Excerpt:

The boss gripped his hand tighter as Brian went to pull away. He leaned closer, so Brian could hear the man’s breathing.

“Just remember, Miller,” the man said quietly, his hushed voice more threatening than a shout or a punch, “I own you. I got you, and I can get someone else, someone better, just as easily. You. Are. Disposable.”

The man squeezed Brian’s hand one final time, and Brian imagined he could feel the bones crunching together under the man’s grasp. He’d have bruises, there, he was sure, but he kept his face straight. The boss let go, and Brian had to consciously stop himself from snatching his hand back. Brian nodded, and turned to go.

“Two days, Miller. Be ready.”

Brian nodded. “Yes, sir,” he said, and walked out of the office.