Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 This is fiction and just for entertainment.  If sex between a man and girl
offends you don't go further.

   Life's Changes

   Chapter 11

   The weeks had moved along quickly for Jack.  At the plant things were
doing far better and the workforce had been cut by 23%.  People were very
much into the company and lots of good ideas had come to be installed.  The
plant now had a workforce of 147 people working two shifts.  Production was
at 78,000 units a year.  The bonus fund was at half a million now.  People
were excited and it showed.

   His house was complete today and he an Annie was moving in.  They had
spent a lot of money on nice furniture and big screen TV's for the game
room and their bedroom.  Jack's office had one as well.

   Jason had made Jack a desk and print table for his office.  They were
way beyond anything that could be bought.  His computer was built into the
desk and only he could see it when working.

   The contract for White had gone well so far.  His new employees had
proven that he could pick good people.  John who Mr.  Moto had named after
John was a Godsend.  The young man was bright and saw things Jack's way. 
Here the two worked as a team and made things happen.

   Jack's idea about the connection between the power generators and the
companies had proven to be a moneymaker.  The security system built in was
also proving itself to be a winner.  It created an income stream for the
power companies and they loved it.

   These inventions had increased Jack net worth to well over sixty million
dollars as he had royalties coming for years in the future.  His personal
bank account was just over six million right now.  He had made up his mind
that come Christmas, he would leave the job at the plant for good.  But he
wanted to see the first checks given to the people.  The fund was now
called Jack's fund.

   The move into the house was not all that hard as there was much help. 
The entire family had come as had James and Jason to help.  A big dinner
had been planned, as had a swimming party.  So after the move Mona had set
up a big buffet for people to help themselves.  The food was good and there
was lots of it.  She had not known the number of people who would be
helping.  So cook a lot was her main directive.

   The two girls were enjoying this group and stayed close to Annie.  But
the youngest had become attached to Jack.  She loved to sit on his lap and
listen to him talk.  He had made sure she knew she was welcome always.

   After dinner everyone headed to the pool.  Jack had set up a soft drink
dispenser in the pool area and people went to it and got cups of soft
drinks.

   "People welcome to our new home.  The pool is always open to you so use
it freely.  Here is where I will each day get my dose of exercise.  I know
the compound does not have swimming in the cold days.  So here is a place
for you to come.  But don't expect Mona to wait on you.  If you want
something go get it and clean up after yourselves."

   The family got the message that Mona was not a servant and she was to be
treated right.  That brought a smile to John and Kimmi.  "He does know how
to treat people Kimmi and he gets the most out of them."

   "Yes the plant has proven that.  His changes have made us money I never
expected.  The income from it and the license agreements are making
millions a month.  His additions to the units have made us more money as
well.  So for Christmas at the meeting of employees I will give him another
5% of the stock."

   "That would be wise dear, as your going to need Jack with other ventures
and he needs to profit as well.  You have not had a person leave the
company on their own, since he put the fund into place.  Now you have
long-term employees there."

   "I know come Christmas he is going to leave the plant.  But his job here
is the one he loves most.  He has given us a new water supply and lets the
logging operators use the land here for wood.  I am making money off our
old water supply that was never expected.  So I owe him more than I could
repay."

   "He has a vault in the basement that is four times the size of mine. 
That had well over three million in gold and silver coins at one ounce.  He
also stores his drawings of future inventions in that.  Jack will never be
poor dear and he will be someone you can trust or go to for help.  So be
sure you build a good relationship with him."

   "I like Timmy, but I trust Jack.  That is a long way from where I
started.  But I see a lot of you in him."

   "He is a damn sight smarter than I ever was.  But we do share many ways
of doing things.  He treats people the way I do.  You did know he bought
that extra land for half of what I offered.  Then he has his people stop by
every day to check on the old man and his wife.  Annie and doc are also
watching out of any medical problems.  That he set up after the man agreed
to sell him the land."

   "Taking care of people is his way of repayment it seems."

   "Two of James friends have gone to work for Jack here.  They are both
really good.  He pays his people $30,000 a year and 10% of every bonus the
company gets.  You could not pay any man enough to leave here.  He
purchased a ten-acre track and is allowing each man to build a home on it
to be close to work.  Only four lots are now being developed, as John will
not be going home for a time.  But the other lot is a playground and
baseball field."

   "The boy has become a good man John.  I am impressed with him and how he
does things."

   "Sit down with him and go over your investments and listen to his
advice. If you act on that advice then it will make you money.  But fail to
follow his advice and you will loose.  For some reason he sees things at a
very deep level.  So he had told me to sell off things that later went
bust. He has a contract with the corporation to improve the car and pick-up
designs.  They want higher sales from that.  They are paying a million in
base costs and offering a five million bonus.  No changes will be made to
the power plant, just to the design and looks."

   "This is getting way beyond me John."

   "Not really dear he has a woman asking questions of new car buyers. 
What made them buy the car they did and what would they have liked they
could not get?  That data will be put into a machine and sorted.  Then he
will look at what people like and what they want.  His comment to me was
all that counts is what people like and what they want.  That I can design
to give them.  There was just no ego in what he said."

   Jack had been waiting to get James and Mary together.  He introduced the
two and walked away.  Mary had been the other oldest girl in the family
with Annie.  She ran the market and finished school when Annie did.  Now
she was taking courses in business management.

   "How in the hell did John get so many smart children in this family
Mary?"

   "We were not nearly this smart before he took us in.  John has a way of
opening up a child's mind.  He never pushed us or gave us a hard time.  But
he showed us how important learning was.  He had a rule that we had to read
for an hour each day.  It did not matter what we read.  But we had to read
every day.  I have read better than a thousand books.  From each one I
learned something and grew up more.  But John also reads his hour each
day."

   "You're an amazing family and I am impressed.  But as beautiful as you
are there must be hundreds of boys chasing you." James laughed as he said
this.

   "Most want nothing to do with me James.  First of all young boys don't
interest me at all.  I am an adult and want to be treated that way.  That
means good conversations, sex and someone to be with I respect.  College
boys like the sex, but fail to fit into the other areas.  Then I love to
swim, hike and spend time out in nature.  That is not something most boys
like."

   Damn this young lady was his dream girl.  "So far we sound like twins
Mary.  Meeting Jack and being adopted by him was the best thing that every
happened to me.  That was before he introduced me to you." James turned red
after saying this.

   "Thank you kind sir.  That was the nicest thing ever said to me by any
male.  I assume you like to hike?"

   "Very much so and Jack offered to show me the mountain some day."

   "Well how about us going up on Sunday as the market is closed.  I am
having to train new people right now so the days are busy."

   "Don't you think John might not like us going on a date?"

   She led him over to John and Kimmi.  "Hey dad this beautiful guy is
worried you might not like me going up on the mountain with him.  It is a
date of sorts and that worried him you might get mad."

   John had waited for this for some time now.  "James, Mary is free to
build her own life.  I like you as well as Jack does so feel free to enjoy
time with Mary.  But be warned she has repressed her sex drive and may rape
you." John and Kimmi were now laughing, as Mary turned red.

   "My major concern is the sheriff John.  He is big on guys dating
underage girls.  I had a couple of friends sent to jail because they dated
younger girls."

   "If that bag of bones gives you any trouble call me or Jack.  That old
fart has made more passes at Mary in the market than I can count.  This is
my county and he will be looking for a new job if he screws with you."

   That hit James in the face, as it was John's county.  The sheriff was no
longer elected he was appointed by the county commissioners.  John decided
who would take those jobs.  There was no way to get elected if he did not
endorse you.

   "Yes sir I will and keep my mouth closed as well."

   Mary now knew she had her opening into James.  "Now my man you have both
John and Kimmi's approval to date me.  Jack told me he would introduce me
to you and I would like you.  So we have his blessing.  Do we need any
others?"

   "No Mary we don't.  But understand I did not date much in college and
for sure after, as it was too expensive for a poor boy.  Now because of
Jack I make very good money and actually have money in the bank.  Not a
lot, but more than ever before.  I have a new pick-up and can get around.
So life since I met your brother has been good to me."

   "Jack is special to all the family.  That was not always true, but it is
today.  He is respected almost as much as John is.  There is nothing we
could ask he would not do or give us.  I assure you Annie would not be with
him if he were not a special man.  She and I are very close and sisters as
well."

   "I seem to just sink below the surface in your eyes Mary.  Never can I
remember any woman or girl having the effect on me you do."

   "Well I feel the same way and like how it feels.  Jack told me about you
a couple of months ago.  He said I would fall for you fast.  But he wanted
time to see that you were who you said you were.  You seem to have passed
his test, as he would never have introduced us if not.  Mary would have
killed him for putting me with a bum.  Now lets go walking outside and just
hold hands and enjoy each other's company."

   They walked a long ways and got to the lake.  Sitting beside the water a
security man stopped by.  "Just checking Mary.  We saw you were here with
someone we did not know."

   "This is James and he works for Jack.  He is the production manager at
the plant.  Because he will be all over the family property be sure to code
him into the system."

   "Yes we will do so.  I am sorry to have bothered you, but we had to
check."

   "What was that Mary?"

   "The grounds are all loaded with sensors and cameras to protect us.  You
were not known so they came looking to see things were all right.  But from
now on they will see your signature and just note who it is.  That way we
can be on the mountain and not have them coming.  James would you mind
kissing me?"

   He took this lovely girl in his arms and kissed her deeply.  He felt her
to the bottom of his feet.  Never had he dreamed it could feel this good to
kiss someone.

   "God Mary that just turned me upside down."

   "I felt it also and liked it a lot.  There is grass over there, please
make love to me."

   "That may not be wise as I have no condoms."

   "I have been on birth control for years now.  Doc gives me a shot every
six months."

   They walked over and lay down beside each other.  Then the kissing
started and his hands were touching her outside the clothing.  A fire
started in Mary she could never have believed.  So she helped get her
clothing off then his.

   James sucked on her nipples and worked his way down to her pussy.  There
he went to work on her and she was exploding constantly.  He came up
between her legs and slowly pushed his cock inside her.  She was very
tight, but did not have a hymen.  He allowed her time to adjust and then
slowly started sliding in and out of her pussy.

   "God James that feels so right.  I love feeling your cock inside of me.
But please go faster and harder."

   He was now pounding her and she exploded like she had never before.  As
her pussy clamped on his cock he exploded inside of her.  He rolled over on
his back with him still inside of her.

   "I have never felt like this before Mary.  This was beautiful and so
beyond description."

   "That I can attest to as well James.  But we need to get back or people
will come looking for us." She laughed with mirth she was feeling.

   They dressed and slowly walked back to the pool.  No one said anything
about missing them.  But when Jack walked James to his truck he saw a
smile. "Well welcome to the family my boy.  I see Mary has her hooks deep
in you and I approve.  She and Annie are so close they act much the same. I
saw how she was lighted up after you two got back and glowed.  That was one
very happy girl James.  But I saw one very happy boy as well."

   "Yes she is remarkable Jack.  Nothing false or put there for looks. 
Just a beautiful woman hiding in a girl's body.  She is smart and yet
someone I can talk with easy.  Her ways of seeing life fit mine well.  So I
will enjoy what time she gives me."

   "James I can tell you she made a life changing decision tonight.  Your
what she wants and needs, so she will be looking to get married.  That
means you have years of time she will give you."

   "God James I could never give her the life she now has."

   "She does not need your money James.  She will get a couple of million a
year of her own.  That will come from the family trust."

   "I don't want to live on her money Jack that is hers.  She can invest it
where she wants to.  But I have to be able to support her on my own."

   "That my boy is something you will have to learn to handle.  If you let
the fact she has money and wants to share it with you get in the middle, it
would destroy both of you.  That is like telling her that the money is
poison.  Love my friend is sharing at every level.  That comes from both
people in love.  If one fails to share then the whole thing falls apart.  I
get money from the trust, as does Annie.  Yet I invest it for both of us. I
bought the land and Annie built the house that is love and sharing.  She
did the layout of what she wanted and I saw it was built, as she wanted it.
We are two sides of the same coin."

   That James needed time to work with and make some life changing
decisions.  "OK I'll keep an open mind for now.  But I will need to
mentally work on me."

   "Just remember the day will come when you would let someone take out
your heart and put it in her to save her.  That is the kind of love she is
capable of and I think you are also.  Money in that situation means
nothing. Your other half means the world to you.  John has taught us about
unconditional love for years.  That is where you give everything and expect
noting in return.  But what is given to you should be accepted as a gift
and appreciated.  That kind of love can carry a couple anyplace they dream
of."

   That was a new concept as well.  "I have a few days before Sunday.  So I
will work on me and if needed come talk with you."

   "Thank you for being honest James.  Look Mary, Annie and I did nothing
to earn the trust money.  So it means little unless we can share it.  The
trust built my workshop and equipped it for me.  But as a business it is up
to me to make a profit.  I really don't have to work for the rest of my
life.  But that is not me.  Mary will need your support and love to make it
out here.  Please don't fail her James."

   That hit home like nothing said before.  "Jack I won't fail her that I
can promise you.  But you talk like she is breakable?"

   "She has never had a relationship with any boy before.  There is no
understanding of the dynamics of a normal relationship.  What happens to a
girl the first time a boy breaks up with her?  It is shattering, but they
are young and there are other boys.  For a woman to go through that can be
destructive.  She may never recover from that.  So yes Mary is breakable to
where she might not be fixed once more."

   "I feel like I just fell down the rabbit hole Jack."

   "In a way you did James.  You came from the world where life is hard and
into one where it is not.  Once you marry your part of the family for good.
Your children and grandchildren will get incomes from the trust.  Then your
great grandchildren will be able to borrow money to start their own
business from the trust.  No one in your family will ever be poor.  That is
the world you have fallen into."

   This was just way beyond his ability to conceive.  "I guess I have a lot
to work out Jack.  The problem is I know I have never met anyone like Mary.
It is for sure I will never meet another who fits me so well.  But the
world has conditioned me to a different view of life and family.  That I
have to work on."

   It was a confusing night for James and he was still struggling the next
day.  But he did have a few issues answered.  The money issue was still his
big problem.  But he still had time to work on that.

   The summer went smoothly and most issues had been worked out.  Mary went
to James's house every Saturday after work and spent the night with him. 
They went places on Sunday and did a lot of things.  They also grew closer
together and he knew he was lost.

   "James I want to get married my love."

   "I have been expecting you to say that.  I want you for a wife, so it is
no big shock.  But to be fair Jack told me the first night we met this was
coming.  It has allowed me time to deal with the issues that come from your
family relationship.  Like the money you will get."

   "Hey if the money bothers you I'll turn it down.  I want to be with you
and money be damned."

   "Mary that would not be fair to you or our children.  So I must be
honest and tell you that issue had me worried for some time.  But I am
willing to help you invest it and I have purchased some land near the
compound.  You can build a house any way that suits you on it.  But I will
buy our food and pay normal bills for us."

   "Can I buy you things with it?"

   "As long as they are reasonable I see no problem.  But I don't want to
be rubbing that money in peoples faces."

   This she considered for some time.  "You know everyone knows me and that
I am family.  So there are something's they expect of me.  Our home will
seem pretty normal, but we will have space below ground.  But I will be
giving back to our neighbors as well with Christmas parties and summer
picnics.  Many who come into the market I know well and their children.  So
people stopping in will be a normal thing.  That will come from trust money
my husband to be.  Now where is our land?"

   He pulled a map out and showed her the marked twenty acres he had picked
up.  The land was wooded and had a small stream running through it.  It was
next to the industrial park.

   "Good we can run power lines down for that need.  We will get free water
from our feeds.  There will be security from John's force.  This backs up
to Kimmi's land she logs.  It is just perfect for us to build a home on. 
If it is OK with you I'll ask Jack to take my layouts and do prints.  Then
I want us both to talk to contractors."

   "Fine with me dear.  Just understand I know little about construction."

   "Now take me to the compound and ask John and Kimmi for my hand."

   "Your not going to make this easy are you?"

   "Nope I am not.  But you know they both like you a lot."

   They headed to the compound and to the big house John had built.  Once
inside they were ganged up on by the other kids.  But Kimmi saved them. 
They followed her to John's office.

   "Kimmi and John I am here to ask for Mary's hand in marriage."

   Both smiled at James and were happy with this event.  "Well you have my
permission and John's as well." Kimmi was quick to reply.

   "I thank you both and am pleased you would accept me."

   Kimmi looked at James and made a decision.  "Well the new plant manager
for the company is a good marriage for our daughter.  You take that job the
first of the year and Tim will just handle the sales of new manufacturing
plants to power companies.  He has wanted out of the plant now for sometime
and we did not have the right person to replace him.  So you new salary is
$50,000 a year.  Your going to loose Jack as well.  So spend your time now
learning and finding the replacements you need.  Tim will show you the
salary structures you need to work within."

   That was another shock to James.  "Thank you for the confidence your
showing."

   "Not true James that was given when you stepped up and took control of
production.  Jack gave you some tools and you made them work.  He does
nothing with production now at all.  So every improvement has been your
work."

   Damn she did know what was going on at the plant.  "Having Jack to sit
down with has made that an easy thing."

