by Jack Sunn
Before you decide to accept, or think that what is offered is coming from a person whose mind is of questionable soundness and clarity, let me offer you an insight into my thoughts. I am a successful businessman with moderate resources. However, I am aging and becoming tired, both physically and mentally. A person of your age and background is more suitable and more appropriate for the tasks at hand. Our governments, as well as our educational institutions, have betrayed their missions on which they were founded. Public Service has become business at the cost and loss of service to the people. Research, education and transference of knowledge have also weakened. This situation requires redress.
At present the resources listed in Appendix A are 100% owned by me I and I would like you to put them to good use. Should you proceed with preparation of preliminary plans that redress some of society’s needs, rather than merely business wants, I would like to offer you or the TaSMAN Group, partial ownership of all properties up to a controlling interest of 51% over a seven-year period. I am hoping that over this same seven years, you will find a creative way of transferring the other 49% to parties that will become part owners of the enterprises developed. As an incentive, I would like to offer to you, transfer of the currently empty industrial property adjacent your present residence to your ownership, transference of 2% ownership of the property in Appendix A to you or the TaSMAN Group, as well as a cash retainer on a sliding scale over the next seven years.
I had earlier sent the above information to Jill, explaining I would get back to her via a video conference.
For several minutes, there was near silence in the garden, with the exception of muffled sounds of the forever festive lorikeets coming over the high concrete walls. I pushed my cup away, neatly collected my papers and pushed them aside also. I then put in a call to Jill and explained who was present. I was not entirely sure of what to say, but began anyway.
“I feel that for me, the year to date has been a bumper one on many levels, and no doubt also for all of you here. I was hoping to take some time off soon, but that now seems like an unlikely scenario, or untimely luxury. My current thoughts are these. I owe much to Jill and Miss Fitzgerald and others of the TaSMAN Group for showing me what an individual can do and how they can develop, and for fostering that development in me. Without them, my year, this year, would no doubt have bordered on mediocre same same. But personally, as well as professionally, it has been anything but mediocre. I have come to see that opportunities abound, if only we allow ourselves to be open to them. I had not foreseen the establishment of the Wyatt Earp, and trust that with an overseeing Board, it can function independently of the TaSMAN Group, though of course I will remain personally involved. The proposal and resources offered by Ben E Factor, whoever he is, I believe should be accepted not by me, but by the TaSMAN Group. The opportunities offered by our anonymous observer and provider are worthy of serious consideration and investigation. The question though, is how do we proceed? I spoke with Jill shortly before our meeting and so she is a little ahead of us, and I believe more experienced to manage a project of this size. I therefore ask if you Jill, can give us your take on the next steps to take, and will you accept on behalf of the TaSMAN Group the opportunity and responsibility of the project? Of course, you may wish a lot more time to consider, but at this stage may I ask what you think?”
“Thank-you Jack.” said Jill. “And hello to all of you at Sunnybank. Certainly I agree it has been an eventful year. In the last hour, I have conferred with Claire, and I believe we are of the same mind on this matter. Let me summarise. Speaking on behalf of the TaSMAN Group, and congratulations Jack on attracting this benefaction, I suggest after diligent scrutiny, that the project be accepted. The offer from your anonymous benefactor appears generous and very attractive. However, we feel that such a project is not in our area of expertise or passion as it is yours Jack. To that end, unanimously we would like you to manage the project as you best see it. Though of course with any expertise, guidance and resources that we at Clunes can offer. At current valuations, the 51% ownership of the project would be valued in the tens of millions of dollars at the end of seven years. But more important than paper value, the project resources have the potential to provide what you achieved through the Wyatt Earp project, but on a grander scale. May I suggest then that we reconvene shortly, or at a time of your choosing Jack, that is if you are willing to accept the project?”
