Brand New Day Book 4: Trial By Fire

By Wren Rogers

Intended for an adult audience, The Brand New Day series is a seemingly true romantic adventure tale of greed, lust, loss, love, misery, success, setback and plain old bad luck. Set in the backdrop of the downtown streets and back alleys of Cincinnati Ohio & Newport Kentucky, the story begins on The Good Ship Cincinnati, the hottest floating dining destination on the riverfront.

Twenty six year old Ellen Addison is a hard working, lonely server longing in sad silence for the Good Ship's handsome Chef Rob Anderson. Rob is a seriously talented carefree chef, newly transplanted to Cincinnati from New York. Hard twelve hour line shifts followed by hard drinking at the bar fills most all of his time. When a mysterious stranger enters their lives aboard The Good Ship, life takes an unexpected turn. Along with their crew mates, Ellen and Rob's fate becomes forever changed while working at the popular riverboat restaurant. Sex, lies, tragedy and true love tangles their futures and twists their fortunes in ways no one could have imagined.

Graphic, blunt, brutally honest, and occasionally offensive, the series is an uncensored 'Rated - R' fictional biography of hard living service workers and the crazy career they have either chosen, or somehow become stuck in.

Written with factual geography, businesses, street names and locations, the series stays true to certain facts from beginning to end. The realistic backbone of the story is intended to transport the reader deep into the bowels and belly of the beastly reality of cooking, serving and struggling to earn a living in the public service life. A tale often told, but not commonly presented as it really is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wren Rogers
• Release date: Jun 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311013682

Wren Rogers

I write, cook, wrench, cycle, study, paint, sing, pet, smoke, philosophize, shoot, savor, think and drink. I have many regrets and few accomplishments. My never-ending passion for becoming closer connected to the souls I love fuels my vigor for life even though my failing physique frequently falters my efforts and endeavors. I claim allegiance to nothing aside from family & friends and forgo all political affiliations in favor of true freedom. I never judge another and forgive when judged by others. At 46, I have begun to understand the world around me and realize we will never achieve uniform peace. I am not under the influence of illusions, fantasies, false hopes or illogical faiths. I wish the people who do good well and the people who don't Hell. I never kill or consume any slain souls to feed. I respect every form of life and wish the rest of the world would understand that all souls have beauty and should never be treated as food. I hope the bottom rises to the top and the separation of classes would crash. I don't believe in anything more complicated than positive and negative, with positive being the superior force. I strive to live by own moral code based on choice rather than fear and hope to die by my own choosing.

Book preview

Brand New Day – Book Four: Trial By Fire

Copyright © 2015 by Wren Rogers

Published and distributed by Eastside Publications

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief (cited) quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN 978-0-9972795-3-5

website – www.wrenrogersbooks.com

email –[e-mail]

The Brand New Day series is a work of fiction based certain facts. With some exceptions, the businesses, streets, buildings, bridges and other historical and geographical details are factual.

In some examples, characters may use fowl language, engage in explicit sexual acts, violence and other illegal activities. Characters may abuse drugs and alcohol, use racial stereotyping, bigotry, and make offensive racial remarks and or actions. The viewpoint of these characters is not in any way related to the personal viewpoints of the author.

None of the content in this book, or any in the series, was intended to offend, anger, profile or otherwise cause any gender, race, color, creed or doctrine harm or distress.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

More Books in the Series

Author Bio

Chapter 1

Nestled in their beds asleep in the chaotic frat house-like apartment; Ellen, Rob and Maria were deep in a dream by the time Miguel and Armando came home. Their loud thumping and laughing woke Rob as he heard them boisterously bust into the apartment.

I might as well get up, Rob said to Ellen, who was too sleepy to reply. Rob needed to arrive at nine a.m. to help with the Bahama Bay rehab. His eight-dollar an hour pay was hardly worth the effort, but sales at The Pub were nowhere near enough to support them. The minimum wage work was necessary until the higher pay kicked in.

