AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her blackmailing won’t stick. I’m done. “Get out of my office,” I snarl, my nostrils flaring.
“I’m serious.”
“So…am…” I stand, bracing my palms on the desk, my exasperated breaths coming out in loud, labored exhalations. “I,” I conclude, leaning forward and fastening her with my anger.
She knows she has five seconds to leave of her own accord, before I act on instinct and throw her out. “Goodbye, Dr. Mathews. I’d say it was a pleasure, but that’s a complete lie.” She adjusts the strap on her bag, standing tall.
“Good day, Ms. Harte.” I too stand tall, folding my arms across my chest. She has three seconds left.
Two…and…
“Oh, and go fuck yourself,” I add as she yanks open the door. She glares at me over her shoulder before storming from the room.
“Get out of my way, you old hag!” Juliet yells. Susanna has no doubt been standing guard. As she stomps off, I can’t help but smirk as her frenzied footsteps reflect her rage.
Susanna ducks her head around the door a second later. “Is everything all right, Dr. Mathews?”
“It is now, Ms. Vale.”
She walks into the room, appearing mortified. “I am so sorry. She just barged right past me. I tried to stop her.”
I place my hands on her upper arms softly. “It’s fine. I know how assertive Ms. Harte can be. But if that ever happens again, you have my permission to call security.”
She tilts her head in doubt. “Surely she won’t be back after such a display?”
Sighing, I reply, “I wouldn’t be so sure.”
“Madison, this is message number seven. I hope you’re okay. Anyhow, I’ll be a little late tonight.I have something I have to takecare of. You go ahead and order wherever you like for dinner, and I’ll eat when I get home. I love you.” I end the call, frustrated that Maddy has been MIA all day.
I know she said she’d be inaccessible, but I can’t help thinking the worst.
Looking at the text message Juliet sent me earlier, I can’t believe she’s chosen to meet at the worst possible motel in Queens, of all places. But I suppose she wants to be as inconspicuous as possible seeing as our dealings are rather shady after all.
Turning off my computer, I slip into my jacket and grab my leather briefcase. Looking around my office, I know that when I return tomorrow, I’ll be a different man. I’ll most likely be a broken one because once I sign those papers, I’ll tell Madison the truth. I’ll tell her all of it, just like I should have from the very beginning.
As I lock my office door, I’m surprised to see Susanna is still sitting at her desk. “Ms. Vale? Why are you still here? You should have left hours ago.” I look down at my watch and see that it’s now 7:45 p.m.
When I notice her handbag is perched in her lap, I query, “Is everything all right? Did something happen to Leroy?”
She shakes her head and looks up with a smile. “No, he’s fine.”
“Then what is it?”
“I just wanted to make sure you went home at a reasonable hour.”
“And?”
Her fingers grip the top of her bag. “And I wanted to make sure thatwomandidn’t come back.”
I am absolutely touched that my sixty-two-year-old assistant wants to be my bodyguard. “When I said I give you permission to call security, I didn’t mean you had to take on the role personally.”
She muffles a laugh behind her hand.
“Is Leroy picking you up?”
She stands and turns off her computer. “No. I’m taking the subway.”
“Don’t be silly. I’ll drive you home.” I pull out my car keys from my jacket pocket.
