The Lost Emperor
Copyright© 2025 by A Well Traveled Man
Chapter 19
Waking up early, I dressed in sweats and went to the gym. I worked out on the heavy bag and weights for an hour and then returned to my room feeling energized and pumped. After my shower, I dressed, went to the kitchen, and hugged and kissed Grandmother. We ate breakfast, and then Grandmother gave me a protein shake. It seemed I zoned out for a while, and I asked how long I would need to drink the shakes. She said for a while, but the zoning out would stop shortly.
I said goodbye, grabbed my laptop, and drove to Evans Investments. Tad met me in the hall and went to the conference room. Inside was the company chosen to do the computer upgrade. Mr. Saxson of A1 Computer Services gave Tad and me their proposal. I read it and then listened to Mr. Saxson review the proposal. When he was done, Tad asked what I thought. I laughed and said it was not well thought out and overpriced.
Mr. Saxson asked about my qualifications, and Tad said Mr.Reynolds knows more about computers than your whole company combined. Then Tad asked me to explain the problems with the proposal. I said first they propose to shut down your computer system for two days. How much money will Evans Investments lose during that time? Tad said hundreds of thousands to a half million.
Second, they propose removing your old computer and installing a new one. Only a fool would do that because new computers have problems like programming and compatibility issues. While they are working through the difficulties, your access is restricted, or you’re without. The proper way is to keep your old computer up and running while they install the new one. Then, switch and run the new computer through its paces on the weekend. Keep the old computer as a backup for 30 days, then remove it.
Last is the pricing of the equipment and labor. The equipment is 20 to 30% overpriced. Someone got stuck with overpriced inventory during the chip shortage, or a heavy thump is on the bid price. Then why is overtime listed as a cost to you? It’s up to A1 Computer Services to manage their workers’ productivity and hours worked. If they screw up, they pay, not you. I’ll bet this is someone’s bonus written into the proposal.
Mr. Saxson’s face was bright red, and Tad said if you want our business, redo the proposal, or we’ll find another company to do the work. Mr. Saxson left, mumbling about the kid finding all the fat he added to the proposal. Tad and I laughed at poor Mr. Saxson’s expression when he left. Tad said I saved him a lot of money today. The proposal was small compared to what the computer downtime would have cost him.
He said take off, and I’ll call you when the work is scheduled to begin. We said goodbye, and I drove home thinking about building a secure cellphone app to communicate with Paula. When I got home, no one was there, so I went to the study and researched free programs like Skype. I found one I could easily work with and started with the encryption. I didn’t want it for the video, but it added another option we could use. I finished it, but it needed some tweaking when Grandmother and Mom returned from their card game at the community center.
They asked if I had lunch yet, and I said no, so they fixed a snack for me. Grandmother said I should pack a suit for my trips to Arizona if I have to attend an event. I agreed it would be worthwhile and not a hassle. Then, they asked about my work today. I told them about the meeting with the computer company that lasted an hour. Then I came home and worked on the computer.
After lunch, I returned to the study and put the finishing touches on the program. I renamed it “My News” and added a password and my worm in case someone copied it. Then, I added an enhanced video button to encrypt the call or video. When I was done, I shot hoops outside until Mom told me to clean up for dinner. I went upstairs, showered, dressed, and returned to the kitchen.
While we ate, Grandmother asked when I was leaving for Arizona tomorrow. I told them I was planning to go after lunch. But the weather could change my plans, and I’ll know in the morning. Mom told me not to forget about looking up vehicle storage, and I assured them I would. They said we’re shopping for the cabin this weekend, so we’ll be ready for Monday.
After dinner, I went to my room, practiced telekinesis, sensed the area, and went to bed. I fell asleep immediately and felt a calming feeling radiating through my body. Changes were being made, and someone guided me through the process, and then I went into a deep, relaxing sleep. Then my dream started, and I was in a hospital room watching Oliver Thomas, his wife Lana, and daughter Carol talking to the doctor.
Well, Oliver wasn’t talking because his jaw was wired shut. The doctor told Lana that her husband’s jaw was broken severely and that we had to insert a rod and screws. His testicles were also damaged, and the swelling hasn’t gone down, so they need to be removed. The doctor gave Lana a consent form to sign, and she did it quickly. The doctor said we’ll schedule his surgery immediately and left.
