Field of Daisies

Chapter 6

The next three days are spent researching The Dossier, talking about home, and avoiding getting found. There are a few close calls where I end up under Theodore's bed, which is thankfully covered by the bed skirt his aunt fit on it. The only real problem we have is Theodore's family starting to notice how much his appetite has apparently increased. We both know I can't stay much longer.

We talk about Mayor Monahan and how Theodore ended up living with him. As a successful marketing strategist and consultant, his uncle created what is now one of the most admirable marketing companies on this side of the country, working with many of the largest names on the continent. With his formal training completed, Theodore was invited by his uncle to intern for him, something Theodore felt he couldn't pass up. The timing is allowing Mayor Monahan to groom his nephew to one day take over his business, keeping it in the family.

Theodore tells me, "Uncle Duncan was thrilled he could work with me instead of his other prospect, Larry. The man is fine, but not a Monahan. To his credit, he is very talented, but I've never really been a fan of Larry. I think it's because I don't like the name."

"I have an uncle named Larry," I tell him.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he stammers. "The name really isn't that bad, I..."

I cut him off, "I'm just kidding, no need to squirm. You are entitled to your opinions about unfortunate names such as Larry."

He takes a few breaths before finishing his explanation, trying to hide a smile. "Um, anyway, this whole who-will-take-over-the-company business is because Uncle Duncan hopes that he'll soon be Governor Monahan. The election is next month after all." Soon Mayor Monahan will be leading not only Connecticut, but the region of New England. He'll have his own Stewards at his beck and call as it is nonnegotiable at that political level.

As Theodore talks about where his Field has brought him, his voice gets quieter and he seems to be longing for something else.

"Are you as pleased with your Field as they promised us we would be?" I ask him during the second day. We're sitting at the base of his queen bed, staring at the pictures on his dresser and taking a break from the papers in front of us.

He stays quiet for a moment, looking straight at his feet and clearly considering his answer before replying, "It's not that I'm unhappy with it. It's just that I never found myself completely drawn to any one career. I chose to study what was easiest and what would make my parents, especially my mom, happiest. I work with her brother now, what more could she want? I guess," he pauses again, "I guess I just wish I could do more, like own a business and provide the services offered instead of being limited to only the business side of things."

I scrunch my brow, taking in what is being disclosed to me. How can I be comforting? "What type of service?" is all I think to ask, ignoring the fact that he chose marketing over management. Very comforting of me, I know. If only I could roll my eyes at myself.

Theodore finally looks at me. "I don't know. Maybe construction. Or food. Like a restaurant owner who is also the chef..." His voice trails off and then grows apologetic. "I shouldn't be complaining, you had to run away from your own Field."

The chef part sticks with me, but I ty to say something comforting before bringing it up again. "First off, everyone is entitled to their own problems. And hold on, have you been cooking every meal you have brought to me?" I ask this raising my eyebrows, surprised and impressed. "It has all been fantastic, probably some of the best food I have ever eaten," I think to add before he takes me the wrong way. From the omelet to the salad to the smoothie, I mean what I said.