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Later turns out to be five p.m., when I’ve finally been able to refocus on my work and make meager progress. That stupid pink frosting and Callie’s bright laugh drove me to distraction for most of the afternoon. I’m irritable and hungry when I finally crack the door. To monitor the goings-on and make sure everyone is working.
The sunset is blazing through the west-facing windows. It’s my favorite time of day at the office, before the lights in the surrounding buildings go on and make you feel like you’re utterly alone.
Callie is humming busily at her desk, googling things, making little notes. I watch her for a while. I can just see her through the door, unless she shifts too far to the right.
She seems to be looking through our files, though she’s doing it casually. My eyes narrow. I knew this was a risk when I hired her, which is part of the reason I put her desk near mine. Between this bullshit and the cupcakes, her first week is not going well. It’s time for me to teach Ms. Thompson a lesson.
I slink out of my chair on silent feet, moving closer, closer, until her screen is clear. She’s browsing through a document. I can’t really tell what it is, even as I squint. I’ll ask IT to monitor her activity later.
“What’s that you’re looking at?”
She jumps in her chair, before she turns, face red and eyes wide. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“What are you looking at?” I repeat, my voice tight.
“Just looking for an employee handbook. I didn’t really get any onboarding.”
Lies. She’s trying to look innocent, but it’s the same look Annalise had the night I found out she’d sold those photos of me to the press and betrayed me to Dylan. She played just as innocent as Callie is now. Her face superimposes over Callie’s, even though they look nothing alike. Rage makes my vision blur.
“Do you think I’m that stupid?” I ask quietly, so no one in the office can hear.
“What do you mean?” She tilts her head.
I watch her react. Her tongue flicks over her lips. Nervous.
“I know what you’re doing. You’re poking around. Looking at things that are confidential.”
Her eyes flare wide. Gotcha.
“I better not see anything like that printed in your paper, Thompson. Do I make myself clear?”
“Get a grip,” she shoots back. “I haven’t forgotten the terms of the contract.”
Tabitha is coming around the corner. I don’t want anyone to see me like this. I’m known for my icy facade, not cascading rage. “Get in my office,” I respond.
“With pleasure.” Callie precedes me and I shut the door with a little more force than necessary.
Her arms are crossed over her chest, and her face is pink with anger. Good. That makes both of us. I refuse to look at the way her full breasts are pushed up over the square neckline of her tank top. A fucking tank top. It should be illegal. I make a note to create a dress code policy for her. Mumus only.
She tips her chin up. “I was looking for a handbook. I got no information when I joined.”
“You’re lying.” My voice is rough with anger.
Her mouth parts. “I don’t lie. Ever. It’s my job to be honest.”
A sharp laugh tears from my throat. “Don’t give me that bullshit. All reporters lie. Especially gossipmongers like yourself.”
“I’m done.” She turns to go, and in three swift steps I have her caged against the wall. My hands press hers into the plaster, and her pulse runs like a rabbit in her throat.
What are you doing? I have no earthly idea. “You are not done, Thompson.”
“You said I could publish while I’m here,” she replies hotly. Her eyes are spitting fire, but she makes no move to shove me back.
“Nothing confidential. Nothing damaging.”
“You are deranged. I know, okay? I know. I won’t do anything to hurt your company.” She blinks quickly when she speaks, and my blood freezes. Liar.
