Commitment

By P. B. Child

Commitment is the story of a couple sent to unravel the mystery of a failing construction project. Patrick and Josefina, partners in life who first came together in Forgiven, are tasked with putting a project in Puerto Rico back on track at the behest of their boss and mentor, Sandeep. Along the way, the danger and corruption afflicting the project puts stress on both their professional lives and their marriage. Aided by the friends they cultivated on previous Puerto Rico work, the couple strikes back, bringing the situation to a shocking climax and putting their faith and marriage to the test.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886447033

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Part 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Part 2

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Part 3

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Part 4

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Afterword

About the Author

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Commitment

P. B. Child

ISBN 979-8-88644-702-6 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88644-703-3 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 P. B. Child

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

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Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Part 1

Chapter 1

The funeral was held in a small private cemetery a short distance from the farmhouse. From the small hill, one could see the reconstructed barn and the pasture which had once held a small herd of cattle. Perhaps group is a better word; herd overstates it.

The gravestones of Mrs. Watson and her son had survived the fire eight years ago, and their husband and father had cleaned them with a power washer as soon as he himself had recovered from the smoke inhalation. His second wife had helped him maintain the small plot. Today, she was grateful she had. Her husband could rest in peace knowing things had been and would be cared for.

Patrick was not sure how Bob had arranged for the gravesite on private land; knowing the way things were in California, that must have taken some doing. Bob had done all that before Patrick arrived on the scene. Perhaps the loss of his son as a military hero in Iraq had made it possible to get a little help from the local government officials. Whatever the case, Bob had gotten everything taken care of well in advance, and although he had outlived his first wife by many years, the plot was ready to accept him when the time came. Patrick wondered about Mama Garcia. What would happen to her? She deserved her own place of honor, when her time would come, and he wondered if Bob had seen to that as well. That seemed likely; it was very much like Bob to be prepared. It was also very much like his stepdaughter. Patrick would have to ask her.

A surprising number of people came, older ranchers and store owners from around the rural area. Bob had outlived most of his contemporaries, but their kids remembered him. Some spoke of missing him at the cattle sales; others spoke of being coached by him back in high school. Bob had definitely made his mark on the community. Patrick felt the mark Bob made on him most days and wondered how things would have turned out for him without the feisty old gent to prod him now and then. Bob had filled a hole that Patrick hadn't realized he had in his own life, that of his own father, who had died too young. When will I stop needing guidance? Patrick thought. He was in his mid-fifties with his own son now, and he knew Grandpa Bob would be missed. Patrick squeezed little Ross's hand tightly.

Ross was mostly Patrick's responsibility today. The boy had been named after a close friend of his parents who had died in a car accident, and who was still missed as much as Bob would be. Josefina would be spending most of the day caring for her mother. It had been such a surprise to her eight years ago when her mother, Mama Garcia, had married Bob, but she was so grateful now it had happened. It took all of them to care for each other. Somehow, it seemed none of them could make it alone, and with six-year-old Ross around, there was plenty to be done. Ross would miss his Grandpa Bob, Josefina knew, and she hoped they could keep him occupied on the farm. It was so easy for rural kids to find trouble.

The minister spoke a few words, then they dropped a few flowers on the grave and all headed back to the house for a big spread of food. Josefina's sister Sofia tended to their mama while Patrick and Josefina brought food out to the tables they'd set up outside. The weather cooperated, and although it was chilly, the California sun was bright and warm for late winter, so no one was too cold. Patrick kept Ross busy fetching this and that for the table, asking him to help some of the older folks find a seat or bringing them a coat or wrap—anything so his mother could concentrate on the food. When the group of thirty or so had settled down, Patrick tapped his glass and asked for a quick moment to say grace.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this food, this beautiful day, these people gathered around us, and especially today for the gift of our friend and loved one Bob Watson. Please take care of this good man until we can join him again someday. Amen.

