Winds of Change

Part 13

It was long past dark as Dar piloted the boat back into the harbor, the engines rumbling softly as she made her way between the lines of yachts to either side. 

There were a few people still out on the piers, some coiling up hoses, others moving boxes of supplies from the land onto the boats, and there was a cascade of light but curiously musical clanking of the riggings as the boats moved slightly on the tide.

Their slip was one of the outer ones, and Dar had no problem maneuvering the boat into it, cutting the engines and sliding in a little sideways as they eased against the bumpers and Kerry hopped off to tie them up.

It was quiet once she shut power down,  the soft creak of the wooden pilings and the scuff of KerryÕs footsteps sounding loud and distinct.    Dar relaxed a moment, flexing her hands out and letting them rest on her thighs before she got up from the console and turned to head down the ladder.

At the top of it she paused, hearing her pocketed cell phone start to ring. She pulled it out and answered it. ÒHello?Ó

ÒHello, Dar?Ó

She hesitated. ÒYesÉ Jacques?Ó

There was a faint sigh on the other end. ÒYes, it is me.  May we speak for a moment?Ó

Dar went back over to the console and sat down. ÒSure.Ó  She said. ÒSo long as youÕre not calling me to threaten me with a lawsuit, in which case IÓll give you my lawerÕs number or call me an asshole.Ó

Jacques chuckled briefly.  ÒNo, it is neither.  Though I am sure you know my colleagues wish nothing better than to try and throw some legal trouble your way.Ó

ÒNice thanks for a job well done.Ó Dar remarked dryly. ÒHope they all step off a cliff and croak.Ó

He sighed again. ÒLet us put that aside for a time as at this moment there are other things occupying their attention. I suppose you know what is going on?Ó

Dar leaned back and considered.  ÒYes.Ó She said, briefly. ÒI know whatÕs going on. But if youÕre wondering if I had anything to do with it the answer is no.Ó

ÒNo, we know that.Ó Jacques responded, surprisingly.  ÒIf that was the case, so much as I respect you there would already be legal filings in process. You understand?Ó

ÒSure.Ó 

ÒSo there has been an investigation, yes?  In no way was it found out that you had any part in this massive failure.Ó  He said. ÒIn that, you did not participate,  that is what is understood. Ò

Kerry climbed up onto the flying bridge and paused, looking questioningly at her. ÒTrouble?Ó

Dar shrugged.  ÒJacques.Ó She mouthed silently.

Kerry rolled her eyes. ÒGoing to take the dogs in and get dinner.Ó   She patted DarÕs leg and retreated down the steps again.

ÒOkay, so why the phone call then?Ó Dar asked. ÒJacques, honestly, IÕm sorry someone screwed things up so colossally,  no one wanted that.Ó

ÒYes, I knew you would think so.Ó Jacques said. ÒThe mistake that was made, was underestimating your influence.  So let me ask you a few questions if I may do so?Ó

ÒSure.Ó

Jacques paused to compose himself. ÒThis thing that went wrong, do you think it was a thing done on purpose?Ó

DarÕs brows contracted a little. ÒNot sure what you mean.Ó She said. ÒIf someone went in and made changes, sure that was on purpose. ItÕs very hard to accidentally log yourself into a device and type things into it. Ò

ÒNo, no, yes I understand that the action was purposeful.Ó Jacques said. ÒBut do you think that the intent, the changes being made, were done on purpose to cause us harm?Ó

Oh. Completely different question. ÒAh. You mean, was the change done to screw things up on  purpose?Ó

ÒYes.Ó

ÒHave no clue.Ó Dar said, honestly. ÒFrom what I heard, it was done to put someoneÕs mark up. You know what that means?Ó

ÒNot so much.Ó

Dar considered. ÒThereÕs a lot of me in those systems.Ó She clarified. ÒSeemed to me like someone wanted to take that out and put their own stamp on it.Ó

ÒAh.Ó

ÒSo, was it done on purpose? Sure. But was it done maliciously?Ó Dar shrugged. ÒI donÕt know the guy and I donÕt want to guess at his motives.  Seems like a stupid, and very public screw up though.Ó

Jacques considered that in silence for a moment. ÒThe investigation, it was just finished earlier and the report I was given said there was bad intent in the action.Ó

Dar folded her arms and leaned back against the console. ÒMaking the change I could believe was honest desire to take my rep down.Ó She said. ÒBut making it impossible to go back? Either that was ego way larger than mine, Jacques, or.. yeah, maybe there was something behind it.Ó

Jacques grunted softly.

He was one of the few board members Dar liked.  She had developed a respect for his practicality, and what sheÕd felt was an honest desire to simply attend to business, caring more about share value and making money than any politics behind it.

ÒWhat are you going to do, Jacques?Ó Dar asked, after a long silence.

ÒI have taken the chairmanÕs slot, yes?Ó  He said. ÒAfter some contention.Ó

Dar could only imagine that. Jacques had been one of AlastairÕs biggest allies on the board.  ÒWould have liked to have seen that dogfight.Ó

He chuckled dryly again.  ÒI believe you can fix this problem, yes? Ò

ÒProbably. But IÕm not going to.Ó Dar responded, a little surprised to hear herself say the words. ÒThat would be bad for both of us.Ó

ÒYes, exactly so.Ó He agreed in a mild tone. ÒI had no intention of asking you to do so. Which I would think maybe surprises you?Ó

ÒDepends on how desperate I think you are.Ó Now it was DarÕs turn to chuckle a little. ÒCÕmon, Jacques. You didnÕt call me just to pass the time of day.Ó

He cleared his throat. ÒTo be sure, I did call just to advise you of my new position.Ó He said, in a careful tone. ÒAnd also, to see if you would speak with me and not just hang up the telephone.Ó

ÒI would never do that Jacques. You were always fair with me.Ó Dar said. ÒIÕm glad you took charge. YouÕve got an even hand and youÕve been in the mix a long time.Ó She pushed off the console and went to the rail, looking out over the harbor.

ÒYou were very close with Alastair.Ó Jacques said. ÒHe continually defended you, and thatÕs what was the reason for his leaving. Ò

ÒAnd HamiltonÕs IÕm guessing.Ó Dar said.

ÒNow that is an interesting story. Hamilton was let go yes, because he refused to follow the boardÕs directions.  ButÉ Ò Jacques paused. ÒHe is also a large stockholder, and threatened to bring suit against the board if they brought suit against you.Ó

Dar was charmed. ÒGood for him.Ó

ÒSo this brings me to the real reason for this conversation.Ó  Jacques said. ÒI would like to ask you for your opinion.  I would like you tell me, Dar, what you would do if you were in my position, to resolve all these difficulties.Ó

ÒHuh.Ó

ÒWe have many people who have left. We have systems that are not doing well. We have customers who are very upset at is, and contracts at risk.  What would you do to resolve that?Ó

Dar was silent for a few minutes, thinking.  ÒYou need those people who left more than you need anyoneÕs egos, or to save face.Ó She said, finally.  ÒYouÕll never get them back if you keep your new guys. Get rid of them, and call the people who walked out and ask them to come back. Including Hamilton.Ó

ÒIt would be very difficult for me to get the backing enough to do that.Ó Jacques sounded regretful. ÒThere is quite a lot of pride involved.Ó

ÒMoney trumps pride.Ó Dar said, bluntly. ÒThey want to lose money?  They keep going down this route youÕll lose everything.  One of your customers has already called me and said they were thinking of terminating your contracts.Ó

ÒDo they want to offer them to you?Ó

ÒYes, but I donÕt want them. ItÕs not the direction I want my new company to go.Ó Dar told him honestly. ÒI would rather you repair that relationship and keep them.Ó

Jacques sighed. ÒYour opinion in fact walks side by side with mine.  I just do not know that I can make this collection of people on the board go along with it. Ò He said. ÒDar, I thank you for taking your time on this Saturday night to speak with me.  I wish you good luck with your new enterprise, though it seems to me you donÕt need it as you are doing quite well.Ó

ÒWe are.Ó Dar said. ÒAt the rate weÕre going, weÕre going to be able to hire all the people who walked out on you so if youÕre smart, get those board asses turned around before you lose the chance to make things right.Ó

He chuckled softly. ÒDo you need an investor?Ó

ÒWhen weÕre ready for that, I know who to call.Ó Dar replied,. ÒGotta go. I just parked my boat and itÕs getting nippy out here. Ò

ÒThank you, Dar. I canÕt say I will be able to follow your advice, but itÕs good to have it. Ò Jacques said. ÒGood night to you, and please give my regards to your housemate.Ó

Housemate.  Dar pinched the bridge of her nose. ÒWell, IÓve heard her called worse. I will.Ó She said. ÒGood night, Jacques.  Good luck.Ó

She hung up the phone and stuck it in her pocket, before she closed the weather proofing around the console and retreated back down onto the main deck.   She checked the door to make sure it was locked, then she hopped off the boat and onto the dock, walking along the wooden pier past the rows of gently bobbing yachts.

