To be honest if you want the harder stuff then you could give this a miss as it is filler material but it helps build the story.
Despite the jet lag and the whisky from last night I woke up at 7.00am to a bright day with just a few clouds visible from my bed. I got up and went to the window and looked out onto a picture perfect view of the English countryside. After a few moments of enjoying the view I showered and dressed before heading down to the restaurant for breakfast.
The smell of freshly prepared food made me feel hungry and I checked the buffet table before helping myself to coffee. I sat at a small table and sampled the coffee, it was excellent and full flavoured. A waiter approached and asked if I would like a full English breakfast to which I declined and I told him I would get something from the buffet spread.
I took a plate and heaped some bacon, scrambled eggs and some toast onto it and returned to my table. The bacon and the eggs were perfect and the toast was nice and crisp with a taste unlike that of US toast. I soon finished it and helped myself to more coffee as more guests filtered into the restaurant and it became busy.
I finished my coffee and took a walk outside to enjoy the morning air which was clean and refreshing. I looked back at the front of the hotel and took in a lot more detail than I had done on my arrival. One corner of the façade was covered with some type of ivy like creeper with purple flowers blooming all through it whilst the other showed stone work that was carved around the doorway and the windows. The roof had a parapet around it and I could see grey tiles covering it with rectangular stonework sporting a row of chimneys sprouting up at either end and the middle. This must have been some house in its day and god knows how many would have worked here to ensure its running smoothly.
At the back of the hotel was what I guessed would have been stables and carriage housing but were now open garages for an assortment of cars. I approached them and took a look at what was there.
The silver grey Rolls Royce was nestled in the middle section with a black Jaguar XJS to its left and a red E type Jaguar on the right. Next to the XJS was a lime green Volkswagen Beetle that had been modified and then an empty space, I took a look at the back of the VW and was amazed at the open engine bay that gleamed with chrome everywhere. On the other side of the E Type was a very ordinary looking BMW. What caught my eye were the three motorbikes in the last bay. A factory stock Triumph Bonneville, a black Norton Commando and a modern flat twin BMW. I would have missed it if I had not looked further back and saw a cream and maroon Lambretta scooter sitting there. I was impressed with the collection and would have a talk with Rory at some point about it.
I went back to my room and got my stuff ready for heading to the factory and sat downstairs in the reception area. At exactly 9.00am the doorman came across to me and informed me that my car was waiting outside for me. I picked up my stuff and headed out to find the Black Jaguar purring at the bottom of the steps and yesterday’s chauffeur holding the rear door open for me.
“Good morning, Sir. His lordship said he will meet you at the factory later today. It will only take about 20 minutes to get there.”
I sat in the back and he closed the door then got in the driver’s seat and we left the hotel exiting from the driveway onto a quiet A road. The time passed quickly and we drove through a security barrier and parked at a new factory construction with a two story office block at one end. I got out of the car after the chauffeur opened the door for me. He directed me to the door of the office and said that he would be back at 5.30pm to return me to the hotel.
I entered the building and approached the reception desk where a very polite girl in her twenties with a lanyard badge declaring her to be Emily Dewar handed me a security badge and showed me to a vacant office with an electronic lock on the ground floor.
“This is your office, sir as long as you are here with us. Your badge is keyed to the lock and the whole area is covered by cctv so you can leave anything in it knowing that it will be secure. There is a canteen at the other end of the building that serves lunch if you get hungry. Jack Roberts, the factory manager will be with you shortly and take you into the main building.”
“Thank you very much, Emily.”
I opened the door with the badge and put my gear on one of the desks. First out was my laptop and I powered it up. While I was waiting I opened the project file and got out the installation plans. A knock at the door signalled the arrival of Jack Roberts and I opened it and shook hands with him. He was wearing a black coverall with a two way radio in the breast pocket and held a white hard hat in his other hand. He looked to be about 50 or so and spoke with an accent that I could just understand.