Patrick had planned to say more, but he could feel the tears coming up inside him. He had held it together for the last few weeks of Bob's illness, through his passing and through his funeral, but suddenly, out came all his tears. Pat stood there crying, embarrassed and unsure of what to do, but as always, Josefina knew how to take care of him. She whispered to Ross to go run and give his daddy a hug, which he did. As soon as he felt the young boy on his leg, Patrick smiled through his tears and hoisted him up, giving him a big hug.

Don't cry, Papa, said Ross, and Patrick responded with a smile. Okay, let's not cry! Let's be happy it's a sunny day and we're all here with all this food! He turned to the table full of concerned faces and said happily, Sorry for the interruption, folks. Bob would kick my backside for interrupting dinner. Please dig in. Y'all have been so good to us. Let's all enjoy this delicious food y'all brought! I want to hear the best Bob stories you've got! Never mind if you told them already. Tell them again! Patrick laughed as he said that, and everyone smiled and began to pass the food around. He mouthed a silent Thank you! to his wife, and it was now Josefina's turn to wipe away a few tears after her smile of acknowledgment.

That evening, Mama Garcia left Pat and Josefina alone on the patio as the sun faded away. She took little Ross inside to wash up for bed, saying it had gotten chilly, and besides, it had been a long day for her, and she was tired. Josefina began to get up to help her, but Mama Garcia firmly told her to stay where she was.

You two have done so much for me today. Why don't you just relax and spend a moment together? I'm fine. Ross can take care of me, right, little man?

Sure, Grandma, said Ross, and the two marched inside happily together. Mama Garcia felt blessed to have a grandson. She had come a long way since the days of working in the fields, helping at the farm stand. Those days were long, and she and her daughters had worked hard after their father had left. She'd gotten little help from the church after the priest blamed her for their father leaving. But she had gotten by and raised her girls, and the Lord had blessed her for her faithfulness.

The yard had begun to bounce back after the long-ago fire, and the shrubs and saplings they had planted were now tall enough to enjoy, though not yet tall enough to provide much shade. A scrub jay called from one, then flew off across the yard toward the barn. Pat sat silently watching Josefina, grateful to be here with her after all that had happened over the last decade.

She turned toward him and spoke quietly. I can never sit out here without thinking back to when you first told me you loved me. You made me so happy that night and every night that we can share here together and remember. Even on the sad days, like after the fire when you told me about Ross's accident, I was thankful that we were here together, facing the world as one. Thank you for all the care you've given, Mama. I hope she won't be too lonely now.

Patrick reached out and took her hand, pulling it to his lips and kissing it.

You are not the only one who is thankful, who thinks back on that night with joy. That night changed my life forever. I was so scared of you. It seems funny now. You are anything but scary to me. You are the one who keeps me grounded, keeps me safe. We still have a long way to go, a lot of time left to nurture young Ross. Even though we lost Bob, I am even still happy we had so much time with him. I thought we'd lost him in that fire for sure. God has been good to us.

Josefina nodded. She wished she hadn't brought up the fire, for thoughts of that still scared her. She felt like she had been punished for breaking her vow and leaving Pat's side, and even though they had all survived, she no longer wished to tempt fate. Every night since the fire, she had been with him.

Pat noticed the look on her face and thought she might be getting chilly. He pulled his chair closer to hers and put his arm around her.

Do you want to go in? Do you need a coat or a blanket? he asked her.

Josefina pressed against him and pulled his arm tighter around her shoulders.

"No, mi amor. It is better like this. I am fine now," she said, looking up into his eyes and smiling. She was determined to keep him safely by her side.

Chapter 2

Somewhere far across the country across the sea, on an island, people were working late in the factory. They were behind schedule. Some were concerned for their jobs, others were concerned for their company, but all were concerned about something. Some were concerned that they might be discovered.

