WINDFALL
A fierce storm broke over McMurdo Abbott and Quinton Haggard Yates. The strange story of a seductive secretary, a jealous architect, an armed engineer, Yates' scarred nephew, a fatal "love triangle" (or was it a love quadrangle?), potential corporate espionage and criminal breach of trust burst onto the news scene like a summer's thunderstorm.
Rory would have normally been very happy to be famous (well, for the first time since his fifteen minutes of fame as Prankee), but there was something about being the victim in an asthma attack that wasn't exactly his type of fame.
In the hospital, Natalie told Rory the newspapers and T.V. weren't mentioning Rory by name, only as "an unidentified professional rival of Mr. Rosetter who had repeatedly bested him professionally."
One newspaper suggested the "unidentified professional rival" was also a rival for the affections of Barb. Another newspaper suggested one of the engineers for whom Barb worked, "an Arctic port expert" was also "vying for her heart's affections."
Benny found this part hilarious. He sent a link to Ethan, Sarah, Erica, his Mom, his Dad, and Evelyn.
Rory, for his part, never bothered to read newspapers or watch TV news himself.
"That's cool if they don't mention me" Rory said, with a grin. "I don't want to be mentioned and known as the asthmatic architect. It's no fun to be famous unless it's for something cool! Or, I mean . . . not embarrassing. And I think its way embarrassing. And, heck, you know I don't really embarrass. But you know what was awesome? The cops came here? And they put my statement on DVD?"
"I wish I was here for that" said Natalie, who thought it sounded interesting.
"I think as a victim I can get a copy of my interview" said Rory, who made a face when saying victim. "But man, I hate being the victim of anything. And I hated dealing with the dude from the insurance company."
"I bet this was the worst thing that ever happened to you, Rorster" said Natalie.
"No!" said Rory, but he found he didn't know how to explain that further. Especially stuck in a hospital bed. But what could he say? "Natalie, you've never met Ethan. He's uptight, but he's a real cool guy. And Sarah, next to you, she's the nicest woman you'd meet."
"I wonder what's going to happen to Rosetter?" said Natalie. "I hope he goes to jail."
"I don't really care what happens to him" said Rory peevishly. "I don't even want to think of the dude."
As for Rosetter, his lawyer soon made a deal with the Crown Attorney to plead guilty on the lesser charge of aggravated assault. Rosetter was sentenced to nine months in jail for his role. Rory's name was finally mentioned in the agreed statement of facts, when the case was brought before a provincial judge in the Ontario Court of Justice . . . several months after the fact.
And by then, the whole story had long been forgotten.
In fact, for the first time in many years, Quinton Haggard Yates and McMurdo Abbott worked together . . . if only to dampen the story. Between them, they hinted broadly that Barb has been involved in corporate espionage . . . but with yet another engineering firm. Or, possibly, even working for a hostile foreign nation.
Sydney Baker cooperated, placing out a press release saying that "despite the recent events he had full confidence in McMurdo Abbott."And he trusted the firm for his housing projects, in spite of the potential interference by a "hostile foreign nation." Now, why a hostile foreign nation would try to coopt the Baker housing project was never explained, but the press ate up the story nonetheless. Hostile foreign nations made good press.
As for M. Roger Yates, he sent out a press release that he was "shocked and dismayed" by the previous night's events, and pled for privacy after having been so "grievously deceived" in his private life. He announced he would be taking a short leave of absence from the company, but was "pleased to relate the exciting news" that his nephew Arthur Smythe-Yates would represent the family interests. As for Barb specifically, M. Roger Yates announced he was "appalled and heartbroken".
The firm of McMurdo Abbott, for its part, announced it was "repulsed" by the behaviour of Rosetter, and had dismissed him for cause. McMurdo Abbott also said it was "dismayed and disgusted" by the actions of Barb and Orson Baker. The firm reported that an investigation proved no wrongdoing by any other employees, and in fact suggested Baker had been deceived by Barb into releasing classified information.
That last was added by Mr. Roderick Abbott himself; apparently he had a petition from Orson Bates' friends on the 13th floor to put that in. Guilty of murder, yes; but not willfully betraying the company.