Oliver was shaking his head, no, and Lana said you don’t worry, honey. It will be over before you know it, and you can still service your sluts with your tongue. Someone found your phone and called me. I picked it up for you, so don’t worry about losing your contacts or photos. Oliver groaned, Lana and Carol left laughing, and my dream ended.
Waking up early, I dressed in sweats and ran around our subdivision, sensing every house, and then returned home. After my shower, I dressed, went to the kitchen, and hugged and kissed Grandmother. We ate breakfast, and then Grandmother gave me my protein shake. There were no after-effects this time, and Grandmother said I was progressing on schedule.
After breakfast, I went to the study and Googled how to store vehicles for extended periods. I printed the list of things to do and then checked the weather. Thunderstorms were expected this afternoon in Phoenix, so I went upstairs and packed. I carried my bags to the Tahoe and returned to the kitchen. I told Grandmother and Mom about the weather problem, so I was leaving early. Grandmother gave me my protein shakes, and I took off.
I stopped by Paula’s townhouse, picked up the mail, and went to the airport. Traffic was heavy, and I saw a pet warehouse, so I stopped. They had everything for your pets, and I saw the bulk dog food and treat section. I bought Cassy ten pounds of milk bones, then continued to the airport. It took me an hour to file my flight plan, get fuel, and do the preflight inspection.
Then, I had to wait another twenty minutes for clearance to take off. Air traffic was heavy this morning, but I finally got airborne and was on my way to the ranch. The wind picked up twenty miles from Phoenix, and it was a bumpy ride for the rest of the flight to the ranch. I landed without any problems and then did my post-flight inspection. When I was done, I got my bags and doggie treats, closed the hanger, and went to the ranch house.
After unpacking, I went outside and looked for Hank and Cassy. They were in the mule driving towards the ranch house, and Cassy was barking. When the mule stopped, Cassy jumped out and greeted me with kisses, and Hank laughed. I gave Cassy some attention, and Hank said she heard the plane hopped in the mule and barked at him. We went into the ranch house, and I gave Cassy a milk bone. She danced around with it, then laid down and ate it.
I told Hank about seeing a pet warehouse, so I stopped and picked up ten pounds for Cassy. Hank thanked me because he forgot to get some when he picked up supplies. I told him about the storm front coming in, and he already knew and thanked me for coming early. Now, I could pick up Paula at the airport, and he could keep an eye on things at the ranch. Cassy was at my side sucking up the attention I gave her while we talked.
At 4 p.m., I drove the Esclade to the airport to pick up Paula, and the rain started. Traffic was a mess, but I made it on time and cruised the arrivals terminal until I saw her and honked the horn. I got out and loaded Paula’s bags in the back, and we took off for the ranch. The storm hit with full force, and lightning lit up the sky. Paula said it was a bumpy ride for the last thirty minutes of the flight, and I told her I checked the weather and flew in early.
Then Paula wanted an update on David Brown, and I told her I sent him an email from my Hotmail account with a worm attached. She busted up laughing when I told her the message and photo I attached. Then I told her David had incriminating information and pictures of many politicians, including Gale’s husband. So, I reformated his hard drive and called it a day. Paula laughed and said that’s how David garnered so much influence and power. I told her to tell no one because it would be really bad for both of us, and she agreed.
Cassy welcomed us, and then we sat down and ate dinner. Paula told us the staff she inherited from Senator Robertson was worthless, but they would have to do for now. She would replace them slowly so as not to cause panic. Then Hank caught her up on the activities at the ranch. I gave Paula her mail from the townhouse, and she said shit looking at the stack. Paul told me to throw away all the junk mail and bring only the bills and letters to her next time.
After dinner, I went to bed tired from the long day. I fell asleep immediately and felt a calming feeling radiating through my body. Changes were being made, and someone guided me through the process, and then I went into a deep, relaxing sleep. I woke up in the middle of the night with someone sucking my cock. When I looked down, it was Paula, and then I came and fell back to sleep.
