“More jobs to the area?” He eyed her. “And make some jobs go away.”
“I don’t know. Corporate thinks it’s an either-or, but I’m thinking we might be able to do both. Their priority is getting that sporting-goods warehouse ready to roll starting January first. We’re in a time crunch. I need to prove doing both is still viable. Can I count on you to help me?” She wrote a number on a slip of paper. “I’ll pay you this. Per hour. On top of what you’re getting.”
“You’re really trying to see if the factory can remain the same?”
“It might not be exactly the same, but it’s a possibility. Yes. There’s way more opportunity, I think, in the other buildings for the project they want to bring here. Help me prove it’s feasible. But it has to stay between us for now. I don’t want to worry everyone.”
He didn’t respond.
“Look. I promised this town I’d evaluate things quickly. I won’t ask you to stay quiet long.”
He nodded. “Have you talked to Buck about this?”
“Umm. Well, I don’t…” She stammered for words to answer the puzzling question. “Do you mean gray-haired Buck who was making the chicken stew last night at the game?”
“That’s the one.”
“No. Why would I? Did he use to work here too?”
“Not exactly.” One brow curled up. “Never mind. Yeah, I’ll help you. Let’s make this happen. When do we get started?”
“Now. Sign the package. Or take it home and review it.”
He leaned forward and scribbled his signature on it. “Done.” He tapped the pen on the desk and dropped it.
“Great. How about we meet tomorrow morning at the warehouse? Eight o’clock? You’ll be back before Thanksgiving dinner is served.”
He shook his head. “Nope. Can’t do that.”
“I’m sure your wife would understand—”
“No. I hunt on Thanksgiving Day. It’s tradition. Unless I get that ten-pointer tomorrow; then you’ll see me on Friday. If not, it’s going to have to be Monday. I promised my grandson we’d get that elusive buck this year. I don’t break family promises.”
Seriously? He’s putting hunting before work? Does he realize he just got laid off?
She glanced down at the hefty consulting rate on the paper in front of her.
“Not for any amount of money.” He stood and shoved his hands in his pockets, and stared at her. “We could walk over there now. I just got laid off. Got nothing to do for the better part of the day.”
She scrambled to her feet. “All right then.”
Two hours later she’d completed the inventory of equipment, tagged everything for salvage, assessed the property, anddiscussed roadblocks with Bill. She had everything she needed to get the plan together to transition that building for the January first deadline, and Bill had reassured her that there was enough space for a considerable expansion in the building where the corporate apartment was to cover growth.
“Bill, I wish you a very successful hunting adventure.”
He shook her hand. “Thank you. I wish you luck too. I don’t know what all this means, but I’m trusting you to take care of this town. You hear me?”
“Yes, sir.” His grip was firm, and his eyes were kind, but serious. “I’m going to do my best.” Accomplishment coursed through her.
His lips pushed together. “Best isn’t good enough.” He shook his head and did a half turn and waved a finger in front of his nose. “This is a special town full of hardworking people. Good people. Do right by them. I’m happy. Some folks in this town aren’t going to see it the same way that I do, though.”
“I promise,” she said.
“People with good character keep their promises. My granddaddy told me that when I was a boy. I live by that. I believe you have good character, Ms. Larkin.” He tapped his nose and walked away. “See you Monday.”
She walked back to her office. She’d promised, and she never promised in business. She wasn’t the only one making these decisions, but something about that man who wouldn’t break a family promise to a kid had challenged her to dig deeper too. Especially since it seemed that broken promises might have been part of what had led to the situation at this site.
Fairly confident she had what she needed to prepare this place for a soft landing, she gathered her papers and her laptop.She jostled her heavy tote on her shoulder and started the long walk to the diner. She didn’t mind it really. At least it was a peaceful enough walk today without that giant falcon swooping after her squawking today. Most of the shops had already closed for the holiday.
