Page 4 of I Accidentally Hired a Shadow Walker
“You have a problem with men?” he laughed.
“Generally, yes, but currently, I have a problem with one man—specifically you.” I pointed at him. “First, you cut me off, and now, you won’t even let me have my snack?”
He held his hands up in defense. “I didn’t cut you off.”
“You definitely did.” I looked out the window at his car. “You in that little black exclamation of your manhood. I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting you.”
“Is there a problem?” a woman called out from behind the register, her dark painted lips pursed in annoyance.
“Do you have any more of these?” He waved the donuts at her but kept his eyes on me, as if I would try to steal them.
“No, sorry, we’re all out, and our supply order is delayed.” She shook her head. “That’s the last one.”
“Damn. Well, better luck next time.” He winked at me and headed for the register.
My intrusive thoughts took over. Infuriated, I speed-walked by him and stuck my foot out. The fool went flying when his foot met my ankle. Locs flailing, he slid across the floor and came to a satisfying stop, x marks the spot. I kept walking, stepping over his back. “Damn, you should really watch where you’re going.”
A better version of me would have made sure he was okay. Hell, she wouldn’t have tripped him to begin with. But if I couldn’t have my treat, I was leaving with something. The joy of his face planted on the floor would have to be enough. I winked at the cashier, who gave me a nod of solidarity, and walkedout the door.
“I’ll have to make sure she has no contact with anyone on the studio side. If she does, she’ll find a way to snake me out of any future deals.” I went over my game plan as I parked the car in front of Rose’s building and immediately noticed something was off. The sign above the door had been removed. “Damnit! Am I too late?”
I hadn’t heard anything about her doors closing. Maybe she was just having the sign replaced. If she had gone out of business, maybe I could convince her to give me her contact details for her staff. Hell, that would be even better than having to partner up with her. Just as I took out my phone to call her, hoping her number was still active, I saw someone walk inside the tinted double doors.
Maybe they were just remodeling. It was too bad she had all the windows darkened. I couldn’t see what was going on inside. After another deep breath and a curse about my donuts, I grabbed my purse and stepped out of the car.
When I walked inside, I found a tall woman standing next to the front desk. Her arms were so toned that I almost asked her what her upper body routine was. At first, I thought she might have been a part of the security team—until she turned to me and greeted me with a bright smile.
“Hi! Welcome to RVC Securities. I’m Jasmine. How can I help you?”
I wasn’t surprised to find a new secretary greeting me. It was typical. From what I remembered the last time I helped Rose, she had a high turnover rate. Apparently, she was as great a boss as she was a friend.
“Yes, thank you. My name is Jericha Brown. I was hoping to sneak in a meeting with Rose Connors. Is it possible for her to make time in her schedule for an old friend?”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Her expression changed from hopeful to slightly aggravated. “Rose doesn’t work here anymore.”
“She doesn’t?” I frowned; she said it as if Rose was just another employee, not the owner.
“No, she sold the company about three months ago. We’re under new management.”
“Ah, I see, but you’re still in the security business?” I asked. It wasn’t unlike a buyer to come in and change the entire business structure.
“Yes, we are.” She smiled. “We still offer private and professional security services.”
“Perfect. I’m here to talk about a potential deal.” If I failed to keep the relief from my face, Jasmine didn’t let me know about it. “Would it be possible to have a meeting with your new owners?”
Jasmine’s expression warmed again as the smile spread across her face. “I’ll check. Please have a seat and I’ll call him.”
I took a seat in one of the gray chairs just beyond the entrance while Jasmine made her call. She spoke too low for me to hear, so I had to wait for her to come to me to confirm any potential meeting.
“Ms. Brown? I spoke to Mr. Statton. He said he will be here shortly and has agreed to meet with you before he starts his day.” She smiled. “Can I get you anything while you wait? Coffee? Tea?”
“No, I’m fine, thank you. I’m glad to hear he can take the time to meet with me. Thank you for calling him.” I nodded, keeping my thoughts about him starting the day so late to myself. It was me who needed the favor, so I had to keep it cute.
Where I was sitting, I could see my car parked just outside. I watched a bird flying above it and prayed it didn’t use it as target practice. The relief when the bird flew away was a short-lived experience. Because just then, thelittle black convertible with the big, Black asshole owner pulled up right next to mine. He sat in his car, chomping on my donut!
When he was done, he tossed the wrapper onto the ground, got out of the car, checked his reflection in my car window, and headed for the entrance. That was when my stomach sank.
There is no damn way this is the same guy!
