Chapter 3: Operation Teddy Bear

Upon receiving the check, Martin examined it and realized that the amount was incorrect, a mere $100.

That amounted to only two weeks' worth of pay.

Recalling the terms of his employment, Martin asserted, "Mr. Max, we agreed on a daily wage of $45, and I've worked for you for 12 days over the past two weeks."

Max was well-prepared for this situation, having considered the circumstances surrounding Martin Davis's injury. He countered, "You and I never signed a daily wage contract. The minimum wage laws doesn't apply to you."

Anticipating potential complications if an injured worker persisted, Max had preemptively built a barrier, explaining further, "You fell off the roof and damaged Mr. Paul's doghouse. It cost $1,200, and I compensated him with $1,000. You can verify this with Mr. Paul."

Paul, Max's friend since adolescence, had already been informed and corroborated the story, stating, "Bill and Jones, who worked with you, can vouch for it. You were drinking on the job, breaking company rules, ignoring advice, causing the accident, and resulting in substantial property damage for the employer. You bear the primary responsibility."

"In addition, your actions severely tarnished the company's reputation, leading to the loss of three consecutive business orders," Max added. To handle this vulnerable, uneducated young man, Max easily delivered a series of blows.

He slid a folder across the table to Martin, explaining, "Have a look at this. It's a termination agreement due to your actions. Your behavior led to the loss of three significant clients."

Martin quickly skimmed through it, and on the surface, it seemed legally sound.

Max wore a pleasant smile as he continued, "I didn't take you to court to seek damages. Instead, out of goodwill, I gave you $100. You should be grateful." He added, kindly advising, "If you have any objections, you can appeal through the union and request arbitration. My apologies, I forgot, you don't have a permanent job, can't afford union dues, and have never joined a union."

Martin shut the document and began contemplating the situation, which appeared increasingly complex.

Max's nose twitched repeatedly, and his excitement grew as he continued, "If you can't afford a lawyer, you can apply for legal aid through the ATL Legal Aid Association. I've heard the waiting list can extend for several months." It was a comprehensive assault, targeting Martin's class and financial status, even though Mike was just a small-time boss of a small company.

Martin lacked knowledge of laws and regulations, having never completed his education. He couldn't possibly possess the necessary legal expertise.

Max pounded the table, saying, "Young man, it's best if you return home, recover from your injury, and know that the company is open to rehiring you at any time."

Martin pocketed the check and glanced at Max, realizing that following the standard procedures might not be easy.

Class and money—the two formidable obstacles he was facing.

At that moment, the door behind them swung open, and a burly Latin man appeared in the doorway.

With his injured leg, Martin couldn't confront the situation, so he turned and exited Max's office.

As he descended the stairs, he meticulously recollected everything he had observed, realizing that this kind of thing was rampant in Atlanta.

Martin entered his car and noticed a Cadillac parked not far away, recognizing it as Max's car.

After a few minutes of contemplation, he jotted down the license plate number and registered more details about Max, especially the route to his home. Martin then started the car and headed in that direction.

Max resided in a middle-class neighborhood not too far from Clayton.

Martin retraced the road from his memory, circling back to the Clayton community and pulling into Carter's house.

Elena approached him, inquiring, "Did that jerk give you your money?"

Martin retrieved the cash check and handed it to her, stating, "I encountered a very difficult boss."

"Only $100?" Elena exclaimed in anger. "Does he think of you as a beggar?"

Harris, having taken painkillers to alleviate the pain temporarily, posed a question, "What are the odds of winning if we file for arbitration or seek legal aid?"

Seated on a single sofa, Martin replied, "We're impoverished, and time is a significant expense."

Hall suddenly chimed in, "Get a gun and take him out!"

Lily scoffed, "You want to end up in jail?"

Elena landed a punch on his head and directed him toward the bedroom door, asserting, "Get inside. I won't say anything, and you two morons are not allowed to come out!" The siblings averted their gazes and complied, entering the bedroom.

Once the bedroom door was securely closed, Martin initiated the conversation, "Harris, can you move around comfortably?"

Harris nodded, replying, "I've taken painkillers, so I'm okay."

Without preamble, Martin explained, "I worked for Max for two weeks and got a sense of his routine. He's a family man, leaves the company at 3:30 every day, and takes the same route home. There's a suitable intersection on his way. We'll wait for him there."

Lina expressed surprise, "What's your plan? Robbery?"

Harris flinched, cautioning, "Robbing Max means a 90% chance of ending up in jail. I also plan to go to college."

"What are you two thinking?" Martin's fist struck the sofa's armrest with force. "I have principles and limits!"

Elena chimed in, puzzled, "I don't want to go to a hellish prison. Lily and Hall are just two idiots."

Martin asserted, "We must break free from their rules. Within their system, the poor can never defeat the rich."

Harris mumbled, "Principles and limits..."

Martin continued, "We can have principles and limits, but they must be flexible and adaptable."

Elena, with an approving gesture, said, "The idiot is finally showing some sense."

Martin grabbed a few hairs from the teddy bear on Elena's pants and asked, "Can I get a teddy bear costume?"

Elena raised an eyebrow, "No problem."

Martin inquired further, "Are there any cameras or such?"

Harris answered promptly, "Scott's store should have some second-hand stuff."

"Great!" Martin directed, "Elena, fetch the teddy bear costume, and I'll go find Scott. Harris, keep an eye on these two troublemakers and make sure they don't cause any more problems!"

Elena was the first to rise and proclaimed as she exited, "You lazy bunch, get ready to run like crazy. Operation Teddy Bear is a go!"

She drove back to the shopping mall where the sale was held.

Meanwhile, Martin headed to the north side of the neighborhood, finding a micro-grocery store.

Scott Carter was stationed at the counter, guzzling from a bottle of rum. When he spotted Martin, he belched and inquired, "Boy, what brings you here?"

Martin approached the counter and stated, "Your son, Harris, broke his arm."

Scott took another swig of liquor and casually advised, "Tell him to go to the hospital."

Aware that Scott wouldn't provide financial assistance, Martin inquired further, "Do you have a camera?"

Scott replied, "No camera, but there's a camera." He ostentatiously retrieved a miniature camera, stating, "It's a new JVC model, just arrived last week. Help me find a buyer, and I'll give you a commission." Martin recognized the model, examined it briefly, and asked, "Is it still functional?"

Scott leaned forward, insisting, "Of course it is!"

Martin picked up the camera and left without looking back, declaring, "Harris needs it for his treatment. I'll return it to you later."

Scott yelled angrily, "Stop, stop!" but didn't pursue him.

Back at Carter's house, Elena swiftly returned, and the three of them convened and departed together.

Operation Teddy Bear was now in motion.