Rollins Lumber – Steel Horse Saviors – 2017 A to Z Challenge – Day 18

Steel Horse Saviors is about three Civil War veterans, two Yankees and one Rebel, who take their steam locomotive west to seek their post-war fortune. In the process they encounter Clementine O’Grady an auburn-haired beauty fighting to save the family business who casue the three to question there grand scheme to escape their collective pasts.

Rollins Lumber, while the main competitor to O’Grady Timber & Lumber, is nowhere near as developed with only a decade in operation. The main difference is the ruthlessness Quentin Rollins brought with him into this new business venture. From his past as a tenement manager with hundreds of residents Quentin has learned how to get what he needs in negotiations.

Quentin Rollins believes he can manipulate Clementine and O’Grady T & L however he chooses while he quietly but steadily pulls their business apart. The entrance into the equation of the Saviors and different voices for Clementine’s ears puts a whole different spin on the status quo.

Here is an excerpt:

“So, let me get this straight,” Finn said failing miserably to hide the incredulous expression on his face. “You cut all the timber that both O’Grady and Rollins use in their operations?”

“That’s right. Quentin used up all of his timber just prior to father’s death. His new timber will not be mature for at least another five years.”

“You have a monopoly, Miss O’Grady,” Brou said.

“A monopoly?” Clementine asked.

“You control the market,” Finn said. “You can set the price.”

“That isn’t fair,” Clementine said.

“Has Rollins always been fair to you?” Finn asked.

“No,” Clementine said lowering her head.  

“You can demand a new price from Rollins Lumber. If they refuse you can haul it elsewhere on Lulubelle,” Brou suggested.

In the next post you will find out more about how the Saviors plan to save Clementine, the O’Grady family and their business in Saving O’Grady Timber & Lumber.