Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
"I won't do anything illegal," I say.
"You would never be asked to do anything illegal," Diego assures me.
There's something in the way he says it that still doesn't put me completely at ease. He doesn't say they don't do illegal things, just that I won't be asked to do them.
"I can see your mind racing," Diego says without a hint of irritation in his voice. "We're law-abiding citizens, and we expect the same from anyone associated with the shelter. The position will require the utmost integrity, mandatory reporting, and the same care and attention to the residents living there that any reasonable person would want their closest loved one to get."
"Completely understandable," I say. "Thank you."
"Some things we just need to check off the list that you didn't mention. Just tell me if any of these are something you're not experienced with or have a problem with," Morrison begins, waiting for me to nod before he continues. "Emotional conversations with residents, de-escalation, documentation, including threats to the shelter and threats of self-harm by residents."
He looks up at me. "I'm good with all those."
"Maintaining security of the facility by making sure doors are locked, windows are secure, and not opening the door unless instructed by security staff. Compliance with emergency protocols, distributing supplies to residents, and maintaining inventory of supplies. Reordering supplies when they meet a certain threshold."
"I'm capable of all of those things so long as I have the protocols and inventory expectations."
"Identification of self-harm behaviors, abuse in children, and sneaky behaviors."
"A day in the life," I mutter, making Diego chuckle.
"We have to ask," he says. "If there's anything you haven't done or need more training on, just let us know."
"We provide a lot of transportation to the women who work, but also to doctor's appointments, shopping, etc., for the residents. A calendar must be kept for all these," Shadow continues.
"Easily done," I reply.
"Do you have any questions for us?" Diego asks, flipping the pages of my stapled resume and placing it on the table in front of him.
I chew the inside of my cheek before blowing out a breath. They seem like decent guys, and the money is enough to make me throw caution to the wind, but there's still that whisper in the back of my head that is telling me this is too good to be true.
I point to the paperwork on the table.
"The experiences in that resume are real," I say. "But the names, locations, and shelters aren't."
Diego nods. "I figured."
"I do have integrity," I rush out, knowing this is a huge thing for them.
Diego holds his hands up in front of him as if urging me to stop talking.
I snap my mouth shut. For some reason, there's a sting of tears threatening behind my eyes. I'm just tired. It would be nice to stop running for a while, and if there's any place to do that, I feel like this is the one. I'd hate to not get this job. I can't imagine there are many other options in the area, and I've already paid the deposit and first month's rent on my apartment.
"I have no doubt you do," Diego says, a softness in his voice I never expected from such a big guy like him. "We haven't made our final decision, but you're still a contender."
I do my best not to let a sense of defeat settle inside me. Not offering me the job on the spot is a change for me. Most of the shelters I've been hired at tell me the same day if I've gotten the position.
"We know probably more than you'll ever realize just how many women have to lie to stay safe. We would never hold that against someone," Morrison adds.
"We'll be in touch soon," Diego says as he stands. He holds out his hand, indicating the interview is over. "Thank you for your time, Juliet. Emmalyn will be waiting outside to show you out."
I stand, shaking his hand. "Have a good day."
I open the door and step into the big room, smiling weakly as Emmalyn comes out of the room she disappeared into earlier, wiping her hands on a dish towel. I look past her, confirming that it is a kitchen, as I suspected earlier.
"Be safe getting home," she says as she walks beside me toward the door.
"Thank you," I tell her, stepping through the front door after she opens it.
I get in my car, not taking the time to check it like I normally would, wondering if the brick I feel is sitting on my chest will lighten after I leave.
Strangely, as I drive through the gates and exit the Cerberus property, I feel like it's harder to breathe than it felt while I was there.
I have no clue what that even means for me.
Chapter 9
Nyx
I watch in silence as Kincaid walks around the table and closes the door to the conference room.