I was up early and found that I was alone and there was no sign of him at all. I laughed and dressed for a the run. Cole was waiting in the kitchen and he looked surprised there was only me, but he didn't ask. Ray was waiting in the driveway and JJ met us at his house and we exchanged looks but nothing was said. The run was great and we set a great pace. Once back home, I put coffee on and took a long hot shower. As I was going to the construction site, I dressed in new jeans and white shirt and a tie with upscale casual shoes.
Downstairs the coffee was ready and I filled my travel cup and glanced at the morning paper. Finding nothing of interest, I drove to the office. Ruth was already there and I asked her to join me in my office when she had a minute, telling her I needed a favor. Just then she needed to answer the phone and I went into my office and checked voice and emails and there was nothing I needed to deal with. A couple of minutes later Ruth simply came in and sat down. She looked at me and asked, what's do you need help with? Ruth, I know this is strange but we need a housekeepers. It would be 3 days a week. Ideally it would be Monday, Wednesday and Friday and would involve cleaning the Common Areas and dinner. Ruth, I don't know where to turn. She smiled and said, well let me check around and if there might be someone at church that needs some work. I said Ruth, that would be awesome.
Once that was accomplished I called Kyle and asked him to stop to see me, if he had a free 15 minutes. I was assured that he would fit me in shortly. I went immediately to the budget and spent an hour working on INCOME. The information included the last three year revenues and it was complicated as the GE new program resulted in uncharted territory and every month the numbers got better and better. I really needed a break and called Major Jim and checked on flying and was told the Piper and that he would be ready to go at 5:00. I said thanks and would be on time.
I went back to the numbers and was puzzled by the Video Game Division as it was making money but less and less. I was looking at that trend when Kyle appeared, asking what's up? I explain dad's new adventure and Kyle said Mike, that's actually a great idea but I have two concerns. First, people and second someone to run the thing at a remote location. Oh then there is who is selling this? Well here is a copy of the business plan. I feel we could find this from Startup cash from the foundation and I was thinking a number of interns and moving some people from Videos, but I need your thoughts as for sales, I make that dad's problem. We can talk about it Thursday. He got up saying well this is at least better organized than usual. However, we need to have someone overseeing that full time at the remote location. Once he was gone, I thought he didn't pushback at all on the video people being moved.
I went to dad's office and asked for a minute and was motioned to a seat. I started right in with, well is the sale official? Dad smiled and said, yes. I took a deep breath and asked why? Mike, just relax as it is a good plan, I have 4 people ready to start and figure a few interns and we should be good, the real money comes from administering the sites. Dad, what about sales? Mike, I have been working on this and I have 10 projects lined up, there will be adds in the business section of both papers as well as in the business times. Then there will be the old method "word of mouth" if need be I'll step in and sell. Eventually it will run itself. If Alex is able to rent some of that space, the rent will quickly pay for the building. Our only investment will be in equipment and a few tables and chairs. Eventually you can move them into Enterprises. The only upper management will be me and I am hoping you. I laughed and said, well I'm already treading water so of course. Just then dad's desk phone rang and he listened for a minute and he handed me the phone saying it's Ruth, for you.
I said, hi Ruth what do you need? She said Mike, you somehow have an appointment waiting for you. Ruth, who is it as I was unaware of an appointment? Ruth said Mike, it's Miss Granger. I just started to laugh and said, put her in my office and tell her I will be there when I am available but it won't be too long. I laughed and told dad that I was working on a housekeeper and I would be talking with Megan about that. He said fine and I headed to security. Once there I asked how a Miss Granger got in? I was told that she said she had an appointment and Ruth said to bring her up. Ok do you have access to upper management appointments? The officer said that they do not. I said thanks and went to chat with Ruth. Ruth saw me coming and it was obvious that she was upset. I went up to her and said Ruth, I understand but let's talk in the conference room. Once there with the door closed I said Ruth, we need to make changes. Every morning please make sure that there is a list of appointments, for upper management, sent to the Security Office. If someone appears saying they have an appointment they need to call the individual and check. Ruth, you are too busy and we are way too lax around here. I gave her a hug and we went back outside. She asked Mike, who is she? I smiled and said well she was becoming my future ex, now I might throw her out of here. Ruth, you do an outstanding job and we need to get things more secure around here, heck we have numerous government contracts. Mike, I'll have that list to security early every morning. I smile and said thanks.
