The Mind Readers

Chapter 1

Tom Mettler watched the incessant rain out of his window. The curtain of water had almost but covered the spectacular view he enjoyed from his apartment window that gave an uninterrupted view of the Manhattan skyline. The large chestnut tree branches on both sides gave a framed and picturesque view of the skyline. It was an artistry of nature and live rendering of a unforgettable stunning view of the sky line of the Big Apple from Hoboken in New Jersey. The missing twin towers that had become an overwhelmingly integrated and architectural part of the skyline reminded him of the pain and suffering. He had gazed at the magnificent sight that had a indescribable uniqueness about it. Nature had bestowed it with colors that prominently changed with the seasons. The changing time of the day added to the stunning spectacle, unique and almost never the same. The view on a clear night was festive with the lights in the skyscrapers, some floodlit.

Tom remembered the view that took his breath away, when the landlady opened the door to the apartment in his search for renting an apartment, a short walk from the Stevens Institute of Technology campus. He was a senior when he looked for a rental apartment at Stevens Tech. The apartment had two bedrooms and sharing it sure helped defray the rental cost with his roommate Boris Delpago, a Research assistant at Stevens.

He was glad to stay in the apartment when he landed his first job after graduating from Stevens Tech. It was convenient not having to move from his apartment because his job with the Casa Café Company in Hoboken was only a couple of walking blocks. He could afford to live in it all by himself. Tom was glad to stay around in Hoboken, close to the town of Weehauken, he grew up and went to Junior and High schools.

Stevens Tech was special for him when he went to school. It was considered to be a tough Engineering Institute to get into and he secretly hoped to study there one day. He had walked around the campus with friends during the high school years often only to be chased out by the campus cops but that only increased his resolve about Stevens. He graduated from High School with honors and Stevens welcomed him when they saw his college entrance grades.

Companies in the Big Apple and Jersey City had interviewed him and he waited to hear from them. He was optimistic and the job market was good for the new graduates. His interview with the Casa Café was special. He loved coffee and wanted to stay in Hoboken.

He was given a thumbs-up after the second interview and was simply thrilled much to the chagrin of some of his fellow graduates who were moving out to other states.

Tom settled down in his Scandinavian chair his folks had bought years ago in the Imported furniture warehouse in down town Jersey City. Sitting on his very comfortable chair with an ottoman had been a great investment his family had made. It was very much his dad’s chair but he was allowed to sit on it when his dad was not home. His folks had moved on to Paterson, north of Hoboken and he had begged his Dad for the chair, when he got his own place. His Dad was the prime occupier of the chair especially when he came back from work. It was old but very comfortable and Tom felt that it fit his body contour as if it was custom built for him.

He poured himself black coffee from the thermos and spiked it with Jack Daniels. He felt relaxed after a tiring work day in the office, sipping his warm cocktail. He recalled the view of Manhattan during his school years visible from several locations near the campus at Stevens in Hoboken but this view had become very special for him. The Empire State building towered in the view and blended with the skyline. He was troubled at first when the construction of the twin towers commenced. They were an intrusion to his very personal and private view. It took him quite sometime in accepting the twin towers in his private view of the skyline. It was the day he returned from a family event in San Francisco, a city he also loved. He was tired and his family decided to take the helicopter from the JFK airport to Newark. It was late and he stared at the Manhattan skyline as the helicopter made its way across the Manhattan. Suddenly, the twin towers came into view and looked so awesome with studded lights that from that day they became very much part of his sacred view. He had later looked at the view of the skyline at night from his parents’s apartment and nodded his approval of the twin towers as very much a part of the magical skyline.

Tom had wondered at times about his passion of the view. He had dreams of settling down when he grew, raising a family, but the thought of moving to a house and the innumerable family demands discouraged him. It could compromise his quiet, sacred, private and content life. There was something very special about sitting on a Sunday morning with the New York Times Sunday edition in his pajamas reading the voluminous very interesting articles while throwing glances at the view he simply adored. His dad had done that and now he did the same and enjoyed it immensely.

The view of the skyline had become a relaxing therapy for him and furthermore a source of inspiration. He had at times become worrisome about his addiction but there was affirmation during the numerous small parties and social visits of his friends in his apartment, that his view was indeed very magical and addictive.

