Page 89 of Token

“Sweetie, I know you do. But in time, things will get better. They always do. There are a million and one men out there who would give their eyetooth to be with you, and half a million who will love you and treat you the way you deserve.”

Aurora let out a watery snort. “Maybe a dozen or two, but definitely not half a million.”

That her friend could find even the tiniest bit of humor in it was a good sign. “Why don’t you take a few days off, and I’ll come over after work and bring dinner? Whatever you want, your wish is my command.”

Another sniffle. “I love you, Ken.”

“I love you too, Ror. Now, I want you to go and relax. I don’t want you thinking about work, and for goodness’ sake, don’t read the tabloids. This hacking scandal is getting worse by the day, and you don’t need that in your life right now. That is, unless it’ll make you feel better to watch a few of the mighty get knocked off their pedestals. Because, in that case, have at it.”

“I think I’m going to go back to sleep.” She sounded drained.

“Okay, sweetie, you do that. Call me if you need anything.”

Kennedy didn’t even have time to take a breath after they’d hung up when Jonathan was at her door. His expression said everything.

She groaned. “Oh god, what now? Don’t tell me there’s another video of Roger out there.” She’d kill him!

Jonathan entered without saying a word and took a seat in his regular chair. “I’m glad you’re sitting down and that I am too, because what I’m about to tell you isn’t going to be easy.”

Sometimes, Kennedy conceded, their office manager could be a tad dramatic. He’d watched every season ofKeeping Up with the Kardashians. “Whatever it is, just say it.” Monday was already off to a rollicking start—might as well pile on the sunshine.

“ECO Apparel was hacked.”

Her jaw went slack. “No!”

Jonathan nodded. “Oh yes, and it gets worse.”

Oh crap. She almost didn’t want to know, but the expression on his face said she couldn’t keep the bad news at bay, and willful ignorance wasn’t an option.

“What’s worse than getting hacked?”

“What’s in some of the emails.”

“Did Phil call? How bad is it? Are they looking for damage control?” Kennedy would always have a soft spot for the company. That was where she’d gotten her start. The reason Token existed—in its current form. And the number of clients Phil had sent her way couldn’t be overstated. Helping them in their time of need was the least she could do.

Jonathan, appearing uneasy, briefly averted his gaze. “There is an email chain about you.”

It took several moments for Kennedy to digest that. “Derogatory?” she asked, already knowing the answer, but she needed to be sure.

He responded with a curt, decisive nod.

“How bad?”

“Do you want to read the email chain for yourself?”

In other words, he didn’t want to read it to her or spoon-feed her the paraphrased version. Which meant it was bad.

Jonathan began typing on his cell phone. Moments later, her own pinged. She clicked on the link and the image of an email filled the screen. Taking a deep breath, she began to read.

Sahara-Kennedy Mitchell ???

Phillip Draper

Tuesday, June 6, 2020

To: Sam Weber

She’s got some fucking nerve. But what are we going to do, the bitch has us over a barrel and she knows it. If she goes, she’s taking Sahara with her. We have no choice but to give her what she wants. But make goddamn sure you make her work for every fucking penny.

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