As soon as we’re in my office, I close the door and take a seat on my desk while he leans against my metal file cabinet across from me.
“So what’s up?” I ask now that he can hear me.
“I need for you to customize two more trucks this month. With Ghost back, he needs one for him and Grace.” It’s a miracle that Rico’s back from the dead. Our world just stopped when we got the news. We knew he was on an undercover assignment. Still, we knew nothing about it until the fateful day we got the news that his things were delivered to his boss with a sinister message. Now that he’s back, reinforcements are needed for all of the Riders. We don’t know what we’re up against or who, but it’s better to be prepared for war.
Bringing up a new order screen on my tablet under the Riders’ billing account, I make a note to get my calendar and schedule planned. Cyber created a phenomenal software that allows me to merge supplies with the necessary job, billing, and calendar in one massive database that will enable me to multitask that I can access from a tablet or computer. Every workstation has one set up, so the guys can update their notes while they work.
“Got you.” I start typing away, getting all the information entered in my usual slot for Boomer’s orders. They take priority which the system allows for as well. This is one hell of a program that I love. Cyber could make a killing on it. I know he’s working to patent and perfect it.
“Bill it up. How long will it take?” That’s the more challenging part. Even if he’s a top customer, not all parts come in when you want them.
“At least two weeks. I have a shipment coming in from Pittsburgh next week. Any special features?”
“Not for Grace since she’s working with Doc. Ghost is going to be a Deputy now, so you might want to equip his personal truck with the usual.”
“Understood.”
“I’ve got to run. We’re doing a demo in Dallas today after the last storm, so I’m busy for the day.”
“Is someone picking up Crystal?” She’s about to have their first baby soon, so someone must be around to get her to the hospital. She’s still teaching at the school for the next week and then they go on summer vacation.
“Yeah, Jackson said he’ll scoop her up and bring her home.” Everyone took turns looking out for every Rider woman. The Prez’s wife had twice as many people watching out for her.
“How long until the big day?” The entire town is excited. They’re the first to have a baby out of the Riders.
“Any day now.” He paces the small space in my office and runs his hand through his hair for the third time since I asked about the baby.
I stand up and clap his back. “Well then, best of luck, Prez.”
He chuckles. “Damn. I’m nervous as fuck. I can handle explosives, but babies are a different story.” A special forces explosives expert, and he’s nervous about a baby. I shake my head.
“You got this. Handle your little guy like them with caution.” A mental image of Boomer walking out, holding the baby at arm’s length, pops into my head.
“That’s my plan. I’m sure Crystal will guide me.” We stand and head downstairs back to the shop floor.
“I’m sure,” I remark. Boomer grabs the door, and we head back downstairs to the shop floor.
“Thanks, Wrench.” He gives me a half-smile. I think I just made him more nervous than he’d been a minute earlier.
“No problem, Prez.” We shake hands and then Boomer walks out of the open garage door. His plate’s always full, so he’s in a hurry.
Flex walks up, wiping his hands with a shop towel. “Boss man, we’re almost done with the adjustments to the Jeep for Mr. Branch. He should be here to pick it up at four.” Even though he’s in charge, he still likes to get his hands dirty.
“Great. Has Sanderson come to pick up his car?” I question, needing to get the ball rolling. It’s already nine and our day is booked. We run the shop from seven to seven daily and have a tow service that operates twenty-four seven.
“Not yet. Sanderson had to work late, so he’ll be here this afternoon as well.” My garage and lot are full of client’s vehicles. It’s just a busy time for us.
I rub my hand over my face. “Good, we have to make some room for the upcoming projects. You have two trucks to install bulletproof glass to the windows next week.” I’m going to be working with my hands today to get a couple more out.
“Great. Did you get that order from Mr. Glendale? He had a request for a restore for a World War II Indian, but he said he’d send his request via email, so it’s detailed and written down,” he adds, joy shining in his eyes.