Security - 10. Chapter 10

Sunday morning I met the guys at the airport, “Chaz, this isn’t the commercial airport. I told the driver this was the wrong but he said this was his instructions.”

“He was right, you didn’t think we’d fly on a commercial airline. What would the Prime Minister think about our organization if we flew commercial. This is the right place and there is our co-pilot.”

“Chaz, we’re ready when you are.”

“Come on guys, let’s get on our plane, the sooner the better.”

The fact that Marco called me Chaz hadn’t registered yet. Walking toward the plane they saw the name, FLYING LEE, painted on the side, nothing said. Marco took our luggage and placed it in the luggage compartment. “Chaz, we’re ready to take off when you’re ready.”

“Thanks Marco, let’s get on board.”

Walking into the cabin, “Chaz, this is your plane.”

“Yes, Dave, what gave you the clue?”

“When the co-pilot called you Chaz, that wouldn’t be normal in a rented plane. The name of the plane and these mementos you have are all remembrance of Lee.”

“Yes, this is my plane. I just don’t broadcast it. I bought this right after I took the first commercial flight. Lee and I use to talk about flying to Europe. So with this plane, Lee and I fly everywhere, together, in a way.”

“You could have flown us to the coast.”

“Yes, then you’d have known about the plane, Pete.”

“Why now”

“Because this is my last job. I’ve resigned and I’ll be leaving after this job. If the Prime Minister doesn’t sign up, I’ll be flying back. I have commercial tickets for you three. Dave, you’ll be in charge if we get the contract. I’ll stay long enough to make sure the contract is detailed and signed. Once it is signed, you’ll be the contract manager and can call in anyone to help. Pete, you and Jim will be in charge of your special interest areas. I want the three of you to be successful, this project will open new business. Every embassy, government building, will want the same and only you will be able to deliver.”

“What will you do?”

“I have a new project I’ll be working on, only this time I’ll keep the rights.” “

You won’t cut us in?”

“No, Pete, this will be my project.”

“Why, don’t you want to share? If Lee was alive you would’ve cut him in.”

“If Lee was alive you wouldn’t be doing what you’re doing. Think about that, Lee’s death has led to your employment in Global.”

Pete moved to the back of the plane. I don’t understand that man, he makes a good salary and travels on company money. “Don’t pay attention to him Chaz. I don’t know where his jealously goes from.”

“Dave, I want to set up a little demonstration for the Chamber. I want a camera on the wall behind the dais, I want it to feed to my IPad. What I want is a picture of every member of the Chamber, their name, specialty and some bio information. Get Pete to hook up the door security system, we can have some fun with that. The General will help you. Pete, did you bring the books for the Chamber members?”

“Yes, I have one here if you want to edit it.”

“No, I trust that you have done an excellent job.”

“Jim, do you have the tape of our meeting with the Prime Minister.”

Yes boss.” I heard a ‘ass kisser’ from the back.

“Chaz, we are at altitude, can I get you gentlemen anything, coffee, tea or a soft drink.”

“No beers or alcohol?”

No, I don’t allow any alcoholic beverages on my plane.”

We had our drinks, then I knew it would happen, “Boss, I noticed the bracelet, it’s gold isn’t it?”

“Yes, Jim, actually this is what I’ll be working on when we get back. It’s a personal security device. If Lee had this, he’d still be alive and he’s the inspiration that led to the development of this bracelet.”

“How does it work?”

“It measures your heart beat and your skin moisture. When you are confronted with a dangerous situation, your heart speeds up and you begin to sweat. This bracelet measures that and sends a signal to the nearest police station.”

“Are you going to promote it and sell it?”

“Yes, but because it’s in my control, I’ll only sell it to people I know. It’ll not be marketed to the general public. Only to people who’ll likely be found in a dangerous situation, like a high political position.”

“Have you decided on the cost if I wanted to buy one?”

“Yes, they’ll cost seven thousand five hundred for US citizens and fifteen thousand for non US citizens.”

“What if someone buys it to copy it.”

“Let’s just say it’s tamperproof.”

“Leave it to him to come up with scheme to make more money. Like he hasn’t enough.”

I watched Dave get up and walk to the back and sit next to Pete. “Pete, why are you so upset about money,”

“I’m not upset about money, I have money.”

“Then why are you so interested in Chaz’s money. You sound like you’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous. Lee was my friend as well. But they wouldn’t let me in on their project. That was when I found out Lee was gay because of Chaz. Chaz turned him gay.”

Dave resumed his seat in the front. He didn’t say anything. I went back to my reading. “Chaz, do you and your friends want something to eat. I have light lunches on board.” “

Yes, Marco, that sounds great. Be sure that you and Carlos have a chance to eat as well.” Marco brought us a plate with two sandwiches, potato salad and a green salad. He refilled our coffee cups, smiled and left taking a tray to the cockpit. After lunch I took a nap.

I heard Marco coming back around asking everyone if they wanted anything else. He told them he had more sandwiches and drinks. Pete took a sandwich and potato chips along with a coke. I’m not sure abut the rest, the only reason I knew what Pete said is because he said it loud enough for me to hear.

I found it interesting that Pete’s problem was thinking I was gay and turning Lee gay. He was a typical ignoramus who believed this preposterous lie that people can be turned gay. Lee and I had a deep relationship. It was built on friendship, interests and a general liking of each other. We thought of each other more like brothers, both of us coming from families with only one child, no brothers or sisters. Would it have turned into something else, no way. I liked Lee, we had a lot in common, I was at ease with him as he was with me. We often talked about the type of girls we would find attractive.

I took Lee with me on every job. At night, I’d talk to him about the job. I knew it was crazy and he was dead, but this was how I kept him alive for me. I always believe that there was a life after this one and Lee would be there listening. There are times when I would feel his presence, I never told anyone this, they would have me checked into a mental hospital.

“Chaz, we’ll be landing in thirty minutes. There will be a car waiting for you. A man will meet you, he said he knows you and to tell you the General will be there.”

“Thanks Marco, wake the others if they are asleep.”

As we were landing, you could see a black limo waiting for us with a man in uniform to greet us, the General was here.

As I deplaned, he rushed forward to greet me. He shook my hand welcoming me and then did the same to the others as they deplaned. Marco came and gathered our luggage, the General waved and the limo pulled up beside the plane. With the help of the driver, Marco loaded our bags into the limo.

I asked Marco to call me once they were billeted, Marco and Carlos are brothers who served in the air force. I was fortunate to have them. When they left the air force they didn’t want to fly commercial but still wanted to fly. They were hired as private pilots and when I bought the plane, they more or less came with it. At first they flew for me and the previous owners of the plane. Then they decided they preferred to fly my plane and since I wasn’t flying a lot they could spend more time with their families. That suited me and them.