Free Trigger by Carol Jean

be an idiot not
to let us keep the line. That puts a lot of pressure on me,
Judy.”
    “Is that a problem for you? You won’t be alone like
you are now, Dion. I’ll throw everything I have into getting you
what you need. I have strong, smart people at Stalwart and you’ll
have the pick of the litter from Wade and Shockley.”
    “When would I have to decide?”
    “You have until eight in the morning. After that I’m
dead.”
    Dion gets out of the swing so fast she’s launched
backwards and Kevin screams because his Daddy is stepping on his
Lego’s.
    “I’m not good at managing Judy. I didn’t know that,
but I do now.”
    “I know.” She smiles at him calmly. “But you’re an
incredible salesman and networker. What I see, is that you will do
what you do best and I’ll handle the rest. I am a good manager. All
that pressure will be off your shoulders, you’ll be free to do your
work. You’ll be the face, smile and heart of the mechanical
division or whatever you want to name it with an experienced team
of talented people to support you.”
    He grins at her and looks very much like his son,
who’s looking at her with the same grin.
    “For project bids, I have the best there is. Tell us
what you want, we’ll do the work, you make the pitch, sign the deal
and get a bonus. I hope you get to go to bank often.”
    “So I just walk away from my business. Close the
doors and let everything go to Stalwarts.”
    “Yes. You won’t have to go back there anymore.”
    His arms wrap around her shoulders and he hugs
hard.
    “Just so we’re clear. I need you too Dion. Simon
will crush me and put me out of business. I’ll fight for you, if
you fight for me. We both win, if we pull together.”
    “Hey, no messing around with my impressionable son
watching,” cute, bubbly and looks like a kindergarten teacher,
Dion’s wife marches up the sidewalk.
    Dion hugs Judy tighter and she feels him grinning at
his wife.
    She’s asked Dion to get her a summary of his
business and growth plans, current inventory, and a P&L for the
past year or so. She needs it for the staff meeting in the morning.
He gulps.
    “I know it’s a lot of work. You don’t have to get
fancy, just the facts. Use a pencil if you want. Work all night, if
you have to. You can rest easy tomorrow. I’ll handle everything
else that is if you call me by eight o’clock tomorrow morning.”
    He looks like he’s going to speak. “Don’t say
anything now. Talk to your wife. Think about it. I want you sure
and ready to play. If you come in with us, things will move
quickly. You should have your first paycheck by the end of the week
and you will have earned it.”

Chapter 13. Simon Sunday
    Leaving Dion and his
beautiful family, Judy realizes she’s starved. Usually Steven has
made her his special green/gray sludge by now. Weekends have
advantages and disadvantages. “BB, what do you want?
McDonald’s?”
    BB races by McDonald’s but slows down near a small
deli that she’s never seen before, let alone eaten there. The
parking lot has one car in front. That could be good or that could
be very bad. She’s not picky. Food is food.
    There are two tables. One is occupied. Judy never
eats in BB it would destroy the manly new-car smell that she
inhales and enjoys every time she opens his door.
    The menu is written in white caulk on a large
blackboard over the cash register. She can’t see anyone, but hears
people in the back. Finally, a young man about her age, dressed
like a chef comes out. He looks like he’s been working hard.
    “Sorry, we got a huge take-out order to get done.
What can I get for you?”
    “Diet Coke and whatever you want me to eat. Can I
sit over there?”
    “Sure. Are you Kosher? Allergic? Vegetarian?”
    She shakes her head no to his questions. He claps
his hands together and dashes to the back. She sits so she can keep
in eye on BB. The deli is just off a four-lane road with heavy
traffic, a car or truck could blow a tire and come