Chapter 6

George was overjoyed. He put on a CD and cruised back to Black Hawk. He needed another swim. He had sold a million dollars worth of computers, found the vehicle Harold and he needed, and Walter had loved the idea so much that he had agreed to call Martin Oberg at NASA for funding. What a morning! This was almost better than sex. The bright sunlight, the thrill of the leather seats and raw power of his car, and of course, the joy of the sale. He had to call Harold. That geek, he worked 6:30 am to 6:30 PM, sometimes more. He worked for the University of California in San Francisco. What a joke. Harold could be out there making buckets of money and what does he do, he works for the university. George constantly thought of others' best interests. He had tried many, many times to offer Harold a real job. A job with no boss. A job where you sold stuff and made an honest living. Harold always refused. Harold was an academic, an intellectual. What a waste.

"Oh, George. Good to hear from you, what are you up to?" Harold was busy working in the lab. His technician was wearing a rubber mask strapped to her face.

"I just talked to Walter Cuthcull. He bought some equipment and when I asked him about the BioAtmospherics project he actually had a vehicle that would do the job." George sped up a bit to pass a semi. As he passed the truck, totally oblivious to all but the phone, he cut off a Miata which had to go under the trailer of the semi to escape. The driver of the Miata, a well groomed yuppie type probably named Biff or Spunky, reacted in rage. George oblivious to all, continued his conversation.

"What did he think of the project?" Harold worried about the reactions of other people. In the background the technician was breathing more rapidly and tried to signal Harold. Harold was oblivious.

"He thought it was a great idea. He is going to call a guy at NASA to get some funding. Hey, do you want to fly to Houston to see the guy next week? I've got to install a few machines for Walter and then we could see this guy in Houston." George was almost at his exit. He changed lanes again forcing the Miata again to dodge. George just stared ahead and talked into the phone.

"Sure, Houston's a bit hot this time of year but sure, I can make it. By the way, Emily Bandor called to check on what we were up to. She and I are having dinner this evening." Harold had been talked into it by Emily. Harold's technician passed out, the pulse oximeter, capnograph, and inspired oxygen alarms all were ringing stridently.

"Why don't you two come over for dinner? Caroline will be home about seven. We'll barbecue something." George then changed lanes a third time in front of the Miata cutting it off. It rolled end over end into the bushes and George exited without noticing.

"Sure, seven it is." Harold hung up and George turned onto the rural road. Harold's technician was helped by someone from another lab.

Chapter 7

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