Bunker's Garage and Salvage
Bunker's Garage and Salvage sits on a rather large lot in the West Dallas neighborhood. The parking lot is small, and one spot is occupied at all times by a beat-up tow truck. Two fully equipped bays, complete with safety notices on the walls are for employees only. To the right side of the bays is an office, containing a simple desk with a grubby looking computer, and a filing cabinet. Behind the desk is a small whiteboard which lists inspection prices, and those for other services. The walls are decorated with a few small display cases where items available for sale are located.
The afternoon is turning out to be rather enjoyable. A bit of a breeze is felt across the air and Bunker's Garage seems to be open still from the looks of it. Abbey and Sam are speaking about something or another, dealing with a car in one of the garage bay's. County music is playing in the background and other then two talking no one else seems to be around. With a smirk Abbey eyes Sam and soon just shrugs. "Fine.. Do it /your/ way." She states with a faint mutter before turning and picks up a stack of papers and moves back towards her office. Sam looks rather pleased with himself and goes to work on the car once more.
—-
The sound of a tow truck can be heard outside, and with the slow sputter of a diesel, the engine dies. Outside on the curb, paperwork is exchanged, and now armed with forms, a tall, youngish looking man enters the garage via the bay.
Pausing at the entrance by the lifts, Brett's brows crease as he considers which person to specifically address.. if not to simply shout above the music playing.
"Uh.. excuse me?"
—-
Thankfully, there's not another car pulling up to the garage, or the world might explode right then and there. Mignonette, seeing the tow truck, parked just down the road a ways. A few car lengths, not a very long way to carry the open-topped box she pulls out of the passenger side. A delivery, perhaps. Well, one can only hope. She ducks around the tow truck, and the old junker it's hitched up to, giving the man with his forms a friendly smile, a quick once over, before she lifts her voice, seeming not quite as polite as he is, "Abbey!" Somehow, her cajun lilt makes the sound so much less piercing, "I know you're in there, don't make me come and find you."
—-
Abbey lifts her gaze at the sound of a tow truck, well its not her truck so she's a bit surprised. With Sam's head under the hood of the car Abs figures she best deal with the new person. The stack of papers is left on a work bench and she makes her way towards where Brett happens to be. "Afternoon.." Comes the friendly tone with the hint of Irish accent found. "Can I help you?" Her pale gaze drifts towards tow truck that is towing she assumes this man's truck her gaze turns back Brett. Her clothing being a simple black tshirt, jeans and boots, hard to believe she's the owner of the garage. Mig's voice catches her attention as well and she blinks before casting a glance towards Mignonette. "Uh.. Alright.." She looks almost speechless for a moment before smirking. "What I do now?"
—-
People converging! Brett had heard this place did better work, and as a result, better business. That, of course, meant more people, which in turn.. yeah. Smiling, he put a hand into his pocket and considered stepping forward to deal with his business first, but then there was the issue of 'ladies first'. Add that to the sound and look of a woman who wouldn't be denied the attention once she gained it, and one came up with 'wait your turn, even if it was 'first''.
"I can wait." Gesturing towards the incoming, he offered Abbey a slight shrug. Really, he was good with it. "Just my truck. In technical terms? Won't run. Broke down. Beyond that?"
He could wait.
—-
"Forgot to eat, I suspect," but then Mignonette grows silent, as Brett lets her go first, her head shake adamant, and the smile she offers is friendly, and genuine, "No, customers first, Abbey's gotta pay the bills on this place somehow. I'll just go grab a table." Which is really not a table at all, but when you're in a garage, a rolling tool chest will have to do. And once she's closer, both of them would be able to make out the familiar smells of Chinese food. Mignonette sets the box down, before she wanders back in the direction of the car that's being worked on, "Hey, Sam, you still here?"
—-
Abbey chuckles softly. "Ya.. Suppose that's true." She offers while glancing after Mignonette, the scent of food does gets her attention though mostly because she didn't get to eat much all day. Her gaze turns back to Brett. "Your truck.. So it just doesn't run period or it tries to run and dies.. Or?" This is questioned while she moves out towards the tow truck peering curiously at the truck before looking back to Brett. Sam is busy working with the said car and doesn't hear Mignonette until she is rounding the car. "Ya.. I'm here.. You need something Miss?" This questioned with a polite tone.
