Final Grains of Sand Page 5

  “I was relieved when Jim raised his head and was still alive. He looked awful and said he hadn’t slept much the night before. Jim had a customer meeting—which he was a little late for because of this incident—but I ordered him to go home as soon as his meeting was finished. When I returned an hour later, Jim’s office lights were out, and his desk was empty.

  “Three weeks later, he resigned. I refused to accept his resignation and, instead, gave Jim a leave of absence for several months. Until two days ago, I thought Jim was home recuperating. For heaven’s sake, I didn’t even know the man was sick. I told you I was Jim’s friend, but I never once thought to call Jim or visit him to see how things were going. So, please disregard my comments about being Jim’s friend because I failed in that department.”

  “I think all of us can feel like we failed Jim in some ways, Nate,” Joe sympathized.

  “Thanks, Joe, but the Doctor is correct. I was focused on profits and business. After a few days, I never even gave Jim any further consideration.” Nate dropped his head into his hands and started massaging his forehead.

  Tony pulled the conversation back on target. “Why don’t you start by telling us how you met Jim?”

  Nate produced a thin smile. “I was a senior manager then and working with a team of twenty-some individuals, trying to beat all my sales forecasts. My personal goals were aimed for a vice president position within the company, and I was going to achieve this in record time. I needed another sales hot-shot and was interviewing several candidates. Most of the prospective applicants came with referrals by respected colleagues in the industry, but not Jim.

  “When I first met the man, he looked more like a boy than a man. Jim was fresh out of college, eager, cocky, and ready to take on the world. I needed someone with experience, and Jim lacked this qualification, as well as referrals. I almost dismissed the young man and sent him down the street to a smaller firm, but then Jim changed my mind. I think he could tell by my attitude that the interview wasn’t going well because he jumped from his seat and started pacing the room. He looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘I can’t get any experience if no one gives me a chance. Hire me, and in six months, if I don’t exceed your expectations, fire me.’

  “It was a gutsy move, and I respected his tenacity. When I explained that I needed someone who could hit the ground running and not stop, Jim grabbed his briefcase and started for the door. Just before opening it, he turned and said, ‘Then, you’ll never know my potential, but you’ll feel it when I go to your competition.’ Against all internal instincts, I hired the kid on the spot and never looked back.”

  Arleen asked, “And did James meet your expectations?”

  “Whew! He catapulted my career. In less than three months, Jim met his six-month goals. By the end of the year, my department exceeded the others by a landslide. As I moved up the corporate ranks, I ensured Jim moved right along with me. I wasn’t about to let the ‘golden goose’ go anywhere else, and Jim was loyal to me. In fact, his loyalty was only exceeded by his honesty. I always could count on Jim giving me a straight answer.

  “Many of the mid-level managers were jealous, but in a healthy way. Jim seemed to draw out the competitiveness in the department, and it only made our team more successful. I remember once when Jim organized a softball tournament between the various departments. There was a lot of testosterone flowing on the ballfield, and it affected the women employees as they cheered their teams on.”

  “Jim played softball?” Mike interjected. “I don’t get it. When we asked Jim to play for the church team, he declined, indicating a lack of interest in the game.”

  “What can I say, Reverend? When the final game was played, it was our group against the company’s lowest-producing department. They may not have performed in sales, but they were one outstanding softball team.

  “It was the top of the ninth inning, and the score was tied. Three men were on base, two outs, and Jim was ready to bat. The air was charged with electricity. One solid hit, and we could win the tournament.

  “When I look back at that game, I’m not sure if Jim did it on purpose or if it was just dumb luck, but Jim struck out. The other team managed one run as they finished the inning and won the game. Oddly, the confidence of winning the game set that failing department on a new course. Within months, they were outpacing stronger departments with fantastic sales numbers. The downright strange part was how well Jim’s team accepted the loss—which makes me think Jim tossed the game to help the other department. He always had a soft spot for the underdog.”

