Player Retired

Once again I have to thank my editor "wires" for his assistance. This time he went above and beyond the call of duty in his assistance. I could not believe how much better this story was when he returned it to me. I am a typical author though and i made some changes after he returned it. As always, the errors are mine. Thank you wires.

*****

Dave Stebbins came home from school Thursday afternoon like he always did. He was tired and bored, anxious to get home and do something fun for a change. Like the great majority of young men from households in the U.S., he tolerated school. He had the potential of being a good student but school, learning, and the way the teachers presented the subject matter did not excite him. As a result he did the bare minimum to get by. His parents were of hardworking stock, but both his father and mother had stopped their education when they graduated high school. His mother worked in a local diner as she had since her high school days. His father had gone into the Army right out of high school and been trained as a diesel engine mechanic. After he got out he got a good job working at a car dealership and he had been there ever since.

Dave's grandparents had been farmers all their lives. Their house and farm was on the edge of a small town about eight miles from the larger town he and his parents lived in. Dave had spent many happy visits with them in his younger years. In fact, he still spent a lot of his days during the summer on what remained of the old family farm. His grandfather was 68 now so only did a small amount of work on the land—more as a hobby to keep away boredom than for a living.

When Dave drove his old, beat up, F150 down the street his house was on he saw several cars and vans parked in front of his home. He was forced to park his truck almost at the end of the block because of all the vehicles. He angrily walked the half block home and into his house. When he got there he saw many of his relatives standing around talking quietly and drinking everything from coffee or ice tea through beer and up to the hard stuff. His grandmother was sitting in the chair she usually used when she came to visit. She was bent slightly forward and her shoulders were shaking as she cried quietly. Her skin was pale and her eyes were red.

Dave's mother looked up when she heard the door open. She set her glass of wine down and moved to Dave. He had just opened his mouth to ask what was going on when she said, "Dave, Honey, grandfather Ben passed away this morning. He was sitting in the coffee shop with his friends like he normally does in the morning and just keeled over from a massive heart attack. Why don't you put your books in your room and come back down to be with the rest of the family."

Dave felt like the world had just slammed him in the face. His stomach clenched up tightly. He just stood there for a moment, unable to comprehend the enormity of his mother's statement. Gramps was gone? How could that be? He talked to him just yesterday and he was fine. They were best friends. They hunted and fished together. They were going fishing this weekend and now he was gone. They would never fish together again, never look at a beautiful woman and make ribald comments to each other again.

The next week went by slowly as family members arrived in town. Finally the funeral was held and life slowly went on. Grandma moved into Dave's home with him and his parents because his father didn't want her living alone in her grief. He felt it would be much too easy for her to slip into deadly depression. Two weeks later Gramps will was read. He willed his old house and twenty acres to Dave. The rest of the land went to Dave's father. Dave's grandmother, Millie, got what was called Dowry Rights to the house and land. That meant she was allowed to live in the house and receive all the income from the land until she also passed away. If she left the house before she died she could receive any rental income it generated.

Dave graduated high school that May and found a job for the car dealer where his father worked. He was what was called a lot boy. He ran errands, washed and detailed cars, and performed other duties as required. The owner of the dealership always tried to help out the children of his employees and Dave was no exception.

Dave didn't have any great desire to learn any type of trade. He was like many young people and had no idea what type of work he wanted to do now that he was out of school. Dave's only real passion in life was to hang around with his friends, chase pussy and party. His job at the dealership generated enough money for that. Since many of his friends were furthering their education, he also decided to try and go to college, at least until he found out what he wanted to do with his life. Neither he nor his parents could afford tuition, room, and board at a four year University so he did what many of his peers did. He went to the local community college, a two year institution where he could obtain a two year Associates Degree. It would be easier for him to try several different career possibilities at the community college compared to a full university. Any credits he earned could be transferred to a full university when or if he decided to take that path and obtain a bachelor's degree.

Just before Christmas Millie died. It wasn't unexpected as she wasn't in the best of health and, despite living with Dave and his parents she missed Ben and was terribly lonely. In February of the next year his father and mother decided to sell their share of the farm and their house in town and move to sunny Florida. Dave was not invited to accompany them. It was just assumed he was now an adult and on his own. He moved into his grandparent's old home, now his home. He worked part time while he attended college.

Finances were tight for Dave. He scrimped and saved but he was rapidly running out of money. He and some of his friends were complaining about finances one day when one of them looked at Dave and asked a question that started Dave on the road to financial security. "Dave I know several guys who are renting rooms or small apartments from people while they go to college. You have that huge house in Titusville and only use part of the downstairs. Why don't you rent rooms to people or even turn the rest of the building into apartments and rent them? Hell, I pay $435 a month for a little efficiency apartment now. You could make at least four apartments out of your old house and still keep the entire downstairs for yourself. That would be a cool $1740 a month income for you. Man, you'd be on easy street."

Dave sat and stared at his friend. "I never thought of something like that. Don't guess it matters though. I don't have the money to do it."

