A Common Thread

By Russ Stallings

Its a story of a young man getting a boost up in life and overcoming some problems. Its a story of how the author wishes his life could have been like.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504966214

Russ Stallings

RUSS STALLINGS is a decorated war veteran deployed in Vietnam with four purple hearts and a bronze star for heroism. He is a published author with a knack for writing that is certain to immense your senses and touch your hearts.

Book preview

A Common Thread

Russ Stallings

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AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

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.

© 2015 Russ Stallings. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/07/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6620-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6621-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015919914

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my wife Paula, who is the love of my life, my family and friends whose love and support along with the occasional kicking of the butt made this project possible.

Chapter 1

A man's character is his fate.

-Heraclitus

(540 B.C.-480 B.C.)

A cool breeze gently plays with the leaves of the trees in the forest. The familiar sounds of the day animals imperceptibly diminish as the light of day fades into night. In the deepening darkness the small sounds that make up a small child's nightmares become the only sounds heard. Those little sounds that to a small child are the monsters hiding under the bed, but are in reality only two branches rubbing together or an acorn shaken loose by passing breeze and tumbles about on its way to the ground.

The minute rustlings of a field mouse searching for nuts and acorns attract the attention of an owl high in a nearby tree. On silent, moonlight swept wings she swoops to snatch up the mouse thus ending the mouse's life, but ensuring the continuation of the owl's young. With talons extended, the owl descends on the unsuspecting mouse. In a brief struggle for life the mouse tries in vain to escape the sharp, viselike talons. One final scream of fear, frustration, and recognition of death, the mouse dies. The owl than quickly smoothes her feathers in preparation for flight. She does this very quickly for she knows that even though she is now the Hunter, she could very quickly become the hunted. With a muted flap of wings, the owl and her prey ascend into the night skies. The full moon reflects off her wings as she heads back to her nest and once again peace returns to this little corner of the forest. The only evidence of the brief struggle is a small tuft of mouse fur and a couple of tiny feathers. A small breath of a breeze blows and even this evidence of the life and death struggle is gone.

A little while later, the stillness of the forest is disturbed again, but this time by the distant muted roar of pickup trucks and man animal sounds. With ears pricked, noses into the wind, and heads turned toward the sounds trying to determine if there is danger the animals freeze where they are. After a moment the animals start to scurry off to their Burrows and dens to watch and see what happens. This has happened many times before, so there isn't the panic most animals feel when confronted with the onslaught of man. There is no panic in their movement, but instead a quick abandonment of the area ahead of man and his machines. From inside their hidden dens and lairs the animals wait and watch to see what terrible things the man animals will do to the forest this time.

Although they are aware that they should be afraid, all the same, they are still curious about these huge creatures that occasionally invade their forest. In their short lives, their exposure to the man animals has been limited. All that the forest animals know about the man animals is that they are quite large, they walk on two legs, and like themselves they throw the shells of their food all over the place and just let it lay. Most of the time, after the man animals have left, the animals would come out to investigate what is been left behind. In the course of their investigation they would sniff around and almost always come upon several food shells that still contained something the animals found to be edible. The animals of forest knew that the man animals were very different from themselves because of the food shells they left behind. The forest animals didn't know of any plant in that world they bore fruit in such hard shells and that were in such strange shapes. But the bitter liquid those strange food shells contain had a distinctly herbal odor.

As the animals watched, beams of light sliced through the forest, originating from the eyes of the man animals giant beasts. Finally after the lights flashed first one way and then flashed in yet another, they converged on a single spot. When the giant beasts had stopped growling, the man animals climbed down. They began to run about calling loudly to one another as they gathered sticks. As the animals of the forest watched, the man animals piled the sticks together. The forest animals wandered are they making a bed? In a few moments though the forest animals senses were alive as the scent of danger was carried on the breeze. Smoke! The man animals have started a fire! The light of the fire attracts their curiosity, but the smell of danger that the smoke brings warns them to stay away. The forest animals can't understand why the man animals stayed by the fire, don't they realize the danger? Soon one of the man animals leaves the group near the fire walks over to where his giant beast with lighted eyes is sleeping.

As he stands leaning against the hood of his pickup truck sipping on a beer and watching his friends running about, drinking beer and in general acting very much like overage juveniles. The thought slowly forms in his mind that something is definitely missing from his life. For James Thompson this is just another weekend out with the boys. This weekend isn't much different from countless weekends that have come before, in that, it was more from habit then by choice. In the last few months he had chosen to go out with his friends as opposed to staying in town and being bored.

