Rhett Ashby

[Dewey]

Mar. 11, 07

The Tagliatti's eventually did respond. They made a hit on Mr. Molony a few nights back. Fortunately, he survived the gunfire --by what miracle, I do not know. However, he did. Fortunately, Keanan was with him and was able to call for help immediately. When I first heard the news, I tried to act calm. But inside, I'll confess I was somewhat fearful. Jon was in Killarney, and Tiernan isn't exactly at the level to assume "the throne", so to speak. I knew it would fall upon me in some respects to manage the business while Mr. Molony was in the hospital. And these were his wishes as well. Jon flew in regardless (though I don't blame him) and instantly went into vendetta mode. I was able to reason with him, though, and we eventually held a meeting with Tagliatti to push for peace. He agreed to it, and we've been living in that peace ever since. Now Mr. Molony is back home, being tended to by nurses and doctors on the hour, but we are expecting full recovery. Where do we go from here, though? Do we really maintain the peace we guaranteed? Or do we make one more move to show we aren't to be messed with?

[Dewey]

Apr. 16, 07

The Tagliatti's have truly gone too far this time. Luckily, we have the resources to afford the ridicolous amont of bail money charged for our release (Jon, Tiernan, Rhys, and myself that is). The FBI itself came to the Molony residence for our arrests. Apparently, we now face charges for fraud, embezzlement, arson.. the list might as well be a mile long. I'm not neccessarily sure how Mr. Molony plans to weave us out of this. What's worst is that the press--in whatever way--has gotten wind of it. Now that the casino's reputation is in the clear, ours is being strateigcally destroyed. I can't even walk into a store without seeing those headlines. I feel like buying all of the papers just to get them out of the public's eye. But what would be the use? We've been on the morning news already, and the story will probably find its way on the evening news as well. Winnie will most likely hear about it via TV or newspaper. I feel an obligation to tell her before anyone else does, but exactly how would I go about it? And what am I supposed to say? That yes, we face indictment, but everything is going to be fine? I don't even know if everything will work out. It's a known fact the Tagliatti's have the police department in their pockets (not to mention the Rossi family... I don't even want to think about the pwoer they have). If we're put before a grand jury.. a full blown trial and everything... I have this dread in the pit of my stomach that the four of us very well might be put behind bars.

[Dewey]

Apr. 17, 07

I have never felt this angry in my life. I didn't even feel this angry when my mom left my father. I didn't feel this angry when Jon started dating Winnie. It's like this surge of indignation just boiling inside me. If I wasn't rational, I'd take a gun right now and shoot Benedetto and that son of his. Except of course that would only make the charges against us appear that much more true.

For now, I will let things follow their own course. There's not much we can really do. Mr. Molony is calling all our lawyers and getting them on the situation. My own background with law is assisting a little, but it surely isn't enough to figure out a loophole in the justice system here in Auvernha. My gut feeling tells me that we're going to face a Grand Jury whether we want to or not, and I think we should start preparing our case for that.

Winnie was understandably disturbed by the news, but I'm grateful it didn't lead to an argument. I can't handle losing her right now. In fact, I suggested she go to Killarney to stay with Katherine or her parents for a while, but she wanted to stay here with me, to support me. Even if it meant going to a courtroom. I just hope everything blows over, and that the charges are found to be false, so that the Tagliatti's can get what's coming to them.

[Dewey]

Apr. 22, 07

Yesterday was my birthday. I've never really been one to make a big deal out of them. They come and go, you know? Before you know it, you're a year older. So I wasn't really intending on doing something special last night, especially since we're drowning in paperwork in Mr. Molony's office and in our meetings with lawyers. However, when Winnie left that note, I have to admit I was looking forward to whatever surprise she had set aside. And sure enough, she took time out of her day to cook my favorite (four cheese pasta) and to even bake a cake. It was nice. It's... comforting, I guess, to know that she stands beside me all the way throughout all this and that despite what other people might say or what the news might say, my word means more to her. She's been speaking with her parents, too, and hopefully it'll rub off on them. We're going to get through this. Trust me. If it's the last thing I do, I'm going to find a way out of this. There's no way I'm going to go down without a fight, and there's no way the Tagliatti's are going to get the best of us.

[Dewey]

May 17, 07

Good news all around. The grand jury clearly is making judgment with their right minds because they came to the ruling that Tiernan, Jon, Rhys, Mr. Molony, and I are innocent of the charges brought upon us. Every last one --and trust me, there was a long list. It feels good to be off the hook. Granted, there's a few more trial dates left to follow up on, as the Tagliatti's are being brought under investigation. It's my sincere hope they get what's coming to them. Benedetto and his sons deserve to spend time behind bars for a scam like that. And if Johnny Rossi was behind it, he does as well.