  Arleen smiled. “I had no idea James loved sports.”

  “Well, that’s no surprise,” Mike said snidely.

  Tony slammed his palm on the table, making everyone jump. “Mike, that’s enough. You keep this attitude going, and I will lose all respect for you and your title.”

  Mike bit his lower lip. “I’m sorry.”

  “Look, don’t apologize to me. You owe this magnificent woman your apology.”

  An internal battle raged inside Mike as he debated about what to say next. Reluctantly, Mike attempted to apologize. “I regret that I spoke out loud.”

  Tony was furious but couldn’t expect much better from the man. Having performed plenty of pro bono work in his early years as a lawyer, Tony could appreciate Mike’s predicament. The man clearly played with the words to sound sincere. Nonetheless, Tony did desire a better performance, especially from a seasoned minister. “Nate, please continue with your story.”

  “Jim progressed through the corporate ranks, becoming a general manager about four years ago. He was smart and well-liked by most people—although we do encounter enemies in our work environment. Promoted to manager of our international team, Jim expanded his territory to cover Europe and Asia. At this point, he began to travel more and spend less time in his office.

  “His secretary, Michelle, adored the man, and Jim relied on her to keep his daily schedule. They were an excellent working team.”

  Nate folded his hands and stared down at them for a few long seconds.

  “Poor Michelle. It nearly broke the woman’s heart when I disclosed the situation about Jim. In all my years, I’ve seen this stoic woman defend Jim in front of senior management—who could have quickly fired any other woman for such boldness. But when I told her of Jim’s death, she sobbed uncontrollably.

  “We’ve given the entire department two days off to adjust to the news, but I’m not sure they’ll survive intact. It isn’t until you lose someone like Jim that you realize the importance of one individual and their contribution to the organization. I’m starting to look at my employees in a different light.”

  “Do you feel your attitude will continue, Nate, or is this a passing moment?” Tom inquired.

  “You make an excellent point, Doctor. On the one hand, I must always keep the business and profit in the forefront. Otherwise, we become yesterday’s news, and in this market, we cannot afford that luxury. But, on the other hand, I think I’m starting to see that we must balance the corporate goals with a value of the individuals who help make those gains possible. Well, at least that’s my desire.

  “I was cleaning out Jim’s desk because Michelle couldn’t complete the task.” Nate pulled a badly mangled picture from his pocket, along with two other photos. Laying them on the table, Nate pushed the photos toward Arleen, so everyone could see them.

  “That first one is Stephanie. Jim was beside himself when Steph took off for Europe with some friends, right after high school. Jim constantly fretted over Steph’s decision, but it was forgotten when she returned and started college at Stanford. She and her dad argued over her degree choice of economics, but Jim accepted her decision eventually. The young man in the picture is her fiancé, Charles. He’s a medical student, and they plan on marrying after his internship.

  “The second picture is Robert. After almost graduating with a four-year degree in computer science, the young man decided to attend law school.”


  “He’s very handsome,” said Arleen.

  Tony smiled. “I explained to Jim that Robert would be better off as a lawyer; but being a lawyer myself, I think Jim didn’t want my opinion on the subject.”

  “Jim protested, but I can assure everyone in this room, the man was proud of his son. Jim just hated the tuition payments,” continued Nate.

  Everyone chuckled. Nate then pushed a picture that was severely torn and patched together with transparent tape. One side of the photograph was still missing, and it was evident by a lone arm that the original picture was of two individuals. Using a black permanent marker, someone had tried to hide the arm of the missing person and part of their face. The woman in the picture was originally naked, but the permanent marker worked hard to disguise that fact. The woman was covered in colorful tattoos and plenty of piercings. The permanent marker attempted to make it appear as if she were wearing a shirt, but it looked cartoonish.

