The Door

By Dr. Paul F. Stefanelli

 The Door centers on its main character David DePalma. He started Astral Communications, an up and coming computer software manufacturing company. He worked himself up the corporate ladder the hard way with proper work ethics and sound principles, He governs his personal life in the same manner. Along the road his acquaintances whether professional or personal are more than just “one night stands” so to speak. Rajasthan “Raj” Patel, Sergei Tesi, William Stieger just to name a few. Stieger is head of Global Avionics , a long standing aeronautics company with government ties. A huge contract that would benefit both Astral and Global engages both sides in contract negotiations that give the reader an insight into the inner workings of the corporate world. A diversion in the book takes you through a terrorist kidnapping of William Stieger. This involves fanaticism as well as a power struggle with other countries. How the government and security forces work to try to resolve this, is in itself a course of study. After the resolution of this part you are once again thrown back to the corporate world. As success is achieved, David’s life begins to be turned inside out and his world comes crashing down. Where he is going he is not sure, but he needs to start somewhere. The intriguing part, of the book is that there are two scenarios occurring simultaneously. This enlightens the reader to a whole host of new fascinating characters. Martha, Albert, old man Henry, the mother with the two frightened children and last but not least Betty, are among some of the new faces. The reader is constantly challenged to comprehending the events of the moment and to which scenario are these events connected. After deceit and backstabbing are finally realized David finds himself in a wild car chase scene that puts him in unknown territory. But it is the truth that David wants and he gets something that he never expected, at the final meeting

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 13, 2006
• ISBN: 9781467810142

Dr. Paul F. Stefanelli

Dr. Paul Stefanelli graduated from Kean College in Union N.J. with a Bachelors degree in Music. He taught music in the elementary schools as well as performed with various orchestras. Music coincided with his interest in Health and Nutrition and he opened up “Touch of Health” health food store, in Union N.J. This interest led him to Life Chiropractic College, In Marietta Georgia, for which he graduated cum laude with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. Eventually he earned a Post Doctorate in Chiropractic Neurology. He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Nutrition. Dr. Stefanelli. always had an interest in writing and wrote his first book “Rise From The Ground” in 1998. This inspirational work was as a result of personal experiences at the time. “The Door” was inspired by the need to write and evolved during the actual writing of the book. Dr. Stefanelli continues to be in private practice in New Jersey at “The Chiropractic Neurology Center” and still performs music regularly. He also plans to continue writing. He is married with two children.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter One

The rain that started early on ended by late afternoon. The residual layer of water seemed to make the streets shine, underneath the lights that caressed its curbs. Darkness was coming much earlier now, as daylight was starting to play its typical game of hide and seek. A slight mist hovered over the ground, which at times became illuminated from the headlights of cars, but even this was infrequent at best. Local animals, which lacked landlords, were canvassing the territory, looking for a place to lay their weary bodies, with the hope that tomorrow might be better. As one scurried across the street to safety, it suddenly stopped. Frozen with insecurity, its eyes fixated with such intent as to not allow a blink, on an approaching dark figure. As it came closer, the furry creature seemed to catapult into oblivion. This one was not taking any chances.

Walking in a slumped fashion, as if prematurity had set in, David wiped away moisture from his eyes, the weather was murky enough, he didn’t need any more obstructions. Raising his head, just enough to get a glimpse of the numbers on the doors, 1201…… 1203, he questioned himself on why was he traversing this terrain? Why did the older man at the bus counter direct him here and how did he get there in the first place. It has been a long day and he was growing more tired. This was a far cry from several years ago, when the world was at his command. When David DePalma spoke, everyone listened. He had negotiating down to a science, and seldom lost a deal. He recalls the last one, which net his company millions of dollars. It was one o’clock in the morning, and negotiations were still on going. Most of the white shirts were weary from the many hours of trying to convince, and win over the other side. Hidden agendas, verbal gymnastics and shake hand deceits are considered the norm.

