Adam Blake - 44. Chapter 44

I spent the weekend marking trails for running, did some clearing around the cabin, took the kids fishing, and bought a boat for the lake. As soon as the boat was in the water, Scotty was ready to go fishing. He sat in the front and had his line in the water before we even got the boat away from the beach. I didn’t bait my hook but made sure the boys were baited. Billy caught the first fish, a nice bass. I wanted to see Scotty catch a fish, I wasn’t disappointed as he started to yell, “Help”. Billy helped him pull in a very large bass. We had to take pictures and he wanted to go and show his mother the fish.

I took them back to shore and told Billy if he wanted to fish some more to take the boat out.

As we walked to the cabin, I turned and saw Billy and the boat heading for where Scotty caught his fish.

“Mommy, look what I caught.” Jen and Mom made a big fuss over the fish. At first, Scotty wanted to keep the fish, it took Jen about 30 minutes to convince him the fish was dead and would smell. Mom cleaned the fish and soaked it in milk, ready for frying for supper.

My mind was on Monday’s Directors meeting. How did I feel about losing my appointment? Would I be angry or feel sorry that I couldn’t help the kids? Billy came and sat next to me.

“Dinner was good, freshly caught fish tastes a lot better than frozen fish. Did you have fun today?”

“Yes, I like it here. It’s quiet, you can think more clearly, no distractions. Are you concerned about the meeting on Monday?”

“I’d be lying if I said no. I know that I can get another job but helping those kids would go far beyond school. They are future leaders in their countries and think about what they’ll carry with them. They can change the world.”

“They won’t forget you at least one kid won’t forget you or his father.”

“I hope you’re right. But I think I could help them all, even the smart ones.”

“Maybe you can learn something from King Arthur.”

“You know he’s fiction, there wasn’t a historical King Arthur.”

“No, but you already copied his idea of the Round Table.”

I thought for a while. “Billy you just gave me an idea. What the Knights of the Square Table need is something to remind them now and in the future of being a member, we need a shield.”

Billy smiled, “You need a motto to go with the shield.”

“Let’s go.”

“Where?”\

“To the library at school.”

I told Mom that I needed to go to the school for something and I’ll be back late tonight. I was sure I'd find something in the library that I could use. The problem may be where I could have them made in time for Monday. Arriving at the school, I gave James a call to meet me. The library was open, since the students lived there, the school resources were kept open.

Billy and I went right to the library, Ms. Walcott was there holding court. When we walked in, “Dr. Blake, I’m surprised to see you.”

“I have a project that required some research.”

“May I help you?”

“Yes, can you show me where the historical books of 1600 are kept?”

“Yes, we keep historical books by year and they are all in one section. Is there anything special you are interested in?”

“Yes the kings of the 16 and 17th century”

We followed her to a section of the library that appeared not to be used much if one took into account the amount of dust on the shelves. “Billy, you start…” Now where did he go.

I started to look around and I found him two rows over talking to Johnny. When he saw me he smiled, “I saw Johnny and I wanted to say hello.”

“Hello, Johnny. You may be able to help us if you have the time.”

Between Billy and I, we explained what we wanted to do. Johnny smiled and led us to another section. “Here you’ll find all of the Coat of Arms of all the countries and the years they were adopted.”

“Johnny you’re a lifesaver. Now, how about you helping us select one or design one.”

The three of us went to a table and began to leaf through the book. First, we agreed on the shape of the shield, then we talked about each of the possible icons to use. By the time James arrived, we had the design finished. “James, what do you think?”

“It looks ok but what’s its purpose.”

“It’s something that each Knight of the Square Table can take with them to remind them of the friends they have made at this school and the comradeship they have developed. Johnny thinks it’s a good idea.”

“We could photocopy it and then have it cemented to thick a plastic shape as a temporary badge. Later you can have them professionally made.”

“Johnny, what do you think about that?”

“We could wear them Monday if you were able to get them done on time.”

“Ok James, can you do magic?”

“Yes, let’s mark the colors, I’ll have them done in time for Monday morning.”

On the way home, “Is James your secretary?”

“Yes, and my magician, I’ll have them Monday before lunch and I’ll bet before Friday I’ll have professional badges.”

“Are you going to use a pin badge or a badge on a rope”

“I was thinking of a badge on a rope, a nice rope or chain.”

“A chain will be nice.”

“I agree” It was very late when we got back to the cabin. I had texted James about getting the permanent coat of arms attached to a chain.

I slept well that night. If I do lose my job, these kids will remember me and remember what we have done. I know one kid who’ll never forget me, nor his father.

I woke at my usual time Monday morning, I was alone. Mom, Dad, Jen, and the kids left for home Sunday afternoon. Billy wanted to stay and then Scotty wanted to stay. Dad told them they could come back this coming weekend and that seemed to satisfy them for the moment.

On my drive to school, I thought about what I’d do if they decided to terminate my contract. There were still kids who needed my help, knowing that I couldn’t let them go through what Richard went through. I stopped in town and check the paper for what was available for rental. There were several houses for rent so I knew if I wanted to start a tutoring program, I could do it in town

Arriving at the office, James showed me the badges. They looked like the pins that candidates for office use. They were perfect for what I wanted. “I’ve contacted a company who can cast these medals in silver or gold. I have the prices if you're interested.”

“Yes, I am interested. How about the chains?

“They can do chains and attach the medals to the chain. The chains will be made of the same metal as the medallion.”

“Get a price for 100 and let’s see what the cost will be”

James and I went to the cafeteria for coffee, “Jane still not allowed to come with us?”

“I guess not.”

“Take a cup to her.”

When James and I went to the cafeteria for lunch, I noticed the table for the Knights was smaller and boys sat on both sides of the table. There were several separate tables and quite a few were occupied by staff.

Going through the line, I selected my lunch and headed to the table. When I got there, all of the boys stood and sat when I sat. I looked at James, he shrugged his shoulders. I looked at Johnny and he was smiling. I knew who instigated this. the other staff took note of this as well. I nodded to James.

James stood up, “As I call your name please present yourself before me.” And so it started. You wouldn’t think a pin could cause a stir. The boys kept looking at it as I pinned it to their collars. I not only got a smile but a hug as well.

I looked at James, he mouthed the words, well received. We finished lunch and the boys, one by one came and hugged me. Richard came, “Sir, wait until I tell my father about this. He plans on being here this afternoon.”

I gave Richard an extra hug. If I’m still employed, I expect to open the testing center today.

James looked at his watch and I knew it would be time. Sure enough, Jane came to get me.