Friends and Family Series
Murdoch and Ryan
By:
Ron Robbins
(© 2012 by the author)
Editor:
Frank Perry
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Chapter 13
"It sounds like you have everything under control, Charles," Ryan said on the phone. "I've instructed my VP of Finance to set up a cash account for any funds you may need to grease the palms of informers. You just let him know what you need, and he will see that you get it. If you feel the need to bring in the Macdonald Stevens security group, please do so. Mac Stevens told me in the past to contact Michael Lee if I needed any help. I know your resources are stretched at the present time. You may want to consider using Mike's services."
"As a matter of fact," Charles said, "Michael Lee called me yesterday to offer his help and I will be meeting with him today. I have not worked with his Organization, but I have had excellent reports on Mike Lee. They are a well-regarded organization and have the cream of the crop from the intelligence community on their payroll. They have a lot of clout in DC as well as with the international groups. They aren't cheap but I think we can sure use their expertise."
"That's great, Charles, do whatever you think is necessary. I don't want these people to continue threatening my family's safety and forcing us from our home."
"Don't worry, Ryan, we'll find the people responsible for this tragedy. With Michael Lee's help I think it will have the edge we need to combat these people."
"Thanks, Charles. Please keep me posted."
Ryan's next call was to Mac Stevens, whom he was able to reach at home. "Mac, this is Ryan. I wanted to let you know that I was not on that helicopter when it went down yesterday. With everything going on, I did not have time to call to let you know. We want to keep this news confidential until the authorities and my security people have had more time to track down the guilty parties."
Mac said, "Thank God, you're alive! Drew and I were stunned when we heard the news. We thought you were on that aircraft. Is there anything we can do to help?"
"We flew to Murdoch's estate here in Scotland last night; I am not taking any chances. Charles told me that he received a call from Mike Lee offering his company's services yesterday, and Charles plans to hire Mike to find the bad guys. I would appreciate it if you would discretely let our close friends know that we are safe. I spoke to my PR VP earlier and he told me that all your Presidents and VPs called. I would like them to know Murdoch and the children are okay. Unfortunately, three people, my brother-in-law, Dale, Murdoch's college buddy, and our pilot were killed in that crash. We won't know who else was on that aircraft until the FAA finish their investigation. Murdoch and I are still in shock. It looks like God is on our side."
Mac said, "Amen to that, buddy. I'll make sure my people keep your secret. If you think of anything at all that I can do, please call."
Ryan said, "Thanks, my friend, I appreciate your offer. You have my permission to tell Mike Lee to keep you posted on his progress. Maybe you can offer some advice."
Mac said, "We have your back covered my friend. Take care and give our regards to Murdoch."
Ryan then placed a call to Sandy. "Hi, Sandy, this is Ryan. I wanted you to know I am not dead and the deal is still on."
"Good God, Ryan, I thought the worst when we heard the news. Thank God you are alive. I called your home and they turned me over to your PR VP. Of course he said that they could not confirm or deny if you were on that plane. That's as bad as knowing the worst."
Ryan said, "I called to let you know that we are at Murdoch estate in Scotland. I thought it would make sense to look into that joint venture we talked about from this end. Murdoch talked about it with his people and we're thinking that it might be a good idea to form a separate joint venture company to manufacture the whole package, both the equipment and the software. You and I would both own the software end and Murdoch would own the equipment end. You and I will purchase the other company you mentioned and fold it into our software group. How do you feel about that?"
"That sounds like a good investment, Sandy said. “It would make sense and we can both turn a profit down the road. Just let me know how you want to handle this. I'll have my legal department begin putting a package together along the lines we discussed last month. Since you are in GB now, why don't you go ahead and purchase the two companies we discussed. Just give me a ball park figure on my share of the investment. You can give me the details later. You're sure you have the time to spend on this with everything else you have on your plate?"
