"It's a damn legal nightmare is what it is. Nobody knows which laws are in effect and which aren't. Are they citizens or ain't they? Does local PD have jurisdiction or state, or federal?" – Georgia state trooper complaining to his sergeant.

"Mr. Rosk. It is so good to finally meet you in person." The banker said while greeting Kurt. He shut the office door behind him as he entered.

"Uh, sure thing. Bradly, right?" Kurt said while returning the handshake. He eyed the man for a second time, taking in his dark skin and his immaculate grey suit. The contrast wasn't just skin tone and suit color, as he was big enough to give John and Mike a run for their money in size yet made his desk look like a child's toy. Kurt did suppress a snort of amusement as the man began to deftly peck at the keys and two finger the mouse.

"Oh, please, just Brad is fine." The man said while gesturing for Kurt to take a seat in one of the chairs. "Every time I hear 'Bradly' I think it's about to be followed up by 'Lee Smyth' and then I look for my mother to throw something at me."

Kurt laughed politely at the anecdote. He had been dodging this banker for a while now but when he returned from their latest rift, it was to two voicemails, an email and a text message asking to meet with him. Finally relenting, he set an appointment, something that was easily done since this guy apparently would bend over backward to accommodate.

"So, what did you need me to come down here for?" Kurt asked, getting to the point. The girls had dropped him off and went to visit at the coffee shop while he had this meeting. It would be a fair assessment to say Kurt really wished he was with them instead of this guy. But he also wanted to see if the guy tailing him since he got into town would stick around or not.

"Well, we set up the account on a provisional basis and need to finalize some signature cards and other details. If we don't, the account might be suspended or put in a sort of hold until we have them. Really, it's a big hassle to fix after the fact so I want to get it taken care of sooner than later." Brad explained while clicking around on his computer.

A few moments later, the printer started up and spat out a half dozen different forms. Brad sorted through the stack and divided them out, placing them on his desk. "This is the account signature card, this is the terms and conditions acknowledgement, here is our TPA and affiliate non-disclosure agreement and this is one I would like you to sign."

"What's that last one?" Kurt asked while pulling it closer. The others were standard fare for any bank and were just the check box items they needed to appease the feds.

"That would be an agreement for us to invest your assets." Brad said. "Right now, you have an awful lot of liquid cash on hand, not a bad thing but it's also not really working for you."

"How so?"

"It's sitting in your account and earning a pittance from just interest. Honestly the rates on checking accounts and even savings accounts are horrid." Brad was pulling up something on his computer and hit print. It would seem that this banker really preferred paper to digital. "If we could agree on a number to keep liquid, then we can make the rest work for you and actually get a decent return."

Kurt glanced at his watch. He had told the girls to expect him in an hour and had already burned ten minutes of it. "Let's hear your pitch, since it sounds like you have a plan in mind already."

Brad turned the sheet of paper he printed around. It showed the balance of Kurt's single account which was a simply staggering amount. It was far more than the initial deposit that Jay had made when setting up the account. "What exactly is you line of work, if I may ask?"

Still a little surprised at the number, Kurt floundered a bit. "Um, I. ah… is that right?"

"Yes, Mr. Rosk. It's accurate as of fifteen minutes ago."

"Ah, well, that's more than I expected." Kurt said. "I am a consultant. So, I get a salary but also regular bonuses for my work." That was the explanation that Penny told him to use. He thought it sounded lame but apparently it was more than enough for the banker.

"Excellent. Do you plan on retiring any time soon or are you still working?" He asked.

"I will be doing this for the foreseeable future."

Brad nodded and turned the paper around to write a few things down. "This is what I would suggest. I say we put ninety percent of your money to work in some investment portfolios. Then we can set up an automatic deduction for your direct deposits so that half of it goes to an investment account and the remainder goes into a standard money market."

Kurt watched as he wrote some things on the paper and turned it back around. "What about when I want to buy things? Like, do I still use a debit card or what's the deal there?"

