Chapter 51

“Yes, it’s time to create some corporate structure, including impressive offices for the executives.”

“Dan, I thought the intention was for me to remain hidden.”

“You will, but, at least for a while, it’ll be ‘hiding in plain sight.’ As soon as we can find a better spokesman then you can move more into the shadows.”

“Why not have you in this position?”

“Because, Hawk, ‘your’ people, as well as the world, need to see a Native American as the head of the company, or at least as the CFO of the holding company. Until we can find someone else for that role you’re it.”

“Dan, do you realize how much I hate you when you’re right like this. I wanted to ride horses and play on the computer.”

“That day will come. In the meantime, the ‘Hawk’ has got to soar high above the land and see things from that mountaintop perspective.”

“If that’s true, then why are Maria and Brenda working in San Diego? We could’ve just rented office space in Phoenix and hired a few secretaries.”

“Because you need a competent and loyal staff, and thanks to the brilliant move by Jason, these people fit both criteria. Now, just suck it up and take it, OK.”

“OK, but no suits and ties.”

“Listen, little baby, grow up. The Apache people need you, and sometimes that might even require a suit. Hell, who knows, you might even have to wear a Tux, occasionally.”

Hawk laughed at his and Dan’s antics, and responded, “Oh no, not that! Anything but that!” This conversation wasn’t something new. They’d been doing variations of this routine for years. It wasn’t all a sham, but they both knew what’s required of a successful business executive. For many years, this ‘running battle’ had been their way of dealing with the unpleasant reality.

“Listen, Hawk, I’ve got to go talk to some people. You need to head back to San Diego and look for the key people you need in the different fields. Also remember these key people aren’t necessarily the ones you want to place at the head of a division or a company. Those people will come in time, but at this moment you urgently need to gather a staff around you who can do research, listen to your ideas, and make things happen. They don’t have to be experts in any area, but you’ve got to have a rapport with them that will let them function as your hands and eyes.”

“Are you saying to only look for people in that capacity?”

“Oh God, no! If you find an expert in an area, we’ll probably want him in some capacity. If you find executives, middle managers or even office boys that seem to fit, go with it. I’m just saying your staff is more important than you realize.”

“Why? I’ve never had one before.”

“You’ve never headed a conglomerate before, either. Hawk, you’re a ‘hands-on’ person; you’d rather do something yourself than to delegate it to others. Now you’re going to have change, or this entire effort will be for naught. Capiche?”

“Yeah, I understand. I don’t like it, but I do understand. It’s just hard to trust people.”

“Hawk, do you remember recommending that EMT to manage the apartments we bought in Phoenix?”

“Alicia?”

“Yep. Now, since we hired her, have you thought any more about those apartments?”

“Not really. I guess other things have crowded it out in my list of priorities.”

“So, you gave her a job and trusted her to do it?”

“Has that been a problem?”

“No, but you trusted her and let her go. We do have people monitoring the situation, but she’s done fabulously. The complex is full and there’s a waiting list. What’s more, her profits have been so good, we’re now giving her a percentage of them as a bonus.”

“So, I delegated this job to her and then let her do her own thing?”

“Exactly! You didn’t try to give her a lot of ‘do’s and don’ts, ‘ nor have you tried to micromanage the operation. You had a rapport with her, or you wouldn’t have had me hire her. That, in a nutshell, is what I’m talking about.”

“OK, Big Brother, I’ll try it. Who knows, maybe I’ll learn how to let go someday.”

“You already have. Why did you leave Maria and Brenda in San Diego to do the initial screening of the applicants?”

“Because I trusted them to do the job.”

“Bingo!”

Hawk laughed as he asked, “I’m not going have to marry more people to get this accomplished, am I?”

“No, but that rapport will be similar to the link you have with your girls. Now, I really do have to go, so I’ll see you in Phoenix.”

Hawk terminated the call and thought about what Dan had said. It was hard, but he knew his friend was right; it was on his shoulders, and he couldn’t do it all. Suddenly, Hawk was jerked from his thoughts by the realization the car was no longer moving, and they were parked next to the airplane. “I’m sorry, Bill. I got so caught up in the call and my thoughts, I didn’t even realize where we were.”

“That’s OK, Hawk. Just overhearing parts of your side of the call made it rather obvious it was a thought provoking conversation. Now, I gather we’re to head back to San Diego?”

“Yes, but I first want to find out what’s this delicious odor that’s been filling my senses for the past few minutes.”

“I’ve been smelling it, too, and it’s making me hungry. I figured you must have bought us something at the sandwich shop.”

Opening the top box, Hawk saw one of the four meals Sam had added to the boxes that contained Justin’s notes. “I guess I did, but you better find us someplace with tables we can use, as these can’t be eaten on the plane. A ‘Ted’s Special’ is a rare treat, but it’s probably the messiest sandwich you will ever eat.”

“Let me check with someone inside,” responded Bill. “If they don’t have a place we can use, I’m sure they’ll know of one.”

“Good idea. In the meantime, I’ll call Maria and let her and Brenda know we’ll be heading back shortly. In addition, based upon my conversation with Dan, I also need to give them additional instructions regarding the candidates.”

After breakfast Jason used the Navy’s integrated data systems to pull up satellite views of the area around Vasquez’s house as well as the suspected location of the ‘farm.’ He was comparing this information with a topical map Frank Burke had displayed on the largest screen in the command center. All that was missing for the planning of their initial incursion was the information from Allen Kirkpatrick at GeoModel, and he’d expected their initial report more than an hour ago.

