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turnstileskyline · 3 years

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It’s August 4th, 2021, the 129th anniversary of the day Abby and Andrew Borden were found dead of supposed hatchet wounds in their Fall River home. The most famous, and most investigated, suspect was Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie. In this post, I will attempt to go through the timeline of the day as unbiased as possible, and then I will discuss the two most popular theories.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Discussions of murder, abuse, and illness.

The day of August 4th, 1892, started normally in the Borden household, with two exceptions. Lizzie’s elder sister, Emma, was on vacation in Fairhaven, and Andrew’s brother-in-law, John V. Morse, was visiting to discuss business matters.

At 8:45 a.m, Morse leaves the house to visit his niece, and Andrew sits in the sitting room. Abby tells Bridget, the family maid, to wash the windows inside and out. Lizzie comes downstairs for breakfast.

Between 8:45 a.m and 9:00 a.m, Bridget reports feeling ill, and leaves the house briefly to vomit.

At 9:00 a.m, Andrew leaves the house. Bridget returns inside, and witnesses Abby dusting. She does not see Lizzie.

Between 9:10 a.m and 9:30 a.m, Abby goes upstairs to clean the guest room where Morse was staying.

At 9:30 a.m, Lizzie stands at the backdoor as Bridget exits to the barn.

Estimated between 9:30 a.m and 10:00 a.m, Abby is killed by blows to the head.

Between 9:35 a.m and 10:20 a.m, Bridget washes the outside windows, pausing to speak to a person referred to as “Kelly girl” at the southern-most fence.

Between 10:00 a.m and 10:20 a.m, neighbor Churchill sees Bridget washing the outside windows.

At 10:20 a.m, Bridget re-enters the house and began to wash the indoor windows.

At 10:40 a.m, Andrew returns home and is let inside by Bridget after he fumbles with the key. Bridget hears Lizzie laugh from the direction of the staircase.

At 10:45 a.m, Andrew lays down on the sitting room sofa to take a nap. A neighbor witnesses a stranger stealing pears from the backyard. Lizzie sets up an ironing board. Lizzie tells Bridget that there is a sale at a clothing shop, and informs her that a note was left saying that Abby had gone out.

At 10:50 a.m, a neighbor notes that an open buggy was parked in front of the Borden home. Bridget begins to feel ill again and retreats to the attic to lay down.

At 10:55 a.m, Lizzie goes out to the barn.

At 11:00 a.m, Lizzie reportedly hears a noise like “scraping.”

Between 10:55 a.m and 11:05 a.m, Andrew is killed from blows to the head.

At 11:10 a.m, Lizzie re-enters the house and calls for Bridget, yelling that “someone has killed father.” As Bridget comes down, Lizzie begs her to fetch a nearby doctor, Dr. Bowen. However, Bowen was not at home. Bridget fetches Lizzie’s close friend, Alice.

At 11:12 a.m, Churchill sees Bridget rush to get Alice and notices a distressed Lizzie. She questions what’s wrong, and leaves to get a doctor.

At 11:15 a.m, a neighbor notices the disturbance and phones the local police.

At 11:20 a.m, Bowen returns and enters the Borden household. Officer Allen arrives and sees a distressed Lizzie sitting at the kitchen table.

At 11:21 a.m, Allen and Bowen begin examining the body of Andrew. Alice and Churchill arrive with Bridget. Morse departs his niece’s house, not yet knowing of the situation at the Borden home.

At 11:23 a.m, Bowen returns to his home to send a telegram to Emma, informing her of the murders.

Between 11:25 a.m and 11:30 a.m, Lizzie asks if Abby has returned. Bridget and Churchill go upstairs to check and discover her body. Bridget fetches Bowen and his wife.

Between 11:35 a.m and 11:40 a.m, Officers Doherty and Wixon, along with reporter Manning, arrive at the Borden household. They are let in by Bowen. Andrew’s watch is removed by Wixon.

Between 11:35 a.m and 11:40 a.m, Morse returns to the Borden household, standing in the backyard.

Around 11:37, Officers Mullaly and Medley arrive.

At 11:40, Bowen returns and is informed that Abby’s body has been discovered upstairs.

At 11:45, Dr. Dolan arrives to examine the bodies. Morse speaks to an officer outside and claims he heard of the murders from Bridget. He then goes inside to examine Andrew’s body, before going upstairs to see Abby’s.

Between 11:50 a.m and 12:00 p.m, Bridget, Medley, Doherty, and another officer go to the cellar to examine the hatchets.

At 12:20 p.m, Officer Harrington arrives.

At 12:25 p.m, Harrington interviews Lizzie.

At 12:45 p.m, Doherty and other officers drive to Andrew’s farm to interview anyone working/living there.

Between 12:45 p.m and 3:30 p.m, I was unable to find adequate information.

At 3:30 p.m, photos were taken of the bodies and skulls.

At 5:00 p.m, Emma arrives home from Fairhaven.

Between 5:00 p.m and 5:30 p.m, state detective Seaver arrives.

At 5:30 p.m, Dolan delivers the bodies of Andrew and Abby to an undertaker.

At 6:00 p.m, Alice leaves to return to her home.

At 8:45 p.m, Officer Hyde reports seeing Alice and Lizzie enter the cellar, though no one else had seen Alice return to the Borden house.

And that’s that. That’s the recorded timeline that I’ve put together of the day. Now, I’ll be getting into the two most popular theories.

Lizzie.

Lizzie Borden is the most popular suspect, and one of the most notorious women in American history. It’s easy to understand why she was the main suspect. Her close relationship with her father, her reportedly odd behavior, and her strained relationship with her stepmother, Abby.

Lizzie and Abby had never had a familial relationship. Lizzie would refer to Abby as “Mrs. Borden,” and neither she nor Emma would call her “mother.” They were, though, mostly civil to each other. However, tensions rose when Andrew placed Abby before Emma and Lizzie in his will, as well as buying houses for Abby’s relatives.

The placing of Abby as the first beneficiary in the will would have angered Lizzie and Emma, who were both unmarried and were thus financially dependent upon Andrew. Were he to die, Lizzie and Emma would then have to rely on Abby. Though Abby was not reported as showing any anger towards Lizzie and Emma, the relationship was strained on both sides.

I can’t talk about Lizzie without mentioning the relationship between the sisters and Andrew. Lizzie was the youngest daughter of Andrew, and when she was a teen, she gifted her father a ring, which he would often wear or carry with him. This was odd due to the fact that those who knew him would often say that Andrew was not sentimental. Emma, on the other hand, still held a cold relationship with Andrew. Emma and Lizzie’s biological mother died when Emma was 13, and Emma very quickly had to take on the role of mother to Lizzie. Andrew was reported as having refused help from outside family members, preferring to keep a quiet, closed doors family with Lizzie and Emma.

By all accounts, the family relationship was cold, even from the time that Lizzie was a child. It was Emma and Lizzie together, against Andrew and Abby. Except, of course, for the relationship between Lizzie and Andrew.

If this relationship was as inappropriate as it seems, then Lizzie truly was, at the time of the murders, trapped. Lizzie never knew a mother, as she never formed a relationship with Abby. Andrew was her only parental connection, and even if there truly was no inappropriate relationship occurring, he was still a cold man who was more of a household leader than a father.

For those who believe that Lizzie committed the murders, there are various motives given. The two I have mentioned, financial dependence and abuse, and more. One popular theory is that Lizzie was having a secret affair with Bridget or Alice, and this affair was found out, so Lizzie committed the murders out of fear of punishment or exposure.

Usually paired with the abuse theory, it’s also commonly thought that Lizzie had cared for pigeons in the barn, which were then killed by Andrew as punishment.

Once more, it’s very easy to see why Lizzie was a suspect for all the reasons I’ve mentioned. As well, her testaments following the murders were contradictory. Officers reported that she seemed aloof (although, it is important here to note that neighbors noted that she was distressed and that she simply presented her emotions in a different way.) There was a bucket of bloody clothing in the cellar. It seemed as if Lizzie would have been the only one able to commit the murders.

John Morse

John Morse has gained popularity as a suspect in recent years, as people have begun to poke holes in his alibi.

Morse was the brother of Andrew’s first wife and the biological uncle of Lizzie and Emma. But he seemed to have a closer, though businesslike, relationship with Andrew.

The day prior to the murders, Morse came to the Borden household for a surprise visit, discussing finances and business with Andrew. It’s commonly reported that this discussion grew into an argument, ending with Morse losing.

Despite this, and his profession as a butcher, Morse was dropped as a suspect very quickly, due to him having an alibi that seemed rock solid. Almost too rock solid. He provided numbers of streetcars and buggies that he passed, made sure to strike up public conversations, and took notes of exact times. Morse left his niece’s house a minute after the officers first arrived at Lizzie’s, despite the fact that he had not yet learned of the murders.

When he returned home, he told an officer that he had heard of the murders from Bridget. However, he had not had access to a phone nor a telegram in the time between him leaving his niece’s house and his arrival at the Borden house. Prior to him leaving his niece’s house, he would have had an eight-minute to receive a telegram or phone call, although his niece did not report that. In those eight minutes, however, Bridget was with Churchill and Alice, and would not have had the time to send a message to Morse. Though it would be easy to say that Bridget may have met him outside and informed him, according to all reports, Bridget remained inside with the rest of the household.

Interestingly, Morse also knew where Abby’s body was despite not being told.

As much as neither of these theories can be proven, they cannot be disproven either. Unless we one day uncover new evidence that alters the case, any theory could be true, even ones that I didn’t mention here. Perhaps it was a snubbed employee of Andrew’s, perhaps it was the man stealing pears, perhaps it was whoever owned the buggy parked by the Borden house, or perhaps it was Bridget. None of these, we can definitively say, happened or didn’t happen.

All we know is that, 129 years ago today, Andrew and Abby Borden were killed in their Fall River home, but the legacy of their mysterious end lives on.

#woooo hoooo woohoo #ill be queing this to reblog thruout the day #lizzie borden #lizzie #lizzie the musical #lizzie (2018)#um thats all i can think of .#yeah.#please rb.#i did a lot into this lol

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hydeparkhistorian · 3 years

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Hyde Park: The Center of the World?

Did you know that our neighbor Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the man who came up with the idea for the United Nations? He had been bothered by his country’s failure to join the League of Nations just after WWI. So, to insure America’s place in world politics, he decided that during the Second World War, the allied powers should come together to create some sort of world collective security organization. He was so sure of its importance that at one point he even contemplated leaving the Presidency so that he could oversee the U.N. as its first Secretary General. Of course we know that would never happen, in fact he would never get the chance to see his victory in the war or the creation of the U.N. but it's interesting to wonder how he might have felt to know that his hometown was in the running to be the Capital City of the United Nations.

In November of 1945, Benson R. Frost, an attorney from Rhinebeck and FDR’s friend, was appointed to represent the Hyde Park United Nations Organization Committee. It was his job to argue on behalf of the Town of Hyde Park, that there was no better place to house such an important and international concern. The pamphlets that were produced layout all of the reasons why Hyde Park would make such a perfect location for all of the world’s nations to converge. Beginning with the fact that the Home of FDR was used as a temporary White House whenever he visited the town. That requires easy access, security, and communication abilities. Frost and his team made sure to add the fact that most of the leaders of the allied nations had already spent much time in Hyde Park when they would visit the President, so they were already familiar with its layout and commodities.

The pamphlets also included the fact that there was plenty of land for the taking, owned both privately and by the Federal Government. It made it seem as if the estates surrounding the Home of FDR could easily make for excellent headquarters for the U.N. offices (could you imagine Vanderbilt Mansion being an office building?!). Though it should be noted that not all estate owners wanted to just hand over their lands to the U.N., including Mrs. Gerald Morgan who lived at Bellefield. But she would consider negotiating with the U.N. for its sale to the organization on a “reasonable basis.” There was also talk of installing a reservoir near the “dream house” (that’s a code word for Top Cottage in Press talk) that could be fed from the Fallkill and Crum Elbow creeks.

Of course the committee could not forget to include the fact that Hyde Park is right in the middle of the lovely Hudson Valley that has easy access to all sorts of colleges, industries, hospitals and sightseeing opportunities (none of these things were actually located in Hyde Park, but not far.) For example, the two major colleges of Vassar and Bard were mentioned and the big local factories of Poughkeepsie were discussed including IBM, DeLaval Separator, and Schatz Bearings. The fact that the closest major airport was in Newburgh was not a concern, as there was talk of adding a 6,000 foot runway for planes somewhere in town and that this particular part of the Hudson River “is suitable for landing seaplanes.”

With all of these things to consider, in February of 1946, the official UNO Committee decided that Hyde Park was not suitable for building a city needed for the Capital of the World. They claimed that the town is “apt to be rather hot in summer and the area does nor lend itself very easily to the building of a city inasmuch as there is only one strip of land which lends itself to city planning.” The committee even said that “the close association of the area with President Roosevelt is greatly welcomed in certain American quarters and arouses just as strong an opposition in others.” (true, not everybody liked him.)

So, Hyde Park lost the chance to be the center of the world. Though honestly, New York City gets just as hot as we do during the summer! Though it might be for the best, could you imagine the traffic jams on Route 9??

