Page 77 of Hating the Boss

“Good morning, Mr. Ashcroft,” he said with a single nod.

“Good morning,” I said, more as a question than a greeting. I couldn’t remember the last time I had spoken to security.

“Forgive me if I’m crossing a line,” he said hesitantly. “But I wasn’t aware you and your ex got back together.”

I did a double-take as I looked at him, not sure what he was talking about. “Excuse me?”

“Angela…dark hair. Blue eyes. Right?”

“Yes, that’s my ex, but we are not back together.”

I could see the guard’s eyes widen slightly, as if he had made some sort of mistake.

“What is going on?” I asked sternly.

“She came in this morning. Maybe an hour ago…” His brows furrowed together and his face became etched with worry.

“You’re sure it was Angela?” I asked, my heart beginning to thud in my chest. Whatever she was doing here, it couldn’t be good. I hoped Sarah hadn’t been up there.

“Yes.” He nodded. “She’s the only one who has been through this morning, sir.”

I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing Sarah wasn’t here to get caught up in whatever game Angela was playing. I still had to find out what that was though.

“She said she had a gift for you, sir,” he continued, his voice growing more fearful with each piece of news he delivered.

“A gift?” I repeated back.

“Yes, she took it up to your office.” He swallowed hard. “I’m so sorry, sir. She was very convincing. I try not to get wrapped up in personal affairs, so I just let her through.”

I could tell he was starting to sweat, realizing he must have made some kind of mistake to make me question him.

I placed my hand on his forearm and looked at him. “It’s okay,” I said.

He nodded a few times, not seemingly convinced.

“I have to go.” I jogged toward the elevators, leaving the worried security guard behind. I pressed the button for the top floor several times, willing the elevator doors to close. Finally, the ascent began, and soon I was walking out onto an empty floor. It was just past 8 a.m., and employees would soon be trickling in. I hoped Sarah would be one of them.

I strode for my office, looking for any sign of Angela or this so-called gift she brought me. My office was empty, though. There was no sign of a wrapped box or tissue paper-stuffed bag. An unease began to grow in my stomach. Something wasn’t right.

As I got closer to my desk, I noticed the drawers were slightly open. I yanked open the pulls, and sure enough, the drawers had been rifled through. Papers and office supplies were scattered through them, as if someone was searching for something. I noticed my laptop was open too.

“What the fuck?” I breathed out.

What could Angela have been looking for? And why?

I remembered how frantic she had seemed last night when she told me her fiancé had left her. How she had nothing. The look in her eyes was crazed. I wondered what she could be capable of if pushed too far. She had already been accused of embezzling. How desperate could she be?

I quickly picked up my desk phone and dialed down to security.

“Mr. Ashcroft. How can I help you?” a man answered on the other line.

“Angela Green is not allowed on the premises.”

“Sir?”

“I need a ban placed immediately,” I said impatiently.

“Yes, sir.”