Page 11 of Rugged Fox

The Willow Creek Security building was only ten storefronts down from the bakery, so I used the nice morning weather to walk along the sidewalk. A few people milled about, but a vast majority were either grabbing something quick at the bakery or sitting down for a full breakfast at the diner. The same as every other morning.

The familiarity of small-town living was comforting. There had been a time as a teenager when I considered moving to a big city. Thank God I never followed through with that. I couldn't imagine the hustle and bustle that came with it, or the constant change. Like plants needed water to survive, I needed familiar things.

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the new security building. A lot had changed from the old tailor business that had once resided there. A fresh coat of paint covered the brick. What looked to be both new windows and doors gleamed back at me. And a fresh sign hung just out front.

Overall, the place was welcoming despite the nerves fluttering in my belly.

I knew my apprehension had nothing to do with the building itself and everything to do with the possibility of who waited just inside the door for me.

Since I had no desire to give the folks in town any more reason to gossip, I pulled the door open and walked in.

The inside of the security firm was a bit of a surprise. I expected a sterile feel but there was nothing dull about the spacious layout. The reception area consisted of a desk, two loveseat sofas, a round end table between them, and even a plant in the corner. A large rug and some art on the wall gave a welcoming vibe.

But the most surprising aspect was that the only thing separating the reception area from the rest of the work area was all glass. The interior was one giant fishbowl; anyone who walked in could see what was happening.

It was probably a good thing too, since no one sat at the reception desk and there was no bell to warn those in the back that anyone had entered the building. At least, not that I could hear, but within seconds of walking through the door, someone was making their way to the front.

"Good morning." The guy gave me a smile and, oh wow, did he have a nice one. A hidden dimple amongst his beard nearly disarmed me. "Are you here for the receptionist interview?"

Then his words sunk in. What was with these guys and assuming I was looking for a job? Were they that desperate to hire someone, or did they assume any female who contacted them was a potential employee?

"Owen, don't be a dick. This is the client Easton met with yesterday." A second man walked through the door and chided Owen before I could answer. I recognized him from the diner last night. He had been eating with Easton.

"I'm so sorry," Owen apologized. "We were supposed to have someone come in for an interview this morning, but they’re running late. I'm starting to get worried something happened to her."

There was no way to stay mad at a man who looked that guilty and who worried about a woman he’d never met.

"Is she someone local? Maybe I know her."

"Uh, I don't think so." Owen looked genuinely confused. "I think she mentioned she was moving to the area and wanted to have a job lined up. I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't get a lot of information. I was just excited someone applied to the job at all. Mav's been looking for a while and this was our first serious inquiry."

Mav had to be Maverick O'Brien, the owner according to Willow Creek Press. His picture was in the newspaper but I had yet to see him around town.

"Well, I hope she's okay."

"Me too." Owen shook his head. "Sorry, our receptionist issues aren't your concern. Hendrix mentioned you met with Easton yesterday. The mailbox problem, right?" When I nodded my head yes, he continued. "Los Cangris. A nasty gang and I see why you called us. No one wants them operating here in town. Come on back and let's discuss your options."

Okay, so maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. I could talk to Owen and avoid the weird encounter with Easton.

With a little extra pep in my step, I walked through the large glass door but quickly realized my error. The glass only showed part of the building, instead of the full place like I thought, and sitting there just twenty feet in front of me was none other than Easton himself.

Ah, shit. So much for feeling confident.

CHAPTER SIX

Easton

I watched Kati walk into my office and had to force myself to stay seated. Owen was already on the move, and unless I wanted to give my friends a reason to gossip, I had to stay put and not look like the eager teenager Kati was turning me into.

"I see your girl decided to show. You owe me fifty bucks." Hendrix's comment struck a nerve, but my friend had already pushed through the door behind Owen before I could comment.

After our weird encounter at the diner, I was so sure Kati wouldn't come within a hundred feet of this building, or the business. It turned out I was wrong. Something I didn't mind being in this case. I would gladly hand over the money if it meant getting to see the beautiful woman again.

"So I take it that's her?" Nolen rolled over in his desk chair from across the aisle.

"Who told you?" I didn't take my eyes off Kati or the way she looked at Owen as he talked to her.

How pathetic was it that I wanted to punch one of my best friends because I knew he was just being himself? Owen Baker was the nicest guy out of our group. He could put anyone at ease, but he also had a smile that women loved, and right now, I would bet another fifty bucks Kati was on the receiving end of it.

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