34- Starting over… chapter thirty-four A

Monday Walter awoke to rain still falling. The rainy season had arrived with a vengeance- El Nino has washed the gullies, restored the Cecile Brunner roses on the roof to the point of their now being drowned. Driving the Malibu back to the garage after the initial scan at a jewelry store the old couple referred to him for security programming, Walter noticed the steak and seafood restaurant that had the good stuffed flounder. That sounded better than some nuked soup and crackers at the garage so he pulled in. Not many people out in the rain so he got a parking space close to the door so not overly wet when he entered.

"Ahhhh…ahh…. O'Brien….. right?" Bill the waiter said. "I got the name right?"

"Yes, and you are Bill. You have a good memory as I was here once and that was some time ago."

Bill leaned toward Walter, "I make a point of remembering good tipping customers. You expecting company?"

"Nope, just me, was driving by and remembered the stuffed flounder which sounded a lot better than a can of soup at home."

Bill laughed, "You sure make it easy for us, not hard to out-do nuked soup. As a matter of fact, Fran is dining alone this evening. Shall I see if she would like company?"

"I would certainly enjoy company- on one condition, Bill."

"Yes, Mr. O'Brien?"

"I call you Bill, you call me Walter. My condition is you give me the tab for both. If so, another good tip is in order. Matter of fact, anytime I come in and dine with others, bring me the tab, and a thirty per cent tip is yours. Sound like a deal?"

"A great deal, shall we see if Fran would like some company?"

"Lead the way."

Walter followed Bill to Fran's table. "Fran, look who just came in out of the rain."

She looked up and smiled, "why Walter so nice to see you again."

"You don't mind if I intrude?" Walter asked. "I see you are reading."

She closed the folder setting it aside. "Not at all, please sit. I was just looking over a report on the results of a component tested today."

"I'll take coffee, Bill and that stuffed flounder." Walter sat across the table. "Nice to see you again, Fran. Good test results, I hope, especially if it is a component I designed."

Fran chuckled, "the test results may have been better if you had been involved in its design."

"Is it an initial design or a redesign endeavoring to improve efficiency?" Walter asked. "It makes a difference. Any initial design can be improved, especially after its performance has been tested and evaluated… but then you are an engineer and are well aware of this. Sorry, I do at times get a bit over enthusiastic."

"Fully understandable. I get on my engineering soapbox to non-engineering friends and they pretty quickly doze off. It finally sinks in to monitor the subject matter to the others involved in the conversation. I certainly do not mind discussing design and testing with someone who is involved. Have you done any design for the space program lately? Going to have numerous patent awards at the gala this year?"

Bill came with their meals with a smile seeing their pleasant conversation, refilled their coffee and left.

"Yes, I have a couple systems that Richard's legal department have patented. Matter of fact a couple engineers may also get patents as they are revamping it for third world and off-grid types to use- water system recycle."

"Amazing you come up with so many new designs. I have improved a couple processes, but nothing patentable, just makes my job easier," Fran said with a smile.

"To be honest, I do not think of patents- as long as what I design is used and proven to work, I am satisfied- that is the whole reason to design a component or system- to see it used."

"By the way, a belated 'thank you'." Fran said with a chuckle.

"For what?" Walter asked. "Richard has not mentioned anything I should be thanked for."

"The European Space Agency visitors- the Russian was an incredibly obnoxious jerk to everyone. The last two days he was like a little mouse- quiet, meek, and very subdued. Such a marked difference people questioned the cause. Came out you had a bit of a math competition with him?"

"Oh, that." Walter said with a chuckle. "Did not think anyone else in the room noticed besides Richard."

"So what did you do?" Fran asked. "I just heard about it third hand, and had a hard time understanding John when he told me as he was laughing so much in the telling- he had to deal with the Russian the whole time they were here, so was overjoyed to see him put in his place, as he put it."

