“I'm a very bad man,” he said.
“I know, Daddy.”
“You wouldn't love me like you do if I wasn't.”
“I know, Daddy. I'm sorry.”
“No worries, princess. Jenna will help you clean up the mess in the morning. We'll buy all-new things to replace what was broken.”
“Okay.” A finger went into her mouth and she began to suck.
“Remember, Daddy loves you very much. You're the one I want in my bed and I'd do anything for you.” Her lips curled into a smile. “Tomorrow we'll buy a new charm for your bracelet.”
“Can I also get more candy jewelry?”
“Of course you can. Whatever you like.”
“I love you, Daddy.”
“Love you, too, sweetheart.”
19
With a remote control Brant switched off the new flat panel television set they'd bought at the electronics store to replace the one Katie had destroyed. They'd done so, Katie and Brant, after Jenna helped Katie clean up the aftermath of her tantrum. They didn't discuss the tantrum again as it had already been addressed the night before with maintenance.
“I like my new charm, Daddy,” Katie said as she toyed with the jewelry on her wrist.
“It's very pretty,” Brant said.
“I like the new TV, too. It's bigger.”
Brant handed Katie the remote. “Think I'll read in the library for a while.”
“Okay.”
He kissed her forehead before leaving the room. In the library the candles had burned down to nubs and all but a few remaining coals in the fireplace had died, along with a few of the candles. It was Sunday evening, with a busy week ahead of him, and the quiet of the library came as a comfort. Two of the wiccan woman remained. Brainy Witch and Goth Witch. Upon entering, Brainy Witch approached Brant toting the heavy volume he recognized from the night before.
“Hi, Mr. Wilson.”
“What's up?”
“The book I showed you last night? The spell? May I place it on your desk? You really should read it and I hoped to remind you before I left.”
“Sure. Please do.”
“You'll find the page marked.”
“You're leaving?”
“Not that I want to but there is school tomorrow. I'm a sophomore at UT – Austin.”
“Great school. What do you study there?”
“I'm a language major, so obviously,” she nudged glasses higher on her nose, “I really enjoy reading these books. They're so amazing... and so many of them. I don't want to leave.”
“So don't leave.”
Brainy smiled. “I need a shower, clean clothes. Sleep. I need sleep.”
“Help yourself to one of the spare bedrooms. By the way, where are the other girls?”
“They left. It's just Teresa and myself, and she needs me to drive her home, soon as she finishes reading the history of a potion she's interested in.”
“Seriously,” Brant said, placing a hand on her shoulder, “you and your friends are welcome here any time. In fact, I could really use the help, with so many books here. Help researching things.”
“Things like...?”
“Things like your impressive suggestion.” Brant tapped the cover of the book she'd brought him. “Especially with your background in languages. I speak English and can fumble my way through Latin. That's it.”
Brainy Witch smiled shyly. “I'd be happy to help. After school and weekends, when there isn't a test or I don't have to work.”
“Where do you work?”
“I pick up hours here and there as a tutor.”
“You stay in a dorm?”
“No, nothing like that. I'm from Austin. Live with my parents while attending school.”
“Why do you attend school?” Brant asked.
“That's a silly question. To get a good job, of course.”
“And what, per se, do young college students such as yourself consider a good job nowadays?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you attending college to attract a handsome, successful husband?”
“No. I mean, if it happens, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. But I want a career. I want to study languages and land a good job in a couple of years.”
“Now we're back to a good job. What's a good job? How much money are we talking?”
“I don't know.”
“Come on. Surely you have an idea. I know when I was a freshman they filled our heads with salary figures.”
“Forty thousand would be nice.”
“Done.”
“What?”
“I'll hire you now as a researcher for forty thousand dollars a year.” Brant lowered his voice, though Goth Witch didn't seem to have overheard. “But don't tell your friends. I'm not sure they are worth that much.”
“I'm not sure I'm worth that much.”
“Well, it's my prerogative that you are. It's simply up to you to accept.”
“No offense, Mr. Wilson, but I can't. I'll gladly help you research things in my free time but I cannot accept a full-time job like this. Not with school and tutoring.”
“Are you sure?” Brant felt compelled to ask.
“Sorry.”
He figured:
She wasn't as smart as she seemed
Although plenty smart in all the right areas
Considering the time she'd spent during the weekend, getting 40 hours a week out of her wouldn't be a problem
The only problem would be working around her school schedule
And potentially her family schedule
But he could work around that
And influence it, too
Hell, he'd have been happy to provide tuition reimbursement but this way he wouldn't need to
“That's okay. I certainly understand,” Brant said. “I assume you work no more than 20 hours a week tutoring.”
“A little less, usually.”
“If I may ask, how much do you charge?”
“Ten dollars. Why?”
“I'll give you $200 a week to forgo tutoring in exchange for your research.”
“I don't know. I mean, honestly, I don't claim that money. May I think about it?”
“Sure. Let's make it an even $250, under the table. No pressure, though. Think about it and let me know. Whatever hours fit your schedule.”
