Chapter 3

“For now,” I concluded, “just worry about keeping an eye on the cameras. That’s the main thing I need at the moment. I’ll stay with you for an hour or so when you come back tonight, then you’re on your own. You’ll do a walk-around a few times during the night to physically check that units are stillsecured, and I usually leave a note explaining anything extra that needs to be done. Clear?”

He nodded.

Before Lonnie left, I gave him keys to the office, along with the access codes he would need. Finally, I handed him a business card with my cell phone number.

“If there’s an emergency, call me, no matter the time. We’ve had fires and floods over the years, but, somehow, we keep going.”

Truth was, this place was my pride and joy, a testimony to longevity when so many things in my life had failed me since I was young. I would do anything, make any sacrifice, to keep it going. I had nothing else, after all.