Chapter 31: You’ve Earned It
Hal’s POV
Steph and I are going to have to have a talk.
A serious talk.
A talk about Trenton branch.
She can’t keep doing this to me. She keeps poaching my team! I’m working with Woody and Zip as Ram’s and Manny’s backups, but Ram and Manny and me, we’re a unit. A team. I miss my comrades-in-arms. She can’t keep deploying them away from me. I’ve barely had the fun of having them to myself.
Am I permitted to put the CO on monitor duty?
Can I get away with it?
So far, the Trenton branch is on target to take the number one position as the most profitable branch in the company. I’m not sure what Steph is doing in her management reviews, but considering she already knows all the problems here, I’m sure we’ll be last. Which is great; I should have everything fixed before she reviews us. Hopefully. Danny is a sneaky bugger. He gives you just enough information about what she’s doing to make you nervous but not enough to give you a clue of what she’s actually doing. I’ll have to wait until Ram comes home to get all the info.
I have to say, I’m proud of Danny for getting his branch straight. I consider Danny my ally and my competition. His branch might be three times the size of mine, but until he gets all his issues straight Atlanta isn’t automatically the most profitable branch. We’re neck and neck. One thing we agree on: Whichever XO unseats Mark has the party hosted in his honor. I’ve asked for no strippers at mine. Candy doesn’t like the idea. Since he’s married, he agreed. Apparently he’s already in the doghouse. He didn’t tell his wife, Cindy, how hot Steph is. I had to chuckle at that.
Sucker.
Our biggest problem was Steph herself, and since she isn’t in the field anymore our bottom line is extremely healthy. Manny and I looked at our projections and decided to bring three more of our contract workers onboard full time. This is great because we also picked up two more bonds offices, one in Philly and one in Newark. The new guys will start out on monitors, like always, while we transition other guys into different departments.
I’m growing my branch. My strategist has brilliant ideas for my pipeline (Javier owes me a huge favor) and my liaison is aggressive with our bids so we’re growing. My men are doing a great job of filling in any holes and gaps, but still.
She took my men away. That’s automatic monitor duty. I’m going to figure out how to get her there somehow.
Steph’s POV
This plane can’t land fast enough. I spent two great weeks in Atlanta, but I’ve had enough. I need a break. I’m glad I gave myself a month to show up in NYC. I need some downtime.
The last week in Atlanta was spent conducting the skip tracing workshop again. I still can’t believe the response. Every skip tracer in RangeMan Atlanta showed up, even the ones who had attended in Trenton. Every man took notes; some recorded both sessions. They were clear that they wanted me to give them every trick in my head, every path I might take to find someone, every bit of knowledge I had about how to find someone who didn’t want to be found.
I’m still in disbelief that this is considered an important skill. A skill worth holding workshops for. And apparently I’m considered an expert. Me. An expert in something. I can’t believe it.
We worked through their final three big bonds on Tuesday and captured one of them by Friday morning. They have visual on another and that made the men so happy they took me back to the Busy Bee to celebrate. This time Danny called ahead. They got me on tape, every moan and sigh, and Big Daddy comp’d my entire meal. At first I was embarrassed, but he insisted.
“If Imma spend my life inna kitchen cookin’ fa all y’all folk, I damn sure wanna enjoy watchin’ someone ‘preciate my skillz. Baby, you eat that meatloaf an if’n you want mo’, you let Gina know and she’ll git you mo’.”
Cindy and Nikki thought it was hilarious, and Rose and Sarah looked slightly frightened with the way I put that meatloaf plate away but honestly, it’s better than my mother’s. Big Daddy grinned and immediately set a slice of Red Velvet Cake in front of me.
None of the men looked comfortable walking back to their cars. Oh well. I had a good meal and left with an entire Red Velvet cake, all for me.
That afternoon I met with the Atlanta Core Team to discuss the overall review. I had copies of my findings printed and ready when they walked in.
“First, let me say that I have truly enjoyed being here this week. I had a lot of fun, the guys were great, and the food was outstanding. I’ve already had a slice of my cake.”
The guys laughed and Chase groaned.
“You suck. Bobby asked me to let him know how I enjoyed meals with you, and I didn’t even realize why my cousin was messin’ with me until last week. He’s been jokin’ on me ever since.”
The guys laughed again and I smiled. I thought Chase and Bobby looked similar.
