Believe Me: The Story of a Narcissist

By Tracilyn George

Kennedy Karl Kilpatrick grew up in a world of privilege. As an only child, he believed he was entitled to everything and anything he wanted. His parents found themselves too late in their attempts to discipline their son.

 

Ken loved being in the spotlight and often bragged how great he was. His family, on the other hand, preferred to be left alone. When he decided to run for president, his wife and children feared the worst.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clydesdale Books
• Release date: Oct 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9783755422228

Book preview

Title Page

Believe Me:

The Story of a Narcissist

Tracilyn George

©2019 Tracilyn George

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is coincidental.

1

Clancy Kilpatrick stood at the pier, his blue eyes gazing upon the horizon. Life had been tough for him in Ireland but, he always believed the future for him was bright.

As a son of a fisherman in a family of ten, money was at a minimum. If they wanted anything more than food and shelter, they needed to work for it.

He hated the thought of leaving his family but; he wanted more than Quigley’s Point could offer. The United States presented him the opportunity at a better one.

If anyone can do it, you can, Boyle, his father told him. Your mother and I are proud of you. We raised you to the best of our ability. You possess the right attitude and work ethic to make it.

His mother gave him a warm hug before he boarded the ship to New York. You be careful over there. It’s a strange, new world. You won’t be able to identify the good from the bad.

Clancy kissed her on the cheek. I’ll be fine, Mum. But, I know it would do me no good to tell you not to worry.

He gave her a tight hug. I love you, Mum. You, too, Dad.

Clancy waved as he walked up the plank to the ship. He fought back the tears as he saw his parents for the last time.

Clancy took the largeness of the city as a challenge to conquer it. The man didn’t fear starting from the bottom or getting his hands dirty.

The Irishman left the boarding home early the next morning for Manhattan. He realized finding a job would be hard for him since he didn’t much experience and because he was Irish. At least he had a positive attitude and resolve.

By noon, he wanted to admit defeat even though he hated even thinking it. He stopped at a small bagel shop for a quick bite.

The dark-haired beauty behind the counter caught his eye. He beamed as he placed his order of a ham on rye and a glass of milk.

Bertha looked at him with her steel-gray eyes, smiling in return. Can I take you to dinner sometime? he asked.

She shook her head in shock. Maybe, she replied in a thick German accent.

Fantastic! he exclaimed with elation. Why don’t we go out tonight, then? When she said yes, Clancy he forgot about his lunch and rushed out of the shop. He resumed his quest for a job. Within half an hour, he saw a help-wanted sign on the door of an advertising agency.

Clancy adjusted his tie as he walked in with confidence. She offered him a seat while the receptionist disappeared to find the manager.

She returned with a portly man in his late forties. The husky gentleman smiled, extending his hand.

The name’s Kennedy Carmichael. Come on in to my office. Kennedy held the door open for Clancy and waited for the young man to sit.

Kennedy’s demeanor eased Clancy’s nerves. So, tell me about yourself, Kennedy requested. His voice had a hint of Scottish lilt.

My name is Clancy Kilpatrick, he answered, his own voice full of Irish brogue. I arrived here yesterday from Ireland, searching for something more.

The Scotsman’s brown eyes sparked with warmth. Did you come over alone or with family?

Clancy man smiled. Well, I arrived alone but, I met a lovely young lady today at the bagel shop down the street. I even asked her for a date. Otherwise, no one.

Kennedy let out a belly laugh. Something about the man sitting in front of him attracted the Scotsman. The boy deserved a chance.

Well, young Clancy. We’re looking for someone to work in our mailroom. It doesn’t pay much and the hours are long. Would you be interested?

Clancy tried to contain his enthusiasm. Would I ever! he exclaimed with delight. He had to make the best of this opportunity and prove his new employer right in putting his faith in him.

Fantastic. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at 9. Kennedy extended his hand. Clancy grasped it, shaking it with vigor.

He jumped out of his chair, heading back to the bagel shop to talk with Bertha. The gray-eyed girl was still behind the counter when he arrived.

Did you come back for your lunch? You dashed out of here so fast, we wondered if you were hungry.

Clancy smiled. I was hungry but, you had me so excited, I forgot I ordered something to eat. Good news is I remembered AND I found myself a job! Who thought meeting you would bring me good luck?

Bertha turned beet red. Flattery was something she never encountered before. She handed him a plate.

Here. You eat this before you become more delirious.

Are you still planning to go out with me tonight or was it a ruse to get me to leave you alone? He watched as she fidgeted behind the counter.

