“Graham, for fuck’s sake! I’m trying to run a reputable business here and you send me to provide security for a little . . . whatever this is. A department store? No, it’s not even that.”
“It’s a boutique,” Graham supplies.
“Well, you can call that boutique and tell them Landry Security is booked. I’m not providing some rent-a-cop service.”
“You are going inside and doing a visit because the contract has been signed,” he says carefully.
“I haven’t signed shit.”
“No, but I have.”
I almost come out of my seat. “You can’t do that!”
“I already did.”
“Graham, what the hell?” I say, my blood starting to boil. “Why would you do this? You can’t do this. I’m the CEO of Landry Security.”
He sighs, his irritation as thick as mine. “And I’m the CEO of Landry Holdings, which owns Landry Security. So, in a way, I’m your boss.”
“Apologize to Mallory for me.”
“Why?”
“And Mom. Tell her I’m sorry.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I’m going to kick your ass.”
He laughs. I don’t.
“There’s already been a deposit paid. Just do the review and then if you really don’t want to do it, I’ll figure it out. But I need you to do this for me.”
I glance at the building again. There is black paper hung so you can’t see in, but white Christmas lights outline the windows from the inside. Next to the door, there’s a sign with “CLOSED” written in red.
“Graham, this is such a waste of my time.”
“Maybe. Possibly. Probably,” he chuckles. “But I’ve committed and I need you to follow through.”
“You need committed,” I mutter.
“Just do it for heaven’s sake.”
“Fine,” I growl, opening the door of my truck and stepping out on the street. Locking up behind me, I stride through the two lanes of traffic to the sidewalk in front of Halcyon.
The bakery next door has its door propped open and the smell of cinnamon rolls takes away some, but not all, of my irritation.
“I’m here,” I let him know. “And when I’m done, I’m coming for you.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
“You should run. It’s gonna hurt, brother.”
“I’ll try to prepare myself.”
Rolling my eyes, I end the call and slip the phone back into my pocket. My palm pressed on the bright white door, I give it a gentle shove.
Ellie