As she came up onto the marina side, she detoured past the path leading back to the condo and went into the little island store instead.

ÒGood evening, maÕam.Ó The cashier greeted her as she entered. ÔWe have fresh stone crabs, and hand churned chocolate ice cream today.Ó

Dar paused, and eyed her. ÒYou sure have us pegged.Ó She remarked, with a smile.   ÒGive me a pound of each.Ó

ÒYesÕm.Ó The cashier smiled back, a fresh faced young girl with dark streaked blond hair pulled back into a neat pony tail. ÒWe like to keep track of our nicer residents.Ó

Dar brought the box of dog biscuits up to the counter and put it down, waiting as the cashier put together  a goodie bag for her. ÒAre there residents who arenÕt nice?Ó

ÒOh sure.Ó The girl put the bag on the counter and took DarÕs residentÕs card, sliding it into her system. ÒI mean, there are all kinds of people everywhere, you know what I mean?Ó

ÒSure.Ó Dar took her card back.  ÒIÕve run into some idiots here.  But most everyone minds their own business.Ó

ÒMost people do, but some people act like because they live here, it gives them carte blanche to treat everyone who works on the island like servants. WeÕre not.Ó

Dar blinked. ÒDo they?Ó

ÒThey do. A man was in here about twenty minutes ago.Ó The girl said, obviously remembering with irritation.  ÒHe got all ticked off at me because we didnÕt have fresh goats milk.Ó She handed over DarÕs package.   ÒHe actually took a bottle of the stuff we had and threw it against the wall. Can you believe it?Ó

Dar took her items and shook her head. ÒThere are jerks in the world.Ó She said. ÒThat seems like a crazy thing to get mad about though.Ó

The girl shrugged. ÒHeÕs rich.Ó She said. ÒHis family owns like ten properties, and they go from one to the other. HeÕs got a big sailboat, and a personal assistant.  His nameÕs Grossner – do you  know him?Ó

ÒNope.Ó Dar said. ÒI donÕtÕ think we travel in the same circles.Ó She smiled. ÒI actually work for a living.Ó

ÒRight?Ó  The girl waved. ÒGood night maÕam.  Have a nice weekend.Ó

ÒThanks.Ó Dar pushed the door open and started down the path, with a thoughtful expression.  The gravel crunched under her sandals, and she hooked the bag by one finger and slung it over her shoulder. 

How narrow a life did you need to have to worry about goats milk?  She pondered that as she passed between the ring of trees and started to cut across the golf course towards their home.  Or was that a different perspective you got when you had so much that worrying about the basics of life never happened, and so you focused on the sharp points of tiny details.

Was that part of what was wrong with the board members?  Dar began to whistle softly under her breath. Had they become so used to constant success and plenty that being faced with what amounted to corporate mutiny left them unable to figure out what to do, so what they did was flail around and fire bullets in a circle hoping to hit something that would make them feel better?

Hm.

She heard the soft chatter of the sprinklers on the course and glanced ahead to see if they were going to douse her.    The path ahead was clear of water, but there were two tall figures moving in her direction and she shifted to one side of the gravel to make space for them to pass.

ÒIÕm telling you, Tom, that kid was asking for it.Ó One of the men was saying as they came even with her. He glanced briefly up at Dar, then lifted a hand. ÒEvening.Ó

ÒEvening.Ó Dar responded cordially, moving past.

ÒYeah, she might have been, but you should keep in check, Billy.Ó The man said as they moved away.  ÒThis is a small place. Word gets around.Ó

ÒLike I could care? WeÕll just pay whoeverÕs in charge off. IÕm going to go get what was coming to me.Ó The  voices echoed softly, trickling back to DarÕs ears from where sheÕd come to a halt on the path.

Coincidence?  Or was that goatÕs milk boy on his way to bring more trouble to the kid in the store.

Dar regarded the sky overhead with a somber look, then she smiled a little, acknowledging that old crusader label maybe wasnÕt so far off after all.   With a sigh, she turned around and started after the men, pulling out her Handspring and typing in a brief message as she walked.

**

She got to the door and pushed through it just as the shorter man was reaching across the counter and grabbing the cashierÕs blouse, twisting his fingers into the fabric and yanking her close to him.

ÒHey!Ó  She barked, as both men turned at the sound of the door and a moment later the man released the girl and stepped back. ÒWhat the hell are you doing, buddy?Ó

The taller man stepped back uncertainly, looking at the door and edging towards it. ÒJust a misunderstanding.Ó He said. ÒNo problem here, lady.Ó

ÒFuck that.Ó The shorter man came at her. ÒNone of your fucking business, you bitch. Get the fuck out of my way.Ó He reached to shove her and Dar reacted instinctively, swinging her arm around to block him and forgetting what she had in her grasp.

The ice cream and crab smacked him in the side of the head and he reeled backwards, stumbling to one side and crashing into the counter.

The other man took off, bolting out the door. 

Dar dropped the bag and got over her center of balance, bringing her hands up into a defensive position as the other man shoved off from the counter, sending bags of potato chips flying all over the floor.  

He pulled his hand back and curled it into a fist and then paused, taking in the still, balanced posture, and unafraid expression of the woman opposite him.

ÒIÕm calling security, Ms. Roberts.Ó The cashier called out.

ÒGet out of my way.Ó The man came at her, and swung, and Dar ducked out of his way and let him go past.   He walked rapidly away and yanked the door open, nearly smashing full into Kerry who was coming it with some speed.

Dar felt every hair on her arms lift up as he reached out to push Kerry and then  next thing she knew she was hauling him down from behind  and turning with his arm in her grasp, yanking him backwards and pulling him over to the ground. ÒDonÕt you touch her.Ó

He twisted in her grasp but Dar felt her temper snap and she got a knee hard into his groin, then slammed her elbow into his chin and knocked his head backwards.

He stumbled and went down and she almost went after him, but then she backed off, as Kerry got in next to her, breathing hard. 

ÒWhat in the hell is going on here?Ó Kerry asked.

