Chapter VI - Journey to 'Now'

the beginning
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Jim and Ethan are initially driven back to the apartment......but the 'Boss' 'phones,
and they are diverted to the 'Club Jaguar', to pick up the 'Boss'
and go to lunch, and do some shopping..
and now begins the long process, for Jim, of adapting to his new life.

Jim, with the aid of Dr. Brandt, will travel down 'memory lane' many times, but his life in the seemingly 'real' world of 'now' is to be a 'long and winding road' of new discoveries, some joyful and some painful....some surprising..

Jim and Ethan left Dr. Brandt's office.
"So what did he say, Jim ?
Are you really crazy ?", Ethan happily burbled, as they made their way to the limo.
"Tell you later...." Jim replied, smiling at Ethan's rather weird enthusiasm.
"But not in the limo....not in front of Chuck, and his spooky side-kick."
"OK then, but when we get back to the apartment...you tell me everything....yes ?
Absolutely everything !", Ethan rattled on.
"Yes, Ethan...when we get back to the apartment.", Jim agreed.
Chuck was ready, as seemingly always, to open the limo doors.
Once Jim and Ethan were settled in the luxurious rear seats of the elegant Eldorado, Chuck turned round to speak to them.
"Excuse me, Sirs... but while you were gone, I received a 'call' from the 'Boss', and he sent a message for both of you.
"And...?", Ethan queried.
"He wants to take you both to lunch, and then do some shopping.", Chuck explained.
"Great !", Ethan said.
"So will we have time to go back to the apartment ?", Jim asked, being more practical.
"I'm afraid not, Sir.
We need to get back to the club ... then we can change limos - the 'Boss' wants the black Fleetwood stretch model - and pick up the 'Boss' at the same time.", Chuck explained.
"OK - then let's go !", Ethan said enthusiastically.
And so the two-tone Eldorado glided away from the kerbside, leaving Dr. Brandt in his consulting room puzzling over the notes that he had made about a boy called 'Jim'.
When they arrived at the 'Club Jaguar', Ethan and Jim went straight to the  foyer, and Ethan ordered two 'stiff' Pepsi Max' - 'on the rocks'.
"Now Jim - please remember - 'on the rocks' means a drink with ice - OK ?", Ethan said, as they selected a table, and at down to wait for the 'Boss'.
"Yes, I can remember 'on the rocks', but why do you always drink 'Pepsi Max' ?", Jim asked, as they made themselves comfortable.
"Simple - it has no sugar in it - so you don't get fat - and, of course, the 'Boss' doesn't like us younger guys drinking alcohol, at least not in public.", Ethan said, as he scanned the bar, awaiting the appearance of the 'Boss'.
Eventually the 'Boss' arrived, and Ethan and Jim respectfully stood up.
"Hello boys... is the limo ready ?", the 'Boss' began.
"Hold on, Sir, and I'll go and check." Ethan said, and he dashed out to the front entrance, looking for the Fleetwood.
The 'Boss' turned to Jim.
"A word, Jim.", he said quietly.
"Don't talk about your meeting with Dr. Brandt in the limo.
We'll talk about that over lunch - but Brandt has already spoken to me on the 'phone, so I'm quite pleased with the situation." - and he smiled.
"Than you, Sir, - I'm relieved that you're pleased." Jim said.
Moment later the mobile of the 'Boss', buzzed.
He looked at Jim.
"It's Chuck - the Fleetwood's ready.
"Come on Jim...let' go...."
Once outside Jim was in for a shock.
There, parked, and with Chuck and Ethan standing proudly near by, was the biggest vehicle that Jim had seen since apparently 'arriving' in this strange world.
Limo Interior
"Big enough, Jim ?", Ethan enquired, with a cheeky grin.
"Well..... you could almost live in it....", Jim replied, allowing his eyes to scan over the monstrous auto.
"Come on, boys - just get in - we're late for our lunch.", the 'Boss' said, aware that for the young guys time was not a critical factor.
And so they set off - and both Ethan and Jim decided to stay quiet, and not antagonise the 'Boss' any further - particularly as they were going shopping.
Eventually, as the atmosphere was getting a little tense, Jim decided to be brave and try to start a conversation.
"Sorry to interrupt, Sir, (which of course he wasn't), but are there any good shops in this town ?", Jim asked, realizing instantly that his question sounded a little foolish - particularly when he saw Ethan grinning.
"Yes - I think so.", the 'Boss' said thoughtfully.
"The casual clothes you are wearing now - which I hope you like - were bought here, and also the suit, shoes and other things that you wore for dinner were also bought here.", the 'Boss' continued.
"But I thinks all those things were very expensive - and I don't have any money." Jim said.
Then he suddenly noticed Ethan - sitting opposite - shaking his head, and realized that he had probably said the wrong thing.
"Well Jim, what you say could easily be misinterpreted, but to be honest, I think, because of your situation, you a just very naive, and don't really understand what's going on. - but I will explain more when we get to the restaurant.

