Trouble And Money #20

Worcester, Massachusetts - Home Of Orson And The Woo Sox

The system in the truck works well. What went in the back last will be delivered first.

That last load was the one I had to fit into the truck, and it wasn’t easy.

The custom metal frame was for a large sign that said “We Care About Your Meat.” It’s going to a steak house in Worcester, Massachusetts.

I pulled into the parking lot and saw that the sign company that would affix it to the building's roof was not there to receive it. They are late.

From this point, I am in the danger zone. The presumed target load of military-grade machined parts is in the truck, waiting to be delivered next.

Is the sign company late on purpose?

It’s cold. I’m standing with Frankie Petzco, the steakhouse manager, who is blasting the sign crew on his phone.

“You were supposed to be here an hour ago!” “What the fuck?” “I got Potatoes to bake and salads to prepare. “Instead I am standing outside in the cold with my thumb up my ass. Is your time more valuable than mine?”

Frankie looked at me and winked.

“Yes, the sign is still here on the truck. They need your signature.”

I like Petzco. He’s a bossy, hateful little guy who does not appreciate the frozen drippage from his nose or late vendors.

My hands are in my jacket pockets, and my right hand is on my Glock pistol. The truck bed door is open. It’s windy and cold.

As I shift my weight foot to foot and resist the urge to blow on my hands, I watch my truck and the parking lot for any lurkers or anything ready to come at me.

Pete Franklin Makes Up His Mind

The night before, he wrestled with whether it was right or wrong. He knows it is wrong. He made good money as a machinist. All the years he spent learning and implementing CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) were about to be eclipsed by Artificial Intelligence and advanced robotics. He will lose his job.

He had to keep his young son in “Magically Delicious Lucky Charms” and support the never-ending Candy Crush game his wife played.

All he wanted for himself was to get the NFL package on his TV so he could watch the Pittsburgh Steelers games next season.  That annual expense always pissed him off. 

The rest would go to the note on the new house. 

Buying a house before the AI tsunami was a bad idea, but Janice wouldn't listen. 

One phone call, one piece of information, and he will worry less about losing his job. He’ll have a little cushion.  

The Candy Crush, Lucky Charms, and Steel Curtain life will continue for the Franklin family.

Pete picked up the company landline and punched in the number he wrote on a napkin.

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.