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“That’d be much appreciated.” She winces. “Well, except for that trip to the Royal Dolls Saloon in Deadbranch. But I ain’t plannin’ to go back there any time soon.”
“That was pretty messed up,” I agree.
She glances around the party. “I’d just…if I’m finally hiring my own people, I’d rather keep it in the family, ya know?”
It’s a shame she’s not able to spend more time around the club. As Sparky might put it, Shelby’s “good energy” for us. “Just keep in mind, if they fuck shit up, it’ll be harder to fire them.”
“Huh.” She blinks. “Hadn’t thought of it like that. But you’re right.” Her gaze strays to Emily and Libby. “Doubt that’ll be a problem with your girls, though. Emily told me the schedule for those musicals and plays Libby does. Girl’s dedicated.”
“She is,” I agree.
“But I think I screwed the pooch. I invited Emily to come along too, since I’m hoping you’ll be part of my security team again. Forgot she has a real job like most folks.”
“I’m sure she appreciated the invite.” If I know my girl, she’s probably upset she can’t accept the offer.
How many times has Emily hinted at how much she’d like to travel? I know she wants to wait until after Libby graduates. But that’s no way for her to live. She shouldn’t have to wait until some future point in time to be happy. Life’s too short.
We could have a lot of fun on the road. It’s not like she needs to work. I’m more than able to take care of her now. Give her whatever she wants.
The open road beckons, yet it seems like there are still so many obstacles in our way.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Emily
My love for Fridays is endless. Especially this weekend. I’m looking forward to helping my sister get ready for prom and spending time with Dex.
I arrive at work early for a change and head straight to my station. We’re slammed with tests that need to be run and I work through them quickly. One by one. Writing up my reports. Sending results. Dealing with cranky clients.
After lunch, my supervisor, Tammie, calls me into her office.
“Silver Falls is out of compliance, again,” I say as I sit down. “The health department’s going to come down on them hard, I bet.”
She lifts one skinny eyebrow. “Did you call them?”
“Not yet.”
“We’ll deal with them later. Have a seat.” She gestures to the chair across from her desk. It’s loaded with file folders and crumpled papers. Unsure of what to do, I stare at the pile for a few seconds, then scoop up the mess.
Where should I set it? Desk seems kind of rude. My frantic gaze bounces around the room. This is awkward. No surface is free—it’s like she’s hoarded every piece of paper since the Nineties in here.
Finally, I set the pile on the floor as neatly as possible.
“What’s on your mind, Tammie?” Nerves jangle my voice around. Tammie isn’t usually so formal and rarely calls me into her office to chat.
“Well, this has actually been an on-going issue for the last few months.” She taps away at her computer.
Icy fear settles in my stomach and spreads through my body.
“You’ve been late, frequently leave early, you missed a bunch of days without proper notice…”
“Wait a minute. My sister was in a car wreck. My minor sister who I am the sole guardian of,” I add, in case she doesn’t comprehend the seriousness of my situation. “I called and gave as much notice as possible every time.”
On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t have bothered to let them know when I was running late. I voluntarily handed them a running tally of my tardiness. Idiot.
“Your work is excellent. But we’re a small team here. And your tardiness and absences affect our overall productivity.”
Overall productivity? Is she serious? I’m the only one who ever produces anything.
“Tammie, I have vacation and sick time. That’s what I used for my days off. It was to take care of my sister.” And visit the man who murdered my parents, but I doubt she’ll have any sympathy.
“Well, you should’ve submitted a request for family leave time if it was that serious.”
“But—”
“I understand, but we’ve had to make a difficult decision.” Her cold glare ices my insides. “Effective immediately, we’re terminating your employment with the company.”
“W…what?” Ringing vibrates through my ears. Am I having a nightmare? “Tammie, please reconsider. I love my job. I’ve always been a good employee. It’s just been a rough situation. My boyfriend’s been helping me out, taking my sister to school, so the lateness won’t be an issue anymore. I was early today.” I hate the desperate, pleading tone I’m using. They’ve made their decision. Nothing I can say will change her mind. I’m just embarrassing myself at this point.
Tammie’s fake sympathetic face needs work. She purses her lips together, almost like she’s trying not to cackle with glee. “I appreciate your situation—”