Walter sat back. "You have to understand, mathematicians tend to be a bit, self-absorbed- putting it nicely. To be totally truthful, we, yes, I include myself, are obnoxious and lacking in social manners. The Russian, Ilya, was displaying all that obnoxiousness and it was irritating Richard. Ilya told me he knew I did math, design and code. Said he picked one subject to be the very best as opposed to so many to be, as he put it, half-assed in. Anyway, the Russian and I had a bit of a competition on solving some theoretical math problems. He lacks concentration and focus so has to write everything out. Some of these problems can take extensive lines of formula to solve as these problems did. The first we did I kept his pace so we finished at the same time with the same answer. He could not leave it at that so we did another. He was busy on his board while I thought about it and put the answer alone on my board, drank my coffee and awaited his finishing. I know some Russian, but not all the invectives he aimed at me thus bringing the entire scene to everyone's attention. The next stop was fabrication and Richard made a point of letting those there know that one of the devices was a patent of mine which did not improve Ilya's attitude one bit."

Fran laughed, "now I understand why John kept laughing telling that story. He also said the Russian was very quiet the rest of their time here." She laughed again. "Wish I could have seen that."

"Well, I must admit, Richard was rather happy Ilya quit harassing his employees."

"I do not know if I agree with your assessment of the math proficient. My youngest brother is into the theoretical, and I have hopes he will join me at Elias Enterprises in time, but he is certainly not what you say 'self-absorbed' and 'obnoxious' but we did have to thump him a few times over the years- necessary with him being the youngest, but he learned to be civil. I also do not find you to be 'self-absorbed', and certainly not 'obnoxious'."

Walter chuckled, "I eventually learned due to a number of thumps and black eyes over the years though it did take a while."

Seeing they were done their meals, Bill came to clear the table and asked if they wanted dessert. Both declined. "I will take another coffee, though," Walter said. "Not looking forward to going out in the rain again just yet. So how old is your brother that he is into theoretical mathematics?"

When Bill brought his coffee, Walter slipped him his credit card and quietly said "thirty per cent" for the tip.

"Steve is a junior in high school, but is getting college level math tutoring. Mom and dad fortunately figured out he was 'gifted' in math so have worked extra hard to get him instruction. Every one of us kids were given the extra help is whatever we excelled in. Oldest sister is a writer, second oldest is into local politics so got into public speaking and debate, then comes me, then Jim who is an artist, then Steve the math wiz."

"Sounds like quite a talented family- that is quite a variety of fields covering the arts as well as science. Certainly must have kept your parents on their toes."

"You have a big family?"

"No, an older sister who passed four years ago, now. Parents still in Ireland, so no family here.

"Ah, so you are from Ireland?" Fran asked. "So many native born Americans with Irish names. How long you been in America? I do not hear the Irish lilt of an accent. Being from Boston I hear it all the time- seems like there are more Irish here than in Ireland."

"Been here since I was fourteen. Having the heavy Irish 'lilt' as you call it made things very difficult added to my young age. Worked very hard to learn to speak 'American' though every decade or so if I get very angry the Gaelic slips out, but I have even managed to curb that."

Fran laughed, "You only get angry once a decade or so? That is funny- I get angry every week or so. Between the idiots on the roads around here, all the bugs that attack my roses, the designers designing what constitutes a waste of our test time and various other minor nuisances.

"Ah, you are a rose aficionado? My garage was remodeled some time ago and they put big pots by the door with dwarf citrus trees and up on the roof, a bench and trellis with big pots and, as I was told, Cecile Brunner roses. They were supposed to grow and cover the trellis shading the bench. They were barely alive when the rains hit and now look to be drowned. Have any suggestions on what would live on a roof?"

"Cecile Brunner on a bench trellis- lovely little pink blooms, but the thorns- not the best for sitting close to. Should get a couple Lady Banks- grows long branches, perfect for weaving onto a trellis, grows fast, too, and best of all- no thorns. Only blooms in the spring, but is covered and quite pretty. Yellow or white flowers- could put one on each side and let the fronds mingle. Would be quite pretty, and after blooming, a nice shade of green- cool and refreshing for sitting under." Fran said. "You could put the Cecile's elsewhere where you won't get stuck on them. As far as their drowning- they are pretty hardy, just let them drain as much as possible rather than sit in a puddle." She took a drink of her coffee, "sorry, I do ramble on when it comes to roses- not often a hobby is front and center in a conversation. Again, not framing the conversation for the other person- at least you didn't doze off, so thanks for that."

