The Danger Seekers

By Robert Temple

Following his adoption by a wealthy business woman, Junior, now known by his real name, Sprint Heffman, fulfills his commitment to her by becoming a world famous archaeologist. Having successfully met that commitment, he follows his long desire to be involved in worldwide security issues that was born through work he has done for the CIA as an undercover agent while managing archaeological sites, or digs, all over the world. His adventures, both personal and in business, lead him from one dangerous situation after another which develops both his investigative skills and his success at applying them. None the less, the threat of failure is always present in his mind and concern for the safety of his team weighs on him heavily.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781532031069

Robert Temple

Robert Temple is visiting professor of the history and philosophy of science at Tsinghua University in Beijing; fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society; member of the Egypt Exploration Society, Royal Historical Society, Institute of Classical Studies, and the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies; and visiting research fellow of the University of the Aegean in Greece. He is the author of 12 books, including The Sphinx Mystery, The Sirius Mystery, Oracles of the Dead, and The Genius of China. He wrote, produced, and presented the documentary film Descent into Hell, based upon his book, Oracles of the Dead, for National Geographic Channel. His translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh was staged at the Royal National Theatre in London in 1993. He resides in England with his wife, Olivia. They are joint translators of Aesop: The Complete Fables.

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Copyright © 2017 Robert Temple.

Author Credits: B. J. Teegarden

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-3105-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-3106-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017912859

iUniverse rev. date: 09/29/2017

Contents

Chapter I The Homecoming

Chapter II Organization

Chapter III Down to Earth

Chapter IV Defining Challenges

Chapter V The Past Returns

Chapter Vl The Mission is On-Line

Chapter Vll Operation Argentina

Chapter VIII A New Future Unfolds

Chapter IX The Beginning

Chapter X The School

Chapter XI Heffman International Security Service, Inc.

Chapter XII Business As Usual

Chapter XIII Nigeria

Chapter XIV Katsino

Chapter XV The Game Is On

Chapter XVI Home, Sweet Home

Chapter XVII Seychelles

Chapter XVIII A Turn In The Road

Chapter XIX The Road Home

Chapter XX Epilogue

Also by Robert Temple

THE CREW OF THE CASTAWAY’S KATE

Kate Johnson is in a lot of trouble and facing eviction from Tower Mall Shopping Center. They have given her three months to catch up on her lease payments or she will be out of business and facing sure bankruptcy. Desperate for a way out she listens to a wild plan presented by her sister to increase business in the incredibly weak current economy. If it works it will lead her to a new way of life in which she will do things she never dreamed of. Success may bring adventure, love, travel and many paths may open in front of her. Failure can only lead to disaster and ruin. While she has grave concerns about the plan because of its questionable legality due to its use of female attraction, she decides to try it anyway.

Dedication

F OR MY SON, DAVID, WHOSE memory I will always cherish, he became a man for all to remember with great fondness. His leadership and dedication to his friends and family will be felt long into the future.

Prologue

J UNIOR HEFFMAN, BETTER KNOWN BY his given name of Sprint these days, a Doctor of Archaeology, has just returned to his adopted home in Ft Myers, Florida after many years of managing archaeological digs all over the world. He has decided to seriously consider his last dig to indeed be his last, and to settle into a more normal life in the USA. He has been offered a position as Professor of Archaeology at a local university that he finds to be very attractive. His adopted parents, Kate and Hank Barlow have left him exceedingly wealthy with the ownership of their home, the Barlow Construction Company, an 88’ luxury yacht named the Castaway’s Kate and a pile of cash and investments that probably can never be exhausted. His adopted mother was the founder and sole owner of The Castaway’s Fine Jewelry and Giftware in Ft Myers which she parlayed into a business conglomerate of that store, a huge entertainment center known as The Castaway’s Hideaway and Adult Adventure Land and eventually adding a Casino, all of which she left to her sister and other family members. Sprint is interested in becoming a professor of archeology but even more interested in building his own security company for hire. This leads him down a rocky road that spells adventure and danger in large helpings.