Ryan said, "Everything is under control, and this will keep my mind off that mess with my father and my in-laws. I'm angry that these killers are on the loose and are preventing us from living a normal life. Our four infants will be ready to come home in a month and we may not be home to be with them. They are too young to fly to Scotland and I don't know if I would want them over here anyway. Our kids were settling in at the Oakdale Plantation and they miss their friends. But, Murdoch and I feel that their safety comes first, above any other considerations. With all our security we thought we were safe, but, we can never be sure where they will strike."
"I wish there were something I could do to help," Sandy said, "but from what I know about your security people, you have the best. Let's keep in touch and if there is anything I can do at this end, just let me know. You know you and the children are welcome to stay with us so keep that in mind. As you know we keep our security tight. Give my best to Murdoch."
Ryan said, "Thank you for the suggestion, I may just take you up on that offer. I'll let you know my progress. So long for now, and give my best to Dan."
Ryan finished his calls and headed down to Murdoch's office. Ian and Murdoch were discussing a project as Ryan walked in. Murdoch stopped and greeted Ryan.
Ryan said, "Can you spare a few minutes to discuss the Dunnlap venture?"
"Sure," Murdoch replied, "Ian and I were going to discuss a few new projects, but that can wait."
"Thanks, I want to discuss this while it is still fresh in my mind," Ryan said. "I just got off the telephone with Sandy Dunnlap and he has agreed to go along with forming that joint-venture company we discussed last month. He agrees with the idea of purchasing the two companies we reviewed and merging them into our new company. We would each own 50 percent of the stock in the company and it would be set up as an independent profit center. Sandy and I have not decided what other divisions we want to fold into the firm, but this is something we all can discuss after we form the new company and buy out the two smaller companies."
Murdoch said, "That sounds great, Ryan. What's the next step? I think we need to contact the principles and firm up the sale. Once those companies are purchased we can have our HR people come up with a short list for the CEO."
Ryan said, "I think that you, Sandy and I can pick the Board of Directors for the new venture. My plan is to have Ted Brown, my Senior Executive VP, as team leader, along with Bruce James, President of ART Corporation, and with Gordon Millers' law firm to handling the legal end. If you can spare Ian, I would like him to be part of the team. I'm asking Sandy to send along his executives who have been working on this project from the beginning. I think they can add a lot to this team."
"Way to go, Ryan," Murdoch said. "That's quite an impressive group of high level executives. Are you sure you can spare them right now with all that going on?"
Ryan smiled and said, "My mother told me that 'If you need a job done, give it to your busiest and brightest executive, because he will get the job done'. The men I've selected are competent managers and will appoint line managers who can do the job. My senior managers will make sure the task is done in the shortest possible time. They all have their own pet projects to do, and the quicker they complete their temporary assignment, the quicker they can return to their normal duties."
Murdoch chuckled and said, "Your mother was a very clever lady. Ian, do you think you can spare the time to work on Ryan's new venture?"
"You bet," Ian said, "I like being a part in helping to build a new corporation, and as Ryan pointed out, the players in this group are top-notch executives. I feel I can contribute my talents and learn from these men at the same time."
"There's your answer, Ryan," Murdoch said. "Ian knows the inner working of all my divisions and should be able to suggest where one of my smaller companies could be folded into the new group."
Ryan said, "Great, I'll make sure Ted Brown and Bruce James know that Ian is a key player and representing your interests."
Ian said, "I really appreciate your confidence in selecting me to be part of your team."
"Ryan and I have every confidence in your abilities, and we know you will do your best."
Ryan said, "Sandy is between the rock and the hard place with this venture. He wants to back out of his bid to purchase WorldCom, and use our new company to manufacture his new Agricultural processing equipment. He plans to begin his marketing campaign in two months so we don't have any wiggle room to get this new company off and running. Ian, there is one man that must not know of this venture. His name is Brian Neely, Sandy Dunnlap's executive VP. He is the traitor in that organization. Sandy does not want him to get wind of this venture because he is working with WorldCom to screw Sandy."