“Wow. Really?”
“Of course, really.”
Goth Witch approached. “Ready to go? I have an English Comp paper due tomorrow I should get started writing.”
“I'm glad you two could come,” Brant said. “You're welcome back anytime. I won't keep you any longer, but I am curious. Do you also attend UT?”
“Yeah, I'm a freshman.”
“Freshman,” Brant repeated. She'd either still live with parents or stay in the dorm. “Well, stop by anytime. I don't mind. In fact, I appreciate having more sets of eyes perusing these pages.”
“I'll bet,” Goth Witch said. “Speaking of eyes, I can't shake the feeling someone is watching me here. Let's go, Lisa.”
Brant escorted them to the door and reiterated his invitation.
“Coffee? Tea? Juice? Water? We have a new espresso machine that's amazing,” Katie said.
Brant's staff, gathered around the dining table in his house, placed their drink orders.
“Thank you all for coming today. We stand on the precipice of something great. I hope everyone realizes this. And while it may be a slight inconvenience for some of you, I feel it's important that the core executive team meet in person, and work together to select and establish each of the five sites that will comprise our network. We've all met virtually, with the exception of our latest member, Alex Lancaster.”
Mr. Lancaster, recently released from prison, nodded at his peers.
“Mr. Lancaster,” Brant explained, “will serve as our security officer. He has extensive experience, nearly ten years, in computer security with both Intuit and HP. He'll be working with each of yo
u, as your sites come on-line, to ensure physical security.
“Thank you, Joey, for ordering everyone a company laptop. Each of you will be given one after this meeting, and encryption software, recommended by Alex, will be installed. Basic stuff, really. Ms. Jones has arranged several site visits here in Austin for us this week. Thank you again for attending. You'll find my management style hands-off … as long as things go my way.” Brant grinned and the team chuckled. “No worries, though. I have full faith in each of your abilities and judgment, otherwise I wouldn't have hired you.
“Today,” Brant continued, “will be simply getting to know each other, discussing anything you feel to be pressing, and the distributing of hardware and software, including company cell phones, since, as you all know, we're operating virtually. I'll also meet with each of you separately before treating everyone to the best steak in Texas, at The Cattleman's Club. There's also a suite on-site for future visits, although everyone, as you know, have reserved rooms at the Hilton.
“Any questions?”
“What about our staff?” Tara Jones asked.
“Excellent question. We'll discuss that individually in our one-on-one meetings. As Joey Kincaid can attest, we'll soon begin searching for prospective candidates. Joey has already started, as once the Austin site is selected, he'll order equipment and be first to need assistance with the hardware when it arrives. Any other questions?”
“What about sales?” Denzel Watkins, DBA from Memphis, asked. “I appreciate the job, really I do. But I'm not clear on our future revenue stream.”
“Another excellent question. I assure you capital is of no concern. However, to answer your question, our sister site in Kansas already provides us with a foundation of revenue. As for growth, by the time Austin comes on-line, we'll have hired a head of sales. This person, yet to be determined, will assemble a team of his or her own. They'll be tasked with not only up-selling products and services, such as co-location, to existing clients, but gaining new clients as well.”
Derek Smith, software developer from San Antonio, offered the next question: “Who exactly are our target clients?”
“We play web host for the seedier side of the Internet. Web cam girls, porn content, any member-only sites, anything, really, that can only be found in the dark corners of the Internet. We'll also be playing host to very specialized and valuable information. Derek, I'll be discussing with you, during our one-on-one, the need to hire someone on your team who specializes in web crawler technology. We're going to creep across the World Wide Web searching for the leads that the sales team can use. But we won't stop there. We'll use content to gain traffic, and with that traffic, as you know, we'll be able to collect and mine it for all sorts of valuable information. Any other questions?”
More questions arose, those of a more mundane nature. Katie served drinks. And eventually the group meeting ended and individual meetings began.
Brant asked Tara Jones, “Do you have any questions or concerns you'd like for me to address?”
“Yes. You want me to spearhead interview efforts to fill Business Analyst positions and the Sales Director positions, correct?”
“That's right. And Administrative Assistant positions for yourself, Denny, Derek, and Joey, with each assistant based out of their respective locations. You can coordinate interviews to take place during site visits.”
Tara Jones made a note on a legal pad, looked up, said, “I hope you don't expect a similar interview technique as last time.”
Brant grinned. “I suppose you're right. No too professional to fuck someone before turning them down for a job, is it?”
“Not so much.”
“Handle the interviews as you see fit. Anything else?”
“I'm interested in seeing the executive suite you mentioned. I dislike staying in hotel rooms.”
“Sure. Anything else you'd like to discuss before I show you the suite?”
“How am I doing? You really don't provide feedback regarding performance.”
“You're doing excellent work,” Brant said. “If you weren't, I wouldn't have you selecting all our potential sites and providing preliminary interviews. Anything else?”
“No, I suppose that's it.”
“Any questions or concerns for me?” Brant asked Derek Smith.