"Absolutely no reason to be sorry. I thank you for the information- maybe the roses will survive if they are lucky. While I was raised on a farm, I never got into farming. A farmer's son without an ounce of knowledge for growing things," Walter said with a laugh. "Looks like the rain has let up, so best to get going." Walter rose finishing his coffee. "Again, it has been a pleasure, Fran. Be careful driving." He headed for the door getting his credit card from Bill on the way. "Thanks, Bill. See you next time."

"If you are interested, Walter, Fran comes here for dinner Monday, Wednesday, and Friday- always alone… she tips well, too," Bill said with a big smile.

Pulling into the garage the rain had become a light swirling mist. Locking up, he headed to the bedroom to get undressed and take a hot shower. Getting out, he dried and slipped on boxers and a t-shirt. Went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water then on to the den to power up the desktop to start the work for the jewelry store he had scanned earlier. When the desktop unit booted up, he went to the music file, scrolled to Mozart, the bassoon, oboe, and clarinet concertos to play softly then sat back to think of what file to bring up for the jewelry store. Within a few minutes he brought up three to scan, found the one needing the least modifications and got to work. Three hours and he pulled a hard drive from a drawer, took it out of its packaging and started the download.

Sitting back watching the download bar graph his mind wandered. Wondered how Sarah was recovering. Wondering if she was working on her children's educational gaming idea. Wondered how it was going to be seeing the team members at Cabe's retirement gathering. Wondered why Fran was always alone. Wondered if he was going to find another job to do Thanksgiving so he had an excuse to pass up any invitations. Wondered if Paige was still alone. Wonder if Cabe and Allie get horses if they will get thrown, bitten, or stepped on. Wild Bill Gallo, indeed. Wonder how Ralph is doing with his projects, if he is enjoying the entire process from idea to design to fabrication to testing to use. Wonder if Ralph will be one to go off planet when/if possible. Wondered what was so fascinating about roses that Allie wanted to plant them where they did not grow naturally- wondered how much Allie knew about roses.

He sat up and pulled the laptop closer to use and did a search on Lady Banks roses then Cecile Brunner roses. Interesting, Fran was right- little pink Cecile Brunner flowers complete with thorns. The Lady Banks did make a nice, thick hedge and certainly did get covered when it bloomed, and no thorns. Maybe Fran and Allie should spend some time together… an invitation to Cabe and Allie for dinner Friday evening at a nice steak and seafood restaurant may be in order. Walter sent a message to Cabe inviting the two of them to dinner Friday at the steak and seafood restaurant as he would be helping them move the last of their stuff Saturday and Allie said he would be having dinner with them at the house.

The download was completed so he disconnected the hard drive and boxed it up for installation at the jewelry store after closing time Tuesday. He sent a message to the store owners he would be there after five Tuesday.

He powered down the desktop, pushed the laptop to the corner of the desk, got up and finished his bottle of water, turned off the lights and went to bed to lay there thinking that by now the casts might be removed- at least the arm- leg may take longer. He rolled over and went to sleep.

Allie got her wish, Wednesday the rain cleared away, blue skies forecast through the weekend. After Gina left for the day, Walter pulled the Ferrari out to meet Cabe and Allie for dinner at the steak and seafood restaurant. When he arrived, Cabe and Allie got out of the SUV to meet him at the door.

"One thing about the Ferrari- can sure see you coming and tell when you arrive somewhere, nice place, Walter, didn't think you knew any place besides Kovelski's, the tandoori and pizza take-out." Cabe said smiling, "sure you can afford this place?"

"Good evening, Allie," Walter said opening the door. "I still do not see what you see in this guy to have married him. Yes, Cabe, I can afford this place- I have a credit card, so good to go. Isn't that how it goes?"

"Good evening, Walter. Nice seeing you again," Bill said.

"Is Fran here? Think she is up for some company?"