He could always go over to his parent's house, but then, he would have to hear all about what the neighbors are doing. And if that weren't bad enough, he would be obligated to listen to the countless tales of what was going on at his Alma Mater, Baylor high school, from his little sister. All of which he didn't really care about. As he thought about it he realized he really did care; but things he had been feeling seemed to take precedence over everything else. Lately his feelings that something was missing from his life had become almost overwhelming at times. The more he tried to figure it out the more confused he became. He knew that he had a good job at Cleaver chemical; so work couldn't be the reason. So what could it be?

When he was in high school at Baylor High, he hadn't envisioned that he would have such a good job as he now Held. This was the kind of job that could lead to an upper management position. When he went to work for cleaver chemical he had no idea that in six short years he would be able to impress his superiors that much. He had worked very hard; he had not got into any trouble, so he was definitely proud of himself.

The memory of the day he went in for his interview came flooding back and a small smile creeps crossed his face. He could admit to himself now; that he was really scared that day. After all, it was his first real job interview. He had been working at happy Burger for almost 3 years, but he got the job because his father knew the owner. He had recently come to the conclusion that he was holding a job that didn't have a future. Besides, he was tired of flipping burgers for a living. James had worked all through high school with the promise of someday moving into management and having his own store. But as time wore on and other people were hired and promoted around him, he realized that his upward movement in the company had just about come to an end. In all the time he had worked there he had received four raises in pay, but no raises in position. After talking to some of his friends he had come to the conclusion that his talents were being underappreciated. As a result, he began to look in the newspaper at the want ads to see what was available. One afternoon he saw the ad for a warehouse worker, no experience necessary, at cleaver chemical and decided to apply. James knew from talking with other people that cleaver was a good place to work. He had heard that they had a real good benefits package and a stock option for their employees and education reimbursement. With all this going for the company he knew that the competition for a single job in such a good company was going to be stiff, but he decided to apply anyway. But, he figured "nothing ventured, nothing gained" James called the number in the ad and to his surprise, was given an appointment for nine o'clock in the morning.

With the thought of making the best impression humanly possible, he got up an hour early to shave and shower. He didn't want to take chance of being late. While he stood shaving his nerves start get the better of him, the anxiety of going for its first real job interview started him to asking himself questions like; why didn't he cut his hair differently and did he really have a shot at this job? As he was getting dressed his nerves were so bad that he couldn't tie his necktie properly.

Finally in exasperation he went to his mother and asked her to tie it for him. After having to tell him several times to stand still, so she could see what she was doing she got it tied. As she thought how many times she had done the same thing for his father, small smile came to her lips. She had come to the realization that when men got nervous they become useless; his mother finished tying the tie and kissed him on the cheek for luck. After the discussion of the previous evening she just hoped he wasn't building himself up for a big letdown.

At dinner the previous evening James had told his mother and father about his upcoming interview. They were both excited for him and a bit concerned that he would give up his job at the happy Burger. His mother questioned him about why you wanted to change jobs and had something happened he hadn't told them about, wasn't he going to be a manager someday? His responses to these questions were that he just wanted more for his efforts in what he was getting. He told her that he didn't feel that he could advance any farther in the company. He related the stories of other people being promoted around him and how it really made him feel unappreciated.

Throughout the discussion between James and his mother, his father had set quietly eating. Now he cleared his throat; to James this was his signal that it was time for him to get into the discussion. He looked James right in the eye and asked, this is something you want to do or is it something you think you should do?

All James could do was set and stare at his father. His mind went into panic mode, had he said something wrong? Had he not explained everything completely? He couldn't believe that his father was so offhandedly dismissing his reasons for changing jobs. After a few moments he realized that his father wasn't questioning his motives for changing jobs, but instead he was challenging James to question them for himself. But this was typical of his father; he never told James he couldn't do something. He always admonished him to think things through. But when something he tried didn't work his father didn't say, I told you so! James had to admit that some things that he tried had turned out pretty badly. So when things did go wrong his father never failed to ask, What are you going to do about it? How are you going to fix it?

In the few seconds he sat looking at his father, he realizes that his father knew that this decision was coming. James was once again amazed at how his father was guiding him without telling him what to do. He then began to recount to his father his reasons for wanting to change jobs. All through it his father just sat listening to what his boy had to say and at the appropriate times he nodded and went on listening. When James had finished he looked at his father in a silent plea to give him some kind of sign as to whether or not he thought the reasoning was sound.

This father sat and looked down at his now empty plate for a few moments. He was digesting what James had said and in his analysis sounded like he was headed in the right direction. He looked up from his plate and said, It seems to me that you've pretty well thought this through. All I can say is that I wish you all the luck in the world. As he finished speaking his face broke into a smile that spoke volumes in James' mind that he had won his father's approval.

