Page 2 of By Rude Strength

“Yeah, to call the police after they physically assaulted apreacher.” LA threw up his hands. “I’m sorry, but why does any of this matter? I’m not the only person working here who’s had some rough days. With all due respect, this has nothing to do with my job. A job I do very well, by the way, and one that I love.”

“I admire your passion, Mr. Holmes, but I just don’t see how we can accommodate you at this time,” Lisa replied coolly. “Since your injury, you’ve been out of work for months—”

“Yeah. Because of him.” LA pointed right at Michael.

Michael quaked. “LA, come on now. I’m just doing what corporate recommended.”

“You let me work with a broken wrist last year.” LA scoffed. “I know you can make the damn accommodations because we’ve literally done it before.”

“Yes, but now you have a permanent lifting restriction,” Lisa said. “The company has changed its policies and we are not comfortable letting you return to work.” She pulled a crisp white letter out of the folder and slid it across the table.

LA stared, his heart leaping into his throat.

“We truly wish you all the best in your future employment. Mr. Daniels from our workman’s comp department will be in touch—”

“You can’t fucking fire me for beinginjured.”

“We can fire you for any reason we’d like. This is an at-will work state.” Lisa raised her brow. “I think we’ve been more than kind, and at this point, you cannot perform one of the core requirements of your job. It’s listed right there in the job description.”

LA stood with a wince. He grabbed the letter, crumpled it up, and threw it at Michael.

“LA! I’m s-sorry!” Michael sputtered.

“Mr. Holmes!” Lisa scolded. “Was that really called for?”

LA ignored her and glared at Michael. “Let’s see how long you last without me here to cover your fucking ass. Enjoy getting the MSDS sheets updated, prepping for OSHA inspection, and oh yeah, the formaldehyde compliance—”

“LA,” Michael pleaded. “Wait! You have those files—”

“Fat fuckin’ chance of getting them. You just fired me, remember?” LA smirked. “You both have a lovely day.”

“No, no, wait! Where are those files? LA! Come back here!” Michael shouted after him as he left.

“Sorry! Can’t hear you over the sound of beingfucking fired!” LA headed outside and marched all the way to his car with his head held high.

He knew he’d be in view of the cameras at the front of the funeral home until he pulled out of the parking lot. He drove off, stopping a few blocks away at a gas station before he allowed the full gravity of the situation to sink in.

This was it.

He’d been fired.

Ten years of his life down the drain.

He’d started off as a part-time employee driving the hearse and limos for funeral services before he got an apprenticeship. He’d spent all of his career at the same funeral home and now…

It was over.

Because of a stupid,stupidfucking mistake.

LA took a few deep breaths and tried to calm down, but the incessant vibrating of his phone wouldn’t allow him a moment of peace. Adding to his frustration was that his phone had apparently not connected to the car’s Bluetooth system and he had to actually pick up his phone to answer it. He tried to get his emotions in check, but he knew there was a bite of anger in his voice when he said, “What?”

“What the hell is going on, LA?” It was Gavin, his boyfriend.

“Huh?” LA rubbed his forehead. “Can I call you back in a little bit, baby? Kinda not in a good place to talk right now. I just left—”

“When are you ever?” Gavin cut in with surprising bitterness.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” LA was not in the mood for any of Gavin’s attitude. “You know I had that meeting with my manager and the woman from corporate today and—”