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Chapter Twenty-Seven
The next morning at work, the first thing Elizabeth did was ask Mr. Kent for his assistance with the plan to expose Mr. James. Without hesitation, he agreed to help, and he seemed happy that someone was finally going to stand up to the man.
“You realize if this backfires, we may lose our jobs,” Elizabeth pointed out.
“Yes, but you know what, in the end, it will be a small price to pay. I don’t want this happening to anyone else. I wish I would have been able to convince Maddie to do something like this, because then maybe this wouldn’t have happened to you.” He hung his head. “I’m so sorry it did.”
“What happened to me was not your fault,” she reassured, as she gave her boss’ arm a sympathetic squeeze.
At about 10:15 a.m., she and Mr. Kent entered the lunch room, knowing Darcy would soon arrive to take her break. The plan was in motion.
Elizabeth peeked out the doorway to find her assistant at the opposite end of the long hall, heading in their direction. A couple of beats passed. It was time to get started.
“Well, Mr. Kent I just wanted to let you know as soon as possible so you could plan the workload schedule.”
“I appreciate that, and congratulations, you and Joe must be very excited.”
“Joe, why would he be excited?” Elizabeth asked.
There was a slight pause before Mr. Kent spoke again, “I just assumed he was your boyfriend?”
“Oh no. Joe and I are just friends. Always have been, always will be just friends. Actually...well, don’t say anything yet because it hasn’t been formally announced, but Patrick James and I have developed a relationship,” Elizabeth replied, per the script, as she tamped down the rising bile in her throat caused by the simple mention of her and Patrick as a couple. She deemed the horrid taste in her mouth as ‘worth it’ when Darcy’s quick footsteps pounded in the opposite direction of the lunchroom. The plan was going to work; she could feel it in her bones.
* * * *
On Saturday morning, Elizabeth strolled over to Joe’s. Just like clockwork, Nick and his boys were there for their typical weekend visit.
As the kids played, she, Joe, and Nick discussed the details of the plan, and contemplated what Mr. James’ next move would be, and how they would react to each scenario. It surprised her that there hadn’t yet been some sort of reaction, from Mr. James or Patrick, to what Darcy had heard while eavesdropping on her and Mr. Kent. There was no doubt in her mind the woman had heard every word exchanged, yet, no response.
“Well, if nothing happens in the next couple of days, I suppose we could try to push it a little again from our end,” Nick suggested. “You know, just enough to make sure they know.”
She was thinking the same thing; just another little shove.
Joe hung his head. “I’m a little uncomfortable pushing it too soon again. I don’t want anything to happen while I’m out of town.” His comment drew both her and his brother’s full attention.
“Out of town,” Elizabeth repeated. Her heart sank. “Where are you going?”
He looked up at her. “I don’t want to go, but I have to. Sam was scheduled to go to Memphis to visit a client, but with the wedding being so close, he asked me if I would go in his place, and I couldn’t say no. He’s handled all of the trips since Amanda died so I didn’t have to be away from the kids.”
“How long will you be gone?” she asked hoping she didn’t sound as desperate as she felt.
“Monday morning through Wednesday evening. I’m really sorry I won’t be here. It’s killing me, knowing I won’t be here for you during this time.” His shoulders slumped.
She reached over and squeezed his hand. “It’s okay. I’ll be all right. I’m sure nothing is going to happen while you’re gone.” Her pulse sped. Who was she trying to convince, herself or him?
“Don’t worry, I’m on it. I’ll be right here keeping an eye on things,” Nick reassured him.
Elizabeth knew he meant it, and he’d probably die before he let his brother down.
“Who’s going to watch the kids?” Elizabeth asked.
“I talked to my dad yesterday, and he’s going to spend Monday and Tuesday night here to keep an eye on things. The kids are excited to spend some time with Grandpa.”
A short time later, Nick gathered up his boys, loaded them into his truck, and headed home. The remainder of the weekend went on as normal as could be expected in the Antonetti house under such circumstances. Joe ran around trying to get everything in place prior to leaving on his trip—meals, homework, and of course his presentation for his Memphis clients.