#hyde park #history #fdr #united nations #dutchess county #new york history

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yepic · 4 years

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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (/tʃɪˈpoʊtleɪ/, chih-POHT-lay),[7] often known simply as Chipotle, is an American chain of fast casual restaurants in the United States, United Kingdom,[8] Canada,[9][10] Germany,[11] and France,[12] specializing in tacos and Mission burritos.[13][14] Its name derives from chipotle, the Nahuatl name for a smoked and dried jalapeño chili pepper.[15] The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CMG.[16]

Chipotle is one of the first chains of fast casual dining establishments.[17] Competitors in the fast-casual Mexican market include Qdoba Mexican Grill, Moe's Southwest Grill, Rubio's Coastal Grill, and Baja Fresh.[18] Founded by Steve Ells on July 13, 1993, Chipotle had 16 restaurants (all in Colorado) when McDonald's Corporation became a major investor in 1998. By the time McDonald's fully divested itself from Chipotle in 2006,[19] the chain had grown to over 500 locations. With more than 2,000 locations, Chipotle had a net income of US$475.6 million and a staff of more than 45,000 employees in 2015.[3]

In May 2018, Chipotle announced the relocation of their corporate headquarters to Newport Beach, California, in Southern California, ending their relationship with Denver after 25 years. Founder Steve Ells attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Afterward, he became a line cook for Jeremiah Tower at Stars in San Francisco.[20] There, Ells observed the popularity of the taquerías and San Francisco burritos in the Mission District. In 1993, Ells took what he learned in San Francisco[21] and opened the first Chipotle Mexican Grill in Denver, Colorado, in a former Dolly Madison Ice Cream store at 1644 East Evans Avenue,[22] near the University of Denver campus, using an $85,000 loan from his father.[19] Ells and his father calculated that the store would need to sell 107 burritos per day to be profitable. After one month, the original restaurant was selling over 1,000 burritos a day.[16] The second store opened in 1995 using Chipotle's cash flow, and the third was opened using an SBA loan. To fund more growth, Ells' father invested $1.5 million. Afterwards, Ells created a board of directors and business plan, raising an additional $1.8 million for the company.[23] Ells had originally planned to use funds from the first Chipotle to open a fine-dining restaurant, but instead focused on Chipotle Mexican Grill when the restaurants saw success.[24][25]

In 1998, the first restaurant outside of Colorado opened in Kansas City, Missouri.[26] The company opened its first location in Minnesota by opening near the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in March 1999.[27]

In 1998, McDonald's made an initial minority investment in the company. By 2001, the company had grown to be Chipotle's largest investor.[19] The investment from McDonald's allowed the firm to quickly expand, from 16 restaurants in 1998 to over 500 by 2005.[28] On January 26, 2006, Chipotle made its initial public offering (IPO) after increasing the share price twice due to high pre-IPO demand. In its first day as a public company, the stock rose exactly 100%, resulting in the best U.S.-based IPO in six years, and the second-best IPO for a restaurant after Boston Market. The money from the offering was then used to fund new store growth.[29]

In March 2005, Monty Moran was appointed president and chief operating officer of Chipotle while Ells remained chairman and CEO.[30]

In October 2006, McDonald's fully divested from Chipotle.[31] This was part of a larger initiative for McDonald's to divest all of its non-core business restaurants — Chipotle, Donatos Pizza, and Boston Market — so that it could focus on the main McDonald's chain.[32] McDonald's had invested approximately $360 million into Chipotle, and took out $1.5 billion.[23] McDonald's had attempted to get Chipotle to add drive-through windows and a breakfast menu, which Ells resisted.[33][34] In 2008, Chipotle opened its first location outside of the United States in Toronto.[10]

In January 2009, president and chief operating officer Monty Moran was promoted to co-CEO, a position that he would share with Ells, while Moran retained his president position.[35]

In a list of fastest-growing restaurant chains in 2009, Chipotle was ranked eighth, based on increases in U.S. sales over the past year,[36] and in 2010 Chipotle was ranked third.[37] Consumer Reports ranked Chipotle as the best Mexican fast-food chain in 2011.[38] The company serves approximately 750,000 customers per day.[39]

In December 2010, Chipotle hired chef Nate Appleman to develop new cuisine. Appleman has won Rising Star Chef from the James Beard Foundation, was named "Best New Chef" by the Food & Wine magazine, and competed on The Next Iron Chef.[40]

In 2010, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) audited Chipotle's Minneapolis restaurants, and found that some employees had been hired using fraudulent documents. In December, Chipotle fired 450 employees from its Minneapolis restaurants as a result of the audit, resulting in protests by local groups.[41][42] In February 2011, ICE expanded the audit to include 60 restaurants in Virginia and Washington, D.C.[43] which resulted in 40 workers being fired. In April 2011, the criminal division of the attorney general's office in Washington, D.C., joined the case, and ICE agents began interviewing employees at 20 to 25 restaurants in other locations, such as Los Angeles and Atlanta.[44] In response to the government investigations, Chipotle hired former director of ICE Julie Myers Wood and high-profile attorneys Robert Luskin and Gregory B. Craig.[45]

In December 2016, Chipotle announced that co-CEO Monty Moran has stepped down from his role effective immediately with Ells becoming the sole CEO.[46][47] Eleven months later, Ells announced in November 2017 that he would be stepping down as CEO.[48]

In December 2017, Chipotle announced it signed a 15-year lease and in late 2018 will move around 450 corporate employees – currently housed in multiple buildings around downtown Denver – into the new 1144 Fifteenth Tower and occupy around 126,000 square feet or 5 floors of the 40-story tower.[citation needed]

In February 2018, Chipotle announced that Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol would replace Ells as CEO starting on March 5 while Ellis would retain his chairman position.[49] Many industry analysts praised Niccol's appointment saying that Chipotle "needed new blood."[50] Chipotle stock went up $30.27, or 12.04%, as a result of the announcement. However, other analysts criticized the announcement by saying that "the move goes against everything the burrito chain stands for."[51]

In May 2018, Chipotle announced that it would relocate headquarters from Denver to Newport Beach, California in Southern California. Corporate functions handled in their Denver and New York offices would move to Newport Beach or to an existing office in Columbus, Ohio. This move would impact 400 workers, some being offered relocation and retention packages.[52]

In June 2018, the company announced the closing of 65 under-performing restaurants.[53][54]

Other restaurant expansion[edit]

In 2011, Steve Ells was a judge for the TV show America's Next Great Restaurant and investor of ANGR Holdings, the company that will be running the winning concept's restaurants. Chipotle has agreed to purchase Ells' investment in ANGR at his cost, provide support for ANGR operations, and invest a total of $2.3 million in cash contributions.[55] The winning concept, Soul Daddy, was quickly closed after operating for less than 5 weeks.[56]

In September 2011, Chipotle opened an Asian fast-casual concept restaurant named ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen in Washington, D.C.[57] The company has said the new restaurant "would follow the Chipotle service format and its focus on 'food with integrity' in ingredients."[58] Chipotle's plan was to start with only one store, and see how the restaurant works out before expanding the concept.[59]

On December 18, 2013, the company revealed that it had opened its first fast-food pizza chain in Denver back in May 2013. According to Associated Press, Chipotle partnered with a local full-service restaurant called Pizzeria Locale to create a fast-food version of the eatery, keeping its name. The company plans to open at least two more pizzerias in the Denver area.[60]

In April 2014, Chipotle announced an increase in menu prices for the first time in nearly three years, due to increasing costs for steak, avocados, and cheese. The price increase was expected to be rolled out from the end of second quarter of 2014 through the end of the third quarter.[61] In late 2015, Chipotle expanded its mobile strategy through delivery partnerships with tech startups like Tapingo, a delivery service that targets college campuses.[62]

On July 29, 2016, the company announced the opening of its first Tasty Made burger restaurant in the fall. Chipotle was still dealing with the various virus outbreaks with additional marketing. The company was also reducing the number of new stores for the year from 235 to 220.[63]

The newer restaurant concepts did not perform as well as expected so that ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen and Tasty Made were respectively closed in March 2017[64] and February 2018[65] leaving only Pizzeria Locale operating besides the parent company.

International[edit]

According to an article in The Motley Fool, Chipotle had 17 locations outside of the United States by October 2014 with the majority in Canada, and the UK was in the process of opening more locations.[66] The rate of overseas expansion was slower than expected.[67] Many of the press reviewers thought that the food was overpriced for their area.[12][68]

As of 2018 there are 33 locations outside of the United States with 19 locations in Canada (Ottawa, Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, Mississauga, Oakville, Vancouver), 6 locations in The United Kingdom (London), 6 in France (Paris), and 2 in Germany (Frankfurt).[better source needed][3][69]

Canada[edit]

Chipotle Mexican Grill in Canada

In August 2008, Chipotle opened its first location outside of the United States in Toronto.[10] The second location in Toronto–and in all of Canada–was not opened until 2010.[67]

The first Canadian location outside of the Toronto area was opened in Vancouver in December 2012.[70] A second Vancouver-area location was opened in Burnaby in October 2014[71] followed by a third in Surrey in January 2016,[72] a fourth in Langley in October 2016,[73] and a fifth in West Vancouver in March 2018.[74]

The first location in the nation's capital of Ottawa was opened in February 2017 at the Rideau Centre.[75]

Chipotle rapidly expanded in the Greater Toronto area, and is still opening new locations.[citation needed] As of 2018, there are 11 locations in Toronto, 2 in Vaughan, 2 in Mississauga, 1 in Oakville, and 1 location in Markham.

United Kingdom[edit]

The second Chipotle Mexican Grill location in London, located on Baker Street

Chipotle expanded to Europe with the first European restaurant opening in May 2010 in London.[8][76][77] A second location opened in London in September 2011.[78] The following year, three additional locations were quickly opened in the London area.[79] After this growth spurt, the rate of further expansion in London slowed greatly with the sixth location appearing in 2013[80] and the seventh in June 2015.[81] Although Chipotle blames the slow growth in the United Kingdom on the British unfamiliarity with Mexican foods,[82] several locally owned burrito chains had opened locations across the United Kingdom during the same interval.[83]

France[edit]

The first location in France opened in Paris in May 2012.[12][84]

Expansion in France was much slower than that in the United Kingdom or Canada, with a second location in Paris opening in 2013[85] and a third location in 2014.[86] At 7,000 square feet, the restaurant at La Défense is, as of 2015, the largest Chipotle location in the world, while a typical Chipotle restaurant is usually between 2,200 and 2,500 square feet.[87] A fourth Parisian location was opened in Levallois-Perret in 2015[88] followed by a fifth[89] and a sixth[90] Parisian location in 2016, both in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Germany[edit]

The first location in Germany opened up in Frankfurt's Skyline Plaza shopping mall in August 2013.[11][68]

A second location opened in Frankfurt's MyZeil shopping mall in April 2019.[91]

Corporate management[edit]

Chipotle's team includes a residing corporate office of managers and its board of directors. Members of both teams are appointed to serve on committees: audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance.

The top management team consisted of the chief executive officer, Steve Ells; the chief financial officer, Jack R. Hartung; the chief marketing and development officer, Mark Crumpacker.[92] The current board of directors consists of: Ells, Patrick Flynn, Albert Baldocchi, Neil Flanzraich, Darlene Friedman, Stephen Gillet, Kimbal Musk and John Charlesworth.[93] On March 14, 2018, it was reported that Mark Crumpacker, who had previously been charged in a 2016 cocaine ring indictment, would be leaving the company.[94]

Ells serves as chairman of the company, and served as Chief executive officer until November 2017.[95][48] He has a 1.25% stake in the company.[96] The labor-market research firm Glassdoor reported that Ells earned $29 million in 2014, versus a median of $19,000 for Chipotle's workers, making the CEO-to-worker pay ratio 1522:1.[97]

On February 13, 2018, Chipotle announced that Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol would replace Ells as CEO starting on March 5 while Ells would retain his chairman position.[49]

On March 6, 2020, Ells resigned as chairman and left the board of directors, breaking his final ties to the company. At the same time, Niccol was appointed chairman and the size of the board was reduced from 10 to 7 directors.[98][99]

Operation and distribution[edit]

All of Chipotle's restaurants are company-owned, rather than franchised.[100] As of December 2012, 1430 restaurants have since opened throughout the United States and Canada, with locations in 43 states, Ontario, British Columbia, and the District of Columbia.[101][102]

The field team are the employees who work closely with but not directly within specific restaurants. The field support system includes apprentice team leaders (step up from restaurateurs), team leaders or area managers, team directors and regional directors (not atypical for them to oversee more than fifty locations).[103] Because Chipotle does not franchise, all restaurants are corporately owned. Thus, whenever Chipotle is in the process of launching a new location, the field team hires a new general manager and trains them at a current location so that they will be ready for the new location when it opens for business. The corporate office takes care of finding and funding new locations as well.[104]

Menu[edit]

A Chipotle restaurant in Brandon, Florida, having the typical service-line layout with menu above

Chipotle's menu consists of five items: burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads. The price of each item is based on the choice of chicken, pork carnitas, barbacoa, steak, carne asada, tofu-based "sofritas",[105][106] or vegetarian (with guacamole, which would be at an extra charge otherwise). Additional optional toppings are offered free of charge, including: rice, beans, four types of salsa, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce.[107][108]

Chipotle regular sized chips and queso with a side of sour cream.

When asked in 2007 about expanding the menu, Steve Ells said, "[I]t's important to keep the menu focused, because if you just do a few things, you can ensure that you do them better than anybody else."[109] Chipotle also offers a children's menu.[110][111] Most restaurants sell beer and margaritas in addition to soft drinks and fruit drinks.[112]

The majority of food is prepared in each restaurant. Some exceptions are the beans and carnitas, which are prepared at a central kitchen in Chicago, Illinois.[113] None of the restaurants have freezers, microwave ovens, or can openers.[114]

Chicken Burrito Bowl

The chain experimented with breakfast foods at two airports in the Washington (D.C.) metropolitan area but decided against expanding the menu in that direction.[115][116][117] Starting in 2009, selected restaurants had offered a pozole soup,[118][119][120] which has since been discontinued.

