TODAY, WE ARE THRILLED TO WELCOME OUR GUEST AUTHOR, DONNA STEELE, WHO IS SHARING CHAPTER ONE OF HER NOVEL, 'RECLUSIVE' #RWRTeamBlog #ReadWriteRepeat
- Eva Bielby
- Jan 21
- 6 min read
Chapter One
This hadn’t been what Amy expected when she arrived at the temp agency this morning. She’d been working here for several months, and the latest job had ended. In the past, they had just given her a new location and sent her on. No need to come into the office. Today, she had been summoned to an interview. Thank goodness she’d worn her best suit since she’d thought she was going to a new location.
She didn’t recognize anyone from the agency. In fact, there was only one person in the interview. A very proper man in a very expensive suit. He looked a little older than her, and a lot more prosperous. She took a seat at the table across from him.
He gave a slight smile and nodded. “Ms. Winters. We have received your qualifications from the agency, as well as some very flattering recommendations. I am prepared to discuss a six-month position with you for my employer. Might you be interested in a position for that length of time?”
Six months. That would give her some stability. These two-week gigs had worked so far, but her finances were week-to-week that way. To know she was set for that long would be a blessing.
“Is it secretarial work?” Don’t appear too eager.
“Yes. I understand you are familiar with Word and Excel, as well as all the Google products?”
“Very. I’m familiar with all of those programs and several others. My secretarial skills are current. I can even take shorthand, if necessary.”
“That is impressive in this day and age.”
“Could you tell me a little about the industry I would be working in?”
“My employer has a wide variety of companies under his umbrella. They would not be your concern. He is in need of a personal, private secretary while he recovers.”
“Recovers?”
“He was injured in an accident and his movements are curtailed at present. He needs someone to liaise with his direct reports, check his personal mail, and now that I am aware of your other skills, possibly take dictation from him if he so desires.”
“I see. Is the office accessible for him?”
“Yes. We have taken care of those details.”
“Will I be setting up appointments?”
“No. He’s not taking in-person appointments currently. If he needs to attend a Zoom meeting, you would be in attendance to take notes.”
“May I ask how far the offices are from a subway stop?” She had no car, and cabs were out of her range.
“That would not be a consideration.”
“Excuse me?” That caught her attention. Transportation was always a consideration in New York.
“This position would require that you live at my employer’s estate for the six-month period while he recovers.”
“Live-in?” Well, that was unexpected.
“Is that a problem? If you have family...”
“Uh, no, that’s not...I just never thought about that. My apartment—”
“We could store your furniture at no charge to you.”
That would help, but then she’d lose the place and it would be very hard to find another place as inexpensive. “I appreciate that. It’s something I would need to consider.”
“Of course. Your compensation for the six months is here.” He handed her a folded piece of paper. He was already offering her the position? He must have vetted her pretty thoroughly beforehand. Interesting.
She’d seen things like this on TV but never expected to be handed such a missive as this. She was making eighteen dollars an hour currently. She certainly couldn’t take much less even with a guaranteed six months.
She unfolded the paper and stared at the figure in front of her. She could only hope that her face remained bland. One hundred and thirty-thousand dollars for six months? Was this guy’s industry legal?
Well, she wouldn’t have to worry about rent while she was gone. She might even be able to sublet it. And she’d have a financial cushion. So why did Uncle Kent’s voice sound in her head. If your gut says it’s too good to be true, listen.
But Uncle Kent hadn’t been down to twenty dollars in his checking account when he’d said it.
“Would I be expected to handle other duties?”
“Such as?”
She thought fast. No way could she ask what had come to mind. “Cooking, laundry?”
He relaxed slightly, and was that a miniscule curve to his lips? “No, my employer has a full staff at his home. You would be taking your meals with them.”
Free room and board and that salary? No way could it be legal.
“You haven’t given me your employer’s name or company,” she pointed out.
“No, I haven’t. In taking the position you would need to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. I have the document here.”
“Are you an attorney?”
“I am.”
“I’m sorry, I—”
“I understand that these circumstances are… different. My client is a very private individual, even I would say, a recluse. His companies are completely legitimate and are listed on the exchanges. Only a very few of his holdings are not publicly traded. It is only his privacy that I protect.”
He met her eyes, and she saw sincerity in them. Her intuition hadn’t let her down before, and this man wasn’t lying to her. She hadn’t done it in years, but she allowed herself to lightly touch his mind. There was a shield, a damn good one, which surprised her.
At least he hadn’t seemed to notice her probe. That was a win. People with shields that strong would have noticed if she had tried to probe deeper. With the people she’d been working with lately even that little hadn’t been necessary. Their thoughts were broadcast aloud ad nauseam.
“When would you need my answer?”
“This needs to be decided quickly. If you aren’t interested, I’ll need to go to my second choice.”
Those words had to be meant to flatter her, and it worked.
“I would need your answer by noon tomorrow.”
She nodded. “I can do that.”
“Thank you. I’ll expect your call.” He handed her a business card. He hadn’t even given his name prior to this, Mitchell Gregg. She’d never sat for an interview like this. Of course, she’d never been in a position to earn that kind of salary before either. Maybe this was normal at these lofty heights.
She needed to make some phone calls.
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Blurb for Reclusive
Amy’s savings are looking damn lean when she’s approached to work as an Admin for a mysterious businessman who’s recovering at his estate. The whole thing sounds sketchy but the salary in out of this world. What’s he recovering from?’
The last thing Victor wants is a temp Aide while he’s recovering from his assassination attempt, despite what his advisors are demanding. Even though it would temporary and it’s always temporary. Besides, the feeling that his pain is lessen when she’s nearby is his imagination, isn’t it?
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AUTHOR BIO
Women strong enough for love.
I write science fiction, paranormal and women’s fiction romance eBooks about women coming into their strength and having the courage to find and accept love.
As an empty nester with my beloved best friend and husband (who actually encourages this mad passion of mine) I write all the time–whether or not I have a pen or keyboard handy.
Ever since I learned to read—from Superman Comics, Dick, Jane, and Sally held no appeal—I’ve wanted to write. The possibilities of science fiction have always drawn me and I’ve read them all, there just needed to be a little more romance in them. I finally got up the courage and I’m delighted that I’m able to share these stories with you.
My premiere novel, a science fiction romance, Rth Rising was released on March 3, 2012, through Rebel Ink Press. Since then, I’ve released 55 books, including the Guardians of Now series, The Conall Clan series, and the Unknown Tasks series. I hope there’s no end in sight!
COMING IN JANUARY - 'Isa's Daughters'
Blurb for 'Isas's Daughters'
The only life Dee has ever known is her Mongolian home, where she's been forced to hide from forces she doesn't understand. Meg was born in Prussia, long before women had any rights. Now, these two perfect strangers worlds have collided in a way neither woman could have ever imagined.
Thomas and Mitchell are on the hunt for answers about the assassins sent to kill them, but when their search leads them to two sisters who have never met, their worlds will be turned upside down. Duty aside, Thomas and Mitch will do anything to protect the sisters.
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COMING SOON: On Sunday, 25th January, we are thrilled to welcome guest author, Lucinda Hart, who will be sharing an excerpt from her novel, 'The Summer and The May'.
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