He must have seen my quizzical look and said, “It’s a Yorkshire accent, lad. You’ll get used to it!”
I laughed and told him I had heard much worse back home.
“OK, Ger. Grab a lid and we will go and see what your boys are up to in the factory.”
I took a hard hat from a peg on the wall and asked him to wait a moment as I put on my safety shoes. This got a nod of approval from him and we exited ‘my’ office and entered the factory from a corridor in the office block.
The factory was well lit and was a hive of activity with a couple of forklifts moving pallets of our machine from against the wall to where my crew were extending the line section by section. Movable gantries were behind the line as contractors were installing cable trays, pipework and extraction ducts overhead. Drums of cable were on supports and their contents were being paid out and lifted up to the trays. I looked at the line and saw that about a quarter of it was already joined up. My guys had been busy indeed.
We went over to the front of the line where technical drawings were pinned to vertical boards and a couple of my guys were pointing to a section. They turned around and greeted me.
“So you made it then? It must be great being the big boss. We are ahead of schedule a bit but just as well as there is an issue with that support column just behind the line. It is closer to the centre line than was expected and we need to dogleg some of the facilities.”
I looked to where he was pointing and saw the column. I went over to it and saw that it was about a foot too close to the line and the line could not have been moved away as all of the bunding areas had been laid in. I went back to the board and looked at the diagram for the services.
“Jack, can we run the services behind the column without causing any issues?”
Jack looked at the diagram and then at the column.
“If you can keep them within a foot of it then I see no problem there.”
I turned to the lead installer.
“Aiden, you remember the install in Korea where it was something similar and we built a platform around the column and re-routed the services from there. We could do the same here and keep everything straight up and down if we do that. Put a stand off vertical tray and fix everything to that”
Aiden looked at the diagram and said,
“We are lucky that there is no chemical delivery to this module so it should be alright. We have some heavy gauge polypropylene that we can use and match it to the module. That would work out better than having a dogleg as it will be behind the unit and we can put a bridge over the pipework and cable tray. Good idea Ger.”
“What do you think, Jack?”
“A good way to keep everything in order and will look none too bad either. OK, we can amend the paperwork for this and your guys can go ahead whenever they want to.”
“Aiden, get a couple of the others across and explain to them exactly what is needed here and we will get it done and dusted today.”
Jack and I went down the rest of the line and checked that it was as expected. We went over to the electrical cabinets which were against the wall with cable trays leading down to the tops of them from the overhead sections. A virtual waterfall of cables hung down already but I knew that it would look nothing like that once the electrical guys were finished with them. It would all be hidden behind trunking fixed to the wall. One area of install that I always stayed clear of even though I could terminate cables no problem.
We were not the only company installing equipment as across from our line were three more separate installs going on with different process machines but with smaller crews. I was familiar with the machines they were installing as we had been on other installs where they also were.
Jack pointed to the floor where yellow lines ran along the line and curved across the factory floor.
“These are the markers for the robot cars to operate along. They will be the last thing to appear and will handle material transfer throughout the factory. I like your solution to the problem with the column. Somebody must have fucked up on the measurements somehow but seeing it is no biggie I don’t think I will be kicking any arses.”
We walked down the assembled sections and everything seemed to be in order. I noticed that my guys kept with the ‘clean as you go’ policy I insisted on and there were no bits of refuse or trimmings anywhere to be seen. I got down on my knees to look under the units and it was spotless.
“They do that every night before they leave, clean up and brush it out. Not even a washer gets left on the floor. Some contractors are as messy as hell and leave everything at their fucking arses.”
I was soon to find out that one of Jack’s favourite words was arse and followed or preceded by fuck or fucking!
The two way radio beeped and a voice asked Jack to come to the office block.
“Need to go. You can catch up with your guys and I’ll see you later.
He headed to the exit and I went across to where Aiden and Bob were checking on something.
“How has it been so far?” I asked.
