Page 37 of The Attraction File

“No, Jacob. I’m sorry. There have been some issues with our overseas distributers and some changes in the laws in Europe and Britain. I think the stress is getting to me. I really am sorry.”

I slapped my brother on the back in a friendly way. “Yeah, I get it. With Ashton missing and that some of the computers got hacked, I haven’t been myself lately either.”

He put his arm around my back as I dodged it and mussed up his graying blond hair. We laughed and hugged it out.

“We need to discuss what you found from the computers. Did you uncover anything about the hacking after looking at Evaleen’s, Henrik’s, and your computer?”

“No.”

That was the problem. It appeared the computers were shredded. Wiped clean. Because there was information on our server that wasn’t found on the computers. It was someone who knew what they were doing. Ashton could have done it but if a shredder was used, I had a feeling he wasn’t alone.

I wanted to find out a bit more before I told Jacob. Besides, he seemed to have some worries of his own right now. I loved my brother. There was no need to worry him before I had all the facts.

We walked back into my office to find Evaleen sitting with her back to the door across from my desk. I went around and bent to place my hand on her shoulder. Her hair was fixed, as was her clothing.

Even her gaze returned to the guarded and focused one I have known all these years.

“I was just telling Jacob here about how you almost fainted in the elevator. I suggested you take the rest of the day off, Evaleen. He agreed, didn’t you, Jacob.”

Jacob came to the other side of her and leaned against my desk, his face full of concern. “Yes. Evaleen, if you are unwell you need to take care of yourself. I’m just thankful Edgar was there to help you.”

Evaleen’s wide eyes bounced between me and Jacob before her rigid back relaxed. The stress, the worry of the last few minutes, seemed to blow out in one breath. Her hand reached up to her head as she nodded.

“Don’t try to talk. Edgar will help you home. Make sure you get there safe.” Jacob patted me on the shoulder.

Evaleen started to get up before Jacob moved to her side, helping her to her feet.

“I don’t think I need help getting home. I can go myself. In fact, I am feeling a lot better. Maybe I should just go back to my office and eat something. I think I’m fine.”

Jacob shook his head. “No, I won’t hear of it. Edgar.” He looked at me and jerked his head, indicating for me to help him.

“If she is feeling better, maybe she could—”

“Edgar.” Jacob’s jaw tightened.

That was a fight only Jacob would win. My brother may get on my nerves at times, but he had a big heart. If anyone was hurting, he made sure they were taken care of.

To make sure we followed his directions, he accompanied us to her office to pick up her things and then out to the sidewalk where he hailed a cab for us.

When the taxi pulled up and we both got inside, he gazed into the window. “Now you take care of her, Edgar. She’s the best HR manager we have ever had.” Jacob winked at Evaleen before standing back up.

The car moved away from the curb and got off Michigan Avenue, exiting onto Lakeshore Drive. Evaleen had her head turned and gazed out to the choppy waves hitting the beach. Only a few dedicated runners were out on this late March day, jogging along the bike trail that was sandwiched between Lakeshore Drive and the water.

“I’m sorry. I needed to tell him you were sick so he wouldn’t think, that, uh, you know.”

She turned to face me. “I understand. Thank you. I thought for sure I was going to be fired.”

“Nah. He wouldn’t have fired you. You heard him back there, you are the best HR manager we have ever had.”

She blushed and glanced down at her clasped hands. “I thought he was just saying that because he thought I was sick.”

I placed my hand over Evaleen’s. “How do you see yourself, Evaleen?”

“What?” She tilted her head.

“What I mean is, do you think you are a good HR manager?”

Evaleen shrugged. “I work hard. Make sure that anyone that’s hired is good enough for the company. Nothing gets by me.”

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