At this point in his career, David had the company running so good, that he generally did not participate in the negotiations. But this one was different. Global Avionics, a manufacturer of aviation parts, had just signed a military defense contract, to make guided missile systems. They were well equipped to produce what the contract called for, except for one thing. A computer chip that could navigate split second changes in longitudinal direction. There were many companies, besides David’s, that could rectify this dilemma, but at this juncture, Global had yet to decide, so the insiders said.

David started Astral Communications fifteen years ago, and built a solid reputation among the giants in the field. Expertise, reliability and integrity were the connotations when referencing his company. This was David. This is what he stood for. Regarding communication skills, his ability to anticipate, and thus react during meetings, was uncanny. William Stieger, CEO of Global Avionics was present at the meeting. He like David usually does not attend but, again, this one was different. The defense contract, which Global signed, was too important. They needed the most reliable company that is why Global was there, that is why William Stieger was there, and, that is why David was there.

Although the rain stopped, the moisture in the air was so thick, it gave the appearance that it was still raining. David continued to walk when a car pulled along side of him. He heard the window going down when a voice screamed out, hey man, where’s Fourteenth Avenue. David was not in the frame of mind for idle conversation, besides, he was new to this area. But he felt that he should respond, I don’t know, I’m not from this area. He continued to walk, hoping that was enough to end the conversation. David listened intently for any sign that the car was leaving. Aside from a distant siren, he could still hear the motor running. Is someone following me, am I going to be shot, he said quietly to himself. Where am I anyway? All of a sudden, a car door opened, David could feel his heart racing, perspiration started to reign on his forehead, This was it, a fitting ending, left dead in the street,he thought. He gathered enough courage to turn his head ninety degrees and to his astonishment, the car was gone. But what was the car door I heard, instantly from across the street, another car was pulling away, destination unknown. David could immediately feel his heart slow down, What happened, where’s the car, he whispered. Then he realized that he was so filled with fear that the car had actually left. At this point, his perspiration turned to ice, so it felt. He took a deep breath, and with a sigh of relief, continued on his journey.

Astral Communications vice president, Sergei Tesi, was first to speak. Born to a Russian mother and an Italian father, he seemed to possess the tautness of the KGB and the smoothness of an Italian lyric. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Astral Communications. Unlike David, Sergei always attended negotiations, the difference this time was that he would not leave, as he usually does. In the past, Sergei would make the opening remarks and then go on his way. He has the ability to get a read or feel, by a quick visual observation, the opposing forces that his company is trying to win over. Facial expressions, sitting postures, hand gestures are windows to the emotions, he would tell neophytes entering the corporate world. After giving a synopsis of the history of Astral Communications, Sergei decided to get to the meat of the matter. There is no doubt in my mind or anyone associated with this company, on our ability and capability to provide Global Avionics with the technology that it needs. We have some of the top scientists in the field. We hope that after today’s meeting, you will agree that Astral Communications is your choice, thank you. As Sergei left the podium he had a sense that this one was not going to be easy, not in comparison to previous contract meetings. At this point it was David’s turn. As he approached the microphone, he quickly glanced to his left. Like David, William Stieger usually doesn’t attend these meetings, but he knew that he had to be absolutely certain about the choice regarding subcontracting this work, that is why he was sitting there, that is why his and David’s eyes met.

It seemed as if he had been walking for hours. His legs felt like attached anchors and his feet unfortunately happened to be connected. He was hungry but he didn’t feel that he had the energy to eat. He momentarily switched head gears and thought of the many times he frequented fancy eateries, the expensive wines, valet parking, life was harmless. Suddenly, the blaring of a car horn assaulted this image, and he was once back to all the aches and pains that are accompanying his journey. By this point, his destination of 1235 Freemont Street was rapidly approaching. Anticipatory anxiety was never one of his weak points. Once again he could feel his heart starting to renew its gallop. Oh no, here we go again, 1227, 1229, he started to breath a little faster, stop it he screamed to himself, quickly looking around, making sure no one was there to view his wacky behavior. This therapy always seemed to work, and once again, success, at least for now. Reluctantly keeping his head up, he turned his head slightly to the right, at that point, his heart seemed to leap to make friends with his ear, his feet stopped cold, as if to have a mind of their own, 1235 Freemont Street.