“Sorry, but good food makes me happy.”
“Clearly,” Adam said, smiling.
“Anyway, I wanted to meet with you guys about the branch review.” They immediately sobered up. “Overall, my findings are positive. Because the Bonds Enforcement area is doing so well, the reserves issues have been fixed. Because of that, you’ve been able to put everything here back on an even keel, which is great. I have no negatives, one suggestion, and one area of concern.”
The guys were smiling and taking notes. I passed them copies of the review and watched them leaf through it for a moment.
“Let me hit the high points for you, and then you can take your time and read that. The one area of concern is with Hospitality. I would prefer we continue to pursue bids in the $500,000 and under range for at least six months. Depending on how well we are able to show a profit, you can move up to $1 million for six months and let’s see how we do. If all that works out then I’ll remove restrictions as long as you can continue to show healthy profits.”
Danny was grinning. I could tell that this is exactly what he hoped for.
“Now, for the suggestion, and I’m not sure how you guys will take this, but I am going to suggest the establishment of a Charlotte branch.”
The guys’ smiles dimmed.
“You spend a lot of time trying to cover Atlanta and Charlotte. I think the creation of this branch will take some pressure off you and allow you to refocus more on things you want to do in Atlanta. However, you’ve been able to show me where there’s plenty of work in Charlotte, so until we can get a separate branch going, I’ve recommended, and Leadership Core has agreed to it, the creation of a temporary office. I think you should start out by getting this office staffed at half levels to do more ‘active’ work, like Bonds Enforcement, ‘Redecorating’ and Hospitality. If you feel you can take it on, then I’m authorizing a massive hiring blitz for RangeMan Atlanta to get that office staffed and get some bids. Any questions?”
The guys looked stunned. I’m making Danny’s branch even bigger temporarily. I’m sure he didn’t expect this.
“So, we’re allowed to scout out office space and hire for the area?” Adam asked.
I nodded. “You’ll need to check with Tank and Bobby on the procedures for finding new office space. Don’t look for something permanent, although if you find something let Tank and Bobby know. Just get a place established that the men can use to check in and get their work.”
The guys made a few notes, smiling and high fiving each other. I smiled; I could tell that they can’t wait to get together and talk about the report. One last item.
“Danny, I’m aware that Hector has recommended the creation of a full-scale server farm.” Danny nodded, still staring at the report with a small grin on his face. “If Hector thinks it’s a good idea, I won’t oppose it. So, that’s another project for you. He would prefer to keep it close, so you can start looking for office space and men for that. Coordinate with Hector on it. I’ll leave him to decide the deployment schedule for this.”
The guys were smiling, highlighting things in the report and writing in the margins. They came out of this review really well, and I’m pleased for them.
“Look, I know that this is the first time we’ve ever done this, so now I’m asking you. What changes do I need to make to this process? What do you think I could have done differently or better?”
I was really interested in the response. This started off as a one-off, since Danny invited me to come review his office, but somehow it has morphed into this major thing within the company. If I have to take this show on the road, I need pointers.
The guys were looking at each other and frowning. I grabbed some water and waited.
Finally, Adam said, “Well, considering how good we look in this report, Steph, I wish we had time to get you in front of the men to discuss it with them before you leave. Knowing that the report is finished and that, you know, this is the recommendation of the CO would really be a boost here. Plus, if the men had any questions they could ask you directly.”
Chase nodded. “The men will be pleased to know how well they came out, but I fear your email is going to be overrun by Atlanta guys with questions.”
They sat and thought some more, and finally Danny said, “On a personal note, Steph, I wish I’d had more information about your habits and hobbies.”
I frowned. I didn’t understand what he meant.
Danny smiled. “What I mean is, I know you like flowers, based on what I saw in Trenton, but I didn’t know you loved dancing so much until you got here. And shopping and massages and food. It would have helped me plan after hours activities for you to enjoy and relax. You needed the break, and if I’d known that we coulda hit concerts, comedy shows, museums, all sorts of stuff based on what you like. I didn’t want you to be bored and, in the words of Hal, a bored lonely Steph is a dangerous Steph.”
We all laughed. I’m going to get Hal for that, but Danny’s right. I need to send NYC a list of my favorite things to do.
“So if I had a recommendation that would be on the list.”
“Good idea. Thanks Danny. Anything else?”
