Page 32 of Found By Him

Craig nods. “Yes, Mark is correct. We still have numerous general ledger accounts to analyze, but once that’s complete, we’ll turn everything over to the authorities and let them take it from there.”

Double fuck.

My anger subsides and trepidation takes its place as the possibilities of what could happen to me sink in. Last night, when I talked to Dorothy, the worst-case scenario was that I would be fired for reporting my findings. Not that I would be the one accused of it.

Chest burning, I take a deep breath. “Okay, what happens now?”

Mark leans forward, his hands clasped on the table. He glances at the clock on the wall. “Someone from Human Resources should be waiting for you in the hall. They’ll escort you back to your office so you can gather your personal belongings, and then they’ll walk you out.”

I physically cannot respond. Everything in my body is fighting against itself. I push out of my chair on unsteadylegs, pivoting toward the door without another glance in their direction.

Packing my office is a blur. I don’t have much, so it doesn’t take me long. Keeping my breathing deep, I work to keep my tears at bay, at least until I get to my car. Once the last item is secured in my bag, I look at Martha, the HR Director. She has always been so lovely. I can’t even imagine what she must think of me. “I’m done.”

All I receive is a nod, and she gestures for me to lead the way. I avoid the stares of my former coworkers as I walk through the office. It’s unusually quiet, which makes the low murmurs as I pass by sound as if they’re yelling.

As I draw closer to the door, my stomach drops even more, knowing I’m about to pass Maggie. This probably won’t bode well for our blossoming friendship.

A gasp follows me as I pass her. I never look up. I can’t. My few shreds of dignity won’t allow me to see whatever shocked, judgmental expression is most likely on her face.

The humidity is oppressive as I push through the heavy front doors. I take a step out, not looking behind me to find out if she’s following me into the parking lot.

“Thank you for not making a scene, Ella.” Martha’s words sting. As if I have ever, in the past five years, have made a scene. About anything.

I don’t acknowledge her as I mechanically walk to my usual parking spot.

“Ella!”

My name being shouted has me halting.

Dazed, I pivot to spy Maggie running through the parking lot toward me.

“Ella, what the fuck is going on?” she exclaims, slightly out of breath.

I raise one shoulder and shake my head. Tears start slipping down my cheeks. “I got fired.”

“What? That doesn’t make sense. You’re one of the hardest working people here.” Maggie throws her hands up in confusion.

I roll my lips over my teeth for a moment and close my eyes, trying to gain some composure. When I level my stare back at her, I’m unbelievably grateful there’s no judgment anywhere on her face. “They think I did something I didn’t.”

Maggie closes the distance between us and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m so sorry, Ella. I’m sure they’ll realize that couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

When she releases me, I don’t bother to argue with her. If Craig really is behind this, I have my doubts. I’ll just have to wait for how far this goes.

“Thanks, Maggie,” is the only response I can muster.

She gives me one last sympathetic look and a light squeeze to where she grips my biceps. “I’m going to call you later to check on you, okay?”

I nod, and she hesitantly turns and leaves me.

I look around the parking lot in confusion, more tears streaming down my face.

“Damn it.” My sob breaks as I pull my phone out of my purse and connect the call.

One ring and Ian’s deep voice booms through the speaker, “Ella, do you need something?”

“Ian, I need you to come pick me up.” My voice is shaky.

“Fuck.” Rustling is loud through the phone. “I’ll be there in ten.”

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