Paul laughed.“Yeah, I don’t think sixty dollars a week would have cut it.”
“That’s all?”
“That was the going rate a few years ago, I don’t know what it is now.Is there a mortgage on this place?”
“No, it was paid in full before Dad inherited it.I’m going to take some of this money and up the property insurance on this place.You can’t be too careful, especially with what we’ll be doing.”
“I totally understand.”Paul agreed.“Okay, let’s go into the private office to see what we have.”They went there, and they only had to adjust four of the forty cameras for a better, unobstructed view.When they were done, Paul looked at Warren.“We good?”
“Yes, you have someplace to be?”
“Yeah, Gator’s due in late today or early tomorrow.I’ve been helping you, and I’ve neglected my own research.Not that it’s a bad thing, I just want to get my ducks in a row for when he arrives.They will be staying with Petra and I for a few days.Someone from DC is coming out to show them the houses available.”
“What houses?”Warren frowned at him.“All I know is that there are a lot of boarded up houses in and around town.”
“Those houses.I knew I was going to start Tainted Shield, or something like it years ago.I told them before I went to join Devil’s Scorpions.While I was undercover there, they, Kessler and Flynn, learned of the factory shutting down.When people started leaving, the ATF and DEA stepped in and actually purchased the houses.The agents coming here, will get their pick, and they will purchase them back from the agency.Don’t quote me, but I don’t think any banks will be involved.Just paperwork stating the new arrivals will pay the agency back like a monthly mortgage.”Paul shook his head with a heavy sigh.
“I don’t know all the details.I do know that Laci, Gator’s girl, was contacted to be the agent.She’s a veterinarian, and since there aren’t that many clinics in the area, she opted to help get the incoming agents housing.She and Gator will be the first clients.”Paul shrugged.“That’s all I know.I thought Petra would do it, but she said she enjoys working for Sally too much to do something like that.Gator will be working at the shop with me.”
“So, Laci would need something to do.”
“Correct.”
“Will the other agents have women with them?”
“No clue, like I said weeks ago, no one but Gator has contacted me yet.The guys I knew that went home didn’t have any girlfriends or wives, but that might have changed.I do know that Laci is not a federal agent.”
“Well, thank you for all your help over the last few days.I really appreciate it.I want to put something out there.”
“What?”
“If you have any guys coming, and they have women with them, I’m looking to expand my menu.Now that I’ve finally cleaned up around here, if I’m going to be starting working for you guys, I’d like to offer more than just fried foods.Something that I could toss in the fryer.I still have a week left of vacation, and I’m going to tackle the kitchen.I have a new stove coming at the end of the week.I thought I could offer burgers and sandwiches.I’m going to need help both in the kitchen and behind the bar.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Paul said.“Again, I have no clue as to who or when the others will be here.They may arrive all at once, or trickle in.I like the idea of you expanding your bar.It will give the bikers a reason to keep coming back.Eventually, I’m hoping that will work in our favor.We can get word out that this is the place to come if you need something.”
“Okay, just keep me in mind about hiring people.I know you said the women might not be agents, but they are still better at reading a room than I am at times.”
“I hear you,” Paul chuckled as they shook hands, and he headed back to his place.On the way, he remembered to stop to pick up a few groceries.He knew he probably didn’t get everything on the list, but he knew he needed more coffee for the shop, so he picked up more for the house.Along with sugar, creamer, and cups.He also picked up some meat, both deli, and for other meals.
Before he left the parking lot of the grocery store, he looked at the text from Petra earlier and grinned when he realized he had gotten everything on her list.With a grin, he put his truck in gear and headed home.As much as he needed to be out in the shop, he took care of the groceries, fixed himself a sandwich, and cleaned up the house, though it was already spotless.With Petra gone all the time, and him in the shop, they didn’t have a chance to get it dirty.
Finally satisfied with his progress, he went to the shop to begin work.When his alarm went off at eight, he cleaned up, tidied up, and went to the house.He was just putting the meal on the table when Petra walked in the back door.
“What smells so good?”
“BBQ pork chops, baked potatoes, and there’s not a smell, but I thought a green salad would go nice with the chops and potatoes.”
“Wow, what brought this on?”she asked as she washed her hands, went to him and gave him a hug and kiss.
“Nothing much.I finished installing the cameras over at the bar today, he’s all set up and ready.He’s going to be cleaning his kitchen this next week.I need to research more about Judge Hoag, and I wanted to get ready for when Laci and Gator arrive.”
“When are they due?”
“It was supposed to be late this afternoon, or tomorrow.I’m banking on tomorrow, because it’s already nine at night.”
“Yeah, probably.Thank you for cooking.”
“Not a problem, that’s what we’re here for, to help each other in our jobs and our life.”He leaned in and kissed her, but sat back and studied her.