ÒSecurityÕs comingÓ The cashier came out from behind the counter. ÒThanks a bunch, Ms. Roberts.  This dumbass said he was going to take me into the cooler and teach me a lesson.Ó

The door opened and two uniformed security guards came in. ÒWhats the deal here?Ó The nearer one asked, giving Dar and Kerry a glance. ÒLadies.Ó

ÒHello, Charles.Ó  Kerry responded. ÒIt seems this guy was causing a problem in here.Ó

The man got to his knees. ÒEveryone here is gonna pay out the ass for this.Ó He said. ÒIÕll sue every single one of youÓ He glared at the cashier. ÒEspecially you, little cunt. I didnÕt do anything to you. I was just talking to you.Ó

Kerry looked at him, then at Dar. ÒI donÕt think you hit him hard enough, hon.Ó She remarked mildly. ÒI donÕt know who you are, mister, but my partner doesnÕt smack around people for no reason.Ó

He stared at both of them. ÒOh, thatÕs righ. YouÕre the queers my brother was talking about.  ThatÕll make an even better lawsuit.Ó

ÒOkay.Ó The security supervisor said. ÒLetÕs just settle down and weÕll do a report.Ó

ÒScrew that. Ó The man got up and shoved past them. ÒYou canÕt hold me here you rentacops.  You want anything from me call my office.Ó  He walked out the door, still a little hunched. ÒYouÕll be hearing from my lawyer in the morning.Ó

Charles sighed. ÒCan I get some info from you ladies?Ó

ÒSure.Ó Dar sat down on one of the stools near the small lunch counter, pausing the pick up the bag and putting it down on the counter surface. ÒWasnÕt the way I was looking for this night to go.Ó

ÒIÓll put these in the coolerÓ  The counter girl said.  ÒAnd, thanks, Ms. Roberts. I mean that really.  That guy was scaring the crap out of me and I didnÕt even have a chance to grab a radio.Ó

Kerry leaned her elbow on her partnerÕs shoulder. ÒCrusader Dar.Ó

ÒI knew you were going to say that.Ó Dar muttered.  ÒListen, Charles – if heÕs going to call a lawyer, we probably better get Metro-Dade over here.Ó

Charles sighed. ÒDo we have to?Ó He asked. ÒListen, Ms. Roberts,  That guyÕs nothing but a jerk. HeÕs already sued Mrs. Christoff for her dog barking, and Doctor Ed for washing his car too early in the morning.   HeÕs a pain in the ass, but itÕs usually a bullshit pain in the ass if you know what I mean.Ó

ÒYou saying heÕs just a spoiled white rich boy?Ó  Kerry asked, with a  wry twinkle in her eyes. ÒAs in, someone my father would have wanted me to marry?Ó

Charles shrugged sheepishly.

ÒHeÕs a jerk.Ó Christie said, having put the bag in the freezer.   ÒHe was in here before, making trouble about some milk. I was telling Ms. Roberts about it.Ó

The security guard nodded, making some notes.  ÒSo then he left?Ó

ÒHe did.Ó

ÒHe and his buddy were coming across the golf course path.Ó Dar said.  ÒI heard him saying to his buddy he was going to come here and make trouble and so I followed him.Ó

Charles eyed her. ÒYou coulda called us.Ó

ÒI could have.Ó Dar agreed. ÒIn fact, I should have. But I didnÕt, and when I came in here he had Kristie by the neck and was about to pull her over the counter.Ó

Both security guards looked over at the cashier, who nodded in confirmation.

ÒWasnÕt going to stand there and let them.Ó Dar said. ÒI yelled and told them to stop, and then that jackass came at me.Ó

ÒWas he drunk?Ó  Charles wondered.  ÒGuy gets caught doing something like that, he should just beat it.Ó

ÒWell, he didnÕt. He swung at me and I went to block him and smacked him in the head with the bag I was carryingÓ Dar said. ÒSo he got clocked with a pound of stone crabs and a lump of chocolate ice cream.Ó

Kerry eyed her. ÒWas that dinner, Dardar?Ó

ÒOuch.Ó Charles commiserated. ÒIÕve been hit with lobster tails.  Hurts.Ó He scribbled a note. ÒSo then?Ó

ÒThen I let him past me and he hit the door.Ó

ÒAnd hit me.Ó Kerry said. ÒAnd Dar hauled him back like he was a sack of wheat and kicked him in the nuts for that.Ó  She gave her spouse an affectionate look.  

ÒAh.Ó Charles said. ÒWell, Ms Roberts, chances are that guyÕs gonna file charges against you, and Kristie, and probably me, because heÕs got more money than sense.  But Kristie here.. youÕll step up and testify?Ó

ÒSure.Ó Kristie agreed at once. ÒListen, my dadÕs not going to like hearing about this guy, and if he knows whatÕs good for him heÕll just keep out of here. He doesnÕt want to mess with my father.Ó She glanced at Dar and Kerry.  ÒHe owns this place.Ó

ÒThe store?Ó  Kerry asked.

ÒThe island.Ó Kristie smiled. ÒHe owns the development company.  We live here.  He just never believed in raising us kids to be rich feckless brats.Ó

Revelation.  Kerry smiled at her. ÒYou going to college?Ó

Kristie shook her head. ÒNot my thing.  I like to do graphic artistry. Dad says heÕll maybe hire me to design our ad copy.Ó

ÒYou like computers?Ó

ÒWant a job?Ó Dar and Kerry  said at the same time, and then exchanged looks.

ÒOkay folks, can I just finish here before we start something else?Ó Charles begged.  ÒSo thatÕs all that happened?  Then we came in?Ó

ÒYes.Ó Dar said. ÒSorry to ruin your night, fellas.Ó

The other security guard grinned briefly at her. ÒIÕve seen you in the gym, Ms. Roberts. Sorry we missed the dust up.   KristieÕs right. That guyÕs nothing but stupid bad news.Ó

ÒSo are we going to call the police?Ó Kerry asked. ÒWe have a lawyer, but IÕd rather not have to use him for this.Ó

ÒLet me have my boss go talk to that guy.Ó Charles said. ÒIÕm thinking, heÕs pretty new around here. Been here only three months. He probably doesnÕt know who Kristie is.Ó He gave the girl a smile. ÒSheÕs right. He donÕt want her daddy to get involved. HeÕs got a temper.Ó

ÒOkay by me.Ó Dar said. ÒYou guys handle it.  IÕve got stone crab and ice cream to get home.Ó

The guards left, talking in low tones together and looking at the pad of notes.  The door closed behind them and the three women were momentarily silent.

ÒOkay, so.Ó Kerry finally cleared her throat. ÒSorry that had to go down.  It was a really cool Saturday before that.Ó She said. ÒWant to get home and get the salt water out of your hair?Ó

ÒThat was really cool.Ó Kristie said. ÒDonÕt worry about that guy. My dadÕll take care of him.Ó She added, confidently.  ÒHe knows about you.Ó

DarÕs brows lifted.  ÒWeÕre computer nerds.Ó

She nodded. ÒYeah, he knows that, but I also heard him telling someone.. I guess someone had a problem with your dog?  Or something? The gym maybe? Anyway he told them to shut up and leave you alone.Ó

Dar still looked surprised.

ÒYou have some contacts with the government?Ó Kristie prompted.

ÒAh.Ó  Kerry smiled. ÒYes, we do have some contacts with the government.  So anyway, Kristie – you interested in a career in computers? We run a consulting company and we sure could use some help in the media department.Ó

Kristie made a face. ÒItÕs kind of gross for me to say this, but I donÕt think my dad would let me.Ó

KerryÕs eyebrows shot right up.

