Art, The Story Ch. 07

"But contraire, I do understand. I've been there, done that, but now everything has changed. In the first place, I'm physically at the mercy of every adult woman I meet and I don't have to be concerned about whether a woman sees me as being 'macho', which is a guaranteed erection killer. After I got over the fact that most women saw my erect penis as cute or a non-factor, I was free to react. Also, given my usual state of dress or undress, there wasn't much I could do about hiding it even if I could will it to play dead. Now back to your story."

Suzanne was still laughing when she said, "How do I go on following that revelation? Where was I, oh yes; most big men want to put me in the 'little lady' category and that's a no win situation for them. Alright roomie, what's your story?"

"There's not much more to tell. Like I told you, my parents died in an auto accident and the court placed me in foster homes. I was in a series of foster homes. Some I outgrew the age they wanted and some I just didn't fit. I spent a lot of time in juvenile facilities waiting for placement. That's where I learned to roll with the punches. I earned quite a few 'knuckle sandwiches' along the way. Not being very big, I had to convince the larger kids who could hurt me that when they did, I was going to keep coming back at them regardless of consequences. I got a reputation as being a hard to place foster child.

"I was fourteen in a foster home when my 'foster father' at that time decided my backside was his punch toy. I hurt him badly and a judge placed me in a home for difficult boys."

"You hurt your foster father!"

"I used a baseball bat and broke his arm. Anyway, I got along fine in the boy's school. Let's just say my reputation preceded me. As soon as I was of age I joined the Army. The Army made it possible for me to get my GED high school degree and then they sent me to an electronics school. I turned out to be a 'natural'; one of my instructors said I thought like an electron. Even though I didn't understand the theory or the science, I had a feel for grasping how something electronic worked. It was that ability that caught the Professors attention at the research Center."

"I would have never thought of you being in the Army."

"Yeah, well the Army never thought much of the idea either. They appreciated my work, but the regimentation drove me nuts. After eight years we called it quits by mutual agreement. Now how is this plan of yours with Dr. Berger going to work?"

"OK, here's what we need. I want the two of us to go through Uncle Ben's papers. I need to know that we are not sending out information not covered by our contract with Berger. I'll have those records copied and sent to Berger. Maybe we can separate them chronologically so I can make periodic shipments. He can then start his review. At that point he can start asking you questions by encrypted e-mail."

"Come on I'll show you where we can work." She led me down the hall and opened a door with a key. "This is a small upstairs' study and reading room. The previous owner used it, but Maria and I never have. I have a company I've used before coming first thing in the morning to set it up as an office, with a separate phone line and Internet connection. They'll install all the hardware and encryption software. They'll also bring in all the equipment we'll need to copy and transmit documents to Berger and a desk and table for us. I've even found a fancy elevated chair that you should be able to use."

"I'll give you and Maria a key, but I'll tell Maria and Arilla the room is an extension of the Research Center and no one should be allowed in there except you and me. After the contractor gets started in the morning you and I are going to take the day off."

When I looked at her she said, "I have come across reliable information that little Suzanne and little Arthur didn't get a chance to be kids, so tomorrow you and I will make up for a little of it."