Eating a quick leftover prime rib breakfast, Rob sipped orange juice as he watched Miguel and Army squirm in their bedrolls on the stained carpet. They had offered their own rooms out of kindness. Now, Rob felt bad watching them as they slept contorted on the living room floor. He knew he needed to find place of their own for Ellen, Maria and himself, and soon. Without any promise of an income that could provide the funds, the prospect of a new apartment was still hopeless.

Stepping into the kitchen on the new Bahama Bay, Rob was dumbfounded. The dining room was being transformed at a rapid pace. Giant cardboard Corona signs, inflatable Parrots and fake surfboards sat stacked on the bar. Truck drivers were dragging in new equipment that looked oddly unfamiliar to him. Studying the stainless monsters, still wrapped in plastic, he wondered what kind of cooking processes he would be working with.

They’re real beauties aren't they? Paul asked as he noticed Rob staring at the new equipment.

What is this thing, a giant steamer? Rob asked.

Paul patted the steam table on the side. This is you're main vein right here!

Rob looked around for the range. Where it had once been was now a conveyor oven.

Is that a pizza oven? Rob asked.

Well, I suppose you could cook a good pizza in it. That's our conveyor oven. This oven has multiple conveyors that are each timed for different speeds. One speed is for shrimp and crab dishes, another beef and pork. It’s fool proof. You simply count out the portions; place them on the correct conveyer and in minutes, perfectly cooked items come out the other side. It’s impossible to over or under cook anything that we use this for. Between that, the fryer, the steamer, the sandwich press and the microwave, you won't need much else.

Rob was really confused as Paul proudly explained the process.

Nearly 100% of our menu can be made with these four pieces of equipment. It's a great system. The food comes in from our Little Rock commissary. Everything is ready to go, partially pre-cooked, even the fried foods.

Rob couldn't believe his ears and eyes. Pre-cooked? You mean we don't cook anything anymore, we just re-heat?

Paul nodded. In a way. It's the best way to achieve perfect consistency across all the company locations. Every dish will taste exactly the same, every time a guest visits us. Regardless which location, or whom is in the kitchen. Our commissary provides us with a consistent product every time. With the increased speed and efficiency of our preparation methods, we keep both the ticket times and the costs down to a minimum, increasing profits and table turn over.

Rob laughed. Yeah, and the quality goes down to a minimum as well.

Paul didn't share the humor in Rob’s remark. Rob, we are a corporate company. We have a time tested and proven way of making profits. This is a more efficient way than you are used to. Give it some time and you will realize how much easier and faster our way is. We are relying on your expertise to oversee the processes and the staff. With less time behind the line, you can efficiently manage your team.

Rob wondered why they bothered to hire him as he scanned the near automated kitchen.

Paul walked to the office as Kim called his name from the door. Rob overheard her explaining something with great frustration. As he looked over towards them, Paul shut the door. After a few minutes, Paul came back out and went into the dining room, talking on his phone.

Trouble in paradise? Rob asked, as Kim stood watching the equipment being unwrapped. She shot him a forced smile then disappeared to the dining room without a reply. He knew something was wrong.

Helping the crew, Rob huffed heavy skids of stock into the kitchen until the late afternoon. He was considering leaving for the day to get started at The Pub, when he saw a group of people exiting a car in the valet parking. Suited in ties, four men walked into the restaurant. Saying nothing as they strode in, they made their way to the office. Kim and Paul crowded in with them and shut the door.

After a few minutes, they came back out into the kitchen. All eyes were on Rob as they stood side by side. Paul walked up to him. Rob, I need you over here for a minute please.

Tossing his towel on the counter, he wiped his hands. What's up? Rob asked.

Paul looked at him dead seriously. Do you know the password to the computer?

Rob thought for a moment. Yeah... Well, I think so.

After relaying the password, Rob noticed a suited man nod to Paul.

