Even though Alison told me the three issues in the green folder, something still feels off. I’ve got nothing to do with any of the issues she mentioned, so could there be more? Maybe Ishouldgo get a drink with him so I can hear his thoughts—and the gossip.
But I’m still not in the mood.
Hanging up with Sam, I grab a piece of paper to start my to-do list for this afternoon. I’ve gotten nothing done the last few days with all of this stuff going on. I need to focus, and a list is just the way to do it.
Tapping my pen on the paper, I close my eyes, attempting to concentrate on my task. That is until a knock sounds on my door. I stare at my closed door for a few seconds. When the knock comes again, I have a sense of foreboding. But I can’t ignore it forever. “Come in.”
I watch as the door slowly opens and a long leg steps over my threshold.
“Alison?” I ask, standing.
She moves into the room and shuts the door behind her. “Ben. Can we talk for a minute?”
“Sure.” I motion for her to take the only other chair in my office. It’s all I’ve got room for.
“Thanks.” She reaches for the chair and pulls it out far enough for her to sit. “First of all, I want to set the record straight.”
I nod, choosing to keep my mouth shut for now.
“Nothing in that report is outright accusingyouof anything.”
“No? Is it insinuated?”
She shakes her head. “I can’t get into that.”
“Okay.” Frustrating, but I guess I get it. “Sam Ford just told me I needed to watch my back.”
Her mouth is agape, but she quickly shakes her head and says, “I can’t fathom why he’d say something like that.”
I arch my brow. “You can’t?”
“No, I can’t. I haven’t spoken to him, nor have I given anyone any indication what my probe is about. No one but you. I told you things over lunch that I shouldn’t have.”
“I won’t say anything.”
“I know.” Her voice is soft, and her eyes are even softer. Is she realizing I’m not the creep she thinks I am?
“If you know, then why do you think this is happening?”
She shakes her head, “I don’t know, but I aim to find out.” Leaning forward, she speaks softly, like she’s afraid someone will hear her. “I’m going to trust you, Ben.”
“You are?”
“I am. I need to ask you a few things, but it needs to stay inthisroom.” She points to the ground.
I nod.She trusts me. That’s big.
“What do you know about Sam Ford?”
“Sam?” I say much too loudly. I quickly quiet down. “He’s a good guy.”
“Yeah, but what do youknowabout him?”
“He went to a Big Ten school. Wisconsin.”
“And?” She’s starting to look a little impatient.
“And he’s divorced. Has a couple of kids.”
