Page 43 of Too Old for Love

“Wow, you’re asking a lot, Luke. I’m one man,” frowned Mike.

“I don’t expect it to be a one-man show. I expect that you’ll hire men, either those you currently worth with and trust, or some of our own men may decide to move over and help you.”

Luke slide a sheet of paper across the table.

“When you have time, review the offer and let me know.”

“I don’t need to review the offer, Luke. I know you’ll treat me fairly, us fairly.”

“What about me?” asked Everest. “I don’t really want to retire right now. I want to stay active and busy.”

“We’re prepared to offer you a job at the hospital,” smiled Ajei. “We need someone familiar with medical claims, medications, all of it. Our system is the most advanced in the world but the team will get you familiarized. We think you’ll be exceptionally helpful for those patients who have insurance claims.”

“What do you mean, ‘those patients’? Don’t they all have insurance claims?”

“Normally, we don’t charge the locals or own people for services. We occasionally will get those needing our expertise that come via a sort of concierge medical service. We pick them up and bring them to the clinic or hospital, in order to maintain our anonymity.”

“Wow, that’s incredible,” said Everest. “I’d be very interested in the role.”

“Wonderful! I know everyone will be thrilled to have you join the team,” said Ajei.

“Wait. Don’t I need to interview? Give you a resume? Show you my skills?” she asked. Ajei laughed, shaking her head.

“Honey, we know everything we need to know. Welcome to the team.”

“I think I’m in love with this place,” smirked Everest. Mike laughed, nodding his head.

“I’m thinking about at least ten guys right now with the department that might want to try something new, something different.”

“Just remember,” said Luke, “they would have to undergo intense investigations, background checks, all of it.”

“You didn’t make me do that,” frowned Mike. Luke chuckled.

“Brother, we knew who you were and we knew your background. We did some behind the scenes checks on you but we already knew the story.”

“What about trucks, equipment, all the special things that departments need? I mean, if we’re talking full blown first responders, I’ll need fire trucks, ladders, oxygen tanks, ambulance…” Luke held up his hand, shaking his head.

“You give me a list of what you’ll need and we’ll get it. We’ll build the station near all the other business, backing up to the main fence. We’ll insure that there is an entrance to the rear for any emergencies on property, but the main entrances and exits will be facing the main road. I would think you’ll need thirty to forty men, preferably trained firefighters with medic or EMT certifications.”

“That makes sense,” nodded Mike. “That way it’s really just one department and we’re all double trained.”

“You’re an EMT?” asked Everest.

“Medic,” nodded Mike. “On our team everyone had to be certified as medics.”

“I thought you were in the Army assigned to a Ranger team,” she asked staring at him. Luke smirked.

“Everest, most Rangers, SEALs, anyone on Special Forces is trained with basic medic skills. Some have a lot more training. Wilson was not only a medic as a SEAL, but he is also a registered nurse.”

“That big guy over there?” she gasped. Ajei laughed.

“That big guy is one of the best nurses and surgical technicians I’ve ever worked with. He’s added more credentials and certifications to his resume than anyone I know. He, Cruz, and Doc are our senior team but they don’t look it or act it.”

“Senior? Like me?” frowned Everest.

“Oh, honey,” laughed Ajei, “at Belle Fleur you are not senior. You’re barely hitting mid-life.”

“I think I might need more information,” said Everest.