“Al, I am ready for this. I know what is expected. I have the knowledge, the interest, and the drive,” I said as simply and to the point as I could.
“Okay. That’s good. Before I make up my mind, is there anything you want to tell me?”
“Like what?” I queried nervously.
“Anything you may have been involved with, you know, hookers, drugs, booze, and debt. Stuff that might bite us in the ass?” asked Al.
“No, pretty boring guy really. Nothing that comes immediately to mind. The library business is not as exciting as it looks,” I deadpanned.
Dale piped in, “What are you kidding Al? Our man is like an altar boy.”
We endured yet another long moment of silence where the big man looked us both over like he was hungry. He finally pushed himself out of the chair. I looked at the seat he vacated. It was bent and beaten.
“Well, you have given me something to think about. I have always thought you to be a quality, straight up, guy and you just might make a good candidate. I will let you know tomorrow. Last thing, if I do take on this job you better be straight with me the whole way through, okay?”
“Straight, sure, anything you say,” I replied.
Al then looked at Dale and asked him if he had any last words.
“Any last words?” Dale responded hesitantly.
“Yes, anything you want to add?”
“Can’t guarantee his safety eh?” The big man smiled for the first time since the meeting began. He then turned and walked out the door.
Troy Myers 