Turning to Rob, Paul placed a hand on his shoulder. You're sure that's the only one, he asked.

Yeah, there is only the one password. I’m not sure it works now though. I know it worked before. Ellen was looking at reports just last week.

Paul looked curious. What reports was she looking at?

Rob shrugged. All of them I guess, he replied with a shrug.

The suited man dialed his phone as he walked out of the office. Paul looked at Kim, then Rob. I would like to have a talk with Ellen. Could she come by today? I won't tie her up here long.

Rob looked at this watch. We have important plans for tonight. I suppose she could come tomorrow, with me.

Disappointed, Paul turned back, speaking too low for Rob to hear to the group. Glancing at Rob he agreed, thanking him. Great. Thanks Rob. We will meet here with her at nine tomorrow if that's possible.

Rob agreed as he clocked out. No problem. We will see you tomorrow.

Paul smiled but Rob sensed something was seriously amiss. The men in the suits weren't smiling, and Kim had a look of terrible worry on her face. Rob wondered what the mystery was, but was in too much of a hurry to care about it at the moment. His thoughts were focused on getting to The Pub in time to get the dinner service started.

Preparing the menu at The Pub, Rob read off the description to Ellen. Angus burgers on a brioche bun served with frozen slaw, $8. The special is… Blackened Rib Eye with mashed cauliflower, baked pinto beans and corn pudding, $13.

As she wrote, Ellen questioned the slaw. Why not just serve fries? she asked.

Half embarrassed, Rob shrugged. I don’t enough money to fill the fryer with good quality oil. It’s too expensive for me right now. Besides, that slaw is awesome.

As the night progressed, the evening's crowd at The Pub was more receptive to the food this time around. The kitchen turned out triple the orders they had the previous night. Ellen served alone and almost found she was nearly rushing to keep up at one point.

Maria bussed to keep the heavy lifting off Ellen and the flow up to par. The biker beating was the hot topic of the night. Everyone who had witnessed the fight retold the tale to curious patrons, each time embellishing the details a bit more than the last. Ellen overheard excited diners and drinkers recounting the tale to eager listeners. As Maria bussed the tables, the customers would stare and point at her saying, That's the Chinese chick that kicked that bikers ass last night. I heard she's a cousin of Bruce Lee. Her name is Maria Lee. Ellen nearly laughed out loud every time she heard one of them associating her sister with the legendary Chinese fighter.

As the clock clicked closer to midnight, Ellen had another rash of requests for half portions again. Our service friends are here now. They want half price food again.

Rob dished out the portions as fast as Jimmy could keep handing him freshly washed plates.

We need more plates! Rob called out to no one in particular. We only have a mere fifty or so good ones. This bussing, washing and re-using is tedious. What if we really get a lot of orders? We will run out of damn plates! he exclaimed with frustration.

Miguel agreed. We only have two more dinner plates left amigo.

Rob shook his head. Damn. The minute we get going we have to slow down over plates. Miguel, start plating these half orders on these app plates. It's not like they are going to care anyway.

Carrying a tall stack of small plates from the back, Rob stacked the dishes next to the pass window.

After a brief flurry, the orders slowed to a crawl. The crew cleaned up as Maria and Ellen bussed the empty dishes from the dining room. Katie arrived and counted the food sales on the register. Carrying the cash back to Rob she smiled as she handed him the money.

Almost two grand! I can't believe it, she said with pride. Here's you're cut. This seems to be to working out great. Any thoughts on what we do when the free food runs out? I will invest in fresh stock, but I don't want to be throwing away rotting food like I did that last time we had this kitchen open.

Rob agreed. Yeah, we need to keep it simple. A burger, wings, a few apps and a daily dinner special should work fine for now.

Katie leaned on the window. All I know is I'm still reluctant to be putting out a thousand in dollars in food costs. I know you're a great chef and all, but I still have a fear over stocking up that kitchen.

