Page 33 of One Rule

“Hmmm.” I don’t say anything else for a minute, letting them sweat it out. I’d brought Jeremy here today not just to keep Liliana from meeting him, but as a team leader, he needs to shut down tonight’s scheduled maintenance. “What’s the relationship between you two?”

“He’s my older brother,” Jeremy speaks up; I take in the nervous tilt in his tone.

“And why is your older brother here, Mr. Dunlap?”

“He works here?” It’s stated as a question, and I keep my expression neutral. Strike one; I didn’t hire this man. I’m involved in every facet of new hires, including the initial and then entry interview a month into employment. The same goes for after they leave the company.

“Since when?”

“I don’t understand the question.”

“Then let me dumb it down.” Beside me, I have a cup of coffee with hazelnut creamer prepared the way Liliana likes it, and I take a sip. Sugary and foamy and everything I hate, but damn me if I don’t drink it down because it’s how she takes hers. And after watching her make it this way for so long, I’ve become an expert at matching her recipe. “I didn’t hire him, Jeremy. Who did and when?”

“Liliana said you approved of my bringing him in as a consultant a few months back. Around February…was she wrong?”

That’s the second lie. Rebel has no problem telling me where to go and how fast to get there, so talking to me about a potential employee she’d find beneficial for her team is nothing she’d pussy foot around with. Hell, when she spoke of Jeremy it was with confidence. Knowing I needed a new head of department in her field, she approached me and expressed respect for two people in her class:

Jeremy Dunlap and Samantha Cintek. However, the female student was poached early on by a large airline company based out of South Florida, leaving behind the teacher's assistant.

“I must’ve forgotten. My apologies.” Sitting back, I look at them and wait. Silence ensues. Not so much as a peep, until a phone pings, and it’s mine. On the screen, I see the text but don’t reply.

Ms. Armas is home and safe. ~Ligo

“No problem, sir. It was a simple mistake.” This came from Jessie, and I nodded. Let him think whatever he wants. The older Dunlap didn’t pick up on my annoyance, and neither did Jeremy, but they quickly shift into trying to show me a newly developed security program. They had a slide, a folder with a pitch, and the risk factors for something untried outside of their experimental runs at home.

Jessie was standing and ready to start, excited to get my ear, but I held a hand up. “You’re here because there’s been a change of plans and I need your help.”

That bothered Jeremy and annoyance flashed in his eyes but he was quick to control it. “Of course. My apologies, Mr. Royce. How can I be of service?”

“Cancel anything your department’s running tonight. I want everything shut down before six.”

“What! Why?” Jeremy exclaimed, standing up and swallowing hard. His hands are also clenching. “Why are you—”

“Is there a problem?” My eyes narrow, taking in every minute shift the two idiots make. Then, there’s the nervous twitch in his right eye. “Are you unable to follow simple orders?”

“No, sir. It’s just that things like that take time.” Voice low. Contrite. “Is there a specific reason as to why—”

“You work for me,” I grit out, jaw ticking as I fight to control my anger. His behavior is pissing me off, and right now isn’t the time to break his jaw and then watch him swallow his front teeth.Although, the sight would be satisfying. “I do not need to give you an explanation, do as I say.”

“Of course. It’ll be done.” Jessie stands after answering for his brother, too. His head gives a small bow before placing a hand on Jeremy’s arm and giving it a quick squeeze. “We’ll get on that right away, Mr. Royce.”

I called Isaac as soon as both men exited my office.

Their behavior didn’t sit right with me and I want them investigated. But more than that, it’s how they kept glancing toward Liliana’s office as they walked toward the elevator.

Nervous. Shifty. Paranoid.

I won’t speak to her about her TA’s behavior yet, I need proof first, but I’ll be watching him like a hawk.

Turning off the frother, I test the foam’s taste and nod, knowing she’ll like this. It takes me minutes to serve everything to her liking, even going as far as using a tray to carry her coffee and a few of the gourmet cookies I’d ordered for her as a dessert. In her rush to get downstairs and start, Liliana forgot about them, but I know she’ll appreciate the gesture now.

Heading downstairs, I ride the elevator down and then walk back to where I left her. She’s at the last machine and frowning, but before I can ask her what’s wrong, I get a phone call.

Her brother’s name flashes across the screen and I pick up after the third ring. Not that he waits for me to say anything, he’s breathing hard while the sound of heavy rain comes from the other side of the line.

“We need to meet. I’ll be in Orlando in a few hours.” The line goes dead right after and I’m left watching my girl, who’s still oblivious to my presence. And it’s not until after I hang up that she turns my way, face wary and exhausted.

“Everything okay, Micah?”

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