Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2021 13:37:00 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 241 Back in my office after lunch with dad I was into the finances and wanted to see how accurate dad's estimate was on gross income. My desk phone rang and it was security, saying I had two visitors and neither were on my schedule. I said, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you guys Zaid Mickens would be stopping by please escort him to HR. Who is the other one? Mike, a Special Agent Schwartzmiller. Please tell him, I am just finishing a meeting and I'll call you back in a few. I hung up and immediately called dad and ask him to meet me in the conference room as we had an FBI visit. Once dad and I were in the conference room I called security and asked that the Special Agent be escorted to the conference room. I was obviously pissed and dad said Mike, don't piss him off at hello. I looked at dad and said well he better have a damn good reason for being here. There was a knock on the door and dad said please come in. The door was opened by Frank, one of our security guys and I said Frank, please wait outside as I'm sure this won't take long and please close the door. Then dad said Agent Swartzmiller please have a seat and dad was told, that's Special Agent. I had not seen dad angry, well in a business situation, so I just sat back and watched. Dad said ok, what is a Special Agent doing here unannounced and alone? The Special Agent said well Mike, we require additional information. I replied what information might that be? There was a confused look and I said, well here is some information from the last visit, I am Mike and the other gentleman is Mr. Simmons. Please make an effort to take better notes and review them before you visit. I could see that the Special Agent was now passed and I decided to try to lower the stress and I said, now that we know how to address each other, what is it that you need? There was quiet in the room and I knew that the Special Agent was figuring out how to state the issue. Then he looked at me and said well Mike, you are the issue. Ok, what needs cleared up? Well how does a 17 year old with no education get to be in charge of a company this big and complicated? Dad said, well because I put him in charge and if there was a vote I would be out voted. I was fucking furious and asked, why is any of that an issue? The reply was two words, SECURITY CLEARANCE. I said ok, let's start with the no education crack. I am a high school senior who could in a day could test out of every required class and instantly graduate, I can also graduate in January at semester but choose to play football. I have 12 confirmed credits at CMU and am working on 3 more and intend to walk on campus at VT as a sophomore and play football. Then as I am 17 and 18 in September I am an emancipated minor and I make decisions every day that involve 573 employees and millions of dollars and my support team, including Mr. Simmons is excellent. What else? What's the relationship between Technologies, Enterprises and your foundation? I laughed and said, me, I'm the relationship and it's all legal and two law firms have agreed on that. Mike, I need to see the lease for the new building between Enterprises and Technology. Well Mr. Special Agent, I will need two things to get that done, my attorney and a subpoena? For the record this little fishing trip you are on has me pissed off. My legal team is at a conference today and tomorrow and I have a very busy week so you can work with Tim and Mr. Simmons. I'll gladly cooperate but understand, I fight fair and very, very hard. Is there anything else? Well Mike you are making this harder than it needs to be. I started to say something and dad said, well actually you crossed a like and you questioned his integrity and the person who can do that without an intense reaction hasn't been born yet. Oh, dot the I's and cross the T's my wife is a federal judge. Clearly pissed off the Special Agent said all I need is to know that there is a damn lease. Now I went from mad to fucking furious. Well it exists and the bank records for the construction loan would prove that but you would rather take the fucking easy way out and try to push a 17 year old with no education around. You should have a conversation with the Mayor and our newly appointed US Senator about how well that has gone for them. You will eventually get to see the lease but it will be as difficult of a process as I can legally make it. I hope you enjoy this little fishing adventure. I went to the door and said, Frank will you please escort the Special Agent to his car. Once we were alone I said dad, I'm releasing the lease to the media today. He laughed and said well that will turn the PR thing in your favor. So dad are you good with that? He smiled and said, thanks for asking and yes, it's perfect. If I were a betting man I would say he will be taken off the case 30 minutes after KDKA runs the story. I'm also guess in that will be live