TWENTY THREE & FOUR
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CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
The building became a maze of hanging wires. Electricians prepared to install security cameras, flat screen televisions and all the special effects required to create a flowing, terrifying, yet safe environment. Over the construction aspect of this endeavor, Eddie had little control. Frank made things happen quickly. Teams were already in place. Time was at a premium. Keeping track of receipts, Eddie knew when they had burned through the hundred grand. Frank had no problem spending money. Eddie saw this as half of his bonus. He was determined not to throw money away. He had some creative ideas of his own when it came to the finished product. Two Lone Star College seniors set up the computer system to control all the electronics at less than half the price of quoted IT professionals. Eddie found them through Rich and his elaborate computer set up. He was bragging to Justin that he could store hundreds of games. Rich could also compete with players around the globe.
Sitting in Frank’ s office Eddie informed Frank the secret was not going to be a secret much longer. The surrounding schools were buzzing with the information.“ Can your guys set up a website?” Frank saw an opportunity.“ Not a problem. They already asked if I would allow them the privilege,” Eddie answered happily. At the meeting Frank invited anyone to feel free to stop and check out the Haunted House at Golden Estates. The surprised looks on the associates faces, who had been left out of the loop, became nods of acceptance.“ Frank’ s Farce” became“ Frank’ s Fact.” The building would show a return if not a profit. The location was perfect and everyone saw what they had missed. Advertising came by way of text message and e-mail. All of it started with“ U R going 2 have 2 C this!!!” The students built a single web page. Video of the exterior being transformed into the completed project went viral. The“ Fear Factory” became a reality. The ad stated the address would be revealed two weeks before opening day. By Easter the counter showed over half a million hits and at the beginning of summer break over two million had viewed the site.
The Wretched Raiment Shoppe was lined with costumes from Little-BO-Peep to the Hunch Back of Notre Dame. Eddie was intrigued by the pair of men who owned and operated the establishment. Van was a big, brown, teddy bear of a man with an easy smile and an easier laugh. Armando was a little too big to be a jockey. Eddie had to ask how they met.“ Fishing!” The answer came back in unison with a bit of an edge in both voices.“ I guess I should not ask for the story.”“ Armando pulls in at the last minute and steals my new boat with a fish that weighs two ounces more than mine,” Van said.“ You use it more than I do!” Armando exclaimed.“ I should, you cheated.”“ Dammit Van, I told you a thousand times, I don’ t use no stinking lead sinkers,” Armando defended.“ Yeah! Right,” Van said. Eddie caught the wink that said,“ He would not be my partner if he cheated.” Armando muttered and shook his head, walking toward the back of the shop.“ How long has this been a point of contention?” Eddie queried.“ Twenty years,” Van stated joyfully, and started at the beginning.
The day of the fishing tournament Armando arrived and asked what was going on. His English was not very good at the time. Some of the guys spoke Spanish and ascertained his reason for being there was to feed his wife and three children. The hundred dollar entry fee was ninety-seven dollars out of his price range. A collection was taken among the participants and the fee was paid for Armando. The old rowboat was pulled from the back of an equally used pickup truck and dragged to the water’ s edge. Here was a guy about to compete with a group of anglers, each having at least ten thousand dollars worth of boat and gear. Armando launched his boat and put his back into the oars. The tournament was a six hour event.
Van was about to be declared the victor when they heard Armando yelling from out on the lake. He was rowing like crazy, but after a couple dozen strokes he had to stop and bail. The men on shore had to admire the little guy, even if the sight was comical. Sit, row, bail, stand and yell. Repeat the process.