Trouble And Money #18
t was a day of learning how to drive a truck, learning the specifics of my next assignment, and laughing with Tammy.
The Drive Through Lane - McDonald's - North Hampton, NH
I did it all today. I had a quick lesson in 18-wheeler basics in a "Dry Box Freight Shaker" (a Freightliner truck with a plain trailer).
Truckers have their language. I got the shifting down okay, and then Tiggy Werner taught me how to do a tight turn, backing up to a loading dock (we did that five times).
I learned how to position my mirrors, dominate the Hammer Lane, and keep my eyes open for cars in my blind spot. I painstakingly learned the etiquette for being in a chicken coop (Weigh Station) and why a highway's rest stop is called a pickle park. I'm still laughing at that one.
Wallace Hughes, FBI, and my handler, Gina X., coughed up the three C's—credentials, credit cards, and cover story. I have two days to get it down cold. I signed a million documents and put Tammy in as a beneficiary. (They would not allow a 50/50 split for Gator.) The FBI continues to be a world-class organization, but in my mind, they can be soulless bastards.
My new name is Gavin Smith, and I drive trucks from Bean Town to The Big D. I make jack, but I'm looking for a side hustle under the table. I just signed up for Clifton Go West, a transportation and logistics company. Because I'm a prima donna, a whiny driver, I don't hook reefers, and I prefer "Show and Go" runs because I have a life that is most important to me.
When Clifton Go West called my last employer, they said, "He's a nice guy, and he shows up on time."
When the "Special Agents" explained the basics of the assignment, I got serious for a minute.
This job's a little scary, given that there have been six or more deaths associated with the targets. These are some charming individuals.
"I'll take two number twos large with Dr. Peppers."
The Peace O' The Sea Trailer Park - Rye, New Hampshire
Tammy and I pulled into the driveway at the same time. The neighbors (The Best Security System In The World) know that Tammy is a regular and that her Jeep in the park is nothing to be concerned about. She climbed out of her driver's side and pulled a Tanqueray Box out of the back seat.
"Are we having Negronis tonight?" I asked.
"Well, that would be perfect with Q.P.C.'s, but no," she said.
"If I'm staying with Gator, I need a few things."
"How'd your landlord take the news?"
"He was okay, but he said he would miss me."
We had a nice evening, and Tammy understood I would be gone for quite a while. She did not ask a million questions, but she looked me in the eye at one point, held on to me, and said, "When you come back, we will be here."
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.