Page 75 of Risk Assessment
“Want what?”
“Your old job at ESU. Do you want back on the team?”
Dylan watched Raleigh respond to the questions the officer was asking her.Did he want to be back on ESU?At the start of the weekend, he would’ve said yes and meant it. Now? “You know, I thought ESU was the best thing ever. I loved it right up until my instincts told me one thing and my boss ordered another course of action. He didn’t want to go in because the man was a wealthy and influential CEO. If it had been in a poor neighborhood, my boss wouldn’t have hesitated. The whole incident with Georgie made me question everything but now I know that my instincts are good. I need to trust them.
“Going back to ESU is likely to land me in that same position.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I think if they offer me my spot back, I have to turn it down. I don’t ever want to have to go against what I know is right.”
“Wise decision. How about making another one? Join us at Risk. Your actions today proved to me and the guys that you are more than capable of making good decisions in stressful situations. Even when you have a personal stake in the outcome.” Gabe inclined his head toward Raleigh. “You stepped up in every way possible and you saved lives. You were willingto risk your career and everything you thought was important to you to do the right thing. That takes guts but more than that, it takes courage and integrity. We want you on the team.”
Dylan swallowed “Thanks for saying that.”
“It’s all true.”
Dylan turned and saw Jaxon and Connor leaning on a squad car. They both gave him a thumbs up. He looked back at Gabe. Did he want to work for this man doing the thing he loved with a lot less rules?Hell yes!
But.
“Here’s the thing. I want to help people in need, not rich people who can afford to pay more and have their own set of rules. I don’t mean to be insulting or anything I just want to do what’s right and I’ve never been particularly good around the upper class.
Gabe smiled. “Dylan, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Risk was built on exactly that principle. I don’t work for people just because they can afford to pay me. I work for those who are in trouble and need the type of help we can offer, rich or poor. I don’t care how rich you are, if I don’t like you and what you stand for, I don’t work for you. All of my clients have to meet my standards and I think you’ll find those standards acceptable.”
“So I have to ask, how can you afford to stay in business?”
Gabe smiled. “Join my team and I’ll tell you my secret. You’ll appreciate it. I promise. You just have to trust me.”
He looked hard at the other man and then offered his hand. “I trust you, Gabe. If you’re sure, then I’m in.”
Gabe grinned and shook his hand. “Welcome to Risk. Now, go tend to your girlfriend. Take a few days to get yourself organized and call me mid-week.”
Dylan nodded and Gabe turned to walk away.
“Gabe?” Dylan called.
Gabe turned back around.
“Thanks.”
Gabe smiled and then walked over to join Jaxon and Connor.
Dylan turned around and joined Raleigh where she was sitting with the EMTs. “You okay?” he asked.
She looked annoyed. “They want me to go to the hospital, but I just want to go home.”
He looked at the EMT.
“We’d like to take her in for observation as a precaution, but if you want to take her home, I’m not going to argue with you.”
“Home it is,” he said. “You’ll have to make a statement tomorrow, but I don’t think the local LEO’s will mind if you go home tonight.”
“Yeah, they said as much.”
He helped her up and started walking with her along the path. He saw her gaze dart to the back of the police car where a man was speaking with Josh.
“I thought I hated my stalker. That I would want to see him punished for what he did.” She brushed her hair out of her eyes. “All I feel is sad. Poor Josh, or Robert I guess, he’s sick and he needs help. I feel awful about the whole thing.”
Dylan put his arm around her. “Josh is going to get the help he needs now. That’s the best outcome possible for him. For you, I would suggest getting a therapist sooner than later. I’ve been down this road and it takes a heavy toll. You’re going to need to talk about it at some point.”
She nodded. “Sounds like a good idea.”
