“Noel’s daughter has her school field trip, remember. He booked the day off weeks ago, and Woody will help where he can, but he has his own classes to do.”
“We need more staff, Saint,” Marshall said, returning to a discussion they’d had many times over the last few months.
“I know, but it’s hard finding the right people.”
“And you haven’t wanted to replace me on the floor.”
“Because I know you’re going to be back. We’re not taking someone on, just to have to let them go when you’re back at full strength.”
It was an old argument between them, and neither was willing to concede to the other.
“Regardless of whether or not I get better, we still need more staff, Saint. We could take on a couple of part-timers that are maybe flexible with their time.”
“Hmm, that might work. I know a couple of guys who work for Arrius Security that might want a few hours here and there between assignments.”
“Gargoyles?”
“Yeah. Well, one is part gargoyle, I think, but that’s neither here nor there,” Saint said, waving a hand. “They’re good guys. I might drop them a text and see if they’re around for a chat.”
“I’d need to come back with you too, then. We always interview together.”
“But this is just a friendly chat, not a full-blown interview. I can touch base with them and see if they’re interested, and then, if they are, you can meet with them and do the formal interview.”
Marshall pulled a face at the suggestion.
“Don’t pout. It’s not a good look on you.”
“But you think I’m cute when I pout.”
“Go try it on the Alpha and see what happens,” Saint threw back with a grin.
Marshall rolled his eyes. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
“Josh is going to give me a tour of the place. Why, did you need me to stay here with you? I thought you were hanging with Aaron.”
“Yeah, I am. I know he’s gone to his office, so I might take the laptop and do some work while he does.”
With a promise to catch up later in the afternoon, the two parted ways.
Aaron scented Marshall before he knocked on the door. The scent of spicy toffee was deeper than it had been;another side effect of the soul bond?Marshall entered the room, his gait slow, but sure. As he drew closer, he caught a faint hint of tiger shifter. Aaron’s wolf didn’t like the thought of Marshall being near Saint but accepted that the man was his mate’s brother of choice and he would learn to live with it.
“Hope I’m not interrupting?”
Aaron rose from his chair. “No, I’m just clearing emails. No matter how many times I think I’ve gotten on top of them, another dozen appear.”
“Tell me about it. I don’t want to keep you from your work, but I thought I could do some of my own in here.” Marshall tapped the messenger bag that was hanging from his shoulder.
“Great idea. You can use the meeting table if you like,” Aaron said, nodding towards the small round table near the large arched window overlooking the grounds. “Do you have the Wi-Fi password?”
“Yes, thanks. It was part of the welcome pack that was in our room when we arrived.” Marshall placed his bag on the table and leaned his cane against the wall.
“That was Mom’s idea. She said it’s easier when we have visitors to have all the information they need in one place.”
Marshall began unpacking his bag, pulling out a new model laptop. “Do you get many visitors?”
“Some days it seems like it,” Aaron replied with a grin. “Mostly it’s pack members who don’t live close by who are in town visiting family or friends. They often stay here as it refreshes their pack bond. Sometimes we get Assembly members staying here if they are in the area doing business.”
“Refreshing their bond? What does that involve?” Marshall asked. “How often do pack members have to do that?”