“Pretty straightforward, Ger. These contractors they are using are on the ball. You ask them to do something and it gets done right away. They had the main cable trays up in a shift from the cabinet to the line. They know their stuff alright. If it goes like that for the rest of the line then we will be ready ahead of time but I’m not counting chickens just yet.”
Sounds good but we will have to make sure it goes fine as this could be a big earner for us all.”
“One good thing is that they use feet and inches like us, beats the hell out of trying to convert to metric measurements from our layout plans.”
“Be thankful for small mercies then. Where is the control cabinet going?It is supposed to be at the front end of the line.”
“It will be as we are holding off putting it in place as there is too much activity in that area and I don’t want it getting damaged. All the comms cables are up on the overhead and just need to be dropped when it is in place. Plug and play!”
I hope so! OK, I am heading to the office and will check back later.”
I headed back to ‘my’ office and scrutinised the install plans for the section next to the column. Nothing that would give any issues.
Before I knew it it was lunch time and I headed to the canteen facilities to get myself a coffee. The place was full with all of the crews and I squeezed in beside Aiden and Rob.
“They really do a good meal here,” Said Bob, “and have a different meal every day. I think I'm going to be putting on some weight!”
Small talk soon brought lunch to a close and everybody got back to work. Jack came back and said that Rory was in the office block and would like to have a word. I went back and found him in the reception with some of the staff. He broke away from them when he saw me.
“Jack told me that there was a little snag but you came up with a solution and he was impressed. It takes a bit to impress him so you have brownie points there! Work stuff aside, our black sheep of the family, my sister Annabel, has decided to pay me a visit tonight. Would you be free for dinner and you can get acquainted with her before Elise comes over and you can let her know what to expect. I warn you, she is a terrible flirt and loves winding people up.”
“That would be good and by what you are saying about her she and Elise should hit it off.”
“OK, about 8.00pm again, I’ll be in the bar with her then. I have to go up to town now so I will see you then.”
“Thanks, Rory. I’ll have to get back to the line and see how things are progressing. Bye for now”.
I learned later that’going up town’ meant going to London and no matter where you were in the counties surrounding London i was always ‘up town’!
As I made my way back my thoughts returned to Elise and wondered how she would get on with Rory’s sister, Annabel.
“Ger.”
Aiden’s voice brought me back to reality.
That modification is done and the services are going in now. Want to take a look?”
I went to the back of the line and found the alteration looked like it was meant to be there and they were already securing the pipework and cable trays to the column and the new part.
“Nice work, Aiden. Looks even better than the Korean version.”
I took some photographs of the alteration for the file and future reference. Another two modules had been positioned and were in the process of being secured to the growing line. At this rate it could be completed quicker than estimated which would be a bonus.
The rest of the day passed quite quickly. The crew were staying in a good hotel locally and had a minibus for transport that would leave after cleaning up. I went back to the office and changed shoes before saying bye to Emily as I went out the door to the waiting car and I was on my way back to the hotel.
I showered and put on a fresh shirt along with my jeans. I picked up the phone and dialled Elise’s number which rang out without being answered. I would phone her later after dining with Rory and Annabel. I checked my watch and it was 7.15pm so I decided a beer was in order and headed down to the bar where I sat in a leather armchair next to a low table.
I was halfway through my beer when I saw Rory enter with a tallish woman possibly in her late 20s. Spotting me, Rory headed across accompanied by the woman who I guessed was his sister.
“Evening, Ger. I would like you to meet Annabel, my sister. Annabel, Ger.”
! rose and shook hands with her and she gave me a warm smile. I took in her features. She had the face of a fashion model with piercing blue eyes lightly made up and strong cheek bones that led to full lips that were covered by a soft plum lip gloss. An elegant neck led to slightly rounded shoulders and the opening of her blouse showed a cleavage that was pushed up by the white lace bra underneath. A slim waist atop of long well formed legs that showed in the side split of her skirt with her feet encased in black medium heeled sandals. Were it not for my love of Elise she would have been of definite interest to me.