I took a deep breath and went into my office, leaving the door open and sat behind my desk. I looked right at Marry Ann and asked, WHY? Mike, I was in town and thought we might have lunch. I just laughed and said, NOW I GET A BULL SHIT ANSWER, why not just call and ask? She was quiet and I said well my guess is that you wanted to see the place and figure out what the fuck I do here all day, correct? She put her head down and said, yes that's about it. She looked at me and asked, so how mad are you about this? I said somewhere between livid and irate. So Mike, are we done? I said Mary Ann, even Carrie didn't have the balls to try this so why this approach? Mary Ann, security just got chewed out, Ruth is upset and I changed procedures around here, all in the time since I first learned you were here. I should thank you for that. With all the government work we do here those procedures needed updated.
Mary Ann, I like you and you challenge me, we seemed to be getting along and you are not trying to get me into bed for meaningless sex every time I see you. She smiled and said Mike, I could say exactly that about my feelings for you. So Mike, now what? Well how about you tell Ruth you are sorry for deceiving her and we go to lunch? She smiled and I said, please talk, nicely, with Ruth and I'll be right there and close the door on the way out. Once I was alone I laughed and thought, no apology, no makeup sex and she gets lunch and nothing else and has the balls to try, that's perfect. I figured that if nothing else it will be an interesting lunch then to the various construction sites. Outside the office Ruth and Mary Ann were chatting. Once Ruth realized I was waiting she said Mike, Allen wants to know if you were still planning to stop at the sites today, he seems really excited. I said yes, that's the plan. Please tell him, I'll be there right after lunch.
On the way we stopped at the Security Desk and she returned the Visitors Pass and apologized for the scam. We went around the corner to the sports bar and were quickly seated. Rob the server asked for a drink order and Mary Ann ordered water and I ordered iced tea. Rob asked Mike you in a hurry, as usual? Rob, just slightly but please bring the menus. A quick look at the menu and Mary Ann ordered a burger and a side salad and I ordered a chicken salad with house dressing. Mike, how pissed are you? I just shrugged and said just so we understand each other and you understand the approach and method. Ok, how did that happen? I laughed and said well you didn't cry and you didn't say you are sorry. She laughed and said damn you are puzzle. Well it seems like either you have me figured out or you are one tough cookie. Mary Ann, if you had done either of those two things we would not be sitting here.
The drinks arrived and Mary Ann asked Mike, what is you title at the company? I smiled and said, son of the owner. She laughed and said well I guess I need to ask better questions. I laughed and said, well don't feel bad professionals usually have the same luck. The food arrived and I was wondering where she wanted to try and take this. We started to talk about school and our classes. She remarked that her morning would be a bitch as for some reason all the AP classes were in the morning. I said well I am glad as I have no afternoon classes. Without missing a beat she asked so what does the son of the owner do at MJS Technologies? Mary Ann, what did you think when I told you what I did while your were sitting in my office? Well you are either very involved or you were blowing smoke? Ok, pick one and if correct I'll answer your next question, or tell you why I can't answer your question. She took a bite of her burger and said, well I don't know for sure but would guess that what you told me happened and that Ruth is very special to you. I smiled and said, good guess, think before you ask your question. We were just eating and I knew she was thinking. Finally, I was asked Mike, your next appointment with Allen, what is his job. Mary Ann he is a construction manager. She was quiet again and I asked, so why you so so focused on business things? Well Mike, I have seen you in school for years and we have chatted and I have watched who you dated, always wondering why he has no interest in me, so I guess I focused on the business things to see what I was missing.
Rob, came with the check and I handed him the card without looking at it and said thanks. I turned to Marry Ann and said, the best question you could have asked, which I would have gladly answered was; "Mike what are you doing the rest of the day." Focusing on one aspect of who I am, no matter which aspect that is, will result in us seeing less and less of each other and that would be unfortunate. Rob returned with the card and the check and I signed it and said Mary Ann, I really have to get going. On the walk to the cars I was asked if she would ever see me again outside of school? Mary Ann the short answer is that I hope so, I like you, you are complicated, smart and challenge me in many ways. We are very different from each other and that should help both of us grow. To be honest I am still figuring out why I didn't have you escorted out of the building. We started to walk again and I said, here is a hint just ask and if I can and if it is appropriate I will answer. I will always tell you why I won't answer. So if that works let me know. We hugged and I got in my car and I drove to the construction site.
As I pulled onto Second Avenue I was passed by a couple of city police cars in a hurry and then an ambulance. I was wondering what was going on and when I turned into the construction site I saw two ambulances and a number on police. I was stopped, when I lowered the window I was asked to please turn around as the site was closed. I tried to explain who I was and the officer was having none of it. I pulled out my wallet and showed my ID saying it might seem unlikely but I an owner. There was a radio call made and after some discussion I was permitted to enter. I quickly parked and popped the trunk and gathered my special hard hat and started to the area that looked to be the center of activity. I went up to a police officer and asked, what happened and he said well a worker had somehow fallen about 20 feet. He was unsure as to the details. Thankfully, I found Allen and he said well this wasn't the good news, I had planned. Mike, one of the workers had fallen or jumped off the third floor of building 2. I looked and said, jumped? He shrugged and said competing stories. The guy is unresponsive and a copter is on the way to life flight him to a hospital.
