Trader Joe and his son looked at each other. “What do you think, son?”
“It’s going to take a lot of work,” Little Joe said.
“We’re no strangers to hard work, son. The question is, do we want to scrap our other project and start on this one?”
“You can still keep the other warehouse for secret storage,” Johnny G said. “If this place doesn’t work out, you can revert to that warehouse.”
Trader Joe stared hard at Johnny G a moment. “Interesting. Interesting indeed.”
“We can have our own planning committee and work out the details, but make no mistake, we want you to run it. It’ll be your baby,” Roscoe said.
Trader Joe nodded. “Alright, you’ve given us a lot to think about. I admit, it’s tempting, but there are reasons why we were originally planning on creating a trading post away from Marcus Hook.”
“You are worried about what kind or rules we will impose on you,” Roscoe said.
“That’s it in a nutshell,” Trader Joe agreed.
“If you choose to locate here, you’ll be mostly autonomous,” Johnny G said. “But when anyone mentions the Fitzgeralds’ trading post in Marcus Hook, we want it to have a reputation for honesty and integrity.”
“Goes without saying,” Trader Joe said. “But we may be dealing in products or services that were considered illegal, back in the day. What do you two think of that?”
“As long as it does not involve the exploitation of people, especially children, we don’t see a problem,” Roscoe said and then glanced at Johnny G, who nodded in agreement.
“We’re not going to run a charity service either,” Little Joe said. “We’re doing this to improve our status in life.”
“You’re a capitalist, understood,” Johnny G said.
“So, what if we bartered in marijuana or drugs?” Little Joe asked.
“Not our concern,” Johnny G said.
“What about prostitutes?”
Johnny G shrugged. “Same answer, but I am curious, where the hell are you going to find these prostitutes?”
Trader Joe laughed. “It’s doubtful we’ll find any at all, but if we do, we don’t want any grief about it.”
“You won’t get any,” Johnny G promised. “As long as they’re treated well and not exploited.”
There were a few more questions and answers, and it could’ve gone on all night, but it was getting colder and the Flemings started complaining.
“You’ve given us a lot to think about,” Trader Joe said. “When will you need an answer?”
“Why don’t you talk it over amongst yourselves and get back to us in a day or so?” Roscoe suggested.
“You got it.”
Roscoe grinned. “Excellent. Now, let’s get back to where it’s nice and warm.” He clapped his hands together as he looked around. “This is a historical moment. I cannot wait to log it in my journal.”
“That went well, don’t you think?” Roscoe asked as they drove back home.
“They’re going to do it,” Johnny G said. “Joe Senior just wants to think it over and make sure he’s not forgetting to ask for anything.”
“We’re going to need to create a formal contract,” Roscoe said. “Do you think he’ll agree to that?”
“I believe so.”
“Alright, good. So, you and Riley seem to be getting along,” Roscoe said with a small grin.
“Yeah, I’m sure everyone knows about it by now.”
“Yep, most likely,” Roscoe said. His grin broadened but he said nothing else.
Chapter 35 – After the Trading Post Meeting
After the meeting with the Fitzgeralds, Johnny G turned down the offer of a nightcap with Roscoe and went back to his room. It was small, one of the smallest ones in the building, but that was fine with him. One main room with a desk and bed, a counter that held a coffee pot that he never used, and a bathroom with a working shower. He didn’t need much because he wasn’t here much. Sleeping and showering were the only things he needed the place for. A typical day started at five and he often did not return until midnight.
This particular day went well, and he managed to finish up his duties in a timely manner. He did his rounds after dinner and slipped into bed well before midnight. A soft, insistent knocking on his door awakened him from a deep slumber.
Crawling out of his warm bed, he peered out the peep hole out of habit, even though he already knew who it was. He had hoped he was going to get a full night’s sleep, but he wasn’t angry when Riley walked in. She kissed him deeply before he got the door closed. Johnny G glanced up and down the hallway before shutting and locking the door.
She had been living in a nearby house with her father and brother, but she’d been finding her way into his bed every night since the night with the vodka. That was four days ago, maybe? He was too sleepy to do the math. When he turned around, Riley was already shedding her clothes. He watched her, and as tired as he was, he still felt a stirring. He crawled in bed before she noticed. She got in a moment later and snuggled up against him.
“What’d your father have to say?” he asked.
“He’s going to go for it, but he wants some concessions,” she said. “I do too. I want dick concessions.” She emphasized it by wiggling her butt against his groin.
“Riley, sweetie, not tonight. I’m tired as hell and I have to be up in less than five hours.”
Riley scoffed. “I should’ve found a younger man.”
He thought that’d be the end of it, but within seconds she reached back and began fondling him. It had the desired effect, and he became aroused. He once dated a girl who was a lot like Riley and experience told him she wouldn’t take no for an answer. It would be far easier to go ahead and get it over with. He reached down and pulled off his underwear.
“You’re on top,” he said.
He did not remember falling asleep, but when his alarm went off the next morning, Riley was already awake and in the shower.
