(Start of Week 25. Theo's Balance: $54,435.00)
Week 25 - Monday
The cold fire of vindictive purpose warmed Theo against the pre-dawn chill as he unlocked the shop Monday morning. Reading the weekend's one-star reviews lamenting 'Something Fishy's' sudden decline, the off-tasting oil, the freezer malfunctions, the general misery, had been deeply, satisfyingly validating.
Phase one of his counter-offensive was landing with precision. Now, while continuing that subtle pressure campaign on 'Something Fishy', Week 25 was about consolidating his own base, fortifying his position, and formally transitioning operational control. With Maria's going in the right direction, it was time to free himself from the chains of working in the business, and start working on expanding and moving to the next venture.
He arrived to find Henry already starting the morning prep, moving with a newfound confidence that Theo noted with approval. Olivia arrived shortly after, bright and eager as usual. Theo also thought about Jenny, who he wouldn't see till later in the week. Despite her hours being part time, Jenny seemed less hesitant with each additional shift. The rhythm of the shop was stabilizing, finding its groove under the steadying influence of the enhanced equipment and the developing team dynamic.
Theo's first priority today, however, wasn't chicken or chips. It was security. He checked his email, confirmation from Carlos, the installer Sarah recommended. He'd be arriving tomorrow morning. Excellent. Step one in fortifying the asset.
His second priority was solidifying the command structure. Later that afternoon, during the lull before the evening shift, Theo called Henry into the tiny back office closet.
"Henry," Theo began, leaning against a stack of supplies, "I was impressed this weekend. Seriously impressed. You handled the pressure, managed the flow, kept things moving even when it got insane."
Henry flushed slightly but stood straighter. "Thanks, boss. Just trying to keep up."
"You did more than keep up," Theo stated plainly. "You showed real leadership potential. Which is why, effective next week, I'm officially making you Assistant Manager." He saw Henry's eyes widen. "The pay will reflect the added responsibility – twenty-five an hour base to start."
"Whoa! Seriously? $25?" Henry stammered, clearly stunned. "Theo, that's… wow. Thank you!"
"You've earned it," Theo said, cutting off further thanks. "It means taking ownership of the day-to-day. Supplier orders, inventory management, daily prep schedules, overseeing Olivia and Jenny, ensuring quality control… basically, running the shop floor. I'll handle the finances, payroll, overall strategy, but I need someone reliable running point here so I can focus on expansion." He held Henry's gaze. "Think you're up for it?"
"Yes! Absolutely," Henry said, his voice firm with newfound determination. "I won't let you down, Theo."
"Good." Theo gave a curt nod. "We'll talk details later this week about the new pay structure for everyone else too. Now, let's prep for tonight." The brief conversation cemented the shift. Henry was now formally on the management track.
That evening, Theo continued his subtle assault on 'Something Fishy'. While walking home after closing Maria's, he took a slight detour. Finding a dark spot down the street offering a clear line of sight to the rival shop's front window, he paused, pretending to check his phone. He focused on the large glass display fridge just inside their door, likely holding prepped fish or drinks. Freezer Compressor Unit. +1 Efficiency/Cooling Power. Un-Enhance Timer: 36 Hours. Thrum. (Charge 1/10). And just for good measure, lets give the water mains another crack and see how their pipes hold up. Water Main Valve. +1 Flow Rate. Ping. Un-Enhance Timer: 72 Hours. Thrum. Another small disruption, making their cold storage unreliable, timed to potentially affect stock over the next day and a half. And if the water pipes start having issues this week, well they only have themselves to blame. He walked on, the familiar cold satisfaction mingling with the fatigue from his own shop's busy service.
Week 25 - Tuesday
Tuesday morning began with the arrival of Carlos, the security installer Sarah had recommended. He arrived exactly at 8 AM, punctual and professional, carrying tool bags and several unassuming boxes bearing the familiar Ring logo. Theo met him at the back door, letting him in before the morning prep fully ramped up. Henry and Olivia paused their work, watching with undisguised curiosity.
"Alright, Mr. Sterling," Carlos said after brief introductions, his gaze sweeping expertly around the small shop. "Sarah mentioned you wanted coverage for the main counter, front and back entrances, and a general kitchen overview with four PoE cameras and a doorbell cam. Standard setup for a space this size."
"That's the plan," Theo confirmed. "Reliability and clear footage of transactions are key."
Carlos nodded, pulling out a small tablet displaying a basic floor plan Theo had sketched for Sarah. "Okay, typical placement would put one wide-angle right up there," he pointed to the ceiling corner above the POS register, "gives you a clear shot of the till, customer interactions, and most of the front door."