Abbott worried how long the story would attract the country's attention, but he needn't have. Three days later the press had lost all interest as new stories occupied their attention.
By that time, Rory was back at work at his office. The final touches were being placed on the last set of blueprints for the Baker project. It had become an entirely Rory Keener – Benny Weir project now, but the two friends argued more than they expected. There had been no problems with Benny's completing the engineering specifications Rory had been working on. But Benny's idea of architecture was that people had to live in whatever Benny thought was cool or convenient.
Case in point, the re-designed Bungowloft.
Benny drank from his flask of everlasting root-beer.
"Engineers see things clearly, Rory" said Benny wryly. "The problem when a dude like you makes the mistake of getting architectural training, he starts becoming artsy. If you have a staircase, you want it to go straight up. No detours. You don't want to stop at a landing halfway."
"It's a safety thing" Rory returned. "You don't want to fall down the whole flight of stairs. Plus, you use less room. That's why we architectural engineers don't design main stairs that way anymore."
"If twisting stairs uses less room, then you should have five landings" Benny said mockingly. "So people who get tired easy can rest on the way up."
"That's a Warp-Two butthead idea" said Rory. "It's like the spiral staircase Rosetter put in his mouse-hole house."
"The house I grew up in had straight up and down stairs" said Benny. "And Grandma's never fallen down them yet. You don't build the approach to a bridge with a u-turn. Not unless you really have to. You don't build a tunnel through a mountain if you can build around the mountain. Dude, you know this from engineering school. Easiest route. "
"It's an old house" said Rory petulantly. "You've been building roads too long, buddy. I've been doing buildings. I even designed a twenty story condo building. Man, is it ever cool"
"Really?" asked Benny. "Where will it be built?"
"Well, no one's bought the design" Rory admitted. "But I submitted it to McMurdo.
"That's the last anyone's seen of that" thought Benny, but he said nothing aloud.
"I don't see why a bungalow needs an upstairs anyway" added Benny yawningly, which was code for the fact he gave up trying to correct Rory's L-shaped staircase. "I mean, it's supposed to be one storey."
"It's what Baker's calling his one and a half floor house" said Rory.
"If I get married, and I buy a place like this" Benny said, "I can use that room upstairs as my private man-cave."
"The frack?" said Rory. "Man caves have to be in basements."
"Says who?"
"Me" said Rory. "They're caves. Meaning rooms below-grade. Let's ask Ethan, if you don't believe me."
"Ask me what?" said Ethan, as he exchanged first bumps with Benny and Rory.
Ethan had walked into the room. After returning to Canada on the company dime, Ethan had to his annoyance been immediately sent to Sudbury as a trouble-shooter. Ethan had spent days reviewing work on a nickel smelter that had fallen behind schedule.
"Man cave's wherever you want it" said Ethan, apparently siding with Benny.
"Told you" said Benny, with a smirk. "Rory's going all architect on us. He sometimes forgets he's also a qualified engineer."
"Yeah" said Ethan, with a grin. "But I wouldn't put a man cave there."
"Why?" asked Benny. "It's the perfect place to chill when you want to see a good sci-fi or action movie. Add a beer fridge or even a minibar . . . ."
"Basement's good for that" said Ethan. "You want the right lights for your home theatre and eighty-inch TV. Or maybe a projection system. And you want the right distance between you and the T.V."
"Yeah" said Rory. "Besides, you hang out with your wife in the best rooms. Man caves go in a room she doesn't care about."
"If you know what's good for you!" joked Ethan. "I mean, one of those rooms could be Sarah's office, another can be our bedroom. And when we have kids, we can have the top floor to ourselves."
"Maybe Sarah's parents will sell you their split-level one of these days" said Benny sarcastically. "The best room in the house is reserved for the man-cave."
Ethan clapped Rory on his shoulder.
"The dude doesn't understand what it is to have a wife" joked Ethan. "He's a bachelor. Speaking about wives, this morning I texted . . . ."
"I'll probably settle down someday" interrupted Benny. "When I feel like it. And I'll throw a wedding bash like you never saw. And set aside the top floor for the man-cave. If I live in a bungled-loft."
"By the time you find the girl you'll be too old to climb the stairs" laughed Ethan. "I just hope I have enough teeth left to enjoy the food at your wedding."
