“Because she needs our…I mean your help.”
Charles said, “You should’ve had her call her landlord.”
“She’s done that. It’s kind of lucky that she dialed my number by mistake,” she said.
Seth huffed, “Not lucky for us.”
“I’m not so sure about that. We do a lot in the community, but usually through organizations. What is the difference from helping one person directly?” Charles asked.
Charlene felt hopeful until Seth added, “The potential of every person in New York with an issue calling us instead of handling it themselves.”
“Seth has a good point. We are not social workers Charlene,” Charles stated.
“If I promise this is a one-time thing, can we please help her?” Charlene pleaded.
Charles crossed his arms and was staring at her. Dylan seemed okay with what she presented. Seth didn’t look pleased at all. No matter what Charles said, day one was definitely a rough start.
“I’ll approve it, but I’m holding you to your word. This does not fall under the PR role.”
“Understood. Thank you Charles,” she said, finally able to breathe again.
“Seth. I want to you to assist Charlene with this,” Charles directed.
“I don’t have.”
“Time. I know. That’s why I’m having Dylan help you with your audit. Any questions?” Charles asked.
Charlene knew she wasn’t very popular right now, at least not with Seth and Dylan. She was sure Sofia would be calling her tonight after Dylan told Sofia what she just did.
“No. Thank you Charles,” she said.
“Don’t thank me yet. If you’re wrong and Lawson Steel is affected by this in a negative way, then it will be on your head.”
Fired. I know.“I won’t let you down.”
Charles and Dylan left the office and Charlene was stuck alone with the very disgruntled Seth. There was no amount of smiles or cheer that was going to work on Seth. Fine. All business all the time. Works for me. Not really, but she was going to keep telling herself until she could get used to working with someone like him.
“Let’s get to it,” she said.
“Sounds good. The quicker this is resolved, the faster I return to my work.”
So you won’t need to deal with me.
Charlene had no idea why Seth disliked her so much. Hopefully that would subside. At the rate their contact is going, it might get a lot worse before better.
Seth hated having to be pulled away from work, but he had to admit, the woman’s apartment was a shit hole. Plumbing was only one of the issues. He couldn’t imagine anyone having to live in such an ill kept building.
“So what is the suggestion?” Charlene asked after Seth spoke to the plumber.
A match.“She can’t go back in there.”
“I figured that when I saw the bathroom.”
“Not just that. Did you see the black spots on the ceiling?” he asked. She nodded. “Mold.”
“Oh that’s not good. What is the cause of that?” she asked.
“The plumber said pipes are leaking throughout the damn building. Besides those pipes, there are electrical outlets which have scorch marks on them. She was lucky that this place didn’t catch on fire while she was there.”