“You’re going to be working with Booker and Synergy’s Human Resources Director, Ms. Keyes.” At least Ms. Purple had a name. “She’ll be your contact person and help you vet our employees. She’s been ordered—” Interesting word choice. “—to give you all the resources you need.”
While Booker had locked eyes with Ricardo, his eyes narrowed whenever he turned to Ms. Keyes. “I promise I’ll try to make this as painless as possible.”
“I’m sure,” she said. The grin was manufactured, as if she were trained to give exactly five percent of her personality.
I raised my hand again and quickly lowered it. “Okay. Booker will be interviewing your employees. I’m still not seeing my role in all this.” Perhaps Sledge had knocked me against the car hard enough to leave me rattled. There were no signs of concussion, but I’d have to check again.
Ricardo pulled his chair forward, positioning his elbows on the desk. If he let out a haughty laugh, I might think he had slipped into supervillain territory.
“I would have said Synergy does an outstanding job of screening employees.” While Ricardo talked, Ms. Keyes didn’t show any signs of acknowledging the accusation. “We have definitely had a few slip-ups. I would like a third party to help. You’re our independent auditor. My hope is that Booker finds nothing. But on the off chance there are dubious persons employed by my company. I want them exposed and removed.”
“You want me to kill them?”
Booker covered his mouth as he chuckled. Even Ms. Keyes snorted before regaining her composure. Okay, apparently I misread the room.
“No,” Ricardo said with a smile. “A simple firing will do.”
I decided not to mention that’s how supervillains developed grudges. If he fired a would-be-evil-genius, they’d come back and exact their revenge. I’m pretty sure that was in the handbook. Nobody clung to being slighted like a maniac.
“While Booker is doing the interviewing, you can take the temperature,” Ricardo said. “You’ll blend in. Get personal. See if any of them are plotting world domination.”
There it was. Ricardo wanted me because I could blend in. Literally and figuratively. Wyatt and Orion would have stood out like a sore thumb. Janet would have beaten every one of his employees. Me. He wanted me to disarm and quietly interrogate. I couldn’t tell if I felt honored or slighted.
“I’ll prepare the employee manifest.” Ms. Keyes was about as dry as summer pavement. “I’ll label them by security clearance and most likely to take the city hostage.” With a slight nod, she headed for the door. I found it curious that Booker turned in his chair, watching her exit. When he settled in again, he seemed confused. If this werein our office, I’d assume he was checking out her ass. Here, something didn’t sit right.
“Booker, Drew here works in one of our rented suites at Secret Identities Incorporated.”
He grinned. “I know.”
“Of course you do.”
Booker leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “I know you’re not thrilled that I’m here. If I’m being honest, nobody wanted this assignment. It wound up on my desk because I’m good with people… and I never say no. I’ll make it as painless as possible.”
As he spoke, it was as if he exuded a calming energy. Inouroffice, I had to juggle Wyatt’s childlike zeal and Orion’s cynicism. I wondered if Booker attended our morning huddle, if things wouldn’t be so…chaotic.
“I think we can both agree nobody wants another villain tearing through here.”
He stood, holding out his hand. Ricardo nodded, taking his hand and giving it a firm shake. I didn’t think he was entirely convinced, but Booker had taken his first steps toward winning him over.
“While you wait for that list from Ms. Keyes, I’ll make sure Tia gives you full access to Synergy.”
Booker eyed me. “And your company?”
I snorted. “Show off that chest to Janet, and she’ll let you steal her stapler.” As soon as I said it, I realized my mistake. Both Ricardo and Booker gave me concernedlooks. Okay, yes, he had a nice chest. I think Ricardo would agree.
“This is going to be fun,” Booker said.
I had volunteered to get into Ricardo’s good graces, hoping it’d leave a good impression with Arthur. Fun wouldn’t have been the term I’d have used… at first. Being trapped in a room with Booker? That quickly changed my attitude.
“I agree.”
3
“I’m disappointed.”
Two words hit like a blow to my already aching sternum. Carmen LaToya held a steely gaze that attempted to burn a hole through my chest. Not literally, though I wouldn’t be surprised if she had powers. The outline of a shoulder holster under her blazer suggested human. It didn’t make her any less terrifying.
“I was hoping to see a few more of our requests in the proposal.”
