The Enigma Factor

Otto chuckled with a sudden twinkle in his intense blue eyes. “Well, our meeting regrettably is drawing to an end. I am glad we have now met and are measuring ourselves against each other. I would like to meet next week at the same time. I will have some more things to show you, answer more questions which you will of course have lined up, and perhaps if you have interest, a bit of a testing exercise. How does that sound? Say, starting at noon for the entire afternoon if your schedule will permit.” Otto rose and clapped Jacob on the back. He escorted him down the hallway.

            “I will try to arrange my schedule for the entire afternoon next week. I’m sure I’ll have questions after I think about our discussion. It was nice to meet you and thank you again for the tickets to DEFCON and the t-shirt. Sometime I will relate the odd experience during that trip. Perhaps you will have an opinion to share,” Jacob stated, while clearly focusing on Otto’s face for any hint of his knowledge of what had occurred.

            “Sounds interesting. I look forward to it.” Otto’s comment revealed nothing.

            As they approached Haddy’s desk, he said, “Haddy, please block my calendar next Wednesday afternoon for another meeting with Jacob.”

            “Yes, sir. Nice meeting you, Jacob. Lunch will be similar unless you have other preferences?” she graciously asked.

            “It was delicious and included all my favorites. You must know me fairly well,” he said, trying to see if she revealed anything.

            “I find that people enjoy good food that is not too filling during the workweek. I am glad I chose well,” Haddy said, without missing a beat. “Enjoy your week, sir.”

            After Otto saw Jacob disappear behind the elevator doors, he smiled at Haddy and placed a call on his cell phone while returning to his office.

            Standing in front of the window overlooking New York, he said, “The meeting is over. He is an impressive young man, much better than his photographs. Continue your reconnaissance efforts. Just do not reveal your involvement. And don’t let yourself get too personally involved. He is not in our fold yet,” he gently warned.

            “I know my job, Otto. I am a professional who has been a part of this team since I was born. If you do not trust me, then get someone else for this part. I like him and would not like to see him hurt,” the person at the other end of the phone call rebuffed with mild irritation.

            “Yes, my dear. I know that you do not mix business and personal, but he is a striking man, is he not?”

            “It does not surprise me that you of all people would think that, Otto.”

            “You know me so well, my dear. Well then, I am meeting with him next week and will give him a bit of a test. I may need your help in crafting something that would prove interesting to him and yet give me some insight to how he thinks.