The gasps and the wows’ affirmed that he was not on the rocker. It was a vindication that he was just the everyday neurotic passionate young man.

Chapter 2

Tom dozed off in his luxurious chair thinking about how lucky he was to work in the coffee industry especially with his love for coffee.

He woke up to a soft tapping on his door. He jumped up feeling guilty on not having perhaps heard the soft knocking before, ready to apologize.

He opened the door to see his landlady’s daughter walking away.

Sorry Ann, I had dozed off. Tom apologized beckoning her.

Ann turned around, smiled nervously and walked up to his door.

May I come in, please? and walked into Tom’s apartment without waiting for a response.

So, what’s up at this late hour, my dear? asked Tom.

How long have you lived here? I mean how long have you known my mom? Ann asked.

Tom looked at his watch. It was almost midnight. The distinctive music signaling midnight on the WPAT Patterson radio station came on.

You woke me up to ask me that? What’s with the soft tapping on the door? It is not like you? What is the matter? Tom asked with a hint of irritation.

I asked you first. Answer me please. she insisted dropping into a chair.

Tom dropped in his luxury chair in resignation.

"I have known your mom ever since I moved in, a few years ago.

So what is this all about?" Tom asked wondering where this was going.

Tom you know I have had a crush on you but I am over it. You were my first teenage love. she eyed him.

Yes yes Ann that was some time ago, I know. Could you please get to the point?

You sure know how to hurt a girl’s feeling. You are a brute. No wonder you have no girlfriend and no girl in her right mind will marry you. Ann snapped back.

Ok ok I am sorry my dear but it is late and I am tired, please.

Are you in love with my mom? she accosted.

What the heck? Gemini Christmas! Your mom is a great lady and no I am not in love with her. Tom replied very surprised by the question.

So how come she calls your name often in sleep?

How the heck should I know? I am not the only Tom in the country. Tom replied clearly irritated.

Please don’t insult my mom. Ann snapped back.

I am not. I apologize anyway. Tom replied in defense and felt a slight confusion coming on.

Ann stood up and stared in silence at Tom who got up too and switched the bright lights on in the room. He was puzzled by Ann’s line of questions and felt very uncomfortable wondering what prompted her to do that, when the front door flew open and Ann’s mom, Rose, walked in.

"Ah! There you are my angel. You should not be disturbing Tom, at this hour of the night, even if he is family. Now be a good girl and go to bed. Ann turned around, shrugged her shoulders and walked out.

Hi Tom! I am sorry. Ann is such an impetuous girl. Isn’t she? I have tried to do my best but it is hard bringing up a teenager as a single parent. She still misses her dad and you are the best thing that has happened to us since he died. I wish she would find a nice guy, marry and settle down before she turns uninteresting for men Rose said staring at Tom.

"Well, that is all right Rose. I am glad to be a family friend. Ann is a good girl. She will be fine. Is she still dating that what’s his name..? Tom felt relieved a bit.

So now that we have disturbed you at this hour, are you not going to offer me a drink, your special, for instance. Rose sat down on the sofa continuing her stare at Tom.

Tom became uncomfortable realizing her glued look at him.

He stood up and quickly took out two coffee mugs and poured black coffee, spiking them with whisky. Rose had often popped in the past to share a chat about this and that and Tom always obliged. She had many friends including other renters in the building but she especially enjoyed a drink with Tom and enlightened him with the local news and gossip. He felt there was something different about this visit. Rose had not taken her eyes off him.

Tom thought about Jason, Rose’s late husband. He was a good provider for his family. He was a builder by profession and built the apartment building, renting out the twenty apartments and shops at the street level. Rose and Ann occupied one of the top floor apartments, across the hall from Tom’s apartment and lived on the rental income from the remaining apartments.

Are you uncomfortable because I am staring at you? Rose finally broke the silence.

Not really. Well yes, a bit. What’s up? he replied with a strained smile.

Tom sat opposite to Rose. He was wide-awake now. The short nap had cleared his head and the spiked drink relaxed him. He sat and stared at Rose challenging her stare. Rose continued her stare briefly interrupting it with a sip of the warm cocktail. Moments passed and Tom started to get worried about the unromantic interlude. He recalled Ann asking him whether he was in love with Rose. Did her staring at him have something to do with the start of an affair? It was the first time he had noticed her soft complexion. She was very good looking indeed and there was something magical about her eyes. She was older than him but then history was full of odd affairs. This was all too much for Tom so he got up and opened a packet of potato chips hoping to snap her stare with the cracking noise of the chips.

