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“Never heard of those.”
She leans forward, fixing me with her big, baby-blue eyes. “Exactly.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “Three years ago, they were the newest and hottest business agencies looking to expand. Nexus offered to help and they did help. They gave them everything they needed, spruced them up real nice.”
“Then what happened?”
“Then the tax collection started and it got so overwhelmingly gross, these businesses couldn’t handle it anymore. They declared a state of liquidation and the rest, as you know, is history. Sersa still exists, however. They found a way to break free of Nexus’s hold but the damage has been done. Now, they’re scrapping their funds from whatever financial enterprises are working with them, out of pity, of course.”
I resume gnawing on my cheeks, pondering upon Mabel’s words.
“Maverick, you and I go way back and I’ve never been wrong about things like this.”
I nod. “I know that. This job has always been your forte, after all.”
“No, not just that. Nexus has been everyone’s business nightmare, especially with how they run what they have. They have only one goal, and that’s an intent to deceive. MediaHire has a lot of potential, and with the right management and adequate timing, I assure you, you’re going to do great things with this place. Don’t sell yourself short. And look out for moles.”
I glance at her sharply. “Moles?”
“Nexus knows they can’t buy off some companies because they know these companies have gotten wind of their whims so they come up with a strategy. Infiltration. Keep a close eye on your workers. And don’t divulge too much to your associates, either.”
When Mabel leaves, I’m left to my thoughts again. The stakes in this are too high and the outcome will certainly be anything but positive.
There’s only one thing I have left to do. I’m pulling the plug.
Rising, I step out the door and walk to Dennis, who’s stuffing his face with a club sandwich. He swallows immediately when he sees me coming and places it aside, his face red. “Sorry, but it’s lunch break already.”
“I don't mind.” Glancing around, I lower my voice. “I need you to organize a meeting. I want everyone in that conference room, it’s important. And Dennis?”
“Yes?”
“I need this to be done as quietly as possible. I’ll forward you a list of faces that I need to see there. Noted?”
He gives me a perplexed look, wondering what the heck I’m up to now. “Uh, yeah, sure.”
I steal a glance at Noelle’s cubicle but she isn’t there. I turn to Dennis. “Where’s Miss Quinn?”
“Uh.” He looks up from his computer and frowns a bit. “She told me she was going to get coffee from the rec room a while ago.”
“How long ago was that?”
“Twenty minutes, I think?”
I draw my brows in a wrinkled line. That’s too long.
I make my way to the rec room. The door is ajar and there is no one inside when I enter. My glance falls to the cold cup of coffee next to the coffee pot. Approaching, I look up sharply when I hear whispers behind the door of the locked pantry.
I place my ear against the wooden door, just in time to hear Chris’s voice say, “Just a little kiss, darling; no one has to know. Come on, I’ve seen the way you look at me, you little tease, and I know you want it, too. So, come on, get on your knees and show me what you can do, baby.”
My blood runs cold. My breathing grows erratic.
“Please, Mr. Burnham,pleasejust let me go.”
Dazed, I pull my head back.Noelle?
“Don’t play games, Noelle. I know you want this. I know it. You think I don’t notice how you strut your sexy little body around the office teasing me? Think I don’t notice how you always dress just the right way to leave me hard and wanting to fuck you only to have you say no over and over again? Enough is enough. Now it’s time to do your job, Noelle.”
“I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… I wasn’t…” There’s undisguised fear in her voice. “I need to leave. I can’t breathe. Please get away from the door. Please, I—I just want to leave.”
“Is this about your boyfriend? You’re worried about what he’s going to do? Oh, no, sweetie, you don’t gotta be worried. Nothing’s going to happen, as long as you don’t say anything.”