“Hello, Ger. I hope my brother hasn’t painted too black a picture of me. He is a stuffed shirt and I like to enjoy myself.”
“Rory has only had good things to say about you and that you will be willing to help Elise find her feet here.”
Rory gave me a grateful conspiratorial smile behind her back and we all sat down together. A waiter came across and took our order for drinks with Annabel choosing tequila.
“All I hear from Rory is how great this guy from America is and that he is unavailable. Pity that, things could have been interesting!”
I was taken aback by her directness but recovered quickly.
“I have a funny feeling that you and Elise are going to hit it off quite well. She is very direct also and doesn’t hang back if she has something to say.”
“I warned you that Annabelle is the black sheep of the family! Just ignore what she just said, she likes to shock people. Don’t you Bella?”
“You know I hate being called that Rory. Ger, Anna is just fine, ignore my big brother. I do!”
Seeing the interaction between them I could tell that they were very close and this was just sibling banter.
The rest of the evening was taken up with the meal and a couple of bottles of wine when I made my excuses to part company as I wanted to phone Elise. As soon as I was in my room I dialled her number again and got an almost immediate answer.
“I’ve got it!”
“I hope it is not catching.”
“My passport, dummy. I’ve got my passport, all shiny new!”
“I thought that you were going to go and get it tomorrow?”
“They phoned me and told me there was an appointment cancellation and would I like to avail myself of it. So I did!”
“Congratulations then, now all you have to do is give me the details and I will sort out the last of your flight info.”
Elise gave me her passport details and I jotted them down and I emailed them to the office who would complete her flight itinerary.
“I wish you were here, Ger. I miss you. I am chomping at the bit to get there now. I went shopping after getting my passport and got some stuff that might interest you! I was nearly going to go to a sexshop and buy a Rabbit but It would not be the same so fingers will have to do in the meantime, mind you it is a bit messy down there just now!”
Elise laughed as I caught on to her meaning.
“Well save it up until you get here and then we will fix the problem. I met Rory’s sister, Annabel tonight and I have the feeling that the two of you will hit it off from the start. Good news is that things are going better than planned here but not counting the chickens just yet. If it does, we will have more time together.”
“That would be great, Ger! We could go to more places and have a great time. Sorry but I have to go as there is a supplier in the bar that I need to talk to, don’t worry, him I like!”
“OK, I love and miss you, Elise.”
“Me you too. Sorry but bye for now.”
As the connection broke I remembered the treatment the corporate rep got and smiled.
I busied myself with the project trying not to think of Elise but it was hard going. A walk afterwards cleared my head and I went to bed early.
The following days seemed to drag by but the install proceeded without a hitch and we kept up the lead we had on it as the line extended day by day. Eventually the line was completely built and the shakedown began.
A few minor issues that were corrected on the spot and a full pre-inspection passed with Jack personally overseeing the process. Next was the dry run test which is a misnomer as it is a water test! All pipework was gone over and all joints inspected for leaks but none were present. This ran for 24 hours cycling the processes and pushing the systems above operating values to ensure that all safety systems operated without a hitch. Once done the line was drained and then came the neutralising process before the install of any chemistries to the line. Once up and running with the chemicals the process limits were installed.
I let the majority of the install crew leave for home but kept Bob and Aiden on site until the handover was made. The head office was pleased that the project went ahead so well without any issues and were confident that it would lead to more work.
The time had passed so quickly that It hit me that Elise would be on her way in just two days despite us talking to each other everyday.
I needed to ask a favour of Rory and when I met him later he laughed at my request and said no problem at all.
The day before her flight Elise was like a four year old being told she was going to Disneyland. Excited and talking twenty to the dozen as she went over everything that she had done and was ready to go right there and then. I managed to calm her down and told her that I was going to be at the airport myself to meet her when she got here. This brought out another burst of chatter and when she finally slowed down I heard her sniffling.
“You OK, Elise?”
“Yes, I am just so happy that it is going to be just a day until I see you. I can hardly wait! I miss you being with me and making love together.”
