Susan slid a folder across the table. "Then perhaps you can explain these emails."
I opened the folder to find printouts of emails I'd supposedly sent to various foster families, including the Bennetts. The messages were unprofessional, bordering on accusatory, suggesting improprieties without evidence. My email signature was at the bottom of each one.
"I didn't write these," I said immediately, looking up to meet Susan's gaze. "These are forgeries."
"They came from your department email account," Kline countered, his voice cold.
"Then someone accessed my account without authorization," I replied. "I would never send emails like these."
Marjorie from HR cleared her throat. "Ms. Carter, we understand you've been under considerable stress recently. The incident two months—"
"You mean when I was abducted?" I interrupted, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Yes, that was very stressful."
Marjorie at least had the grace to look uncomfortable.
"Emily, we're concerned about you," Susan said. "Your behavior since returning to work has been... concerning. Several families have reported that you've seemed suspicious, hostile even."
"Which families?" I challenged. "The Wilsons? The Bennetts? Families whose foster children have mysteriously disappeared, and I raised concerns but nothing has been done?"
The tension in the room ratcheted up several notches. Susan and Kline exchanged another glance, this one more urgent.
"Emily," Susan said, her voice softening in a way that made my skin crawl, "we're not your enemies here. We're trying to help you."
"By accepting fabricated emails and accusing me of misconduct?" I raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't feel very helpful."
Marjorie shuffled some papers, clearly uncomfortable herself with the direction the conversation had taken. "Perhaps we should focus on the next steps. Given the seriousness of these concerns, we're continuing your administrative leave pending a full investigation."
"I see," I said, maintaining my composure despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. "And will this investigation include examining how children placed with certain foster families seem to vanish without proper follow-up?”
Kline's face flushed with anger. "That's enough, Ms. Carter. Your accusations are not only unfounded but potentially libelous."
"Then you won't mind if I request an external audit of our placement records," I replied coolly. "Particularly for the Wilson, Bennett, and Ramirez families."
Susan stood abruptly. "This meeting is over. Emily, please surrender your department ID and keys. Your personalbelongings will be packed and sent to your home address." Even Marjorie looked shocked.
I remained seated, maintaining eye contact. "And if I refuse?"
"Then security will escort you from the building," Kline said, standing as well. "And we'll add insubordination to the list of concerns in your file."
I stood slowly, deliberately. "Before I go, I'd like to know about Zoe Morris. She was due for a check-in this morning."
Susan's expression flickered. "The Bennetts reported she was ill. The visit was rescheduled."
"For when?"
"That's no longer your concern," Kline interjected. "You are relieved of all case responsibilities, effective immediately."
I held his gaze, searching for any sign of humanity, any indication that he might care about the children being trafficked under his watch. I found nothing but cold calculation.
"I'd like to speak with you privately before you go, Emily," Kline said suddenly, his tone shifting to something almost conciliatory. "Perhaps we can clear up some misunderstandings."
Susan shot him a questioning look, but he gave an almost imperceptible nod. "I'll handle this, Susan. Ms. Hewitt, would you mind giving us a moment?"
Both women hesitated, Marjorie clearly uneasy, but after Susan's prompting gathered her papers and left the conference room. I remained standing, wary of this sudden change.
"My office would be more comfortable," Kline suggested, gesturing toward the door. "And more private."
Every instinct screamed that this was a trap, but I needed information about Zoe, and I knew the guys were listening. I nodded curtly and followed him down the hallway to his corner office with its impressive view of the city. He closed the doorbehind us, then moved to his desk, indicating I should take one of the chairs opposite.
