“Good morning,” Emma replied.

 She blushed just slightly. It was almost imperceptible, but she glanced briefly away.

 Was that about the words they’d exchanged when Emma was interviewed and hired, or something else? Did Adam really have errands? Errands my ass, Riley thought.

 “How was your weekend?” Riley asked.

 “Very nice, thanks. I had the best Thanksgiving. The lady I’m renting from and her girlfriends, all widows a bit beyond a certain age, had dinner and included me—it was fantastic.”

 “Good. What about Rosemary?”

 “Didn’t you know? Rosemary and her third husband, Vince, moved to Palm Springs years ago. I haven’t heard a word from Lauren or Anna. I’m not even sure if they’re still around here. With any luck, Rosemary and I are finished. I haven’t heard from her since...since Richard’s death.”

 Riley made a face. “With any luck,” Riley muttered under her breath. She led Emma to the conference room. “Makenna is ready for you. Makenna, this is Emma Shay.”

 Emma put out her hand. “Pleased to meet you. And thank you. I’ll try to be your star pupil.”

 “They all say that. Get yourself a cup of coffee if you like. We’re going through the handbook first. Coffee’s in the kitchen.”

 Emma reached into her bag. “I brought my coffee,” she said, pulling out a large thermal cup.

 “Save it for later. Get office coffee while you can. Meet me in here.”

 “Thanks,” Emma said, heading for the kitchen.

 Riley went to her desk. No, surely not, Riley thought. Surely Adam wasn’t spending more than a little time with Emma. He wouldn’t get romantically involved with her, would he? Weren’t they all conflicted enough without that?

 I will fire her, Riley thought.

 * * *

 Emma eyed the handbook—a large spiral notebook two and a half inches thick.

 “We’re going to start with some important company rules and guidelines. I have a notebook like this for you to borrow. You can make copies, take notes, memorize, whatever works best for you, and you can have it for two weeks. There is always a book in the office. Nick Cabrini, director of operations, has this book on his computer and phone. I have one at all times and you can stop by here or call any of us with questions. Let me put that more clearly—if you have a question, please check the book to make sure you’re acting within company policy before doing anything.”

 Emma frowned. “Like?”

 “I’m going to tell you.” Makenna flipped open the book. “Nick or Riley give the estimates and unless there are special conditions, the client contracts for our basic house or office cleaning services, which are very thorough. We’ll go over the basic in a few minutes. Extra duties must be approved by Nick and he will make a charge, so please don’t quote prices to the client. Extras include things like windows, refrigerator/freezer cleaning, garage cleaning, patio and outdoor furniture cleaning, cupboard clearing, laundry, special-event cleanup—like receptions, holiday entertaining, et cetera. We don’t provide child care or care of the elderly or infirm. We’re not plumbers—we don’t unplug toilets. If they can’t figure it out, we have subcontractors—plumbers, electricians, pool service, chimney sweeps, landscapers and gardeners and so on. There’s a very long list, right here.” She tapped a page in the book. “It’s routine for our clients to ask for more without considering the time and expense, so we have a standard. We never use the client’s cleaning supplies—only ours are approved. They’ve been known to come up with weird concoctions that stain, damage or create noxious fumes. They can damage their own possessions. Likewise, you will learn about materials and cleaning agents and will not take the homeowner’s cleaning advice—for your own protection. When the lady of the house says, ‘Just use a little bleach on this Oriental rug,’ you will explain that doesn’t match your instructions and offer the services of our in-house expert, Nick, who will be happy to consult before we have to buy her a new rug. And if you think clients haven’t tried to dupe the poor, stupid cleaning lady into ruining something so it can be replaced for free, you’re unbearably naive. For breakage, which is going to happen, we have insurance with a high deductible. The company will cover each team member for the first fifty dollars—that’s the odd wineglass, ashtray, soap dish or plate.

 “We use only the front powder room if the need for a bathroom arises and if there is no powder room, we’ll designate an appropriate restroom in the home. We don’t eat in the client’s house but a drink of bottled water—our own—is appropriate. We don’t accept new or used gifts or clothing. Under any circumstances. If they want to tip you in cash, it’s acceptable. Individual cleaning teams cannot offer discounts or additional work without being approved. We don’t develop personal relationships with our clients—be cheerful, helpful and courteous. If someone wants to discuss problems, if they’re not cleaning problems, explain that you’re not at liberty to offer advice or act as a confidante. We have a policy that individual employees not make arrangements with clients to work on the side. And there is a non-compete agreement that you will be asked to sign that states you will not work as an independent house cleaner or maid until you have been separated from Kerrigan’s Services for six months.

 “Our clients have an expectation of privacy and confidentiality. We understand that it is unrealistic to suggest cleaners never chat among themselves, but we do have an ironclad rule that no employee of this company discuss clients’ personal matters outside of the company. It goes without saying—if you’re accused of stealing, you will be investigated by the police. It has happened and I am proud to report, it has rarely been true. So if you have any legal issues, wants or warrants that will be complicated by a law enforcement intervention, best to say so now.” She gave Emma a chance to say so. After a moment’s silence Makenna cleared her throat and went on. “And if you run into burdensome issues you can’t quite manage, please bring them to me, Nick or Riley. Believe me, we’ve seen it all.”