Stone Blind

By T. W'ski

BACK COVER TEXT

(should look just like this, centered with spaces and capitalizations as shown):





America won her freedom from the king of England in 1812, and no

president since George Washington has had the desire to take his place

until now. Staying in the background the newly elected President of the

United States has his front man gather a group of politicians and industrial

leaders to take the first crucial step in his desire to rule this country single-handed.

His plan however doesn't take into account the tenacity of the

James Gang, who had in the past and are in the present willing to sacrifice

everything for the good of their country.



James Klein III and Ed Murphy

co-founders and co-owners of

International Communications and Fiber Optics

and the leaders of the James Gang find themselves

EMBATTLED

with their sense of doing right

for their country, for their employees, for their customers,

and for their families.



Aiding them in their Battle

with their trust and loyalty

are their friends and associates.



Everyone that is EXCEPT for

and most importantly,

MRS. JAMES KLEIN III.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645315841

Book preview

cover.jpg

Stone Blind

T. W'ski

Copyright © 2019 T. W’ski

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2019

ISBN 978-1-64531-583-4 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64531-584-1 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Impetus

Digression

The Plan

Fidelity

Adherences

Recognition

Snags

Deadfall

Fulfillment

Satisfaction

To Laura

Who knew?

We knew.

In the early history of this country there were many injustices committed in the name of common good. Many of these were corrected with six-gun and a hangman’s noose. Since the West was tamed, it’s no longer legal to correct an injustice with a blazing six-gun. Today, we use lawyers and courts to settle these miscarriages of justice perpetrated by the abusers of position and power.

Today’s battles are sometimes arduous, starting in the lowest courts and ending in the highest. When the final battle is over, and the outcome is declared to be for the common good, you sometimes have to wonder just whose good is actually being talked about. I’m referring to AT&T, AOL Time Warner, Microsoft, and Martha Stewart.

Impetus

West Point Military Academy, New York

Senator Mark Miller finished his opening speech and watched as over one hundred thousand cadets, cadre, and invited guests rose to their feet on Memorial Day morning to give him a thunderous ovation. That was quite a speech, senator, Jim Guiders, the recently inaugurated President of the United States, said to Senator Miller when he took his seat next to him behind the podium.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Are your sentiments deep-rooted convictions, or are they just a political stance?

My family’s military tradition goes way back, Mr. President, and I’m a West Point Graduate myself, so my sentiments are convictions and deep-rooted.

Your statement that no government can survive without a strong coalition between its leaders and the military happens to be one that I heartily agree with. As a point of conjecture, which form of government would you pick for a country, if you were given the chance?

I now give you the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of these United States, our president, Jim Guiders, Col. Applewhite at the podium announced. The call to the podium prevented Senator Miller from answering the question asked by the president, but as he rose to his feet, he turned slightly in Senator Miller’s direction.

I’ll be at my ranch in Texas for a few days following today’s celebration. Why don’t you join me there, Senator, and we’ll finish our discussion? Turning back to face the gathered assemblage, the president raised both arms above his head and walked to the podium.

Executive Parking Area

International Communications and Fiber Optics Main Office Building, San Diego

As the setting sun dipped further toward the horizon, the tops of the tall palms produced a canopy of green lace over Oceanside Avenue. In its glow all twelve stories of the International Communications and Fiber Optics Building’s glass-and-steel exterior blazed in that golden glow like a huge bar of gold.

At that very moment, emerging into that golden massif’s underground parking area were the founders and co-owners of IC &F O, JK James Klein III and Ed Edward Murphy. Have you ever thought about retiring, Ed? asked JK out of the blue.

No, JK, I haven’t, but to tell you the truth, there have been times lately that I’ve noticed this old body slowing down just a tad bit.

Is that a bit slower than the norm, or slower than the last time you slowed down? JK asked with a chuckle.

Why are we talking about retiring? Ed asked. Are you thinking about it?

This morning at breakfast, Eloise said that she’s been giving it some serious consideration, and after she mentioned it, the subject has remained inside my head all day.

Sorry, JK, the only thing occupying the gray cells in my head lately is how to solve the problems we’ve run into with the new light cable. This is the first time in over a month that I’m actually leaving the office while there’s still a glow in the sky, and that’s only because it’s Alice’s birthday.

I know that you’ve been working late, but I would never forgive myself if you ruined your marriage or your health because of it. The new cable design is important to the future of this company, but given our present position in the communications market, we can take all the time we need to get the bugs worked out of the new cable, years if we need it. You’re too important to me and this company to have anything happen to you, old buddy, JK said, reaching out and giving Ed a one-armed hug.

You just said, ‘years,’ and here you were just moments ago asking me if I’d ever thought about retiring. Ed shook his head. "But not to worry, JK, I’m making it sound worse than it actually is. You know how I get when I’m working on a project like this, and I haven’t had a really big one to work on for a long, long time.

