Page 98 of Release Me

“That is correct.” I could be wrong, but I detect the slightest hint of humor in her voice.

“Perfect. Dorian, I’ll have that list now.”

With pursed lips, he digs it out from a folder and shoves it across the table. The asshole had a hard copy all along. There was no need for that pissing contest.

I ignore everyone and scan it quietly, searching for the names I memorized.

There they are, near the top. Mick Wallen and Will Moore, placed in outdoor crew positions. Flipping the page, I quickly find Ron Schultz as well. Surprise, fucking surprise.

Grabbing a pen, I draw lines through their names. “These three aren’t good options for Wolf.”

Dorian glares at my markups before shifting an incredulous expression to me. “Can I ask why not?”

“No.” Henry wouldn’t explain himself.

“But those are three solid hires,” he argues.

“I know for a fact they’re not, so do I need to question every name on here, seeing as you were so sure you’ve built a solid team?”

“No,” he mutters.

Silence hangs in the room.

“Do we have what we need, then?” Belinda asks after a beat.

“I do,” Lena confirms, nodding to her various managers. “Thank you.”

I shrug, my gaze never leaving the disgruntled Dorian. “We’ll see. Also, Dorian, Archie will book a meeting with you first thing Monday morning to discuss what we’re going to do about the drainage issue on the ninth hole.”

He frowns. “What drainage?—”

“The fucking swamp you seem to have missed.” I took a quick drive out yesterday afternoon to check if it was still there. It was.

His arrogant mask slips. No doubt he’ll jump in a golf cartthe second he leaves here to prove me wrong. And when he sees that I’m not? Hopefully he’ll arrive on Monday morning with a solution already worked out.

“Okay, then. Thank you, everyone, for your hard work,” Belinda announces. “Now go and enjoy what’s left of your weekend.” Her clawed hand settles on my shoulder, a silent message to stay seated.

I note Lena isn’t getting up either. The department managers hurry to get away, as if lingering might get them assigned more work.

“Minnie has sent both of you links to the database that includes all recommended hires. The interview recordings are there, but given timing, I would trust your managers?—”

“I don’t,” I blurt. Dorian has rubbed me the wrong way. My petty side rarely makes an appearance, but when it does, it’s highly motivated. I will check every single name on this list just to say I did.

“We don’t have a lot of wiggle room, Ronan,” Belinda says with forced patience, her hips swinging as she parades around the table. “The sooner HR can verify references and?—”

“Is this my department to run?” I respond with a measured tone.

“It is, but?—”

“Then I’m going to review these hires until I feel confident in Dorian’s choices.”

She inhales sharply, her eyes flaring.

I brace myself for a tongue-lashing to put me in my place.

“As long as next week’s training sessions aren’t delayed.”

I falter, not expecting her to roll over so easily. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

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