at 6. I said nope taped, remember the school meeting. Then dad said and I'm coming to that as well. I said damn, like the old days. Back in my office I spent 15 minutes tracking Patty down and when she finally got on the line I filled her in and asked if she could get the story on the news tonight and she laughed and said well that and a follow up or two. When I said I would give her a copy of the lease she said, we will be there in an hour. I immediately called Bill in legal and asked for a copy of the lease and he said, sure and it will take about 15 minutes. Then Ruth called and said Mike, there is a Dr. Drennan's office on like 4 and I said thanks and picked up the call. I was told that Zaid Mickens had paid extra to extra to speed up his drug test and he is clean. I said thanks and hung up. I was thinking Major Jim was going to be fucking pissed and considered calling him and decided nor to bother the team. Then the desk phone rang and Ruth said Mike, Zaid is here and asked if you had a minute? I asked Ruth to please send the security guard in and have Zaid wait. When the guard came in I asked if he would go and get get Zaid a temporary security pass and I will send him down tomorrow for a permanent one. That took about 5 minutes and then I asked Ruth to send Zaid in. I asked Zaid to have a seat and asked about his day and he said well a very early drug test and lots of paperwork and insurance questions. It was kinda like a final exam. I laughed and said well one thing don't ever do that again. He asked, do what? I said pay extra for something we require and I laughed and asked, so you want to start now? He said sure and I handed him the pass and said when you get here tomorrow smile for the picture. I told him the story about the meeting and the FBI guy and the upcoming session with KDKA. He said, fuck so much for a basic introduction, I guess it's the PhD version? I laughed at that and said when the lease comes, review it and you can use Riley's office for today and tomorrow. I'll have Ruth find you when the lease comes from legal. Then I looked and saw Bill at the door and he handed me the lease. I went and asked Ruth for 4 copies. When that was done I gave Zaid a copy and asked Ruth to set him up in Riley's office and told him I would get back to him in about 20 minutes. Then I called security and asked them when the KDKA crew showed up to please let them set up in the conference room. Then I saw dad and told him what was going on and he laughed and said, well I'll be there as well. I simply said thanks. It wasn't long before I was aware of a commotion in the conference area and I went to see what was happening I found the crew and no Patty. I asked about that as was told he was on her way. I turned and walked right into Zaid. I laughed and said I'll need you close but not that close. He laughed and handed me the lease and said, so why the fuss? Well how about you watch the interview and then you tell me? He looked at me and said so I'm back in school and you are already with a pop quiz? I found that funny but a good understanding and I was liking his varied approach and was still thinking about the Phoenix approach to the building. Just then Ruth came in and said, Mike security is saying that a reporter from the PG is here and I said let them in as well. When Patty arrived I told her about the PG and she was good with that as they could only publish in the Tuesday morning edition and I introduced Zaid as my executive assistant. Dad came in and we all sat at the conference table and Patty started by saying Mike, this must be important as you brought backup. Dad laughed and said well I always enjoy being the side show but this morning Mike and I had an unpleasant conversation with a Very Special Agent from the FBI. Patty as you know we had a rogue employee access our system remotely and tried to hack into the DOJ system. We have cooperated with that investigation and SEI has been conducting a very complete evaluation of our government program. In addition everyone associated with the program is having a review of their security clearances. Patty, that includes me and today a Special Agent from the FBI was here and asked how a 17 year old with no education was running the show here. Dad answered by saying because I said he could. Patty laughed at that. Then I said well it a fishing trip for the Special Agent and after an 30 minutes he asked about the relationship between Technologies, Enterprises and my Foundation. I told him that two law firms had set that up and asked what did he really want and he said the lease for the new building. At that point I ran out of patience and told him that was available from the bank as it was key to the construction loan and that he could see the lease with a subpoena and that our legal team would work with him once he obtained that. He in one sentence questioned my age, my competency, my education and my integrity. Finding nothing special about this agent, I simply refused to cooperate further. Then she said, well