"Yes, you could still use a debit card, but I would suggest using a credit card." Brad quickly explained after seeing the look on his face. "Do you plan on overspending? Because the reason I ask is that if you put regular expenses on the credit card, you can have it paid off every month from your money market account and earn a boat load of points and money back."

"No. I don't really like that plan." Kurt really didn't like the idea of using a credit card for everything. He actually still preferred cash when he could use it. "I would prefer a cash account over a credit card."

Brad raised his eyebrows. "You still use cash? Like physical money?"

"Whenever possible." Kurt said with a smile.

"But, why?" Brad seemed more curious than confused.

"Better for everyone involved." Kurt answered. "Businesses don't have to pay the fees for the card transaction, its instantly spendable, it doesn't rely on networks or even electricity."

"Fair enough." Brad said. "How about we set up your accounts like this…"

They went over some finer points of the investment account and how Kurt would be getting a new debit card. They did sign a few more forms for the extra accounts before Kurt sprung his next question.

"So, if I wanted to make a large purchase…" Kurt began.

"How big are we talking?" Brad said with a little hesitation. "I do not advise spending a large portion of your balance on vanity purchases if at all possible."

"I want to buy a building." Kurt said. "It's the one with the coffee shop, The Caffeinated Captain, and a vacant side next door. I have a line on someone that would be willing to rent out the space and I know the coffee shop owners decently well."

Brad rubbed his chin and started clicking on his computer. "That is owned by Trenton Osgood." He said off handedly. "I think he would be willing to let it go for a decent price that you could swing from what is left in your cash account. Just be careful of any other large purchases for a while after that."

"How do you know who owns it?" Kurt was stunned at that little off hand info.

"He is my brother-in-law." Brad smirked. "Here, I have his card somewhere, if you want to give him a call and set something up." He fished out a business card from his top drawer and slid it to Kurt.

"Well, I guess that's everything then." He said and stood up. "Thanks Brad, you got my number if anything comes up."

"For all the good it does me." He laughed. "Only took two weeks of hounding to get you to come actually finalize your account opening. But you can expect a follow-up from me. I will use email next time, like you asked."

They both had a little laugh as they walked out into the lobby. "Have a good one, Brad. I will let you know if I need anything."

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"Have a good day and good luck with your ventures into real estate Mr. Rosk." Brad said as he watched Kurt leave. He also saw that the man who had been sitting in the waiting area got up and followed him.

Brad watched the interaction, his eyes squinted slightly. A moment later he made a decision and pulled out his work phone. He sent a quick text message to Kurt. 'Hi, Kurt. This is your banker, Brad. I wanted to thank you for coming in today and let you know that there is a man in a black suit following you.'

He was very surprised when a moment later he received a reply. 'I am aware already but thank you for the heads up. I will handle it from here.' Brad wasn't sure what Kurt meant by 'he would handle it' but also was certain it was none of his business. His business was currently scanning all the signed documents for central processing to file away.

*****

Kurt ducked around the corner of the building, taking a small step to get out of the line of sight around the little sheltered entry way to the computer repair shop. He wasn't actually there for anything but just using it to confirm his suspicion. He had already told the girls about it and they were keeping their eyes open in case there was trouble.

A few seconds later he heard footsteps, and the familiar scent hit him. This was the same person that had been following him around that morning. He didn't need to do anything as the man rounded the corner and took a few steps further down the sidewalk. Kurt heard him swear under his breath and trot down the sidewalk a little farther, failing to notice that Kurt was now behind him.

Kurt followed silently as the man was looking around, almost frantic in nature before muttering into his collar. "I lost him. See if any of the other spotters pick him up between here and the coffee shop." He said, still not noticing as Kurt silently approached and was now only feet away.

"Looking for someone?" Kurt whispered once he was within arm's reach. He spoke in a whisper since it would be harder for any microphones to pick out and would likely be covered by the wind that was blowing that day to anyone listening over the radio.

