Clay parked behind the shop and walked around to go inside.
Ivan was seated behind the gigantic mahogany desk. He looked up from his order forms to see who it was.
“Hey, Babe. What’s up?”
“I thought Harry was coming in last night. If he did, he usually comes in the office by noon. He didn’t show. Peg said he was home and she talked to him. Now I’m late taking today’s dive. We have that dinner tonight. I don’t want to miss that. I think it’s mandatory.”
“The kid?” Ivan asked, sensing where this was going.
“He doesn’t get out of school until three. I need to get a dive in and be back in time to pick him up, but if you pick up Dylan, I won’t be as rushed,” Clay said.
Ivan held his hand out and Clay put his keys in it.
“He’s going to be disappointed that you went out without him,” Ivan said.
“He’d be more disappointed if we went diving and didn’t get back in time for him to see Logan,” Clay said. “It’s all he’s talked about since he found out he was coming. You know how few people our kid likes to spend time with?”
“He likes to spend time with me,” Ivan said.
“You’re his father. You don’t count. He has to spend time with you.”
“A father is fairly essential to a kid’s wellbeing, isn’t he?” Ivan asked.
“He’s never been impressed with anyone before,” Clay said.
“Harry?” Ivan asked.
“Harry’s family,” Clay said.
“He’s rather sold on this Logan character,” Ivan said. “He keeps mentioning him to me and I don’t know him.”
“The man is a filmmaker. He’s also pretty young. They talk the same language. Who else speaks Dylan’s language?” Clay said.
“You’ve got a point. Why am I going to this dinner, Babe? A senator, a college professor, a big time filmmaker, and a guy who rents campsites out at the cove. Aren’t I getting in over my head?”
“You are with me, handsome,” Clay said leaning across the desk to gently run his lips against Ivan’s. “Harry specifically asked me to make sure you were in attendance.”
Clay moved his lips back and forth on Ivan’s lips before he gave him a long slow kiss.
“I’d like to throw you on this desk and we’d…”
“Hold that thought, Lover Boy, I got to get a dive in, remember. Don’t forget to pick up our kid,” Clay said, dancing out of Ivan’s reach.
“How can I forget?” Ivan said. “We could get in a quickie.”
“No, we can’t. Once you get me going, Big Guy, I want it slow and easy. I want to make it last,” Clay said. “I’ll be back.”
“I’ll have more to say about that after dinner,” Ivan said, as Clay headed out the front door.
“You don’t know how you light my fire, Babe,” Ivan said out loud. Once he heard Sea Lab’s engines fire, Ivan finished reading the paperwork in front of him before going to stand in the window. He watched until Sea Lab cleared the cove and turned south.
*****
Ivan drove the Buick and Dylan sat in the front seat. Clay sat in the backseat for the five minute drive to Harry’s front door.
Algie, Harry’s driver and go-to guy, opened the door and gave them a cordial smile and invited them inside. Bill was behind Algie and he gave Clay a hug, shook Ivan’s hand, and smiled at Dylan.
“Glad you brought Dylan. It’s good to see you,” Bill said.
Logan Warren stood a few feet away from the meeting.
“Logan,” Clay said, stepping forward. “It’s nice to see you.”
Clay shook Logan’s hand and turned to wave Ivan forward.
“This is Logan Warren, filmmaker and environmental activist. Logan, this is my partner. The Aleksa in Dylan Olson-Aleksa.”
“I’m only a guy who rents campsites to poor unsuspecting vacationers,” Ivan said, taking Logan’s extended hand. “I’ve heard plenty about you. Both my men tell Logan Warren stories.”
“I’m flattered they remember me,” Logan said.
Dylan stepped forward and there were no hands extended as they went into a lengthy hug. Logan patted Dylan’s back.
“I’ve missed you,” Dylan said.
“Harry’ll be down and join you in the library. He had a late night last night and he’s getting ready after a nap,” Algie said. “I need to go up to see if he needs anything. You know where the library is.”
Bill led the way and the other guests followed. The library was on one side of the theater and Harry’s office was on the other side. There were plenty of seats but Dylan stood beside Logan as he scanned the titles on the floor to ceiling bookshelves.
“Plato’s Republic. Dante’s Inferno. Canterbury Tales. Count of Monte Cristo. Oh my God, they’re leather bound and it isn’t cheap leather,” Logan exclaimed.
