Starting Over.

Chapter 5 - Relocation.

We pulled up to a small town in eastern Washington. We were just an hour outside the city.

“We’re here miss.” Hunter said turning the radio off. We pulled up to a grand home looking structure.

“Wow.” Was the only word I could muster up. I looked at the massive home. It reminded me of some kind of old plantation house with its large wrap around porch and pillars out front.

“It may look like a home but it is head quarts of Ironridge. The whole building is more like a working office inside.” Hunter said parking out front. I saw him, David Featherman walked out talking with a young woman who took close notes nodding along. She was tiny with bright blonde hair in a short pixie cut. Her glasses were barely hanging onto her tiny nose. The car door opened and I stepped out.

“Hunter you’re late.” David said walking up to me.

“I’m sorry sir, the lady was misinformed about the over night arrangements. She had to pack a bag.” Hunter said bowing his head.

“Audra, did you not inform Ms. Williams?” David looked at the young girl who stared at me in shock. I could only assume for the mishap.

“I’m sorry David. I must have.” Audra said looking back to her pad of paper.

“Anyways.” David turn to me and held out his hand. “Lovely to see you again. Shall we?” He said and I nodded.

“I set up conference room B sir.” Audra said jotting something down. David walked forward and I followed closely behind. I could hear whispering between Audra and Hunter behind me.

“I know, I was shocked too.” I could’ve swore I heard Hunter say. We walked into the building and David stopped.

“Put her things in my office for now. Audra arrange one of the empty homes and next time you talk about the situation.” David tapped the side of his head with his finger and I was so clueless what he was meaning. Was he telling them to think about it before hand.

“Sorry sir.” Audra said and Hunter nodded walking off with my bag.

“This way Ms. Williams.” David said walking a short distance to a large room.

“You can call me Ryan Mr. Featherman.” I said taking a empty seat.

“Then please, call me David.” He smiled and my heart started to pound. God was he handsome. “Ok! I only have a few questions. Have you done any accounting before?” He looked up and me and I nodded.

“Yes sir, I mean David.” I corrected myself quickly. He smiled and looked down.

“I know you’ve done data analysis, you’re familiar with the programs we use here. I saw that on the resume Donna sent me.” David said looking over a paper.

“Donna?” I asked.

“Oh, the woman you interviewed with at our Seattle building.” He said looking at me.

“Oh…” I said slightly confused.

“Now, All I need to know is if you want this job.” David sat back and smiled.

“Of course!” I said overly eager and he started to laugh.

“I have a few contracts for you to sign. This job will require you to relocate here and sign a privacy waiver.” David started placing different papers in front of me and placed a pen in the middle.

“Relocate?” I asked.

“Yes, I can have movers at your apartment tomorrow. Unless you prefer to go back and pack. To be honest we need someone to start tomorrow and I would prefer if you stayed.” David said tapping the paper that started out talking about and showed all relocation costs were covered by Ironridge corporation and then I saw the salary.

“Is this a misprint!?” I said shocked.

“No, is that not enough? We can renegotiate.” David took the paper and crossed out the number and wrote something else. He passed it back.

“This is the salary plus you pay for my home costs?” I asked reading the paper.

“Yes.” He said and I grabbed the pen and started signing. “Not even a moment to think about it? I like your impulse Ryan.” David said as I signed the other papers.

“Well this was the fastest interview I’ve ever had.” I said looking at him and smiling.

“I must reiterate the privacy notice you signed. Anything you see, hear, or are a part of. It’s not to be talked about.” David was serious.

“Is this … mob stuff?” I asked seriously.

“What!? No.” David started laughing hysterically. “No it’s just to protect the business.” He said standing up. “Come on. Audra I’m sure has the house ready for you to see.” David stood by the door and I stood waking to him. He held out his arm and I reluctantly took it. We walked out and he took me to the front where a small office stood.

“This is Audra’s office. My office is right above.” He said.

“Everything is set Sir. Number 156 B.” She said typing on the computer.

“Wonderful. Have her things taken there.” David said.

“Already done.” She looked and smiled at him.

“Ok, let’s go to your new home.” David smiled and I felt uneasy to his words. Change was a little scary now that I thought about it. I literally just signed my old life away so easily. We didn’t walk far from the main building. The side had a row of town homes. We walked up to the one on the very end. He let go of my arm and typed a code in the keypad on the door.

“I’ll write down the code for you.” David said as we stepped inside.

“Oh wow.” I said looking at the fully furnished home. The fire place was on and the warmth felt amazing. I looked at a huge bay window and walked to it.

“It’s to your liking I assume?” David said and I turned to him.

“It’s beautiful.” I said and he smiled.

“The kitchen is fully stocked, feel free to get settled.” He grabbed a pad of paper and started writing. “Here is the code for the door and my number. In case you have questions. I’ll be back to do the tour of the town for you at four sharp. Wear comfortable shoes.” David said looking at my heels.

“I’m not sure I brought any.” I said looking down.

“I’ll see what Audra can find.” David walked to the door. “See you then Ryan.” He said as he quickly left.