Page 109 of Call it Reckless

“Because if he is involved in something illegal, I don’t want to tip him off that we know.”

“So, what is it you’re saying, Reid?”

“I don’t want you to work with him.”

“And how exactly does that happen?”

“I don’t know. Find a reason to fire him. Tell him you discovered his credentials were false. That’s all you need.”

“No.”

“Bristol, he could be dangerous.”

“No.”

“I’m asking you to trust me on this. I’m trying to protect you. To possibly protect your business.”

“Wouldn’t firing him tip him off? And let’s say I do believe he’s up to no good, which I don’t, by the way. Wouldn’t it be better to keep him around where we know what he’s up to, at least during the day?”

“I need you to be safe.”

“And I want you to be safe, as well, but I don’t tell you how to do your job.”

He threw his arms in the air. “You’re being stubborn.”

I crossed my arms. “You’re right. I’m stubborn. But I’m not stupid. Bring me positive proof he’s involved in something illegal. Until then, I don’t have a reason to fire him. I can’t afford to lose good help on a whim. And further, I don’t put up with anyone telling me how to do my job.”

He shook his head. “I can’t believe this. I tell you the man isn’t who he says he is, and you won’t listen.”

“Because you don’t have any actual proof.There could be any number of reasons someone changes their name. I can’t afford to be down a mechanic. He’s done nothing suspicious at the garage, and his work is impeccable. I swear I’ll be careful around him. But while we’re at it, let’s talk about your friend, Nick. I don’t like him.”

His eyes practically popped out of his head. “What? You’re crazy. I’ve known him for years. Actuallyknowhim. We went to school together. He’s a cop in Atlanta. He is who he says he is.”

“Yeah? Who drives a cargo van to visit someone?”

“He was driving dogs to a no-kill shelter, and while he was in the state, looked me up. There’s nothing fishy about that.”

“Buddy doesn’t like him.”

“Buddy doesn’t like most men.”

“He likes you. He likes Zach.” I glared at him. “He likes Griff.”

“Well, there’s a perfect evaluation system.”

“I’m telling you, there’s something off with him.”

“Bring me proof.” He threw my words back at me.

I crossed my arms. “He kept staring at my boobs. He tried to ask me to lunch with him today, and I don’t think it was in theget to know my friend’s girlfriendkind of way.”

“That doesn’t make him a criminal,” he muttered. “And you don’t work with him.”

“So, let me get this straight. I’m supposed to fire one of my best employees because you don’t trust him, yet you’re not willing to believe me when I say there’s something off about one of your friends. Did I get that right?”

His mouth pressed together in a tight line. “IknowNick. You don’tknowGriff.”

“And I’m not Abby. I’m not going to simply roll over and do whatever it is you tell me to.”

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