Page 60 of Bourbon Kingdom
Investigations were still underway, but for right now, my dad and Rex were facing charges of prostitution, embezzlement, and fraudulent investments. Pretty much, they were sitting pretty on some prison time. I was looking forward to the day they would pay their much-deserved dues.
George met me in the back of the room where the press conference was being held. We shook hands, and I could tell by the small smirk on his face that he was a very happy man.
“George, you’re looking well,” I greeted him.
“Mr. Colby, good to see you on such a joyous occasion.” He glanced over and saw Kace and stuck out his hand. “Mr. Haywood, a pleasure.”
“Hi, George. Good to see you. I can’t believe you’re still hanging around with this guy,” Kace said, while gripping my shoulder.
“I could say the same about you,” he smirked.
“He pays me. Have to milk the cow as much as I can.”
“Milk the cow?” I asked, raising my eyebrow.
Kace just shrugged, making George chuckle to himself.
“It’s good to see a friendship like yours stay intact. I’ve seen so many friendships dissolve throughout the years.”
“I’m too invested by now to let go,” Kace responded, being more playful than usual.
“Don’t let him fool you,” I cut in. “The man is obsessed with me.”
George threw his head back and laughed. “Never a moment with Jett Colby when he isn’t full of himself.”
“Why, George, was that a dig at my personality?” I acted offended.
He patted my cheek and said, “Never, my boy, only affection.”
“Mr. Colby, are you ready?” asked someone helping run the press conference.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded my head and walked toward the lights of the stage.
The room was full of press with cameras, microphones, voice recorders, and columnists with poised pens, just waiting to take notes and ask questions. They looked like hungry vultures, and I was about to feed them the meal of the century.
George informed me before the conference that I was supposed to address the press with my own statement, and then take questions afterwards. It would be pretty simple, and thankfully I was seasoned when it came to handling the press, so if they started to become too invasive, I would be cutting the press conference short. There was only so much I divulged, and right now, I knew my personal life was up for attack, since my father was looking at such serious charges.
The room fell silent as I approached the podium. Lights shone down on me, blocking out the faces in the crowd, making it easier to recite the speech I’d spent the morning memorizing.
“Good afternoon. Thank you all for taking time out of your day to be here with me. As you all know, Lot 17 is a prime location in this great city of New Orleans. I’ve been very zealous at making it known that this property has been of great interest to me. Last week, I was awarded the property through a bidding process and can now tell you how ecstatic I am about acquiring the property. I am known in this city for my real estate investments and business prowess, but I’m afraid I have been quiet when it comes to my philanthropic work. I’ve done this because I don’t believe in gloating about my charity work. I am in a position where I can spread my wealth, and I believe doing so in silence is a proper way to conduct business, but there are times when you need to talk about such charity work to bring the community together, to make the citizens of New Orleans a cohesive force. That being said, I’m here to announce my plans for Lot 17.”
Taking a second to let my words sink in, I paused and then continued.
“Lot 17 will belong to the community, to the children of New Orleans, to those in need of second chances. I plan on making a park with ball fields, soccer fields, walking paths, and a community center, where we will offer free classes ranging from exercise to art for members of the center. Membership will be free to the citizens of New Orleans; all we ask is that you keep the parks clean, encourage each other, and stay positive. We want to encourage kids and adults to explore different avenues of recreation, whether it be cooking, painting, or even joining a team. It’s time to give back to the community, the same community that raised me from a baby to the man I am today. I want every family in this city, no matter their social standing or race, to have a chance to grow and experience life in a way they might not have without the community center. I am announcing the plans for Lot 17 because I want to engage the community, ask for volunteers, and help spread the word about the new opportunities we will be offering to the city of New Orleans. Thank you for listening to me today; are there any questions?”
The room erupted as press raised their hands and shouted out their questions. The moderator of the conference called on individuals to ask questions.
The first question came from a brown-haired man with glasses. “How will this community center be funded?”
“Funding won’t be an issue, that is for me to worry about, and me alone.”
“Does that mean you will be funding it yourself?”
Annoyed with his question, I answered curtly. “Yes, next question.”
“Mr. Colby, when do you foresee the community center opening?”
“By the end of the year, hopefully by fall. I’ve been in communication with multiple contractors in the city, making sure they know what kind of priority Lot 17 will be. They are well aware of my timeline. I have full confidence we will be seeing a community center soon.”
