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“Indeed,” I agreed. “What nonsense did your employees read and report?”
“That you have an employee stealing money from you.”
My breath hissed out. How the hell was that on Watercooler? Only a few people knew about that situation. I sat back in my chair and rubbed my temples.
“I’m sorry, Ashton,” I told him, deciding to go with the truth. “I should have told you sooner. I have my best men looking into it. The culprit will be found soon and dealt with accordingly.”
There was silence on the line for a few moments. Then Ash let out a deep sigh.
“Kane, did you know about this before you signed the merger papers?” he asked, sounding like he was talking to a child.
My temper started to flare. It was my money, what did he care? This was why I had kept from having a business partner for so long. I didn’t want to answer to anyone else.
“Ashton don’t make this a big deal. I’m dealing with it and I promise it won’t affect you at all.” I tapped the arm of my chair with my fingers and tried to keep my temper in check.
“It is a big deal, Kane. I don’t want to merge with a company where my money isn’t secure. If you let this happen then what other things have gone on there?” The venom in his voice was harsh. “What other rumors are true in this stupid chat room?”
Ray walked into my office. I glared at him, surprised at my loss of privacy and the fact that I had no warning. No one was supposed to be allowed into my office uninvited.
I stood and faced Ray while Ashton continued to yell in my ear. Ray had the good sense to look worried. As I glared at him, he reached back, opened the door and let Melissa in. My two employees stood in front of my desk fidgeting. Melissa opened her mouth to explain but I held up a single finger and stopped her.
“There are rumors that you are dating an employee. An employee, Kane! Why would you do something so stupid in this day and age? Can I expect lawsuits about your sex life while I’m there too?” Ashton was really on a rant now. His voice was heated and loud.
I needed to get him calmed down and quickly. Ray and Melissa looked at me like the office was burning down. I put a hand to my forehead and turned my back on them. One problem at a time.
“Ash,” I said as calmly as possible. “I have everything under control. Yes, there is someone stealing money from my company, but Ray will know who it is by the end of the day and I will report them to the police. As far as my dating life. I’m entering into a committed relationship with a woman, and yes, she is an employee, but she’s signed an NDA. So legally, that’s fine.”
Ashton’s breath over the phone hitched a bit. He seemed thrown off by my use of the word commitment. “You found yourself a girl?” he asked, and I could hear the smile in his voice. He had known Sadie and he knew what I went through after she died. “When do I get to meet her?”
I smiled, glad to have my friend back on my side. “You’re coming to the charity ball, right? You got my invitation?”
“I did and I am.”
“You’ll get to meet her then.” Knowing that I had him interested, I pushed on and tried to get him completely calm. “Don’t worry about the money thing, Ash. I’ll have that squared away by the end of the day. I promise.”
He calmed down and we hung up. When I turned back to my employees, they both were so pale they looked ill. Ray held his hands clamped tightly behind his back.
I sat down in my large leather chair and took command of the room again. “It is my understanding that one must have permission to enter my office.” I looked at them both and steepled my fingers. “That is true, isn’t it, Melissa?”
My PA and Ray exchanged glances. He stepped forward ready to accept all of my wrath, but when he opened his mouth to speak nothing came out and he closed it again slowly. This was bad news.
“Ray?” I asked. “What is going on? You two look like there’s been a bomb threat.” I smiled at my joke but neither of them joined in. I stated to really worry.
Ray shifted his weight. “Is Reese with you?” he asked. He didn’t look me in the eyes.
“She left about an hour ago.”
He looked around my office like he was checking my words for truth. “I have some news you’re not going to like.” He rubbed his hands in front of himself.
Every hair on my body stood on end. Something must have happened to Reese. “Spit it out.”
