Ralph, explained that three students were affected after using a rest room at the school. Someone had left power residue and Ralph, his friend Mike and another student were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The school was doing an investigation for traffic in and out of that restroom, but to be truthful, not much is expected to come of it.
"I will say, though, that after that experience you will never have to worry about me doing drugs." Ralph opined over the chessboard.
"That is good to hear, buddy," Walter said then moved a rook.
"What's wrong, Walter?" Ralph asked then moved a bishop.
"What makes you think something is wrong" Walter asked, eyes scanning the board, moving a pawn and saying "checkmate, buddy. Your mind isn't on the game, what's up?"
"You are quieter than usual; don't seem like you are 100% on topic- not like you."
"I do have a lot on my mind lately- coding a bank/financial program for Richard, the MIT lectures, design modifications for the booster and the interest generated from the Reinler panel. Much as I like to ensure I have my weekends free to spend with you, in future I may have commitments that may prevent my being here. You are fourteen, so old enough to understand. Much as I prefer to be here with you on the weekends, at times I may not be able to be here."
"Walter, why did you give money to mom and the others? Everyone was over last night and I overheard them talking- even opened a fund for me. Why after the stupid blow-up of Scorpion?"
"I had an account for your college started years ago, you know that. The Reinler prize just gave me the ways and means to ensure everyone I worked with won't have anything to worry about financially, anyway, hopefully. People make a big deal about money- to me it is just a tool, like handing a wrench to Happy or an ace bandage to Toby. If the funds are handled well, no one should be in dire straits financially and you will be able to pursue any academic endeavor when you are ready for university without worry. Just a tool, buddy, don't read anything else into it. Your mom and the rest of them were a big help to me for a number of years and appreciation was due. Ready for pizza- sounds like the delivery is here, and a nice evening sitting on the roof."
When Walter returned to the house Sunday night, he patted Rex and gave him a cookie when he got to the kitchen, put his laptop on the counter and cruised on through to the bedroom, stripped down to boxers and went to bed while Rex curled up on the chair.
Monday morning he got the coffee going and sat at the counter to check mail. First was a message from John Abbott about the modeling he had sent. Next was from Steve Beck to say the modeling John gave him confirmed his modeling results so the booster design modifications will be instituted then tested statically then dynamically. IF Walter wanted to observe he would let him know date and time. William Bloant wrote to ask to be informed if Walter would be available for another speaking engagement in future at his convenience. He wanted to be first on the list as he was sure the Reinler solution was generating a lot of interest in other institutions. While reading that, another message was added to the list- from Laura.
Walter- I promised to keep things confined to math, so here is another question on your formula….
He sat for a moment in thought, then replied to Laura, complete with the math to answer her question.
The last message was from Richard- another invitation to join him for lunch- car would pick him up around 11:00 if he was available. Walter sent a confirm, poured himself another cup of coffee and returned to the bedroom to get dressed.
The car dropped him off at Richard's favorite Italian restaurant. Richard and Nick Gilman were there when Walter joined them.
"Good morning," Walter said as he sat down. "I hope your not here to tell me I am broke already,"
"Not hardly, Walter, Nick will take very good care of you. Under his direction you will be wealthier this time next year than you are now… unless you go crazy, that is," Richard said with a laugh. "We are here to discuss the US bank division. Since you sent me the preliminary programming all looks to be ready for test once the New York group sends their specifics to you- should be getting it tomorrow morning first thing."
"I have been working on the coding for some time, so once I get their input, it should not take long- possibly by Friday it will be ready."
"That soon?" Nick asked with surprise.
"Like I said, I have been incorporating previous code done on speculation, plus the present. While the system may have specifics geared toward this particular group, there is a logical methodology that can be inferred." Walter said after his order was taken.
"What?" Nick injected, "How can such a system be done so quickly when the specifics are just being turned over?"
"Nick, like I said, I have been on this for well over a month. I have millions of lines of code I already developed on speculation of certain systems. Some of that had been incorporated in the Australian job. Any line of work has a logical methodology which can be followed- a manufacturer does not start in the middle of the building process- start at step one and proceed to the end in a logical process. Programming is the same. The needs and process can be deduced even without specifics. Since one would not imagine a financial institution to be whimsical in its methodology, a logical step by step process can be used to design the program. Will just be a matter of looking over their specifics to my speculated parameters and 'tweaking' where necessary, though to be honest, any 'tweaking' will be minimal.
"You make it seem so simple," Nick said.
"Not simple, just we have different areas of expertise- why I do programming and let you handle finances. I could do finances, but probably not as well as you, like you could not match my programming. By the way, Richard, has anyone in the Aussie group test people gotten past my firewall or the system hacked to win the pool?"
"Have not heard so assume not as they would happily announce if they did. I talked with Cindy a couple days ago and no mention was made, so the pot continues to grow. If you think it would be ready that soon, Walter, would you be up for a run to New York to go over everything with them? Hopefully assure them of a seamless launch- you have to know the New York group are a nervous bunch."
"No problem, but I prefer my weekends be free," Walter replied.