“Ask him if you can read a couple, while you’re here,” Bill said. “He keeps the first edition signed copies in a safe his grandfather bought for that purpose. Most of these were acquired before Harry ever took his first breath.”
“Harry is a big reader,” Clay said. “It’s surprising how much material he can digest in no time at all.”
“Harry’s big on books,” Dylan said. “He gives me books all the time. I have a couple of great collections at the house.”
“Gentlemen, can I get you something to drink?” Algie asked, entering the library from the movie theater. “Harry’ll be down in a couple of minutes. He said to relax. Dinner isn’t until seven.”
Algie got the drinks and they moved the chairs in a semicircle in front of Harry’s desk. He wouldn’t be long. Algie poured a branch water and bourbon over ice and Harry wouldn’t drink it if the ice melted enough to ruin the flavor of the liquor.
“What have you been up to, Logan?” Clay asked, as he turned away from the books to take a seat next to Dylan.
“Yeah, inquiring minds want to know,” Dylan said.
“Mostly working on the documentary and clearing my schedule for next summer’s research trip with Bill. There are classes at UCLA that were mentioned to me and I hadn’t said no, until Bill asked me to go along next summer. You coming next summer, Dylan? Won’t be the same if you don’t come along.”
“You’re taking classes at UCLA?” Ivan asked, thinking Logan was a bit old to still be in school.
“I teach filmmaking in a special summer session,” Logan said. “I got the services of another filmmaker to teach the classes for me.”
“Oh,” Ivan said. “I’m not with these guys. I just rent out campsites at the cove.”
Logan looked at Ivan quizzically. “Don’t mind him, Logan. He’s the smartest guy I know,” Clay said. “He pretends he isn’t so he doesn’t embarrass me.”
“Yeah, Dad, don’t act silly in front of Logan,” Dylan said. “He’s a serious environmentalist and you’re as smart as anyone here.”
“That’s me, silly old Ivan,” Ivan said. “I’m not in the same league with the rest of you. Even my kid does important work.” “You coming next summer, Clay?” Logan asked.
“Of course he is and he’s bringing Dylan, Aren’t you?” Bill asked.
“Please, Dad, please.”
“I work for the senator and as hard as it was to get to go last summer, he’s not going to allow me to go again,” Clay explained.
“Can I go, Dad? Please!”
“We’ll talk about it.”
“Time’s moving fast. I don’t want to spend another summer without you being around to collect the trash with me. It’s just not the same without you,” Ivan said.
“Dad, it’s like the Pacific Ocean. I want to go,” Dylan declared.
“We’ll see,” Clay said. “You might have a dozen other things you want to do by next summer.”
“Not even, Dad.”
“Well, I see you all made it. My favorite people,” Harry said, coming into the library.
There were handshakes and back slaps.
“Senator Harry McCallister, Logan Warren,” Bill said.
“Nice to meet you. You’re younger than I expected,” Harry said.
“Senator,” Logan said.
The handshake was quick.
“Sit, sit. I need to get to that drink before the ice melts.”
Harry sat behind the desk.
“We were just talking about Clay and Dylan coming along on next summer’s research trip,” Bill said.
“Clay knows how I feel about that. I gave him up this summer and I’m afraid that’s my limit on him being away for that long,” Harry said with sternness in his voice.
“I can go, though,” Dylan said to Harry.
“That’s between you and your dads,” Harry said.
“I can go,” Dylan said to Clay, who would say yes or no.
“This isn’t the time or the place,” Clay said.
Dylan looked at Ivan for help. He gave him a shrug. Ivan knew who made those decisions.
Algie knocked twice before opening the door.
“Twila said dinner will go on the table in five minutes. I suggest you head for the dining room. You don’t want to miss one of Twila’s sumptuous feasts.”
“I’m sorry. I’m afraid I held up the show. I was hoping we’d have some time to chat before dinner. We’ll have plenty of time after dinner,” Harry said.
“I’m going to go set up the first film, Harry. You said there would be two?” Algie said.
“Clay, did you bring Dylan’s film?”
“Yes, it’s sitting on the backseat of the car.”
“Doors are unlocked?” Algie asked.
“Yes, they are.”
“I’ll go out and get if that’s OK?” Algie asked.
“Fine, Algie,” Clay said, and Algie headed outside.
As Algie went out, Harrison, the butler, came into the room.