In June 2015, Chipotle began test marketing a pork and chicken chorizo-type sausage as a new protein option at selected locations in the Kansas City area.[121][122][123] Some food writers have expressed their health related concerns over the protein's relatively high sodium content since a 4-ounce serving contains 293 calories and 803 milligrams of sodium[124] while the American Heart Association’s recommended daily amount is less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium.[125] In contrast, the protein options with next highest sodium contents are Barbacoa with 530 milligrams and sofritas with 555 milligrams.[124] An earlier version on the Mexican sausage was tested in Denver and New York City in 2011,[126] but that test was terminated when that version of the sausage was perceived as looking too greasy.[127] Chorizo was discontinued in September 2017[128] but was returned to the menu in the following year for a limited time.[129]

In July 2020, Chipotle began test marketing a cauliflower rice option at 55 locations in Colorado and Wisconsin.[130]

Chipotle accepts fax orders, and in 2005 the company added the ability to order online from their website. For both online and fax orders, customers proceed to the front of the line to pay for pre-ordered food.[131] In 2009, Chipotle released an app for the iPhone that allows users to find nearby Chipotle locations, place an order, and prepay with a credit card.[132] In 2013, Chipotle released an Android app that allows users to locate nearby Chipotle locations, place an order, prepay with a credit or gift card, and access favorites and recent orders.[133][134]

Nutrition[edit]

In 2003, a Center for Science in the Public Interest report stated that Chipotle's burritos contain over 1,000 calories, which is nearly equivalent to two meals' worth of food.[135][136] MSNBC Health.com placed the burritos on their list of the "20 Worst Foods in America" because of their high caloric content and high sodium.[137] When a burrito with carnitas, rice, vegetables, cheese, guacamole, and salsa was compared with a typical Big Mac, the burrito had more fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and sodium than the Big Mac, but it also had more protein and fiber.[138] The restaurant has also received praise – Health.com included the restaurant in its list of the "Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants".[139]

Chipotle's vegetarian options include rice, black beans, fajita vegetables (onions and bell peppers), salsa, guacamole and cheese.[140] All items other than the meats, cheese, sour cream, and honey vinaigrette dressing are vegan.[140] As of late 2013, Chipotle developed a new cooking strategy for the pinto beans, eliminating the bacon and making them vegetarian and vegan-friendly.[141] The cheese is processed with vegetable-based rennet in order to be suitable for vegetarians.[140] In April 2010, Chipotle began testing a vegan "Garden Blend" option, which is a plant-based meat alternative marinated in chipotle adobo, at six locations in the U.S.[142][143] The flour tortillas used for the burritos and soft tacos are the only items that contain gluten.[140]

Food sourcing[edit]

In 1999, while looking for ways to improve the taste of the carnitas,[20] founder Steve Ells was prompted by an article written by Edward Behr to visit Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).[144] Ells found the CAFOs "horrific", and began sourcing from open-range pork suppliers. This caused an increase in both the price and the sales of the carnitas burritos.[76]

In 2001, Chipotle released a mission statement called Food With Integrity, which highlighted Chipotle's efforts to increase their use of naturally raised meat, organic produce, and dairy without added hormones.[7] Chipotle only uses the leg and thigh meat from its chickens; the breast meat is sold to Panera Bread.[145]

Customers at a Chipotle restaurant in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Ells has testified before the United States Congress in support of the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act, which aims to reduce the amount of antibiotics given to farm animals.[76][146]

Since 2006, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), a Floridian farmworker organization, has protested Chipotle's refusal to sign a Fair Food agreement, which would commit the restaurant chain to pay a penny-per-pound premium on its Florida tomatoes to boost tomato harvesters' wages, and to only buy Florida tomatoes from growers who comply with the Fair Food Code of Conduct.[147] In 2009, the creators of the documentary film Food, Inc. (along with 31 other leaders in the sustainable food movement) signed an open letter of support for the CIW's campaign, stating that, "If Chipotle is sincere in its wishes to reform its supply chain, the time has come to work with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers as a true partner in the protection of farmworkers rights."[148] In September 2009, Chipotle announced that it would sidestep partnership with the CIW and instead work directly with East Coast Growers and Packers to increase wages for its tomato pickers.[149] Ells framed the dispute as a fundamental issue of control, stating that, "the CIW wants us to sign a contract that would let them control Chipotle's decisions regarding food in the future."[150] In October 2012, Chipotle signed an agreement with the CIW and became the 11th company to join the organization's Fair Food Program.[151]

In January 2015, Chipotle pulled carnitas from its menu in a third of its restaurants; company officials cited animal welfare problems at one of the suppliers, found during a regular audit, as the reason.[152] Subsequently, a false rumor spread online claiming it was done to appease Muslims who consider pork to be unclean, leading to some protests on social media.[153] The company still uses antibiotic-free and hormone-free steak in its restaurants, despite being briefly forced to "serve beef that is not naturally raised" during the summer of 2013, posting an in-store notice each time that occurred.[154] Roberto Ferdman of The Washington Post opined that Chipotle's stated mission to sell "food with integrity" may be "untenable" if meat producers continue to breach Chipotle's ethical standards.[152]

Also in 2015, Chipotle stopped using genetically modified corn and soy beans in their foods, claiming to be the first nationwide restaurant to cook completely GMO free.[155] This was done in response to increasing consumer demand for GMO free products.

Food safety[edit]

External video "How Chipotle made hundreds of people barf". Vox report dated January 6, 2016, explaining Chipotle's "food safety crisis".

Since 2008, a former Kansas State University food safety professor has accused Chipotle of confusing the public by using such terms as "naturally raised meats", "organic ingredients", and "locally sourced" and trying to equate those terms with food safety.[156] In rebuttal, a Chipotle spokesperson told The Daily Beast that "all of our practices have always been very much within industry norms. It's important to note that restaurant practices are regulated by health codes, and restaurants are routinely inspected by health officials. Everything we have done in our supply chain and in our restaurants has been within industry norms."[156] Yet, FiveThirtyEight pointed out that the 2015 norovirus outbreak appears to be unusual[157] and others are criticizing their food sourcing or handling practices.[158][159] MarketWatch wrote that the result of all of these outbreaks will be to force Chipotle to obtain their produce from larger corporate farms that can afford the more extensive microbial food-safety testing programs and to process vegetables at centralized locations instead of at the individual stores, both of which are industry-standard practices that the company had previously criticized.[160] The New York Times implied that the company's insistence on maintaining its long standing rhetoric about "food integrity" seemed to be quite opposite with the realities of recent current events and made it appear that the management was just ignoring their current problems.[161] It also has been pointed out that Chipotle's current record-keeping system is actually hindering the health authorities' investigation in locating the sources of the various infections.[161]

A writer for the magazine Popular Science pointed out that Chipotle had publicly acknowledged that they "may be at a higher risk for food-borne illness outbreaks than some competitors due to our use of fresh produce and meats rather than frozen, and our reliance on employees cooking with traditional methods rather than automation."[162][163][164] Henry I. Miller, a medical researcher and columnist and the founding director of the FDA's Office of Biotechnology, asked: "One wonders whether Chipotle’s "traditional methods" include employees' neglecting to wash their hands before preparing food, which is how norovirus is usually spread. And the fresh versus frozen dichotomy is nothing more than a snow-job. Freezing E. coli-contaminated food does not kill the pathogens; it preserves them."[165] Describing food poisoning outbreaks as "something of a Chipotle trademark; the recent ones are the fourth and fifth this year [2015], one of which was not disclosed to the public", Miller notes that "a particularly worrisome aspect of the company's serial deficiencies is that there have been at least three unrelated pathogens in the outbreaks – Salmonella and E. coli bacteria and norovirus. In other words, there has been more than a single glitch; suppliers and employees have found a variety of ways to contaminate what Chipotle cavalierly sells (at premium prices) to its customers."[165]

A writer for the North Carolina newspaper The News & Observer called Chipotle's "food with integrity" a "lucrative farce" and a "marketing ploy" by pointing out that organic food is "often grown with manure (an 'all-natural' fertilizer), which can certainly increase the risks of accidentally spreading fecal bacteria like E. coli."[166]

In December 2015, Seattle health officials closed a Seattle-area Chipotle for a day after it had repeatedly had small numbers of violations during recent consecutive inspections that previously would not have generated a closure order.[167] On December 10, 2015, CEO Steve Ells released a press statement apologizing for 2015 outbreaks and promised changes to minimize the risks of future outbreaks.[168]

March 2008 hepatitis outbreak[edit]

In March and April 2008, the Community Epidemiology Branch of the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency traced a hepatitis A outbreak in San Diego County to a single Chipotle restaurant located in La Mesa, California in which 22 customers were infected with the virus.[169][170]

April 2008 norovirus outbreak[edit]

In 2008, Chipotle was implicated in a norovirus outbreak in Kent, Ohio, where over 400 people became ill after eating at a Chipotle restaurant.[171] Officials at the Ohio Department of Health said that the outbreak was caused by Norovirus Genotype G2.[172] Many of the victims were students at Kent State University.[173] The initial source of the outbreak was never found.

February 2009 Campylobacter jejuni outbreak[edit]

In 2009, an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health traced an outbreak of campylobacteriosis to a Chipotle Mexican Grill in Apple Valley, Minnesota.[174][175][176] The investigation found that chicken was sometimes served undercooked by the restaurant and determined that lettuce which had been cross-contaminated with raw or undercooked chicken was the vector for the outbreak.[177][178][third-party source needed]

July 2015 E. coli outbreak[edit]

In early November 2015, The Oregonian reported that there was a little-known E. coli outbreak that had occurred earlier in July in which five people were infected with the O157:H7 strain of E. coli. The outbreak was traced to a single Chipotle location in Seattle and that the incident was not publicized at that time.[179][180] Seattle public health officials defended their actions at that time by saying that the outbreak was over by the time they made an association with Chipotle. Health officials were unable to trace the source of the July outbreak and said that the cause of the July outbreak is unrelated to the October/November outbreak.[179]

August 2015 norovirus outbreak[edit]

Another norovirus outbreak was confirmed to have occurred in August 2015 at a Simi Valley, California location in which 80 customers and 18 employees reported becoming ill.[181][182] Ventura County health inspectors found various health violations during two inspections following the outbreak report.[183] Despite those violations, the county health officials did not close the restaurant and allowed it to continue to operate.[181] In a January 2016 article, The New York Times reported that the number of victims involved in the Simi Valley norovirus outbreak was actually 207, twice the number that was reported earlier.[184]

In an unusual move, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration has gotten a federal grand jury to issue a subpoena in January 2016 as part of a criminal investigation seeking documents and information from Chipotle concerning the Simi Valley norovirus outbreak.[184][185] As of January 2016, it is too early to tell which organization is the actual target of the investigation. In most cases involving norovirus outbreaks that involved a single location, state and/or local authorities are the usual jurisdiction responsible in the investigation and prosecution of those type of cases. However, Ventura County officials had been criticized for their handling of parts of their investigation, and for allowing the restaurant to continue to operate after finding health violations during consecutive inspections.

Less than two weeks later, a federal class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California claiming that Chipotle knowingly allowed an ill kitchen manager to work for two days before sending that person home. Then, the restaurant actively deep-cleaned the restaurant to remove all traces of contamination prior to notifying the Ventura County Environmental Health Division of the existing outbreak, hindering their investigation. The lawsuit also claimed that the number of known victims was as high as 234 and estimates that the number of meals that the infected employee may have come in contact with could be as high 3,000.[186][187][188]

August 2015 Salmonella outbreak[edit]

At almost the same time as the Simi Valley norovirus outbreak, Minnesota health officials confirmed a Salmonella outbreak that affected 17 Minneapolis-area Chipotle restaurants in mid-August 2015. The source of the outbreak was traced back to contaminated tomatoes that were grown in Mexico.[189][190] The Minnesota Department of Health reported that samples from 45 victims were tested and found that their illness was caused by the Salmonella Newport bacterium as determined by DNA profiling.[191] Later, the state officials reported that the total of persons who became infected was increased to 64 and the number Chipotle locations in which they had acquired the bacterium was increased to 22, all located within the state of Minnesota.[192]

October 2015 E. coli outbreak[edit]

In October 2015, at least 22 people were reported to have gotten sick after eating at several different Chipotle locations in the states of Washington and Oregon. At that time, an epidemiologist for the Washington State Department of Health said the culprit appeared to be a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacterium, but they were still waiting the outcome of several laboratory tests before they could give a definitive result.[193][194][195] As a precaution, Chipotle had closed 43 stores in Washington and Oregon pending the results and recommendations of the involved health authorities. On November 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had reported that the number of persons reported ill had risen to 40 known cases and that the bacteria samples taken from 7 infected persons in Washington and 3 persons in Oregon states were confirmed to be infected by the same strain of E. coli, the Shiga toxin-producing STEC O26 strain, as determined by DNA profiling.[196] At least 12 persons required hospitalization, but no fatalities. As of November 2015, Health authorities were still trying to trace the exact source of the bacterial contamination, but suspected fresh produce.[197]

On November 12, the CDC increased the number of known cases to 50, the number of persons requiring hospitalization to 14, and the number of DNA fingerprint confirmations to 33.[198] Through a match via Pulsenet, the DNA fingerprint also matched a recent case in Minnesota, but the ill person did not eat at Chipotle. The source of the bacteria infection still had not yet been determined at the time of the report released by the CDC and the CDC is trying to use the more definitive, but more time-consuming whole genome sequencing procedure to see if they are able to determine the relationships between all of the STEC O26 cases. In the meantime, Chipotle reopened the closed restaurants on November 11 after disposing all of the food within the closed facilities and deep cleaning those facilities.[199]

On November 20, the CDC reported that the number of STEC O26 cases, as determined by DNA fingerprinting, had increased to 45 with 16 persons requiring hospitalization and the total number states being affected had increased to six.[200] Besides Oregon and Washington, new cases were reported in the states of Minnesota, California, New York, and Ohio.[201] 43 out of 45 of the affected individuals had reported that they had eaten at a Chipotle in the week before they had become sick.

On December 4, the CDC reported that the number of STEC O26 cases, as determined by DNA fingerprinting, had increased to 52 with 20 persons requiring hospitalization and the total number states being affected had increased to nine.[202] New cases were reported in the states of California (1), Illinois (1), Maryland (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), and Washington (1).[203]

The price of shares for Chipotle stock dropped a further 12% immediately after the CDC had issued their update on November 20.[204] Share prices had been dropping since the initial announcement of the E. coli outbreak in late October with investors unsure if the drop in share prices just a temporary aberration and that Chipotle management is handling the incident as well as they could. Chipotle has since hired a consultant to improve their food safety program and have their program reviewed by both the CDC and FDA.[205]

On February 1, 2016, the CDC official closed their investigations on the larger E. coli that started in Pacific Northwest in October 2015 and also the smaller outbreak that started in Kansas and Oklahoma in November since no new cases were reported since December 1.[206] In their final report, the CDC stated that 55 persons in 11 states were infected with the same strain of STEC O26 during the major outbreak with 21 of those persons requiring hospitalization. The five persons infected in the later outbreak were made ill by a genetically different strain of STEC O26. The CDC also reported that federal and local health and food safety authorities were unable to detect traces of the microorganisms in any of the food samples taken from the suspected restaurants or from their supply chain. The CDC, FDA, and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service were unable to determine a point source that was in common in the meals that were consumed by all the victims since some of the restaurants were located far apart and had obtained some of their ingredients from different suppliers while other consumers of the suspected suppliers were not affected.