   "He is just up the hill and you can still sit down.  He will own 10% of
the company come Christmas.  But please don't tell him."

   "That I would never do Kimmi.  But he does deserve it.  Had he not
jumped in when he did the entire business could have been lost.  The people
working there respect him more than you can know."

   She reached into a desk drawer and handed James an envelope that was
sealed with his name on it.  "This you were not going to get until
Christmas.  But now seems a better time James."

   Mary was urging him to open it as she had no idea what it was.  So he
slowly opened the envelope and pulled out a check.  It was for one million
dollars.  "What is this for?"

   "You had written the complete production control process at home on your
own time.  It was documented with pictures and ready for use.  Because of
what you had done on your own the plant save five million.  That is just a
part of the savings to say thank you from me."

   This blew him out of the water.  This was his even before his request to
marry Mary.  "Thank you very much.  I have never been given anything like
this before."

   "Now you know how the people will feel when they get their check in
December.  You and Jack have made me understand how important people are to
any company.  I have put in place at every company I own a share the wealth
program.  After that every company has improved their profits.  The cost to
do the program is less than the improved profits.  So I have gained every
place from this one demonstration.  My companies are the highest paying in
every case."

   John now stepped in.  "I also follow this lead and have improved my
profits as well.  Now James you will become the dealer for cars and trucks
here in this area." He pulled out another envelope and handed it to James.
Once opened it was the title to the car and truck dealership in town.  "You
have give us all wealth in the lesson you taught us.  That kind of money
should be shared with the teacher."

   "But Jack had the idea."

   "But you're the one who installed it and made it work.  I followed that
very closely and talked to people in the plant.  They all say your why it
works.  It has to be sold to the people and you did that."

   "But I know nothing about selling cars and trucks."

   "There are people at the dealership who do that for a living.  You know
how to manage people.  Just stop in a couple times a week and sign their
bids to state and government agencies.  You will find it does very well."

   "Do you have a profit plan there?"

   "Yes 50% of the profit above last years is paid out as bonus money. 
That goes for the repair shop as well.  But you will buy your truck bodies
from another one of my plants.  It builds any body that a state, federal
agency or business wants.  So the business does several hundred trucks a
year.  But your going to need a bigger body shop soon."

   James had gone from poor to very rich in a very short time.  But Mary
was beaming at him.  "Well here is where our new home is going to be guys."
She handed them the map and showed them the red markings.

   "I'll have security check it out and place the sensors and cameras.  We
can run power to you and water from the park.  The computers at the plant
are on my servers so you can connect into them.  We will run a satellite
line down off the mountain to handle TV and phone.  That is a dead spot for
any cell phone."

   "No one told me that when I bought it."

   "Of course not or you would not have bought it.  But with the line we
will install a small receiver transmitter and it will no longer be dead. 
Total cost will be may be $100."

   They talked for a short time and then James went home with Mary.  "Well
husband to be your rich now and I had nothing to do with it."

   "That is just sinking in now.  But it is hard to understand the why it
happened?"

   "If you had done that for another company you would have gotten nothing.
But dad and mother see talent and reward it.  To them you're the man who
made them a lot of money they would never of had.  So the right thing is to
share it.  You do know the plant manager gets a bonus as well each year?"

   "No I did not know that."

   "Timmy the first year got $60,000.  This year he will get better than
$100,000."

   One issue James had was a ring for Mary.  "We need to go get you a ring
tomorrow.  I think I can afford a good one.  But I want people to know
you're taken."

   She laughed at this but liked his comment.  "OK but I don't want some
big ring most women could never afford.  It can be a little larger than
most, but not a headlight."

   "I saw Annie's ring and liked it a lot.  There were a lot of stones but
only one good size one.  How would that work?"

   "Just fine with me as I liked it as well.  But we have to make dad some
money.  That was made by a company he owns half of."

   "Fine by me dear I have no problem with him making money.  Now we will
need to stop by the bank on the way to the place to get your ring.  Then I
will drop you at the market and go to work.  After work I need to go to the
dealership and look around some."

   "I will drive here tomorrow as I do have a car.  But your never getting
out of my sight at night again.  So I'll move my clothes here tomorrow
night."



   "That I like very much love.  I think I am going to like having you as
my lover and wife."

   "I know I am going to enjoy our love life and sharing.  God James I love
you so much it sometimes hurts."

   "Now expect to see the sheriff come by."

   They pulled up to the house and the sheriff was sitting and waiting. 
James got out and walked to the car.  "James I am going to have to run you
in boy.  You know how I feel about underage dating."

   "Sheriff I really don't think you want to do that."

   "Damned if I don't now get your hands behind your back." He put the
cuffs on James.

   "Willis your fired and that is per daddy."

   He turned and saw Mary holding out her cell phone.  He took it and
turned red fast.  She took his keys and unlocked James cuffs.  "Daddy has a
good man on his security team ready to come get the car and take over the
job.  Get the keys out and bring them in the house."

   The phone was handed to Mary as she went by.  "I can't say it has been
nice knowing you Willis.  But I suggest you leave town and get far away as
paybacks are hell.  The car will stay here until the new sheriff comes to
get it.  Oh by the way give me your gun, badge and belt."

   They were handed over and she and James went into the house.  "What was
that all about?"

   "Well Kimmi and daddy have been together since she was eight.  Willis
could never do anything to daddy so he went after others.  His point was to
embarrass daddy.  Dad said to let you know that all charges would be
dropped on your friends and they would be released from jail.  What was
that about?"

   "I had two friends arrested for dating an underage girl.  They were
early twenties and she was sixteen.  The sheriff decided to make an example
of them.  So they have been in jail almost a year without a trial."

   "Well dad said they each made $50,000 for their time in jail.  He was
calling the attorney general and ask for a warrant for the ex-sheriff.  The
girl was old enough to marry in this state and they broke no laws."

   "Is that why you suggested he move on as paybacks were hell?"

   "Yep I figured he has now been warned." There was a knock at the door
and she went to open it.

   The security man came in and smiled at the two.  "I understand that
congratulations are in order here."

   "Yes they are and I am staying forever with James.  Bill meet James the
new plant manager of the company."

   "Nice to finally meet you James.  I have heard a lot about what you did
at the plant.  People there love you and would follow you to hell."

   "They are pretty special Bill.  But they made it all happen I just
yelled the cheers."

   "That is good leadership James.  Always give your people the credit. 
The military taught me that many years ago.  It has made my life much
easier.  Now Mary the force will handle your new property tomorrow.  The
lines will be run this week yet.  So you will have power, TV, water and
phones with no house."

   They all laughed at that.  "Now I have a check for both your friends. 
Would you like to come with me to release them?"

   "James you need to go and help Bill with that.  I'll cook dinner and
have it ready for you and them when you get back."

   He went to the jail and met Bill there.  "The car I came in will be
picked up later tonight.  I hope that is OK with you?"

   "You belong in that sheriffs car Bill." They went in and the two men
were brought to Bill's new office.  "Damn James I am sure glad to see you.
But where is the sheriff?"

   "In one hour he will be in your old cell.  He is now ex-sheriff.  He
pissed on the wrong parade." Bill was smiling.

   "Who did he piss on this time?"

   "Your friend here was his target.  He decided to arrest him and that was
a big mistake.  James is the new plant manager for the company.  He is also
marrying Mary who is John's daughter.  But James had told John of the
problem you guys had and he has gotten an arrest warrant for the sheriff
from the attorney general.  My name is Bill and I am the new sheriff here.
Now John said what happened to you was his fault so here is a check from
him for the time you spent here." He handed each man an envelope.

   "Hell for this I could do another ten and a half months here."

   "Well guys there is one small catch in this.  You cannot sue the county
for your time in jail.  You have to sign this document before you can leave
with James for dinner at his house." Bill handed each a copy.

   Both men signed them fast.  "OK guys Mary is fixing dinner and your
invited.  Thanks Bill for handling this for me."

   "My pleasure James and tell Mary about the car being picked up tonight.
Security uses it to drive the industrial park at night.  But now all of
security will be hired as part time deputies for me." The fax started and
the warrant was coming in.  "Now it is time to pick the ex-sheriff up here
is the paperwork."

   James took the two home with him after they changed into their own
clothing.  He introduced them to Mary and she liked both men.  "Well what
do you think of young girls now guys?"

   "There was nothing wrong with the girls it was just the sheriff.  Mine
was sixteen and we were starting to get close.  But they would not let her
visit so I have no idea what has happened.  But my friend here was dating a
twelve year old and he was given a harder time."

   "I'll bet my twelve year old is still waiting for me."

   "Hell you don't even know where she lives."

   That hit a cord with Mary.  "What was her name?"

   "It was Jenny and she was smart and beautiful."

   That made her smile and the men missed it.  She walked out of the room
and made a call.  Then they ate and the food was delicious.  The security
man came to the door to pick the keys up.

   "Jenny your friend is in the living room he has been in jail because of
you."

   Jenny ran in and jumped into the mans lap.  She grabbed him and hugged
him.  "I thought you had decide you did not like me any more."

   "Nope dear the sheriff decided I need to spend time in jail because I
dated you.  So that is where I have been for ten and a half months."

   "That son of a bitch I asked him where you were and he said you had gone
home."

   The security man was not staying as Mary suggested he just get back to
work.

   "I always wondered why he told me I was home in jail.  But I still have
deep feelings about you and am not sure how you feel about me."

   "I love you and don't be a damn fool.  Someone is going to pay for
this."

   "James stepped in this time.  "Your dad gave him a check for $50,000 for
his time in jail.  The ex-sheriff is being arrested.  Bill is the new
sheriff for the county.  You have Thomas back if you want him and your
welcome here anytime.  But Tom has school to finish up and you do as well."

   Jenny really liked James and she knew he was right.  "OK I'll cool off
if Tom will keep seeing me."

   "Sweetheart there is nothing I would like better.  But I did not know
you were part of the family.  I will have an engineering degree when I am
done, but I will never earn the kind of money your used to.  So while we
have time you may wish to consider that problem?"

   "As long as we have a house and food to eat, I could care less about the
money.  I'll work if we need it and do what every has to be done."

   Mary was proud of her sister.  "First of all things are not that bad. 
Jenny will get a couple of million a year from the family trust.  She will
get a business financed for her as well.  If you marry the two of you will
run the business together.  Now your children and grandchildren will get
trust funds.  Then Jenny has been designing furniture for the people who
buy high quality goods from our factory.  She is very good at that and her
designs have made the boys running it a lot of money.  I would suggest that
may be a furniture factory might fit the needs for both of you."

   "Well before I was arrested I was getting a degree in manufacturing
engineering.  Much of that would apply to any factory.  Now I have $50,000
to invest in something."

   "You will be back in school this fall.  Dad will make a call if needed."

   "Guys I would like to ask a question here if I might?  Why do you hide
the family from people you take up with?"

   Mary was the one to answer this.  "People are afraid of the family
around here.  We are not seen as normal people and most stay away from us.
God forbid should a boy or girl ask us to a dance.  Then there is the other
side, we are targets of people who would like to cash in.  So for us life
is very different and hard."

   James could see this now and he understood much more Jack's warning.  I
will say this that joining the family is for life.  It is not some
relationship you can ever bailout on.  So Robert make sure your in for the
rest of your life."

   "Look I don't care about the money or family.  I love Jenny and want to
be with her.  Now I just spent ten months of my life in jail because I feel
the way I do.  It did not change my feelings or me.  When I got out I
planned to go looking for her.  Damn the sheriff and his ideas.  I have
been beaten and treated like scum by him and it never changed a thing.  So
am I in for a lifetime?  Hell yes I am."

   "That means you dates need to be here, James and I will expect you to be
a gentleman.  I don't know if the two of you have had sex, but that is not
out as long as it is here."

   Jenny smiled at Mary.  "Sis he would not do that before as he said I
needed time to be sure it was what I really wanted.  Robert reminded me a
lot of dad and he was always kind.  I never heard him say a bad thing about
anyone."

   James had to agree, as he had never heard him say anything bad about
someone.  "OK guys the ground rules are on the table.  Are they acceptable
to both of you?"

   "As long as we get to spend weekends together I'll live with anything."
Jenny was now really liking James.  He was so much like dad he made her
feel good.

   "Here is the deal if John and Kimmi agree you can spend each weekend at
our house.  If we go someplace you can come or stay at home.  But we don't
rub peoples noses in our business.  Robert you going back to school so you
can live here until our house is built and then take over the rent here. 
But your weekends will be at the new house."

   "I'm happy with that." Jenny was very pleased with how James had handle
this.

   "James I will accept your judgment as I have never found it wrong.  This
is all new to me and I am not sure how to move forward."

   "I suggest the two of you spend the night together and discuss it.  Tom
you need to sleep in the last bedroom and by yourself.  There is no way I
am going looking for your sixteen year old." That caused laughter from all.


   "No problem and I will look for a room tomorrow.  I think we have
clothing still at the old rooms we stayed in.  But I am going to need a car
and fast."

   "I'll make a call in the morning and someone will pick you up and take
you to the bank and then to a dealership.  They will treat you right and
handle any problems for you."

   "How do you know that?"

   Mary was happy to answer.  "Because he owns the dealership dummy.  He
also can be sure the bank finances it for you if you want.  That will help
build your credit score."

   "I will also have to find a job as I am not ready to go back to school
yet."

   "Come see me at the plant and we will see what might be open."

   "I want my degree in quality control at some point, but the last ten
months have taken a lot out of me."

   That could easily be seen in the weight loss and low activity level he
had.  Nothing seemed to light his fire.  Tom was just very different from
the young man James had known.  But he decided that could be fixed and he
was going to do that.

   The night went well and morning came soon enough.  James called the
dealership and made arrangement for tom to be picked up, run by the bank
and taken to the dealership.  He spelled out the deal that was to be set up
for Tom and Robert if he wanted it.  It was really very simple and took a
small down payment and monthly payments to the bank.

   Mary had fixed breakfast and everyone had eaten.  Then Jenny, she and
James headed to the bank and to order her ring.  This excited Jenny and she
was bubbling.

   "Guys I just want to thank you for bring me back together with Robert. I
know how young I am, but that man reached me where boys failed.  He is so
kind and always concerned with my happiness.  That I have never seen except
with John."

   James knew the family children grew up much faster than normal.  "Look
Jenny, Mary and I want you to be happy.  But we have to accept both John
and Kimmi's decisions.  So that is where the decisions will come from.  As
I said last night providing they agree our offer stands."

   The bank was pleased with the deposit and gave James a credit card he
could use for purchases.  They knew about the dealership and offered three
buildings for a new body shop.  Those he would have to look over with the
manager.  But that was for later on.

   At the shop Mary picked the design of her ring.  James had gold bands
designed with diamonds set around them as wedding rings.  Each was scrolled
to set off the diamonds.  So he spent just over twenty thousand and paid
with the credit card.  The rings would be delivered on Saturday to James at
home.

   Then he took Mary to the market and jenny to the house.  He sat down
with Kimmi and explained what had happened.  The rules he had put in place
and that it all depended on her and John approving it.

   "James I have no problem with what you have done.  It is a very good
plan and gives both these kids the chance to work it out, or find that it
can't be done.  But understand I have no problem with a very young gild
loving a man.  John was over fifty years older than I was when we came
together.  I loved him then as much as I do now."

   "Well I told Jenny that you guys had to agree as it was your call to
make.  Mary and I did order her engagement ring and our wedding rings
today. So that is one more thing off my plate.  Now I need to spend time at
the plant looking for what steps I need to take.  There is a lot to do and
I need to be clear headed to do it right." With that he shook her hand and
left.

   When he walked into the plant the receptionist greeted him with, "Good
morning sir."

   "Lets get one issue out of the way.  First of all my name is James as
you well know.  I don't see my father here that means there are no sirs
here.  Good morning James will work just fine for me.  OK?"

   The girl smiled at him.  "Yes James I get the message."

   He walked to Tim's office and sat down.  A cup of coffee was brought to
him and he looked over the last day's production numbers.  Tim saw him
sitting and waiting for him and got a cup of coffee then sat at his desk.

   "Well I am pleased to see you brother.  Welcome to the family and the
confusion that comes with it." Tim was smiling now.

   "There has damn well been a ton of that Tim.  But I am still who I was
yesterday morning.  I did not change just things around me did.  So please
advise me of what I need to get done over the next few weeks."

   "You will be taking this office next week.  I am moving mine to the
sales area.  They have nothing to do with this plant or production.  You
need to replace Jack in R&D and yourself as production manager.  Word has
gone out to everyone of your new job.  So the employees on the floor know
already.  One thing I can say is the plant is running at your standards and
nothing changed."

   "I am not so sure Jack could ever be replaced in R&D.  How about we move
R&D to his shop and just pay their salaries and rent space from him?  He
has a vested interesting the plant and its success,"

   "Not a bad idea at all.  Ask him if he would consider it as an option?
We would still pay him on any patents and he could keep them focused."

   "Now I am going to walk the floor and check each team.  But I want my
old job to now be called operations coordinator.  I will manage the entire
plan and take responsibility."

   "What will you pay the coordinator?"

   "Just what the QC manager gets.  The job is not less important, it is
just more shop floor related.  I expect that person out on the floor 90% of
the time solving problems for teams.  Then updating the process."

