Oh damn.
Terry closed the door.
"Sit down."
Double damn.
Terry walked over and sat in one of the chairs in front of the chief's chair. He was glad there was a desk between them. He didn't want the chief to see him wiping his sweaty palms on his pant legs.
"Do you know why I called you in here?"
"No, sir." He wished he did.
Chief Helmond sighed. "Someone has lodged a sexual harassment charge against you, Terry."
Terry blinked at the chief. Stunned didn't even begin to describe what he was feeling. "I'm sorry, what?"
"A sexual harassment charge has been filed against you."
"I…how…" Terry frowned. "What?"
Chief Helmond glanced down at a file in front of him. "Someone has filed a complaint against you that you inappropriately touched them in a sexual manner, made sexually suggestive comments, and offered compensation for sexual favors."
Terry's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"
The chief's face was set in a grim expression when he glanced up. "Very."
"But…" There was no way. "Who—"
"I'm not at liberty to tell you that at this time."
"Chief, I would never…" Terry shook his head.
There was just no way.
Chief Helmond sighed as he glanced back down at the file on his desk. "The city council takes complaints like this very seriously, Terry. Until such time as they can complete an investigation, you're on temporary suspension."
"What?" Terry gasped. "I didn't do anything."
"I don't doubt you, Terry. In all the time I've known you, you've never had any issues with anyone in Cade Creek." Chief Helmond looked him straight in the eyes. "Unfortunately, I have rules I must follow. Departmental policy states that I must suspend you until an investigation is completed."
"But—"
"If you're cleared," the chief stated, "your record will be expunged and you can come back to work."
If?
"But I didn't do anything," Terry insisted again. "I wouldn't."
Ever.
"I understand that, Terry, and I'm sorry it's come to this, but like I said. My hands are tied. Until the investigation is completed, you have to be suspended without pay."
"Will I get my job back?" He needed his job. Being suspended without pay might sink him.
"If you are cleared, yes."
Again with theif.
