“All teasing aside, bullying or intolerant behavior based on sexual orientation, race, religion, age, weight, disability or gender identity will be dealt with harshly.” Kip leaned back in his chair. “Starting salary is $85,000. Three weeks paid vacation, unlimited sick leave if you use one of our docs. All, and I meanall,necessary meds are covered. Business attire is the dress code. You get a clothing and a housing allowance, use of a company car for business. Life insurance and a whole bunch of other stuff. Mr. Stone will find a computer where you can skype to DC HR.
“Normal hours are 0800 to 1700, one hour for lunch. Occasionally, I’ll ask you to work a few hours later or on weekends. It’s double-time. We will ask you to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Nothing you hear or see about operations is to be shared outside of the company.” He cocked his head. “One question, and you don’t need to answer it. You are qualified to be an operator?”
“My standard answer would be that I’ve done my time. The truth is, my meds on an assignment, I’d imagine would be tough on occasion.” She smiled. “Plus, I just got married. Time to stay put.”
“I appreciate your honesty. Now a little bit about me and this place. Today is our first full day. We are a twenty-four-seven operation. Everyone, including myself, will work a weekend or holiday on a rotation.
“You are now sharing my hornet’s nest. We are to go fully operational on the fifteenth. We have Hurricane Greta heading right for us. After you sign your NDA, I’ll tell you more. As my executive secretary, with your training, you are considered essential staff. We are evacuating all non-essential staff, their families and pets. I am doing my best to get things functional. Thankfully, I can cross one major issue off my plate, and that’s you.
“I’m being pulled in multiple directions. The operation went into planning some time ago. I wasn’t brought in until the eighteenth because of a serious assignment that had me elsewhere. I admit, I do better with a schedule.
“I’m not new to the company; I am one of the founders of Chase Security. Mr. Stone is brand new to his position as well. He was promoted to the rank of first deputy and named my XO. My assistant executive officers are Tobey O’Mara and Mia Donnelly. They will be hiring additional secretarial help, but if you accept the offer, you’re in charge of the executive secretary pool.
“If you don’t understand something, ask. I appear easy-going, and I am until there’s a screw up because of willful ignorance. If I make you angry, let me know behind closed doors. I will do the same. I do not believe in humiliation. I ask for diligence, respect, and dignity—and will return it. The job is yours if you want it. And ‘Mr. Brennan’ is for in front of clients and visitors. Among the team on this floor, ‘Kip’ works for me.”
Elin smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Brennan. I look forward to keeping you organized.” She pressed her lips together. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Anytime.” Kip didn’t break eye contact.
“It really doesn’t bother you that I’m transgender? I know, legally, you can’t ask, but this is the South, and you come from a military background.”
Kip steepled his hands on his desk. “I’m a Jersey boy, from close enough to Manhattan where sexuality choices were accepted. My parents are progressive, and my sister is a lesbian. I won’t make a direct comparison, but I do understand bullying. I was a short, pimply kid until my freshman year in college. My ass was kicked, and my lunch money was stolen.
“I don’t care if you are a Martian, you’re being hired to do a job based upon a particular skill set you have. I expect you’ll do your job with a sense of pride. As with every employee, I expect civilized behavior…that includes no foul language, no theft, no gossip, no bullying and no sexual escapades on work premises.”
Elin nodded. “Mr. Brennan, it will be my honor to work for you.” She stood and extended her hand. “Um…there’ve been sexual escapades in the workplace?” She held up her hands. “Don’t answer.”
“Great, Josh would you get Elin squared away? NDA, orientation video, tour.”
Josh gave Kip a two-finger salute.
Kip stood and shook her hand. “Um, Elin, could you start today?”
“I can start today.”
“Welcome aboard.”
When the door closed behind Josh and Elin, Kip sat heavily in his chair. “One down.”
* * *
Kip stretchedhis legs and walked to the other end of the floor where Kyle and his team were working. “I didn’t lie when I told Harper and Chantal my biggest worry is eyestrain. I spent the last hour reading non-medical staff requirements at the hospital. I called Brock. We need to do the walkthrough before the end of this weekend.” He sighed and pressed to his feet. “I guess it’s time to wrangle some cats.”
“Huh?” Kyle was confused.
“Julian says working with technical analysis is like wrangling cats. I need flood zone analysis of all our New Orleans’ facilities and supply and personnel logistics. If the Sommerstones are as lousy as it seems, they’ll want to dump as much responsibility onto us as possible. That will create a licensing nightmare. You keep doctor shopping. If you must, put out another set of ads to recruit dynamic physicians for Chase Care.”
“You’re getting very creative in your older years.” Kyle laughed. “That’s good code forwe will make you work back-breaking hours but pay well.”
“Bite me.” Kip headed toward the elevator.
Josh met him in the corridor. “Tech, Boss?”
“Tech. They’re on…?”
“Eighteen.” Josh showed him the small laminated card he carried.
“Do you like cats?” Kip asked.
