The Handyman Chapter 1

The online advertisement said "Handyman Wanted" Mechanical and Welding experience needed, 6 to 18 months employment, forty hours a week, health insurance, company benefits, and bonuses. On-site living accommodations available. Discretion is a must! Please call and leave a voicemail to schedule an interview.

There was no email address; only a local phone number was provided.

I read the ad several times trying to read between the lines. I knew I could do whatever was needed. I've been fixing and fabricating things since I was 10 years old. I wasn't even a year out of trade school when I inherited my grandmother's estate. It wasn't a lot of money, but it was enough to start my own in-home repair service.

I didn't have a lot of business to keep me busy so I answered the ad. I left a voicemail with my name, number, and email address. I got a return call on Friday afternoon for an interview with someone named Lady Jade! I was given a number to call later today.

I called an hour later and confirmed my interview and got an address. I really wanted this job, with winter approaching and construction season winding down, securing indoor work during the winter is crucial to survive, especially with a one-man operation like I had. If I could live and work on-site I could cut my overhead to next to nothing.

I spent the weekend cleaning up my van and tools. I made certain everything was ready to start immediately. Normally I wear my coveralls when I meet new clients. With a name like Lady Jade, I decided on black slacks, a white button shirt, and a tan sport coat. I polished up my dress shoes and drove to the part of town known as "The Village". This was the gay side of town.

I stopped in front of the address I was given. The sign on the front said Club Jade, members only. The place looked like it was in the middle of a remodel. I could see right away that this place needed a lot of work. The sign required finishing. The entrance needed a new layer of bricks on the outside. The siding needed replacement.

As I looked closer, I could see it was 10-story buildings. It was the old Atlas building. It was built in 1922. The building was renovated about 10 years ago, but fell into disrepair. I knew a little history about the building. When it was built, Atlas was the biggest architectural and construction company at the time. Old Man Atlas spared no expense on building it. The building was a historic monument.

I walked to the entrance and buzzed for entry.

State your name and business! The voice in a barely working speaker asked.

Darren Black! I have an appointment for the Handyman position!

Buzzzz!!!! I opened the door and walked in. After the first door closed and latched the second door buzzed open. I walked into a dimly lit hallway.

Down here, Darren! A voice called out.

I walked to the open door and knocked on the door frame.

Come in Darren, have a seat!

When I first saw Lady Jade I was not prepared for what I saw. She was dressed in a purple latex business dress with gold buttons on each side. She was Asian by her looks. She had very large breasts and an hourglass figure with the best set of legs I've ever seen! Her presence alone took my breath away. I smiled, trying to maintain eye contact.

Thank you for coming in, Darren. My Name is Lady Jade Atlas. As you can see, the building needs a lot of work and my previous handyman left for another job out of state.

How can I help you? I asked.

I need someone who can oversee and manage my subcontractors. I also need someone with fabrication and welding skills for some custom equipment I need built and installed. Discretion is critical for my project.

Can you give me an idea of what exactly you need? I asked.

Right this way! She said smiling.

I pulled out my tablet from my bag, preparing to take notes and pictures of what is needed.

You came prepared! I like that! No one else brought more than a pad of paper and a pen!

I like visual documentation along with my notes! Less mistakes this way, I said.

I can see that you and I are on the same page! Where would you like to start, Darren?

Electrical first, please? I requested politely.

I had the entire building rewired less than two months ago. We just finished installing the new elevator system. I need an entirely new climate control system and an updated security system to include key card lock doors and security cameras.

You also mentioned fabrication in your ad. What exactly do you have in mind?

I need someone who has an artistic talent with steel! I have several drawings and ideas for custom-made equipment. This club needs to be both state-of-the-art and original. My idea is 19th-century Gothic and yet modern and comfortable.

I like where this is going. Can I see a few of your designs to get a better idea of things? I asked.

Not yet! I'm afraid of someone stealing my vision. Maybe after we get to know one another a little better. My apologies Darren, it's not you! I have serious trust issues. Most of my subcontractors have tried dragging out their work or attempted to increase their prices.

I understand Lady Jade! I can assure you I'm not like that! I am a one-man operation. My prices can be a little more expensive than a larger company, but the advantage with me is that I'm the only one responsible for my work! I take great pride in my work.

I looked up on Yelp, and you have some very positive reviews. She said.

We continued to walk through the building together. Most of the heavy work was already done. The new climate control system would be a challenge, but I've been on several jobs and have had the experience to do what she wanted. I was also curious about the color scheme she had in the building. Lots of black, red, purple, and pink. She said Gothic theme, so I guess that made sense, but it felt like there was a lot more about this project than she was telling me.

