Trouble And Money #19

Clifton Go West Logistics - Danvers, Massachusetts

I am surprised at how modern, efficient, and clean this trucking/logistics company is. I have been assigned a rig with more navigation and communication bells and whistles than the Apollo 11 lunar module. This rig would have more realistic odds to land on the Sea of Tranquility.

Claire Mizzario is going through the bill of lading under fluorescent lights.  She told me, "The Navigation has been loaded into your assignment, which you'll see on your screen when you spark it up." She handed me the hard copy of the Bill Of Lading but also told me that an electronic copy was in the system. You also have internet and Sirius.  All the comforts of Peace, O The Sea I thought.

Claire seems okay, but somewhere within this organization, a rat helps arrange loads to be hijacked for profit. 

Claire is a rubber stamper behind a window, but you never know. She has a big hickey, a nose ring, and a sleeve on the left forearm.

"The first pick-up point is show and go, but you may have to push a power jack on the second. The drop-offs are within 30 miles of each other." "You'll be home in time for Jeapordy."

I answered, "What is Cool?"

Rye Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

Dressed like a Patagonia model, Tammy walked along the shore with Gator running point and chasing gulls he would never catch. Her dark hair and blue eyes were perfect for the navy blue all-weather jacket.

She was texting her friend from work, Nora, and filling her in on how she started telling her Mom that she had met a man and that it was serious.

Tammy TEXT: I don't want to tell her how I started moving in already. It's funny how it just happened.

Nora TEXT: How's his "COOKING?"

Tammy TEXT: He makes nachos.

Nora TEXT: Not what I meant

Tammy TEXT: He's a Michelin five-star chef in bed. 

Nora TEXT: Jelly

Gator turned over wet sand, digging a hole. Tammy took a big gulp of ocean air and felt the breeze.  She yelled,"I can't believe I am moving in with a man!"

Tammy brought two fingers to her mouth and whistled. Gator's ears perked up, and he came running. He led her up the street toward home.

Tammy was sure that her mother would get used to it.

On The Road - Ashburnham, Massachusetts

I must admit that I was shaky backing into my first loading dock at a machine shop. I had to do it twice. The two men on the dock used the extra time to smoke some weed. They loaded me up to halfway.

I found the men's room inside and looked at some signs before walking onto the floor. ITAR compliance means the company has practices and materials that must be secured from foreign entities. ​I did not have to log in before I hit the head. That's a violation, but I am not a hall monitor.

When I got back to the dock, the box was loaded. The next stop is at a welding company that makes customized metal frames.

I bet Gator and Tammy are snuggled up on the couch, watching Prime.

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.