Finding Charlie Rose

It was the night of the Christmas party at the law firm. Sam would be announced as the new boss and owner and he couldn't wait. Sam had plans on how to change the firm for the better. He had worked with Byron on his idea and they had created a presentation to show everyone at the end of the night. Charlie would be staying at home with Shane and Damien. As much as Sam would like his sister there, it was just too late for her to be out and about. If Charlie didn't nap during the day, she would be asleep before 7 pm. John was going to be attending the Christmas party at the request of Sam. Jackson had demanded all his children be there for the event. His sons were not happy about it at all. They were going anyway for Sam and Liam, not for Jackson.

All the boys were dressed in suits as was Uncle John and had said goodbye to Charlie. Charlie was upset they were leaving without her and cried until Damien told her they were going to watch Christmas movies and she could even bake cookies with Shane. They had googled the shortbread recipe and had got the ingredients ready. They also were going to order food offering Charlie McDonalds but Oliver had told them she preferred sushi and to get that. Charlie was still sad but was not crying.

The boys took two cars, Uncle John and Oliver in one, Sam, Liam and Byron in the other, so they could fit comfortably leaving Sam's car which had Charlie's car seat in it at home. They had brought a spare car seat and one for Oliver's car as he would be taking Charlie with him to work a few days a week next year and didn't want to constantly be installing the seats in different cars.

When they arrived at the hotel which was hosting the Christmas party, they let the valet park the car. Sam and Liam were nervous but not about taking over the company. Both of them thought something bad was going to happen. John tried to calm down the boys but couldn't. Liam ended up calling Charlie who was watching Rudolf with Damey as she called Damien much to his horror. Shane was simply hairy because of his facial hair. Damien would have preferred Hairy over Damey, he had even tried to convince Charlie that Damo would be a better name, but she was stubborn.

Uncle John and the boys headed up to the room where the Christmas party was being held. The party was only a small affair, the 20 employees from the Sydney office along with their partners and some of the clients were invited. All up about 60 people would be in attendance. It looked like a lot of people were already here including Jackson and his mother. When Jackson spotted his sons he headed over to them looking for his daughter.

"Where is Charlie?" Jackson asked. His mum soon joined him to find out where her granddaughter was. "She is at home with Shane and Damien" Sam replied not wishing to be in his father's presence. "I told you all my children needed to be here and that included her" Jackson spat out. "She is a baby, this event is too late for her. She would be getting ready for bed by now if not asleep" Liam spat back. "Your mother brought you boys every year" Jackson spat back. "Only so she could avoid having to watch you take different women into the toilets to fuck, oh sorry my bad to assist with legal matters" John spat.

Jackson was furious, how dare his children and brother-in-law speak like that. Jackson stormed off in search of a drink, he was humiliated and angry. One drink wouldn't hurt but before he could get a drink it was time for the official welcome which he would do and make the announcement of handing over the company to his son. The paperwork had already been done and the company was officially Sam's as the paperwork was signed and filed that afternoon, tonight was just about show. Jackson made his way to the stage and welcomed everyone. He congratulated them on a great year at the firm before asking Samual to come onto the stage. He asked everyone to grab a glass of Champagne which was being handed out by the waiters.

"As you know I started this firm and built the firm up from the ground by myself. Through hard work and determination, I have made it as successful as it is today. I always had a vision that my sons and I would run this firm together. Today though, it's a sad day for me as I retire due to illness. However, I'm proud to leave the firm I created to my son Samual. We signed the paperwork today and when we reopen in the new year, my son will be in charge. Won't you all join me in raising your glass to Samual" Jackson stated as a photo of the two signing the paper was projected on a screen behind them, earning cheers and applause from the people at the party. Jackson skulled the champagne which he had in his hand which he had promised himself was just for show. He was after all a recovering alcoholic.

Sam stepped to the microphone. He knew that he was to close the party with a special announcement but he had to acknowledge the work his mother did for the firm right in the beginning, even if his father didn't want to. "I would just like to say a big thank you to my mother Sally who helped build this firm up as well, she typed contracts and answered phones and did the books in the very beginning. Unfortunately, we lost her at the beginning of the month, but Mum I hope we make you proud" Sam stated raising his glass and taking a small sip of his drink. Jackson was again humiliated and stormed off towards the bar in search of a whiskey. How dare Sam praise that woman for doing what she was supposed to do. He was the face of the firm, not her.

Maree was conversing with her grandsons and John speaking about Charlie and asking if she would be able to see her before Christmas. Sam, Liam, Oliver and Byron had no problem with their grandmother and saw how broken she was by the hands of her own husband. They had offered for her to meet Charlie on the 23rd of December at the park without Jackson present as Charlie was scared of him. She agreed immediately and asked what to buy the little girl for Christmas. Jackson's one drink turned into 5 and soon he was beyond angry with his sons. He was going to show them how to respect him and went in search of his sons.