Remember how it used to be in the good old days when you and I would buy a case of beer, and sit in that old warehouse for days on end, sometimes for weeks, until we’d worked the bugs out of a problem? There were times we stayed too long, and we’d end up unable to stand each other.

When that happened, we’d force ourselves to take a break and before a day had passed, you’d be calling me up with a whole different approach to the problem we were up against, JK said. Thinking back though, I can’t recall having made any really outstanding contribution to the development of any of those projects. You were the one that would end up working the bugs out. After a couple of beers, I usually fell asleep on that creaky old cot in the corner. There were times I thought you just wanted me around for moral support.

That and to run down to McDonald’s for burgers, and over to Harry’s for more beer. Ed smiled at the thought of how things used to be. You might not remember, JK, but without your suggestions and alternate ideas, even though they were way off track most of the time, they would start the wheels in my head turning in the right direction.

It’ll always be hard to convince me of that fact, Ed. Right now, though, there is one fact I am sure of. If we don’t shut up and quit standing around jawing, you’ll be in trouble with Alice, and I’ll be the one she blames, and the one that ends up wearing the tar and feathers, so go. Go home, Ed.

You’re right, JK, Ed said, getting into his car as JK walked around to the driver’s side of his car that was parked in the next stall. JK stood with his car’s door open and watched until Ed pulled out.

Getting in, he started the engine and backed out of his reserved space. Turning his attention forward, he noticed a young man duck past the side of Ed’s car as it passed under the overhead gate at the exit of the parking area. The young man looked around, spotted JK’s car, and started running toward it.

The guard in the gatehouse had seen the young man too and came chasing after him. He pulled his gun from its holster and shouted at the young man to stop. Within a few feet of JK’s car the young man did finally stop. Looking straight at JK, he raised his hands in surrender. "My name is Fred Haskell. I’m a reporter from The Daily Reporter. Could I ask you a few questions, Mr. Klein?" he shouted.

The guard, ignoring the young man’s shouted request, ordered him to walk back toward the entrance just as Ed appeared out of breath and on foot. What’s going on? he asked, trying to catch his breath. With his hands held high in the air, the young man explained to Ed, and again to the guard, who he was and what he wanted.

While the young Mr. Haskell was explaining his presence to Ed, JK called The Daily Reporter on his cellphone. When he was connected, he asked for the newsroom and received confirmation that a Fred Haskell did indeed work for them. JK asked for a description of Mr. Haskell, and as it was being related to him, he compared it to the man standing in front of his car with his hands still in the air. Finished with his call, JK got out of his car and motioned to Fred to put his hands down. Ed, taking the hint, told the guard to lower his gun, but to keep his eye on the young man. Do you have some ID? Ed asked. Fred cautiously reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his press card. Then he cautiously reached into another jacket pocket and handed Ed his driver’s license. Ed compared the picture on the license with the man standing in front of him and handed the documents back.

That was great work, Ed said to the guard. Thank you for reacting so quickly. I don’t think we need consider Mr. Haskell a threat any longer. The guard nodded, reholstered his pistol, and headed for the gatehouse, looking back over his shoulder every now and then to make sure that everything was indeed okay.

I hope the reason for all this is worth all the anxiety you’ve just caused? JK asked.

It could be, sir, Fred replied, bringing out his handheld recorder, and turning it on. I have a few questions I would like to ask you, Mr. Klein, and you, too, Mr. Murphy concerning the Senate’s investigation of IC & FO for violating the antitrust law of this country.

Who’s investigating whom, and for what? Ed asked, his voice rising.

Today, this afternoon actually, the Senate issued a statement at a press conference saying that they are investigating several companies for antitrust violations. IC & FO was one of those companies named.

This certainly is news to us, JK replied. "Neither, Ed or I have heard anything about any investigation, and for the record, we can honestly say that this company is beyond reproach in its business dealings with all its customers. If there is any, and I emphasize, any, questionable dealings going on within this company, Ed and I would thank the Senate or anyone else for pointing them out to us."

So you’re saying that you have no idea why the senate would be investigating IC & FO?

None, Ed answered. As JK has just stated, we are as clean as a whistle.

You haven’t heard anything at all about this in the past few months? Fred Haskell reiterated.

I wish we had, JK reaffirmed. Then we might’ve known about the news conference and watched it, that way we would have been able to answer your questions. The news conference was carried on what TV station?

Forty-seven, the local news investigative channel, I think. Well, thank you, Mr. Klein, Mr. Murphy. I’m sorry to have troubled you. You’re sure?

We’re sure, JK answered, not allowing Mr. Haskell to finish. Next time call ahead, and we’ll be happy to grant you an audience, JK quipped.

That’s far better than you giving one of us a heart attack or getting a bullet in the head, Ed added.

