DREAM by Mary Smith Page B

meet Jacob Matherson.”
    Jacob stands and holds out his hand. “Mrs. Butler, I’ve heard so much about you from Gable and Gideon. It’s nice to meet you.”
    I take his hand and gingerly shake it. I study his face. I know he’s around Gable’s age, but he’s well known for his illegal activities. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen him on TV being arrested, but none of the charges ever stick. Something always happens; like evidences go missing or potential witnesses end up in the river.
    Gable pulls my chair out and I sit, scooting closer to him. I feel as if Jacob’s karma will jump off him and into me if I’m too close.
    “Nice to meet you as well,” I lie to him.
    “I ordered already for us.” Gable adds in quickly. “Jacob’s on a time limit, but he wants to discuss a few things with you.”
    “With me?” What could he possibly want with me? How the hell does Gable know this guy?
    “Yes.” Jacob straightens the yellow tie that he’s paired with his navy blue suit. “I’ve recently acquired a new business and I know JE is the best business management company around and I would like to hire you.”
    “Hire me?”
    “I know you typically purchase the companies and sell them. However, I’m mainly looking for someone to come in and, let’s say, clean house .” He smirks at me as the light shines off his dark beard and shiny black hair.
    I try not to fidget and am thankful the waiter comes in with our food so I can do something with my hands. It’s not every day you sit at the same table with a known killer. Well, allegedly, anyway.
    “It’s a small business, but the people weren’t doing things up to par, so to speak. I came in and helped them out.”
    “So, you want to keep the employees?”
    “I could care less.” He cuts into his steak. “I have my own people who are coming in, but the former owners will stay on the payroll. Whether they actually work or not is of no concern for me.”
    “Um…” I look at Gable.
    “Jacob, you may want to be a little more forthcoming with Dream. She’ll need details if you want to hire her.” Thankfully, he says what I’m thinking.
    Never in my life has someone, especially a man, ever intimidated me. Right now, I’m about to run out of the room and hide.
    “I’m not a very forthcoming person, Gable.” Jacob’s eyes narrow slightly at him.
    “In this situation, you will be. She’s my wife and can be trusted.” Gable gives it right back to him.
    Jacob glances over at Gideon and I see him nod, before Jacob brings his eyes to me. He rubs his chin for a moment before saying anything.
    “Fine,” he picks up his knife and fork again, sawing into the steak. “I received this business because money was owed to me by the owners. Since they couldn’t pay, I took their business in exchange. Now, since it’s my reputation on the line, I want this place to be the best. Right now, they’re mediocre. I want you go in and turn it around.”
    He took this company from its owners. How is that even legal? Says the girl who married a man for his money to keep her company.
    “I’ll have to go over my schedule and see which team is available-”
    Jacob cuts me off by laughing loudly. “Oh no, you misunderstand me. You will be the one to go in and fix the problem.”
    “Me?”
    “That’s what I said.”
    “I’m not able to. I mean I have the best business minds working for me. They’re the ones on the ground while I run the company and oversee them.”
    Jacob shakes his head. “I don’t trust people very well, Mrs. Butler. I’m sure you can understand.”
    That’s because you’re a criminal and I don’t want to do business with you.
    “Then, I’m sorry you wasted your time.” I tell him.
    “Are you saying ‘no’?” Gideon jumps in with in shock.
    “Yes, I am. I’m not able to do what you need to be done.”
    “Even if I paid you ten million dollars?”
    I gasp. What an obscene amount of money to hire me? “Are you