Chapter Seven - First Meeting
Roger Brown had retired at age 55, a successful businessman who had all the means he needed for himself and his wife, plus plenty to spare for spoiling the grand kids. He really believed he had "done the dream" with his early retirement. Always a careful planner in business, he thought he knew what he wanted to do in retirement. The problem was that he soon tired of playing golf every day with his cronies, and fishing the lake was becoming boring. He had read all the books on his "must read" list, and even the daily business journals he still received were less than interesting now that he was out of the loop. Then one day he was teamed with Ryan in a foursome at the Windmere course, and things changed for Roger Brown.
One of the problems Ryan had to deal with was his youthful appearance. He knew what to do, no question about that, but his older clients were concerned about his apparent lack of seasoning in the business. After all, how much could a person this young know about what they needed? So, a deal was struck: Ryan would continue to run the operation, but Roger would be the "front man", the guy with the $1200 suit, the mature look, and clearly a lot of business savvy. Roger loved the deal. Now he had a challenge ahead of him, learning a whole new business, but with Ryan's net under him. A code was worked out for use in meetings so Ryan could relay his thoughts to Roger while the meeting was going on, with no one being the wiser. The ruse was successful enough that Roger got the mention in a trade journal interview about the up and coming Windmere rather than Ryan. Most of the top managers in the Windmere organization knew the realities, and for the others it was of no consequence.
So it was that Alice Hamilton went to Roger Brown first with her information. Ryan fully trusted Roger with such operational decisions, but this was one time Roger was lost. "He told you to do what last night, and they're here now?" was the first question. Alice told him everything she knew about the rescue, which didn't help except to clarify that Ryan had an interest in this woman and her children. Roger called Ryan on the intercom, asking if he had a moment to discuss something. Once in Rogers' office even Ryan couldn't explain why he had accepted Alice's rescue offer so readily, but once Alice briefed them on what she had learned about Laura, they agreed there was potentially a position for her in the organization, if she was interested. Having arrived at that decision, they adjourned to the kitchen for lunch.
Lunch in the Windmere kitchen was pretty much self-service as far as Doris Cook was concerned. She posted the menu a week in advance so staff could elect to opt in or out at will. It was easier than trying to keep track of everyone's travel schedule and dining preferences. The noon meal being the main meal for the day, easily accessible food items were always available to resident staff for self-help evening meals. Today's menu was a favorite: do it yourself hard shell taco's with plenty of spiced beef, cheese shreds, refried beans, and other assorted taco fillings, with salsa and chips on the side for those of hardy constitution.
Ryan, Alice and Roger arrived at the kitchen just as Laura returned, almost as though it had been orchestrated. That first meeting of his eyes with Laura's told Ryan he might not know why he was doing this, but it was clearly the thing to do and he would not be dissuaded from keeping this woman in the front of his mind.
Alice introduced Laura to the two men, and the four of them, at Doris Cook's urging, headed for the assembly line only to be interrupted by Dennis and Franz returning with two slightly grubby but obviously delighted children. Words couldn't tumble out of their mouths fast enough to tell their mother what they had been doing, but a gentle reminder from her and off they went to wash up a little before eating. Dennis offered to help Amanda, while Jack handled things by himself. Laura could see the hand washing sink in the kitchen, and it reminded her of the previous night when she saw Amanda's tiny hands disappear into the ham like hands of Dennis for a thorough washing and a little water splashing in the process. Strange, she thought, how gentle this big man is; maybe he just doesn't have any reason to be otherwise. That was partially true. Laura would never see his other side to any significant extent, but someone she knew would see it clearly before this was all over.
The conversation as they dined was light, mostly about favorite ball teams, things like that. It was broad based enough that Laura could join in without having to know a lot of details, and they made sure she was included. As lunch came to an end, Laura noticed Amanda nearly nodding off in her chair from all the fresh air and running about. "I think I see someone who needs a nap." she said, and although Mandy protested with the practiced lines of a child's repertoire, it was a pretty feeble try at best. Alice seized the opportunity to move things along, and offered to take the kids for a rest. Jack had to voice his protest, but was assured he could check out the videos in the room, which he did for the 30 seconds or so it took him to fall asleep. Just as Alice and the kids departed, Doris showed up with mugs of fresh coffee for the adults, poking a little fun at Laura with her "no sugar, one French vanilla creamer, if you please" line. Being gently teased made Laura feel all the more at home with these people, although she was still in the dark about a lot of things. 'This Roger looks like a man in charge; maybe I'll learn something now,' she thought, 'especially about this Ryan guy.' As Doris disappeared, the more formal process of interviewing Laura Nessing began.
