George Hartmann Box Set

by Kelly Utt

  By the time Ali and I arrive to gather around the big farm table with our guests, everyone else has crawled out of bed to join in.

  Liam is showered and looking ready for whatever the day may hold. Us military guys are good at that. We’re trained to wake up early and be ready for anything. Liam isn’t much for sleeping in anyway. I’ll bet he’s been up for hours.

  Nicky, Luis, and Sara, on the other hand, don’t look quite as perky. I assume that’s because they’re tired from traveling yesterday and from staying up much later than usual last night. They’re still in their night clothes. They look like a picture perfect family though, bleary eyes and all, because they’re wearing identical blue and white striped cotton shorts and white t-shirts. Sara appears especially proud to sport the matching set with her dads.

  Taye and Malcolm look tired, but not as tired as Nicky and his family. Taye is former FBI, so he’s trained to be up and at ‘em much like Liam and I are. He and his son are showered and looking good in t-shirts and khaki shorts. Taye is wearing a New York Giants shirt and Malcolm is wearing one bearing the logo of the New England Patriots. Apparently, they have a friendly NFL team rivalry going on.

  Everyone seems in good spirits. Nicky and Taye both have to get back for work tomorrow, so they’ll be packing up and heading out before long. We have an awfully nice group of family and friends here. I tell myself to take a moment and bask in the friendly, good energy that’s flowing. I don’t want to take it for granted. Not everyone has good people like we do.

  We eat together. And the food is delicious.

  When brunch winds down and the kids leave the table to play, the conversation turns towards the business Liam and I intend to start together. I’ve been hesitant to talk much about it, mostly because Liam and I have a lot to sort out. I figure we need to be really clear in our own minds before we involve anyone else. My uncle and I haven’t even agreed on the big details yet, let alone the small ones. That’s what we’re going to work on while he’s here on leave. But I suppose it’s understandable that our folks would have questions after hearing the announcement Liam made at the party last night. Taye is the first to ask.

  “So, Liam,” he begins.

  “Yep?” my uncle replies.

  “What’s this business you mentioned? I’m curious what you and George are getting into,” Taye says.

  “Well, that’s a good question,” Liam says with a chuckle while looking at me. “What are we getting into, George, buddy?”

  “We’re in the very early stages of figuring that out,” I answer.

  I notice Roddy hanging on my every word. Taye seems to be doing the same. I suddenly feel like I’m in the spotlight and I’m not sure I like it. They clearly want more details, so I push myself to continue.

  “We’re both aerospace guys,” I say. “Drone guys.”

  “Or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle guys. Also known as UAVs, if you’re using the official terminology,” Liam adds.

  “Right,” I say, smiling at my uncle. “Liam and I joke back and forth about whether or not to call the things UAVs or drones. It’s an issue of communicating the fact that an actual human is piloting the aircraft, just remotely. The word drone makes it sound so mindless. Some people get pretty tense about the terminology.”

  Marjorie stands up and leaves the table to tend to our boys, then Nicky and Luis excuse themselves to go get cleaned up. They’re not interested in the nitty gritty details of our business plans. Or, at least, they’re giving those who are most interested some space to discuss it privately.

  “What do you plan to do with UAVs?” Taye asks, leaning forward.

  “Yeah, what do you plan to do with them, Georgie?” Ali interjects, in a teasing tone. “I’d like to hear more about this myself. As your wife, that is. I don’t want to be involved with the business otherwise.”

  Taye shoots Ali a look that says this isn’t something to joke about. It’s interesting to see Ali’s friend put himself in between us like this. I guess there’s a long-standing dynamic between the two of them which allows Taye to weigh in. I don’t think I mind, really. But I find it interesting. Roddy sees me considering the dynamic and makes eye contact to reassure me that it’s okay. He’s known Taye a long time. Good to confirm that Taye has my father-in-law’s approval.

  “We’re talking about private security applications,” Liam explains. “The whole thing is George’s idea. I’m just along for the ride.”

  “Don’t sound so excited, Liam,” I say, playfully turning my palms up in mock outrage.

  My uncle is sitting beside me. He reaches a hand over and places it on my shoulder.

  “I’d follow this guy anywhere. And into anything,” Liam says. “Once I heard what he wanted to do, I knew I couldn’t let him do it alone.”

  “Awe,” Ali says.

  “I appreciate that,” I say to Liam.

  “George is one of the truly good guys,” he continues. Taye and Roddy both nod in unison as my uncle speaks. “He’s itching to make a real difference in the world. His motives are pure.”

  “I believe it,” Roddy says, smiling like a proud father.

  I sure lucked out in the father-in-law department with Roderick Davies. I know my own dad would be glad to know Roddy is filling in some of the voids his early departure created in my life. Ever since Dad communicated with me in that dream the night of the break-in, I like to think he is, in fact, watching me and that he knows what’s happening in my life. I like to think he knows Roddy in some capacity. Or on some plane of existence. I don’t have to understand the details.

  “What kind of private security applications are we talking?” Taye asks. “You know, guys, personal and residential security is my world. I’m interested.”

