Free The Journal: Fault Line (The Journal Book 5) by Deborah D. Moore

for
lunch.
    Getting their burgers, they sat in the
furthest corner away from the few customers in the restaurant.
    “What’s our next step?” Christine said around
a bite of her cheeseburger. “I could tell you were doing a lot of
thinking while we boxed things up.”
    “I’ve been thinking about what you said
regarding access, and I agree. The Main Street store should be the
one for the public, if I can get the police involved with
it.”
    “The police?”
    “I know the police chief fairly well. They
all have families too, Christine, and if I offer to let them in
first, I think they will be willing to… um… make their presence
known while the community strips my shelves. It should help to
maintain some order.” Trevor smiled slyly.
     
    ***
     
    “Trevor!” Police Chief Martin Mallory stuck
his hand out to greet the young entrepreneur. “I’m surprised I
haven’t seen you sooner. And before you ask, I can’t spare any
extra patrols for your stores. I’m really sorry, but we’re starting
to see a spillover from Indianapolis. It’s getting ugly out
there.”
    “I appreciate that you’ve considered it,
Marty. I’m shutting down the stores so I won’t need patrols, though
I have something else in mind.” Trevor explained his plan to the
officer.
    “That’s very generous of you, Trevor.
Shouldn’t you be saving your stock for you and your girl?” Marty
leaned forward on his meaty elbows, glancing at Christine.
    “I’m setting aside plenty for us.” Trevor
felt a stirring with Christine being referred to as his
girl . “My main objective is to save the stores from looting and
vandalism. If there’s nothing there, perhaps they will leave the
stores alone.”
    “And for a couple of officers to watch over
the citizens during this giveaway, you’ll give us stuff too?”
    “Yes. There won’t be any liquor or other
alcohol available to the public, only to my employees and the
police if you want it, plus you can have whatever food you
want.”
    “I’m happy to hear that about the booze,”
Marty said. “People get real stupid when they get drunk.” He
thought for a moment. “It’s a deal. When do you plan on doing
this?”
    “I’m going with Sunday at 3pm or some of the
food will start going bad. That gives me two days to get things
squared away. I’ll put up a notice on the front door, and if you
could spread the word, too, that’d be great.” Trevor stood and
shook the chief’s hand again. He was halfway to the door when he
stopped. “Marty, do you have a half hour to spare right now? Come
on over to the store on Main and come in the back.”
     
    ***
     
    Christine slid her hand into Trevor’s as they
walked back to the van. “You’re amazing, you know that? You’re
getting exactly what you want.”
    I hope so , Trevor thought looking down
at the petite girl next to him. I sure hope so .
    They were loading unopened cases into the van
when the squad car pulled in beside it.
    “Hey, Chief, glad you could make it. Come on
inside.” Trevor led the way into the front of the store. The blinds
were still down and secured, and only one bank of lights was on.
Trevor pulled one of the baskets out and rolled it toward the
police officer. “Help yourself, Marty. The perishables like bread
and milk are out here, and I’ll set aside some cases for you by the
door.”
    Once the chief had filled his basket with
milk, bread, eggs, and few packages of pasta, he met Trevor at the
back door by the van.
    “You’re sure about all this?” he asked.
    “Absolutely, Marty. There’s a couple cases of
mixed vegetables, soups, and boxed dinners. If I recall, you’re a
Beam guy, right? Here,” Trevor handed over a box with six big
bottles of alcohol and a six pack of beer.
    When everything was secured and the trunk
closed, the police chief came back into the storeroom to find
Trevor still loading boxes into the van.
    “Thank you, Trevor. My wife is going to be
relieved. Here is my personal cell