Chapter 6 6

6

Adrian

I was surprised when Nathan, my sister's husband from New York, called me.

Technically, we were half-brothers-same father, different mothers. He was a lot older than me and my brother.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he got straight to the point.

"So, listen... our Lucas has this friend from university. Apparently, her father's in a tough spot or something. Lucas has been bugging me nonstop to find her a job. Turns out, her family just moved to Lubbock. You're the first person that came to mind. Think you could do your nephew a favor and take her in?"

"Of course. I'll help however I can."

"Ah, you're the best, Adrian. Regina sends her love too-she insists you guys visit during the holidays."

"This time, why don't you come here instead? Work's been a little hectic lately. I'll send the jet for you."

"Oooh, we're pulling out the jet now, huh? Alright then, you win. We'll come. Regina will be thrilled."

"Great. Talk to you soon."

After hanging up, I called Herman and told him to come to the office. I didn't want him to think I was backing out of our bet with some half-baked excuse.

Still... maybe this was for the best. I didn't need unnecessary headaches.

That afternoon, Herman showed up, and Annabel brought us our coffee.

"You look tense. What's going on?" he asked.

"I need to cancel our little bet from last night."

"Why? Got cold feet?"

"Come on, you know I'm not the type to back down from anything."

"Then what's the issue? Let me hear it."

"My sister Regina's husband called this morning. He's sending over my nephew's friend for a job.

I'm guessing she has no real experience. I don't even know if she's single, married... hell, I didn't even ask if it's a man or a woman.

I can't say no when there's an actual opening, and it would be rude to turn her away. You know how it is."

Herman took a thoughtful sip of his coffee before replying.

"I get it. But we made a one-million-dollar bet. If the person who shows up doesn't fit the criteria, I'll find her a job somewhere else. But you cannot hire someone who doesn't qualify for the bet."

I saw that greedy sparkle in Herman's eyes. He was clearly hoping to win this.

"Alright," I said calmly. "We'll do it your way. I'll meet with the applicant tomorrow and decide from there."

"Cool. I'll drop by again tomorrow. And hey-who knows? Maybe she'll turn out to be a total bombshell."

"Don't get your hopes up. Even if it's a woman, what are you expecting from a friend of Lucas's? I'm betting on messy hair and a track record of bad decisions."

"You never know, man. Let's wait and see."

Herman checked his watch. "Almost eight. Come on, let's head out."

"I've got a case to prep. You're flying solo tonight."

There was a certain psychopath I needed to handle. My men had already taken care of him-he was just waiting on me to finish the job.

"I hope this girl turns out to be hot and single so I don't have to deal with your workaholic ass for a while," Herman grumbled.

To keep him from running his mouth any further, I decided to let that lucky bastard sleep peacefully for one more night. Let him enjoy his last night with unbroken bones.

"Alright, stop whining. I'll take care of it tomorrow. Where are we going?"

"There's a new place that just opened up. In Ransom Canyon."

"Ransom Canyon? That wind will slap a man in the face. Let's go somewhere else."

"Stop complaining and let's go already. We weren't born just to work-we're here to live, brother."