Don’t worry if you don’t want to go. It won’t offend me.

She gave half a smile. Let me think about it for a minute. She paused. Okay. I thought about it. We will go tonight.

Clancy smiled with glee. Fantastic!

He gobbled down his late lunch and headed back to the boarding home to change. He arrived at the bagel shop around six to pick up his date.

Bertha met him at the door, wearing a simple blue dress and matching flats. Other than a touch of red lipstick, she wore no makeup.

Clancy found her striking. She flushed when he told her he thought she was beautiful.

They spent the evening at the small diner near his boarding house, talking more than eating. She told him about her life in Germany and why she came to the United States. He told her about his reasons for leaving Ireland.

The pair weren’t long in figuring out they had fallen hard for each other. Within the month, they married by a justice of the peace with Kennedy and Alistair as their witnesses.

Kennedy found himself impressed by Clancy’s strong work ethic and dedication to the job. Clancy always showed up on time, never missed a day of work and was friendly with everyone at the agency.

Six months after his first day on the job, Kennedy called Clancy into the office. He was nervous as he feared losing his job.

He enjoyed working for the Carmichaels. They were a jovial family and treated their employees as one of their own.

Clancy rubbed his hands upon his pants, doing his best to ride them of the sweat built up on his palms. Kennedy walked in a few minutes later and took a seat.

Relax, Clancy, you’re not in trouble. His eyes glittered in their usual warm manner. Would you be interested in interning?

The mail clerk had no clue what his boss was asking. What’s interning?

You’ll be learning the business side of advertising. I’ve seen the doodles and sketches you’ve done and I think you have potential. I’ve shown them to Alistair, and he agrees. His opinion is you’ll do well in this business. He wants to take you under his wing and show you the ropes.

Would you be interested? Kennedy leaned across his desk, looked into Clancy’s eyes and smiled.

Clancy felt grateful. Yes, I am interested! I never thought my little drawings would take me anywhere.

The fact his bosses thought he had potential flattered him. It thrilled him to have the chance to move up in the company.

Kennedy loved seeing the jubilance on Clancy’s face. He loved the man’s passion for learning new skills and his dedication to the company.

Fantastic! Go on up to Alistair’s office. He’s waiting on ya, laddie.

Kennedy chuckled as he watched Clancy dash upstairs. That kid will be one to watch, he thought. He’ll be running this place someday. Or running his own company.

2

Bertha Strum grew up in Berlin, the only child of Agatha and Karl Strum. Her parents volunteered in times of crisis and did not discriminate against their neighbors.

The Strums owned a small factory. Bertha worked in the plant, alongside both Christians and Jews.

She, as with her parents, treated them as equals and saw no difference between them. They believed people should be able to worship as they saw fit. Everyone else needed to mind their own business.

The Strums defended their employees whenever they faced hatred. Leave them be, Karl shouted. They’re not hurting anyone.

The mob outside his factory became more raucous. Jews are destroying our country! We need to exterminate them!

They are doing no such thing, Karl replied, infuriated. If anyone is destroying Germany, it’s Hitler and his damned Nazi Party. Now, get off my property before I call the police.

The mob leader gave an acerbic laugh. Go ahead! he dared. They’ll only side with us. They have no use for Jewish sympathizers.

Karl wanted to protect his employees but, he was facing a no-win situation. He called everyone to the middle of the factory floor, announcing the factory’s closure.

But, I will compensate you all. And I’ll do everything in my power to get you all to somewhere safe.

True to his word, Karl moved them out of Germany and into the United States. He sent Bertha with them, advising her to look out for them.

He provided his daughter more than enough money to live on. Become a business woman, daughter, as soon as you can. We gave you the skills to succeed. Do not worry about your mother and me. We will deal with whatever comes our way, good or bad.

Bertha followed her father’s orders. With documentation in hand, she boarded the boat to America. She accepted a clerk position at a local bagel shop.

She wanted to establish herself before launching her own business. Her parents had taught her well, and she learned with earnest.

She found homes for her father’s former employees as promised and factory jobs in the city. Bertha informed potential employers how hard-working they were. They would prove themselves loyal to their new bosses.

They neglected to teach her about love and how love may change her focus. When Clancy asked to take her to dinner, it threw her off.

She agreed on the spot. His blue eyes and Irish brogue had her smitten.

Since their first date, the pair became inseparable. Their friends and coworkers insisted they were soulmates.

What d’ya think, Bertie? Should we break down and tie the knot? Clancy asked. Everyone else tells me we should.

