‘And you have nothing to bring?’
Lachlan shrugs.‘I’ll buy what I need.’
They seem baffled but move on quickly.
‘Very well.’Clara turns to face him properly.‘You’ll be paid monthly.After two years, assuming your performance remains satisfactory, you may request annual payment in advance instead.You’ll also be issued an expense account for routine operational costs.Anything larger, security upgrades, structural work, renovations to the East Wing et cetera, will be handled through the main Penhalyx family accounts.Simply authorise what you need and the contractors will bill us directly.’
‘Heard.Tell me about the children.’
‘You already know a little of Julian from our interview.’Julian Penhalyx, seventeen years old.‘The youngest is Jessamine Cassandra Penhalyx, though everyone calls her Mimi.She’s three years old.Her safety falls under your jurisdiction, however, she is not the primary asset you are being hired to manage.She already has a dedicated team of thoroughly vetted childminders.You will not be expected to care for her directly.’
Thank God.
‘And Julian?’Lachlan asks.‘What kind of protection are we talking about?Public appearances?Functions?Travel?’
‘Your role is to manage and shadow Julian within the Estate itself.’
‘He’s a runner?’
Clara simply smiles.‘I wouldn’t want to ruin the suspense, Mr Tanner.You’ll see for yourself soon enough.’
‘Lachlan, please.I hateMr Tanner.’
‘As you say.’
‘So I report to Mr Penhalyx, but in practice I’ll be dealing with you?’
‘You will,’ Clara confirms.‘Mr Penhalyx oversees all staff evaluations personally and will involve himself whenever he deems necessary.The Estate is fitted with comprehensive surveillance coverage.He is generally aware of what happens here, whether physically present or not.’She rises and Lachlan follows suit automatically.The lawyers are already gathering their things to leave.‘This is the house book.’Clara hands him a thick bound volume.‘It covers the Estate itself, security procedures, household protocol and staff structure, blueprints, and so forth.Your suite is on the third floor of the East Wing near the children’s rooms.’She slides a black box across the table towards him.Inside sits a brand-new phone and tablet.
‘What are they?’
‘These are your assigned devices.You are not permitted your own phone.’
‘I don’t need—’
‘And finally, do you already have someone in mind for a personal assistant, or would you prefer one be assigned to you?’
‘No, thank you.’
What the fuck would he need that for?
‘You have one in mind?’
‘I don’t need one.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Positive.’
‘Very well.Any questions before you get started?’
‘No, we’re clear.’
‘Would you like to meet the children?’
‘I’d prefer to map the grounds first, get a feel of the place.’
‘Certainly.’Clara walks him out.‘Welcome to the family.’