The plant had just begun startup work a week ago, and from the outset, it was clear that things were not as they should be. Wires were crossed, valves were connected wrong—too many things were out of order. The contract bonus that most thought they had earned was evaporating before their eyes. Already the client had been meeting with the superintendents; recovery plans were being calculated and strategized. Rumor had it the company executives would be arriving on Monday to have a come-to-Jesus meeting and to lay down the law. The high morale from the accomplishments recognized at the end of the year had evaporated. Christmas seemed very short this year.

And yet, perhaps the individual most key to recovery would not be arriving Monday. He had sent some of his subordinates on ahead, though he had no confidence they would achieve anything. Sandeep suspected something else was at work here, something nefarious. He needed those folks out of the way. He was planning a separate recovery plan on his own.

Chapter 3

The days of Josefina being one of the first into the office were not as consistent as they once had been. Mama Garcia was perfectly capable of getting Ross on the bus for school, but Josefina did not like to delegate that chore entirely to her mother. She had a touch of that working mother's guilt about not being there enough for her son, so she tried to make breakfast for him a couple of days a week at least, electing to let Patrick drive in by himself and follow later in her own car. Monday was a day she wanted to ensure her mama slept late, so Patrick kissed her goodbye and headed in on his own.

The plant seemed calm since the days when he, Josefina, Ross, Anton, and others had put it together. It was not Mabidox's largest facility, as the one in Puerto Rico had surpassed it, but was still a key facility. Most of their new products were manufactured here first before they found their way to the larger facilities in Puerto Rico and North Carolina. There was talk of expansion to Ireland or Singapore, and Patrick was heavily involved in those discussions. He was still one of Sandeep's favorites, and with Sandeep now the company Chief Operations Officer, he was in more of a position of influence than simply ensuring the plants got built. He was now involved in the company planning process, reviewing funding budgets for all the capital projects, and guiding decisions on the choices the executives made. Sandeep's loyalty to him allowed him to continue to work out of the plant instead of in their new headquarters in Sacramento. He and Josefina had made a strong argument to continue at the plant, attempting to avoid as much corporate politics as possible. Josefina was now the assistant plant manager and could have a brighter future for her career than Patrick if she so desired. Patrick felt like Sandeep's hired gun—a weapon Sandeep used to attack problems or remove thorns in his side. Josefina was better plugged into the company hierarchy, but she was content to ensure her plant ran smoothly while others around and above her came and went. They had carved out their niche, and with young Ross to raise and Mama Garcia growing older, they were content to be happy with the way things were. Patrick still feared the future, though. He knew change could find them no matter how well they hid or dug in.

Pat was surprised to see his office door open at the end of the admin building as he entered. He always closed the door at the end of the day, though he did not always lock it. He kept the confidential records locked in a small filing cabinet, and he carried his laptop home with him every night instead of locking the door. He preferred to show the folks a little trust by not locking the door if he didn't have to. He noticed, too, the light on in the break room across the way. Someone must have made coffee. For some reason he couldn't put his finger on, instead of going straight to his office, he circled around the cubicles so he could see into the door from the other direction. Someone familiar was sitting in the guest chair across from his desk. He smiled and got a cup of coffee from the break room.

Good morning, Sandeep, he said as he entered the office and set his computer bag to one side on his desk. He offered his hand in greeting, and Sandeep rose and shook it. What brings you here so early on a Monday? I am almost afraid to ask.

Why is that? said the COO, tilting his head in the quizzical way he had. Is something amiss that you think I've discovered?

I was going to ask you the same question. Is something amiss? Most times, a phone call from your office will suffice, or perhaps you will summon me for the day. This must not be a ‘most times' kind of problem.

It is not. In fact, I would like to take you to breakfast. That little place we went once near Davis is fine. I don't want to be seen here by too many people today. I can drive, though you may need to give directions a time or two. I will drop you off back here when we're finished. Let's leave now.

