“Everyone, this is Shane Messinger,” Matteo said. “He’s joining the Redemption Road program. Make him feel welcome, okay? It’s not the easiest transition to make into that first job, but the point of this program isn’t just to get employers to give you all a chance, it’s also so you have a support system. That’s all of us here. So please, look out for each other. Give each other support.” His eyes landed on Ghost. “I know it’s not the same as prison. There, you want to keep your head down and not draw attention. But you’re not in prison anymore.”
This was the spiel that Matteo gave us all when we joined. We’d heard it before.
Knight kicked my ankle. I dragged my gaze from Snake, who was still standing by Matteo with a little smirk on his face as hescanned us, looking like he was trying to pick who to stab in the back first.
“What’s wrong?” Knight murmured, keeping his voice low.
“I know that guy,” I muttered.
Knight raised his eyebrows in question.
I shook my head. Snake was bad news, but I wasn’t really one to gossip. Still, I didn’t want his true colors to come out and taint the rest of us by association. I’d have to talk to Matteo.
“Does anyone have any concerns before we wrap up?” Matteo asked.
“Yeah, when do we make more money?” Tex called. “I can barely afford my shitbox room!”
There were grumbles of agreement. Redemption Road had helped offset employers’ expenses so we could get jobs, but we were all being paid at entry-level amounts.
My pay was probably the best, as a certified mechanic, but nowhere near what a typical mechanic would make. I shifted guiltily, thinking of my nice two-bedroom rental. I didn’t really need all that space, but I’d wanted a place for Aiden to sleep if he happened to visit. And after prison and a run-down halfway house, it was absolute luxury.
“My roommate is moving out,” Knight said. “I’m a little worried about covering the rent until I find someone new.”
Matteo turned to Snake. “You got a place yet?”
“Not yet. Crashing at a fleabag motel.”
Matteo motioned between them. “Why don’t you two talk when the meeting’s over?”
Knight flicked a glance at me. I cringed and shook my head.
“I know the pay isn’t great in the entry-level,” Matteo continued, “and I know housing isn’t ideal. I’m working on that. We’re applying for more grants. I want to give you more security so you can really focus on getting your lives together. Be patient, please. This program will only get better. The goal is forall of you to end up in jobs like Flynn’s, where you have more opportunity.”
“Lucky Dozer,” Hollywood grumbled. “Why couldn’t I have been Matteo’s prison BFF?”
“And not be the prettiest boy in your cellblock?” Tex teased. “You’d have hated it.”
Hollywood rolled his eyes. “Might have been a relief. I could have turned unwanted attention his way.” He punctuated the statement by turning Tex’s hard-featured face toward Matteo.
Everyone laughed, but Tex’s lips curled with satisfaction. He really was an odd one. I couldn’t figure out if he was really hot for Hollywood or if he just liked hassling him.
The meeting broke up, and I made a beeline for Matteo. “Can I talk to you real quick?”
He glanced over at the other guys, who were still shooting the shit as they got to their feet and threw away their disposable cups.
“Sure, what’s up? I need to onboard Shane, so I don’t have a lot of time.”
“That’s the thing,” I said. “I don’t think you should.”
“Should…what?”
“Onboard Snake,” I said. “I mean, Shane.” I lowered my voice. “He’s bad news.”
Matteo flicked a glance toward Snake. He’d cornered Knight and was no doubt talking him into rooming together.
“He meets the criteria,” Matteo said slowly. “This program is about giving guys a second chance. You know that. He served his time.”
“Not enough,” I grumbled.