Anyway, I won't worry myself over it. There are plenty of good things happening in my life at the moment. For one, Winnie and I have moved into the new house. It's rather spacious; looks even bigger than I thought it would once furnished. Winnie was happy --excited, even. It was good to see her like that, and not worrying about the trial or having to watch our backs. This is how I want her to be. Always happy. It's a good feeling seeing her smile and laugh. Well, then I suggested opening a restaurant. I'm not sure where it came from, but I know she's used to working in food services, and I thought it would be an interesting challenge to take on. I'll speak with Mr. Molony about it and see what he thinks.

[Dewey]

June 16, 07

Kids. Kids! I would like to think Katherine's merely pulling one on me, but she seemed serious last night. Two years ago, apparently, Winnie and Katherine had a discussion about one day wanting to have kids. Why do women think about things like that? Kids and weddings and houses.. before they're even married! Is that what Winnie truly wants? To start a family? Because.. well, I wasn't aware, to tell you the truth. I didn't have much of a family myself outside the Molony's. I don't have much experience to draw from. Besides, we'll be so busy with the restaurant. I hope she understands how time consuming that can be. I'm sure she does, though. She worked at Brady's after all. And if that's not excuse enough, what about the Molony family business? There's a good chance Mr. Molony might make me head of the family once he steps down. I'm already the consigliere, and though Jon's working on shaping up, I'm just not convinced he can handle something so imperative as the business just yet. That being said, I just can't see Winnie and myself as parents. I hope it was a phase she was going through. Should I speak with her about it? I'm not sure.

[Dewey]

((when Rhett was 23 or 24))

((When Rhett was around 23 or 24))

Sometimes I wonder if Jon started dating Winnie just to rub it in my face. He knew I had feelings for her. He knew, in fact, that I intended to ask her out to dinner. But then just as quickly as I'd confided in him, suddenly I found out the two were together. I never said anything about it. What could I say? He'd violated our friendship clearly (not to mention my trust), but I wasn't going to bring it up, was I? Besides, it's Jon Molony, and the Molony's get everything they want. I guess it wasn't good enough that he has the family business, his entire future already paid for, a mansion of an estate, and more family then I've seen in my life. He had to get the girl, too.

I suppose the reason I haven't exacerbated the situation simply because I've moved on. There's Katherine now. And Katherine.. well, she's not nearly as quiet as Winnie. In fact, she's not quiet at all. Loud, outgoing.. she has this adventurous spirit about her. It's nice. It keeps me on my feet, at least. People are always saying I'm too quiet or too serious anyway. So perhaps it's good I'm with her, because she helps me come out of my shell, you know? And I've grown to care about her a lot. It's almost been a year like Jon and Winnie (I wasn't going to wallow around once I found out those two were together). I haven't told her I love her...I guess I've never worked up the courage to.. or perhaps I'm afraid of what that might entail.. telling her I love her.

There's the whole issue about France. Business there, or the lack thereof, is a great opportunity for the Molony family, and I know Mr. Molony will seriously be considering it. But would Katherine stay here in Ireland? I know she's attached to her country, to family and friends, to Brady's even. I've been thinking about how to remedy everything...

What about with a ring?

[Dewey]

Jul. 12, 07

Last night, I realized I had misplaced the wedding ring. I had the cleaning ladies clear out my office to reorganize things, but in the process, I suppose I had relocated the ring to avoid theft. The only problem is I forgot where I'd put it. So I frantically started searching the entire house, and when this proved futile, I enlisted Katherine's help. Now, there's something to be understood about Katherine. She has a very strong...opinionated...personality. Which means she doesn't mind telling you you're an idiot for losing the wedding ring. It's all right, though. I'm accustomed to it. Fortunately I had my Katherine O'Donnelly Maintenance Training while dating her. It's actually pretty entertaining... our repartees. I used to think they should make a comedy based on our arguments. Anyway, we ended up finding the ring in the car fortunately. And now it's safe in the vault.

[Dewey]

Aug. 14, 07

I'M A MARRIED MAN.

It's a good feeling. I know we guys always joke about putting on the ball and chain, but it's nice to have another constant in my life. Knowing Winnie will be there in the morning when I wake up, that the rings on our fingers mean more than wedding vows can ever explain, that we're by each other's side through thick and thin (even indictment, heh). It's amazing, though. I love her more and more each hour, it seems. We're here on our honeymoon, and the way I feel about her is beyond words. She's just absolutely perfect, and I thank God that things worked out just right for us. I know we have a good future ahead of us (free of children until at least a year) --but even when that time comes, little Rhett Jr. will be a joy no doubt. For now, though: Italy! I always did tell her I'd take her, didn't I? Now I can keep my promise.

