The Enigma Factor

Midway through Friday morning, as Jacob worked on his projects, he was sadly reminded that Petra had not phoned. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, he began his newest code review project assigned that morning. All the guys were busy working on projects both on and off site. Working through this latest test exercise, his mind drifted back to the two evenings he had spent trying to find more information on either Ronnie, Ltd., or its parent company. All avenues had pretty much been fruitless. He was not surprised, but he’d wanted to find out some additional details not provided by Otto. Odd man, Otto, though strangely Jacob had felt a sort of bonding with the man. He was looking forward to this second meeting, and he did have some questions ready.

            As if on cue as the testing completed, his cell rang. “Hi, Jacob here,” his voice was confident and professional when he saw no number in the display window.

            “Hello, Jacob, it is me, Petra. I am wrapping up this project this afternoon so can be free tomorrow if you still wanted to get together.” Her voice was melodic in his ear.

            “Well, I was beginning to wonder if you would call. Sure, tomorrow is good for me. What do you think about riding over to Long Island and hitting a few of the wineries? The scenery is pretty if you haven’t been there.” Coming right off the cuff, it sounded very nice as he said it.

            “Hmmm. I had no idea that there were wineries anywhere close in New York. That sounds like fun. What time would you like to get started? I am an early riser most days, and if it is pretty, I will want to see it all.” There was a softer quality to her voice, laced with excitement.

            “How about we meet up at eight at Central Park where I saw you the other day then? Plan on the whole day, and you can see something very non-typical New York,” he asked.

            “Okay, eight it is then, but I will meet you at your house,” she stated with certainty of agreement. “See you then.”

            “Okay, then,” he replied to the already disconnected Petra.

            Jacob finished up at work, though a bit later than he wanted, and went home. Rather than his usual Friday night perusal of the chat rooms and tracking down program bugs, he was busy cleaning up his bike and gear, adding some travel rations and funds to his fanny pack and extra water into the holders. They could easily reach their destination riding and by subway as needed. Spending time with Petra was his entire focus. He had some things he wanted to run by her in general, perhaps even Otto. But mostly he looked forward to learning more about her.

            Waking up early, he shaved, showered, ate and dressed. He was sipping coffee and reading some periodicals when she knocked at the door. Right on time, he noted, looking at his watch. He did like people that were on time.

            When he opened the door, he was a bit surprised at the head-to-toe leathers Petra was wearing. Not that they weren’t flattering, hugging every inch of her body. However, the heat later in the day would require their removal, and the heavy clothing would be difficult to carry on the way home. It might be a bit chilly this morning, but the afternoon high was expected to reach the mid-80s, and she would be overwhelmingly warm. Her hair was in her tight bun with no hint of the long locks he’d seen before. Her face was radiant and smiling.