CHAPTER 17
FURY
Green’s secretary was a gorgeous, young blonde and apparently, the gate-keeper to her boss. Once I explained I was looking for a job, she insisted I leave a resume and she would pass it on. Because they were pros, Grace had Riot had prepared a fake resume for me, with references and everything.
“I’d like to speak to Mr. Green personally,” I said, handing it over.
“That’s not possible,” she replied, flashing me a plastic smile. “Mr. Green is in a meeting.”
“I don’t mind waiting,” I persisted.
“He’s tied up all day, I’m afraid,” she said, her eyes hardening.
“I just need a few minutes,” I said, flashing her the most charming smile I could muster. It didn’t work. Making myself less intimidating isn’t easy, but I’d done my best to cover up all my tattoos and combed my hair back. I was even fucking slouching over her desk, so as not to appear too large. I probably looked ridiculous, but I wasn’t about to let this woman get in the way of saving Molly. I needed to get to Green and if I had to go through her, well, so be it.
I could tell I was pissing her off, though.
She stood up, squaring off with me, as if to tell me she meant business this time.
“Sir. I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave. As I stated clearly already, Mr. Green is busy—.”
She stopped mid-sentence as the door to Green’s office opened behind her and two men walked out. The first one was the man I knew to be Benji’s dad, Will, because Jackie had identified him at the diner. The other was tall and fit, with a shock of bright red hair and bright green eyes.
“Will, I expect to hear from you soon,” he said.
“Sure thing, Bodhi,” he said, flashing me a quick look before he hurried past. Green turned to me, eyeing me curiously.
I stepped forward before his assistant could stop me, holding out my hand.
“Mr. Green, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Fury Phillips.”
He shook my hand, his eyes raking over me.
“What can I do for you?” he asked.
“I’m looking for employment,” I replied.
“Is that so?” he said, lifting a brow. “New in town?”
“Yes, sir,” I replied.
He nodded, slowly.
“Mr. Green, I have this gentleman’s resume. He was just leaving,” his assistant interrupted.
“That’s okay, Pearl,” he replied, taking the resume from him. “Why don’t you come in my office, we can talk more?”
“My pleasure, sir,” I replied, following him in and ignoring the look Pearl shot my way.
Green’s office was like a museum. Expensive art on the walls, plush furniture and elaborately carved antiques filled the room. He walked behind his desk and sat down, ignoring my resume he’d placed in front of him.
“Fury is your name?”
“Yes, Mr. Green. A childhood nickname that stuck.”
“I see,” he replied, folding his hands behind his head and leaning back.
“What kind of work are you looking for?”
“Anything at all, really. I was told you pretty much ran the town and if I needed work I should ask you.”
“Well, whoever told you that is a smart person,” he laughed. “What brings you to town, Fury?”
“My sister is writing a book about small towns in Oregon, she’s become enchanted by Greenville. I’m looking for a change of pace, I guess you could say, thought I’d join her and her husband for a little while. Put down some new roots.”
“What’s wrong with your old roots?”
I laughed and shook my head.
“Not much, really. Had a recent break-up, thought a change of scenery might be in order.”
“I see,” he nodded, pausing to look over at me thoughtfully.
“Greenville’s a beautiful little place. Folk’s seem real nice. Quiet and peaceful, too. Everyone seems to love you, sir.”
“It’s boring, mostly,” he shrugged. “I guess you could say I inherited it.”
“I understand your family started the town.”
“That’s true. My great grandfather was very ambitious.”
“I’ve heard your family is very generous, as well.”
He lifted his chin proudly and nodded.
“We try.”
“Well, Mr. Green, I want to let you know that I’m a hard worker, I’m honest, and I’m profoundly loyal. If there’s something I could do for you, I’d greatly appreciate the opportunity to work for the most important man in town.”
“I don’t have any current job openings in my company, however, I’ve been thinking of creating a new position.”
“What kind of position?”
“I’ve had a few break-ins at my office recently.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. My plan was to make myself known to him, let him turn me down and then give him a reason to realize he needed me. I was going to break into his office tonight, mess things up a little and offer my security services. Fate was one step ahead of me, apparently.
“The Sheriff is useless and incompetent and he hasn’t been able to come up with any suspects,” Bodhi continued. “Unfortunately, it’s happened three times now and I think someone breached my property at home over the weekend, as well.”
“That’s very concerning,” I nodded, wrinkling my brow.
“It is,” he replied. “When you’re in business for yourself, you can’t always make everyone happy, Fury. Sometimes, employees become disgruntled, or the competition tries to undermine you. There’s a lot that can go wrong.”
“Certainly,” I agreed.
“My concern isn’t for anything they might steal, honestly. I’ve got enough money to replace anything that might disappear. But I’m worried about safety. I can throw a mean punch myself, but that doesn’t mean I want to. I’ve been contemplating hiring a bodyguard.”
“I’m surprised a man of your stature doesn’t have one already.”
“I haven’t felt the need for one till now, honestly.”
“I understand,” I nodded.
“I think it might be a good idea to have someone that isn’t tangled up in this town hanging around here, someone large, like yourself, for intimidation.”
“I’d be happy to oblige, sir,” I said.
“I’d need someone loyal, of course. And, someone available at all times. I wouldn’t require twenty-four hour service, but my schedule can be a little unusual.”
“I don’t have anything else going on right now, my schedule is flexible.”
“I’d pay you handsomely, of course,” he nodded. “Yes, yes, I think this could work. Would you be available to start right away?”
“Absolutely,” I replied.
“Excellent. Consider it done, then. Pearl will give you some paperwork to fill out and I’d like you to be here at nine in the morning.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said, standing up and shaking his hand again, in disbelief that this had been so easy. “I look forward to serving you.”
“I like you, Fury,” he said with a smile. “You’re a big guy with a scary name. I think you’ll prove to be just what I need right now.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said. “I’ll see you in the morning then.”
I walked out with my heart racing. I’d done it. And I’d done it without punching the guy out for hurting his kid, which I was a little worried about before I’d gone in. My patience for assholes is thin. I was going to have to work on that, obviously.
But at least I’d made it over the first obstacle. Green liked me, I could tell. The closer I could get to him, and the faster, the better.
Molly needed us.
I wished there was a way to let her know we were on our way.
In the meantime, I couldn’t wait to tell Grace and Ryder I’d succeeded. Impressing them was my main priority. Staying inside their organization and continuing this amazing work was all I really cared about anymore.