ÒHe doesnÕtÕ like gay people.Ó The girl said, in a matter of fact tone.  ÒSo like I said, he knows about you guys, but heÕd really go apeshit if I said I was going to work for you. I think heÕd think you were recruiting me, you know?Ó

Dar blinked a few times, then shrugged. ÒHis loss.Ó  She said, ÒAnd maybe yours.Ó

ÒAre you mad?Ó Kristie looked wistfully at them.  ÒI donÕt want you to be, I just donÕt want to lie about it.Ó

ÒWe appreciate that.Ó Kerry recovered her balance.  ÒBut tell your dad to do himself a favor and never say anything like that to her dad.Ó She indicated Dar.  ÒHe wonÕt care if he owns this place.Ó

Kristie cocked her head to one side. ÒIs that the tall guy, Andy?Ó

ÒThatÕs my dad.Ó Dar said. ÒHeÕs a retired Navy SEAL, and IÕm his only kid.Ó She glanced at Kerry. ÒWell, his only blood kid.Ó

Kerry smiled at her. ÒAnyway, no hard feelings, Kristie.Ó  She said. ÒMy father felt the same way about gay people.  He went to his grave hating me for it.Ó  She leaned on DarÕs shoulder. ÒThatÕs why IÕm glad I found Dar and her family.Ó

Kristie nodded, looking more serious. ÒHe just is like that.Ó She said. ÒItÕs not a religious thing, he just thinks a family should be a man, and a woman and kids.Ó  She glanced at the clock. ÒAnd, itÕs time for me to close this place up before any more weird stuff happens.Ó

They got up and Kerry retrieved their bag, then tucked her arm inside DarÕs as they headed for the door.   ÒNight.Ó She glanced back at Kristie.  ÒHope that guy doesnÕt give you any more trouble.Ó

Kristie herself looked troubled, but she waved. ÒNight.Ó

They made their way out of the store and headed once more along the path toward their home. ÒYuk.Ó Dar said, after a pause. ÒThat didnÕt end the way I figured it would.Ó

Kerry shrugged slightly. ÒPeople are like that.Ó She acknowledged. ÒitÕs just getting more evident I think. Ò

ÒYuk.Ó Dar repeated. ÒMy conversation with Jacques was more interesting.  He took charge of the board.  Seems like thereÕs a big fight going on there.Ó

ÒBig surprise.Ó Kerry said. ÒYou give him any advice?Ó

ÒYes. But I doubt heÕs going to be able to take it.Ó Dar said, with a sigh. ÒItÕs not our issue anymore. LetÕs go have some crabs and chill out.Ó

Kerry accepted the change of subject and remained quiet for the rest of the short walk, pondering the stars visible over the tops of the buildings as she thought about the eveningÕs surprises.

Yuk, about covered it.

**

The next day, it rained.  Kerry was very content to watch the heavy clouds disburse their contents across the seawall as she stood at the kitchen window, enjoying an early morning cup of coffee.

She could hear Dar playing with the dogs in the living room, and there were cartoons playing on the television to complete the background noise.

The kitchen floor had towels on it, mopping up from the wet dog footprints and she carefully stepped over them as she went back into the main part of the house.

Dar was sitting on the floor,  legs sprawled out with a knotted towel in her hands being tugged at by both Labradors.

It was adorable.  She put her cup down and grabbed her camera, focusing quickly and snapping a few shots of the action. ÒYou guys are hilarious.Ó

ÒIÕm not sure who MochaÕs helping more.Ó Dar watched the puppy get in ChinoÕs way, then grab the end hanging from the bigger LabÕs mouth and hung off it. 

ÒGrowf!Ó  Chino let go and barked at him in outrage.

Kerry chuckled, perching on the back of the loveseat.  ÒYou all set for the conference?Ó

ÒYup.Ó Dar rolled onto her back and let the dogs clamber all over her.  ÒGot the demo done too.  Going to spend the rest of today just relaxing.Ó

ÒIÕm up for that.Ó  Kerry agreed.  ÒItÕs going to rain all day, and IÕm going to enjoy it, now that I sent an email to Richard warning him about little Billy Jacktard.Ó

ÒPeh.Ó

Kerry put the camera down and joined them on the floor, grabbing the towel and waiting for Mocha to latch onto it.  ÒWhat are you doing there, little man?Ó

ÒGrrrr yap!Ó Mocha  tugged fiercely at the fabric.

Chino plopped down next to Dar and put her head down on DarÕs shoulder, exhaling and stirring the dark hair on the side of her face.

ÒHey Chi.Ó Dar curled an arm around the dog. ÒWhat are you up to, huh?Ó

Chino licked her ear,  making itÕs owner chuckle. 

Kerry played with Mocha for a  minute, then glanced at her partner. ÒI was thinking of making a big pot of barley soup.  You up for that?Ó

Dar peered past ChinoÕs furry body at her. ÒWhatever you make, IÕm up for.Ó She said. ÒYou have yet to produce something out of that kitchen that I havenÕt liked.Ó

ÒIs that true?Ó Kerry pondered. ÒIÕve made some kooky things in there.Ó

ÒItÕs true. I grew up on a Navy base.Ó Dar said. ÒAnd you know how my mother cooks.Ó

ÒHmm. So are you saying youÕll eat anything, and so whatever I make is okay?Ó KerryÕs eyes twinkled at her.

ÒI wonÕt eat anything.Ó Dar evaded the question. ÒYou know that.Ó

No that was true. Kerry edged over so she could lay down and put her head on DarÕs stomach.  ÒDar, can I tell you something?Ó

ÒThat stuff last night is still bothering you.Ó Dar responded confidently.

Kerry looked at her.

ÒThe part about us being gay.Ó Dar clarified. ÒI donÕt usually care about that, but it bothered me too.Ó  She acknowledged. ÒIÕve lived here for years.  YouÕve lived here for years.  Finding out people donÕt  like our lifestyle is like sandpaper on the ass.Ó

ÒNo, itÕs not that.Ó Kerry said. ÒI always assumed there were people who didnÕt like it. But that everyone now feels so comfortable saying that does kind of bother me. ItÕs become okay to diss our relationship in public.Ó

ÒKer, it always was.Ó Dar said. ÒCÕmon. ItÕs only been a damn short time where anyoneÕs accepted it.Ó

ÒMm. It still feels weird.Ó  Kerry said. ÒIts like weÕve become a target, lately.Ó

Dar studied her briefly. ÒDoes it make you uncomfortable living here?Ó

Kerry was silent for a bit.  ÒYou mean, because the guy who owns the place doesnÕt like us?Ó

Dar nodded.

Kerry shrugged. ÒI donÕt know. Maybe IÕm just in a mood today.Ó  She admitted.  ÒWhy should it matter? WeÕve never even met the guy.   It makes me feel a little weird about Kristie though.Ó

ÒMm.Ó

ÒDo people really think we recruit?Ó  Kerry wondered. ÒLike weÕre some creepy vampire club or something?Ó

ÒSure. DidnÕt your dad think I turned you gay?Ó  Dar asked, in a reasonable tone.  ÒPeople believe what they want to believe, and itÕs easier to think someone is making your loved one change than it is to believe they were born that way.Ó

Kerry frowned. ÒYuk.Ó

Dar ruffled her hair gently.  ÒGo make your soup, Ker.   It is what it is.Ó

It was what it was.  Kerry rolled onto her side and then got up onto her hands and knees, leaning forward and giving her partner a kiss on the lips.  Then she yelped as Mocha bit her on the toe and then grabbed the tail of her old tshirt and started pulling it.

Hopefully it would be a nice and quiet, rainy Sunday.

**

Dar was in her office messing around with her demo when the doorbell rang.  She glanced up to see Kerry cross the living room to answer it, and wondered who the hell was calling on them this late on a Sunday evening.

ÒOh hi.Ó She heard Kerry say, then heard the sound of footsteps coming and the door closing.  Dar looked up to see the entrance to her office filled with her partner and their two security friends from the previous night. ÒHey Charles.Ó

ÒHi, Ms. Roberts.Ó

Dar leaned back and propped her knee up against the desk. ÒCÕmon in. What can we do for you?Ó

The two men came in, standing awkwardly until Kerry guided them to the sofa, then went back behind DarÕs desk and leaned on the credenza behind it.

ÒOkay, so.Ó Charles exhaled.  ÒSorry to bother you ladies so late. But we just finished all the paperwork and I wanted to come over so we could tell you the low down.Ó

Kerry extended her legs and crossed them at the ankles.  Her reading of body language made her think the message wasnÕt going to be all bad, and she produced a faint smile. ÒWould you guys like some cold apple cider? I was just about to bring some in here for Dar.Ó

ÒSure.Ó Charles said, at once. ÒWe just walked all the way across the island. Gets you thirsty.Ó

Kerry eased past the desk and headed for the kitchen.