“Thank-you Jill.” I said. “If I don’t accept now the enormity of an unknown may be more than I can assimilate. I’ll invite Trevor in do property searches and so on, and probably give you a call later this afternoon. And Jill, thanks for your support, and please give my fondest regards to Miss Fitzgerald. Before you go though, there is another matter that cannot wait. As I said, I received two envelopes this morning. The second took me by surprise, whether more than the first I am not yet able to gauge. I wish for no more mail for some time. In short, I have been invited, that is, Susan, you and I have been invited to attend the Australia Day Honours awards in Canberra next year.”
We ended the video call and again sat quietly for a moment.
It was Edwin who spoke first, “Master Jack.” His other way of addressing me. “Congratulations Sir. This calls for a celebration, and I thus wish to take my leave to prepare lunch.” He rose and left straight for the kitchen.
I called out to him, “Thank-you Edwin. You are an absolute rock. Very much appreciated.”
I then said to those remaining “I think I’d like to watch some gold fish, or birds, or something. Susan?”
I saw Ray quickly talk to Alisha and he then ducked away in the direction of the kitchen. Alisha then followed and also went to the kitchen.
Susan and I got up from the table and strolled off into the garden. She just held on to me. I had had enough for today, but knew there was work to be done. I was excited, beyond doubt, but felt like retreating under some blanket to close my eyes and recharge. Fat chance of that.
“You know Jack.” said Susan. “You do not have to be in this alone. You can do this by managing the majors, the people, and not the minutiae. You have Trevor, Jill, Alf, and you will find more. And you have me always. I am so proud of you. And remember, we must visit Bev again soon. She misses seeing you.”
Well that brought me back a little. I also thought of how this journey started with that fateful school reunion. I knew that soon I would have to again visit Clunes to talk to Jill and Miss Fitzgerald. Planning often seems to have little identifiable beginning, but sure is ongoing.
We had not wandered far when Ray called out. “Uncle Jack, Susan. We need you here now.” Blunt but to the point. He and Edwin had ‘rescued’ some sparklers in need of liberation.
A sparkler at, no, before lunch, can write a day off ever so easily, but a little indulgence was called for. The afternoon could take care of itself.
Lunch was brilliant. Both Edwin and Alisha had prepared a smorgasbord of Japanese and other Asian-inspired Hawaiian dishes and sauces. To me it was like Christmas, just a little early in the year. My mind was trying to adjust to the bequest, who was Mr Factor? - someone I had met perhaps, the work ahead, and the thought of an Australia Day award. The latter I mentally put aside as another one of life’s unneeded distractions.
After lunch, which included an additional sparkler or two, I felt tiredness beckoning slumber, but I had to send emails off before anything else. Firstly, the property list and video files I sent off to Trevor knowing he would have it sorted by morning at the latest.
I next went to the closest stationary store, by taxi since I was somewhat inebriated, and bought white boards, erasers, marker pens. I needed one large board for overall planning, and others for timetables and noticeboards. And reams of paper and pens of different colours, and folding tables. I bought so much stuff that the store provided a truck to deliver it and me back home.
Once home I relaxed a little. I well knew that inactivity can lead to being overwhelmed, and that the reverse was als
o true. Having started something, I was calming down a little and partly in the saddle, and in control. Though I use computers and the internet, I wanted paper trails and flexibility that only paper and pen can give and small computer screens cannot. Besides, I wanted to do the planning in a way that was visible to all in the office at any time. In my life, e-books could be handy, but they were no substitute for paper books.
Images of Churchill’s war rooms came to mind, complete with big maps and moving pieces of model artillery and troops. Big pictures, like architect’s models are to me essential and irreplaceable. I may be in charge, but others will be able to take over if needed after only a quick perusal of the images and noticeboards.
There are times when rational explanation is left wanting. Since coming back from Hawaii it seemed that too much had happened in my life too quickly, and many a night I had weird dreams or sleeplessness. Maybe it was too much for a poorly organised me, for I realised that I had not timetabled sufficiently well the jobs at hand. A weakness for sure. But from awareness correction is possible.
