“Stop by Cal’s. It’s only a few blocks down and the only place I trust.” She turns to leave but stops and falls back. “Shit, Cory! If you’re gonna float around here like Count Dracula, at least wear a cape. Women don’t like to be snuck up on.”
He steps to the side, watching her as she exits.
“Or micro-managed.” She points at him.
His attention turns to me as his pasty pale cheeks turn just the tiniest bit pink. Kat, on the other hand, grins at me and disappears.
Cory remains standing, his long, bony body towering over me. He pushes his glasses up his pointy nose and shifts his weight to one foot. “Griffin said you’re going through the files for the Connor case. I thought I’d take a quick look and make sure you’re accounting for things properly.”
I return to my computer, biting my tongue before I inform him that he should take into account his nose hairs curling around the other nostril.
I wiggle my mouse, pulling up the spreadsheets I’ve put together outlining each account and its activity. Cory leans over my shoulder, inspecting, his stale breath accosting me.
My phone buzzes, and I reach to click it off, but stop when I see the name on the screen. My breath catches as a chill runs up my spine, and my skin prickles.
It’s been two months. I inhale slowly as my heart breaks out into a panicked race. My fingers shake with the urge to answer, but I can’t while Cory takes his sweet-ass time double-checking my work.
My knee bounces, knowing what will happen if I miss this call. I grab my phone, praying it will keep ringing.
“So, these here,” Cory points to the screen. “They’re the only investment accounts you’ve found? Seems odd there aren’t IRAs, or at least a 401k.”
The buzzing stops, and I’ve missed it. I set my phone in my lap, my body deflating as my pits spew sweat, knowing what’s to come. I try to pull my head from my phone and back to this job—the one I desperately need.
“Sarah,” Cory’s snappy tone pulls me out of it. “Where are the other accounts? There’s no room for mistakes.”
I roll my chair back an inch, needing his condescending tone and stanky breath to back up. I open the spreadsheet I’ve created for retirement accounts. “These are the only accounts we’ve been given.” I scroll to the top. “I can double-check with Mrs. Connor, but this is all she listed.”
Cory studies again while my fingers itch to tap out a message.
“Does Griffin know about this?”
I withhold rolling my eyes. “Yes. I discussed it with him last week. He’s prepared to use this as further proof of their unwillingness to cooperate.”
Cory crosses his arms over his chest, clearly dissatisfied. “When you finish, send it to me, and I’ll review it before you send it to Griffin to be sure you’ve noted everything.
I nod, needing him to leave now.
His eyes drop to the phone in my lap. “I have a few administrative things you could help with if you have time on your hands.”
I grip my phone, wanting to throw it at him so he’ll leave me alone and I can hit call back. “Sure. I’ll let you know.” I force a smile.
He stares at me a moment longer and then exits my office. I tap the missed call, bracing my elbows on my desk. I press the phone to my ear as it rings. And rings. My exhale comes out in a whoosh when the automated voice picks up.Dammit!
ME: Call me back. It’s important.
I stare at my phone, waiting for the ring that won’t come. I missed my chance. Out of all of the days and all the minutes within, he calls the one time I couldn’t answer. Not with Cory standing over me.
8:34 a.m. I close my eyes, wanting to go home and snuggle into the old couch with Ollie and Frankie and watch endless hours of Bluey, hoping that when I crawl back out, maybe just one thing might be alittle bit easier.
Chapter 2
SLADE
I toss a banana peel in the trash and push the eggs around the skillet. The door to the garage opens, letting in the brisk morning air.
“How was your night?”
“Eh.” Krissy tosses her keys on the table and sets her lunch bag beside the sink. “Guy came in complaining of abdominal pain. Turns out he hadn’t crapped in two weeks. I had to give him an enema.” She kicks her shoes off and yawns. “He shit a brick. Literally. Let that be a lesson to you if you don’t poop after a few days.”