that actually looks like there is something being hidden. Patty that correct thus you are here. I have two buildings going up, multiple contracts with, unions, NASA, GE, and the US Department of Defense and I have always been transparent. While I won't give this particular FBI agent anything, unless legally required to do so, for you and the people of Western PA here is the lease and I handed it to her. She actually said WOW. Then asked, why this way and I said because the dude was rude and in typical fashion tried to intimidate me. Frankly, I don't care about what the FBI thinks. I do however care about the people of the area and want to make thing better for all of us. I have a vision and so far it is working out and growing legs and Federal indifference be damned. Should this less than special agent be acting for political gain, I hope he is transferred to Alaska. Mike, you are conducting a financial review of Technologies have you discovered anything interesting? I said well we have revenue of just over 46 million a year, we are growing and we pay more than our share of taxes. So Mike are you ready to expand? I smiled and said nope as we are growing and I'm concentrating of finding places for people to sit. Then she asked about football and I said, we are in good shape and it starts in 11 days, so stay tuned, but I'm ready. Then dad said we always try to cooperate but everyone should know we expect to be treated as the professionals we are and not thugs who skirt or break the law. I expect a formal and public apology from the FBI Director for the conduct of his less that Special agent. Damn, I thought I was pissed. The guy from the newspaper was given a copy of the lease and he asked if it could be printed in the paper and dad said, Sam I really don't give a fuck as it was approved by our BOD, signed my me as President and signed by the attorney for the Trust and as a formality by Mike. The terms are below current market value and a good deal for Technologies and will get better as everyone is locked in. Sam, from the PG, said well you guys are certainly picking a fight with the FBI and I said nope they picked a fight with us. We are clean and they need to prove otherwise and I'll make that process as difficult as possible. I know this is just a skirmish and the war is yet to be won. They can bring the entire alphabet soup of government agencies along for the ride but they are spending our money needlessly. Let the games begin and thanks. Zaid and I went to my office and Patty was immediately at the door and she said Mike, there is no way we run that at 6:00 as our legal group needs to review the lease but we will tease the shit out of it and a full report at 11:00. I laughed and said your call but the PG goes out with an early edition a little after midnight. She said we know and she said thanks. Once she was gone I looked at Zaid and asked, so what are your thoughts? He was quiet for a second, gathering his thoughts and I said look dude, with you and me alone, simply say it and nothing you say will get you fired or in the doghouse. I do expect that is stays between us. He smiled and said well you are fucking nuts. Mike, you just challenged the Feds and yet I would guess that tomorrow morning at 9:00 will be an interesting time at the Hoover build as there will be calls from Generals and Admirals and most likely NASA to the FBI director. Then there will be a press release stating that the FBI reserves the right to investigate companies holding DOD contracts and your dad won't get the apology and it just all goes away. Also, I learned there are fucking lines people can't cross with you. Oh, and that you control the local media. Then he added, accounting will be pissed as it's likely, you get audited. I smiled and said you pass the pop quiz. I really hope your days are not all interesting. By the way, I'm guessing you will be getting a security clearance as well. He said, damn a black man with a security clearance wait till mom hears. Then he said, I think I'll get that picture taken and unless you need something else I'll see you in the morning. I said fine and I'm here by 8:00. I had just started back on the financials when my phone rang and when I looked at it I saw it was a school number and I answered saying hi, this is Mike. Mike, the is Dr. Johnson, how are you? I said fine but wondering why the call? Well the network will be sending people to the meeting tonight's. I said ok, so why am I there again, coach was a little vague. Well Mike, you are reason they are interested in the program and they will be planing a featured role for you. I said wow, that's great. The Principal laughed and said, ok but why do I get the impression it is anything but all right? Well Doc, it's because you know me. Well it will be as interesting as my afternoon was with the FBI and KDKA. He said now what? I said news at 6 & 11 and I said I'll see you tonight and dad will be there as well. He laughed and said, damn you don't usually need help. I laughed and said I'll