“So, ready to head down to the station?” I ask, desperate to talk about anything else.
“Not really.” She deflates like a popped balloon. “But sure.”
“Good choice.” I pop up from the couch. “No time like the present, Princess.”
I’ve beenoff kilter since yesterday, and while I’m not willing to cop to Scarlet being the cause, I’m not full-on denying it either.
But sometime between yesterday and today, I don’t know if it was waking up wrapped around Scarlet, learning just how serious her stalker situation is, or going with her to report it, but I feel like my world’s been tipped off its axis and I don’t fucking like it. Not one bit.
So, naturally, I’m meeting Silas today for an official interview.
“Put her out of your head,” I tell myself as I check my reflection in my rearview mirror, hating the worried crease that’s made itself a permanent home on my forehead. “Her, your oldjob, all of it. Focus on the here and now, get through your interview, and spiral later, man.”
I kill the engine and suck in a fortifying breath before heading into Buns Out—our local burger joint. I was relieved when Silas suggested meeting here for our interview. It’s lowkey, and the food is good as fuck.
He also said this interview was just a formality and that my employment with Guardians of Fortune was all but a done deal. Which definitely takes some of the pressure off, even if the job itself will be high pressure.
Inside, my eyes immediately fly to his big ass sitting in the back corner, glaring at everyone like an angry bear.
“Welcome to Buns Out,” a smiling employee says as I walk in, handing me a menu. “Specials are on the board. Order at the counter whenever you’re ready.”
“Thanks.” I accept the menu even though I already know exactly what I’m getting. A double cheeseburger with smoked cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, tangy barbeque sauce, and a splash of ranch—otherwise known as the pitmaster.
Silas clocks me instantaneously, sending a nod my way. I tip my chin my head toward the counter, letting him know I’ll be over after I order.
“Ellis,” he says as I slide into the booth across from him. He makes a big show of checking his watch. “Right on time.”
“I'm actually early.”
He smirks. “Like I said, right on time.”
“One of those, huh?” I ask, drumming my fingers against my thigh under the table and hoping like hell Silas isn’t a closet douche. My old sergeant was also a stickler for shit like this. I could do every damn thing by the book, and he would find something wrong. Guaranteed he’d nitpick every thread until he tugged something loose. Every single time. And while I damnsure want to help people, I don’t want to do it under someone like him.
“Nah, man.” He cracks a grin. “I’m just fucking with you.”
“Jackass,” I cough the word, sending his grin into a full-blown smile. “Okay, talk to me, man. Tell me a little bit more about you, your mission, and about this job.”
He steeples his fingers beneath his chin. “Pretty simple. I’m patched in with a local club. We look out for the citizens of Lake Fortune. We're expanding the operation?—”
“And just to be clear,” I interrupt, “I don't have to pledge or some shit to work for y’all, right? No offense of anything.”
Silas pauses when an employee stops by, delivering both of our meals. We both thank them, and he jumps back in, talking around a massive bite. “It's preferred, but not required.”
“And y’all aren’t like…”
“Outlaws?” The corners of his eyes crinkle with amusement, most definitely at my expense
I nod, feeling dumb for even asking.
“Nope.” He pops another bite in his mouth. “We’re aboveboard.”
“Okay, good to know.” I mop up some of the sauce spilling out the side of my burger with a fry before popping it into my mouth. “Tell me about the kind of gigs you take on.”
He launches into his spiel, talking about protecting victims of abuse, providing security for local charity events pro bono, along with private security for businesses, events, and individuals.”
All in all, it feels like a good fit. And I tell him as much.
“Great. When can you start?”
