Kieran might think his boss was a prick, but if he was going to leave, it had to be on his terms. He couldn’t be fired again. He’d burned enough bridges at other tattoo shops, and it wasn’t a large community. Word would get out, and he’d struggle to get another job. Kieran was a long way from having the financial means to be self-employed.
“I see,” said Grant.
“See what?”
“Jez,” he shouted. “Get your fucking arse out here... now!”
Jez came rushing out from the back, frowning. He looked at Kieran, and his face changed to pissed off.
“I told you to send Mr Kincaid straight to my office, Kieran. Can’t you follow basic instructions now?”
Kieran wasn’t sure what to say. He dared not look at Grant, so all he could do was put his head down and hope he wasn’t about to get fired. Kieran heard a loud crack, followed by a thud. He looked up to see Jez on the floor holding his face, with Grant standing over him, his fist clenched. What the fuck had just happened?
“You do not speak to my staff like that,” he snarled. “You’ve disappointed me, Jez. Do you hear me?”
Jez nodded, and it was the first time Kieran had seen him looking terrified. Jez was built like a tank, even bigger than Derek. Grant was tall and clearly had some muscle on him, but he was lean, not broad, and he’d just put Jez on his arse with what seemed like one punch.
“Now, is there something else I need to know about what’s happened between you two this week?”
Kieran shook his head. He wasn’t sure his voice would sound normal if he spoke. He could feel his entire body trembling. Grant looked at Jez, who sighed.
“I gave Kieran a final written warning because he’d been taking the piss for the last two weeks. He’s been late every day and lost us a big client.”
“Kieran, what’s your side of the story?”
“Er . . . I was late a few times.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“Just transport stuff. It’s just been a bad couple of weeks.”
“I see.”
What did that mean? Before anything else was said, Kieran’s client walked in. His eyes widened when he saw Jez on the floor, with what was already a nasty bruise on his face. How hard had Grant punched him? Jez scrambled to his feet, not saying anything.
“Hi, Frankie. Do you want to grab a seat at my station, and I’ll make you a brew and be over in a minute?” said Kieran.
“Sure,” said Frankie, looking unsure, but he went to Kieran’s station.
“Jez, get in the office. We need to talk,” said Grant. “Kieran, I’ll call you later. If you don’t answer, I’ll be verydisappointed. Do you understand what that means?”
Kieran thought he was going to be sick. All he could dowas nod his agreement and scurry off to his client. What the fuck was he going to do now?
“I can’t believe you said yes to going out with him,” said Hassan.
“What was I supposed to say?”
“No!”
“You didn’t see how terrified Jez was of him.”
“I don’t give a fuck who he is, Kieran. You have the right to say no.”
“It’s not like I don’t find him attractive.”
“What?”
“The guy’s hot as fuck.”