November 2015 E. coli cases[edit]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on December 21 that five more people became ill after eating at two Chipotle restaurants located in Kansas and Oklahoma in late November. Preliminary DNA fingerprinting results appear to indicated that the newer cases were caused by a different strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O26. Scientists are waiting for the results of the more definitive whole genome sequencing analyses to determine if the organisms responsible for this outbreak are genetically related to the E. coli that are responsible for causing the outbreak that had started in Oregon and Washington in late October and thus an extension of that outbreak. The agency has not yet determined which food is responsible for the outbreak.[207] The Food and Drug Administration reported that they are trying to determine how the bacteria in these cases, along with the earlier Oregon, Washington, and other multi-state cases, might have been propagated through the food supply chain.[208]

December 2015 norovirus outbreak[edit]

The closed restaurant on December 16, 2015

In December 2015, eighty students at Boston College, including members of the men's basketball team, were sickened after eating at a single Chipotle restaurant. Affected students had been tested for both E. coli and norovirus in order to determine the cause of the illnesses.[209][210] Although it would take as long as two days before the results of more definitive tests became known, public health investigators reported that preliminary tests pointed to the presence of norovirus.[211] The health inspectors for the City of Boston had since closed this particular location on December 7 for a number of health violations that included maintaining meats at a too low of a temperature on the serving line and for allowing a sick employee to work at the time of the inspection.[212]

On December 10, officials from the Boston Public Health Commission reported that tests had identified a single strain of norovirus that is responsible for this particular outbreak.[213] Boston Globe reported on December 10 that 141 persons were reported to have gotten ill and that some of the newer victims had not visited Chipotle before contracting the virus[214] and most likely became infected by being in close proximity to someone who had gotten ill at Chipotle, such as a roommate or dorm-mate.[213] Boston authorities traced the cause of the outbreak to a sick employee who was allowed to work on the day of the outbreak. Chipotle has since fired the employee and also the manager who knowingly allowed the ill worker to complete his shift instead of following health codes.[215]

Consequences of the multiple incidents in 2015[edit]

On February 8, 2016, Chipotle closed all of its eateries nationwide for a few hours during the morning for an all-staff meeting on food safety.[216] The company hired a new head of food safety, who instituted changes including having all employees wash hands every half hour, having two employees verify that produce like onions, jalapeños and avocados have been immersed in hot water for five seconds to kill germs on their exteriors, and using Pascalization to pre-treat food ingredients.[217]

Since the series of food-poisoning outbreaks in 2015 lowered trust in the product, Chipotle has tried to lure back its customers with free food and heavier advertising. Same-store sales increased 17.8% percent in the first quarter of 2017.[218]

July 2017 norovirus outbreak[edit]

Despite corrective actions, the company faced another setback in implementing their safe food policies in July 2017. A norovirus outbreak is being investigated in Virginia. More than 130 people reported having norovirus-like symptoms and two individuals had tested positive for the virus after eating at a Chipotle restaurant in Sterling, Virginia. The Loudoun County Health Department confirmed the illnesses from July 13–16, 2017. Shares of Chipotle's stock stumbled more than 10% on this news[219][220] and also the news that customers had posted videos of mice skittering through a Chipotle restaurant in Dallas just a few days before the norovirus incident was reported.[221][222] On July 25, several news agencies reported that Chipotle officials confirmed that the "recent norovirus outbreak in Virginia was the result of lax sick policy enforcement by store managers" and that the company believed that an employee was the cause of the outbreak.[223][222]

July 2018 Clostridium perfringens outbreak[edit]

In late July 2018, Ohio public health officials launched an investigation after receiving 368 complaints from customers after they had eaten at a Powell, Ohio, location.[224] By mid-August, the U.S. Ce

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misslisterkeepsajournal · 4 years

Text

1826 Sunday 5 March

6 3/4 11

Went into the stable - sat down at my desk at 7 1/2 - wrote 1 1/2 pages to Tattersall to ask him if he thought he could 'with advantage and without impropriety' try to sell a horse of mine at the sale (the week after next as said the man in the mail on Thursday) of Mr. Lambton's steed - described Hotspur - concluding with apologizing for asking an unnecessary question, but said, that, if Mr. T- [Tattersall] knew anything of a gentleman of the name of Emery in London who furnished Veturino horses for all parts of the continent, I should consider myself obliged to him to give me his address - then wrote 2 pages and the ends to Mrs. Norcliffe - thanking her for the guinea bird and her note on Tuesday and for her letter on Wednesday - thanked her for her opinion and advice respecting our going abroad -

'I have always valued the one, and often regretted not having followed the other, and entreat and hope you will continue to let me benefit by both so long as we are each of us permitted to sojourn here - I shall always remember all your kindness with affectionate gratitude, and never cease to think of you with pleasure as one of the best of my friends' -

Said my aunt wanted a dry air even more than a warm air, which dry air was not to be had anywhere in England - we were to follow the climate that suit us, and could not therefore as yet decide exactly where she should attempt to settle - had ordered Dr. Clarke's work on the different places on the continent resorted to by invalids, and should be much influenced by this - had ordered a carriage and should be much obliged to her for any hint she could give - mentioned about Betsy Harrison and desired to have Burnett's opinion enclosed a bill from Whitley of 3.9.6 dated 31 March 1824 for binding prints for Mrs. N- [Norcliffe] on cleaning the room after IN [Isabella Norcliffe] and I were gone, this bill (sent to IN [Isabella Norcliffe] was found on the floor - then wrote very nearly 3 pages to IN- [Isabella Norcliffe] mentioning what I had done in York, and that we expected M- [Mariana] tomorrow week, and there was still some chance of Miss Mc.L-'s [Maclean's] coming for I read or skimmed over the letter from her and M- [Mariana]

At 10 1/2 sent off my letter to 'Messers Tattersall and company Hyde Park corner London' my letter to 'Mrs. Norcliffe Langton hall Malton' and my letter to 'Miss Norcliffe the Reverend James Dalton's Croft Rectory Darlington' - then had my breakfast here (in my room) and read my letter from John Lister (Swansea) 2 pages very proper letter of thanks for the mourning ring, and for my 2 letters - He says of my uncles death 'it shocked us very much not knowing that he had a bad state of health' - I omitted to mention the name of the office in which his insurance is effected - I thought as soon as I had sent off my letter - I will write again - then read my letter from M- [Mariana] (lawton) 3 pages and the ends - she knows nothing to prevent her coming tomorrow week - has not shewed my last to Mr. C.L- [Charles Lawton] but perhaps may -

'I have very good reason for believing that neither your letter nor one 1/2 of mine was read - so strange a being as Mr. C.L- [Charles Lawton] to deal with, you cannot conceive - I will defy anyone that does not live with him to comprehend the difficulties which those that do are perpetually meeting with' -

Then read my letter from Miss Maclean (Edinburgh) 3 pages - the thought of my going abroad seems to have affected her much - she fancies we may never meet again - our leaving Shibden had never entered her head - she had thought of going to settle matters at Quinish in May (should they continue in Edinburgh) hoping I could go with her

'and the idea of travelling together, and spending a few weeks rambling thro' the wilds - without any one to interrupt our intercourse - was such a delightful thought, I fancied it must come to pass - then we must have got acquainted with each other but vain are human plans - the lonely - desolate feeling your letter occasioned, you, perhaps could not have guessed - but I am chasing it away - I have allowed myself to think too much of you, having not one but yourself whose thoughts are as my thoughts - whatever bitterness of spirit I might be in, your letters always cheered me, till this last'....

She wishes to come yet knows not if she can, or, if she can, if she ought while we are in the bustle perhaps of moving and while my aunt is so unwell - Sat down immediately and wrote 3 pages and the ends (she tells me, too, of a treasure of a woman servant aetatis 40, a highlander, a Macdonald) in answer, to go tomorrow -

'Sibbella! I have this moment received your letter - It affects me more deeply than you think; for I discover from it what I have scarcely vanity, or courage, call it which you please, to acknowledge to myself, much less to you, - I discover from it, that you have perhaps more regard for me, than we either of us felt assured till this moment - you do not write like a person who is heartless, or like one whose heart is lightly interested in the fate of this friend 'The lonely desolate feeling......(quoted to 'think too much of you') - Sibella! forgive me, if I can guess better than you imagine; - forgive me, if, on looking into my own heart, I seem in some sort looking into yours - I knew not - thought not- hoped not - your mind would muse upon a scheme so winning as 'the idea of travelling together....(quoted to 'interrupt our intercourse') - this sentence sinks deeply in my heart - yes! 'then we must have got acquainted with each other' - you would have known me, - known whether I was worth the thought and friendship you have given - Perhaps it may be still, - and, tho' not next summer, a summer afterwards that may not please us less - Why despair? Why give up the hope of meeting in happiness even in this world? If you are strong enough to bear the journey, come; if not, I will try to see you by some means or other'.....

Mention our expectation of seeing M- [Mariana] tomorrow week, and then afterwards, and our plans as far as we know them - if she can come early in June will meet her at Northallerton or Newcastle or wherever she likes, and bring her in the carriage from York - mention Dr. Duffin's handsome sister having married a Mr. Thompson? bookseller in Edinburgh - mine and my aunt's thanks for the trouble she has taken about the servant

'your account of Macdonald is very tempting - I only wish you had seen her Is her health good? Does about 40 mean rather less or rather more than that age? - Do you know if she can speak French? and if she is neat in her appearance, and altogether a nice looking person? I should like a Highlander - In your next will you answer these questions if you can, and give me her address? for if we'd not take the one in York, I should like to look after your Country woman' -

On speaking of the probability she would be more comfortable here than at Langton

'there is a something passing shew on which the joy of heart depends - I could name circumstances under which we might have taught each other this lesson practically - But Providence ordains it otherwise - and all thing are ordered wisely - Give me your friendship for ever, and I am satisfied - come, see what I am, and tell me, if you can, you have not repented the day we met' -

These 3 pages and the ends to Miss Mc.L- [Maclean] took me 1 1/2 hour till 12 3/4 - then wrote out the journals of Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday and so far of today, and had just done at 3 10/60 - it is four hundred and fifty a year - from then to 4 1/2 settling accounts - then wrote out my father's future rent-roll of the property here - which took me till 5 - Dressed and washed for I had not had time to do it before - Dinner at 6 10/60 - tea and coffee at at 8 - Fine morning before 12 - then showers of hail and rain, during the afternoon and evening - came up to bed at 9 3/4 at which hour Barometer 1/3 degree above changeable Fahrenheit 44° Read from page 153 to 171 the last no. [number] (65) of the Quarterly review on Gilly's history of the Vaudois - E..O.. -

Reference: SH:7/ML/E/9/0065 - SH:7/ML/E/9/0066

#anne lister #anne lister code breaker #gentleman jack #1826 #isabella norcliffe #sibella maclean

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shaankaz · 5 years

Text

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https://www.behance.net/gallery/93879481/Prestige-Finsbury-Park

https://medium.com/@row.divyasree/luxury-apartments-for-sale-in-bangalore-ad80c59bd62d

#Prestige Kenilworth #Prestige Spencer Heights #Prestige Deja Vu #Prestige Hermitage #Prestige Elysian #Prestige Augusta Golf Village #Prestige Golfshire villas #Prestige White Meadows Villas #Prestige Woodland Park #Prestige Finsbury Park #Prestige Song of The South #Prestige Fairfield #Prestige Leela Residences #Prestige Park Square

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kristenbrownca · 4 years

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Home for Sale Essex, MD 221 - Abigail Kubacka Keller Williams

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via Real Estate Agent Home for sale, Galena Road, Essex, MD 21221 This Stately Colonial Home on a 0.23 Acre Level Lot is for sale Stately Colonial Home  0.23 Acre Level Lot!!!  Covered Front Porch  4 Large Bedrooms  2 Full & 1 Half Baths  Large Rear Deck  HUGE Eat-In Kitchen  Hot Tub & Salt Water Pool  Private Landscaped Yard  Fenced Back Yard  Custom Media Room  Hyde Park Neighborhood Keller Williams American Premier Realty 443-512-0090 Office Abigail Kubacka 2214 Old Emmorton Road, Suite 200, Bel Air, MD 21015 Office: (443) 512-0090 Cell: (410) 322-2739 [email protected] All information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. For More Info: www.homewithabby.com Living Room ~ Custom Tile Entryway, 2 Story Foyer, Freshly Painted Front Entry Door, Hardwood Floor with Brand New Stainmaster Carpet Inlay, Crown Molding, 2 Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans with Lights Half Bath ~ Main Floor Location, Ceramic Tile Floor, Delta Oil Rubbed Bronze Faucet Sitting Room ~ Hardwood Floor with Brand New Stainmaster Carpet Inlay, Crown Moldings, Decorative Columns Flank Arched Entryways, Ceiling Fan with Light, Enviro Antique Finished Pellet Stove, Electrical Panel Access Custom Eat-In Kitchen ~ Center Island, Custom Cabinetry, High Definition Laminate Counter Tops, Delta Faucet, Glass & Metallic Mosaic Tile Back Splash, Ceramic Tile Floors, Recessed Lighting, Pendant Lighting Over Breakfast Bar, Pantry Closet, Chandelier Over Table Area, French Glass Sliders lead to Deck Area, Access to Utility Closet, Freshly Painted Appliances Included: GE Profile Refrigerator, Jenn-Air Cooktop with Built-In Exhaust, Jenn-Air Double Wall Oven, Kitchen-Aid Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Interior, Garbage Disposal Formal Dining Room ~ Antique Hardwood Floor, Chandelier, Crown & Chair Rail Molding, In-Wall Speakers, Freshly Painted Master Bedroom Suite ~ Cathedral Ceiling with Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan with Light, Engineered Hardwood Floor, In-Wall Speakers, Large Windows Flood Room with Natural Light, Spacious Walk-In Closet with Custom Shelving Master Bathroom ~ Cathedral Ceiling, Ceramic Tile Floor, Soaking Tub with Tile Surround, Separate Standing Shower with Delta Oil Rubbed Bronze Shower Head, In-Ceiling Speakers Bedroom #2 ~ 3/4” Grey Hardwood Floor, Crown Molding, Ceiling Fan, Custom Closet Bedroom #3 ~ 8” Wide Handscraped Hickory 3/4” Bellawood Hardwood Floor, Crown Molding, Ceiling Fan, Custom Closet Theatre Room, Custom Noise Reduction Floating Floor with Brand New StainMaster Carpeting, Custom Suede-Lined Ceiling with Custom Moldings, Hampton Bay Antique Light Bezels on Recessed Lighting, Custom Red Lame’ Theater Curtains, Storage in Attic Eaves, Utility Closet Double Window provides Beautiful Sunset Views over Back River! Included with Full Price Offer: 60” Sharp HD TV, JBL Synthesis Theater Speaker System, Custom Power Reclining Leather Seating for 6 People Bedroom #4 ~ 8” Wide Handscraped Hickory 3/4” Bellawood Hardwood Floor, Crown Molding, Ceiling Fan with Light, Custom Clo Second Floor Full Bath ~ Shower/Tub Combination, Ceramic Tile Floor, Linen Closet Exterior Features Include Vinyl Siding Exterior, Over-sized Covered Front Porch with Stone Exterior Wall, Hampton Bay Outdoor Ceiling Fans with LED Lights, Hampton Bay Outdoor Light Fixtures with Philips LED Flame Tip Bulbs, Ornately Landscaped, Freshly Painted Entry Door, 7+ Car Driveway / Off Street Parking REAR: Outdoor Speakers, Custom Waterfall Feature, Thermospa 6 Person Hot Tub, 16’ Salt Water Above Ground Pool (4’ Deep), Stone Patio with Fire Pit, 12’ x 20’ Storage Shed with 100amp Service.

