Two
796 Words
TwoIsaac taps impatiently on the desk with his pen. For two hours, a Defense Department liaison has been lobbying Isaac and Janice Cole to build ships for the Navy, but Isaac isn't enticed by their lucrative offer.
“In all my years as a nautical engineer, I've never wanted to design military ships. It's a question of principles,” Isaac says, his jaw firmly set. “Besides, there are dozens of other shipbuilders who would give their eye teeth for such a contract. Why Cole Shipping?”
The liaison, a Navy captain wearing an impressive collection of combat ribbons, is undaunted. “Because even though Cole Shipping is a small company it's one of the best. And because we feel we'd get a better deal from you, under the circumstances.”
“The circumstances being that Cole Shipping is experiencing financial problems?” Janice volleys with equal candor. Isaac winces at the disclosure, but the Navy officer is obviously well-versed in Cole Shipping's profit and loss statement.
“Let's just say, because of your current slowdown in operations you would be able to devote full attention to the project, and be more flexible in your price negotiations.”
“He means,” Isaac says, snidely, “we could work fast and cheap.”
But Janice maintains an unemotional front. “That's not how we operate at Cole Shipping, Captain Sperry. However, we will take your proposal under advisement and get back to you.”
“Take whatever time you need,” Sperry replies, rising to leave. “But do understand that we have a timeline for this project to begin soon.”
“I do, indeed.”
The office door closes behind Captain Sperry and Isaac throws his pen down in disgust. “The nerve of that guy. I don't care if he's got fifty ribbons on his chest.”
Janice lets Isaac blow off steam, then suggests, “Ethics and personal principles notwithstanding, maybe we shouldn't be so quick to reject his proposal, Isaac.”
“You can't be serious. Cole Shipping isn't a munitions contractor. The Defense Department would take over this place. We'd hardly have any say so in anything once we signed a contract.”
“I know, I know. The thought is repugnant to me, too. But he's right about one thing, Isaac. We are in serious financial trouble.”
“It's just a transition period, Jan. It's only been three months since you've taken the company over from Nathan Fischbacher, and we can pull through if we hang tough.”
“Maybe. But this isn't just a decision that affects Cole Shipping and our stockholders,” Janice reminds him. “This decision could affect the economy of the entire town. So many people are hurting for jobs. Tourism is down for the last three years. A contract like this could change all that.”
Isaac's tone is incredulous. “It sounds like you've made up your mind.”
She wags her head ambivalently. “Yes and no. I personally don't want to accept the government's offer. But I don't think it's a decision that you and I should make in this room alone. “What about a town meeting. Let the people have the vote. It's their future, too.”
Isaac shakes his head and grins wryly. “That's very democratic of you. I just hope you know what you're getting into by inviting public comment.”
“Do you object?”
“No, no. God knows I'm democratic myself.” Smiling faintly, he adds, “As long as they all vote no.”
Janice purses her lips and nods pensively. Then she makes a sudden change in the subject. “Oh, by the way. How did it go? I mean, yesterday at the cemetery? It must have been difficult for all of you.”
Isaac nods, and his mood shifts from agitated to somber. “Yes. It was. But I'm glad we did it. It's a subject we find hard to talk about, especially David. And I'm pretty concerned about him. He's not dealing well with Billie's death these days.”
“What do you mean? Has he said anything disturbing?”
“That's just it. He doesn't say anything. He seems to be keeping something inside, especially these last few months.”
“Well, Isaac, don't forget what happened to Sally. Her recovery, then a relapse. That was pretty traumatic, too. He loves her so.”
“Yes, he dotes on her. And he's always up for her, like last night, going along with that gag of mine about the mermaid at Lighthouse Point.”
Janice's eyebrows shoot up. “Mermaid? A real mermaid?”
Isaac grins sheepishly. “I told Sally the mermaid played the harp during dinner. It's really some gal in a fancy fish tail. So I took the kids there to celebrate Billie's and my anniver -” Isaac's voice catches. “Sorry. I thought I could handle it.”
“It's all right, Isaac. You don't have to go on. Let's get together after lunch,” she says, changing the subject back to the business at hand, “and decide on a plan of action to organize a town meeting.”
“Of course. Only we may find ourselves adversaries on this one.”
“I'd prefer it if we were, what's the saying - tender comrades?
- Writer