The man startled and reached for his waistband while turning. Kurt's iron grip suddenly on his wrist was enough to not only stop that action but reinforce how bad an idea it would be to try something else.

The agent, as that was clearly evident despite the lack of badge anywhere on him, froze when he laid eyes on Kurt. "What's the matter? Don't like being followed?" he said in the same hoarse whisper.

"Ah, ah…um." The agent stumbled over his words, unsure what to do after he was caught in the act. His eyes were frantically looking around, darting all over between Kurt and the street.

Kurt rolled his eyes. "How about this. You don't freak out and do something that gets you killed, and you can ask your friends for advice on how to handle this." He wasn't sure why he was letting this guy off the hook but released his arm anyway.

When Kurt took a step back, the agent seemed to hesitate between finishing reaching for his gun and doing what he was told. After a few seconds, he came to a decision. It was a stupid decision as his hand suddenly shot toward his holstered Glock.

The reason it was a stupid decision was because Kurt had only backed one step away and the agent was not nearly fast enough to draw and fire before his hand and wrist were broken. Kurt had stepped back in and grabbed the man's hand, yanking it, to hear a pop.

Credit where it was due, the agent didn't scream or even yell as his hand was broken. But judging by his now very pale face, he was also in shock and wouldn't be much use to anyone. Kurt put a hand on his shoulder and guided him to sit on a low wall that bordered a parking lot. After he was sitting, he fished around in his collar and found the little microphone.

Using a normal tone of voice, Kurt spoke loud enough to be heard over the microphone. "Hey, looks like you had an accident, if you have friends, they might want to come pick you up." Kurt said and then said the man's rough location before walking away.

Continuing on a parallel street to the one that he was on, Kurt saw an unmarked van suddenly start up in one of the public parking areas and circling around the block, not bothering to stop at any of the intersections. It was clearly the support team for the agent with a broken wrist.

Kurt just kept walking, having to make a few turns to get back on track and eventually found his way into the coffee shop. The girls were sitting in the corner talking to Les when he walked in. They immediately turned to him and stood up, crossing the empty shop in a flash.

"What happened?" Val asked. "Your text said that you were being followed?"

"I think so, some dude in a suit so likely one of the TLA's" Kurt answered.

"TLA?" Kristi asked.

"Three Letter Acronyms, or in this case, Agencies." Kurt said with a stupid smile that got an eye roll from everyone. "No idea which one but I would guess FBI."

"What could they possibly want now?" Kristi huffed. "Are they just upset that they can't bully you anymore?" She had been particularly upset with how they had treated Kurt when he had told her about the regular 'interviews' he once had to attend.

Kurt shrugged. "Don't know, don't care." He was about to say more when a well-dressed man walked through the door and Les walked over to him.

"Trent, good morning." Leslie said, greeting the newcomer.

"Hey, Les. How are ya?" He replied with a friendly smile.

"Oh, not bad, just getting ready to head south for winter, now that the kids are up to speed. How are you doing?" She said while sliding behind the bar.

"AH, truth be told, I could be better. Usual please." He said while handing her a travel mug. "Cost of everything is going up, taxes, electric, water. I wanted to talk to you and Don about it before you left town."

Kurt wasn't trying to eaves drop but had a hard time when the conversation was not only in the open but also not quiet. Still, the man continued. "I know our rent agreement has a flat rate, but I was wondering if we could look at that. With the rates being what they are, I either need to increase the rent or we reduce it, but you guys cover utilities."

"Is it really that bad?" Les asked while making some sort of latte.

Trent gave her a hard smile. "I am always straight with you and Don. If it weren't for you somehow never having any maintenance needs, the rent would have gone up a while ago. I have been trying to keep it down for you guys, but this place is kind of becoming a money pit for me."

Les finished his drink and handed it back to him which he slid her more than enough to cover it. He waved off the change and told her keep it. She just put the change into the tip jar near the register. She then shot a very pointed look at Kurt where he stood near the wall.

"Trenton Osgood?" Kurt asked and the man turned to face him, halting the mug halfway to his mouth while he stared over top.

