Swerve Chapter 2 #4
“I would have to know your escalation policy to say for sure. Clearly, calming the person and getting them to leave is a priority. However, it’d be unlikely that they’d do so.
Calling the police or the club would be an initial step, or maybe both.
Again, I need to know the process to say for sure.
Regardless, the goal is to protect ourselves and those we’re helping here.
He can’t get past us to access them. Diablo explained that the building serves as a gateway to get to the dorms. Those in them can use other secured doors to leave if they wish, but people can’t enter through those from the outside without a special keycard.
Locking doors between the front and the access at the back would be a priority. ”
“What if you can’t get to those doors in time? He or they attempt to overpower you? Threaten to kill or harm you?” I fired back.
“You’re making it sound like a battlefield here.
I can assure you, Electra, that’s not what the typical day looks like at Recovery.
Is it possible? Of course it is. If things are done right, a trail isn’t left to lead the abusers to them.
Every precaution is taken not to allow that to happen,” Diablo told her.
As she looked back at me, Diablo frowned.
“I met Annette out there. What would she do if these things were to happen? Would she bar the door with her body? Jump over the counter with a flying leg kick, knocking the person down and out? Or scream and run to hide?” Electra threw back at me.
“I don’t know what she would do. I wasn’t here when she was hired. I’m not trying to be harsh. I want you to think about what could cause drama here. We have to do more than paperwork,” I told her.
“Then how would you stop someone? No offense, but you’re in a wheelchair. Should I assume because you are that you’re defenseless and can’t protect others?” Her barb scored a hit.
“No, you shouldn’t,” I growled.
Electra smiled smugly. “Then don’t assume with me.
The fact that I’m a woman doesn’t make me one to cower or run from danger or a fight.
I can promise that if you were one of those people intent on harming others here, you wouldn’t fare too well.
Unlike Annette, I can do the flying leg kick and more.
” Her smirk of satisfaction made me want to push at her more, but Diablo halted me.
“Tell us more about the type of things you’ve done in other jobs that you think will benefit here. I told you on the phone the other day the bare outline of tasks. Apply your skills to those.”
As she ran through them, I admit, I zoned out.
I heard them in the distance talking, and the answers she gave, but I wasn’t hyper-focused on it.
What had my attention was Electra physically, and the effect she was having on me.
I was mad, but not at her. I was pissed off at the universe.
Here was someone I could see myself wanting to get to know—and yes, it was in the biblical sense—but I didn’t think it would be only superficial.
Her snappy comeback made me feel alive. It had been years, not since the accident, that I’d been this electrified by a mere conversation or glimpse of a woman.
Along with that was the physical reaction it was causing within my body.
I was fighting to control an uncontrollable erection.
Christ, I wasn’t a teenage boy who had to hide behind his hands all the time so his mom wouldn’t see he had a boner.
For once, I was grateful I had an excuse not to stand or walk her to the door when it was time for her to leave.
Diablo conducted the rest of the interview.
I threw in a remark or small question here and there, but nothing that was of significance.
When it was over, I hated to see her go, but I wanted her to leave so I could stop feeling so off-kilter.
I smiled, nodded, murmured words, and shook her hand, bidding her goodbye and thanking her for coming to see us. Diablo walked her to the front. I knew what was coming, so I didn’t bother to start working on anything else or go back to what I was doing before she arrived.
Five minutes later, Diablo came stomping into my office.
He didn’t say a word, just loudly shut my door.
I braced myself. Diablo had a wicked temper.
I’d seen it more than a few times over the years, but never directed at me.
I wondered if I was about to be on the receiving end of it.
My disability wouldn’t protect me, and I wouldn’t want it to.
Diablo always treated me like he would any other able-bodied man.
It was one of many reasons I respected him so much.
“Swerve, what the hell was that all about? You practically ran her off on purpose. She’s the most qualified candidate we’ve interviewed.
She knows what she’s doing, seems unfazed by your attitude, and her background is clean according to Micro.
We still need to check her references, but I think we should hire her.
But if you’re going to act like an asshole to her, then we should forget it.
She’ll walk after a week, and I wouldn’t blame her.
” Diablo half-growled out his words. Yep, he was unhappy with me.
How did I tell him that my entire behavior was triggered because she got to me in ways I couldn’t explain?
I felt alive in a way I hadn’t in forever.
It scared me. I didn’t want to feel this way.
I hated not being able to see where things were going.
It was a blind curve, and I hated those.
Predictability made my life easier. I couldn’t be spontaneous.
Everything took some degree of planning for me.
Electra was a complete mystery, and I equated that as a wreck waiting to happen.
I wasn’t a coward, though some may argue otherwise if I were to tell them this.
I didn’t want Diablo or my brothers to think that, or for them to regret that they patched me into the club.
What they did was unprecedented as far as I knew.
As I struggled to respond, Diablo kept his laser eyes on me.
I felt like he was seeing into my head and reading my every thought.
Finally, I gave him a half-assed answer.
“Pres, I don’t know why I acted that way.
We met earlier, and that may have thrown me off.
She’s sharp-witted, and from how she answered, she isn’t someone to back off.
I think Annette is sweet, but she would run if confronted with an angry person.
Not saying I want her or any woman to fight, but it’s smart to be able to protect yourself.
Electra might be a good influence on her.
I have no issues with her qualifications. ”
“I agree with the observation on Annette and Electra, and I hope she can influence Annette. However, I think there’s more to your attitude toward Electra.
Maybe take some time to think about it. Whatever it is, I suggest you work it out.
Regardless, I believe we should hire her.
If we wait, someone else will snap her up.
I know you’re tired of juggling this and your regular work.
You and the others here need a break. I know you can work with her if you put your mind to it. ”
I wasn’t about to fuck it up for the club because I was conflicted and confused over some woman. I’d suck it up and hope she was as good as she indicated. She hadn’t bragged, but she did list her abilities and qualifications.
“If you believe she’s the one, then we’ll make the offer. Do you want me to check her references first?”
“No need, Micro can do that for us. You’re sure you can get along with her?”
“Yes, I can get along with her, Diablo,” I assured him.
He studied me for another minute while I held still and didn’t squirm or reveal any discomfort.
He nodded. “Alright, we’ll extend her an offer and see what she says.
I won’t keep you. I know you’re busy. I’ll let you know when she responds.
I plan to be here for another hour or two, so if you need me, holler. ”
“Sure thing, and thanks, Diablo. I’ve got my head back on straight. This setup should be a good one.”
Diablo stood and gave me a chin lift. “I think she’ll change things in a lot of ways.” His tone sounded cryptic, like he knew something I didn’t. I was tempted to ask, but decided not to stir him up again.
After he left, I had a hard time getting back to work. My mind kept wandering to Electra and how she bothered me, and I wondered if she’d say yes to the job. I eventually got back in the zone, only to have it interrupted by Diablo. He stuck his head in the door.
“Hey, I’m heading out. I’ll see you later. Oh, and by the way. She accepted the job. She’ll be in on Wednesday to do her paperwork and start the orientation process. There’s relief in sight, brother.”
I made sure to smile and act like I was happy with the idea. He waved and then was gone. As he left, my smile slid away. This situation was going to blow up in my face. I could feel it. Shit.