"There'll probably be a lot of prunes" added Rory thoughtfully. "Old people like prunes. Prune cake, prune Danish, prune juice."
"Ha, ha, ha" laughed Benny, sarcastically.
"I can assure you I don't like prunes" said a voice. "In fact, I despise them."
The three of men looked shocked, as they turned about to face the door. Standing there was a wrinkled old man looking as if he had stepped in from another era; a man in double-breasted black suit and fedora hat. He leaned heavily on a silver-topped walking cane.
"Whoa! The boss!" said Rory in surprise. "Thanks for the card when I was in the hospital. Uh, sir."
"You're welcome, Mr. Keener" said Mr. Abbott with cold formality. "It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Keener, and you Mr. Weir, at last. Mr. Morgan, I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance once before."
"Yes, sir" said Ethan.
"Now this young man here, is my grandson Farley. He interns with me during the summer months."
Behind Mr. Abbott, and carrying a large briefcase, was an older teen, obviously his grandson, who was dressed in three-piece black suit, tie and fedora hat. Ethan, Benny and Rory were immediately reminded of clones.
Farley gave a short salute, but was obviously meant to be seen but not heard.
"May I see that blueprint?" said Mr. Abbott. "I suppose it is the final one?"
"Yes, Mr. Abbott" said Rory.
"Fine, fine" said Abbott, who was able to evaluate it at a single glance. "I'm sure it'll make Baker and several hundred householders very happy. Although, I always did prefer straight staircases in cottages. Far easier to carry furniture up the stairs. A shame they went out of style."
Benny smirked.
"I have granted the floor the afternoon off, gentleman" said Mr. Abbott. "I have a secret to show you that I don't believe even Mr. Morgan knows about. Walk this way gentleman."
"Mr. Morgan" had long an idea, and had discussed it with "Mr. Weir." Neither had mentioned it to "Mr. Keener" as Mr. Keener would be sure to try to open the secret doors.
"Do you know?" asked Mr. Abbott. "The truth now."
"The metal cabinets on each floor" started Ethan. "They're really . . . ."
"That's enough" said Mr. Abbott with a sigh. "I have to admit I am disappointed. Go ahead, Farley!"
Farley Abbott used a pair of keys to unlock the metal cabinet outside Rory's office. It didn't lead to office supplies, but did conceal a pair of mirrored elevator doors. Mr. Abbott's express private elevator to his office stopped at every floor.
Benny and Ethan nudged Rory painfully, as Rory was about to childishly wave to the group's combined reflection.
Adam turned another key in the elevator control, and the small group waited for the elevator to descend from the penthouse.
"That's awesome" said Rory approvingly.
"A little nonsense now and then is treasured by the wisest men" said Abbott. "Benjamin Franklin. I must admit a fondness for secret passages and the like, neither of which reflect well upon a serious man. Still, when I hire outside the family, I do like to hire architects and engineers who treat their profession, that of designing and building the world around us, as a joy and a privilege. At least for the time you're with us."
"What do you mean by that, Mr. Abbott?" asked Benny suspiciously.
"You see, Mr. Weir" said Abbott, "I know men like yourself, who crave advancement and independence, will not spend their entire careers here. And who, I think, don't like saying "sir" all the time or Mr. Abbott."
Benny laughed awkwardly.
"You'll start your own firm eventually" Mr. Abbott said. "In fact I suspect you have ideas to that goal. You seem surprised Mr. Morgan?"
"I didn't think you'd be receptive to the idea?" asked Ethan.
"Verily, I'd prefer my employees stayed fifty years with the firm, after which they'd retire with the customary pension and gold watch" Abbott admitted. "However, this company has been controlled by Abbotts and McMurdos since 1837 and that is the way it shall stay. Not willing to cede control means we don't have as high a retention rate as other firms. And in spite of lobbying by my son and even my grandson here, while I am alive I shall never give in to such gimmicks as open offices, less formality, casual dress, and group cheers. You disapprove Keener?"
"I think it would be cooler" said Rory. "Except for losing our offices."
"I don't like the group cheer idea, Mr. Abbott" Ethan added.
