Would that be so bad? Ethan asked. The town could use jobs. Minimum wage retail jobs. Martha scoffed.
Not the kind that built Riverdale. The kind that keep people poor enough to be grateful for scraps. She sipped her coffee. This town wasn't built on handouts. It was built on craftsmanship and pride in honest work.
Thomas Blackwell understood that. After breakfast, Ethan drove into town to visit the local hardware store. He needed to assess what materials he could source locally before making a list of specialty items he'd have to order. Noah stayed at the mansion with Martha, who'd offered to help clean the kitchen to civilized standards. The hardware store on Main Street had the worn, comfortable feel of a place that had served generations.
Wood floors creaked underfoot, and the shelves were stocked with a practical assortment of tools and supplies. At the counter, a man in his 60s looked up from a newspaper. You must be Brooks," he said, extending a hand. "Paul Davis, I'm the sheriff around here, but I help out at my brother's store on Tuesdays. " His handshake was firm, his eyes sharp beneath a weathered brow. "Martha called, said, "You might need some supplies for the old Blackwell place. " "Yes, sir," Ethan replied, noting the Marine Corps pin on the man's lapel.
"Just assessing what I can get locally. " Davis nodded appreciatively. "Navy," he asked, noting Ethan's bearing. Seals, two tours. Serrify, Davis said, the traditional greeting from one veteran to another. Nom for me.
Different war, same crap. He folded his newspaper. So, you're taking on the Blackwell mansion. That's either brave or crazy. Maybe a little of both, Ethan admitted.
I need work and it's a roof over our heads. Fair enough. Davis leaned on the counter. But you should know what you're getting into. Reed been to see you yet?
Last night offered $120,000. He'll go higher, Davis predicted. Monarchs got plans for that whole hillside, luxury condos with a view of the river. Only thing standing in their way is that Victorian monstrosity. Ethan listed the supplies he needed, and Davis moved around the store, pulling items from shelves.
As he worked, he continued talking. Monarchs bought up 40% of the commercial property in town over the last decade. Whenever a business fails or an owner dies, Reed swoops in with cash offers. Most folks can't afford to say no. Sounds like smart business, Ethan commented, though something about the situation made him uneasy.