For Her Honor by Elayne Disano Read Free Book Online Page A

you go.” Eva walked back in and handed Karen a glass. “My office is upstairs. Follow me.”
    Karen did, taking a much needed sip of her cool drink. There was a room facing the top of the stairs that was clearly an office. It was quite a nice setup, with a desk/work station cornering two walls, filing cabinet, computer, printer and shelving containing what looked like store samples, catalogs and store supplies. On the table end of the desk were two frames – both containing Eva, but with different men. One was older, possibly her dad. The other was stupidly handsome, rugged looking and……the size of Mt. Rushmore. He had Eva in a romantic, yet provocative clinch. Most likely her husband - the ‘big biker’. Holy shit, big indeed.
    “S it.” Karen, still looking around as the noise outside grew. “Sorry about that. My husband and a friend are playing with a new toy. They’re taking down some small trees in the back yard to get more sun.” Eva pulled her chair in and pointedly looked at Karen. “So, tell me about yourself, Karen.”
    Karen kept it general - born and raised in Cincinnati, business degree from Case Western Reserve Business College, then went into her work history which was pretty simple. “Right out of school I landed a job at Huntington National Bank. I started entry level, even with a degree. Was a teller until I was 26, then got promoted to loan manager four years ago.”
    Eva looked semi-satisfied. “And how did you wind up here, if you don’t mind me asking?”
    Of course Karen minded, but she had no choice. Someone uprooting from a big city with a management position to an unknown little town without a job to her name warranted some kind of explanation. “Change. That’s the only way I can put it. I needed a change and…..to start over.”
    Eva still didn’t look convinced. “I’m going to come right out and ask, Karen. Is there anything you’re not telling me that I should know?”
    “ No.” She barely hesitated before realizing she needed to offer more than a one word answer. “Listen, I went through a personal matter back home. It had nothing to do with me, but it affected me.” Karen spun her glass of iced tea around. “I never took chances or experienced anything outside of the life I grew up in. I made a choice I didn’t realize was bad, and I’m just trying to put some separation between me and it.” She then sat up straight and looked dead serious. “I give you my word that whatever happened is done and I’m not carrying it with me, nor will I to any job I have.”
    “Okay,” Eva replied, after letting it sink in. “I understand. And I appreciate your honesty. I do need someone at the store a couple of days, but now I have to be honest, Karen. You’re way over-qualified. It doesn’t require a degree. When Cyndi took off, I moved my manager’s daughter, Jen, up so you’ll be basically entry level again. Stock work, organizing, register – at minimum wage. Nothing glamorous.”
    “I’m not looking for glamorous, Eva. I’m looking for work – plain and simple. If you need someone, I’m available on the days the bank doesn’t need me. I’ll leave it up to you whether you want me or not.
    Again, Eva looked thoughtful. “Where are you staying?”
    “Right now, at a Super 8 in Wheeling. I just arrived Friday and spent all day Monday job hunting from there on up. I wound up in Tippitt on a recommendation and got offered a teller position before running into you.” Karen smiled then shrugged. “I think there’s something in the water in these little towns.”
    Eva raised her brows. “Oh, there’s something in here, alright.” Karen wasn’t sure if Eva was being humorous or serious. “I can start you Tuesdays and Thursdays. One p.m. until closing, which is six. July’s almost over and August and September are pretty slow, so it’s a good time to show you the ropes, get to know the stock, seasonal items, etc. You’ll either be under my manager,