The next morning, Jarad Brown, Mr. Nuri's Paralegal, greeted Conor with breakfast. "Mr. Nuri was called away to one of our other offices out of town on urgent business. But I can take you anywhere you need to go this morning."
"Umm, well I probably need to check-in at work"
Jarad drove Conor to the GrizlHut. As Conor walked in, he was met by the glaring eyes of a cross-armed Pops.
"If you think that Mr. Cochan is going to tolerate a drug dealer working here and using his business as a distribution point, you are dumber than I thought. Hand over your uniform, NOW!"
"But that's not what happened! I can explain! No, my lawyer can explain!" Conor reached for the door but saw Jarad already driving away.
"Now, Conor! Hand it over. Not only were you arrested but I had to deal with a customer complaint about you trying to charge her for something she didn't even order! Jessica should never have married you and if I have any influence I will see you out on your ass by the end of the month."
Conor was utterly defeated and couldn't believe that after two months of being a model employee, improving the business, and helping gain new clients with his recipe improvement Pops was not going to listen to anything. Conor finally just handed over his uniform and walked out. As he sat on the curb, a car arrived and Cara stepped out of a vehicle he didn't recognize. "Conor! What the hell did you do to my car!" she demanded.
Conor looked up and winced. "I am sorry. I think the cops impounded it. I will make sure my lawyer gets it back to you shortly. He did make sure you got home safe correct?"
Cara huffed but agreed, "yea he did... but Conor, Dammit! I trusted you! I told you to bring my car back! What the hell!"
"I promise it was all a misunderstanding. Something about a drug bust, wrong time, wrong place."
"You delivered drugs in my car!" she screeched.
"NO, NO, NO! Cara, please! I swear I was innocent! My lawyer can explain, and I promise I will make it up to you!"
"Conor, you promised to bring my car back at the end of the shift! Your word is not worth much around here right now."
Conor hung his head. "well, I don't think you will have to worry about that much. Seems I was fired just now."
Cara looked at him with sympathy and concern. "You really were framed? What will you do now? I can try to talk to Pops..."
"No, I don't want you getting caught up in the middle of this and getting on Pops' bad side. I will figure something out. I always do. Go ahead inside. I will make sure my lawyer has your car here before your shift is over."
"Conor, be safe. And... see you around?"
"Yea, maybe. Not sure I will be welcome here. But I will see what I can do. maybe I will see you around the community center."
"Thank you, Conor. And seriously, visit some time. Johnathan and the kids would love the company. Especially after you get my car back!" the last had a bit of good-natured barb with it but Conor took it in stride. He had cost her the use of her car after all.
Conor watched as Cara walk inside the GrizlHut and wished her well. As he sat and wondered what he would do next, Peter came to mind. He had known the suit shop owner and the salon stylist. Perhaps he would have work for Conor or know where he could find something. He decided to give him a call.
A few minutes later, Peter drove up in an older car. "Conor, brother! I hear you are the one down on your luck today! Hop in!"
Conor climbed into the passenger side and sat quietly.
Peter gripped his shoulder, "Conor, you helped me when I was down, and you still own half of AperturePhoto. We are not yet in a position that I can really help your situation direct but by the end of the year I think you will be pleased."
"That is good. But I am going to have to do something to pay for rent this month... I likely over-invested." Conor admitted.
Peter thought for a moment and then said, "I think your investment will pay off in spades, but you are right, for now, we need to find you work... I have a friend who manages the local furniture store. He is always in need of help in the warehouse, and if you work hard, he is quick to move promising people out to the sales floor. You can earn some good money selling furniture to the rich people around here! Even the dockworkers get tipped well for loading things into clients' cars. Let's go see him and see what we can arrange."
A few minutes later Conor was standing with Peter in front of Jackson Furniture. The showroom was a huge one-story affair with large windows and a neon sign out front. Several customers could be seen walking around inside looking at very expensive sofas and recliner chairs as salesmen in fancy suits spoke of the various products. "Peter, I thought you knew some backend store. Isn't this one of the city's top stores?"
"Yes, so don't mess this up. Mr. Matthews is the general manager for this store, and he runs a tight ship, but he is fair."
"How do you know him?"
"He has used my photos in the past and is already a client of the new photo marketing options. It's great for his business when we used his chairs in the photos. Come on, I will introduce you."
Inside, Peter strode right for the back. "Mr. Matthews!" he called, arms held wide with a big smile as he approached a large round man in a formal suit.
"Ah, Peter, what brings you in today? More photos?" said the rotund man.
"Not today Mr. Matthews. Actually, I have a friend that could use some work. He is a bit down on his luck, but I think you can make use of him in the back!" Peter explained.
Mr. Matthews sized up Conor, then nodded, "For you Peter, I think I can find some work for this young man. You! Can you lift? Be on time?"
Conor watched the exchange in amazement. "Umm, Yes sir. I am willing to lift things, and yes, I will be on time. I don't live far away."
"Good, good. Well, today is mostly spent. How about you report in tomorrow around 8 A.M.? See my assistant Andrew in the back and he will get you a uniform shirt. Now, please keep in mind, I am doing this as a favor for Peter here, so don't make me regret this!"
"Thank you, Mr. Matthews! My friend will not let you down!" Peter said with a slight bow, and then tugged Conor back out the door. "See! I told you! No problem! Now, do you want me to drop you at home? You will likely have a long day tomorrow."
Conor was speechless. "You are too good to me Peter. Thank you. Yes, home would be excellent."