Page 100 of I'm Watching You

Dana looked away. ‘Not firing, but suspending you until this mess is cleared up. I don’t want you associated with the shelter.’

Lindsay curled her fingers into fists at her sides. ‘I didn’t do anything wrong.’

Dana lifted her chin. ‘No one said you did. You’re a victim.’

‘I am not avictim.’ How many times had the social workers said that Lindsay was avictim?Avictimof a bad family. A victim of domestic violence. A victim of fate. ‘I can overcome this.’

The force behind Lindsay’s tone had Dana softening.‘I’ve no doubt that in time you will. You’re smart and bright. However, in the short term you are a liability to the shelter and me. Don’t take it personally, Lindsay. This is business.’

Aware that Kendall was watching, Lindsay kept her voice low. ‘Dana, how can I not take itpersonally? You’re canning me.’

‘I’m not firing you. This is a paid leave.’

‘Sanctuary is more than a business to me. It’s more than a paycheck.’

Dana pulled her Blackberry out of her slim purse. Consciously or not, Dana was shifting her mind to the day’s next problem. ‘I’ve got to go.’

Lindsay once again clenched her fists at her sides. ‘That’s it? I’m out?’

Dana checked her watch. ‘Call my secretary. We’ll set up a meeting. Hopefully, this will all be behind us in a week or so.’ She hurried toward her car and vanished behind tinted windows.

Lindsay had the sick feeling thatthiswas going to be with them for a long, long time.

She stood alone, her fists still clenched, her stomach churning.

Zack walked up to her as Dana drove off. ‘What was that all about?’

Unshed tears tightened her throat. She wanted to bury her face in his chest. ‘I’ve just been canned.’

His hands slid to his waist below the black handle of his shoulder holster. ‘She fired you?’

‘I’m on “paid leave.” But I know that look. I’m donewith Sanctuary.’ A wave of helplessness washed over her, reminding her of the months following her mother’s death. No matter what she’d done then, she hadn’t been able to regain control of her life.

Zack frowned. ‘Your boss is an idiot.’

She was grateful he didn’t toss any pity her way. That would have been her undoing. ‘She’s very savvy. And very image conscious. I’m now a liability.’

‘Like I said, an idiot.’

Silver bracelets jangled as she ran her hands through her hair. ‘I want this guy caught, Zack.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘We all do.’

‘I’ll do whatever I can to help.’

He lifted a brow. ‘That’s a change.’

‘This guy, the Guardian, is tearing at my life. I won’t be able to help anyone if he keeps at it. I want him stopped. I want my life back.’

‘The detective going through your shelter records would appreciate your help. She was having trouble deciphering your handwriting in some of the files.’

She was eager to get started. ‘I can go by headquarters now.’

‘First, I want you to see something.’

The delay frustrated Lindsay and it showed in her voice. ‘What?’

Zack disregarded the snap in her tone. ‘The Guardian left another note.’

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