"Nice guy," Ian said. "Why doesn't Sandy just fire him?"
"Sandy doesn't want to show his hand," Ryan said, "until he is ready to make his move. Sandy is a clever strategic planner that dots all the 'i's and crosses the 't's'. He is building an ethics case against Brain Neely and WorldCom. When Sandy is through with them, they will be finished."
Ian smiled and said, "Sandy is my kind of guy."
"Well, men," Murdoch said smiling, "I hear the children heading for the dining room, if we don't head there in short order, I think the kids will devour everything in sight."
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As the group was finishing up their desert, Murdoch said, "Grace, would you join me in the library after lunch for a few minutes?"
"Yes, sir."
Grace followed Murdoch down the hall to the library. Murdoch sat behind his desk and Grace sat in a chair in front of the desk. "Grace, I want to plan a party for the children for this weekend. My nephews know many of the children in the town and I would like to invite their friends, also, so that all the children can meet some of the local people. I am the new 'Laird of the Manor' and I don't think you'll have any turndowns. Sean and his brothers can help you with the guest list. I know that Sean knows some young girls whoshould be included as well. I'll speak to Raymond and Kitty and let them know you will be contacting them to make arrangements for the little party. Both of them know most of the local families, and some of the children of the employees who work on the estate. I'm sure the boys can help you eliminate any who should not be invited. Do you think you can handle this?"
Grace replied, "Arranging a party is not a problem for me. The children are very bright and I'm sure they will be quite helpful in putting a list together. With the staff you have on hand, I don't see any problem. I'll talk to Sean and the twins in class today and ask them to put their lists together. Then I'll get together with Raymond and Kitty this afternoon. I need to talk to them anyway about finding some part-time staff to help take care of the children."
Murdoch said, "Good, that's settled. I won't keep you any longer, I'm sorry I had to take you away from the children's lessons."
Murdoch rang Raymond on the house phone and told him of the party plans and that Grace would be meeting with him and Kitty after the children's lessons were over. Then he had a short meeting with Ian and headed upstairs to join Ryan in their suite.
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Murdoch walked into the sitting room, closing the door behind him. Ryan was seated on the sofa staring out the French windows. Murdoch walked over and sat next to Ryan and pulled him close to him and kissed him on the cheek. "What's the matter, baby? Why so sad? Are you feeling okay?"
Ryan said, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. The realization of yesterday's events is starting to sink in. The thought of leaving you scares the hell out of me. Sure it would have been a quick way to go, but the thought of losing you, leaving you with the responsibility of raising the children alone and of not be around to see my son and daughter grow into adults, is devastating."
"Look, sweetheart," Murdoch said, "I know it was a scary thing, and to tell you the truth, I almost lost it until I heard your voice yesterday on the telephone. I know you said you would miss the 5 PM flight, but what went through my mind was that you may have changed your mind and told the pilot to hold the flight."
"Yet, we can't dwell on what-if. We can only thank God that you were not on that flight, and that you made it through once again. We can be thankful that we still have each other, and if God is willing, you will raise your children to take over the Templeton estate."
Ryan said, "It's reassuring to be in your arms like this and to know our children are safe. I get angry when I think of the harm that that family has caused us. What did they think they would accomplish in killing me?"
"We have no idea what is going on in their evil minds," Murdoch said. "Maybe it's a case of getting even with you for them landing in jail. Those kinds of people never blame themselves for their own actions. They invariably blame their victim. I want to see them put away for a long time. I believe that after your civil suit, they will not have the money to buy a candy bar in prison. With Charles Lattimore and Mike Lee's team working this case, they will find the people behind this and nail them for the murder of five innocent people. I miss our home in Georgia and our friends. Yet I have the feeling that we won't be here too long, at least I hope not. Our babies will be home in a month and I would like to be there when they arrive."
