Read Online Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery - Free Book Online

salad aside and frowned. “Kelli, I’ve just got to qualify with the state licensing commission so I can be the manager of Summers Security. Until I do the employees will never really consider me the boss. But I’ve got so much to learn about alarm systems, Texas law, courier services—”
    â€œSlow down, Nicole.” Kelli patted her on the arm like a big sister. “My pals and I put together study materials for the licensing exam. I’ll e-mail the whole packet to you as an attachment when I get back to my office.”
    â€œDon’t be alarmed if I hug your neck and sob with gratitude.” Nicole laughed as she shook her head. She picked up her fork and dug into her neglected salad. “Suddenly I’ve got my appetite back.”
    Â 
    The next morning Nicole felt a lot better when she arrived at the office. With Kelli’s encouragement, she felt a bit more confident. Not even going to work before nine in the morning bothered her.
    Cat stood when Nicole walked in. The grim expression on her face dampened Nicole’s bright mood. Nicole marched to Cat’s desk with a sigh of resignation.
    â€œNow what,” Nicole said.
    â€œThe licensing commission called. They’ve had complaints about the guard uniforms. Marcus is out visiting three clients. I sent the call to Russell, since he orders supplies. His new secretary says he can’t be disturbed.” Cat cleared her throat.
    â€œWhat happened to the old secretary? She wasn’t that ‘old.’ The woman had only been on the job three months.”
    â€œRussell wasn’t satisfied with her performance.” Cat’s eyebrows went up to her hairline. “I’ll let him explain it to you.”
    â€œI’ll deal with that later. Now tell me about the commission.” Nicole’s bright mood was now completely gone.
    â€œThis makes three complaints in the last eight months.”
    â€œThe uniforms,” Nicole repeated. She went to her office with Cat on her heels.
    â€œYes, it seems the patches that identify them as security guards keep falling off.”
    Nicole dropped her purse on the credenza behind her desk. “So Russell is in a meeting with staff?”
    â€œNo.” Cat pursed her lips.
    â€œWith a client then.” Nicole sorted through messages on her desk.
    â€œUh-uh. He just got back.”
    Cat’s tone made Nicole look up. “Okay. I’ll just give him a call.” She punched in his three-digit extension. The fast busy signal indicated he’d punched the Do Not Disturb button.
    â€œHere is the guy’s name and number down at the division.” Cat held out the phone message memo slip to her.
    â€œFine. I’ll call.”
    Cat nodded and left. Nicole knew the importance of dealing with the issue as much from what Cat didn’t say as from what she did. Under Texas licensing laws for security, uniforms had to clearly identify security employees as guards. She called, only to find out there were other problems. Russell had promised to call the commission back three times.
    â€œYes, Mr. Frey. I understand. I’ll take care of it today. Thanks.” Nicole put down the phone and went toward Russell’s office. “I’ll be in with Russell.”
    â€œGood luck,” Cat muttered.
    â€œLuck won’t have a damn thing to do with it,” Nicole tossed back as she kept walking.
    Russell’s new secretary, a petite woman with her braids pulled back into a bun, jumped to her feet. “Mr. Summers is very busy, ma’am. I can call you when he’s free.”
    â€œWe haven’t met. I’m Nicole Benoit, CEO and Russell’s boss,” Nicole said. “And you are?”
    The young woman’s eyes widened. “Oh, Denise Sims. I-I’ve only been here one day.”
    â€œIt’s okay. Welcome to Summers Security.” Nicole waved a hand as she went to the closed door to Russell’s