Taking Texas By Storm
by: E Walk
(© 2009 by the Author)
 

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Chapter 9 

The Audition

When everyone was seated, President Odom turned the meeting over to Mr. Hoffmeier and Mr. Machesney.  Mr. Hoffmeier handed Marlene a handout for each person.  She stood and started to pass them out, so I stood and took half of them to save time and we had them passed out very quickly.

A screen came down at the back of the room and Mr. Hoffmeier opened his laptop. He started his power point presentation.  “Ladies and gentlemen, we have provided you copies of the slides so you can make notes.  You will be addressing the ideas at your next board meeting which I understand is scheduled for the first Tuesday in December.  Some of the items are already being addressed by Mr. Ed Waller and his people.  I have the distinct feeling that he is going to be the focal point of most of the items.”

By the time Mr. Hoffmeier was finished, I was totally overwhelmed.  I looked at Dad and whispered, “Dad, I’m out of my element  here.”

Dad leaned over, “Son, you’ll be fine.”

It was 1:45 when there was a knock on the door and Tammy came in, “Mr. Hoffmeier and Mr. Machesney, your transportation is ready to depart for the airport.  Mr. Gump has advised me that you will be on the same plane to New York, and that you won’t need to change airports in New York.”

After the two visitors had departed, the remainder of the agenda items were quickly disposed of.  Mr. Odom turned to Mrs. Lawrence, “Vivian, would you care to share how many people have been removed from the employment rolls, so far, because of Ed Waller?”

Mrs. Lawrence nodded, “The total so far is 92.”

A gentlemen board member asked, “Are you looking to fill those positions?”

I stood, “Sir, Mr. Blank and I are going to be looking into the matter before we hire replacements.  If people only came to work when they wanted to, then they weren’t really needed.  Some of the people worked in the cafeteria, and they are not going to be replaced.  We’re going to be charging rent from the vendors who sell food on the premises.  The company will not be responsible for the people's pay, but we will insist on a quality product.”

I sat down and President Odom nodded, “Thanks, Ed.  Mr. Taylor, can you give us a figure on how much the loss of these positions will save the company each month?”

Mr. Taylor stood, “Sir, the reduction of the staff so far has resulted in nearly a savings of more than $2,000,000.00 a year since many of the people had been here for long periods of time.  That doesn’t even include the exorbitant overtime that had been paid to some of the individuals.  Those figures come to approximately another $500,000.00 a year.  One other thing, the  cleaning contract that had been awarded to Mrs. Gump, which has now been cancelled, was costing the company $50,000.00 a month.”

I looked around the table and everyone looked stunned.  Even Mr. Odom looked a little upset.  Ms. Sanders added salt to the wound, “President Odom, what has everyone around here been doing  to permit something like this to happen?”

President Odom took a deep breath, “Madeline, I honestly don’t know.  I’ve been caught flatfooted by what has been happening, but I can promise you that more heads are going to roll before this mess is cleaned up.  Ed and his people will get to the bottom of this before the next regularly scheduled board meeting.”

Ms. Carr spoke up, “President Odom, I find that response totally unacceptable.  It shouldn’t be Mr. Waller and his small staff of people who get to the bottom of the misuse of funds.  It should be all of you senior officials who are involved.  If you’re going to assign the responsibility to Ed and his people, then you'd better be prepared to pay them what they’re worth.  If Ed  has been able to save the company as much money as Dwight reported, then he deserves a huge raise.  I have no idea what his current salary is, but I make a motion that his salary be increased significantly.”

Ms. Sanders seconded the motion.  There was no discussion and the vote unanimously passed with one abstention, that being my Dad.  Ms. Sanders looked at Dad, “Why didn’t you vote on the motion, Al?”

Dad was very direct, “Madeline, if I had voted, the stockholders would have cause to take issue, since Ed is our son.”

Finally the Board meeting ended.  I stood to leave and go see what was happening in my office.  I was accosted, as I was leaving, by several board members who had some questions.  I answered their questions as best as I could.  

