Sweet Revenge

“Yes, my name is Le–” I stopped short, correcting myself. It was going to take some getting used to, but I couldn’t very well tell Ted my actual name. “I’m sorry,” I said clearing my throat. “My name is Jane Naysmith. I’m here about the nanny position.”

“Right this way,” the butler said with a heavy British accent.

I followed him inside. It felt strange to be here. It was a brand new house; the old house to my understanding was so badly damaged that it had to be torn down. Ted had rebuilt a new house according to his plans on the same land. He was such a bastard. I felt like a piece of my family’s history had gone up in smoke.

The butler led me into the living room where he gestured for me to have a seat on the sofa. I did so while he went to retrieve Ted. The house was nice, and a bit bold for my taste. But it was not unpleasant. Ted did have taste and style. I remembered that.

“Hello, I’m Ted.”

I stood up to greet Ted and I saw his eyes light up as he laid eyes on me. I kind of figured that, especially from him. He was being totally obvious about it and he did not care one iota. I expected no less from the pig.

“I’m Jane Naysmith,” I said reaching my hand out.

Ted took it softly and kissed the back of it. “Very charmed.”

I pretended to blush slightly. I could not remember the last time someone had used a move like that on me. Hand kissing? Was that even done anymore anywhere? I made a point to look it up.

“You have a lovely home,” I said making conversation.

Ted grabbed a folder and opened it up. He had a piece of paper in his hand and looked it over.

“I took the liberty of printing out your profile for our interview,” Ted said. “Well, actually—let’s call it a meeting. Interview just sounds too formal and nerve racking, doesn’t it?”

“I agree,” I said.

“Great. As far as I’m concerned it is one professional discussing a business deal with another professional. Can I offer you something to drink before we get started?”

“I’m fine, thanks”

Ted scanned the pages in his hand. “Alright, then. It says here you have been a full time nanny for the past six years. That’s impressive. And for a few different families, with kids of different ages. Fantastic. Any kids as young as mine?”

“Yes. The Davidsons, the family I was with before had a clan that was ages three through eight. They were quite the handful, but they were great.”

Ted sighed. “Wow, that is amazing. I’m not sure I could handle it. Just my two little boys run me ragged sometimes.”

Ted laughed, his same fake game show host laugh. God, I wanted to strangle him.

“So, why did you stop working with that family?” He asked.

“They moved,” I said.

“OK, well that makes sense then,” Ted said. “I guess most of the employers don’t pay what I do. At least, not enough for you to go with them.”

“No,” I said. “The salary you are offering is very generous.”

“Well, I feel that if people are well-paid for their efforts then their efforts will always be at the top of their ability. The pride of reward goes hand in hand with the pride of the work. Am I right?”

I nodded. “Absolutely.”

I knew he didn’t believe any of it. He only paid that much because he could and because it would attract many more applicants, so he’d have a much larger pool of attractive women to choose from. That was typical Ted. He was a lying snake in the grass. I couldn’t wait until he was looking at me from behind bars.

“So, what made you want to become a nanny?” Ted asked.

So far I was impressed with how much this sounded like an actual interview.

“I’ve always loved kids. I don’t have any of my own yet, so taking care of others will do for now. Maybe after I have kids of my own I might quit, but you know even then I don’t think I ever would. I just love taking care of little ones.”

Ted smiled. “Good answer. Good answer.”

I had to admit I was even being charmed a bit by him. Wow, he was good. And I hated his guts. That was the allure of the psychopath, I guessed.

“Thanks,” I said with a flirtatious little giggle.

“So, are there certain schedules that don’t work for you?” Ted asked.

“Well, I’m pretty flexible. When do you need me?”

Ted sighed. “Well, mostly it would be late afternoons. I need someone to pick the kids up from school and then be with them pretty much until bedtime. I work a lot and I often have to go to the office at odd hours. So, I’m not able to be home as much as I would like to. My wife passed away a few years ago… and it is just hard being a single father, you know?”