Ryan said, "I feel the same way, sweetheart, but as long as we are together I don't care where we are living. What almost happened to me on that aircraft makes me realize how lucky I am to be alive. The experience makes me realize how precious life is, and how happy I am to have you and the children. I sincerely hope that we will be back in time to welcome our new babies. But, if Charles Lattimore and Mike Lee cannot guarantee our safety, we are staying right here. The clinic that is caring for our babies can keep them longer. We know they are safe and are being well cared for."
"You're right, Tiger, it's not like we don't have enough to keep us busy. By the way, have you decided when you plan to take over Spencer Industries so we can start to merge the European Division?"
"I spoke to my legal eagles and my stock broker earlier. My broker said the Spencer stock has fallen as low as it's going to go and that he is starting to buy it at the distressed price. He feels right now that the stock is undervalued and is a good investment. The big plus with Spencer are their solid assets. It's not like the software business where you are selling programs. Spencer owns manufacturing facilities and has a huge inventory of raw materials. I have been monitoring their assets for some time and the audit I had conducted confirmed my facts and figures. Murdoch, this stock would be a good investment for your portfolio."
Murdoch said, "I'll take your word for it, Tiger, and have my broker buy ten million pounds worth."
Ryan said, "When the news breaks that my father's brother-in-law, Dale, was killed in that plane, the traders will be skittish about Spencer stock."
"I'll make sure to tell my broker to buy as the stock starts to rise," Murdoch said. "Are you feeling better now sweetheart?"
"Yes, my love, I always feel safe in your arms." Ryan kissed Murdoch, "What would you say if we knock off and make out until dinner. We have been seriously neglecting our quality time together."
Murdoch smiled, "Now that is a plan."
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After breakfast Ryan returned to his suite and made a call to his Executive VP, Ted Brown. "Hi, Ted, I need you and Bruce James at ART to go ahead with the purchase of Software Industries and Advanced Microcircuits. I've told Sandy Dunnlap we are purchasing the two firms for $175 million dollars. Sandy agrees to pay his half. Before you make the offer, make sure Earl Dunsmill, my VP of Finance, and my legal eagles, Gordon Miller and Stewart Kline are on board. I would like you all to meet before the offer is tendered and for Gordon and Stewart to draft the Bill of Sale and draw up the agreement between ART/Templeton, and Dunnlap Industries on our sales agreement. After that is put to bed, I want you all to meet with the executive teams from Dunnlap, ART/Templeton, and McDonald Industries, to create the new corporation that will be manufacturing the Dunnlap Agricultural systems. If you run into any problems, get to me right away. Murdoch, Sandy and I need this new company ready to go ASAP."
"I don't see any problems, boss. I have discussed this with Bruce and our gang and they are ready to move. Once we have a signed bill-of-sale from Software Industries and Microcircuits, it's only a matter of time before we roll them over into the new corporation. I think the legal eagles will take the time to form this new company properly. They have to verify all the patents to make sure we have no problems down the road. We are dealing with four separate corporations and it's going to take time just to draw up a contract for everyone to sign."
"You're right, Ted," Ryan said. "I don't want to have any problems down the road. But speed is of the essence. Sandy expects to announce the new product in less than two months and I don't want WorldCom to think they have us by the short hairs. That's another ball of wax that I don't even want to think about right now. I can tell you that Frank Irving, of Nippon Industries is anxious to start pulling this new corporation together. Nippon is by far the largest company of the new group, and he is interested to know how his company will fare. My thought is to form three divisions in this joint venture. Nippon will be the software component division, Murdoch's company can handle the equipment manufacturing at his two facilities in Scotland and Georgia, and Sandy Dunnlap can continue to manufacture the programmable controllers and computer systems. The two new companies can be placed under Dunnlap and Nippon. We need to determine the fair market value of each company's worth and issue stock in the new corporation accordingly. That is not a problem since the principles are only concerned about manufacturing a good product and making sure our employees are treated fairly. I know I can speak for Murdoch and Sandy on this."
