“Look, your job is to make it damned near perfect. They might not know why something doesn’t look quite right, but if you get a little sloppy here and there, the overall effect will be visible. Besides, Jackson will inspect and notice. If you want to keep this job and build a reliable reputation, take more pride in your work product.”
“Shit, Hank. You sound like my dad.” Doug shook his head in disgust and picked up the moldings. “Why are you here, anyway? I thought you were working on some ‘special project’ for Jackson’s sister. How’d you pull that lucky gig? Bet there are some fringe benefits to working at her place.”
“How ’bout you concentrate on your job instead of worrying about mine. I don’t have time to deal with bullshit rumors.” Hank continued his inspection of the woodwork in the entry. “I also don’t have time to micromanage you.”
“Who asked you to?” Doug spat. “I’m good at my job.”
“You’ve got promise, but consider losing the attitude.” Hank rested his hands on his hips. “Jackson’s fair and can be a hell of a generous employer, but he’s exacting. Besides, this crew is a team, so don’t screw over your teammates by trying to cut corners. In the end, everyone will lose.”
“Fine.” Doug rolled his eyes before lowering his safety glasses and turning his back on Hank. “I’ll refit the damned moldings.”
“Good.” Hank turned and walked out the front door.
The summer sun pounded on his shoulders as he crossed the lawn to the driveway. Before he reached his truck, Jackson pulled up. His sunglasses couldn’t hide the deep lines carved around his eyes and mouth, which revealed a high level of exhaustion, and probably a hangover to boot.
“Hey, Jackson. Didn’t expect to see you here this early.”
“Doug and Ray need a big push. We’ve got to finish this job and move forward at the Hudson’s house,” Jackson said as he slammed his door shut. “With you rotating out of the team for a few weeks, it’s going to be a little rough.”
Hank shrugged. How many times could he say “I warned you” without sounding like an ass? “I’ll finish Cat’s work as quickly as possible.”
“Oh, I doubt that.” Jackson flashed a teasing smile. “I haven’t forgotten about your crush on my baby sister. I’m a guy, too, you know, so it’s a safe bet all the ‘distractions’ will make you less efficient than normal. Don’t pretend you’ll be dying to race back here to Doug and me.”
Jackson chuckled at his own joke.
Eager to change the subject before Jackson discovered exactly how much Hank hoped to be distracted by Cat, he glanced back toward the house. “Speaking of Doug, I already talked with him about the entry, so don’t go in there with guns blazing. He won’t respond well to your ‘shout first, ask questions later’ method. It’s going to take a few go-rounds, but I’ll up his game.”
Jackson nodded thoughtfully. “How about Ray? Is he almost finished rewiring the overhead lighting in the kitchen? He’s behind by at least two days. I don’t know what the hell is going on.”
“Well, your schedule is aggressive.” Hank sighed. “It’s getting a little better, but these guys are new to these projects.”
“You’re too soft, Hank.” Jackson scratched his head. “They need to do their jobs. No excuses.”
Jackson’s attitude certainly did mirror the St. James mantra Cat had mentioned. Their dad had ensured his kids would be independent and successful, but at what personal cost? Somehow Vivi had broken through David’s defenses, but it had taken her more than a dozen years. Who would work that hard and wait that long for Jackson, or Cat? Because as much as she fascinated him, Hank couldn’t imagine spending years butting his head against a brick wall if it never showed signs of cracking.
“Where are you heading?” Jackson asked when he realized Hank had moved to his truck.
“Your sister’s place.” Hank tossed the thermos through the open window, onto the passenger seat.
“Damn. I should’ve listened to you.” Jackson spit in the grass and shook his head. “She’s always talking me into things that come back to bite me.”
Hank grinned, no longer minding Cat’s manipulative streak. “That’s what sisters do, Jackson.”
“All kidding aside, wrap things up down there as fast as possible. You’re my best employee, Hank. I can’t survive too long without you.” Jackson slapped Hank’s shoulder before wandering inside, unaware his compliment heaped a boatload of guilt on Hank’s shoulders for even considering Cat’s crazy business idea.