Laura was becoming aware of just how good a team these people played on. The experience of the past day told her that at least they had good intentions if nothing else, but it was very evident this experience was still evolving. She realized suddenly that she had known these people less than a full day, yet Alice Hamilton had just left with her two children, and the kids had been heaven only knows where with two men, one of whom she didn't know at all. Nevertheless, with Mrs. Hamilton watching the kids, and Doris Cook suddenly invisible, Laura found herself across the table from Roger and Ryan. Roger had mentioned his wife in the earlier conversation, but this Ryan person remained somewhat enigmatic. Laura surmised he was about her age, and she felt sure he was a runner, or worked out a lot, maybe both, partly from his appearance but as much from his athletic stride when he had entered the room earlier. Just what he did for Windmere was unclear at the moment, but she sensed he was an important player. Although she was still a legally married woman, with two dependent kids, learning more about this man couldn't hurt, his tall good looks and build aside.
Roger opened the interview, first of all welcoming Laura and her kids, on behalf of the staff, to Windmere. "I know the events in your life the past few days must have been somewhat traumatic and confusing. To some degree, I can understand that feeling (and indeed Roger was still mildly confused, but the boss had spoken). Please, let me assure you that, first of all, we mean you and your children no harm. Secondly, I understand your family looked very out of place in the shelter, somewhat like a lost island in a sea of people. So, Windmere management decided you needed to be relocated, at least until your options improve. As you can surmise, Mrs. Hamilton, Alice, briefed us on your situation. I don't want to seem uncivil here, but Windmere is not in the social services industry; while we like to think of Windmere as a reasonably altruistic enterprise, we are unquestionably a profit motivated organization. That said, let me first brief you on what Windmere does, then we will review your abilities and interests in comparison to our present staffing needs. And by the way, the shelter's A/C was repaired late last night; we did as we said we would.
The company is comprised of three separate operations under a single corporate umbrella. As you can see, this location is a private, very exclusive and well protected combination of a golf resort and meeting space, which also serves as Windmere headquarters. When we do a facilities tour you will see that 'headquarters' may seem somewhat misleading. Executive decisions are made here, but specific functions are in more appropriate locations, as needed. The other facet of our local operation is to provide a place for executive meetings when a more public venue would not be in the best interest of the participants. And, there are some persons who simply want to kick b
ack without reporters hounding them; we can provide that atmosphere. I might add that Dennis is not our only source of security; we employ some rather high tech methods, and some older, very effective methods that have prevailed over the years. We have, upon occasion, hosted meetings for the federal government, particularly the State Department. I can't for security purposes, of course, mention any names. I'm telling you this so you can get a better picture of Windmere's social operating level. The second operation is a service we provide to other resort operators, including some national chains you recognize. Upon request, we will send in a team to examine their operations and see where our management expertise and purchasing power can make them more efficient, pronounced 'profitable'. We can also send in covert 'hit squads' to test and evaluate their staff, facilities, and physical plants. Based on our findings, we make recommendations for improvements, all this being done virtually incognito. The third arm is direct operation of wholly owned spas and resorts. All of these are very high end. We maintain a list of individual guest preferences, so their needs are considered before they arrive. It makes Windmere owned operations a preferred destination. The other side of the coin is that we maintain a list of persons who are not acceptable as guests because of their behavior record. Regardless, we have little vacancy and usually a waiting list.
All of our operations are conducted in absolute confidentiality; there can be no other way. I have not told you anything that couldn't be learned on the internet, but you won't find our guest lists or anything like that. It would even be somewhat difficult to locate all our facilities. Now, is there anything I can explain better at this point?"