Do you have any pictures of your fabrication work that I can see? She asked me.

I opened my photo album app on my tablet and handed it to her.

This is impressive! She said with a wide smile. Where did you learn how to do all of this?

My grandfather taught me! He was a blacksmith originally and became a welder, the man could fix anything! I said.

I might have to keep you on permanently! This is beautiful workmanship! She said. I think that's a jail cell?

Yes! I had a client who was released from prison. He is a writer and wasn't able to write in a regular office. He hired me to build him a jail cell in his house to write in.

Impressive and creative! Is that a winch setup?

Yes, I built that for an auto repair shop. They do high-end custom work on cars and trucks. That job took a lot of planning to get it right. We tested it extensively for safe operation.

The fabrication jobs I have are much smaller, but every bit as intricate! They have to be safe! Some of the pieces are going to need fabrication after assembly, you're okay with that, aren't you?

No problem as long as I can use top-quality material to complete the job. I won't sacrifice the quality of my work to save a dollar! I said.

Do you have any questions, Darren? Lady Jade asked.

You mentioned living accommodations in your ad.

Of course! Top floor follow me. She said.

She grabbed my hand softly and smiled. I think we are going to be great friends when this is over.

Her grip felt slightly firm but not enough to raise a red flag. I could feel the tips of her claw-like nails in the back of my hand, but she wasn't squeezing me. Her hands were soft and supple. Her smile was warm and inviting. The way she held my hand almost felt affectionate. I was very attracted to her, but I kept my professional behavior intact as we went to the tenth floor.

The top floor looked like a palace. Opposite the lower floors, the front half of the building had several apartments, and the back half was her place. It was massive! It also had a small staircase leading to the apartment below.

Her apartment allowed her to access the two adjoining apartments next to her on either side. The apartment had four bedrooms. Her master suite has one massive bathroom. Two bedrooms shared a bathroom with the hallway. The fourth bedroom was a slightly smaller version of her bedroom with its own bathroom.

Pick one! She said gleefully!

Who else lives here? I asked.

No one! This floor is the only one cleared for occupancy at the moment. The painters will be back next week to paint the other apartments. Then the flooring company will be in to finish them after that.

You want me to live in your apartment? I asked in stunned fashion.

Of course! I need you to be accessible to me! Plus it will allow us to get to know one another better. You're going to be putting in long hours! I need you to be rested and focused. I'd like to be open by January or the following year! I can't afford any more delays! She said.

I picked the bedroom with its own bathroom. This was, without a doubt, the most unorthodox interview I've ever encountered. Living here was one thing, living with this intoxicating woman was another thing entirely!

When can you move in and start? She asked.

I can start on Monday if that works for you. I said.

Perfect you can start moving in this weekend. She said. I'll make dinner Sunday night! She said.

Sounds perfect I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. I was a little uncomfortable, living in the same apartment as my client, but money was tight, and I knew I would be out of money in a few months, and living in my van in the wintertime wasn't an option.

Let's walk around some more, I will explain everything I need and we can have a cup of coffee and talk about it!

You lead, I'll follow! I said.

Lady Jade looked at me like I was prey! Her smile said volumes. I was just too young and too inexperienced to notice! I liked her smile, her velvety voice, her figure, her scent. Those beautiful, long, pointy nails. Her tight latex clothes were so intoxicating. I was ready to do anything she wanted me to!

After coffee, she took me up to the roof. The aforementioned air conditioning unit was so old that it should be an antique! The ventilation system was solid but many of the ventilators needed either the fans to be balanced or the bearings replaced.

She watched quietly while I inspected everything. I noticed several potential problems with the roof as well. I marked each one with a red marker I always keep on me. Every floor needed a floor system circulation system except for the top floor and the first floor.

She told me the contractor from the kitchen remodel, replaced the kitchen and the top floor at the same time. He advised her to find another service for the main furnace and the Air conditioner units.

That's why you are here. She smiled at me again. Plus my aformentioned need for custom equipment.

What kind of equipment? I asked again.

(She gave me the same answer) When we get to know each other a little better! She said.

I was thinking about saying no. This whole idea of living in her apartment, working extended hours, add the fact she wasn't disclosing much information made my very uncomfortable. But something about her made me want to say yes.

She is one of the sexiest women I've ever laid eyes on. She was very professional and articulate, I dare say sophisticated. The way she moved, and talked. She was the first woman I ever met that knew exactly what she wanted. I was captivated by my curiosity.

What's your budget for the Climate control system? I asked.

I need a top quality system! I'm not afraid of spending money on it, but I need a quality system that will be maintenance friendly. I also need a generator in case of blackouts! This building needs to be secured 24/7! She said.

