Page 28 of Nyx

Diego and Morrison both smile.

"Yes, it is. Salary starts at fifty-seven," Diego says.

My eyes widen. That pay is unheard of in this field for someone working at a shelter and not being part of the management team.

"But with your experience, you're probably looking closer to sixty-five," Diego continues.

The possibilities of what that could mean for me race through my head. I could easily feed my nest egg with that kind of money. It would mean the next time I have to move, I'd be in a much better position than I was this last time.

It seems almost too good to be true, and that sets an alarm bell off in my head, the day's events rushing back to me. The security at the shelter, the armed guard at the gate, the dog sniffing around my car.

If these were legit and good guys, why so much security? Who do good guys have to worry about hurting them, especially in a community they claim to give so much back to?

"I won't do anything illegal," I say.

"You would never be asked to do anything illegal," Diego assures me.

There's something in the way he says it that still doesn't put me completely at ease. He doesn't say they don't do illegal things, just that I won't be asked to do them.

"I can see your mind racing," Diego says without a hint of irritation in his voice. "We're law-abiding citizens, and we expect the same from anyone associated with the shelter. The position will require the utmost integrity, mandatory reporting, and the same care and attention to the residents living there that any reasonable person would want their closest loved one to get."

"Completely understandable," I say. "Thank you."

"Some things we just need to check off the list that you didn't mention. Just tell me if any of these are something you're not experienced with or have a problem with," Morrison begins, waiting for me to nod before he continues. "Emotional conversations with residents, de-escalation, documentation, including threats to the shelter and threats of self-harm by residents."

He looks up at me. "I'm good with all those."

"Maintaining security of the facility by making sure doors are locked, windows are secure, and not opening the door unless instructed by security staff. Compliance with emergency protocols, distributing supplies to residents, and maintaining inventory of supplies. Reordering supplies when they meet a certain threshold."

"I'm capable of all of those things so long as I have the protocols and inventory expectations."

"Identification of self-harm behaviors, abuse in children, and sneaky behaviors."

"A day in the life," I mutter, making Diego chuckle.

"We have to ask," he says. "If there's anything you haven't done or need more training on, just let us know."

"We provide a lot of transportation to the women who work, but also to doctor's appointments, shopping, etc., for the residents. A calendar must be kept for all these," Shadow continues.

"Easily done," I reply.

"Do you have any questions for us?" Diego asks, flipping the pages of my stapled resume and placing it on the table in front of him.

I chew the inside of my cheek before blowing out a breath. They seem like decent guys, and the money is enough to make me throw caution to the wind, but there's still that whisper in the back of my head that is telling me this is too good to be true.

I point to the paperwork on the table.

"The experiences in that resume are real," I say. "But the names, locations, and shelters aren't."

Diego nods. "I figured."

"I do have integrity," I rush out, knowing this is a huge thing for them.

Diego holds his hands up in front of him as if urging me to stop talking.

I snap my mouth shut. For some reason, there's a sting of tears threatening behind my eyes. I'm just tired. It would be nice to stop running for a while, and if there's any place to do that, I feel like this is the one. I'd hate to not get this job. I can't imagine there are many other options in the area, and I've already paid the deposit and first month's rent on my apartment.

"I have no doubt you do," Diego says, a softness in his voice I never expected from such a big guy like him. "We haven't made our final decision, but you're still a contender."