“You’re welcome,” I said as two paramedics raced to my door. “Now sit tight. Let the EMTs help your driver.”
Jumping down, I moved out of the way but was pulled aside by an officer in uniform. “I need to ask you some questions.”
“I know.” Because of course they had questions.
After I was finished with the first cop, another policewoman pulled me aside to ask more questions. “Can you hang on a second?” I asked. “I need to get my dog.”
“Fine,” she said with a huff. “Don’t run off.”
“Oh, I won’t.”
As I made my way through the large crowd that had gathered, I felt a number of people slap my back, and even more told me things like “You’re so brave” and “You saved lives.” I smiled at the words. I was proud, sure, but it made me feel good that I’d made a difference today.
When I found Sky, she was a complete shivering mess. “Oh, come on now….” I reached out to take her from the stranger. “Thanks for holding her for me.”
The woman had tears in her eyes. “Anytime. For our hero, anytime.”
God, the rush I felt was beyond euphoric. “No problem, ma’am.” I almost added, “Just doin’ my job,” but that would have been wrong. It’s not my job; it’s my calling, my special purpose.
I spent another twenty minutes with cop number two, and then I was home. And hungry. I never did get my pizza, damn it.
With Sky still cuddled in my arms, I make my way to my kitchen in search of something to eat and drink. I grab a glass of water for me and give my little girl a bowl of fresh water, then search the cupboard for her doggy treats. When I find them, I set her on the ground and drop four bite-sized morsels on the floor in front of her. Sky’s tail begins to wag in earnest, and that’s when I know she’ll be okay. Thank goodness.
Chapter Eleven
Alison
“Here’s hoping today is better,”I say, holding up The Vat of coffee like I’m toasting something. And yes, I’m talking to myself.
I’ve made myself comfortable in the conference room. I even brought my portable printer with me today. It isn’t great, but it’ll work for my purposes. After setting it up, I check my email. I’m hoping Graham finally responded with more information on how I’m supposed to get these people to talk to me, but like last night, there’s nothing new from him.
Sipping my coffee, I open the green folder again and leaf through some of the notes inside. Whoever bothered to do this was quite specific. He or she even typed up dialogue between fellow employees, with tags like “he said angrily.” I’m not sure I can take those tags seriously because this person, the one who compiled this folder, is obviously bitter about something.
“What the hell are you doing in here?”
I look up to see a scowling Graham Morgan.
I’m about to respond when he adds, “Clive said you told him to take the big desk.”
I stare at Graham for a moment and weigh my options. I could keep my mouth shut, or… “That’s false. He was already comfortably situated at that desk, so I—”
“I had another desk brought down for him.” Graham makes a scoffing noise. “He’s supposed to be assisting you.”
“Again, he was already set up in there.” I’m not going to address the issue of his help. I feel it would be inappropriate for the author of the green file to assist me.
“So you moved in here?” Graham is still standing at the door. He hasn’t moved in any farther. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.
“I’d prefer to have a private space. I can’t get honest answers from someone if a fellow employee is in the room.” Especially sincethatperson is probably the reason I’m here in the first place.
“Take Ben’s office.”
“Uh, what?”
“He can share with someone else. I’ll tell him to move in with Clive.”
“Graham.” I shake my head. “That’s not appropriate. Ben was Clive’s superior.” No matter how I feel about Ben and his grabby hands, I know that’s not a good idea.
“Hewashis superior.”