That won't be a problem! I said. The electrical system looks very solid! Your roof is going to needs repairs as well. I'd suggest installing the new A/C unit before making repairs to the roof. I would suggest installing it before winter arrives.

Can you see to that first? She asked!

Absolutely! I could make a few phone calls this afternoon! I said.

Please! I'd like to have the exterior finished before winter.

This is a long term project, I normally charge 100 dollars an hour for individual jobs. What are you thinking about for wages? I asked.

I was thinking about 35 dollars an hour, not including overtime, plus benefits and free room and boarding! I can make that work! But I'll need an expense account for additional materials and if needed tools!

Done! She said.

So, I'll see you tomorrow? She asked.

11 o'clock in the morning! I said. I'll start moving in.

Great! I know we are going to get along great together! She said.

I'll see you tomorrow morning!

Until then! She said.

This job is going to save my business! I thought to myself! If she's half as connected in town as I think she is, my business is going to have a waiting list! I could finally afford to hire some employees!

I went home and made a few phone calls. I started the laundry and packing up my place. So what if I had to pay another month in rent to move out! I'd be living rent-free for at least a 9 months to a year! Maybe longer depending on any complications. Fortunately I didn't have much in my apartment. I lived very cheap. Everything I made was was saved for bills and keeping my business afloat.

I loaded my van up with my bigger things and took them to my storage unit where stored extra supplies and my utility trailer. I grabbed some drive-thru for dinner and went home and continued cleaning and preparing for the biggest job of my young life.

The following morning was Saturday. I fished purging my apartment and took another load to my storage unit. It was 8:30 am. I walked through the apartment one final time. I double and triple-checked to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I ran the vacuum over the floors one final time and loaded it into the van. I dropped off the rent and the keys.

The manager made me wait while he inspected the place. Satisfied he handed me back my rent check and thanked me for not leaving a mess!

I after I dropped off the last few things at my storage unit I drove straight to the club.

When I arrived Lady Jade was waiting at the door. She greeted me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She was dressed in a red Latex suit that covered her entire body like a second skin. Her red platform high heel boots laced up tight almost to her knees. Her sexy appearance gave me an instant erection that was hard to hide.

Thank you for being on time Darren! We have so much to do! First let's get you settled in and we can lay down some ground rules!

(Ground Rules?) I figured it was a figure of speech for the job. I was half-right!

Sounds good! I put my stuff on an old hotel trolley cart and we went up to the top floor of her place. I sat my stuff at the foot of the bed. I was about to start putting my stuff away when she came into my room.

Just leave your stuff there for now! Let's go get a cup of coffee and get to know one another a little! She changed into black latex leggings and red nylon and lace top with a black halter top beneath it. She changed her shoes to black 4-inch pumps.

Okay I said

Her makeup was perfect, slightly heavy but not so much that most people would notice.

We walked to a little coffee cafe around the corner. We got a corner booth and ordered our coffee. Her smooth deep voice was inticing, it felt almost hypnotic. I was trying to maintain my composure, but it was nearly impossible. I'm not sure if she was doing this on purpose but, it felt like it!

Darren, I like you! I find myself wanting to trust you, which is ironic, because I don't trust many people. Being an Atlas isn't as easy as a lot of people think. I do my best to keep a very low profile. Very few people know I'm back in town. That's the way it has to stay. You are my employee now.

I'd like you to review this and sign it! I need to be certain I can trust you with my future plans.

Of course! I'm a man of my word! I said confidently.

That's good to hear, I have many things coming up and I'm going to need more than just a handyman! I'm going to need a right hand! Can you do that? Be my right hand and consigliere?

Lady Jade, I will assist you anyway I can, but I'm a very small business owner. I'm not sure what you are asking me to do! I said.

I need a level headed person at my side. Someone of working class values with a honest heart! She said.

I'll do my best! I said.

First things, first I want you to contract the replacement of the climate control system and we need to get the front of the building repaired immediately. I know you are used to doing things for yourself, but we don't have much time left. I want you to get bids from some local contractors, make sure they are reputable and get a service plan and warranty. I need you to constantly inspect the workmanship.

I'll have painters and flooring people in soon. I need you to keep them working. Once you everything is completed, we need to start training our staff. This is where the rubber meets the road. This is a very private and discreet club. My staff needs to be highly trained in client services. You will be critical to their training!

Lady Jade, I don't know a lot about hospitality services. I've never even worked as a busboy! I said.

No worries! By the time we are ready to train them you're going to be the master of client services! She said.

(What the hell does she mean by client services!) I thought to myself.

