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Chapter One
Gavin
The line rings through my headset eight times before someone picks up the call. I immediately start talking. "Good afternoon, this is Gavin from Rapid React Emergency Restoration Services, the premier service provider in Minnesota. If you have a moment, I'd love to talk to you about what we can offer. If you've ever experienced an overflowing septic system or a leaking gas line, we're here to help. Whatever you need to get you back on track, we have all the options. Rapid React offers twenty-four seven, on-call packages to get you back to normal. Why don't I send you a brochure about our---"
"No, thank you," the woman on the other end of the call says curtly. "I don't need or want your services. Don't ever call me again."
She hangs up. And naturally, she slams the phone down.
I don't blame her. Cold calling must be one of the sins mentioned in the Ten Commandments, but God wrote it in invisible ink by accident. I can't believe this is what I do for a living---harass decent people. Maybe the services this company sells are useful, but the way we attract new clients just sucks. In the Marines, at least I felt like I had a purpose and a calling. Now, I'm nothing but an annoying telemarketer.
"Having a bad day, Gav?"
I lift my head to gaze at my coworker, who had spoken those strangely cheerful words. No one should be happy while working in the ninth level of hell. "Yeah, I'm not having the best day so far."
"Can't snag any new customers?"
"Nope. Everybody hangs up on me."
"Sorry, dude. That sucks." My coworker, Phil, has risen halfway out of his chair to look at me over the top of his cubicle. "But I'm sure things will get better tomorrow or the next day."
I manage only a tight smile. "Thanks for the encouragement, Phil. You're always upbeat, and I admire that."
Phil's eyes widen. "You admire me? I never fought in a war zone. You are a grade-A hero, Gav."
Hero? No, I don't qualify for that title. I did my duty, nothing more, nothing less. Maybe I saw things that I never want to think about again, but that doesn't make me a hero.
Phil sits back down in his cubicle, and I can just barely see the top of his bald head.
I sink back in my chair and gaze at the photo on my desk, positioned alongside my computer screen. The picture was taken years ago, and it shows my family in the last happy moments we ever had. My baby sister, Calli, grins at the camera. My parents have their arms around each other as they smile. And I stand there beside Calli, smiling just like they do.
Our happy family. It's all gone now.
Since I have nothing else to do with my life, I go back to cold calling people who mostly don't want what I'm selling. I do snag a couple new customers, though. At the end of the day, I say good night to my coworkers and head back to my tiny apartment that features inspiring decor---cement block walls, a rusty metal door, and an open design that somehow manages to still feel cramped. It would make a mole feel right at home.
After eating a so-so frozen dinner, I flop onto my worn recliner and reach for the phone, intending to call my sister, but I change my mind. It's an hour later in Michigan. She might be asleep already. Right, Calli goes to bed at seven o'clock in the evening. Duh, of course not.
I'm just about to fall asleep in my recliner when the phone rings again. I crack one eye open to see the caller ID. Then I snatch up the receiver. "Calli? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, of course. Why do you sound panicked?"
"Uh... I don't know."
She snorts, clearly trying not to laugh at me. "That's the lamest response ever."
"Cut me some slack, C. I had a crappy day at the office, also known as the ninth level of hell."
"If you hate your job, look for something different."
I groan. "Considering how much trouble you've had finding another librarian job, you ought to know better than to tell me to just up and find something different."
"Yeah, I know. Sorry, Gav. I just want you to be happy. That's an order."
"Yes, ma'am. You can't see it, but I'm saluting."
"Ha-ha." Calli hesitates, then her tone turns sneaky. "You know, if you came to Tara's wedding, you might meet someone."
I throw my head back and groan again. "I don't want to troll for dates at our cousin's wedding. Besides, you hate it when I say things like that to you."
