I got fired.Not going to work for two days without a valid reason... yeah, sounds reasonable. I can't even blame them.That left me jobless, though.
I was in a convenience store — not the one I worked at — picking up a few things when I stumbled across someone I didn't expect at all: Jordan.He was standing by the counter with a cup of coffee in his hand. He noticed me too, a little surprised. Honestly, he looked way more out of place than I did.I wanted to say that, but my instincts told me not to.
"What a coincidence seeing you here, Jordan. What kind of coffee did you get?" I greeted him, trying to start a conversation.
I rarely talked to Jordan since joining the mafia — it was usually Tyler who gave me tasks — and Jordan wasn't exactly a chatterbox.
He looked me up and down with his signature deadpan expression.Are you judging me right now...?
"...Cappuccino," he finally said.
"Good for you," I replied awkwardly.Silence stretched between us.
Ring...A ringtone from his pocket saved us both. Jordan pulled out his phone and answered it.
"Yes? ...Okay, I'll bring him."
Him?He hung up and turned toward me.
"Come with me. Boss wants to see you."He didn't wait for my response — just walked right past me and out the door.
I followed, abandoning the groceries I came here for.
Parked outside was a luxury car — another one.How many cars does this guy even have?Douglas had to be inside. But seriously, what were they even doing at a convenience store? Weren't rich people supposed to shop somewhere... fancier?
Jordan got into the driver's seat. I climbed into the passenger side.Sure enough, Douglas was lounging in the back, sipping a glass of red wine.Drinking wine in the middle of the day, old man? Seriously?
He set the glass down and smiled when he saw me."Ah, there you are, kid. Heard you got fired."
I was surprised he knew. Then again, he probably had eyes everywhere.This town was under his control, after all.
"...So what about it?" I said coldly.I still hadn't forgiven him for what he made me do that night.
"Before that... what course did you major in at college?" he asked casually.
Huh? I didn't expect that question.
"Uh... audio engineering. Probably a mistake, though. Everyone told me I wouldn't get a job with it."
It was too late to regret it. I had already graduated, and the only job I'd managed to land was at a convenience store — and now, even that was gone.At least, thanks to the money from my 'tasks,' rent, food, and bills weren't a problem... for now.
"Well," Douglas said, grinning, "my company just happens to have an opening for an audio engineer. If you're interested, I could give you the job. No interview needed."
Coincidence?
I call that bullshit
Still... I needed the job.
"...I need to know the job description and salary first," I said carefully.
His grin widened. He gestured for Jordan to drive. The car pulled smoothly into traffic.No noise leaked from outside. Only soft jazz music filled the silence.Tinted windows, black curtains, no way to see inside. Rich people and their magic cars...
Douglas offered me some wine — I declined. Drinking alcohol in the middle of the day was not on my list. I wanted to keep my head clear.
The drive was quiet, the jazz calming.Soon, we arrived.
The building wasn't as tall or flashy as I'd imagined.Small company?We parked out front, and Jordan took the car to the underground lot while Douglas and I entered through the lobby.
Everyone we passed bowed their heads respectfully to Douglas.Some threw curious glances my way, whispering, but I ignored them.
We took the elevator up to the 15th floor. Douglas pulled out a golden tarot card and tapped it against the elevator panel.
As soon as the doors opened, it was like stepping into a different world.The floor was insulated, soundproof — like a bubble. No noise leaked out. No wonder I couldn't pick up any noise on my way here. Everything here screamed money.
Douglas led me to one of the audio rooms, where expensive tech and huge machines surrounded a small group of workers deep in concentration.
One guy, wearing a black cap, spotted us and walked over.
"Ey, boss! Didn't expect to see you here," he said, his thick British accent obvious. He smiled before his eyes landed on me. "Who's the new guy?"
"He's a potential new employee. Graduated in audio engineering. Twenty-one. One of us," Douglas replied casually, his own accent shifting slightly into a British tone. "Think he's qualified, Joe?"
Joe studied me for a second.
"Can't say yet, boss. But yeah, could be valuable."He stuck out his hand."What's your name, kid?"
"Uh... Vincent, sir."
"Eh, just call me Joe. Call me sir make me old. I'm head of the audio department."
I shook his hand, feeling a little stunned.This guy is the head?Ripped jeans, a hoodie, a T-shirt... Definitely not what I expected.
Douglas laughed and slapped my back — hard."Since he said that, might as well put you to work now, hahaha!!"
I nearly stumbled forward.
"Joking, kid," Douglas chuckled. "Still gotta fill out paperwork. But consider yourself hired. See ya, Joe."
Joe nodded at me. "You're in good hands, kid. See ya tomorrow... or whenever you're ready."
"Thanks, Joe," I said, before hurrying after Douglas.
We took another elevator up to the top floor — his office.
The view from the giant glass windows was insane.The city stretched out in front of us, busy and bustling, tiny people moving like ants down below.
Douglas's office was massive and elegant: white wooden desk, leather chairs, shelves stacked with books, a massive painting, marble floor, a plush carpet, cold air breezing in from the ceiling AC.It was the kind of office that screamed power.
Douglas sat behind the desk, phone in hand."Love, can you bring the paperwork, please?" he said, his voice soft and affectionate.Love?I noticed the wedding band on his finger.Still... calling a secretary 'love'?
A few minutes later, a woman entered — a classy lady in her 40s, bob-cut brown hair, professional but warm. She carried a document in hand.And then — casually — she kissed Douglas on the lips.
They exchanged a long, meaningful look....Was I just witnessing an office affair?!
"Uh... should I leave you two alone...?" I asked awkwardly.
The woman laughed sweetly."Oh! Sorry about that, sweetheart. Didn't see you there."She turned toward me with a genuine smile."You must be Vincent. I'm Heather Sinclair. Nice to meet you~"
Sinclair?Wait...
"You're... family?"
"Of course!" she said, tilting her head. "I'm his wife, after all."
Oh.God, kill me now.
Douglas laughed heartily."HAHAHA!! You thought I was cheating? Kid, seriously!"
Heather giggled too — but there was a sharp glint in her eyes.She smiled warmly... yet somehow, not warmly at all.
Even Douglas looked nervous under her gaze."O-of course not, love! You know me!"
Heather handed me the file with a motherly smile."Now, dear, here's your contract. Welcome to the company. I'm excited to have you here."
Before I could react, she pulled me into a hug and kissed my forehead.It was warm... comforting. Like being hugged by a mom.
I missed my mom..