Page 24 of Brax

She shoved him, causing her to scream in pain at the effort, then swept an arm across the desk, sending everything to the floor.

“Ines,” he said calmly. “I know this is difficult for you, but you haven’t been happy here in a long time. You’ll find something better. You’ll get a good recommendation from the company.”

“I bet I will,” she laughed. “Anything to get rid of me.”

“Ines…”

“Stop! Stop saying my name. Don’t ever say my name again. You’ll regret this. I do more work and know more about what happens here than anyone. You’ll regret letting me go.”

He said nothing just stared at the woman. He did feel pity for her and compassion, but he also had a business to run. Her physical features were difficult to manage, but it was her outbursts, tardiness, and absences that really caused the issues.

She turned and left the building, slowly as always. She couldn’t move quickly, or the pain would send scalding daggers through her bones. He watched as she got into her car, concerned that she might do something stupid. She sat for a few minutes, and he could tell that she was crying.

“Should I call the police?” asked the receptionist.

“No. She’s just grieving. Let her have that. Lord knows the poor woman has enough to grieve about. She’ll need a lot of time.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“I don’t know, Thomas,” said Suzette and the others on the medical team, shaking their heads. “His handwriting is atrocious, and I’m struggling to understand what he’s written.” Thomas looked up at the others.

“Don’t look at me,” said Lucinda. “I can barely read my own handwriting, let alone that chicken scratch.”

“Hi,” said Hayes as he walked toward the small group of people.

“Oh, hi, honey,” said Riley.

“What’s wrong?”

“We’re trying to read these notes and struggling. The boys took great photos, but I swear it’s not English,” frowned Gabi. Hayes looked over her shoulder and nodded.

“No. It’s not.”

“It’s not what?” asked Riley.

“English. It’s not English. It’s German.”

“Holy shit,” muttered Thomas. “We were so focused on thinking it was all in English, we didn’t think that it was actually another language.”

“It’s actually three languages,” said Hayes. “He wrote his notes in a mix of German, English, and Danish. It’s fascinating, really. Like he was thinking in three different languages. It’s random. I don’t think he meant to do it. It just happened that way.”

“We need to get these translated,” said Thomas.

“Send the photos to Victoria, and I’ll help her to get them translated for you. It shouldn’t take the two of us very long.”

“Thank you, Hayes. When do you have to leave?” asked Suzette.

“Four days,” he smiled. “It’s alright. I love being a SEAL, and I love my team. I’ll be back soon.”

“You come and say goodbye before you leave,” said Lucinda. “Take care of yourself.”

“Yes, ma’am. I will.” They watched as he left, headed to the offices where Victoria was working.

“He’s turned into a wonderful young man,” said Riley. “I just hope he really does come back to us.”

“He will,” said Thomas. “He’s got it all. Brains, brawn, and a keen mind that sees things that all the smart people in this room didn’t see.” They all laughed, nodding at Thomas.

With the rain still coming down, albeit lighter than the last few days, they ran toward the cafeteria, splashing water and mud along the way.

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