Laura was awed at the scope of the operation being run from Windmere, but outwardly remained calm. "No, not at this point. I see the nature of the operation, and how it interfaces between functions. It seems to me that if you have a person particularly skilled in a function, it would be good management to apply that skill wherever needed. It assures the performance level, and makes the various operations more transparent and seamless. So, no questions, although I would like reserve the right to exercise that option later. I'm with you so far."
Ryan and Roger exchanged glances. Not only as this woman articulate and self-assured in spite of what she had just gone through, but she had quickly grasped the essentials of what made Windmere so effective as a company. Now the question became, could they fit her into the operation, and would she be interested beyond just needing a job? Ryan remained silent, but inwardly his mind was considering the pleasure in just seeing her every day; at the same time, his mind was saying 'Stop thinking that way, she's a married woman with kids; behave yourself', and he knew he would, like it or not. Strange, he had not had these stirrings since Mary had passed away, and he wondered that the feelings should come back now so strongly. "Please continue, Roger" was his only indication he was still in the conversation, but Laura was drawn to the strong, resonate voice full of confidence.
"Okay so far. We have become a little concerned that our recent acquisitions and new management contracts have loaded on demands that exceed the supply of management time. We cannot permit that to happen. Any decline in performance would go against everything that identifies us as unique. We need a means of quickly identifying data relevant to a developing problem so we can get out ahead of it with remediation measures. We understand you have a working knowledge of data base management. Could you clarify please?"
Doris had suddenly reappeared with a fresh carafe of coffee, which she placed by Laura, and just as quickly disappeared again. Laura responded to Roger's question by first refilling their cups to buy a few seconds while her mind raced, then responded as forthrightly as she could: "It's true I have some experience in data base management. My husband sold and managed commercial/industrial insurance and loss prevention policies, and I ran the office end of things in our home. Mostly, it was recording the insured assets, location, information like that. He handled claims and so on, but I did all the prep work. As you probably already know, I didn't handle the cash flow. I am embarrassed to admit that was an area I didn't have under control, and worse yet, I never allowed myself to suspect. But, I'm sure you're not interested in the blame game. To repeat, yes, I have data base management experience, but I won't lie to you. I don't know if I can handle an operation of this size and complexity. I can tell you that I understand the need for confidentiality. What you might consider is facility coding so whomever manages the data base only knows some parameter is out of its limits and can bring it to your attention, but doesn't know the name of the actual facility. It might be a little cumbersome, but from a data management standpoint, it's just data and whatever you name it, it's just still data and the system doesn't care. Anyway, it's a thought. And there you have it. I guess my answer is 'I think I can' but truthfully, I'm a little nervous."
Ryan winced slightly at the words "my husband". As good a businessman as he was, his exact thoughts at that moment were on a far different track, and the sharp reminder of the existence of Laura's husband snapped him back to reality. He chided himself mentally; this was no way to be thinking. He had certainly seen his share of beautiful women, some articulate and well educated, some very interested in furthering their interests in him, yet none had held his attention like this woman. She was much like his Mary, yet different in many respects, and married. That point Ryan fixed in his mind so he would be ever mindful of the fact.
In the meantime, Roger had forged ahead in the interview, unaware that Ryan had been mentally absent for a few moments. Roger considered Laura's very candid response and respected her "cut to the chase" approach. "Other things aside for a moment, we know some really good consultants. If we brought in a consultant to help set things up, establish an interface network, things like that, would you like to discuss further managing the data base for us?"
"Other things aside, yes, I would."
"I should mention before we go any farther that no job or position at Windmere is considered to be any more important or any less important than any other. If I need to be a bartending CEO, or help Dennis get the grounds in condition, or Franz make airport runs, I do it. I'm telling you this so if you are asked to serve dessert at 2 AM to some potentate to help out Doris or Marie, it would be because the task needs done, not because anyone else is more or less important to the organization. We will never ask you to do anything you believe to be illegal, immoral, or against your will, or dangerous to your being. About the fattening aspect, that's Doris' problem. Shall I continue?"
"Please do."
