Page 24 of Ruger's Rage
"Because I've spent my whole life having men solve my problems." Her voice cracks. "I needed to prove I could do this on my own."
I want to yell, holler, remind her I’m here to protect her, but I won’t.
"How bad?"
"Two months before we have to close. Three if we stretch every penny."
I study the numbers again.
Accounts payable stacking up, revenue down, payroll barely covered.
The lunch service helps, but it's not enough to offset dropping evening sales.
"I could?—"
"Before you say it, I won't take your money. Not as charity."
"Not charity. Business." I close the folder, meeting her eyes. "The club needs legitimate fronts. Backroads could be perfect. You stay on as manager, run it like you always have. But the books balance, and you don't lose everything you've built."
She's quiet for so long I think she'll say no.
When she speaks, her voice is small. "I hate that I need saving again."
"You're not being saved. You're accepting a business partnership." I lean forward. "Different thing entirely."
"Terms?"
"The club buys the bar. You stay on as operating manager—full control of day-to-day. We clean up the books, provide capital for improvements, and handle security." I pause. "And nobody loses their job. Especially not Tildie."
Her eyebrows raise at the last part. "Especially not Tildie?"
"She's good at what she does."
"Uh-huh." The knowing look she gives me makes me shift in my seat. "What about my apartment upstairs? I've lived here for years."
"Comes with the deal. Your home's safe."
She studies me, that maternal intuition working overtime. "You know, I hired Tildie six months ago when she showed up desperate for work. Girl took a pay cut just to help me keep this place afloat."
The information hits differently than it should.
Tildie, working for less to protect someone else's dream.
It just adds another layer to the mystery of her past.
"I'll want to review the full books before bringing it to the club," I say, redirecting. "And we'll need to set proper terms. But yeah, Aunt Ellie. I'll buy your bar."
Relief floods her face. "Thank you, Ryan."
"Don't thank me yet. We're still dealing with lawyers and legalities. Could take weeks to finalize."
"I know. But knowing I won't have to let anyone else go, that I can work with you on this… it helps."
We emerge from the office to find Tildie refilling salt shakers at the bar.
She glances up, clearly trying not to eavesdrop but obviously worried. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah," Ellie answers, shooting me a look that says 'tell her.' "Actually, Ruger's buying the bar. Club business, but it means we're staying open."
