Page 89 of My Secret Snowflake
Let’s hope that’s true. I just know that it wasn’t me. There has to be a way to prove it wasn’t me.
I have to find the person whodiddo it.
Xavier folds his arms. My gut suddenly feels funny. Bad funny.
Xavier knows Colby is willing to lie and cheat to get ahead. And it’s far more likely that Colby had Kevin on his side than that he didn’t.
“I didn’t do it,” I say. I hate that it sounds like I’m pleading. I straighten my shoulders, planting my hands on my thighs, and speak more firmly. “You heard Colby and Kevin in that room. They’re in on this together. I’m being blamed, but I’m sure they hired an outside white hat hacker. There’s even that partially executed agreement in the files. Why would that exist if it was me?”
Xavier first stares at his brother, but Colby smirks in response and shakes his head. Xavier eyes Bob with a quick sideways glance. The answer is almost an imperceptible nod. They’re wavering.
“All right, let’s hire an outside firm to investigate,” Xavier says. “You’ll be put on paid leave in the meantime. Here’s the paid leave agreement Sebastian drafted.”
Sebastian drafted?Sebastian knew?
My stomach pitches like I’m no longer on solid ground and the boat just hit a swell. My hand shakes as I pick up the terms. I look down to read them, but I can’t see the words.Sebastian knew? I can feel tears welling in my eyes.I can’t cry. I stare at the page, blinking away the tears, trying to look at the words swimming before me. But the only thing that’s flashing in my head isSebastian drafted this.
I almost miss Xavier’s concluding sentence: “And if we find out you did steal the documents, you’ll be fired.” He takes a breath, and his tone lowers. “I expect honesty.”
Fired. My face flushes.
I don’t have much faith in an outside forensic firm if Kevin decides who is hired.
“Security will escort you out.” Xavier thrusts his splayed hand towards the door.
I know I’m supposed to get up and leave. But my legs feel like jelly. My teeth clench as I will myself to stand straight and walk out, the paper clutched close to my heart.How could Sebastian not tell me?
Security is waiting for me in the hallway. The officer ducks his head, as if embarrassed.
Heat flushes through my body. How dare they accuse me. I stride ahead of security to the elevator. I’ll see myself out.
And I’ll figure out who the hacker is. Raphael knew something. Did he think he was going to be set up to take the fall? Was he warning me that I was being set up to take the fall with that “don’t trust anyone” book?
If that was your warning, Raphael, be a little less opaque next time. What the—?
But Raphael was definitely terminated, so he must have figured something out—and they got rid of him. And now they’re trying to get rid of me.
I’ve looked through all the files. There must be some clue I overlooked.
Reggie meets me in the lobby with my coat, my backpack, and various personal items from the top of my desk.
It is surreal.
And it’s only when I’m standing outside on the street, holding a box of my personal effects, that the enormity of what just occurred hits me.
Iwas accused of hacking into the system to retrieve the PowerPoints.
I’ve beenescortedout.
That’s my reputation—my ability to work in this industry. My stomach churns as I hug the flimsy cardboard box to my chest.
Kevin—who definitely orchestrated this—is in charge of the investigation to prove my innocence.
I lean against the stone building. It’s cold and hard. A gray fog hangs in the wet air, and I didn’t bring an umbrella again. The sky darkens. A drop of rain falls. I pick up my box and run to the subway entrance, down the stairs, and into the corner by the station booth.
I’m about to lose my job.
And Sebastian. Just when I thought I could trust him.
