Free Little White Lies by Paul Watkins Page A

it’s wilting fast. He seems to be waiting for some sort of punch line. Such is the fate of the true believer.
    “Bear’s on his way to the hospital,” Marshall continues, “and Philip wants to prefer charges.” He concludes hastily, as though saying it fast might somehow get him the hell out of this.
    A.J. turns slowly in his chair and faces me directly. He begins to speak, but the words are coming very slowly.
    “So you took Bear. I’m supposed to believe you took Bear. Sucker punch?” He turns back to Marshallwith a look on his face that is almost pleading for some rational explanation.
    Before I can speak Marshall cuts me off.
    “A.J., he took him on straight up. He warned him… several times. It was no accident, man. Bear never had a chance. He got flat-out handled!”
    Marshall’s last comment seems to have stunned A.J. After a few moments of silence he looks at me and says, “So what are you saying, you don’t want Bear to work here anymore because you kicked his ass? Isn’t that a little bit much because of a fight? Can’t you kick someone’s ass and forget about it?”
    I ignore the suggestion, if that’s what it is.
    “Frankly, Mr. Jackson, I don’t care if he works here or not, as long as he minds his manners. I am simply saying he is not cut out for security work. He is too hotheaded and he has no skills for that sort of thing. And given what happened today, I do not think he will want to come back.”
    A.J. puts his elbows on the arms of his chair and rests his chin on the backs of his hands. He seems to be in some sort of daze.
    “If you don’t mind,” I continue, “I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the overall security situation. For example, Mr. Marshall here, is not qualified for the position either… in my opinion.”
    I look over at Marshall and his head drops in acceptance of the inevitable. I suppose he figures I’m after him too… make a clean sweep of it. But that’s not what I have in mind.
    “You see, Mr. Jackson, this type of work is not for amateurs. As far as I’m concerned, Mr. Marshall can stay on, but if he wants to continue in security work, then, in all fairness to him, he will need some formal training. The type of training I have in mind would take at least six months to get him to the starting line. In the meantime, we can fill the positions with professionals who are trained for this kind of duty.”
    A.J. comes to life. “Bullshit. I think you are overreacting. I know some people…”
    To hell with this… I’ve had enough of his amateur hour.
    “I don’t think we’re going to be interested in the people you know, sir. You already picked the people who you thought were the best of those you know and they are not up to the task. Not even close! You are a wealthy man and a very well known one at that. You had better get serious about this issue and get serious about it now, before anything happens. God willing, nothing ever will, but I believe in using all the means at our disposal to prevent something from happening, rather than wishing we had done it another way after a tragedy occurs. You, better than most people in your position, should realize the world we live in is not a very friendly place at times.”
    I can practically see A.J.’s blood rise. He obviously does not want to hear a lecture, but he holds steady. He takes a deep breath and slowly exhales.
    “What are you suggesting… what are we talking about?”
    Curious. Just when I expect him to lose his cool and blow his top, he comes back and continues the conversation in a rational manner. He’s very unpredictable and a bit unsettling… but in a positive way. Unfortunately it’s not something I can dwell on right now.
    “I’m suggesting we hire professionals to watch both you and your family. These people will be well trained in bodyguard techniques and will be familiar with both weapons and hand-to-hand combat skills. They will understand home security and enforce it