She rolled her eyes up as if she had to ponder it. After several minutes, she gave her answer. Let’s do it!

After five years of hard work and long hours, Bertha had established two employment agencies. She founded her first in New York, servicing New York City and Newark.

The other in Washington serviced the DC area and Baltimore. She even expanded the bagel shop to 20 locations across the country.

Clancy rose through the ranks to vice president at Carmichaels. He, too, had put in long hours and hard work and they rewarded his dedication with the promotion.

Because of their faith in him, Clancy returned their loyalty to them in kind. He also had a twinge of guilt.

A big part of him wanted to venture out on his own. The Carmichaels gave him a chance when no one else would.

He decided he needed to speak with Kennedy. The man had been like a second father to him and he owed him as much.

Clancy respected the man who welcomed him and made him a part of the family. He tapped on Ken’s door.

Hey, Ken. May I speak with you for a minute or two?

The Scotsman flashed his signature broad smile. Any time, laddie. Come on in.

Clancy sat across from his boss, wringing his hands. His stomach churned in anxiety.

Kennedy eyed him with his usual warm magnetism. What’s going on, laddie? You’re never for a loss of words.

Clancy took a deep breath and exhaled. I wanted to tell you all how much I love all of you and my job. Thing is, I have this nagging urge to venture out on my own. I wish I could express how guilty I am about it.

Kennedy, ever the jovial person, maintained his easy-going demeanor. I always figured you had ambition. There would be no holding you back once the fire was lit within you. You’ve brought so much to our little company and would hate to see you leave.

His boss continued. But, you’re destined for bigger and better things, laddie. I only hope you’ll take everything you’ve learned here with you when dealing with both your clients and your employees.

Kennedy smiled. Let me give you a piece of advice; the secret of success is how you treat them. If you show loyalty and respect, they’ll return the favor. If you treat them as mere pawns, you won’t be able to keep them for long.

This last statement hit Clancy hard. He recognized Kennedy meant it as fatherly advice but, it still stung. He hated letting down the one person who gave him the chance to succeed.

Go on with yourself, Kennedy replied. You’re not betraying us, laddie. If you ventured out on your own without telling us, then we would think you were betraying us. But, you’ve respected us enough to tell us how conflicted you were. I hope you will show the same esteem when you decide you’re ready to leave.

Kennedy always made Clancy feel at ease. Clancy cherished his boss’s loyalty and friendship to him. He always was direct and offered advice when needed.

Before leaving the following year, he informed Kennedy and Alistair before announcing it to the rest of the company. Once they all gathered in the meeting room, Clancy gave a brief speech.

I wanted to tell all of you, I am venturing out on my own. I’m terrified and excited at the same time. Ken and Al have given me their blessing. I am honored by their faith in me and gave me the chance to prove myself here.

Clancy took a deep breath. Not only do I want to thank them for their loyalty, I wanted to thank you all for your fantastic work and dedication to the company. I will remember all of you with fondness. Take care of yourselves and be the best you can be.

They all wished him well and Clancy swore he would remember everything they did for him.

3

Bertha’s pregnancy came as a shock. She and Clancy hadn’t planned on having children. They had gone ten years into their marriage without discussing the possibility of growing their family.

It wasn’t because they thought they’d be bad parents. They never thought about it. They were busy building their business empire.

Clancy was quiet for several minutes when she told him the news. He looked up from the couch and smiled. Well, isn’t that wonderful! he exclaimed.

Bertha loved seeing at how genuine his joy appeared to be. Her gray eyes teared up as her husband grabbed her and spun her around. Easy now, she warned him.

Clancy kissed her cheek. A little Kilpatrick is on his way! What on earth are we going to name him?

Bertha giggled. You’re confident it’s a boy.

Yes, I am. A boy won’t have me wrapped around his little finger like a wee girl would.

His wife gave him a warm hug. Any thoughts on what we should name him?

Clancy thought for a moment. I would love to name him Kennedy after the one man who helped launch my career.

Good idea. I want to honor my father, too. We can use Karl as the middle name.

Her husband’s blue eyes sparkled. I can’t wait to meet him.

Bertha was about to agree but, a horrific thought crossed her mind. I realized his initials will be KKK. Should we worry about it?

Clancy pulled a face, scrunching his nose. No. It will be fine.

His wife breathed a sigh of relief. I guess it’ll be okay, she agreed.

But, we should hire a nanny. With our work schedules, we won’t be able to devote full-time with him.

Clancy gave her a big hug. "A nanny would be helpful but, he will need attention from us. He should