Benji in Control
by: E Walk
(© 2009-2010 by the Author)
 

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 10 

Taking On The Big Guys

I woke early on Wednesday and was tossing, worrying about what might happen in Atlanta when we had the meeting with the Governor and whoever.  I woke Cole up and he looked at me, “Doug, relax.  Everything will be fine.  Let’s go for a run to get your jitters out.”

When we were going down the stairs, Greg and Jordan were coming out of the bedroom they had slept in, with running clothes on.  We walked out on the deck and it was going to be a hot day.  We had just started to run when Dan and Dave appeared, so there were now six people running.

I finally stopped, “Guys, I’m an old man.  I can’t run five miles a day like some of you do.  I’m going back to the house and take a shower.”

I was having a cup a coffee on the deck when Cole, Greg and Jordan returned.  Jordan stopped in front of me, “Dr. Christiansen, do you think it would be possible for me to get one of the scholarships that Chad’s Dad is offering?”

I looked at Jordan, “I thought you were going to the University of Georgia.  Did you flunk out?”

“No, sir.  I was on the dean’s list.”
 

I didn’t know what to think, “Jordan, if your parents are willing to pay for you to go the University of Georgia, why would you want to attend Harwood, with our limited course offerings?”

“Sir, think of the money I could save if I got all of the basic courses here and then finished my degree at UGA or someplace else, especially if I could get one of them basketball scholarships.”

I stood, “Jordan and Greg, I think there’s something here that you’re not telling us.”

Greg stepped in, “Dr. C., we talked, and Jordan and I are going to tell the Carpenters how we feel about each other.  If they throw Jordan out, we can always room to together if we both have scholarships.”

I guess I was shaking my head, “Jordan, have you ever even played basketball?”

“Yes, I was on the team at UGA as a walk-on.  They offered me a partial scholarship for next year.”

“Guys, you need to talk to Drs. Lewis, Summers and Mitchell.  That is their responsibility now.  I suggest that you talk to Dr. Lewis first since he’s going to be the coach.”

I went to the office to get copies of financial statements to take with me, and the coins, so I could take them to Larry Morgan before the meeting at the restaurant.  Clark came into the office, “Why did you send Jordan to see me?  He probably knows more about basketball than I do?”

“So what’s the problem?  He can be your student assistant.”

“His Dad played for the Boston Celtics before he got injured.”

“That’s even better, hire his Dad to be your assistant. What does Mr. Carpenter do now?  I’ve never met Karen and Jordan’s parents.”

“Doug, you’re not listening.  Mr. Carpenter is confined to a wheelchair because of an accident.  He has a private CPA business that he runs from the building adjacent to their home.”

“Clark, invite Mr. Carpenter to meet with us here, tomorrow.  I need to go pick up Rob Nixon and Uncle Howie if I’m going to be on time for my meeting with the state officials.”

On the way to the restaurant, I dropped the coins off at Larry Morgan’s shop.  “Larry, I’m guessing that these are the last of the coins.”

Larry laughed, “Keep finding them, and I might be able to retire to Harwood before too long.”

“I guess that would save you and Clark money that you’re having to spend on gas, running back and forth between Atlanta and Harwood.  We’ll probably be having a swimming party this weekend after the boys get home.”

Larry grinned, “We’ll have to take a rain check.  My parents are having a big shindig, and Clark is going to be spending the weekend with the boys and me.”

When we arrived at the White House Restaurant, Senator Baumgartner was waiting.  Rob obviously knew the lady rather well because of how they greeted each other.  He introduced me to her. I shook her hand, “Thanks for the heads up Senator Baumgartner.  It will be interesting to see what happens at this working luncheon.”

I approached the host, “We’re here for a meeting with the Governor.  I understand that we are to be in a private space.”

The gentleman nodded, “If you’re Dr. Christiansen, then you are in the right place.  There’s a television crew waiting for you. The rest of your party hasn’t arrived yet.  If you will follow me, I’ll show you to the room.”

When I walked in, I shook hands with Rich, “Rich, I have no idea what’s going to happen today.  I hope this won’t be a complete waste of your time.”

“Dr. Christiansen, knowing you as I do, I rather doubt that.”

We heard a commotion, “Sir, this is a smoke free facility as mandated by law.  Either you get rid of that cigar, or you’re not going to be served.  I don’t care if you are a state senator; get rid of it or leave.”

When five gentlemen walked into the room, one of the men, whom I was to find was Senator Leggett, asked, “What's that broad doing here.  She doesn’t know anything about the finances of the state.”

I was incensed, “For your information, sir, Senator Baumgartner represents the district of Harwood, and thus she has every right to be here.  I haven’t the foggiest idea who any of you gentlemen are.  I’m Doug Christiansen, President of the Harwood Community Junior College.   The gentleman on my right is Mr. Robert Nixon the Third who is the president of the college’s Board of Trustees, and the gentleman on his right is Mr. Howard Willingham, our legal counsel.”

Governor Perdue stepped forward and extended his hand, “Doug, thanks for coming.  Natalie, I apologize for your colleagues crass remarks.”

