He held it out. “Can you reprogram it?”
Peter Hirzog sauntered out of the office Carrera was supposed to occupy. As the receptionist made introductions, Peter’s smile dropped away. His vice grip was an indication he viewed Carrera as an adversary.
Carrera didn’t give a fuck and he wasn’t intimidated.
“I’m not leaving my office,” Peter said.
“Tina,” Carrera said, “where is Peter setting up?”
Tina glanced furtively at Peter, then back at him. “Deputy Director Hirzog, we’ve got a great office for you down the hall.”
“I’ll take a look at that office,” Carrera said.
“There we go,” Peter said with a smile. “Cooperation. That’s how we do things around here.”
Tina led Carrera down the hallway to the last door on the right. He poked his head inside, then shot Tina a smile. “This’ll be perfect for Deputy Director Hirzog.”
“Oh, boy,” Tina murmured. “You are definitely going to ruffle some feathers.”
Movement caught Carrera’s eye.
Sin joined them. “What’s going on?”
“Hirzog hasn’t moved out of my office, so I’m checking out his options,” Carrera said.
“We’ve got a packed schedule today,” Sin said before sliding his gaze to Tina. “Let’s get security up here.”
While Tina called security, Carrera and Sin paid Hirzog a visit. He was on his computer when Sin walked in without knocking.
“Peter, it’s been a while,” Sin said. “Did you meet Deputy Director Santini?” Before Hirzog could answer, Sin continued. “Be a good team player, or I’ll make your life a living hell.”
Carrera bit back a smile.
“Fuck you, Develin. I don’t take orders from you.”
Z appeared in the doorway.
Small in stature, he glared at Hirzog. “No, you don’t take orders from Develin. You don’t even take orders from me. You take orders from the Director, but since he’s not here, I’m calling the shots. Out, or we’ll roll you down the hall in your goddamn chair.”
Z spoke quietly, but the bite in his words reminded Carrera that he was playing in the big leagues now.
For the first time in his life, he acknowledged that he had power. A lot of power.
A red-faced Hirzog narrowed his gaze. “You can’t bully me. I refuse to leave this space.”
Tina popped her head in. “Security is here.”
“Do you like your job?” Z asked.
“What kind of a stupid question is that?” Hirzog bit out.
“One minute, Tina.” Sin shut the door. “Answer his question.”
“Of course I do,” Hirzog replied.
“And you like your beautiful house and your loving wife too, right?” Sin continued.
“Ah, fuck,” Hirzog bit out. “Fuck me.”