ÒSo.Ó Charles cleared his throat. ÒThat guy, Billy,  he kicked up a big fuss.  He went to the island admin offices and wanted to get them to throw you ladies right on out of here.Ó

Dar blinked at him. ÒHe wanted to get us evicted?Ó She queried. ÒFor me defending myself with shellfish?Ó

ÒNot so much.Ó  The guard captain said. ÒHe said, it was a moral thing, you know?Ó

Dar rolled her eyes as Kerry came back in with a tray.   ÒYou know.Ó She eyed her partner. ÒIÕd really like to know, in a graphic way, what breeders think we do with each other thatÕs so different than what they do.Ó

Kerry put the tray down and handed glasses out. ÒIÕm not even going to comment.Ó  She took her cup and went back to leaning against the credenza.  ÒSo what were they told? Since I know evicting us wouldnÕt be legal.Ó

Charles nodded. ÒSo thatÕs what the association secretary said.  That you ladies mind your own business and donÕt hardly cause no trouble.Ó He said. ÒSo then he went in to talk to Kristies dad, only he didnÕt know he was.Ó

ÒOh, I can see this coming.Ó Dar covered her eyes with one hand.

ÒSo Big Jim broke his arm.Ó  The other guard nodded.  ÒThey took him off in an ambulance.Ó

ÒThatÕs right.Ó Charles said. ÒBroke his arm and his nose too.  He shoulda stuck with you ladies. All he got from that was a bump on the noggin.Ó

ÒWow.Ó Kerry said. ÒSo – is he going to sue KristieÕs father now?Ó

ÒIÕm thinking heÕs gonna be evicted himself. Ò Charles said. ÒBut I did hear Big Jim say he was going to come talk to you  ladies so I thought I should let you know that.Ó  He paused, looking a touch uncomfortable. ÒHeÕs an old fashioned kind of guy.Ó

ÒHere we go again.Ó Kerry sighed.  ÒYou know, itÕs not against the law to be a homosexual.Ó

Dar cleared her throat. ÒNot so much with our variety no. But I think sodomy is still illegal in Broward county.Ó

Kerry covered her eyes, and the two guards blushed in embarrassment.

ÒAnyway, he can come talk to us all he wants. But this place is paid off, and we own it, and thereÕs not a damn thing he can do about it.Ó Dar said. ÒThanks for the heads up though, guys. We appreciate it.Ó

The guards finished their cider and got up. ÒWell, you ladies have a nice nightÓ Charles said. ÒAnd keep out of trouble.Ó

Kerry saw them to the door, then returned, dropping onto the couch with a frown. ÒIÕm not sure I liked that conversation.Ó

ÒMm. Ò Dar grunted. ÒHe really canÕt do anything to us.Ó

ÒNo, I donÕt think so either, but itÕs just not cool, Dar.Ó 

ÒNo.Ó Her partner sighed . ÒItÕs really not.  Its not even cool that heÕd try it with that buttload. Guy has a right to live where he wants to live – most he should do is file charges for him grabbing Kristie.Ó

ÒYouÕre defending him??Ó

ÒIÕm saying he needs to be deal with via the legal system if thatÕs how you feel. Kicking him off the island for what he did is the same as kicking us off for being gay.Ó Dar said, in a mild tone.  ÒIÕm not saying I wouldnÕt cheer if he got tossed into Government Cut.Ó

ÒMm.Ó Kerry sighed. ÒYeah.Ó

ÒLetÕs wait to see what he says to us.Ó Dar said. ÒI can hold my own in any verbal ass kicking contest.Ó

That brought a smile to KerryÕs face. ÒAnd most other kinds.Ó She got up and collected the cider cups.  ÒIÕm going to get in the hot tub. Interested?Ó

Dar got up and flipped off the monitor, leaving it behind without a second glance. ÒGo baby go.Ó

**

The Coconut Grove convention center was small but stylish, and Kerry found herself liking it a lot more than the Miami Beach facility which was huge and echoing and gritty.    She picked up a cup of hot tea at the cafŽ and wandered over to the presentation area, where Dar was getting ready to speak.

It was all small companies.  No one probably knew who they were.  Kerry found that she liked the idea of that,  and she exchanged smiles with another woman about her age in a business suit standing nearby.

There were a lot of booths set up, representing a lot of small companies.  Kerry had already earmarked three or four she wanted to talk to, and she was planning a route through the hall after she listened to DarÕs presentation.

Quite a few people were gathering, and Kerry imagined she could feel her partnerÕs nervousness building up, seeing the restless motion of her tall frame up behind the podium.

Dar wasnÕt fond of public speaking.  Kerry actually didnÕt mind it, and of the two of them, she was the admitted more skilled.  They both knew that.  But Dar had volunteered for the event and if there was one thing that overwhelmed any nerves it was her standing tall in defense of her own ego.

Kind of adorable, actually.  Kerry gave her partner a thumbs up, and saw the rakish, wry grin that told her Dar knew perfectly well what she was thinking about.  Adorable, because Dar was, that glance through the dark bangs right at her making Kerry smile in pure unconscious reflex.

They were both dressed relatively casually.  Slacks and collared shirts, in DarÕs case an embroidered vest  and in KerryÕs a long sleeved sweater she had  draped around her shoulders at the moment.  

The morning was half over, and theyÕd just come out of the keynote speech. Kerry was of the opinion that Dar would have done a far better job at it, but sheÕd clapped with the rest as the owner of the local television station went on about innovation and the American dream.

Now the crowd was settling down, and Kerry carried her cup of juice into the auditorium, taking a seat in the back row which was a little elevated, and gave her a view of her partner.  Dar had stepped up to the podium and was now standing there quietly, waiting for everyone to focus on her.

Just as they did Kerry felt her Handspring start to buzz, and she quickly removed it and got up, ducking out of the room to answer it.  ÒHey, Maria.Ó

ÒAh, Kerrista.Ó MariaÕs voice came over the wire.  ÒI am so sorry to disturb you at your meeting, but there is a person here who is insisting on speaking with you. It is a customer? Mayte has told me she thinks they are interested in doing a program.Ó

ÒSure, put them on.Ó Kerry positioned herself in the doorway so she could keep an eye on Dar, finding another smile appearing as her partnerÕs rich and just slightly melodic voice emerged from the microphone.    ÒI didnÕt think information technology was that sort of spur of the moment on demand thing, but you never know.Ó

ÒSi, you never do know.Ó Maria agreed. ÒPlease wait one moment.Ó

Kerry watched Dar put her hands on the podium, knowing how much self control it was taking for her to leave them there, and not fidget with them.  Dar did that, when she was nervous. She would flex her hands and crack her knuckles, stick her mitts in her pockets and tap her thumbs on any flat surface.  

She gave Dar a thumbs up for her discipline, and got a smile back in return, along with the slightest cock of the head that made her realize Dar was wondering what she was doing on the phone.

