Home » The Archives » Chapter 12 » Playing with Fire
| Re: Playing with Fire [message #510 is a reply to message #509] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 21:24   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, October 22, 2068, 1:30 p.m., Tracy Island.
Jeff looked at his mother, his retainer, and his mother-in-law, feeling vaguely nervous as they sat around the table in the study. He hadn't wanted to discuss the subject he was going to bring up while sitting behind his desk; he knew his mother well enough that she'd accuse him of hiding behind it. Here, around the table, they were all equals -- or so it seemed. Well, it's now or never, he thought. He took a deep breath, harumphed once, and began.
"I -- ahem -- I asked to meet with you to discuss something that's been bothering me for the past few days. It's something that directly affects you all, and I wouldn't bring it up if I didn't think it was imperative to address it..."
Emily cut in. "Jeff, just spit it out. We're not stockholders; we're not anyone you have to try and convince of something. So get on with it."
He sighed. "You're wrong there, Ma. You are worse than a stockholder; you're my mother. And I most certainly hope to convince you of something -- but, since you want me to spit it out, all right."
Jeff glanced at each of them in turn. "On Friday, I walked into the kitchen, looking for a cup of coffee, and I found my mother trying to wrestle a large pot over to the sink -- by herself." Lisa started to speak, and Jeff held up a hand. "I don't blame anyone for the situation, Lisa. It was part of a concatenation of circumstances that doesn't happen often, and may never happen again." He glanced at them each again. "However, it made me realize something, and it's what I want to discuss now."
Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly. "Let's face it; we're none of us getting any younger. And the business that this family is in hasn't spared anyone. You three might not go on rescues, you might not sit and direct things from the desk, but you're always up with us when we go out -- preparing coffee, watching children, making a meal or snack for when the crew comes back, filling in for Dianne and I when it comes to the schooling. We... I appreciate all that. But I also know that it takes its toll on you, as it does on me." He spread his hands. "I have the luxury of going to bed when the crew returns early in the morning. But you three, you often have duties that keep you up when you should be sleeping."
"What are you trying to say, Jeff?" Emily asked sharply, folding her arms. "That we're not good enough anymore? Are you going to replace us?"
"No, I'm not," Jeff shot back. "What I'd like to do is bring in someone more. Someone younger, more resilient, someone who can spend the hours up and about when we're on call and leave you to your regular duties. Someone who can lend a hand when everyone else is busy doing what needs to be done." He smiled slightly. "Someone who could have manhandled that pot for you, Ma."
Kyrano sighed, and all eyes turned his way. He nodded. "I... I have long been considering what would happen should one of us become incapacitated or permanently disabled. The illness you all contracted in June showed me how difficult it is to run this household with only two -- though we had Mrs. Matumbo's assistance, it was still difficult." He gently took Lisa's hand. "We are soon to be wed, and will travel on a honeymoon. Who then will take our places during that time?" Glancing first at Emily, then at Jeff. "I was not sure how to approach you about the subject. I thank you for bringing it up, for I feel it is a true need."
Emily frowned and shook her head sharply. "Kyrano, I'm sure we'll manage while you and Lisa are on your honeymoon. Dianne knows how to cook; the boys will pitch in... I'll steal Parker from Lady Penelope if I have to!"
"Emily," Lisa said with a sigh. "I appreciate what you're saying, but Kyrano and Jeff are right. I've spent my life working to support my family, and though I don't mind pitching in to help around here, I'm of an age to retire. Not to mention wanting the time to actually act like a newlywed again. The fact is that we can use the help. This operation," she waved her free hand to indicate the island, "has grown so much from when I first was brought in on the secret. There's so much more to do, and so many more people to do it for. Frankly, I'd like to ignore the alarm when it goes off... at least some of the time." She turned toward Jeff and smiled. "Jeff's not putting us out to pasture, Em. But he is giving us an opportunity to slow down and catch our breath a bit." She nodded. "Jeff, you've got my blessing, too."
There was a long pause, and Jeff gave his mother a searching look. "Ma?"
She raised an eyebrow. "I suppose you've got this new person all picked out for us?"
Jeff shook his head. "No, I don't. In fact, I want your input on what kind of qualifications I should be looking for. You know better than I do what we'd need most and where we'd need it. Do we need a cook? A housekeeper? Would you feel better with a married couple? What kind of person do you want to have helping you?" He tapped the data pad he'd set on the table earlier. "Let's brainstorm a bit and figure that out... as long as you're okay with the idea, Ma."
"Hmph!" Emily sniffed. "I don't know if I agree with this, but if Kyrano and Lisa think we need someone, then I'll defer to their wishes." She leaned forward, and tapped a finger on the table top. "Just make sure that whoever we hire knows who's the boss in the kitchen!"
Kyrano exchanged glances with Lisa, and the couple glanced over a Jeff, who shook his head a little, then picked up the data pad. "Okay. Let's begin, shall we?"
  
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