He understood. Katie's Pub had never been a restaurant before. The idea of dropping ten dollars a pound for 45lb. cases of rib eyes would cause her concern.

Quickly calculating an offer, Rob shot her a fast reply. I tell you what. When this food runs out. I will buy all the stock and keep splitting the profits with you. What do you say to 70/30 split our way, after food cost?

Katie smiled. He's not just a chef… he's a business man now isn't he? she said with a laugh. Just kidding Rob. I like that plan. I stay safe, and you stay motivated.

They shook hands on the deal. Rob knew it was good deal for the crew. With his job on the Bahama Bay disintegrating into a glorified Taco Bell position, he desperately needed a new direction. Right now, The Pub’s kitchen was his best hope, not just for himself, but also for Ellen, Maria and his loyal cooks as well.

We are outta here guys, Rob said, as he paid off the team. Maria stayed behind as Rob and Ellen waited for her to come with them.

I will stay until closing tonight, Maria said.

Miguel walked up behind her, shaking her by her shoulders. Don’t worry amigo! We will get her home safe.

Ellen and Rob watched with concern as the cooks tugged Maria to the bar.

Martinez waved to them. See you tomorrow guys. Don't worry about Maria, she's in good hands with us, or is it actually the other way around?

Ellen laughed nervously as she turned to leave with Rob in hand. I guess my sister is a bouncer now, she said with worry.

Rob shook his head. I guess she is. Man I hope she doesn't kill somebody or something. She has a fake passport. God knows what will happen if she gets arrested and they figure that out.

Rob's comment had Ellen panicked. Running back into The Pub, she took Maria to a corner, talking to her in her most serious tone.

Don't ever hurt anyone badly Maria. If you see cops, the police, you run out the back door and don't stop til' you get home, or go hide. Please, please don't hurt anyone bad Maria, you could be sent back to Vietnam or worse, to prison. I couldn't live with that, not after everything we have been through. I just worry that after all it took to bring you here…

Maria hugged her and repeated her words. Don't hurt anyone bad. If police come, I run! You don’t have to worry. No one truly dangerous comes here. The only problems are just the drunk stubborn men. I have no fear of them. I have no need to kill.

Miguel saw them talking and came over with his beer. You still here? You don't have to worry about Maria. She's one of us. Everyone in the bar loves her. We will protect her.

Ellen shot him a look. She has a fake ID Miguel. She can't risk talking to cops no mater what. It’s just not worth it.

Miguel laughed. Sheet, I would love to have a fake ID, I have no ID at all. Neither does Army. We don't talk to cops either. We are used to eet. We will watch out for her. You go home. Go on, eets okay, everything will be fine.

Ellen left, but not without reservation. She hated the idea of Maria bar fighting into the wee hours of morning with drunken troublemakers. She had hoped to help her make a better life in America than the one she left behind in Vietnam. Her new job as the bouncer was not too different than her job on the drug boat. She was still fighting for pay, but without the automatic weapons or floating bloody bodies.

Back at Miguel's apartment Rob and Ellen counted their cash.

Almost six hundred, Ellen said counting the last bill.

Well, it's not broke but it's along way from enough for a new apartment, Rob said with a sigh. We had over a thousand in cash on the Lady Jane. That bastard George sunk us completely.

Ellen nodded sadly. Rob looked at her as he remembered The Ship. Ellen, the Harden people want you to come by tomorrow. They want to talk to you about the computer.

Ellen spun in her seat. To hell with that. They can figure out their own computer.

Rob felt the same at heart, but even he was too curious to let it pass. You should go. Find out what the deal is. They won't tell me anything.

She realized she really had nowhere else to be and was also interested in the mystery behind it all. She figured she might as well find out what they wanted and learn more of the mysterious story.

I will go. But they have to get me a ride back home. I don't want to ride the bus and I don’t plan on staying until five when you leave either.

Rob told her he would have Kim or Paul take care of her ride first thing when they arrived.