If you are wondering about pay, it will remain the same! No pay cuts! I don't believe in them! I take care of my people, especially the ones closest to me! Don't worry you'll earn it! She said smiling brightly. She laid her hand on mine. I need you Darren! More importantly we need to trust each other!

I read through the paperwork carefully. There were clauses in the contract for appropriate uniforms and Personal Protection Gear for every job. The was security clause which looked air tight. It was about client confidential information, Employee and Employer confidential information.

All duties that require specific attire and protection will be supplied by the company, all employees must adhere to using proper clothing and protection as needed! Finally the catch all clause. Employees must follow all orders issued by Lady Jade Atlas and her adjunct! Failure to comply will result in discipline or discharge from employment!

I read it twice and signed it!

After I signed it, I realized I had just put my independence on hold for at least another year! I'm not sure what I was thinking about at the time, except being homeless in the winter! At least I knew where I was sleeping. A steady paycheck is always a good thing! So I lost a little of my independence! At least I would sleep warm and be able to feed myself.

She paid for the coffee and we walked back to the building. She took me down into the basement. The furnace was almost as old as the A/C unit. It was from the 1980s I was guessing. It looked pretty solid but it was very old and not efficient. There was a natural gas boiler for the hot water and I found a few leaks. It was hazardous just by looking at it!

Uhh! Lady Jade! We have a problem! I said

What! She said surprised.

Your boiler is on its last leg! This needs to be replaced immediately! It's a fire hazard!

Are you sure? I just had it inspected! She said.

Take a look! This has to be shut off and replaced immediately! I said. I showed her the leaks and the bulge in tank.

We better replace it immediately! This building is the last piece of my family's heritage!

I'm sorry ma'am! I should have inspected this first! I said.

It's not your fault Darren, I should have brought you down here first, I was distracted by all progress I've made so far. Is there anything we can do right now?

Shut down the boiler and find a place to stay for a couple nights! I have a friend in equipment surplus. He owes me a couple favors! I'll call him right now. Excuse me! We went upstairs. I call him.

Freddy! It's Darren!

What's up D!

Freddy I need an industrial boiler yesterday! What do you have on hand.

I've got boiler reserved for a hotel chain , but they haven't picked it up yet, they didn't even give me the deposit yet. If you have the cash, I'll deliver it today!

What kind? I asked

Winchester Bosch! Natural gas! 10 year warranty! It's a ZFB!

How much? I asked

15,000 dollars! Freddy said.

You can do better than that Freddy! You owe me!

Okay, okay! $11,700 that is the best I can do because I will have to order another one!

Just a minute.

$11,700 ma'am, he wants cash!

Done! I'll pay him when he arrives, but I need a receipt!

Deal! Freddy as long as your guys take the old one with you and place the new one where I want it!

Sounds good see you in an hour! Freddy said.

I'm impressed! Lady Jade said!

You better pack a bag ma'am. It's going to take me a while to get the new one up and running.

Thank you Darren! She hugged me and kissed my cheek. That really got my blood flowing.

It took me almost an hour and a half to disconnect and drain it. Fortunately the service elevator was heavy duty and could handle the size and weight. Just as I finished Freddy called. An hour later we had the old one out and new one in place.

A last minute run to Home Depot and had everything I needed to start hooking things up. I worked through the night, not the first time I ever did this on a job. I also wanted to impress my new employer. 14 hours later I had everything hooked up and the boiler was filling up with water.

What a job too! I added water filters for the boiler and new emergency safety valves. I swapped out the old power supply box for a new one. While it filled I cleaned up the basement. Talk about a dust bowl. I wore my filtration mask all the way through the job. I went upstairs and took a shower. I went back into the basement and shut down the boiler and I went upstairs to take a long deserving nap.

Sunday afternoon I woke up in my new bedroom. This place was luxurious, and it felt very foreign to me. I dressed in my coveralls and went downstairs and rechecked my work. Everything was looking good. I made a few adjustments for the temperature and flow. I adjusted the tank pressure to keep things within the safety levels.

I ran upstairs and started both showers and the sinks. I checked the circulation system. Everything checked out. I called the state boiler inspection office and left a voicemail asking for first available inspection.

As I was cleaning up and showering for the second time, Lady Jade returned to inspect my progress. I had towel around my waist when she walked in.

Darren! She called out as she entered my room.

Ohh!! I'm sorry! She said as she blushed at my nearly naked and hairy form. She studied my body for a few seconds before turning around.

I'll be in the living room! She said.

I put on my boxers and my pajama pants and a clean T-shirt.

Sorry about that! But that was a two bird one stone, kinda thing! I said.

