Page 508 of Savage Bosses

“Yeah, well, you lost me too,” she says, turning and storming out of my office.

I can only be pissed at myself. I’m the one who hurt her and turned her from the angel she once was to the bitter, closed-off woman she is today.

Pushing those thoughts from my mind, I return to my desk and grab the papers that she’d brought to my attention. I think about another meeting that I’ve accepted, and though reluctant to admit it, she does have good grounds for believing the company could have mob connections, directly or indirectly. I’m willing to investigate her claims even if I won’t admit it to her.

If everything falls down, the house of cards will fall around me. John Cape is no longer here to clean up the mess.

I sit back behind my desk and press a button on my phone.

“Hi, Mr. Charles.”

“Hi, Sandra. Would you please set up a meeting with Canton and Fischer?” I ask, referencing a reputable small auditing firm.

“Sure, Mr. Charles.”

Ending the call, I massage my temples and turn to my computer to begin responding to emails. I glance at the clock when someone knocks at my door. Just over an hour has passed. It’s after five, and Sandra’s gone for the day.

“Come in,” I grumble.

The door opens, and in storms, my sulking pre-teen, Cee-Cee.

“What a surprise,” I say, standing and glaring at her mother over her head while trying to maintain a smile on my lips.

“Mom has to work, so you’re in charge,” Cee-Cee says, plopping down on the couch.

“Oh, I am, am I?” I ask, walking to Cee-Cee.

I ruffle her mass of curls before kissing the top of her mop of curls as Lyndsey breezes through.

“I’m sorry, Ambrose, it couldn’t be helped. Phil McIntyre has a three-year endorsement deal offered by On 10 Fitness. Before Phil signs, I need to fly to Summer Cove, North Carolina to meet with their owner, Bishop Lexington, and his executive team.”

“Honey, can you go grab you and me some snacks while Mom and I chat?” I ask thirteen-year-old Cee-Cee, handing her my card.

“Argue, you mean?” she asks, taking my card and slinking towards the door.

“We’re not going to argue,” Lyndsey lies.

“Sure, Mom, like you and Greg don’t argue or you and Colt don’t argue?” Cee-Cee says, smirking as she walks out of the door slamming it behind her.

I wait until after the door closes to walk closer to Lyndsey so no one can hear me.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“Working.”

“Try that on someone else, Lyndsey. I’m tired of your bullshit. If you don’t have time for her or don’t want her anymore, just say that!”

“I won’t relinquish custody of my daughter to you! It’s bad enough that we have joint custody!”

“Bad enough? I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to Cee-Cee or you. Too bad you never realized it.”

“Is that what this is about? You’re missing me?” she says cheekily, crossing her arms.

“No. This is about you not respecting my time, schedule, or business. We have a custody arrangement in place for a reason, and I often take care of our daughter on your days. I can’t keep on moving like this, Lyndsey. I’m in a different place now with more responsibilities.”

“Are you saying that taking care of your daughter is too much for you?” she hisses through clenched teeth.

“No. I’m saying I’m sick and tired of your bullshit and taking on your responsibilities because you enjoy chasing young athletes around the country to slide your way into their bed.”

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