   "I see your point.  It is pretty much what you have been doing for the
last few months.  So the job will pay $35,000 a year.  Plus they will also
get bonus money each year."

   "That is fine with me.  Mary and I ordered our rings today.  So the
engagement is close to being public knowledge.  I have to spend some time
today at the dealership.  That I will keep down to a minimum."

   "James you're the boss here and what time you spend where is your
concern.  The only person you have to report to is Kimmi.  Jack and I are
here to provide you with answers or ideas.  But this plant runs the way you
push it.  Our licensed plants are following your model and they are
producing much safer products now as well.  Their profits have jumped just
like ours did.  John said his profits jumped by twenty million.  So the
dealership which required more of his time than he was willing to spend, is
now in good hands."

   "I am not sure just what I am to do all day now?"

   "Your going to find the paperwork and meeting will drive you nuts.  You
will review every buy, new parts offers, labor cost per unit reports and so
much more.  Then your going to meet with managers to give them direction or
listen to problems.  I have heard more excuses for why something could not
be done on time.  It drives me nuts, but then you have to cut that off."

   "Tim every problem can be solved.  It is just the cost that makes the
decision.  This plant is almost self operating now days.  But the salaried
people have not gotten to that level.  So that is where the changes will
happen for a time.  I don't believe in big meetings.  That means I'll deal
with people one on one or in very small groups.  But I will make many
decisions and they will have to learn to live with it."

   Here Tim could see a good change coming.  "Why don't you like big
meetings?"

   "Many people feel meetings solve problems.  That is just not true, they
open up new problems that are imagined.  So got a problem have a meeting
does not solve that problem.  It does give you more of them to deal with."

   This he could now see.  "I have been there and done that.  But I never
saw the cause.  They have had me chasing so many problems, we sometimes
never got the first one solved."

   "I will write a guideline for every department they are to run to.  If
they follow the instruction then we will have few problems.  If they don't
they will be gone and fast.  We have a product that is good and we don't
need to change it until something better comes along.  So most of the work
salary people do is tracking past actions."

   "Your saying that may be we have more salary people than we need?"

   "Yes, but that is normal in many companies.  "Peter Drucker has said
that is the bane of every large company.  We will become more lean and mean
in salary jobs or we will drive the cost of our product up."

   "You should have had this job a long time ago."

   "No not really as now is the time for that change.  We have production
under control and now it is time for salary.  Every job is going to have to
be justified to me.  If a computer can do it why are we paying someone for
that job?  Only jobs where decision making is required can survive."

   That was a new world to Tim.  "How much do you think you can cut salary
personnel?"

   "How many do you have in purchasing?"

   "There are 5 people working there."

   "I would expect that could come down to 2 people.  Computers can order
parts.  Only if there is a price problem, delivery will not be on time or
specification change do you need someone involved.  That would create a
manager and one troubleshooter.  So that could save the company a lot of
money."

   "That concept is very different from what I was taught in school."

   "It may be, but it works and people do solid work.  Today you have some
make work jobs here.  They are not needed but do things to look like they
are.  I expect the workforce in the office to be better than 50% gone after
Christmas.  So you might want to look for new jobs for some of them.  Other
companies building this product might like to have the good ones."

   "Did you know we run with half the salary people most plants do?"

   "Power companies have always over staffed their business.  That is what
drove them out of the power supplying business.  Now they had better become
more like us or it will happen again.  With my plan I will pay the people I
keep better and still cut costs.  Of course they will do more work and pay
for themselves."

   Here Tim was glad to have James doing this.  "I could never do the house
cleaning your planning.  But I see your point and cannot argue with it. 
Yes we are over staffed and I did nothing about it."

   "That was not your job as given to you.  Kimmi told you to get this up
and running.  There your always over staffed.  I cut the production people
on the floor and no adjustment was made to salary.  So now I will make that
adjustment.  I know how and where to look."

   Tim got up and shook his hand.  "This will be moved on Friday.  So you
can move in Friday afternoon.  They are building my new office now."

   "Thanks Tim I will just spend some time watching the office staff for a
time today."

   As he wondered around he saw a lot of dead wood.  He asked many people
to explain their jobs to him.  Sometimes he learned something others he did
not.  A few honest souls told him they did not know why they were doing
what they were?

   His list of people grew as he went.  Slowly he saw the managers who were
building their empires.  They would be the first to go.  He had two columns
one for keepers and one for leaving.  Unfortunately the keeps were the
smaller list.

   Late that afternoon he went to the dealership and sat down with the
manager.  He listened to the problems and suggested solutions and was
impressed.  The man never told him of a problem he did not have a solution
for.  He turned over the three properties addresses and suggested that he
and the body shop manager look at them.

   He was told that Tom and Robert had been taken care of.  The bank had
cooperated and they were both pleased with their pick-ups.  Robert had left
word that he would see him at home.

   At least a few things were going right James saw.  But he had a lot to
consider before tomorrow.  He did not like firing people, but that was to
come.

   He went by the sheriff's office and saw Bill.  "Well I have both of our
boys in new pick-ups and on the way to becoming good citizens I think?  But
Kimmi has given Robert permission to date Jenny.  I will keep it out of the
public eye as much as I can.  But you need to know what is happening."

   "Thanks and that is no problem any more.  This office will not be
chasing people dating under age girls or boys.  We arrested the sheriff
last night and found three very young girls chained to his beds.  They had
been beaten and raped.  All three were from the children's home and had
been reported missing.  The oldest of the group was nine.  So that man will
be gone for the rest of his life."

   "I assume that is not the only case like that you will find."

   "A team from the state is checking every deputies home now.  We have to
clear them before they can resume work.  But I have a list of the sheriff's
friend we are also going to look at.  It seems he has been selling young
girls into slavery for sex."

   "We need to do something for the girls.  They I am sure need some help
mentally as well as physically."

   "Well Kimmi took the three girls and she is taking care of them for now.
We have recorded discussions between her and them to prove what was done. A
doctor has seen each one and some surgery is going to be required on one of
them.  He ripped up a six year old badly.  I have him in isolation here to
protect him.  But people would hang him in a heart beat."

   "That at least explains why he did what he did.  He had others looking
at people around them and not him."

   "Yep and we have at least twenty to go find yet.  They are ones he sold.
His bank account was very fat and it did not come from this job.  I expect
to loose at least two deputies and will need to hire replacements. 
Tomorrow I start retraining of the existing force or whatever is left of
it."

   "If I were you I would have someone check the old e-mail files here and
at his house.  He was so sure of himself that I would bet he has left
tracks.  The man did not seem to be all that smart Bill."

   "His computer that is loaded with pictures is on the way in now.  I will
get my old computer tech to come in and check the systems.  But I don't
expect a lot to come from it.  The county has a very good wiping program
and he should have used it."

   "But the back up files could not be wiped and they need to be looked at
as well."

   "My guy knows the drill so he will I am sure find things.  I appreciate
your stopping by to let me know about Kimmi's decision.  Had things stayed
the same it would have helped."

   When James got home he informed everyone about the sheriff and children.
Tom had gone looking for the girl he had been arrested over.  Her parent
had refused him permission to see her.  That was when a knock came at the
door.

   A girl who was very pretty was standing there looking at Mary.  "Tom I
think was looking for me today."

   "Come in dear as he is sitting with my man talking about that now."

   "Tom are you alright?  My parents would not let me come see you and the
sheriff said he would arrest me if I tried."

   "I am fine dear and was worried about you.  James just told me about the
sheriff being arrested for child rape and beating young girls.  So I was
starting to worry that he may have gotten to you."

   "No but dad will be here soon to try to take me.  He is leaving work to
come after me."

   James had listened to this.  "Where does your dad work?"

   "He is at the power unit production factor.  He is in purchasing there.
My worry is he is going to cause a big fight."

   "I really don't think that will happen young lady."

   "He is mean and has beaten me for not doing as he told me."

   James took out his cell phone and called Bill.  "My friend I will need a
car watching my house and quickly.  I may have one of the sheriffs friends
stopping by."

   "It will be sitting out of sight, but there in five minutes time."

   Shortly a car drove into James drive and the man got out and started to
the house.  James opened the door when the man knocked.  "Yes what do you
want?"

   "Boss my daughter is in your house.  I came to get her."

   "I do hope your ready to go to jail and spend time with your buddy the
sheriff.  He has been arrested for child rape, kidnapping and torture.  I
am guessing that the two of you are in business together.  You spend far
too much time on the phone at work.  So I have had your calls tapped today
and we will see what you were talking about."

   The mans face turned white.  "What do you mean the sheriff was
arrested?"

   "You have it wrong he was the ex-sheriff, as he lost his job in that
drive out there.  Now you need to see that sheriff's car blocking your
leaving here.  You will be arrested and questioned.  If you tell the truth
you might survive this.  If not you will never see the outside of a prison
again."

   The girl had watched this and was mad.  "He has been raping me since I
was ten.  I want him in jail James."

   "We will go down to the sheriff's office and let you fill out the
paperwork.  Officer put this man under arrest."

   "Yes sir with pleasure."

   The man was loaded in the car and taken to the jail.  Then the girl and
Tom went down for her to file the paperwork.  Tom was really angry and
upset with the girl's father.  Anyone who would force sex on a child
deserved what they got.  If it was welcomed then that was one thing, but to
force it and beat the child for not doing it was another.

   He got madder as he heard the many stories of her demands and
punishment. If he could have gotten hands on the man he would be dead.  All
he could do was hold the girl closer to him.

   "Tom thank you for being here for me.  I am sure after all of this your
not interested in me and I can't blame you."

   "Sweetheart I will always be here for you.  Nothing you said stopped me
from caring about you.  I do hate your father and that will never go away.
But if you will have me I'd like to marry you.  Your one very brave lady."

   She hugged Tom and held him tightly.  "Tom if you will have me I will
marry you as soon as we can."

   "Would your mother sign for you?"

   "She has no choice now.  If she does not I will file against her for
allowing dad to use me.  She did nothing to stop it and turned her back
when I asked for help."

   "We have twenty minutes to get the form for her to sign.  Then we will
come back tomorrow and get the license."

   They got the form and went to see Sam's mother.  She did sign as soon as
Sam told her she would press charges if she did not.  Sam was short for
Samantha.  But she liked Sam.

   Dinner was just being served when they got back to the house.  "James
and Mary I need a favor from you.  I have the signed form by Sam's mother
to allow us to get a license to marry.  But we need to find a home to rent
and buy furniture for it.  So could we stay for a short time?"

   Mary knew there was a better way.  "Look why don't you talk with Robert.
He will be spending weekends at our house.  We will be out of here in a
month's time.  James is leaving the furniture here.  So you could help
Robert afford this and save your money for when you know what you want."

   "I would hope he would agree.  That would be good for me until I at
least find a job."

   "Well you did not come see me today at the plant.  So I was not sure if
you wanted a job?"

   "I had to find Sam and see she was OK.  So after I was sent away from
her home, I went to see friends of hers to check.  That came before any job
to me."

   Sam hugged Tom and knew he did really care about her.  "One of the girls
you talked to called me.  She said you were looking for me and gave me this
address."

   "I gave the address to every friend I saw Sam.  Many tossed it away as I
left, but some kept it.  It was for sure your mother was not going to tell
you I was there or where to find me.  But now I badly need a job as I am
going to have a wife."

   "Well one job just opened up as her father will not be working for me."

   Sam looked closely at James.  "You were dads new boss at the plant.  He
was scared to death of you."

   "The only people who fear me are those who don't work.  What did your
dad do at the plant?"

   "He was a layout engineer.  I think he designed the production lines and
the work cells."

   "Actually he just documented them.  Production control designed them. 
But we do have a job for one engineer to do that work."

   "He had three in his department."

   "That tells you why he was worried.  How's your drawing skills Tom?"

   "You know they are very good James.  Last year I won the competition for
drafting."

   "Fine come see me after lunch and I'll get your paperwork done.  I want
all prints on computer so they can be printed anyplace.  We are going to
reorganize the entire plant salary structure.  I will be cutting a lot of
salary people who don't have real jobs."

   "How could people not have real jobs?" Sam did not understand.

   "People have a small piece of a job, but they do things that fill in for
the lack of work.  Your dad was on the phone a lot.  I think he worked for
the sheriff and handled sales for him."

   "That son of a bitch.  How could he get so low as to use the company as
his cover?"

   "I have his direct line being traced and recorded as of this morning. 
The computer people are going back and pulling each phone call number
coming in to his phone.  Those I will give to Bill so he can follow them
up."

   "Mom is really pissed off, as I talked with her today.  This has really
gotten to her, as she knew what being sold by a parent was like.  Her
mother sold her to adult males for sex.  Then she met John and her life
changed for the better."

   Sam looked at Mary.  "Your part of the family aren't you?"

   "Well yes I am one of the oldest children.  Of course James here will be
my husband shortly.  But he is now part of the family as well.  As you can
see we are very normal people."

   Sam looked very upset at this.  "I did not mean that in a bad way.  From
my point of view the family has done more to help this area than anyone. 
They have always been out front of fighting the bad things that happen. 
But they don't jump into every problem.  But they support people and help
them when no one else will."

   Mary was a little abashed at this statement.  "Well forgive me as I am
used to being seen as the devil by most people.  I was not accepted at
school and had to go to home schooling.  There was a time I tried to date
and could never find a boy willing to date me.  James is my first real
lover and close friend.  I had the family to talk to and do things with. 
But I never had a girlfriend outside the family."

   "Well you have one now Mary and please treat me the way you want to be
treated."

   The two girls had hit it off well.  So it eased the way for James and
Tom.  When Robert came in they had talked for some time.

   "Nice to see your still alive cellmate."

   "I was at school and trying to get back into classes.  This is going to
be harder than I expected."

   "Why is that?" James asked.

   "I am listed as a criminal on their records."

   James pulled out his cell phone and called the attorney that John used
and he did for the dealership.  "Hey this is James.  Please pick Robert up
at my house in the morning and go to the university with him.  Expect to
file a suite against them.  They have decided that he is a criminal even
though he has never been convicted of anything.  He also is not being
allowed to register for classes because of that.  Oh he is dating Jenny
with Kimmi's permission.  So if you are having a problem I would call her
and see the funding they get is cut off."

   "Yes James I will pick him up tomorrow.  This is going to be a fast one
to handle.  We will go directly to see the President of the university."

   "OK you will be back in school tomorrow."

   "Who was that you were talking to?"

   "It was mine and the families attorney.  Your going to see the President
of the university tomorrow.  John and Kimmi provide about twenty million a
year right now for the university.  That would be cut off if they keep
screwing with you.  Please find out who put that comment in your file for
me.  That person is tied to the sheriff some way."

   "I will find out and let you know from the Presidents office."

   "My guess is the campus police did it, but I need to know for sure."

   The night went quickly and much was settled.  Tom and Sam would move in
here and one-day talk over the house.

   On the next day James had the head of production engineering in his
office.  "Now I want to you detail each persons job and provide me with the
time it take each person to do their job.  If you over or under staffed I
need to know by how much."

   "I see no problem with that.  For sure we have less people then we need
to do the job right." The man got up and left.

   He called in personnel, accounting, shipping, purchasing, production
planning and inventory control and asked for the same thing.  Everyone knew
they needed more staff.

   Jack walked in after the meetings and saw how James looked.  "You look
like you got a bad bottle of wine."

   "I don't have an honest manager in the place.  We are way over staffed
and everyone said they needed more people.  This is not going to be a good
Christmas for many here."

   "Tim could be used like that James.  He did not know what anyone did
here.  So your comment does not shock me."

   "Look I want you to take your people to your shop and work them on our
payroll.  We will pay you rent for the space they use.  If you need them
for support in a project use them.  It will open their minds up.  But I
don't want them watching what I am doing and wondering if they are next."

   "I see your point, but I have 2 extra people now.  Tim refused to let me
fire them.  Both would be good managers of some engineering department.  I
will use everyone to move the R&D lab.  There will be zero cost for space,
but you make my peoples payroll working on company projects.  If they are
not working for you they cost you nothing."

   "Could one handle the purchasing department?"

   "Yes I have one female engineer and she is sharp."

   "I want purchasing down to two people.  The computer can do the ordering
for parts, as schedules are input.  The manager and one troubleshooter will
get into just problem areas.  Schedule problems, price changes and
specification changes are key things for them to handle.  Supplies will be
purchased on annual contracts and released by the computer.  That includes
maintenance supplies and parts.  They will have to call for special needs
items or equipment parts needed."

   "How are you going to set this all up?"

   "I issued a contract with the company that does John's server system. 
They are writing software for our system.  The computer will be fully
integrated and all software working together.  I will scan all prints by
number and they can be printed any place in the building where a printer
is. But you can print them at your shop as well.  You or Kimmi can see
every number generating in the plant.  It is really one big database and
you can get any information you ask for."

   "Now that is slick James.  It is about time we have instant data.  The
nice thing is no one can color it with their feelings."

   "I intend to pay the people left higher salaries and their bonus each
year will also be higher.  So working here will be the highest paid jobs in
the county."

   "Your carrying over the shop plan to the office?"

