the house. Al reported that Curtis couldn’t believe that their house was so far away.
Shortly after the walk Al called the neurologist and insisted that a brain scan take place as soon as possible. The scan did not show anything abnormal. Al and I knew something was definitely wrong. I had noticed that on several occasions Curtis seemed to miss the bottom step when he came down from the second floor. He stumbled but didn’t actually fall. This was a concern because of the nine steps out of their house down to the street. Al firmly said, “Curtis, hold the handrail as you go down the steps.” Fortunately, he did not fall. His lack of balance was a concern. I thought about a rolling sailboat. Al said, “I’m not sure this sailing trip is a good idea. We are going to have to watch him. I agreed and I decided to tell the others without raising unjustified alarm or ruining our gift vacation.
Whether it was a good decision or not we decided to go. I wondered if Al felt he was losing Curtis and wanted to have one more fun trip. The group of eight of us flew from Dulles Airport to Miami before catching our direct flight to St. Maarten. In addition to Al, Curtis, Theo and me we were joined by Jason, Brian and husbands, Ed and Mark, who were friends of Brian’s. Mark looked like Jason so I knew why Brian wanted the couple to come along. We were met by a driver from the rental car company where we had reserved a van.
We were driven to the Rainbow B & B high above the harbor at Marigot. The view was spectacular and I wondered if we should keep Curtis there and let the others sail on. We spent two days relaxing before meeting the company provided captain and cook on the thirty-five foot leased catamaran. When I reserved the boat originally I made clear that we wanted our sail to be clothing optional. The captain’s name was Carlos and the cook, Jesus. Both equally tanned and I suspected the parts we couldn’t see were tanned, as well. Each of us had a small bag for shorts, tee shirts, sandals, flip flops and toilettes. Al and Curtis took the largest room with easy access to the toilet. Before we sailed out of the Marigot Harbor the captain gave us a safety lecture then told us about the route he had planned. He explained that because we wanted to be clothing optional we could easily do that around St. Maarten and St. Barth’s but had to be more discrete around Anguilla.
He sailed out of Simpson’s Bay with Mark and Ed performing as knowledgeable deck hands. The boat was headed to our first destination Colombier on St. Barth’s. Carlos, the captain, told us we would eat dinner on shore and suggested some of us might like to stay on shore since he was expecting rough seas overnight. After Curtis struggled to get into the dingy Al announced that they would be staying on shore at the inn connected to the restaurant. When we returned from the restaurant it turned out the seas were not as rough as Carlos predicted. Six naked men dived into the sea and with life jackets swam and talked. Brian was very close to Jason, Ed and Mark. After we climbed aboard we sat on the covered deck we talked before Theo and I rinsed off with fresh water before getting into our bunk beds. Based on the rustling noise we could hear above us there was more than conversation going on between Brian and the others.
The next morning Carlos motored the catamaran to the Gustavia dock to pick up Curtis and Al. We pulled up to the dock so Curtis didn’t have to climb in and out of the dingy. After sailing out of Gustavia harbor Carlos turned the boat toward the south explaining that we were sailing around the island because there wasn’t a good place to anchor because of the island’s delicate, protected coral. All of us were covering ourselves with suntan lotion and nothing else. Carlos told us our destination was a large bay on St. Maarten where we would anchor for the night and maybe two nights if we liked the anchorage. In late afternoon Ed and Mark helped Carlos set the anchor. The cocktails and wine were put out for us. Either our skins had an improving tan or were lobster red which was the case with Jason.
Carlos told us that a long time favorite of his called Le Perroquet had reopened. He explained that it had been destroyed by the hurricane a few years ago and was finally ready for guests again. After hearing about the dingy ride and long walk on shore Curtis opted to stay on board and Jesus indicated he had food for him. Al volunteered to stay with Curtis but we insisted that Al come with us. Jesus was going to be on the boat so Al felt comfortable leaving Curtis.
That didn’t turn out to be a good decision because when we motored back two hours later Curtis was floating in a life jacket. Jesus did not seem to be around. As the dingy pulled up Curtis called, “Al help me get out of the water. Al and I each took an arm and pulled him up on the bottom step of the catamaran. We rinsed him off but even in the dim light we could tell he had been in the water a long time. His skin was wrinkled and he was shivering in the cool evening air. Without saying anything to the others he turned the water to warm and continued spraying Curtis.
The next morning Carlos suggested a sail out to Tintamarre, a deserted island, where we could explore. Curtis joined us for breakfast but returned to his bunk to rest. Al said, “One of us has to be with him all the time.” Theo and I agreed. We got into our daily routine of sunning, eating, sunning, cocktails and dinner. Al said to Carlos that he and Curtis had to have dinner on the ship each night. He explained that to Jesus who shopped the next day in Grand Case for extra supplies. Curtis did not slow the others down.
