“Yeah.” I let out a small, uncomfortable laugh that died a quick death. “I’ve found I’m not qualified for much, and people aren’t real willing to cut a break to an ex-con.”

“Oh, Tuck. You’re so much more than that.”

“Not on paper.”

She sighed, that worry line between her brows growing deeper. Then her head snapped up, eyes widening as she sucked in a sharp breath. “I can’t offer you a job here, but I can offer you a job. Or rather, Emily can.”

“Emily?”

She nodded, her sudden enthusiasm obvious as the speed of her words quickened, her voice rising animatedly. “Her career has really taken off, Tuck. She’s just announced a big tour which, oh, I don’t even know all the details because they’re still being worked out, but it’s all so exciting. Anyway, she was just telling me a few nights ago that her manager wants her to hire a security team.” She sat up straighter, her smile growing. “You’ve obviously been working out. You’re fit and strong, and well, let’s be honest, you’d spot trouble before someone who hasn’t had the experiences you’ve had in the last decade. That’s an asset and a well-earned skill. It’s fate that you showed up today. Emily needs you, Tuck.”

I smiled uneasily. Mrs. Swanson was being extremely kind. Emily didn’t need me at all.

I hadn’t seen nor heard from Emily in a long, long time. She’d once been like family to me, even if we’d drifted far apart since then. And I was glad that she was well on her way to forging the life she’d always wanted. But no, she didn’t need me. Not even close.

But… I needed her. Or rather, I needed the job she might have to offer.

“I’ll call her,” Mrs. Swanson went on. “She’ll be thrilled. So relieved. Who better to have her back than someone who knows her personally? Do I have your permission?”

I opened my mouth to ask a few questions…where, and when, and what the hours might be. But then I slowly closed it. Did it matter? Not really. “Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Swanson. I really appreciate it.”