Fifty-Three: Pierce

FIFTY-THREE

PIERCE

Can you come to my office?

I need to talk to you.

Jerry

On my way.

“ G ood afternoon.” He shut the door. “What do you need?”

“A favor.” I motioned for him to have a seat.

“I’m all ears.”

“Do you keep in contact with any of your old coworkers?”

“That’s against your staff policy.”

“I’m aware, but do you do it?” I clicked my pen. “Like Max, Sean, or Avery? You all were great friends before they eventually retired, so I’m just wondering if you still keep in touch.”

“I occasionally comment on their social media accounts and send them letters, but they know what comes with this job.” He eyed me suspiciously. “As the longest member of your staff, I follow all your rules to the letter.”

Of course. “Thank you very much. That’s all I wanted to know.”

He walked to the door, and then he looked over his shoulder.

“Mr. Dawson?”

“Yes?”

“Miss Hawthorne is subletting her apartment to earn extra money,” he said. “She’s working part-time at The French Laundry’s kitchen.”

“Who said anything about Harlow?”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re welcome.”