see you tonight and hung up. I collected the financials and thought I might look at them tonight, said goodnight to Ruth and drove home, hoping Colleen had dinner. At home I stopped in my room and went to the house and grabbed an iced tea and sat out back and tried to relax. With that not working I called Mary Ann and we talked about her day and then she asked so how was it stuck in an office all day? I laughed and said not as boring as one might think then I suggested she watch the KDKA News at 6 and again at 11. When I added that I wouldn't be jailed, well today she told me in no uncertain terms she wasn't fucking a felon. For the first time all day I laughed out loud. After we hung up I realized that I hadn't seen Colleen and was hoping for a good dinner. Just then Cole appeared and he had a package and I asked, another golf outfit and he said yes and he opened the package and there was what looked like an old outfit from Scotland and I simply laughed. Then he showed me a wooden driver and said he was going to see how that worked at the range tomorrow and he might use it. He said it's from the 60's. I got gave him a big hug and said, fuck this might be fun on Wednesday and I'll need that. I asked if he had any idea about dinner and he said Colleen took the day off, something at church and dad is drinking dinner. I smiled at dad is bringing dinner and the casual way he said that. Cole and I chatted about things and it was good to catch up and we were both drinking iced tea when dad and Megan appeared and dad had a bunch of packages. Megan was having a Cobb salad and we were having ribs, fries and a salad and there was an entire rack for each of us. We were eating and Megan said so MJ, you had an interesting day. I asked, is that from work or dad and she said well both. Only that you Agent friend is having difficulty getting a document to force you to release the lease. That will happen but I understand it won't matter, he is going to look like an ass. I said that's the point and I need to watch the news at 6 then head to school, dad are you driving? I had finished the ribs and grabbed a plate full of fries and went into the game room and turned on thenTV and sat back eating fries. The news came on and the lead story was BREAKING NEWS, LocAl Tech company under possible FBI investigation for RICO violations and collusion, details at 11. Megan burst out laughing and said nothing like pumping up a story. Then a little while later it was said, THIS JUST IN see Mike Simmons respond to the charges, exclusive details at 11. Having had enough I grabbed an iced tea and went to my room, took a quick shower and dressed in shorts and tried to put on an old football jersey but it didn't fit so I selected a VT shirt and dockers, no socks. I found dad and said, let's go. He looked at me and said, sit down and relax, you won't be late but you won't be early either. I laughed and said, fuck your driving. We pulled into the parking lot a few minutes before 7:00 and coach Weston was waiting for us and he laughed and said Mike, I thought with the fun you had today you might have begged off? Coach if that is an option, I'm out of here. He laughed and said, well it's good to see you in a good mood. In the conference room Dr.Johnson said hello and introduced Dr. Ambros the Superintendent, and Mr. Mader the School Board president and Aaron Mason from the network. Once we sat down it became obvious that Mr. Mader was in charge and I thought that was a bad sign and when he looked at me and said son, thanks for coming, I immediately said sir I am not your son and I would appreciate it if you called me Mike. He fought back and said well that's complicated as your dad is Mike. I smiled and said well actually my dad is Mr. Simmons. I saw coach Weston smile and he leaned back in his chair. With me in control, well for the moment, I asked so Mr. Mason, what brings you here that requires my presence? He actually laughed and said Mike, you certainly live up to your reputation. Mike, make no mistake about it we are here because and your relationship with a Journalist who maintains you are more interesting than most people she has interviewed. Ok, so what's that have to do with football? Well at Diane's request we researched your school and team and feel there is a story to tell about high school athletics and how student athletes balance all that is involved and you balance a lot more than most. Ok let me ask, is education important at all in this? He said yes as well as your relationship with teammates. I said my relationship or the team dynamics? He said the team dynamics and I asked so you will features others as well? He said yes key players and to a lesser degree others as well. There was a pause and Mr. Mader asked so what's in it for the school district. I just sat there and the network guy said well an increase in property value for you residents and a reputation for the school. I immediately said not to mention added exposure for our guys and college attention for years to come. Then