Sliding into bed, Ellen secretly hoped Rob would initiate another sexual encounter. Even though she was very inexperienced and still unfamiliar with any form of technique or skill associated with sex, her appetite for more was growing.

Ellen mentioned the subject casually. The doctor said as long as I feel no pain or other symptoms I can go about my usual routine.

Rob didn't get the hint. That's great. I was so worried that day, he replied.

She lay silent for minutes, her thoughts racked with uncomfortable images of her trying to attempt oral sex, or sex at all.

Our routine was beginning to be pretty great… before the hospital, and the homelessness and all, she said enthusiastically.

Rob didn't want to re-live either of those memories. You can say that again. We had a fabulous home, a little money, and good jobs. Now we have pretty much nothing.

Ellen wanted to burst out and tell him she longed for sex, but her shyness held her back.

Well, we still have each other, she replied.

Agreeing, he hugged her. She whispered quietly. The guys and Maria won't be home for hours… It's seems like so long since… Since we…

Rob realized what she was hinting at before.

Oh! So Miss Ellen wants some loving? he said as he tickled her side causing her to turn towards him writhing in defiance.

Stop it Rob. I don't want to be tickled, she said laughing. I just wanted to...

His hand stopped tickling her sides and slowly rose up around her breasts.

For days her sexual senses had been repressed. As the feelings manifested, Ellen grew more daring. Forcing her shyness into the background, she slid her hand along Rob's side. Her nails guided her fingertips under the waistband of his boxers. As her skin glided along his, she felt her hands begin to sweat. Embarrassed, she began to panic. Her breathing racing, she could feel her face grow hot and flush.

Nearly stopping from nervous fear, she paused briefly. Fighting through her swirling emotions, she reached deep, finding his manhood. Her warm hand wrapped around him. Almost instinctively she began to rub, slightly pulling him in her hand, tugging gently, then harder. The anxiety of her shyness, her embarrassment, her nervousness and her weight faded from the forefront of her emotions. Her awkwardness was quickly erased by passion. Her nervousness was replaced by desire. It was fueling her every move, her every thought. Every feeling was tuned in to the growing heat between her legs.

Ellen’s rubbing was causing Rob to grow larger and harder in her hand. Ellen gripped his manhood with one hand while pulling his body onto her with the other. Crushing his chest onto her breasts, he moved in between her legs.

Pulling his shirt off over his head, Rob slid between Ellen’s thighs. He looked into her eyes with a smile. Her longing shined through her gaze. Her eyes nearly glazed, she silently mouthed something to him he couldn't make out. Looking puzzled, she did it again, loud enough to hear this time. It was a milestone for her to overcome her embarrassment and say words like these aloud to him.

I want you… I want to feel you now, she whispered as she stared into his eyes.

Reaching down to her intense wetness, he began to lightly rub her womanhood. Ellen pulled him closer to her heat.

Don't tease me, just c’mon Rob, she whispered impatiently.

Wrapping his arms under her thighs, he stretched her legs back. Her knees almost to her ears, she was nervous, but ready.

Not having a free hand to align himself with, he pushed his tip against her blindly. Moving his waist up and down in an attempt to enter her intense heat. Ellen squirmed under him, desperate to end the teasing of his hardness. She arched her hips forward, her legs opened a few inches more, straining tendons and stretching muscles, she inched her heat closer to his manhood. They both gasped in unison as he suddenly slid in.

Her near-virgin tightness, coupled with her slick wetness, was a combination Rob knew would push him over the edge in seconds. Ellen pulled him into her by with both hands. Digging into him with her nails, she urged him on harder.

Yes! That's what I… Just like… Oh my god… She felt every nuance of him as he rocked into her. She could feel his girth swell, stretching her insides.

Waves of aching pain, mixed with searing pleasure washed through her from the inside out. Rob managed a better footing and pushed his body against Ellen. Leaning with all his weight into her strained legs, he hung his head, kissing