"This is an office, not an amusement park" said Mr. Abbott (Farley mouthed the phrase as if he had heard it many times before). "There must be limits. However, it is all for the best. Frankly, the country needs well trained engineers and architects, even outside our firm. We benefit enough from your talent while you're here. However, there is one object recent events have taught me."
"What's that?" asked Benny.
"It was a great mistake to close the company dining room" said Mr. Abbott. "It's a traditionally kindly company convenience. Besides, as a bonus company gossip does tend to expose and discourage spies and assorted mischief-makers from anything too drastic.
"Really, Grandfather?" asked Farley.
"Definitely" said Mr. Abbott in a obstinate tone. "Of course, in recent years, it was more difficult to run the restaurant with special diets, people leaving to eat, and so forth. It was one of the McMurdos ideas to close the restaurant down, and I was fool enough to go along with it. But effective Monday, the 20th floor auditorium will be converted to a restaurant. The cook assures me the kitchen can serve the whole building. My private dining room and the McMurdo's dining room will continue to operate, of course."
The elevator arrived, and Rory, Benny and Ethan rode up to the top floor with the boss. Abbott's private suite was heavy in mahogany and varnish, and featured the thickest carpet Rory had ever seen. The room shined brilliantly in the afternoon sunshine reflected off the lake.
There was one computer in site, on a desk in the corner. The monitor was a bulky CRT model. There was some type of dictation machine, and a telephone, on the corner of the high carved desk of Abbott's.
High on the walls were dusty oil paintings of nearly two-hundred-years worth of surly Abbotts. It appeared a requirement to be president of the company was the ability to avoid smiling.
Below the paintings were mahogany bookcases filled with dusty portfolios and volumes of yellowing paper. There were counter under the shelves, with piles upon piles of papers tamed by heavy brass paperweights. There was the coat-tree where the Abbotts hung their hats.
Abbott had an enormous leather chair behind the desk. The four chairs before the desk were comfortable leather and mahogany wood. But, Ethan, Benny and Rory felt awkward sitting before the big desk, with Roderick Abbott sitting with his hands cradled behind. And Farley Abbott standing at attention to the side.
Suddenly, Mr. Abbott broke into the faintest of smiles. Which, in the shadow of his solemn forbearers, seemed almost rebellious.
"I must admit to all of you, as troubled as my week was, the denouement was very satisfactory to me" Mr. Abbott said. "I am sorry about what happened to you, Mr. Keener. I do not need to tell you three that Marmaduke Roger Yates is very much my arch-nemesis. I find it intensely gratifying that his spying escapade should result in his being forced out in his hereditary role at the company, at least temporarily in favour of his sister's son.
Mr. Abbott's tone here was dry, save when pronouncing the name "Marmaduke". Then his voice was sneering and mocking in tone.
"I still can't believe they hired Barb to kill me" said Rory.
"I can't believe it either" said Benny. "I was the man guarding the plans for the Baffin Island port project. Rory was only building houses!"
"The family has a vengeful streak a mile long" said Mr. Abbott. "However, in part I called you Three Amigos here to point out that I have been discussing matters with Rory's friend Malcolm Brunner.
"Grandson of Manafort Brunner" added Farley.
"I believe we all know that by now" said Mr. Abbott irritably. "But, I believe, Rory, you agreed to accept the insurance settlement. Reluctantly."
"Yes, sir" said Rory. "I don't like the idea of getting money because someone tried to kill me. Natalie, my Mom, my Dad, Benny and Malcolm ganged up on me."
"If you sued they would be giving it to you anyway, in court" Ethan reminded Rory. "It's really yours by right."
"A year's salary, you have it coming buddy" said Benny, as he was named. "They hire you to work, not to have someone try to get to choke you to death."
"I agree with your friends" said Mr. Abbott, as he handed Rory a certified cheque. "The insurance company is being reimbursed by Quinton Haggard Yates. While we may or may not be able to prove that Barb acted in their employ, and was not merely Maramaduke Yates' mistress, our rivals are more desirous than we to close the book on this affair, so to speak. By the way, Mr. Keener, I've reviewed the recommendation you gave for Miles Crete. Do you think he'd prefer the vacancy on the thirteenth floor, or an actual engineering position on the 2nd? You do know we now have vacancies for both?"
