“This was our failure,” Sayer continues. “They were the ones that said the shipment was short. I’ll pay you for what you refunded us. I’m sorry.”
“Hell no. We’re good. I’d like to see them taken down though. We did start marking our stock. If you find who they gave the stolen supplies to, we may be able to identify the theft. That would make me happy.”
“Will do.”
Hanging up, Sayer glances at me. “So, we now have a line to thefts from both us and our supplier. If we can locate the supplies in Greg’s possession we may be able to make this stick.
“Dad, I’d like you to stay with Ayla while we do the training. MaryKatherine is bringing Danishes so the two of you can work on your trip plans at the same time. I want them focused on me. With you going on vacation it’s the perfect time.”
“Son, if we’re gonna start rattling cages I think I need to cancel my trip. We can reschedule.”
“No. You and MaryKatherine deserve this. I’ve got Tate and Brody in my corner, and I may have a wildcard I can call in. Besides, with you gone and me just coming back they’ll think I’m weak.”
He turns to me. “Can they shut off the location tracker on their phones?”
“No, only we can.”
“After you walked me though the training on this timekeeper, I know you got it down pat. I’m going to let you explain. But I’ll be the hard ass before and after.”
“If you want, I can be a little vague on the trackers for now. Honestly, most of these guys have been with you for years with no problems. Clive and JonBoy have been the only issue.”
Sayer and Paul both nod in agreement. MaryKatherine shows up with the Danishes for the meeting and clothes from her daughter for me. Throat tight with appreciation I can only give her a hug in thanks.
Walking into the supply barn with Sayer behind me, I smile at all the guys and wish them a good morning.
Clive and JonBoy give each other a smirk and nudge. Working for Greg, I can guess what they’ve heard about me, the fabricated stories he’s told. Standing a little taller, I force a smile.
You do not run. You do not hide. You do not cower.
CHAPTER 11
Sayer
I place the breakfast next to where we’d placed the coffee urns earlier. Most of the guy’s nod at me as I join Gentry at the makeshift desk.
“We’ll train first, then while Gentry helps you individually, the rest of you can grab breakfast. Just so we’re on the same page, if you want paid this is the process,” I state.
“I’ve known a lot of you for years and have worked with most of you over the last month since I’ve been back. I know you all have a phone on you. This is going to be easier for you and more accurate. This will be the only way you get paid. So, pay attention and ask questions. I’ve used it for the last two days and it’s slick.”
Standing in the background I keep an eye on our two troublemakers. They barely pay attention and keep snickering at each other. All the better for me.
Everyone has completed their training and grabbed their coffee and breakfast. I notice a movement at the barn door and glance up. He made it.
Hands casually stuffed in his cargo pant-pockets, wearing his ever present grey hoodie, Jarrett ‘Doughboy’ Blackstone slipsinside. Tall, lean, silent. No one has even noticed him. No one except Gentry. I wink at her.
“Did everyone get something to eat?” At their nods I continue, “Today, your time started with this meeting. Going forward it starts when you start work at a job site.
“We’re shifting up a bit today. Job assignments are as follows. Foremen, you’re in the same locations. Bob and Geo you’re with Denny. Clive and JonBoy you’re with Bill.”
I’ve already talked to Bill. He nods, knowing I’ll be about fifteen minutes behind. It isn’t until they start to leave that the men notice the stranger in the doorway. I’m not surprised most of them give him a wide berth. There is a primed stillness to Doughboy that vibrates off him.
When everyone is gone, I nod toward Jarrett. “When did you get here?”
“Couple hours. Set up farther up the hill behind the house.”
“I really appreciate this.” He just nods. “This is Gentry. She’s my — office manager. Her place was vandalized so she’s staying here since she works out of my home office. She also helps with Ayla. Let’s grab the leftovers and go up to the house. Dad will want to say hi.”
We carry everything to the kitchen. Then follow the voices to the office. Dad stands, smiling. “Jarrett, I didn’t know you were coming. Good to see you.”
