Myers looked down at the barely conscious Karl on the floor and then lifted her

gaze to Rogers. “When can you start?” “Tonight.” “All right.” She added a bit

shakily, “Do you have a problem I should know about, Paul?” “I have no problems.

And I’ll do a good job for you.” “Okay, but we don’t need you to kill anybody.”

Rogers didn’t answer her. He helped Karl to his feet and over to a chair. The

big man wouldn’t meet his eye. “I’m sorry if I hurt you,” said Rogers. “I just

really need the job.” Breathing hard, Karl waved him off.

 

Myers led Rogers out of the office and into what looked like a workroom at the

back of the bar. She gave him a set of clothes and shoes to wear. “This is what

the bouncer wears. They should fit okay.” “Thanks.” She asked, “Do you have a

smartphone?” He shook his head. “I don’t have a smartphone and I don’t have the

money to buy one.” She opened a cabinet, pulled out a box, and tossed it to him.

“It’s a Samsung, hooked to the Web and all ready to go. The phone number is on

the front screen. It’s yours to use while you work here.” Rogers stuck it in his

pocket. “Thanks.” “You’ll also wear a headset and comm pack when you’re on duty.

I like my people to be in communication at all times.” “You sound like you were

in the military.” “I’ll see you tonight. Get in two hours early so you can be

shown how we do things, understood?” “Yes.” She glanced nervously at the door.

“How did you do that to Karl?” “I got a few tricks. And I figured I had to show

him I got what it takes.” “Okay, I get that. But he has nearly six inches and

over a hundred pounds on you. He’s vetted a lot of bouncers a lot bigger than

you, and none of them did what you just did. Karl usually had them on the

floor.” “I’m stronger than I look,” said Rogers. “Obviously.” He left her there