AVOX in France

It was one of those hectic Mondays to start the week, and I was tired when I drove my F350 down my long winding road only to see a black stretch limo in our circular driveway, right in front of my front door. This was not a normal scene at my home and I had a bad feeling as I parked the truck.

My name is Martin Creed, 42 years old, and married to Justine for the last five wonderful years. You can say I married up and out of my league. Justine Bautista was a professional dancer, and somewhat famous in the dance circles. She owns her own dance studio and was famous for working with many stars for both music videos and movie choreography.

When I entered my home the house was quiet when I called out to let Justine know I was home. I heard a small voice from the living room and saw Justine on the couch looking into a cup of coffee with her hands folded on her lap. I knew this wasn't good, and braced myself for an unseen shock wave.

"Honey, is everything OK? Why is there a limo out front?"

She wouldn't look at me and with her head lowered said those words you only read about and hope to never hear from your loved one.

"Honey, something has come up. We need to talk."

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Now, before I tell you about that scene, allow me to introduce myself. As I just mentioned, I'm Martin Creed, Marty to my friends. I am President of Coastal Construction, the largest commercial developer in South Florida. Coastal Construction was started by dear old dad, back in 1947 who is now semi-retired but still owns 100% of the company. I will be the sole heir to the company and legacy, as outlined in his will and trust. Until then, I run things, as Dad enjoys his days fishing and golfing.

If there was such a thing, many would refer to me as an Alpha Male, a cliché I dislike. You see, I'm actually a gentle giant. I'm six foot-ten inches tall and muscular, due to good genes and 20-plus years of hard labor working for my father. My dad made me learn the business from the ground up and taught me the meaning of a hard day's work. It was indeed hard work, and he treated me no differently than any other worker. He was determined to toughen me up, and after I suffered a few concussions, several broken bones, and many other injuries, I understood the meaning of a hard day's work.

I also learned the meaning of integrity and honesty after making some early mistakes. Dad's corrections were swift and painful. When I was young, I once mistreated my younger sister and talked back to my mom. I still remember the painful lesson Dad taught me for my misbehavior. Dad taught me early on to never disrespect any female, as they are God's gift to the male species and the mother of our children. I was expected to be polite, and respectful. Due to my lessons in those early years, I took up for my sister and girlfriends in an overzealous way.

I cherished them and treated women as gentle flowers. I always trusted and respected them as I believed that they were here to honor us and raise our family. Old-Fashion? Perhaps, but that was the way I was raised. I never started any fights, but found my size intimidating to many which ended things before I had to hurt anyone. In fact, I was never involved in an actual fight but stopped so many that I lost count.