Once again, Ted found himself looking out on the picturesque harbour of Victoria. Yesterday he had been in the scorching heat of mid-summer, mid-town Manhattan. And now, he was back in paradise. ‘I could get real used to this,’ he thought.
He left his hotel room, went down to the lobby and asked for directions to Shoal Point Towers. The concierge assured Ted he could walk straight west, follow the walkway as it curves to the left, along the harbour inlet. “You can’t miss it – it’s the biggest development on the waterfront. At most, a ten minute walk.” Ted’s journey took him above the inner harbour promenade, past the Parliament buildings and finally along the front of a number of hotels and condominiums. Spotting the tallest, he walked through the gates of Shoal Point. Gloria buzzed him in and was waiting as he walked off the elevator.
“Ted, hello,” she smiled warmly. “Great to see you again. Come in, let me introduce you.” As they walked through the door, Ted saw the other two guests. Shaking hands, Gloria introduced him to Hank MacDougall of MacDougall Enterprises, and Elliot Stevens of Stevens Engineering.
“Ted? Can I get you anything? Something to drink?”
“Thanks, no. I’m fine.”
After they were comfortable, Gloria began.
“We appreciate you coming on such short notice. I think you’ll understand the urgency, our reasoning and why we called you. We know that you’re connected. You may have already heard about Saskatchewan. They have done a pretty good job keeping it a secret, but, their problems are big and their options are few.”
Ted realised he wasn’t the only connected one in the room. Gloria continued, “We have good reason to believe the Province of British Columbia will also become a U.S. State – possibly within the next two years. There are some things we want to try and put in place before that happens, and other things that have to happen before the general public gets wind that Saskatchewan might be headed south.”
“If your contract fee is the same as it was two years ago, for the work you did for the Province, we have no difficulty with that amount. Naturally we would also be paying for your expenses. We’ll need your eyes and ears, your perceptions, for the events and circumstances that will undoubtedly unfold – and to interact with us, developing plans, if necessary.”
“We would like you to base your operations here in Victoria, if possible, and to bring whatever you feel you may need for this contract. Am I making myself clear, so far?”
“Yes, very clear,” Ted said. “I have many questions, but yes, I understand the situation.”
Gloria looked at Hank. It had been a 2-1 vote as to who would tell Theodore Underwood about the Plan. Hank cleared his throat and began.
It took about thirty minutes. Detailed questions were asked by Ted and answered by all. Eventually, it became apparent that he realised what they had in mind, and what their Plan would require of him. Ted stood to stretch. Walking over to the windows, he looked down at the plane bobbing next to the dock. “Yours?” he asked Hank. Smiling, Hank answered, “Yeah. I built it.” Ted nodded, walked back and leaned against the back of the sofa. “You people really want to try this? You’re willing to risk that kind of money on this idea?”
“Its ours to lose,” Gloria said.
‘Oh Teddy,’ he thought to himself. ‘Do you really want to be a part of this?’ There are turning points in everyone’s life. He’d had two – and the last one was too long ago. Ted looked at Elliot and said, “I’m in.”
Gloria softly asked him, “Would you like a drink now?”
“Yes, please. Scotch. No ice, no water.”
The meeting continued another two hours. Ted knew what needed to be done. He also knew that, with a little luck, he would be able to deliver for these people – to help make this happen.
Back in his hotel suite, Ted checked his watch and realised phoning his contacts would have to wait until morning. He changed into a pair of jeans and worked online through most of the night, researching what would be needed for the next day. He was tired but it had to be done; he had to be ready. Tomorrow, he would be meeting the Premier of British Columbia.
