Page 43 of Truck

“Okay, is now good? I’m free for four hours at this point. But I have Grady to pick up, so cannot stay longer than that.”

Coin quickly replies, “That is great and I don’t think it will take that long?”

“I’ll come over now.”

“Okay, great, thanks Rory, see you in a while.”

Coin is waiting outside the clubhouse when I arrive, and he rushes me through to his office. I take a seat and turn to him. “You know it’s a little early to give you full financial management, don’t you? I would usually only look after the business has been operational for six months.”

“I realize it only opened today, but we want the business to run correctly from the get-go and not be a failing business because we didn’t do all we could to make it successful.” Coin leans back in his seat and waits for me to speak.

“I made some suggestions today and I think Rum will follow through with those.”

Coin cuts me off from saying more. “What suggestions?”

“It was suggestions about using the billboard to get maximum value out of it.” I can see Coin is listening to what I’m saying, so I continue. “If they have the billboard scrolling, they can place the gas prices, store specials, advertise the vehicle recovery, and take business advertisements for a monthly cost. It will recover the price of the billboard and give a profit margin.”

“That is a good idea, and I’m sure some of the businesses in town would be interested. I think the gas station is going to be popular. It has been suggested we keep the convenience store stock at competitive prices so people will use the store on a regular basis and not just as a quick buy one thing because they can’t be bothered to go somewhere else.”

“That is exactly what I mean. Think ahead, and it will bring in customers and profits. I will look at cash flow, liquidity, profit margins, any form of cushion you need as a float, and if there is a possibility of growth. But I cannot do that until you have at least two months of business. The first month will be initial interest from people in town. They may not come back, so we cannot use the first month. The second month will be the one that shows a more serious level of how the gas station will be used. Six months from now will show all the ways that are detrimental or profitable. That is when my expertise is most needed.” I look at Coin, and he’s nodding as he takes in what I’m saying.

“Okay, Rory. If you can look at what is happening after the first two months and again in six months, would that work for you?” Coin I know is very good at what he does. It is obvious in the spreadsheet that is on the monitor in front of him.

My phone rings and seeing its Jill, I quickly answer. “Jill, are you and Grady okay?” I asked because it is unusual for her to telephone me.

“We are okay, Rory. But I had a call that Momma died two hours ago. Can you keep Grady with you while I see what happened and make a few arrangements?” I can hear Jill crying, and it’s what you would expect.

“Of course I’ll keep Grady with me. He can stay with me until you have things sorted, and you want him back home. I’ll make sure he is okay, Jill. You deal with your mother, and I’m so sorry to hear your sad news.”

Coin is listening to the conversation, and I can see he’s understanding what he’s heard.

“Thank you, Rory. I’ll bring some of Grady’s things to the diner so you can pick them up. It is closer for you to pick up when you come to work. I’ve spoken to Shelby, and she said Grady can stay at the diner, and when the diner quiets down, you can leave early.”

“What about your hours?” I ask, thinking I might step up and do a few extra if Shelby needs me to.

“A woman who applied for a job recently is going to cover my hours for the moment. Shelby had been thinking of taking on someone who could work hours alongside you so she could step back a little, and now is the ideal time. This way she will work alongside Jayne and learn what’s needed. She seemed nice when I met her a few minutes ago.” Jill sniffles some more, then continues. “I’ve got to go, Rory. Thank you so much for having Grady. Thinking about it, I’ll bring his things to the school and when he leaves, I’ll tell him about Momma and make sure he’s okay.”

“Okay, I’ll see you at school later. Again, I’m very sorry, Jill.”

“We knew it was coming, so it’s not a shock as such. It’s just happened sooner than we expected.”

Closing the call, I look at Coin, and he gives me an understanding look. “It’s good of you to have her brother, Rory. Few people would do that.”

“Grady chose me as his adopted sister. I’ve never had siblings, so it was exciting that he did that, and I love him. He’s a great little person. He’s eleven going on thirty,” I say this with laughter, but I’m also thinking this is going to be hard.

My phone pings, which tells me a message has been delivered.

Truck: Why did you dash off?

Men, they are such idiots at times. He didn’t realize all that hocus-pocus was spooky?

Rory: I’m not interested in spooks, ghosts, or any other entities. If they are hanging around you and the gas station, I reckon we can call this done.

It only takes a moment for Truck to call. “What the fuck, Rory! What are you talking about? We. Are. Not. Done.”

I’m holding the phone away from my ear because Truck is shouting so loud. Coin chuckles, and I give him a wide-eyed look.

“If you have something following you, I don’t want to get involved.” As I’m responding to Truck, I’m watching Coin send a message to someone.