Dad walked with me to my office, “Ed, you have hit this company like a windstorm.  Leanne Carr is usually the penny pincher on the board,  I’m guessing there are going to be some people on the staff who are going to be bleeding rather profusely before this is over.”

Joe was sitting at Tammy’s desk.  “Joe, this is my Dad, Big Al.”

Joe stood and shook Dad’s hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“Where is everyone else?”

Joe pointed, “Grant is in his office talking to a young man.  Ozzie is in his office talking with Trig and Tripp.  I guess everyone else is in their offices on the first floor.”

“Please call Steve, Greg, Juan and Myrabelle and tell them I’d like to have a short meeting.”

 Ozzie entered the reception area, “Good, your back.  I have some financial questions to ask you.  Tripp and Trig are in my office and I need you to tell me what I need to do.”

“Oz, this is my Dad, Big Al.”

Oz shook Dad’s hand.  Dad laughed, “How tall are you, Oz?   There aren’t too many people that I have to look up to.”

Oz nodded, “Sir, I’m six four.”

I looked at Oz, “Oz, bring Tripp and Trig into the conference room, please, and we’ll take care of them before the others arrive.”

Grant was coming out of his office with a good looking young man,  “Don, this is my boss, Ed Waller.” 

I shook the gentleman’s hand, nice to meet you Don.  The good looking man with me is my Dad, Big Al.”

Dad shook Grant’s and the Don person’s hand.

Grant walked Don to the door, “I’ll call you tomorrow after I have had an opportunity to discuss what you told me with Mr. Waller.  Don’t worry, it won’t go any further than that.”

We started to go into the conference room when Tammy entered with President Odom, “I wondered where you went, Big Al.”

“Adam, I’m trying to get my son out of here, so we can go see if Little Al needs help preparing our dinner.”

President Odom asked, “What time is dinner going to be served?” 

I shrugged my shoulders, “I’m guessing we’ll eat as soon as everyone gets there since the auditions are at seven.”

We were joined by Greg, Juan, Myrabelle and Steve.  “After the introductions, President Odom asked, “Would someone please explain why I’m getting anonymous calls asking what happened to the condom dispensing machines?”

I nodded, “I made a command decision to have the condom machines removed.  I felt that their presence was sending bad signals to visitors to the headquarters.”

President Odom frowned.  “How many of these machines were in the building?”

I turned to Steve and he answered, “Sir we removed seventy five of them.  Not only that, we put plates over glory holes that were on the fifteenth and thirtieth floors.  Ozzie‘s cleaning crew discovered them this weekend when they were cleaning the facility.”

President Odom sat down, “How long have the dispensing machines been installed and who controlled them?”

Greg answered, “Our father installed them when I was in high school.  He used to brag about how much money he made from the condom machines and the feminine hygiene products machines.  All of the products were way overpriced.”

I suddenly realized that we were talking about things that Tripp and Trig didn’t need to hear, but the damage had already been done.  I looked at Dad and he had a big grin on his face.

Ozzie added, “When we were cleaning this weekend, we found evidence of where people had sex in storage areas.  We’ve locked all of the doors.  I’ve instructed my people to report any evidence of sex taking place in the headquarters building.”

Ozzie continued, “The reason Tripp and Trig are here is to see how their parents’ are going to get paid for the luncheon today.  Tripp would like to know how much rent we’re going to be charging him for the Pit Stop kiosk?”

President Odom scowled, “Ozzie, submit the tab for the lunceon to Marlene and she will assign an account number to the voucher, and your boss can sign the voucher authorizing the payment.  Trig, would your parents be interested in running the executive dining room on a limited basis?  We can always eat in at the Pit Stop for breakfast, but it would be nice to be able to have a leisurely lunch when we had visitors.  After the fabulous food today, I’m sure that they would be busy.”

Trig grinned, “This might be the answer to their prayers.  They are exhausted from working all the time.  I’ll talk to them this evening after Tammy let’s me take her and her two sons to dinner.  Tammy I’ll pick you and the boys up at five thirty.  I need to go make sure that I still have a job.”

