Going Legit

[kaijafon]

oooowhoo! nice! thanks so much!

[pbbrown0]

Ah, the subtleties of The Law: that fine line between good laws that protect, and the gangster rules that masquerade as laws.

[gipsy]

I think that Reed will be not long for this earth, except under it.

[bitsmith]

Sept 18, 2017 9:35:18 GMT -6 gipsy said:

I think that Reed will be not long for this earth, except under it.

Are you suggesting that Reed become Miracle Grow?

[gipsy]

Not sure it would be considered a "Miracle" better just Pest Control

[bitsmith]

Chapter 12

"McAndrews? See to the ambulance looking at the wounded, please." Henderson ordered. "They are free to leave, but they also have a duty to those injured in the line of duty and the victims of crimes."

"Dave? I do not like this situation." Henderson continued, turning to face Dave, as the SWAT truck pulled away. "I believe Reed will be back. And he will nto be as peaceful, as he was today. What do you need?"

"I think, if I had more business here, that the general presence of others, here to recieve help would be enough to slow him down. Too many witnesses. I would like to have a couple of BIG generators. Big enough to run both the hotel and the Safe Stop."

"OK. But why the name change?" Henderson asked. "Why 'Safe Stop'?"

"My friend Dan came up with the name, when he told me he wanted me to take the chapter legit." Dave answered. "Yes, we WERE a bike gang. Illegal activity. Criminals. At odds with society. Rejects and outcasts. But now, we are needed. Our plan is to build up the Safe Stop, provide safe escort services and start helping people. This city needs us, now. I'm already planning on expanding, as we get this store up and running. I'm thinking of mini safe stops between here and Tulsa, Amarillo and Dallas. As well as IN those cities. And if I can franchise to others in those areas, that is even better."

"Where are you getting your merchandise?"

"We are collecting it from abandoned buildings and facilities. The fuel, was purchased, today. The driver of the rig was sent out to find places who needed it and to sell it, making arrangements for return trips and business." Dave continued. "Oh, and I have safe water! Anyone shows up with containers we will fill them, up to 1 gallon per person, per day. We are also starting to send a truck out to some of the neighborhoods in town that do not have water and need it. This is safe drinking water from a well."

"It would be nice, if you were more centrally located, but I see what you are planning." Henderson stated. "And I will support it and help you as far as I legally can. How are you selling, if there is no legit and usable currency?"

"Silver coins and barter." Dave admitted. "and charity. We don't have much to just give away but we do have some. Come inside and see what we are doing."

-----

"I must say, you are working this up nicely." Henderson admitted. "I will see what I can do abotu getting you a few generators. I agree, they are needed to help so many. Tell me more about your plans."

"I want us to become a safe place for everyone. As I pointed out, we are putting in mobile homes, back there for our staff. I want to make the larger hotel more like an apartment solution. And have the ladies take over the smaller motels, across the street."

"You know that is not going to sit well with so many people." Henderson stated.

"I know. And I honestly do not care. The laws of 6 months ago do not apply in a situation where survival is goal. And those ladies ... they will have a safe place to work. Which reminds me ... I would like to set up a small clinic very close. Maybe get one of those larger office trailers from like a construction site? And put a couple of medical staff in it?"

"For your working girls?" Henderson asked.

"Them and everyone else." Dave said, wanting to get off the topic. "I want to be a location people come to. A safe place. A place that children can come to work, doing chores about the place, have a safe lunch and maybe learn a little something, like how to read, how to do basic math. Things we need, in order to survive, as a community."

"Dave? we have another call on the radio!" Beth called out.

"Where?" Dave asked.

"Exit 178. At the big Casino." Beth called back, across the store. "Truck was stopped on the over pass be cars blocking the road."

"He's trapped on an overpass, like that." Dave said, looking to Henderson.

"Let's go take a look." Henderson said, seeing how Dave's escort services were going ot be very beneficial. Immediately, he made a mental note to get generators located, because he might need fuel, someday, and this would be closer than the depot.

"Hit it, Beth!" Dave said. "Full roll-out!"

Beth smiled as she hit the button for claxons of the fire alarm.

-----

"Prospect, I have to go. This is a full roll-out. Stay here. Keep the place safe. All of us are leaving. It's up to you to keep everyone here safe. If you have questions, ask Beth." Hammer told Davey as he responded to the alarm.

Looking about, Davey saw his father moving the water truck out of the way, to open the main entrance. The other State Police vehicles started taking off, in hurry for the interstat. The big cop was running out of the store with Dave, splitting to get in car and on bike. In just a few breaths, the bikes and the cars were gone. Davey could still hear the roar of the bikes, as they flew down the interstate.

"I'm in charge, so I should do something." Davey said to himself. "Prez would want everyone to keep calm. That means working. Keep everyone working. Need to ask Beth what work needs done."

Shortly, Davey was in the store. "Beth? Hammer told me I was in charge and needed to keep everyone safe, here. I think we need to work, to keep calm. What needs done?"

Beth looked down over the counter at the small boy, trying to stand tall. Balled fists on his hips, all serious and sincere. "I think that is a fine idea, Davey! Let's get your Dad and sister together and we can figure that out. Where are they?"

"I think Carrie is still on the roof." Davey answered. "Last I saw him, Dad was moving the water truck."

"OK." Beth said. "Let's get your Dad refilled, so he can go back out. I could use Carrie's help in here. And I really don't like to ask it of a club member, but there is A LOT of trash out in the lot and the weeds around the place. I think the Prez would like it if that was cleaned up, so we looked like we were actually open for business."

"Right. I will pick up the trash." Davey said, not wanting to do trash, but agreeing it would look nicer. "Let me get Carrie for you, first."

Davey marched out of the store and around to the back. As he topped the ladder, he saw his sister, huddled against one of the air conditioner units, crying.

"Hey, sis." he called out gently, as he approached her. "Are you OK?"

"Yeah, squir ... I mean, Davey. I'm fine." she lied. "I'm just worried about them all."

Davey felt the lie and realized this was not for him to help with. "They will be back, soon, sis. Beth needs your help in the store?"

Wiping the tears from her face, Carrie smiled, nodding. "OK, Davey."

"OK, sis." Davey said, reaching out to touch her hand.

[gipsy]

Thanks for the update

[kaijafon]

Thanks! appreciate the new chapter!

[pbbrown0]

Thanks, bitsmith. There are a lot of us how who appreciate your work.

[9idrr]

Yeah, what they said. ^