   "Yes but at a higher level of responsibility.  The shop will get 70% of
the bonus and the office 30%.  But the office will have less people so the
bonus will be higher.  I can see someone get $10,000 or more as a bonus in
the office."

   "How will you scale the office for bonus money?"

   "By job and responsibility.  But it will also be moved up or down by the
contribution made by that department.  Now QC is on the shop plan so they
get nothing from the office plan."

   "How are you going to handle the R&D people?"

   "If you have two and they contribute then they will get a full bonus. 
But you're the one who will advise me.  If they go beyond the expectations
you need to let me know as well.  Then they will get extra points and a
larger bonus."

   I don't want people to feel over worked, but I want them doing a job
that has real meat to it."

   Jack could see the humor in James statement.  "Well your going to feed
the lions and they only eat meat.  I expect that people will be shocked at
how much make work is found.  How will you handle special times when you
need a large staff?"

   "I'll hire temporary people from the university.  Today I hired two
programmers to work with the company doing our computer work.  They will
work one each shift to keep the computer running.  Each will hand
maintenance work to do and back ups for the last shift.  One will change to
night school and they will take no classes before 4 PM.  The one working
nights is free until 2 PM.  So if they stay here their salary will go up
because I am not paying their schooling.  If not they train their
replacement and get a bonus."

   "Sounds like your covered."

   "I am not so sure Jack.  People are going to be mad and I see some might
try to bring down the company.  So starting the Monday after I made my
decision, no direct calls will be made from here.  Any call must go through
the operator.  If it is to a vendor the call will be taped and listened to
later.  But all our suppliers are being informed to only accept computer
orders after that weekend.  We will announce the new people to them and I
will advise them of who their contact will be.  Failure to work with this
order will be reason to cancel our current buys."

   Jack consider this and saw how it could stop some attempts at damaging
the company.  "Who did your notice go to?"

   "The President of each company.  They were asked to look for any unusual
changes in orders from us and call me if they found a problem."

   "That should get you someone watching the orders.  The only thing that
would hurt you is cuts in the number of parts.  Over stock could be worked
out, but under stock could shut you down.  I have the computer watching
each purchase order being written."

   "How will you handle the orders next year?"

   "One year contracts with monthly releases.  That way a vendor has a
one-year order to work against.  We can buy plus or minus 10% from that
number.  But we will pay for 90% of what we buy.  If a change comes we will
buy all they have in stock and convert to the new part at a negotiated
price.  Our suppliers never loose on any contract we give them."

   "What will you do with the parts they have in stock?"

   "Sell them as replacement parts.  We are still going to have to buy each
year some old parts from repairs in the field."

   "Hell you have this covered as well as anyone could James.  Does Kimmi
know what is going on?"

   "Yep I called her this morning and explained it to her.  She said if it
is the right thing to do then do it."

   "I think it is not only the right thing, but it is way pastime that it
happened.  This company will be one they study for how to do it right one
day James."

   "I hope so Jack, but we need to get it right first.  The shop floor is
right, now I need the people who support them to get there.  We have far
too much empire building here."

   That was for sure Jack knew.  "Well good luck and keep me posted on
events.  If you need help call me."

   That afternoon James was very busy answering calls from Presidents and
assuring them that this would mean more money for their companies.  Having
annual contracts excited most of them.  So he knew his back was covered to
some degree.

   He headed to his meeting with Tom and they walked the plant.  "James
this s running the way a plant should run.  But I understand the office
falling behind the shop floor.  Managers think they deserve more money for
managing more people.  So if you build staff you increase your pay check."

   "Here it is reduce your staff and build your pay check.  I need a
production coordinator to take my old job.  The job is spending time on the
floor and watching each cell operate.  Talk with the cell leaders and the
foremen and see what help can be given to them.  Run training on new
assemblies and make sure people understand their jobs."

   "That seems like I would be the peoples quality control man."

   "That is pretty much the job Tom.  Are you interested?"

   "Hell yes, as it is really a QC job.  Now what will I earn?"

   "You get $35,000 a year and a bonus at Christmas every year the plant
shows a better profit than last year.  But your the entire department."

   "Hey you don't need more than one person doing that job."

   "You will be busy as sometimes you will work nights and sometimes days.
I want you working the second shift two nights a week or every other week
your choice."

   "It does not change my sleeping habits so two nights a week would be the
best bet.  But it will not be the same two nights each week."

   "Now the company pays the night shift on Thursday nights.  That way they
can bank their pay.  The day shift is paid on Friday.  But most people have
the money direct deposited.  That causes some problems on Friday nights in
here.  We do have a reject rate increase on that night."

   "Well for a few Fridays I need to work nights.  But we need to force
people to open bank accounts and direct deposit on Fridays.  Even if it is
a savings account.  They can draw funds from that over any weekend."

   "Discuss it with the cell leaders and foremen.  Let them discuss it with
their people and then take a vote.  The votes must be written and turned
into personnel.  They will count them and post the results.  You need to
design the ballot they use."

   "I need a copy of the plant rules each new hire is given.  It would be
good to distribute new ones to every worker in the plant.  We need a
medical doctor to come in for four hours each Friday for a few weeks.  Any
one suspected of being on drugs or under the influence of alcohol should be
tested.  We should also do random drug and alcohol tests of both shifts. 
If people expect it they may not walk into that trap."

   "Work out a plan and give me the written outline.  Now lets go to
personnel and get your paperwork done."

   He turned Tom over to the personnel manager and left for his office.  It
was two hours later Tom walked back in.  "That is the more fucked up office
I have ever seen James.  To fill out and application, three tax forms and
the medical paperwork it took three hours.  I had to ask for an employee
handbook.  Then the safety equipment list for working on the floor.  Your
plant requires no safety shoes, eye grasses, ear plugs or hard hats."

   James picked up the phone and called Tim.  "Who is the plant safety
manager?" There was a pause.  "Why don't we have one?" Another pause and
James was getting red.  "Tim how much do we pay for insurance and what is
our workman's comp costs?"

   He hung up pissed at Tim.  "Well we have never had one.  Our workman's
comp rate is sky high and our insurance is way out of line.  We have one
lost time accident each week."

   "This plant should not have one a year.  We need a safety manager and
quickly.  There was one guy I was in school with that should have graduated
this spring.  His degree is safety management and engineering.  Do you
remember Toby that used to play cards with us?"

   "Yes a nice kid and damn smart."

   "That is the guy you want.  His family lives just north of town.  Hs dad
worked for the railroad and retired."

   "When you leave go see him if he is still at home.  If he is ask him to
come in tomorrow and talk with the two of us."

   Tom left to go check on Toby.  He find him and he did not have a steady
job.  He was logging his dads land for money.  When offered a chance to
talk with James Toby jumped at the chance.

   James went to see Kimmi and was not a happy camper.  "You look like
someone shot your dog James."

   "I feel like it.  Look did you know your plant has no safety manager?"

   "Yes, Tim did not feel we needed one when we set up here."

   John ears perked up and he listened to James.  "Well your paying the
highest workman's comp rate there is.  You have a lost time accident every
week and your insurance rate for the plant is way out of line.  Now OSHA is
still the law of the land.  They could come in and shutdown the plant and
then fine you millions."

   Kimmi was now shocked and she did not know what to say.  But John
stepped up.  "James is dead right dear.  That is the dumbest thing Tim has
ever done.  But how did you catch it James?"

   "I sent my new production coordinator to personnel.  They did not give
him and employee manual or a list of safety equipment he would need.  So he
ask for a book and they had 10 left, then he was told no safety equipment
was required for the shop."

   "I assume he had some experience?"

   "Yes he does and he was shocked at the lack of a list.  So I called Tim
and was told I had no safety engineer.  That the plant here never had one.
Now how do people paint out metal without safety gear?"

   John shook his head and knew there was trouble coming.  "The plant has
one lost time accident every week?"

   "Yep and that means the state know it also.  We run no drug test or
alcohol tests.  There are no safety meetings and I have seen electric cords
running all over the floor."

   "How soon can you get someone in the job?"

   "I hope by tomorrow.  But we will need two weeks to clean some of the
mess up."

   "Well I'll have a little talk with the governor and see if I can buy you
time.  Kimmi that may have cost you a few million.  But Tim was your choice
to start up this plant and now James is having to clean up after him.  That
is not fair and you know it."

   "I will not hold him responsible for any of this.  But I also will give
him 5% of the stock for cleaning my mess up.  But please get me out from
under this pile of crap.  I'll send the stock certificate over tomorrow."

   "I'll keep you posted on what we are accomplishing.  We are bringing in
a doctor on Friday nights to run drug and alcohol tests.  That should cut
the rejects on Friday nights.  But the new safety man will be running
random tests of the entire plant and office starting at once.  Anyone using
drugs or coming in under the influence will be fired right then."

   John liked the way James attacked problems.  "Jack said you were
reorganizing the office."

   "That is where all this started.  We have fifty percent more people then
we need to do the job.  Yet the managers want more people.  I want less
people and higher paid staff.  So we are requiring each manager to detail
what every job in their department is, what it does and how much time it
takes that person to do it.  It took personnel two hours to process Tom. 
That job should have taken less than fifteen minutes.  Then they did not
supply him with needed paperwork.  By the way I need two hundred copies of
the hand book printed fast."

   "They used the company book as the base for theirs.  So I can have 500
done in a couple of days."

   "Please do that for me as I had no idea where to get printing done."

   "The family owns a print shop James.  I will give you a list of family
businesses.  If you call one and identify yourself they will jump through
hoops for you."

   "That would be great.  I am using your computer firm to do the software
we needed."

   "I was told and they were impressed with what you were doing.  It made
so much sense to them they are cutting the price as they are learning. 
This can be sold to many of the power companies building the units.  But if
they do sell it you will get a fee for each installation for the idea and
direction."

   "I just want my plant to operate with less office staff.  This idea of
empire building is way to old.  I want it faster, better and at a lower
cost."

   "Do you mind if I sit in on your meetings with the managers?"

   "Not at all John.  May be you can poke holes in my idea?"

   "Jack can't and neither can I so just keep moving forward."

   James went home exhausted.  Mary caught him at the door and saw his
exhaustion.  "Darling go take a nap and I'll call you when dinner is
ready."

   He walked to the bedroom and closed the door.  He was asleep after
hitting the bed.

   Mary came in and woke James.  "My darling dad called and told me what a
good man I found.  He said mother was now really worried she might have
hurt the company.  But his message was for you and that was you have six
weeks per the governor.  If all is up to par by then no action will be
taken."

   "That is far better than I could have hoped for."

   "Well your new safety man will be in tomorrow per Tom.  He and Sam went
out for dinner to celebrate his new job."

   "Did you hear how things went for Robert?"

   "No he nor the attorney came back today."

   "He did not call me either." So he picked up his cell and called Bill.
"Hey Bill, Robert was to call me today and he did not.  The attorney I sent
him to the university with has not brought him back either."

   "I am here at the university now.  Your attorney, Robert and the
President are all being held in the mans office by the head of the campus
police.  We sent a car out to his home and found two more girls.  Each of
the other police homes are being checked now by the state police.  They are
checking the town police as well.  It seems the police were the ones
capturing the girls and training them.  Your man was selling them and
delivering them."

   "How are you going to get my attorney and Robert out?"

   "That we have not worked out yet."

   "Well why not send in a cell phone and blow his brains out?"

   "If I had one of those toys I would.  The guy just is not worth anyone
else dying."

   "You have security cameras there, so use them to get this over with.  I
know the Presidents office has two."

   "Well I did not know it.  Who controls them?"

   "Who else the campus police Bill.  You may have additional police
involved in this."

   "Let me got over there and see what I can." Bill hung up.

   "I assume things are not good at the university?"

   "Nope Robert and the attorney are being held hostage with the
President."

   "Lets eat and wait for a call back."

   They ate a slow dinner with both thinking.  "Honey mom has left you in a
hell of a mess hasn't she?"

   "It was not her so much as Timmy.  He deiced to drop a safety man from
the plant.  Tim has no production knowledge so he made decision he had no
right to make."

   "But mom put him there and backed him."

   "That she did dear, but now it is time to fix what is fucked up.  That
is my job."

   "That is a crappy job James."

   "Not completely dear as I now own 5% of the company.  John shamed her
into that I will say."

   "Good for dad he was always smarter than mom.  Mom has tried to run
things in her own portfolio.  I am sure dad has pushed her into that.  He
knows he will not be here a few years from now and mom has to do it.  But
she does not get the input she needs to do it right.  That is where her
problem is, having a lack of advisors she can turn to."

   "That is always where people loose control.  But you have to trust
advisors and I am sure she does not trust many people."

   "She is going to have to trust you James.  You will never lie to her and
she may not like it but she will get the truth."

   "That is enough business talk for tonight.  I am worried about Robert."

   That was when his cell phone rang.  "Hey James I am finally free and the
sheriff told me it was because of you.  So you have mine and the others
thanks.  I'm back in school as of tomorrow and because of this get a free
ride including my books.  But they arrested three police here all involved
in that ring.  Bill said they had two more on the city police force as
well."

   "Well get the attorney to bring you home, but don't wake me as I am dead
tired tonight."

   "It will be a short time before we can leave.  I will not wake you
either."

   "Dear lets go to bed and let me snuggle and hold you."

   They headed off to bed.  Neither heard Robert or Tom and Sam come home.
But they would not have heard a brass band either.  The next morning James
was feeling better.  James, Tom and Sam all left about the same time so
they had breakfast together.  Mary slept in for another hour.  Tom took Sam
to school and headed to the plant.  James was in early and looked over the
open office space for a safety office.  He decided the old production
manager space would be best suited to safety.

   Toby came in before the shift started.  He met James and Tom sat with
them in the cafeteria and drank coffee.

   "OK Toby I need to get this place safe in five weeks time.  Now you will
have complete control of setting up the safety program here.  Get a list
today of things that must be done fast.  Order breath kits for alcohol
testing and urine kits for drugs.  You will run random tests on everyone
here me included.  Anyone hired will have to test before they are offered a
job.  You will keep a list of failed tests on computer to be check by
personnel before accepting and application.  One drug test failure and we
never hire that person.  Same goes for alcohol.  We have the best pay of
any company in this area."

   "Speaking of pay what will I make?"

   "You get $30,000 and a bonus at Christmas time.  Now is that enough to
keep you?"

   "Hell yes it is if the bonus is a good one."

   "It will not be this year.  You have not been here long enough.  But
next year it could be one third of your annual pay check."

   "You have me for the long term.  Now where do I work from?"

   "You get the old production control offices.  Once I move out of mine
that is your office.  I have 500 handbooks coming in two days.  Make your
safety equipment list for employees and give me a list of what special
equipment we need here."

   "How do I get to see the plant?"

   "Tom will show you around and you need to list every violation you see."

   "I'll fill you in on some new things we are going to do.  But I want to
change from time cards to a hand scan for checking in and out."

   "Buy the equipment and have it installed.  But why do you want it?"

   "We need to know each person checking in is who they say they are.  The
scanner will also pick up sweat traces and check for drugs.  I*t cleans
itself after each scan.  But that makes the time clock computerized.  No
one has to work timecards.  I can't have you check me in either."

   "How soon can you get one in?"

   "It will take a week at least.  But you need to get the computer people
to tie the software into the computer accounting for payroll."

   James felt like he was moving forward once more.  Toby would get him the
data for solving the safety problems and get the lost time rates down.  He
was sure they were not good claims and he would need to prove that.  He got
a list of people off work on accidents in plant and sent it to one of the
family businesses.  They called him quickly.

   "James I have your list what do you want me to do with it?"

   "I want to know these people are really injured and not just taking time
off.  We have a problem here with abuse of the accident policy."

   "You will have full reports in two days.  Thanks for the business."

   "There will be more I assure you."

   Now to get his people ready for the Friday meetings.  Hr hoped some woke
up and saw they were over staffed, but did not plan on that happening.  His
secretary set up the meetings to last one hour per department.  Each
manager was given twenty minutes to detail their department and present
each job with their responsibilities.  A summary of staffing problems was
to be given at the end.

   The secretary he had stolen was his extension, so he could assign her
tasks he did not want to do.  Things that required research and pulling
together the numbers he had asked for.  This job was not one he wanted
anyone to have access to, so June was taken from the warehouse.  She had
handled shipping documents and customer orders before.  But she was a very
competent secretary and he thought loyal.  The company had just six
secretaries and some of them would be managing departments by Monday he
felt.

   He pulled out his cell phone and made the call.  "John the meetings
start at 9 AM and run until 2 PM on Friday.  Each manager has been give
twenty minutes to detail his department and state his requirements.  Then
we will discuss his report.  I would like three security people here to
clear offices and escort people terminated out of the building.  I can hire
them outside or we can use yours?"

   "I like the idea of using mine James.  That puts the family stamp on
your actions.  Please stop at the house at 7 for breakfast and bring Mary.
She needs to hear what I have to say."

   "I'll be there with the lady." He hung up and sat back.  What was John
going to say Mary needed to hear?  That would be interesting for both of
them.

