Page 138 of Check & Chase
Ms. Howard leans forward, her expression sympathetic but firm. “During the investigation, you’ll be placed on temporary leave with pay. This is standard procedure.”
“You’re suspending me?” My voice rises despite my efforts to stay calm. “Over baseless accusations from a jealous ex?”
“It’s administrative leave,” Mr. Peterson corrects, though he looks unhappy about the distinction. “And it’s temporary. Just until the investigation concludes, which should be within two weeks.”
Two weeks of sitting at home while my professional reputation gets dissected by strangers, while colleagues whisper about whether the accusations might be true.
“Does Chase know?” I ask, suddenly remembering his strange behavior, the pieces falling into place with devastating clarity.
Mr. Peterson nods grimly. “He was notified yesterday evening.”
That explains everything. The distance, the worry, the broken smile. He knew this was coming and didn’t tell me, probably trying to protect me from something he couldn’t control.
“The Bears organization supports you, Emma,” Mr. Peterson adds finally. “We know your character and professionalism. This is unfortunate, but we’ll get through it.”
I appreciate his vote of confidence, but it does little to calm the storm building inside me.
After the meeting, I leave the office with my head held high, refusing to show how badly I’m shaken despite the tremor in my hands. I’ve almost made it to the exit when I hear my name being called.
I turn to find Chase jogging down the hallway toward me, still in his practice gear, hair damp with sweat and eyes wild with something between panic and determination.
“Emma,” he pants, breathless from running. “Maya said you were coming. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
“Really?” My voice comes out sharper than intended, edged with hurt and betrayal.
His face falls like a house of cards. “You know.”
“Just found out,” I confirm, crossing my arms defensively. “Emergency meeting with Peterson, HR, and legal. Quite the welcoming committee.”
“I wanted to tell you,” he rushes out, reaching for my hands with desperate urgency. “I was going to last night, but you seemed so happy, and I thought maybe I could fix it before—”
“Fix it?” I interrupt, pulling my hands away from his touch. “How exactly were you planning to fix an ethics investigation without even telling me it existed?”
He runs a hand through his hair, leaving it standing in agitated spikes. “I was going to confront Carina. I know it was her who filed the complaint.”
“And say what? ‘Please stop ruining my girlfriend’s career because you’re jealous’?” I shake my head, amazed at his naivety. “That would only make things worse.”
“Em…”
“Promise me,” I say, softening my tone as I see the genuine anguish in his eyes. “Promise me you won’t do anything rash.”
“I can’t just sit back and watch them hurt you.”
“You have to,” I insist, reaching up to touch his face. “For my sake, if not your own.”
The fight seems to drain out of him, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.”
Relief washes through me. “Thank you.”
He steps closer, touching my cheek gently. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right away. I thought I could handle it, spare you the stress.”
“I don’t need to be protected from the truth, Chase.” I lean into his touch despite my frustration. “I need you to trust me enough to face it together.”
A few hours later, I’m driving home. My mind in a daze as it cycles through the implications like a broken record. By the time I reach my house, I’m a volatile mixture of anger and anxiety, my hands still shaking as I turn the key in the lock.
Maya is waiting in the living room, looking up expectantly as I enter. One look at my face tells her everything she needs to know.
“That bad?” she asks.