Chapter I

The Homecoming

G OD, IT’S GREAT TO BE home again. Everything looks to be in perfect shape here thanks to my two great friends and employees who work diligently to keep it that way. The yard and grounds are incredibly beautiful and the house maintains its welcoming atmosphere. Since I am gone so much and for so long at times and couldn’t part with the place after Mom’s passing, I enlisted the help of her dear friend Kim Connors in finding a reliable and qualified couple to live and work at the house. I fell in love with Rufus and Olivia Newton and they have become my family when I’m home. Rufus was managing a nursery at the time, but was anxious to be on his own and Olivia is a qualified master chef and takes care of the housekeeping as well. They have become as fond of me as I am of them and I know I have no worries when I am away.

The reason I’m home is my current dig is at a point where I can disengage and I have been offered a position as Professor of Archaeology at our local state college that I am seriously considering. The years in jungles and deserts have taken their toll and while I haven’t lost my dedication to continuing my quest of discovering more knowledge of the history of mankind, I’m tired and ready to pass on what I have learned to younger and more physically capable people. In other words I feel I have done my part and achieved my goal. There are other things here that I need to get more involved in as well. The construction company is well managed and doing fine, but I need to get better acquainted with both the people and the business itself. I also want to spend time with the family of the Castaway’s businesses who were so dear to my mom and dad. Since I still own the Castaway’s Kate, I can’t wait to make sure she is ready to sail at any time. Dar is still top dog over there and Britt is next in line and doing a marvelous job if I can believe my intelligence service - that’s Darlene of course.

I am in the office reminiscing while I relax in one of my favorite rooms. So many wonderful memories started right here. I can feel the warmth of my adopted parents and feel they are with me and we are making these plans together. I often feel my mom’s immanent presence around me when I’m relaxing and I know she is pleased with what I have accomplished. Olivia has brought me a mug of hot tea and informed me dinner will be in thirty minutes in the breakfast nook so my time enjoying this environment is growing short.

Tonight I will spend my first night at home in a year and plan to simply relax and enjoy whatever Olivia has in mind for dinner, watch TV until I fall asleep and when I wake I will move to my old bedroom and sleep as long as I can. Tomorrow I will call Ethan, the President of my construction company, and let him know I am home and will see him within the week. Then it’s to Adventure Land to see Dar, Britt, and whoever else is there. I’m sure the area has grown so much I probably won’t recognize the place. I haven’t seen the Casino since it opened for business so that will be a treat.

The intercom announces dinner is served so I head for the breakfast nook and a home cooked meal of hopefully giant proportions. It is New York strip steak, baked potatoes, green beans, green salad and I’m confident of a fantastic dessert. Perfect. I give Olivia a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and dig in. Everything is just as I like it and I brag about the quality of the meal a lot. Dessert turns out to be dads and my favorite, pineapple upside down cake, and it melts in my mouth. When I finish eating I go to the family room for TV and find a baseball game in progress. I can’t believe it is Detroit and Kansas City playing in Detroit. What memories it brings. It was a long time before I was comfortable in this room, but now it seems to welcome me when I enter. I manage to stay awake through the game and decide it is finally time to crawl into bed. I swear I was asleep as soon as I was under the covers.

Mr. Sprint, breakfast is ready. It’s nine o’clock.

I decide it’s a dream and ignore it.

Mr. Sprint, its nine o’clock and breakfast is ready. Do you hear me?

This time I know it’s not a dream and grumpily respond, Yes, Olivia, I hear you. I’ll be there ASAP. I roll out and slip on jeans and a tee shirt and head for the elevator. I smell bacon and am suddenly glad to be awake and on my way to breakfast. It really is bacon and eggs fried perfectly with biscuits and all the goodies. I know I’m going to be very happy being spoiled this way. I tell Olivia I love her and she responds she knows it and loves me too. She also says she and Rufus are both so glad I’m home and pray I will stay this time. I let her know I am seriously considering doing just that and I notice a small tear in her eyes.

After I finish my meal and a quick conversation with Ethan, I change my shirt and head for Little Pine Island and the Castaway’s Club resort. I can’t believe the changes to the area. A full blown shopping center, widened road and even police and fire stations. Incredible. It’s 11:30 AM and the parking lots for the club and casino are bursting with cars. I find a spot, walk to the club and take the elevator to the third floor. When the doors open, I have to take a breath before stepping into the maze in front of me.