I asked why all year and why not camp and a few games and the playoffs, yes we will make the playoffs? Mike, that's exactly the plan. Individual interviews at camp and updates throughout the season. We will be relying on our affiliate so you will have to but up with stupid questions. I laughed and said no promises, ask Diane. He said well she actually told us that. Then the Principal asked about parental consent and was told naturally and the would blur out and videos of kids not approved by parents. They would be responsible for all expenses and would provide food for the team and work around practice schedules. Then they said that the district was ok with this as the Network called the Executive Director and has permission for all playoff games. I was thinking this was all too easy. I simply sat there listening to the details and was amazed how many things had been settled. While I was good with that and didn't need any input. I was thinking things would move along and if they changed the approach or if it was too much about me or all about sports, I would have a hard time putting the breaks on all this. I was shocked back to reality when I heard dad say, well you will have to ask Mike as I have no say. I looked up and Mr. Mason asked, Mike will you agree to be interviewed and videoed? I said, well I'm actually not sure. There was total silence and all of a sudden Mr. Mader exploded. He yelled you pain in the fucking ass, we are here because of you, so cooperate. I sat straight up and dad kicked me under the table and I took a deep breath and calmly said Mr. Mader, I would appreciate it if you could manage to use your professional vocabulary when you speak to me. I have so far done that and will continue to do that but if you want to know what happens to people who disrespect me watch the KDKA news tonight at 11:00. Just so you understand, I shouldn't be the only team member here. In addition this all sounds good, in fact too good so before I agree to anything, I'll want to hear what my teammates think about all this. Mr. Mader started to say some and I looked at dad and said, let's go and I got up and started to the door and I heard sit the hell back down. I knew it was Mr. Mader and gave the Royal wave and walked out. Dad was right behind me and we simply drove home and I went right to my room, changed my clothes to baggy shorts and a tee and grabbed a beer. Sitting on the sofa I grabbed my phone and called JJ. When he answered I asked if he could stop over and I just needed to talk about football. He said he would be right over and hung up. JJ was quickly over and he grabbed a beer and said dude, I hear you had a day? I laughed and said you only know the work half. He said ok and leaned in and gave me a hug and it felt so good, I simply kissed him and let him hold me. Then I filled him in on the meeting at school. He listened and asked am I in Texas or Pennsylvania? Ok, JJ what do you think? MJ unless we get Sam in the fold it will be a total shit show. That gets harder every day and coach invited the freshman QB to camp. The camp segment will be used as material to stoke the opposing teams. It adds a lot of pressure and if done right could increase the visibility of some of the guys with the college people. MJ, I say game on and let it be what it becomes. We were sitting there just talking about things and Cole appeared asking would you mind if I grabbed a beer and watched the news with you guys? JJ said sure but as soon as MJ's story is over I'm out of here. Cole was all excited about the golf and it was fun to see that and how much he had it under control. He had even backed David off more tickets. At the mention of David's name it hit me and I knew what he wanted but I would leave that discussion for the trip. When the news came on we were the first story and it was a 5 minute segment, unheard of on local news. I was featured with my statement that the people of Western PA deserved to know if we ran an honest company. Then Patty said we have gone over the lease for hours and there are no issues and then they went to Hillgrove who said it was well thought out and a great deal for both parties. He also added that it was legally correct. I thought damn. The segment ended with it reported that the FBI had no comment. As JJ was leaving my phone went nuts. I simply let it all go unanswered. When I had a chance, I called Major Jim and he said damn you have balls and tomorrow should be no comment. I'm thinking that once the paper come out everyone will want a comment and it will be national. Mike, the conference is going well and you should relax about that and the financials are good. Jim, we need to cut costs or increase revenue as 8 million profit isn't enough? He laughed and said we will be dealing with a possible answer tomorrow. Now get some rest and good job. With that I hung up and went to my room, set the alarm and fell asleep. THANKS FOR FOLLOWING THE STORY AND FOR THE COMMENTS, I ENJOY READING THEM. PLEASE, IF POSSIBLE, CONTRIBUTE TO NIFTY!!