Page 11 of The Director's Daughter

CHAPTER SEVEN

WHEN ZACH TOLD MARTHAhe’d soon be leaving to handle an unexpected crisis, and his afternoon appointments would need to be changed, she rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically.

“Martha, it’s not that bad. There are only a few you need to reschedule.”

“A few too many if you ask me.”

“I didn’t,” he quipped with a grin. “You know when things happen unexpectedly I have to—”

“By things, don’t you mean a certain person?” she interrupted. “That girl...I know she’s difficult, but do you have to deal with her?”

“She listens to me.”

“Uh-huh. So you’re leaving around two o’clock?”

“I am.”

“Then you shouldn’t be here nattering with me. It’s already gone past one.”

“You’re absolutely right. Did you have a good lunch?”

“I did as it happens, and this is for you,” she declared, handing him a brown paper sack. “A chicken sandwich. I figured you skipped yours.”

“You’re a gem, Martha. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be right in with some coffee.”

Wishing he could find himself a naughty young woman with the caring and consideration of his secretary, he returned to his desk and plowed through his work.

* * *

AFTER A STEADY STREAMof phone calls and reviewing a series of documents, it was time for him to leave. As he walked past Martha on his way out, she waved him to a stop.

“Make sure you leave your phone on, and if Sam asks, where are you?”

“Out, but you’re not sure where.”

“The last time I said that I thought he was going to drag me out to the guillotine. I’m supposed to know these things.”

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