"So, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Crete is either hired as a glorified security guard or Rory gets to work with his brother-in-law?" Benny pointed out bluntly.
"You are straight-to-the-point, Mr. Weir" observed Mr. Abbott quietly.
"Is that a good or bad thing?"
"In moderation, a good thing."
Meanwhile, Rory had grimaced a little at the thought of having to work with his brother-in-law to be. But, exile to the files and cameras of the thirteenth floor was boredom embodied. And Rory couldn't wish that on Natalie's brother.
"I think he'd prefer a more dynamic position" said Rory, choosing his words carefully. "I know I like designing and building."
"Very well" said Mr. Abbott. "The second floor it is. Mr. Crete seems generally friendly and competent. However, Mr. Keener, my read is Mr. Crete wouldn't care so long as he draws a salary and can boast about working for this firm. I hope, Mr. Morgan, you haven't any hope he'll leave with your friends to start a new company. I can assure you that there you'd be disillusioned."
"Mr. Abbott" said Ethan, looking at Rory knowingly, "I can assure you we didn't have any designs of that type."
"I didn't think as much" said Mr. Abbott, who had observed Rory's grimace. "Although one should always hire relatives. What I say next to Mr. Keener, however, shouldn't be interpreted as a ploy to remove him. Mr. Keener, during your recent sickness, we at the executive suites reviewed your plans for your condominium apartment building. You see, this past week we had a client looking to build a resort hotel, and requesting to look at our existing blueprints. None of our existing hotel plans were appealing . . . however, it doesn't take much to rework a condominium tower into a hotel."
"Mine?" Rory asked with a grin from ear-to-ear.
Mr. Abbott passed Rory an envelope.
"I'd like you to look at these first" said Mr. Abbott. "In spite of your poor eyesight, I was able to use my connections to obtain these for your future use."
"Whoa!" said Rory. "Commercial flying licenses in my name."
"Congrats, Rory" said Ethan, although inwardly he cringed at Rory flying anywhere commercially.
"There's a disaster waiting to happen" joked Benny. "Rory in the cockpit of a 767."
"I'm a good pilot" Rory retorted. "And it's not for jets anyway, just normal airplanes. And there's two licenses here. Canadian and . . . Australian. And an Australian . . . work visa?"
"You're sending him to Australia, Mr. Abbott?" asked Ethan.
Farley opened a portfolio, and placed the computer-generated image of a large triple-towered building rising over a central yard. The towers were square with rounded corners, and the building featured balconies around-side the upper story. Above the main entrance was a vertical line of windows that had its apex at a chrome flagpole. Overlooking all, was a short tower that looked like a layered cake.
"I didn't think I'd like a triple towered complex in what looks like an impossible combination of the Post-Modern style, with very heavy Streamline Moderne influences" said Mr. Abbott, a bit sarcastically. "It does work well, I must admit. It's too bad Rosetter didn't see this building, he'd find a building that you could use portholes in."
"I didn't though."
"In all honesty, Mr. Keener, I despise the conical pyramid mechanical penthouse you placed atop the central tower. A colossal waste. But it is perfect, or so says Mr. Hall, for a new resort in Alice Springs."
"Australia?" Rory repeated.
"As we know, with the end of the Covid pandemic the tourist industry is making a belated revival" said Mr. Abbott. "Near Ayer's Rock, or Uluru, in the middle of the continent and marking the halfway point on the north-south transcontinental railroad between Adelaide and Darwin. This would be by far the largest project of your career, to date, and you just need to redesign the rooms to suites and place in five restaurants. You already have a rooftop terrace. Swimming pool as well. I did think it was ridiculous to have a Mezzanine Level in an apartment building, but in a hotel . . . . . It would take about two years of supervision from start to finish. You will be staying at another existing resort for the duration. Will you accept the position?"
"Man" said Rory getting up. "Would I? I just need to ask Natalie."
"Natalie is in the next room" said Mr. Abbott, now producing yet another envelope. "You might talk to her. You might also show her these tickets for the SSS Southern Empress, and a four week Transpacific Cruise of the South Seas on your way to Sydney via Vancouver. I thought you might use the four weeks to decompress. As an added bonus, you are permitted to take your yellow Labrador retriever along. I've handled the Australian import and quarantine issues."
