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Chapter One
Minnow was pretty sure her ears were bleeding. Henry’s Coffee Emporium was a cacophony of sound, making it necessary for her to answer Ms. Sutton’s interview questions at a volume that was neither polite nor pleasant. Why had Minnow suggested Ms. Sutton meet her here on a Saturday?
Stupid.
It was better than doing the interview at her rundown apartment, though, and it was too cold to go to the park. Meeting at a restaurant would have required money, which Minnow didn’t have. She smoothed the front of her coffee-stained uniform, wishing she’d at least had time to change. Ms. Sutton’s expensive clothing put Minnow at a psychological disadvantage.
“So you’re used to dealing with difficult clients?”
“Yes, my most recent client was very difficult – at least initially. Her family and the caregivers before I was hired weren’t able to convince her to cooperate with basic activities of daily living. After only a few weeks we became friends, and she let her guard down. I can be convincing, or even firm when it’s important.”
Ninety-six-year-old Sophia had resisted eating, bathing, sleeping, or anything else she was supposed to do. Minnow had found ways to motivate her to accept help, and eventually Sophia had loved and trusted her more than her own children. It had been a hard loss for Minnow when the older woman passed away.
Ms. Sutton nodded.
“Have you ever had a client who used foul language or berated you?”
“Yes. It doesn’t bother me.” Maybe it bothered her a little, but with the amount of money they were offering for this position, handling a bit of verbal abuse wouldn’t be the end of the world. Not always having rent money at the end of the month and often not having enough food – now that bothered her. It was all a matter of perspective.
“What is your five-year plan?”
World domination? That was always the worst interview question.
Minnow smiled pleasantly. “I’m very motivated to find employment that’s both challenging and fulfilling. I would enjoy finding a position that’s long term.”
The elderly woman readjusted her navy cardigan then pushed her glasses higher on her nose. She peered at Minnow, brown eyes magnified and owlish through the substantial lenses.
“Cut the professional bullshit answers, if you please, Miss Korsgaard,” the woman said, her tone bland. Minnow managed not to laugh. “Are you planning to start a family or move out of town any time in the near future?”
The woman’s bluntness took her aback, and she caught herself before she laughed. “No. I’m unattached and have no plans to relocate.”
Ms Sutton nodded gravely. “So you’re good at establishing rapport?”
“Yes, that won’t be an issue.”
The look of abject skepticism in Ms. Sutton’s eyes was unnerving. “Mr. Leduc has a habit of doing his utmost to scare away every caregiver I hire. He’s brilliant, so naturally he’s quite impossible.”
Minnow nodded. “What physical limitations does he have at this point? What’s his diagnosis?”
“Diagnosis?” Ms. Sutton snorted. “Severin is an impossible, self-important ass who was born rich, ignored by his family, and spends most of his time alone. He doesn’t need a support worker for medical issues. It’s more that he needs a handler. He has no people skills and no desire to learn any. His patience with people is abysmal, and he comes off as brash and arrogant...because he’s brash and arrogant.”
“So my role would be?”
“You would basically be his companion – you’d encourage him to see to his grooming, and help keep him organized. Pick up after him. Make sure he eats.”
This sounded ridiculous. “So I’d be babysitting a grown man whose only issue is that he’s a jerk?” she asked sardonically.
“Oh, I like you.” Ms. Sutton’s eyes gleamed. “A difficult man. A passionate man. But yes, you’d be a glorified babysitter.”
The money was too good to pass up.
She nodded slowly. “I could do that. Are there...other expectations attached to this job?”
Ms. Sutton glanced at her sharply. “No, but smart of you to ask. Severin doesn’t seem to be interested in that sort of thing from anyone. I’ve never known him to date or even to...” She waved her hand, letting Minnow fill in the blanks. “He’s intensely focused.”
“Always best to ask up front.” The last thing Minnow wanted was to quit her coffee shop job and let go of her apartment only to find out this old man expected a ‘full service’ employee.
“There may be occasions where you’re required to go on outings with him, both to keep him organized, and to try to curb his temper. Oh – and you can’t be too overt when you direct him, or he’ll fire your ass on the spot.”
“So, like any other service industry job.”