How so? She asked.

Well I've been working on the boiler for the last 16 hours and I needed to test the circulation of the system, plus I needed a shower! I said.

And? She asked

It works! It works very well too! I need to adjust the temperature a little more, but it's inspection-ready! I've triple checked everything including carbon monoxide leaks.

Can I come home now? She asked.

Not yet! In fact I only slept a couple hours here. I need to find a place for a night or two. We can't stay here until we get the inspection permit. I already put a call into the state boiler inspection office. I requested a first available inspection.

Can I see what I paid for? She asked.

Absolutely! Let me get my shoes!

We rode the service elevator into the basement and I turned on the lights. She was instantly shocked.

It's clean! She exclaimed.

It took almost three hours to fill the boiler. I made use of the time and did a little cleaning! I explained.

More than a little! This looks great! Now I can install some secure storage stalls!

I can do that too! I said.

I still need to get a couple permits to start my work, but there's plenty to do while we wait! I said.

Perfect! I'd hate to waste the time without something to show for it! She said.

You've done enough for today! Why don't you put on some clean clothes, pack a bag. I'll buy us some dinner and you can stay in my hotel room for the time being! She said.

You don't have to do that, I'm sure I find a place for a couple nights! I said.

Nonsense! It's a two room suite. Please, I'd enjoy the company! She said. Besides I kinda figured you'd need a place to stay. I need you rested and ready for the days ahead! I can't have you passing out on me!

If you insist! Thank you! I said.

She smiled and said, I'll drive!

She pulled up to the front door of the building in a Black cherry 2020 Bentley Continental GT coupe. This car was worth more than five times everything I owned put together! I was impressed! I knew the Atlas family was from old money, but how is she Asian and an Atlas? I put the question out of my mind for now! As long as she pays her bills, it's none of my business!

She took me to the Toronto Steak Haus. I never eaten here before, I've heard my customers talk about it. It was way too expensive for my budget! I started studying the menu, everything was ala cart.

Order whatever you want, Darren! You earned it, darling! She said with affection.

Would you like to start with a drink first? The waitress asked.

Glenlevet 25 on the rocks! Lady Jade said.

And for you sir?

Evan Williams on the Rocks please. I said.

Scratch that! Lady Jade said. Bring him a Maker's Mark 46 on the rocks! Make them both doubles!

Yes ma'am! She said as she spin and left.

I've always wanted to try the Maker's 46! I said.

I know! I do my research! I can't help it Darren! I like you! She said.

She reached for her drink as I reached for mine, her long claw like nails brushed my hand softly for a brief moment. It might have been an innocent accident but it felt much deeper. I felt like she was seducing me! I kept passing it off that she wasn't, but something inside me said there was much more to these subtle gestures.

I ate 28 ounce cowboy ribeye steak that evening. I haven't eaten this well since my grandmother passed away. Lady Jade smiled through dinner.

We talked about the building and what it needed she wanted it to be open a year from January. She wanted to make sure it was occupancy certified buy September next year for onsite staff living and training. She still wouldn't tell me what it was about. I tried to put it out of my head, but curiosity was starting to get the better of me. She has right to privacy, I kept telling myself.

She stopped at the mall. We went into Macy's department store. She walked straight to the men's section and started looking at the silk pajamas. I didn't say word. I figured she was gift shopping. She was, for me!

What is your chest size? She asked.

37, I said.

Waist? She asked

30, I said

Is something wrong? I asked

No not at all! But I want you to be comfortable. I also would like you to be clothed when we're around one another. I like people to be neat and nice to look at. I don't want to be around someone in raggedy clothes in my presence. This isn't going to be a problem, is it?

No, Lady Jade! Not at all! I'm just not used to people shopping for my clothes! That's all!

Get used to it! Because when you aren't working with me on the building I expect you to look like a representative of me and my company! Perception is everything in the service industry! She said.

Anything you want, Lady Jade! I'm good with it! I said.

Excellent! Now try these on!

I tried them. They fit, but they were really loose.

Those look terrible! The cut is all wrong! Come with me! She said

Before I knew it,we were in women's section.

Try these! She said. It sounded like an order.

But these are women's fashions, I said.

Who cares! No one is going to see them besides me! Please, it would make me very happy if you just tried them!

For you, I'll try them! Trying to sound positive.

Much better!

She bought me four sets silk and satin blended long women's pajamas in black, red, Light blue and green. She bought matching silk panties and the robes to go with them.

I was besides myself! I didn't know what to think except she was happy. I had a steady job now. So I just decided to keep her happy, it was just a small sacrifice. What could it hurt.