Not yet.
She needs to feel safe again.
The worst is over.
She imagined it all.
That’s when they get careless.
When they stop hiding.
I pick up the phone and buzz my evening assistant.
I have seven, each covering a different shift, so I never have to wait.
“Draft a message,” I say.
“Mandatory all-department heads meeting. Tomorrow. Ten a.m. Sharp.”
A pause.
“Include Customer Service.”
“Yes, sir.”
I hang up.
Let her come back on my terms.
Let her sit across the table from me and wonder if her legs are shaking too loud.
Chapter nineteen
Reagan, Monday 10:00 p.m.
I‘m halfway through painting the plaster wall in a calming glacier blue, one that unfortunately matches Hot Daddy’s eyes a little too perfectly.
Not that I’m thinking about that.
Blue has always been my favorite color.
That’s the lie I’m telling myself, and we’re all sticking to it.
I was bored during my time off and wanted to be productive.
Apparently, I picked the exact shade of his eyes.
My work phone buzzes.
Internal Notice: Calhoun Industries
Mandatory All-Department Heads Meeting
10:00 a.m., Executive Conference Room A
Attendance required.
Please see Mr. Calhoun’s office for additional briefing details if needed.