Martin’s eyes narrowed. “Prescribed?”
“He says no.”
“Sit.” He waved toward the chair across the desk. “Is he willing to get help? Clean up his act?”
“Our conversation didn’t get that far. I sent him home an hour ago with paid leave while we decide what to do.” Aaron took a seat.
Martin pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’re short-staffed as it is.”
“I know, but I don’t like risking the safety of anyone at the mill. And Wade’s been on my radar.”
“Why?” Martin’s gaze sharpened. “What else happened?”
“Nothing on the job, but some of the guys told me he got into a fight in Bandon at a bar a couple of weeks ago. I verified the incident with the owner, who told me Wade got drunk and wasbelligerent and surly. Apparently he tried to hit on a guy’s date, and the guy didn’t appreciate it. No charges were filed, but two back-to-back examples of irresponsible behavior raise a red flag.”
“Why am I only hearing about the other incident now?”
“I hoped it was a one-off. As shorthanded as we are, I’m willing to cut the crew a little more slack than usual. But safety breaches cross the line.”
Martin frowned. “You should have alerted me to your concerns.”
Despite the churn in his stomach, Aaron rested his elbows on the arms of his chair, linked his fingers, and maintained a level tone. “I just did ... at what I considered to be the appropriate time. As your mill supervisor, I’m paid to handle day-to-day issues so you can concentrate on the bigger picture. I bring you in if problems escalate. If I misunderstood my role when you promoted me two years ago, we should discuss that.”
After a moment, Martin raked his fingers through his hair. Blew out a breath. “Sorry. You didn’t misunderstand. I know I can be heavy-handed, especially if my stress level is high ... like it has been lately.” He straightened the brass paperweight on his desk, modeled after a stack of logs, his cheeks taking on a ruddy tinge. “I’m sure you’ve heard that my wife moved out.”
Aaron had to hold his jaw in place to keep it from dropping.
Since when did his boss bring up personal matters at work?
This was new territory ... and best entered with extreme caution.
“I’ve picked up a few comments about that in town and here at the mill.”
“I’ll bet.” Martin rose and walked over to the window. Surveyed the floor below. “Keeping a marriage going while dealing with a demanding job can be tough.”
“I know.” Case in point, him and Olivia.
Except the demanding job in their marriage had been on her end. He’d ditched his to return to the mill, where regular, predictable hours were the norm except in emergencies.
Martin turned back to him. “The job you had in Coos Bay before you came back here took a toll?”
“Yes. That’s one of the reasons I changed careers.” No need to mention Olivia. Their situation was history at this stage.
“That’s harder to do in a family business.”
Especially if the next generation didn’t want anything to do with that business, as rumor suggested was the case here.
“Would more management assistance ease the burden?”
Martin shoved his hands into his pockets. “Probably—if I could learn to delegate. No small challenge for someone like me who tends to micromanage.”
That was a comment safer left unaddressed.
His boss hiked up one side of his mouth. “Your silence speaks volumes.”
Warmth crept up Aaron’s neck. “I didn’t mean to—”
“No need to say anything.” Martin held up his hand, palm forward. “I know my faults. Now more than ever.” He returned to his desk. “Wade’s been here less than six months, right?”