Ted said, "Well, if the three of you are in agreement, then anything is possible. I might suggest that you three get together with your top executive in each of the three companies and come to a working agreement that everyone can agree on. In this way everyone knows where he stands, and if there are any ruffled feathers amongst your top executives, you three can decide on the spot how to handle any issues."
"I think that is a great idea," Ryan said, "and it will work. I'll talk to Murdoch and Sandy today. I think they will go along with this idea."
Ted said, "Okay, boss, let me get to work and I'll keep you posted on our progress."
"Thanks Ted, I know you will do your best, as always."
Ryan spent the rest of the morning in a video conference with his top executives at corporate headquarters in Atlanta.
That afternoon he and Murdoch had arranged a video conference with Sandy & Dan. Ryan briefed them on the conversation he had with Ted that morning. After a brief discussion, they all agreed to the plan and Sandy said he would schedule a video conference with the CEO of each of their corporations the next day. He would arrange a time convenient to all, since they were all in different time zones, and would let Murdoch and Ryan know the time.
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Ryan and Murdoch were relaxing Saturday night in their suite. Ryan said, "I thought the children's party went well. Everyone had a great time, and the children met some new friends to socialize with. I have the feeling that you can expect some sleepovers in the near future."
Murdoch smiled, "I thought Grace and the staff did a great job, and the children were delighted with the clowns and the different games the staff organized. I enjoyed seeing them have a good time for a change. Thank God this week is over; it's been quite a hectic week. Yet, I think we have accomplished a lot. You in particular; I'm glad you were able get the ball rolling on our new venture. Are you sure you want me in on this venture, Ryan?"
"Absolutely," Ryan said, "your firm is supplying the manufacturing facilities here in Great Britain and in Georgia. Not only that, but your company has the connections and the executives to deal with the EU and GB. Anyway, I want you personally involved in this new venture. I hate to say this, sweetheart, but I will have enough on my plate with Templeton and ART not to mention Spencer Industries and with the mess back home. Sandy and you will be in a better position to work out any problems that develop. I trust you to watch over my interests in the new venture."
Murdoch said, "I can see your point, baby. I don't want you to have a nervous breakdown. You have been under so much pressure for the last year. Remember what your mom said; you'll need to add a few new top level people to your inner circle to be your eyes and ears. I don't like the idea of you traveling around the country visiting all your operations. Hire a few good managers and let them do the travel."
"That makes a lot of sense, Murdoch. I'll call Ted tomorrow to see who is in the wings that can be promoted. If not, we'll need to go outside for the talent."
Murdoch said, "I don't know about you, but I think it's time we hit the sack and make some beautiful music together. Whacha say, lover?"
Ryan chuckled, and said, "I thought you'd never ask."
Murdoch pulled Ryan up, put his arm around his waist, and led him into the bedroom.
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Ryan was having breakfast alone Monday morning. Murdoch and Ian had left early to fly up to Murdoch's London office, where they were to meet with Frank Irving, president of Nippon Industries. Ryan was reading the Wall Street Journal, having his coffee, when Sean walked into the breakfast room. "Good morning, Uncle Ryan."
"Good morning, son. What are you doing up so early this morning?"
"I've always been an early riser," Sean said. "I guess being raised on a farm had a lot to do with it." Sean fixed himself a plate from the food that had been laid out on the buffet and sat down across from Ryan and started to eat. "Uncle Ryan, do you have some idea when we will be returning to Oakdale Farms?"
"I wish I knew, Sean. But, I won't know until our security people say it is safe to return. Why do you ask, Sean? I thought you liked living here in McDonald Hall?"
"Oh, I like it here," Sean said, "but it's so different from Templeton Manor. The weather is much nicer in Georgia and the people are so friendly at the Manor. McDonald Hall is old and dreary. Don't get me wrong, I like the people here and I was raised here and all, but I like your home much better. It's like a breath of fresh air. It's warm and friendly. I guess one of the other reasons is because this estate brings back so many sad memories. I still miss my father, he was a great dad and I loved him very much. I try not to think about it, but it's difficult at times. There are too many things that remind me of him and about our family. It was a lot easier for me living at your home. Everything is different and there is so much to keep me busy there. I really like the friends I made there and I will be glad when we can return again."