The guys took a few more minutes to think, and finally Chase said, “I think the best part of this review is that no one knew what you were looking for or what you might do. It kept things honest and we know that the findings we have in front of us are true. Danny and I have been reminding our guys to keep their mouths shut and we’ll remind them again when you leave. Each branch should get the benefit of this review and, in my opinion, it was not only completely worth it but it was probably the best thing that could’ve happened here.”
“I agree,” said Danny. “I would suggest a follow up in a year, so to ensure we’re still doing well.
I nodded. “Sounds good. If not, it’s been wonderful, and I can’t wait to see what you guys accomplish in the next year.” I stood up and, instead of shaking my hand, each man hugged me tight. Adam smiled.
“Just so you know, CO, the men here consider you a member of RangeMan Atlanta, so,” Adam reached into a bag at his feet and pulled out a black T-Shirt with RM-Atlanta on the back, a black polo with RM Atlanta in black script, and a baseball cap with RM-ATL on the front, “we decided to make sure you rep the branch on your way out.”
This was too funny. I walked into the bathroom and changed into the T-Shirt and pulled my hair into a ponytail for the baseball cap. I walked out to applause and boos. Ram and Hector had joined us and they were amused.
“You gotta take that off before you hit the building, Steph,” Ram said, laughing, “or the Trenton men will rip it off you. No way you come in our building repping Danny’s bunch of losers!”
He repeated this to Hector, who immediately grinned and said, “Sí, estoy de acuerdo! De ninguna manera te vas a casa llevando eso!” (Yes, I agree! No way you go home wearing that!)
I caught part of that sentence, which made me grin at Hector. This statement started a war between the Atlanta and Trenton offices. The guys were trash talking each other and I laughed till I cried. Rose joined us and shook her head, smiling.
“Stephanie dahling, it has been a pleasure having you with us. I made some snacks for you to take on the plane. You should be able to get these through security. If you need anything, please call me. I’ve enjoyed having you here.”
I hugged her and thanked her for looking after me for two weeks. The guys were still insulting each other, but they grabbed my suitcases and we hit the elevator. I pressed 5. Danny, Adam, and Chase smiled.
The moment the elevators opened, a loud cheer went up through the Atlanta branch and the men were thrilled. It’s ‘Pass the CO’ all over again and I was hugged by multiple men. A few slapped me on the back, but after I coughed they stopped. I raised my hands for silence.
“I want to say to all of you that I have really enjoyed my time at RangeMan Atlanta. You guys really came through on that down-home Southern hospitality and friendliness.” The men cheered and high fived each other. “Danny has the results of the review, which I’m sure he’ll share with you, but as you can see, I’m repping RangeMan Atlanta out the door.”
This caused the men to cheer even harder. It was starting to look like a true party until Danny raised his hands. He had his blank face on and he looked grim. So did Adam and Chase.
“Men, as the CO stated, we do have the results of the review. We will keep the copies in our offices for you to review if you like, but I would like to give you the CO’s overall status and recommendations.” He turned to Hector and Ram and motioned for them to leave.
Danny still looked very serious and the men sobered up. Hector and Ram hit the stairs, but Hector turned around and stuck up one finger to indicate they’d wait on 1. I nodded.
“Men, the results of the review are these. We will continue to move forward cautiously with Hospitality contracts, with a graduated scale over the next year.” I could see heads nod. Atlanta Core started to grin. “We’ve been authorized to begin a hiring blitz to support the establishment of a temporary office in Charlotte. Most importantly, we have passed review!”
The cheers were deafening. Again, we played ‘Pass the CO’ and this time (without Hector’s presence) the men felt brave enough to kiss me on the cheeks. I was red from laughing at their exuberance.
“Men, men, I know you all want to hug and kiss Steph again, but we have to get her to Hartsfield. As she said, she’s repping RangeMan Atlanta out the door so let’s let her do that!” I waved and Danny pushed me back into the elevator and we headed to the airport.
Atlanta is over. NYC is next and I desperately need a break.
Hal’s POV
Steph has finally arrived, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Gone from my eyesight for two weeks and she returns in one piece.
Thank you, Lord. I can call Tank the moment she hits 7 and tell him she’s safely home.
RMTrenton has been the subject of repeated phone calls from Mrs. Plum, wondering where her daughter is. We’re invited to dinner on Sunday, and Mrs. Plum wants to know if Steph is home and what our dietary requirements are.