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angryrabbit42 · 5 years

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Bonus Tracks 3

All for the lovely: @a-rose-by-any-other-doctor @dwsecretsanta

Read on AO3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/21925084/chapters/52331086

Annoyed that he must help fund UNIT by schmoozing, the Fourth Doctor picks up a mysterious date by the side of the road.

Track 2: Guest

Rose’s eyes opened. Sitting up, she turned to view the Doctor’s dark eyes. He was blinking as the connection between them was severed by her quick movements. “Oh, that was,” the Doctor murmured.

“You kissed me!” Rose exclaimed, giggling. “It took you forever to kiss me the first time and that version of you did it in less than four hours.”

“Well, I was a bit of a flirt, in that incarnation.”

“In *that* incarnation?” Rose asked, brows arching.

The Doctor rolled his eyes. “I’m not always… so…”

“What?”

“Interested in all that… romance… It’s unusual.” Awkwardly, the Doctor tugged on his ear, not bothering to get up from his position against the headboard. “Timelords aren’t… we don’t do romance. I mean they didn’t. I sometimes…”

Rose covered his mouth. “It’s okay. I liked it.”

The Doctor huffed warm breath against her hand. Rose snorted, removing her hand before he decided to lick her palm. His eyes twinkled with mischief as if he had been thinking of licking her palm and was a bit thwarted by her moving it away.

“Alright,” Rose said, turning around and laying back against him. “Ready for the next one?”

His fingers resumed their place against her temples. “Oh, erm, this one’s mine, I think, not yours… You may remember it already.”

“How do you know?” Rose asked, enjoying the closeness and the heat radiating from him as they basically cuddled. “Is there a note on it or something?”

“No, it feels like me, like a memory from the one with the scarf… Only way to find out is to open it up.” He wiggled his fingers, tickling her. She puffed out a breath in annoyance but she didn’t mean it. He ignored it anyhow, pressing until she felt his mind swirling around hers again, an excited feeling rushing through him as he whispered the next word on his list.

Rose felt irritation filling her up, plus a healthy dose of ego and her brain was almost flooded with thousands of lines of thought. The feeling was tamped down apologetically, as Rose temporarily became the Doctor on Earth somewhere in the early 80s? Or late 70s? The Doctor hadn’t been paying attention to the time ironically.

“Absolutely not! I’m a Timelord! Not some Cigarette Rep from Leeds,” the Doctor shouted.

Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart’s eyebrows quirked up, making his ridiculous mustache quiver like a particularly annoying rabbit. The Doctor stuffed his hands into his pockets awkwardly, wondering if shouting a bit more would help. It did, sometimes. Sheepish, he hunched his shoulders. “I won’t go,” he said petulantly. “Sarah’s not going. I have a working time machine now and I don’t work for you anymore, so there.”

“Doctor, this isn’t a sales summit. The top scientists are all meeting in London to mingle and garner money for various projects,” the brigadier said, tone patronizing and long-suffering.

The Doctor huffed.

“And as much as it pains me to say so with your enormous ego, you are the most intelligent scientist on Earth,” he continued as if the Doctor was not sulking. “I realize Miss Smith is unavailable since I was the one who sent her out to cover the story in Aberdeen. UNIT needs the backing. We’re seriously lacking in budget here.”

The Doctor had noticed the drop off in biscuit selection lately around the HQ. He didn’t like that one bit. And… he had nothing on. Just… waiting around to convince Sarah to take another jaunt into Time and Space. “Why should I care about money?” he demanded, determined not to give in easily. He couldn’t let the brigadier know he could be persuaded by biscuits. It was undignified.

“We both know you have nothing to do but wait for Miss Smith to come back…”

“Not true!” he shouted. (It was.) “Patently untrue!” he boomed. “Oh fine! Perhaps one of the scientists will be a megalomaniac. Worth a look, eh? Sh!” he put his finger against his lips to forestall the brigadier. “I want double the pay for this. Put it in Sarah’s account. She knows what I like. And I will drive myself.”

“Fine. But you’ll take a car. I don’t want you taking off in that box of yours and missing the meeting by several decades.”

“Fine,” the Doctor agreed, hand out for the invitation. “It’s a lovely day for a drive.” He beamed.

He stormed out of the office for good measure. Very soon he was going to cut ties with this place. His feet were itchy. Sarah’s were too. She was a good one for his life. Shame Harry would probably balk but not everyone was cut out for a nomadic lifestyle. Trailing his long multi-colored scarf behind him, he stalked out to his yellow roadster.

The road was empty as he cruised along muttering about all the planets he was going to show to Sarah Jane Smith. Clom, the Eye of Orion, Calibris, oh yes, a pirate planet would be a lovely trip! He needed some backup fluid links, the damned things were always evaporating on him. So wrapped up in his musings, he nearly hit the young woman who blinked into existence a foot in front of his car. The Doctor was a marvelous driver if he did say so himself, and managed to cut the wheel hard enough to avoid injuring her. He didn’t miss the ditch on the side of the road, however. Slamming the car into park, he stared. She had stumbled forward as if he had run straight into this dimension. The energy around her smelled like ozone and artron. Her timelines were an absolute labyrinth. He closed his timesenses before a migraine could set in. “Well, aren’t we a complicated event in space-time,” he exclaimed.

She turned to face him. Slight with blonde hair, her large eyes locked onto him and her generous mouth pulled up into a charmingly delightful devil-may-care grin. “Sort of, yeah,” she agreed with a laugh. “I’m looking for a friend.”

“Are you indeed?” the Doctor wondered aloud. “My friend is in Aberdeen.”

She snorted. She was dressed in clothes reminiscent of the 2000s with her dark, form-fitting trousers, pink top and indigo leather jacket. She had a utilitarian black backpack on and something about her stance reminded him of a dancer or a martial artist. “I’m not sure my friend knows the difference between Hyde Park and Aberdeen.”

What a curious creature! What a strange sentence to utter? He made a face, considering. “It looks as if we’re both short a friend for today. I suppose that means we should join forces. I’ve got to go to a boring event full of clever people who are alas, not as clever as me. Care to accompany me? I’ve been told there will be nibbles.” The Doctor extended the invitation in the hope of learning more about this curious creature. “Unless you’re part of the vanguard for an invasion fleet? No? Pity.”

Her grin tugged at his hearts. She came closer, examining his car. “Retro,” she commented, petting Bessie. He offered her a hand. She clasped it and allowed him to help her into the car. Her skin was warm, calloused and let him know she ran a bit hot and had enough artron energy inside her small form to power a Rutan ship for several months. A wash of comfort ran through him when she squeezed his fingers before releasing them.

Confused he focused on getting the car out of the ditch and back onto the road.

“I’m from London, originally,” she offered after a few minutes of open road. “This one I think, although it looks a bit...80’s right now.” She made a face and shrugged.

“I’m the Doctor,” he offered. “But I have a feeling you might know me, already.”

Her smile was enigmatic. “I suspected what with the scarf. You really love your layers, don’t you Doctor?” she asked and ran a hand down his scarf, giving it a playful tug.

“I’m not unfamiliar with the phenomena of meeting people before you’ve met them. I’m a time traveler after all,” the Doctor told her. “It’s practically in the brochure. Ah ha. And believe me, I’m sure I will enjoy making your acquaintance again in the future but until such time as time rights itself or rewrites itself, what shall I call you? It’s simply rude to keep addressing you in my head as young woman and out loud, even more so...”

“And you’re never rude,” she said solicitously and the Doctor got the distinct impression that this young woman was mocking him. “Sorry Doctor, you’re right. You can call me Rose, erm, Smith.”

“Smith?” the Doctor snorted. “That’s perfect. I often go by John Smith when I’m undercover.”

“S’good name, Smith. Had a few good friends named Smith in my time. Love the curls by the way.” Rose reached out a hand and looped one of his curls around her finger. The Doctor’s eyes widened in surprise. She winked. “We can pretend to be a couple. For your party...”

He fell silent. Rose stayed in his personal space, comfortable with him in a way that made him a bit uncomfortable in how not uncomfortable it was. Her presence seemed to sooth an ache in his hearts he wasn’t aware of having. Curious. “Is that what we are in the future? A couple?”

Rose’s expression was solemn. “You tell me, Doctor Smith.”

“Aaahhh, Mrs. Smith, you intrigue me,” he bantered back.

Silence reigned as the Doctor took them to the hotel on the invitation. Rose opened her bag, searching through it. She pulled out a simple black dress and a pair of basic kitten heels. She slipped her jacket off and tossed the dress on over her magenta top, then while his eyes tried to stay on the road, she removed the top leaving her in the dress and trousers. She settled the black fabric into place and shucked the trousers.

“Stockings,” he said.

“Right,” Rose said and pulled a nude pair out of her back. She shimmied into them and had her shoes on in seconds. Her hair was up in a loose chignon by the time they reached the valet. Her eyes which were the most delicate shade of amber with flecks of green and gold twinkled when he hopped out and offered her a hand down. She left her bag in the car.

They approached the lobby and the Doctor brandished his invitation. “Doctor, and Mrs. Smith, UNIT.” The man barely glanced at the invitation before letting them inside. His eyes had been glued to Rose’s assets. Rose rolled her eyes and hooked an arm through his. The Doctor felt a frizzle of anger toward the man who let them in. Rose squeezed his bicep.

“Dimensional traveler, who has a bag full of occasional wear, Rose Smith, I think I’ve married well.” he teased.

Rose’s eyes were on the swirl of people. Many were dressed in dresses similar to hers. The men wore suits and some had the nerve to wear bowties! The Doctor wasn’t interested in changing his frock for the brigadier’s stuffy friends. She grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and offered him one. “Is it Christmas?” Rose asked.

“Near enough, it’s the thirteenth of December,” the Doctor replied then spotted a familiar face. “Harry! Over here.”

Harry Sullivan waved. Rose’s eyes sparkled with interest as the naval doctor extricated himself from a conversation with a few men in ill-fitting suits to approach them. “Doctor, old boy, how did the brigadier convince you to come to this convention of stuffed shirts?”

“Nibbles,” Rose exclaimed and pointed, her accent becoming a bit more London as she went on, “He told you there would be nibbles and you couldn’t resist, c’mon, admit it, Doctor!” She sipped her champagne, giggling. He arched his brows at her.

“She’s got you there, old boy,” Harry said giving Rose a once over, no doubt wondering where Sarah was. The trio had been inseparable lately. “And you are?”

“Harry Sullivan, this is Rose. She’s not local.”

“Shows what you know, mate. My job is going to be built down the street from here in a few years,” she whispered.

“Oh, oh,” Harry remarked stupidly. “Charmed.”

Rose grinned and let Harry take her hand and kiss the knuckles. “You’re adorable.”

“Rose,” he grumbled and just like that Rose slipped her arm back through his.

Harry looked between the Doctor and Rose. “No hope of an invasion tonight, is there?”

The Doctor scanned the crowd. There were a few Zygons pretending to be scientists but nothing too sinister. “No,” he said in his most dolorous tone.

“Well then, I’m going to mingle, eh? Get those UNIT coffers filled. Nice to meet you, Rose. Doctor, don’t go anywhen without me.” He winked.

The Doctor perked up. “Oh no, of course not Harry.”

“I’ll see you when the old girl gets back?” he asked.

Positively giddy at the prospect of Harry traveling with them, the Doctor bobbed his head. “If she hears you calling her that, you may never get the chance to travel with us.”

Harry laughed and swirled away into the crowd. He was immediately absorbed into a large group of scientists and doctors. Rose had grabbed gingerbread man off a tray and bit its head off. The scent of ginger made him a bit lightheaded. She offered him a bite and smirked.

They socialized. Rose was knowledgeable, friendly, and talked pennies out of pockets like an heiress. The Doctor was broiling with curiosity. Her skin was flushed a bit with drink. Her giggling was louder and more adorable now. She kept offering him ginger laced things. They ate at Harry’s table and he regaled Rose with stories from the navy and in low tones about how he met the Doctor. Rose whispered something to him that made Harry nod enthusiastically and whisper back something that had Rose in stitches. Jealousy wormed around in his stomach. It was a foreign emotion. He shook his head to clear it and snapped at an archeologist.

Rose’s hand slipped into his under the table. The beast within was soothed. The Doctor’s confusion grew. Rose offered him a smile with her tongue caught between her teeth and his hearts raced. Confused, he glanced away from her and tried to open his senses to her again. The timelines were a mangled nightmare around her. Some of the lines snapped and snarled back. Dizziness crept up his spine. Rose pinched him. “Not here. You’ll get a headache.”

He nodded. She offered him a piece of spice cake. Rose smirked. He could smell the ginger in it. The conversation flowed around them so he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “why are you trying to get me drunk?”

