Witches for Hire (Odd Jobs #1)(3)
“I don’t miss cleaning after horses every day, or stepping in shit.”
Clive laughed. “That’s the truth.”
“So what’s your next step?”
He should have known that Mia wouldn’t let him change the subject for long. “I hope my latest employee shows up with more positivity. Now that I’ve whined and remembered that a few hiccups in this world are still many times better than the ungodly mess we left behind, I will bravely finish the day.” Clive held up his bottle. “But tomorrow I will win my employees over with earnestness and initiative.” He scratched his chin. “There aren’t too many other worlds I can run to if I fail.”
“May your sword kiss their blood… wait, no bloodshed.” Mia’s mouth wrinkled in thought as she must have been trying to recite a saying not about battle. “Ah. May your business acumen kiss their loyalty.”
“I’ll accept it.”
They clinked their bottles together.
The server came by with a tray and deposited their plates on the table.
Clive frowned at the golden brown food in front of him. “This is the vegetable platter?” He poked one of the firm odd-shaped lumps with a hint of green peeking under the crust.
“The veggie platter is fried.” The server’s hands hovered near his plate. “Do you want me to swap it for another dish?”
“No,” Mia said with a wide smile. “He’s new to town, and this is his first time trying foods like this.”
The server winked at her. “If you’re sure, I’ll leave y’all, but please let me know if you change your mind.” She walked off, and Clive eyed his devious fellow knight.
“You knew what I ordered.”
“Yes, I did.” Mia pointed at the plate. “Go on and be a good Southerner.”
Clive looked at his food in disbelief. “The description said pickles too.”
“Welcome to Georgia.”
CLIVE ADJUSTED his tie as all three employees sat in front of his desk. The Amazon, Edarra, sat a few inches over her coworkers’ heads, but she was just as fidgety as them. “I suspect that you’ve worked with other companies where the conditions were not ideal. I assure you that Witches for Hire will run smoothly, and I will lend you my ear to suggest improvements,” said Clive. All three employees looked away from him and creaked in their seats. Clive entwined his hands under his chin. “I want us to operate as close as family.”
Ragsdale winced and Simone groaned.
Edarra did a half shrug. “I like being a family.”
“With two strikes, you’d like pineapple skin,” Ragsdale muttered. “I’m sorry, but the best way we can get along is to treat this place as only a business and keep things impersonal.”
“I like your gumption, but let’s avoid words like family.” Simone aimed a glance at Jeremy that was no friendlier than his. “That’s not possible for some of us.”
“That we agree on,” Ragsdale said.
Of course there’s tension between these two. Clive wanted to roll his eyes to the ceiling, but it would seem disingenuous after his speech. For the love of all Praian gods, please don’t let it interfere with me obtaining my citizenship. He cleared his throat. “As I said, I hear your fears, and I’ll find a way to create a working relationship that all of you are comfortable with.”
“I can live with that,” Simone said.
Edarra nodded.
Everyone stared at Jeremy expectantly. His shoulders slumped as he sighed so heavily that Clive worried he would pass out from such a large expulsion of air. “If I must.”
I can’t expect miracles with this bunch, so I’ll take whatever little improvements I can get, Clive thought. “I think we’re off on the right foot.”
JEREMY WATCHED Simone ready her coffeepot with her back to him as the water in his teapot, delicately painted with butterflies, came to a boil in the small kitchenette. “Eventually Edarra will be too busy on a case, which means we will have to assist each other. I believe speaking will be a requirement.”
“I can only wish that day comes later rather than sooner.” Simone still wouldn’t look at him.
“Do you think I wanted that night to end so badly?”
Simone slammed a box of sugar cubes on the counter as she finally faced him. “It doesn’t matter what you wanted. I killed a dude in front of my kids because God knows what those assholes were going to do to us. But you—” She smiled and shook her head as she turned back to her coffee. “It happened, and despite the piece of shit that you are, I’ll do my job properly.”
The truth was on the tip of Jeremy’s tongue. What he had done, what their only good boss had done to protect him. “I—”
“That smells delicious. Do you mind sharing?” Clive grinned obtusely.
Jeremy’s shoulders hunched. It serves me right for having this conversation here. “This is from my personal stock.” He took his cup and teapot and hurried to his office, closing the door with his foot. Ruining his day further by letting his tea grow lukewarm was unacceptable. I’m being silly. The trouble blew over, and telling her the truth would only endanger her again. Jeremy placed his teapot on his desk and poured the bubbling water into his cup. All I have to do is get through today, and then the next one. If the wizard is too much trouble, I can get myself fired and move on from this bloody nonsense.