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After dessert and finally Robert’s indication that they were all tired and needed to get ready for tomorrow’s meeting then flights home, she stood up and said good-bye. They exchanged pleasantries and Jeffrey stormed off. The Bradshaws left and she felt kind of uncomfortable about the situation.
“Robert, I wasn’t going to say anything, but I feel it’s necessary. I don’t like or appreciate the way that Jeffrey is acting toward me. He’s been trying to get me to go out with him and I’ve refused. He sent me a note and a rose before we left and then visited me and I told him I wasn’t interested. He saw me with my boyfriend. I’ve heard some things,” she began to say as she lowered her eyes and thought about how she’d indicated that Gunny was her boyfriend. She hoped that he wouldn’t mind. After all, she actually would have three if this relationship worked out. Robert touched her hand.
“I’m sorry, Gia. I’ve been made aware of the latest incident with one of the female employees at work. I’ve also had an investigator contact me, just yesterday before we left. I think the board has been covering things up for Jeffrey because his father used to own a fair amount of stocks. He no longer does and that kind of loyalty shouldn’t be given to a man with his sort of behavior. I’m going to have to fire him. This company is too important to me. I have great employees and a lot of women working in the company as well. Including my sisters and cousins. I can’t allow the workplace to feel unsafe for any of you.”
She took a deep breath.
“I’m happy to hear that you feel that way and are aware of the situation. I’m glad we talked.”
He smiled at her. “And I’m glad that you’re on board. The Bradshaws adore you, but then again who wouldn’t? You’re so down-to-earth and real. You have a good night’s sleep and we’ll see you in the morning. Hopefully the meeting is short and you can head back to your Ranger boyfriend by the afternoon.”
She smiled.
“Me, too. Goodnight.”
Gia walked out of the dining area and toward the elevators. It was after midnight. The hotel was quiet and she couldn’t wait to get to bed. As she exited to her floor, she actually anticipated the feel of the soft, king-sized bed in the executive suite. She was traveling first class all the way. Robert had excellent taste.
As she opened her purse to pull out her key card she rounded the corner where the single door to her room stood and there was Jeffrey.
She gasped a moment and he looked at her with evil eyes. She knew this was a bad situation, but she tried to remain calm.
“What are you doing here, Jeffrey?” she asked.
“Waiting on you, like I’ve been for months.” He reached for her and she stepped back.
“Get the hell out of here. I’m not interested.”
“You’re just playing hard to get, but I’m not playing anymore.”
He grabbed her and pulled her into the corner against the door. She immediately pushed against him and he struck her hard against her cheekbone. She screamed and he covered her mouth then tried to rip her dress open. He was going to try to rape her right here in the hallway.
She fought against him. Her martial arts training had become instinct. She lifted her knee hard, striking him in the balls and causing him to loosen his hold. With an upper cut to his chin, his head went back and he retaliated by banging her head against the door. He was strong and bigger than her, but she was determined to get out of this situation. She continued to scream, hoping to alert other guests staying on the same floor of the situation. She felt dizzy but lost the sense of fear and screamed in anger. She forearmed him in the throat then took a swing at his face. In a flash the tables were turned as she used his face as a punching bag and just kept swinging and hitting. Her knuckles were burning, her breathing rapid as he ripped her dress and shoved her hard against the wall, her shoulder feeling as if it crunched against the hard surface.
He swung at her face, but she ducked and his fist hit the hard wall, instantly breaking. She kicked him again then shoved him to the ground. He cried in pain as security guards entered the hallway along with a manager from the hotel.
“Miss, are you okay? My God.”
She slid to the floor against the wall and pulled her dress tightly closed. She noticed that her hand was bleeding and her cheek ached, but more so she felt about ready to pass out. She tried to remain awake, but her head really throbbed. She faded in and out of consciousness. Did he bang my head that hard against the wall? She could see the men in uniform, the paramedics and a police officer. Finally she felt the thump of the gurney as they exited the ambulance and went into the main emergency entrance of the hospital. She knew she was safe now, so she closed her eyes and rested.
* * * *
“So you really miss her, huh?” Teddy asked Garrett as they sat at the bar and watched the game on TV. It was late and Wes just sat down to join them after helping his father in the back room.
“I’m man enough to admit that I do,” Garrett said with a smile as he wiped his hands on the bar towel.
“She’ll be back in a day. Just one more day,” Wes said then released a long sigh.
The bar was crowded and the music blaring, but Teddy felt his phone vibrating. At first he thought about ignoring it, but being a detective, he knew at any time some news could pop up on a case or a new investigation could get started.
“Excuse me while I take this.” He got up and walked down the hallway, noticing the private number that came up on the caller ID.
“Hello.”
“Yes, is this Teddy Warner?” a man asked.
“Yes, it is.”
“My name is Detective Masterson. I’m with the Dallas Police Department. I’m calling on behalf of your cousin Gia Giselli. She was admitted to the hospital this evening.”