“I want to dance,” Rose said offered, her eyes too bright. “I thought… you might if you were a bit… stupid. Sorry. S’just, I know you’re not the right You for me but you’re still You and I missed this.” A glimpse of pain and sadness appeared in those fathomless amber eyes before the flecks swirled and Rose was smiling again. “Stupid.”

“I’m an excellent dancer,” he offered.

“I’ve never seen you dance,” Harry said in surprise. “I haven’t! Mind you, I have seen him jump rope in a harlequin costume so I wouldn’t put it past him.”

Rose’s laugh was genuine. The Doctor beamed. He swiped a gingerbread man off a biscuit tray and nibbled on an arm. “On Sarton X the people are made of shoganals. Eating gingerbread there is tantamount to cannibalism.”

A fond look crossed Rose’s features. The warmth of it spread from her to him. The music kicked up. They stood. The Doctor offered her his arm and Rose came to him. They drifted out to the dance floor. Swaying gently to the music, the ginger increased the warmth he was feeling as the human woman in his arms acted as if she belonged there.

“How long have you been looking for me, Rose?” he asked.

“All my life,” she teased, side-stepping the question. “Really Doctor, you know better than to ask about your future.”

“How about now? How long are you staying here?” he asked. “In this time or dimension?”

Rose leaned against him, her head against his chest. And if he wasn’t mistaken, she was smelling him. “Two hours left, then I try again tomorrow to find you.”

“You’ve found me. I’m right here.” the Doctor said practically. “I can take you to me.”

Rose’s eyes lit up then faded. “I’m sure you would tell me that I can’t mess with your timeline. I could change things so that we never meet.”

“Pfaw, I would never,” he grumbled, knowing she was right. “The risk is slight. My Tardis could take you to his Tardis.”

“I’d end up in Aberdeen,” she muttered. “No. I have to find the right you, in the right time. What if this dimension is the wrong one? I can’t take the risk.” Rose was so close that they were hugging more than dancing.

“Nonsense, dimensional travel is as simple as setting the stabilizers… As long as those idiots on Gallifrey don’t decide to detour us, we could be there in minutes, seconds. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve met myself…”

Rose didn’t respond. She just let him move her around the floor.

“Who are you to me?” the Doctor asked in a hushed tone.

She shrugged. “Can’t we just enjoy the party?”

They ended up on the roof. Rose had retrieved her bag from the car. He would be going back to UNIT alone. She had a few minutes left. He watched her. “I barely know you and I can’t help wanting to keep you here,” he confessed.

Rose was wearing his scarf. She’d had to loop it around her neck several times and it still trailed on the ground. “Oh, you’ll be alright. Sarah Jane will take care of you.”

“Sarah’s my best friend,” the Doctor said warmly even though he had barely thought about her after picking up Rose. Now the image of Sarah in his scarf superimposed itself over Rose and he felt a pang of annoyance with himself.

“Oh, I know,” Rose replied with a knowing smirk.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” the Doctor asked, reaching for her. “Tell me something about you…”

She glanced at her watch. “Oh, what the hell! I’ve still got a minute to go.” Rose dove into his arms. Rising up on tiptoes, she pressed warm lips against his. Surprised, he wrapped his long arms around her, practically lifting her up so she could continue kissing him. The pleasant warmth he’d been feeling all night exploded into a confusing array of emotions and feelings. Her lips were smooth, soft, and hot against his cooler ones. The taste of ginger hit him and the crisp bite of the champagne as she deepened the kiss, her fingers sliding into his curls to ravage them. Hearts racing, he hadn’t expected a kiss to unsettled him.

She let go just as his respiratory bypass kicked in. Laughing, she unlooped the scarf and wrapped it back around him. Her cheeks were a delightful pink, lips swollen and eyes practically glowing golden. “That’s all you need to know about me,” she said.

“That good?”

“It’s gonna be fantastic.”

Rose faded away.

#dwsecretsanta #rose tyler #Rose x tentoo #Rose x Fourth Doctor #Fourth Doctor

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mldrgrl · 6 years

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Full Circle

by: mldrgrl Rating: PG Pairing: Hank/Stella Summary: Preparing for the big move

Leaving a job after more than twenty years was difficult. Stella thought she could be an exception to the rule. She’d kept her colleagues at a distance for most of her time on the force, which allowed her the detachment necessary to do her job effectively. Whereas others might have felt isolated, she felt comfortable.

It came as a surprise to her that packing her office came with unexpected melancholy. Hank had come with her to carry heavy boxes, according to him, but she knew it was only because he’d been curious about what her life in Scotland Yard was like and he’d never been inside. If he didn’t tag along now, there’d never be another opportunity. He rescued an anti-stress ball that had been in a gift bag from some conference somewhere that she’d just thrown in the rubbish bin and flopped down on the couch in her office to toss it around.

“I expected more funny hats,” he said. “I never asked, why are your cops called Bobbies?”

“The home minister that created the police force was named Sir Robert Peel,” she answered, wrapping an elastic band around a folder of personal files to take with her. “The public referred to them as Peelers for some time, and then Bobbies.”

“Do you think Emma Peel was named in honor of Robert Peel? God, she was hot.”

“I’m not up to speed on my Avengers trivia, I’m afraid.”

There was a light knock on the open door of her office and she looked up from packing her files. Jim Burns gave her a half-smile and gave a nervous glance around the room.

“You’re needed, Mrs. Peel,” Hank said in a posh British accent.

“Jim,” Stella acknowledged. “This is my husband, Hank. Hank, this is Jim Burns. He was my supervisor once upon a time.”

“What’s up?” Hank waved his fingers and then tossed his ball in the air again.

“Uh.” Jim cleared his throat and began to stammer over a goodbye. “I know today is...well, I thought I would just come down...you know, uh, wish you luck and everything.”

“Thank you.”

“Well, I’ll uh...I should let you…it was nice to meet you. Hank.”

Hank waved his fingers again and Jim patted his hand against the door frame before making an awkward exit. As soon as he was gone, Hank whistled low like a bomb dropping and raised his brows at Stella.

“What?” she asked.

“You must’ve done some kind of number on that guy.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You want me to believe you never fucked that guy?”

She glanced at the empty doorway and then raised her brow back at him. “I’m merely denying that I did any type of number on him.”

Hank threw the ball up again and caught it mid-air. “I’d be jealous, but I just feel sorry for him.”

Stella put the lid on the banker’s box she was using to pack her personal items and placed her hands on the top. Twenty years in one small box. She breathed in deep through her nose and then collected her jacket from the coat rack.

It’s just a job, she told herself, watching Hank pocket the anti-stress ball and then grab the box from her desk. Just a job.

*****

The house was empty, save for a few select pieces of furniture the new buyers had requested as part of the sale. The barstools remained, the slender end table in the hallway remained, and the pair of chairs in front of the bay window also remained. They had asked for the glass bookcase in the bedroom, but it was one item Stella wouldn’t part with, and wouldn’t send to storage. It was costly to ship, but she was attached to it and so it was making the journey to New York as well.

Stella stood in her empty bedroom and took a final look around. In less than an hour she would be signing the final papers to complete the sale of her home and then in the morning she and Hank would be on a plane to New York where they would remain. Permanently. No traveling back and forth across the Atlantic anymore. They were no longer Londoners and she was no longer on the police force.

“Hey,” Hank said, stepping up behind her and hooking an arm around her chest.

“Just taking a last look,” she said.

“Fond memories of this room. Very fond.” He pressed his hips up against her back and she took hold of his arm across her chest and smiled.

“You’re the only man that’s been with me in this room. Have I ever told you that?”

“I took your bedroom virginity? Humbled and honored. You should’ve told me earlier, I’d have written an acceptance speech.”

“Do you know, when I looked at this house, these walls were blue.”

“Blue? How blue are we talking? Ocean blue, Smurf blue, or Stella blue?”

“Like a hazy sky.”

“I can see why you’d paint over it.”

“I wonder if the new owners will paint. I wonder if by next week these walls will be buttercream or lilac.”

“You can pull out, you know,” he said, opening up his arm to step in a half-circle to face her. “You don’t have to sell if you don’t want to.”

She put her hands on his chest and patted very lightly. “I want to,” she said, her eyes drifting over the bare walls for another look.

“I’ll be downstairs.”

She nodded and her eyes fluttered shut as he cupped her cheeks and caught her lips with a few short pecks. On his last kiss, he lingered and she captured his wrist to tug his hand away. He got in one more peck to the corner of her mouth and then brushed past her and out the door. Before she joined him, she gave herself one last walk around the perimeter of the room, feeling unexpectedly sentimental to the point that she found herself caressing the closet doorknob almost reverently. Suddenly feeling foolish, she jerked her hand away and held her wrist near her chest.

It’s only a house, she thought. Nothing more.

Adjusting her blazer by tugging on the lapels, she turned on her heel and joined Hank downstairs. He was on his cell phone, leaning against the wall. Their bags were in front of the door. He nodded at her and pushed away from the wall.

“Gotta go,” he said. “Becca says hi.”

“Hello to Becca,” she answered.

“Stella says hi back, we’ll see you soon.” He hung up the phone and put it in the pocket of his leather jacket. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

*****

Papers were signed, checks were distributed, and keys were turned over. The townhouse was no longer hers. On the one hand, she was relieved of the burden of a mortgage, on the other, she felt bereft and untethered, even if she had a home in New York. The house was the first move towards something permanent she’d ever made in her life. Marrying Hank was the second. Moving to New York, well that was almost like making the permanent officially permanent.

Hank had waited with the car while she went into the realtor’s office to sign the papers. When she came out, he was chatting up the driver as they both leaned against the hood of the black towncar. For one last time, she’d called her favorite car service and her favorite driver, Nicolá, had shown up promptly on time, as effusive as always. He and Hank had met on several occasions, but she couldn’t recall if they’d ever had a conversation. As soon as he saw Stella, he put his hat back on and opened the back door for her.

“To the bank now, signora?” he asked.

“Please,” she answered.

After the banking was done, there was officially nothing left to be done except check in to their hotel for the night. She’d left those arrangements to Hank and didn’t know where they’d be staying, but she hoped they had room service. She didn’t feel much like going out.

“Signora, may I say it’s been a pleasure driving you,” Nicolá said as he set their suitcases at the curb in front of their hotel. “If you return to London at any time, please allow me to drive for you, it would be my honor.”

Stella smiled and on impulse, embraced the older man. He’d been a constant in her life for the past few years and she would actually miss him. Her eyes grew a bit misty, but she blinked away any sign of emotion before she stepped back.

“My wife is going to call me a silly old goat when I tell her the most remarkable woman in London next to her majesty embraced me today.”

“Take care, Nicolá.”

“You as well, signora.”

Stella managed to draw out the process of gathering their bags together to enter the hotel just long enough to watch Nicolá drive away. She felt a little foolish for wanting to see him off and she reminded herself that drivers come and go. He was just a man who got her from place to place, nothing more.

*****

The hotel was familiar to Stella in a way she didn’t pinpoint until they walked into the room. She paused by the bed, looked out the window, and then turned back to Hank who was still in the entryway.

“This is…” she started.

“Where we met,” he finished, and then drew a line beneath the brass 908 above the peephole with his fingertip.

“Same room.”

“Your room. I was in 523.”

Stella stepped out of her heels and untucked her blouse as she walked to the window. It wasn’t dark yet, like it was the night she went to bed with him. Hyde Park bustled below. She heard the door snick shut and a few moments later Hank was beside her.

“Nice view,” he said.

“It is,” she agreed. She’d never really appreciated it before and now she didn’t know when she’d be back.

“I know it’s not easy, Sherlock.”

“It’s just a city.”

“Nothing is ever just anything.”

She wanted to nod in agreement, but there was a lump in her throat that caused her to remain still. She stared out over treetops and rooftops that she’d seen her whole life, but never taken a good look at.

“Why here?” she asked.

“Because when I walked out the door that night, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, even if I wanted to. Tomorrow morning we’ll walk out of here together and I won’t have to wonder where you are, I’ll know. You’re with me.”

She turned from the window and put her hands on Hank’s chest. His jacket was in her way so she pushed it off his shoulders and he shrugged it to the floor. “I am with you,” she said.

“I thought that, you know technically, we began here. And we can begin again here with something new.”

Stella nodded once and took a step closer to rest her head against Hank’s chest. She put her arms around him and he wrapped his around her, swaying back and forth a little.

“It’s harder than I thought it would be,” she admitted.

“I know.”

“I want it though.”

“Stella, did you ever imagine that one night would lead us here? Or even that weekend in LA. Did you ever think, even for a second, that we’d end up where we are in this moment?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“You know, if we weren’t already married, I’d propose to you right now.”

“I would say yes.”

“What do you want to do now, Sherlock? On our last night?”

“Mm.” She breathed deeply and closed her eyes. “Hot shower. Room service.”

“Cheeseburger?”

“God, yes.”

“Fries?”

“I knew I married you for a reason.”

Hank gave her a squeeze and then let go. “Take your shower. I’ll place an order.”

Stella went one way towards the bathroom and Hank went the other towards the phone. She pivoted when she was halfway, unbuttoning her blouse as she walked backwards. “As I recall, the shower is large enough for two,” she said.

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” he answered, the hotel service guide on the end table in his hand. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Don’t make me wait.” She turned and shed her shirt just before the door to the bathroom.

“Hey, Sherlock,” he called to her, the phone at his ear. “Think of this new life as an adventure.”

“It already has been, Watson. A very lovely adventure.”

The End

#i wrote this #hanella #hank moody #stella gibson #the last adventure

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bountyofbeads · 5 years

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Debt, Conflict and Vacancy Imperil Another Kushner Property https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-kushner-times-square-property-development/?ll_push_args={%22utm_source%22:%22push%22,%22utm_medium%22:%22notification%22}

Debt, Conflict and Vacancy Imperil Kushners’ Times Square Dream

By Caleb Melby and David Kocieniewski

Published June 25, 2019 | Bloomberg | Posted June 25, 2019 |

Jared Kushner’s family averted disaster last year when a Canadian asset manager swooped in to buy their skyscraper in midtown Manhattan, which had been hemorrhaging millions of dollars. Now they’re facing a similar crisis a few blocks away.

