A New World Begins

Two faces?

Nathan sat up in bed and looked around the dorm. It was still dark, and a glance at his watch told him that it was only half past five. There were thirty more minutes to go until reveille. What had woken him up? As his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he could make out the sleeping figures of the two others in his half of the dorm. Opposite him, Kyle was still sound asleep in the other far corner bed. Noah was asleep in the bed over to his right. The admin desk, and opposite that, the doorway to the corridor, occupied the centre of the dorm. Nothing was amiss there. The metal wastebasket was still perfectly in position just a few inches behind the door. That was a trick Craig had taught them. Anyone trying to sneak into the dorm would send it, very noisily, skidding across the floor, instantly waking them all up.  At the other end of the dorm he could see the three figures of Travis, Shane and Will in their beds. The bed that had been Craig’s was empty. Yes, at first glance nothing was amiss.  Unless…

Nathan climbed out of bed and crept quietly down the centre of the dorm. Just because he could see three shapes in the beds at the far end of the dorm didn’t mean that Travis, Shane and Will were actually in those beds. He wouldn’t put it past them to have stuffed some clothes, maybe their sleeping bags, under their quilts and to have crept out on some nefarious mission. Well, maybe not Will, but Travis might, and if he had, then Shane would probably have been involved too. And if Craig had still been here, he would definitely have been involved. The Three Mouseketeers as he and Kyle had quickly christened them. Always up to no good but rarely actually caught. Well, if Travis and Shane were up to no good tonight, their luck had just run out. He would catch them.

Nathan paused at the middle of the dorm as it became clear Travis, Shane and Will were actually all in bed, and seemingly asleep. There were no decoys under the covers. So what had awoken him? He turned and quietly made his way back towards his own bed. As he approached it, he saw a brief pin-prick of red light flash from his desk. A slight rumbling noise followed. It was his phone: on silent mode but vibrating every minute to indicate the arrival of a text message. It must have been that quiet, intermittent rumble that had woken him.

Nathan picked up the phone and the screen flashed to life, the bright glare causing him to screw up his eyes momentarily. As he opened them again and focused, a message popped into view.

Hi Nat, it’s 10:00 here. Just finished physics class. Guess it’s 5:00 there. Could have called, but the guys don’t want to hear my voice at dark o’clock so just texting you instead. Go to sleep now. 😊

Nat frowned, then laughed. Craig was getting his own back for that call last night. Letting him know he could have woken him up but hadn’t. Except, of course, that he had, but not anyone else. That was typical of Craig, ready to get even but not at the expense of the others.

* * *

Shane fastened his seatbelt and sat back into the cossetting leather passenger seat of Lemon Steroids. Nathan started the engine and then, after allowing it to growl for a few seconds, slowly eased it forward out of the college parking lot and nosed it towards the road leading down to the gatehouse.

“Best to let it have a few seconds to get the oil pumped round,” smiled Nathan, “It’s a high-performance beast and appreciates a little extra care.”

As Shane smiled, Nathan crept slowly down to the gatehouse, through the barrier that was quickly raised as he approached and out onto the road leading towards town. Contrary to Shane’s expectations, Nathan didn’t then floor the accelerator and take off like a scalded cat. Their journey into town took place at a seemingly pedestrian fifty miles an hour and, as they trundled sedately along the highway, Nathan ran over the plan again.

“Remember Shane. We don’t have much time before some of the stores start to close. I’ll take all your letters and get them stamped and posted while you go and catch up with the guys and get your haircuts. As soon as you’re done, each of you go and get the things on your lists, then make your way back to the diner to re-join me. I’ll have met up and swapped keys with Kyle so he can have my car until later and I can drive us all back in his truck. Any questions?”

“No, Nat. I’m good. Haircut, stores then diner.”

Shane was the last from the dorm to finish his sports that afternoon: Travis, Noah and Will had already showered off, changed into smarts and headed off into town with Kyle in the Bronco. Now he and Nathan were following in their wake.

“You know, you’re pretty good at golf, Shane,” said Nathan, apparently making idle conversation as they headed towards town. “You really ought to treat yourself to a set of clubs instead of just using the seven iron and putter that Craig’s dad gave you. You could come out to the country club with me sometime and get measured up by the golf pro. Our shop there sells all the best clubs.”

Shane looked thoughtful for a moment. “I could do with a few more clubs, Nat, but I don’t need a full set. For now, a seven and a putter get me through.”

“Sure, they get you through, Shane, and to be honest, doing so well with just those two shows that you have a fair bit of talent. Lots of guys own a full set of clubs, even high-end titanium or carbon fiber clubs, but don’t have the skill to justify it. You’re different. You could really make an impression with a few more good clubs. I’m thinking of suggesting that the college should restart the golf team. It used to be a thing, but got abandoned a few years ago after running through a patch with no good players. Now, we could re-start it and actually hold our own against other schools and colleges. If we show the Commandant we can be competitive, I’m sure he’ll let us re-form it. I might get pops to offer us a deal on corporate membership at the country club so the college will have its own home course to host other schools and colleges from time to time. What do you think?”

