"I think I'd like that—Ashe and I ate at Victoria's not long ago. We loved it."
"Funny you should mention that—Victoria's is the one he's buying. The owner wants to retire and just put it up for sale. Winkler got wind of it and was interested. He's got a lot of property in the area already."
"I'd like to keep the same menu," Adele said, offering Buck a smile. "We loved the shrimp and fish we got."
"There's a local shrimping business that's werewolf owned. They'll supply fresh shrimp and seafood, I'm sure. The Sheridans grow enough produce to keep two restaurants in business, plus some. And we have a line on any other fresh fruit and vegetables you want."
"This is exciting to me, Mr. Wilson," Adele said. "Please tell Mr. Winkler that I appreciate this opportunity."
"It's nothing. And call me Buck," he said, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "We're starting on this one tomorrow," he tapped the sheet again. "If the weather cooperates, we'll have it built just before school starts."
"That's wonderful. Thanks, Buck."
"No problem, Adele."
* * *
"Money's no object," Andy said as they looked through computers at the electronics store. A solicitous employee stood nearby, hoping for a very good sale. Ashe was busy reading the specs for two that he'd narrowed down.
"I want a better printer," Ashe said, pointing out the desktop he'd selected.
"Not a problem," the employee agreed.
After Ashe and Andy packed the new computer and accessories into a Winkler Security van, Andy drove to an office-supply store.
"Pick out a desk. You'll get the office we're in right now. I'm moving my office to the media room. Buck is putting a TV in his bedroom so you won't have to share your office."
"Really? I feel special," Ashe grinned.
"Yeah. Come on; let's find something that will accommodate those long legs of yours."
"This is as good as Christmas," Ashe said later, rolling an ergonomic chair across the tile floor. "I like this one."
"We'll take it. And the desk and credenza," Andy told the salesclerk. Another load went into the back of the van. "I think Winkler wants to talk to you again when we get back," Andy said quietly as they climbed inside the vehicle.
"What about?" Ashe couldn't imagine what the Dallas Packmaster might want this time.
"Not sure," Andy lied. Ashe knew that Andy knew but wasn't going to point it out. He was used to it.
"All right." Ashe buckled up, settled into his seat and watched the van drive past gulf waters.
* * *
"Ashe, I know we've asked an awful lot of you, and I realize your age, but I have a proposition for you," Winkler said.
"What's that?" Ashe was certainly curious.
"You took the SAT already, didn't you?" Winkler asked.
"Yeah—took it at the end of the school year, as practice. Did pretty good on it, too."
"Good. That's what I was hoping for," Winkler nodded. "Now, what I really want to propose is this; take and pass the GED, start taking online college courses and work for me part-time, permanently."
"What?" Ashe stared at Winkler. "I thought you had to be eighteen or older to get your GED."
"There are conditions for a sixteen or seventeen-year-old to get one, but I can pull a couple of strings. We can get a waiver, but you have to pass the test on your own. Besides, young prodigies and geniuses get into college all the time. Take the GED, Ashe. Pass it."
"I can pass," Ashe muttered, staring at his hands.
"Yeah. I know that too," Winkler said. "But the college courses are a must. I want you to enroll in at least nine hours and pass with a B average or better. I'm paying."
"You're serious about this?" Ashe lifted his eyes. Winkler's dark-brown eyes were quite serious. "What about Mom and Dad?"
"I talked to your mother this morning while you were out running. And with the way things are going with your classmates," Winkler shrugged.
"Yeah." It still stung that Ashe had been ignored by Sali, both the night before and earlier in the day. "Mom was okay with this?"
"She didn't object. She said Aedan would have to agree, but there's really not much of a downside, in my opinion. I don't doubt for a second that you can do this, Ashe. It's like testing out of your junior and senior year. They give the GED test at a community college in Beeville—it's the closest place," Winkler said. "Think it over, Ashe. Talk to your parents if you want, but I think this is a very good solution. You can travel with me, too. Between here, Dallas and a few other places. I have meetings coming up in D.C. with Matt Michaels. I want to be in on the questioning of Jack Howard, as Weldon's representative."
"I see," Ashe said softly. Ashe's talents might get Winkler more information than normal questioning might ever get.
"I see the wheels turning, Ashe," Winkler said. "Go home for the day. You can let me know tomorrow."
"Thanks, Mr. Winkler." Ashe stood and turned to go.
"Tell your mother that we'll be settling on Victoria's restaurant earlier than we thought. She'll have it next week."
"Wow—you're buying a restaurant?"
"It came up for sale. It's a good investment," Winkler laughed. "Your mother will be managing two for me, when all's said and done. She's proven that she can manage a business and turn a good profit. It'll be fun and I don't have to pay for my meals if I show up in either place," he added.
"But there's COG to think about," Ashe waggled a finger at his employer.
"Ashe, I'm not surprised you know what Cost of Goods is," Winkler grinned. "Go home. We'll talk tomorrow."
* * *
"Sali, I didn't think you remembered who I was," Ashe grumped when he let Sali in the door fifteen minutes later. He'd just settled down to watch his mother prepare spaghetti sauce for dinner.
"I remember," Sali said.
"But what do you remember?" Ashe muttered despondently.
"Ashe," Adele gave the warning without turning away from stirring the sauce. Ashe figured she was cooking for Mr. Winkler and the others—the pot was huge.
"Who do you think we'll get as Principal this time?" Sali accepted the soft drink Ashe offered and took a seat at the island.
"You heard what Trace said this morning. The shapeshifter probably doesn't have a chance," Ashe said. "That's too bad. I think I'd like to see a shifter in charge of the school."