Governor Perdue introduced the others, The Attorney General, Scott Brunning, the Commissioner of Education, Loren Waite, Head of the Finance Committee, Senator Reginald Leggett, and the Head of the Senate Revenue Committee, Simon Hodges. 

Senators Leggett and Hodges didn’t even bother to shake hands. They sat down and Senator Leggett looked at the waiter, “I'll have a double bourbon on the rocks.  You might as well bring two while you’re doing it, to save time.”

Senator Hodges nodded, “I'll have two martini’s with lemon twists.”

The waiter waited until the rest of us were seated and started to take our drink orders.  Leggett interrupted, “Young man, why aren’t you getting our drinks?”

The young man looked at him, “If you need a drink that bad, then go get it yourself.  You’re not the only persons in the party.”

Senator Hodges looked around, “Why are the television people here, and who invited them?  They have no right to tape what happens here.”

I stood, “For you information, Senator Hodges, I invited them after I heard the comments that you and your colleague, Senator Leggett, made about Harwood College yesterday.  When I spoke with Governor Perdue, he gave me permission to invite whomever I wanted.”

The waiter returned with the drinks and started to take the entree orders.  It was interesting to note that the two senators were the only persons drinking alcohol, and when they placed their entrée orders, they both ordered the sixteen ounce T-bone steaks with the works.

Everyone else had a sandwich and a salad.”

After the orders were placed, Governor Perdue started, “The reason I asked Dr. Christiansen to meet with us was that I called him and discussed the possibility of Harwood Community Junior College becoming a part of the state education system.  He expressed concerns that it was a ploy by the state to get their hands on the funds to help cover the state’s financial short comings.  I assured him that was not my intention.  Doug, you mentioned that you were upset by comments that Senator Hodges and Senator Leggett made yesterday.  Would you care to enlighten us about what was said?”

I leaned over to Senator Baumgartner and whispered, “Do you want to tell them what you heard, or do you want me to do it?”

She grinned, “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than putting those two in their place.”

Senator Baumgartner started, “Yesterday, as I was walking out of the senate chamber with Senator Lamb, we were directly in front of Senator Leggett and Senator Hodges. Senator Leggett commented, ‘We need to get our hands on the funds that Harwood Community College has generated to help us pay for the shortfall in revenue, and use them to fund the educational institutions that are already in the state system.’”

“Senator Hodges made the comment, ‘We need to take action to get those coins that the impertinent Christiansen dug up today before he uses them for his personal use.’”

Senator Hodges reacted, “You’re a lying bitch.  We never said anything like that.”

Senator Baumgartner took a deep breath, “Excuse me sir, I think you owe me an apology.  I informed Senator Lamb that I was going to be at this meeting and he offered to come and support me if need be.”

Senator Baumgartner wasn’t done, “The Education Committee met this morning and we are well aware of the financial shortfall.  We discussed closing those small colleges that are draining the education funds such as the Junior College in Biglerville where only seventy students are attending.  That doesn’t even begin to cover the salaries of the teachers and the salary of President Hodges, who is making over $100,000.00 a year.”

Governor Perdue shook his head, “Natalie, surely that can’t be right?”

Mr. Waite nodded, “Governor Perdue, I’m afraid that it’s true.  Remember that up until the current session, Senator Hodges was chair of the Education Committee and concealed the fact that his son, who doesn’t even have a Masters Degree, is the president of the Biglerville Junior College.  The Education Committee has come up with some ways to cut the education system expenses.  It’s time that someone paid attention to what’s happening.”

“As far as any action with regard to the Harwood Junior College,  There simply aren’t any funds available to support making it part of the state system.  The initial outlay to cover the existing facility doesn’t justify doing it.”

Senator Leggett interrupted, “We could take the facility by right of eminent domain.”

Attorney General Brunning nodded, “Senator Leggett, we could, but you forget that the state would need to adequately compensate the parties.”

Senator Hodges interrupted, “Can’t we at least confiscate the coins that Christiansen found?  Who’s to say what the man would do with the money generated from the sale of those coins?”

Uncle Howie leaned over and whispered, “Doug, try not to react.  These two are doing a fine job of making fools of themselves.”

Attorney General Brunning stood, “Doctor Christiansen, you have a very good reason to charge these people with slander, especially Senator Hodges.  Governor Perdue, I need to go, but I think it would not be in the best interest of the state to pursue the state becoming involved with the Harwood Community Junior College at this time.  Waiter, may I have my check, please?”

The waiter handed each of us a check.  Senator Leggett, sputtered, “But this was an official dinner?  Why isn’t the State paying for it?”

Governor Perdue stood, “Everyone was informed that it was a pay for your own luncheon.  You two invited yourselves, so you can pay for your own drinks and meals.”

I had taken Senator Baumgartner’s check as well as Uncle Howie’s and  Rob Nixon’s and handed the waiter a card,   Senator Hodges didn’t miss the fact that I had paid for their checks, “I suppose you’re using college funds to pay for the lunches.”

