In Deep Fudge

Chapter Three: The Dentist’s Idea

Willy and Charlie had time to take care of some factory business before they left for Wilbur Wonka’s dental office at 9:30 a.m. The appointment was at 10:00 a.m., and Willy always took pains to be early for his father’s office.

Thankfully, the trip was uneventful, for the most part. Willy and Charlie chatted happily and discussed their various projects as they were driven. Then, out of the blue, Charlie asked an uncomfortable question. “Mr. Wonka, why haven’t you ever married?“

Willy nearly swallowed his tongue as he was blindsided by his heir. “Well, Charlie…..I……I really never….. I don’t know. Hmmm, what do you think of soft cherry candies filled with creamy fudge that warms up in your mouth as you chew?“ Willy laughed nervously, his pale cheeks blushing.

“Mr. Wonka, my mom said that for the right woman, you would be a great catch. Grandma Josephine said that maybe you love your chocolate more than you would a woman. Is that true?“ Charlie looked to Willy with unconcealed curiosity.

Willy frowned petulantly. “I certainly would not love chocolate more. However, you must admit, there is so much to love about it. Charlie, the majority of my life has been devoted to the creation of confectionary works of art not romance. And besides, women are so….unpredictable and difficult to understand. I understand candy. Candy making comes easy to me; people, especially women, do not. Besides, I really haven’t had the time or opportunity….“ Willy’s voice trailed off as he thought about his past choices.

Charlie, noticing Willy’s troubled expression, quickly changed the subject, and Willy gratefully joined in. They continued with ‘safe’ conversation until they arrived at the dental office. They were escorted inside by the security personnel and were greeted by the tall intimidating figure of Dr. Wilbur Wonka.

“Uh….hi…..dad” stammered Willy.

Good morning, Willy, Charlie. I trust things are going well.” responded Wilbur Wonka.

“Good morning, Dr. Wonka!” Charlie rushed forward and took Wilbur Wonka’s hand, shaking it enthusiastically. Charlie had already grown quite fond of the dentist, and the feeling was definitely mutual. In many ways, Dr. Wonka credited Charlie with reuniting him with his son. “ Mr. Wonka and I were hoping to talk to you about that. We really need some advise.”

“Charlie!” Willy exclaimed, taken aback. “I’m sure my dad doesn‘t have the time for this, now. We wouldn’t want make him to run behind and keep his other patients waiting.” Willy glanced nervously from Charlie to his father, and tried to usher Charlie toward the exam room, before his father could have time to respond.

“William,” Dr. Wonka interrupted sternly. Willy immediately froze, reacting much as he had as a child, when his father used that tone. “I must say, I’m glad Charlie brought this up. I don’t have to tell you how concerned I have been. When the incidents with the delivery trucks made the papers, I knew things were getting out of hand. I have been giving this a great deal of thought, and I do actually have a suggestion.”

Charlie looked up at Willy smiling broadly as if to say, “See, I told you so.” However, Willy was far too surprised to take much notice of the gloat. He flushed slightly at the thought of his dad worrying about him and his problems.

Dr. Wonka walked over to one of the tables in his small waiting room. He stooped down slightly and picked up a magazine. Bringing it over to Willy, he handed it to him with a small sheepish smile.

Willy looked down at the magazine in his gloved hands and read the title out loud. “Soldier of Fortune.” His eyes widened. “Dad?”

“Why not consult a real professional, Willy. Someone that is able to devote their time strictly to you and this problem. That magazine is filled with ads for professional soldiers. It seems to me, what’s required here is a serious badass. Someone trained in the art of warfare. We need to show this miscreant who he‘s dealing with.” explained Dr. Wonka with a look of deadly seriousness on his face.

Willy wasn’t sure how to react. He would have never thought his dad would suggest such a thing in a trillion years. And, he had cursed.

“Dad……..I’m not sure how this can help me find someone qualified as a ‘badass‘. I mean, this magazine isn’t for real, is it? Besides, does a ‘soldier of fortune’ guarantee their services? Do they give references? I wouldn’t have the first idea how to go about choosing one, or what questions to ask them.” Would they expect to have access to the factory, all of the factory or even to stay there? Willy was talking rapidly, his voice getting higher and higher as he considered the distressing possibilities, until he was forced to stop and take a breath.

“William, calm down. What would it hurt to try it out. I’ll help you all I can. Just think about it, and we can talk about it later. Now Charlie, shall we get started?” Dr. Wonka patted his son on the shoulder and led Charlie into the exam room. Willy was left standing in the waiting room holding the Soldier of Fortune magazine and wondering what had just happened.

Willy sat down and waited. He was always slightly uncomfortable in this setting, where so may people had been. By the time Dr. Wonka had finished with Charlie, the next patient had arrived and was sitting in the waiting room with Willy, causing him even more discomfort. The poor woman couldn’t help but stare, although she tried to be subtle about it.

Charlie bounded out of the exam room, followed by Willy’s dad who was smiling approvingly. “That should take care of things for awhile, Charlie.” Dr. Wonka said, as Willy stood up and joined them. “We’ll make a follow up appointment in about 6 months time, and I’ll be seeing your mother in 2 weeks. And Willy, take the magazine with you and give it some more thought before you reject it. Call me tomorrow, and we’ll discuss it further.”

With that, Dr. Wonka reached out and embraced his startled son warmly. He then, leaned down and gave Charlie an affectionate hug that was returned with equal sentiment.

“Ah, Mrs. Brown, how nice to see you. Please, follow me back.” Dr. Wonka led his next patient to the exam room and turned to give Willy and Charlie a final wave.

“Bye Dad, and….thanks.” Willy responded with a genuine smile and turned to Charlie guiding him out the door and into the limo.