“Well, some of them don’t have anywhere better to go; some of them are hoping we’ll hire them. That’s how we get our employees — they’re customers 昀椀rst, then we hire them — or actually, then Linda hires them, if she likes them.” “When you said you didn’t know what you were getting into when you bought this place, what did you mean?” “Well, I had no idea what kind of people were here. Most of our customers have had run-ins with the law.” Buck started to laugh. “In fact, most of them were either on their way to jail or on their way back from jail.” “What about turnover? Surely you have high turnover.” “We haven’t had any turnover in two years, which is pretty good, considering the industry we’re in.” “You must pay pretty well.” Buck’s laugh was louder than ever. “I pay minimum wage with no bene昀椀ts. That’s okay with the employees; they know how much we make.” “What about theft?” “Well, since our employees know anyone who might break in, those types stay away.” “I mean employee theft — shrinkage.” “My employees don’t steal.” “Never?” “Would I let them run the store and handle my money if I thought they did?” Bill was surprised. “The convenience store industry is rampant with shrinkage, yet you have a store of convicts…” 16