The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 8

Chess- aged 21

Chess stares across the counter, wondering if the girl is crazy. Dor stares back at him, unfazed. "You want me to do what??" ."You want me to repeat what I said?? Sure", answers Dor in carefully casual tone. "I said, I want to hire you for some investigation work part time".

"You do know I am a mechanic?", Chess replies sarcastically. "I work on cars and bikes?? What are you talking about??". Dor gives him an exasperated look "Chester, I know what you do. You are the best mechanic in the garage. And the most popular one", she adds as an afterthought. "I'll make it worth your while and we will make sure that your current work schedule is not affected". Chess looks at the odd girl woman in front of him speechless.

Two days later, Chess has been called for a meeting. Chess shows up. Chess never says no to money. The meeting is at the back of the bakery. Its late afternoon and the bakery is closed. Chess is running late and he quickly hurries in into the small room. Dor nods at him and points out to a small table and chairs set up. Chess sits down confused and amused. "I can spare just about ten minutes, so make it worth my while," he says with a smirk.

He sees a young boy entering the room with his school bag. "Hi Dor, sorry I am late." He quickly sits at the table opposite Chess wile Dor stands behind the boy. "Hi Chess, I am Kas. I am in a hurry as I have to go for my extra classes so I'll make this quick. Dor will discuss the money part with you later. Let me just tell you about the job ".

Chess watches the boy with amusement. "Wait let me guess. You want me to help you with your homework. Sorry kid. I am a school dropout. You've got the wrong guy ". He laughs, finding the whole situation unreal and funny.

Kas turns to Dor "Is this the new team member you suggested? "Chess watches in surprise to see the big tough baker girl lean down towards the boy in an almost subservient and respectful manner. She tells him gently "I'll explain the job, Kas. He is the man for the job."

Kas gives her a thoughtful look and turns to Chess with a serious " I mean business " expression. Dor straightens up and looks at Chess. "Ok, your VIP customers, Zander Bernard and his buddies Kevin and Jackson. We want you to report to us on their activities. As much information as you can, especially thing unusual. You service their cars and bikes, wash them too. I've seen them hanging out near your garage at lot. Also, you go to the big houses to drop the cars etc. So whatever useful information you can provide. "

Kas gives her an approving look and adds "give us whatever you can find out. Even routine stuff. We will sort out the data. Its urgent and important ". He removes a little book and slides it across. "This is all my observation notes from the initial investigation. It will help you get started. There is a lot of details, personality traits, routines and stuff. "" Chess stares at the small book, absolutely dumbfounded now. "The three brats of the big houses?? What on earth has a little chap like you got to do with those three? Do you even know what how nasty they are""?!

Kas and Dor exchange a look and Kas answers "Dor will discuss the rest with you. This is very confidential. I don't want Dor to be in any trouble. I can't afford any trouble either. My Ma works there". Chess laughs "Can't your Ma give you the info u need? What are you guys up to?? "Kas gets up looking at the time on his little cell phone. "Dor, I leave the rest to you. Chess, really looking forward to our team work. See you guys". Kas hurries off and Chess is left with the formidable Dor.

He spends the few minutes in discussion and negotiation with the very intelligent and surprisingly very interesting girl. The deal is unexpectedly decent and worth a try. He is given a decent combination of free supply of good food and money. He agrees on a three- month trial. As he walks out, he finds himself smiling broadly at the odd duo of the school boy and the baker girl. He feels oddly thrilled and amused. He turns back to the see the titan watching him, her arms folded. He gives her a wink and salute. There is no change at all in her impassive face. He pats the book in his jacket. Time to put his limited reading skills to some good use!