I found a paramedic and asked who and how bad and was told very bad, breathing but otherwise unresponsive. They had no ID as of yet. One of the workers came up to me and shook my hand and I was told that it was Sol Adam's and I was told he simply jumped as there were wire railings and they are in tact. Mike he climbed over and dove head first. I shook my head and went to Allen and said get pictures of the security railing. I was told from a witness that he did a header. OSHA will be all over this and we will accept responsibility should we be at fault otherwise we need to be protected. Also, line up names of anyone who saw this happen. I found the paramedic and asked what hospital? He said it won't be a hospital he died a few minutes ago and we are waiting for the Coroner. Police are on the way to notify his wife. I thanked the guy and went looking for Allen.
We went to the construction trailer and I called dad and told him what I thought happened. I promised him details as soon as they were available. I got Sol's address and the name of his wife and thought I would get there tomorrow and see how we could help. I was sitting in a chair just staring and Allen asked, if I wanted some good news? I smiled and said you bet your ass, I do. Well Mike, the Local Union has invited the International leadership and the President of the AFL/CIO to check out the building 1 project. Also, the project continues to be a good bit ahead of schedule. While the interior shit takes longer it is proceeding nicely. So Allen when will all this happen? Well, they are or rather will be submitting dates to us. The publicity will be national and extensive, as this project is viewed as an outstanding example of labor and management working together. I was excited and yet very sad.
I just sat there and finally asked Allen, what happened out there today? Mike, all I know is that Sol was on his phone and when he hung up he went to the third story claimed over the wire fence and dove off head first. It does not appear to be about an issue here. We might find out more in a day or two. Allen, I have a hectic day tomorrow but I'll call and and talk with the family and if they are willing I'll visit Thursday at any rate I'll be at the services. We shook hands and I said thanks for the PR news, Major Jim will be thrilled, we both laughed and I was off for a workout.
As soon as I got to school coach waved me into his office and asked if I was ok as the projects were all over the news, a fatal accident. I said coach, if it was an accident I wouldn't have been here, the guy jumped head first from the third floor. Then he said Jim was here and worked out and seemed quiet but focused. I thanked coach for his concern and changed into my workout shorts and tee. Either it was my mood or the unlikely possibility that someone had the news on I was left pretty much alone. After an intense workout, it was a quick shower and the short drive to the airport.
At the airport I just laughed when I saw Jack standing there. MJ, Major Jim is rather busy and ask me to spend an hour or two with you. I smiled and said well a more relaxing flight. Jack said get in, I have done the pre-check and we are good to go. I smiled and said, so I was unaware you were flying today. Jack laughed and said, good job as I was just checking and he watched very closely as I did the check and he thought it was funny that I had to look for the fuel input. Once strapped in I started on the inside check and Jack was asking one question after another about the airplane and finally I asked if he could be quiet till I got us in the air. I asked where we should go and he said well I was thinking Cincinnati and back, it's an easy flight and just follow I70 to Columbus and then head southwest. I said that works and sorry, I was going to map that out over lunch and that got fucked up.
Jack remained quiet while I went threw the rest of the check and was easily approved for takeoff. Once in the air and heading south, Jack started with the questions again and I was easily answered them easily. Finally I asked Jack, do you even know if my answers are correct? He laughed and said absolutely and you haven't missed one yet. MJ, why isn't this a check-ride, why are you hesitating. Jack, I am more careful with this flying shit than I am normally. Just then I saw I70 and headed due west. I was being asked more questions and all of a sudden the right engine sputtered and shut down. I knew from the simulator what was required and adjusted. I looked at Jack and asked, did you do that? Jack asked, does that matter? I said yes because if you did we can start it back up, if not we shouldn't try a restart and need to head back? He said correct and started the engine back up. I looked at him and asked, so we playing games all day or can we relax and just fly the fucking plane? Ok MJ, I'll let up.
Then he asked, so how was lunch? The unexpected visit by that cute young lady is the talk of the office. Jack, I have been aware of her since 7th grade and have many of the same classes now. She is totally different than me in many ways and you will laugh as she doesn't try to get me into bed. She asks a lot of questions and yet isn't overly focused on money. I think she is trying to figure out if I am blowing smoke or if I'm an active participant. I told her my title was son of the owner. Jack found that hysterically funny. She bought that until she talked with Ruth and was told about the dressing down of Security and the policy changes about appointments. Yet I am still wondering why I didn't just send he on her way. Jack didn't miss a beat and fired one question after another about the aircraft status. Then it was back to my lunch with Jack saying well, that's easy as she intrigued you and challenges you and she is street smart. I said well that's correct she might be my future ex. Jack laughed and said, well that's an interesting approach.