A receptionist asks if she can help me, I tell her I’d like to see Darlene Dallard and she asks if I have an appointment, I reply that I don’t, but I would appreciate her letting her know that Sprint Heffman is here. She does and I see Dar running from her office to meet me. After several kisses and hugs she finally says hello and introduces me to the receptionist telling her I am always welcome no matter what is going on. The girl gives me a beautiful smile and says she will recognize me from now on. When we get in Dar’s office, formerly my mom’s, and have cups of coffee in front of us she wants to know everything about me. I explain I just got back from Egypt and am considering teaching from now on and have an offer that I am seriously considering. She says for her and the rest of the family that would be the best news possible.

After more conversation I realize I am getting pretty emotional and realize how much all of these people mean to me. I make my decision then and there and feel better than I have for a long, long time. When I tell her that, she picks up her phone and calls Britt to come see her right away. She shows up in less than five minutes and when she sees me, she flies into my arms with a kiss that was made in heaven and finally says, Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you for so long. Are you staying this time?

Right now, Britt, two semis couldn’t pull me away. God, I’ve missed you also. What a great homecoming. Yes, I’m staying. It’s time to belong to something and someone and I think I’m going to let loose and cry for the first time since we lost mom. How about you and I celebrate with a night on the town together this evening. Can we do that?

You bet we can. What do you think of our little city now?

I didn’t recognize the island when I came across the bridge and from the looks of the parking lots I don’t think I need to ask how business is. You’ve turned this place into a small miracle. My warmest congratulations to the entire family group.

You’re right on that one, Sprint. It just keeps growing and growing. I suspect Kate knew this could happen and masterminded it in the absolute correct direction. We’re currently planning on adding the fifth floor to the building and moving everything here up there, then turn this into a second floor of rooms to rent. With the casino, here we are getting a huge influx of out of towners wanting to stay several days at a time. We are turning business away every day because we can’t accommodate them.

Wow! That’s amazing. To think mom had the foresight to think that far into the future and plan for it says so much for her talents. I told her once that I could tell when she was near because I could feel the eminence of her presence. Who else is here that I would like to see? Gene or Kim for example.

Gene is just two doors to your left when you leave here and Kim is in Britt’s old office and running the franchise operations which has also grown significantly to ninety three sites. Kellie and Dirk have retired and are currently on an around the world trip for a year. They are great and have prospered both here and in Dirk’s business as a lawer. I assure you they will be delighted to hear of your decision and anxious to renew their friendship with you.

"I’d like to see them both for a few minutes so let’s all get together very soon. Where are you living these days, Dar? And you too, Britt?

I have a small apartment on the fourth floor and Britt is still at her and her mom’s place. Britt, why don’t you show him to your old office?

I’d love to. Come on, Sprint.

I also want to check out the boat. Any chance you can help me with that later?

I’d love that, too. I’m not committed to anything important today so I’m yours for as long as you want. Here’s Kim’s office. I’ll clear my desk and come back in about 30 minutes. OK?

Perfect. See you then.

I quietly enter the room and Kim has her back to the door and is looking for a file. Finding it she turns around and screams and drops the file. Running towards me with arms wide open she lays a terrific kiss on me and sits on my lap kissing my face, ears and throat. Oh God, Junior, I’m so glad to see you. The one thing your mother said to me was to watch over you and make sure you had everything you ever need. I’ve tried to do that to the best of my ability and look at you now. A perfectly beautiful grown man. I love you and I know you go by Sprint now, but you will always be Junior to me. What are you doing? Why are you here? Are you going to stay this time?"

How come all of you guys ask multiple questions at the same time? Never mind, I can handle it. One, I’m not doing anything. Two, I’m here because I love you and wanted to see you as soon as possible. And three, yes I’m staying this time. I have been struggling with that decision for some time now and seeing all of you and getting the warmest reception I can imagine has cemented my desire to be part of a family again. Aunt Kim, you know how much I love you too. Next to my mom, you are my favorite person in the world. I truly love everyone in the family but you are special to me. You and Uncle Gene were always there for my mom and she adored you both. Friendships and love like that are really a rarity in this hard world. Kiss me again and get off my lap you crazy woman.

