“I’ll bet they’re also dedicated to making a buck,” he said cynically.
“For everybody. We’re bringing in some management and middle management, but the plant will employ hundreds of local people in as many specialized jobs. It will completely change the complexion of the economy.”
“I’ve never heard of Palmetto.”
“It’s located near the coastline between Savannah and Charleston. The population of the town proper is just over ten thousand, but thousands more live in a tri-county area. The entire region will benefit when GSS moves in.”
“What role do you play?”
“I’m the project supervisor.”
He arched one of his eyebrows. “You’re the head honcho?”
“In a manner of speaking.”
“And you came all the way to Southern California to hire construction workers?” he asked skeptically.
“I came to hire a general contractor.”
“A developer usually does that.”
“GSS has a development company. A man named David Seffrin is in charge of TexTile. He sent me out to meet Matthias, who had come highly recommended, although I now doubt the authenticity of his references.”
“If this Seffrin is the developer, why are you hiring?”
“The contractor awarded this job must meet with my approval. This plant is my baby, Mr. Burke. It has been from its inception. I’ll be working closely with the contractor for a long time, so it’s essential that I feel he’s right for the project.” Leaning forward slightly, she said, “I believe you are the man I need.”
His sharp barking laugh drew glances from other restaurant patrons. “Yeah, right.” He looked himself over, fingering a ragged hole in the knee of his jeans. “I look like the boss man, all right. You could pick me out of any lineup.”
“I couldn’t care less what you look like.”
He shook his head adamantly. “I’m not your man. Sorry to disappoint you.”
“You’re from the South, Mr. Burke.” He gave her a sharp, inquisitive look. “One Southern accent recognizes another,” she said. “And you were familiar with the issue of industry versus tourism.”
“So you’d hire me on the basis of my Southern accent alone?”
“No, I’d hire you on the basis of your qualifications.”
“I’m not qualified.”
“Don’t bullshit me.” Again, his eyebrow arched in surprise. “You can decline my offer, but don’t lie to me. I’m sure you have a good reason to hide behind your beard and that monstrous chip on your shoulder, but you’re qualified for this job.
“The secretary didn’t only talk about Matthias, she told me a lot about you. Things were in a mess when you happened along. Soon after you were hired, you began spotting problems and giving Matthias advice until he didn’t make a move without consulting you first. He doesn’t hire any subcontractors without getting your opinion. Isn’t that right?”
He merely stared at her stonily.
“She said you seemed to be an expert on everything, from reading blueprints to ironwork to installing electrical conduit. She said Matthias resented you for quarreling with him over inferior materials, but that he didn’t dare fire you because you had made yourself indispensable. Is this true?”
He pulled the corner of his mustache through his teeth.
“I have your social security number,” she added quietly. “I’ll check on you. So don’t bother lying to me.”
He muttered a string of curses, then said, “Maybe at one time I was qualified, but I haven’t done anything more than menial labor in seven years. I haven’t wanted to. I don’t want to. I just want to be left the hell alone.”
“Why?”
“None of your goddamn business.”