The Father's Reckoning

Chapter Six: The First Deal

Tyson opened the folder and began examining the documents.

At first glance, everything looked ordinary. There were several pages containing delivery instructions, payment arrangements, and a few terms he didn't fully understand.

He turned to the next page.

Then another.

Finally, he looked up at Dominic.

"What exactly do you want me to do, sir?"

Dominic leaned back in his chair.

"It's simple. I have several businesses that require regular deliveries. Some of my clients prefer their packages delivered personally rather than through ordinary courier companies."

Tyson nodded slowly.

"So you need a delivery driver?"

"Exactly."

"Then why not use your regular drivers?"

Dominic smiled.

"Because I don't use regular drivers for every job. Some deliveries require discretion, punctuality, and someone who knows how to follow instructions."

Tyson looked at the folder again.

"What kind of packages are we talking about?"

"Different things. Documents, personal belongings, and business materials. Nothing you need to concern yourself with as long as you complete the assignment."

Tyson wasn't entirely satisfied with the answer.

However, he reminded himself why he had come.

His son needed treatment.

He couldn't afford to spend the entire day questioning an opportunity that might help him save Zeri.

"How much will you pay me?" he asked.

Dominic seemed amused by his directness.

"You're getting straight to business."

"I'm sorry, sir. I don't mean to sound rude. I just don't have much time."

Dominic nodded.

"I understand. Your first delivery will earn you two thousand dollars."

Tyson blinked.

"Two thousand?"

"For one delivery."

Tyson looked at him, wondering whether he had heard correctly.

"You're offering me two thousand dollars just to deliver a package?"

"That's right."

"How far?"

"Not very far. The location and instructions are inside the folder."

Tyson looked down again.

Two thousand dollars.

It wasn't fifty thousand, but it was more money than he normally earned in several weeks.

If he could complete enough deliveries, perhaps he could raise the amount his son needed.

"When can I start?" he asked.

Dominic smiled.

"Today, if you're ready."

Tyson nodded immediately.

"I'm ready."

Dominic picked up a pen and pointed towards the documents.

"Before we proceed, I need you to read these terms carefully."

Tyson began reading.

Some of the clauses were complicated, and he didn't understand all the legal language. He paused at a section describing his responsibility for the deliveries and another concerning confidentiality.

"Is this necessary for every driver?" he asked.

Dominic nodded.

"Of course. My clients value privacy. I need to know that the people working for me understand their responsibilities."

Tyson continued reading.

He was uncomfortable with some of the wording, but Dominic had already explained that the work required discretion.

And the money was urgently needed.

"Can I take this home and read it properly?" Tyson asked.

Dominic's expression remained calm.

"You can. But I should tell you that the delivery needs to be completed today. If you're interested, I can explain anything you don't understand before you decide."

Tyson looked at the documents again.

He thought about Sandra lying in the hospital bed.

He remembered Zeri inside the incubator.

Four days.

He couldn't waste another opportunity.

"Alright. I'll do it."

Dominic smiled and extended his hand.

"Welcome aboard, Tyson."

Tyson shook it.

"Thank you, sir. I won't disappoint you."

"I hope not."

Dominic pressed a button on his desk.

A few seconds later, the door opened, and his assistant entered.

"Yes, sir?"

"Prepare the first package for Mr Alan. Also, give him the delivery instructions."

"Certainly."

The assistant nodded and left.

Dominic turned back to Tyson.

"One more thing."

"Yes, sir?"

"I expect punctuality. If I give you a delivery time, I expect you to meet it. And if there's a problem, you contact my office immediately."

"Understood."

"Good."

Dominic stood and extended his hand again.

"Let's see what you can do."

A few minutes later, Tyson was escorted to a private room on the same floor.

A man stood beside a table with a medium-sized black package.

"Mr Alan?"

"Yes."

The man checked a document.

"This is your first assignment."

He placed a small envelope beside the package.

"Your delivery address is inside. You'll receive the payment once the recipient confirms delivery."

Tyson picked up the envelope.

"Is there anything special I need to know?"

"Just follow the instructions."

The man handed him a small card.

"This is the contact number for the recipient. Call when you arrive."

Tyson examined the package.

It was sealed carefully, with no visible company name or description.

"What's inside?"

The man gave him a neutral look.

"You're being paid to deliver it, Mr Alan. Not to inspect it."

Tyson looked at him.

"Fair enough."

He picked up the package.

It wasn't particularly heavy, but something about the way it had been prepared made him curious.

Still, he said nothing.

He had accepted the job, and he intended to complete it.

As Tyson walked back towards the elevator, his phone vibrated.

He looked at the screen.

It was a message from Sandra.

How is everything going? Have you found a way to get the money?

Tyson stopped walking.

He stared at the message before typing a reply.

I'm working on something. Don't worry. I'll explain when I see you.

He hesitated, then added:

How are you feeling?

Sandra replied almost immediately.

I'm better. Just worried about our little boy.

Tyson looked at the package in his hand.

He's going to be fine. I promise.

He put the phone away and continued towards the elevator.

Outside the building, Tyson placed the package carefully on the passenger seat.

He opened the envelope and checked the delivery address.

The destination was on the other side of the city.

He started the engine.

Before pulling out, he glanced at the package again.

Two thousand dollars.

That was what Dominic had promised him.

For the first time since receiving the hospital call, Tyson felt a little hopeful.

Perhaps this was the opportunity he needed.

Perhaps he could complete enough deliveries to raise the money for Zeri's treatment.

He picked up his phone and called the number on the card.

A man answered after the second ring.

"Yes?"

"Good afternoon. My name is Tyson Alan. I'm calling about a delivery from Mr Swagger."

"You're the new driver?"

"Yes, sir."

"How long until you arrive?"

"I'm on my way."

"Good. Make sure you don't keep me waiting."

The call ended.

Tyson placed the phone on the dashboard.

He checked his mirrors and pulled into traffic.

He had no idea what was inside the package.

He didn't know who the recipient was or why Dominic insisted on keeping the delivery so private.

All he knew was that he had a job to complete.

And somewhere in a hospital, his newborn son was waiting for him to find a way to save his life.

Tyson pressed his foot against the accelerator.

He couldn't afford to fail.