"On another front, all those funds you dispersed have been released and accepted. All the accounts are open and usable," Nick said.
"Yes, I know. I started the paperwork for paying off the garage. I know to you, Richard, my paying off my garage is small potatoes, but I have been working on it for years. We Irish take our potatoes very seriously," Walter said with a laugh. "I also got a message from John Abbott that the booster design modifications will be incorporated as their modeling agreed with mine. Static and then dynamic test to be set up."
"Well, like I said, the New York data should be in your hands tomorrow. Let me know when you are ready to visit the Big Apple." Richard said.
"I will let you know for sure, but can say more than likely by next Monday. Once done in New York, may take a quick jaunt to Boston for a couple days."
"Those hallowed halls of Ivy League calling louder, Walter?" Richard asked.
"No, not really. The diversity of jobs I currently deal with is more than satisfying. Certainly more enjoyable than pounding the same subject into the heads of students. Now I am coding financial systems, designing rocket components, running tests, and giving lectures on cosmic science. Keeps the brain from going down the one subject rabbit hole."
The New York data was made available to Walter Tuesday morning. He focused on the specifics and after extensive inspection very little had to be changed. By Thursday evening the job was completed and packaged on a hard drive, as well as a back-up on a separate hard drive and put in his safe. He sent Richard an alert that the product was ready. Richard replied that he would like Walter to accompany him to New York Monday morning. Walter sent conformation and Richard notified him that a car would pick him up Monday at nine.
Friday was a lazy day, so he drove the Ferrari to the garage to prepare everything for Ralph.
"Walter!"
"Hey, buddy, how goes it? I have some problems on the board that may stretch you a bit. New formula to work through, so let's get to the chalk board and get started."
Sunday evening after Ralph left Walter closed up and headed to the house as Richard had a car picking him up at nine.
"You have put more air miles under you the past couple months than some pilots have, Walt." Richard said as Walter boarded the plane with his computer case, the protected hard drive and large duffle bag. "Have any idea how long it will take to get this new system launched and operational?"
"Depends on how obstinate your New Yorkers are. I am sure they will want to have time to test the system same as the Aussies did. If obstinate could be weeks of testing. Depends on how competent their programmers are. They see a problem, or come to the same conclusion as the Australians. Just have to wait and see."
"Then you will be heading to Boston and I will be heading back to LA. Want to observe the modified booster test set up. How long you plan to be in Boston?"
"Depends on how long it is necessary to stay in New York. Once done, will head to Boston then leave from there Friday evening to be in LA for the weekend."
"Touchdown in twenty minutes the" the pilot announced. Once landed, a car took them to the hotel. The New York group was expecting the in the morning..
"I was surprised they only wanted a week to have their test crew go through it. Maybe they have been in contact with the Australia group. So you scrambling to Boston immediately?"
"Yes, just got a commuter flight to catch so scramble is right. Have a safe flight, Richard, and see you Monday." Walter said grabbing his duffle and computer case while Richard called a taxi for him. In the taxi he emailed Laura to say he was flying in on the commuter flight landing in Boston at four. He also said it would be nice if she could join him and the Blounts for dinner tomorrow. He then emailed William to have him get reservations for tomorrow evening at the restaurant of his choice if he and Mary were available- his treat. In short order he boarded the commuter for Boston.
When he got into Boston he was going to rent a car and head to the hotel when he heard his name called.
"WALTER!" Laura yelled and waved to catch his attention.
"I certainly did not expect you to pick me up- you just like hanging around airports?" Walter said while grabbing his bag.
"Do I still have to keep everything math related as promised?
"No, I understand there are other topics of discussion….. maybe not as interesting, though." Walter replied smiling.
"OK, then. I found I was looking forward to seeing you when you wrote you would be in Boston again. How many lectures you giving so I know how to schedule your tour of Boston sights and sounds?"
"I was in New York on business and decided to come over to repay William and Mary's hospitality with dinner tomorrow. I thought you might like to join us. I get tired of being a third wheel at times and enjoyed your company."
"Another compliment, Mr. O'Brien," She said laughing. "You are quite the silver tongued devil. My car is in the very end of a very distant lot, so a long hike. By the way, how do you like Bach? I picked up tickets. As you liked Mozart, I figured Bach was a given. Let's get you settled in your hotel then maybe grab a bite to eat. I know a little mom-n-pop place tht has the very best clam chowder in Boston."
By then they had reached Laura's car and she drive to his hotel in the downtown area. Did you get the name of the restaurant and the time from the Bloants? I want to get your obligation all covered then off to all the fun and games Boston has to offer."
At the hotel, Walter unloaded his bags in his room then rejoined Laura in the lobby.
"You were right- best clam chowder I have ever had. No LA restaurant comes close," Walter said after finishing his meal. "If everything else in Boston is as good, this will be a good few days before returning to the LA grind."
"Do you really have a day to day 'grind'? You do not strike me as a nine to five sitting in a cube all day type to me."
"No, I am under contract with Richard Elias so cover just about everything from dode to rocket design- keeps things interesting, plus there is a lot of travel involved."