"Windmere considers people to be individuals. Employment agreements, where possible, are tailored to the person. For instance, we are aware that for you to attend a 2 AM meeting would require childcare services. We do try to not surprise people with those events, but we do have some really heavy hitters for clients who like to have their way. Occasionally, things just happen, and we cope. The other issue of financial significance has to do with where you live if you decide to stay. Some staff, like Dennis and Franz, and Mrs. Hamilton, live at Windmere. Others, such as myself and Doris, live in Conyerville or close by. It matters only to determine the starting pay level, that is, do you need to pay rent or not. I will tell you also, in case you were wondering, our allowance for housing is not the same as we charge a client for an equivalent unit. So, would you care to tour while thinking this over? Your kids are probably wondering what happened to you by now anyway."
"Please, potty break first. I mean?.sorry, that just sort of came out. I've been around little kids a lot the last few years. I guess it didn't sound very mature or adult."
Roger enjoyed a good laugh at her discomfort. "Our kids have been out of the house for probably twenty years now, and we still refer to it as a potty break. Old habits die hard. And, besides, you're right; good as that coffee is, it's coffee in, coffee out. Why don't we take a little break, then head out for a brief tour of the place?"
"Great. I'll be just a moment."
"As will I" Ryan commented. "I'm
going to run over and get my shades. Sun's a little bright for me today"
A few moments later found the group reassembled and headed towards Suite A. The kids were getting up from the naps they didn't need, and were ready to go some more. Roger suggested they walk the tour since it wouldn't take very long and he needed to stretch his legs a bit. Laura realized her kids probably knew this place better than she did, partly because she had only seen the outside in the dark of night when they arrived the previous evening. As they headed out the back visitor door, she was greeted by the myriad of colors on the grounds. The flower beds were beautiful, along with a manicured lawn all edged neatly and a deep green throughout. Glancing back, she realized Windmere was once a private home in the grand style known as a Painted Lady, with gingerbread work on the gables, and real shutters, all painted to both contrast and blend with the surroundings. The room additions blended with the original house so well they looked perfectly natural.
Hosting the tour, Roger commented: "Anything you would like to ask, please feel free. If you don't mind, I'll sort of do a little travelogue as we stroll. First of all Windmere was a private residence at one time, built by a very wealthy family. As you can see, they liked to have guests during the summer, and made it convenient by building extra rooms during the original construction. Later on, they added the small houses you see along the roadway here, sort of guest cottages for people who were staying a little longer, possibly for their children and their families to visit. Some of what we believe is mostly guesswork since there is no written history on the estate. The heirs who sold it were only interested in divesting, not history. Anyway, the cottages are two bedroom and really complete living units, as Alice can confirm. She has lived here for a number of years, originally just because she didn't want to deal with a big empty house, and later because we managed to get her pulled into our conniving and plotting."
Alice enjoyed the banter as they went along, and responded in kind. "Sure, right about that. I'm still not quite sure how I managed to become an employee. That said, it doesn't hurt my feelings, and I can't say I mind living next door to these gentlemen, well most of the time anyway."
Nearing the two story carriage house, Laura noticed what appeared to be a large dog run, or maybe ponies she thought as she considered the size and height of the fence.
"Mommy, doggy!" Amanda quickly pointed out the rather obvious. She was obviously remembering something more. The fence gave no indication of what it held in, or out, but Laura was soon to discover what Amanda already knew.
"That's right Amanda. Did you play with the doggies today?" Roger asked.
"Yep. Doggies, come out!" she yelled, startling Laura, but the sound had its effect. Laura had never seen German Shepherds like the two creatures that padded out of their den and into the run. 'My God' she thought; 'they could pass for Great Danes in the dark, except for the long bushy tails'. The pair had been sleeping in the cool of their den inside the carriage house when they heard Amanda, but roused themselves quickly in case there was a good scratching available.