With good luck wishes from his mother, his father, and little sister he headed off to the interview. The Cleaver chemical plant was on the other side of town with traffic the way it was it would take him about 20 min. to drive it. In those 20 min. he once again, for the thousandth time, he went over what he thought some of the questions that would be asked and how he would answer them. Again he looked at himself in the rearview mirror and thought to himself that he should have cut his hair differently.

As the buildings of town thinned out he could get a glimpse of the tall red smokestacks with their big yellow C painted on them; then when he got further from town and the buildings became even scarcer he could see the strings of black tank cars lined up on the railroad siding waiting to be loaded or unloaded. Finally he came to the sign that indicated the entrance to the plant. When he came to the guard shack at the end of the long driveway he was greeted by a small but slightly rotund man who asked his business there. James told him that he was there for a job interview. The guard consulted his clipboard to ensure that James's name was on the list of authorized visitors. Having found it, the guard told him to follow the signs to the visitors parking area in front of the administration building.

James thanked the guard and drove on. He followed the road as it meandered around the perimeter of the plant towards the administration building. He was impressed by the large expanses of lawn and trees that separated the production part of the plant from administration part. As he drove through the employee's parking lot he saw several cars that he recognized as belonging to the parents of some of his friends. After a while he came to the visitors parking area and he found a spot and pulled into it. He sat in the car for a few moments trying to collect his thoughts. Looking in the mirror again he thought about his hair, why didn't I cut it differently? While he sat there looking around he said to himself this would be a great place to work.

James got out of his car and despite the large amount of steam pouring from the smokestacks, the air smelled fresh and clean. Even though he felt an inner tension about the upcoming interview, he couldn't believe how confident he felt. He mentally admonished himself not to start feeling cocky or he just might blow the interview. But despite the self chastisement, he could still feel the butterflies in his stomach.

During the walk across the parking lot towards the administration building he was saying a silent prayer to the fates that he would get the job. He was also noticing some of the details about the building, such as the seemingly large number of people coming and going, picnic tables set off to one side of the walkway where several small groups of people were sitting and chatting. As he approached the big double doors he once again checked his appearance in his reflection and open doors to what he hoped was his future.

James went through the doors and walked up to the receptionist desk. He was immediately struck by the clear eyed beauty before him. She had dark almost black hair that cascaded down her back almost to her waist. Her waist seemed to be quite small and trim. Most striking thing about the girl was a large amount of cleavage she was able to show without seeming to do so.

May I help you? She asked. At the sound of her voice he almost jumped. The voice truly fit the body from which it came; it had a sultry quality to it without being trampish.

Uh, uh, yes, I'm here for an interview. He stuttered. This was all James could manage. His nervousness and the attractiveness of the girl had him completely befuddled. If there were any girls like this in the area he hope to work in, he sure wasn't going to get much work done, he thought.

Could you give me your name please? She asked.

James Thompson, he said, finally regaining his composure.

Just a moment please I need to answer the phone. She said turning to answer the telephone. While she talked on the phone, James was able to look around. He now saw the nameplate on the desk read Melissa Gordon. James was also able to watch the activity in a large office behind the glass divider that separated the reception area from the rest of the office. He was amazed at the large amount of activity in the offices. He had no idea that it took so many people to keep the administration side of a business running. Over at happy Burger the only paperwork they did was the inventory, the payroll, and the bank deposit. The receptionist hung up the phone.

I'm sorry for the interruption. She said with a smile as she reached back to the small desk behind her and retrieved a clipboard.

Please fill this out and when you're finished bring it back here and I'll take you back to Mr. Baker. You can set over there while you fill it out. She said indicating a black couch against the wall.

James took the clipboard she extended. After sitting on the couch he perused the application and thought how complicated it seemed. But he started to fill it out. The deeper he got into the application more he lost his feeling of confidence that he held only a short time before. After an interminable time and considerable brain racking, he finished the application and return to the reception desk.

Here you go. He said handing the clipboard back to the girl

OK. let's see here. She said quickly looking at the application to make sure he hadn't missed anything.

Come with me please and I'll take you back to Mr. Baker's office. She stated as she got up from behind the desk. When she stood James was quite amazed at how tall and statuesque the girl was. The girl seemed to float along as she moved toward a door that led to a hallway. Following her down the hallway he noticed that as she walked with her head held very high, as if she knew that she was good looking and didn't care if the world knew it also. But this attitude was in her carriage only because her smile and appearance spoke of her as being a friendly and caring person. Following the receptionist was a treat all in itself, because she had a figure that was fantastic and watching the natural undulation of her posterior was quite a treat.

