Page 57 of Love At Peace

She nodded. “I called him too.” She cringed, ducking and lifting her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I know I said I wouldn’t, but after I saw him rush up to you outside my house I just couldn’t stop thinking about how different that could’ve turned out if Fergus and I weren’t there.”

I sighed, placing my hand on hers that she rested on the table. “It’s okay. If anyone were to ever lie to me about something, that was forgivable. Yes, I wanted to count on her to not tell someone my secrets or talk about confidential stuff behind my back, but in that case, she’d done it to protect me. I understood that.

“Will you come with me to the station so I can talk to Marty?” I asked.

She beamed, lighting up with instant excitement. “Right now? On our lunch break? Hell yeah!”

“Well, I was thinking we could go back to the bank.” I checked the time on my watch. We only had twenty minutes left and my conversation with Burton’s personable cop would take longer than that. “Tell Janelle, and then walk over there.”

She nodded, agreeing. “Oh, for sure. She’d totally understand. I mean, today’s a busy day, but she’ll understand.”

I hoped so.

After we paid for our lunches, we walked back toward the bank. While I was nervous, a little thread of excitement struck me too. I was going to do something other than run away and try to hide from my ex. I would take action, for better or worse. It was odd that I had the support that I did—my former childhood bully, a new coworker, and potentially, the last man I’d ever kiss. Roarke had that quality, that appeal of being the one, but I tried to keep myself looking at this one step at a time.

Ashley’s video of David trying to drug a woman was a huge turning point, and it was what helped me refocus my goals from running to fighting. I didn’t have to do this alone.

“I can’t wait. I cannot wait for that punk to get what he’s got coming to him.”

“I just hope it works.”

“Even if he tries to weasel his way out of trouble, you’re doing the right thing. He’s probably responsible for knocking out and punching your cousin. That’s assault. He’s harassed you. And with this video of him trying to drug a woman at the bar, he’s taken the whole being-an-asshole gig way too far. Someone’s got to stand up to him.”

Hearing her list the grievances against him reinforced me to go through with this. To show Marty that video. To tell him all that David had done. As soon as I spoke with Marty, I’d text Ashley back to let that video go live online.

Or that was the plan.

When Nance and I arrived at the bank, it seemed that Marty was making it easier for me. He was there, back in the employee area near our offices. I wouldn’t have to tell Janelle that I wanted to speak with him at the police station, with Nance as my backup. He’d come here.

Janelle stood next to him. Her brow was creased and lined with worry. Both of them stood together, almost blocking my way to my desk. As if they’d been waiting for me.

That wasn’t all.

I took in the full scene of the workplace I was so familiar with already after a short time.

Two others were standing near my office door. The woman, I had no clue who she was. But the man, I could’ve sworn I recognized his face. I’d only seen it in a small circle on my computer screen though, in the form of a user ID photo linked to the email I had for the county worker I had to email most often.

“What’s going on?” Nance asked.

I couldn’t find my voice. Seeing this many people looking at me, with equal parts worry and condemnation, I felt dizzy with anxiety.

They’re county officials. I only had one connection to them.

The toy drive.

The toy drive that they’re still investigating because of the compromised data from my laptop.

“Janelle?” I asked, wishing my voice was stronger and wouldn’t show how nervous I was.

Marty cleared his throat mildly, getting my attention before my boss could reply. “Heather? Fraud complaints are being filed against the bank. Against you. I’m here to handle the proper collection of evidence for the county.”

Nance’s jaw dropped. I went rigid.

“I’m...I’m...” I couldn’t say it. I couldn’t ask it. I could barely think with the proverbial rug being pulled out from beneath my feet.

“There are concerns about you committing fraud,” Janelle said, repeating what Marty said but in a gentler tone, as if my slack-jawed reaction indicated I was confused.

Nevaeh!