   The day was going fast and Toby, Tom and James sat down for lunch. 
"Well boss we have a real mess here from a safety standpoint.  My list of
violations is now at two pages and growing.  I did call a company that
sells safety shoes and they will have a truck here Friday all day.  They
will sell shoes to the people and they let us payroll deduct them from
their checks over two months.  That truck will then be here every month for
one day."

   "How are you going to let people know about the new requirement?"

   "Tomorrow we will have a safety meeting for each shift.  Those will be
at the start of shift and the changes will be covered.  Each person will
get a list of basic safety items they must have.  Each will be issued
safety glasses and earplugs at the meetings.  Of course they will sign for
them, but at no cost for the first issue.  I will have gloves for those
that need they.  Outfits will be issued to all welders at company expense."

   "OK so far but I think you have more?"

   "Yep I have two safety supply companies coming in tomorrow and they are
going to cost us from needed things like welding shields, welding shield
curtains and retractable electric cord holders.  There are a bunch of small
things we will need as well.  But your big cost is going to be the paint
booth.  Those people need paint cover clothing, a breathing system and good
masks.  We need to be feeding outside air to them and keep the paint out of
eyes, off the body and out of their hair."

   "There is no budget so spend what every it costs, but be reasonable.  We
only buy the very best and expect it to last for a long time.  So follow
that rule."

   "I have no problem with that and agree in the long run it costs less. 
Now we will have safety violations people can be fired for.  Others that
will draw warnings where a second cost them their jobs.  People need to
know safety by them is critical to the companies success."

   "If you wish I will address each meeting before you do.  When I am done
people will know where I stand."

   "That would be a good start and help a lot.  People down here like you
and respect you."

   James went back to his office and read data for the next hour.  Tim came
in and was very meek.  "James I owe you an apology and wanted to be sure
you know I am sorry.  I was out of my depth as plant manager.  John told me
of what your having to do so we don't get closed down.  I cannot blame
anyone but me for what we did."

   "Look Tim I don't run around pointing fingers.  What was done in the
past is history and what I need to do is fix the future.  You did not know
a thing about manufacturing and could not be expected to make many
decisions required.  So don't feel bad about this issue."

   "Well John jumped me on not using others to advise me and he was right.
If I did not know I should have asked someone who did.  So I am learning a
lot from your changes here.  You can bet I will never take on another
manufacturing plant.  My area is sales and dealing with power companies. 
But I hope you will at least talk to me about things that are new to me."

   "I have no problem talking to you about anything."

   "Good now the office is ready and I am moving today.  You ca move into
my old office tomorrow morning.  John wants you there for the meetings your
going to have.  He said he is coming to learn from you as well."

   "I am sure John has forgotten more than I know.  I may remind him of
something, but he will learn little new I expect."

   "That I can't believe.  I saw the new entry units that take your
handprint to allow entry to the building.  They told me it logs every
person's entry time and exit time.  That report comes to your desk each
day. Personnel is getting people to come down and do a scan and sign
paperwork allowing the use of data."

   "The shop will be clocking in the same way.  No one can ever again clock
someone else in.  The hand units are in-between the doors and just one
person will fit inside them.  So getting in our out of the plant requires a
hand scan."

   "That should cause some problems on the floor."

   "It is that or do they wish to give up their bonus?"

   "Would you go that far?"

   "Look the bonus is not something they are given just because they work
here.  It is earned by the company improving its profits.  This will help
company profits and that means they need to step up and make it work."

   "I see your point and they have no argument if they are getting paid a
bonus on profits."

   "There are many changes coming and they will all affect the bottom line
of the company.  The new safety program will cut insurance costs and
workman's comp costs.  It will more than pay for itself and give them a
safer place to work."

   "Well I am learning as well James.  It is a good thing you're here now."

   The phone rang and James picked it up.  "Hey I got all five of your
people working at logging some land the sheriff owns.  There are pictures
and I have statements from others that this is a scam set up by the
sheriff."

   "Please take what you have to Bill and ask him to call me.  The new
sheriff is going to love this one."

   "What was that about?"

   "The five people who are out on lost time injuries are working for the
ex-sheriff.  They are logging his land and working today."

   "Damn you mean this was not real?"

   "Nope I am sure he had a doctor involved in this as well."

   It was not five minutes later his phone rang.  "Well James you have
opened a new kettle of fish.  I have two cars going out to arrest the five
for fraud and we will lean hard on them to get the story."

   "Thanks Bill I need that to get to the governors office as well."

   "We will have the two papers here for them coming in.  Some pictures of
them walking normally and no broken bones should be of value."

   "Thanks again Bill, keep me posted please.  I'll pass this on to John
for you." Then he hung up.

   Tim now was really pissed.  "You mean that sick son of a bitch was
stealing labor from us?"

   "Yes they were logging his land.  I am sure before all is said and done
that man has stolen millions from the family and others."

   "I am headed to a meeting with dad and mom.  So I'll bring them up to
date.  They are really going to be pissed."

   "Kimmi will be pissed, but your dad will not.  We should have caught it
with a good safety program months ago.  So we have to take the blame as
well."

   Now Tim saw the real value in a safety program.  "You mean a safety
manager would have caught this?"

   "Sure just the way I did.  You follow up on any questionable injuries.
If they are really hurt and unable to work no problem.  But if they are
working at home on the house and should not be able to then you send them
to jail.  It is called fraud."

   "Who will go after these five?"

   "The state will as they were drawing insurance money from them.  But
that is charged against our fees for that insurance."

   Tim headed to his meeting and Tom and Toby came into James's office. 
"Well boss I have done all I can for today."

   "Our five off on lost time accidents were working for the sheriff
logging his land.  Bill is on his way to arrest them for fraud.  I have
sent him the files on each injury and the doctors reports."

   Toby was now excited, as he loved this side of safety.  "I'll call the
insurance company and advise them.  This shows they were not following up
on claims.  So we may be able to sue them for being forced to over pay
them."

   "That is your department so handle it your way.  At this point I am out
of the safety business except where you need me.  But I want weekly reports
on your progress.  Just put them on computer and June will pull them for me
each week on Monday."

   "I have that one more task and then I am going home."

   Tom stayed and looked at James.  "You at least don't look as tired as
you did before."

   "I am feeling some of the pressure coming off me.  Once I am through
Friday I will be much better."

   "Well one more for you to think about.  We have a bill of materials for
each product.  Why not have the computer explode it and generate sub
assemblies for each week's production requirements.  Then cell leaders can
work to a schedule like the production line does."

   "I see no reason we can't do that.  What is the main goal?"

   "We may find they can build them faster than now.  Right now they are
paced to the main lines speed.  If they build to a schedule they may be
able to build faster than the line requires.  That would allow a possible
reduction in people per cell."

   "OK let's look at it and consider if it is worth the change?"

   Now James headed out the front door and went to the dealership.  He has
paperwork to sign and was brought up to date on the new truck body shop. 
The manager had worked out a good buy on a second building and he approved
the purchase.  The truck body installation would now be off the dealership
grounds.  They also now were the dealer for National Cranes and that would
add to their business big time.  Those cranes mounted on the beds of trucks
and were meant for lighter loads.  They had come back quickly because their
cranes were electric power for a hydraulic system.

   When James got home Mary was waiting for him.  "Love your looking better
tonight.  I think your getting things down to a manageable size."

   He hugged her and kissed her.  "When I get home and you're here life is
always manageable.  But you have to get up early tomorrow as we are having
breakfast with your dad.  He wants us there at 7 AM sharp."

   She did not like getting up early, but dad never asked her to be at
breakfast before.  "I will get up with you and go.  This has to be
something special."

   "He said he wanted you to hear what he had to say to me."

   "Then it is important.  He is going to do something that he feels is
important to the family."

   "How do you know that?"

   "I know dad and he does nothing lightly.  You can be sure Kimmi will be
there as well."

   They had a nice dinner alone and went to bed early.

   The next morning after showers and dressing they headed to the compound.
Getting there five minutes before 7.  James had gone by where their house
was being built and saw things were well on the way.  He was pleased as was
Mary.

   "Good morning kids.  I have breakfast sitting on the sideboard so help
yourselves.  Anything you don't see just ask the kitchen for.  Mary knows
the drill."

   They both filled plates and got coffee.  John talked about several
things and waited for Kimmi.  Finally she got there.  "Sorry but Kathleen
needed mother first." She loaded a plate and sat down to eat.

   After breakfast John was ready.  "I have watched James and talked with
many people about him.  Had we known about him, we would have adopted him
when we did the others.  Because of his personality and his good judgment I
have decided to add him and Mary to the family counsel.  That group is now
Penny, Timmy and Kimmi.  The counsel runs the trust for all the family.  So
decisions made will impact the entire family.  Because James is not an
adopted member we are offering him a contract.  That pays for his time and
the energy he will invest.  It also adds an outside voice for us to hear."

   "John I sign any contract, but you need not pay me anything.  Mary will
benefit from the trust, as will our children.  That is enough reason for me
to do the best I can for the trust."

   Kimmi was shocked at James answer.  "Why would you not take a payment
for your work?"

   "Mainly because money is not everything to me.  You and John have been
very generous to me, but I am someone who can't be bought.  I have very
sound beliefs of right and wrong and live within them.  Money is nice, but
I have never seen it buy happiness.  Most times it buys grief and a lot of
responsibility.  Money to me is a tool and not the base of my life.  If
used right it can do a lot of good, but if used wrong it can harm lots of
people."

   John smiled at this statement.  "James you're a man after my own heart.
That is how I have lived my own life for years now.  I know the Tim and
Penny respect you and trust your judgment.  Tim told me what you said to
him and I was pleased with that.  I have seen you don't fix blame on
people, you just solve problems.  Your willing to give someone a job and
get out of the way.  The end result and how people feel about it is
important to you."

   Kimmi saw now that John saw a lot of himself in James.  "I do wish to
thank you for the going after the five people.  It was not something I ever
thought the sheriff would have done."

   "Well I never figured he would be into child slavery either.  Or that he
would use kids for his sexual pleasure by force.  Let alone sell them to
others for a profit.  But he was not the honest man he showed to the rest
of us.  People often hide their sins out in plain sight.  But in my case he
came looking for me because he wanted Mary.  Your money was just to much of
a temptation for him."

   "I could not agree more and no one could have picked up on his normal
actions.  His residence was not the farm he lived on.  No one was sure who
owned that farm.  But the answer was found at his house in town.  The
pictures on his computer there showed the farm including the gate."

   "Well James are you willing to help us with the trust?"

   "Yes but under one condition.  That is that any money you would have
paid me go to the children's home for the kids.  They are way under funded
and need all the help they can get."

   "I will start a trust fund that the money will be deposited in.  But
they will have to request funding from you to get the money.  That way you
know it is being spent the right way." This was John's way of controlling
people's greed.

   "I have no problem with that as long as Mary can also make decisions on
the money."

   "Thank you husband to be.  I accept your kind offer."

   "The paperwork will be done and filed today.  The trust will donate
$500,000 a year to your trust."

   "That suits me fine John.  I really don't need that money and Mary will
benefit from the family trust anyway.  But call the trust the Mary Fund."

   "Hey your not getting away with that my man.  It will be the Mary and
James fund if it is anything.  Dad you heard me and I meant it."

   "Son I think you just lost that one.  These females tend to get stuck in
a mode we just can't fight."

   "I am finding that out now."

   "Now I saw them lowering a vault door below ground at your home.  What
are you going to do with that?"

   "I am now talking the gold and sliver coins used for down payments and
holding them at the dealership.  Those will one day go into the vault and
be held for any economic down turn.  Once I get a million in it I will stop
but for a small annual increase.  But it is a safe place for me to store my
investments in jewelry and other items of value."

   "How are you handling security for it?"

   "I have a small coin I carry and if I twist it then I am opening the
safe by my self.  Security calls me when the coin is not used and I have a
code to give them.  They then release the lock to open.  If I give them the
wrong code the safe will still open and they will send back up forces.  I
made sure the installation company knows I have to call to get the safe to
open.  The contractor had this explained to him as well."

   "What happens if someone gets the coin?"

   James pulled out his coin and handed it to John.  "Notice it is a three
cent piece and is meant as a joke.  It is three pennies stacked on each
other.  But read the top and it says three-cent piece.  Your security
people know exactly where I am at all times with that.  I had one made for
Mary as well so they can track her."

   Kimmi was not sure about this.  "Why one for Mary?"

   "I don't want some damn fool like the sheriff to grab her and me not be
able to find her.  She has a gold plated chain and bracelet she can put it
on and wear.  Or she can just drop it in her pocket."

   "Security always knows where Mary is.  Her gold bracelet is a signal
transmitting device.  But I like this as well.  It has no value and most
would never try to take it." He decided to have security make up a bunch of
these.  Some with no device and those he would give away.  Others with a
device the family would have.

   "For me it was how do I protect my wife, who is the most valuable thing
in my life?  One day my kids will have them as well.  One guy at home used
to make these and give them to the kids.  He said that a persons two cents
worth was not enough, so he need a three cent coin to cover that."

   "Nice play on words and I will use it as well.  I am going to have a
bunch made to give away.  We will give them to customers at the market and
I'll be sure you get enough at the plant.  But the ones the family has will
have the transmitters.  This may one day save a life."

   Kimmi was amused by this.  "James are you sure you know who your dad is?
You and this guy of mine seem very much alike."

   "I am sure he is not my dad.  But I would never object if he was."

   Finally James had to get to work.  "Tomorrow you need to be at the plant
at 8 AM.  We are going to have our first safety meeting of the entire
plant. It might be interesting to see how it goes.  But you were coming at
9 any way."

   "I will be there as I want to meet your safety engineer."

   "Well I have to go move into Tim's old office now.  May be June got a
head start at least I hope so." The two left and James dropped Mary at the
market.  "I'll pick you up a 4 PM dear."

   "That works for me and if you get loose sooner come get me."

   Chapter 12

   The day was one of questions by managers and people trying to find out
what was coming.  June knew her job as keeper of the gate and stopped all
the ones she could.  A few people got mad at her for not letting them in
James's office.  But that was just tough.  She had her instructions also.

   Tom and Toby had free access and used it only when really needed.  June
liked both men and saw their respect for her boss.  Finally James called
her into his office.  "June close and lock the door."

   She did as he instructed.  "Now what is so secret today?"

   "We will be cutting loose a lot of salaried staff tomorrow.  Our plant
is way over staffed by salary personnel.  You will have people from
security waiting in the conference room to escort the ones out who get cut.
But building large departments costs the company and the salary staff
money. Your bonus will be higher with less people on salary.  I have
watched and better than 50% of our people make work to look busy.  The
computer and not humans should do other jobs.  If a decision does not need
to be made it is a computer job.  Now how do you feel about this so far?"

   "I agree as my old job could have been done by the computer."

   "Now you have a job that is critical to the company.  You will pull the
reports and feed me data I need to see.  I am going to promote some people
tomorrow that have never managed a thing.  They are then going to have to
make decisions and set the direction for the company.  If they do a good
job they will be very well rewarded.  Now what do you make currently?"

   "I get $10 an hour."

   "You get $28,000 a year now June.  If you can answer a question someone
has you do it.  When you carry a request from me to anyone I expect them to
jump on it.  Anyone who wants to see me other than a few will have to
explain why to you first.  Later even they will explain.  Are you getting
the picture?"

   "Yes sir it is very clear to me."

   "I have just so much time free and need to spend it in the right places.
So if you see something I am missing I want to know.  Now take this pay
change to accounting." He handed her the paper.

   This was a change as before personnel handled this action.  She headed
to accounting and handed the paper to the manager.  "What the hell is this?
You know that these changes are made only through personnel."

   "I'll be happy to call James and tell him he does not make policy here
any more."

   "Now hold on there.  You did not say this came from John."

   "I assume that is his signature on the bottom of this note?  Seeing as
it is addressed to you I would say personnel is now out of the loop.  James
runs this company completely.  He also owns a part of this company.  So
people around here better start to listening to him or they risk their
jobs."

   "You can't make threats to me."

   "That was no threat sir that was hard fact.  If you come to see James
you had better have a very good reason or you will not get in.  That is my
job."

   He could now see change coming.  This was not going to be an easy
meeting tomorrow.  "What time is my meeting scheduled for tomorrow."

   "Your first up at 9 AM."

   "I'll be there on time."

   "That would be a very good idea sir." June walked out of the office.

   He knew he had just pissed off someone who was important to James.  The
new salary request was clear and not optional for him to ignore.  It was
effective with this week's payroll and he had already done checks.  Now he
would have to change her deposit and check stub.  He did not like change.

   The day passed and James got out and picked Mary up.  "I see you ran off
early dear."

   "Yep as I have June guarding my gate.  That young woman is going to make
some guy very happy.  She is smart and sees a lot more than most."

   "Why don't you invite her out to dinner with us on Sunday.  Were eating
at Jack's and I have someone I want her to meet."

   "I see another family member getting fixed up here."

   Mary laughed and agreed.  "Yes but not the way you think.  Jacob is a
nice boy and not very communicative.  He is sixteen and runs the sawmill. I
want to see if she can get him to start talking with a girl."

   "OK but I get to warn June about Jacob.  She needs to know what she is
walking into and what the expectation is on your part.  Does she need a
swimsuit for the pool?"

   "If she wants to swim she does."