—-
A few blocks down, a bus has stopped, a girl has gotten off. A woman, that should be. The latino girl with her hair pulled back, her leather jacket and her jeans looks quite…well she blends, to say the least. Her hair is dusty and tumbled, but that probably comes from riding on a public bus. None the less, she starts her trek toward the garage. Going to be a busy day, Abbey dear.
Upon seeing that there is, in fact, some sort of queue, the flushed, huffy detective decides to take her turn to wait, running a hand through her hair - which only seems to mess it up more. Deep breaths. Composure. Breathe.
—-
The truck outside is a slightly older model Chevy. Dark blue, seen better days, but most trucks that live outside the Metroplex are used hard and put away. Odd that the young man probably just doesn't look the type?
Twisting around, Brett checks on the petite tornado before returning his attention to the question at hand. "It'll try to turn over, but won't catch. So, it's got the *r-r-r* thing going, then nothing. I have no idea if it's an alternator. Heck, I don't even know if it has one anymore." He pauses and chuckles self-effacingly, "Well, I don't know if they put them in anymore, that is. Or.. spark plugs.. or.."
Shrugging, he follows Abbey out, still holding his paperwork. "If you don't take new customers, I understand. The place I used to go to is now under new management."
—-
"Didn't know if Abbey's still have anyone in the shop this late, but I brought enough food to feed a small army, if you're interested." That Mignonette offers to Sam. She doesn't know him well, having only met him a few times in passing as she came to see Abbey. But she doesn't press, "You look as if you're in the middle of something." Mignonette steps back, noting that Abbey's pulled off with her customer. This is good, as she moves to head back towards the tool chest, and the box she's set on top. Just as the pair go to inspect the truck, and she loses sight of them from her angle, another familiar face comes into view, "Detective Garnez." Bonus point for Migs, she actually got the name right this time.
—-
Indeed it does seem like it is about to get rather busy. She listens to Brett and shrugs. "Naw.. We're taking new customers.. Just trying to get some information about your truck Sir." This said while lifting her head slightly, seems it dawned on her that the guy is a shifters. Her pale gaze watches him a few moments. The scent is something new though so that's a good thing for him more then anything else at the moment. "I suppose since it can't run your be able to leave it here so I can look at it tomorrow?" Even though she's still to not work with it being easter she told the guys not to come in. Not like she has anything to do other then rest and keep healing. Listening was never one of Abbey's strong areas. "An of course there still in cars.. From what your saying it sounds like an alternator or perhaps the battery." For the moment Abbey doesn't catch sight of Penny making her way into the area, and with Mig talking to her Sam keeps to what his doing at the moment after a thank you to her for the thought of food.
—-
Oh, lookie there. A face of the familiar sort.
"Miss Savoy," At least now the detective is able to keep her composure, if it's only the professional face of it that she's keeping. "Good afternoon. What a small city this is to run into you here! How are you feeling, are you doing alright?" She closes the gap between herself and Mignonette, her nose picking up the scent of food. "IS that…lo mein I smell?" She asks, her nose wrinkling in what could only be distaste.
—-
"Great."
Holding out the paperwork to Abbey, Brett follows it up with, "Name's Brett Coleman. I don't have a problem with you keeping it for awhile. School's out for vacation for the next week, which is pretty much why I grabbed the opportunity to get it.. somewhere today." Shifting his weight, there's no obvious clue that he's 'been made', and so easily continues, nodding in the information gained. "Okay.. so I was sort of close."
Brett turns around and nods to the driver, who gets out of the tow truck and begins working with the hydraulics of the tow package on the back. The stricken vehicle begins its downward motion until it finally lands on front tires.
"I'll give you all my contact information and such, then let you get back to that hot meal that I smelled coming in?" He grinned. "Best hot."
