“That’s never been in doubt yet,” Nick says. “In fact, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something, Gabe.”
“Sir?”
“Baine International has been growing this past year. With all the recent property acquisitions, it’s time we take a look at upgrading and streamlining our security systems across the board. We’re going to need someone in-house to lead the security teams and oversee the implementation of the new software and equipment. Ideally, someone who’s already familiar with our current staffs and protocols.”
“It’s going to mean longer hours,” Beck says. “Some field work too. You’ll have to check in on the properties from time to time, help head off issues before they have a chance to become problems.”
I glance between them. “Are you offering me the job?”
Nick nods. “We know you’ve got the leadership skills. Over the past year you’ve been here, you’ve also demonstrated you have the stamina and the experience.The rest you’ll pick up as you go. The job isn’t going to be easy, though. You’ll be the first point of contact on all security matters, reporting directly to me. Of course, the pay will be commensurate with your new responsibilities.”
He picks up a pen and writes something on a scrap of paper from Beck’s desktop. He hands it to me and I stare at the number that’s just north of mid-six figures.
“That’s to start,” Nick adds. “There will also be quarterly bonuses for you based on the performance of the team as a whole. I estimate those could easily double that figure in time.”
I can’t stop staring at the number he scrawled on the paper. I feel shell-shocked. And grateful beyond words.
“If this sounds acceptable to you, Beck can draw up the necessary agreements and have them in your hands before the end of the day.”
I nod. “Yeah, this sounds acceptable. Holy fucking shit.”
Nick chuckles. “Don’t think you aren’t going to earn every dime of it.”
“No, sir,” I answer by rote. “I mean, yes sir. Jesus Christ . . . I don’t know what to say.”
I mean it too. Working for Baine International has been my lifeline this past year. Now, it’s the kind of life changer I never dreamed I’d have, especially after leaving the service.
Beck comes around his desk and shakes my hand. “Congratulations. You’ve earned this.”
“Thank you. Both of you.” I clear my throat, doing my damnedest to maintain some modicum of calm. “How soon do you want me to start?”
Nick claps my shoulder. “You just did. Get somecoffee and come back up. We’ll take you through the systems currently in place at our buildings around the city and you can tell us where you see immediate vulnerabilities. Then we can talk about finding someone to replace you at your former post.”
“Yes, sir.”
5
~ Evelyn ~
I have spent the entire day poring over fabrics and measurement notes in my office at L’Opale, and I cannot recall a time when I’ve ever been happier. I’m so consumed with my work, I hardly notice someone standing in the doorway until Megan quietly clears her throat.
“I hate to interrupt you,” she says, her freckle-dusted face scrunched in apology. “Katrina and I are taking off now.”
“Okay, thanks, Meg.” Reluctantly, I pull myself away from my work, feeling the twinge of kinked muscles in my back and neck as I stand. “Come on, I’ll lock up behind you.”
“Staying late again?” Katrina asks when I walk out to the main sales floor of the shop. Her straight, platinum-blond bob accentuates the lean slope of her cheeks andher shrewd blue eyes that always seem a little cold, a little cynical and mistrusting. Then again, being part of the cutthroat fashion industry can do that to a person. Among other things.
“Work too many long hours and your creativity will suffer for it,” she says, a trace of criticism in her voice. “I’m sure you don’t want to disappoint our newest client.”
It’s taken a while for me to warm up to Kat, even though she’s been with L’Opale from the beginning. She’s mercurial and impossible to read, an intensely private person. I’ve never heard her mention family or a significant other—hell, even a friend—in all of the five years we’ve worked together.
Yet, while I’ve never considered us particularly chummy, we do make an excellent design team and I know her well enough that I can overlook her competitive tone now. “I should be ready to hand off a few of the designs to Jane tomorrow so she can start sewing. Avery is so enthusiastic about all of the pieces, I can’t wait to have something for her to try on.”
Megan’s eyes light with shared excitement. “I adore the sheer boned Basque with the tiny organza flowers on it. Ooh! And the demi-bra with the pearl accents.”
“Thanks. Those are two of my personal favorites too.”
Katrina gives me a nod. “You did a great job on the concepts. Congrats.”
