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“Is it true?” someone called.
“Yes,” I answered quietly, resulting in more chatter.
“Aw, leave her alone. Everyone deserves a second chance,” someone else said.
“I agree,” a new voice piped up. “Some people make a mistake, pay the consequence and learn from it, while others consistently repeat the same mistakes.” I looked up to see Ashley. She smiled at me as she linked her arm through mine before sending Misty a scathing look. “Maybe you could learn something from Madelyn, Misty. She’s the one who earned the job up here, not you. I’ve only known her for a few hours, and already I’m impressed by how fast she catches on and how she got right to work, while others think it’s fine to sit around and file their nails and let others do all the work.”
More murmuring and head nodding. I was speechless as Ashley, who had only met me hours ago, defended me to her peers. Our peers, I reminded myself.
Ashley wasn’t done. “I don’t know the reason behind what got Maddy in trouble, and neither do the rest of you,” she reminded them with a glare. “But I do know that if she got this job as part of a work program, it’s because she earned it, while you, Misty, got the job because of family connections.”
There were a few more murmurings. Some people still stared suspiciously at me; others kept a professional look of neutrality, while several gave Misty looks of disgust. Misty, who began to squirm as she realized she was becoming the bigger focus of attention, decided to let loose.
“Earned it? You mean by fucking her new boss?” She waved her arm at me while she scanned the crowd. “Did you know she leaves with him every day and comes in to work with him every morning?”
Ashley opened her mouth to retort, but I squeezed her arm. While I appreciated her support, I couldn’t remain a silent victim any longer. It was time to own who I was and how I wanted people to see me.
Squaring my shoulders, I did my best to hide the nervousness that hummed throughout me as I decided to bare myself to an entirely new jury of my peers. “It’s true. I did serve six years in prison after being convicted of murder. I won’t bore you with the details, and I won’t make excuses. I met Mr. Andrews when he escorted me from prison to my new apartment that was arranged for me as part of a new program established here, and he’s the only friend I’ve had, at least, until recently.” I smiled at Ashley, who smiled and nodded encouragingly in return.
“I’ll never be able to repay the opportunity the partners at this firm have given me, except to bring my best every day. Just over a week ago, I became homeless when my apartment building caught on fire. Mr. Andrews found out and offered me a place to stay so I didn’t have to remain in a shelter until I c
an make other arrangements. He’s been nothing but kind, respectful, and supportive. I’ll always be extremely thankful that he chose not to focus on how or where he met me, but has taken the time to get to know who I really am, and if any of you would allow me the same chance, I’d enjoy getting to know the rest of you better as well.”
A few onlookers broke out into applause while others hollered out words of encouragement. “Bravo! Well said.” “Welcome to the madness, Madelyn.” “Glad to have you here, Maddy.” “You go, girl. Show ‘em what you’ve got.” “Everyone deserves second chances.”
Emotions made my smile wobble as I felt a wave of support from my colleagues. A few people still looked unimpressed, but I knew they’d either come around or they wouldn’t. I was done trying to live my life to make an impression on others. How ironic that Misty’s attempt to hurt me actually drew out my pride and belief in myself. She must have sensed the same since she tried one more time to make her point.
“That doesn’t change the fact that you’re living with your boss.”
“A point that has already been addressed,” a deep voice said from behind me. “And I don’t appreciate anyone starting rumors about my personal life.” He moved to stand beside me, his strong arm snaking around my waist.
I stood sandwiched between Holt and Ashley, a line of solidarity against Misty’s unwarranted attack. Misty visibly shrunk when she saw Holt and knew she’d been called out on her lies.
“I think we’ve wasted enough time this morning arguing the merits of recent decisions at this firm,” Holt continued. “If anyone has anything else to say, they can say it directly to me and not behind my or Madelyn’s back. And if anyone chooses to further malign the character of myself or Madelyn, they’ll deal directly with me.”
“I wholeheartedly agree,” a voice boomed from the elevator. No one had heard the elevator’s ding above all the chaos or saw Mr. McCloskey and Mr. Barnes emerge from it. Mrs. Talbot was by their side. Both partners had stern expressions on their faces, while Mrs. Talbot had the same grim mouth she usually had. Everyone scattered like rabbits with a wolf in their midst until only Holt, Ashley, Misty and I remained.
When Misty tried to leave, her uncle stopped her. “A word, please.” He took her forearm and none-too-gently guided her to the elevator and in seconds they were gone.
Holt tried to run interference with his boss. “John, I—“
Mr. M held up his hand. “I heard enough.” He looked at Ashley. “Young lady, perhaps you should consider a career as a defense lawyer. In the meantime, if you’d excuse us for just a minute.”
She smiled nervously and hurried back to her office. The rest of us returned to Holt’s office.
“Madelyn,” Mr. M continued when we were alone, “I’m sorry your past was made public. I promised you anonymity if you got the job here. I have no idea how Misty found out, but unfortunately, your conviction is public record if anyone cares to look. She must have quite a grudge against you. But I assure you, Barnes will take care of his niece. I don’t think you’ll have to worry about her anymore. You conducted yourself well, though, my dear. In light of what happened, however, I need to know if you want to continue in your current position. Right or wrong, true or false, everyone is going to speculate about the two of you. If it weren’t for your safety, I’d remove you from this job without asking, but truthfully, I feel better knowing that someone like Holt always has his eyes out for you. But if you’re uncomfortable, we can talk about other ways to keep you safe.”
“Absolutely not,” Holt growled.
I turned to Holt. “Maybe it would be for the best. We can talk to the police...”
He was shaking his head. “Despite our suspicions the police won’t provide you escorts. Anything could happen to you.”
“But it could happen even when I’m with you, Holt. I don’t like endangering you.”
“Give me a week or two. My investigator is really good. With any luck, we’ll be able to figure out what’s going on. You’ll help me with what I need, and I’ll be able to keep an eye on your safety. With my military training, I’m just as good as any security the police would assign you. Plus, they have to follow you from a distance, and I can stay right by your side. Plus, I’m in a crunch since Susan left unexpectedly. I need help, and I know you’ll do better than any temp that an agency would send me.”
His argument made sense to me. “Okay. We’ll try it,” I agreed. “But completely professional at all times,” I warned.