After several turns into different corridors they came to a door marked personnel and entered. Where they encountered another receptionist, this one was quite different from the one he had just been following. This one was small and kind of mousy in appearance, even though she was nearly as tall as the other girl. This new girl had short cropped blonde hair and a warm smile. She was dressed as if she were trying to hide her assets. The blouse was a bit too big and her skirt was too long. The only hint that she had a good shape was a trim waist surrounded by a black patent leather belt.

Janet, this is James Thompson. He's here to see Mr. Baker to interview for the warehouse job. She said as she handed the girl the clipboard holding James application

Hi, I'm Janet Ballard Janet said extending her hand, Won't you have a seat please; Mr. Baker is with someone right now, but he should be finished in a few minutes.

James took the chair indicated. It wasn't very comfortable as his nerves were beginning to act up again, since he could feel the sweat gently trickle down under his T-shirt. He couldn't believe how nervous he was, "Thank God, I've got a jacket on so nobody can see me sweat." He thought, as he looked around the office. It was a nice office in comparison to the tiny cubicle has served as an office at happy Burger. It was at least three times as big and a lot friendlier feeling. Here they apparently allowed personal items on the walls since James saw two pictures of children on the wall and a framed caricature of Janet on the other wall.

While the two girls continued to talk James found himself watching and listening to what was being said, trying to pick up on some little hint of how the political winds blew in this particular office. Suddenly the door to the inner office open and a man in a set of blue coveralls came out accompanied by another man in a suit. The fellow in the coveralls look familiar, of course, he was Jeff Ryan's father. He had met him at the graduation he and Jeff Ryan had graduated from high school together. The man in the coveralls glanced over at James and did a double take.

James Thompson, what are you doing here? He asked as he extended his hand to shake hands with him.

I'm just putting in an application sir. James said as they shook hands.

What job are you applying for? He inquired.

I'm Appling for the warehouse workers position. James replied.

Harold, this is one of my son's friends. James Thompson, let me introduce you to Harold Baker.

It's nice to meet you James. He said shaking hands with James.

Why don't you go in and have a seat and I'll be with you in just a moment. He said in a friendly tone. James said yes sir and proceeded into the inner office as directed.

When he had set down in the only chair in the office, besides the one behind the big desk, he looked around in idle curiosity. There were several plaques and impressive looking diplomas hanging on the wall to his right, behind the desk was a window with a view of the plant. Over in the corner, to James' right and slightly behind, was the obligatory gray four drawer file cabinet. It seemed to him that he had seen one in every office you ever been in. Even in high school, when he was sent to the principal's office for some small infraction of rules, there was that same nondescript gray file cabinet in the corner. He wondered absently if they came in any other color. The door opened and Mr. Baker came in.

Well now, Mr. Baker said as he came into the office at a brisk walk, I'm sorry to keep you waiting like that Bob tells me that you went to school with his son Jeff.

Yes sir, Jeff and I graduated together. Jeff is going to state on a football scholarship. James stated even though he did not particularly care to discuss Jeff Ryan at that time.

Jeff Ryan and James had had a couple of classes together but to say they were friends would be stretching things a bit. James didn't really like Jeff because he had an ego that was bigger than he was. He never let an opportunity slip away to tell someone that he was going to state on a sports scholarship. To James this was crass and very offensive. But that was the way Jeff was and he couldn't change it.

Mr. Baker was looking at James' application while they discussed what was happening with Jeff Ryan. James was watching him closely in a vain attempt to pick up on whether or not he had a chance at the job. Mr. Baker was a man of average height and build; he had a shock of unruly hair that he kept absently brushing back with his hand. But, what impressed James the most was the crisp, yet easy manner the man had. He got the impression from the way, Mr. Baker moved and talked that he was the type of person that could feel comfortable in any type of group.

James, it says here you worked at happy Burger for just a little over three years. Why do you want to change jobs? Mr. Baker asked.

Before he could answer the intercom buzzed. Mr. Baker told Janet to take a number and he would call them back. She said it was Mrs. Baker. James started to get up so that Mr. Baker could have some privacy to talk to his wife. Mr. Baker waved him back into the chair and told him to set still that this would only take a second. While Mr. Baker spoke to his wife, James renewed his idol inspection of the office. To his surprise the diplomas on the wall were from State University. "No wonder he seems so interested in Jeff Ryan." thought James.

With a telephone call finished, Mr. Baker once again apologized for the interruption. Now then, where were we?

You asked about my reasons for changing jobs. James replied.

Oh yes, well, why do you want to change jobs? Mr. Baker asked with a tone of sincerity in his voice.

"Well sir to tell the truth I'm looking for a position with advancement opportunities. Also,