We did anchor off Grand Case and everyone went into town for dinner except Curtis and Al. Sailing over to Anguilla meant we had to be clothed because the gendarmes operate under British regulations not French. By that time everyone had enough sun and was happy to have, at least, tee shirts on. I did notice that Al and Brian seemed to be speaking privately regularly in the front netting.
The last few days Curtis seemed completely normal. One afternoon as we were sailing back to St. Maarten that Al, Ed, and Brian were discussing the Congressional issues at the table. I noticed that Curtis referred to President Bush when I knew he meant President Trump. We disembarked in Marigot and returned to the Rainbow B & B for two nights before we were scheduled to fly back. Al asked to meet with me and Theo in the afternoon. He encouraged Curtis to rest up for the trip back to Washington. Curtis went below about three. Al met Brian, Theo and me at the patio table. Al said, “Jason, Ed and Mark, you are free to listen but what I am going to say relates to the four of us.” He continued, “I know this is vacation but I know when we get back to Washington things will get crazy busy. Each of you, I suspect, have noticed that Curtis has struggled. He has done remarkably well considering.” There was uniform head nodding around the table.
“Brian and I have been discussing the situation. He and I will slowly begin to move Curtis clients to us. When we were ashore yesterday I emailed Jeff about Brian taking Margaret’s office. He texted me that Margaret would not be returning. Apparently her medical condition is more serious than we knew. Brian relocate his office near us and so will Theo. Whenever there is an important client meeting one of the four of us must be there. Curtis may tell you guys he doesn’t need you, be polite and don’t leave.
“Brian and I will to communicate to the other partners without embarrassing Curtis who is the senior partner. I suspect that none of the named partners will want the job of senior partner. A new leadership group will probably be formed. You guys don’t need to worry about that. I’ll explain to Curtis what we’re doing and make a big deal about Brian joining our group. I think Curtis will be pleased.” When Al was finishing our host brought the wine bottles out and we enjoyed an hour of easy conversation and swim before dinner.
The business transition has been fairly smooth. One evening when Theo and I were over for dinner Curtis slipped coming down the stairs and banged his head on the newel post. He had a big knot on his head. Since Minnie was coming the following day we encouraged Curtis to stay home even though he had an important client meeting with a Congress woman from Ohio. Since she had an Irish last name Al asked Brian, without explaining Curtis fall, ask him to meet the Congress woman and make apologies for Curtis. He did and said he and the woman hit it off. Late that day Al called us into our small conference room. He said, “Brian, last night Curtis fell down our stairs. That’s happened before but not as bad. I’m thinking I’ve got to find a house without steps or we may have a real problem.”
I thought he was implying that they would sell or, at least, rent the house. I knew I could stay with Theo short term but didn’t say anything. Theo asked the obvious question: “Are you going to sell this house?”
“It’s too early to tell but I don’t think we can handle the taxes on two places with Curtis’s income dropping.”
Theo said, “You could move into my apartment on Thomas Circle and Jack and I could live here and help pay taxes and maintenance.
Brian had been silent but I could tell he was thinking. He finally said, “Al, I have another option for you to consider. Why don’t you and Curtis move into my condo in the Watergate? We have a doorman and everything is on one floor. It has three bedrooms so if the boys or Jason and I want to sleep over there’s plenty of room. There is the extra room for live-in attendants if you get to that. Jason and I will move in to your house. That would put him close to the gym for those early morning sessions he likes to do. Jack can stay here or move in with Theo.”
Al thanked everyone and said he would consider next steps but said he was sure they would be soon. Once we were outside of the conference room I said to Theo, “Brain was being presumptive about me moving in with you. I wasn’t sure you had signed the lease on your apartment.”
“I signed a lease but on a month-to-month basis which didn’t make the management company happy. The owner agreed since I had been a good client. The reason I didn’t sign for a year is because I’m not making much headway getting US Immigration to change my status so I can work legally. Our partner, Alex, has helped me submit all the paperwork and remains optimistic that I’ll get the approval. I didn’t want to be stuck with a year’s lease if I had to leave quickly.”
A week later Al and Brian agreed to make the switch in housing. Curtis didn’t understand why they were moving but was happy to know that Minnie would continue to cook for them. Al assumed that I would be staying in the basement apartment. Moving day was a Saturday in February. We moved Curtis and Al’s computers and clothes to Brian’s. There was plenty of closet space.
Jason had not lived with Brian before so he slowly brought his clothes over. I assumed correctly that Brian and Jason would take Al and Curtis’s big bedroom with the king size bed. A few days later I fixed a small meal for Brain since we didn’t have Minnie regularly. I apologized for what I cooked but it actually tasted pretty good. He complimented me. I said, “Brian, I have a question for you. What would you say if Theo and I moved into the room across the hall from you and Jason?” He looked puzzled because the room was currently an office and video room.