Waking up early, I dressed in sweats and ran in the darkness, using my senses. I was joined by Cassy, which surprised me, and we enjoyed our run. When we returned, I gave her some attention and a milk bone, showered, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Beth, the cook, arrived with the Phoenix Newspaper and Cassy. She sat by Beth while she cooked and got scraps. I read the newspaper and saw an article on David Brown. It said political power broker David Brown suffered a stroke earlier this week when his computer crashed. The computer repair technician performed CPR and saved his life, but he’s in serious condition at Phoenix Memorial.
I showed the newspaper to Paula when she arrived. She laughed and said serves the bastard right. Then Paula asked me if I had brought a suit with me, and I told her I had. She said great, because we’re going to a party tonight. I asked if her friend Commando Gale was coming with us. Paula said no, but she would be at the party laughing. Hank arrived, and we ate breakfast.
After breakfast, I drank my protein shake and showed Paula my new app that we could communicate securely. She loved the app and then asked me about security at her office. I told Paula to get a nanny cam and then a bug detector to sweep her office once a week. Her eyes lit up, and she said I knew where to get them. We got into the Escalade, and Paula gave me directions.
It was a warehouse that said The Electronics Store on the front. Inside, there was everything you needed for business or home security. Paula selected a wall clock with a camera inside and then went to the counter and asked for Albert. When he came out, he greeted Paula and then took us to the back. She told Albert what she needed, and he had three different models. Paula chose the audio/video model, and we paid Albert and left.
We stopped at Chilli’s for lunch, and Paula gave me a credit card with my name on it. She asked me to build two desktop computers for her. Paula wanted one for her DC office and one for the ranch. Then, she asked me to design a more secure login to prevent someone from accessing her computer while she was gone. And if I could beef up her anti-virus program, it would be great. I asked if that was all she wanted, and we laughed.
Paula said working with George Robertson’s staff is challenging and as helpful as tits on a boar hog. It’s like they’re rooting for me to fail and will help me along at every opportunity. I told her to make an example from one of the staff and fire them in full view of the others. Then, ask if anyone wants to join them and maybe throw something to emphasize your point, then retreat to your office and slam the door. They worked for George Robertson, so act like him and see how it goes.
I would hug and kiss you, but it would be in the papers and on the internet tomorrow, and we laughed. After lunch, we drove back to the ranch and were welcomed by Cassy. She realized that enthusiastic greetings earned her milk bones, much to Hank’s amusement. We brought in her purchases, then sat down and discussed the party tonight.
It would be like the barbeque but with fewer politicians and more influential people discussing issues they want to be addressed. Anything from promoting a house or senate candidate to getting a bill passed they favor. Paula told me this would be her first public appearance as a US Senator, and her job tonight is lobbying them for their support. She must attend an event whenever she comes home until the election.
We parted to get ready, and while I showered, a voice inside my head told me to use my skills tonight to garner support and influence. When I got out, my tattoos were visible to me as I dried off. After dressing, I went to the kitchen and met Paula. She tied my tie, and then we took off for the party. When we arrived, the ass-kissing began, and everyone wanted to meet her.
I kept it orderly, and when Gale came by, I stopped her and whispered panty check. She laughed and said her sister Megan was on ass all weekend because of me. I asked if there were any pictures, and Gale punched me in the shoulder, laughing. Gale was one of several women working the party for Paula. We moved around greeting the guests, so no line was forming.
Once we made the rounds, Paula took time with the key people attending and had more in-depth conversations. One was Catherine Whittingham, and she asked Paula if I was her bodyguard. Paula laughed, said Chase was my assistant, and introduced me to Catherine. I kissed her hand and said it’s a pleasure meeting you, ma’am. I felt her shudder when I kissed her hand, and everyone laughed. Paula told Catherine I was a computer expert and assisted her in California and Arizona. I read Catherine’s mind; she wanted to get to know me better.
Then we moved on, and Catherine slipped me her business card and asked me to call her. The next person was Joe Caldwell, and he asked Paula how she stood on gun control. I chucked and said tell us your concerns and don’t hold back, and everybody laughed. Paula said she supported gun rights, but common sense gun legislation was needed.