Final Turn: A story of adventure, intrigue and suspense. Read Free

marketing meeting. Now I can cruise. I can't wait until we get down to the narrow end of the week again."  Roger had recently signed up a new client, eStorage. They needed a comprehensive computer security and transaction recording system for their storage compounds. It was more a case of using computers to provide security for their assets than protecting information on the computers themselves. The system had been designed and developed by EDS and was ready for implementation. "How did you make out with our new client on Friday?" Roger called out. He knew that Jack had organized a pre-installation meeting with the client.
    "O.K. I suppose." Jack let on as he walked into Roger's office. "This system is spot-on for what they want. All we have to do now is get things running. eStorage has over a hundred vehicles in that compound. Moving trucks, cars, trailers, landscaping equipment and God knows what else. They really are trying to take advantage of the latest technology. Fools!" He said mockingly.
    "Oh yeah?" Roger rolled his chair back to flip his feet onto his desk.
    "They showed me how the gates out at the compound are connected directly into the mainframe computer. We'll be collecting records on the movements of all those vehicles. Even the ignitions of the vehicles are operated by a magnetic key card system. They will be able to track everything they need to do their scheduling, planning and costing. We've been working on this for what seems like forever but it's still nice to actually see some hardware out there."
    "That's what they were looking for. At least, that's what I sold them. I'm confident that Bill and his team of programmers did the job. This is one of the biggest accounts we've snared lately. It should make us some money."
    Roger saw Jack's eyes roll a familiar message. Jack knew how to get things working but he didn't care too much about the financial situation. Jack knew what he had to do and he knew how to do it. Roger could feel Jack's familiar air of resigned compliance to the system. If someone were to pull his job out from under his feet he'd be more startled than starved. Roger, on the other hand, was plugged into the profit sharing system so he had a genuine interest in how the company did financially.
    "Let me know if you run into any problems. Now that Bill has finished his work, I'm sure that Lindquist will be hounding us to meet the implementation schedule. Bill's work has passed all the design reviews and the client is happy with it." Roger stopped short of reminding Jack that the largest payment from the firm would be withheld until the system passed an acceptance test.
    "We will get it working Roger, on time and on budget." Roger felt himself being surveyed by an experienced look, one that could penetrate directly to the salience.
    "You always have Jack. I know you will this time." Roger didn't have to mince the sincerity of his comments with his friend.
    He watched Jack wave a cheerful adieu and haul his squared frame back to his own office. Roger knew there would be some trying times ahead for Jack; he would be under pressure. They both knew well enough that the implementation of complex new computer systems did not always go smoothly. Roger' own commission would not come until the client had accepted the system. Roger didn't understand all the technicalities, but he had confidence in Jack and Bill. It was a bold show of confidence in technology by a firm that did not have its own resident expertise in the field. An impressive contract for EDS and if things went well, Roger would be a bright star for having brought it in the door.
     
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    By three o'clock Roger parked his car out on Sam's driveway and was inside in two bounds. Behind the house Roger had built a gazebo for Samantha. With shutters for the windows and a small heater inside, it was usable all year round. This was Sam's favorite hiding place and for both of them it was a great spot to hang around in the cool