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"The Roacherian Effect" A novel by John C. Delavan
Chapter Thirty Four
"So, we're all agreed?" Skipper asked, smiling.
Bert, Phillip and Skipper had gathered in the living room of Skipper's cabin in the High Sierras. He and Bert had returned there to collect the others after leaving Cuba.
"Can you really start a company like this?" Phillip was still a little incredulous after hearing Skipper's proposal. He was a scientist and not a businessman.
"I mean, just cough up several million dollars and start a big company doing some kind of global investigations? Don't misunderstand me, I mean, the money you offered me is more than I would ever be likely to make anywhere else and the benefits package is unbelievable and I'd be doing exactly the kind of job I've always dreamed of. But, who'd pay you?"
"I don't think finding clients will present an insurmountable problem, Phil." Skipper smiled a fatherly kind of smile. "I'm sure between Bert and myself we have enough contacts to get this off the ground. And don't worry about the money, either. I have enough tucked away to float this operation as long as I have to."
Bert spoke up, "Skipper, how will we ensure Phil's safety? They know who he is, what he looks like...and that he knows about the device."
"We'll keep Phil out of the way for awhile. I know some people. And, Phil..." Skipper looked questioningly at the young electrical engineer, "would you be willing to assume a new identity if necessary? 'Phillip Weston' totally disappearing off the face of the earth? Of course, you'd still work for me as we agreed."
Phillip looked down at his shoes for a moment, then looked back hard at Skipper. "No, I wouldn't mind. In fact, I think I'd prefer it. I'd feel a lot safer. I don't have any family except some distant cousins I haven't seen or heard from in my entire life. I rather like being left alone to do my work and the type of communications system you have in mind is a dream come true for me. I'm in for sure -- but there's something you should know, first."
"Okay, Phil, shoot."
"Well," Phillip had an agonized look on his face, "would you still be willing to hire me if you knew I'm gay?"
Skipper answered quietly, "Phil, I've suspected that for a long time but it wasn't any of my business. You know your stuff and as long as you do the job, protect this company and keep your mouth shut about anything and everything that goes on here, I don't care if you're a Martian with a fetish for fire hydrants....Got it?"
"Got it. Thanks, Skipper." Phillip looked around and saw Bert nodding in agreement. With a sigh of relief and a big, genuine smile he said happily, "I'm in, then!"
Skipper looked at Bert. He was well aware Bert wouldn't be welcome back at Intertech and that he would not complain about being paid more than he could ever earn if he stayed there. Bert already explained to Mary just how much money Skipper had offered and about the complete benefits package and she was instantly sold on the idea. Bert just winked back.
"Then it's settled. We're a team. Who wants to go skiing tomorrow?"
The snow falling outside would be the last snowfall of the year. The skiing next day was glorious.