"THANKS"
Rory forgot his job training, offered Mr. Abbott a high-five (Abbott looked bewildered by the gesture), and was belatedly indulged by a bemused Farley Abbott
Rory then rushed off in a very undignified and unstuffy way. Mr. Abbott shook his head disapprovingly and looked to Farley.
"It's natural he's excited, sir" said Ethan forcefully.
"He doesn't have to show he's happy" said Mr. Abbott.
Farley again mouthed Mr. Abbott's words.
"And I request you stop mimicking me . . . immediately" said Mr. Abbott sternly to his grandson.
"Yes, Grandfather."
"And now" said Mr. Abbott, "Mr. Weir. You have a decision to make."
"What's that, sir?" asked Benny.
"Your expertize will be sorely in need as the Chief Engineer and Project Head of the Cape Columbia port and mining operation on the northernmost part of Ellesmere Island" said Mr. Abbott.
Benny's face sunk, and he winced.
"Your cool mathematical genius" continued Mr. Abbott, "can do the job of three men. It will, of course take three years, and you'll need to spend the winters, but you may have a permanent settlement name after you. Not nicknamed Benny's Bay, but given the official name of Port Weir. And the consummate salary. But I realize this position may be undesirable due to the great remoteness of the location. As an alternative, you might like . . . ."
"I'll take the alternative, Mr. Abbott" said Benny.
"While Mr. Keener is qualified as an engineer, I believe the resort project needs more executive human resources. I suggest you as engineering chief, although you and Mr. Keener will serve as joint heads of projects. Of course, you won't be joining Mr. Keener for six months yet. Not until your port project is finished. But then again, you won't want to be a third wheel on their de-facto honeymoon."
"Like I said" said Benny, "I'll take it. It'll be something to boast about. I guess Ethan will be coming along too, huh? He's the best with wiring plans."
"I'll have to take it up with Sarah first" said Ethan excitedly. "If it doesn't hurt her career she can come along too! I don't know if it would be too much it she were also architect on the project? But coequal, not below Rory"
"Who said you could do the hiring, Benny?" snapped Farley. "We're the Abbotts here!"
"It certainly would be too much to send you, Mr. Morgan, to the outback" said Mr. Abbott haughtily, as he was annoyed by what he thought was an outrageous presumption on Benny and Ethan's part. "I intend to keep you, Mr. Morgan, in New York, New York for the remainder of your employment here."
"That's . . . just what I wanted" said Ethan in a disappointed tone.
"You see" said Mr. Abbott haughtily, "aside from being an able trouble-shooter, you may be interested in knowing that a project of great prestige had been granted to a joint venture of Canadian firms. Through much complicated politicking that is outside your respective bailiwicks. Now I had assumed the lead in this venture, until Marmaduke bought out my partners at an inflated rate. Recent events have forced Marmaduke to sell his share of the contract to me. Now, Mr. Morgan, if you can avoid seeing your childhood friends and content yourself by merely devoting yourself to the wife of thy bosom . . . ."
Mr. Abbott ignored the snickering of Benny, and even Farley, by the archaic turn of phrase.
"You might be interested to know I am appointing you the Chief Engineer of this project, Mr. Morgan. Most engineers would give their right arm for this opportunity! Farley, the red file!
Ethan looked at the sole page in the file set before him, and he grinned. "OFFICIAL ANNEX TO THE UNITED NATIONS BUILDING" was declared above the drawing. "NEW YORK, NEW YORK. CONTRACT REWARDED TO THREE CANADIAN FIRMS. ADDENDUM. REVISED CONTRACT TO MCMURDO ABBOTT OF TORONTO.
"It doesn't offer much in the way of creativity, but your name will be chiseled in stone in the front lobby as Chief Engineer" said Mr. Abbott. "As long as the building stands."
"YES!" said Ethan jumping up, and putting his fist in the air.
Benny gave him an enthusiastic handshake.
"That's some windfall" said Benny.