   "I'll handle it and do it the right way."

   "You mean different from how Jack did it to you?"

   "Hey he knew I was going to fall madly in love with you.  June is may be
nineteen and I don't think ready for marriage.  She is smart, very good at
her job and understands computers better than I do.  Once directed she can
get done anything I ask."

   "What do you mean?"

   "I sent her with a payroll increase to the accounting manager.  He
jumped her for changing policy by coming to him.  She pulled his fangs and
left him worried about tomorrow."

   Mary laughed and knew she would like June.  "Now I have to meet her."

   "You two will become instant friends.  She has told me I was missing
things and she was right."

   The next morning James was in early and sitting drinking coffee in the
employee cafeteria.  John got a cup and came over and sat down.  "Are you
ready for today?"

   "Past ready John this has been driving me nuts, but I had to let each
person hang themselves."

   John chuckled at this way of putting it.  "I am ready to listen to the
safety meeting.  Can I take the coffee with me?"

   "Of course you can.  Lets go as I get first honors."

   James walked up on the stage and stood at the podium.  Toby and Tom were
behind him.  "Ladies and gentlemen we have had five of our people arrested
for fraud.  They were on time off for a lost time accident and working
another job.  My guess is each will serve about five years in prison for
their actions.  I have hired a safety engineer and he will over see the
safety of this plant.  Every injury is to be reported to him and he will
over see treatment.  Now I have one more issue to bring up.  This plant is
and will be a drug free workplace.  I want no one here under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.  That is a reason to fire you at once.  Why, because
you endanger your fellow workers.  Now Toby has a list of safety equipment
you each must have to work here.  It is for your protection and not for
ours.  Please cooperate with him."

   James stepped down to loud applause.  "Well that went well and better
than I expected." John was smiling now.

   Toby took charge and handled his part very well and professionally. 
People were impressed with his ways of doing things and their being
included.  He stated he worked for them and they had to be his first line
of defense for safety.  Then told them what they needed to look for and
why. The meeting went on for half an hour.  Then people started to come up
and sign for safety equipment and get their hands scanned.  They went out
to the bus for safety shoes and came back wearing them.

   While this had been going on the safety service people had installed
welding screens and were hanging drop cords.  One group was working on the
paint booth and a shelf of suits was sitting there for them to wear.  The
lighting had been improved in the paint booth and it looked very clean now.

   People felt the company was showing just how much it cared about them
for the first time.  Money was nice, but what they were doing now could
save your life.

   John sat at the table with James and waited for the accounting manager
to come in.  At exactly 9 he walked in the door with a folder filled with
paper.  His case was not very good and he never explained what anyone did.
The he did not advise of time required to do any job.

   James was pissed and john could see it.  "OK I accept your resignation.
You did not follow one directive I gave you.  I have heard twenty minutes
of bullshit and that will never happen again here.  So here is you
severance check and the company will provide no letter of recommendation
for you.  Good bye sir."

   A security guard came in and escorted the man to his office to collect
his things.  He did not allow him to touch a computer or to take any files.
But had him out the door before he knew it was over.

   James and John walked to the accounting office and pulled everyone
together.  "I need to know how many people this office needs if fully
computerized and operated right?  Please sit down and discuss it and give
me and answer by lunchtime.  Just leave the paperwork with June."

   They walked back to James office and sat for the next one.  "I liked how
you handle that it was fast and no major recriminations.  The man was
incompetent and just gliding along."

   "It will be interesting to se how his people handle it."

   At 10 the purchasing manager walked in.  He had heard how the first
meeting went.  Now he was worried.

   "You have twenty minutes to make your case."

   He started without the paperwork he had.  "There is little reason for me
to give this presentation as it is crap.  Purchasing needs just three
people and to computerize its system.  I need a troubleshooter, a secretary
and me.  The secretary will check each response to an order and bring any
not complying to my attention.  We can cut three people and still give you
everything you want."

   "OK I'll try three, but I had seen two as the max.  You each get a
salary raise of twenty-five percent as soon as you have it running. 
Failures are your responsibility and cannot be passed on to someone else."

   "I agree with that and accept responsibility.  The system will be
running Monday as your people have installed it today."

   "Now I want annual buying contracts with each vendor so I know my costs
for the next year."

   "It will be done.  The new contracts will be agreed two months before
the next years production starts."

   "Fine go back and decide who stays and who goes.  The good people I will
see get jobs elsewhere.  Have your list to June by noon today."

   He got up and left the room.  "Damn I would never have believed it if I
had not seen it.  That man had total respect for you and where your
headed."

   "Sometimes it takes a hit to the head to get their attention.  He has
seen I don't bullshit and saw the accounting manager walked out.  It is
either get with the program or get lost in the flames."

   They drank some more coffee and then the personnel manager came in.

   "You have twenty minutes to state your case."

   "I have decided to resign James.  It is time for me to retire and I am
not fast enough to handle the computer changes.  But Debby who is my
administrative assistant is good enough to do the job.  She said she needs
just her and one secretary to hand it."

   "Fine call her up and let me talk with her."

   "She is outside just in case you wanted her.'

   James buzzed June and Debby walked into the room.  She sat down and
looked at James to see any expression he might have.  "I am sorry for being
bold and asking you hire a secretary as a manager."

   "Look I don't care if you're a mechanic.  If you can do the job and do
it better I am interested."

   She outlined a computerized system she had in mind.  It tied safety and
production control into the system.  All applications would be made by
computer and it would be tied to the state employment office as well. 
Every employee file would be available to anyone who needed access.  But
each entry would be logged.

   "I like the system and if you get it up I will boost your pay and your
second in command by twenty-five percent.  You start drawing managers pay s
of Monday."

   They left and June brought in lunch and soft drinks.  "June my wife has
asked if you would be willing to come with us for dinner at Jack's house
Sunday night.  She has a brother who has a hard time talking with girls. 
Jacob is a nice enough kid, but just does not know how to communicate with
a girl."

   June smiled at James.  "I would love to.  But I am not sure I am the
right one James as I have that problem with boys."

   "Bring a swim suit as Jack has a nice indoor pool.  Let Mary get you two
started talking and she if it helps both of you?"

   "Thank you boss I will enjoy meeting Mary.  She is a lucky lady."

   John just smiled at the play on words.  "She likes you a lot James and
respects you.  But I think she and Mary will be close friends.  She and
Jacob will get along well also."

   "I am just following my ladies request.  No really demand."

   That cause mirth and they both enjoyed it.  The rest of the afternoon
went as the morning had with just one more being walked out the door.  The
IT department gained one position and the plant lost sixteen salaried
people.

   "I saw it but just don't believe it went this smoothly.  Your net gain
should be very nice for next year as well."

   "It will be very nice, but the people left will really do well.  There
bonus will be bigger and their paycheck will be higher.  Now who do you
think wants to loose this job?"

   John could see this was now James staff.  "Your paying better than the
auto company.  So your jobs will get the best applicants.  But as lean as
the company is now it will not hurt you."

   "This company should have always been lean.  Look I'll fill in where we
need extra hands.  This has to work like a team that can depend on
everyone. If needed June will handle special tasks for other departments.
There is no one who is not expect to help the company win."

   "I assume your going to have a talk with the entire group?"

   "Yes on Monday we will all meet for a general outline of where we are
headed and what is expected."

   John left very pleased with what he had seen.  This was textbook type
material.  He called one of the professors at the university he had many
discussions with.  "Tex I just saw Peter Drucker's plans in action.  The
office staff was completely reorganized and cut by better than 50%.  There
is no one with a make work job left there."

   "Who the hell did that?"

   "My son-in-law to be James.  He has no idea how much I respect Drucker
and that allowed me to follow his changes.  He did this as a textbook
example.  He had it planned and knew before where they had to end up. 
Everyone was given time to plan how they wanted to reorganize.  That could
be up or down.  He listened to everyone without comment until they were
finished.  Then told them what he had wanted.  One quit and two got fired
and their staffs make the decision."

   "Can I talk with him and his people?"

   "I suggest you stop by and ask him yourself.  You can tell him we talked
and I suggested you stop by.  But he is the one who built the cell program
on the production floor.  The bonus program for employees and has the plant
running better than ever before."

   "Thanks John I have to meet this young man.  He has my respect already."

   The day was one James wished he had not had to have.  But now it was
over and he could relax for the weekend.  The rings were delivered and he
was taking Mary out to dinner and would give her the engagement ring.  The
place he picked had a nice motel close by, so he booked a room for them,
that way they did not have to drive home.  He had ordered champagne for
them put on ice.

   He got home and Mary had a bag packed for them.  He loaded it into the
new car he had brought home and headed for the motel.  They changed there
and went to dinner next door.

   "My love here is your ring." He placed the ring on her finger.  She just
glowed at this whole thing.

   "I knew we were engaged before, but now the whole world will know."

   "That's fine as I want them to know just how much I love you."

   They ate, drank the wine and danced until very late.  Then headed to
their room.  Mary had never stayed in a motel before so this was all new to
her.  James had taken the suite, so they had a hot tub and big bathroom.

   They did the hot tub and showered off together and then hit the bed.  It
was like the first time all over again.  But the did fall asleep.  That
morning the two went down to breakfast in the restaurant here.

   The manager walked up to them and told James he was not wanted here any
more.

   "Why is that as my money spends very well?"

   "Our new owners won't allow any unmarried couple here."

   "Who are your new owners?"

   "We are now owned by the Family Trust."

   Mary laughed and James pulled out his cell phone and called Kimmi. 
"Good morning mother to be I have a problem you seem to have caused.  The
manager here at the motel is telling me I am not wanted here any longer and
refusing to serve Mary and me breakfast."

   "Just give the jerk the phone James."

   He handed the phone to the man.  It did not take long for the man to
turn white.  Then he handed the phone back to James.  "Did you need me
again?"

   "Yes I am sorry for the problem and let me tell Mary as well." He handed
the phone to Mary.

   "Sir I am very sorry as I did not know you two were board members of the
trust.  That suite is always available to you any time you want it.  We of
course will not charge your card for food or the room."

   "Look you will charge me for both the room and food.  The trust is there
to make money.  Giving its money away is not a way to keep your job.  If I
hear of you giving rooms or food away for no good reason I will go after
your job."

   "That was Kimmi's orders sir so I have no choice."

   He took the phone back as Mary handed it to him.  "Kimmi giving rooms
and food away is not how the trust makes money.  I will not accept that. 
When I get what I want I pay for it and that is just how it is.  Do we
understand each other?"

   He handed to phone to the manager once more.  "Yes I will follow his
instructions."

   Mary was looking amused.  "Thanks James as mom is always trying to flash
her money or the trusts.  It drives me nuts."

   Their breakfast came and it was good.  The two drank coffee and talked
about last night.  It had left an impression on both of them.

   "How did you get them to let me have the wine last night?"

   "They never poured it did they?  I did the pouring and it was just in
the bucket beside my chair.  You know Bill would never arrest us for that."

   She smiled brightly and shook her head.  "God I feel so alive today.  It
is almost like being reborn."

   "You are reborn dear as my future wife.  One that Kimmi has no control
over and who is free to make her own decisions."

   "I had not looked at it that way my love.  But yes I am my own woman
now. May be its time for me to leave the market?"

   "You would need to train someone to do that job first.  But then what
would you do?"

   "I want to open and run a slaughtering plant for meat processing on a
large scale.  Most of the big ones don't supply areas like ours any more.
So a good size processing plant could pay off.  It also would give our
farmers a place to sell beef, pork and sheep.  I would set up three yards
for auctions for livestock.  Then buy what we needed for processing."

   "But you would need feeder lots to get good beef."

   "Yes there is a lot I would have to do.  But building it would be fun. I
would take my first couple of years of trust money and buy land to run
beef. So I would build my feeder lots on my own land."

   "If that is what you want to do for the rest of your life, I see no
reason not to go for it."

   "We need to talk a lot about this as it will effect us both.  I don't
want to jump so soon or to quick.  But I do want out of the market."

   "Well you could always handle the dealership for a time.  I sure don't
spend enough time there."

   "Yes and I have considered that option.  It does not tie me down to
staying there."

   They finally went to the mall and he turned her loose to buy some new
clothes.  She had never had the freedom to do this before.  He just walked
along and carried bags.  This was fun to watch the child in Mary come out.
People steered a wide path around them as James and Mary was well known. 
But it still was fun to watch.

   They finally got home and unloaded the car.  James gave the keys to
Mary. "This is your car dear it has every option they now offer.  I have it
being titled in your name and it is insured on our policy.  I did have the
seats recovered with leather for you."

   "God James I already had a car."

   "Yep but that was a family car.  So either give it back or sell it. 
This is brand new and yours."

   She liked the way he thought of her.  "Your way to good for me to be so
lucky.  I have a man who really loves me and gives me so much.  You know I
have never shopped in a mall before today?"

   "I kind of thought that might have been the case.  So it was time for
you to step out and do it.  Just don't try it by yourself please."

   "It will be with you or in a group."

   They had a nice Saturday night and spent time talking with Robert and
Jenny.  Jenny had come over Friday night and stayed the weekend.  Robert
was going to Jack's with them for dinner and swimming as well.

   "It is time for us to hit the bed.  We did not get a lot of sleep last
night at the motel." That caused everyone to laugh.

   "Hey I was half in the bag as James was feeding me wine."

   "It was good champagne and not just wine.  We had to celebrate the ring.
"

   "Robert do I get a ring?"

   "Yes when your old enough to display it.  I spent long enough in jail
for you as it is."

   "That you did my sweet man.  If I'd known mom and dad would have had you
out quickly."

   "That is true Robert.  Mary wanted him to know that.  Then she told the
tale about the motel this morning.  The two were laughing at James getting
on Kimmi for her rules.

   "Kimmi has the best intentions, but she does not look at all the ways
they could apply.  Rules have to be written so that people can make
judgments.  We paid our bill and did not damage the room.  I was driving a
new car and was with a lady.  So he should have been able to make a
judgment.  Under the rules he had there was no options."

   "What was Kimmi worried about?"

   "I am sure she did not want the place to be a hot sheet motel.  Where
people came just to screw and leave.  But at the cost for rooms that was
most unlikely to happen."

   "What is she going to do about her rules?"

   "She asked me nicely to write a new set for the motel."

   "Dad is going to laugh his butt off over this."

   "I'm not going to tell him and neither are you."

   "I won't have to as you can bet he was at the table at home.  Saturday
mornings he and mom always eat breakfast together." Jenny was laughing so
hard she could not get her breath.

   "Oh hell I did not mean to get her pissed at me."

   "She won't be pissed at you James.  It was her problem and it was
handled badly.  I'd bet she learned a lot from that." Jenny knew how Kimmi
worked and that she would kick herself not James.

   "Well my lover how about taking your old man to bed?"

   Mary stood and took his hand.  "Come on old man and I'll get you tucked
in."

   The next morning it was Tom, Sam, Jenny, Robert, James and Mary for
breakfast.  The girls all helped to get it on the table and the men sat and
talked.  It was very relaxing and the girls had fun doing the wifely things
for the men.

   "By the way it two weeks we will be moving out of here.  The contractor
called me Friday and gave me the word.  The boys at the furniture shop have
built a lot of furniture for the house including a desk for my man.  But we
will need to buy bedding and some furniture to finish it out.  So Jenny
plan your room for the weekends.  It needs to be comfortable for both of
you."

   "What do I need to buy?"

   "Nothing just give me the list and model numbers of what you want.  Be
sure I know who has it as well.  I'll buy it and have it delivered."

   "That is not fair if it is my room."

   "It is our house dear and that will just stay a guest room.  We are
going to have to furnish four bedrooms and have two with no furniture for
possible babies."

   "If you have a baby can I move in for good?  You know I'll help with a
baby."

   "That we can discuss later if dad and mom would allow it.  But your
bedroom is down stairs in the first basement.  It is very big and had a
large bath.  That way you can feel alone in the house much of the time.  We
did add a pool, steam room and hot tub in the second basement.  We have two
floors below ground."

   "Is there anyplace I can't go?"

   "Only James office if he is not there or our bedroom.  You have the rest
of the house."

   "Same story for John's office.  So nothing new there except where Kimmi
locks doors."

   "Jenny, Kimmi is still a kid like you are.  She sees things from that
point of view and it will take time for that to change." James was now
trying to get understanding.

   "I'm not a kid James."

   "Yes my dear you are as is Mary to some degree.  Give yourselves time to
grow into who you really want to be.  Ten or fifteen years from now Mary
will be somewhat a different person from today.  Not her feelings about
people she cares for, but how she sees the world and others, yes that will
change.  We each evolve all the time and change is normal in our world. 
You will just have to see it happen to others to understand it."

   Jenny was somewhat mollified now.  "I have watched Mary change some and
Tim as well.  Jack confuses me as he never seems different."

   "Jack told me he was never going to grow up.  He always wanted that kid
he likes inside him.  It is part of his ability to find the answers he
looks for.  He does it like a kid and not like an adult.  Adults rule too
many things out and accept far to much as fact.  Jack sees this as causing
many questions not to be answered properly."

   Jenny loved her brother Jack a lot.  He had always been her stress
outlet.  He would talk with her and let her get the feelings out that were
bothering her.  "My brother Jack is right."

