“Seth, how am I going to tell her that? From what it sounded like, she has no place else to go,” her voice filled with concern.
“Charlene, I have no choice but to turn this place in for unfit living conditions. Once I do, the odds are it’s going to be condemned.”
“You mean they are going to tear it down?” Charlene asked.
He nodded. “If it doesn’t fall down on its own. Did you feel the stairwell? The boards felt like they were going to snap.” Seth hated the fact Charlene had accompanied him up there. It was too late once he was up in the apartment. Although the thought had crossed his mind to call the fire department and have a ladder truck sent to get them down. Charlene might get on his nerves with her constant chatter, but damn, that wasn’t a place for her to be. And he wasn’t about to let her enter that building a second time. Not to help any of the tenants. “I’m having Sal look into who the landlord is right now. This guy or agency is going to see some hefty fines.”
“From the sound of it, the landlord doesn’t care about the building or its tenants,” Charlene stated, her voice seemed to echo her dismay.
“Dylan mentioned a woman who runs a homeless shelter. Maybe he?”
“No way! I promised her that I would help. Sending her to a homeless shelter is not helping her. It’s actually making things worse.”
He should’ve anticipated Charlene cutting him off. Why would she let him finish explaining things to her? Probably because she assumes I’m a cold hearted bastard. At times, she’d be right. Just not this time.
The anger was all over her face. He added calmly, “I wasn’t suggesting we send her or the other tenants to the homeless shelter. But they would be best to assist in finding them suitable quarters.”
“Lawson Steel could put them up in a hotel,” she suggested.
“That is short term. They need a place they can live, afford and maintain after we step out of the picture.” Seth had no idea when he started talking, we. This was supposed to be a quick evaluation and then back to his normal routine. He wasn’t a cold hearted bastard, at least not to the core. Once he witnessed the neglect and inhumane treatment, he couldn’t walk away and do nothing. His decision to stay actively involved had nothing to do with her suggesting it. It was just the right thing to do.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped. It’s just…heartbreaking seeing this.” Charlene said as they drove back to the office.
“It is.” Seth never had to face such adversities growing up. One thing about being a Lawson, was the never going without. But they were the first generation who hadn’t been raised to flaunt what they had. Seth knew it was because of their mother. She had made sure they didn’t get everything they wanted, while still ensuring they had everything they needed. Heck, she even insisted they work a part-time job when they were in high school. A valuable lesson that he’d never forgotten. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon. Some are born and live always wanting and never having. Seth didn’t know what the story was with the tenants, or how they ended up where they were. It didn’t matter right now. In a softer tone he said, “You were right. Blowing this off and having her go to her landlord would’ve been the wrong thing to do. I’m glad you pursued it.” Even when I told you no.
“I’m glad you came with me.”
“You mean that Charles sent me,” he replied.
“My mother always used to say, it’s not how you get there, just that you do,” Charlene said.
Seth gripped the steering wheel tighter. He hated the fact that it took Charles practically ordering him, to get him to do it. He’d spent more hours than he could count in the office, and he was losing touch with what was going on with the rest of the world. There’s more than balancing books in the company. Maybe I need a change.
But just because Charlene had been correct on her assumption this time, didn’t mean Seth thought she was the right person for the job. If she’d been left on her own, she’d probably have purchased them each their own home at the company’s expense. She had heart, and drive, but if not monitored, her do-good attitude could be their downfall.
If Charles wasn’t going to do it, then it was going to be up to him, because this was her first day on the job, and she was already shaking things up.
“Why don’t we get you back to the office and I’ll finish this up,” he said.
She shot him a puzzled look. “You don’t want my help?”
No.“There is no need for both of us to do what can be managed by one. Besides, I think your time would be best spent if you review Lawson Steel’s policies and procedures. It will help you better prepare in case any further…unusual calls come in.”
“But I can help you with…”
“You’ve done your part. If I need you, I know where to find you.” He wasn’t planning on seeking her out. At least not for assistance. “However, if you have any questions about your job, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email or ring my office phone.”
That seemed to have done the trick, because Charlene didn’t do much talking for the rest of the ride back to the office. Seth easily could’ve changed the subject to something else, but he knew the quiet wouldn’t last long. Yet it didn’t take long before he realized her silence was worse than the chatter.
“Did you want to grab lunch on our way back?” he offered.
She shook her head. “You’re a very busy man. I don’t want to take up any more of your valuable time.”
He didn’t miss the sarcasm in her tone. But he’d made the effort. It was her choice to decline. Seth wasn’t about to offer again.