Have you seen Gene yet? You better or he will be very upset. Five people as close as we were are truly something you might wish for, but never find. I miss your mom every day of my life. She was so beautiful in every way. I adored her.

No I haven’t seen Gene yet. Britt is going with me to check out the boat shortly. If we get done in time I will come in to see him. If not I’ll come back tomorrow. I really want to have everyone to the house soon so we can really let go and have a ball. Rufus and Olivia are thrilled I’m not leaving again and she is anxious to show what she can do. Here’s Britt so we’ll be on our way. I love you so much, Aunt Kim. Bye for now.

As we cross the ramp to the boat I ask Britt if she is seeing anyone and she stops and looks over her shoulder at me and says, Bad timing, ask me again when we’re in the salon. The boat looks as good as the day Hank brought her home. The careful maintenance is obvious everywhere I look. We enter the bridge which is sparkling clean and I note the tanks are full so I fire up the engines to hear the throaty voice I learned to love. They both fired instantly and I know she is ready to go on a moment’s notice. I had asked Britt to keep an eye on her while I was away and clearly, she has done a great deal more than that. I ask her how she has done it and she tells me it has been a labor of love. She has a marina taking care of the mechanics and electronics and uses the club cleaning crew for everything else. She personally inspects the boat every week to assure everything is well taken care of. I shut her down and we take the private stairs to the master suite which is also spotless and that tells me the entire boat is the same way. I look her in the eye and say:

We’re alone now and I repeat, are you seeing anyone?

I told you in Dar’s office that I have waited a long time and that was intended to be your answer to that question. From the day we told each other we loved them I have never seen another person. I loved you then and I love you now Sprint. How do you feel about me?

Britt, I adore you. I can’t believe you’ve waited all this time for me to say I’m done with digs. Seeing the family today was wonderful, but when you walked in I knew I couldn’t leave. I want you so much right now I can barely contain myself. Do I love you? Is the Pope Catholic? I do dear lady, with all my heart.

I waited because I love you with all my heart also. Now kiss me and make love to me here and now my darling.

Chapter II

Organization

L AST EVENING WAS FANTASTIC AND we did everything either of us could think of. Laughing, dancing, a movie, dinner at Melody’s and making love. Now it’s eight o’clock and Olivia is calling me for breakfast. I swing out of bed, put on jeans and t-shirt, then run down the stairs to the breakfast nook. Bacon, toast, oatmeal and my favorite juice. I invite Olivia to sit with me and I fill her in on my visits of yesterday ending with the assurance that I have made my final decision to permanently stay home and teach at the university. She calls Rufus to come in and join us to make up for my missing him yesterday. When he arrives I jump up, shake his hand and give him a man hug. He is grinning from ear to ear when I tell him the grounds are gorgeous and we all sit down and have a really nice conversation. Olivia tells him I am home for good and he says nothing could please him more. I explain I have a lot to do and excuse myself and head for the office. I sit at Hank’s desk and call the university president to confirm my employment there and am asked to come for a meeting as soon as I can be available. I tell him I am on my way.

When I arrive at his office, I am greeted by a multitude of officials. We adjourn to a conference room where everyone is more comfortable and the President formally introduces me to the group and asks each of them to introduce themselves. I am then formally welcomed to the staff and things progress into a business meeting. After the meeting I am introduced to the Dean I will be reporting to and he tells me he is totally knowledgeable of my background and standing in the world of Archaeology and he is absolutely thrilled that the University was able to convince me to be a member of the schools staff. He leads me to my permanent office and attached classroom which appears to be of average size and quite adequate.

He explains that the School of Archaeology is brand new to the school and will probably start with a very small group of students. He also feels my fame will quickly draw students from all over the country and the University is ready to meet any additional needs to welcome the growth of students. He will be sending announcements to colleges and universities before the day is out and to the media that Dr. Sprint Heffman has joined the staff as professor of archaeology. I tell him I will move into my office immediately and organize my class outlines while I wait for a class to be identified for forming. He also assures me that I am on the internal mail and phone listings.