"The 'Boss' was obviously very concerned that such a conversation should be kept confidential, and even with the chauffeur separated from them with a partition, the 'Boss' still preferred to delay any such conversation until they were alone.
Hotel Entrance
The huge Fleetwood drew up outside the Hotel, and Chuck opened the door.
Ethan gestured for Jim to stay back, and let the 'Boss' leave the limo first.
Jim then followed, and Ethan brought up the rear.
The Hotel manager was there to greet them.
Jim noticed how deferential the manager was when he greeted and spoke to the 'Boss'.
The Manager then proffered his hand to Jim, and lastly to Ethan.
"This is a new friend of mine.
His name is Jim, and hopefully he will be dining here quite often in future.", the 'Boss' said, very formally.
"It's another one of his hotels..", Ethan whispered to Jim.
"So how many hotels does this guy own ?", Jim whispered back.
"Enough, boys ! ...wait until we are in the restaurant before making any comments.", the 'Boss' said, not even bothering to look at them."
Meanwhile the manager, probably in his thirties, slim and tall, was leading the way to the private executive dining room, and as they made their way, numerous members of staff greeted the 'Boss' with a deferential 'Good morning, Sir.".
This particular Hotel that the 'Boss' owned was not as 'upmarket' at the Hotel with the roof garden overlooking the sea, but it did provide an executive dining room for private groups.
Despite not being top class, however, the hotel was highly profitable, as the 'Boss' was well aware that there were far more moderately well-off people than 'super rich' people.
Most of the profits, regardless, came for the gambling, which was what drew people to the hotel,
The private dining room was unlocked by the hotel manager, and the three of them entered.
It was quite obvious that the table had been reserved, as it was laid to perfection, with four waiters standing round, along with the maître d' who, Jim was pleased to see, was not at all like creepy André from the previous night.
Jim wondered what all the 'extra' waiters were for, until he came to seat himself at the table, and he then discovered that, in the first instance the waiter at the place where he was to sit was there to guide his chair as he was seated, and it also appeared, that each of of them - himself, Ethan and the 'Boss' would have their own individual waiter.
It was then the turn of the maître d' to offer menus.
Almost immediately the 'Boss' saw that Jim was unable to read his menu.
Ethan, on the other hand, didn't even bother to look at his menu as he, apparently, always allowed the 'Boss' to order for him.
"It's in French - do you want an English version, Jim ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Yes please, if it's no trouble.", Jim replied, surprised at the concern that the 'Boss' was showing.
The 'Boss' indicated the request to the maître d', who in moments produced an English language menu.
After a few moments study, the 'Boss' ordered for himself and Ethan, and left Jim to make his own order - thinking that it would encourage the boy to be more confident.
At that point the waiters withdrew to a discreet distance.
"So Jim....what's this business about money ?", the 'Boss' asked, as he sipped his first Jack Daniel's.
"Well I'm really sorry, sir.
You see I thought about it, after I said it, and I know it sounded like I might be asking for money - but I wasn't - honest.
It's just that I've got a few clothes now - from you, and I don't really want any more - and I've got no money anyway, so I don't want you to go to any trouble."
As he spoke, Jim could see Ethan, who was playing with his ice-cubes, shaking his head, as if to indicate that Jim should 'shut up' - which was true.
"Jim....now listen to me carefully.", the 'Boss' began.
"Money, you should be pleased to know, is not a problem.
As I told you when I first spoke to you, I will be giving you  a regular allowance.
With that you can either save it, so that if you ever want to leave, you will have some money, (at this Jim shook his head), or you can spend some, or all of it, as you wish.
But you must understand that I have more money than I will ever need, so I like to spend it on my friends - and I hope that, by now, you think of me as a friend."
Jim nodded.
"So I like to give my 'friends' nice meals, take them to shows, buy them clothes, and all sorts of gadgets.
Now Dr.Brandt, when he 'phoned me earlier - after seeing you, told me that he wanted you to get plenty of exercise, so today, among other things, I want to buy you some sports clothes and equipment and, in order to stop little 'spiky hair' from getting jealous, (and he ruffled Ethan's hair), I will have to buy the same for him."
