H. Tucker Hall finally rose, holding up a hand to bring silence inside the room, reminding Andy of the movie where Moses came down off of Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments. Probably puts himself in the same category, Andy chuckled.
H. Tucker talked for several minutes, relating the circumstances of the Japanese takeover bid and how the community rallied around the company, saving it from the clutches of the Japanese raiders. H. Tucker was fiery in parts, humble in others, at all times giving credit to the community of Radford and the loyalty of the Turner Steel legions, noting that neither could live without the other, a fact that every person in the room had realized for the past 70 years or so. Andy perked up with H. Tucker's next words, hoping this was going to end the speechmaking, not sure where he was going to go from here.
"...and I have always believed that management is obligated to recognize individual exploits and achievements, outstanding singular accomplishments, and conduct above and beyond the call of duty. With that said, I would like to announce, no, that sounds too stuffy...I am proud and honored to recognize a few special people, without whose efforts Turner Steel would now be but a minor player in the massive Tukisasi Corporation, most of us by now probably packing our bags and relocating to Tokyo or some other far-off place."
The applause was deafening, encouraging H. Tucker to continue.
"Thousands of people won this battle for us. Each and every one of them will be recognized in their own ways, their own time, in some special manner, every single one with my personal, heartfelt thanks. In the beginning of the crisis, we assembled a cast of three main players, all three from outside the immediate Turner family, each one critical to the battle strategy that we devised to defeat Tukisasi. We felt at the time, and events proved us correct, that these three people could lead our management team out of the peril that Tukisasi presented. With their guidance, we at Turner streamlined our operations to such an extent we were able to fight off these interlopers."
He was on a roll, playing to what the audience wanted to hear. H. Tucker had always been a master salesman, a real slick character, and he was calling on every bit of his showmanship tonight.
"First of all, I would like to announce that Turner Steel has signed a longtime consulting contract with the firm of Greenway, Short. I cannot thank Simon Greenway enough for the guidance and effort he put into this fight. Simon, with the help of Harvey Short, personally oversaw the revamping of the day-to-day operations of Turner, insuring that our company continued to meet all orders and serve all of our customers. Our heartfelt thanks, Simon. I feel this is truly a partnership made in heaven."
Whatever Simon Greenway had done, it must have been important, because the entire audience rose as one to give him a standing ovation, lasting for two or three minutes. The man stood and waved, then resumed his seat, a look of satisfaction on his face.
"Secondly, I would like to recognize my good friend, Leyland Harley, President of United Steelworkers of America Local 1154..."
Another standing ovation, the crowd cheering even louder.
"...Leyland Harley and his staff who permitted such extensive leeway in order that the end result would be such that Turner Steel stayed right where it has been for 70 years, right here in Radford, continuing as a part of our community. I thank you, Leyland, a man who worked diligently and loyally to insure that Turner Steel and his membership remained in business, remained in their homes, in their hometown. Thank you, United Steelworkers, from the bottom of my heart."
And the bottom of your pocketbook, the next time you sit across from each other at the bargaining table, Andy thought, bringing a smile to his face.
The five minute ovation for the Union official was accompanied by raucous screaming and cheering, the singing of a drunken rendition of Happy Days Are Here Again, the crowd finally settling back in their seats, awaiting the remainder of H. Tucker's words.
His next announcement, by the audience's reaction, was totally unexpected.
"Yesterday afternoon, as most of you are aware, the Turner Steel Corporation's Board of Directors flew into Radford to hold a special, closed session to decide the immediate future of our company. The Board voted on two key items, both which will impact Turner for the next generation. The first vote directly concerns me, as well as the company as a whole."
He paused, letting the tension mount several beats, then, smiling, continued.
"I am humbled to announce that I have been named Chairman of the Board of Turner Steel, effective immediately."
The crowd went crazy, the longest ovation yet, reminding Andy of the night he scored the winning touchdown to beat Mailer. It was a wild show of emotions, the cheering lasting for another five minutes. Finally, holding up both hands, H. Tucker restored order.
