Page 8 of Anger

The car pulled into its spot, and Lanie waited until McIntyre opened her door. She marched straight to the lift and headed for her office. Once inside, McIntyre remained while Ranson disappeared downstairs.

“I don’t need babysitting, McIntyre,” Lanie snapped.

“No, Miss Cross, but should that package prove dangerous, you’re my priority to get out of here,” McIntyre replied.

“What room is it in? Can you bring the cameras up?”

“Certainly,” McIntyre stated and moved to her desk. Moments later, Lanie was watching intently as Ranson looked the package over with a piece of equipment. He nodded his head to someone and checked it with something else before putting it down.

Slowly, Ranson unwrapped the box and opened it. His face registered surprise, and Lanie wondered what was inside. Ranson beckoned another guard over and handed him the parcel, and then looked at the cameras and nodded.

“Ranson says it is all clear,” McIntyre said.

Lanie tapped her thigh impatiently as she waited for Ranson to arrive.

“What was it?” she asked the moment he appeared.

“A snake. It was sliced open lengthwise. It’s been sent to be frozen in case we need it later on. There was a card too,” Ranson explained.

Lanie used every ounce of control to keep her expression neutral. “A snake? Cut open? Is that some sort of message?”

“A snake usually symbolises somebody untrustworthy, deceitful, manipulative, or betrayal. Someone thinks you’ve done something,” Randon replied.

Lanie barely refrained from rolling her eyes. “I understand what it means, but I’ve no idea why one would have been sent.”

Lanie’s mind was already racing. The poor creature was clearly meant to represent her. Someone believed they’d identified her.

She wanted to go home and head for the castle but couldn’t finish early. She had a full day ahead of her.

Lanie needed her family around her but couldn’t disturb anyone. And plus, there was no way she’d allow anyone to frighten her from what was hers.

“What did the card say?” Lanie asked, suddenly remembering it.

“See you soon, lover, and it was signed A,” Ranson replied and Lanie’s blood chilled in her veins and not because of the serpent in her.

“Are you sure it said A?” she whispered and wished she’d kept quiet because of the quaver in her voice.

Ranson inquired, “Miss Cross, is there something we should know?”

“Not that I am aware of. I’m rather affected by the fact someone killed a creature to send me a message that means nothing to me. Could this be a disgruntled employee?” Lanie inquired.

“We’ll investigate. The fact it’s starting at this level is worrying. Usually, it starts with calls or letters, not straight to killing creatures,” McIntyre said.

Lanie noted he’d not took his eyes off her face. Somehow, she knew those bright green eyes were seeing something she didn’t want him to.

McIntyre studied her for a few more seconds before turning to Ranson. “I’ll begin checking the employee files who have been fired in the last five years.”

“Yeah, I’ll join you in a few,” Ranson said and watched McIntyre leave the office.

Lanie held his gaze.

“Miss Cross, I’ve been with you for ten years. Ever since you started up. Are you withholding something?” he asked bluntly.

Lanie could appreciate that. Ranson always spoke his mind. They’d kept a comfortable working relationship but had maintained employer and employee status.

“No, Ranson. You’re fully aware I don’t have relationships or date,” Lanie replied.

“And I’ve always wondered what turned a stunningly beautiful woman off dating. Excuse me, Ma’am, but I think there’s something in your past that scarred you. And I’m wondering right now, does his name begin with A?” Ranson inquired.

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