Chapter 24

‎We started working on Monday at the church daycare. Since we weren’t being paid it wasn’t really work. I was sitting outside the church where the daycare was holding forth that Monday. I got out of the SUV when Tommy Simpson pulled up. He didn’t move like a man in a great deal of pain. He was more a man with bad balance. He would not be the ideal employee, but he might be the best one available for the job.

‎‎”Tommy, how is it going?” I asked.

‎‎”It’s going good. How about you? Or more to the Point how is it going with Mary Beth?”

‎‎”She is going to be fine. She should be on the schedule by Friday,” I explained.

‎‎”Then you should be able to cover all the shifts,” Tommy suggested.

‎‎”Yes, but I wanted to ask you about something else. I have got to get four Poly packing cases moved to my house by Friday. Do you know anyone who has a truck large enough to handle it?” I asked.

‎‎”‎I think I can get them in my box truck. We might have to make two trips but I can get it done,” he suggested.

‎‎”So how much do you want to do the job?” I asked.

‎‎”A tank of gas,” he said. “These packing cases are for the homeless right?”

‎‎”That’s the plan but that may not work out,” I admitted.

‎‎”Why don’t you meet me at Ellen’s Cafe near the highway Friday at eight. You can buy breakfast,” Tommy demanded.

‎‎”Okay, I guess I can leave my DUV there while we go pickup the cases,” I suggested.

‎‎”That should work,” Tommy agreed.

‎‎”I’m going in to be sure we get off on the right foot,” I said nodding to the church door.

‎Inside we met the manager of the daycare. She was the only paid employee. Someone had to be responsible I knew. Without that things just didn’t get done.

‎The woman who greeted us was twenty pounds or more over weight. She did dress nice, but her clothes were not expensive. I guessed they were older as well as inexpensive. Being around kids all day would put a strain on even the best dressed woman wardrobe.

‎‎”Which one of you two is Ed Rollins?” she asked.

‎‎”Guilty,” I said. “This gentleman is Tommy Simpson.” I shook her hand then passed her off to Tommy. “He is going to spend the day with you. If for any reason you need to discuss anything call me. I promise I will answer the phone at anytime.”

‎‎”Fair enough,” she said. “I’m Sandra Morris.”

‎‎”Happy to know you,” I smile. After the small talk I went about my normal Monday activities. I got a bit of a late start but everything worked out fine.

‎Monday night I answered the phone after 5pm. I guessed that it was Mary Beth. “So how was your day?” I asked.

‎‎”It was fine. I passed the range course, and my background check is good, so I’m certified as out of my mind,” she said.

‎‎”That means we are all nuts,” I suggested. “Can you spare me an hour tomorrow?”

‎‎”What time?” she asked.