"I said earlier that there were three people who we recruited when we discovered the Japanese attempt upon our company, three people outside our immediate family. Simon Greenway and Leyland Harley were joined by this next person, the manager who is directly responsible for the complete overhaul of the Turner Steel Corporations operations department. I have been involved with many hundreds of executives in my days as the president of Turner Steel, worked with the best managers in the business. But never, never, have I worked beside a more knowledgeable, intelligent manager than this person. This person is, in my opinion, well, quite frankly, a genius. Turner Steel exist today because we were fortunate that Greenway, Short loaned us this manager for the duration of the takeover attempt. Yesterday, the Turner Board of Directors, in their second vote, unanimously approved, with my blessings, the hiring of Greenway, Short's former vice-president of operations, Shauna Toonis, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Turner Steel. Miss Toonis, Madame President, a few words, please."
As the crowd again went crazy, Andy slumped back against his seat, dazed beyond belief. He watched, dumbfounded as the tall, black woman sitting beside the naval officer stood, bent down and said something into his ear, bent across him and kissed the young black man on the cheek, and climbed the steps to the stage, assured and classy, beautiful even from afar.
She wore a perfectly tailored pale green dress, tiny, sparkling buttons running up the front of the gown to her throat, diamond earrings glistening from her ears, a matching diamond choker around her slim neck, her hair perfectly coifed. She stood at the podium, confident, enjoying the roar of the crowd, permitting it to grow, to wash over her, a broad, beautiful smile on her gorgeous face, lighting up the entire convocation center.
Finally, the crowd quieted, the hall becoming completely silent, waiting for the first words from the newest Turner president, the first CEO from outside the Turner family, the first woman president of Turner, and needless to say, the first black.
Her voice was as Andy remembered it, soft but forceful; giving the listener the illusion that she knows exactly what each word will be, as well as what the listener’s reaction will be.
"Thank you, I can't tell you what that welcome means to me. I was flabbergasted yesterday when the Board of Directors made this announcement. I am happy for a worthy H. Tucker Hall...I am humbled for myself. The things we, and I use we as a representative for the thousands of men and women who worked day and night to restore Turner Steel to its rightful place as America's steel company, we did what we had to do because of our love for Radford, and for everything that Turner Steel means to our hometown. I pledge myself to Radford through the Turner Steel Corporation, to each and every employee of Turner, and to the American people, without who Turner would be nothing more than a foreign concern today. If I may be permitted, I would like to take this opportunity to thank H. Tucker Hall..."
…applause…
"... the Turner Board of Directors..."
…more applause…
"... the citizens of the greatest city in America..."
…massive applause and shouting…
"... and the two most important people in my life, my son Carl Alan..."
The young black man stood, visib
ly embarrassed, but a look of extreme pride on his face.
"...and my best friend, my lifetime confidant and advisor, without whose long-term encouragement I could never have stayed the course that culminated in tonight's celebration, Commander Andrew Webster."
Andy watched closely as the man in the Naval uniform stood, acknowledging the applause, waving at the crowd. He was turning, turning in slow motion, facing the rear of the auditorium, the throng standing, cheering, fondly remembering their one-time Golden Boy, the hometown hero who made good.
Shauna was making her way off the podium, the crowd going wild, the officer facing the rear, facing Andy, waving up into the corner, waving at Andy, the fog suddenly appearing, swallowing the boy, his eyes closing, his mission complete, a smile on his face, going back, going back home.
36
"Hey, are you back? Andy, can you hear me?" Andy heard Jody's voice whispering in his ear. He was blinking away the fog, his head resting comfortably in the girl's lap, her hand brushing absently through his hair. He opened his eyes, turning to look up into her face, her smile a wonderful welcome home.
"Hi," she said softly. "How was it?"
"How long was I gone?" he asked. "I've been gone a long time, haven't I?"
"About fifteen minute is all," she answered. "Was it good?"