One of his other friends spoke up. He said, "Hell, man, just rent some bedrooms to people until you get some money ahead then convert one apartment. Rent it and use that money to do another one and so forth. It might take you a while but you could do it. Heck, my dad is a contractor and I used to help him. I learned a lot about the building trade. Let me stay with you for free and I'll help with the work. Man, you can't lose."

Dave and his friend, Pete Thurgood, began work the next week. Pete and Dave had gone to school together since 7th grade and were best buddies. Pete moved into one of the rooms on the first floor of the old house with Dave. Dave decided to keep the whole downstairs first floor for himself. They rented the bedrooms in the third floor to other people they knew in college and to a couple of Hispanics working in the packing plants in the nearby large city. Before the summer was over they had two nice two bedroom apartments on the second floor. To Dave's surprise he rented them to married college students for $450 per month each. He was in the money!

The next room they completed was a small efficiency apartment in what used to be the attic. It only rented for $300 per month but that was almost like found money for Dave. He had not even planned to use that space until Pete talked him into it.

By the time the next summer rolled around Dave had converted all the rooms to apartments. He now had 4 one bedroom apartments and the small one in the attic plus the whole downstairs in which he lived. He was taking in $2100 per month on his house. Life was good.

Dave finished his two year degree at the local community college and was at a loss as to what he wanted to do with his life now. He didn't have enough education for a good white collar job. His advisor at the junior college tried to get him to declare a major and take his few optional classes in a specific field but Dave just had no serious interests in any particular area. Finally he obtained his AA degree in General Studies. As many of you know a degree in General Studies is worthless as tits on a boar hog but he did obtain his two year degree. Dave had no training for skilled work such as being a mechanic, computer repair, or so forth, so ended up once again in the job market with very minimal marketable skills. He had no training at all That would get him a decent job, as he found out. He really didn't want to move to the city and continue with his college education, either. Like many young men and women he hung out with his peers in local arcades, pool halls, and other teen hang outs when he wasn't working at the car lot. He came into contact with an Army Recruiter and fell for his sales pitch. Before he knew it, Dave was in the Army and headed for Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.

Just before he left home Dave signed a contract hiring Pete to be his representative and manage his home rental for him while he was gone. His pay was to be 10% of the income for the place plus personal use of Dave's downstairs apartment. The contract specifically stated that upon Dave's return it would be automatically cancelled unless both parties agreed otherwise. Pete was to be due payment for the full month of Dave's return and nothing thereafter. The contract could be terminated at other times with thirty days written notice by either party.

Like clockwork Dave received his rental money from Pete. He rapidly quit thinking about his home in Titusville and turned all his attention to his Army Duties. After Basic Training he was selected to be trained as a Mechanic. He found he had a natural aptitude for the work and excelled in his studies. After he finished his Advanced Individual Training Dave was sent to his first unit and shortly thereafter to his first overseas deployment in Iraq. The next three years flew by. Dave gained skill as a mechanic and learned many things about himself and life in general. He learned he did not want to be a soldier all his life and that he did not get the same enjoyment from working on engines that his father had even though the work came easy for him.

After his four year enlistment was over Dave mustered out of the Army as a Sergeant E5 and returned home to Titusville. He still had his old truck and decided to take his time driving home in it. After he had a good start on his trip and had a good idea of when he should get home, he e-mailed his friend Pete to let him know he was coming. In his e-mail he told him his estimated arrival date and that he would be moving back into his home and would once again take over the management of the rentals. He told Pete he would want to move back into his apartment immediately. He also told Pete he could stay there until he found something for himself. He got no reply.

Dave tried to call Pete several times and still could not manage to connect with him. He left messages on his phone. Still no reply. Late on a Friday evening Dave pulled into Titusville. He slowly drove down the main drag looking over his old home town. Things had changed slightly yet they seemed the same. There was still a group of kids hanging around the pool hall and drive in laughing and talking too loud, sneaking to their cars for an illicit drink of liquor or beer. Dave smiled to himself and wondered if they thought they were fooling people like he and his friends had when he was their age.

When Dave came to the end of the block he made a U turn and returned to the drive in. He pulled up in front of it and walked inside. The smell made his mouth water. He wondered if their burgers were as good as they had been four years ago. He moved to a table and when the waitress came bouncing up he ordered a burger, onion rings and large coke.

While his supper was cooking Dave leaned back and looked around. He didn't recognize any of the people there, but he wasn't surprised. Most of them were in junior high or high school when he left home. Dave heard someone walk up to his table and saw them set his meal in front of him. He was starting to look up and thank them when he heard, "Dave? I didn't know you were back. It's good to see you. How have you been?"

Dave knew that voice. He smiled and jumped to his feet. He stood up, and grabbed the gray haired lady in a tight hug. He stepped back and said, "Mrs. Thurgood! How are you? It's great to see you. I just drove into town a few minutes ago. This is my first stop."

"Why are you working here, though? How are Max and Pete? I told Pete I was coming home. I can't believe he didn't tell you."

The woman looked upset and lowered her gaze. She said, "Max and I got a divorce a couple years ago, Dave. I don't see Pete much since you let him turn your house into... NO! I won't go there. It's your property and your decision, but I just can't believe you would do something like that. Your grandparent's must be rolling over in their graves."

