Jeffrey’s shift ended six hours later, and to his surprise, the atmosphere around him carried something like quiet approval. The other employees, who at first had treated him like a newcomer who might c***k under the slightest pressure, now watched him with nods of respect.
“Good work today, man.”
“You picked up faster than I expected.”
“You’re not bad at this. Thought they brought you in for paperwork only.”
Jeffrey brushed off their compliments with an awkward smile as he packed his things, but inside he felt something loosen — a knot he didn’t even know he’d been carrying. At least here, in this one building, he could blend in. Work like a normal person. Earn his pay quietly.
No attention. No pressure. And no Hunt family interference.
Or so he had hoped.
When he stepped outside t
