Page 11 of Stout Bear

Chapter

Thirteen

Max stoodbehind the bar in the Fate Mountain Brewery. Outside the windows, he noticed a luxury SUV pulling into the parking lot. A man with slicked-back hair stepped out, adjusting the lapels of his expensive suit. The man walked into the brewery and approached Max at the bar, a bright smile on his face.

“I’m looking for Max Bock,” the man said, giving Max a bright white smile.

“You found him. What can I do for you?”

“My name’s Flint Calder with BioClean Filtration. I’ve heard there’s trouble brewing with the water supply in Fate Mountain. Word is you might be facing the same issues.” Flint glanced around the taproom.

Max felt a surge of anxiety. He wondered how Flint had learned about the water issues in the area already. “What’s BioClean?”

“It’s a top-of-the-line water filtration system. I’ve installed my system in businesses across the region. From ranches to restaurants,” Flint said. He flipped open a leather portfolio, gesturing to a list of businesses.

The taproom was quiet at midday, a few regulars sipping their beers at scattered tables. Flint’s voice echoed slightly in the open space.

Max eyed the portfolio. “What exactly does it do?”

Flint laid out brochures on the bar, each page showcasing his cutting-edge microbial filtration technology. He pointed to colorful diagrams of microbes “devouring” contaminants in water.

The glossy brochures depicted pristine water, happy employees, and graphs showing dramatic drops in contamination. Max noticed the high production value, indicating serious money behind Flint’s operation.

“Advanced microbial colonies are introduced into your system, breaking down harmful chemicals. I handle the installation, maintenance, everything,” Flint said.

Max felt torn between skepticism and the hope that someone with proven success could spare the brewery from ruin. The weight of his family’s legacy and the looming festival intensified his desire for a quick fix, even if it sounded too good to be true.

Max scanned the brochures. “This looks... complicated.”

The expensive technology might be a lifeline or a financial trap. The brewery operated on thin margins, and a major investment required careful consideration. Flint leaned closer, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret.

“You and I both know contamination could ruin your family business, especially with that beer festival coming up. My BioClean system can protect your reputation.”

Max shifted his stance, feeling the tension in his back and neck. The festival was a crucial revenue pillar. Flint’s solution felt like a last resort, but perhaps the only option. Flint handed Max a thick contract, complete with glossy letterhead. His eyes widened at the alarming price tag. He then skimmed the terms that guaranteed results. A sense of urgency settled on his shoulders.

“I’ll install it quickly. No downtime, no PR disaster. You can focus on the festival,” Flint said.

“And if it fails?” he asked, swallowing a lump in his throat.

The brewery could barely absorb unexpected expenses. But if they continued to produce failed batches, the entire operation would collapse. He weighed the gamble, picturing his siblings’ faces and the trust his parents had placed in him.

“If water quality doesn’t improve, there is a 100% money back guarantee. No one has ever had to ask for a refund.”

Max studied the guarantee clause. The language seemed straightforward.

“You’re asking for a significant investment,” Max said.

Flint nodded sympathetically. “Quality solutions aren’t cheap. But compared to the cost of a canceled festival, lost distribution contracts, and damage to your brand, it’s minimal. This is insurance for your business.”

“How long would installation take?” Max asked.

“A single day. I have a crew ready to go.”

Max exhaled, closed the contract folder, and set it on the bar counter. He met Flint’s gaze, aware that this choice could save—or sink—the brewery. Flint’s confident smile never wavered, as though he knew the outcome before Max spoke.

“Fine. Let’s do it,” Max said, signing the contract.

“You won’t regret it. I’ll have my team start installation as soon as possible.”

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