"It was fabulous, Jody. It was...I can't even describe it. It's real, isn't it, the Wizard I mean, and he’s really special? I feel like such a creep, the way I talked to him. Jody, you wouldn't believe the things I saw, the way things were. Do you..."
The girl put her fingers to his lips, stopping him in mid-sentence. "I know, Andy. I know. If you're ready, I think we better get back to the others. It really is getting late." She pushed herself up off the ground, pulling Andy up after her. As he turned to find the path, she took hold of his hand, pulling him back to the clearing.
"Andy, kiss me. Just once, okay. It's something I need right now, something I need real bad."
Looking into her jade-green eyes, seeing that he didn't need to say anything, the boy bent forward, kissing his friend on the lips, gently at first, then firmly, her mouth opening, the kiss becoming a sharing of something deeper, something they both needed. Finally, Jody broke it off, hugging him tightly, sobbing slightly.
"I'm all right now. Thanks, friend. I needed that more than you will ever know. Guess I've needed it for a long time. C'mon, let's go join the party."
Pulling Andy after her, she found the path and retraced their steps down and out of the woods toward the dying fire. Susie was sitting on a log on the right hand side of the Wizard, Gretta standing next to the fire. The beer cooler was not in sight, the girls having earlier packed it into the trunk of the car.
Andy walked up to the fire, kicking dirt on the embers, making certain it was completely extinguished. When he was satisfied it was out, he formed the words that needed said, turned to the man with the golden eyes, and held his hand out. The Wizard stood; a half-head taller than the boy, grasped the hand, and shook it firmly.
"Thank you," the boy started. "I acted like an ass earlier. I'm sorry, I truly am sorry for the things I said to you."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. I took your hostility for exactly what it was, acting in a gallant manner on behalf of these ladies. Never apologize for that, my friend, I'm glad your evening ended well."
"It was wonderful, but I think you know how I feel. Thank you."
"You're most welcome, Andy. It was a great pleasure meeting you tonight. You and each of your friends are very special people."
Turning to the three girls, the Wizard spoke in that quiet, sweet voice.
"It is time for me to take my leave. It has been a most interesting, enjoyable experience, sitting here in the woods with you. Thank you for permitting me to join your celebration. To each one of you, the best of luck in your futures. And now, good-by children. Good-by."
Susie leaned forward, hugging the man, whispering something in his ear, smiling through her tears, Gretta joining the embrace, the three of them saying their quiet farewell.
Jody was standing next to Andy, watching the Wizard closely. As Susie and Gretta released him, he turned slowly, that tiny smile on his face, his eyes glittering in the moonlight, his lips not moving, the words clear in Jody's head.
"It has been interesting, Jody Reed. I told you we had much in common."
The redhead nodded slightly, the same tiny smile appearing on her face, her eyes staring into the Wizard's golden glow. He turned, walking up the path he had first appeared on, the fog suddenly emerging, beginning at his feet, quickly swallowing his legs, then his torso, finally his head. The four friends watched him disappear, not surprised at the exit. They stood together for another minute, then, as if on a signal, turned and walked toward the lake, down to Susie's car, ready to go home.
"We have to go to town and get Gretta some gas," Andy said as Susie started the Lincoln. "I don't know why I didn't stop and get some when I took Shauna home. That would have saved us a trip." Susie was driving, Andy in the front seat with her, Jody and Gretta in the rear.
"It doesn't need gas," Gretta said. "He told me it will start."
Nobody argued or second guessed her statement, each of them knowing the car would start. Susie pulled to the side of the road across from Gretta's Cavalier. Andy got out with Gretta, walking her to the car. He took her key from her, slid into the seat, and pushed the key into the ignition. The car fired up with the first turn of the key, surprising no one. He slid out of the car, gave Gretta a kiss on the cheek, a long hug, told her good-by and that they would follow her into town. Gretta made a U-turn in the road, led the other car out onto the highway, and the two cars made their way back to Radford.
