Chapter 9 - The New Reality
The van ride did not end in the leafy, gated suburbs of Westchester. It ended in an industrial district on the outskirts of Newark, where steam vented from rusted pipes and the scent of diesel hung heavy in the air.
The van pulled up before a low brick warehouse bearing a faded sign: Vance Cargo Distribution - Hub 4.
Higgins opened the sliding door and gestured for Gage to step out onto the cracked asphalt. A man in heavy work boots and a high-visibility vest was waiting under the security spotlight, a clipboard in hand.
"Arthur has given you one final lifeline," Higgins said, pulling a coarse gray uniform from a canvas bag and tossing it at Gage’s chest. "You have a cot in the employee dorms inside. You will report to Foreman Miller at five-thirty tomorrow morning. Minimum wage. You unload shipping containers by hand."
Gage stared at the rough fabric in horror. "I am a shareholder of Vance Enterprises! I have an MBA!"
"Your shares were pledged as collateral against your unpaid debts, which your brother bought out this morning," Higgins replied ruthlessly. "You own nothing. You eat what you earn here, or you starve in the street. Your choice, Mr. Vance."
May you like
The van doors slammed shut, leaving Gage standing alone in the drizzle, holding the coarse work shirt as Foreman Miller pointed toward a metal door with a rusty key.
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