Ah well. ÒYes this is Kerry.Ó She said into the phone as a voice came on. ÒSorry, itÕs a little loud here IÕm at the small business confÉ what?Ó

ÒYes, hello? Kerry?  Did you hear me?Ó The voice said. ÒThis is Evelyn Chambers, from Dade County public schools? Ò

Kerry paused and frowned, then shook her head a little. ÒYes.. um.. oh, right.Ó She said. ÒWe met at the gym a while back.Ó

ÒRight.  My sisterÕs son works for you here, and he was talking about your company? We want to hire you. I mean, the school system does.  We were given a lot of money to upgrade all the computers and we canÕt think of a better person to do it than you.Ó

Kerry pulled the Handspring away from her face and stared at it. Then she put it back to her hear. ÒOkay, Evelyn – sure. IÕd be glad to talk to you about thatÉ but you know weÕre not really hardware vendors.Ó

ÒBut your new company is about computers, right?Ó

ÒWell, sure. All the things we do generally involve computers but we donÕt É I mean, letÕs talk about it.Ó Kerry said. ÒIÕll be in the office tomorrow morning, and we can sit down and look at what you need, okay?Ó

ÒOh butÉ could it be really early?Ó Evelyn said. ÒWeÕve got a meeting about the budget at nine. Can I see you before then? I really want to have you ladies do this because I am so freaking tired of the men in the office telling me only guys can buy computers they are driving me out of my cotton picking mind!!!!Ó

Ah. The lightbulb went off over KerryÕs head with an almost audible bing. ÒGotcha. No problem, Evelyn, IÕd be glad to meet you at 7 or 8, or if you want, weÕll be back in the office this afternoon after DarÕs speech so..Ó

ÒOh perfect! IÕll go get some lunch and come back.Ó Evelyn sounded utterly relieved. ÒSee you in a little while, Kerry! Thanks!!Ó

ÒUh.. no problem. Bye.Ó Kerry removed the handspring from her ear and peered at it, then she put it back in her pocket and started back into the auditorium, only to halt when she spotted Peter and Mark entering the building from the other direction and looking around.

ÒOh, bet thatÕs not good.Ó Kerry backpedaled and waved, and sure enough the two men looked relieved on seeing her and headed quickly in her direction. ÒPoor Dar. Ò

**

ÒOkay, so.Ó Mark had steered them all over to the snack area, where there were high top tables he put his laptop down on. ÒPete, you want to start?Ó

ÒNot really.Ó Peter looked glum. ÒMark said I should come over if they booted me, and they did.Ó He said. ÒThere was some big huge blow up again today and that big jerk came in and told me to clear out.Ó

ÒNo problem, Peter.  We said weÕd take care of you and we will.Ó Kerry reassured him. 

ÒThank you, maÕam.Ó He looked a little more confident.  ÒMy wife about gave birth prematurely when I told her.  She gave up her job when she got pregnant and this whole things been near killing her.Ó  He stuck his hands in his pockets. ÒI donÕt even know what I did to tip the scales.. I didnÕt make any changes, you know? I just gave them the configs and said what I though we should do.Ó

ÒThe man you worked for is an absolute moron.Ó  Kerry said. ÒThey had one chance to turn it around. Dar even told the board of directorÕs new head what to do. I guess they didnÕt do it.Ó

PeterÕs ears visibly perked.  ÒWhoa you  know, maybe there was something going on with that because that guy, Jeff, was totally torked off.  He said something like if they think they can just throw us out theyÕre mistaken or something like that.Ó

ÒHm.Ó Kerry glanced up as she sensed DarÕs presence, to find her partner emerging from the room and heading their way. ÒSave the story for Dar.Ó She said. ÒLet me get her some milk looks like sheÕs going to need it. Ò

ÒI could get a complex.Ó Dar looked from Mark to Peter. ÒWhatÕs going on?Ó  She glanced behind her. ÒI have to go back to finish a question and answer session.Ó

ÒPete got booted, boss.Ó Mark got to the point.  ÒYou put a cat in the chicken coop? Sounds like they freaked out this morning.Ó

Dar cleared her throat. ÒI had a conversation with Jacques Monert.Ó She allowed. ÒHe just took over the chairmanÕs position. Wanted to let me know about that.Ó She put her hands on the hightop as Kerry came back with two large cups.  ÒWhat happened?Ó

ÒHere.Ó Kerry handed over the milk.

DarÕs eyes grew round and alarmed. ÒHow bad is this, that you got me a quart of milk?Ó

ÒWell, that guy sounded really pissed off.Ó Peter said. ÒIt was like a tomb in there this morning. There was only like five of us there and they threw us all out.Ó

Dar put her hands on her hips. ÒThat leaves no one there to run the place.Ó

ÒExcept the dorks.Ó Mark said. ÒMaybe weÕll be getting a bunch more customers along with more employees.Ó

They all looked at each other for a moment, then Kerry sighed. ÒIÕve got a bad feeling about this.Ó

Dar took a long swallow of milk. ÒLet me go do ten minutes of Q and A, and weÕll get back to the office.

ÒJust in case?Ó

ÒJust in case.Ó

**

But the afternoon was almost preternaturally quiet.  Kerry munched her spicy chicken sandwich at her desk, glancing at her email as she listened to Mayte talking to their phone vendor in the outer office.

Or really, her own office. Kerry thought about the open spaces they still had, pondering whether or not to move Mayte out and into her own space.  She was working on three projects now, and it was probably time for her to get her an Dar an actual admin since theyÕd promoted theirs.

ÒHey Kerry.Ó Mark came in the door with a fistful of papers. ÒI got Pete through his paperwork.  You mind if I make him my assistant?Ó

Kerry swallowed hastily, and wiped her lips. ÒNot at all. YouÕre a director. Make him a manager if you want to. WeÕve got more than enough projects to need one.Ó

Mark nodded. ÒYeah, no kidding!Ó He sat down. ÒYou think theyÕre doing funky stuff back at the old place?  Or maybe theyÕre just bringing in a whole new crew?Ó

ÒI find it really hard to believe that theyÕd be doing something malicious.Ó Kerry said. ÒI mean, itÕs a business, Mark.  They probably promised theyÕd turn everything around, and they wanted to clear out anyone who could tell them any different.Ó

Mark nodded. ÒThatÕs what I figure too.  Pete was the one who was pushing back on them. HeÕs pretty sharp. I think heÕll be okay for us.Ó

ÒAnd now that theyÕve done that,  IÕm fine with putting the word out to anyone who left there to come talk to us.Ó Kerry decided.  ÒWe canÕt hire everyone, but with these four new contracts, and the Dade County schools thing, we need bodies.Ó

ÒWill do.Ó He got up and handed over the papers. ÒYou and the boss going up to the Hill Wednesday? Maria said.Ó

ÒWeÕve got to demo the database for the feds.Ó Kerry agreed.  ÒNot the real thing, a mock up.  Politics.Ó

ÒKinda creepy.Ó

ÒKinda. But worse comes to worse, Dar will tell them to kiss her ass, and we can not worry about it. With this new business we donÕt really need it.Ó Kerry looked at the folders on her desk.  ÒItÕs a lot of prestige but yeah.  Creepy.Ó

ÒKerry?Ó Mayte poked her head in. ÒThere is a reporter here to speak to you? ItÕs from the paper.Ó

ÒSpeaking of creepy.Ó Kerry muttered. ÒThat didnÕt work out so good last time.Ó She drummed her fingers. ÒOkay, give me ten minutes to finish this and IÕll see them.Ó

Mark made a face and mimed tip toeing out of the room, almost bumping into Dar as she appeared in the doorway between their offices.  ÒWhoopsÓ

ÒGot a reporter outside.Ó Kerry had her head propped against her fist as she chewed.

ÒGot CNN on the phone wanting an interview.Ó Dar responded. ÒTrade?Ó

ÒNope.Ó

ÒWench.Ó

**

Dar had her boots up on her desk, and her eyes closed, her hands folded over her stomach.  It was dark outside, and the building was almost empty.  ÒKer?Ó

Kerry poked her head in from her office. ÒWe got another fifteen minutes to wait for CNN. Want some coffee?Ó

ÒUngh.Ó

ÒIÕll take that as a yes.  Be right back.Ó

Dar remained where she was, just letting her mind to blank as she waited.  The Herald request had been innocuous – the small business editor had been at the conference and seen her speak, then apparently had done a Google search and decided they might make an interesting blurb.

Kerry had handled it. 

But CNN wanted to know about the government project and that was far more dicey an interview.   It involved a film crew, and one of the high profile talking heads, and she would really rather have dove into a vat of peanut butter than go through it.