“Twila says dinner will be served in five minutes.”
Everyone stood and Harry led the way to the dining room.
Bill and Logan sat next to Harry at the top of the table, and Clay and Ivan sat facing each other, Dylan sat facing Harry. Harrison brought water to fill the water glasses. Everyone but Harry agreed that sweet tea was the proper dinner drink.
A minute after everyone was seated, Twila came in through the door that led to the kitchen. She was carrying a platter with a steaming prime rib roast on it. There was a large fork and a finely crafted butcher knife beside it.
Harrison came in behind her with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and Twila’s broccoli casserole on one large tray.
Harrison went back and brought out a steaming loaf of bread. There was country butter next to the bread.
Harry carved and they ate. By the time everyone was full, half the prime rib was gone.
It was as Harry expected it to be and no one could eat another bite when Twila came to ask about dessert orders.
“Twila, we need to allow that scrumptious meal to settle. What have you prepared in the way of dessert? Right after you tell us, I want you to go home. Harrison can serve the desserts once we are ready for them.”
“Mr. Harry, I gots to clean up your kitchen. We have two pies, apple and cherry, fresh churned ice cream, thanks to Algie, with any sauce you might like, and I fixed my double chocolate pudding.”
“Betsy is back there and so is Harrison. You tell them that I said for them to clean the kitchen. You go home, you’ve done a marvelous job and you need your rest,” Harry said. “We all thank you for a wonderful meal. Don’t we, gentlemen?”
There was applause as Twila blushed and wiped her hands on her apron before going back into the kitchen.
*****
“I think I need to hear from Bill. Clay has briefed me on his version of the summer’s research trip. I want to hear your version.”
“We left out of San Francisco in the middle of June and we ran into difficulties that slowed us down almost immediately. We hit a storm that complicated things but once we reached Hawaii, it was literally full speed ahead. Once we were on site, things were routine.”
Clay, Dylan, and Logan knew the story. They’d lived it. Harry and Ivan heard Clay talk about it, so nothing was completely new.
Bill said, “The documentary will show you what I’d tell you. So, instead of me droning on, let’s get on with the show and if you have questions later, I’ll answer them.”
They went next door to the theater and Algie had Logan’s documentary film ready to go.
The establishing shots gave the watchers a feeling of being on the research ship Horizon.
There was some activity around the center of the ship and most of the crew ended up on deck as Logan launched the lifeboat in his effort to save the porpoise no one saw until after the rescue.
“With the filmmaker being at the center of the rescue, I must assume it was another filmmaker shooting the pictures,” Harry said. “Of course, Dylan showed me this footage once he was back from the Pacific.”
Hearing conversation, Algie stopped the projector and turned the lights up just a little.
“I had Logan’s camera when all hell broke loose,” Dylan said. “It felt awkward. Similar to my camera, but different. Logan had been showing me how to use it. He saw motion in the water I didn’t see. He jumped into action and I, well, I let the camera roll.”
“My kid is a quick study,” Ivan said.
“And Bill’s filmmaker did a lot of editing to carve the event into a five minute adventure,” Logan said.
“It does look a little tighter than most rescues on film,” Ivan said.
“You can say that again,” Logan said. “I felt like it, too, forever, and in the end, without Clay’s clear thinking, I might have been drowned alongside that porpoise. I saw the porpoise struggling, and I was at least able to save it. Clay’s quick thinking saved both of us.”
“It was more dramatic than that five minutes indicates,” Bill said.
“Like Clay’s quick thinking during the rescue, I’m not sure I would have had the poise to keep filming while everyone was running around like a chicken with his head chopped off,” Logan explained. “The rough spots came when he was transitioning from a long shot to close up shots. I cleaned those up, keeping as much footage as I could. A thrilling start for my documentary,” Logan said.
“I noticed you gave credit to Dylan as the assistant cameraman,” Harry said.
“Because of that first scene. There is other footage he took that I used. He has a great instinct for when to shoot and when to stop. You always give credit for people who contribute something. Dylan was like my student, and yet he taught me things about filmmaking I had never thought about. He asks quite intelligent questions.”
“I know the feeling,” Bill said. “While I was teaching Clay how to be a marine biologist, he was teaching me things I never thought of.”
“I contributed my kid and you didn’t mention me,” Ivan said.
“Dad, this is serious. I don’t want Logan thinking you aren’t serious,” Dylan said.