Trig departed and President Odom looked at Ozzie, “Young man, I have to ask, is there something going on between you and Tripp?”

Talk about hearing two deep breaths, Oz answered, “Yes, sir, but why did you ask?”

President Odom chuckled, “It was a gut feeling.  I have no problem with you being a couple like Grant and Joe are, as long as you can keep your sexual apparatus under control while you’re in the facility.  Now I need to get back to the office and take care of company business.  Big Al, get your son out of here.  He’s created enough havoc for one day.”

Greg went to the phone, “Please have Mr. Waller’s car brought to the side entrance.  He and his son are on their way down.”

Juan looked at me, “Ed, we’ll pick you up at seven in the morning.  I’ll drive, tomorrow.”

Dad’s car was at the side entrance when we arrived, and Myrabelle let us out after clearing our badges, so people would know that we weren’t still in the building.”

As Dad was driving, he commented,  “Ed, you certainly did surround yourself with some very interesting people.  They all seem very devoted to you.”

“Dad, the funny part is that they all rather just fell on my lap.  Greg and his family live nearby as does Juan’s family.  They just happen to have a sons in Allie’s class.  Greg and Grant were the only two of the Gump connection who showed up for work after I fired their father.”

Dad laughed, “Son, I guess you aren’t the most popular person around Shell headquarters right now.”

“I guess that would be a correct assumption.  Dad, where is Mother?”

“She’s spending the day with Caroline Odom.  They were sorority sisters in college.  They’re going to meet us at your house.”

“Dad, who is Mrs. Carr, she appears to wield a great deal of influence on the Board.”

Dad laughed, “Ed, you’re very perceptive.  Leanne is probably the wealthiest member on the Board.  Not only that, her sister is Madeline Sanders’ special friend, if you get what I’m saying.  Madeline has a few sheckles stashed away.  You sure did align yourself with some wonderful allies.”

“Dad, take a right at the next exit, we’re almost to the house.”

When we arrived at the house, Dad looked at the house.  “Ed, this looks as if it will be great.”

When we walked into the house,  the Daniels were sitting in the kitchen and Mrs. Daniels was asking, “Allie, are you sure there isn’t something I can do to help you?”

“Nope, everything will be ready as soon as Bra returns with the avocados.”

I was confused, “Did Brahim walk to the store?”

Allie shook his head no, “No, silly, he drove the car.”

Allie grinned, “Grandpa and Grandma Daniels, I’d like to introduce Granddad Big Al Waller.  Granddad, this lovely couple is Dr. George and Dr. Edie Daniels.  Dad, put Granddad and Grandmother’s things in my bedroom, I’m going to sleep in Grandpa’s study.  My things are already in there.  Grandmother called and said they were on there way.”

I went to Dad’s car to get the things as Brahim pulled up, “Ed, take these avocados to Allie, and I’ll take the parents’ luggage in.”

“I looked at Brahim. I don’t suppose you would share how you were able to get your driver’s license?”

Brahim snickered, “It’s a long story.  I’ll explain in bed tonight.”

The Daniels were sitting in the living room with Dad, having a drink when Brahim and I walked in.  I took the avocados to Allie, “Allie, are you sure there isn’t anything I can do to help.”

Allie shook his head no, “Dad, I have everything under control.”

Mom arrived with the Odoms and Brahim greeted them, and Dad served them a drink.  It turned out that Mother knew Mrs. Daniels.  It seems they had taken organ lessons from the same person when they were younger.

Allie appeared in the living room, “Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ear.  Dinner is about to be served in the dining room.”

The dining room table looked regal with lit candles.  At each place was a seafood cocktail, a sliced tomato and avocado salad with a special dressing.  Allie looked at me, “Dad, you need to take care of the wine.  We’re having chicken as our main course.”

As we were eating the scrumptious meal, the older people were ooing and awing over the food.  During dinner, it was decided that Brahim would drive the three ladies to where the auditions were being conducted in Mother and Dad’s car.   Since the Odoms lived on the way back to our house, they were going to drop Mrs. Odom at their house.”