However.  Dar could hear Mayte still rattling around in the outer office, and there were creaks and footsteps that indicated to her that others were still hanging around as well, the lure of television cameras and quasi-famous people irresistible.

Peh.

Her desk phone rang. She reached over and keyed it, still keeping her eyes closed. ÒDar Roberts.Ó

ÒHello Dar, Gerry Easton here.Ó

ÒHey Gerry.Ó Dar responded.  ÒWeÕll be out there tomorrow night. Got a meeting with Bridges on Wednesday. You free for dinner?Ó

ÒWell, sure. Be happy to and I bet the missus will be happy to also. But thatÕs not why IÕm calling. We got some big probems here, Dar, and I need you help.Ó

DarÕs eyes slid open and she regarded the ceiling. ÒWhat kind of problems, Gerry? WeÕre not actually doing anything for you yet.Ó

ÒItÕs that other thing.Ó  He said. ÒThe connections. Ò

ÒAh.Ó Dar slowly shifted her feet of the desk and sat up. ÒYou mean, the stuff ILS is doing for you.Ó

ÒThatÕs right. ItÕs all screwed up.Ó Gerry confirmed. ÒNow, I know you donÕt work for them anymore, Dar, but weÕre in a pickle, and I mean a real dill pickle, if you catch my drift. Been trying to call them all afternoon, no oneÕs answering the phone.Ó

ÒOh boy.Ó Dar muttered.

ÒAnything you can do to help us out?Ó Gerry asked. ÒI got people chewing me up and down over it. StuffÕs not working, we canÕt get reports, they cant send filesÉ  Dar theyÕre driving me crazy.  ItÕs been off and on, but just around lunchtime it went down the tubes, yÕknow?Ó

Kerry entered with some coffee, and spotting DarÕs expression quickly put it down on the desk. ÒWhatÕs up?Ó She mouthed.

ÒGerry.Ó Dar mouthed back. ÒNetwork problems.Ó

ÒOh boy.Ó Kerry took a seat on the windowsill.

ÒGerry, I donÕt know if thereÕs anything I can do but let me make some calls.Ó Dar temporized. ÒAll the people I knew there are gone.Ó

ÒEh? What?Ó

ÒLong story.Ó Dar said. ÒLet me see what I can do. IÕll call you back.Ó

ÒAll right. Anything at all you can come up with, huh Dar? This is really serious.Ó

Dar sighed. ÒI know it is, Gerry.  IÕll get back to you.  Bye for now.Ó She hung up and swiveled to look at Kerry. ÒThey must have really screwed it.Ó  She said. ÒRight around the time Peter showed up here, it all went to hell.Ó

Kerry folded her arms. ÒWont be long until that hits the news.Ó She said. ÒNot necessarily the Pentagon, but everything else.Ó

ÒSurprised it hasnÕt already.Ó Dar got up. ÒLet me call Jacques. HeÕs the only one I can think of that might be able toÉ well, hell. I have no idea what heÕs going to do but he should know his customers are calling me.Ó

Mayte appeared in the entrance to DarÕs office. ÒThe news people are here.Ó She said. ÒWhere do you want to speak with them? I think the conference room?Ó

Dar and Kerry exchanged glances. ÒThatÕll be fine, Mayte. Let them set up in there. WeÕve got to discuss something then weÕll be right down.Ó

Mayte nodded and disappeared.

ÒIÕll go keep them occupied.Ó Kerry said. ÒAre you going to offer to go fix it?Ó

Dar shook her head.

ÔHope we can swing that. Ò  Kerry patted her on the arm then headed for the door, shaking her own head as she disappeared.

ÒYeah.Ó Dar sat down on the edge of her desk and pulled her phone out again, keying through the memory.  She found the number she was looking for and hit dial, holding it to her ear as she waited.  It range six times, then voice mail picked up.  ÒGreat.Ó

She waited for it to finish and beep. ÒJacques, this is Dar.  I just got a call from a mutual customer of ours, saying his services with you were down and he wasnÕt able to get hold of anyone to talk about it. HeÕs in a big non square office building in DC.   Just letting you know in case you want to do something about it.   Later.Ó

She released the line, then studied the phone.  Was there anyone else she could really call?

Anything else she could really do?  Dar stood up and shoved the phone into her pocket.  Was there anything she really wanted to do?

She trotted down the steps, hearing voices in the conference room and seeing shadows in the lower hall,  accompanied by the smell of electronics and duct tape, with a waft of oil makeup on the fringes.  She paused for a moment to riffle her hair into some kind of fluffiness, then forged ahead into the conference room. ÒEvening.Ó

There was a man there, with a thin, angular face Dar thought she sort of recognized,  and two women who had over the shoulder messenger bags with pens and pads and stopwatches hanging from them on one side of the room  and two men with cameras and gear on the other side.

ÒAh, Ms. Roberts.Ó  The man half waved. ÒYou probably donÕt remember me.Ó

ÒI do.Ó Dar produced a smile. ÒYou interviewed me in New York.Ó  She did remember that, in a hazy surreal kind of way that most of the events were enfolded in.  ÒWe talked about cupcakes.Ó

The man grinned. ÒWe did.Ó He said. ÒSo weÕre a galaxy away from that moment huh? YouÕre not with ILS anymore.Ó

ÒNope.Ó Dar took a seat at the head of the table. ÒHung up my own shingle.Ó She indicated the building around her.

ÒOkay, Pete.Ó One of the women interrupted. ÒWhy donÕt you sit down here, and we can shoot from that angle across the table.Ó

ÒSure.Ó The interviewer amiably came around the table and sat down. He was wearing a pair of jeans, and a leather jacket. ÒTo be honest, Ms. Roberts, that interview with you got me interested in the technology biz.  So now I do in depth stuff for CNN about it. Nice change.Ó

Kerry came over and sat down on the other side of Dar. ÒThis has been a nice change for us too.Ó She said. ÒGetting to start everything from scratch and all that.Ó

The cameramen busied themselves getting a tripod arranged behind PeteÕs shoulder, and settled a camera on top of it, flicking on the battery packs that powered up with a soft, faint whine.  ÒWe got sync to the truck?Ó One of them asked.

ÒEyup.. got a signal back to base.Ó  The other responded. ÒCathy, weÕre good.Ó

ÒThanks.Ó  The producer put her pad down, with notes.  ÒLet me just make sure IÕve got everything accurate here, ladies, then we can get this, and let you get on your way. I know itÕs late.Ó She glanced up at Dar and Kerry. ÒThanks for hanging out and waiting for us.Ó

ÒWe were glad to.Ó Kerry said. ÒI suppose you tracked us down from that picture in the paper?Ó She smiled briefly. ÒDar enjoyed her visit to the White House.Ó

ÒActually.Ó Pete cleared his throat. ÒWe did pick that up on research, but really you popped up on my radar because IÕm local here, and I was home on some vacation when my brother in lawÕs scatterbrained son got hired to write games and I wanted to see whoÕd be crazy enough to hire him.Ó

Dar chuckled. ÒAhh. I see.Ó  She leaned back. ÒHeÕs got good programming skills.  I always look everywhere for talent. Your nephew once removed might turn out to be the Bill Gates of the family.Ó

ÒHe loves this place. He was at dinner at our house a week ago talking nine to the minute about some program you did with a hamster in it.Ó

ÒThat would be a gopher.Ó  Kerry correct him. ÒGopher Dar, in fact. ItÕs an animated program Dar writes on sometimes.Ó

They all chuckled ÒSo then I ran a scan on headlines and found the picture of you with the president, and figured, hey, itÕs time for me to get back in touch with Dar Roberts.Ó  Pete concluded, with a smile. ÒI guess you just recently left ILS?Ó

ÒAbout a month or so ago yes.Ó Dar agreed. ÒAfter the time we spent in New York, Kerry and I decided we wanted to retire and go do our own thing.Ó

ÒGet out of the spotlight?Ó Pete said, his eyes twinkling. ÒDidnÕt work out so well for you on that front I guess.Ó

Dar shrugged.