"You might tell Mr. Keener, when and if he comes back" said Mr. Abbott, whose haughty look had faded again into his dim smile "that his ocean voyage is deductible, a business expense after all, and post-COVID I felt I should do my best to prop up the cruise ship industry. He may work on his blueprints on the trip across the ocean."
"You honestly expect Rory to work on his blueprints, while he's with his wife on a trans-pacific cruise!" said Benny. "Yeah, Mr. Abbott, Rory's really going to do that."
"Mr. Abbott" said Ethan, more diplomatically. "I know Rory. Even if he intends to do it, that isn't going to happen."
"Even Ethan couldn't do that" Benny added, while Ethan glared at him.
"I don't expect him to" said Mr. Abbott. "I just expect to deduct it as a business expense. But one more thing, Mr. Weir. You are a very confident young man?"
"Maybe I get carried away" said Benny diplomatically.
"I suppose you do" said Mr. Abbott, with a grim little smile. "It might interest you to hear the name the government of Nunavut has chosen for Benny's Bay. An odd name, but recommended by several elders in the area."
"What did they choose, sir?" asked Benny.
"Ikajuqti'naaq umiarsuarlivik" said Mr. Abbott, pronouncing it slowly. "That is to say Wizard's Harbour or Wizard Habour."
"Heh, heh . . . really weird" laughed Benny, awkwardly.
"Yes" said Ethan, in an icy tone and a hard glare at Benny. "Why would they ever pick that name?"
"As far as I'm concerned, it shall forever remain a mystery to me" said Mr. Abbott.
"Probably some tired old superstition" shrugged Farley.
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio/ Than are dreamt of in your philosophy" said Mr. Abbott. "Shakespeare. Hamlet. Act 1, Scene 5."
And Roderick Abbott left it at that.
"What do you think?" asked Rory of Natalie, the excitement dripping from his voice. "I need to get new crocodile hunter clothes, but think about it. Living in the Outback . . . in a resort . . . and man, I'll be tops as an architectural engineer. I know we've been talking about spending our honeymoon in Montreal or the Thousand Islands. But, a real cruise through the South Seas! And Krypto along! I can rent your bro the condo . . . . and give my Dad the Mustang for now. But what do you think?"
"I love it" said Natalie. "I just don't want to be so far away from my family. I've never actually left home before."
"We're getting married" Rory reminded her enthusiastically. "We can skype and zoom and even email and phone."
"That's true, Rorster" said Natalie. "There's one thing."
"What?"
"You know we've talked about having children."
"They'll still be Canadian because we are" said Rory, completely missing Natalie's point. "We won't have to leave them behind in Australia when we come back. And maybe they'll officially be Aussies too. I dunno how that works."
"I'm not dumb, Rory" said Natalie, sternly, who thought Rory was making fun of her.
"Isn't that what you meant?" asked Rory.
"No" laughed Natalie. "I'd like them to know their grandparents."
"If we don't come back" said Rory, also laughing "we'll invite them to fly over. It's only a 24-hour flight. Heck, Natalie, your Mom can come and stay with us the whole time. I'd be so happy to be a Dad."
"You'd be an awesome Dad."
"And you'd be an awesome Mom. You'll be an awesome Mom."
"I don't know what to do first" said Natalie.
"I dunno" said Rory. "Seems as if we've been celebrating non-stop. Another night out'll be worth it."
"That reminds me" said Natalie. "Ethan texted today. He can't wait to meet us together."
"He didn't mention it to me" said Rory, a little sullenly. "Well, it's not as if he had time to."
But then, Rory supposed, Ethan was going to before Mr. Abbott appeared.
"He wrote can't wait to meet me . . . again" said Natalie, laughing as she remembered the Single Tear concert. "He wondered if next Monday night was clear."
"Yeah, next Monday night" said Rory.
After a second's pause, he added.
"I love you Natalie. I really love you! I'd . . . I'd risk losing you forever instead of keeping secrets from you."
"I love you too, Rorster. Isn't it awesome how we've known each other for only a few weeks and we've seemed to know each other all our lives."
Rory opened his mouth to reply, but couldn't seem to say a thing.
"I'll pick you up tonight, at five" said Rory finally, before repeating, "Love you, Natalie.