  “This is Staci, Jim’s youngest. She’s rather rebellious, and Jim wouldn’t discuss the picture when I pointed to it in his office one day. Jim said she was in art school in south Texas and dating a high school dropout. He refused to mention the boy’s name. Jim didn’t volunteer how the picture arrived in this condition, and I didn’t ask either. I suspect Jim damaged it in a fit of anger but had second thoughts afterward. It was proudly displayed alongside the other two. Jim loved all three of his children. I need to ask—has someone contacted them yet?”

  “I’m afraid I’ve been assigned that task, Nate. I’m waiting until we’re through with our discussions here before I initiate contact,” replied Tony.

  “Tony, if any of the children need airfare or accommodations, the company will cover the expenses.”

  “You’re quite generous, Nate. I’ll let them know. Did you have anything else you’d like to add about Jim, or were you finished?”

  Nate nodded.

  “When Jim’s wife, Samantha, passed away nearly a year ago, I thought for sure the man would take some time to grieve, but, instead, Jim took off for a month-long business trip to Asia. He left the day after the funeral. Most employees felt that Jim’s resignation was tied to his delayed grief over Samantha. I felt that granting the man a few months leave of absence would take care of the situation, but I was mistaken.

  “In retrospect, I feel inadequate to be Jim’s friend, but I also feel Jim wasn’t quite honest with me either. I guess it goes to show that we don’t know people very well—even though we work with them nearly every day. We only get to see one facet of the individual. I guess we all have our secrets.”

  After a lengthy pause, Tony stood. “Okay, I think we all could use a break. Let’s meet back here in ten minutes.” Tony pointed to the side of his cheek. “Joe, take some time and look in the mirror.”

  “What? Is something wrong with my face?”

  As they filed out of the conference room, everyone smiled at Joe.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “HEY EVERYBODY. I’M JOE LANGLEY, but you knew that already.”

  Being a grade school teacher, Joe still practiced the same techniques in any group setting. His voice projected loudly across any room, and, despite his girth, he made himself seem friendly, open, and accepting. Also, as a former teacher, Joe was prone to explaining too many details.

  “I’m a retired sixth-grade teacher and taught for over forty years. I run into my students as adults all the time.” Joe’s expression became serious. “It makes a person feel old.” Joe looked up at Dr. Nolan and smiled. “Of course, I mean no disrespect, Doc, because you certainly have far more experience.”

  “None was taken, Joe.”

  “I purchased the only two-bedroom home in our neighborhood, and, a few months later, Jim and Samantha moved in next door. Sam was pregnant with Robert and had Stephanie in her arms the first time we met. They purchased a charming two-story, four-bedroom home, and not too long afterward, they added another daughter, Staci. Man, that little girl was constantly sick.”

  Joe’s thoughts trailed off as he stared at the table. Tony waited a few long seconds, then helped bring the conversation back.

  “Joe? I’m sure you have much more to share with us about Jim. Are you okay?”

  Joe looked up and gave Tony a thin smile. “I need to apologize, folks. When I was asking my questions about God’s Son and Jesus, I wasn’t trying to be a smart aleck. I just don’t know anything about the subjects. I grew up Jewish and—”

  Pastor Mike interrupted. “But Langley isn’t a Jewish name, is it?”

  “No. I’m adopted. And, Doc, I stretched the truth when I told you I came from a family with big bones. My adopted parents met each other when they were young teenagers in a German concentration camp. Somehow, they survived, despite losing their entire families. I think that’s what drew them together—surviving their ordeal and knowing what they knew about the horrors they witnessed on a daily basis. I can only imagine what that would do to a person.

  “Anyway, when they immigrated to the United States, they decided to change their last name. Pop said when they were at Ellis Island, he and mom spoke no English but learned a little by making friends with others there. As they were being processed, they were asked by the clerk what their names were. Pop had met someone named Langley the day before, so that’s the name he gave them.”

  Nate said, “So if Langley isn’t their real name, do you know what it should be?”

