Risky Business

Who would have thought I, of all people would be in a predicament like this. Is everything unloaded? A guy dressed in warehouse attire asked, to another gentlemen, who was in back of my trailer.

Is all the product out! the man asked again. Yes! for the second time, the other guy screamed out this time. Alright; tell the boys to count it up quickly, so we can get this young lady out of here quickly. He winked at me, then cracked a smile. I was surrounded by a warehouse big enough to fit my tractor-trailer inside, just enough room for me to back completely in and the door closed in-front of me. When I got loaded in Virginia, they put a big bolt lock on my trailer doors, and instructions was too not open them; until I arrived at my destination.

When I booked this load I was wondering why they were paying top dollar per mile. This was a once-in-a-chance-lifetime load. Which meant this could work out in my favor, or be more dangerous in the end. I must have been the only truck available in the area, due to my phone blowing up from an unknown number. I sent it to voicemail the first time. 5th time the number called, I was curious.

Hello? I answered.

Hi, My name is James Russle, I'm a broker for JayDeWill Logisitics, I see you have a truck located about 5 miles out side of Quantico, Va. Is that correct?

Uhmmm, yes, I responded.

Are you available to pick up a load right now? he asked.

Looking at my clock on my phone, it was reading a little after 6 pm. Normally I drive the day time shift. However; accepting this load would be driving during the night. Well hell! I can drive how I want, due to me being and independent contractor. My last delivery took me five hours, so I was able to get a great amount of rest. Tell me more about the load, I requested from James.

All I can say, is the customer is paying top dollar per mile, you will pick up from the location, upon departing you will receive all information for the load, delivery time, and given a little black book, with a fuel card you will use during your trip. you will back up to the building, the people will load you up, and send you on your way!

Hold up now, why would I be given a little black book for a load delivery? I asked with discernment in my voice. My senses and ears were on full alert. The warehouse guys will be able to answer everything when you arrive. So are you interested he asked?

I pondered on the thought for while. During that time James put me on hold to tend to his business. Something in me felt like this was risky business, But freak it, let's do! Great James replied.

James, one last thing where is this load going again? I asked.

Las Angeles, Ca.. (wtf.. i mouthed) definitely should have asked that upfront. from here to there that 2600 miles, a little over thirty-four hours. whew chile! this was definitely one for the books. When I calculated expenses/fuel/food.. I seem to be profiting more than, I would every see any other time.

I've only been on the road a little over two years, been saving as much as I can to get my own truck, outside of all the bills I was paying to rent this tractor-trailer from my friend. Most people dont know but truckers get paid by the mile, and you only see real profit by owning your own truck; because being under someone else authority and company they are gaining all the money you are earning.

After hanging up the phone, I got myself situated to start this new adventure. Within 15 mins I was backing up to a small warehouse. The yard guy told me how to position my truck to back up inside of the building. The head of my truck stuck out, while they closed the sliding sides to block the view from my trailer. I could feel the movement of them loading me up.

My attention was now merely on the route, I believed I would be taking. Not knowing the route was already planned out. A very loud knock startled me. Rolling down my window too address a fairly decent looking young gentlemen, with black hair, a beard and low cut-faded on the side. He had on a black button down shirt and come black slacks.

Excuse me Driver, what your name? he asked.

Raylind Williams Sir, I replied. He wrote everything in the little black book, closed it and locked it. If James told me I would be receiving when I got there, why would they seal it? He told me not to open the book under no circumstances until I arrived at the drop!

Another guy joined him, he was carrying a small dash camera, handed it too me, and told me to place it on the dash. They needed eyes on the road. I noticed a camera facing me, that made me feel uneasy. Still I remained quiet and calm. Hey they see what they gonna see freak it, I thought to myself. They also told me to talk to no-one about the load, where it was going or anything. Incognito status..Cool!

When everything was said and done, the last piece of info was told to me, when I was 5 miles out from the California border, I am to make a call so that 2 patrol vehicles would safely escort me in. Now I was convinced this was drugs! it had to be.

I was then given an envelope with Big black writing: For Robert England. " "Not to open" was written across the top, and sealed with staples. Being I had already accepted the load, there was no turning back. I was fully committed to getting to California swiftly, and quickly. I was told I had 4 days to get there. My goal was 2 and a half, most 3 days.

I pulled out, and was on my way. I would be taking highway 70 for a few states, and dropping down to highway 40 the rest of the way. They wired all the money to the fuel card, and required I would get a receipt from every time it was was used. Smart another form of tracking. I blasted my music, and just jammed out; while I made my way through the states. Singing loud, cursing drivers out, doing the most, I forgotten they were monitoring me. In my head this was another job, with a little bit more rules.

My first day i knocked out 800 miles with no problem. I had the little black book insight my curiosity was starting to get the best of me, but then I remembered I was being watched. I shut down at a truck stop, showered, ate, and fueled up. Don't forget the receipt, I told myself in my head. I hit the sack for the night.

The next morning, I did the same routine, only this time, I dedicated more time to driving instead, of stopping. No real bathroom breaks, just music, snacking, and road coverage. Another 800 miles knocked out! I chose to do a 7hr split rest break. I was amp'd. before I knew it, I was calling them to inform them to have the patrol people in place. Which they were. One patrol in front of me and the other in the back. I being to get nervous, seeing cops with trained dogs sniffing around, barking at cars, and vans!

With me not knowing what i was carrying had my heart touching my knee caps. they waved us off to the far lane, and we cruised on though. the patrol car waved me off to continue my journey as the got off the exit. 3 days on the open road had me so drained. When I pulled up to the warehouse, I backed all the way in this time. A bunch of guys swarmed my truck with guns pointing in my directions. Get out the truck. I screaming whoa whoa. I got out with my hands raised.

Are you carrying weapons? they asked? No! my response was clear. Thinking in my head, How did I end up here? They opened my truck door and took out the black book, the camera, and my phone. another guy made me unlock it to see what calls where made. Needless to say, my phone was dry. Im a loner, a nobody. I travel and have no one to talk to but my two silent passengers, which happen to be teddy bears!

A guy wearing a black suit calls me by my name, Raylind Williams!

hands still up, ye-yes sir? my response had tremble and stutter, thinking if I get shoot, or even killed no one would know or care!

You have successfully passed the test? the state of confusion on my face, would be priceless if anyone could see it. This wasn't some random set up, you were hand picked, and did you impress us! they handed me the little black book, and a key too open it. I was shocked, it was a whole portfolio on me, my life, my accomplishments, my training everything. my merits from the military and all.

This was your initiation task. by the way this load was high value, you were carrying newly designed weapons, kilos of coke, and over 1 million in cash. my mouth hit the floor. Your initial amount was discussed with you prior to picking up the load correct? he asked..

yeah, well check your account. They had wired me $20,000 for this load. I was shocked. How? I asked. Its the the How, it the why, he stated. we would like to offer you a chance of a lifetime. We will pay you $250,000/year for life,get you your own tractor-trailer combo and customize it how u want. pay for you to live in any state you want, with the guarantee that you will be our runner from this day forth. Do we have a deal?

Everything I wanted was being offered but at a price that was a little risky, but hey, you only live once! I held out my hand! I accept!