[Dewey]

Well...Katherine's here. I have to be honest: I wished she had called. What she wanted to know could've easily been answered over the phone, and would've saved her the expensive trip to Auvernha from Killarney. Granted, I know she thought she'd be moving here when she took that trip, but.. *sighs* It saddens me. It really does. I care a lot about Katherine. We had something good for a long time back in Killarney. She always was and always will be one of my closest friends. But..she didn't want to move to Auvernha. I won't hold that against her, of course. I respect her decision. Her family, her friends, and everything she's ever known is in Killarney. I was asking a lot of her. But I had put myself out there as well. I had proposed to her, for God's sake. I don't hold anything against her, but... I learned to get over that chapter in my life. It wasn't easy. God, it wasn't easy. It wasn't flawless or painless either. But eventually, I got over it and moved on. And I found a relationship with Winnie. Things have finally settled down for me here in Auvernha.

I just don't know how to tell Katherine...

[Dewey]

I told her.

And it went well. Better than I thought it would, at least. She didn't cry, fortunately. I don't know if I could've handled that. Granted, I didn't tell her that the new woman in my life is coincidentally her best friend, but...all in time, right? There's no need to avalanche her. Besides, I see no need in giving details out like that. If Winnie wants to put a name on the matter, she can do it. I just can't. I don't want to hurt Katherine. I don't think I could deal with her hating me or something. She's such a close friend, to both Winnie and myself. I didn't realize how hard it could be to look someone you once loved very much, someone you once proposed to, in the face and tell them that you're with another now, that you're with someone else that you care very much for. I don't, of course, regret pursuing a relationship with Winnie. I love Winnie. I wouldn't change a single thing about the past few months. It hurts Katherine now, but I know she'll move on eventually as well and find someone who loves and cares about her.

Probably not anyone like me, of course, but we can't all expect miracles.. *smirks*

[Dewey]

((zee past.. rhett is probably.. 18/19/20...))


I finally had Winnie to myself last night.

For the longest time, it's always been Jon, myself, and Winnie. Always our little trio. Everywhere we went, it was always us three. If it wasn't, it was always me and Jon, but never Jon and Winnie and never Winnie and myself.

Until last night.

And last night, I told her how I felt about her. I told her I have feelings for her, that I wanted a reason to not be apart of the Molony's relocation to Auvernha, France. That I wanted that reason to be in the form of someone. Her, specifically. I told her I'd miss her more than anyone else.

Problem is, apparently I was a little late in revealing all to Winnie. Some guy asked her on a date just earlier today. She didn't mention who. I'm sure it was someone from our days at school or in the neighborhood. I've seen how guys smile at Winnie. She's beautiful. She really is. And sweet. Classy. The kind of girl you proudly take home to your family. I was disappointed to find out about this. And embarrassed. All I wanted to do was go back home and beat myself up over it.

But then the unexpected happen. Winnie said to give her a chance to cancel the date. Cancel it! "No regrets, right?" Those were her exact words. Well, who am I to disagree with her? I told her to tell me when she's officially available again, at which point I'd officially ask her out.

And... well, I guess we'll see what happens from there. But Killarney is definitely looking much nicer today...

[Dewey]

((zee past))

'Some guy' turned out to be Jon Molony. Go figure. Just my luck, right? Both he and Winnie didn't say a thing about this to me, though. How could I have known? I wasn't even 100% certain until we were already making dinner for ourselves. What was I supposed to do? Just walk out on her? Because one of my best friends had been denied a date? Come on. If I'd asked Winnie out, and she had turned me down because she preferred Jon... no, I wouldn't be thrilled about it, but I'd only want what makes her happy, and if that made her happy, well so be it.

I know, I know. It's the unspoken guy rule, though. You don't go for the girl your best friend was after. But...come on. We were both after her at the same time! The same day, for God's sake. Does that count for anything?

[Dewey]

((zee past))

Jon's being ridicolous. This is all some big game to him, one more chance for him assert his power. As if the Molony family doesn't have enough power, right? Jon's not used to being rejected or denied, though. And seeing as how I have to work with him for at least another year... You know, there really was nothing wrong about me seeing Winnie. Jon can have any girl he wants. Girls would jump at the chance to date Jon Molony. In school, there were girls who hung out with me just to be closer to him! Really, Jon. Your pool of choices isn't exactly small. But no. One woman denies him, and now it's all about her.

Whatever. I'm not going to go into the office every day and hear him guilt trip me and complain about how my head's in the clouds, and my thoughts are muddied, and this and that. I'm just not. If this is how he wants it, then fine. And being the friend I am, I didn't even tell Winnie that Jon was the reason we had to break up. Had I, she'd probably hate his guts a hundred times over. But I didn't. You're welcome, Jon. Clearly you don't care about Winnie's happiness (or my own, for that matter), but you're a Molony, and what you say goes, right?

I can't wait to get out of the office today. I think I'll head straight to Brady's and have a few strong drinks...