"Your car wasn't at the club, was it?" Susie asked, looking over at Andy.
"No, Zeke Betone picked me up. My mom was going to leave her car there, both her and dad drove. Whichever one was the most sober would drive home. I told her I'd bring her car home."
"You and Zeke got kind of close this year, didn't you?" she asked.
"Yeah. He's going to be a pretty good football player. Coach asked me to spend some time with him, help him adjust, you know, kind of mentor him, and I'm glad I did. He's a good guy, a little self-conscious about not having a father, stuff like that. But I really like him, he'll be all right. Might even be the next Golden Boy," he chuckled. "You never know."
Susie turned off the road, pulling into the lane leading to the club. The parking lot was abandoned, the only car a gray Mercedes sitting alone near the entrance.
"That's it," Andy said. Susie pulled up to the car, stopping and turning the Lincoln off.
"Tonight was wonderful, Andy, the very best night of my life, so far. I probably won't see you before school and all. But good luck. I'm gonna miss you." She leaned across the seat, hugging the boy, giving him a soft kiss on his cheek. He felt the tears falling down her face, looked into the girls blue eyes, and wiped her tears off with his fingers.
"Bye, honey, I'll miss you, too," he said, turned and opened the door, finding Jody standing, waiting for him. They stood staring at each other. She opened her arms and hugged him tightly, Andy feeling the girl’s silent sobs against his chest. The redhead looked up into his eyes, kissed him on the lips, this kiss gentle and sweet, a good-by.
"I love you, Golden Boy...you've always been my hero."
She turned, slid back into Susie's car and they were gone, pulling away into the night, out onto the boulevard. And out of Andy's life. He slowly turned, looking toward at the club, noticing that damn sign was still hanging, announcing that tonight, the locals were celebrating his departure.
Andy Webster
Radford and Tower High School's
Golden Boy
Good Luck at Annapolis
Andy started to reach up and tear the sign down, changed his mind, instead reached into his pocket, finding the key his mother had given him. Taking one last look at the sign, the last reminder of his Golden Boy day
s, he unlocked the car door, slid behind the wheel, and slowly drove home.
37
Susie pulled into Jody's driveway, flipping the lights off so not to wake the Reeds.
"When are you leaving," Jody asked finally, neither of the life-long friends wanting to say good-by.
"I think real soon, maybe Monday, if I can swing it. I'm ready now, no doubts in my mind. Oh Jody, I'm going to miss you so much." Susie was bawling, the tears flowing from both their eyes, the days of Radford, of childhood and all the things that go with it finally at an end.
"You take good care of yourself, Susie. You've been the most wonderful friend and I love you so much." The two girls were hugging, crying together, not willing to let go, not yet.
Finally, with some reluctance, Jody pulled away, kissed Susie on the cheek, and opened the door.
"Have a wonderful life, buddy. If you ever need me, just call. I'll hear."
She stepped out of the car, walked around the front of the vehicle, and stood in the drive, waving as Susie backed out into the street. The blonde, Jody's lifelong friend, tapped the horn as she drove away, probably for the last time. Jody watched the Lincoln's taillights disappear into the night, remained standing for a moment, staring.
Finally, when the taillights had disappeared around the corner, she slowly walked up the sidewalk to her house, sitting down on the top step, her chin resting in her hands.
She didn't hear him walk up behind her, somehow knew he was there, felt the presence, had been expecting him, waiting for him.
"Will you answer something for me?" she asked without looking around, without moving her lips.
"If I can," he answered. "If I can."
"Why us? Why the whole group? I've been trying to understand that all night. You know, Shauna and Gretta and all?"
"I told you earlier. The primary purpose of my trip was you. I came for you. The decisions you made tonight concerning your future are significant. That I can assure you. The others, they became consequential because of the confusion they were causing themselves. All but Shauna. That is one young lady who is driven, possessing a level of...let's see, maybe tunnel-vision is the right term. Whatever it is, it is certainly not normal, although it is a wonderful virtue for her to have."
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