After the Wyatt Earp episode, which left me exhilarated but drained, life was dictated by that which had to be done to secure cash flow. Now with cash flow likely sorted, but most likely coupled with a higher work load, personal time and activity management were going to be essential. Number one: a timetable. Number two: a personal assistant or equivalent. A real assistant or associate. Not just a diary keeper.
Time to implement change. It was not procrastination, but I decided mid-afternoon that I would start a new timetable tomorrow. But turnoff I could not. I carried a small notebook and through the afternoon scribbled down thoughts and ideas. Enough became enough. By late afternoon I stopped, closed the office and sought some company. First, I found Edwin in the outside kitchen, forever working, this time cleaning the metal benches. “Edwin.” I said. “When did you last go out for dinner?”
“I cannot remember Sir.”
“Good. Do you like Indian food?”
“Indeed, I do Sir.”
“Then cease work now. We leave about 6.20 this evening. I will round up whoever is around. And Edwin, as informal attire as you wish. See you then.”
I returned to the bedroom and found Susan reading, and lay down and closed my eyes for a second or two. I opened my eyes to find Susan appraising me.
“Sir Jack.”
“I certainly hope not, Lady Susan,” and we both laughed. Besides Australia had dispensed with such regal awards.
I had earlier booked a table at my favourite Indian restaurant and told Susan of my plan for dinner, and being lazy and not knowing where everybody was, I sorted invitations by text messages. The messages gave time and place, and rather than contact me, simply phone the restaurant and add yourself. Simply done. I lay down and this time I fell asleep within seconds.
Sometime later. “Wake up sleepy. Time for a shower. Edwin has a maxi-taxi booked for just after six. Okay?”
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Ray wore a floral Hawaiian shirt, and Alisha looked stunning in her simply styled Oz-Kimono. Edwin dressed down to a three-piece suit. Ruth arrived escorting Alf, having parked her bike near the front door. Tom escorted Bev, and to my utter surprise, Davo, now clean shaven and in smart casual attire, escorted Stuart and Martha Lombardo. Was a connection to Mr Factor possible here?
Susan had earlier laid out my clothes, so I knew I had to be appropriately attired. A casual dinner I had thought. What I had not known was Ray had rung around just before lunch and was going to surprise me, but he and Susan dovetailed in with my invitations to all. Wow. What a way to end a day. A second pre-Christmas party. The best thing was it was like having all the family together. Well nearly all. We were just getting settled when in came Jill and Miss Fitzgerald, invited by Ray. Clever fellow is Ray. I was overwhelmed, but also delighted. Jill told me FJ sent his regards and looked forward to my next visit.
Dinner was like an Italian family feast get-together, but with Indian cuisine instead. Well an Indian family feast get-together. A large table, great food and drink, yes more drink, and musical chairs. To have Jill and Claire present was a bonus for that meant they would be staying overnight in our guest rooms at Sunnybank and be around in the morning. I looked forward to talking to them when sober. To Bev, Susan and I promised to visit soon, as did Tom. I welcomed Davo, and talked to Stuart and Martha as best I could. With fifteen of us it was hard to end a conversation without being part of another. An end to the day, a beginning of another era. Samosa, stuffed breads, exquisite vegetarian curries and desserts. And more than a little to imbibe. Stuart had even brought a selection of what he considered great Australian red wines. I knew immediately we would get on well when he presented a Redman’s Shiraz. Good taste there.
I had got to know the restaurant proprietors well over the last few years and they joined our party later in the evening, offering complimentary port and further Indian sweets. Totally better than Royalty for sure. Tom, Alf and Davo abstained from drinking as they designated themselves as drivers, but what a splendid five hours we had. I only wish I could remember it all.
Amazingly that night produced the best sleep I had since leaving Hawaii. I woke grateful for life, friends and opportunities. Wanting to do my part I went to the kitchen hoping to start breakfast. Another timing lapse on my part. Edwin had it well in hand, ably assisted by Tom and Bev. Tom, who lived nearby, had arranged accommodation for Bev at his place for the night. Bev and Edwin were quickly getting to know one another and reminisce on days’ past and shared experiences, as well as ready breakfast for the small horde we were expecting.
