Chapter 29 Opportunity Knocks?

TWO YEARS LATER

The deal Marty signed with Stanford University is up for renewal and negotiations are well underway. Kensi's deal was abrogated when her P/A degree program was shut down. Complicating things is the fact that Marty and Kensi have formed some very meaningful friendships with some very influential people in the bay area. Given that, this isn't purely a business decision.

Added to that is the success of South Bay in the field of self-defense and weapons training, including the awards that the business has garnered. AND Marty's rising stature as a member of the faculty of Stanford University School of law.

Altogether, this has raised the awareness of the 'Power Couple' in several communities. This was made manifest in a phone call Marty received one Friday afternoon.

Marty's intercom buzzed: "Mr. Deeks, call on line 1."

"Who is it, Carol?"

"A Mr. Jackson, President of Pepperdine University."

"I'll take it, thanks Carol."

"Deeks here, how can I help you, President Jackson?"

"Professor Deeks, thanks for taking my call. I understand that you and Roger are working on a renewal of your deal with Stanford."

"Yes, we are. Does that interest you?"

"Indeed, it does. You and your wife are becoming a very valuable team. I am going to be in the area over the weekend with a team from Southern CA, and would appreciate the opportunity to talk with the two of you. We can put together a package that includes teaching at Pepperdine-Law, an expansion opportunity for South Bay and real estate for your family. I think you will find it very competitive and attractive. Might we meet on Saturday or Sunday, at your convenience?"

"Wow, that sounds quite interesting. I will need to check with Kensi and get back to you. Is this a number I can reach you at?"

"Yes, it is. Can you estimate when you will be able to confirm?"

"I would say within 2 hours. Is that satisfactory?"

"Yes, and many thanks."

"And thanks to you."

"Kensi Deeks here. How may I help you, kind sir?"

"Kind sir?"

"I saw the number; it could have been sexier!"

"Whoa, down girl, it's still daylight."

"Come on over, I can turn the lights down low."

"Hm, sorry, my calendar is full."

"Your loss."

"Yes, it is, yes, it is. Listen, can we meet with a S. California group this Saturday or Sunday? They want to make a pitch to Wonder Woman and Superman!"

"Yeah, right. Who's talking to you?"

"The President of Pepperdine University."

"Really?" Kensi gasps.

"Really!" Marty retorts.

"Well, we were hoping to do something with the kids on Saturday so what about brunch on Sunday morning?"

"That will work. I'll tell them they are buying."

"You do that, bye babe."

"Bye, love."

SUNDAY MORNING

After introductions, small talk and ordering food they got down to business. The proposal looked like this:

A Pepperdine-Law teaching position for Marty with immediate tenure, 2-weeks' vacation increasing to 4-weeks over time, a working relationship with the LA-PD* office to give students real world exposure.

For Kensi, property available for an expansion facility for South Bay. This property includes an underused shooting range including for long guns and sniper rifles, it is located in Malibu (close to Pepperdine) and is available for sale or lease on excellent terms.

For the Deeks' family: A 4-bedroom fixer-upper home in Malibu, 4 blocks off the beach with excellent ocean views. Available for sale on excellent terms. Very good school district.

Needless to say, Marty and Kensi were blown away. "This is very impressive, I must say," Marty expresses. Kensi nods in agreement. She adds, "what is our time frame for a response?"

"We would like a preliminary response in 1-week, final response in 2 weeks. Can you do that?"

"Yes, we can," Marty looks to Kensi, she nods.

"Wow!" Marty exclaims. "They have certainly done their homework. They know just what will be attractive to us, don't they?"

"They really do." Kensi adds. "Wendy, Valerie and I have talked about expanding. I guess word gets around. Actually, Valerie and Wesley will probably be more interested in moving to S. CA than us – not that we're not interested. She has aging parents who would really like her close to them."

"That's interesting. Should we get the 3 couples together and discuss this as a group?" Marty asks.

"Yes, I think we should. I will talk with Wendy and Valerie at work tomorrow and see what we can set up. I think I know your schedule pretty well, has anything changed since I saw it last?"

"Everything is the same. We'll talk tomorrow evening. Let me ask you this; how do you rate the factors of our friends here in the Bay area and the kids and school?"

"Given that they are new to America and American education, I would rate school stability VERY HIGH. The friends also VERY HIGH, we wouldn't be here in the good position we are in without Roger, James, their wives and others. Don't forget, Marty, all that the 3 ladies did for me/us in getting ready for the wedding!"

"You are right, sweetheart. As much as I like S. CA and surfing, I have a hard time seeing us moving south. At least for a good long while."

Kensi nods in agreement.

The 3 couples meet and have a good long talk. Kensi and Marty also have another family discussion, going over again the pros and cons of the offer. They unanimously agree to present a counteroffer to the 'Malibu Group'. The counter states that if details can be worked out Valerie and Wesley will move south with Wesley teaching accounting & bookkeeping at Pepperdine. The couple desires a 20-year lease on the residential property with one 10-year extension available. The Malibu business expansion would remain under the corporate umbrella of South Bay.

While they were disappointed at not getting Marty and Kensi, the Malibu Group accepted the counter, and all went to work to see it happen. Donald and Julia were thrilled, a survey of the area showed enough interest in sniper training and/or recertification that Donald would be put to work. This pleased Kensi greatly!

Kensi's doctor appointment went well. After 3 months on the pill, she wasn't having any side effects she couldn't manage, and they both were enjoying the enhanced tactile experience. They were exceedingly happy with their 4-person family.

TWO YEARS LATER

The business, with Kensi still leading the way as CEO was flourishing in both N & S CA. Marty was solidly ensconced at Stanford-Law and the twins were working their way through school with honors.

As Kensi & Marty looked back on that Endless Summer when they met on an LA beach, they were constantly amazed. Their initial attraction had blossomed into a full-blown love affair that continues to bear fruit. They certainly had been blessed beyond measure!