Page 85 of Let Me Be the One

“Yeah.”

I can see I’ve surprised her. What did she think? I was out fucking someone else? I would never do that to her. God, I hope she knows that.

“Have you found anything?” she asks.

“A few things.”

“This is how you’re spending your free time? Ben, you don’t need—”

I kiss her again. I do need to do this. Someone messed with Lainey, and that’s unforgivable. I won’t stop until justice has been served and I know Lainey is safe.

When I pull away to catch my breath, I tell her, “I’m actually loving it. What I’ve learnt so far is more interesting than anything I’ve done for a while. And the guy helping me is really decent.”

She smiles and nods, looking pleased as she lightly touches my face. “I’m glad.”

“Can we go inside now?” I ask, capturing her hand and kissing it.

We have limited time together. I knew that before, but tonight has just made it that much more obvious.

***

“So, I was thinking...” Glen starts. “I could use an assistant. If you’re interested.”

I look away from the database I’ve just been scrolling through to look at the man who has mentored me and given me his time this week.

“You’re offering me a job?”

“I couldn’t pay you much. It would be a small starting salary, probably not as much as you’re earning now. The business has always managed with subcontractors when I have overflow, and I’ve never thought about taking on an apprentice, but I have a good feeling about you, Ben. Something tells me this could work out for both of us, and I’m a man who goes with his gut.”

I nod. “I appreciate that.”

“There’d be a chance for you to take cases yourself, help me grow the business and bring people in. But in the beginning, I’d have you shadow me for a while, so you can learn everything you need to.”

“Of course.”

“Think it over and tell me what you decide. I remember you saying you weren’t happy where you are now, and this could help both of us out.”

“It sounds good, but... what kind of starting salary are we talking about?”

The figure he gives me is small. I’m thrilled with the job offer, but I need to pay my rent and bills. I have a good size nest egg, but I don’t want to eat into it while learning a new job. At the same time, getting out of Eagle Eye Security is a priority. Working with Glen is a damn good opportunity to work with someone I like and do something that actually doesn’t bore me to fucking death.

“Take some time and think about it. Then get back to me.”

“I will. Thanks for everything you’ve taught me so far.”

“You’re welcome to come back next week so we can stake out those fuckers at Alkerman.”

I shake his hand. “You bet I’ll be back for that.”

As soon as I leave, I’m on my bike, heading towards Lainey’s. I need to talk to someone about this job offer and her opinion is the one I want. Since that night a week ago, when she went out by herself, I’ve been aware of how fleeting our time together is. I want her counsel while I still have it. Sometimes she sees the bigger picture better than I do.

Lainey opens the door for me before I’ve even had the chance to knock. “Hey,” she says, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss me.

“Hey, babe,” I say. “How was your day?”

“All right.”

The troubled expression she’s wearing says otherwise. We walk into her lounge room and I sit down on the couch. Before she can move away from me, I pull her down onto my lap. “Tell me what’s going on?”

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