Ryan smiled and said, "I'm really glad that you like living with me in Georgia. I love that place very much. I was raised in that house and had some very happy times there. It's true the natives are very friendly in my home town. I think the nice weather has a lot to do with it. People are not stuck in the house like they are here. I must confess it's a lot warmer in Georgia and we don't have so many cold damp gray days. I hope we will not have to remain here much longer, I have some very competent people working on this case and I am confident they will find the people responsible for those murders."
"I sure hope so, Uncle Ryan, the sooner the better."
'I feel the same way, Sean. I'm glad we had this little talk; remember you can always come to me when you're feeling down and we'll talk about it."
"Thanks, Uncle Ryan; you were there for me when my dad died. From that time on I knew I could come to you if I have a problem."
Ryan smiled, "I'm pleased that you like the old plantation. It's been my home for many years and has been in my family for hundreds of years. I love that old place and it is your home now. I know this old place will be yours one day, but I could never have a warm and cozy feeling about this place. It's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't like to live here for very long."
Sean smiled and said, "I feel the same way. This was never a friendly place when I was growing up. I was never allowed to use the front door. I always had to use the servant's entrance. It was only after Uncle Murdoch came that I was allowed in the front door."
Ryan said, "I'm glad those things have changed for the better for you and your brothers and sister. I'll bet you never dreamed that one day you would be living in the manor house and be looked upon as the 'young Laird of the Manor' with servants opening the door for you."
Sean smiled, "No sir, I never even gave that a thought, but it is a great feeling knowing that we belong in this mansion now."
"Well, my young friend, I need to get to work, I'll see you at lunch." Ryan left and headed to his office suite to begin his day.
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"Good morning, Ted, I hope I didn't wake you up. I didn't think you would be up this early. I called to leave you a message in your mail box."
"Hi, Ryan, I'm usually up this early every morning. I like to compose my thoughts and get ready for another day. I try to be one step ahead of my bright eyed executives. What's on your mind this morning?"
"I think we need to promote a few more line executives to handle the two new ventures that are being created. We both have enough on our plate with our present operations, and I feel that our time should be spent monitoring the budgets and the progress of the group leaders. Let them handle the day-to-day operations. We cannot allow ourselves to loose control of the bottom line in all these new ventures. I want to see a reasonable return on our investment."
Ted said, "I think that is a wise decision, Ryan. I'll meet with our managers to have them come up with a list of suitable executives who are ready for promotion. You realize we will need to add some more people to our executive training pool."
Ryan said, "I have no problem with that. We cannot afford not to have a pool of promising young executives trained and ready to move up. Keep in mind that as soon as I take over control of Spencer Industries, there will be a lot of changes made. I think you should get with the HR VP to have him pull a team together to evaluate the key managers at Spencer. My father has been out of the operations for several months now, and God knows what has been happening during his absence. My father was a hands-on manager and I don't know who he has appointed to run the show in his absence. You know he would not hand it over to a take charge manager. I suspect that the guy he picked is a caretaker type."
Ted said, "Ryan, when you take control of Spencer, are you going to merge it into ART or the Templeton divisions?"
"I haven't made that decision yet, Ted. It will depend on what makes good business sense. From what I have been able to gather from our audit so far is that the core manufacturing operation will remain intact. However, the smaller groups will be folded into Templeton and ART. I need to be careful because it is a public company. My thinking is to go private with Spencer. My legal eagles are figuring out all the angles. Templeton will remain a privately held corporation and I plan to keep it that way. I don't like the stockholders and the Government telling us how to run our business. As long as we keep our customers and our employees happy, I don't give a damn about anyone else. I think our employees are going to be very happy with the bonus package this year. If things keep rolling along as they are, we are going to make an outstanding profit this fiscal year. You'll be able to buy the wife and kiddies another pair of shoes."
