Page 21 of My Destiny
It’s just after four in the morning when I throw back the covers and rise from my bed. I’ve been tossing and turning for the past few hours. I can’t sleep because my mind is laden with thoughts of Brooke.
Crossing the room, I open the glass doors that lead out to the balcony. I’m dressed in only my silk pyjama bottoms, and the cool air is refreshing as it dances over my skin. Resting my hands on the balcony railing and staring out into the night, I inhale a large breath. Melbourne looks spectacular all lit up, and the views seem to go on forever from the top floor of my penthouse apartment, but my mind is far too preoccupied to enjoy it. I wish I’d been more insistent about dropping her home yesterday. She’s all I’ve thought about since then.
So many unanswered questions swim around in my mind. Is she okay? How did things go with Jake when she arrived home? Did she end up forgiving him?Jesus, I hope not.She deserves so much better than him.
Maybe I’ll get a hint of what went on between them from Jake when I organise an emergency meeting with him and his secretary first thing this morning. They’re both in breach of their contracts, which gives me the right to terminate their employment if I see fit. But I’ll make that decision once I’ve had a chance to speak with them both. I have to remain professional and not let my personal feelings influence my decision, but I’ll make sure they won’t be getting away scot-free. There’s no place for that shit in the workplace. I pride myself on the reputation of my company, and the last thing I want is one of my employees inciting a sexual harassment claim.
Heading back into my bedroom, I change into my gym gear. It’s too early to go into the office, so maybe a good workout will clear my mind and give me back my appetite. I’ve barely eaten in the past two days.
Jill, my housekeeper, should be here at six to make me breakfast before I leave for work. She spends her days cleaning, and running errands for me, but always has my dinner prepared before she leaves in the evenings. I’d be lost without her. Along with Chris, my driver, she travels with me between Sydney and Melbourne. I trust them both implicitly. Neither of them are married or have children of their own, so they’re both free to travel with me wherever I go.
My hands shoved into the pockets of my suit pants, I stand at my floor-to-ceiling office window and stare out across the Melbourne skyline. I had a conference with Claire earlier this morning and filled her in on everything. She’s going to schedule a meeting for me with Jake and his secretary once they arrive. I’ve instructed Jim Maloney, one of my senior lawyers, to sit in on it. He handles things around here while I’m in Sydney.
From the reception area I hear Rose. “You can’t go in there. Mr. Cavanagh has asked not to be disturbed. Mr. Johnston!” The mere mention of his name gets my blood pumping.
I turn and take a few steps towards the door before it flies open. “Where the fuck is my wife, Cavanagh?” he screams, throwing the small white piece of cardboard he’s holding in my direction. My eyes briefly gaze down at the floor where it lands—it’s my business card. It must be the one I gave Brooke at the hospital.
I’m sure there’s a look of contempt on my face as my eyes move back to him. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Where is she?” His face is bright red and he’s practically frothing at the mouth as he takes a step towards me. He looks a mess. Nothing like the well put together man I’m used to seeing.
My fists are balled at my side. I’m not intimidated by him in the slightest. “I have no idea where your wife is, but I can only hope she had enough sense to leave your sorry arse.”
“You’re hiding her, I know it. Tell me where she is, or so help me…”
I take a step towards him, getting up in his face. Being able to keep my composure in highly volatile situations is something I’ve always prided myself on, but this guy presses all my buttons. “And what are you going to do?” I ask through gritted teeth. “You and your idle threats don’t scare me in the slightest.”
Through my peripheral vision, I see Marco, one of the security guards, rush into my office, just as Jake lunges at me. I manage to sidestep him just as Marco tackles him to the floor. He’s six foot four and built like a brick shithouse, so Jake doesn’t stand a chance. For a split second I actually feel sorry for him as he tries to thrash his body around under Marco’s heavy weight.
Marco gets to his feet, effortlessly bringing Jake with him. “What do you want me to do with him, boss?”
“Escort him out of the building.” When he nods, my eyes lock with Jake. “You’re fired. If you step one foot inside this building, I’ll have you arrested.” He doesn’t say a word as he’s dragged from my office. I walk around my desk, buzzing Rose. “Have his office cleaned out immediately.”
“Of course. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
“I tried to stop him, Mr. Cavanagh…” I can hear by the tone of her voice that she’s on the verge of tears.
“I know you did. It’s not your fault. Take some time to regroup if needed.”
“I’m all right,” she says. “Just a little shaken.”
Pulling out my phone, I dial Claire’s number. She walked down to the courthouse to file some urgent papers for me.
“What’s up?” she asks.
“Change of plans: I just fired Jake. He stormed into my office demanding I tell him where I’ve hidden his wife.”
“No way!” she says. “Damn, I missed all the fun.” Her response makes me chuckle.
“When you get back here, have his secretary come to my office. I’m going to let her go also.”
“I think that’s wise, considering what’s gone on.”
“I agree. I’m not sure who instigated the affair, but it takes two to tango.”
“I should be back in about twenty minutes. Should I send Jim in as well?”
