Page 9 of Before the Storm
“Not a problem. I can also give you two other past employers to call if you’d like them.”
He tapped the paper in his hands. “I think the ones you listed on this should be enough. I’ll show you around and get you settled. I think you’ll like it here.”
“I’ve already fallen in love with the town, so I’m sure I’m going to really enjoy it.” Now all she needed to do was find a way to stop staring at the man. In all her travels and working at diners, pit stops, truck stops, and even a few upscale restaurants, she’d never once found herself attracted to a man. The idea of being with someone made her skin crawl after her experience with her so-called spiritual husband.
“All right. Follow me. There’s a break room next to the kitchen. We have lockers for our employees to put their stuff. I’ll introduce you to the breakfast chef. She’s amazing.” He placed his hand on the small of her back.
Holding her breath, she did her best not to retreat. Human touch was still something she struggled with. Hopefully, he didn’t notice.
2
Phoenix stared at the computer screen, tapping his pen against the desk. He read and reread the report. A million things went through his mind. None of them great. But they all landed in one area. He picked up his cell and texted both his brothers. While the rental didn’t affect them, hiring Janelle did.
Nelson:I just pulled into the parking lot. I’ll be up in the office in five.
Maverick:In the kitchen. On my way.The sound of the office door opening caught his attention. He glanced over his shoulder. “Hey, big brother. How’s that baby girl of yours?”
“Keeping us up all night.” Nelson plopped down on the small sofa on the other side of the room. “Sleeps great during the day but is up every few hours to eat, and then from three in the morning to about seven, she’s ready to scream bloody murder.”
Maverick strolled through the door. He sat on the armrest next to Nelson. “Mom said that’s how Phoenix was, but worse. That little shit cried day and night and constantly woke the two of us up, making us all miserable.”
“Dad told me the colic lasted over three months. Brandi’s going to lose her shit if this lasts that long.” Nelson rubbed hiseyes. “It’s crazy. She’ll go from being so cute and sweet to being a soul-sucking devil.”
“I can’t wait to watch you navigate Lilly as a teenager and her bringing home a boy with tattoos,” Phoenix said.
“Don’t even put that out in the universe.” Nelson raked his fingers through his unruly hair. “I met the new hire. Good on you for filling that position fast and with someone who seems incredibly competent. I watched her for a few moments when I walked in. She’s friendly, though a little quiet, and greeted me immediately.”
“Yeah. She’s a fast learner and isn’t afraid of hard work.” Phoenix returned to the report his mom’s friend sent over. “Only, I might have found something troubling.”
“What’s that?” Maverick asked.
“Since I’m considering renting her my garage apartment, I used Mom’s contacts to do a rush background check and this is what came up.” He tapped his finger on the screen. “I’m not sure what to make of it or how to handle it.”
“You’re seriously going to make me stand after the night I had?” Nelson leaned forward. “Just tell me what it says.”
Phoenix tapped a few keystrokes. “At first glance, everything adds up. She looks great on paper. But you know Mom’s contact. She always goes the extra mile, so she pulled a few more records no one would ever do on a regular background check.”
“You’re stalling,” Maverick said. “Spill it.”
“Basically, the name she gave me is for a person who died in 1922.”
“Well, that is interesting.” Maverick inched closer, examining the screen. “But nothing negative on the current identity? How long has it been active?”
“I didn’t have them go back very far,” Phoenix said. “And Mom’s friend said it appears to be from a pool of identities used to help hide people.”
“She didn’t give me a criminal vibe,” Nelson said calmly. One of the things he appreciated about his family was that they never jumped to conclusions, even when one appeared obvious. “Not that I’ve spent any time with her. What are your thoughts?”
“She’s reserved and a bit on the shy side,” Phoenix said. “I called her previous employers along with her last two known addresses. Everyone gave her glowing recommendations. Her employers told me she was a hard worker. Almost never called in sick. Was always on time. Stepped up when needed. Did more than what was required. Her landlords all reported she was only late on rent once or twice and always went to them ahead of time when she was struggling. She was clean. Never had parties and left the apartments better than when she arrived.”
“Sounds like a model employee and an ideal renter,” Nelson said.
“Or too good to be true.” Maverick cocked a brow. “Have you been able to do a financial report?”
“I did some poking and the girl has almost no money. A small savings account, which will be nearly wiped out when she gives me three months of rent up front, but she’s managed to keep a decent credit score by not going into debt. Nothing stands out as negative.”
Nelson cocked his head. “You both have to be thinking the same thing I am.”
“My brain went there,” Maverick said.
