Cameron's anger seems to falter as he watches his daughter's breakdown with growing helplessness.
"You didn't tip off the press?" he asks. Something in his tone suggests he still thinks I'm the culprit.
"No. And I resent being accused of something I didn't do."
A long silence passes as he scrutinizes me. Daggers still in his eyes. Clearly not believing the 'Tiffany excuse.'"
"Very well. Mrs. Bixby, Posey, let's go."
Mrs. Bixby pries Posey out of my arms.
Posey stands and allows herself to be pulled away by her nanny.
Something in my chest wrenches at the sight of this grief-stricken child being led away.
I take a step forward, but Chloe's firm hand stops me.
We watch helplessly near the exit as they head toward a Rolls Royce in the car park. But suddenly, Posey breaks free and runstoward me. A car entering the lot swerves sharply to avoid hitting her.
Posey runs straight into my arms. "I want Tara!"
"Tara has her own job. Her own life," says Cameron, picking Posey up and resting her against his hip.
"Tara doesn't have a job. Not anymore," says Chloe, turning to face Cameron.
"She was fired for standing up for herself when the Patriot owner, Mr. Johnson, tried to sexually attack her. And Johnson punished Tara further by having the tabloid credit her as the tipster. Believe me, she had nothing to do with the story in that tabloid."
Chloe pushes me forward. "Take Tara as your nanny's assistant. You can see that your daughter responds to her. She's very good with children. She's majoring in childhood education. You'll save money on a psychiatrist and get a second nanny all in one."
Cameron looks at me. "Your boss attacked you?"
"Yes."
Cameron hesitates. Now that Chloe has made a more thorough explanation, he appears to believe in my innocence.
But I sense some lingering doubt remains.
"Well, it will only be for a couple of weeks. After the hearing, Posey and I are headed back to New York."
"Sir, I assure you we do not need a second nanny," says Mrs. Bixby.
He holds his hand out like a stop sign, then looks at Chloe. "Very well. Bring her to my house today. I'll provide lodging. Food. A modest salary. But it's only temporary."
Chloe smiles. "Deal done."
As they walk away, Chloe and I exchange a high five.
"Did that just happen?" I whisper.
"Girl," she grins, "you just got yourself a job with a rockstar."
CHAPTER 16
TARA
Afew hours later, Chloe drives me to the Abernathy mansion.
"Take care of yourself," she says, stopping when we reach the end of the driveway. "Call me if you need anything."
