Security - 4. Chapter 4

Breakfast over the women went shopping, so they said, we went to our conference room for last-minute checks. “Dave, order some coffee, tea, and breakfast rolls. We should have something here in case they’re hungry.”

“How much is this job worth?”

“If we get the total security installation, it’ll be several million but if it’s the prime minister’s residence only, about a million.”

“What’s your cut in all of that?”

“Pete, why are you always interest in my money? I collect a salary just as you do.”

“Yes, but you also get a percentage of the contracts.”

“That is what licensing is all about.”

“Pete, stop. We all benefit from Lee and Chaz’s work.”

Just as I was going to say something, our electronic voice announced the arrival of the coffee and breakfast rolls. I was glad for the interruption. This questioning, which sounds like resentment more than anything else, helped me to make my decision which I conveyed to my boss this morning. After this job, I am retiring or at least leaving the company.

We no sooner finished the checks when the Prime Minister showed up at our door. The automatic voice announced their presence. The cameras showed two additional people. “Good morning Prime Minister, will you please introduce the two men with you.”

Chaz and his team smiled as the Prime Minister appeared to be confused. He looked around for a camera, then the two men looked around as well. You could tell he was confused, the two men with him walked back to the elevator looking for cameras. Giving up, “This gentleman on my right is General Asalih, my security guard and the gentleman on my left is Mister Omah, my financial advisor.”

Looking at them I suspect they are more like bodyguards in some form of legal disguise. Jim went and opened the door inviting them in.

“Gentlemen, there’s coffee and tea as well as an assortment of breakfast rolls, please help yourself. Prime Minister, it’s nice to see you again. Allow me to introduce the members of my team. This is James Watkins, David Ellington, and Peter Russ."

"How did you like our demonstration?”

“David, may I call you David?”

Dave shook his head yes.

“We were a little confused in that we couldn't find a camera. How did you know we were there, we hadn’t knocked.”

“There are 6 cameras installed. If you agree, we’d install the same system on all of your outside doors. There is another feature that we didn’t let you use. If one of you will step outside, we’ll demonstrate that feature.” With a nod from the Prime Minister, the General step out. We watched him approach the door. “General please come in.”

The General tried to open the door but he couldn’t. Pete went and let him in. “As part of the security system, the door can only be opened from the inside unless the person has a security code. Would you Mr. Omah, step outside and read what is on this card as you approach the door.”

We watched Mr. Omah leave, close the door. When he tried to open it, similar to the General’s experience, the door wouldn’t open. “Please read from the card.” Mr. Omah read from the card and he found he could open the door. “With this installation, you’ll have the option of allowing people to enter bypassing your security. Also, you can assign different passwords to each guest.”

“Peter, show the General where the cameras are installed.” We watched as Peter and the General left the room. Peter shut the door, we watched as he pointed out the cameras. The General’s eyes moved closer to the camera, he looked at Peter and smiled.

“I would’ve never looked there for a camera, and if I did, I’d never have seen it.”

Of course, when he tried to open the door, he couldn’t. Peter laughed and whispered a word to him, he said the word, and the door opened.

“What is your assessment, General?”

“Prime Minister, this alone would provide a more sophisticated system than what we have. We could implement this system on the outside doors and your offices. I like it.”

The rest of the meeting went very well. Lunch was delivered, a proposal was presented, the General took it. “We’ll have to discuss this with our Council.” The Prime Minister handed the proposal to Mr. Omah, “Make a copy for all of the Council and General, please prepare a report based on what you have seen. Charles, thank you. We’ll be in touch.”

The Prime Minister’s party left, I looked at the guys. “Gentlemen, I think we’ll have an installation project. Let’s return this room to its normalcy, be sure to collect all of the cameras. Take your time, enjoy the next few days on the company. I suspect there will be some nice bonuses when they sign. I’d suggest that you prepare to travel in three months.”

I stayed long enough to be sure the door system was removed and the door returned to its original state, then I left for the day. Arriving home I sent an email to my secretary with the minutes of our meeting. She would make sure that my boss got a copy. “Lee, we sold another system I’m sure.”