Patrick sensed this was not the time for questions. He checked his pocket to make sure he had a small pad and pencil to make a few notes, though he suspected he might not even need that. Sandeep did not discuss business on the drive, only the funeral that had taken place this past weekend. He expressed his condolences and wondered if perhaps Josefina might need a little extra time.

No, she's okay. She told me she will be glad to get back to work today. She worries that the plant will explode or at minimum fall half apart without her here. It truly is her first baby, Patrick chuckled.

Hmm, Sandeep mumbled with tight lips. I know when I discuss things with you that you consider her your confidant, your teammate. What I want to tell you may affect her, too, and I thought about bringing her here. If she had come in with you today, I would have, but I think I am grateful she did not. This will be easier to explain only to you. When you discuss it with her, do it at home or somewhere very private, not at the plant. Understood?

Yes, sir, Patrick said. Patrick was generally over calling Sandeep sir every other sentence, but the seriousness of Sandeep's mood had brought it out in him. The old construction hierarchy chart in his subconscious had kicked in.

Inside the diner, they sat down and got some coffee. Sandeep just ordered a small dish of fruit. Patrick asked for some buttered sourdough toast. He didn't really want it, but he wanted something to fiddle with while Sandeep talked. He could always think better if he had a little bit of a distraction; it kept his mind from getting stuck. He suspected his mind would need to be sharp.

For some reason, Sandeep seemed to delay coming to the point. That was not uncommon with Sandeep, as he liked the other side in a discussion to make his case first. Patrick had learned this quickly back in the old days with Bruns Brothers, and he had been one of the best at waiting Sandeep out, for Sandeep could also grow impatient. Today, though, Patrick did not have a case to make or a position to argue. He decided he would be doing Sandeep a favor by taking the direct approach.

What can I help you with, Sandeep? he asked. What has got you so stirred up?

Sandeep said, What I tell you must remain between us—you, Josefina, and me. That's all. Agreed?

Yes, of course, I've agreed to that already. I'm not sure I understand, though. That is not our usual style.

It is my style more than you know, Sandeep said. Many things are discussed at my level that I do not discuss with you. You have shown no desire to engage in some areas of the company business, preferring instead to stick to what you know best. I say that not to be critical, but so you know that product development, production targets and schedules, and other business not involving capital expenditure is very confidential and not something you are usually concerned with, so you do not see me in those arenas.

That is true. I like being an expert where I can be an expert, and I trust others to handle what they are experts at. I do not enjoy the grind of company politics, and frankly, there are not many of your peers, or even lower-level VPs, that I care to spend much time with. It detracts from my ability to give you a clean analysis when they campaign for one position or another. It clouds my judgment.

Exactly. You have stated that very well. You prefer not to have your judgment clouded by company politics but prefer to let the facts of a situation speak for themselves. At my level, we must take the politics into account, but if you take a position and skew the data, it may lead us astray. That is exactly why I trust you and why I come to you now. I need your clear thinking and unclouded view on our situation.

And what exactly is that situation? Patrick asked again.

Sandeep grimaced, still reluctant to put his cards on the table. Finally, he spoke softly, almost so softly that Patrick had to strain to listen.

Something is not right with the plant in Puerto Rico. We should be well into startup, but every week, I see reports where they have stalled and are not making progress. Things were going well up through the holidays. We looked to be mechanically complete and were negotiating bonus payments with the contractors, but in January, things began going wrong. I see frequent mention of rework in the reports, and the completion percentages for automation and installation qualification have not risen for several weeks.

Patrick frowned. This was bad news, indeed. He had helped fund that project, and he hated to see any project that he had any involvement in exceed its budget. Even worse, he could not think of a reason for these issues. This was simply a larger-scale production of existing lines they had here in California. There wasn't really any untested technology involved.

That job should be a piece of cake, Patrick said with a puzzled look on his face. Nothing we haven't done before, and not even many new people on it, if I recall. What does the plant manager say, or the site head? Or even the process leadership?

