In Too Deep

“Not afraid to jump in and get dirty like the rest of us,” the other said.

“We can all appreciate a harder worker,” Cahill said. “How did the weekend job work out last week?”

“Oh, uh...”

“You boys aren’t in any trouble. Neither is Ronan. I know he had you working on his mother’s porch. I’m just making sure he took care of you.”

“Oh,” Leroy said. “Yeah, yeah. He paid us good. No complaints. Extra cash is always good.”

Since it seemed like both workers were on Ronan’s side, she went to pick up their food. She delivered it and asked if they needed more drinks, but they were fine.

“How is the camaraderie on the crew? Is Ronan interacting with everyone?”

Maybe this was a routine performance evaluation. What better way to know if a supervisor was doing a good job? The guys at the bottom of the food chain would have a definite opinion.

“Sure. We all get along okay.”

“He’s got some of the old-timers on your crew though.”

“I guess.” Leroy lifted a shoulder. The other guy said nothing but shoveled his burger in his mouth.

“Does he spend a lot of time talking to the old guys? Give them special treatment?”

“Not really. Ronan’s not much of a talker, you know?”

Yeah, she knew.

“And the old guys, yeah, he gives them lighter loads, but like, they did their time. He doesn’t want them to get hurt or have a heart attack or something.” He paused and then added, “But none of us care. It’s like a rite of passage. One day, we’ll be the old ones.”

“Okay. That’s what I like to hear. We’re the kind of company that takes care of their own. You boys enjoy your dinner.” Cahill stood and placed some bills under his cup. As he passed her, he said, “Get the boys whatever they want. If they exceed what I left, just let me know.”

“Will do, Mr. Cahill. Have a good night.”

Danny seemed in good spirits, like he was happy with what the guys said about Ronan. That was a good sign. She wondered if she should talk to Leroy. Considering that option, she made her way through the bar, checking on customers and the waitstaff alike.

If she talked to Leroy, he might tell Cahill she’d asked. Then again, how often was Cahill going to interact with these two? Back at their table, she scooped up the money Cahill left. “Can I get you guys something else? Maybe another drink?”

Leroy looked over his shoulder toward the front door.

“Mr. Cahill took care of the bill. You can have another beer.”

“Hey, you want to join us?” he asked, spreading his arms on the back of the booth.

“I’m working. But I’ll go grab those beers.” When she returned with the fresh drinks, she asked, “I haven’t seen you in here with Mr. Cahill before.”

“Doubt you will again,” the other guy said.

Chloe wiped her hand on her jeans and then extended it. “I don’t think we met before. I’m Chloe.”

“Tanner,” he said, shaking her hand. “We weren’t introduced because Ronan made it clear we shouldn’t’ve even been looking.”

“That’s not...We’re old friends.”

“Riiight,” Leroy said.

Ignoring the slight jab, she asked, “Why don’t you think you’ll be back?”

“Cahill doesn’t usually bring the help out to dinner. He was fishing for information. Kind of like you are right now.”

Tanner was quick. She’d figured a nice smile and a beer would allow her to fish freely.

“I’m just keeping an eye out for Ronan. Like I said, we’re friends. I heard Mr. Cahill asking you guys about him.”

“No worries here. Ronan’s one of the good ones,” Leroy said.

“Yeah, I know. Enjoy your beer.”

Ronan at least had the loyalty of his crew. That meant something. But it might not be enough if Danny caved to his father’s pressure.