This is the end… part 17

Walter, after being awakened by Rex, stayed up as a car was to pick him up at nine. Another trip to New York to launch the financial group's program and security system. As with the Australian financial group, there should be no problems. Not knowing how long it will be necessary to stay in New York, he sent a message William at MIT that he might be available to give another talk- will give him a time frame after he sees how things go in New York. He was hesitant to contact Laura…. though decided he would like to see her again. His reaction to Paige at the garage was unsettling to put it mildly. He decided to wait until he knew how long he would be in New York- may be there the whole week and end up leaving for LA Friday- just have to wait and see.

Boarding Richard's plane, Walter stowed his duffle in a closet, put his computer case on a seat and got some coffee before sitting down and looking out the window. Richard came back from talking with the pilot to join him.

"Looking forward to another stint in New York, Walter?" Richard asked. "Your system and security protocols will be on two continents, now. All goes well, there is a good chance the London and Berlin groups will join in….. quite the feather in your cap. You should be very proud of your work."

"To a point." Walter replied. "You of all people should realize that ANY system will in time be hacked, the ways and means discovered to break through any firewall. That is why my security is multi-layered. Should one layer be breeched, if the system is properly monitored, the breeched layer can be alleviated before another layer is attacked. But, your people MUST be aware that the system must be monitored. So many non-computer literate people think things will last forever and such is not the case. The monitoring must be diligent."

"I will be sure to pass this on- would it be advantageous for you to set up a monitoring schedule to ensure the system stays safe? Your changing the program scheduling for the Japan job has made a remarkable difference by preventing issues before they arise and need to be addressed."

"That simple change in the maintenance schedule and methodology was common sense. Did not take a genius, just a high dollar contractor to get management to listen to common sense. Have any idea how long we will be in New York?"

"Yes, a high dollar contractor sure can make management listen," Richard chuckled. "You have someplace else to be? Don't like spending time in New York?"

"If we are done quickly, I can contact William about setting up another lecture at MIT. But, he would need enough time to set up and have me there and still be back in LA late Friday."

"You would have a better idea of the time once the system is launched late tonight. If it goes without a hitch, you could probably jump a commuter flight to Boston Tuesday afternoon. Sure will be a tight schedule and a lot of racing around. Am I going to lose you to the Ivy League? I know I have joked about it a couple times, but you are getting more speaking invitations I take it?"

"Yes, USC as well as University of Florida have made contact. Also got an inquiry from NASA but nothing definite as yet. Coordinating schedules is the main issue. As I am under contract to you, should you need me somewhere around the US or out of the country again, some notice would be appreciated. When we get into New York, I will let William know I may be available later in the week so he can be somewhat prepared if there are any interested on such short notice."

"Should be the other way around, Walter. Schedule your talks, conferences, and seminars as you and the universities can, and I am sure any of my needs for the business will fit in when possible. Your scientific achievements come first…. especially when it comes to anything space related. I may not be as smart as you, Walter, but I do want to do as much as I can as a businessman to get man into space….. I am also smart enough to give you and that incredible brain of yours free rein to advance the science."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

The arrival in New York late Monday night was the perfect time to launch the financial and security system as the turnover would be initiated when use was minimal. The changeover was seamless and without problems. The New York executives, Richard and Walter had a celebratory late breakfast Tuesday. Walter took the time to message William he would be available from Wednesday through Friday afternoon as he would catch a commuter flight to Boston later that day. He then booked the flight for Boston and booked a room at the same hotel as his last visit. When he rejoined the celebration, gave his contact information to those necessary to keep him apprised of the new system functioning, shook hands all around, gathered his things from the hotel and hopped a cab to the airport for the four o'clock flight to Boston. On the way to the airport he got a message from William that people had already let him know anytime Walter was available they were ready- they are ready for a more informal talk with four professors and three post grads Wednesday evening. After reading that message from William, Walter messaged Laura.

Laura- the 'may be back' turned out to be definitely back. Am presently in New York and leaving for Boston at four. William is setting up an informal talk Wednesday evening. If it would be convenient for you, lunch Wednesday afternoon for clam chowder would be nice- Walter.

Landing in Boston, Walter walking through the arrivals again heard his name called and saw Laura waving to get his attention. "I am happy to see you! You are quite the globe trotter…. I take it all went well in New York?" Laura said joining him for the walk to the parking lot.

"Yes, all went without a hitch that's why I have the time to be here. I did not expect you to pick me up again. I know you have classes and things to do besides being a shuttle service."

"Come on, Walter," she laughed. "You know how much I like hanging around airports just in case some handsome West Coast guy shows up all lost and wandering aimlessly around Beantown."

"Beantown?"

"Yeah, you know- Boston baked beans? Like New York City is the 'Big Apple', New Orleans the 'Big Easy', Chicago the 'Windy City'… don't Irish cities have nicknames?"