"Wow, an interesting job- no tedium, not boring, and get paid to boot. How exciting."
"How about you? Getting into MIT isn't easy, what is your main field of study?"
"Cosmology- that is why all my math questions. I really have to work at the mathematics- grueling nine to five as it were. I have always been fascinated by those with an innate math proficiency- I have to actually count on my fingers and toes, but I eventually get the right answer, just quite a while after everyone else. But, I do get there, just have to cook a couple brain cells in the process."
"Well, it is getting late so I will walk you to your hotel and get my car. Wake up whenever and give me an alert so I can pick you up and get the tour started. Sound good?"
"Sounds excellent."
Walter was up by nine, sent an alert to Laura. She returned a message to dress casual, so he took a shower and dressed in jeans and t-shirt.
They met in the lobby and were off for breakfast in the downtown area. From there they went to the Museum of Science though Laura said the views of the Charles River from the upper balcony was the best thing in the place. She had her favorite places for coffee, tasty snacks and places to sit along the river.
"Are you from the Boston area You do not have the New England accent or did you work to lose like I did my Irish?" Walter asked while they sipped coffee sitting on a river front bench.
"Oh no. not from around here at all. Born and raised in the gentle rolling hills of south east Pennsylvania. The land of horse and buggy Amish. And don't let those staid Pennsylvania Dutch lull you into thinking they have no sense of humor. Did you know there is a town named 'Blue Ball' which is down the road from 'Intercourse' which is down the road from 'Paradise'. Then there is Hershey- the whole area smells of chocolate. And of course there is Philladelphia, Independence Hall, and Gettysburg and all the historic Civil War battlegrounds.
Very old and packed with history…. Well, for the United States, anyway. Like the New England historical sites of the revolution. We do have less than three hundred years of history compared to Irelands kings and epic battles. Don't call us the 'new world' without cause."
"I guess I should shut up for a while, huh? You ask one question and I go on for half an hour. You can get a word in edgewise- just give me a signal to shut up or put your hand over my mouth."
Walter smiled. "Just continue. Getting information is never a problem. For all the time I have been in the US, I never spent time in New England…or Pennsylvania for that matter. Was in DC, but that is for another day. It is always a pleasure to hear some one happily impart information. Should I ever see you in Ireland, I could regale you with the history of a thousand years- you would suffer from information overload. However, we do have to meet William and Mary for dinner. Do you know the restaurant we are to meet?"
"Yes, know it well." I took the liberty of bring my change of clothes in my car. Figured it would be easier to change in your room than to drive to my dorm, change, drive back then to the restaurant. Efficient is a wonderful thing."
"Makes sense. Shall we go back to the hotel, you can shower and change first as I have some mail to check."
Laura got her change out of the car and they went to his room. While she showered and changed, Walter checked mail on his laptop. When she emerged in a lovely royal blue after five cocktail dress and heels, Walter looked up from his laptop and gave her an appreciative smile.
"Your turn- I think I left some hot water for you."
Walter took his clothes into the bathroom, showered, shaved and dressed. He still was rubbing his hair dry with a towel when he came out.
"Hey, we match- my blue dress and your blue shirt. We make quite the pair, huh? Gotta' get a move on, though, don't want to be late."
Walter put the towel back in the bathroom, ran a comb through his hair, grabbed his suit jacket and they left.
They reached the restaurant before William and Mary and while being shown to their table Walter instructed the tab for the table be given to him at the end of the meal. Laura and Walter were comparing entrees on the menu when the Bloant's arrived and joined them. Everyone's orders were taken and in short order William directed the conversation to math which started a contest. Every problem he presented Walter gave the answer first. Twice he called Walter's answer into question so Laura pulled a scientific calculator out of her purse and handed it to William. Both times Walter was found to be correct prompting laughter and finger pointing at William.
"This can't be very entertaining for the ladies," Walter said when the laughter died down.
"No, Walter, have fun. I get back at William when we go out with my literary friends and William pops up with some fact or figure and the conversation halts and they all look at him like deer in headlights. Don't hear a peep out of him the rest of the evening. Plus I must admit, I get a little sinful pleasure when he is corrected on something- especially something math related. Some math proficiency, William, Walter got you- twice. How about you Laura? You enjoying this contest of numbers men?"
"Absolutely, they are just too fast for me. I like the numbers but have to work to get the answers- hence the calculator."
"I am glad you two got your jollies, but I have to call it a night- have an early class tomorrow. When you heading back to LA, Walter?"
"Late Friday evening."
Mary and Willian rose and thanked Walter for a lovely evening and left. Walter and Laura sat in companionable silence waiting for the waiter to return with Walter's card and receipt to sign. They rose and walked to the car.
"Too bad you can't spend a few more days, Walter. Can hardly scratch the surface of Boston in such a short time."
"The business in New York will be launched at some point after my program is tested so I may be back this way in the next few weeks."
"May….. MAY be back?"
" Depends if my presence is required to get things rolling, the turnover goes smoothly, all kinds of 'what if's', 'maybe's" Walking to the car, the evening was cool so Walter draped his jacket over Laura's shoulders.