Free The Reaping (The Reapers Book 1) by Katharine Sadler Page A

Sir makes me feel old. Call me Al.” He waited for me to nod in agreement. “Did you know that he was skimming from the profits?”
    “No… I had no idea.”
    “Nor had I. He told me everything was fine here, business was just slow because of bad weather or an economic downturn or any number of excuses. He always had an excuse. I wanted to believe him, because he’s my sister’s only kid and I felt he had potential. I see now I didn’t know him at all.” He rubbed his temples and sagged just a bit. “Do I seem old to you, Kelsey?”
    “No, sir—Al.” Despite his wrinkles and grey hair, he exuded an energy and determination that made me feel like the old one.
    “Bullshit. I seem old to myself. Twenty years ago, I would have said no to Landon’s parents. I would have stood my ground and not felt bad about it.”
    “You just trusted the wrong person.” I spoke without thinking, and felt immediately that I had crossed a line.
    Al didn’t flinch. “Did you trust him?”
    “Well…” I met his straightforward gaze with my own. “Not at all. But I’m not…I wasn’t…related to him.”
    “I appreciate your honesty.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms on his chest. “If I can’t find a replacement for Landon, I will have to close this store. I can’t do that because this is my wife’s favorite. She loves picking out all the…oh hell, the point is that I’ve talked to all the women here, and they’ve each pointed to you as the person they most trust and respect. I’d give you a significant raise, and the position wouldn’t have to be permanent if you don’t want it to be, as long as you’d agree to stay on until I find a suitable replacement.”
    “Stay on as what?”
    “As manager, Kelsey. I’d like you to clean this store up and get it back in the black so that I can keep my wife happy.”
    “Manager?”
    “Is that a yes?”
    “Are you sure you want me? I’ve never been a—”
    Al held up one knobby knuckled finger. “The first rule of business is, never turn down a promotion that includes a raise. If some old coot like me is willing to take the risk on you, you grab it and do the best you can. Unless, of course, you’ve got a better offer?”
    “No. But I’m not sure… I’m planning to go away to college eventually…”
    “Great, then it’s settled. Any ideas for where we start?”
    “Well, the biggest complaint I’ve heard is customer service. I think if we made the job a little easier on the staff, maybe give them a nice break room with a microwave…”
    “You want perks when we’re in the red?” Al shook his head. “We’re gonna do this the old-fashioned way. You teach my employees what good customer service is and anyone who doesn’t get in line gets fired.”
    I couldn’t imagine firing anyone. But I couldn’t argue with the opportunity I was being handed, and I could certainly use the extra money. Not to mention the fact that a managerial position would look great on my resume when I was looking for a part-time job at college. “Okay, I’m in.”
    Al smiled. “Do a good job, and you won’t need that college degree anyhow. I’ve gotten along just fine without one.”
    Somehow, I doubted that I would be a life-long employee of Al’s, but I couldn’t help smiling about my good luck. It would be hard work, but hopefully, it would keep me too busy for ghosts and crazy, possessed cops.

 
     
     
CHAPTER SEVEN
     
     
    A knock on the door startled me out of the short nap I had managed to snatch between an early morning hike with Angelica and an evening work shift. I stood, disoriented for a moment, and walked to the door. I figured it was Angelica, forgetting her keys again.
    A tall and strikingly attractive woman stood on the threshold. One of those creatures I had only ever seen on magazine covers, with long legs and perfect hair. She smiled at me. “Hello, I’m Cat Simmons.”
    I smiled back, wondering what she was selling. “Yes?”
    She