Chapter 120

“Time off p>

The workers nearby perked up immediately, hope lighting their tired faces.

Who wanted to be stuck at work in this sweltering heat? Everyone longed to just go home, stretch out, and get some real rest.

Ray, however, found the suggestion amusing. He looked down at Fortune with a smug, superior smile. “Not time off, old man. You’re fired. Don’t bother showing up tomorrow. Pack up your precious granddaughter and head back to the sticks. Silverhaven isn’t a place for people like you p>

The words hit Fortune like a slap. His face drained of color, panic tightening his features.

“Please, Manager Barrett, did I do something wrong? Why am I being let go out of the blue p>

Ray barely glanced at him. “I’ll be honest, you crossed someone you shouldn’t have p>

Ever since Ray heard that Caitlin had topped the entrance exams for Central Academy, he’d wanted Fortune gone. He couldn’t stand the idea of some nobody’s granddaughter outshining the son he’d spent a fortune grooming for

success.

But company policy had tied his hands-he couldn’t fire Fortune without cause. Now, though, things were different.

Fortune had offended someone important. Now Ray could finally cut him loose, no excuses needed. And from now on, no cleaning company in town would ever hire Fortune again.

He’d see to it that Fortune and his precious Caitlin were run out of Silverhaven for good.

The thought made Ray’s lips curl in satisfaction.

Offended someone important? Fortune was stunned. He knew jobs were scarce for folks his age, so he’d always been diligent and careful, never daring to step on the wrong toes-let alone someone powerful.

“Manager Barrett, you must be mistaken. I’ve never had a cross word with anyone in all my years here p>

He took a hesitant step closer, desperation creeping into his voice. “Please, sir, you know my situation. Catie is still in high school, and we have no other income. If I lose this job, I won’t even be able to pay her tuition and living expenses for the semester p>

“I can’t afford to lose this position. I’m begging you, please just talk to the higher- ups for me. Ask them to reconsider, will you?” Read complete version only at

Caitlin had tried to convince Fortune to quit countless times. She even handed him a bank card loaded with thirty thousand dollars. But he’d never bothered checking the balance he simply couldn’t believe a kid, even one as resourceful as Caitlin, could make enough money to support them both.

To him, this job was vital-irreplaceable.

The two workers standing nearby piped up immediately. “That’s right, Manager Barrett, there has to be some sort of mistake. Kensington is the hardest worker here, and nobody’s ever complained about his section. Won’t you please put in a word for him p>

Ray ignored them, unscrewed his water bottle, and took a long drink. He turned back to Fortune. “It’s not that I don’t want to help you. I just can’t. Now, hand over your uniform and leave quietly. No need to make a scene p>

Fortune stood rooted to the spot. “Manager Barrett, have a little pity on an old man, will you p>

He was no spring chicken, and with the job market the way it was, even young people struggled to find work. If he lost this job, what hope did he have?

Ray narrowed his eyes, a thought crossing his mind. “You really want to stay that badly, Kensington p>

“Yes, I do,” Fortune said, nodding earnestly. “If you let me stay, I’m willing to do anything p>

Ray let out a laugh and sank into a chair, crossing his legs with satisfaction. “Well, this morning, while I was checking the lawns, I accidentally stepped in a pile of dog crap. Kensington, since you’re so desperate to keep your job, how about you clean the mess off my shoes-every last bit p>