"Far as I am aware, Dublin is just called Dublin."

"Oh, you Old World types, so staid, stuffy and no sense of fun. That is why so many Europeans have such a bad opinion of Americans. We have fast paced fun while they plod along, nose in the air worrying about status, haute culture, and how they will be viewed."

"I made the conscious decision to become an American citizen to get away from the 'staid stuffiness' and join in with the exciting, innovative tempo of America, but guess I am still too 'staid and stuffy' compared to native born Americans."

"Yup, you must be weaned away from your 'staid stuffiness," she said jumping from his side to in front of him causing him to stop and rock back on his heels as she kissed him. With his duffle in one hand and computer case in the other there was not much he could do but kiss her back. Then she started walking again. "My car is right over there. Same hotel, you said?"

"Yes, same hotel….. same room as luck would have it."

"Interesting. Luck, indeed. We can drop your stuff off at the hotel then go have dinner at our favorite place for clam chowder….. you are not tired of clam chowder, yet, are you?" She said getting in her car while Walter put his stuff on the back seat and got in the passenger side.

"No, clam chowder it is."

When he finished eating, he opened his laptop to see a message from William that the talk would be at the same room at six Wednesday evening, another mathematics professor asked to sit in as well. Everyone was looking forward to it. When he set aside his laptop, he sat silent for a few moments not knowing how to start the conversation when Laura spoke up: "Walter, I am just happy to see and spend time with you. I do not expect anything more than a friendly visit- no strings, no expectations, no obligations, nothing to make you uncomfortable. I know it is nice to have someone you know when a stranger in an area. Please, be at ease."

"I was wanting to see you again, but am unsure of my reception and if you felt I was taking advantage. This kind of social interaction is not my forte. As I said, my social skills are rather lacking and am unsure in such foreign territory of making new acquaintances."

"Walter, you have me totally mesmerized. If I did not want to be here, I wouldn't be. I did not say I had to meet you at the airport, I wanted to. I certainly could have replied to your message that I was busy, out of town, had other obligations- such was not the case. I did not have to stay in touch with you since your last trip to Boston- except that I wanted to. Rest easy, nothing will happen that I do not want to happen- just like when you were here before. If things happen, they happen; if not, there is always next time….. as I am sure there will be a next time. So, you are free until tomorrow evening at six? So what is on the agenda for your talk tomorrow?"

"William just gave time, place, and that there will be but a handful of professors and post grads. No topic of discussion given. Could be the Reinler theorem, the constant, black hole mechanics, Hawking radiation or some other mathematics tangent of some sort I have no way of preparing for."

"Don't worry, Walter. You are up to anything they may throw at you- you will probably enjoy the pace and unknown directions such a talk could go in. What do you want to do this evening?"

"You have nowhere to be, no classes or exams to study for, reports to write?"

"Nope, totally footloose and fancy free until it is time to play airport shuttle service Friday afternoon. So what do you want to do?"

"Should I be Old World staid and stuffy or Americanized Walter?"

"Oh, definitely New World Americanized Walter- you need to catch up with us native born," she said with a grin.

"No matter what I say, you can decline- no obligations, right?"

"Absolutely. So which is it, 'staid and stuffy' or Americanized Walter?"

"I have been up since four-thirty Sunday morning. I would like to go to my hotel and get some sleep; I would like for you to join me- nothing but to sleep in warmth with you."

"Sounds wonderful to me. I like this Americanized Walter, and you should get a good night's sleep as I am sure those at your meeting Wednesday will keep you on your toes."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Waking up late Tuesday morning Walter found Laura's head on his shoulder, arm over his chest while she slept. He laid there just looking at her, brushed some of her long black hair back over her shoulder, just basking in the warmth of being close to her. He laid like that for almost an hour before she woke up, looked at him, smiled, then stretched. "Sorry, hope your arm didn't go numb from my laying on it."

"No, not at all, was very comfortable," he replied.

She sat up then straddled his hips. "Yes, I do like this Americanized Walter- you are the very best of both worlds, now." She leaned down to give him a kiss which elicited a physical response from him. "Yes, definitely prefer this Walter," she said, leaning down to kiss him again then with a little push back captured him and took him in. Sitting straight up while he held himself still, she rode him to climax to collapse on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her to hold her close to roll over and bring both to fulfillment.

They lay entwined and she looked at him. "See, you got a good night sleep, all rested and, as I said, nothing happened that I didn't want to happen…. and I do so want you." She sat up and said, "but, it is now time for a shower, get something to eat. Then on to see sights you didn't have time for your last visit."

In the shower with her arms around him she said: "Hmmmm, nothing better than a hot shower with a hot Walter," as he pressed her against the shower wall.

