The set up (78)

Ariel did not know what to say. She looked at her hand being held by his and smiled. "I... I'll do my best to help. Keith told me to help any way I can. Let's start with the date." She pulled her hand back and opened up a pad of paper.

"How long does it take to get things set up?"

"It's best for at least thirty days." She opened a app on her phone and pushed a few buttons. Are you looking at a Saturday?"

"Yes" He watch her closely and could not help but keep a smile on his face.

"We could plan it for August 15th. That is five weeks away but we have a big swim meet on the 8th. Does that work?"

"Yes"

She then wrote down the date on her pad. "Who will be handling the workers?"

"My friends Harry Windman the fire cheif and Robert Little his second in command. I call them Harper and Tubby."

"Why?" Ariel looked at him with confusion.

Marcus laughed at the face she made, "Harper is like an old lady telling you a million times to wipe your feet before you come in and Tubby is a skinny bean pole but very strong."

Ariel cracked a smile at the picture she had in her head. "I'll need their contact numbers to see if this date works."

Marcus pulled out his phone and handed her Harpers number. She wrote it down. Then he looked up Tubby's number and she did the same. He then called Harper.

"Hey, how does August 15th sound?"

"Sounds good, is she there with you now?" Harper asked.

"Yes, If you want you can stop by for this meeting."

"I'll be right there." Harper hung up.

"He is coming to talk with you but that date is good. What's next?" He smiled.

His smile melted her senses and she just stared.

"Ariel my little Mermaid, are you ok?"

"Yes... sorry what did you ask?" She said.

"What is next?"

"Oh, The place... no wait what kind of event are we planning?" She asked.

"I think the whole town should be invited. So open to everyone. I would like to see a real large street carnival going on."

Ariel smile got bigger. "I like that. Then we can look into the city park or the fairgrounds. What is the budget?"

"I was thinking ten thousand."

"Dollars?"

"Yes, what isn't used for rental fees and staff payments can be donated to both causes."

Ariel was floored. "Then why not just donate the money to them and bypass all this. That's a lot of money."

"Then I would not get to work with you."He smiled.

There was a knock on the door. A good looking tall blonde and a shorter good looking dark haired man came walking hand in hand.

"We're here!!" The blonde said.

"You brought Mickey with you." Marcus said. "Ariel Thomas these are two of my best friends Mr. and Mr. Windman. The tall one is Harper and the cute short one is Mickey."

Ariel reached out a hand to shack it but then turned to Marcus "How did you know my last name use to be Thomas? Who are you?" She started to back away ready to run.

"Ariel, Sorry I'll explain later please sit." Marcus said.

Harper frowned. "Ariel please, It is nice to meet you. My husband and I have heard a little about you and would like to get to know you better. The fire department really could use this activity to boost our relationship with the community and with our programs we do for the schools."

Mickey took her hand, "Call me Nelson. Please to meet you."

Ariel calmed down and shook his hand. She sat back down. "It's nice to meet you too. What do you mean by needing to boost your relationship with the community?"

"What do you think of when you hear the word fire department?" Harper asked.

"It's the people who put out fires."

"Yes, but we do so much more. We are the first on scene when you call 911. We rescue people and animal's from danger. But lately because of some bad fires we could not put out we have gotten a bad rep from the city. We need to let people see us as the men we are. Putting our life on the line for you."

"I read about the fires. A chemical was used so when water is added it burns hotter."

"Yes, We are trying to figure out who is doing this with no luck. But we also need the people's support too. I think this city wide fundraising will be the key. That will only happen with your help." Harper explained.

Ariel sat there silence for a few minutes then smiled. "I do want to help."

She then explained what she was thinking and they decided on the fair grounds. They would have a few rides and a lot of booths. The firefighters would put on a show fully geared and let kids play with a fire truck and gear. Ariel and her friends would put on her Mermaid show. They just need to get volunteers to work the booths and man the rides.

"What about JJ's gourp?" Mickey suggested.

"What group?" Ariel asked.

"Our friend JJ. He is head of a special military group. The kids would get a kick out of seeing soldiers." Harper said. "Richie can you call him?"

"Sure" Marcus smiled.

"Ok, lets meet next Wednesday. I'll have a list of the rides and booths we can get a long with a price sheet. You can then agree or mark off what you don't want. Nelson and Harry it was a pleasure to meet both of you. I am looking forward to working with you. Mr. McKenna I will see you next week." She then placed everything in her bag to leave.

"Miss Jensen, please stay just a moment. I want to talk to you about something personal." Marcus said.

"I really need to head home. My daughter will be getting worried because I took so long. Lets talk another day. You have my number." She then walked out. She had to get away from this man, he made her feel strange.

"She has a daughter?" Harper asked.

"I... I don't know. Mickey can you get me all the info on her?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, but are you sure you want to really know?"

"I have to make her mine so yes I really want to know."