And maybe just a little too tempting.
#
Kayne spotted the foremannear the stacks of lumber, barking orders at two guys unloading a pallet.The man had barely set his clipboard down before Kayne stepped into his path.
“I need a word,” Kayne said.
Foreman Hal blinked up at him, probably wondering what Chloe’s boyfriend wanted.“Uh, sure.Something wrong, Mr.Serruto?”
Kayne tipped his head toward the back corridor.“Let’s take a walk.”
Hal obeyed instantly, because what sane person wouldn’t when a six-foot-five Cajun with homicidal energy told them to?
They moved into a quiet stretch of framing and dust.Kayne stopped, folded his arms, and stared him down with an expression that had prompted more than one grown man to reevaluate their entire life trajectory.
“I want a full list of every crew member,” Kayne told him.“Temps, subs, day labor, everyone.”
Hal frowned.“Okay.”He pulled out his phone and scrolled.“We’ve got nine on site today.Who am I looking for?”
“Tall, dark hair, late twenties,” Kayne said.“Possibly new.”
Recognition dawned on Hal’s face, followed by a long sigh.“Ah.That sounds like Joel Erickson.”
Kayne’s jaw flexed.“What do you know about him?”
Hal looked sheepish.“Not much.He is new, only been here about a week, but he’s a hard worker.”
Kayne almost applauded the diplomacy.Almost.“His background?”
Hal grimaced.“He said he was starting fresh.He has construction experience, and we’re short-handed, so I gave him a chance.”
Kayne did not appreciate “fresh starts,” “second chances,” or any phrase that typically appeared on mugshots.“Do you have his contact information?”
Hal tapped the screen and handed his phone over.
Kayne skimmed the file, snapped a picture, and returned it.
“Did he mention speaking with Ms.Giordano yesterday?”
Hal’s head jerked up.“He did what?”
“Stepped into her space,” Kayne said evenly.“Suggested she not wander around alone.”
Hal cursed loudly enough that two workers nearby paused mid-hammer.“I’ll pull him off-site.”
“No.”Kayne lifted one hand, his voice dropping dangerously.“I’ll handle him.You manage the rest of your crew.”
Hal seemed to understand that arguing would be hazardous to his health.He nodded rapidly, possibly reconsidering every hiring decision he had ever made.“Erickson should be in the back supply room past the locker rooms.He’s supposed to be sorting conduit.”
Kayne started to walk off, then turned.“One more thing.What vehicle does he drive?”
“Beat-up red Chevy truck.”
Not a black sedan.It was one problem sorted, but another was incoming.“Thanks.”
Kayne fired off a text to Tyler Redmond, COBRA Securities’ tech genius, caffeine addict, and unofficial hacker lord, with Erickson’s information, asking for a background check.Not two minutes later, his phone chimed.Kayne shook his head.Tyler was ridiculous in the best way.
Two incident reports popped up:Domestic disturbance with an ex-girlfriend and