At the former New York Times building on West 43rd Street, a graying property in Times Square, the pattern is uncannily similar: Buy at a steep price, pile on too much debt, run up big losses, fight with tenants and flirt with default.

It’s the latest example of overreach for a family that built a fortune on suburban rental properties, only to have its urban ambitions stymied. Kushner Cos. bought the first six floors of the Times building for $296 million in 2015, envisioning a multifloor amusement park in the heart of Times Square. Four years later, a toxic brew of debt, conflict and vacancies has put their investment in jeopardy.

Think of the building as a vertical mall with three-story neon signs beckoning tourists. There are tenants the Kushners inherited: a sprawling sushi restaurant, a below-ground Guitar Center store and a two-story bowling alley with thumping music. And ones they brought in—in the basement, National Geographic Encounter, an exhibit about oceans with humpback whales and sea lions cavorting on digital screens; on the second floor, Gulliver’s Gate, featuring detailed miniatures of the Colossus of Rhodes, the Empire State Building, Jerusalem’s Western Wall and other famous sites, complete with miniature trains and glowing skyscrapers.

The Kushners’ new tenants have a few things in common, including ticket prices exceeding $30, underwhelming crowds and financial trouble. The National Geographic exhibit has paid only partial rent since August, and the Kushners are looking for a new tenant. Gulliver’s Gate paid irregularly, prompting a legal battle that resulted in its rent being cut by almost half this year. Take a walk around the back of the building, and there’s a dusty unfinished space meant for a champagne bar. It never opened. Kushner Cos. has traded lawsuits with the proprietor, an operator of airport restaurants that is alleging fraud, claims the Kushners have denied.

A spokeswoman for the National Geographic exhibit confirmed that the attraction wasn’t paying full rent, but she declined to provide details. Gulliver’s Gate founder Michael Langer said he was “happy we were able to work together for an amicable agreement.” A spokesman for OHM Concession Group, which leased space for the champagne bar, didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The missteps have added up. Kushner Cos. assumed that all these tenants would be paying rent when it piled $370 million of loans onto the building in an October 2016 refinancing, most of it from Deutsche Bank AG. In March, the company defaulted on one high-interest chunk of its debt to other lenders, and the property has often run at a loss after accounting for loan payments, according to data compiled from disclosures to investors. While there’s always room for improvement, spaces for so-called experiential retailers require custom designs and can take years to fill.

The story of how the Kushner family purchased a Times Square building only to see it founder during an economic boom is one of zealous overconfidence and a passion for trophy properties, according to more than a dozen people interviewed by Bloomberg News. It’s also a tale of how the real estate market encourages excessive risk-taking, rewarding those who use steep leverage on speculative properties even as they pass potential losses to others. Most of the debt on the Times building has been transferred to investors – it’s their problem now. Meanwhile, Kushner Cos. allocated some of the loan to pay itself $59 million, according to public filings.

Wells Fargo & Co., which manages the loan, has placed it on a watchlist for troubled debt and taken control of the property’s accounts. At one point, the building also drew the attention of federal prosecutors. The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York subpoenaed records about the refinancing in 2017. What investigators were looking for, whether the Kushners were a subject and if the matter is ongoing is unclear. Spokesmen for Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo declined to comment, as did Jared Kushner’s attorney, Abbe Lowell. Representatives for Kushner Cos. didn’t respond to numerous requests for comment.

The former Times building and Kushner Cos. were both struggling when they came together in 2015. The 18-story landmark with a mansard roof had been the newspaper’s headquarters for almost a century, until the company moved a few blocks away in 2007. That same year, Africa Israel Investments Ltd. bought the building at 229 West 43rd St. for $525 million and began searching for a way to repurpose it, exploring everything from luxury condos to a Disney-themed hotel. When those plans fizzled, the company, led by Russian-Israeli diamond merchant Lev Leviev, decided to sell part of the site as a retail complex.

The rapid growth of internet shopping made many real estate investors skeptical. But Charles Kushner, founder of the company that bears his name and father of now-presidential adviser Jared Kushner, was still bullish on retail when Leviev’s brokers pitched him. He had reason for his optimism. In 2011, as Kushner Cos. was straining under a mountain of debt at its 666 Fifth Ave. skyscraper, selling the building’s stores for $1 billion helped pay off some of it and buy time.

Four years later, 666 Fifth Ave. was again operating at a loss. The Kushners were supposed to have improved the property and raised rents. Instead, they had been shopping a plan to knock it down and build a glittering high-rise twice as tall with a five-story shopping center at its base.

The Kushners needed an infusion of cash, and the bottom six floors of the Times building offered a tantalizing opportunity. Tens of thousands of people walk by daily. The building was about half leased, but if the family could fill it quickly and bolster its rent rolls, Kushner Cos. could refinance at a higher valuation, taking any gains as profit.

Charles Kushner’s view wasn’t widely shared, and financing the deal was a struggle. The company considered selling a Chicago office building it owned and sheltering the gains from the sale in the Times Square property, a common tax-planning strategy known as a 1031 exchange, according to a person familiar with the matter. But the Chicago sale never materialized, so the Kushners turned to well-capitalized firms they’d done business with in the past. None accepted the invitation to join them as an equity partner, the person said.

In the end, they relied almost exclusively on loans – all but $1 million of the $296 million purchase price was covered by debt from a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., the Canadian real estate company that would later rescue the Kushners by taking out a 99-year lease on 666 Fifth Ave. for $1.3 billion.

Theoretically, anything goes in Times Square, where Madame Tussauds’ lifelike wax sculptures and Mars Corp.’s shrine to M&M’s have co-existed for more than a decade. But it’s also possible to miscalculate. Leviev had made a go of it with the horror-themed Jekyll & Hyde Club. It closed amid terrible reviews months before the Kushners bought the property.

The building’s spaces in the basement and upper floors were slower to lease than anticipated, and by time the Kushners took control in 2015, the property remained about half leased. At Kushner Cos. headquarters in 666 Fifth Ave., Charles Kushner was frustrated that the building was still losing money, according to one person who heard him complain. Jared Kushner, the company’s chief executive officer at the time, told staff that they needed more cash flow, the person recalled, and that they needed it quickly.

The Kushners found it. The first big tenant to sign was Gulliver’s Gate, which had been in talks with Leviev. Plans for an aquarium were scuttled after other tenants complained about potential water damage and fishy aromas. Then came SPE Partners, an entertainment development company with a license from National Geographic, which would take about 60,000 square feet for a waterless and odor-free exhibit. A tiny storefront was leased to Los Tacos No. 1, a popular Mexican taqueria. Airport restaurant operator OHM signed on for a champagne bar, meaning the building was fully leased by August 2016.

The safest buildings to lend to have longtime tenants with proven ability to pay the rent. But the Kushners filled the Times Square property with one-of-a-kind tourist attractions, most of them untested businesses posing unique risks.

“We’re not Gap or Apple, not one of those companies that is known to the market,” Eiran Gazit, a co-founder of Gulliver’s Gate, explained in a November phone interview. “We are a private company and small. There were some landowners who turned us down and are still empty. The Kushners were willing to accept us.” Gazit, who left the company last year and doesn’t speak for the business, said he had met with 17 property owners before signing with the Kushners.

Still, it was a booming market, and Deutsche Bank’s commercial-mortgage unit, which issued a total of $11 billion of New York real estate loans in 2015, was eager to help.

How much was the building worth? That hinged on how much it would make. Total rent of $16 million in 2014, when much of the property was empty, was too conservative. Now that it was fully leased, the Kushners expected $24 million annually, according to a prospectus prepared in connection with the refinancing. Bankers were also optimistic about the Kushners’ ability to slash expenses to $3.9 million a year, about $1.5 million less than 2014, the prospectus said. With an enlarged rent roll and an austere cost structure, net operating income would almost double to $21.5 million, enough to cover about $18 million in interest payments.

Accepting those lofty numbers required no small amount of faith. Only two of the new tenants had moved in, and none was yet paying rent. Nonetheless, the net income figure was used to appraise the property at $470 million, according to the loan documents. By that math, the Kushners had increased its value more than 50% in one year.

The Kushners’ looming income crash

Revenue and expenses by year for 229 West 43rd St.

At that valuation, the $370 million of loans they received in the refinancing looked sober. Most of that amount was used to pay off the existing Brookfield mortgage, with another $26 million placed into reserves. But $59 million went as a payout to Kushner Cos., an astounding return on its original $1 million investment.

“In less than a year, we’ve repositioned the property and transformed it into a top-flight entertainment destination,” Kushner Cos. President Laurent Morali told the Commercial Observer, the trade publication owned by the Kushner family, which broke the news.

The Kushners inauspiciously held their 2016 holiday party at the site of their financial coup: Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar on the West 44th Street side of the Times Square building. The restaurant—named for spiky-haired restaurateur and TV personality Guy Fieri—was the subject of a scathing New York Times review that described a watermelon margarita that tastes like “radiator fluid and formaldehyde.” It would close a year later.

But the Kushners were just at Guy’s for the cavernous space: They brought in a kosher caterer. They had plenty to celebrate. Jared’s father-in-law was going to the White House, the Times Square refinancing was complete, and the family was closing in on a deal with a Chinese insurer to save the overleveraged 666 Fifth Ave.

It was a bittersweet occasion, according to two people who attended. As Charles Kushner hobnobbed with other New York real estate barons, Jared, who would soon be leaving for Washington and stepping away from day-to-day operations, said his goodbyes.

The euphoria didn’t last. In March 2017, Anbang Insurance Group Inc., the Chinese insurer, pulled out of the deal, and Jared’s interactions with the CEO of a Russian state-owned bank came under scrutiny. That led to journalists asking questions about the involvement of Deutsche Bank and Leviev, who’s friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the Times building, the first signs of strain emerged that September. Passersby could peek through windows where the champagne bar was scheduled to open months earlier. The space was empty and unimproved. No work was being done. Wells Fargo, which became manager of the loan after the refinancing, put the property on its watchlist, citing lower-than-expected income to cover debt payments. It was an ignominious designation. And then things got worse.

If there’s one common complaint the Kushners’ Times Square tenants have about their landlord, it’s that the company promised more than it delivered.

For OHM, the dispute was about a hallway. The company said in a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court that it was promised the space for its champagne bar, but it turned out it was needed for shared use. The hallway covered about 2,000 square feet, or one-sixth of the leased space, according to the suit, which accused Kushner Cos. of fraud and breach of contract. The company denied the claims as “salacious and false” and evicted OHM for failing to open on time. The litigation is ongoing.

Gulliver’s Gate alleged in a lawsuit that Kushner Cos. billed it for 5,700 square feet more than it actually had. The company, which disputed the allegation in court papers, sued the attraction for nonpayment of rent.

The attraction had its own share of troubles as business got off to a rocky start. It missed payments to Kushner Cos. and other vendors. But Gulliver’s Gate had one advantage: A space like the one it occupied on the second floor could take years to fill and would require more cash from the Kushners in the form of tenant improvements and a free-rent period after a new tenant moved in. In April, after a months-long legal battle, Charles Kushner capitulated and agreed to cut the rent by almost half starting early next year.

The battle over the National Geographic exhibit hasn’t spilled into court. But it has been costly. SPE Partners stopped paying full rent in August amid a dispute over shared expenses and racked up more than $3 million in unpaid bills by late last year, according to Wells Fargo. Lenders have approved the lease termination, and the space is now being marketed. Still, lenders won’t let the Kushners evict the exhibit, fearing a hole too big to fill, according to a person familiar with the matter. In April, Kushner Cos. told lenders it expects the digital dolphins to remain in place “for a few more months,” Wells Fargo told investors.

One of the National Geographic exhibit’s biggest backers, Fairfax, Virginia-based real estate firm Peterson Companies, sold its stake late last year. A person familiar with the deal said the company didn’t want to continue pouring money into a venture that had lost millions. Angela Sweeney, chief marketing officer for Peterson, said the separation was amicable and declined to comment on the terms.

As the hits came, Kushner Cos. missed a March payment on an $85 million mezzanine portion of its loan, which was promptly restructured on terms that haven’t been disclosed. Last year’s expenses, about $9 million, were more than twice estimates, according to Wells Fargo data. OHM’s absence and Gulliver’s reduced rent have chopped about $5 million off the revenue estimates, and a National Geographic exit could more than double that figure. If that situation doesn’t change, the building won’t be able to cover debt payments.

If the worst happens and the Times Square building goes belly-up, Kushner Cos. and Deutsche Bank won’t bear the brunt of it. That’s because the Kushners put so little money down and took out so much, and because Deutsche Bank sold most of the debt soon after it was issued.

Losses would instead be borne by a broad base of investors, most of whom probably don’t even know they’re exposed. The debtholders are now a series of trusts that also hold other commercial mortgage loans. Those trusts were sliced up and sold to investors as commercial mortgage-backed securities, similar in structure to vehicles that hold home loans.

The Times Square loan has an extra wrinkle that makes things even riskier for its new owners. Kushner Cos. pays only interest until the loan comes due in 2026. The company had a similar deal at 666 Fifth Ave. In the wake of the financial crisis, the issuance of such interest-only loans diminished. But as the economy recovered and more money was chasing deals, lenders loosened underwriting parameters, according to mortgage-securities data provider Trepp. Now more than half of all new commercial loans are interest-only, according to an April report by Trepp. They’re riskier because borrowers don’t pay down principal over time, increasing lender exposure in the event of a downturn.

Whether the Kushners can salvage their Times Square dreams depends on filling the property with reliable tenants. Or finding another savior to swoop in with a sweetheart offer.

#donald trump #u.s. news #politics #trump administration #president donald trump #trump #white house #politics and government #jaredkushner #just jared #Jared Kushner

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pocket-luv101 · 6 years

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Spellbound by the Music || Ch. 1

Fandom: Servamp Characters: Mahiru, Kuro, Licht, Hyde, Snow Lily Pairings: KuroMahi (main), LawLicht (side)

Summary: Mahiru came to Kuro with an offer. He would help reduce his prison sentence if he solved a mystery with him. They have to work together to catch a serial killer. {Detective AU}

(Ch.1) || Ch.2 || Ch.3 ||

“It’s nice to see you again, Detective. I would make you a cup of coffee and be a good host. But that’s difficult with these handcuffs on me.” Kuro said in a dry voice and jingled the chains lightly. He was surprised that a man like Mahiru visited him in jail. Kuro leaned back in his chair and asked, “Why are you here? I already confessed to the robberies.”