  “Huh,” I say, glancing at Liam. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, Taye. You certainly do have expertise which would be invaluable to us.”

  “Are you saying you’re interested in working with us?” Liam asks Taye.

  “I might be,” he replies. “Are you planning to use drones for residential security?”

  “Yes,” I say quickly, my mind racing as I consider the possibilities of bringing Taye into the fold. His involvement could really be an asset as we work to get this company off the ground.

  “Wow,” Taye says in response.

  “Well, not only residential security,” I clarify. “I mean, we can use the same technology for a variety of commercial applications as well. But residential security is where my heart is after what we experienced.”

  My voice trails off. Liam hears it and places his hand back on my shoulder again. He doesn’t say anything this time. He just looks at me for a long minute. My uncle knows how to show support in the most meaningful ways. Such small gestures mean so much. I again think about what a good dad he would have been.

  “The official answer,” I begin again. “Is that, first and foremost, we want to build a drone surveillance system for high-end homes. Once we get that up and running, there are a number of applications for the technology which make sense to pursue.”

  “The sky’s the limit if you will,” Liam adds. “Pun intended.”

  We all laugh, then get quiet as we continue to consider the implications.

  “Georgie,” my wife begins. “Is this whole thing motivated by the break-in?”

  “Kind of,” I say. “Yeah.”

  “Awe,” she replies, placing one hand over her heart like she does when she’s especially moved. “I’m touched.”

  “You and the boys are my whole world,” I say, reaching a hand across the table to take hers. “Being threatened like that really shook me. If I have knowledge and experience which could be put to use to keep you safe, why wouldn’t I be doing everything I can to make it happen?”

  “I hear that,” Taye says, solemnly.

  “I don’t blame the police for not being able to do more,” I add. “It sucks that they haven’t identified the guy who died. And that they haven’t found the getaway driver. But they
’re working with a ton of limitations. They can’t help any of that.”

  “And George thinks maybe we can,” Liam says.

  “That’s weighty,” Taye says. We sit together in silence for a couple of minutes, the sounds of our happy kids chatting and playing in the next room.

  “There are, well, issues to acknowledge,” Ali begins, tentatively.

  “Ali,” Taye says, turning towards his old friend. “I know where you’re coming from. I remember even back in college what a big heart you had. You want to see the best in people. You want to focus on the positive. On the bright side. That’s admirable and we all love you for it. But there’s a dark side out there that isn’t going away. George and Liam know that. They’ve seen it. I’ve definitely seen it, both during my time with the FBI and in the years I’ve been consulting on home security.”

  “I know, Taye,” Ali says, glancing at me.

  I’m glad Taye is saying all of this so I don’t have to. I nod at him, giving my approval for him to carry on.

  “I’ll bet your Dad knows something about it, too,” Taye adds.

  This is the first time anyone has verbalized what I’ve suspected about Roddy. I wonder if Ali has any idea about her father’s background. And I wonder how Taye knows. Roddy looks at his daughter steel-faced. He doesn’t say a word or move a muscle.

  “There’s a certain reality we all acknowledge, for sure,” Liam says, breaking the silence.

  “If we can save even one little boy or girl,” I say, my voice cracking and tears beginning to form in my eyes. This business means even more to me than I realized.

  “George,” Taye says. “I get it. I really do.”

  I smile and shake my head up and down, looking over at Liam before I speak. He jumps right in and does it for me.

  “Taye?” my uncle asks. “Are you interested in going into business with us? We could use someone like you and think you’d be quite an asset.”

  “Yes,” I say emphatically. “Taye, will you do us the honor?”

  Ali smiles broadly and places a hand on her old friend’s back. “It would sure be nice to see more of you and Malcolm,” she says.

  “You know what?” Taye replies. “I absolutely would. I thought you’d never ask.”

  “This is amazing,” Ali says slowly. “Who would have thought?”

  “It’s kind of perfect if you ask me,” Liam says.

  “Now, I’m not sure I can move to Ithaca with the rest of you just yet,” Taye clarifies.

  “Yeah, I don’t see that as a problem,” Liam says. “At least not right away.”

  “It’s still early,” I confirm. “We can work all of that out over time. Liam and I do intend to home base here. But you’re not far away. I’m sure we can figure out a workable arrangement.”

  “Nice,” Taye returns. “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”

  “Now, if you could make it out to Tahoe for a few days,” Liam offers. “That would be helpful. We’re going to do some serious planning while we’re out there. Any chance you could carve out a little time to join us?”

  It sounds like a big ask. But I get the feeling Taye might be up for it.

  “You know,” Taye says, smiling. “I just might. You leave tomorrow?”

  “We do,” Liam says. “We’ll be out there for a couple of weeks.”

  “Let me see what I can do,” Taye replies. “Malcolm is with him mom next weekend. And, of course, I set my own schedule with the residential security business. I may be able to move some things around and combine a few days off with the weekend. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds exciting!” Ali adds. “It will be like old times. Remember that summer we spent a lot of time hanging around Roger Brimmon’s river house and swimming in the Potomac?”

  “I do,” Taye adds with a laugh. “I don’t think I did near as much swimming as you did, Ali. You know I’m not a big fan of the creepy crawlies that live in natural bodies of water.”

