Jim Braddock checked to make sure he had all his notes in his pocket before he entered Richie’s Office. He and Ivy had been having lunch together in the dining room, where they met Jeffrey Wigand. Jeffrey was another visitor from the United States and despite the fact he had a drink a little early in the day he was a nice fellow. Ivy and Jeffrey were having an animated conversation over the "corporatization of America" when Jim made his excuses and headed over to Richie’s office.

Richie was on the phone but waved him in to his office.

"Toni, Jim just got here so I’ll talk with you later. No he didn’t bring Ivy with him. Hold on. Jim, Toni wants to know if Ivy is at the boarding house."

"Yeah, she is in the dining room talking to a fellow named Wigand. Tell Toni good luck wading into their conversation though, they were really getting into politics when I left."

"Did you get that Toni? Yeah she is there, you could call over there first if you want. Well she is your friend you can do that too if you want. OK, talk to you later." Richie hung up the phone and let out a sigh.

"So what can I do for you Jim? You seemed like you had a lot on your mind yesterday."

Jim slipped his notes out of his pocket and looked them over briefly before handing them to Richie. " I guess I need to make a will or something. I’ve got Ivy to think about now and I need to be practical. I have the house in North Bergen, the car, some heavy equipment at the docks in Weehawken and some stocks. Oh I have an account at the North Bergen Savings & Loan too. "

"The street address is 7712 Park Avenue, on the corner of 78th Street in North Bergen, NJ. The deeds are all in my safety deposit box at the bank. I did tell them I married before I left. I wrote down my phone number there in my notes." Jim pointed to the number as Richie made some of his own.

" Ivy is going to stay at the boarding house. I spoke with Steve and Millie about it. Just keep an eye on her for me. If she needs anything you can contact me at that number. Is there some form for me to sign in case she needs medical attention?" Jim had been focusing on his hands flexing them as he spoke. When he finished his question he looked up at Richie.

"Does Ivy know you are going back to Jersey or does she still think your staying too?"

"I’ll talk to her when I get back to the boarding house. Can we get this all done in the next day or so? My plane leaves Thursday." Jim went back to looking at his hands, and his wedding band in particular.

  Jim stopped for a moment, clenched his fists and closed his eyes. He let out a sigh like he had been holding his breath for a long time. Slowly unclenching his fist Jim opened his eyes and focused on Richie. "I guess you should know. Specially since your looking in on Ivy for me." Jim looked at the hand his wedding ring was on and he flexed it a few times before continuing on. " I have a bout scheduled. No. Ivy doesn't know. I figured we would be back in plenty of time for me to finish my training in time. But things have changed. So many things have changed." Jim again closed his eyes and balled his hands into fists.

Jim opened his eyes and looked at Richie. "You sure? I mean are you sure you want me to stand up with you? Jim was genuinely surprised by Richie's request and at the same time deeply affected by it. Nodding Jim stood and shook Richie's hand.

Jim smiled at Richie appreciatively, "I'll be there... Thank you, Richie."

Jim turned and left Richie's office.

Watching Jim go Richie pushed the speed dial on his phone, it rang twice before it was answered.

"Toni...?"