David’s opening remarks were directed towards Stieger, expressing the utmost respect he has toward him and Global Avionics. In order for the government to choose Global Avionics, in regards to the present contract, tells me about the quality, the confidence, and performance ability of your company. We at Astral Communications, pride ourselves on those same characteristics. We know how important reliability is. When you trust another company with your own commissioned work, your integrity is on the line. We feel confident that Astral Communications, can deliver what you need, and in the manner that you need it. We will try to answer to the best of our ability any questions that you may have. Our company is not perfect or infallible by any stretch of the imagination, but we will give you honesty, as well as an impeccable work ethic. Astral Communications may not be the largest company, but what we lack in size, we make up in dedication. I hope that after today’s presentation, that a long lasting friendship can be solidified. Thank you for this opportunity to speak. Sergei intently listened and watched very carefully. As David stepped off the podium, Sergei turned toward his secretary and said, When someone tells you that they are not perfect, this is someone worth listening to, capesci. Even though Sergei was only half-Italian, he enjoyed throwing in a few words now and then, words that his father had taught him.

As David canvassed the front of the building, his first impression was that he should recede immediately. Choosing not to, he sarcastically realized that this is how these places should look. The shell of this building consisted of damaged brick throughout. Some of the windows were half opened, and bed sheets on the inside lavishly covered most of them. The outside railing was bent and rusted, and the stench of urine permeated everywhere. His arms hung lifelessly at his side, they too needed comfort. He felt like an old oak tree, one that had weathered many storms, but was finally too withered to stand. He again thought of fleeing, but even if he could have mustered up the courage, the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. He reluctantly started to walk up the stairs, and as he approached the top step, the front door swung open. An unshaven man, dressed in clothes twice his size, involuntarily blocked the entrance. He briefly looked in David’s direction, and then continued to proceed down the stairs. As he walked past him, his fragrance was less than desirable. Not a word was spoken. It appeared that David was oblivious to him. David turned his attention to the task at hand, trying to convince himself that he needed to be here, even if it is for just one night. If there was one bright spot, it was the door, which appeared to be new. As he commenced walking, he noticed that the hallway was littered with used soda cans, half eaten snack foods, and old newspapers, certainly not your four star hotel. Farther down, he came upon an area, in which there was a desk, with scattered papers on top. A three-legged chair was miraculously standing in the left corner. On the right side was a file cabinet. Two draws were half opened, with papers sticking out from all sides, and it had one handle, which was barely hanging on. Rust encrusted all four corners. This poor piece of furniture had to be begging to live out its final days, at the home for retired cabinets. Never the less, it was here, working. A bell sat at front and center, waiting majestically for someone, anyone, to put it to use. I guess I was elected, he said. Before David commenced with the task at hand, he took a panoramic view, of this cubbyhole of an area, for any sign of life. No surprise here, even the flies left. As he hammered gently on this ingenious piece of musical invention, a beautiful tone rang out. What a contradiction, a vibrant sound, in such a desolate looking place, he said. Then a little voice that spoke softly, but adamantly within his mind quickly countered. Remember, during life’s most difficult situations, or when hopelessness abounds, out from the abyss, arise tentacles of gold. He was shocked, that even at a time like this, he could still engage in philosophy, or was it truth.

Many hours had passed, and the negotiations with Global Avionics, seemed to be at a stalemate. Everyone was exhausted. There was no short supply of cell phone use, for a variety of reasons. Both sides expected that this could turn out to be the super bowl of negotiations, but little did they anticipate, that overtime was fair game too. David, William Stieger, and the rest of the corporate teams were huddled on the last floor of Astral Communications, Room C, where most meetings were held. David always insisted that negotiations should be conducted utilizing a large round table. He got this idea from watching King Arthur movies. He felt that this setting made everyone feel equal. Obviously a good and sound concept, when one considers the success of Astral Communications. But in regards to this meeting, the round table was looking square, even King Arthur himself, would find this one difficult to remedy. The major sticking point was regarding the time frame for preliminary testing. William Stieger and Global Avionics were under time constraints themselves. Three months was all they could wait, and the information that David was receiving from his people, was that they needed six months.

