As his words registered, she heaved a deep sigh of relief.Thank God.“So I’m not being terminated?”
“No,” Ryder answered, shaking his head for emphasis.“However, we feel it best that you take a leave of absence.Paid, of course.Kerrigan?”
Cassie bit back an automatic protest and looked over at Kerrigan.“We’re suggesting a week’s leave, but that can be extended if you feel you need more time before returning to work,” the other woman said.“The company will provide and pay for legal counsel should Ms.Janec’s family or estate pursue legal action.And it will also provide you with any counseling or other mental health services you might need.”
Nope.“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t need a paid leave or counseling.”Would a male agent take either in this situation?She doubted it.
Kerrigan blinked at her.“Ah.”She frowned slightly.“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”She didn’t want special treatment because of her gender and definitely didn’t want to appear weak to her coworkers.Word got around, not just within a group, but also the industry.
By now they would all know about yesterday’s incident.If she took time off and went to counseling, she was worried it would make them all view her as delicate or not strong enough to handle the dangers of the job.
“Cassie.”Ryder’s voice was firm, but his expression was kind.“You’ve just been through an incredibly traumatic event that took the life of someone in your charge.Taking a few days’ leave to process everything and prioritize your well-being isn’t a sign of weakness.”
Except that for her, it was.“I appreciate that.But I don’t need either at this time.”
“At the risk of being blunt, it wasn’t a suggestion,” Callum said.“A leave of absence after an incident with the potential to be traumatic—and this definitely was—is mandatory, and written up clearly in the policy manual.Kerrigan can send you the pertinent sections if you want to re-read them.”
Her cheeks got hot.“No, that’s not necessary.”
“If you feel a week or more is too long, then at least take until Monday at the earliest.”
Over the weekend.It wasn’t terrible.And it looked like she didn’t have a choice anyway.More pushback at this point wasn’t going to do her any favors, only make her look argumentative and disrespectful.“I’ll report for duty on Monday morning then.”
Callum’s mouth twitched slightly, his eyes gleaming with a touch of humor.“Monday will be fine.Thank you.And we’ll revisit the counseling at a later date.”
She nodded, because what was she going to say?You’re welcome?
“This matter is now officially concluded,” Ryder said, closing the folder in front of him.“Take these next few days to look after yourself.And if you need anything from the company, or any of us can do something for you personally, just reach out.We’ve all been through hard times ourselves, and we’re all here for you.Okay?”
Oh, dammit, now her throat closed up.She forced a grateful smile, gave another nod.
Everyone got up and filed out of the office.Tristan was right behind her as she walked to the elevator.He stepped into it with her, his big frame seeming to fill up the enclosed space.
“Thanks for sticking up for me in there,” she said as they rode down to the parking level, that all-too familiar pull tugging at her.
“It was the truth.”
He was so good to her.Why was he always so good to her?Did he think he would wear her down and she’d eventually give in to a hookup?
She hated that she was so suspicious.She didn’t want to be that person, but she also didn’t want to be taken advantage of and get crushed again.The lessons she’d learned from her ex weren’t something she would ever forget.
Low voices reached her as she neared the break room.Creed and Donovan, both fellow bodyguards, stopped talking when they saw her.Creed lifted his chin at her, piercing gray eyes somber.“All good?”
So good, she thought sarcastically.“Yeah, thanks.You?”
“Yep.Heading out again soon.Bella says hi, and to call her if you need anything.”
“That’s sweet.”Bella was lovely inside and out, with a huge, mushy heart for animals.“Tell her thanks.”
“Anaya and I too,” Donovan added.“Just let us know.”
Their support and concern tugged at her insides.“Will do.Have a good one.”
She and Tristan took the stairs to the ground floor and stepped outside into the parking lot.During the meeting the sky had clouded over into a solid, leaden gray, promising rain.Her recently unknotted stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t really eaten anything substantial since before picking Penny up yesterday morning.
“I heard that.Wanna grab a bite to eat in town before you head home?”Tristan asked.