Thank you again, and I may take you up on your offer after I’ve learned more, Fred said, walking back toward the exit gate. The guard saw him coming and raised the gate for him. Passing through the gate, Fred waved at the guard, letting him know that there were no hard feelings.

JK and Ed watched Fred leave. There’s nothing like a little excitement to liven up an evening, eh, JK? Do you have any idea what the hell he was talking about? A senate investigation? Antitrust?

Not a clue, but we’ll have a little meeting with Nathan and the boys tomorrow morning, early. I’ll call them on the way home and set it up. Looks like it’s going to be a case night tonight. Should I pick one up on the way home and bring it along with us?

I’ll stop, but I have a feeling it’ll be more than half gone by the time you get there.

Then you’d better buy a couple of cases, JK said.

The James Klein III Residence

San Diego

James, you’re late, Gloria said, meeting him at the door. I was just about to leave without you. Where have you been?

Ed and I ran into a little problem in the parking garage when we left work that we had to take care of, JK said, kissing her on the cheek and continuing on into the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, he grabbed a beer twisted off the cap and guzzled it down. Grabbing another one, he headed for the upstairs bedroom.

I called the office just to make sure you hadn’t forgotten about Alice’s party, Gloria said, following him up the stairs. Mary answered and said that you had already left. That was before I started getting ready so you are more than late. Where have you been?

Ed and I were delayed in the parking garage by a reporter who wanted to ask us about some senate antitrust investigation. We told him that we knew nothing about any investigation. He told us that our involvement in the investigation had been announced at a news conference that had been broadcast on one of the local television channels.

Yes, I know. I saw it.

You saw it, and you didn’t call me? JK asked amazed. Reaching the top of the stairway he turned around to face his wife on the stairway.

You know I don’t meddle in your business affairs, she said. I just figured it was one of those misguided junior senators trying to inflate his ego and his image in the eyes of the public. I did tape it for you though.

You did? Where’s the tape?

You can watch it later, dear. We are late enough as it is.

This is much too important, besides Ed will want to see it too. We’ll have to take it with us, but before we leave, I have to see.

Hurriedly changing his clothes, JK asked, How did you know to tape it? Gloria didn’t answer. He turned to see if she were still there. She was, so he repeated the question. How did you know to tape it?

I missed taping it the first time I saw it, she answered slowly as if having trouble figuring out what to say. Well, you know how they always repeat those things, every hour on the hour, she said with a little more enthusiasm as her thought process kicked in. So I just waited, and taped it when it came back on in the next hour. I thought that if you hadn’t seen it that you might want too.

You’re a dear, JK said, kissing her as he walked out the bedroom door.

I left it in the machine, she hollered after him as he all but ran down the stairs. The one in your study.

Coming off the stairs, JK first returned to the kitchen to grab another beer and, after doing so, proceeded on to his study. He reviewed the DVD several times as he sipped the cold beer, now his third since arriving home. The beer gone he set the bottle down ejected the DVD and headed for the front door.

Gloria, I’m ready to go, he shouted up the stairs.

Then let’s go, she said. JK jumped. He had missed seeing her standing off to the side of the door right behind him.

IC & FO Boardroom, Main Office

San Diego

JK entered the parking garage well before seven, and as he pulled in, he noticed that Ed’s car was already there. When the executive elevator reached the tenth floor, he entered his private code into the elevator’s control panel. The front door of the elevator remained closed, but the back panel slid open, and JK stepped directly into his office. Ed was there, reading a newspaper. Figured you’d be in a little early, Ed said, putting the paper down.

God, I hate those short nights. I just couldn’t sleep. Did you get any sleep? JK asked.

Alice gave me one of her special back rubs, and I slept like a baby. I really needed it, by the end of the party, I was one big knot from worrying about this antitrust thing.

There are only a few articles in this morning’s papers and a short blurb on the internet, but none of them shed any new light on our dilemma, JK said, handing the copies of newspapers he had picked up on his way to the office and read in the car to Ed. "Page Three in The Daily Reporter and page seven in The National Daybreak. We weren’t even front-page news. You’d think that for all the worrying we’ve done, we would at least have made the front page." Ed chuckled and began reading the articles as JK continued on to his desk.

A noise in the room turned both JK’s and Ed’s heads toward the office door. Oh, oh, something must be going on. You two look like a couple of underage teenagers who’ve been caught smoking. A little jumpy this morning are we, gentlemen, Mary, JK’s secretary asked upon entering the room.

Before you hit us again with your wry humor, Mary, would you order Ed and I a couple of espressos from the deli. She nodded and turned to go. Oh, Mary, and have them send up a large thermos of plain, triple-shot espresso too. We’re expecting Nathan and the boys in the boardroom around nine. By the sound of the party they were having last night, they’re going to need it worse than Ed and I.

Party, you say? Ed asked after Mary had left.

