Storyteller / Shared NPC
For some time now, Tuc Millegan had been pondering on selling the stage line that bore his name, but there always seemed to be reasons not to, mostly because he loved the business and was proud of what it had grown to since he'd come to the Montana territory after the war and established it. A lot of sweat, work and money had gone into it, but now, it was a thriving business, boasting five bright red Concord stages, thirty draft horses, full stations in every town of note in the area, as well as many small swing stations along the roads, where teams could be switched out and passengers could have a brief rest.
Still, time was taking its toll, Tuc was no longer a young man, and although his work no longer involved the operations -- he had a good band of drivers and station masters to see to the physical aspects -- he was starting to feel his years. Of course, it hadn't helped that a few years back he'd fallen from the top of one of those pretty red coaches and injured his back. Since then, things hadn't been as easy for him, and it was only getting worse.
Then, news from his sister in Indiana had arrived -- her husband had fallen ill and she needed help taking care of him. Well, Tuc finally had realized that the signs were all there, and it was time to sell and move on.
Still feeling some hesitation and misgiving, he headed over to Phineas' newspaper office...he needed some fliers printed up, quickly, since he wanted to hold the sale in the next week, and he needed to get word out.
"Every town needs a newspaper."
Phin looked up as the bell over the door alerted him to the arrival of a customer. "Well, hullo Tuc! What brings you in this miserable cold mornin'? Pots on if you'd like a cup." He greeted glad to see the man, as it had been a while." The temperature had made yet another drop, but March could start out that way,
"Got a special on ads for the next issue, if you're in the market. Folks'll be startin' to move about again with the spring about to descend on us." The publisher stated. It was a bit unusual to see Yuc Millegan so early, so there must be a good reason for his visit.
Oh, the cleverness of me!
"Ah, well, then it's my lucky day!" Tuc grinned, although it didn't follow through in his eyes. "I do need to place an ad, but Phineas, I'm afraid it's for the sale of the company."
Sad news, and all the more real when he actually had to say it. "It's time, I'm getting on in years, and now my sister needs my help." There was a distinct air of defeat, but then, he had plenty to be proud of. "Looking to just have an auction Saturday. Short notice, I know, but no need to drag things out."
"Every town needs a newspaper."
"Selling off the company? I can understand, I mean, your sister needing you and all. I can whip out a special edition, and Tuc, no charge, not at all." Phin offered.
"Be glad to do it, hopefully, draw more folks in and get the best price possible. You just write out the particulars and I'll get right on it. Not happy to see you sell, but hopefully someone local will step up and take over." He added. This was not easy, as he and Tuc were friends, and the loss to the community would be substantial, no matter who took the line over.
Oh, the cleverness of me!
"Well, I do know that Miss Chappel isn't interested," Tuc commented as he started to scribble on a piece of paper, "nor any of the other drivers." Grinning, he looked up at Phineas. "I suppose they feel more at home on the road, working with the horses, not that I can say I blame them. It's difficult to deal with people...I'm sure you know that...and I believe Addy would be the sort to shoot first and ask questions later!"
Chuckling, he continued to write. "I'd prefer if someone local bought it, but I'm not sure who that might be. At least the business is doing well, so it shouldn't be a problem to sell it." He looked up at Phineas again. "I don't suppose you're interested in owning a stage company?"
"Every town needs a newspaper."
"Truly! I can't see Miss Chappel as one dealing with the day-to-day issues that you've dealt with. Drivers seldom make good owners, you being an exception. And, I know from this business, that taking on ownership is much more demanding than being a reporter, or columnist, or stagecoach driver. Far less freedom. And we know how they all enjoy their time on the trail."
"I wouldn't hazard a guess as to who might be interested in the business, and no Tuic, I would not be able to afford such an enterprise, let alone have the where with all to run it. Now, since it's an auction, would you want to set an opening price for it?"
Oh, the cleverness of me!
Tuc sighed and shook his head. "Been thinking on that, but I'm not sure...I'd say five-thousand, but that includes everything, including feed and food stores, furnishings...and the actual business, of course." He'd be set for life, as well as his sister and her family.
"Of course, I understand that that amount might have to be financed, but the bank will handle that. I'll turn over the books and schedules, and I'm sure most of the drivers will stay with the job." After all, they knew the routes, the stations, each other, and a job was a job!
"Every town needs a newspaper."
"Five thousand for everything? Why not, it is worth that and likely more." Phin agreed. "Look, the routes, the way stations, the coach and horses, and all the rest? I think that's probably a good place to start and see where it goes from there."
"There are some big money people in the area, not necessarily here in Kalispell, but still considered local by most folks. It's a great business opportunity for the right man. Though I've got to say, we'll all be sad to see you go, but Tuc, everyone would agree, it is what you need to do." Phin explained, "Soi if you're good with that I'll deliver a proof this afternoon."
"Every town needs a newspaper."
Phin entered the Millegan office to find Tuck seated at his desk, which was usual. "Well sir, here it is. Ready to run copies, that is if it meets your approval. I believe I have everything as we discussed it."
"I believe that we'll get that and likely more, which I know will be more than satisfactory for your trip east and that life ahead for you." He added
Oh, the cleverness of me!
"Phineas, good to see you again." Tuc stood and shook the man's hand, then sighed as he looked over the flier. "Yes, yes, this looks fine. All too real...I know it's necessary, and it's time, but..." he shrugged, "it's going to be different...difficult, but..." he shrugged again. "I suppose we're all here at some time...well, or we just drop dead on the job, and I'd as soon not take that route!"
Handing the paper back to Phineas, he nodded. "Let's do this, then. Will you be there to watch the drama?"