Page 36 of Fiery Romance

“Exactly.”

Something dark gouges my heart. “Island’s not my wife.”

“No, but she’s someone you want sticking around.”

“An employee.”

“Most employees don’t need to be conned into working for you.”

“I prefer the term ‘creatively convinced’.”

“Whatever you want to call it, she’s a woman and she’s important to your kid. Some things will be different, but the spirit of the law applies. She’s always right.”

“Except she’s wrong,” I argue.

“Oy. This may not work out for you.”

I stop and consider my options. “I know what I’m going to do.”

“Talk nicely to her and try to see her point of view while offering your own?”

I scoff. “No. Tow her car and replace it with an approved one. I can’t have my daughter riding around in her trash bucket. It’s a safety hazard waiting to happen.”

Link shakes his head in disappointment.

“And give Amy a raise.”

Link salutes. “Anything else?”

I remember what Abe accidentally confessed during breakfast and grab a towel from a nearby stack. “Yeah.” I wipe my face with it. “Clear my schedule this morning. There’s someone I need to speak to.”

“Miss Hayes?”

“No, she’s for later.”

“Saving the best for last?”

I give him the stink eye.

* * *

As I’m leavingthe warehouse, I notice one of the recruits working with the weighted cords. It’s the guy who kept his cool during the last drill.

Motioning to him until he notices me, I nod. “Good form. What’s your name again?”

“Phillip Stevano, sir.”

“Stevano, how do you feel about leading the drills today?”

His eyes widen. “Sir?”

I clap his shoulder. “The unit supply specialist will provide the gear.”

He nods. “Yes, sir.”

Pleased, I slap his back again and jump into my car.

The smile fades the longer I drive.

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