After we had finished the meal and Brahim had left with the three ladies, Allie and I were taking care of the easy cleanup.  The three older gentlemen were sitting on the front porch talking.  Dad called, “Allie, Curtis wants to know if you can help him with something?”

I hugged Allie, “Go see what Curtis needs.  We’re just about finished here.   I can take care of the what little remains.”

When I arrived on the porch, I heard Curtis ask, “Why can’t the teachers make it this easy?  Do you have time to play some soccer?”

The two guys took off to collect Jim and Jon Thomas.  They started to play in the front yards and were soon joined by four other young men.  The only one of the boys I knew was Manny Gomez.

Dad and President Odom were watching and Dad commented, “The grandson is certainly coordinated.”

President Odom nodded, “It’s easy to see who the kingpin is in that group of young men.  I get the distinct feeling that he tries to play down that position.”

Dr. Daniels laughed, “If all of today’s young people were like him, schools would be a much more enticing place to work.”

Greg Gump was walking toward where we are sitting, “I assume my youngest son is here.  He was getting frustrated trying to do his homework and slammed out of the house yelling,  “I'm going to get Allie to help.  He always makes it seem so easy.” 

When Greg realized who was at the house, he started to apologize, “I apologize if he’s been bothering you people.”

Dad shook his head no, “Greg, he’s been no bother.  It gave me a chance to see how my Grandson reacts with his peers.”

The guys appeared and Allie greeted Greg, “Hi, Mr. Gump, Curtis finished his homework and we were playing soccer.  I’ll see you tomorrow, Curtis.”

Allie sat down next to Dad, “Granddad, I’m going to go take a shower before Grandmother gets back.   I'll be back to talk to you shortly.”

President Odom stood, “Allie, I need to be leaving.  I have some things I need to take care of.  Thanks, for the wonderful dinner.  Ed, we need to talk tomorrow about some things.”

Allie hugged President Odom, “Thanks for coming.”

After Allie had gone to the shower, Dr. Daniels commented, “That’s one remarkable young man.  I need to get some things from the study that I need for tomorrow.”

Dad and I were sitting in the living room when Allie appeared, dressed only in a pair of walking shorts and flip flops.  He sat down beside Dad, “Granddad, how soon are you going to be coming back to Houston?”

Dad grinned, “Grandson, it’s probably more relevant to ask when you are going to bring your Dad and brother to the ranch again?  Next weekend will be fine.”

Allie fell back against Dad, “Now that we have someone who can drive, perhaps we can.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Brahim, Mother and Mrs. Daniels.

Allie looked at Brahim, “I take it that you didn’t get the role of Rigoletto?”

Mom sat down beside Allie, “Allie, not only did Brahim get the role, but the others who were waiting their turn to sing, suddenly disappeared.  Brahim was the third person to audition for the part.  The first young man was so bad that we almost upchucked.  The second young man had sung at the Met in New York and he did a credible job.  After Brahim sang, even he walked out.”

Mrs. Daniels was chuckling, “The reason we’re a little late is that two of your Dad’s benefactors were there, and we six old women took Brahim to a bar for a drink.”

Allie looked at me, “Dad, what two benefactors?”

Dad grinned, “Allie, I would guess it was perhaps Madeline Sanders and Leanne Carr.  I’m guessing the third unknown person was Melanie Crabtree.”

Mrs. Daniels had a funny look on her face, “Al, how did you figure out who the other biddies were?”

 

“Easy, my dear Edie, Madeline made a comment about being on the opera guild earlier today.  I know that Leanne stays with her and Melanie when she comes to town.  I also know that Leanne is a big supporter of the arts in New York City.  Allie, I suggest that perhaps its time for me to get ready for bed.  It’s been a long day.”

To be continued...

Editor's Notes:  Well, I would have to say that it seems to me that Brahim did quite well for himself.  I have a strange feeling that there is a trip to New York in the near future for our guys.  I am pretty sure that both Allie and Brahim are star quality performers.  As always, I am ready for more!!!!!!!

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 01/08/10