“Nah, I'm good. Think I know the right man for our crawler software, though. You should meet him.”
“Sure thing. Is he local?”
“Nah, but he'd relocate.”
“Great. Set up something, say, next week. If there's nothing else, there's some code I'd like you to compile for that comm driver I sent you. Before you leave, if possible.”
“Shouldn't be a problem.”
“Great. There's something I want to try. Something I want to show you.” It had to do with the add-in card Brant had designed for Kasas. He'd kept a card for himself for testing.
Denny Watkins had few concerns. He simply wanted to know when his talents would be put to use. Thus far he'd been underutilized.
“Don't worry,” Brant told him. “You'll have plenty to do, soon. Once Joey and his team get hardware on-line in Austin. Your DBA talents will be put to use importing data from the outdated database in Kansas to the new database in Austin. Shoot, you’ll be takin’ care of business, an’ workin’ overtime.”
“Is there something I can do to assist until then?” Denny said.
“Actually, yes. I understand you know a thing or two about voodoo.”
“How did you—?”
Brant raised a palm. “I was thorough with your background check and I have a feeling you’ve picked up that vibe. So, I'd like you to write a brief report outlining any magic you'd recommend using, no matter how outlandish, no matter how totally fucking insane, not only for our sites, but here in my home, as well.”
Denny's gold tooth shined as he smiled wide. “My pleasure, Mr. Wilson.”
Alex Lancaster said, “I'd like to thank you again for hiring me. I honestly thought I'd be lucky to mop floors after I served my time.”
Brant Wilson waved off the notion. “You're a smart man, you know network security inside-out.”
“True. But after serving time for substance abuse and vehicular manslaughter, my prospects looked slim.”
“From my point of view, you not only have experience in network security but prison security, too, and that's exactly what I'm looking for. I'm just sorry the job I have to offer you will be in Nowhere, Nebraska.”
Now it was Lancaster's turn to dismiss the notion. “I've no family and nowhere to go. Considering what you’re paying, Nebraska works for me.”
“We'll get you set up in Kansas for the time being. You'll do a lot of traveling until Nebraska goes on-line. Basic stuff, really. You'll have a team once various sites come on-line.”
“Sounds great. I can't wait to get started.”
“Everyone has a cell phone, a notebook computer, software they need…” Joseph Kincaid said. “I'm excited to start site tours tomorrow. I'm itching to see what we have to work with.”
“I believe you're going to like the options.”
“Dude, you have no idea. Being on the ground floor of something like this? Whoa. Gnarly. Once we have a few dudes working with me, piecing Linux boxes together—whoa. Off the chain.”
“I like your enthusiasm. Hey, I have something you might want to see. Derek and Denny are going to help me work on an interface down in the basement. There should be time before the interviews Tara has lined up for you with candidates for your operations team.”
“What kind of interface?”
“An interface with a portal to hell.”
“Bitchin'.”
Tests with the interface went as well as hoped. Brant, on Joey and Tara's recommendation, hired a new member of the operations staff. The first addition to Joey’s team. Tara opted to take the executive suite in the house. After dinner at The Cattleman's Club Joey, Derek, and Alex decided to hit a strip club. Tara and Denny went to
a comedy club. Brant, thrilled at today's successes, returned home to find Brainy Witch alone in the library.
Brant, having anticipated a return visit, had stopped by an ATM earlier.
“I see you're back.”
“Yes, Mr. Wilson. There's so much knowledge here.”
“Indeed there is. I assume this means you'd like to accept my offer.”
“If it still stands, yes, for part-time work. I believe you said $250.”
“I believe you're correct.” Brant pulled out his wallet, handed her bills, along with his card. “Does bi-weekly work for you?”
“Sure thing, Mr. Wilson. Thank you for this opportunity. I won't let you down.”
“I'm sure you won't. You'll find my email address on the card. Shoot me a message later. Sometimes I'm busy, and you're welcome to work any hours you see fit. Email communication will come in handy. When I think of something I want researched I can quickly and easily let you know.”
“Great idea, Mr. Wilson. I've already found something, in one of the Greek tomes, that ties in with the spell I recommended to you. I'm researching it now.”
“That's a wonderful place to begin. Please, make yourself at home. There is food and drinks in the kitchen. Anytime you're here. I insist.”
“Okay. I will, Mr. Wilson. I won't take up any more of your time.”
“No worries, Brainy.” Brant patted her back.
Brainy glanced down at the money before walking back to the table where she'd been reading, and tucked the $500 into her purse and resumed her work.
Brant, meanwhile, turned his attention to the spell she'd recommended, all the while knowing they were being watched.
20
Gary Dowdy stared frustratingly at his flat panel monitors. The monitor on the right contained various shell screens running scripts to access the forbidden directories at KaosKansas.com. In the background, running at various intervals, were similar scripts attempting to log to disk contents of those directories. On the screen on the left were several open files displaying the output of his efforts. All were empty files. In yet another window he saw a directory listing of the files as the running scripts wrote to disk. Each file was 0 bytes in length, thus also empty.
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