“Sir?”
Deal waved his hands. “What’d I say about that ‘sir’ bullshit? Like I told you, Hank needed to be gone and I couldn’t do it directly. Office politics,youknow.” Deal winked like a perverted Christmas elf, and it was the creepiest thing Jake had ever seen in a career full of creep. “So, you stepped in and enforced the rules.”
“So…I’m your enforcer now?”Come on, come on, give me what I want, big man. Speak into the microphone for all the ships at sea and the kids back home.
Daddy laughed and his breath carried across the office. Yup, biscuits and gravy and something rotten, mingling with the perma-smell of death carried up from below. “Well, that’d make me sound like an old-time gangster, now, wouldn’t it?”
Yes, it would. So kindly say it so we can wrap up here, I can call in the cavalry to RICO your ass, and then I’ll get your daughter safely away from her psychopathic daddy.
Deal chuckled. “Maybe I could get you to take one of those fresh cow heads and put it in someone’s bed?”
“I think I’ve demonstrated my skill with them.”
That sent Daddy Deal into hysterics. He coughed and pointed at Jake again until he could speak. “Naw, I just need you to be my new head foreman, Jake.” His eyes widened as he got his own pun. “Aregularone, no cow heads involved.”
“Well, where’s the fun in that?”And where’s the evidence I need in that? Fuck.
Deal indulged him with a smile. “You carry, son?”
“Not right now, of course. But otherwise, yeah, everywhere. It’s a dangerous world, and a man’s gotta protect himself.”
Deal narrowed his eyes. “You do that Mexican carry?” he said as if they were talking about golf swings.
“What, keep a gun down the front of my pants where I can shoot my dick off? No thanks.”
Deal laughed. “Just checking, son. Seeing what kind of man I’m working with.”
“I’m a pro. Got a shoulder holster for my piece, carry a knife or a backup in my boot. Why do you want to know?”
“Part of your dutiesmightinclude a bit of security work from time to time, like what just happened downstairs.” Deal lowered his voice. “Just want to make sure you’re prepared.”
Jake smiled.Game back the hell on. “I am. So, who’s next and what do you want me to do?”Make it good, you old bastard.
But the old bastard wouldn’t. “I’ll leave that up to your discretion. You see someone get out of line the way Hank did, you be like a dog catcher and go after that shit. I trust your judgment on the matter.”
Damn shit fire fuck.
Jake smiled wide and stood up. “Dog catcher, it is. Thanks for the opportunity, Boss.” He extended his hand to shake as Deal stood and walked around the desk.
Deal’s hamfist enveloped Jake’s. Its dampness put Jake in mind of the jelly around canned meat. “Next step, you go see Rachael about the HR paperwork that goes with the promotion.”
“Will do.” Jake turned to leave.
“And that is the extent to which you will see my daughter.”
Jake stopped and turned back.
“Pick your jaw up off the floor, son. I’m doing you a favor. My daughter’s the one who put Hank through a buzz saw a few weeks back. Got him all screwed up, leading him around by the short hairs, and look where it got him. Hate to see the same happen to you. Besides, it’s against company policy to date a co-worker. Don’t wanna raise the turnover rate here at Deal’s Meat Packing. Bad optics.”
“I know the policy, and I respect it. That’s why Hank looked so suspicious, and then to hear him talk at Muddy’s… I respect you, and your daughter as well.”
Deal nodded, sizing Jake up like a side of beef. “I know you do, son. I like you, Jake.” He licked his lips. “I’m a father, but I’m not unrealistic. My girl does need a man in her life, but she’s an awful judge of character and a daddy’s got to protect his little girl, am I right?”
“You are so right.”You disgusting, narcissistic freak.
Deal’s nostrils flared as he blew out a breath. “You keep on showing proper respect, and who knows?” He poked a pudgy finger into Jake’s chest. “But I make that call, we clear?”
“Clear as water.”And just as toxic as the stuff that comes out ofFlint, Michigan faucets.
