Page 14 of Mann Hunt
“Of course,” Charlie lied. He had not even thought to look up anything about the company other than how hot the owner was.
“So, I assume that won’t be a problem with you, given that you’ll be on the front line dealing with the clients?”
Charlie replied, “No. Not at all. I get along really well with… Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and…plus…people. I, myself, am…gay, that is. Have been for ages.”
Please interrupt me and stop me from making an ass of myself.
Declan smiled. “Good. Now—why do you want to work here?”
Because you’re hot.
Anything is better than spending more time in my parents’ basement.
Did I mention that you’re hot?
All of these thoughts screamed through his brain in the split second before he said, “To be honest, I know I can do the job. It seems like it’ll use most of the same skills my last six jobs required and I was good at those, but…I thought maybe, just maybe, for the first time I can do something that really matters torealpeople instead of corporate entities. Even if it lasts only three weeks, I’d be grateful for the opportunity.”
Declan sat in silence, staring at him.
Charlie rose to leave.
“Hey, where are you going?” Declan asked. “Don’t you want to get to work?”
“What?”
“The job is yours, if you want it.”
“Don’t you need to check my references?” Charlie asked.
“Gwen called up the moment you left her place and gave you the thumbs up. So did Mickey at Bar-None.”
“The bartender?”
“Yeah. I trust that guy with my life which, by the way, he’s saved a few times. He texted me Friday night and told me you’d be accepting the offer of an interview.”
Charlie shook his head in disbelief. “How did Mickey know? I hadn’t made up my mind when I was talking to him.”
“He’s got this thing… He just senses stuff.” Declan came out from behind the desk. “So, can you start right away?”
“Yes! But don’t you want to see the other candidates for the job?”
Declan smiled. “I cancelled the other interviews.”
“Why?”
“A detective learns to trust his gut—and Mickey’s. Now, come on. Let me give you a tour, that is if you’re still interested in working with me.”
“Sure… I mean yes! I’d love to.”
“And you’re okay to start right away?”
“Absolutely!”
Declan began to show him around. “You’ve already seen the main office space. That’s your desk over there,” Declan said, indicating the one Charlie had placed the pastries on. “By the way, if Gwen’s offering anything free for me…just say no. I like to pay my own way, even with Gwen.”
“It would be a shame to…”
“They’re yours. Go wild. Now here,” he said, opening a door behind the desk, “is a kitchenette with a coffee maker, espresso machine, fridge, microwave. And your washroom. The client washroom is through the next door out in the main room,” he explained.