How strange. I have known you all these years and never really taken a good look at you. she spoke breaking her stare.

And are you disappointed? he answered, regretting his response. He was uncomfortable with where the dialogue was going.

No, any way you are not my type. By the way your last rental check bounced. Don’t worry. I know you are good for it. It is the first time. I suppose there is always the first time. What did Ann want when she came to see you a moment ago? Rose surprised him.

I am sorry my check bounced. How could that have happened? I have enough funds in my account. I will pay the rent tomorrow in cash. In fact I can pay you right now. Tom said taking the wallet out his hip pocket and counted the cash on the table.

Rose counted the rent due and stood up gulping down the rest of her drink in the mug. Thanks Tom. I think I will also hit the sack. she replied, stood at the doorway and turned around facing him.

You did not answer my question Tom she cornered him.

Ann wanted to know whether you and I were having an affair. You know girlie stuff. he replied.

And what was your answer? came the prompt question.

I denied and that is the truth he replied without hesitation.

Did she say why she wanted to know? There was a hint of disappointment in her countenance.

Ah yes. She said that you call for Tom in your sleep. Tom hesitatingly replied with a quizzical look of incredulity.

Really! Silly girl. Good night Tom Rose replied, leaving the apartment looking back at Tom, a look that was difficult to interpret.

Chapter 3

Tom had experienced a pronounced mind reading phenomenon during the early days in school that continued thereafter. The experience confused him at first. Tom’s research into the subject of mind reading was inconclusive.. He had researched the phenomenon and soon learnt to live with it with a frequent mild state of bewilderment. His research revealed that there were people who had the gift, citing lively examples but most articles he read belittled mind reading as a possible hoax. Thoughts apparently emitted some kind of energy but were very difficult to receive and interpret if not communicated audibly. The communication process of hearing, understanding and responding, he learnt was complex. Telepathy and Psychics were somehow accepted by some believers in society. There were also critical write-ups that mind readers were evil perverts and should be shunned by society. Science articles wrote about investigating the mind reading phenomenon and wrote about the cortex, brain waves, receptors, neurotransmitters and the associated jargon to reach some understanding of the phenomenon on whether or not the subject had credibility. Tom wondered why science projected the impression that if it could not find a scientific explanation then it was merely a hoax. Tom had learnt enough to know that science did not have a lot of answers of life but it often lacked humility impeding learning and often guided by egocentrics, challenged the very existence of God.

He had at times, acted on the messages silently read by his mind that he could decipher, to his advantage with a sense of some guilt. His attempt to share them with trusted friends and family brought very negative responses and often stopped short of acting on them, not wanting to be known as a weirdo. There were times when attempting to share or discuss the phenomenon with friends resulted in brusque responses of trying to meddle with witchcraft, or the Satan. He longed at times for meeting someone who suffered from the same or similar phenomenon.

The mind reading occurrences became infrequent when he was studying at Stevens Tech but he remained as always unprepared when they occurred. He felt guilty when he did not act on the phenomenon that signaled harm falling on people he knew.

He had landed a great job with Casa Cafe in Hoboken, an easy walk from where he lived. He loved the coffee aroma that was at times strong depending on the direction of the wind. Savoring a cup of fresh brewed coffee in the morning and the coffee aroma in the air supercharged the treat.

The coffee in the office was no match to his own brew in the morning.

He had saved the company from losses by sending memos to his boss alerting the possible adverse consequences, triggered by the phenomenon. His boss had come to rely on him and a good trust developed between them. Tom kept a low profile with his colleagues and the boss avoided praising him openly to avert jealousy among the group but rewarded Tom monetarily as a token. It was a good arrangement.

There were rumors about Tom being moved out of engineering to corporate planning but he had become comfortable with his boss Jack Trainor and feared exposing his secret about mind reading messages. He suffered panic attacks at times when they occurred and he was unable to decipher, but managed to calm himself with a stiff drink and focusing his thoughts at the enchanted view of the Manhattan skyline.

Tom had often wondered when he read about people gifted with clairvoyance but his attempts were unsuccessful in making a meaningful contact. They brought on more questions than answers. The one positive thing that came out of his contacts with such people was that he no longer considered his special gift, a mental disease or a freak of nature.

