Have Cash

“No need to do that, this is Mr. Ford and I am his assistant,” Michael said.

“Oh, then I am safe. I should get your things in the car then. You guys probably want to use the washroom and get something to eat before we head out,” Davis said while taking their things and putting them in the trunk of the SUV.

“Why is that?” Michael asked.

“Well, it is now half four,” he said as he looked at the time on his watch. “It is peak time, fortunately, it is Sunday so there not supposed to be much traffic on the highway. It may take us approximately four to five hours for the most to arrive there.”

“Fair enough, which side is the washroom and the canteen?” Michael asked.

“I have never been inside the airport before, but there are signs around,” Davis said. “Anyway, I should move the car from here before the security returns.”

Lee and Michael looked at each other, their luggage was already inside the vehicle. Even though their suitcases were locked and couldn’t be opened easily, they still had priceless goods inside them. “Seeing that you don’t really know the inside of the airport, it would be best to stop by a bar or food outlet along the way.”

Lee and Michael were looking at him and observing all his reactions, they were trying to see if he had evil attentions or was innocent.

“I agree. It might take you guys a while to find the washroom and then the canteen, the best option is along the way. The longer we stay at the airport, is most likely we would encounter some traffic along the way, hope in guys,” Davis said walking over to the driver's side and getting in.

Michael got in the passenger seat while Lee got in the backseat, it was only after they pulled out of the curb, then out of the side road and they were on the highway did Davis start talking. “I am Davis Patiram, my parents own the beach house that you have booked for two weeks. Since I am home after my graduation and awaiting calls for interviews, my parents decided to assign me your personal driver for the two weeks. I hope you guys don’t mind.”

“I am Bernard Thompson, Mr. Lee Ford is my boss. It would be an honor to have a personal driver for the two weeks period. If you perform well, maybe my boss might want to hire you,” Michael said.

“It’s okay if he doesn’t, it would be an honor to be of assistance during these two weeks. If you guys need it, I can also change the vehicle to a regular car. My family owns a lot of vehicles which we also have for rental apart from the beach house.”

“Hmm, we will see about that later on. My boss came here to see if there are only potential business opportunities,” Michael said.

“Oh cool, then maybe I would really get a job with your boss then if that does happen,” Davis said.

Michael and Lee could clearly hear the enthusiasm in his voice after hearing that they may be employment opportunities opening soon. From the sound of it, the unemployment population must be really high and there were a lot of graduates that were looking for work.

Three hours later they arrived in San Fernando, “Hey guys I am making a quick stop at the mall as I need to use the washroom, do you guys want to go as well?” Davis asked as he was swinging off the highway and heading to Gulf City Mall.

“How long again before we arrive at the beach house?” Lee asked.

“We are only halfway there. It has a highway from here to Point Fortin but then from Point Fortin to Cedros, it is just the main road. The roads here in Trinidad are very bad, there are a lot of potholes on the road.”

“Potholes?” Michael asked.

“Well, it is depressions on the road that can damage vehicles when the wheels fall into them. We call it potholes here.”

“Oh, well then we would also take a washroom break, and get something to eat as well,” Michael said.

“Sure, I would make sure and park in a secure spot, and ensure that the locks are locked properly. I would have preferred to go to C3 Mall, as the security there is tighter, but didn’t expect that I needed the washroom. Here would have to do,” Davis said as he pulled into a parking spot that was just outside the mall entrance.

After the three of them got out of the car, Davis pressed the alarm and then checked to make sure all the doors as well as the trunk was open. Davis led them up the stairs from the outside and then they entered the entrance on the second floor. “The food court is right inside and the washrooms are next to the food court for convenience. This way you guys wouldn’t get lost, and I am sure that you both want to be in bed before eleven tonight.”

When Lee entered he saw that the food court was well organized with tables set for a couple, family, and friends. The washrooms were to the left upon entry and not far from the food outlets. The three of them walked straight to the male washroom, it was clean and organized and very hygienic. Lee thought that he wouldn’t mind owning a mall like this.

After the three men used the washroom and washing their hands, “Davis, do you have cash?” Lee asked.

“Yes, why?”

“We haven’t gotten the chance to change our money as yet, we would have to depend on you to buy us some food,” Michael said, as it only occurred to him after his boss asked the question that they didn’t have any Trinidad currency money.

“Sure, it would be my honor to treat the boss and his assistant,” Davis said. “So what would you guys like to eat? There is KFC, Subway, Mario’s, Pizza Hut, Pizza Boys, some local outlets.”