Page 11 of Scammed

“Love one,” grinned the two men.

“Good idea,” said Gaspar.

He wondered what would have happened had they allowed the supposed tech support to just show up. Would they plant a device on their computers? Would they have dared to attempt to touch Molly or Asia? Both were trained former military, but that didn’t mean they could handle a full-grown man or two.

They watched as Marcel walked toward them, Amy beside him. He held her elbow as if to steady her, and she walked slowly beside him.

“Hi, honey. How are you feeling?” asked Wilson.

“Still a bit dizzy, but my faithful companion makes sure I don’t fall,” she said, smiling.

“I worry that she still is not well,” said Marcel. “The bump is large, and she gets queasy and dizzy when she stands too swiftly.”

“It’s to be expected,” said Wilson. “She needs a few days to let that bump go down and to get used to what happened.”

“Amy, we’ve spoken to the attorneys with Prometheus, and although they’ve dropped all charges and recognize that you are not to blame, they would like you to resign.” She stared at the two women, her lip quivering.

“Why? I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve always worked hard, I’ve been the top fundraiser for Prometheus, and no one understands my accounts like I do. I didn’t do anything wrong,” she repeated.

“Honey, we know that,” said Kari, “but the board seems intent on not allowing you to continue for fear that something could come back in an unfavorable light. We can sue for wrongful termination if you like.”

“But I still won’t have my job, will I?”

“No, sweetie, you won’t,” said Kat. “There are other jobs, Amy. Lots of other jobs, and they wouldn’t dare to give you anything but a glowing recommendation. We can help you.”

“I know,” she sniffed, “but that’s not the point, is it? I’ve worked there for six years, building the base of continuous donors, spending time with them, even their families. I’ve made Prometheus more successful than they’ve ever been. I believed in what they were doing. It feels so traitorous.”

“It does feel a bit that way, doesn’t it?” frowned Miller. He looked at the others, their silent language taking over. “Is there anyone there that would want you to be gone?”

“What?” she whispered. “Do you mean someone with an axe to grind? Someone who doesn’t like me?”

“Exactly. Maybe you got the job someone wanted.”

“I-I don’t think so. I mean, we get small bonuses based on what we bring in for donations. It’s not much, though. We’re talking a few hundred extra bucks a year. That’s all. We all do fairly well in the donor area. I just happen to do better. Besides, most of them don’t have donors in my area. Their donors are further out. Covington, Maringouin, Kenner, places like that.”

“Still worth checking into. If someone is put in your place, it might tell us there’s a reason for pushing you out. Maybe they wanted to do it before, and this gave them a reason. I know it’s shitty, honey, but sometimes people are assholes,” said Nine.

“I guess so,” she said quietly. “Can I get my things from my house? I mean, I know I should stay out here for a while, but what about my personal belongings?”

“We can send someone to get them for you,” said Kari. “It’s probably not a good idea for you to go into the city right now. We don’t know if there’s been anything leaked to the press or if someone is waiting for you.”

“Waiting for me? Why? Why would anyone wait for me?” she turned to Marcel, who was seemingly as lost as she was.

He turned her shoulders to him and slowly put his arms around her. When his arms enveloped her, she began to cry. They watched as Marcel’s eyes filled with water, weeping with the woman who was breaking his heart.

He brushed back her soft brown curls, holding her securely against his big chest. The men sobered, realizing that if this love were only for a brief time, they both might be crushed by the weight of it.

“Marcel, take her to your cottage,” said Wilson. “I’ll send a text to Kelsey to come over and take a look at her and be sure she’s okay. We want to make sure everything is healing as it should.”

“Alright,” he nodded. “Do you think, I mean, do you think it’s possible for me to leave the property? All of it? I believe I should like to visit Prometheus and her home.”

“Maybe,” said Gaspar. “Take her back, and we’ll go from there. I’ll be by in a little while to get you.” Marcel nodded, walking slowly with her toward their boat. When they were out of hearing range, the men all stared at one another.

“This is two mysteries in one,” said Angel. “We’ve got a two-hundred-plus-year-old man, alive and well, and someone pulling strange strings on non-profits.” Miller nodded, standing from his seat.

“Then let’s do us.”

CHAPTER SIX

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