Adduné - the Vampire's Game by Wendy Potocki Page B

Further, his personality meshed. Herb had quickly fit in and had already become one of the boys. Even with the glowing personal recommendations, Sy reserved judgment. He couldn’t kick loose what his friend had said about him, so he determined that today, he would keep his eyes and ears open to learn the truth about Mr. Herbert Pinckus. This was especially true after listening to what Frank Blanding had to say. This job was crucial to keeping a valued client. Sy would be extra careful in watching Herbert and making sure he didn’t compromise that relationship. He’d be damned if he let him go and give Blanding’s a bad name. This assignment would be pivotal in deciding Herbert’s future with Blanding’s. If he proved himself, Sy would give him a favorable review. If not, Sy had no trouble speaking his mind as to why Herbert should not continue his employment with Blanding’s.
     
    The ride out to Weatherly Manor was pleasant enough. As they pulled up to the estate, he immediately recognized the unflappable Reginald Charles standing out front to greet them. He’d worked with him many times before. Sy hopped out of the huge van and shook his hand.
     
    “ Good day, Mr. Charles. Nice to see you again.”
     
    “ It’s nice to see you, too, Sy. I see Mr. Blanding has given this job to the right man.”
     
    Sy laughed softly.
     
    “ It’s very gracious of you to say so, sir. And I’m going to make sure you get the excellent service that Blanding’s always delivers to its customers. Now are you going to be showing us what we’re moving today, sir? Or will we be taking our marching orders from Mr. Figgs per usual?”
     
    Reginald looked down at his feet for a moment. He hadn’t anticipated any questions about William Figgs and hadn’t thought of a cover story. He decided to play it safe and stick to the truth, but not quite all of it.
     
    “ Mr. Figgs has decided to retire. Lord knows he’s earned the right. He won’t be with us anymore.”
     
    “ Is that so, sir? Well, I can rightly understand. I’m approaching that age myself, I am.”
     
    “ I’m sure it’ll take more than age to get you to retire!”
     
    “ You got me there, sir,” Sy replied good-naturedly.
     
    “ If you’ll follow me,” Reginald stated as he disappeared in the bowels of Weatherly.
     
    Sy took a step back and called to his men, “I’m gonna go in and figure out what we need. Start unpacking the truck and leave the materials on the step for now. Come on! We’re movers, so let’s move!” He jogged, quickly catching up to Reginald, “Sorry, sir. Sometimes you gotta crack the whip. Make sure everybody minds their p’s and q’s.”
     
    “ Quite right, Sy. Quite right.”
     
    Reginald led the way downstairs with Sy close behind.
     
    As soon as Sy issued his order, Herb sprinted into action. He’d been thrilled that Sy was heading the team. It was his first chance to work with him and prove his worth, but that was before his back started giving him problems. He’d been up all night, but didn’t dare call in sick – not so close to his final review. And what could he have used as an excuse? He couldn’t very well tell them the truth about having a trick back. It would end all hope of being a Blanding’s mover. He knew the flare-up was his fault. He’d aggravated the pre-existing condition by putting on weight and not using his lifting belt. If he followed the guidelines and got in shape, he could make things work out. He just needed to get through this day.
     
    He hopped in the back of the van and saw Henry ready to pick-up some of the smaller crates. Herb had to be fast. He made his move.
     
    “ Here, I’ll take the smaller stuff. You can get the packing material.”
     
    “ Right ya, are, Herbie,” Henry acquiesced. He was a follower and preferred someone else making the decisions.
     
    Herb watched Henry take an armful of materials from the truck. As soon as he left the van, Herb quickly set the minimal