Ted chuckled, "That's all my wife needs is another pair of shoes. I'll need to add another room on just to house her shoe collection."
Ryan laughed, "We all have our crosses to bear. After this joint venture is completed with Dunnlap and MacDonald, I want to talk to you about the changes I plan on making in ART, Templeton and Spencer. Because of the demands on my time and the new acquisitions, I am planning to form a new corporation that will oversee all of my companies. I want you to start thinking about forming a strategic planning group that will include all the operating managers of all my divisions. This group will also include our financial and legal firms. I'm thinking of inviting the Presidents of MacDonald Stevens, Dunnlap, McDonald, and Campbell Industries to sit on my Board of Directors. The companies I have listed are privately held and I feel we all have the same problems in dealing with the government and other publicly held companies. It's true that some of them compete with us in the agriculture industry, but I don't feel that is a negative issue. It may prove to be helpful in the long run.
"I feel that we can help one another. All of these people are leaders in their industry and have a wealth of experience. They can be important in the future planning of new industries. I think we should make a serious effort to develop alternate energy sources. The energy crisis in this country is serious and is not being addressed. I don't think that the present leaders in DC are seriously attacking this problem. Ethanol is not the answer. I think we should be using the resources that are out there, like wind, solar and water power. I feel that if we find ways of harnessing those power sources, we will create new companies to develop them, thus helping ourselves and our country."
Ted said, "I think you have the right idea, Ryan. It's a great concept and makes a lot of sense. It's going to take a lot of planning, but I think it is the only way to go for our companies. I like the idea of sharing ideas with other business leaders, it can only help our business. One thing for sure, there is no question in my mind that you are a Templeton."
"Thank you Ted, that is the nicest complement you could pay me. I know my mother would be proud of me if she were alive today. I wish I could say I thought of this all on my own, but this concept came to me after reading the Templeton family history. My ancestors were very savvy people and I adapted this from some of their tried and true examples."
Ted chuckled, "Don't put yourself down, Ryan. If you didn't have the brains to take that concept and adapt it today's needs, we would not be discussing this concept."
Ryan said, "We Templeton’s thank you, Ted, and I thank you for your vote of confidence."
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Ryan's cell phone rang. The caller was Stewart Klein, Ryan's attorney in Atlanta. Ryan answered the call. "What's up, Stewart?"
Stewart said, "I checked with your secretary and she gave me the go ahead to call you. You don't know how relieved I was to learn that you were not on that flight. The reason for my call is because I received a call from your father's lawyer. He wanted to know if you were on that flight. I told him the truth that I didn't know. The lawyer said your father was worried that you were on the flight also. The authorities are not releasing any information as to the passengers on that plane. He asked me to let him know of any news at all."
Ryan said, "Well that's interesting. I didn't think my father cared about what happened to me. Maybe there is a spark of decency left in him after all."
Stewart said, "It's hard to know what to think, maybe he is concerned about you, after all, you are his son, or maybe he is covering his tracks. The FAA did announce that the body of your pilot and Dale were identified. But the identities of the other bodies have not been released."
Ryan said, "Do you have any idea when the cases are going to trial?"
"It looks like we're another two months away from trial. You know how these cases can drag on. I think their stalling is going to hurt them if this aircraft crash leads back to them. God knows how long the government will take to file their report. Bear in mind that the kidnapping trial will go forward. If additional evidence is found that would lead to the Rollins, then there would be new charges filed against them."
Ryan said, "If my safety and the lives of my family cannot be guaranteed, the trial will be postponed again. I don't plan to return to Georgia until my security team gives me the all clear."
Stewart said, "I would feel the same way if I were in your shoes. Have you heard any more from your security people?"