Roger continued. "Meet Bruno and Daisy, our night time security staff. They were probably penned last night when you arrived, since the guys knew you were coming. Otherwise you would have become acquainted a little quicker, and on a lot scarier terms. Of course, there's the chance they were down at one of the water hazards swimming," Roger added, "But no one seems to want to find out the hard way. Here, let me introduce you properly." and he unlatched the gate, letting the dogs run free. "Bruno, here." was all he had to say, and the huge dog trotted over and promptly sat where Roger pointed. Daisy, in the mean time, was already sitting in front of Amanda and Jack, eyes closed, getting her ears scratched. "Now, Laura, I assume you will be with us for at least a few days, so here's how we make sure these two don't mistake you for lunch some evening. No, it's okay; come closer to him, put one hand over his eyes, and with the other, cup his chin; that's right, reach right in, he doesn't bite, much. Now, very gently, blow on his muzzle three times." Roger knew she was perfectly safe at this point but was amused at the look of mild fear at what he was instructing her to do. Still, she screwed her courage up and did as she was instructed, gently blowing three times at the huge dog. "Okay, now uncover his eyes, but leave your other hand close to his muzzle; don't pull away. You'll see why."
Laura uncovered the dog's eyes, to find him looking right into her eyes, as though he was looking as much through her as at her. 'My God', she thought, 'what if he decides he doesn't like me', but as quickly as the thought raced through her mind, she felt the dog's tongue licking the palm of her hand and saw his tail start to stir up dust from the drive. Instinctively, she reached out and scratched him under the chin and behind the ears, sealing a friendship that would last for many years. Daisy was next, although she was reluctant to leave the pleasure the kids had been delivering.
That done, Roger decided the dogs could stay out for a while, although their real job was after sunset. "Okay, obviously this is the carriage house. It originally stored at least one 'Sunday go to meeting' carriage, probably at least a two horse rig, and maybe a depot wagon. There were four horse stalls, so we know the family was pretty well off for their day. Franz and Dennis converted the upstairs grooms quarters into pretty plush surroundings if you ask me." stating the later part of his observation a little louder so Dennis and Franz, now nearing the group, couldn't help but overhear.
"Yeah, yeah; you're just jealous because we keep the good stuff locked up." Franz commented, with Dennis nodding in agreement.
"You kids behaving, just like I taught you?" Dennis asked.
"Yes Sir", the kids chimed in unison, but just as quickly broke down into giggles at some hidden joke they shared with this man.
Dennis returned to his tasks, leaving Franz to handle the carriage house part of the tour with Roger. Continuing the dialog, Roger said "Obviously, we don't keep horses anymore, at least not for the time being. Franz is our auto guru. How about a quick rundown of the rolling stock, then we'll discuss transportation options."
"Sure" Franz replied. "I have to apologize since I talk rather slowly. It's kind of a problem with me. I hope you don't mind."
Laura responded quickly, putting Franz at ease: "I assure you I want to hear what you have to say, and I'll always listen at the same speed you talk, never faster, never slower. Please continue."
Franz was clearly pleased that this woman simply accepted him as he was, on his terms; he would remain at her service whenever she asked. "I understand you're familiar with the Dennis mobile from your ride last night. It's the most secure and highest tech unit we're operating right now, but when the backup unit is replaced next year, the replacement will have a few more security options installed by the customizer, options I'm working on at the moment. Anyway, the backup unit is a little less sophisticated, actually a lot less sophisticated, since it's basically a family soccer mom van, just with a larger engine and run-flat tires installed. Then for the less demanding jobs, we have the small SUV, a 4x4, two full size sedans, and an elderly but serviceable Taurus that someone demands we keep around."
Ryan put on his best fake scowl at the mention of the Taurus. "Just take care of my baby. It's been here longer than you have." The others knew the elderly Taurus was the first car he and Mary had purchased, the car they had intended to use to bring babies home from the hospital, and go to T-ball games in, and teacher meetings, all the things that had been lost two years ago when Mary died. Ryan could not bear to part with this last reminder, not yet. Laura sensed that the car had special meaning, and filed the thought away for future research.
"We have things worked out so if someone needs a ride, or needs to use a vehicle, it's made known to Calvin and he keeps track of things; you'll have a chance to meet him later. Dennis and I both drive if needed, and sometimes that's just easier on everyone. Alice took lessons from Mr. Collins, so we have to watch her pretty close; you'll meet him if you hang around here very long. Anyway, employees on company bus
iness are insured by Windmere, so we pretty well make sure every trip is 'company business'. I'm the go-to guy if a vehicle is developing a problem. So far, it's been a very workable system. We do have some other rolling stock, but it's mostly kept at the golf course storage barn; then, there is the other garage past the carriage house where we store vehicles for special guests, like Mr. Collins. So, that about does it; anything else I can tell you?"