At that point Jim dropped his glass of Pepsi Max on the table, swayed slightly, and rubbed his eyes.
The 'Boss' instantly stood up.
"What's wrong, boy ?", he asked in a panicky voice, obviously alarmed - and at the same time he beckoned over the  maître d'.
"Nothing really.", Jim replied, sounding groggy.
"I just seemed to get a funny flash of memory, and it made me feel dizzy."
The 'Boss' looked perturbed.
"Sorry about this.....", the 'Boss' told the  maître d', "but you'll have to reset the table."
"Of course, Sir.", the  maître d' replied, already summoning over the waiters.
"Now just one minute - my mobile's gone off, (which it hadn't)", the 'Boss' said, as he walked quickly over to the other side of the room.
Once out of earshot of the boys he 'phoned Dr. Brandt and explained what had happened. Brandt said that such flashbacks might occur quite frequently, but could be good, because they could open up a way to the causes of the amnesia. He advised that a note should be kept of the events surrounding the flashback, and the information then be held by Lockwood, who could pass it onto himself. He concluded by saying that as long as Jim seemed OK, then the matter should be ignored, and he would deal with it the next time he saw Jim.
The 'Boss' then called over to the boys that he had to input some information onto his computer in the adjoining office.
While the 'Boss' was gone the waiters reset the table, and served the first course when they saw the 'Boss' returning to the table.
"Sorry about that boys - just a little business matter.", he said, trying to sound casual.
"So, Jim, how are you feeling now ?", the 'Boss asked calmly.
"I'm OK now - just a little dizzy spell."
"And would you like to tell us what happened with Dr. Brandt ?", the 'Boss' asked, as he started on his hors d'oeuvres.
Ethan
"Well, I can tell you..... he's a real weird guy !", Ethan chirped up, as he went on un-ruffling his spiky hair.
"Yes...well thank you Ethan, but I was really asking Jim.", the 'boss' replied, smiling benignly at the young lad.
"I like him, Sir.", Jim began.
"But Ethan's right, though - that he's a bit weird, but I think he knows what he's talking about - and he can be quite friendly - when he wants to be." Jim explained.
Well tha's good - and after you saw him, I spoke to Dr.Brandt on the 'phone, and he told me that he believed that he could help you, but that it would take some time.
Dr. Brandt, in case you didn't know, specializes in your particular problem, and the good thing is that he finds your own case particularly interesting, which means that he should give your case particular attention.
"So, Jim - it seems that you're not the only crazy one !", Ethan piped up again.
The 'Boss' looked over at Jim, shaking his head.
"Ignore him, Jim...", the 'Boss' said, obviously resigned to Ethan's merry little quips.
"So let's get on with this meal.....we've got shopping to do, remember ?", the 'Boss' suggested.
"Great !", Ethan enthused.
Miracle Mile Shops
"What about 'Miracle Mile Shops' ? - It's a super mall, and it's got plenty of sports shops, and good places to get 'cool' guys clothes.", Ethan continued excitedly.
"And I suppose you think that you're a 'cool guy' ?", the 'Boss' said to Ethan, with a broad smile.
"Well...", and Ethan looked at Jim sheepishly, "Jim is."
The 'Boss' patted Ethan on the shoulder.
"Don't say anything else...you're giving yourself away...but it's sweet.", the 'Boss' said, in a strangely gentle tone.
Jim, however, didn't really understand the inferences of what was being said, and was simply puzzled about a new word.
"What's a 'mall' ?, he asked.
"Oh no !....here we go again !", Ethan said, obviously in despair.
"A 'mall' is a big building where there's lots and lots of shops.....OK?", Ethan said to Jim, as if he was talking to a child - and in some ways Jim was a child - in this world.
"Well that looks like it...Miracle Mile Shops it is.", the 'Boss' said, taking a gulp of his Jack Daniel's, and obviously realizing that he was in for a new experience.
"And will Chuck know where to find this place ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Of course !....  think everyone in this town knows where it is...except maybe you."
Ethan replied, flashing an irresistible grin.
"It's the 'cool' place to go - and it's air conditioned." Ethan said, winking at Jim, and giggling (yet again) at his own, rather weak joke.
"That's enough, Ethan....we get the message....", the 'Boss' said, with an air of resignation.

