Trouble And Money #17

Regional FBI Headquarters - Chelsea, Massachusets

I am sitting across from Wallace Hughes, who is pitching me to work as a contractor for the F.B.I. He wears the proper uniform, which is the same every day. His white button-down shirt is stiff with starch, and due to its brightness, I almost had to put on my sunglasses.

"Jesus, Wally, how do you get those shirts so bright and stiff?" I asked as I sipped a free government-issued coffee.

"I send them to the laundry once a week, and they do their thing." He said as he started bouncing a rubber band ball on the wall behind me. 

There is a dark spot on the wall where the ball must have hit a thousand times. It's disrespectful toward someone who may cross off a case for him.

Did I mention that I have a soft spot for assholes?

"I survived the first round of DOGE cuts, but it's not over yet. We have lost some good people who took early retirement." He said.

"We still have money for Contract Special Investigators, and I'm pretty sure you'll get paid if you take this job," Wally said.

I don't like the sound of "pretty sure," but I have learned to trust Wally for the past three years. 

My job for him last year was forty percent of my total gross as an Investigator.

Government work is the best. The checks have never bounced.

He started, "I'll come right out and say that this position I'm considering for you is dangerous. These guys leave no loose ends."

I said, "Stop considering, I'll do it. Tell me more."

He started to tell me a story that made me angry. I hate traitors.

I lied to Wally when I told him I knew how to drive a truck.

Peace O The Sea Trailer Park - Rye, New Hampshire

Tammy and I have grown very close in a short amount of time. 

I'm sitting at my kitchen table, which also serves as my office. I'm digging deep, trying to find someone to teach me how to drive a big rig tomorrow.

I found a woman with a truck who would give me six hours of lessons for $400, starting at 0400, in the parking lot of my local supermarket. 

"Are truck driving lessons a euphamism for something else?" I asked

She laughed and shot back, "Everything is negotiable."

I looked over at Tammy, who heard that on my speakerphone, and she caught me looking at her.

"What?" she said.

"I like having you around," I said.

She stopped and started pouring two beers, and said, "My lease is up in 1 month."

I thought for a second or two. 

She says what she means and means what she says, so I will reciprocate and see how it works. It's being very open. Aint I brave today?

"Your Mom and Dad will hate where you live," I said.

"I won't hate it, and that's all that counts." Then she added, "I like having you around as well."

And that was that.

Trouble And Money is published Monday through Friday. It is a serial fiction detective story with characters you will love. Read the adventures of Conrad Grange as he solves cases and contends with a harsh world.