The morning after I installed the security login for the Sheriff, my phone went off at eight-thirty. It was the Sheriff. He wasn’t upset, so I was feeling pretty good.
“Good morning, Tim, how are things?”
“Doing good, sir, thank you. Are you having any problems with the new security login?”
“No, not at all. They guys followed your easy directions; everything went like clockwork. But I may have a job for you if you are interested. It’s in the next town over, so you may need to spend the night. It is for the Sheriff there.”
“If I can do it, and guarantee it, I will be glad to do it. Do you know what it is?”
“Yes, they want an upgrade to their system. My guess is they are trying to stay up with the times, or the crimes. I’ll give them your number and you can work out the details. By the way, I did not mention your kindness to our community. I know you will be fair with your charges.”
Later that afternoon, the phone went off. It was Sheriff Nelson of Overton. We had a good conversation, and we set up a meeting with the head of the town council for this Thursday at eleven. He said then we could stop at the diner and have lunch or the local bar. He had one of the office staff give me the necessary information I needed to figure out what was needed, and what I would charge.
Thursday morning, I arrived in Overton. A very nice community with eleven hundred residents. I stopped at the hotel and settled in my room. The desk called up and said the Sheriff was there to pick me up for the meeting. I hadn’t expected that.
When we arrived at the town hall, I was impressed by its hometown appearance, yet quietly demanded your respect. The town council, Sheriff, and I were standing outside making acquaintances when a 1998 Ford Mercury Marquis boat pulls into the spot reserved for the “council chair”. The vehicle appeared as though it had just left the showroom.
The lady who emerged from the vehicle was dressed for business, nothing else. I wasn’t sure how I should approach her. The Sheriff made the introductions.
“Madam Chair, this is Mr. Tim Ouster. He is here to discuss the upgrade of the Police Security Systems. The Sheriff, Cynthia Crenshaw’s brother, had work done for their system. He is quite pleased with the results and cost. Tim, may I introduce Ms. Amanda O’Connell.”
“Ms. O’Connell, the pleasure is mine,” Tim responded. Amanda smiled.
They went into the town hall and the meeting began. The office manager, George, explained what he thought would enhance the security system. Tim explained what he could do to enhance it. It would be simple, but it would be very effective. Tim even suggested having it accessible remotely by only one person. Anyone else would have to go into the office and access it manually.
Tim and the Sheriff left the council chambers as the members considered his proposal. He felt confident about his plan but wasn’t sure how Ms. O’Connell would react. He thought she seemed to be a bit old-fashioned. She may not be easy to persuade when it comes to change.
After about thirty minutes, George asked me and the Sheriff to come back inside. There were a few questions, and then Amanda spoke up.
“Tim, if I may, your suggestions seem to fit the issues George and the staff have outlined. I trust George because he is aggressive in his thinking. I like that. We have also discussed your charges. They are much less than we anticipated.”
“Ms. O’Connell, I don’t mean to brag, but I am good at what I do. I also know the police department is very good at what they do. If there is something I can do to help I am at your service. I also want the taxpayers to know, they are getting their money’s worth.”
“Excellent, then our business is finished. When can you start?”
“I can start first thing in the morning. I would ask George to be available. He knows the system and would be a great help. I may have to shut down the system at the end and restart it. I don’t think it will interfere with the daily routine.”
The group left the town hall. The Sheriff had to return to work. He told me to go to Shirley’s Grill and put his lunch on the city tab. Which I did.
The next morning looked as though some heavy weather would move in. The hotel was only five blocks from the police station, so I wasn’t concerned. I got in and went straight to work. George and I had the upgrades installed and ready for the restart by two thirty that afternoon. Job well done, and my hunger alarm was going off.
When I walked out of the station, the sky had darkened. I thought I’d press my luck and have lunch before the weather turned. I walked across the street to Shirley’s and found a table. I had just sat down when a server stopped at the table.
“Excuse me, Ms. O’Connell wants you to join her. I will show you to her table. Please follow me.”
“Ms. O’Connell, I’m honored. I appreciate your invitation.”
“Tom, Amanda if you would. I must show a certain stuffed shirt around here. My great-great-grandfather founded this town. He was treated like a king, and they think I should be treated the same way and yes, I am rich. When we’re in public, we can put on the show, but here together I can be just me. I do want to sincerely show you my gratitude for being concerned about our taxpayers. I would give you the key to the city, but I don’t know where the hell I left it.”
Amanda is an amazing woman in her own right. She plays the game, but “her” town is her heart. We talked about the beginnings of the town, and how they got rich from the railroad and then investments. She told me she drives the 1998 so the people don’t feel she is throwing her wealth in their faces. She is a caring woman.
She asked about me. Where I was born, if I had been married, all the polite conversations. But she seemed interested. I told her how I got into computers, and how I loved to take my coffee and sit by the lake to unwind.
Our luncheon, if you will, was interrupted by a loud crack of thunder. The lights flickered for a moment then settled down. The thunder outside was rolling. My thought was to just sit it out here. When it calmed down, I’d dash to the hotel. So, I get a little wet, more like drenched.
“Tim. Do you like to watch storms?”
“Yes, I do. The sheer energy fascinates me. I’ve loved them since I was a kid.”
“Shall we watch it from a better perspective?”
“Sure, where?”
“Follow, me.”
She led me through the back of the bar and out a metal door. There sat her ‘98 Ford, dry as a bone in the desert. I opened the door for her, then got in from the other side. Then push of a button, the garage door opened, and we were driving into the tempest. Amanda loved it.