"Yes, she is at her usual table, follow me, please."

Cabe looked at Walter, "you didn't say anything about meeting someone, what's up?"

Reaching Fran's table she looked up, "why, Walter, nice seeing you again. I take it you really like that stuffed flounder."

"Fran, would you mind our joining you?" Walter asked.

"Please, have a seat," Fran said with a smile. "I always enjoy company over dinner."

Walter sat and made introductions. "Fran, this is Allie and Cabe, friends of mine. Cabe and Allie, this is Fran, a dinner companion who happens to be a rose aficionado. I thought to give her an opportunity to expound on her hobby to Allie who said she is wanting to plant roses out in the hinterlands."

"Walter did not include the fact that I know absolutely nothing about roses except they are beautiful and smell good. Needless to say, any advice you can give would be appreciated," Allie said sitting down. "It is nice meeting someone not talking math, science, or problems catching criminals."

"Well, I am an engineer at Elias Enterprises space division. But can leave the work behind. Catching criminals? You catch criminals, Allie?"

Allie laughed, "not me, Cabe is Homeland Security- he's the criminal catcher. But he is retiring next month and we will be moving to his property- in the foothills of Los Angeles County, which is not exactly the hinterlands, Walter."

"Wow, Fran, you actually talked roses with Walter?" Cabe said sitting down with a chuckle. "Was he sick or delirious? Or maybe he's designing a mechanical flower to make plants obsolete?"

"If you are done haranguing on me, shall we order? I can say the stuffed flounder is excellent, but I am sure Cabe will go for some massive chunk of beef, right?"

Bill came and took everyone's orders for drinks and entrée's.

While Fran and Allie talked roses Walter and Cabe talked of setting up solar and wind for power and the issue of a functional well producing potable water.

When everyone finished their meals, the plates cleared from the table, dessert was declined but last cups of coffee and glasses of water poured, the conversation slowed down. Cabe got a 'doggy bag' for the remainder of the 'massive chunk of beef' he ordered.

"Allie, here is my contact information. I am always happy to discuss my hobby with anyone, especially those new to roses." Fran said handing Allie a card from her purse.

"I will send you directions to the place after we are settled in, so won't be until after the first of the new year. Would love to have you out. Once you see the place, you will be able to tell me if roses can even survive there, and I am sure having another female visit will be a big pleasure. So far I will have just Cabe and Walter with all their technical talk and system building."

"I look forward to hearing from you. If at all possible, you can make a rose paradise out there."

Cabe and Allie rose, "remember you are to be at the apartment tomorrow, Walter, NOT in the Ferrari. Can you believe, Fran, he wanted to help us move with the Ferrari….. some genius."

"Good night, you two, and I will be there tomorrow around eleven, in the Malibu," Walter replied. He then sat back down. "I hope you didn't mind my taking over your evening."

Fran smiled, "not at all. It is always nice to see you, always good to have company over dinner, and I can ALWAYS talk roses."

"You will find Cabe and Allie to be wonderful people. Cabe was Marine, FBI, then Homeland Security. A more upright citizen cannot be found and one deserving of a long and pleasant retirement- surrounded by roses planted by his wife."

"Well, your friend Cabe may be a wonderful and upright citizen, but you undermined my relationship with Bill." Fran said sternly. "I had told him I was to get the tab the next time we happened to dine, and yet you made a deal with him."

"Richard said I am eccentric, I have a set agreement with serving staff when I frequent an establishment- the tab goes to me. I do endeavor to be a mannered gentleman. My business is doing quite well, some day should I happen to become destitute, I will let you reciprocate. Until then, enjoy my hospitality," Walter said with a smile. "I tipped the planters the roses on the roof are in so they could drain well during these days of a break in the rain. I will let you know if they manage to survive being dried out to being drowned in the space of a couple weeks. They better be hardy as you said. And thank you for entertaining Cabe and Allie. If you are ready I will walk you to your car." They both rose, Walter collecting his credit card from Bill as he left. He opened her car door and said good night to turn and get in the Ferrari to follow her out of the parking lot, at the exit onto the street, she turned left, he right.