Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2021 13:58:08 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 212

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.


THANKS FOR READING THE STORY. FOR THE MANY WHO CONTACT ME, I ENJOY
HEARING FROM YOU.


PLEASE OF POSSIBLE TAKE THE TIME TO MAKE A DONATION TO NOFTY.


THANKS

MIKE