  “You’ll love Tahoe then,” Liam says. “It’s crystal clear, and almost entirely devoid of creepy crawlies.”

  “Sounds like my kind of lake,” Taye confirms. “I’ve never been there, but I hear it’s beautiful.”

  I’m still working to digest the unexpected addition of a third business partner when Roddy finally joins the conversation.

  “I want in,” he says matter-of-factly.

  “In to what?” Ali asks in disbelief. “You’re already coming on the trip with us. Dad, are you talking about… the business?”

  “Yes,” Roddy confirms. “The business. I want in.”

  Liam, Taye, and I all look at each other. We don’t ask about Roddy’s qualifications. We don’t have to. Even though we don’t know specifics and maybe we never will, we know that he has tremendous tactical knowledge from somewhere. And I know how well he handled things the night of the break-in. I’m not sure what I would have done without him. If the man wants into the business, he’s in.

  “Done, yes,” the three of us say, in complete agreement.

  Roddy stands and shakes each of our hands. First mine, then Liam’s, then Taye’s. He looks serious. At the same time though, he has the ease and folly of a man who never gets too worked up about anything.

  “Dad,” Ali inquires. “What about the musical theater place you and Mom are opening?”

  “I can do both,” he says. “Not a problem.”

  “Should you ask Mom what she thinks?” Ali asks.

  “Already did,” Roddy says with a chuckle. “Why do you think she left the table so we could talk business? She has no interest in this type of venture for herself, but she supports me participating. She understands the necessity. She’ll pull the weight on the musical theater place if need be. We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

  “Well, then,” I say. “I had no idea Liam and I would be walking away from brunch with not just a third, but also a fourth business partner.”

  “It’s awesome. Isn’t it, buddy?” Liam asks cheerfully. “Couldn’t have scripted it better if I’d tried.”

  “I agree,” I say. “This thing just got real.”

  “And you’re heading up this real thing,” Roddy says. “But I do have a request.”

  “Sure,” I say. “Anything.”

  “I want Duke to join us,” Roddy says simply. Leave it to Roddy to have a firm vision and to ask for exactly what he wants. I appreciate his decisiveness. Believe me, I do.

  “Hey, that’s not a bad idea,” Liam confirms. “He brings the law enforcement piece, which would be really useful.”

  “I agree,” Taye says. “There’s some overlap between him and me, but no more than there is between the two of you. He seems like a go-getter. And smart. If he’s open to it, I think we should get him involved in the mix.”

  “This is crazy,’ I say. “I mean, yeah, Duke sounds like he’d be a fantastic addition. I’m just trying to wrap my head around going from me and Liam to a team of five in a span of twenty minutes.”

  “Georgie, my love,” Ali says. “Life happens that way sometimes. Like when you and I met. Our entire lives changed that day in the food court. Or like when we found out we were pregnant with Ethan. All of a sudden, we were going to be parents.”

  “I hear you,” I say.

  “This,” she continues, placing both hands down firmly on the table in front of her for emphasis. “This feels right to me. If it does to you, too, then go for it and don’t look back.”

  “Agreed,” Roddy says. “We’re all making big changes here, George. You’re not the only one with some adjusting to do.”

  “Here, here,” Liam adds. “But I’m ready.”

  “Yeah,” Taye begins. “I don’t even know what changes I’m going to need to make yet, but I know they’re coming. I’m jumping in on a whim here. But it feels right to me, too.” He looks over at Ali and winks. It’s a platonic wink.

  “Okay, then,” I say. “Let’s get with Duke and invite him out to Tahoe for a few days. I realize he
may not be able to be there since he’s taking care of Jen.”

  “Oh,” Ali says. “I think Jenny will be fine alone. She’s sick, and morning sickness is definitely miserable. But she’s not crippled. She’ll be able to take care of herself just fine. See if Duke can get some time off.”

  “I have to drop Lady off at their house tonight anyway, so I’ll talk to him about it then,” I say.

  “Great,” Roddy says, standing up.

  Funny how I’m supposed to be leading this group, but my father-in-law is more comfortable in that position. Maybe he can be a figurehead of sorts. Or at least a spokesperson when that’s needed. His career in theater has prepared him well for any spotlight he may encounter.

  “So, we have a plan, right?” Liam asks.

  “Sounds like we do,” Taye confirms. “Let’s shoot for Wednesday in Tahoe. I’ll try and get a flight out early that morning so we can eat lunch together and begin talking business that afternoon. I’ll stay through the weekend.”

  “Perfect,” I say. “You’ll probably want to fly into Reno.

  “Don’t worry,” Ali says, leaning her head toward Taye and smiling. “I’ll get my friend all the travel info he needs.”

  She’s the one who made our reservations, so that makes sense.

  “Hey,” I say. “I don’t want this to seem condescending in any way, but should we offer to cover the cost of Duke’s trip?”

  “You mean because he’s the only one here who isn’t independently wealthy?” Liam asks, chuckling. “You can’t fault the guy for choosing public service. You know, George, you and I would be in a similar situation if it weren’t for our inheritance.”