He had learned to deploy the special gift in a manner that was not obvious but nevertheless left him with the uncanny thought that he was not a great mind and could be exposed sooner or later. The consequences of being exposed frightened him but he knew that what he did was involuntary and not considered illegal or immoral unless abused. He used his gift wisely for the benefit of others and himself. Helping others was gratifying but helping himself brought guilt. He had observed that people generally reacted with ambivalence when it came to super minds or supernatural powers. The reaction of admiration or envy was a strange reflective trait of the personalities, he encountered.

Chapter 4

Tom soon realized that Rose and Ann did no longer make frequent visits to see or just be with him. They waved in greetings at him but no more meaningless chitchat.

Tom welcomed it. It gave him more time for himself and he did not have to be sociably polite. He was sure that the confession of the absence of romance between Rose and him had plenty to do with it. So what he thought, that’s the way the cookie crumbles besides he had no romantic feelings for her.

Tom was thumbing through some current coffee purchase order reports in the office when some intuitive thought told him that the order for the Arabia coffee beans ready for shipment to Hoboken from Brazil had a quality problem. He became alarmed and went to see Jack Trainor who was in a meeting but waved him to come in. Jack was in a meeting with Mat Wilson, Vice President of Purchasing, an ardently egocentric and abrasive character.

Come on in Tom. What is on your mind? You have that worried look he inquired.

When is the next shipment of coffee due from Brazil? Tom asked.

That should be next week Jack replied looking at his schedule calendar on the wall giving an annoyed glance at Tom.

"Have we done the quality assurance and control on the coffee beans, ready for shipment? Enquired Tom somewhat unsure of himself.

We have a on site inspector who does all that and files a report we check and approve before the shipment is cleared. Why? Interjected Mat Wilson, his annoyance visibly increasing.

I just have a feeling that they may ship a poorer grade coffee. Tom replied.

What is that based on Tom? questioned Mat Wilson in rage.

I have been reading in the trade journals that the harvest did not meet the expected quality grade this year in Brazil, so I thought we should be extra careful. Just a cautious whim. replied Tom.

Well is that so? We trust our on-site inspectors not whims. They have never failed us so far. I will make a note about your concern. replied Jack trying to calm Mat.

Tom walked back to his office knowing that he had annoyed Mat and possibly Jack. He felt relieved about expressing his concern all the same. Tom was in the process engineering and knew that word would spread out that Tom was meddling again in business that did not concern him. People tend to be very territorial he recalled but he never pressed his luck especially where mind reading messages were involved.

The quality control officer in the plant called him later in the day.

Tom, I have received the Inspector’s report from Brazil and guess what, it is approved and the shipment is on its way. Hey! next time you have some concerns about quality of the coffee beans, do me a favor, call me and not Mat, who is not responsible for daily operations for God’s sake!

Sorry John. My mistake. I just expressed my concerns to Jack and Mat happened to be in his office. Tom replied.

Well ok. I don’t want the management to feel that I am slacking. Unlike you, I face retirement soon and must protect my pension. How is it going in engineering anyway? John toned down trying to change the subject.

We are testing the new roasting process but there are control problems that we are sorting out. Tom felt the inadvertent storm he created had subsided.

Tom was clearing his desk when the phone rang.

Hey Tom don’t you have enough to do? Why do you meddle with other departments? What are you a special brain trust of the company? Why can’t you stop meddling and work like all good normal folks? The boss man must have a soft spot for you. I don’t want to sound rude, after all you have done some remarkable engineering work and not to forget the process work to develop different flavors. I don’t hate you. I just envy you at your ability to multitask. I am sure you learnt all that at Stevens. I could not afford a college education so I am never going to make it to the top, I guess. It was Bains Jackson from Process Control blasting him. Tom realized he had unintentionally rocked the boat.

Relax, Bains. Your job is safe. You are a good man and you do a good job. Who says the best brains in the country are college grads! I am just trying to do my job the best way I can. See ya! Tom said treading the delicate subject of college education with a guy who had developed an inferiority complex that turned into mania at times.

