Eileen Slovak

Chapter Seven: Second Chances

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and locales are products of the author’s imagination. They are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is coincidental. Copyright © 2024 by Eileen Slovak.

Scott

With my history, I was lucky to get the private investigator job. After twelve years, my Navy career came to an abrupt end. I found myself homeless, jobless, and living a life without a purpose for the first time in a long time. Jeff Ludwig, a retired Navy buddy of mine, hired me to work for his company, FMPI, Former Military Private Investigators. Jeff has been in business six years; he loves the work. FMPI now has offices in Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Each office has a small group of agents covering a large territory. The Florida office was first. The others he opened organically when guys he knew needed work. With few exceptions, he only hires former military. Some have combat related disabilities, but possess the right qualifications for the work.  

    Jeff started the agency shortly after completing rehabilitation. A car bomb caused his injury when he was deployed in Afghanistan. It claimed the lower portion of his right leg. His recovery has been so complete with his prosthetic limb, that he’s a highly proficient runner again. A necessary skill considering some of the cases he works. Jeff operates out of the Florida office where I was training. He allowed me to shadow him over the last few weeks, while I crashed on his couch. The cheating spouse was my first solo. The case went well but made me glad I’m single.

      I have the ideal background for the job as a former Navy Chief and a trained interrogator. I also earned degree in Criminal Justice while serving. Mainly I need the job. Per Jeff I’m a natural. It’s the perfect fit for a rookie who likes to roam. It suits me that I don’t have to explain myself. Everyone I work with has been through similar battles, or worse.

      The Florida team has more than enough PI’s. When the case came up at the Rhode Island branch of FMPI, Jeff asked if I could step in. Two of his RI investigators relocated to the North Carolina office. He was considering shutting down the Rhode Island branch before this case came up. He handed over the case file while I was still in Florida.

I’ve spoken with the client multiple times over the phone and arranged the trip to Arkansas. He doesn’t want to waste any time. I haven’t even been to the office in Warwick yet. Jeff’s been renting office space in each state where FMPI operates for the sake of legitimacy for now, even though most work is done in the field. Since I’m still fairly new, I’m reporting to a guy named Chuck Slumansky, who’s been on vacation. I’m on my way there now. So far, everyone I’ve worked with has been pretty chill. I hope that pattern will continue. I won’t need a babysitter for long. My preference is working independently, being my own boss, aside from reporting to clients.

      I feel a little guilty taking money from the Campbell’s, Sean’s wealthy, grieving parents. They who own a string of hotels and offered me a free place to stay for as long as I need it. Since my current temporary living arrangement is my truck, this is ideal right now. I’m glad to have my own space, even if it’s short-term. There’s not much to the case. From what I can tell so far, it was an accident. Jeff says we don’t question the legitimacy of a case, we just do the clients’ bidding. He’s right. It’s a job. I can’t afford to get too invested. The Campbell’s are insisting on a thorough investigation. They don’t care how long it takes to determine what happened to their son.

      Rhode Island has pleasant scenery, beaches and open spaces, but the weather in January is nothing short of miserable. I favor the south, and don’t see myself growing accustomed to this bitter cold. No doubt I won’t still be working at this location when the sun finally appears in the Spring. If I’m needed elsewhere, that’s where I’ll be.