“Is everything else in working order?”
“Yeah. We make sure everything gets checked on a regular schedule. It can be bad to just leave a building sitting. I make sure she’s taken care of. The HVAC systems are new. We upgraded all the wiring a few years ago.”
“Why? I mean if the space isn’t being used, why the new HVAC and electrical?”
“I’m not sure. I guess Mr. Porter was going to start something new, but then he sold to AGC instead.”
“I see.” She jotted down some notes. “How about the building directly behind us?”
“That’s not really good for anything except a warehouse, and not up to code for food products anymore.”
“But it would be usable warehouse space for nonperishables. Say, sporting equipment?”
“Definitely, if it was cleared out.”
“How big is that one?”
“Oh, it’s actually much bigger than where you’re staying. The way it’s laid out is deceiving. At one time there was talk of dividing it into three units. That could still be done.”
“Great. Good. Well, you really do know your stuff about this company.”
“There’s old equipment stored in that building. I’ve been telling AGC that all of that surplus needs to be scrapped. There’s a lot of money in that scrap metal. No one has listened, though.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” It would have fallen on Micky, since this was his account to have kept up with the company. Even though some of the businesses got taken apart and consolidated with others, the bottom line was that they were supposed to do whatever it took to get the business on solid ground. “Can we work together to clear that old equipment out? It makes sense to do that.”
“Sure. It won’t take long. I know a guy. One call and I can have it taken care of. Just wasn’t my call to make without corporate weighing in since they bought us out.”
“I understand. Well, consider it a go. Can you make that call today?”
“I can. Won’t happen until Monday. Holiday and all.”
She turned to her computer and typed in the request. “Thank you.”
Edna had seemed disappointed, making her stomach grind a little as she started to share the good news with Bill.“Good” being relative.“Bill, you’ve been an exemplary employee with Porter’s. Well, you know that already, but we really appreciate it.” She slid the stack of papers in front of him. “I’d appreciate it if you won’t disclose the details of this, but in reviewing your…” The rest was kind of like reciting from memory.
Only Bill didn’t look sad at all. A big toothy grin spread across his face. His scruffy mustache and beard bounced as he grinned. That was a grin… wasn’t it?
She was still talking, trying to read the expression, when he burst out in a guffaw.
“Ah-ha-ha. You’re paying me to retire, and the bonus is…” He flipped through the pages. “Enough to buy the boat of my dreams. And then some. I’ll be dipped in mud!”
Is that a good thing?
“This just doesn’t happen to people like me.” His eyes glinted as he lifted them to meet hers. “Not in small towns like this. This is great. Thank you.” He pushed a thick hand under his nose. “Look at me getting all misty. Joy. That’s what that is. Pure joy. Thank you.”
She let out a breath. Finally, someone that saw it the way she did. It was good news. An opportunity.Isn’t retirement what we all really work toward anyway?“There’s one more thing, and this isn’t in the documents, but I’ll have them drawn up after the holiday if you agree.”
“What is it?” His brows knit together. “Should’ve known there was a catch.”
“No. No catch. All of that is yours. This is completely separate.”
“Yeah?” He leaned in.
“Yes. I think you could help me get a few things done quickly. If you’ll help me evaluate all the warehouse space, I’ll pay you a consulting fee on top of that package.”
“I don’t have to do it?”
“No. The deal is the deal, but I hope you’ll help me. We have a sporting-goods company that needs warehouse space that will bring more jobs to the area. I need to make sure it will work.”
