Page 61 of Seducer

CHAPTER 16

Sara

Why did my phone always need to ring at the most inappropriate time? I was already late for work. At this rate, I might as well take a sick day. When I looked at the number, I groaned and stopped walking toward the building, instead moving to the side. If I continued avoiding the hospital’s delinquency department, they would come after me. I needed to buy some time.

I plastered on a sweet smile, hoping my voice didn’t sound as terse as it usually was when I talked with them. “Mrs. Smith. How lovely of you to call. I was about to call you to work out a payment plan. Do you think that’s something we can arrange?” If I could just start whittling down the hospital bill, then maybe I would eventually dig myself out of a hole.

“Ms. Capshaw. I’m confused.” She did sound surprised.

“Why?”

Mrs. Smith sighed. “Because I was calling to tell you that since your account is paid in full, I’ll be sending you a letter of acknowledgement to that effect.”

“Now I’m the one confused. What are you talking about?”

“Well, we received the certified check paying off the loan in its entirety this morning.”

“That’s not possible. You must be joking.”

“I assure you that I wouldn’t joke about such a large payment. We’ve already processed the money and your account is now zero.”

How the hell was that possible? “Um, can you tell me anything about who sent the check?”

“Let me see.” I heard her tapping on her computer. “I’m afraid the only information I have is that it was a wire transfer from a bank I’m not familiar with. There was a note, but it only had your account and name, dollar amount, and directions for it to be paid off.”

“I just…” What was I supposed to say to her? That it was a mistake, remove the payment? Who in the world had that kind of money and would just pay off my loan? I was even more unnerved than when I’d thought I had a stalker. “Well, thank you.” I think.

“You’re entirely welcome. I hope this will ease some of the burden you have, Ms. Capshaw. The letter should arrive within five to seven business days.”

My God. This was real. Butterflies swarmed my stomach, tears forming in my eyes. “Thank you so much for calling. You justmade my day.” When I hung up, I felt a little like I was riding on cloud nine.

But a hint of reality set in. Whoever had made the payment knew I was in deep debt. Would the benefactor want something from me and if so, what? A sudden slice of apprehension moved through me. A payment of that kind didn’t come without strings. Why did I feel like those would be worse than the debt itself?

I managed to wobble into the building, still numb as I headed into the elevator. I didn’t feel up to walking the stairs today like I normally did. As I stumbled out, I was still in a haze, more confused than ever.

“Ms. Capshaw. Would you care to explain why you were late without calling?”

Krystal Wallace was a ballbuster. She was the office manager and was bucking for an executive position. Everyone knew that. I couldn’t say anything bad about her other than she was harsh and unforgiving. However, she’d cut me a break or two and I’d already had a feeling her granted favors had all but run out.

After pushing the glasses up along the bridge of my nose, I turned around slowly, hating that my desk as well as so many others was in earshot. She’d kept her voice low, but any gossip went through the admin pool like wildfire. I walked closer, wishing I felt as if I could tell her the truth. Honestly? I didn’t trust anyone. “I’m sorry. I was dealing with a situation with my brother. I didn’t have access to my phone until leaving to come here. I had no choice. He’s my family.”

I don’t know what she was expecting, but my partial truth softened her. She nodded only once. “I hope everything is alright.”

“I do as well. I won’t be late again. That much I can promise you.” I’d strangle Kyle if he so much as avoided going to class.

She nodded. “I’m certain you won’t.” She pulled me aside, ensuring no one could hear our conversation. “I would do this in my office, but I have a busy rest of the day. I wanted you to know that your yearly raise was increased by twenty-five percent more than what I was originally allotted in the budget.”

“Really?” Was this a day of good news? I was feeling a little lightheaded.

“Evidently, the budget was reinforced and several employees were provided with more than just a cost of living. That will go into effect retroactively, so you’ll see a bump in your next paycheck.”

“Wow. Thank you very much.”

“Don’t thank me. I had nothing to do with it, but I’ll pass on your thanks.”

“I appreciate that.” I had another moment of feeling creepy-crawlies, which was silly. Was it true others had gotten a better raise as well? Maybe. Maybe it was going companywide after several excellent and profitable quarters.

She said nothing else before walking away and when she did, I breathed a sigh of relief.

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