The Power of Twelve by William Gladstone

Illuminati. At the age of twelve his father had introduced him to Mackenzie Hardy. Mr. Hardy lived in Ireland but visited the Wheeler family whenever he was in the United States.Arnie was not sure what Mackenzie did, but he knew that his father treated him with deference during their many business dealings. As was the custom in the Wheeler household, Arnie, along with his two brothers and sister, always ate at an earlier hour in the kitchen, while his parents dined in the elegant dining room, served by the butler and the cook. One evening, Arnie, as the oldest sibling, was invited to join his parents in the dining room for what he was told was a special dinner honoring Mackenzie Hardy. At this dinner Arnie learned who he really was.
    The dinner started with a toast to Mr. Hardy. Arnie was poured a glass of red wine along with the adults and, following the lead of his mother, sipped the wine as if he were tasting it to ensure it was aromatic and a “good” bottle.
    â€œHere’s to you, Mr. Hardy,” Arnie’s father toasted, clinking glasses all around. “I am most grateful to you for your assistance these last several years in helping us build our business in so many ways. I have always felt inadequate in my ability to repay your kindnesses, but at least I can host you for as long as you choose to be doing business with us here in New York and New Jersey.”
    â€œYou know I am quite happy staying at the Hotel Pierre in the city, but your hospitality is quite wonderful,” Mackenzie commented as the butler served an exquisitely carved rack of lamb with mint jelly, potatoes au gratin, and Brussels sprouts. “Do not worry about repaying me for my kindnesses. We are linked through the Illuminati, and it is my responsibility to ensure the success of my brothers and sisters who share our cause.”
    This was the first time Arnie had ever heard the term“Illuminati,” and he was intrigued. Though he knew he should not have spoken up, he could not help himself and asked his mother, “Are we members of the Illuminati?”
    His father spoke before his mother could reply. “Arnie, you are twelve years old,” he said gravely. “Next month you will be thirteen. It is time for you to understand who you are and the responsibilities that come with being a Wheeler.”
    Arnie smiled, thinking of the presents he would be receiving on his birthday.
    â€œYes, Papa. I am very proud to be a Wheeler. Please tell me who we really are,” Arnie asked with excitement in his voice.
    His father, however, did not answer, but nodded toward Mackenzie Hardy, who started speaking. “Arnie, my boy, as a Wheeler, you are part of the noble network of families who are responsible for regulating the economic and political destinies of every being on planet Earth. We are known as the Illuminati, and we have been running the world for at least the past three hundred years. Once in a great while, like during World War Two, our plans get off track and incidents take place that should have been avoided, but all in all, we are responsible for all that is good on this planet.”
    â€œBut in school they taught us that Hitler was responsible for World War Two,” Arnie interrupted.
    â€œThat is what we want people to think, but in reality Hitler was just working for the Illuminati. We misjudged his character and he lost control of his mission. Before we knew it, he had launched a full-scale global war. It could have been avoided had he not been such a fool.”
    Mackenzie Hardy stopped to take another bite of lamb and sip of wine.
    â€œArnie, do you remember when we visited that swampland two years ago and nobody but us even bid to buy those four hundred acres?” Arnie’s father interjected.
    â€œOf course I remember. That was the day you let me drive almost half a mile in your Rolls-Royce,” Arnie answered gleefully.
    â€œWell, the reason no one bid was because everyone