"No, not really. I'm not going to pretend I know much about cars or trucks or SUV's, things like that, but if it's okay to ask, could you give me an idea what a vehicle like the Dennis mobile costs curbside?"
"Roughly, $90K, more if you want gas in it; forty gallons including the reserve tank." Franz chuckled. "You call, we haul, at your service madam."
"I'll keep that in mind, and I thank you for the information. I need to consider a lot of things these days."
As Franz returned to his duties, the tour group started around the house toward the front. Roger suggested to Alice that maybe the kids could run the dogs a bit, and the three, along with the two great dogs, headed down the path to the wooded area. Continuing with the remainder of the group, Roger observed "This is sort of the recreational area of the property." pointing out the enclosed swimming pool, hot tub, and wading pool to the side of a brick pathway from the house. "We thought about making it connected, but there is something about the pool humidity, plus the chlorine fumes now and then, so you see where it is. The enclosure is kept locked unless there is some major activity in progress, but your room card opens it. The security system is capable of operating individual access programs, so if the kids eventually become card holders, theirs would open where they live but not the pool door unless they are of adequate age. The program is easily customized to suit various guests; we can even keep their files in the system for reuse. Tennis courts are a little farther down the path, asphalt, not clay. Clay is just too expensive to maintain, and to tell the truth, most players wouldn't be helped by it anyway. We do have the courts resurfaced with a very fine topping mix when they need it, and don't get any complaints, so I think it works out fine. Oh, and one other thing; you know we have a nine hole golf course here at Windmere, one the original owner installed, and we're negotiating land for a back nine. The road past the carriage house leads out to it. Ever play golf, Laura?"
"No, not for real. My husband wanted me to learn but didn't have much patience with me. I can see a little better now why he wanted me to learn, but I never did."
"Maybe you just needed a better instructor." Ryan commented. "It's a frustrating game, changing every time I play, which is probably why I love it so much. Maybe I could do a little instructing some time if you're interested."
"Yes, that would be fun to do, but I'm not so sure I'd ever be any good at it." Laura's mind was already painting pictures, but she quickly stopped the thought before it could develop toward inappropriate areas.
"Not a problem. We have players at all levels, not to mention a part time pro, when he feels the need to work. Really, he is here when he needs to be; it's just that he hasn't helped my game much of late."
"Maybe," Roger interjected "it would help if you stayed here instead of running all over the globe."
"Just doing my job, just doing my job."
As they walked a little farther along the roadway, Laura noticed what appeared to be a fairly good sized residence off to the side of the road, at least three bedrooms or more, apparently in good repair but with the landscaping somewhat overgrown. 'Strange,' she thought, 'with everything else so neat and trim that this one area should look like this. Might as well find out.' "Is that house part of Windmere also?"
Roger opened his mouth to answer but was cut off by Ryan's terse "No. It's on the grounds; that's all."
Laura was startled by the response. This Ryan had seemed rather easy going for the most part, but his statement was one of finality. Clearly, he would allow no more discussion of the house, although Roger was apparently the person in charge. This was something she would have to learn more about, but for the moment it was clearly not a subject for discussion. Her only response was a quiet "Oh," and she left it at that as the group continued at a little quicker pace to the front of the house.
Returning to his narrative, Roger pointed down the drive toward the entrance gate. "As you probably saw last night, this is a gated facility. What you don't see is the security fence around the rest of the property; we have a tele-monitoring service that notifies us if anything disturbs the fence structure, and if necessary someone goes out to check. Usually it's nothing, although once in a while some youngsters will get a little over energetic and decide to visit the hard way. Usually a little chat with Dennis or a visit by the dogs takes care of things. We generally invite the local first responders, city and county, to dinner at least once a year, troopers too if any are living in the area at the time; it's a good insurance program. Anyway, your room card will operate the card reader at the gate, in and out. The vehicles have remote controls, as you probably observed. There's just one thing, and I don't think it would ever be a problem or ever even come up, but if you come through the gate and someone tries to follow you, you know, run through while it's opened for you, stop just inside the gate, stand on the brakes, and hit the red button on the remote three times in quick succession. Even if the other car tries to push you, the gate will have it for lunch in about five seconds. The red button is like a hyperdrive for the closer, and believe me, it is not to be operated without cause. Anyway, I don't think you'll ever have the need to use it; things stay pretty calm around here most of the time. That about does it for the outside. This is the main entrance where most of our clients arrive. Your rooms just happened to be closer to the rear entrance. We'll go in here and take a look at the office area. The upstairs has sleeping rooms much like a bed and breakfast, with a staircase that enters the great room; we'll tour that also."
