Free Destiny Undone: The Complete Series Box Set by Amanda Heartley Page A

earn everything you get with me. I don’t give away positions for any reason.”
    She walked along beside me and said, “Thanks.”
    I stopped outside the security room and looked at her. “You might not be aware of this, or even interested to know, but Sea Lab isn’t looking for a college graduate for the permanent spot. Even if you were newly-enrolled, that would only make you eligible, as long as your major was in science or marine biology.”
    Her sky blue eyes widened and she smiled. I watched her walk to the locker room with her blonde ponytail swinging. What are you doing, Gabe? You know she’s not going to stick around. She hasn’t done a sensible thing in her life. Unexpectedly, I realized that a part of me wanted to see her succeed. She hadn’t been anything like the girl I’d read about in the magazines and newspapers. She was a real person. Smart, kind to the animals and of course, drop dead gorgeous.I shook my head and walked in to find Chuck writing a report.
    “Sorry to tell you this, but those punks tagged the back wall again with that fuckin’ spray paint. I’m writing this report up and I’ve already called the cops. I’m supposed to meet them back there in about five minutes. I’ll keep them back there, Mr. Gregory.”
    “All right, I was hoping that new security light would help, but I guess not. I’ll let maintenance know. I want those new security cameras installed first thing today, okay? I didn’t want to do it, but we have to hold somebody accountable for this. We can’t afford to repaint that stucco every week.”
    “I tell you what you do—hey! Is that bag of donuts for me?” Chuck’s mustache quivered at the sight.
    “Sure, here you go. What were you saying?”
    “I was saying that you should put some plants down there like those prickly palms. What do they call them? Yeah, palmettos. Put some palmettos in there. You do that and those rotten little bastards will cut themselves up trying to paint that wall. Now that’s a video I’d pay to see.” He laughed as he dug into the bag, fished out a donut and stuffed it into his face.
    “Hmm…that’s a great idea. I’ll take it to the facility manager to see when he can do that. In the meantime, call the security company and get those cameras installed today, okay?”
    “Sure, Mr. Gregory. I’m on it.” His walkie-talkie squawked and I left him to enjoy my breakfast. I did manage to keep one donut for myself, and it was delicious.
    When I got to my office, I waved at Paul who was on time for a change, but he warned me, “She’s in your office. I couldn’t keep her out.” I knew who he was talking about before I even looked.
    “Good morning, Bobbie Jo. What’s up?” I tossed my gym bag on the couch and walked behind my desk.
    “You know what’s up! This is total BS, Gabe. Why am I training Pepper Anderson to ride Singh when she’s not going to be here after the end of next month? That means I’ll have to train her replacement and that’s not fair to Singh, or to me. Why can’t I have Tracee? She’s a stellar student, she’s got animal knowledge, and she’s dependable…”
    “Who’s to say that Tracee will be here next month? There’s no guarantee that I’ll keep her, is there? I mean what about Martin and David and, not to mention, Pepper? Any of them could make the cut.”
    “Really? Pepper? Please tell me you’re kidding. How in the hell could she ever become a part of our team…unless Daddy is handing out stacks.” My face heated up at her insinuation.
    “That’s not cool, Bobbie Jo, and for the record, I don’t need the money, if that’s what you meant to suggest. The bottom line is Singh likes her. He responds to her and she’s good with him. Look, even if she’s riding just for the fundraising gala, she’s riding. Imagine it—Pepper Anderson riding a dolphin on behalf of Sea Lab. We’ll raise every dollar we need. People will come just to see her .”
    She looked disgusted, “Why?