Chapter Two

Out from a door, that David failed to notice, towards the right of this area, an older gentleman came slowly walking towards him. From the viewing of him, David’s first thought was that, if he hadn’t already, he should have come from an AA meeting. His posture was semi hunched, and his gait was wide based, obviously his balance was questionable to say the least. He harbored a beard that seemed to cry out for some type of grooming, and his hair gave the appearance that soap had not been yet invented. With his head in a flexed position, he walked behind the counter as if he was on automatic pilot. He shuffled some papers that were on top of the counter, and without raising an eyelid said, What can I do for you? I was told to come here. David quickly countered. At this point, David’s thoughts reflected back to the older gentleman at the bus counter who referred him here, wondering if this chance meeting was the kind that you wish never happened. How long do you need a room for, he said. David mentally vacillating in his response, finally said I don’t know, day by day. The older man made some grunted noises, Where’s all the pens around here, he said, while haphazardly flinging papers about, trying to find the elusive utensil, obviously without any success. David compared this to a war zone, where he was stuck in a trench, trying to stay alive, and there was this broken down, sort of shell shocked, anemic looking, half-drunken commander running the show. As he continued the search, and still unable to locate one, he became quite agitated, barking out expletives with unconscionable ease. His voice began to crescendo, reaching a feverish peak when suddenly, catching the corner of David’s right eye, an older woman came walking towards them, rather briskly. As she passed by him, walking behind the counter she politely said, Excuse me sir. These were some of the nicest words David heard in a long time. Calm down Albert, what is the matter, she asked. He snapped back, I can’t find a pen, where are all the pens, as he continued his search. Well, maybe it’s in the draw, lets see, she responded, and sure enough, there it was. I found it, I’ll take care of this gentleman, I need you to go to the room eight, the bathroom light needs to be changed, okay? Without hesitation, the man that David now came to know as Albert left to fulfill his task. David was quite impressed to say the least with this elderly woman. It was not what she did, but rather the manner in how she did it. She had a calm, collectiveness about her, and she took control, without being controlling. I apologize for the inconvenience, Albert gets flustered easily. Can I help you?

It was late in the evening, and everyone was quite weary to put it mildly. Up until this point, David and William Stieger were not directly involved with the negotiations, only the backroom brawls as they say. But time and timing were of the essence, and David could sense that Stieger was becoming impatient. David did not want to lose this one. He knew that his people worked extremely hard, and as much as he wanted this for himself, he wanted this for his people. He sensed the urgency at hand. At 12:30 am, David picked up the phone from his office and called the round table room. Hello, Sergei speaking, Sergei, it’s David, how is everything going? Sergei, immediately put on an unassuming face, while quickly viewing the room to be certain that no one was watching. He turned away trying to huddle himself, away from everyone there. We’re stuck David, on that dam testing time, they want three months, and I honestly don’t know how we can cut our time in half. There was a pause, and then David said. Can we get it down to four months, because if we can, then I’ll get them to bite. It’s going to be tough, but if that’s what we need to do, then we’ll do it, responded Sergei. That’s music to my ears, David said. Get research and manufacturing together, and go over what we discussed, I’ll get back to you in fifteen minutes. You got it," replied Sergei. He knew what he had to do. He immediately went back to the meeting and politely asked for a recess. David knew that even if the department heads gave him four months, it was still going to be cutting it close. But more importantly, he knew that he was going to have to meet with and convince Stieger, for even one month more, was crucial. At this point in time, most negotiations are usually resolved, but this one wasn’t. This one needed help, this one was different, William Stieger was different, David knew this. This one needed David.

I need a place to stay, said David. Do you have any idea how long? The older woman responded.