—-
"Beef double-panfried noodles, actually. They're fabulous. I didn't know how many people would be here tonight, or what they might like, so I tried to bring a little bit of everything. Orange beef, singapore noodles, fried rice, ginger chicken, twice-cooked pork." Mignonette looks up, "Actually, I'm not really sure what all I did order. I just said enough to feed four to six people. I know I have some dumplings in here though, want anything?" Just like the cajun woman, who enjoys cooking as much as eating. She's always trying to find some way to ruin the diets of the people she meets in the city. "I'm healing very well, thank you. I'm going back to the hospital tomorrow, to see if I can get my stitches out. The doctors said 3 to 5 days from the last time I went in, but I'm hoping four will do me fine."
—-
"I'm sure if you have been resting, than you will be fine." Penny says, shaking her head in response to the offer of food. "No thank you, I had a salad before I came. I was just here to check on Juanita - riding on public transit is less enjoyable than I had imagined it to be." She opens her mouth, about to say more, but her phone rings. She pulls her blackberry off her hip, offering a glance of a badge and a gun f anyone happens to be looking. "Excuse me a moment." she turns away to answer the phone, speaking in rapid spanish.
—-
Abbey smiles a moment and nods while she lifts a hand and takes hold of the paperwork. "Nice to meet you Mr. Coleman. I'm Abbey Wallace.. Own the garage here." She offers with a polite and friendly tone still. She turns her back to the tow truck as she catches sight of Penny in the mix as well. Geez, it was nearly slow all day and now she has a rush of people? "Of course.. Come back on inside." A soft chuckle escapes her. "Well.. Guess I get lucky. My friend in there brought me food. Not use to that." No she is rather use to eating what ever she has in the apartment which tends to be bread and crackers as she forgets to go shopping. She makes her way back towards the garage, in time to see Penny moving off speaking on her phone. She'll have to call that one later.
—-
"A pleasure, Ms. Wallace." Brett looks around the garage again and nods, "You came recommended."
Following Abbey back into the garage, he makes note of the newly arrived and soon to be departing detective, as evidenced by the gun and badge… badge moreso. There is a slight discomfort in her presence, but nothing that can't be easily covered up.
"Not used to food delivered?" He whistles softly, and brings his voice lower, "Then maybe someone needs a favour?" Tongue in cheek… "Or repayment?"
—-
Mignonette, thankfully, doesn't hear the customer's comment, or else she might have something to say about it. Instead, she's pulled up a rolling stool from, somewhere, don't ask, and perched herself on it, having pulled out one of the folding cartons, and opened it up. She's not eating…yet, but whatever is inside, she's diligently stirring with a set of chopsticks. And now that Abbey is on her way back inside, she takes her time looking over the redhead, lips thoughtfully pursed, as if she were gauging the woman's health. And no, the man walking with her isn't ignored either. But she's not a lookie-lou, even if she WAS raised in what some people would consider the back end of beyond.
—-
Abbey is still hurt, her side is bugging her today but other then holding her self stiffly at times one might not be able to pick up on the fact. "That's nice to know.. Good to hear that word is out about coming here. Easier then sending out fliers too." This said with an amused tone. A glance is send towards Brett curiously a moment. "Well.. No I'm not. I tend to work to much I suppose." She ponders the repayment idea. "An bills don't get paid to well with takeout." This said as she smirks a moment. Once back inside the garage she picks up a clipboard and pen and offers it to Brett once she has set down the paperwork he gave her. "Just fill this out, make sure I have a number to reach you an I can give you a call tomorrow after I look over the truck." Mig isn't forgotten though and she glances towards her. "So.. What spurred you into bring dinner by?.. Not that I'm complaining mind you.."
—-
"Word of mouth is best."
The clipboard is taken, "Okay. I'll get this back to you quickly. Have everything with me." along with the pen, and Brett is more than happy to settle off to the side for the few minutes. He's not far, mind. Just.. out of the way. Secure in the knowledge that he's going to have to reference the information contained in his wallet, he pulls it out before sitting down on a yellow, iron garbage tin.
'Dinner' is smelling better and better, causing his stomach to grumble softly. It was at that moment the decision is made to hit Chinese on the way home. Mass transit.. and he knows that there's a bus stop near his favourite little dive.
But, back to the paperwork. Name. Address. Phone number. Insurance policy. Driver's license. Make, model, year… Brett exhales and fills out the forms. Worse than medical paperwork at a new office!
