Page 34 of His Prize

“Miss Bonnie?”

I scribbled some notes down. “Yes, Ash?”

“May I speak freely?”

I grinned. “Of course. What is it?”

“You’ve fired eleven people today.”

I looked up at her. “And?”

“Well, don’t you think you should be putting out feelers to hire people who will be loyal to you instead of Mr. Moretti?”

I blinked. “That’ll be my project for tonight. Do you mind handling the influx of resumes? I’ll need someone to filter through qualifications and pass me only the best.”

She nodded. “I can do that, ma’am.”

“Great. We’ll get started tomorrow.”

The file folders regarding PetShop Galore fell to the wayside amid all the firing. I had other things I wanted to accomplish, and there were only so many hours in the day. So, I slid the files into my purse and turned my head toward more fruitful ventures like organizing volunteer events on behalf of the family.

I wanted to change the way the public perceived us. I wanted to change the way the police perceived us. I wanted to take this family to another level. I wanted to turn us into something more than what we were underneath my uncle’s tutelage. But, the time flew by quickly. And before I knew it, Israel was standing in front of my desk.

“Ready to go?” he asked.

I held up my finger. “Can I ask you a couple of things? I’d like your opinion.”

“So, I should close the doors?” Ash asked.

I waved my hand at her. “Please, and thank you.”

Ash nodded as she closed us into the study before I motioned for Israel to take a seat.

“Well, what is it that’s so urgent?” he asked.

I leaned back in my chair. “I want to organize a charity event on behalf of the family.”

His eyes gazed out the window. “Uh-huh.”

“I’d like to invite your family as well as a few others that may or may not delve into this kind of lifestyle. But, I’m struggling on which charity to donate to.”

“Right.”

He seems distracted.“I was thinking about either starting my own charity on behalf of the family or donating to the children’s hospital.”

He nodded slowly. “Good idea.”

I clicked my tongue. “Or, I could take the proceeds and donate to a few of the local gangs to get them on my side.”

“Sure thing.”

“Israel.”

“Mhm?”

I sighed. “Hey!”

His head snapped over to mine. “What the hell are you yelling at me for?”

---