“Mr. Hodges, it’s none of your business, but I’m using my own personal funds to pay for their lunches.  They are here as my guests”

The waiter returned with a folder and I signed the check and added a tip.  He looked at Senators Hodges and Leggett, “The owner says that he will not be putting anymore of your meals on your accounts.  Either you pay, or you can go to the kitchen and start washing dishes.”

Governor Perdue approached me, “Doug, I’m sorry to have wasted your time,” 

I put my arm around the Governor, “Sir, you didn’t waste my time.  I now realize that I could never make a go in politics, if I had to deal the likes of those two persons.”

I went to talk to Rich Caster, “Rich, I hope I haven’t caused you to waste your time by having you be here today,”

“Dr. Christiansen, this has been an eye opening experience.  I’m almost positive that the program will air tonight or tomorrow at the latest.  Thanks for having us here.  I admire how you maintained your cool.”

The ride back to Harwood was animated, Rob Nixon commented, “Doug, if you hear that the program is going to air, let me know and I’ll notify the other trustees.”

After I dropped, Uncle Howie and Rob Nixon off at their ranch, I went to the college to see if there was anything that I needed to do.  When Greg saw me, he grinned, “Dr. C., Dr. Lewis would like to talk to you.”

Karen was on the phone, “Thanks for calling, Mr. Caster, I’ll inform Dr. Christiansen.”

Karen looked at me, “Mr. Caster, wanted me to inform you that the show would be airing tonight at seven and again tomorrow at 12:30P.M.”

Clark came out of the office, “Oh good, you’re here,  Mr. Carpenter is very interested in seeing what you have to propose.”

Karen giggled, “Mom, called and said Dad was more than interested.  He’s actually excited about helping with the team.”

“Karen, call President Nixon and tell him what Mr. Caster told you.  He wanted to be notified.”

I went into the office and started to go through the messages and mail.  Greg knocked, “Dr. C., Cole called and said you’re to get your butt home.  It‘s already after five o’clock.  We’re going to go talk to Jordan’s parents tonight.  I’m a little scared.  Actually, I‘m a lot scared.”

When I walked in the door of Summerhill, Cole grabbed me, “How many times do I have to tell you to behave yourself?  I stopped and talked to Uncle Howie and Mr. Nixon on the way home from Atlanta and they told me what happened.  The least you could have done was kick the two jerks where it would hurt the most.  I wonder if they’re still doing the dishes.”

Patty appeared, “Good, you’re here.  We need to eat since Karen and I’ve been summoned to the Carpenter’s house after dinner.”

After dinner, Cole and I were doing the dishes so Patty and Karen could go to their meeting.  We were watching the news and the special started airing.  Rich Caster introduced the show, “Ladies and gentlemen, I had an opportunity to witness what happened at an informal political meeting today.  I think the show will adequately explain what happened.”

I was surprised that they were showing everything that happened from the time we arrived.  The phone started to ring.  I went to answer it since I had witnessed first hand what was on the show.

“This is Summerhill, Doug Christiansen speaking.”

“Daddy, you sound like a robot.  Are you and Dad Cole okay?”

“We’re fine, what did you guys do today?”

“We went on a boat and saw these giant alligators that looked like they could swallow me in one gulp.  Tomorrow we’re going to go to see the movie park.  Gotta go, we’ve been invited to a special dinner at the park.  Tell the Grandparents we love them.  Love ya.”

After I hung up, I decided to call my parents.  Dad answered, “Hi, Dad, how are you feeling.” 

“Doug, I’m so glad to be home.  Of course, I'll probably shrivel away to nothing with the diet they put me on.  Those people in physical are going to have me so weak that I’ll probably be crawling around on my hands and knees.”

“Dad, I'm sure that you’ll have everyone straightened away by next week.  I just talked Benji and it sounds as if they’re having a blast.  He said to tell you the boys love you.”

“Doug, do they know what happened to me?”

“No, Dad, we decided it would be best not to say anything.  Benji especially would start to worry.”

“Good thinking, I need to go.  Some neighbors are bringing food.  It’s probably food that I can’t have, but I'll sneak some anyway.  Talk to you later.”

As I sat down beside Cole, the show was ending, Mr. Caster commented, “So you see, ladies and gentlemen, politicians do shoot themselves where it hurts most.  It's time that we take control and limit the amount of time these people can spend in office.”

Cole hugged me, “Douggie, I cannot understand how you could have remained so outwardly calm.  You need to blow off the steam so you don’t get ulcers.  Let’s go to bed and take care of the problem after I turn off the ringers on the phones.  Otherwise, I’m sure you’ll be on the phone all night.”

To be continued...

Editor's Notes:  I can remember times when I would spend a lot of time on the phone. 

I wonder if being a teacher is worth all the pain and suffering that they have to put up with?  Yeah, I guess it is. I think Doug is a stronger person than I would be, if I had been in that situation.

I am certainly ready for a new chapter.

Darryl AKA The Radio rancher

Posted: 02/26/10