He was sure hoping they’d come up with something, because that house was a fortress. It sat on a cliff with a good hundred-foot drop to the canyon below, and the only access, other than by air, was a long winding road. What was worse, the cliff was a protruding one, making it almost impossible to climb, with or without ropes. It was obvious Vasquez, or someone in his organization, had done a lot of studying of the terrain prior to building the house.

“Carlos, éste es Melina” (Carlos, this is Melina)

“Sí Melina. ¿Qué usted ha descubierto?” (Yes Melina. What have you discovered?)

“Diga Rodolpho, él está según lo descrito.” (Tell Rodolpho, it’s as described.)

“Grazias. Le diré lo que usted y Tepin han hecho. (Thanks. I will tell him what you and Tepin have done.)

Maria’s cell phone started ringing, and the display showed it was Hawk. “Greetings, my husband, have you left yet?”

“We’re going to eat first, but we should be in the air within the hour. How are things going there?”

“I’m very pleased. We did have one couple who didn’t belong, but otherwise I think there are a lot of good people in this group.”

“That sounds great, but what did you mean about the couple not belonging?”

“That was my way of saying they were plants, probably from our curious drug lord. They showed up last night. While they were here they moved around among the different groups asking questions, as well as filling out an application. Before security could check them out they spoke to someone about running an errand and never returned.”

“Is Mark concerned?”

“Actually, I think he’s a little more at ease. As he said, they’ll run tell Vasquez there’s nobody here but us ‘chickens.’ With Vasquez seeing us as harmless and doing nothing to affect him I think we can all breathe easier.”

“Little One, just don’t breathe too easily. The man is still very dangerous, and if he gets any hint of Jason’s identity, then you’re totally exposed.”

A more somber Maria responded, “Thanks, Hawk, I needed to be reminded of that perspective.”

“Babe, I love you and Brenda and want you protected. Now, I’ve got to run, but I should be there in around three to four hours.”

“We love you, too.”

“Eduardo?”

“Yes, Rodolpho.”

“We’ve checked out the group at Tony D’s. It’s exactly what you said it was supposed to be.”

“Then there’s nothing for us to worry about?”

“Only if you were looking to start some sort of high tech company.”

“Good, then I’ll focus on more productive things.”

Jason was still pondering the maps and pictures when Admiral Burke happily handed him the transcript of the latest telephone intercept. “Well,” responded Jason, “that’s one load off my mind.”

Just reentering the room, Andy asked, “What happened?”

“The latest intercept on Vasquez says he’s decided Maria and company are nothing for them to be concerned about.”

“Wonderful. Have you told Maria yet?”

“No. At this point I want them to remain vigilant. Also, I want them all out of there before we try to rescue Kimberly.”

Hardly able to hide her concern, Andy asked, “And, when will that be?”

“Well, today is Tuesday. Tomorrow night is possible, but Thursday night is most likely. I haven’t looked at the weather forecast, yet, or the moon’s phase, but that could be a factor.” Jason was concentrating so hard on Andy and her fears he almost jumped when his cell phone began to ring. Looking at the display he saw it was Allen Kirkpatrick. “Yes, Allen?” he answered.

“Sorry for the delay but there was a shadow on the GPR we couldn’t identify.”

“A shadow?”

“Jason, from what we can determine we’re guessing there’s an old mine almost at the base of the cliff. If it’s a cave or an old mine the entrance appears to be either hidden or camouflaged, as it’s obscured with bushes and shrubs.”

“That sounds interesting. Anything else?”

“We’re pretty sure you had the location of the farm down pat, as there seems to be numerous people-sized cages in and outside of one of the barns. Thermal imaging shows that some of those in the barn are occupied.

“Thanks, Allen. Anything else?”

There are ten eighteen-wheelers parked in close proximity to that same barn. It appears they’re waiting for some sort of shipment to either arrive or depart.”

“Excellent job.”

“No problem. The imagery can be downloaded from the website, and more should be up by two o’clock this afternoon.”

Jason downloaded the pictures Allen mentioned and began to study them, in addition to the maps and satellite pictures he already had. As he worked Frank Burke and Andy sat close by and watched in silence.

After meeting with West Coast Wire’s key employees and the phone conversation with Hawk, Dan had spent the rest of the morning in telephone meetings with the company’s most important customers, the judge and even a couple of machine salesmen. By lunchtime he was beat. He was also alone, as Julian was having lunch with the judge and several of the major creditors.

Regrettably, Dan’s day was long from being over, and his next task was a meeting with all the employees. To set a positive tone Dan had Angelita hire caterers to prepare a good lunch to accompany the meeting. Uncertain as to how the employees would respond to either him or his message he was very surprised to receive a standing ovation as he entered the room. “Dan,” explained Angelita, “we don’t know how, but the word has leaked out. There were a few misconceptions, you know how rumors can be, but we quickly set the record straight. I think I can safely say that everyone here is excited about our future and grateful to you for getting our pension money back.”

In response Dan said to the group, “Thank you. Now I want everyone here to enjoy lunch. When we finish I’ll say a few words and open the floor for questions.”

Someone in the back yelled, “Good, lunch first! It’s nice to work for a man who has his priorities straight.” Dan laughed along with all of the rest of the employees, and everyone in the room noted the easy laughter. The morale in the plant was climbing higher than it had been in almost ten years.

Finally, Jason looked up from the pictures and maps, and said, “Frank, I’ve got a framework of a plan, but I need more intelligence. Can you help get us some lunch while I send some messages and spend a few minutes with White Dove?”

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The Hawk and the Chipmunk

Mike Lowe aka The Scot

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