“I just want to talk,” He shrugged and Kuro’s eyes narrowed. He sat across the detective in a private interrogation room and he wondered what the man wanted. Mahiru wasn’t intimidated by his crimson eyes and merely continued, “Would you like tea or something small to eat? I can ask the officers to get you a doughnut. I heard prison food is terrible.”

“You can skip the formalities, Detective. What do you want?” Kuro cut him off. He knew the detective must want something from him if he visited him even after the case was over. Kuro dearly hoped that Mahiru didn’t suspect that his siblings were involved with the robberies as well.

His family had stolen from wealthy homes without being caught for almost a decade. Yet, in only a month on the case, Mahiru came dangerously close to discovering their identity. Kuro wanted to protect his family and turned himself into the police so they would end their investigation. Every night in his cell, he would miss them but he took solace in the fact that they were safe.

“Something never made sense to me.” Mahiru opened his case file between them. “I talked to your siblings. They told me that you were so lazy that you would only leave your house if it was on fire. I checked your bank records and you don’t have expensive tastes. Also, you’ve been living off cup noodles. Sloth is more your sin than greed yet you went through a lot of trouble to steal almost a billion dollars over the years. Where did all that money go?”

“Well, I would be a stupid thief if I put all that money in my personal bank account. That would leave a paper trail right to me. The money’s in a bank account overseas. I already told you that the first time you interrogated me. If you’re just going to repeat these questions to me, I’m going back to my cell. It was nice to talk to you again, Detective.” Kuro started to stand up.

“Please, let me finished, Kuro.” Mahiru gestured for him to sit again. They were both surprised when Kuro lowered himself into the chair again. He took out several documents and placed them in front of him. “I know you lied about the money. I tracked down every penny. You donated everything you stole to charities and orphanages. You’re a modern Robin Hood, aren’t you?”

Kuro didn’t answer him. He watched Mahiru and waited to see what he would do next. The case was closed so he didn’t know why Mahiru continued the investigation privately. No mattered what happened, he would protect his family. “Did you come to lecture me? ‘You had good intentions but you went about it in the wrong way’. I doubt anything will change. I’m still going to prison.”

“Your trial is in a month and a lot can happen in that time.” Mahiru took a newspaper out of his bag and slid it in front of Kuro. “Have you heard of the serial killer targeting musicians? I’m in charge of the case and I want you to help me find him. If you do, I will use every connection I have to help your trial. My friend’s a prominent defence lawyer. We can have your sentence lowered.”

He had to admit that he was intrigued by the man’s offer. In the end, he had to shake his head. “As much as I would love to, I’m a thief and I doubt I can help you find a murderer. From the articles I’ve read, this man sounds troublesome. You’re a talented detective so I’m certain you’ll find this man on your own.”

Mahiru’s hands tightened into fists on his lap. He hoped Kuro would agree to help him once he offered to shorten his sentence. But there was one more thing he could bargain with. He stood and walked around the table to stand next to him. He placed his hand on his shoulder and leaned close to his ear. Mahiru whispered so the officers couldn’t overhear him.

“Robin Hood had a band of Merry Men helping him rob the rich and so did you. I can guess who they are.” He could see Kuro’s eyes widen subtly. Mahiru hated to threaten the man but he had too much to lose if he didn’t catch the killer soon. He straightened and leaned on the table next to Kuro. “You can help a lot of people if you solve this case with me. I know you have made several connections in the criminal world that can lead me to the murderer. I need you, Kuro. You need me too.”

“If you put it like that, I can’t say no.” He sighed. Kuro was taken aback slightly when Mahiru took his hand gently. He didn’t think a detective’s hands would feel so soft and kind. Mahiru only held his hands long enough to unlock the handcuffs around his wrists.

Mahiru smiled at him, “We’re a team now and I look forward to working with you, Kuro.”

“Kuro, you’re under my protective custody but I want you to feel comfortable. If you need anything, please tell.” Mahiru told him as he parked his car. It took him awhile but he was able to arrange for Kuro to be release that afternoon. Kuro assumed that Mahiru would drive him to the police station or his apartment after they left the jail.

“Detective, why did you take me to a grocery store? Didn’t you recruit me to track some serial murderer for you? I don’t think we’ll find him in the fruit aisle.” He pointed out. During the drive, Mahiru hadn’t discussed the case with him. Mahiru would rhythmically tap his finger on the steering wheel and casually asked Kuro about himself.

“You just got released from jail and I thought it would be best for you to adjust back into society before we jump into boring detective work. We’ll talk about the case tomorrow. For now, I need to buy more food since my fridge is a little low on food. It has been a long time since I had to cook for two.” Mahiru turned to face him. “You know my name is Mahiru Shirota so why do you continue to call me ‘Detective’?”

“It’s just easier?” He shrugged.

Mahiru pouted briefly and then said, “Detective and Mahiru are both three syllables. We’re partners on this case so you should call me by my first name. Now, repeat after me: Ma-hee-ru.”

“… Mahiru,” He whispered and Kuro found that he liked the sound of his name.

“See, Kuro, it’s not too hard.” He slipped off his seat belt and hopped out of the car. “Let’s go. The two-hour afternoon sale is going to start soon.”

Mahiru gestured for Kuro to follow him. He waited until he reached his side before he walked into the store. He picked up a basket before he handed Kuro a flyer. As they walked down the aisle, Mahiru placed several items into the basket. Kuro felt a little awkward and rubbed his wrists. He could still feel the cold steel of handcuffs on his hands.

That feeling disappeared when Mahiru wrapped his hand around his wrist. He pulled him out of the path of a cart. “Be careful, Kuro. You need to watch where you’re going. I can’t save you from every run away cart. Is there something you want to eat? I’ll buy it for you. But, if you’re going to ask for instant ramen, the answer is no. I’m cooking homemade ramen.”

“Did you know instant ramen is my favourite? You’re kind of a stalker.” Kuro said in a sarcastic voice.

Mahiru huffed and turned to face him with his hands on his hips. “As a detective, it was my job to investigate you. I’m trying to use what I learned to be nice. It’ll be nice if you put in the effort to get along with me too. I know you don’t trust me because I’m a detective but we have to work together to find who is behind the murders.”

“The only reason I agreed was because you blackmailed me.” Kuro reminded him.

“I didn’t have much of a choice. I have someone I want to protect too, Kuro.” His hands tightened on the basket but he didn’t look away from him. “I came to you for help because I think you’re a good person deep inside. My instincts told me that long before I found out you donated all the money to charities. That’s why I didn’t push the investigation after you gave yourself in even though I knew you couldn’t have done it alone. You have my word that your friends will never be implicated.”

His brown eyes were serious and Kuro was drawn into them. He took the basket from him and said, “I’ll carry this for you. I can’t wait to have ramen again in weeks.”

“You’re in luck. I’m as good a cook as I am a detective.”

Kuro walked out of the bathroom and stretched his muscles. He hadn’t been able to take a long shower or relax in a long time. His first thought after he settled into Mahiru’s apartment was to call his family. He missed them and he needed to tell them that he made a deal with the detective. There was a chance he could see them again. Hope warmed his chest for the first time in weeks.

He walked to the living room so he could ask Mahiru to borrow his phone. As he neared the door, he could hear Mahiru’s voice. It sounded like he was arguing with someone. Kuro peered into the room and saw him talking on his phone. Mahiru sat on the couch with his back to him so he didn’t realize Kuro was behind him.

“Just postpone your tour, Licht! Stop being so stubborn… How dare you call me the stubborn one? There’s a killer targeting musician and you refuse to take the slightest precaution.” Mahiru rubbed his temple and groaned. “I have another lead on who the serial killer is but I can’t tell you the details… It’s confidential and I can lose my job, Licht! If you want to help, you can make my job a lot easier by going to the safe house like I told you to.”

From his muttered curse, Kuro knew that the person on the other end refused his offer. Mahiru’s shoulders slumped and his voice softened. “I’m just worried about you, Licht. I called to make sure you’re safe… Don’t complain about me mothering you. Thinking simply, I wouldn’t have to if you weren’t so reckless… It’s late so I’ll let you go but I’ll call you again soon… I love you too, Licht.”

Kuro wasn’t a detective but he thought he pieced together why Mahiru was so motivated to solve the case quickly. He assumed that his girlfriend was a musician and he wanted to protect her. The floor creaked when Kuro stepped into the living room and Mahiru looked over his shoulder at him. He suddenly felt nervous with his honest, brown eyes watching him.

“I’m sorry for eavesdropping. I didn’t think I should interrupt you and your girlfriend.” Kuro scratched his neck.

“Girlfriend?” To his surprise, Mahiru began to giggle. The sound was light and warm. “I was talking to my cousin, Licht. He’s more of a brother to me though. We were practically raised as siblings. He’s working hard to become a pianist. I admire his determination but I’m worried about him as well. He has always acted like my big brother and helped me. It’s my turn to be the older brother.”

“I have to warn you, being the older brother is troublesome sometimes.” Kuro smiled sadly as he thought of his siblings. He remembered everything they’ve been through nostalgically.

“If I remember correctly, you have seven younger siblings. You can borrow my phone to call them. I’m sure you miss them. Just be careful not to tell them about the investigation.” Mahiru handed his phone to him with a kind smile. He jumped to his feet and picked up his laptop. “I need to send some emails. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

Kuro nodded at him. He knew that Mahiru decided to work in the kitchen so he would have privacy. He was thankful for Mahiru’s kindness and respect. Mahiru was a detective and Kuro was a criminal yet he didn’t treat him differently. He walked to the corner of the living room and leaned against the wall. He quickly dialed Lily’s number and waited for him to answer.

“Hello?” His youngest brother answered after a few rings. It was nice to hear his brother’s voice again and not have to worry about someone monitoring their call.

“Hey, Lily.” Kuro heard his brother gasp and chuckled slightly at his reaction. He could imagine how shocked his brother was because the jail would only allow him to call his family on the weekends. Immediately, Lily began to pepper him with questions. “Slow down, I can’t talk as fast as you can. Is everyone else with you right now? There’s a lot I need to tell you guys.”

“Hugh and Wrath went to talk with the attorney but everyone else is here. Everyone, Kuro is on the phone!” He could hear hurried footsteps through the phone. Kuro felt a mixture of fondness and guilt. He could tell how much they cared. On the other hand, he hated to make them worry about him. “Kuro, we’re all here and you’re on speaker.”

“I’m borrowing someone’s cell phone so we don’t have to worry about this call being monitored. Have you guys stayed out of trouble like I told you to?” Kuro wanted to keep his words cryptic because he didn’t know how much he could trust Mahiru. “I have some good news and bad news. Do you guys remember the detective I told you about, Mahiru Shirota?”

“Is he the bad news or the good news?” Hyde asked and Kuro didn’t know how to answer him.

“A little of both at the moment. He suspects that I didn’t carry out the thefts alone.” A prolonged silence followed his words. Kuro could sense how tense they became and reassured them. “Mahiru and I made a deal. I’ll help him catch a serial killer and he’ll keep everyone as far from suspicion as possible. He also knows a lawyer who can help lower my sentence.”

“You might be able to come home sooner than we first thought?” Lily asked excitedly. “This is great! Can we see you right now?”

“Wait, can we believe this detective?” Hyde interrupted them. He was more cynical than his other siblings. While he wanted his brother home again, he had to be logical. “Mahiru may be lying to us so he could send us all to jail. What do we know about this man?”

“He’s a good man.” Kuro found himself defending Mahiru. “He’s a detective but he has his own reason to arrest the serial killer quickly. His cousin is a pianist and he could be the killer’s next target. Mahiru bent the rules to get me out of jail so I could help him. We can trust him. Anyways, I’m staying at his home and I can find any evidence he has on you guys while he’s asleep.”

“Hopefully, you won’t need to.” JeJe said.

They talked to each other for another hour and Kuro was happy to hear they were doing well. From the corner of his eyes, he watched Mahiru type on his laptop. The man was a complete mystery to him. He wasn’t as jaded or apathetic like the other detectives he knew. Mahiru was humming lightly to himself and that simple act filled the room with a pleasant warmth.

Once he finished talking with his siblings, Kuro walked to Mahiru. He lightly tapped his phone on his shoulder to get his attention. He placed his cell next to his laptop and said, “Thanks for letting me borrow your phone. It was great to talk to them again.”

“Tomorrow, we should head to the mall and buy you a new phone. Thinking simply, it’ll be easier for both of us if you had your own phone. I can easily call you if we ever get separated. Mostly, I don’t have to worry about going over my minutes every time you borrow my phone. Detectives don’t get paid as much you would think.” Mahiru lightly joked and smiled up at him.

“I’m going to sleep first. Can you show me where my room is?” Kuro asked and Mahiru nodded.

“Before we head to bed, can you give me your hand?” Mahiru asked and held out his hand to him. His warmth drew Kuro towards him and he placed his hand on his palm. A distinctive click echoed between them. Too late, Kuro realized that he was handcuffed once again. Mahiru secured the other end of the handcuff onto his own wrist. “There we go.”

“I don’t think kinky sex was in our agreement.” Kuro tugged on the cuff and it held strong. The chain was long enough that he could walk a few feet from Mahiru. He could see his confusion so he explained.

“This is to make sure you don’t try to run away while I’m asleep.” Mahiru told him simply. “We will only wear these at night and I’ll take them off you first thing in the morning. I promise. I set up two futons in the guest room for us to sleep. Please, follow me.”

Even though Mahiru phased it as a request, Kuro had little choice but to walk behind him. He walked into the guest room and there were futons laid on the floor like he said. He set them a fair distance apart but Kuro knew he wouldn’t be able to leave without Mahiru noticing. Kuro couldn’t blame him for being cautious though.

He slipped into a futon and stared up at the ceiling. Kuro heard Mahiru fall asleep next to him and soon his soft breathing filled the room. He rolled onto his side and glanced at Mahiru. Could he trust the detective? He sighed and fell asleep as well.

I am not ashamed to admit that this fanfic started and ended: “Mahiru handcuffs Kuro” and me snickering for hours.

#servamp #kuromahi #sloth pair #servamp kuro #mahiru shirota #fanfiction #the others will appear more in later chapters

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