Soon enough we were near Columbus and Jack gave me the coordinates for Cincinnati and said use those and get me there. I was thinking and he laughed and said well finally something you don't know and to be fair I would have been amazed if you did. We can continue to use dead reckoning and follow I71. I looked right at him and said that won't happen again I am determined to get my IFR certification and every simulator flight will be that way. Thanks for the wake up call. Then he asked are we still at 8,500 feet and I checked and said yes. I found I71 and it was an easy flight and we circled Cincinnati and started along the interstate. It wasn't long when I noticed a road going off to the right and heading northeast Jack just looked and I said next Zainesville. Jacked laughed and said that's unbelievable. I smiled and said dude, I am always aware. For a while the chat was casual and involved the wedding plans and football and then the questions about the plane and it's capabilities and he had me make some maneuvers. Once we saw Zainesville and I 70, it was an easy path to the airport. We were cleared for landing and there was no "go around". I laughed realizing that it was because Jack was with me.
Once we were on the ground Jack grabbed my log book and entered stuff and handed it back. Then he said MJ, no more lessons schedule the fucking check ride. I thanked him and we went our separate ways. At home I was starving and was looking for food and Cole said unless you are interested in cold ribs, you better go out to eat. I immediately called the Tavern and asked if they had a special today? I was told I that the special was Lemon Basil Salmon and I immediately ordered one to go with a small goat cheese salad. I grabbed an iced tea and went to my room. I sat at my desk and checked the many emails that were about the events at building 2, none of which was I dealing with. I checked the voicemails and saw there was one from Jim (QB1) and JJ. Both of which I would return after dinner.
It was a quick drive to the Tavern and I picked up dinner and was quickly home. I was enjoying dinner, as it was very good, when Megan sat down drinking ginger ale and when dad joined us my radar went nuts. I put my fork down, looked up right at them and said WHAT? Megan said Mike, we want to talk with you about the events at the construction site that you saw, that's all. Both of us need to check on how you are doing. You are young and seeing that and dealing with the fallout should not be your problem. Dad said Mike, I talked with Sol's wife and they would be glad to meet you at the funeral. I continued eating and was quiet and Megan said MJ understand all those men and women who work on that project respect you and want you to quickly do a new project and a number of them have already sent notes to you, they are on your desk at the office. I was still quiet and was thinking while I was finishing a very good dinner. Finally I looked up and asked, why? Dad said, there are rumors and stuff going around but I honestly don't know. I said, thanks and I am upset about the event and the useless loss of life but the couple of hours in the air with Major Jack really helped.
I took a drink of the iced tea and said well the real issue is that the demands on my time are increasing. Tomorrow is a staff meeting and then then the USGA meeting. There is the pre-camp football sessions and now all kind of union VIP's coming to use us as a PR statement and that will result in an ABC interview, which I have put off for weeks. Finally, there is the issues with the grapes. I was hoping to be at the Cabin Saturday and have a relaxing evening with Sunday and Monday morning working the winery options and being home for dinner, if such a thing exists. Dad laughed and said you for got the new girlfriend. That was a big topic of conversation at the office after you two left. Damn, look lunch today was as close to a date as we have had. We have talked in person twice and once on the phone. So what the fuck is the deal and why all the attention. Megan laughed and said well you should be aware that people pay attention to what you do as they wish they were you. I smiled and said thanks guys and I am as good as I can be. I cleaned up from dinner and went to my room tired myself into bed and laid there stared at the ceiling.
I got up and went looking for Cole. He was in his room and I stuck my head in and he was on the phone but waved me in and ended the conversation. I said thanks do you have a couple of minutes? Cole smiled and said, damn this is different, what do you need? Cole at Doral why the games with the spectators? Mike, it started with the practice round, I felt like a fish in an aquarium, we played and reacted with each other and they marched at what we did. No interaction and I thought why not have some fun. It was during my time and never when others were playing. It did t slow play and I still get fan mail. I'm actually looking forward to the next tournament. Cole, this will be different and more difficult as you will be the only amateur. MJ, the only thing that matters out there is how you play. Understand I won't be an object to be watched like an animal in the zoo. I said thanks and good night. He laughed and said, don't get me banned from the tour tomorrow.
Back in my room it was the typical mental battle as what to wear. One issue was that I had no idea what others would wear. I decided to be me and it would be khaki pants, a navy blazer and a light blue dress shirt and cordovan loafers and no tie. With all that out of the way I jumped into bed and was soon asleep.
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MIKE