Page 23 of Mechanic

A quick stop at the nearest drive-thru for some breakfast and a cup of coffee helps wake me up as I point my car east.

Chapter 15

Roderick

The casino has been open for two weeks now.

During that time, a few issues popped up that required fixing. Many of the locals have stopped in to check the place out.

After several meetings with the town council, baseball reps, and us, it was decided building an apartment complex would be our best option. However, construction for that hasn’t even started yet. Once it’s built, it will help get staff out of the hotel so guests can book rooms to stay in.

I, for one, will be happy to finally have a place to live.

A buzz of the intercom precedes Rhodee’s voice through the speaker of my desk phone.

“Mr. Sereno, Shawna from Las Vegas is on line two for you.”

Picking up the handset, I hit the button next to the blinking red light.

“Hey, Shawna, how can I help you?” I say in greeting.

“Hi Roderick. I just wanted to check in with you. Toni finished up here today and is leaving town in two days.”

“Oh, right. This is the dealer friend of yours,” I say, mentally running though the hotel rooms reserved for staff. There is no way I will admit to Shawna that I forgot. Clearing my throat, I get back to the conversation.

“When will, ahh…”

“Toni,” Shawna supplies, anger and annoyance evident in her voice.

“Right, Toni. When can we expect Toni?”

Shawna sighs heavily. Knowing her, she is pinching the bridge of her nose, trying to reign in her anger.

“Toni should be there in about a week to ten days at the most.”

“Okay, can you please let Toni know to check in with my assistant, Rhodee, upon arrival?”

“Sure, that’s no problem,” she responds.

A voice in the background diverts Shawna’s attention.

“Roderick, I gotta go. Thanks.”

Shawna hangs up before I can respond, causing me to shake my head.

Rising to my feet, I slip my cell into my pants pocket and button my suit jacket before heading to my office door. Shawna always seems so closed off. I wonder if this Toni guy is a former lover, and it’s too much for them to work together. Not that it is any of my business, but it would explain why she is giving him this reference for transfer.

Rhodee is flipping through papers, and at the soft thud of my door closing, her head pops up.

“Rhodee, a dealer is transferring her from Las Vegas…” I pause, realizing that I didn’t get Toni’s last name. “Shit!” Her eyes widen at my exclamation.

“Sorry, that isn’t toward you. Toni, whose last name is unknown because I’m a dumbass.” Rhodee laughs at my self-degradation. Shaking off my error, I get back to my point.

“Anyway, Toni is a dealer transferring here from Vegas. He is a friend of Shawna’s. Can you please make sure a room is available?”

“Sure, I can do that, no problem. Is there anything else?”

Rhodee has her hand paused, drawing my attention to the notes she is taking. She is staring at me expectantly as I shake myself out of my daydream.

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