“Well hold that thought as it will be soon enough. Your flight arrives at 2.00pm so we will have plenty of time to make up for being apart.”
“You bet we are going to make up for that as I have not come for ages now!”
“Not just you have been abstaining, you nymphomaniac!”
“Good” It is going to be something special when we are together again. How is your project getting on?”
“A lot better than expected which means I will not have to do much more and it gives us more time over here together.”
“I have a list of places I want to see if we can. I have been busy reading about the UK and there is so much they have that we don’t.”
“I am sure that we can do some stuff in between so don’t worry. OK, I need to go and see Rory to discuss some things so I will talk to you later. I love you and can’t wait until you are here.”
“Me too! It is going to be something special! Love you to bits and I love your bits. Mwah!”
When we hung up I was feeling on top of the world with the contract having gone so well and the woman I love soon to be in my arms and bed.
I met Rory in the bar and we got down to business as we drank beers.
“I have to say I am impressed with how well your team got on with it and I emailed your boss in the US letting him know. Now that I know that the line is up and ready we are waiting on the other installs to complete so we can get trials underway. I would like to hang on to your guys for a few more days as well as yourself but there won’t be any need to do full days just as long as someone is available.”
“That is no problem, Rory, as we would have still had a few days from the original handover date. Jack is satisfied with how it went?”
“He was sceptical when we first decided on a US company but he is really pleased with how it went even though he does not give praise normally.”
“Old school then. You’re getting paid to do a job so do it right!”
“More or less. OK, let’s have some more beer and get some food.”
“No problems with that.”
A couple more Budovars and an excellent meal left me feeling well satisfied. Rory excused himself as he had some business to take care of for the hotel and we parted with me going up to my room.
I called Elise and she answered immediately.
“I was going to call you and had the phone in my hand when it rang! I am so excited that I will be on a plane tomorrow heading for the UK and you! I can hardly wait until I am in your arms and more importantly, in your bed with your cock inside of me. My pussy is trying to chew my panties in desperation!”
“Tell it that it is rude to try and eat itself out of house and home.”
Elise giggled.
“I mean it, Ger. I am just aching to be with you. I love you so much. I am trying hard not to finger myself just now knowing that I will get the real things soon.”
“Typical nymphomaniac! A little patience goes a long way. Anyway, I called to tell you that I will be there to pick you up and whisk you off to the idyllic countryside for some intense lovemaking. I will have one of Rory’s cars so best behaviour is required.”
“You were thinking I might give you a blow job on the way? No chance, lover. I want the main course with no starters!”
“Well that is just as well! I am not going to have a lot to do at work so there will be more time for us together.
“I have my cases already packed and waiting in the hallway for tomorrow. I think I have covered all the possibilities of weather there but hope it is going to be fine. You want me to bring anything or do anything for you before I leave?”
“Nothing apart from yourself is all that I need you to bring.”
I will certainly be doing that! I have a surprise for you but it will have to wait until we are alone together before you get it.”
I am sure that I will appreciate it! Oh, by the way. Annabelle is dying to meet you and says as soon as you are recovered enough to get out of bed and stand that she wants to take you to a few places while I do the work thing. I told you she was quite direct!”
“She sounds more interesting than what you first said about her and I am sure we will get on together.
I have a few things to do for the bar just now and will call you before I get on the plane tomorrow. I love and miss you so much, Ger that it hurts not being with you.”
“We will make up for it as soon as we can. I love and miss you too, Elise. Goodnight, my little nymphomaniac!”
“How often do I have to tell you that I am not little. THe other I sure am but not little. I can hardly wait until I see you tomorrow. Mwah, mwah”
“It will not be tomorrow here but the day after, you are forgetting the time difference thing.”
“Whatever! Bye, my love. Just to let you know my pussy is soaking wet now!”
“We will take care of that very soon. Bye, Elise, I love you.”
“Bye Ger, me you too!”
I hung up feeling elated and eager for the time to pass until we were together.