“Okay, a lot of arrogance. But to be fair, he’s earned the conceit when it comes to business. And decking Davis makes him more than okay in my book.”
Jonas seemed relieved. “Oh, good. And so you know, I’ve already counseled Davis once about his interactions with some of the staff. I’ve been meaning to have another talk with him about harassment. Even though you refused to nail him for it the last time we discussed this,” he reprimanded gently. “But Storm beat me to the punch, literally.”
A thought occurred. “Did Davis report Marcus for what happened?”
“Not that I’m aware. If he did, he’d have to explain who beat him up and why. No one around here has ever questioned Storm, except for you, of course. All the higher ups love the guy. Even Judy Meyers has softened toward him, and you know how she is.”
I nodded absently, wondering why I suddenly felt as if someone had just walked over my grave.
Jonas shook his head. “I’m an idiot for bringing any of this up. I know you have a brother to look out for you. It’s just that we work together, and you’re so…”
“So what?”
“You know. You’re a beautiful young woman. You’re smart and talented and will go far in this company. Or any company you work for. And now I’ve made you uncomfortable again. I’m sorry.” He smacked himself in the head. “Forget I said anything. In fact, grab your stuff and go home for the day. You’ve been working your ass off for weeks now. Get out of here.”
Finally. The old Jonas, the one who treated me like an equal and not some vulnerable young colleague, had returned. “My ass is only too happy to oblige.” I stood. “I refuse to feel guilty about leaving since there’s only one more sheet of data to input.”
“Yeah,” he said smugly. “That’s why I’m being such a great boss about letting you leave early. Because you’ve already finished ninety-nine percent of the work.”
I laughed and left him busy with his computer. Nodding to several coworkers, I chatted my way to my office when I was waylaid by Judy.
“I—I need a favor,” Judy said breathlessly, as if she’d been running.
“Sure, Judy. What do you need?”
She followed me into my office. What did she want now? For me to plate Marcus’ name in gold and hang it above the employee-of-the-year plaque in the foyer? Or maybe she wanted me to coordinate a Be-Nice-To-Marcus day.
Judy peeked her head out, looked both left and right, then tucked back inside and shut the door behind her. “Mr. Conklin is expecting a very important and confidential package that right now is waiting in the lobby. The private courier can’t come up here with it due to information we learned today.”
Judy glanced over her shoulder at the closed door before leaning forward to whisper, “We have a corporate spy in Temita.”
The blood drained from my face. Apparently, we hadn’t stopped the accusations of corporate espionage that would soon come my way.
It was starting.
Chapter 31
Tessa
“Corporate spy?” I asked, willing myself to look calm.
Covington had been fired, out of the picture. How could there still be a corporate crime and accusations?
“You’re kidding,” I said, my eyes wide with real shock.
“I only wish I were. Mr. Conklin is stunned and very upset, I don’t have to tell you. As of this moment, the only people he trusts around here are me, Marcus, Jonas, and you. And since the rest of us are busy, I was hoping you could grab the package. I would, but I’m already late for Mr. Conklin’s yearly analysis overview.” She checked her phone and frowned.
“Sure, I’ll get it.” I felt as if I were floating. My thoughts scrambled, sensibleness hovering just out of reach. Visions of a jail cell and handcuffs filled my mind.
“Oh, thank you,” Judy gushed and turned to the door. “One more thing. The courier is downstairs in the lobby wearing a ball cap and a heavy denim jacket. Sounds very double-oh-sevenish, I know, but this deal could net us millions if we play it right. And that means keeping our competitors in the dark.” She grimaced. “That we have to stoop to disguises and secrets is ridiculous, but these are government contracts. If it weren’t for Mr. Conklin’s insistence on discretion, I’d call the police right now.”
“Right.” I coughed, nervous. “Let me get to it, then.”
Judy nodded and left. I wanted to run to Marcus with questions. And that bothered me.
Since when had I needed a man to solve my problems? Granted, this entire situation was unique, but Judy had mentioned company intrigue, not wraiths and Djinn.
No. If I so much as mentioned the word “threat,” Marcus would point the finger at Jonas and demand answers my concerned friend didn’t have. Judy had said Marcus was busy anyway. This worry could keep until later. That was if I didn’t get arrested in the meantime.