And yes...Chuck did know the way to 'Miracle Mile Shops', and when the 'Boss' eventually left the limo, and made is way into the Mall, he was quite impressed.
Some of the names of the shops he actually recognised.
For example...Vercini - of which he very much approved.
Ethan, of course, had been there before, and was obviously in his element.
Jim, not surprisingly, was entranced.
The only thing, however that was missing for Ethan was a McDonald's as, despite just having had lunch, he had a hankering for a double cheeseburger.
So...he sent Chuck, who had accompanied them to the mall, off to the nearby Harmon Centre to get two double cheeseburgers, and two Pepsi Max - for himself and Jim.
And so, armed with these essential accoutrements, they proceeded to 'hang out' in the mall, like all respectable teenage 'dudes', with their rather bemused 'Boss'. (not that Jim had any idea what the word 'dude' meant)
"So where do we go first ?", the 'Boss' asked, letting Ethan take over to some extent.
"Well you keep going on about exercise, so let's go to a sports shop...Sir.", and Ethan eventually remembered to show a little respect.
"That's good - so where ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Well let's look on this 'touch screen' job - it should show us where to go.", Ethan said, being surprisingly practical and logical.
"What's a 'touch screen', Ethan ?", Jim said innocently.
"Oh, just shut up !", Ethan said, almost under his breath.
"It's like my desk, back at Club Jaguar.
It's a way of controlling a computer, by just touching the screen.", the 'Boss' explained gently.
"Yes, except that the 'Boss' has the biggest  'touch screen' ever - probably to match his limos.", Ethan said grinning.
"OK - so lets see if you can work this, Jim.
"Just touch the letters for 'SPORTS SHOP', and then touch 'ENTER'.", Ethan said, pushing Jim in front of the screen.
Much to Ethan's surprise, Jim entered the letters, pressed 'ENTER', and a list of sports shops popped up, with a map of the mall, highlighting each shop, and a little sneaky arrow saying 'YOU ARE HERE'.
"That's really sweet, Jim - you did it first time.", Ethan said,obviously surprised.
Champs Sports
"Well, what about this one ?", and Jim pointed to CHAMPS SPORTS - accidentally touching it the lettering on the screen.
Instantly a bit of advertising blurb came up - saying what a wonderful shop it was.
"So, why not ?", Ethan said, expertly touching the screen to get an indication of where the shop was.
Later, after what seemed like quite a long walk round the mall, they came to the shop.
So what did they get ?
Well the boys got shorts, vests, Adidas trainers, fingerless leather gloves, and sweat bands.
However, the 'Boss though that it was all rather cheap, and not at all the best quality.
One problem was that the shops in the US had not caught up with the fashion trend in Europe and the far East for 'short' shorts.
The shorts that were eventually bought were not as short a the 'Boss' would have liked.
There was also a similar problem with the swimming trunks, and in the end the 'Boss' decide not to purchase anything, as the very helpful young shop assistant admitted that he had nothing of the kind that the 'Boss' was asking for.
He did, however, suggest that a search on the internet would probably bring up a Japanese company, call 'Aqux', that sold very stylish  'racing trunks'.
So...that was that.
The 'Boss' then took the boys to Vercini, and bought them some casual tops,  shirts, and shoes.
"So, what did you think of the Mall." Jim asked, struggling with all his packages.
"Not really as good as I was hoping, but I have a young assistant, Zac, who is really good on the internet, and I think he will be able to order you and Ethan some really high quality, sophisticated clothes, and other things for the pair of you.
But he will show you what can be ordered - and I think you'll like him."

the 'Boss' gives Jim and Ethan membership of an exclusive gym, which also allows them to use the well equipped diving and swimming pools. At the same time the 'Boss' sends Zac to the boys' penthouse - where he delivers a laptop and mobile to both Ethan and Jim.  Meanwhile Jim continues to see Dr. Brandt, who begins to develop a theory about Jim's condition that he later explains to the 'Boss'
  
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