“We’ll need to make a few modifications if you plan to share the space. You probably want to have coded locks instead of the kind that needs a key. We can remotely change the combination after they leave and have permanent codes for you and people you trust. We would also want to turn either a small area or closet into a secured space for the security hub. That would also serve as a place where you can store personal belongings,” he explained.
“If you’re sending someone to do all that, could you have them take pictures?” I asked. “I want to see what they look like so I can figure out if I want to redecorate or not.”
“Not a problem. I think I’ll be sending Chuck and then transfer him to LA. Paul will be going back with you and take over as your security.”
I gave him a curious look.
“What’s going on?” I asked because the change seemed sudden.
“Chuck is from the LA area,” Fritz said.
This was way scary because I picked up on his body language and could tell there was more to this story.
“And,” I prompted.
“He and Scarlet had a misunderstanding. Your mom asked that we make a change. Before you ask, I don’t know the details. Your mom only said it was personal in nature and wouldn’t say anything other than it would be best if I could switch him out,” he shared.
Since my mom hadn’t said anything, I made the wild assumption that it had been settled with that change. I would hate to think that Chuck did something I would have to kick his butt over.
Even though Scarlet and I were just getting to know each other, it didn’t mean I wasn’t protective of her. If it rose to that level, I was sure my mom would have told me, and Chuck wouldn’t only be transferred. Fritz had zero tolerance when it came to any kind of abuse towards women.
“Well, I guess that works. I’ve always liked Chuck, but with Cassidy and Paul, I should be fine. I also want to let you know that Manaia has been great. We got off on the wrong foot, but I actually like having him around,” I said.
“Your dad and I had a bet as to if and when you two would come to blows. Your dad had more faith in you than I did.”
Surely, I wasn’t that bad. I hadn’t kicked anyone’s butt since that recruit’s dad when we visited Oklahoma for a recruiting trip. I’d not liked that Manaia thought he could boss me around.
“One last item,” Fritz said. “Your mom wants me to figure out a way to put a GPS tracker on both your brother’s kids and your own. She wanted to install a chip in them like your dog has.”
“My initial response is to have some concerns with that,” I admitted.
Even though Duke didn’t show any dire effects from getting his installed, I thought there might be a moral issue with it. Then again, what wouldn’t I do to make sure my kids were safe?
“The problem is that it isn’t really possible to microchip your kids as if they were puppies. Even if it was, it wouldn’t serve the purpose. The chip behind your dog’s ear is merely the equivalent of a barcode so he can be identified if he turns up at the pound or vet’s office. It’s not a GPS tracker. A GPS tracker would be too bulky because it requires a cellular receiver and battery to work,” Fritz explained.
My first thought was, how would you charge the battery?
“I’m sure someone has figured out an alternative.”
“There are some I’m looking into, but I want to make sure whatever we decide on is Coby-proof. If any of them can figure out how to break it, he’s my leading candidate,” Fritz said.
I wasn’t about to argue that. Coby was also the first one who would climb the fence and be gone. The more I thought about it, the more I was probably okay with chipping my son.
◊◊◊
I told Fritz to go ahead and do his security bit. I looked at my phone and did the mental gymnastics it took to figure out what time it was at home. School was out, so I called Cassidy.
“What’s up, Buttercup?” I asked.
“Brook is leaving us. You have to talk to her,” Cassidy complained.
“And tell her what?” I asked.
“Tell her to come live with me. Brad is off at college, and we could move him into the basement or garage.”
I bet Brad would take that well.
“Let me ask you two questions. Have you asked your dad?”
“No, but …”
“Slow down. Did you tell Brook about your plan?” I asked.
She didn’t answer me.
“Did she say ‘no’?” I asked.
“But you could convince her,” Cassidy implored.
“I do think your plan has some merit. There’s just one problem.”
“What?”
“She’s my weakness. The truth is that Brook leaves me defenseless. I can’t tell her not to move with her family. Her parents are going through a rough patch, and they shouldn’t be worried about what she’s up to. I’m sure she wants to be there to help them through it,” I said.
“But David, I know Brook would stay if you asked.”
“All I can say is let this be easy on both of us. Brook made the hard decision to move. I admit that she had to be the one to make the choice because I couldn’t willingly let her go. She put me out of my misery and took responsibility.
