“This isn’t good. And you think this could be a problem throughout the resort?”
Gareth replied, “I have no idea. If you want, I can have a team come and look into it. Was it all done by the same contractor?”
“No. So what you’re saying is I need to call my brothers and deliver them this lovely news. Where should I start? That the resort might need some major repairs or that you’re the one who found it?”
“I thought they knew I was here,” Gareth stated.
“No. I monitor the guest list with Bennett. When I saw your name, I told him not to say anything to anyone. I’d handle it personally.”
No one handles me.If Alex hadn’t been so upfront and forthcoming, they might have gotten off on the wrong foot. “And this is where all our secrets start to bite us in the ass. I guess it’s best not to mention my name. Brice was adamant that we not connect with any of you. He’ll suspect that I came to Tabiq looking for answers he wouldn’t provide.”
“And he’d be correct.”
“Yes, he would. Do you regret telling me?” Gareth asked. He knew Brice had similarities to Charles. As the oldest they felt the need to protect everyone. While all the others felt as though they were being controlled. It was nice to see that Alex didn’t have an issue with being his own man.
“Only time will tell if I regret my decision. I guess it really depends on what you plan on doing with the information. Hopefully Ziva and I have explained what took place in Tabiq enough for you to recognize the ongoing need here.”
“You have my word, the Lawson family wants all this to stop as much as the Hendersons. I’m sure if I spoke to my brothers, they would be more than happy to donate the steel required to make any necessary repairs to New Hope. It is important to continue bringing in industries that will strengthen the country.”
“You haven’t even told them what happened here, and you’re that confident they’d be supporters to our cause?” Alex asked.
“This issue wasn’t caused by just your father, Alex, and you know that. My family holds part of the blame. It is only fitting that this generation bands together to repair some of the damage.” Repair might be too strong of a word. The best they could hope for was to make amends and try to stabilize the country enough so they weren’t at risk for it happening again.
“So what you’re saying is you’d like to be on the phone with me when I deliver this lovely news to Brice?”
It’d be better if done in person, but it wasn’t like they had time to fly to Boston to address the pipe issues.
“Why don’t we fix what we know is broken, and then you talk to your brothers when you’re ready.”
“And you’re going to do what? Have the piping flown out here?” Alex asked.
“Why not? It’d save a hell of a lot of time if we handle the problem ourselves. Actually it might be the best way to address it right now. Just say the word, and I’ll make the call.”
“You’re flying it from the States? Doesn’t sound practical.”
Gareth answered. “It wouldn’t be, but a year ago we set up a steel mill just a few hours’ flight from here. We’re going global and needed to ensure quicker access to a quality product. Since we don’t trust others, we set up our own plants. I’m sure you understand the trust issues we have. Sad when you find out you weren’t just being paranoid. And things really are that fucked up.”
“It definitely makes you keep your circle of people small. Not what I want for my children.”
“Seems like your little girl is going to be just like her mother.” Gareth said.
“Watch out world, because Ziva is a force to be reckoned with.” Alex sat quietly for a moment and Gareth knew he was debating what to do. It all depended on whether Alex felt as though he could trust Gareth or not. Eventually Alex said, “Make the call.”
“Okay. Do you need men to do the repairs or just the parts?” Gareth asked.
Alex shook his head. “We try to utilize as many people from Tabiq as we can. They can use the work, and they definitely need the money.”
Gareth pulled out his phone and dialed the plant. There was no time to dick around so he went directly to the director of the facility. He placed the order and said, “This does not get keyed into the system. I will be paying for this delivery myself.”
“I do not understand, Mr. Lawson. This isn’t for a customer?”
“No. It’s for my own personal use. And by the way, I need that delivered today.”
“Yes sir. We’ll have it transported to you immediately. Is there anything else, Mr. Lawson?”
Gareth wanted to say not to mention it to his brothers, but that would be like waving a flag of more suspicion. “No. That’s all I need right now.” He ended the call and slipped the phone back in his pocket. Turning to Alex, he said, “It’ll be here. Now let’s get this kitchen up and running.”
Alex shook his head and said, “I never would’ve thought the Lawsons and Hendersons would be working on anything together, never mind here in Tabiq. If only our ancestors could see us now.”