Laura was impressed by the large Oak doors at the front entrance, easily eight feet high with heavy metal work, but balanced so they were easily operated by someone of slight stature. The entryway itself had the original ornate inlaid tile pieces on the floor and the carved panels on the walls and ceiling; it gave off a feeling of subtle opulence, warm and inviting. One of the truly nice things about Windmere was that the family who inherited it from the original owners did not have time, or the interest, to change any of it to any significant degree. The majority of the original fine craftsmanship that had been maintained through the years remained intact. Modern utility systems had been installed in such a manner as to be inconspicuous, using existing access channels through the house, and even some of the original fixtures where they could be retrofitted without obvious change. The design and construction of the house had been well ahead of its time, even to the generating plant for electric lights, something nearby Conyerville would not have until several years later. Of course, the old elevated water tank was no longer needed now and had been removed before it became a hazard; the newer utilities were much more efficient and dispersed nearly invisibly through the facility. A central computer operated the building systems as well as security features, sensing, for instance, when a meeting room was occupied and needed more cooling, or the lights turned off when no activity registered in the area. But mostly, all the modern features were well hidden, humming along in their daily tasks unseen and unheard.
Moving farther into the building, they entered the Great Room, a combination of living room, meeting room, recreation room, dining room, whatever it needed to be at the time. The furnishings were certainly high end, but not overly ornate. Clearly, this was a room where things could get done, deals made, debates conducted. Laura was impressed, partly because the system sensed their presence in the entryway and activated the lighting ahead of their path, but equally by the design and furnishing of the room. It was at once fully comfortable while remaining as utilitarian as it needed to be. The massive stone fireplace remained in place, almost as a counterpoint to an equally massive flat screen d
isplay on the opposite wall. Old and new, it all blended toward one end: serving the occupant.
"To state the obvious, this is the Great Room. The fireplace is operational, not particularly energy efficient, but it does have an ambience on a cold night. It seems almost incongruous that we have had some client's children roasting hotdogs in it while multi-million dollar deals were on the table, but Windmere seems to be capable of holding all those different activities at the same time and making them look like they belong together. It's a feeling I can't really describe. We can take a look in some of the office areas if you like, but I think for now I'd just like to show you where you would be working, and maybe a couple of other offices. I know we've flooded you with information at the moment, and I don't expect you to remember much of it. Mostly, I just wanted to let you see the place so you know we aren't a bunch of quick buck artists or rummies. Unless you have some questions, I suggest we conclude the tour for the most part; you can feel free to wander around later and see the other meeting rooms, things like that, and you know where the kitchen is. I'm sure the kids will know most of it within a day or so. Any doors you shouldn't enter simply won't unlock with your card. I don't say that as a warning, just that we do have some permanent living quarters upstairs, the computer room, places like that. So, any questions?"
"No, I don't think so. I'll admit, it's a little overwhelming to see all this at one time, and it is very impressive to say the least. But, you surely understand, in the last 48 hours my children and I have been from one end of the Maslow pyramid to the other; it has taken a bit of coping. So, where do things go from here?"
"It's mid-afternoon. Why don't you take a couple of hours to think things over, and we'll meet in this area about 5:00 to discuss the future. Okay?"
"Very much okay; thank you," and each went their own way for the time being. Ryan and Roger met with Calvin and did some brain picking to get an idea what good accounting and IT people were earning in the market. It became clear to both Roger and Calvin that Ryan had an interest in this woman, but it remained unclear to them, as much as it did to Ryan, just what that interest was.