ÒOkay, weÕre ready.Ó The blonder of the two women said. ÒPete, youÕre on.Ó

The interviewer folded his hands on the table, and paused, clearing his throat.  ÒWeÕre rolling to archive, Dar, not live to the channel.Ó

ÒNow thatÕs a good idea.Ó Dar said. ÒEspecially if you remember what I said the last time about not asking me anything you donÕt want to hear the answer to.Ó

One of the producers pulled a phone from her pocket, and held a hand up, moving to the door and slipping outside.

ÒOkay.  So weÕre speaking here today with Dar Roberts, who is a well known business person in the technology field. Ò Pete said. ÒMs. Roberts,  you recently left the big corporate world and opened up your own IT related business. Tell me about that.Ó

Kerry quietly got up and eased back,  glad enough to give Dar her moment in the spotlight.   She ducked outside the door and went across to the small kitchen, pausing when she almost bumped into Scott in his wheelchair. ÒHello.Ó

ÒHi.Ó  He was removing a small container from the refrigerator.  ÒWhats up with CNN?Ó He rolled out of KerryÕs way and put the container on the table, opening it up and revealing what looked like a fruit salad.

Surprising.  Kerry got one of the cold ice teas  and opened it. ÒTheir technology desk saw DarÕs picture in the paper and wanted an interview.Ó She responded straightforwardly. ÒHowÕs it going with you? Mark says you do good work.Ó

ÒI like it.Ó He responded.  ÒIts good to do stuff thatÕs just normal.Ó

Kerry sat down at the table.  ÒI remember when I got back from New York after 9/11, it was a relief to just be able to sit down and have a boring staff meeting.Ó

He glanced briefly at her. ÒYou were in there when that went down?  I was in the hospital in Frankfurt.Ó

ÒNo, I was at my familyÕs home in Michigan. But I went there the next day.Ó Kerry said. ÒThe company we worked for had  people in the Pentagon, and also in downtown New York.Ó

He ate several pieces of the fruit with a spoon, chewing it thoughtfully. ÒI saw pictures. That was a mess.Ó

ÒIt was.Ó  Kerry agreed. ÒWe did some work down by the stock exchange.  The destruction down there was incredible.Ó

ÒYeah.  Only thing I was glad I got half blowed up because I knew I wasnÕt going to have to go back there.Ó He said. ÒWeÕre going to go back there and beat the shit out of them for that. Everybody knows it.Ó

ÒMm.Ó Kerry sipped her tea thoughtfully.   Their new tech had gotten himself some polo shirts and work style chinos, she noted, remembering theyÕd been paid the previous Friday.   ÒEverything working out for you?Ó

He was silent for a long moment, then nodded. ÒGlad I came and asked for that paper.Ó

Kerry smiled. ÒI think weÕre glad too.Ó She said. ÒSometimes you just have to take a chance, you  know?Ó

He looked up at her, for a moment expressionless. Then he smiled .

Kerry started to speak again, then paused as the CNN producer stuck her head in the door. ÒHi.Ó

ÒHi.Ó The woman looked harried. ÒListen, IÕm really, really sorry. And I mean, really really sorry, but weÕve got to pull out of here. ThereÕs some big issue in the banking industry and they need us on it.Ó

ÒOh. Wow sorry to hear that,Ó Kerry got up.  ÒA technical issue?Ó

ÒSomething to do with how they talk to each other. SomethingÕs gone wrong. Ò The woman said.  ÒHell, you want to come with us? You probably understand more of it than we will.Ó

Uh oh.  Kerry managed an apologetic smile. ÒSorry, weÕve got plans.Ó She said. ÒBut IÕll be watching tonight to see what it was.Ó

The woman rolled her eyes. ÒWeÕll get back to you.Ó She said. ÒLet me go get my guys packed up.Ó She bustled out and left them in contemplative silence for a moment.

ÒHm.Ó Kerry leaned against the wall. ÒWonder if I should start ordering pizza.Ó She listened for the reporters and their staff leaving then a moment later Dar came into the room, leaning one long arm against the doorframe. ÒHi.Ó

ÒInterbankÕs down.Ó  Dar said.

ÒYeah, I figured.Ó 

ÒShould we just stay here?Ó

ÒI was just considering ordering some dinner in.Ó Kerry sighed. ÒLet me go tell Mark whatÕs going on.Ó

Dar exhaled, and went to the refrigerator, removing a chocolate milk chug and opening it.  She turned and leaned against the appliance, eyeing Scott. 

He watched her in silence in return, chewing his fruit salad.

ÒYour buddies still giving you a hard time?Ó Dar asked, after a bit. 

He nodded. ÒI keep clear of em.Ó He said.  ÒStay around that gym a lot. They let me work in there too a little, at night.Ó

ÒMake friends with guys in there.Ó Dar suggested. ÒIÕve seen some of the dudes that go in there. They look like ass kickers.Ó

He nodded again. ÒThey got a pool in there. I like that.Ó He said, then paused. ÒThere some kind of problem here?Ó He asked, bluntly. ÒWith them press people, and then everyone running out?Ó

Dar sat down and rested her elbows on her knees. ÒNo, thereÕs no problem here.Ó She said. ÒThereÕs a problem where we used to work.Ó  She took a sip of her milk and looked up as Mark skidded around the corner and came barreling into the room. ÒHey.Ó

ÒHey.Ó Mark said, glancing at Scott then back at Dar.  ÒKerry told me, and I got a call from our old guy at the NAP.  Craps coming downÓ

Dar nodded agreement. ÒIt is.Ó

ÒYou think theyÕre gonna call you?Ó

ÒI think theyÕre going to have to.Ó Dar said. ÒIÕm just sitting here trying  to figure out how to tell them all no.Ó

ÒWhy? This point, itÕs all in the crapper, Dar.  They canÕt blame you for any of it.Ó Mark said. ÒYou could go in there and show them all up.Ó

ÒI know that, but where does it get us?  I donÕt want to go back in there. I want them to figure out their own problems and leave us the hell alone.Ó Dar got up.  ÒI fix this, theyÕll never let go of me in the short term, and IÕve got better things to do, Mark.Ó  She drained the chug and tossed it in the recycle bin. ÒIÓll be in my office.Ó

ÒK, boss.Ó Mark shook his head.  ÒMan, I remember the days when I was glad to just be a tech yonk. End of the day, you just go home.Ó

Scott had finished his fruit salad, and he put the container carefully back in the plain, dark blue holder. ÒGonna finish that printer.Ó He said. ÒSomeone bent the frame, thatÕs why it keeps jamming.Ó

ÒWeÕve only had it two weeks. Who had a chance to do that?Ó Mark allowed himself to be distracted. ÒProbably the delivery company.Ó

ÒProbably.Ó Scott put the container in his lap and prepared to roll out. ÒMight need some tools.Ó

Mark opened the door for him. ÒGive me a list.Ó He said. ÒIÕll get em ordered.Ó

They emerged into the hallway. ÒWeÕll be here a while so take your time with the printer. ÒMark added. ÒLet you know when chow gets here.Ó

Scott nodded, and headed off down the hall to the support office.

Mark watched him go and then turned towards the stairs, pausing when Kerry came around the corner to join him. ÒThis gonna be a long night?Ó

Kerry lifted her hands and let htem drop. ÒMark, IÕve got no idea.  Maybe those guys will find a way around having to call for help. I sure would if I were them.Ó

ÒKerryÓ Mark eyed her. ÒTrust me. I lived in that place for long as she did. If its this fucked up, no oneÕs gonna be able to fix it but her.Ó

Kerry sighed.

ÒPizza?Ó

ÒChinese buffet.Ó

ÒWhoof.Ó

**

Continued in Part 14