Page 104 of Inflame

“I get that I’m always going to be the baby in the family, but you both need to dial down the overprotective-brother roles that you have spent years perfecting.”

I smirk over Penny’s feistiness. She is getting back to her old self and there is no better feeling than watching someone you love prosper again.

“Enough about me,” Penny says, “I want to know who the lucky lady is.”

“What? What are you talking about? I…” I pause as she erupts into a fit of giggles. “Penny—”

“You basically confirmed my suspicions with just the way you reacted right there. You know that, right? Denial, denial, denial.”

“There’s nobody.”

“Angie sent me pics from the Vegas trip, and I saw the chemistry ooze from those photos.”

“Whatever, little sis.” It is obvious that Penny is referring to me and Claire—and not Angie and Graham. The last thing I need is her concocting some love story in her head and sharing it with Mom, who will then start planning out a future wedding. Ever since Graham has decided to settle down, she is on some love-and-marriage kick. She is even claiming she missed her calling as a wedding planner. “If these types of made-up scenarios keep you entertained while you are in Seattle, then have at it. Create whatever you want in that little head of yours to keep from being bored.”

“You know Mom would approve, right?”

I huff out a breath. “I don’t need Mom’s approval.”

“Umm, yeah you do. Have you met the lady? She can get super crazy over her boys and their love interests.”

“She can get super crazy over you, too,” I add.

“Yeah, but we all know how I’m the sensible one. Plus, she already treats you differently because she always feared you developing that Middle Child Syndrome.”

I laugh. “Developing what?”

“Google it.”

“Bye Penny.”

“Bye Nic.”

I shut off my phone and plug it into the charging cable. It takes everything in me to resist popping open the tracker app and seeing where Claire is located at this very moment. I am becoming obsessed. Even Penny is starting to notice. With a mile long to-do list, I need a clear head if I’m going to make executive decisions about the security protocols here at HH and close the gaps that trespassers seem to be finding in the building’s armor.

I move over to the conference table that I just had assembled and unroll the building’s blueprints. Graham is not a stupid man. He already has so many features installed. However, the one thing he is lacking is having someone who he can trust without a doubt managing the systems. Enter me.

I spend the next hour making notes, documenting my test results, and constructing a list of employees who may be moved from a permanent position here to a trial-basis one. As far as I’m concerned, no one’s job is safe. Everyone is expendable.

The sound of a knock on the door jolts me from my deep thoughts.

“Who is it?” I ask, rolling up the prints and tucking them safely inside my locked cabinet.

“It’s Dan King, sir. May I come in? I am part of the security division here.”

He is actually more than just apartof the division. He and Eugene are the backbone—at least on paper. They both have been vying for the lead position during their six-month trial basis. Prior to trying to move up in rank, both men have had years of stellar performance at HH.

When all of my documents are secured, I grant entrance and am surprised to find that Dan looks way younger than his employee profile says for his age. Must be good genes.

“What can I do for you?”

He clears his throat and stands tall. “I know that it is not official yet, but Mr. Hoffman has already informed me of the change in leadership. I just wanted to formally introduce myself and ask if I can do anything to secure my new position from being just a trial-basis position to a more permanent one.”

I study Dan’s expression and demeanor to try to get a feel for this man. I’m not sure of whether or not to commend him for taking initiative or be wary of the timing. It is after the normal work shift hours, and I’m sure he has done as much research as he can on me, but not nearly as much as I have done on him. Our paths have crossed a few times when I would frequent the building, but we were never introduced and he was not on my radar to care. Dan’s credentials rival my own, so I am definitely interested in seeing his performance. However, no matter how you slice it, he is basically destined for a demotion instead of a promotion. Me taking the lead position is a done deal.

“What is your take on the latest security breach?” I ask, turning my attention to the wall of windows overlooking the city. My new office is one that has never been utilized before, so at least I am not kicking anyone out of their space. With record speed, contractors were able to execute all of my requests and customizations. I am one picky bastard. Not even I will deny that fact.

I watch as Dan swallows and shifts his weight onto his less dominant foot. “I think that Mr. Hoffman has the right to be concerned, and that tightening up on safety procedures will be beneficial. I was actually on a scheduled day off when it happened, and Eugene was taking over the write-up and follow-up.”

---