“That could be good, Nat. Some of the guys who played at that tournament we had at your barbeque were pretty decent players. If we practiced, we could maybe form a small squad and compete against other schools and colleges.”

“I think you should go and raise the idea with Jackson, Shane. If he backs it, the Commandant will give serious consideration to it.”

“Me? Raise it with Jackson?” Shane looked surprised that Nathan even thought he could go and talk to Jackson.

“Yes, sure, why not? You’re good at golf. Jackson represents the cadets and puts ideas to the Commandant on our behalf. You just ask for an appointment to see Jackson, tell him the idea, let him know that a deal can be done for the college to have a prestigious venue and he’ll do the rest.”

“But Nat, Jackson can’t play golf. He was pretty useless at the barbeque. I don’t think he’s that interested in golf anyway. He’d need loads of practice.”

Nathan smiled at Shane. “That’s not the point, Shane. You’re right, Jackson’s got no interest in golf, he’s even more of a knuckle dragging Neanderthal boxer than Boots, but he will recognise the benefits a successful golf team could bring him. Lots of kudos for organising it. Associate membership of the country club too and use of its facilities. Jackson is after more than just knocking a ball around.”

Shane looked thoughtful. “Are you serious? Would Jackson really listen to me? And is there a chance your dad would let us use the country club?”

“Definitely, Shane. I’ve already cleared it with him, but Jackson doesn’t need to know that. If you plant the idea in Jackson’s mind, hint that he could perhaps try asking me about it, before long he’ll think it was his idea all along. Once he’s worked out the advantages it will bring him, he’ll back it all the way.”

Nathan looked on for a few moments as Shane turned the idea over in his mind. He could see the sparks had caught, that Shane was already thinking about how, rather than if, to talk to Jackson. It would be good to see Shane becoming a little more prominent in the college. Good for the dorm too.

“So, while you’re thinking about it, Shane,” said Nathan, casually, “Think about getting a few more clubs too. It doesn’t have to be a full set. Just the ones most useful to you. And you don’t need to get them from the country club pro’s shop either. The sports shop Amelia’s dad owns probably sells clubs doesn’t it? You could get them there if you prefer. Kyle tells me you hardly spend any of your allowance. You should treat yourself Shane. You can afford it.”

There was a flicker of indecision in Shane’s eyes. Maybe more than indecision. His lips moved, but no sounds came out. He was clearly struggling to articulate what he felt.

“It’s okay, Shane. I know you’ve had it tough for a few years. But that’s over now. I know you miss your parents, and that it hurts that they won’t even take a call from you, let alone let you visit them. Maybe that’s for the best though. I can’t imagine it would be nice to visit them in prison. But Kyle’s parents, your foster parents, do love you. They want you to be happy. They aren’t trying to buy you by giving you your allowance, Shane. They’re just treating you like they treat Kyle. Equally. He’ll tell you the same thing. So think about it, huh? Just spend a little on yourself for a change. Tell me you’ll at least think about it?”

Shane nodded. “I’ll talk to Jackson, about re-forming the golf team. And… and I’ll call at the sports shop too. If I have time.”

Nathan smiled inwardly as he turned off the highway and into the parking lot at the retail plaza on the outskirts of town. Ahead, he could see Kyle’s Bronco parked outside Mr Miller’s auto shop. A glance over at Shane showed him deep in thought. Objectives met…

* * *

As Shane scurried away across the parking lot towards the barber shop, Nathan strolled into Mr Miller’s auto shop. As he expected, Kyle was in there, drinking a coffee at the counter and chatting to Mr Miller.

“Hi, Nathan,” smiled Kyle. “I heard you and the beast arrive a minute or two ago. Shane off to get those curls trimmed back?”

“Hi, Mr Miller,” laughed Nathan as Mr Miller nodded to him and turned to pour another coffee from the percolator on the customer service counter. “Yes Kyle, he’s on his way to the barber right now. I had a word too about his allowance as you suggested, put the idea of treating himself to some clubs in his mind. I think he’ll do it.”

“I hope so,” said Kyle. “Apart from a few bucks each week on snacks when he comes here to town, he’s hardly touched it. Mom and pop are worrying about him. It’s like he kind of feels guilty that things have turned better for him.”

Mr Miller passed Nathan the fresh coffee and paused, then spoke. “I know it’s not my business,” he said, “but young Shane is a nice kid. He deserves a slice of luck from what I hear. I think he’s got that now. Not just your parents looking to adopt him, Kyle. You two caring about him is good too. He’s just probably scared it could all turn sour on him again, that he could lose it all in an instant.”

Kyle nodded. “That’s it in a nutshell, Mister Miller. He’s scared of relaxing and trusting people, but I think that changed a little when he met Craig. You remember Craig, the English kid that was with us for a while? They seemed to hit it off. I guess that it was easier for them to bond together than with some of the others. Both misfits in their own way.”

“I thought you had a whole squad of misfits, Kyle,” said Mr Miller. There was no edge in his voice, no malice. It was just a simple statement.

Kyle nodded. “I guess so, but Nat’s inherited them now. I think he’ll do well by them, won’t you, Nat?”

