After Capt. R.E. Ludlow stopped a crime in progress through nothing but the resonance of his voice – the thief in question had been raised a Christian and thought he had heard the voice of God Almighty instead of a faithful basso profundo representative – young beat specialist Melvin Trent and his father, Sgt. Trent, had a conversation.
“You think he'd be willing to put some bottoms on your tracks if you cut him back a bit?” Sgt. Trent had suggested.
“Oh, no, Dad – what he needs is to be doing voiceovers for security companies,” Melvin said, “and I'm sure he will get that call this week. The voice alone is sufficient deterrent, because you wouldn't want to meet the owner of that voice whether you think it is a man or something above that.”
But later, Melvin returned to his father with a different idea.
“Dad, I think you were on the right track after all, but there's a much bigger train,” he said. “I was on live still when poor Pvt. Tucker came through here and had his whole life redirected – I was on live with some corporate clients who were really understanding about there being a crime in progress. They all heard Capt. Ludlow. They've all written me to tell me that they have projects they want him for – I mean, the emails are just streaming in.”
“So, hook up the train, Engineer Melvin, and get it safely into Ludlow Station,” Sgt. Trent said. “Remind the corporations that you need a finder's fee for the talent you are bringing in, too.”
“You sound like Pop-Pop!”
“Look, son, you don't get to be the son-in-law of a billionaire, even if his daughter is trying to get married to a simpler man, unless you can show that you know enough to stretch those Army checks. Thomas Stepforth Sr. could have had a hit put out on me anywhere in the world if he hadn't approved, and you wouldn't be here! As you are learning in business, everything depends on your qualifications!”
Melvin called his grandfather, who laughed.
“I already know all about Capt. Ludlow and his voice, and I was wondering when you would figure all that out!” said Mr. Stepforth.
“Remember, Pop-Pop, I'm just 21. I'm not like Vertran who is starting at nine!”
“I know, Melvin. You're doing a fine job. Speak up for that finder's fee, get all that in place, and then tell Capt. Ludlow. The man has seven grandchildren – he will be overjoyed, the Veteran's Lodge has a studio they can set up for him safely, and you, my boy, will have created a stream of income good until Capt. Ludlow's voice breaks... and because he is a deep bass, that may not happen for 20 years still if he takes care of himself.”
“Oh, he takes care of himself like you do, Pop-Pop.”
“Well, see, I have Vertran as a grandchild, and nobody else can really manage him at nine, to say nothing of him at nineteen, so you know I have to keep it together over here. Everybody isn't as self-contained as you are, Melvin.”
“Thanks for your time, Pop-Pop. I'll be sending you a dozen free beats for projects you are doing.”
“Ah, a younger businessman's respect for an elder businessman's time and mentorship – 'a man's gift will make room for him, and will bring him before kings,' the Scripture says. So glad that you are already practicing your billionaire habits, Melvin!”
“Yeah, well, I can't have Vertran showing me up from 12 years behind – he's out here making six-figure money now, so, I gotta get moving!”
“Speak up for those finder's fees on bringing in that talent, Melvin. Also, get ready – do you know how Capt. Ludlow's wife's first husband was?”
“No.”
“Samuel Green Sr. put parties together for presidents and potentates. His widow still has all those contacts because her son Solomon Green is carrying on the business. You are practicing the right habits in the right place, Melvin, and you are building the right resume.”
“Wow, Pop-Pop. Wow.”
“The world is small, Melvin, but with many levels – stay creative, stay humble, stay generous, and the Lord will elevate you. I have to leave here, someday, but I expect y'all my grandchildren to take over the 21st century, so get with it!”
Melvin broke out laughing.
“Dad said that was your big plot to take over the 21st century through your grandchildren, and that was why you even let him marry your daughter, my mom!”
“And thus here you are, my grand-mogul – mwahahahahahahahahahaha!” Mr. Stepforth said as his grandson nearly fell over from laughing. “Get with the program, Melvin!”