The Summer Job - 17. Mr. Oswald

After going over a list of emailed requests for services and parceling them out between himself and his helpers, he logged Mikie and Randy’s hours for the morning and tasks completed.

He looked at the time and knew a person he needed to speak to was probably free enough to talk, so he picked up his phone and dialed. Marty Oswald was a gruff, retired police detective who worked as a private investigator and security consultant for the firm. Phillip wasn’t quite sure how he would react to his call, but you never know until you try.

A puzzled voice answered the phone, “Little Phil?”

Phillip answered, “Yes sir, it’s me, Mr. Oswald. Sorry to bother you, but, I know you were a cop before you went to work for the firm. Do you remember a cop named James Green who was killed in an on duty accident a few years ago?”

Oswald replied, “Yeah. I used to work closely with Green’s ex-partner, Chris Butler. That was bad business. He left behind a wife and four kids.”

Phillip said, “That’s what I’m calling about. I met James and Marcus. They’re friends with one of the boys who stay at the Y during the summer when his Mom is working. Jeffry told me bad stuff goes on at the apartments during the day and James and Marcus have a tough time keeping their little brothers out of it. We would love to have them at the Y, but, his Mom can’t swing forty bucks a month for all four.”

Oswald said, “Thanks for giving me a heads-up. We can fix that. I’ll talk to Butler, and he can swing by and have a word with Rochelle. Cops make a point of looking after the kids of their fallen comrades. They’ve even got a fund for it. Butler will see it as a matter of honor. Thanks for letting us know.”

“It was my pleasure, Sir. I like James and Marcus. They’ll be a good addition to our kids.”

When he got off the phone with Oswald, Phillip texted Marcus: will visit this afternoon after two. What’s you and your brothers favorite flavors at Baskin-Robbins?

Marcus answered: Strawberry, rocky road, chocolate and butter pecan. Text b4 you come.