"Yes, that's me. But just call me Trent."

"Hi, my name is Kurt, and I was wondering if you would be interested in selling this building to me." He stated while walking over and holding out his hand. "I was actually meaning to call you. I got your card from Brad."

Trent set his coffee and briefcase on an empty table before shaking his hand. "Well, I am flattered for the offer but you should probably know that there is almost zero interest in that unit next door. Sure, the one income is enough to cover costs but that's about it." He then looked Kurt up and down. "I don't even know if you could get a mortgage to be less than what you make in rent these days."

"Is that a definite, no?" Kurt asked. He was pleased to see Trent at least look over to Les and get her input. She just gave him a smile and nod.

"Well, not exactly a no but I thought you might want to know before you try and get financing." He said while gesturing for Kurt to sit with him at the table. "The bank will want to know what kind of money the property generates and some other info before they sign off on the loan."

Kurt wasn't sure how much he wanted to show his hand but decided to see if he couldn't get the man to bite. "And if a bank didn't need to give any approval?"

Trent looked shocked for a split second as his eyes widened before going back to normal. "Is this a cash in hand offer?"

"Depends on if you like cash or a cashiers check. I am sure your accountant would appreciate the check over cash."

"Bold of you to assume that I have an accountant." Trent said with a laugh. "But I also know that any auditors would like to see a paper trail. Do you have time to talk for a minute?"

After several minutes, Kurt and Trent were able to come to an agreement. He promised to meet him back there the next week to sign everything over for an immediate lease of the other unit and the rest of the bank documents. The property would be in an escrow for a little while after that, but the building would essentially be his. They shook hands once more and exchanged contact information in case anything came up in the meantime.

They were about to head out the door when Kate came walking in with some flyers. "Oh, hey guys. What's going on?"

"Oh, nothing, Kurt just met with his banker, beat up a fed, bought your building and… did I miss anything?" Val said while looking to an amused Kristi and a frowning Kurt.

"He had a coffee and a cookie while talking to Trent." Kristi offered.

Val snapped her fingers. "That's it, he had a cookie."

Kate just looked from Val to Kurt before shrugging. "Well, ok then."

"What do you have there?" Kurt asked while looking at the stack of flyers in her hands.

"Oh, just some flyers for the small business Halloween trick or treat on Saturday." She handed them one. "It's going to be a daytime event and they are blocking off the historic area for the day. It runs from us to Kolmans plumbing at the other end of the strip."

"Who are Zach's Games and Comics?" Val asked while reading the flyer. There was a number of event sponsors at the top of the page, all with logo's displayed on the orange paper. The comic store had the prime spot on the flyer, right above the list of events.

Kate set the stack on the counter before replying. "They are primary sponsor and are putting together the panel to judge the costume parade." She grabbed a roll of tape and a flyer before heading to the door. "They have it broken into age groups and have a few categories for each."

"I see they have apple bobbing, trick-or-treating, face painting, games." Kristi was reading off the events part of the flyer. "This sounds like a lot of fun. Why aren't we going?" She pointedly looked at Kurt.

"Umm…"

Val, sensing a target of opportunity, wrapped her arm around Kristi's waist and put on a pouting face. "Yeah, Kurt, why can't we go? Is it because you don't love us anymore?"

Les laughed while Kate made a very undignified noise at the open declaration of polygamy. Kurt squinted at Val. "I'm on to you, fox." He whispered so only she and Kristi would hear before continuing in a louder voice. "We can go, but it might be too late to get costumes. But weeee…"

Kurt was nearly pulled off his feet as both girls grabbed him and dragged him out the door.

"Bye guys! We will see you at the party!" Val shouted.

"Watch for us!" Kristi said, suddenly caught up in the excitement.

"Where are we going?" Kurt asked as they pulled him toward the car.

Val smiled at him in a way that made him a little nervous. "Oh, you are going to take us to find costumes and we are going to spend the afternoon picking them out before you take both of us out to dinner."

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