"What do you mean, Mrs. Thurgood? What's wrong with renting apartments to people? It makes me some good money and provides them with a reasonably priced place to live. I'm going to move back into my apartment in the house now that I'm back. I e-mailed Pete and told him he could stay there until he found a place though. Do you know where he is? I'm really tired and when I finish supper I need to get home and catch some Z's."

Mrs. Thurgood looked at Dave sharply and frowned. "Dave, you, Dave, how do you think you can live in that little office?"

Dave sat down and looked up at the older woman. "I don't intend to live in my office. I'll move back into the apartment and bedroom I had before I went into the army. Why are you looking so strange?"

"Dave, I think there's something going on you don't know about. You didn't know Pete turned your house into a Cantina and Mexican Restaurant did you? Most of us in town think some of the young ladies running around your old place aren't-=" Mrs. Thurgood blushed slightly, then continued, "I mean, some of the men go there for things other than a beer or meals."

Dave sat there in shock. He didn't want to believe what he just heard but it must be true. Not only did Mrs. Thurgood have no reason to lie, but she knew all he had to do was go to his home and see for himself. If she was lying he could see it immediately. Without thinking about what he was doing Dave began eating his meal. It smelled wonderful but he really didn't taste it. His mind was occupied with what he had just been told. He never even saw Mrs. Thurgood walk off. If she was right Dave didn't have anywhere to sleep. Also, if she was right what was he going to do about it? This was probably why Pete never returned his e-mail or phone calls.

After Dave finished his supper he paid his bill and returned to his truck. He drove the remaining distance to his house slowly. He stopped in what was once his front yard, but was now a parking lot. There were lights on the porch and beer signs in the front windows. He heard loud Hispanic music coming from the building. There were loud raucous conversations going on inside and several groups of men and a few women standing around outside drinking and laughing. Some of the women were allowing the men to be very friendly with them.

Dave sat in his truck for a moment then got out and walked slowly toward his house. As he approached the porch those talking on it stopped and watched him. He moved in a bubble of silence as he progressed toward the building. Dave was a stranger and his presence made them wonder. Almost everyone was Hispanic, but there were a few whites in the crowd also.

Dave walked onto the porch, opened the front door, and stepped into what was once his living room. The bubble of silence followed him. There were tables everywhere in what had been the living room and dining room and was now one large room. There was a small bar to one side. Dave's mouth watered from the smells of cooking wafting in from the kitchen in spite of just finishing a burger ten minutes earlier.

Dave looked around. His small office was still being used as an office. There were signs there offering to cash checks and to wire money anywhere in the world. He walked into the office. A large Hispanic man looked up and watched him for a moment. Dave stopped and looked around, saying nothing. Finally the man said, "May I help you, Senor?"

Dave looked at him again and said, "Maybe. I'm looking for Pete Thurgood."

The man's face took on a blank expression. He said, "Senor Thurgood is not here. He lives in Valdosta, Senor, and only spends a few nights a month here. How may I help you? I own this place."

Dave smiled and said, "No, Sir, you do not. I own this place and I want to know what the hell is going on here! I'm Dave Stebbins and Pete was supposed to be managing the rentals of my apartments. I gave him permission to live here in my downstairs apartment while I was in the Army as partial pay for him taking care of my place. I came back home planning to move back into my apartment in my house and find it is turned into a bar and café. I want to know what the HELL is going on and I want to know NOW.""

The man's eyes got large and he fell backwards in his chair. His face paled somewhat. His glance flicked past Dave. Just as Dave noticed the change in focus he heard movement behind him. He quickly stepped to the side and placed his back to the wall. He saw two men moving through the door. They looked large for Hispanics and tough, competent. The man who came in the door first spoke. He said, "Is there a problem here, Senor Morales?"

The man and Dave were quiet for a moment. Finally Senor Morales said, "I do not know, Pedro. This gentleman is Senor Dave Stebbins. He says he has come back from the Army and intends to live here in this house once more. Please stay while we work out some accommodation if you will."

Dave and Senor Morales sat and talked for over an hour. Dave discovered that about nine months after he left town Pete had taken up with a Hispanic woman who lived in one of the apartments. He still stayed with her and her sister when he was in town.

The woman, Maria, had convinced Pete to allow her to prepare meals and serve them to some of the other boarders. This had grown into the bar and restaurant. More and more Hispanics began to congregate at the old house after work. She even had a pretty good breakfast and lunch trade. Senor Morales rented the office to transact his business in. He became sort of a banker for the Hispanic community and provided other services from time to time. Dave got the impression his other services were of a personal nature dealing with some of the young women wandering around.

Senor Morales informed Dave that Pete soon became tired of trying to sleep in the bedroom because of the noise from the Cantina and Restaurant. He finished converting the downstairs into the configuration it was now in and moved out. He was charging the base rent for the downstairs as if it was two apartments PLUS he demanded 10% of the profits from the business transacted on the property.

Now Dave became even angrier at his friend. He was only sending him the agreed upon rent for the top floors and the attic less the agreed upon 10% management fee. Senor Morales estimated Pete's take for the ground floor was $1900 to $2200 per month.