The Process and Engineering VPs should be arriving at the plant this morning. They flew down yesterday. I am not confident they will tell me anything meaningful. I believe I will need to send someone with your skill set there. While I am at it, it would be good to send someone with your wife's skill set as well.

Patrick sat back in the booth. What a strange place for news like this to arrive. Ever since Ross had been born, Patrick had been dreading this day, the day he knew from experience always comes. This was the day his and Josefina's carefully crafted life together would be turned upside down.

I would ask you for how long, but I can already hear you telling me, ‘For as long as it takes.' You can't possibly know the answer to that. All you know is that if you ask me to go, I will have no choice but to say yes. That's the real reason you wanted to catch me alone, isn't it? Josefina might give you an argument you could not wriggle out of, but you know I won't do that, and that I'll convince her. Right?

You have been studying her methods, said Sandeep with a smile. You read me well, you always have, but not as well as she. Yes and no, you are definitely easier to convince, but I would not take no from her in this instance either. Surely by now you both have realized your future with Mabidox is tied to mine?

Of course, we know that and are grateful, and yes, it would have to be a request more extreme than this for me to tell you no. I should resent what you say, though. I like to think we have been valuable to Mabidox beyond being valuable to you personally. I like to think our efforts have brought the company value beyond your project needs.

Please do not misunderstand me. Of course, you both have. But look at your positions. You are a well-paid individual who operates somewhat independently of the standard company protocols. Josefina occupies a position which would typically be a growth position for up-and-coming individuals being groomed for better things. You both bring value, but you have chosen to stick in slots where the company would not normally allow that to occur. Our company is still growing, but perhaps before long, we will reach a threshold where some consolidation will be in order. Not tomorrow, not as long as I run operations I trust, but none of us is as young as we once were. I am over sixty. You cannot be far away, and the tide will turn. There are sharks always circling. If they can use this opportunity to slide me out in favor of younger, more aggressive management, they will certainly strike. We cannot fail and survive.

So there it was. The hammer of change struck Pat squarely between the eyes. It had been a long time since that had happened, but he still recalled what to do. Deal with the problem at hand; the pain of the hammer blow could be dealt with later if he was still able.

Tell you what, instead of putting such a doomsday spin on it, I will treat this as a challenging puzzle to be addressed immediately. You make it sound as if your internal enemies have it out for us. That is the reason I declined the promotion to Engineering management. I don't have the skills to play in that type of arena. I can only play it straight. My skills may be tested here, for clearly, you believe some subterfuge will be required. Let's try to address the problem, not the individual who may be behind it. If someone is behind it, addressing the problem will indicate that for us. Is your plan to send us to Puerto Rico simply as trouble-shooters, or will we need to accept more permanent roles on-site in order to carry this out?

I would like you to think about it today. I have emailed you the project reports for the last several months, as well as their current staffing plan. Download those, get Josefina, and go somewhere the two of you can review them and think about the approach together. Tomorrow morning, we can meet here again at six-thirty. By then I will have heard back from the VPs I sent down there, and will have more information from them. Perhaps they will solve this during the week, but as I said, I am not hopeful.

All right, that's a good plan for today. Let's talk a little about the people involved this morning, though. I don't know those VPs well, particularly the lady in charge of Process. Unfortunately, I have butted heads a few times with the Engineering VP, Gonzalez, but I would think he would have more to lose than you. Couldn't the case be made this happened all on his watch? If you are worried about the politics, why not fire him, hire someone to fix it, and be done with it?

But if it is not him, that will not be the solution, and problems will continue. It may resolve itself for this project, but I will be weakened, and the next time, it will be my head that rolls. It strikes me that if the house is infested, we need to eradicate the termites now, not just treat it superficially and let the house fall around us in the future.

Patrick nodded. Of course, Sandeep was correct. As always, Patrick admired not only his astuteness, but also his sense of fairness. The wrong party should not be blamed.

"I am still struggling with the motivation, then. You are taking this personally, but what if a