I passed that call to Ella. We’ve decided Pod Mom scares us just as much as Granny Mazur.
“Steph!” Thank you, thank you, thank you. Home in one piece. What in the world is she wearing? RangeMan Atlanta? She came home in Danny’s swag! Traitor! Just for that, I’m giving you another week of monitor duty.
“Hal! What’s up? I’m so glad to be home.”
Me too, Steph. I’m glad you’re home too. The t-shirt and cap have got to go. “Status normal. Your mother’s been calling. Please call her. What are you wearing?”
Steph makes a face at the mention of her mother but starts laughing when I ask about her clothes. She immediately makes a run for the doorway and runs for the elevator. I’m following close behind. I can’t believe she made it into the building in Danny’s swag! My phone is ringing so I check the display. Mrs. Plum. I hand the phone to Steph, who makes a face at the display. How do I rip that t-shirt off without seeing more than I’m supposed to and without exposing her? Ah well, I guess she wins this time.
“Hi Mom . . . no, I just reached the building . . . I haven’t turned my phone on . . . Dinner Sunday? I’ll check with the guys . . .Umm . . .well, Jase, one of the Atlanta guys taught me how to tail someone and how to set up a tail. . .”
Really? I add that to my mental list of skills to test her on.
“Yes, Mom, there were lots of nice handsome guys in Atlanta . . . but they’re mostly married men. . .”
I thought Danny said his branch was full of single guys?
“Hi Daddy! . . . no, the trip went really well . . . I came back with RangeMan Atlanta swag. . .”
Is there more than what I see? All of it has gotta go. No way I ever let Steph rep Danny’s bunch of losers around me after this. She’s ours.
“OK, Daddy, I’ll tell him.” Steph covers the phone and tugs my shirt. “Daddy says to tell you thank you for the smokes, and he wouldn’t mind lighting up if you guys can balance the estrogen at dinner sometime soon.”
I like Mr. Plum. That kind of statement might get a few volunteers to brave a Plum family dinner, and I make a mental note to get some more cigars. We’ve been sending a box every two weeks since the ‘Announcement Dinner’.
The man called out Ranger and lived. That deserved some kind of prize.
“How many needed?”
Steph repeats the question to her father. “5-6 would be nice. It tips the scales 2-1.”
“I’ll do what I can.” I immediately type out a request on my phone. I get eight responses back. The oddity of the last two Plum family dinners has caused curiosity. Every man wants to see it for himself.
We’ve entered the 7th floor apartment and Ella is there to welcome Steph and get her settled in. While they catch up, I call Tank.
“Hal?”
“Sir. CO home safe and sound, sir.”
“10-4.” Click.
I grab a water for Steph and take it back to the bedroom. Time to execute my plan.
“Steph?”
“Hmm…” She’s started unpacking, and I can see the RMAtlanta stuff. It’ll be burned before the sun comes up.
“I need some help.” This statement immediately gets her attention.
“Whatcha need, Hal?”
“I know you want to stay out of the day-to-day operation of the branch, but I need someone to fill in some spots for me over the next week. We have new guys in the branch, but with the rest of the Core Leadership team here gone, I need to get them acclimated and prepped. So, can you cover these assignments?” I hand her the list. It’s all her least favorite things: monitor duty, security installs (this isn’t considered field work), range duty, and searches.
Hehe. I have a bet going with Manny over whether or not I can manage it. Steph is frowning at the list.
“Hal, this is all the stuff I hate the most.”
I know Steph, but you’ve earned this. You came home in Atlanta swag and you sent my men away. Bring my men back! “It’s just for a week, Steph, and it’s not much. It would really help me. Please?”
Steph sighs. Magic word strikes again. I’m in like Flynn! “You owe me.”
Yes! I’m thrilled, but I don’t lose the blank face. I nod instead. “10-4. You aren’t going to keep deploying my men away from me are you?”
Steph narrows her eyes. “Is this what this list is about?” she demands, waving the list.
“No.” Yes! “I need those roles filled, and it’ll give you a chance to sit with these guys and assess them. See if they’re right for their roles. Plus, I know we need to teach you how to assess and wire a security system. That’s the only reason I put that one on the list.”
Just a bit of truth to make this go down smooth.
I put the CO on monitor duty.
I put the CO on monitor duty.
No one will ever believe me.
