A New (Ad)Venture

By Stacey and Marie S

Bud fumbled to answer his ringing cell phone. Despite Marie getting him one that had a slightly bigger keypad it was still too small for his fingers. He barked into it.

“White here.” He’d missed who was calling while he was pushing buttons. Bud was surprised by the caller. Zack Grant, former FBI. He hadn’t talked to him since Travis McGee’s barbecue. Bud figured he passed on his business idea.

“What can I do for you, Grant?”

"That job you mentioned before," Zack started, hesitantly, "is it still on the table?"

"Yeah, it is.  I figured you gave it a pass."  Bud swore to himself.  And he'd just sunk all that dough into the horses for the girls.  But, speaking to Egan Varner made him see there was a way to get back the investment through breeding the horses and selling them.  It was a slow return that would take years, but he figured they had them.  This was a real business venture.  And while he may not make the money he made in LA, people still needed security systems to safely protect what was theirs.  He and a partner could do that.

"This call makes me think you're interested."  Bud figured it was best to get right to the point and not fuck around.  He wanted to make a mark on something his own here at The Glen.

"Suppose I am," Zack replied, keeping his voice even.  "How would this work?" He didn't want to seem too eager, didn't want to give Bud the impression he'd jump through hoops to go into business with him. However, at this point, Zack's options were limited and since White had offered, well, he'd be a real dumb-ass to pass it up.

"To get started we need to market.  Get the word out.  Advertise.  Paper here and in Coffs.  Pick a snazzy name for the business and get some business cards printed.   Then we need to get our cards out to every business and large land owner around.  A lot of leg work.  I've got some connections through the force here.  And I've got a supplier picked out for hardware for security systems that comes out of Sydney, but has a local Coffs installer.  I don't make fucked up suggestions to customers.  I want a business that's honest, trustworthy and effective."  Bud figured he'd better put that out right away.  If Grant didn't want to do things on the up and up, he wasn't gonna be a partner for Bud White.

"What do ya say?  Do you want to get together and discuss it?" 

If they shook hands, Bud's handshake would be his word.  They could draw up papers later with Roberts in town.  Bud had investigated Grant.  He was known as a hot head at the Bureau, but he seemed honest.  A smile tugged at his lips.  It wasn't as if Bud was known for being a sweet pussycat himself.

Zack liked what he heard. White had apparently done his homework. Good. He didn't like the idea of jumping into business with a dreamer. He was a doer, and from what he had learned about Bud White, the big ex-cop was cut from the same cloth. He nodded, glancing over to where Destiny sat quietly watching him, then said, "Sounds good. Where and when?"

Bud looked at his watch.  It was getting kind of late to meet tonight.  He had the early shift tomorrow at the Sheriff's department.  And he had to talk to Marie about this.  Bud had mentioned the idea at the barbecue, but a lot of shit had happened since then. 

This affected both of them and he owed her a chance to have her say.  It would mean spending more money and taking him away from home more than he already was.  If the business took off eventually it would mean a better future for them.  Marie wouldn't have to work if she got...he wasn't going to think of that now.

"I'm off work tomorrow at 4 to 4:30.  Do you know where Andy's is in The Glen?  I could meet you there at 5."

"I'm currently living at the boarding house, so yeah, Andy's is a perfect meeting place," Zack told him, "I'll see you then."

"Alright.  See you there.  Night, Grant."  Bud switched off his cell.  He caught Marie's eye with a smile on his face.  This could be a good thing.  "Honey, I want to talk to you..."