They spent the afternoon cruising around Boston proper, sometimes holding hands, at times with his arm over her shoulders. Took in an art gallery where Walter told her some of story of the art heist in LA and his divining the painting being a forgery. She laughed when he told her of his slicing of the canvas, and laughed even harder when he told her of the reactions of those in the gallery at the time.

They popped in different places for coffee, snacks until it was time to decide on a nice place for dinner. The conversation was easy, no awkwardness, no trying and failing to please. After dinner a pleasant stroll to the hotel and tacit agreement they would remain together for the night.

Wednesday morning, and again Walter awoke with Laura snuggled against him. Once more he laid there looking at her and marveling at the ease of their being together without rancor, missteps, disapproval. She did not appear to expect anything of him; made no demands, just actually seemed to enjoy him as he is…. as if he were a normal person. She certainly behaves like a 'normal', obviously while smart- stupid people do not get into MIT- not genius level, yet interacts socially with people from professors like William to store clerks with ease. And her social skills put him at ease socially, as well. He did at times keep his mouth shut and let her take the lead for conversation, she made it easy for him to join in. Reflecting on himself as being more 'normal' brought a slight smile to his face when Laura woke up. "Good morning, my Americanized Walter. You have a big day ahead. I hope you are well rested." She stretched and got up, "Come along, the future awaits. A shower, a good lunch and off to spend time around campus relaxing before the grilling by the big brains."

William met them at the door to welcome them both. Laura said she was just going to sit in the back and observe while Walter was led to the head of a long conference table and was introduced to those already seated. While the introductions were going on, the last professor rushed in apologizing for running late.

The first questions were geared toward the Reinler theorem solution and the mathematics involved. Walter used the whiteboard to show the math which in turn showed the reasoning behind the necessary constant and its logical formulation. Then the topic brought up was on the parameters concerning black hole fade due to emitted Hawking radiation. From there it was postulated his constant may be used for other proofs concerning solar mechanics. Walter explained the math and that a couple NASA and JPL theoretical mathematicians had already informed him that was the case. The proof was valid as was the constant. Three and a half hours and an end was called. While a couple left immediately, the rest stood and light conversation ensued. One asked if Walter was interested in teaching but he replied that he preferred the diverse work he presently does. Eventually all left after shaking hands leaving William, Walter and Laura to walk out to the parking lot together.

"Thank you, Walter," William said. "You always make the discussion lively and you certainly gave people a lot to ponder over this evening."

"To be honest, I find these talks enjoyable," Walter replied. "There's not a lot of theory and pure mathematics in most that I do these days."

Standing at Laura's car, the conversation continued. "Walter, I discovered you designed a rocket fuel booster system and put it out in open domain for anyone to make use of. You could have patented it and it could have had far reaching lucrative income for you. Why just give it away?"

"I designed it to win a prize for innovative rocket design. I was in need of funds for research I was doing at the time, but the….. reason…. for my research became moot. That being the case, I launched the rocket to prove it worked as designed. Matter of fact, Richard Elias has incorporated that design, and now the modifications I made to it, into his space development. He did say something about a patent, but his legal department is handling it."

William looked over the roof of Laura's car at Walter. "So you designed a fuel booster system, put it out on open domain for anyone to use- if you don't mind my asking, how long had you worked on the Reinler theorem solution?"

Walter looked at William for a moment before speaking quietly. "I had read about the theorem maybe a year or so ago, but never followed it until in a position where I had to. At that point… seventeen days to solution."

"Seventeen days? Put into a position where you had to…" William sputtered. "What…."

Walter interrupted Williams coming questions and quietly explained, "I do not want to discuss the circumstances; it is immaterial. That the solution was formulated and proven is all that matters."

"I see….. say no more….. say no more, and I will not pry," William said. "Have you been contacted by any other institutions to speak?"

"So far, only USC and University of Florida, but I am expecting more in future. In all actuality, it is a rather esoteric subject, a limited field of study, but, the information is out so more will inquire."

"Well, thank you for your time. And again, any time you make it to Boston, please let me know, even if it is just enough time for dinner which will be on me next time." He shook Walter's hand and said "Good night to you both."

As they drove back to Walter's hotel Laura was quiet and periodically glanced at him while he peered out the window into the dark. When she parked at the hotel they continued to sit in silence a few moments until Walter slowly shook his head then looked at her. "Care to spend the night with a brain frazzled genius?"

"Thought you would never ask. Just to cuddle and sleep is fine with me. Not surprised you need sleep after that in depth grilling." They got out of the car, entered the hotel and went to his room.

"I really do enjoy being with you- and not just for the intimacy." Walter said as they laid in bed. "You…. calm me…. and I thank you for that. Tranquility of thought is not easily attained when so much rages around in there. They really had me stretched tonight and the math was invigorating…. but being with you brings me peace… how is it you do that?"

As she snuggled against him to sleep, she replied "All that matters is that I do."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX