Chapter 5
Buzz was snapped out of his reverie, quite literally, by Dave. He came aware to the sound of Dave snapping his fingers under his nose.
"Earth to Buzz, come in Buzz," Dave said, and Buzz looked around. They were coming into Sim Springs.
"Where did you go, Man?"
"College - remembering when I moved into that dorm room with you."
"Ah, good times, man, good times. My office is on this side of town, we'll be there soon. I figure give you the lowdown first and actually get you officially hired, then go have some lunch and do some car shopping."
"Good plan, since I'm sure actually having a job will help with the whole car loan thing."
"That was my thought."
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Dave parked in front of an unassuming strip mall and got out. Buzz saw the sign on the nearest door - "Sanders Security" - and snorted. "This is a step up from where your office used to be," he said.
"That's right, you haven't seen it - I have office staff, even. Well, one."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, although you'd never know it to look around here," Dave said, unlocking the front door and looking at the empty reception desk.
"Vacation?"
"No, she's actually coordinating a job for me...and she will be so happy to see you. She hates doing this kind of thing," Dave said, over to check the phone.
"Messages - there's a bathroom through there if you need it, and a little mini kitchen thing at the end of the hall, I'll just be a sec," Dave said, and Buzz nodded and went down the hall.
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A few minutes later Dave found him drinking a bottle of water in the mini-kitchen.
"Everything ok?" Buzz asked.
"Yeah, fine, that was a new client...and one of the major reasons I'm so happy to have you coming on board."
"Freaking finally, you going to tell me what this is about?"
"Yes, Dork, c'mon, I'll fill you in," Dave said, turning and walking out the kitchen's other door.
"Hey, that's General Dork, to you," Buzz said, following Dave to what he presumed was Dave's office.
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"So, I'm guessing from what you've told me so far that you're expanding?" Buzz asked.
"Yep...getting into a new field, actually," Dave Said
"Oh?"
"Yep...event security."
"Hmmm."
"Yeah, I know, but it is very lucrative. Providing rent-a-cops at malls is all well and good, but the real money is at venues and events."
"And where do I fit in, there?"
"Well, here's the deal. One, you look the part, so in general, no pun intended, I need you to be my front man."
Buzz raised an eyebrow.
"You're the expert, the retired general, the one who lends an air of "we know what the hell we're doing" to this whole thing."
"Dave, you already know what you're doing," Buzz said.
"Ah, but I don't *look* it, and that's hurting me...and I like looking 25 enough that I don't want to give it up. That's where you come in....but I don't want you *just* as window dressing," Dave said as Buzz frowned.
"What, then?"
"You are uniquely qualified in the field I'm attempting to break into...former military, so you're tough. Former officer, so you're used to telling other people what to do, and former commander, so you can tell a lot of people what to do."
"Ok, fair enough...but what do I have that makes me so unique?"
"Well, you're the only former general *I* know, for one. I don't exactly run with the military crowd."
"I suppose not. So what's my title, anyway...and more to the point, how much are you paying me?"
"Well, the title is up to you...Estelle - she's the receptionist - suggested 'Director of Event Security'. As for money, well, I wrote this up," Dave said, pulling some paperwork out of his desk and handing it to Buzz. Buzz quickly read over it and nodded.
"Pays a little better than government service...are you really doing well enough for this?"
"Yeah, I really am. Ever since that incident in Vegas I have been busy. That's actually why this place is deserted - everyone's out on jobs."
"Well, it's an ill wind indeed that blows no one any good, or so my mom used to say."
"So true. Well, if you wanna sign that we can get some lunch...as soon as I get this call," Dave said as his phone rang.