He didn’t say ‘no’ but asked, “There has to be more with this request.”
“I did not know Theo had only signed a month-to-month lease on his apartment because he is uncertain about his immigration status.”
Brian said, “Yes, I am aware of the issue. You would convert the study into a bedroom?”
“I know that would compromise your and Jason’s privacy to a certain extent.”
“Our bedroom has a door but you know we aren’t too private when we are doing private things.”
“I know, but I didn’t want to be presumptive. All we would have to do is move the leather sofa, desk and chair to the basement and bring the bed upstairs. There are the pocket doors which we can use if we want extra privacy. The bathroom would have to be shared but it is big enough.”
“It’s fine with me but let me mention it to Al. I want to make sure it’s OK with him.” Brian stopped by my desk the next day and said that Al was OK with the furniture move. I walked directly to Theo’s desk and told him about the plan. He seemed happy and quickly picked up the phone to call the management company. He gave the required thirty day notice but moved in following the arduous move of the upstairs furniture to the basement and our bed upstairs. Thankfully, Jason was there to help us get the sofa downstairs and bring the mattress and box springs upstairs. Our closet was jammed with Christmas decorations and other stuff. We boxed everything and took them to the basement. With the stuff in the basement apartment we knew we couldn’t rent it.
Even though I slept with Theo most nights I really didn’t feel he was more than a roommate with benefits. He was always willing to make out and cuddle and have whatever kind of sex I wanted. I felt my dick could be any dick to him. On a fairly regular basis Theo would get a call from Al inviting him to come over and spend the night. He was, also, available to Brian if Jason’s butt wasn’t available. With my ambivalence I still found him loveable and cute as well as soft and cuddly.
During the spring we didn’t see Al at our house very often. He was captive to Curtis. He told me he had decided to hire an attendant since Minnie didn’t feel she wanted the responsibility when Curtis wanted to go outside. Several agencies sent candidates over but Al didn’t sense they cared about anything except pay and time off. Al told me that Brian had an idea and he wondered what I thought. He said, “Brian told me that Ed, of Ed and Mark from Harrisburg, who sailed with us had called to ostensively to check up on Curtis. I really thought they were looking for a room because they wanted a weekend in DC. You remember Ed was an EMT.”
I smiled and could see where he was going. He continued, “They’re planning a trip to DC and then onto Rehoboth to celebrate Mark’s early retirement.”
“So you’re thinking maybe they might be willing to move into your condo and look after Curtis.”
“I’m guessing Ed is going to continue to want to work. He’s too young to retire.”
Brian’s idea was fine with Al who was busy trying to keep his and Curtis clients happy even though Brian was helping as much as he could. When Al called Ed and proposed the plan Ed agreed to try to make it work. He said he would drive back to Harrisburg for his weekend shift if Al would look after Curtis.
Ed came down to stay with Curtis two days later when Al and I were leaving on a four day trip to the west coast. Ed was a perfect short-term solution. He was gentle with Curtis who was becoming more and more confused. They walked everyday as the weather got warmer. Ed found exercises to engage Curtis’s mind. He would challenge Curtis to walk to the Lincoln Memorial and find his way back to the Watergate under his watchful eye. Every weekend when Ed had his EMT shifts he would meet up with Mark in Harrisburg. Mark stayed in Harrisburg to prepare their house for sale as they explored permanent housing options in Rehoboth.
By mid-summer as the legislative session was recessing Theo had heard nothing about approval of the change in his visa status. Alex had pulled all the strings he could but he heard nothing about Theo’s green card application.
In addition to everything else Jeff had been lining up interviews of newly minted Harvard and Yale Law School graduates for a junior position in our group. Al invited me into to most of the interviews to keep notes. I could remind him what he liked about each candidate. When he had three finalists he invited Al and Brian to interview them. With their concurrence he hired a tall, handsome, arrogant guy from Harvard. The fellow was impressive to look at but Al seemed to be more interested in the guy’s parents.
I was not looking forward to training this guy because of his condescending attitude toward me and Theo. Without anything definitive from US immigration officials Theo planned on returning to China. There was nothing our firm could do other than write letters to immigration officials about our firm’s sponsorship of Theo.
Unknown to me the partners of Roosevelt, Frick, McKinley and Dulles had signed an affiliate agreement with a law firm in Hong Kong. Brian basically told Theo that he was transferring to Hong Kong rather than leaving the firm. Theo told him he wasn’t sure the Chinese government would give him a work permit in Hong Kong since he was from mainland China. Brian assured him things were in the works and he shouldn’t be concerned even though he first had to go to Shenzhen. He was happy to be able to visit his family while he waited. When he left I had my own bedroom but no one to share it with.