Tom had once stepped into the lion’s den with a group in the operations and realized later the complexity of having a college degree when working with those who did not. Some of the guys did a bang up job with a high school degree but did not move up the corporate ladder generally reserved for grads. Why? he wondered often. After all it had to do with ability, experience and impacting the bottom line. He had heard about the social strata in many countries that limited advance in the corporate ladder and accepted as a indisputable system, not to be challenged ever.

Tom despised hierarchy because it was demeaning.

Chapter 5

Tom decided to catch a movie and stop at the Diner on the main street.

He caught sight of the Hoboken newspaper, referred as the ‘local noise’ by the locals, that mentioned the golden jubilee celebrations coming up at the Casa Café company next year and lauded the founder Juan Pedro Rico for his contributions to the welfare of Hoboken. The paper reported that Jose Rico the current President was indeed a chip of the old block, the founder. The article alleged that there were rumors stemming from the Chairman Francisco Rico’s office that the company may consider relocation overseas because of uncompetitive labor costs in the U.S.

Tom missed a beat and wondered if there was any truth about relocation or a mere media hype to make news. The newspaper editor, Bill Masterson, was a master at creative news but he was often proven right. Tom wondered about the real source of the news to relocate and shrugged his shoulders remembering that the media was not always held accountable for what they printed.

Tom had become comfortable with his job and was grateful that the President of the company had taken a personal liking for him but then Tom had the feeling that Jose Rico acted the same way with most all people in the company. Tom felt panicky about a possible relocation if there was some truth to what he had read. He had battled with over specialization in his profession. His dad and uncle had often warned him that specialization often narrowed prospects when changing jobs. He could be out of a job if the company relocated to some God forsaken country. He had taken two short vacations in Europe but London was the only city he felt comfortable. It was very unsettling listening to incomprehensible strange languages and having to respond or react to them.

He returned to his apartment and tried to focus on the disturbing news he had read, hoping to click open a premonition but it was futile. The drink nor the view of the skyline could calm him. He decided to take a sedative and was fast in slumber when there was a knock at the door that got louder by the second. He opened the door in disbelieve.

Ann stood in tears. She screamed inaudibly. Tom felt groggy and decided to let her in with Rose who rushed to her trying to calm her down.

I am sorry Tom, I don’t know what is wrong with Ann. Rose said.

Seconds later a screaming match between mother and daughter ensued while Tom watched in awe and utter groggy confusion. He tried to intervene but it was futile. They continued the accusatory attacks and counter attacks.

Tom decided to walk away and retire to his bed. He was fast asleep oblivious to his guests dueling in his living room.

Tom woke up in the morning and realized that he had overslept which meant he had to skip the breakfast ritual. He took a cold shower, changed and realized that both daughter and mother were sleeping in his guest bedroom.

Chapter 6

The brisk walk in the morning, cleared his head and he stopped to pick up a coffee and doughnut from the coffee shop near the entrance to the office building. He nearly ran into Jose Rico in the lobby who grabbed him by the arm and guided him to his office.

I will be grateful for half the doughnut, Tom. Jose said.

I can share the coffee also if you like. Tom said enjoying the moment.

Skip that coffee in your hand. My secretary is making a very fine brew of Puerto Rican coffee. Jose insisted.

Jose’s smart secretary appeared with coffee and Danish. Tom was very pleased and helped himself.

So what do you think of the coffee flavor and taste pressed Jose.

Well it is different… and tasty in fact but kind of strong on second thought. Tom replied.

Strong! You must be out of your mind. Why this is the cream de la cream of café aficionados, my friend. Relax, take your time and sip it. Fine coffee should be sipped like fine cognac Jose instructed.

The coffee was indeed special, Tom thought. He helped himself to another cup and tasted it black. He could not believe the dawning thought that the taste was infact superb.

He looked up at Jose who was anxious to hear his comments.

The coffee is the tastiest I have ever had. It is better black. Milk and sugar do injustice to it. It is better than our own brands. Sorry about that. Tom observed.

Jose nodded his head in approval not taking his eyes glaring at Tom said This is real coffee. The stuff we make and sell has semblance in color only and the taste an insult and abrogation to calling it coffee. Now here is what I want you to do. You take the next two days off your job here and I want you to spend tasting a variety of coffees at the Madison Coffee Shop in New York. Write a report and send it to me marked ‘Confidential’. We will discuss your findings later. Any questions?

Yes, as a matter of fact. Are you planning to relocate Casa Café from Hoboken to..

"May be and then may be not.