"Everything is still up in the air. Yet, I feel that with all the people working on this case something should break soon."
"I'm sure you're right, Ryan. Thank God that their plans have been foiled a second time and that you and your family are okay. I'm sorry that Dale and your pilot had to die, it is such a waste. If it were the Rollinses behind this, I hope they are made to pay for the lives they wasted."
Ryan said, "Who else would have a motive to see me dead, Stewart? Well, thanks for calling, and keep me posted on any new information."
"I will, Ryan, thanks for your time."
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"Hello, Ryan, this is Charles Lattimore. I called to let you know that we have made some progress on our investigation. We were able to identify the man that was asking questions about your plane at the Charley Brown Airport last month. His name is Sam Chase. Sam is a freelance detective who will take on gray area cases that other agencies won't touch. We know that he worked for the Seymour Helms Agency before. We checked with Federal Aviation Corp., the firm that was responsible for the repair work on your aircraft. The manager and one of the employees identified Sam Chase as an FBI agent checking on possible terrorists in our facility. Of course the Feds never heard of him. For a supposedly smart detective, he was not so smart. This company photographs every individual who enters the office. Not only that, they also have hidden cameras in the hangers. They have a very secure facility to protect their employees and their company. Since they are an FAA certified facility, they make sure that only authorized personnel work on any aircraft that they certify. The FAA has given them high marks for the inspections and certification work.
"I asked Michael Lee to handle this side of the investigation because his people have experts in this type of investigation. I must confess his men are first class. They spent several hours going through the DVD's and were able to find the man who installed the bomb and another technician who they feel worked on the compartment that concealed the explosive device. Sam Chase and one of his experts were the ones who let the explosive expert and the aircraft technician into the facilities. Mike feels that someone on the inside was paid off to find out about the alarm system. Yet, whoever this inside guy was, he did not know about hidden surveillance recording equipment. Mike is working with the Federal Aviation Association folks to find the person who gave Sam Chase the information on the alarm system. They think it was a recent hire."
Ryan asked, "Can they identify any of the people in Sam's little group?"
Charles said, "Naturally we have Sam Chase and his technician on video. Mike Lee is running the explosives expert and the aircraft technician through their sources in DC. Mike did say that his people have ruled out any of the experts on file in this country. They are looking for someone from overseas, quite possibly from an Arab state. The fraternity is not as large as you think. Most of the experts have a signature to their work and they in turn train terrorists to make and detonate these devices. But the expert passes along his signature, so we can pretty much narrow down where he is from. My guess is our expert is known and does not care who or what his target is. As soon as Mike can nail down the loose ends, we will make our move. Sam Chase is not going to blink, but we are sure one of the technicians, or the inside guy, will break once we show them the case against them. I'm sure they will make a deal once they realize they are accessories to five counts of first degree murder."
"This is wonderful news, Charles, my thanks to you, Mike and your team. Are the Fed's cooperating with you on this?"
Charles said, "They are cooperating with us fully, and so are the Federal Prosecutor and the local authorities. This is going to be a high profile case and they don't want any flak from ACLU or any other groups. Although, the local ACLU guy said off the record, that they don't want to see any invasion of privacy on any of the people involved. They are keeping an open mind on this one. The Feds are restricted from recovering information unless they go through a judge, however, we are not under the same restrictions. We are going to track down these guys and take a look at their bank accounts."
"I can't tell you," Ryan said, "what a weight this has lifted off my shoulders. I had felt that the bad guys had the upper hand and that I was helpless to protect my family. Now I feel confident that you and your people will prevail, and I will be able to return to my home and feel safe."
Charles said, "I will let my people know how encouraged you are now. I knew it would only be a matter of time before we had the answers we needed, Ryan. The most important consideration for us was your safety. Once we knew that you and your family were in a safe location, it freed us to concentrate on the bad guys. I will keep you posted on any new developments."
"Thank you, Charles, please keep me informed."
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To be continued...
Posted: 04/27/12