Page 24 of Irons

“Irons, he runs things for me on the motorcycle side.” He gave a smirk, and I knew right then that he was more than aware.

“He told you.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“Not until after I scouted you. He wants to stay out of it. If you accept this job it’s to be a choice you made for a career, not because of him.” He guided me into a seat then pushed it in for me before he took a seat across from me.

“So, he doesn’t care what I choose?” I was a bit nervous for that answer.

“I’m going to be honest with you. This recruitment has nothing to do with Irons. We are making this offer based on your merits as a soldier and an agent. The reason Irons opted out of your hiring process was so that there is no question that you were in fact hired because of your hard work and it was not as a favor to him. Despite your childhood with him, because that does not matter to me in the least, I want you for one of our Executive positions. You can command missions, you have experience with the cartels, and you’re a damn good operative. Not to mention your undercover skills and your work to bring down the Scorpions. I’d like to remind you that I was already scouting you before I knew about the childhood you shared with Irons.”

Talk about an ego boost. “I feel like I need to know his opinion on the matter. He left for a reason, and I don’t want to come barging in on his life and turn it upside down. He’s had years to come home, and the fact that he opted out of this tells me he’s a bit indifferent about me accepting this offer.”

He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Irons has not said that, and just so you know, he’s known around here asthe nice guy. He’s kind and generous, intelligent, and helpful. He has the mildest temper, and he hasn’t said either way if he wants you here. He wants you to decide based on your own wants and needs as far as your career. That’s why he has stayed out of it. He had a shit childhood, but I’m more than aware that you’re the source for his good childhood memories. So, let’s forget about Irons and get down to the offer I have for you today.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

He handed me the offer and I about fell out of my chair. It wasn’t just a very nice six figure salary, it was benefits galore. He offered a wonderful health and wellness plan, the rent was dirt cheap, and the list of amenities Creed’s Lake offered was outstanding. On top of a salary, we got bonuses and a very nice retirement plan. It was better than anything the government offered. I didn’t know what to say. It was like my eyes focused in and out on the number written as my salary. He gave me another piece of paper that broke down what they took from each check, and it was more than reasonable. I had to pay the utilities, rent, my own cable, and I had to furnish the house. He said he had some furniture brought in from an empty apartment for my stay, but I would need to order furniture.

“At one time we didn’t allow family visits except in extreme circumstances, but since we’ve gone somewhat public, you can apply for a visit. We would do a background check before approving it. We do have some undercover operatives, so we would have to approve applications based on that as well. I’m sure you understand between our contract work, the undercover operatives, and the domestic violence program, we have to be diligent and very careful who we allow on the inside of these gates. The goal is for people to freely enjoy the community without any issues. You also must sign an agreement thatstates you cannot record or photograph anyone without their permission.”

That all sounded very easy. “How long do I have to decide?”

He sat forward. “I can give you a few days. Otherwise, I have to move on to another candidate. The new hire orientation and training starts two weeks from today.”

My eyes went from him, to the salary on the paper, then back up to him. “It’s a big decision.” I had to think about Travis as well. I wished Creed gave me a better idea of what he was thinking about this offer. Then again, it was several times the salary I got from the FBI, not to mention the benefits.

“Is the salary not what you were expecting?” He asked.

My eyes grew. “No, it’s more than fine.”

“We can negotiate if that helps make your decision. I’m going to be straight with you. I need more women here, and that’s not a political statement or any kind of affirmative action. It’s because you were a damn good soldier that made rank rather quickly, so you’re obviously smarter than other operatives. You performed well with your special ops teams, and we do work with some pretty sensitive situations. We mostly help women, and as men we can often be intimidating. As you know there aren’t many women operatives so that makes you a very valuable candidate.”

I looked back down at the offer. “I wish I knew how Travis felt. I’m going to be honest, there isn’t a number that’s more valuable to me than his happiness. I don’t want to intrude on his life.” I looked back up at him.

Creed smiled like he knew something I didn’t know. “He had the opportunity to voice his opinion. If he didn’t want you here, he would have spoken up.”

“Could he call me to discuss it?”

He shook his head. “No, he wants to be completely left out of it. He does not want to influence your decision, just like he didn’t ours when you came up as a possible recruit.”

“Okay, I guess I will think about it.” I guess since Travis didn’t say no to hiring me that was some sort of good sign.

Loved

Travis

It was a productive few days, but I was ready to go home. I honestly couldn’t wait until we hired more executives, and I could step away from being President of Creed Motorsports. I never wanted to work in business and that never changed.

It was a quiet flight home. Long but quiet and I slept quite a bit. Unfortunately, that meant that my mind was able to stray and go where I didn’t want it to go.

Twenty Years Ago

I sat on the stairs at my house as my parents fought. I wasn’t even sure if they remembered I was home or not.

“We either need to split up and sell the house, or you need to stay here and take care of the son we still have, unless you’ve just plain forgotten him.” I listened as my dad once again got angry with my mom. I didn’t know what he was saying since I really didn’t even exist to him either. “I can’t keep on like this, Paula. You spend every waking moment doing God knows what, and I’m trying to keep a roof over our heads. I can’t just keep taking off work to do these damn interviews. The focus needs to be on our son, not fulfilling all those damn television interviews! I know you say they’ll give awareness to Bobby’s disappearance,but we have to get back to a semi normal life sometime or another.”

“You’re giving up on him! How dare you give me an ultimatum!” Mom yelled back.

“Do you even remember what grade Travis is in right now? Have you seen any report cards? When was the last time he saw his pediatrician, a dentist, or even taken for new shoes? We’re neglecting him, Paula! When you’re not traveling you’re with that damn detective, and I swear you’re fucking him! I know you are, so don’t fucking deny it!”

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