   "Yes he is in his area of work.  But for me that does not work.  I have
adults working for me and have to use them to solve problems.  So my method
has to be directed at getting results from them.  That means teaching them
to problem solve and be open to new ideas.  The companies we work with all
have adults working there.  So we must be able to bring them into our
plans."

   Jenny could see how James had the harder road to walk.  "I don't think I
would do well in your plant."

   "I am sure you would do fine dear.  It would just require that you learn
how adults think and then use that to get where you were going.  Most
adults have minds that are colored to being right or wrong.  But there are
thousands of gray areas between right and wrong.  So picking a path to
follow is harder than most would think."

































   Chapter 13

   That night they headed to Jack's house.  James and Mary stopped and
picked up June and she was an instant friend to Mary.  The two talked all
the way to the house.

   Dinner was a buffet and each got what they wanted to eat.  Mary, Jenny,
James and Jacob.  He was at first not very talkative, but Mary got him
started.  His interest in James and his changes at the plant caused him to
talk a lot.  Here June stepped in and added information James did not know.
So the two started talking.  Mary and James went to get some desert and
left them to get acquainted more.

   They sat with Jack and Annie.  "Look at my engagement ring Annie." Mary
held her hand out.

   "I like the style and the design is very nice.  Yours is somewhat like
mine but very different.  What are you doing for wedding rings?"

   "James got bands with diamonds set all around them.  If you look at the
artwork around the band it tells our story.  James is such a romantic and I
love that."

   "I am glad that Jack took the time to introduce you two."

   "Look when can the two of you get married?"

   "We can do that almost any time now.  A judge has made Jack an adult by
court order.  He had to have that to sign papers for his shop.  But it will
also allow us to marry."

   Mary saw her chance.  "Lets have the weddings together at the house.  I
have got the backyard being set up for a wedding.  Most of the same people
who come to ours will be coming to yours.  Lets merge our two lists and
plan this together."

   "I like that idea.  Where are you going for your honeymoon?"

   "James can't be off long so we are going to go to the Homestead for a
week.  James wants me to be pampered and to have fun as well.  I want to
ride and play tennis.  He said he would teach me to play golf."

   "Lets talk with Jack and James and see if they agree as well.  But how
soon will you try to have a baby?"

   "I will be as fertile as I can be the day we marry.  I skipped my last
shot and talked with doc.  He said I could conceive in another weeks time."

   Annie smiled at Mary.  "I skipped my last one also.  Right now I am
hoping to get pregnant.  It might push my slow moving husband to be to get
moving."

   They approached the two men and put the question of a joint marriage to
them.  James was always quicker.  "I would love that and agree if Jack
does."

   Jack now had no room to wiggle out.  "OK I'll agree as doing this
together seems like a good idea.  I'll even do a week at the Homestead with
you two.  That is someplace I have always wanted to go."

   Mary spoke up then.  "The wedding will be in four weeks then on a
Saturday.  James has a helicopter that will take us to the Homestead after
the reception.  That way we don't have to drive."

   "OK but why your house?"

   "James had a wall built around the twenty acres of land.  It is 12' high
and set with sensors so people cannot come in without our knowing.  There
are two gates and security will be at each gate.  We can control entry and
not have them go through the compound.  The brick wall around our house is
very nice looking, so people will not know the security provisions.  His
story is it keeps out snakes and animals."

   Jack laughed at the idea James would protect Mary so well.  "I see he
has worries about someone stealing you sis."

   James now was serious.  "Look Jack she was a target of the late sheriff.
You know as I do there are men out there who would grab her or Annie in a
heartbeat.  I will not spend my time worrying about her safety when I can
solve that now.  I have a house built just inside the gate and we will have
a cook and gardener living there.  Mary wants to go into business and she
will need someone to help with the house."

   "What are you going to do sis?"

   "Several things Jack.  A cattle ranch that is good size, stockyards for
selling livestock and then a processing plant for meat.  So this will be
done step by step.  It will take several years to get it all together, but
will be fun building it."

   "That we can discuss as your making decisions.  But I like the idea and
see its value.  It is just a way bigger scale of what your over seeing now
right?"

   "That is where I have a good knowledge of business and want to use it.
We would process to final cuts of meat and package them.  That way no
butchers would be needed by stores."

   "Well I think it will work nicely as long as you supply a lot of your
own beef."

   Annie now took over.  "Guys your both getting married in four weeks
time. So get used to the idea and lets announce it now to the rest of the
family and guests now."

   Jack got up on the small stage with the microphone and podium.  "People
there is an important announcement to be made.  James and Mary, Annie and I
will be married at James and Mary's house in four weeks time.  It will be a
double wedding and we then will go to the Homestead for a weeks honeymoon.
That is final and everyone here is invited.  You will get normal
invitations from the girls in the mail."

   Applause and shouts were coming from everyone.  John walked up to take
his turn.  "I approve of this and look forward to four weeks from now.  You
each need to know that James and Mary have been appointed as board members
of the family trust.  The contract we offered James for doing that was
refused.  So the Mary and James Children's trust was set up and the money
he would have gotten is going to it.  They have taken the Children's home
as their first project with the trust.  That shows you what kind of man my
new son-in-law to be is.  I am very proud of him and like him greatly."

   The place broke out in cheers.  James blushed at the attention he was
getting.  So he took the microphone.  "Look money is not everything in
life. If we invest in something others must benefit or we have missed our
target.  The job the trust faces is not just to make money, but improve the
lives of those we come in contact with.  If we do that we will benefit
greatly as they will." He stepped down and saw Mary smiling.

   Now the place was one loud room.  The family liked what they heard and
approved.  Even Kimmi was applauding him.  She walked up and hugged James.
"That was a message we all needed son.  I have been lost in the money
making side and lost track of our impact on others.  It was embarrassing
what happened to you and Mary on Saturday.  I don't think you know it buy
we bought the company that owns the Homestead and now you can look at it
for the family as just a guest.  The market for resorts is very weak right
now and we need to do something to help that."

   The rest of the night went well for the four to be married.  Jacob and
June hit it off well and spent a lot of time talking and holding hands. 
Having someone their age they could talk freely with was new to both.  Of
course she and James communicated well and she had been proud of how people
here liked him.  But being able to talk with someone close to her own age
was new.  She agreed next Saturday to come up to the mill and let him show
her what he did.  They traded cell phone numbers and agreed to talk often.

   Mary caught June and asked how things were going?  "Mary he is so nice
and very polite.  I am going to meet him at the sawmill Saturday so he can
show me what they do."

   "You do know he runs that mill and it makes the family over a million a
year?"

   "Really he runs it and it make that kind of money?"

   "Yes you will find each of us in the family grow up faster then most
children.  I am sixteen, but there is still a lot of kid in me.  James took
me to the mall Saturday and I went nuts, as I had never done that before.
We have had to watch ourselves and not put ourselves in danger.  There are
many people out here who would do us harm."

   June considered this and saw how it would work.  "Do you think Jacob has
ever been to the mall?"

   "I know he has not and I am not sure he would go?  But he needs to see
the world outside the compound and you would be a good guide for him.  But
think before you go someplace because some people who recognize him as
family could be hostile."

   "That is hard to understand as the family has done so much for so many."

   "True, but many would like to have what the family does.  They would try
to take it any way they could."

   "That is a sad state of affairs.  But I can think of a good number of
boys from school who would do just that.  They were all dumb as any animal.
Buy they also had a mean streak a mile long and felt hurting someone was
the answer to their problems."

   "Well Jacob is very strong and they would have a hard time hurting him.
But with enough boys or men it could happen."

   "I promise Mary I will be careful with where we go.  Now I do have
friends he would like and would like him as well.  So I want him to get to
know them and them know him.  Then we can go places with groups of
friends."

   "You have my blessing June to go that way.  It will be very good for
Jacob.  I do thank you for taking an interest in helping him."

   "Hey I really like him and we get along great.  I have never dated a boy
before and am enjoying this."

   They split up and Mary went to fine Annie to workout a schedule for
planning their weddings.  They sat for about an hour and set the times they
would need.  Most of the planning would be done here, but some would be at
the house where James and Mary now lived.  Jason would drive her so she had
someone with her.  Mona had offered to make the dresses for both girls and
they would do that at her house.

   The atmosphere was highly charged and much going on.  Jack and James
held court at a table in the back corner of the room.  Lots stopping by to
congratulate them and others to ask questions.

   An older man came to the table after things slowed down.  "James I was
told by John you might be willing to help me.  I am a professor of business
at the university.  The job has led me to studying different men and their
writings impact on the business world.  The one that has held true in my
view is Peter Drucker.  His advice today is just as good as it was in the
years he wrote.  Now I understand you completely reinvented the company
using his principles.  That I am very much interested in.  Now I am writing
a book called Peter Drucker in today's world.  It is about how every
principle he had still fits today's business.  Now I am asking if I can
talk to you and your people.  To follow how those changes work and document
that progress.  It would all end up in the book.  My hope is business
schools will use it to teach their students some day."

   "I would say that 90% of Drucker's work is still valid today.  Where it
was off is where the economy changed the rules.  But I have no problem with
your talking to people as long as you don't disrupt their workday.  The
changes mean we don't have the free time we once did.  There is a seven
hour job to be done in eight hours time.  We all need time to think and
make decisions.  But your welcome to watch and see where I did the right
thing or wrong one."

   "I thank you for your willingness to let me observe.  Your shop floor
also interests me as it follows the Drucker model as well."

   "Fine you may work with Tom who is production coordinator or Toby my
safety engineer in that area.  People on the floor will talk with you as
long as your with one of them."

   "Do I need a card to get in?"

   "No go to personnel in the morning and they will scan your hand.  Every
entrance logs each person by hand scan.  We no longer use a time clock."

   June had listened and knew she had a job to do.  "Boss I'll make sure
personnel knows to clear him."

   "The very capable lady behind me is my shadow and secretary.  Actually
she is my alter ego and points out where I am missing something." Jack had
to laugh at James lack of ego.

   June blushed and turned red.  "It is hard to just keep up with James. 
So don't let his hiding fool you."

   "Having you work for me is like having Mary at work."

   "Yes and she told me to train you well." That hit everyone as funny.

   Jack walked off with the professor and filled him in on James.  How in a
very short time he had made the company the most efficient corporation in
the world.  That their cost to produce was about twenty percent below the
power companies.  The plant produced more each day than any plant building
these units even if they had two production lines.

   "Where is the world did you find him Jack?"

   "He was a QC engineering grad from the university.  We hired him as
assistant QC manager.  But when we hit a problem he had written every
process control document we needed and had pictures with them.  He
suggested the bonus program based on improved profits each year.  Our
people this year should get around $5,000 each after taxes on December
15th. That is better than 25% of their annual salary.  The people on the
floor love him and will do anything he asks of them."

   "How the hell will they ever match that?"

   "Kimmi after seeing how this impacted the people has made a fund up
based on total profits.  The company will profit share with employees each
year."

   "What happens in the office?"

   "The bonus is 70% shop and 30% office.  With fewer people in the office
it will be a very nice bonus."

   "You will have to fire people to hire a new one.  No one will leave and
others will want jobs."

   "Our people will make more than they would at the auto truck plants. 
That make us the highest paying company in the state now."

   "Are you going to be able to keep him?"

   "He owns 5% of the company and is marrying my sister.  He and Mary are
now on the Family Trust board.  Dad gave him the car and truck dealership,
because of the money he made following his plan for the company.  James is
very well off and does not need to go anyplace for money."

   "Well he I am sure makes good money as a board member."

   "Nope he refused it and it is being put into the Mary and James
Children's Trust.  They have adopted the Children's Home as their first
place to spend some of that money.  But that trust gets $500,000 a year."

   "He turned it down?"

   "Yes flatly and said there was better things to do with that money.  He
will end up giving away around a million a year.  His way of seeing money
is it has to help people.  If you invest and it does not help the people
working for that company you wasted the investment."

   "I can see that as true.  The company is its people.  Loose them and you
loose the company."

   "Well the two of you sound alike in that way."

   They split up and Jack went out to his shop.  He needed time to think
and be alone.  His desk in his office was the place he enjoyed most of all.


   James finally rounded up both girls and headed back to drop June off. 
Mary and June talked all the way to her house.  Then Mary talked to James
on the way home.  He simply agreed with any suggestion she had about the
wedding.  He felt the wedding was important to a woman and less so to a
man. He would have been happy to just see a judge and get the service over.
For sure it would not change his feelings about Mary.

























   Chapter 14

   It was moving day into Mary and James new home.  Jenny had talked Kimmi
and John into letting her live with James and Mary.  They knew of the
relationship between her and Robert and liked him.  The young man had
proven to be very smart and protective of Jenny.  He had so far proven they
could trust him.  Now the discussion was about his living here as well. 
James and Mary just were not sure it would be best for either of them.

   "Look I have school to finish as does Robert.  We both know we have to
do well or the whole living situation changes.  If our grades fall then we
have to move back to our old living situation.  Now that seems reasonable
to me." Jenny was very determined that this would work.

   James looked at Robert to see how he took this.  "I would like to hear
your comments Robert."

   "Her wants are fine with me.  There is no way my grades will drop, as
getting that degree is critical to my being able to make a living.  I am
worried this might cause her grades to drop.  But she has to understand if
they do I will be gone quickly.  No fights or arguments will stop me.  If
she is interested after she graduates we can try once more.  But I am not
willing to ruin her life for my pleasure.  So if I leave there will be no
dates until she does graduate."

   Mary was very pleased with Robert's concern for Jenny.  "If you will
stick to that Robert then I can agree.  But Jenny you will move back to the
compound and mom will be told of this agreement."

   Jenny just nodded her head.  "I can live with that Mary and your being
fair.  You have Robert's commitments and mine, so we have to live by them.
I don't want to loose him for one day, let alone for months.  So you know
I'll do as I said."

   That settled the issue and moving started for the four of them.  Just
clothing and personal items were moved from the house.  The new house had
all new sheets, blankets, towels, silverware, pots and pans and the likes.
Their new housekeeper cook had been hired and they were moving into their
new house today as well.  Tina and Ike were the housekeeper and gardener.
They had three children, two girls 6 and 9 and one boy 5 years old.  There
was an outside entrance to the pool below ground for them to use.  But
someone had to be at the pool for the children to use it.

   Annie and Jack helped by moving Jenny down from the compound.  Annie
cornered Mary.  "Damn girl I am glad you did not negotiate my living with
Jack."

   "Annie your were sixteen and Jack had already made millions.  You both
knew what responsibility was.  Jenny is twelve and going to take my job at
the market, so she needs to learn a lot and fast.  In two weeks the market
is hers to run.  If she fails here then she needs time to reorganize.  To
cut down the things she is trying to do."

   "I see your point, but I don't see Jenny failing."

   "Nor do I dear.  But we did not make the agreement they did.  James and
I accepted their agreement.  You know dads feelings about not offering what
you can't do."

   "I did not know they made the offer.  Jenny just told us what the
agreement was.  She did not complain about it just told us."

   "Now you know the whole story."

   They sat in the kitchen and drank coffee.  There was a lot to cover on
the wedding front.  James and Jack went to James office to have a drink and
talk.

   "I really like your office James."

   "The desk came from the boys in the furniture factory.  It and some of
the furniture was a wedding gift.  It really is beautiful and much
appreciated by both of us."

   "They are artists and do great work.  But they have a very good designer
as well.  One of our new sisters from Japan is doing design work for them."

   "I need to stop by the shop and look it over.  I think the family needs
to go into the furniture business on a commercial level.  It should be a
high level product with long term sales ability."

   "Why furniture?"

   "We have the wood and as Mary buys more land we will have more.  So it
opens a market for high quality lumber for the mill.  Their contracts are
for construction grade wood.  By having a good outlet for furniture quality
wood the mill would make more money.  So we could profit from both types of
wood as well as have a source of wood for the factory."

   "What would that do to the current plant?"

   "Not a thing as that is not their market.  But they could sell design
work to us that they don't use.  Or they could design for the upscale
market under their name and be paid a royalty.  We just add designed by and
their company name."

   "The whole family would come out that way/.  I really like it James. 
Not much of my wood is being cut, as it is mostly furniture grade.  There
is a lot of the mountain that is in the same condition and not cut.  If
Mary starts buying land for a large ranch she will have lots of wood also.
I think we need to do this and quickly."

   "Well I'm going to discuss it with the board this next week.  I am sure
Kimmi will talk to you about it as well before a decision.  But there are a
good number of plants sitting idle right now that could be bought for less
than they are worth.  With rail and truck coming back we have the ability
to ship nationwide."

   "How do you get dealers for this?"

   "I am thinking the family needs to buy into companies and partner with
them.  We have the ability to set up a financing arm for retail sales. 
They could finance furniture at better than normal interest rates and for
short periods like three years.  Being up scale the risks are lower as
people tend to have better jobs."

   "That I like a lot James.  I start a trucking company called Furniture
Haulers.  The trust will pay for it, as it will be Annie's company.  We
will buy our trucks from you and trailers from dad.  We will do the
delivery for the furniture plant to dealers.  Then haul wood back for the
plant from different areas.  Wood that is unusual, not growing in this
area."