* * *

Half an hour later Nathan had visited the post office and despatched all the guys’ letters to Travis’s parents. The long talked about and eagerly awaited trip to Dakota for Thanksgiving was now gaining momentum. Before heading over to the diner to meet up with the guys, Nathan had one last thing to do. He was staring into the window of the jeweller’s store when he was aware of a presence at his side.

“Hi, Noah. Nice trim. On your way over to the diner?”

Noah smiled and nodded.

“I’ll be over shortly to have a slice of pie with you all before we head back. I’ve already got the keys to Kyle’s truck. Let the guys know I’m on my way.”

Noah didn’t move. He stood and looked at Nathan, then beyond him and at the window display.

“I’m looking at watches. Want to come in with me, Noah?”

Noah broke into a broad grin and followed Nathan into the shop when the proprietor buzzed them in, then flicked the switch under the counter to re-lock the door behind them.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen, what can I do for you today?” His eyes had already taken in the cut of their clothes, their bearing. These weren’t just local run of the mill town kids. Town kids didn’t wear a jacket and tie to go shopping. Even before they spoke, he could tell they were potentially good sales prospects, not brochure collectors or kids wanting a new two-dollar battery for a twenty-buck watch. The older, taller of the two, the one who looked vaguely familiar, had definitely been studying the more expensive end of the window display.

“I’m looking for a new watch,” said Nathan. “It needs to be like my father has. One that tells the time in two different time zones. Like here and in Frankfurt, or Tokyo.”

“Ah, I think we have the very thing you need, err, Mister Bauer? You are a Bauer, aren’t you? The Governor’s son? I knew you looked familiar. I’m sure I’ve seen you by his side. On television I think.”

Nathan nodded and held out his hand. “Yes, I’m Nathan Bauer, sir. And this is my colleague, Noah Mason. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

“Charles Kramer, at your service. But please, just call me Chaz. My folks have been hereabouts for almost as long as there have been Bauers in Pennsylvania.  We’re from Germany too. A long, long time ago of course.”

Nathan smiled patiently as Noah just nodded and Mr Kramer, Chaz, turned to the window and brought out a small tray of watches.

“This is what you need, Nathan, a Rolex. It’s what they call their GMT model. You see this extra hand? You can set that to a different time zone. The main hand set tells you the time where you are, and that extra hand tells the time somewhere else in the world. You can actually use the bezel too - see those markings? -  to give you a third time zone. Just spin it round, like so, line it up and there’s another time for you. Very practical. Please, try it on.”

As Nathan reached out and took the watch from him, Mr Kramer’s eyes widened as he saw Nathan’s cuff ride up and expose the watch he was already wearing.

“I see you’re truly a man of taste, Nathan. A vintage Calatrava 96 by Patek Phillipe if I’m not mistaken. A family heirloom, perhaps? The Rolex model you’re holding there is just the basic stainless-steel version, Nathan, very rugged and practical of course, but we do stock them in gold – yellow or white gold naturally – and even platinum at our main shop in Pittsburgh centre. I could certainly have those sent out here for you to choose from if you wish.”

Nathan held the watch for a moment, looked at it, weighed it in his hand. “It’s rather, garish, don’t you think, Mister Kramer?” he said, returning it without trying it on. “The sort of thing a car salesman might wear, or a television anchor perhaps? I was looking for something a little less brash.”

“Jaeger LeCoultre, Nathan. Ask about a Jaeger LeCoultre Duoface.”

Both Nathan and Mr Kramer turned to look at Noah.

“That’s their logo up there,” said Noah, pointing towards the window. “So, you sell them.”

“Ah, yes, Jaeger LeCoultre. An excellent recommendation, Mister…umm, Mason, a fine watch indeed,” gasped Mr Kramer, recovering from his surprise. “We, er, don’t keep them in stock in this branch, Nathan, but of course we could order one in for you through our main branch in Pittsburgh. It would only take a week or two. Three at the most. I may have a catalogue under the counter here. Bear with me a moment, Nathan.”

As Mr Kramer began scrabbling about under the counter, Nathan stepped a little closer to Noah who clearly had more to say. “It’s a nice watch, Nathan. Designed for British army officers in their empire. It has two faces. One for the local time and one for British time. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

Nathan smiled at Noah. How did he always seem to know what he couldn’t possibly know?

“Yes, Noah. That’s what I want. Maybe even two of them.” Nathan paused, then looked over to where Mr Kramer was still desperately searching for a brochure they both knew he wouldn’t find. Nathan picked up a business card from a small stack on the counter top, looked at it briefly then made a show of placing it carefully in his jacket’s breast pocket.

“Don’t worry about it now, Mister Kramer, you’ve been most helpful already and I’ve taken up enough of your valuable time. Perhaps you could send a brochure to me, when you find it? You can post it to me at Allegheny River Military College.”

A few minutes later, as Nathan and Noah walked up the steps to the doors of the diner to join the rest of the guys who were already inside, Noah tugged gently on Nathan’s sleeve, held him back just for a moment and spoke quietly.

“I don’t think two Duofaces is a good idea, Nathan. Do you?”