Page 8 of Only the Devil

Still doing this?

Did he think I’d change my mind after I’ve gone through all the trouble of applying for a job and getting hired?

Yes

It’s not until I’m through the line at Java Mama with a coffee in hand that a response comes through.

Rhodes

Today’s your first day?

It’s not even 8 a.m. and he’s clearly awake.

Are you on the East Coast?

Rhodes

No. But I have meetings with the East Coast.

That sucks for him. I smile at the man holding the door for me—yes, the A/C is fixed—and exit onto the street.

Rhodes

What’s your title?

Title? I’m a programmer. He knows this.

You should call me grossly underpaid.

Rhodes

What’s your salary?

More than double what you pay.

Yes, I told myself I would not gripe about it, given I’m not working for him at the moment and I seem to still be on payroll, but Rhodes brings out my inner smack talker.

Rhodes

BS

No stock. But I bet they would’ve…I didn’t negotiate.

Rhodes

I don’t like this.

So you’ve said.

Rhodes

Be careful.

And we’ll review your salary when you return to work.

I grin. Rhodes has always been super fair. And he’s the first boss I’ve ever come across that puts up with my shit.

Rhodes