Luckily, before I inked that decision in place, my cell phone vibrated in my front pants pocket. I was surprised to see Lon’s name on a text. We rarely texted or emailed for that matter, strictly staying professional. All other communication was done privately, through untraceable measures.
“Richmond Holdings has responded.”
“Stone’s reading it now. They’re ridiculous. We’re gonna have a madhouse on our hands. I’ll call you back.”
Before the words were fully out of my mouth, the telephone’s control panel lit up like a Christmas tree in the darkness of night. Instantly, every line flashed with an incoming call. Even though we’d kept a very low profile, and the last few days since filing the complaint had been quiet, I’d sent a directive for my staff to consider working from home. Those few here were the diehards. The ones who didn’t like life outside of work, or music, or happiness, for that matter.
I had also approved private protection for Brianne, Stone, Beau, Amelia, and the children. I’d expanded it to include the women listed in the complaint. The expenses in this case were through the roof and we’d barely begun.
I left Stone at his desk and headed for my office to see what was being said online.
“Beau’s barreling up in his old fishing pickup, tires screeching and so on,” Stone said through the intercom system he used even though I was feet away. “Seems dramatic.”
“Hmm.” I stood behind my desk. When my husband was riled up, he rarely kept quiet. His voice carried, loud and unapologetic. I waited, knowing he’d storm through the door, straight for my office. Once here, Stone generally shut the door behind Beau, and stopped actively listening to give Beau privacy, certainly not me.
I heard the bells clang against the door as it was slammed open.
“Where is he?” Beau announced angrily. “Stone, you need to pack this up and go home. If you need help, I’ll take you,” he said with authority, as if he had the right to dismiss my staff.
The clomp of his booted feet came through my office door, and he scanned the room. His cell phone was at his ear.
“The sorry bastards made all this public like it hadn’t been hangin’ over their heads for a few days. They’re attackin’ you and said the allegations are a malicious attempt to ruin their family’s bullshit values. They’re talkin’ about you like you’re a piece of shit they were forced to do away with. They’re givin’ a further public statement at four o’clock. Come on, you gotta go home. I need to get the kids. Everyone needs to stay home and be safe.”
His frustration ended with his hands flying through the air then dropping to his sides. Whoever was on the phone was forgotten.
“They’re stirrin’ people up against the way we live. Scott says it has to be bots, but it hit social media hard, everywhere instantly. You’re immediately trendin’. It had to be a planned attack. It’s not gonna be safe for you or Stone. Not in today’s world. We gotta get you home.” His thumb tossed over his shoulder. “I was buyin’ bait and Scott called. That’s why I was here so fast.”
Stone came to the middle of the doorway, arms crossing worriedly over his chest, concentrating on Beau. I understood where Beau’s anxiety came from, but as I stared at my guy in his best fishing attire, his smell wafted toward me. It wasn’t great. There was zero chance I was getting into the cab of his truck. I felt sure Stone agreed.
My phone began a rapid-fire succession of texts from my colleagues and friends.
“Game time.”
“Keep your head up.”
“The mudslinging has started. It appears you’re the target.”
“I’ll respond with a public statement. Stay low.” That one came from Lon and was a rare statement of concern, which validated Beau’s unease.
“I forwarded the phones to Lon’s office,” Stone said, his fingers hovering over his nose as if to fend off Beau’s odors. “And told the people in the office to go home.”
“Lon’s handling the communication,” I explained to Beau. “I miscalculated the depth of finger pointing. I didn’t expect what you’re saying to happen so swiftly. They must have hired a marketing firm to bombard social media. Let’s get everyone home and reconvene from there.” Stone didn’t need to be told twice. He was gone, closing down his station. My inner chaos was working overtime which made my outward calm close to comatose. I reached for my suit coat, shrugging it on.
“Babe, I love how you’re here to put yourself between me and harm’s way, but everyone just needs to take a calming breath, which is hard to do with the way you smell,” I explained.
“I’ve been cleanin’ fish. Why’s that even a concern?” Beau asked, aggravated, coming at me as I started out of my office.
“Is Beau taking me home?” Stone asked. “I have Febreze.”
“Of course, he’s not taking you home. I’m paying an exorbitant amount of money for your safety. You’re fine,” I said, locking my office door behind Beau. “Are you following me?”
“Yeah,” Beau said, shaking his head at the obvious absurd question as he started out of the building. Once outside, the sun was shining brightly, the birds chirping. If the chaos was in fact true, it wasn’t reaching us yet, which had to be a good sign.
“I love you,” I added, splitting from him to head to my parking spot.
“What does that matter right now?” he asked, following me. “The kids don’t even know about the security people. That school’s front office can be dense. Have you told them…”
Beau was apparently the other thing I didn’t plan for properly. He loved me by pushing my head down and inside the vehicle as I lifted into the Tahoe.