Logan heard the exchange. It made him curious about Ivan. He talked like he wasn’t serious, but Logan noticed Ivan’s eyes. The intensity in his eyes told a different story. There was no doubt in Logan’s mind, Ivan saw everything.
“We can discuss the film once we’ve seen it. Algie go ahead,” Harry said. Everyone settled in for the hour and twenty minutes it took for Logan’s film to run. Once the film was done, Harry swiveled his chair to be looking directly at Bill and Logan.
“Want to show your film to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday?” Harry asked. “Actually, to my environmental committee, but that’s the important part of the senate to me. I need all of you in DC for a full frontal attack on complacency. I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Sorry! I’ve got campsites to rent,” Ivan said. “The senate will need to go on without me.”
“You’re excused. I expect the rest of you to play ball with me. Our window of opportunity is closing. Fewer and fewer men come to DC to do the people’s business. By allowing unlimited funds in our election process, politicians are doing the business of the highest bidders. They come to DC to protect big oil and big business from paying taxes or facing regulations that make them clean up their mess. If we don’t make a stand soon, there won’t be enough honest politicians to keep big business from steamrolling us.”
“You mean it’s getting worse?” Bill asked. “What do you need us to do?”
“We are fighting an uphill battle to pass legislation to force the polluters to pay for the pollution they leave behind them. We’re playing a money game and they have more and more money all the time. We need to pass legislation that forces them to clean up after themselves. Even if we can get some meaningful legislation passed to curb pollution, they’ll fight to undo regulations we pass. If they can’t undo it, they’ll elect politicians who won’t enforce it,” Harry said. “I’m not going to make a campaign speech. Your senator needs you. That’s why you are here tonight.”
“You know I’m on board, as is my university,” Bill said. “Tell me what you want and we’ll go about getting it done.”
“You’re the boss,” Clay said. “I will follow your orders.”
“I’ll go,” Logan said. “For a price.”
He got everyone’s attention away from Harry.
“How much will your participation cost me, Mr. Filmmaker.”
“The price is your ears, Senator,” Logan said.
His voice was flat and unyielding.
“You are totally unimpressed by my being a senator, aren’t you?” Harry reasoned. “From the minute we met you’ve been measuring me. I assume you have a point you want to make. I know enough about you to know money isn’t your game, Mr. Filmmaker. What is?”
“You and I occupy the same ground as far as the environment is concerned, Senator. Money is the medium of exchange for the proletariat and those who claim to own it. Understanding and compassion are functions of the heart, not the purse.”
“Tell me something I don’t know. I’d like to put your film in front of my committee. That’s a considerable boost to any filmmaker. I might not get network television coverage, but the Post, the Times, and PBS will send reporters. The environment is starting to become an issue that warrants more and more attention. This is especially true because this administration has no interest in what’s going on with the environment.” “So, you’ll consider bringing our film to DC?” Bill asked. “The university would be pleased to get some publicity for it.”
“For a price. I intend to be heard and if you won’t hear me out, I’ll return home and look for another way to get my point across. The documentary is a double-edged sword. It promotes me as well as your committee, Senator.”
“Technically, Logan, the university owns the documentary,” Bill said.
“Technically. Where is your copy, by the way?” Logan asked, having the only copy.
“You’ve thought this out, haven’t you?” Bill said.
“I have,” Logan said.
“You can’t be on the side of environmentalist while using the word if, Mr. Filmmaker. There can’t be an if in unconditional support for a clean earth.”
“It isn’t an environmental if. The if transcends our environmental concerns. There are issues that reach beyond the environment.”
Senator Harry McCallister leaned back to study Logan Warren. He’d met ambitious men before. There was no shortage of people seeking a senator’s ear. Before he gave anyone his, he needed to know it was worth his while. He needed Logan’s film.
“Cut to the chase, Mr. Warren. What are you after?”
The atmosphere inside the theater had gone from one of friendly companionship to an ice-cold air of suspicion.
“Wounded Knee, Senator. What did you think of Wounded Knee?” Logan said, as if he knew Harry knew exactly what he meant.
Harry leaned forward to study Logan’s face.
“I knew I’d seen you before. You were younger then.”
“Weren’t we all, Senator?” Logan said.
“That was… over ten years ago. What’s this all about, Mr. Filmmaker? Why are we talking ancient history?”