Security - 3. Chapter 3

Sunday I met with the team. Our meeting is scheduled for Monday but I wanted everything to be ready so there would be no last-minute hang-ups.

“Jim, do you have the door rigged?”

“Yes, we tested it, but we had to adjust the sensor. We need to think of a mechanism or a different placement to avoid sensor adjustments.”

“Good point make a note and we can work on it back at the lab. This will be a good check on the total system, let’s take notes.”

“The room sensors are set up. We tested the voice-activated system and we’ll need to be careful where we place them. If you are close to the sensor, voice is fine but as you move away the volume decreases. Probably need to put an automatic volume adjustment in the units.”

“How about the cameras?”

“They are working, coverage per camera is about 120 degrees. We just need to be careful how we place them.”

“Good, this will be a sensitive installation if we get the job. The country isn’t too keen on electronic systems, even though this isn’t electronic some components are. Let’s test what we have. I’ll order lunch to be served here and you guys can invite your wives.”

While I ordered lunch, the guys called their wives. ”Chaz, there will only be us for lunch. Seems the wives have met someone who is taking them to some tea cafe for lunch.”

“Okay, what do you want for lunch?”

“Get an assortment of sandwiches with chips.”

We chatted some more about the setup and modifications. “I was thinking about a modification. If we could place a secure system, besides normal locks, that would be able to go into a lockdown mode, we might be able to expand the business. What do you think?”

“We do have that door lock which the system can disable. We could modify that for the windows.”

“We also need to modify the voice recognition system to have it verify the voice with the picture.”

“That is an easy modification, we can do that through a program change. The other lock modifications will require mechanical as well as program modifications.”

“I was wondering if we offered a modified door jamb that included a bolt action so that on a lockdown the bolt would lock the door. We should also think of a metal door encased in wood.”

“Could we do that for windows as well?”

“Our perimeter systems are quite extensive. We could mount shutters on the windows that would be activated in a shutdown.”

Yes, we could do the same with doors.”

“Maybe that is the way we should go, installation would be easier and cheaper. All we would need is a program change and additional sensors”

“There’s lunch. I’m going to have some fun. Stop where you are, identify yourself.”

We watched as the boy with the cart looked around to see who had spoken.

“What is your name?”

“Carl” The boy was confused as he looked around puzzled.

Dave opened the door, “We want to thank you for not only delivering our lunch but helping us with our security system. The voice you heard was Jim. He’s the one over there.”

“I didn’t see anyone but the voice sounded like he was behind me. If he’s over there how did I hear him so close when I was in the hall?”

“We design security systems and we were testing out a system that would allow a client to determine who was at the door before opening the door.” The boy shook his head, left the cart, leaving the room. Still a little confused, as he looked around the hall.

“Okay, guys let’s have lunch, and then we can call it a day. Our guest should be here tomorrow morning at about ten. We can meet for breakfast here at the hotel or the coffee shop where you will usually find me in the morning. Your choice”

The coffee shop won out when I said I’d pay for breakfast. With the guys having the evening off, I went to my cottage. I had a few projects I wanted to work on, one was the scholarship for Bobby.

Monday was going to be a busy day starting with breakfast. Have you ever notice when you are paying for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, everyone shows up early. I finished my run at seven, dressed, and reach the breakfast cafe at eight-thirty. I expected to be alone so I was surprised when everyone was there, including the wives. “You all must be hungry.”

“No, but anytime you’re paying, it would be rude for us not to show up.”

“Thank you, Peter”

We gave our order and found seats. I don’t think the small cafe was ever this full. There wasn’t a seat left open. A few regulars came in and order their breakfast to go. From the looks they gave us, they certainly weren’t happy.