Page 57 of Collin: Episodes 7-9
Collin followed Mr. Reevesworth back to his personal office. “What do you think they’re trying to distract you from, sir?”
“One of my companies is buying its way into the railroad market. We spoke about this before. I’m specifically looking to link this city and the state capital to the south together. People like Bernstein are opposed to it though they’re not coming out directly to say so.”
“Why are they opposed?”
Mr. Reevesworth sat down at his desk and tugged Collin forward until Collin had no option but to tumble into his master’s lap. Mr. Reevesworth turned him sideways and held him.
“It’s money. But it’s also habit. The rail project will disrupt a lot of presuppositions about both cities and how they function. His company makes massive amounts of money on freeways. They own tollways from here to the Atlantic. I want to link walkable cities to each other so someone who can walk here can jump on a train and go to another walkable city and walk there, never driving at all.”
“That’s hard to imagine.”
Mr. Reevesworth smiled and stroked Collin’s cheek. “When we visit Ami in Japan, as I’m sure Émeric will want to do not too long from now, you’ll see it. Or perhaps when we are in London.”
“You’re taking me with you to London? Am I ready?”
“You have the raw makings. And I want you with me in London though I don’t know if London will happen next week or not. I’ll have others with me as well. You’ll be there more to learn. And because I don’t want to leave you behind. I rather like having you here.”
Collin blushed. “You mean, here, here, don’t you, sir?”
“Hmm…that is one applicable definition.” He nuzzled Collin’s hair.
“And you’re really not worried about this lawsuit and the hacking and…well, the threats?”
Mr. Reevesworth leaned back in his seat. “The first time I demolished a defunct factory, the local labor unions sued me. When I opened a new factory in the downtown, for a product that was actually in demand, I became the town savior. Every visionary has to weather a little bit of resistance.”
“You helped them, and they still got mad at you?”
“Change is hard. They’d had hope for that factory for years. They came around, eventually, when the money showed up. And this time, it’s a sustainable business model.”
“That’s what I want to learn more of.” Collin sighed, nuzzling his head into Mr. Reevesworth’s shoulder. “There wasn’t more than a class or two on long-term models in school.”
Mr. Reevesworth pressed his lips to the top of Collin’s head. “Which is why you’re coming to London with me, if not this coming month, then in February for the expo.”
At three that afternoon, Mr. Reevesworth gave a quick statement to a few handpicked reporters in the lobby. Collin accompanied him, mostly to be seen, and Mr. Reevesworth did not hide the bandage on his hand. Someone asked Collin to take off his glasses and pose for a picture, but Mr. Reevesworth held up his hand and reminded everyone they had been instructed that flashes were not welcome.
“Mr. Ryker’s physician was very clear in the ER last night that certain steps are necessary. And as I would like my assistant back to full health, we’re going to follow those directions. After all, isn’t that why we have specialists, so we can listen to them?” He smiled, and the reporters chuckled.
One of the more daring ones leaned forward. “Would Mr. Ryker like to say anything concerning last night?”
Mr. Reevesworth turned to Collin. “I don’t think he prepared a statement.”
One of the reporters sighed. “Come on, Richard. Please. Give us something. You know what the rumor mills are saying. If we don’t write anything, that’s only going to fuel the gossip. They’ll have you riding a unicorn in Tahiti by next week.”
Collin laughed despite himself. He glanced toward his dom and stepped forward. “I don’t think any of us want to be riding unicorns. I’m told the real ones are either narwhals or rhinos.”
The reporters chuckled, and even Mr. Reevesworth’s lips twitched. “Do narwhals have anything to do with aquaponics, Collin?”
“Not that I know of, at least not for commercial use.” Collin bit his cheek and looked at the reporters. “So, I’ll say two things. One, none of you are as scary as my mother.” A few wry laughs filtered back. Collin went on. “Two, I’m very honored that my work caught Mr. Reevesworth’s eye and that I’m getting this experience of working with him.”
“What about the rumors that you live with Mr. Reevesworth?”
Collin shrugged. “That’s probably not a rumor. I changed my mailing address already.”
“So, you admit it.”
Collin frowned. “I think I just told you I moved. Like, called the post office, told them to forward my mail? Considering we walk to work every day, not sure what you’re trying to imply.”
Someone groaned. “Everyone wants to know if you’re gay.”