After he leaves I explore my new office and find it quite nice. It is carpeted with a thick pad you sink in and the furniture is all new and of high quality. There is a desk and four guest seats as well as a small coffee mess on the wall at the side of the desk. Beautiful dig pictures are on three walls and the fourth wall is all bookcases with a sliding ladder to reach the higher shelves. I am getting very excited about my decision to stay put. The classroom will probably accommodate thirty to forty students and is more than adequately prepared for occupation. There is a small closet for storage of supplies, text books, pencils, pens etc.

I discover my phone works and I have a phone book of both the college and public listings. I call the high school where I first met principal Jones and learn he is still there. I asked if he is available today and was assured he is. I decide to call on him and thank him personally for all he did to get me started on my career. When I arrive at the school and ask to see him the young woman who greeted me asked my name and when I told her, her eyes opened to their maximum and she squawked, Oh my God, he might have a heart attack. Let me tell him he has a guest.

She waves me to go in. When he sees me he stands and shakes my hand and asks what he can do for me. I say, Well, for starters tell me what the biggest need for your school is? I would be very proud to make that happen for you. By the way, you can call me Junior.

What a wonderful way to meet someone for the first time. Junior is an unusual name to be used as someone’s first name. I once knew a young man whose first name was also junior. Quite a coincidence. Frankly, our biggest need is for a new gymnasium and our own track and field buildings. May I ask why you want to help our little school?

Perhaps the easiest way to answer that is to ask if your young man’s last name was Heffman?

Yes, it was. He was a very bright and personable young ….. Oh my God, are you really him?

Yes, Principal Jones, it’s me. Can I give you a hug? Aside from my adopted family you are the most important person in my life and I want to say thank you in the biggest way possible. You will have your gym, track and field locations as soon as we can make them happen. God bless you my dear friend. Do you have the property you need for these functions and don’t forget the parking required? I want it all to be exactly whatever you can envision.

I’m flabbergasted. I have followed your career and shared your every success. You did everything your adopted mother expected of you and more. Can you stay and visit and have lunch with the staff? I talk about you so much they know everything you have ever done as well and would be enchanted to be with you for a few moments.

I will be delighted. Now, tell me more about your dream for the plans we’re going to make for the school. I am quite wealthy, so I am not concerned with the cost. Make sure you and the staff get everything they can think of and we’ll do it right, I assure you.

We have outgrown our original student population and we didn’t have enough athletes to form teams to the point our students were handicapped by not being able to participate in sports in any way. Our kids are laughed at and treated as poor trash by the other larger schools and it has to stop. This gift is like a miracle that can change our environment to one of competing with the others on an equal basis. We may be a little short of acreage for the complete job but we’ll trust in God to help us there. Junior, I accept your generosity for the school and the school board. How can we ever thank you?

Principal Jones, whatever it takes to make this happen in a first class fashion, including any real estate requirements is included. As for thanking me, how about naming both of the additions for the real person responsible for making it possible. That person was my mother, Kate Barlow. I will have my architect contact you to set up a first planning session to get us on the way. By the way, the project will be under construction control of my own company, Barlow Construction.

I don’t know if there’s anything more I can say except it will be a true honor to place my friend and your mother’s name where they certainly belong. Shall we go to lunch?

I’ll follow you. At the meeting, Principal Jones said:

I’m sure most of you that have been with us many years remember the young man who we sponsored to enter college to become an Archaeologist. The rest of you will recognize him from my stories from time to time. I want you to meet the now world famous archaeologist Dr. Junior Heffman. Please welcome him as a dear friend to all of us and our school.

Wild applause and bravos and one of the older ladies speaks up and says they all knew I would be successful to a high degree because of my manners and obvious intelligence and how wonderful to see me again. Mr. Jones tells them of the gift I have brought with me and now they are really excited, thanking me over and over again. After lunch I manage to excuse myself and head for the island. Arriving there I go to my old friend Gene’s office and there he is. Seeing me entering he is up and hugging me like he is my father, which is not that far wrong. We spend a couple of hours talking about everything in the past to my present plans with him expressing over and over how glad he is that I am back and staying permanently. It was a great visit. While discussing our past trips on the Kate, I mention I want to find a great captain for the boat who will also be my best friend and traveling companion when I need one. He says he will pass the word and they will all be on the lookout for someone that might have both the skills needed and a personality that might fit well with me. I explain I have much to do getting ready for my first class and tell him we will all get together very soon. He agrees and I excuse myself to go next door to see if Britt is in. She is and a hug and kiss later I tell her we need to have a serious talk about our relationship and ask her to come to the house for dinner and the evening. She agrees and I leave for home.