   "It would seem that the family would do very well on that.  But one day
you could also haul meat for Mary, as she does want to build a processing
plant as well."

   "I think the family needs to look at this and move on it.  We could help
bring the furniture industry back and add a lot of jobs back into the
system.  Please ask Kimmi to call me after the meeting."

   They went up stairs and sat down with the ladies.  "OK now what do we
need to do?" Jack was in his let's get going mode.

   "Nothing dear as dinner is on and most of the work has been done. 
Remember how our move was from the compound to our house.  This was the
same kind of move.  So in twenty minutes dinner will be served.  Now have
you seen the pool yet?"

   "No they have a pool?"

   "Follow me Jack." James led Jack to the elevator and dropped down two
floors to the pool.  There was a full Olympic pool, hot tub sunken into the
floor and a steam room at the back.  Tables sat around the pool with four
chairs per table.  Lounge chairs were spaced around as well.

   "Damn this is really nice James.  This has to be set into the rock."

   "It would have been if it had not been cut out.  But I wanted a sand
base and around the walls to insulate it.  The rock down here is 60
degrees. I heat the pool, so I did not want to be fighting the temperature
of the rock.  The sand is great insulation and along the rock I have coils
to get the cool and use it for air conditioning.  We run and antifreeze
mixture through the coils and get a drop to 65 on the coolant.  That is
more than we need to air condition the house."

   "I assume you designed it?"

   "Yep and it is an old type system so it was no big deal.  But in winter
we only have to heat it to 75 degrees and we have heat.  I have coils in
every room and a blower to move the cold or heat in through the coil and
out into the room.  Each room can have a different temperature that suits
that person."

   "That is a nice system James and one not used much today.  I assume you
did some research on that?"

   "Yes it was based after the old system where they put the tubing
underground in back yards.  The rock is far better as it keep the same temp
year around."

   "The temp here is very nice."

   "As I said thee pool is heated to 80 and that keeps this area nice.  It
is normally just seventy five here outside the pool.  But there will be
some family parties down here.  I did build a bar at the end of the pool. I
know you don't drink much, but it is nice to sit and drink a beer after a
hard day at work."

   "Well as soon as I am old enough I'll add the bar.  Had I done it before
dad would have killed me.  But you did notice a table shows up with beer,
wine and some hard stuff every party."

   "I like sitting at the bar and watching people.  You learn a lot doing
that.  I will have office parties down here and will pick up much in how
people act."

   Finally we were called to dinner and everyone was at the dinning room
table.  Mary had decide this was the time to advise everyone of expected
tasks.

   "Now we each keep our own rooms cleaned.  Your beds will be changed once
a week and the floors swept.  But Tina only has so much time to get done
what she needs to.  Put dirty clothes in the laundry chute and she will
wash them a couple of times a week.  She does not iron, so if it needs that
it is your job.  The pool area is a family cleaning job.  Tina has her own
family to handle.  So breakfast is ours to handle including putting dishes
in the dishwasher.  If you're here at lunchtime then fix it yourself.  Tina
will have dinner ready for us by 5:30 each night.  We will put stuff in the
dishwasher.  She is off every Sunday so we all cook on that day.  Now any
questions?"

   None were forth coming.  "Tina you heard the rules and I expect us to
live by them.  The only change will be if we have a party and then we will
work things out."

   "That is fine by me Mary and it does make life easier for me.  I will do
the shopping for the house, so if you want something put it on the list on
the door of the refrigerator.  If it is an every week item just note it
once.  Pepsi will stop by once a week and handle the bar, family room and
kitchen dispensers.  So leave me a note if we are having a party, so I get
extra syrup for the dispensers.  There is a calendar on the kitchen wall to
mark events on.  That way I know what is coming up and ca plan for it."

   She left and the group talked for a time.  "Now everyone needs to know
the bottom two floors can be closed off.  There is a tunnel from the office
to my office at the plant.  So even if this place was under attack we have
a way out.  If anyone tried to come over the wall the doors and windows
would close with steel plates.  That gives us time to get to the basement
and close it off.  Security follows everything here and would come at once.
But if needed we could go to the plant and they would know where were at."

   Jack was now curious about this.  "Why all the protection?"

   "Look Jack I am not behind the compound I am in an open area.  If there
were ever a revolt against the family we would be the first place they hit.
So I added some insurance to this house.  No one knows about the tunnel and
I will not use it except for an emergency.  The security force from the
dealership would come if an attack happened.  That would add six more
people to our side."

   "I still don't understand your worry?"

   "The family has bought up to much land and businesses in this area.  We
need to start selling those off and buying outside the area.  People that
are rich are not a problem for most as long as they don't own and control
where you live."

   Now Jack got the point and saw how it could happen.  "I need to add a
force to our place."

   "I got mine from Norfolk and they were Navy seals.  Now they are making
three times what they were.  I purchased houses and if they stay for 10
years they get titles to them.  They know a lot of men who would jump at a
job like the one I gave them."

   "Can I talk to the team leader?"

   "Sure and he will contact as many men as you think you need.  He will be
the guy flying us to the Homestead.  He is a certified pilot and got me the
chopper at a good price.  Mary and I will use it to look for the land she
wants to buy.  But it will have to be a good ways from here."

   "What do you consider a good ways from here?"

   "Sixty or more miles.  That is one or two counties away.  But I think
she wants to end up buying a valley.  So it could be one hundred miles from
here.  Beef can be moved by truck quickly and easily.  So 100 miles is
really nothing."

   "I get the idea and see the wisdom in it.  We for sure need to change
where we own businesses, land and buildings.  Dad picked up a lot of
buildings here and moved businesses he bought into in them.  He has allowed
a lot of them to buy him out, but still owns the buildings."

   "Well I have set up an agreement with the people at the dealership to be
come stock holders in the business.  As a group they will end up owning 40%
of the business.  But that would not protect the inventory if things went
south."

   "How did that work?"

   "I had an outside company come in and value the land, buildings,
inventory and business.  The total with my new body shop was 4.6 million
dollars.  I set up an employee trust and it will be sold 1.84 million of
the business or 40%.  That money comes to me and they control that
percentage of the business.  So after it is purchased the trust would get
40% of the profits to distribute to the owners.  If the business were sold
they would get 40% of the purchase price.  But they also take 40% of the
possible losses."

   "Does that tie them into a job?"

   "Nope it just means what ever percentage they own would be paid to them
each year out of profits received.  The agreement they have says that at
retirement they would get so much each year for their stock.  That way
other employees would buy it from them."

   "It sounds like a good retirement program."

   "That was what it was set up for.  But it also would pay good money out
each year to them.  Each employee has set up a payroll deduction for from
5% to 10% to go into the trust."

   "How long will it take for them to get to 40%?"

   "They will own the 40% in about ten plus years.  So I set up for them to
buy other items like buildings and invest in businesses to bring in more
money.  They can keep it going for a long time."

   "It should make them enough for retirement to be way ahead of others."

   "That was the idea and they elect one board member who is involved with
all business decisions.  I don't want them feeling that they are not heard
on money issues."

   The move over they headed off to bed that night.  It was odd sleeping
someplace new and it would take time to adjust.  But just being together in
their own home made it work for Mary and James.

   In the morning Mary took jenny to the market and started her training.
Jenny would do three hours of home schooling each day.  Plus she would have
one college course she chose each semester.  The time for her normal
classes was divided up with two hours done at the market and one hour plus
the college class done at home.  She could break up the two hours as she
needed to at work.

   Here she was buried at first just learning the job.  No one knew just
how much Mary did during a day.  But it was far more then Kimmi ever
expected.  She had come down to observe the start of training.  "Jenny I am
going to assign one more girl to take some of this load."

   "That is not needed mom.  I can cover this job and still get my homework
done.  It will require some reorganizing, but it can be done."

   "I don't see how you can, but I will reserve judgment."

   Jenny had Mary build a list of every job she was required to do and put
a time required on it.  They sat and listed jobs for each day and spread
them out over a week's time.  Some harder ones fell to Saturday where she
had no school.  Once they were done she had five hours work each school day
and seven on Saturday.  Now they looked at what could be done by the
assistant manager.  They cut an hour a day out and gave that to her
assistant.  It did not come close to overloading the assistant manager.

   "OK why are you giving the assistant manager more responsibility?" Kimmi
was not sure this was the right move.

   "Because mom she is the one who should manage this when I am done.  She
is young and smart.  The girl has the ability to run this and we need to
train her to do it.  We will have no more family coming along to take this
job after me."

   "Damn the family is growing up and I did not see it."

   "Look James says we need to get out of many of the businesses in this
area.  The amount we own is causing people to angry at us.  If we owned the
same amount or more in a wider area it would be no problem." Jenny believed
James feelings.

   That caused Kimmi to sit down and consider this.  "Well your dad does
own a lot here.  I have pretty much tried to buy in places where he is not
involved.  But I can see that as a problem for the future."

   "It really worries James and he has built all kinds of protection into
our house.  He feels that at some point if things don't change there will
be a revolt by people against us."

   Kimmi remembered the early days of the economic fall.  There had been
many attacks on wealthy people, but always where the income was locally
generated.  "He may be more right than he knows.  There is a board meeting
this afternoon and dad will be there.  I hope he is ready to discuss this
issue."

   "He is and I think you will like what he has to say?" Jenny knew she had
laid the groundwork for James now.

   That afternoon at lunch the board was together.  Talk was general and
light at lunch, but they moved to the library and the big table there. 
Kimmi was ready to hear James.  "James I hear your concerned about the
amount of business we own here?"

   "Yes very worried as it is going to cause a fight between the people and
us.  I am picking up a lot of comments and anger by some at how much we
own. They feel the family controls their lives as it does the political
side of the county."

   Now John perked up and was listening.  "Tell me more please."

   "We own the bank, many stores, this industrial park and control the
political appointments pretty much.  The family owns the newspaper, the
plant I run, a lot of the auto company and one TV station that we get here.
There is no room for any one to protest a family decision or speak out. 
That is causing people to dislike us and to not trust us."

   Now John saw what James was saying.  "I see your point, but how do we
change it?"

   "My feeling is to divest locally and move our business we buy further
away from here.  There is nothing we can do with the industrial park, the
plant I run or the car plant.  Those would cost jobs and that would make
things worse.  But the paper, TV station, bank and other businesses could
be slowly sold off to local people.  We need to get out of politics here as
well."

   That caused a lot of consideration by John.  "How do I get the value
they now have?"

   "I would think selling stock in those would bring in good money even
above their value.  The buildings you have could be put together as a real
estate trust.  Set up an office to sell stock in each business and buy a
bank someplace else.  Let that bank handle the sales."

   "Nice idea and one that would bring good money back.  But where do I
invest that money?"

   "We have a very good furniture shop here on the compound.  It does not
anger anyone because it sells outside this area at high costs.  So we go
buy a furniture plant sitting idle and let the designs that the boys won't
use be licensed to the factory.  There we build high-end furniture.  Now we
have lots of wood of furniture grade here to supply it.  The trust buys
into the up scale furniture sales business and we use the new bank to
finance furniture sale over the country.  Jack is interested in building a
trucking company for Annie to haul furniture to these outlets.  The family
does very well and none of that is seen here."

   Now both John and Kimmi were into this idea.  Kimmi was first.  "how
could we ship very long distances?"

   "The rail system is now back up running electric engines.  The ranch
Mary wants to start will be well away from here and we can look for wood to
be available for furniture.  Annie's company would back haul wood not
available here."

   Kimmi need another answer.  "How would the boys and their shop benefit?"

   "They do the designs for the new factory.  We license them and put their
names on as having designed them.  So they get a payment from every piece
we build and sell."

   Kimmi was on a roll now.  "How do you come out on this?"

   "Jack said they would buy their trucks from me and their trailers from
John.  Mary could sell wood to help support her ranch as well."

   It was a masterstroke and they saw it.  John was smiling and Mary said
nothing.  "I am all for this and we need to move quickly.  I'll set up for
Annie to start the trucking company and Mary's ranch.  We will pick up a
large bank that is in many states.  I know of several that are capital
poor. It will keep its original name and become a private company that does
not have to report its business publicly.  James you need to find us two
furniture plants one to start and one as back up for the future.  This will
start that business all over."

   Kimmi had been following this and still had a question.  "Where do we
get the furniture retail companies?"

   "I think it would be best if we became partners with them.  They need to
run the business, as they know their people and markets.  Look for chains
that are regional and up scale.  But if need we could simply buy failed
companies and re-staff them with skilled employees.  They should be able to
buy into the business and become our partner."

   John was on a roll.  "I like that as they will work harder if they
profit as well.  A good national bank should know of many companies needing
investment.  With us able to offer financing we would climb in sales
quickly."

   "As we are talking upscale the risks are also lower on nonpayment's. 
Remember this industry has disappeared in most countries." That James
wanted them to see.

   "What do you expect in losses and for how long?" Kimmi wanted to know
this end.

   "It will take 2-3 years to see a profit.  But looses will be mostly
salaries paid to employees.  The lines we build of furniture will last for
years before having any changes.  The buildings will still have value.  So
our early costs are people." James was willing to loose this money early.

   John now had taken in the vast size of this project.  "It will make us
billions and we need to invest in this.  But the investment needs to be
scaled and planned.  Quality needs to be very high and the best product
ever made.  We start in large cities that still have a lot of people.  Then
move to smaller well off areas."

   James knew he had planted the seed well.  "I think we all need time to
sort this out and come up with any questions.  Why don't we meet again on
Wednesday?"

   Timmy and Penny had not said one word.  Then Tim spoke up.  "I do need
time to consider all that would have to be done.  But first dad needs to
find and buy the large bank.  That must be in place first.  Then the
furniture plants need to be bought.  The boys need to consider what designs
they feel would sell and be easy to make on a production line.  So we need
those answers first."

   "Agreed Tim and I will get on the bank today.  I want them to start
selling my investment here quickly.  I have by doing what I considered
right put the family in a bad situation.  There is a buyer for the paper
now and I will make those arrangements."

   They all left the building and Mary held tight to James.  "Well husband
to be you did shake up the pot.  But I think the family will be much better
off after this."

   "Just remember that people see things differently than they are.  Facts
are not important to them, just what they think the facts are.  So my gut
tells me one day we will be living on your ranch and protected by the
people working for us.  Now we just need to find it."

   The week went by quickly and many steps had been taken to change the
current views.  The paper was sold to local group and a big bank found that
John purchased.  All businesses were offered the chance to buy his
interest. Some took loans and did that, but others were not interested. 
That partnership would be sold to the public.  The local bank was sold to
the national one.  John was publicly bought out of it.  But he still owned
it from the larger bank.

   Finally the wedding day was here.  The mood of the people seemed
brighter and for now there was not the animosity that had existed.  But the
whole thing was not over yet.  But land for Mary's ranch had been found and
it was a valley not easily accessed.  There was one road coming in and it
was the only way to leave.  They got twenty square miles of land and much
was wooded on the surrounding mountains.  A coal company had owned it and
they were now selling off land where they could.  So the land went cheap
and Mary gave everyone living in the town of 560 people their homes free
and clear.  That had made her very popular with the people.

   The wedding went off for Mary and Annie as they had planned it.  When
the helicopter landed to take them to the Homestead people were amazed as
they had not seen one in years.  It now would be stored at the ranch well
out of sight from the people.

   James had added the dealership to the sales John had going.  He got over
5 million for it.  That was in the bigger bank for investment.  But his
people would buy their stock from the new owner.  That had not changed.

   Once back at their home he started planning for training someone to take
over his job at the plant.  He wanted them to live on the ranch and enjoy
that life style.  They would return for board meetings, but sell the house
to someone else.

   James could see that safety was away from this area for the family. 
John now was in agreement with this and had started to build a new compound
in the next valley to the one Mary owned.  He had eight square miles of
land and no town.  But there was a road going over the top of the mountain
to join the two living spaces.  Both men had security crews of over fifty
men who worked on the land for them as well.  But went armed all the time.

   Mary built a store in the town that supplied food at the cost to buy and
hire people to run the store.  It was not meant to make a profit.  But it
served this ranch, town and the compound with food needed.  John's money
had grown to well over a billion and the trust to over two billion.  Kimmi
had done well as she now controlled over 4 billion in assets.  James was
the poor man as he was worth just 52 million.  But Mary was worth over 3
hundred million.  The processing plant was built in the town and hired
local people to work there.  It paid good money and people loved the jobs.
Mary ran over ten thousand head of beef and fed out everything she needed
without buying more except from the compounds heard.  They had three major
national customers who bought everything they could produce.  It was all
shipped by rail to their distribution centers.

   Today the family was rich beyond belief, but isolated in where they
lived.  Slowly family members moved to different locations all over the
country, but kept in communications by computer.  None ever let people know
they were family members.  They were just well off business owners and
mixed well with the local rich.

   When John died it was one time everyone returned to be together.  Kimmi
was beyond grief and she saw little of what happened.  But James handle
everything and did John right.  His tomb was constructed on top of the
mountain and looked like a wonder of this new world.  There was room for
all family members if they wished to return here for burial.  But the crypt
sitting in the center of the room was John's.