The next morning, the garage was a hive of activity. Frank was single-handedly managing the regular water shipments and the new influx of online produce orders. He moved with a practiced efficiency, but Leo could see he was pushing his limits. The business was growing faster than one man, even a re-energized one, could handle alone. They needed another pair of hands, another trusted driver for local deliveries.
The most important delivery of the day was the sample basket for Evelyn Hayes. Leo packed it himself, a beautiful wicker basket lined with pristine linen. Inside, he placed the absolute best of his first harvest: gleaming tomatoes, crisp lettuce, vibrant carrots, and a generous handful of the fey-kissed strawberries. It looked less like a grocery delivery and more like tribute to a queen.
"Dad, I'm taking this one myself," Leo announced, lifting the basket.
Frank looked up from his tape gun, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. "To the rich lady? Good idea. Don't want the regular courier just dropping it on her porch."
"I'm also going to ask her for a favor," Leo said. "See if she knows anyone reliable who might be looking for part-time delivery work. We need help."
"Damn right we do," Frank grunted. "Good luck, son."
Leo drove his unremarkable sedan to the address Evelyn had given him. It wasn't a house; it was a pre-war luxury apartment building overlooking the city park, with a uniformed doorman who looked like he could wrestle a bear. Feeling distinctly underdressed, Leo announced his delivery for Ms. Hayes. A moment later, the doorman ushered him towards a private elevator.
Evelyn's apartment was breathtaking. It occupied an entire floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. The space was a masterful blend of modern minimalism and antique elegance—a reflection of its owner.
Evelyn greeted him at the door, dressed in a simple but impeccably tailored dress. Her smile was genuine and warm. "Leo, thank you for coming all this way yourself."
"Of course," he said, handing her the heavy basket. "I wanted to make sure it arrived perfectly."
Her eyes widened as she looked at the produce. She reached in and gently touched a tomato, its skin so smooth and vibrant it looked unreal. "My goodness. They're even more beautiful than I imagined."
"I hope you and your grandfather enjoy them," Leo said. "Which actually brings me to why I wanted to come in person. My business is expanding, and I'm finding myself in need of help, specifically with local deliveries. I was hoping, given your connections, you might know someone discreet and trustworthy who'd be looking for that kind of work."
He knew it was a gamble. Asking his biggest client for a hiring recommendation was unorthodox. She could easily offer one of her own people—a spy to get an inside look at his operation. He half-expected it. But then he remembered his source was a magical bathroom door. Let them spy. What would they see? Him going into the bathroom empty-handed and coming out with crates of vegetables? They'd just think he was insane. The thought gave him a strange sense of security.
Evelyn considered his request for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "Finding trustworthy people is always a challenge," she agreed. "Let me speak with my grandfather's chief of staff. He's an expert at vetting personnel. I'm sure we can find someone suitable." Her smile was reassuring. "We'll handle it."
Leo felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Evelyn. That's a huge help."
"It's the least we can do," she said. Then her expression shifted, becoming more serious. She walked over to a delicate antique desk and picked up a slim, heavy black card. "This is also for you."
She handed it to him. It was a credit card, made of metal, with no name on the front, only a sleek, silver chip.
"I don't understand," Leo said, baffled.
"It's a business expense card, linked to a dedicated account," Evelyn explained. "My grandfather insisted. He wanted to ensure that the source of his newfound vitality doesn't vanish because of a cash-flow problem or some unforeseen expense."
She gave him a knowing look. "Leo, what you are producing is... not of this time. It's pure. Natural. In a world where everything is processed and polluted, that makes it the most valuable commodity on the planet. My grandfather believes that you are more of a conservationist than a businessman. He calls you 'the provider'."
She pushed the card gently into his hand. "There is one hundred thousand dollars in that account. Use it for whatever the business needs. Equipment, transportation, a new facility, research... whatever you require to protect your source and continue your work. Consider it a grant. An investment in our collective well-being."
Leo stared at the black card in his hand, feeling its cool, metallic weight. It was more money than he had ever conceived of touching at one time. This wasn't just an order anymore. This wasn't a business deal.
He had a patron. An angel investor who thought he was a conservationist.
"I... I can't accept this," he stammered, feeling completely overwhelmed.
"You must," Evelyn said gently but firmly. "My grandfather is a very persuasive man. Think of it this way: your well-being, and the well-being of your 'source,' is now his top health priority. We must take care of you, so you can continue to take care of us."