  “Oh sure. Abraham and Golda Ben-Hatzkel became Ben and Golda Langley. Pop said they were lucky to be alive and wanted a fresh start. Mom was barren and incapable of having children. It had something to do with their experience in the death camps. They had been married almost five years when they adopted me. Mom and Pop choose me from a line of kids waiting in an orphanage.”

  “Do you know who your birth parents are, Joe?” asked Arleen.

  “No, I don’t, and I can’t find any records either. I was only a month old when they adopted me, so for all intents and purposes, these are my real parents. Mom and Pop loved me.”

  “Are your parents still alive?” asked Tom.

  “Pop died when he was eighty, and Mom—she lasted less than a month afterward.”

  Joe started to tear up, so Nate reached for the tissues in the middle of the conference table and slid the box toward Joe.

  “Sorry, folks. My parents were my best friends and treated me with absolute kindness. When I was a kid, the other students picked on me for being a Jew; but if they had known I was adopted, I felt it would have only made things worse. Mom loved to cook these sumptuous meals, and it made her smile when I would ask for seconds all the time. As I got bigger, I noticed the other kids left me alone, so I started eating more. Pretty soon, I was this gigantic, fat kid, and nobody was bothering me. I could make people laugh, so I was this enormous, laughable, big guy.

  “When I started teaching, the students thought I was Santa Claus without a beard because of my belly laugh. My students loved me. I became a teacher because I hated the fact that none of my teachers stood up for me when I was a kid. So, when I became a teacher, I defended the kids being picked on and the ones everybody shunned. Those actions just made me more popular with the kids.

  “Mom and Pop weren’t religious at all. Pop said God had abandoned the Jews, and it’s why they suffered at the hands of the Nazis, so Pop wanted nothing to do with God. I never attended anything religious. I’ve never read the Bible, and the only time I mention the names God or Jesus is when I swear, which is kind of rare. So, when all of you started talking about that God stuff, I wasn’t trying to be funny, I just know so little.”

  A small wave of guilt washed over the group, who sat stunned by Joe’s disclosures.

  Finally, Pastor Mike shocked the group when he made his next statement. “Joe, I want to apologize for being brash. If you want, I have a spare Bible in my car, which I will give you to read.”

  “Joe, your lack of knowledge concerning the Bible is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s never too late t
o learn either,” said Tom.

  “I’m with you, Joe. I have never attended church and, for the most part, never understood the need either,” Nate said “What’s fascinating is listening to your story and hearing about the Doctor’s faith, which I assume is quite reliable, I’m suddenly interested in knowing more. It’s something I can’t explain. I’m a self-made and wealthy man who never saw the need for anything religious, but these last two days have got me thinking about things I would never have considered before.”

  Joe just nodded in agreement with Nate’s comments. Tony didn’t want to be insensitive, but he needed to get the group back on track again. When there was a break, he shifted the conversation and slipped a note to Mary, the stenographer, indicating she should disregard the personal information Joe had disclosed. Mary curtly nodded and tucked the note into her purse.

  “It appears you’ve made some new friends here, Joe. I suggest you take advantage of their offers, but that’s the lawyer in me speaking.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “So, if you’re ready, Joe, let’s get back to your story about Jim.”

  “I forgot where I left off. Oops.”

  Mary pulled the folded paper from the tray and read Joe’s last paragraph of substance. “Jim and Samantha moved in next door. Sam was pregnant with Robert and had Stephanie in her arms the first time we met. They purchased a charming two-story, four-bedroom home, and not too long afterward, added another daughter, Staci.”

  “Wow, that’s great. Thanks. Now I remember. Jim and I became good buds, and he would come to my house often. I think Jim used my place as an escape from the turmoil at home. He and Samantha would get into these shouting matches, and I swear, it was ‘he who yells the loudest wins.’ It reminded me of my sixth graders sometimes.

  “Jim loved coming over and watching a ballgame on TV and drinking beer. He wouldn’t stay long—just long enough for things to subside at home. One Saturday, he overstayed and drank a little too much. Things spilled out of Jim’s mouth that would be best unspoken.