I call Ethan and ask if Dick is still in business and he tells me he is. I take Dick’s number and ask if he can make a meeting at the house with Dick and me tomorrow at ten am. He can, so I call Dick who is happy to hear from me. I ask him how busy he is and he has several small jobs working at the same time and can handle more. I ask him if he can come to a meeting at ten a.m. tomorrow with me and Ethan and he agrees. I let Olivia know Britt is coming for dinner and she says no problem. I also alert her to the meeting tomorrow so I think I’m on a roll here. Most of my books are still in the car and the rest are in the garage. All of these are archaeology oriented and will go to my office at the university when I can get to it. I write a letter to my Belize friends telling them of my decision and my new job and promise faithfully to visit often.

Am I interrupting anything? Britt asks.

Hi sweetheart. Absolutely not. I just finished a letter to Belize and you are an incredibly beautiful new subject for exploration. Seriously, how about a hug.

We do and ad-lib a little with a nice kiss as well. I take her hand and lead her to the sitting room where we get comfortable and I open the conversation. Brittney, I will never love another woman the way I love you and I want us to be together ASAP. Will you marry me if I buy you a ring? Frankly, I haven’t had time to shop for anything yet so you’ll have to wait if you say yes?

Oh, how formal. You know I’ve been in love with you since we first met. Why are you doing your proposal like this?

Because I have been thinking how different our worlds have always been and don’t want you to give your reply under pressure from me on my knees holding out a ring as bait for a positive response. I think we need to explore that issue carefully before we decide to marry. You are a very successful business tycoon and I go around digging holes in the ground. Money is of no concern to either of us since we are both loaded. We’re not children anymore Britt, and I want us to love and enjoy each other for the rest of our days regardless of how we do it. If you are totally ready to commit to marriage now you need to realize I will still have periods of need to travel for short periods of time. This area of responsibility is very grey as yet but it certainly exists. With your responsibilities, I doubt there will be many opportunities to travel together. How about we make a list of possibilities we have to choose from?

Wow, you really have been thinking about all this. I agree that our lives are significantly different styles and what you are proposing makes perfect sense. Sprint, I’m not sure I could stand your taking off on another dig in the future. I’ve waited for you longer than anyone but you and I would believe. Whatever we decide, it has to be a lasting, permanent agreement or we should stop this right now. Let’s make our list. Marriage is at the top, what’s next?

Living together here with the understanding that both must recognize the others needs and not resent them. Then there is always living apart and dating as we always have. Beyond that I have nothing else. Number three is not something I want to do. Do you have anything else?

Well, one of us could give up our career. That would solve the difference issue but almost surely the giving individual would become bitter in the end. No on that one also. I vote on marrying with the clear understanding of each other’s needs and to never resent them. I need the commitment from you to always be there for me Sprint. Will you marry me my darling?

You know I will. Now we’ve each proposed to the other so it should work like a charm and I am comfortable with it. I vow to love you, trust you, keep you safe and hold you in my heart forever. Let’s get it done quickly and privately so the others don’t go crazy.

I agree. Let’s get the license tomorrow and they can marry us at the same time.

How about the day after tomorrow. I have donated a gymnasium and football stadium to the school where the principal supported me all the way through my Doctorate and have scheduled a meeting tomorrow with the architect and contractor to get the project started. I’m sorry, I had no idea we might do something like this so quickly.

You know, that’s a really good excuse. You’re going to be hard to keep up with aren’t you? Can I pretend we’re already married and living together?

Absolutely, this is our suite now so let’s make the most of it. Sweetheart, we will need witnesses for our wedding. How would you feel about asking Gene and Kim to go with us?

Perfect, but we should include Dar as well. She will be deeply hurt if we exclude her and she is your legal aunt.

You’re right. Thanks for reminding me. Can you call the county and make an appointment for us and talk to our witnesses tomorrow?

Sure can, I’ll get everything ready in a flash. How about you thinking of something to do for a few days after the ceremony.

