Nick must have noticed because he stepped in several times and made them back down with a few words.My concern was all for Valerie.
“Agreed, but they were doing their job.”John looked at Valerie.“Are you okay?”
“Fine, John.Thank you.”She rubbed her forehead.
I’d been at surprised at how composed and controlled she’d been, but then again, that was Valerie.“It’s been a long couple of days.”
“Of course.Why don’t you go home.I’d like you to come in on Monday, so we can discuss next steps and close out your contract with FI.”
John rarely got involved with contractors, so what was different now?Why did he need to talk with Valerie?
“I’ll be here.”She stood and walked to the door.
I was going to follow her when John said, “Lucas, stay.”
I couldn’t ignore my boss’ request no matter how much I wanted to.
“Sit down.We need to have a talk.”
* * *
An hour later, I grabbed my keys and left my office.John hadn’t been happy that I’d taken off without notice especially with everything we were going through.He took me to task about how I reacted in the meeting.
I tried to explain, but he waved my words away, saying what went on after hours wasn’t his business.He did understand about the family emergency, but next time, check in, then he dismissed me.
The exhaustion on Valerie’s face in the meeting tugged at my heart.How many of her sleepless nights at finding out her father’s company was involved in an embezzlement scheme were made worse by my absence.
Traffic was horrible at this time of day.After spending all the time in the meeting, then another thirty minutes with John, it was going to be late before I got to Valerie’s house.When I finally arrived, there was another car in her driveway.Who was at her house?I walked up to the door and was about to knock when I heard raised voices that I recognized.Oh, hell, no.I turned the knob; luckily, the door was unlocked.
“How could you?”a female voice screeched.
“It’s my job.”Valerie’s sad voice spoke volumes.
I stopped in the doorway to her living room.Her mother and sister flanked her, their faces red and angry.Valerie stood there, looking defeated—as if this conversation had been going on for a while.
“You framed Daddy,” Kendall whined.
“Why did you do it?”her mother yelled.
“As I’ve said, it’s my job.I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Damn right, you’ve done nothing wrong,” I said, moving into the room.There was no way I was going to let these two put the blame on Valerie.She wasn’t at fault.Valerie’s gaze focused on me, and her chin went up.Maybe I shouldn’t be stepping in, but I couldn’t let her family hurt her anymore, not today.
The two women turned to me.“This has nothing to do with you,” Mrs.Ray said.
“He’s come to support us.”Kendall grinned and moved toward me, her arms outstretched.
The woman had no shame.“I’ve come to support Valerie.”Side-stepping her, I went straight to Valerie.“Are you okay, sweetheart?”I touched her pale cheek.
“You’re here.”Her voice was soft.
“No other place I’d rather be than with you.”Her eyes grew wide.
“But…”
“Nothing.”I placed my fingers against her lips.“We can talk as soon as they leave.”
“Oh, we’re not leaving,” her mother said.
