Trouble And Money #02

On The Road To Home​

My first day at Wilson Teller Solutions was a half day of paperwork and crappy food. As soon as I got in my truck and cleared the parking lot, I found the nearest Mac Shack. I bought a Number One and an extra box of fries for Gator.

Who thought that carrots and coleslaw with fake mayonnaise would make anyone happy?

My two new friends felt the same way, and one of them, Janet, was behind me in the drive-thru.

I am not a big fan of fast food options, but when I left Wilson Teller, I was hungry, and I had a good drive home ahead. Gator will like the fries, so I’ll give them to him before our walk.

The company headquarters, including the orientation, was cookie-cutter except for the shitty food.

Most companies go out of their way to make a newbie feel welcome. This vegan display is tone-deaf and an F.U. to a not-very-silent majority.

Later in the day, I walked into my department's break room. It was stocked with coffee, tea, real cream, half and half, oat milk, almond milk, and imitation cream.

I’m a big boy, and I’ll get over missing a meal.

I’m a graduate of The University of Parris Island, where you wondered whether you would get your next meal and if it would be edible.

This is my tenth immersion case in my three years as an investigator, and it feels the same. The presentations, which I call “Love Mes,” are all the same, conveying an “Isn’t my company great?” message.

She Smells Good

I was touching my new company lanyard when the glass slid open, and an arm extended with that heavenly bag and a large Dr. Pepper.

So the mission, as relayed to me before taking the job, is to determine if a male employee in the department I am assigned to is boinking a woman in another department.

This is the first time I have heard of this kind of assignment, and I was hesitant, but the money is just too good.

The company needs to know about internal fun and games that could cause problems before a promotion.

I get $300 a day plus expenses. (I will submit the Mac Shack receipt as a matter of principle.) I also get the company's salary while I work.

I am guaranteed two weeks. That’s a lot of donut holes and fries for Gator, my dog.

Gator has a fierce name but a small stature. He’s lovable and tenacious. He loves me and his favorite sloppy tennis ball.

In large, medium, and small companies, who is doing what is usually one of the best reasons for reading Slack or other company pipelines. Then there are the after-work beer meetings. (My favorite) I should figure this out in a day or two.

As I was introduced to the department, I met the target. His name is Taveon, and he seems incredible. Solid handshake, tall, nice smile, direct eye contact.

We moved on to the next desk, and I met Maggie. Holy shit. Her looks jolted me, and she said, “I am the person you go to if you need anything, Conrad.”

I thanked her and immediately thought of three things I needed, but I’ll let that ride until later.

She smelled good and did not have a wedding ring on.

I can’t wait for tomorrow.

Trouble And Money is published Monday through Friday. It is a free 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.