Page 56 of Dirty Intentions

His expression turned angry. “You can’t be serious. What proof do you have?”

“I have enough that you should want to look at the inventory on Thursday to see for yourself. If you don’t want me here, fine. It’s not like I’m trying to overstay my welcome, just attempting to do my job.”

“Which includes accusing a long-time employee of theft. One who you profess not to care for and have had issues with.”

I stood up, my temper snapping. “You hired me to find out why your numbers weren’t adding up.”

“Clearly, you’re looking in the wrong place.”

“You’ve had a loss every month for the last two years. At first it was hundreds, easily written off. But now it appears to be at least twenty thousand a week. You want to know why you’re numbers aren’t making sense and why it’ll trigger an audit for the IRS. It’s because you’re losing inventory.”

Since Shane looked so pissed off, my eyes shifted towards Max. He was running a hand through his hair but had stood quiet. Gathering my documents that showed the trend, I handed them to him. “You’re welcome to look for yourself. And don’t worry. My last day will be today.”

“Fuck,” Max cursed, looking over my notes.

“You don’t actually believe her, do you?” Shane asked.

Forget fighting the hurt. I was hurt. And pissed. I knew the man had trust issues, but the fact he’d put me in that camp stung. “Believe whatever the fuck you want to. I’ll be in touch next month with your tax return, but I won’t need to be on site for it.”

I intended to gather my shit and leave, but Max’s voice stopped me cold.

“Six months ago, I was here for stocking. I noticed a a missing box of champagn and questioned Heather.”

Shane’s furious gaze settled on his friend. “What did she say?”

“She said she had partied and admitted to taking it home.”

“What the hell, man? And you didn’t tell me.”

“She made me promise not to, afraid you’d be furious. She gave me five hundred dollars later that day, saying she’d always intended to pay it back. I believed her. She’s been here the entire time we have and has always been a loyal, trusted employee. It would be no different than if you’d done the same.”

“Fuck. I’m going over to see her at her place. She’ll tell me the truth.”

“Do you want me to come with?”

Shane shook his head. “No.”

Without so much as a backward glance, he strode out, evidently on his way to wake Heather up.

I stood there in shock until Max’s voice broke through. “He’s running on adrenaline, honey. Try not to take it personally.”

I gave a humorless laugh. “Yeah, like he didn’t accuse me of making it personal with Heather. Anyways...” I made myself smile and not get emotional. Never could I have imagined things ending this way. But maybe it was for the best. Maybe leaving Shane and this club should be easy because I was pissed instead of sad. “It was a pleasure, Max.”

“I’m sorry it had to end the way it did. What are your plans?”

“A nice nap and a flight leaving tomorrow afternoon.”

He looked surprised. “New client?”

I shook my head. “Long overdue vacation.” I’d requested the time off last week, using the excuse I’d had to work during the holidays.

“Some place warm, I hope.”

I smiled. “Jamaica, at an all-inclusive resort where all I want to do is lie in the sun, read a book, and eat good food.”

“Sounds amazing. And if there is anything you need: a recommendation, help with your move—”

I’d enjoyed the rush of forensic accounting and had started to think I might have found my niche. It certainly beat the hell out of boring taxes. And if other clubs could trust my discretion, then I might be able to quickly build a client base. “I may take you up on that recommendation for other clubs such as this.”

“New client for your firm?”

“Actually, I’ve been thinking about doing some freelancing. Maybe I have a thing for sex clubs now.”

He chuckled. “Please, please make sure you run them past me. Not all of them are reputable.”

“Deal. Take care, Max.” I gave him a hug, gathered my computer bag, and took one last look before leaving.

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