Chapter 3

Half an hour later, Jack and I got to my place.

I was just about to grab some guest slippers when Jack reached into his bag.

He pulled out some blue disposable shoe covers and put them over his shoes, then slipped on a pair of white gloves.

"I brought my own, Mr. Reed. It's more hygienic this way."

I took him into the garage and began explaining the job.

"You'll mainly be driving my wife to and from work, buying groceries, and taking care of household errands."

As I spoke, Jack took out a notebook and carefully wrote everything down.

"Understood, sir. Are there any foods you or your wife can't eat? Any preferences for how you'd like the car maintained?"

"I'm not a fan of cilantro, and my wife has a peanut allergy. Keep the car smoke-free, and don't use any strong fragrances."

He jotted everything down.

"One last question, sir. Is any part of the house off-limits?"

"My wife and I have our rooms upstairs. Don't go up unless I tell you to."

He nodded and closed his notebook.

Over the next hour, Jack threw himself into the work. By the time he was done, the cars were spotless. Even the items in their trunks were neatly arranged.

Watching Jack, it was obvious how different he was from Frank.

Satisfied, I hired him on the spot.

"Come here tomorrow at 2:00 pm."

I gave him my number, then grabbed two bottles of red wine from the cabinet.

I held them out. "You did great today. Take these with you."

Jack immediately took a step back.

"You're too kind, Mr. Reed. But company policy forbids us from accepting anything from our employers."

He gave me a polite nod. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Reed."

I watched him go, more certain than ever that I'd hired the right man.

Afterward, I went to the food stall by the south gate and picked up some seafood pasta to go.

On the way home, I ran into Frank.

He was sitting with the same group of old men from the morning. When he saw the takeout bag in my hand, he smirked.

"What's this? Can't even eat a proper meal without me? I see you're already living on takeout.

"Tell you what. I'll give you a chance."

"Apologize in front of everyone," he said. "Then hand me a cigarette."

"I might reconsider coming back to work if you give me a thousand-dollar raise each month. Otherwise, you'll regret it when Ms. Grant gets home."

I almost laughed.

Frank actually thought I needed him.

Even worse, he behaved like he was the man of the house.

I ignored him and kept walking.

Once Vivian got home, he'd see just how wrong he was.