At breakfast, I again thanked all present for the previous day’s festivities. I suggested that as I was meeting with Jill and Claire at about 9 o’clock, everyone would be welcome to join us at the outdoor kitchen at around 10.30 for tea and an informal update.
After breakfast Jill, Claire and I adjourned to my office. Susan declined the offer to join in. It was Jill who spoke first just after walking through the office door. “Jack, did you have all this before or only get it yesterday?” She was referring to easels, whiteboards, voluminous quantities of paper and all sorts and colours of pens.
“Sometime before dinner Jill.” I said. “And yes, it is a long time ago. Please come and be seated.” As we sat my phone pinged – a message from Trevor. I thought, does that man never sleep?
As it happened he had outsourced some of the property investigations and a near complete file had been emailed to me a few minutes previously. But a brief message on my phone said, “Bonanza Jack. Check email. Talk soon. T.” I returned my attention to Jill and Claire showing them the brief message, and said the email could wait. That left us clearly at the starting post.
Jill and I lost no time in animated discussion going off at tangents like two people who have not seen one another for a long time. After about an hour we came to a lull. Claire for the most part was quiet. She wore a conservative grey suede suit matching her now greying, but neatly kept short hair. I realised that Jill and I had done most of the talking. I said, “Miss Fitzgerald, Claire. Jill and I seem to have dominated the conversation for the best part of an hour. I think I’ll put the kettle on.”
I was absent for only about two minutes, returned, and saw Claire still sitting quietly while Jill was excitedly sketching, listing and doodling. It was then that Claire spoke up.
“Jack. Jill. I would like to say something, but maybe we should have tea with the others first.”
I had an eerie feeling. Claire was not her usual self, but rather what I thought was a mixture of retiring Mother-Superior and reflective grandmother. I respected her too much to counter any suggestions she may have, and decided to ride with the current flow. Jill’s response was different. She saw Claire almost daily and was neither perturbed nor disturbed, and continued to mutter thoughts to herself.
We adjourned for tea on the other side of the kitchen from yesterday’s venue. We were joined by Susan, Ray, Alisha, as well as Ruth a
nd Alf who just arrived. Edwin respectfully declined, but was not far away. Tom was absent having taken Bev back to the Earp.
After small talk and some tea, I started. “Dear family and friends, thank-you again, but now I happily must return to the work at hand. It is indeed a pleasure to have Jill here, and my other mentor and TaSMAN Group CEO, Miss Claire Fitzgerald. Claire – I had been uncomfortable with calling her anything other than Miss Fitzgerald for many years, but I was warming to it – would you be so kind as to say a few words please? And please stay seated.”
With a word-rate slower than that of normal conversation, Jill began, “Thank-you Jack. It will be both a pleasure and an honour. As you all know, I was once a school teacher, with responsibility for the study of the English language by the children and young adults in my care. The system in which I worked and the students studied, was imperfect, but to see some of my former pupils, including Jill, Jack and Alf here today, some decades later leading honourable and responsible lives is not only impressive, but leaves me quite emotional. I suspect how I feel is a function of age on my part. Since then, as part of the TaSMAN Group and latterly as CEO for seemingly too long, I see it is time for a change. I have not discussed this with anybody, but of late I have been reflecting on the structure and functions of our organisation. A great organisation, no matter how large or small, retains its value when remaining flexible to change, both within itself and outside. The last day’s activities have resulted in my finalising my reflections with a decision to resign from the position of CEO. To make the transition as smooth as possible, I wish to remain, at least temporarily ex-officio an executive officer. Traditionally an organisation has only one CEO, and this is where I am going to break with tradition, and appoint joint CEOs to the two people best equipped for the tasks at hand. Like a marriage, this is a partnership that you Jill, and you Jack, will resolve. I hereby resign and hand over to you an exciting future.”