Done deal. Let’s go watch some TV while we wait for dinner. ……….. Have you ever been to Disney World?

Never, sounds like fun. Why don’t we spend about five days there for a honeymoon?

Exactly what I had in mind. Can you set it up? I need to let the college know what’s going on and at least make some semblance of interest before I disappear for several days. This is Tuesday, let’s leave on Friday and return on next Thursday. Will that work for you?

Sprint, I can do whatever I want. I’ll take care of it.

Thanks Honey, I promise I will do my share as soon as I can call myself really home for good. Here’s Olivia. Ready for dinner?

Olivia and Britt already know each other so we head for the dining room to kill our hunger pangs. Olivia is showing off with this meal. We are having roast beef and potatoes along with green beans, a salad and angel food cake for dessert. What a pleasant meal. When she returns I tell her we are getting married Thursday and Britt will be living here from now on. She looks a little shocked but quickly recovers and is all smiles and hugging us both and welcomes Britt as her new mistress. Britt quickly asks her to keep it informal and just call her Britt which pleases her even more. With this said and done, we retire to the family room to just enjoy each other’s company.

Britt says she will go to the compound (the area populated by employees of the original business that started the road to today’s massive business holdings) for the night and load up with her personal things that will satisfy her needs until we can get her moved. I reluctantly agree and she joins me on the couch and lays her head on my shoulder while we watch a movie on the tube.

In the morning I wake up to the alarm I had set for seven thirty. After breakfast I start Ioading the van with as many more boxes of books as I can get in. It’s going to take at least two full loads and maybe three to move it all to my new office, but with Rufus to help we’ll get it done before the day is over. Then I call Principal Jones and ask him if he can make the meeting and he agrees to come. I give him directions and my cell phone number to use if he gets lost. By nine forty five all parties are present and I call the meeting to order at ten on the dot by describing what we want to do.

When I ask Principal James how his approvals are going within the school district, he replies that the school board has happily approved at their level, and has asked him to voice their appreciation to Sprint. Their formal approval is being prepared as we speak. I next ask Ethan to list what has to be done before we can apply for a building permit. He says a clear definition of the project is a critical need before even thinking of a building permit. Questions to be answered as soon as possible are:

1. What is the maximum size of the classes projected to be?

2. A preliminary design by Dick to compute size and location of buildings as related to the rest of the school.

3. Compute the real estate requirements to assure we have room for everything and if not, how do we get it.

4. Survey the neighbors to understand the level of support we will have to do it at all. If it is challenged it could lead to a long battle to get final authorization for the project from the county commission.

5. Since it is to be a public improvement project the commission could decide either way. Their approval is essential. If we get the approval, I’m sure our next meeting will be a happy one.

Well James, the next move is up to you. Be generous with your estimate. We don’t want to outgrow the project for at least twenty years. Dick, I presume you need a survey of the current property to be ready to move when we are ready to make firm decisions. Would you coordinate with James on the size estimate and scout the neighborhood to get a feel for what we will be facing if we need more land for buildings or parking?

Sure will. I’m excited about two things. First being part of such a great project that everyone in the area can be proud of. Second, the opportunity to once again work with old friends. I’m in this one for anything I can contribute, so let me know where I can help any of you. James, it’s a real pleasure to meet the man who sponsored this young man through the vast complications of our education system. I admire and thank you for your contribution

Thank you, Dick. I am astounded at this response. This is the accomplishment we at the school have been trying to make happen for years. I am at everyones beck and call at any time I can help also.

I sure wish Dirk were here to guard us legally. Do any of you know another great attorney we might enlist to keep us on the straight and narrow?

Ethan says he can handle that one by using the company’s attorney, Cynthia Anderson, who he has been using for years. With that settled, we can only wait for some initial results of our efforts to develop. I will make sure everyone knows how to reach everyone else and we adjourn for now.

I grab a sandwich from Olivia and find Rufus and we head for the University to fill the library shelves in my office. When we enter the classroom I notice my mail holder is over flowing so I set my load of books down, unlock and open the office and dump the mail on my desk. I go back to retrieve another box of books I left behind. Rufus has opened his box and is putting books on the shelves. I ask him to stop and tell him I want to get all the boxes here before opening them so I can sort