Wrong Side of the Law

Chapter 4-2

The Powell’s did hire Dirk. Mr. Powell ordered the glass for the display cases once he convinced Dirk he couldn’t afford any brand new, ‘fancy-yancy’ cases as he put it. While he waited the three days it took for the glass to arrive, Dirk installed new bullet style security cameras in areas where they’d do the most good, and be the most visible. As he pointed out, when a camera is visibly scanning a certain area, just seeing it can be a deterrent to someone planning on stealing a camera, a gun, or any other valuable the shop had on display.

He also upgraded the safeguards at the front of the shop, including the exterior, with a concealed camera focused on the front door and a keyless lock on the door itself.

Maybe I should go into security work. I do know what I’m doing. Nope, not happening. It’s too close to police work. Too damned close.

While he did all that, including installing the new glass on the cases when it arrived, Dirk watched the people who came into the pawnshop. He found there were three men who appeared to be very regular customers. Each time any one of them came in, usually carrying shoulder bags, they went straight to Jesse, waiting if necessary until he was finished with a customer. Then they followed him to the back of the shop where, Dirk knew from checking it out, they couldn’t be seen from the street. They would show him whatever was in their bag and nine times out of ten he would take the item or items to his father for his approval. That sometimes happened quickly. Other times Powell would go into the back of the shop and return a few minutes later. He would either give the item back with a shake of his head, or hand Jesse money that he in turn gave to the man.

Yeah, it could just be something that needs to be checked by Powell to appraise its value. Something the men actually owned. But that’s highly unlikely. Jesse does most of that when they take things.

For items like electronics, cameras and such, Dirk had seen Jesse go online to find out what the cheapest selling price was. Then Dirk knew, because Jesse had told him, Jesse dropped that price by 30% to figure what he could sell it for, and then he’d loan the person who brought the item in 30% to 40% of that figure. The prices of guns he seemed to know by heart. As for jewelry, watches and the like, Jesse would do a fast visual appraisal based on his experience. If the seller thought he’d undervalued it, Jesse would let his father take a look. Usually his father would come within a dollar or five of what Jesse had said. So if an item was lowballed at $100, the person pawning it might walk away with $20, and owe $24.40 to retrieve it after 30 days. Each month after that would add another $4.40 to what was owed.

It was a good racket even if they were only running a legitimate pawnshop. Dirk knew if you added in fencing they could be bringing in enough to make them fairly well off. If they were willing though, he could help them up their income a thousand percent or more. And that’s the big question. Will they admit they’re fences, and if so, will they be willing to do what it takes to be rich fences?

He would have to convince them he could put together a team of thieves who would be capable of stealing items on demand, if the Powell’s had buyers for a specific item.

* * * *

“Dirk, can we talk?” Mr. Powell asked as soon as Dirk walked into the pawnshop early one morning.

“Sure.” He followed Powell to the cage. When they were seated behind the grill, Powell handed Dirk an envelope. Opening it, Dirk found it contained money. His pay for a job well done according to Powell. After counting it, Dirk looked at the man in surprise. “Way more than I’d expected.”

“You earned it, since what you did should go a long way toward eliminating future thefts. But that’s not what I wanted to talk about. We could use another hand around here. You’ve seen how busy we can get at times. Hell, you jumped in to help out often enough, which was greatly appreciated. I’d like to hire you on as Jesse’s assistant.”

“I’m not sure I’d be much good at appraising things people bring in to pawn,” Dirk replied.

“That’s okay. Jesse can do that while you take care of people looking to buy.”

Dirk smiled briefly. “That I can handle.”

“You won’t get rich on what I can afford to pay you, but at least you’ll be able to pay the rent and eat.”

“Both good things in my book. Sure, why not. It’s not like I’ve got people clamoring for my services.”

“Not to lose a new employee before you even start, but why haven’t you tried getting a job with a security company?”

Dirk shrugged. “I knew enough to help you out but I’m not the kind of expert they’d want.”

“Coulda fooled me. Okay, you’re hired, starting right now.” Powell nodded toward the front of the shop. There were already several people browsing, as well as two that Jesse was dealing with.

“On it. And thanks.”

“When there’s a lull, there’s paperwork you need to fill out.”

“Isn’t there always,” Dirk muttered as Powell let him out of the cage. Not that he was worried about it. He knew his new ID would stand up to all but the most intense scrutiny.