Page 27 of Deceived Wrath

I scratch through yet another name. "Come in."

"How's it going?"

I glance up to find Kieran leaning casually against the doorframe with his hands in the pockets of his dark slacks and a smirk on his face.

"Like I've been conducting cheerleader tryouts, not interviewing for an assistant."

Kieran laughs, but the sound is low and humorless. "I know what you're doing, Cormac."

"Oh, yeah? What's that?"

"You're finding fault in everyone because you don't want to make a decision."

"I'm finding faults because they're all useless."

"Well, if you don't pick one, I will. And I might even get Brennan to help."

I set my pen down with a little more force than necessary. "You'd better not."

"Fuck around and find out."

The warning is clear, and that grates on my nerves more than any of the pointless conversations I've had this morning.

I hate being cornered and told what to do, especially considering the fact that whoever I hire will be practically glued to my side for God knows how long.

But I also know Kieran isn't bluffing. If I don't choose an assistant, he'll get Brennan to, and I'm not about to let him play Russian roulette with my sanity.

"I'll make my decision by the end of the day."

"I'll send the next one in, shall I?"

I scowl at my brother, but from the smug smile on his face, I can tell he's enjoying every minute of my pain.

As he shuts the door behind him, I slump back in my chair and rub my temples.

I have two candidates left from the morning candidates, and if neither of them checks out, then I will have to be subjected to an afternoon of torture too.

Maybe if neither of these two fits, I'll let Kieran make the decision for me.

The next candidate is almost laughable. We're barely a minute in, and she already looks on the verge of tears.

If she can't handle a few direct questions, then she sure as hell won't last an hour under my employment.

I swear, I didn't think it was possible to have so little backbone. Even when I dismiss her, she thanks me with a watery smile and scurries from the room like a scared mouse.

If I wasn't so pissed off, I would laugh.

I scratch out her name and stare at the final one on my list.

Fiona Callahan.

"Let's see what you've got," I mutter to myself before dialing the intercom and asking for Fiona to be sent in.

I'm busy reading back through the resumes, wondering if there's anyone I could potentially reconsider, when a knock sounds at the door.

"Come in."

"Mr. Sullivan?"