With the Wind | A Short Novel by Judith Cropola Read Free Book Online Page A

that?”
                  “Do you see the way she lights up at the mention of his name?  Her entire demeanor has changed since she began those bloody English lessons with him.”
                  “I’ve noticed a real change in her Wilson, but the change I’ve noticed has been nothing but positive.”
                  “Anthony, I do not appreciate the way Misty fawns over him.”
                  “Are you jealous of Daniel, Wilson?”
                  “What a…that’s preposterous.  How could I possibly be jealous of someone like him?”
                  “Well, from where I sit it sounds like you consider him to be a threat.”
                  “I do consider him to be a threat.  Daniel is a bad influence on her.”
                  Anthony was listening and trying to be empathetic with his future son-in-law.  Clearly he did not share Wilson’s concerns about Daniel Novikov. 
                  But if Wilson Rubie disliked any of his employees, for any reason, that was justification enough to take action. 
                  The only thing that kept him from telling Daniel to pack his things and leave was his daughter’s feelings for the boy.  He did not think it wise to upset her so close to the wedding. 
                  He wanted to try and solve the problem without creating a bigger one.
                  “I will speak with Jose about Mr. Novikov.  If I see to it that Daniel and Misty no longer spend any time together, would that assuage your concerns?”
                  “Yes, of course.  Forgive my presumption.”
                  “You have not been presumptuous in the least.  I assure you that the matter will be handled to your satisfaction.  Have a little faith, Wilson.”
                  “It's settled then. Thank you, Anthony.”
     
    ********
     
                  “Do we have an understanding, Jose?”
                  “Yes, Mr. Buffett.  You no want Daniel to spend time with Misty.”
                  “And?”
                  “Daniel is not to mention why he no spend time with her, he is just to stop doing so.  If he tells her reason why he no spend time with her you will get very angry.”
                  “No, I will not get angry.  I will take action.  Daniel will be fired, immediately.  I will blame you if that happens, Jose.  Is that clear?”
                  “It is clear sir.  Daniel is my responsibility.  I have question.”
                  “Okay, ask.”
                  “What if Daniel gets mad and says you cannot tell me what to do and he quits?”
                  “Then he quits.  Problem solved either way.”
                  “So you will not be angry with me if he leaves?”
                  “No.  But please, Jose.  Do not misunderstand me.  Remember Carlos.  He was a good employee, but he crossed me one to many times and…”
                  “You have him deported.”  Jose finished Anthony’s sentence.
                  “Yes.  By the way, I’m giving you a raise as of now.  How does two hundred dollars more a month sound to you, Jose?”
                  “Sounds like I need to speak with Daniel.”
                  “Exactly.”
     
    ********
     
                                             
                  Jose knew where Daniel was, playing horseshoes with his daughter. 
                  Almost every afternoon before dinner Daniel would take a few minutes and do something with Eva. 
                  He was very good with her and never seemed to tire of answering her endless stream of