Page 75 of Dark Rover's Gift

"We don't need to wait for the new building," he decided. "You can start small in one of the houses as a temporary location, and when the permanent structure is complete, you'll move there and enlarge your operation. You'll need the time to learn anyway, right?" He swept his gaze over them. "As far as I know, none of you have run a store before."

Relief was written over all their faces.

"You are very wise, Mr. Kian," Soraya said. "Your suggestion is perfect."

He chuckled. "Just Kian, and thank you for the flattery, but it's not needed. I'll ask Ingrid to identify the best available house. Ideally, it would be close to the village square, but we might need to relocate some residents."

"We shouldn't," Parisa interrupted, then blushed. "I mean, we don't want to uproot anyone. That wouldn't be right."

"The community is flexible," Kian assured her. "Some of our single members might actually prefer to move to a newersection. Ingrid has a gift for making these arrangements work for everyone involved."

"The house closest to the square would be ideal for foot traffic," Jackson noted. "Even as a temporary location. It would be the least disruptive to the neighbors."

"I believe that one's currently occupied by two young engineers," Kian said. "They like being close to the pavilion, but I don't think it will be difficult to convince them to relocate, especially if I get them their own golf cart."

Parisa regarded him with a big smile on her face. "Can we get our own golf cart as well? I mean for the store. I'm thinking of the logistics of carrying supplies from the parking structure to the store."

"That would be prudent," Kian agreed.

"Speaking of logistics," Jackson said, "I can take you ladies on a shopping excursion to show you the wholesale markets, introduce you to suppliers, and help you understand the LA food distribution network."

"Can we leave the village?" Rana asked Kian.

He chuckled. "You are not prisoners here, and to run a grocery store, you will need to make regular supply runs. I think it's a great idea to have Jackson show you around so you can familiarize yourselves with the territory."

"When can we go?" Soraya asked.

"I can take you tomorrow," Jackson said. "I was planning on visiting some of my suppliers anyway."

"We accept your generous offer," Soraya said. "Thank you."

"Excellent." Jackson turned to Kian. "Do you want me to coordinate security or do you want to handle that?"

"I'll speak to Onegus. If he can spare Max, I think that should be enough. It's not like we expect an ambush in one of the markets."

"Right." Jackson stood up. "Traveling with five ladies, I'd rather be cautious." He turned to the sisters. "Be ready at nine tomorrow morning and wear comfortable shoes. We'll be doing a lot of walking."

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