—-
"I had to get out of the house, and this was the first place that came to mind." Mignonette's shoulders, lift in a light shrug, offered with a flash of a smile, as she reaches out with a foot, pushing the tool chest, complete with takeout box, a bit closer to Abbey, as the woman walks over to meet her, her customer having stepped aside to finish his paperwork. She's polite enough not to comment on Abbey's stiffness, after all, it's not as if she hasn't been walking the same way herself, though for a different reason, "New customer?" A tip of her head indicates the man working at the clipboard. More than likely, considering the tow truck outside doesn't say 'Bunker's Garage' on the side.
—-
Abbey tilts her head and nods to Brett. "That is true.. I get most of my customers that way.. Though I shall not complain." This said with a friendly tone while she watches the other go into the office to fill everything out. Her gaze turns back to Mignonette and she smiles. "Well.. I appreciate it.. Haven't eaten much all day." She says this while peers into the bag before taking out something that has noodles in it, this she finds out when she opens it and then picks up a pair of the chopsticks that came with the food and breaks them apart. "Ya.. An I won't complain.. With me not being able to work as much cause of my side we could use the extra business."
—-
Phone numbers. Home. Work. Cell. Addresses. Brett really wants his truck back and isn't going to leave anything to chance, like 'not being home' and puts his brother's phone number and address in as a secondary contact. Corey's in town, and he'll give him a call the moment he's done so nothing comes as a surprise.
Checking each line, Brett is satisfied enough that everything is filled out, right down to the date of the last oil change (which was too long ago). A deep breath is taken, and pushing the pen under the clip on the slightly greasy clipboard, he rises from his perch and wanders over to hear the last little bit, 'we could use the extra business.' from Abbey. "Not to pry, but I'd be happy to recommend the place to coworkers," Brett holds out the clipboard and thinks better of it immediately, setting it down, instead, where she can see it. "And if you get it running well, I'll declare you a miracle worker."
Finally, Brett actually acknowledges Mignonette again. "Ma'am.. sorry to interrupt. I'll just head out again. Need to finish some of my own paperwork before the holiday and time off. Nice enough, under a tree. No way do I want to have to do anything next week other than breathe." He nods to the pair, "Enjoy your meal. Smells great. I think Chinese would definitely hit the spot for me, too, and I know just the place."
Before fully departing, he does have to check the truck once more to get his briefcase out. "Thank you again."
—-
"You weren't interrupting at all. I'd offer to have you join us, but you look like you're on your way out." Sad, really. Company is a wonderful thing. Still, she won't little napoleon the man into staying, rather, she'll offer a wave of her chopsticks as he steps back out of the shop, before she digs into her dumplings, "Well, I brought enough to feed the crew," all of whom are gone now, except for Sam and Abbey herself, "You deserve the business. Your shop does good work, and you're honest. Not everyone is."
—-
Abbey slowly sits herself down upon a stool, she winces slightly at the movement though and glances to the noodles that are looking rather good to say the least. Her gaze turns back to Brett and offers him a soft smile. "Its not a problem.. An your not interrupting at all. Thank you.. Though you might want me to fix your truck first before going around recommending me don't you think?" This said with an amused tone. "Have a save trip to where ever you might be going an I'll give you a call tomorrow about the truck." She looks back to Mig and smiles to her while nodding slightly.
—-
"I've always found that one of the most interesting things about the garage," Mignonette offers, between polite bites of dumpling, "It's in west Dallas," which, she doesn't have to say, is not exactly the best neighbourhood, "And yet, it seems as if people come from all over the city to have you and your employees work on their cars. "That in and of itself, says a lot about the quality of your work. And the people that work for you."
—-
Abbey hums softly while she munches and chews upon some noodles from the box she has in her left hand. "True.." This said after swallowing. "I suppose I never thought about it like that before.." She chuckles softly and tilts her head. "And we do good work here I have to say. Everyone here knows what there doing an the like." Another bite of food is taken while her mind slightly wanders. A glance is offered towards the bag and she smirks faintly. "What did you go buy the restaurant out when you went there?" This questioned with an amused tone to her friend before the two go about eating and talking more. Sam joins in after a short while which gets the conversation onto some rather strange topics at times.