At the North Shore Yacht Club.

I don’t suppose it was because of our being investigated, do you?

Do you know if Alice is up yet? I’m beginning to think I need to call her and have her rush right over. Her back-rubbing spell seems to be wearing off. A grin appeared on Ed’s face, knowing exactly what JK was referring too.

After having finished discussing the newspaper articles concerning the antitrust allegations, JK pressed the intercom. Mary.

Yes, sir.

Ed and I are going up to the boardroom. When Nathan and the boys show up tell them to come on up, would you please?

Yes, sir.

Thanks, Mary, you’re a sweetheart.

The executive elevator took Ed and JK up to the twelfth floor. Only two rooms occupied this floor of the IC & FO building, a general meeting room and the boardroom with its outside terrace that offered a spectacular view of the bay.

It wasn’t long before Nathan and the boys filed into the boardroom. JK walked over to greet them, while Ed stayed where he was, looking out the window. Nathan, Jason, Steven, JK greeted, shaking their hands. You all know Ed? Ed turned around and nodded to them. There’s espresso in the thermos at the end of the table there if you’d like some." They each poured themselves a cup.

Nathan asked, Is there anyone else coming?

No, it’ll be just Ed and I.

So tell us what’s going on. Nathan? Ed asked, taking a seat at the table.

"Early this morning I called Washington and got Senator Vernon Ashley on the line. He’s the chairperson for the Senate Investigation’s subcommittee on antitrust. He was very careful in the wording of his replies, which may be his usual manner, but to me it indicated that there was something in the wind that he wasn’t willing to talk about. I asked him about the allegations that were made at the news conference yesterday concerning IC & FO. He said that those companies named, including IC & FO, have had allegations made against them by certain individuals of some standing who will go unnamed. He said that these companies are being investigated by the senate judiciary branch to determine if those allegations have any merit. I asked him if this was something we should take seriously, and he gave me the old, ‘anything we the senate investigate’ routine.

I made a few other calls and got the same message. I wish I had seen that news conference, then I might’ve been able to contact those immediately involved. I had Jason contact the local news stations to see if they had a tape of it. Channel 47 told him that they had aired it during their regularly scheduled update of today’s events, which they do tape, and depending on content, erase or save. This time it was erased, and the tape had already been reused. They said that the only time it aired was during that live coverage of today’s events.

Are you sure of that? JK asked Jason.

When I called, I talked to each of the station’s department heads in charge of that day’s programming. The only station that aired it was 47, and they said it was a one-time live broadcast whose tape had already been erased.

I could check with some of the senate watchdog groups and see if they taped it. That is, if it’s that important, Steven said.

We already have a copy, Ed replied.

I’d like to see it then, Ed, Nathan said, jumping at the news.

Thanks to my wife, who said she taped it on a repeat program, probably a satellite channel. We do have a copy of that press conference, JK affirmed.

Once the DVD had been run through and replayed several times, Ed asked, Why weren’t we given any warning that we were being considered in such an investigation? You guys are supposed to be on top of these matters, aren’t you? Isn’t that why we pay you all the big bucks?

JK looked at Nathan and rolled his eyes. Nathan winked back and turned to face Ed, smiling. Ed, there are times when things just pop up out of the blue. Believe me when I say that we haven’t heard the tiniest rumor, no letters, no telephone calls, no subpoenas for records, no mention of any investigation from the watchdog groups on the internet, not one damn thing. Until JK called me last night I had heard nothing, nada.

The Executive Office of James Klein III, IC & FO Main Office

San Diego

Several weeks passed, and the antitrust allegations had almost been forgotten. No other news of the allegation had trickled out of the Senate. James, Nathan Croft is on line three, Mary announced over the intercom.

Nathan, what can I do for you? JK asked, picking up the phone.

JK, they’ve gone and done it. I was just served a subpoena from the senate subcommittee investigating antitrust violations. We need to talk, JK, ASAP.

And here I thought all that had disappeared as magically as it had appeared, JK said, giving him time to think. Ed is out of town for the rest of the day, and I know he will want to be here.

This is important, JK. We shouldn’t put it off.

Of course it is, Nathan, that’s why Ed should be here. Tell you what. Let’s set up a meeting for nine tomorrow morning here in my office. That will have to be soon enough.

If you say so, JK.

"That’ll give you time to settle down and make a few calls. Try to get a better picture on just what’s going on here. I’ll talk to Ed tonight, and he’ll be here in the morning.

Nathan, I want you to take a step back, take a deep breath, and do your attorney thing. We’ve been in these kinds of situations before.

That wasn’t the United States Senate we were fighting back then. Hell, back then, they were on our side.

Nathan, get a grip. Since when have you stopped liking a good fight?

"You’re right, JK. I guess it was just the shock of receiving this subpoena that’s gotten to me. I had just about convinced myself that we were nothing more than