Killing Keiko

Killing Keiko by Mark A. Simmons

Book: Killing Keiko by Mark A. Simmons Read Free Book Online
Authors: Mark A. Simmons
Ads: Link
give you more information
     to consider. Don’t be prideful . I fully understand not wanting to dismantle an organization, but don’t be impatient
     either. This experience is right up your alley. No one is more qualified than you
     to do this; it is a natural progression and culmination of your work and school background.
     You can still have [your company] and all of its potential in the future. You do not
     need to be in such a hurry
.
    I know how exciting this project is to you. It feels good, not only to work Keiko,
     but to work at the top of the game. You are MADE for this project; I’d hate to see
     you give up all of the positives in the name of something that may or may not be that
     important down the road
.
    Understand the other chess player. You mentioned some very valid fears of Charles
     and OFS. Realize that these are solid trepidations that freaks like Howard Garrett
     are reinforcing. You need to get a line out to Ken and Kelly Balcomb, so that you
     don’t have the peanut gallery advertising incorrect info. OFS is not to be looked
     at like an adversary
.
    Finally, whatever you do, I love you very much. Be safe and warm and know that my
     heart and mind brim with pride at being your wife … your soul mate
.
    Your Wing, Aly
    At times I believe that we men are in a constant state of self-destruction and that
     the only thing preventing us from sinking into oblivion is the right woman. My wingman
     or “wingwoman” had helped me turn a difficult corner. She was right; I wanted to be
     on this project and turning it down because they wouldn’t hire our company would have
     left me with haunting regrets. This project wasn’t going to last forever, and I could
     return to our company and its goals in the future.
    That morning, Dave and I had gone to the bay pen to distance ourselves from the meetings
     and hopefully gain a fresh perspective. This is where I received the e-mail from Alyssa
     and after reading it, it was as if a demon had been exorcised from my psyche.
    During that afternoon, Robin met with Charles as Dave and I were headed in from the
     bay pen. Famous for his skill at diplomacy, Robin was able to endear himself to Charles,
     and together they framed a sound understanding for our participation in the project.
     Among other agreements reached, Robin accepted the position as an OFS employee. He
     would be the new Keiko Release Project Manager alongside Jeff Foster. He also paved
     the way for my inclusion as the director of Animal Husbandry. This meant that I would
     be solely dedicated to Keiko and answer only to Robin and Jeff. Monumental change
     had to occur with this project and the way Keiko was being managed.
    This structure allayed my final trepidations about becoming an OFS employee. That
     night I shared the outcome with Alyssa, to whom I owed my very involvement. The struggle
     and compromise behind us and with a singular focus now unbridled from lesser things,
     I was ready to put my full attention into every aspect of Keiko’s rehabilitation.
    E-mail: May 6, 1999
    To: Alyssa
    Subj: Hey
    Came to an agreement with OFS today. I will be on a contract basis for 12 months as
     an OFS employee. The duration will be stipulated at a minimum of 12 months or as necessary
     until Keiko is released or relocated to a permanent housing facility
.
    The next few days will be spent not only outlining the details of a behavioral plan
     but also creating my position description, title and responsibilities. Robin is the
     project manager. He answers only to the OFS board/executive committee. I will answer
     only to Robin … I also expressed to Charles Vinick my interest in business operations.
     He acted as if he was very interested in utilizing me in that capacity. Knowing Robin,
     and our past relationship, I feel good about being able to implement and influence
     organizational development. He said I was free to take on any and as much responsibility
     as I wished. We will see … there is tons

Similar Books

And Kill Them All

J. Lee Butts