“Ms. Mathews, this is Craig Sutter from Sutter and Philipsen Financial Advisors.” He pauses as I register what he said.
“Umm, hello.”What the hell? Why is my old company calling me?
“We’re currently conducting an investigation, and your name came up. We’d like to have you come in and discuss things if you’re able to.”
“Am I in trouble?” It’s the first thing that comes to mind because I don’t understand why they would call me in six months after they fired me.
“No, ma’am, nothing like that. We’ve had some complaints about an employee, and your name came up during some interviews. We were told that you might have some information on said employee, possibly more proof of his wrongdoings.”
He’s being vague as shit, and it’s only making me more nervous. But the only thing I can think of is Lance and how he behaved while I was still there.
“Is this about Lance Lafay?” I ask, needing some hint.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss this over the phone, but if it helps make the decision for you to come in, I will say you have the right hunch.”His overcomplicated language reminds me of how fucking political the entire profession is and how much I don’t miss it.
“Is there a particular day that works better to come in?”
“The sooner, the better. If you’re able to come in this week, that would be ideal,” he concedes, but he already sounds done with this conversation. I’ve taken up too much of his time, and his attempt at being polite is translucent.
“Okay, I need to move things around. Can I call you back and let you know?”
“That’s fine,” he clips, then gives me his direct number. We hang up without preamble, and I sit back in my chair, confused as hell.
Why now? Why is Lance getting investigated now and not six months ago when I had an abundance of shit against him? Why wasn’t I taken seriously?
My anger starts to spike, and the pressure of frustrated tears makes its presence known in the back of my eyes. Right this second, I don’t even know if I want to go in there and give them all the information I still have.
I don’t know how long I sit here for, just thinking about how unfair the entire situation is. I know this was my opportunity to clear my name and show people who Lance truly is, but does it even matter anymore? Do I even care?
I want to be the bigger person. I want to say I don’t need this closure and that it doesn’t bother me anymore, but that would be a lie. It still bothers me that I was fired the way I was. And maybe if I’m able to fight this battle, prove that I wasn’t the fuck-up, I can really move forward with the life I’m becoming quite fond of. My life with Ledger.
My phone interrupts my thought process, and I answer without looking again.
“Hello.” I can hear how my voice is a little shaky, and I clear my throat.
“Ainsley? Are you okay?”Ledger.
“Umm, yeah. I think so. What’s up?” I’ll tell him, deciding to tell him over dinner when I ask for the time off.
“I was expecting you to be at the house when I came home, and you’re not here.” He sounds a little unsure, a little of his anxiety drifting into his voice.
I look down at the clock on my computer and realize it’s well past when I would normally be over at his house.
“Shit, sorry. I got a phone call and lost track of time. I’m on my way now.” I don’t give him a chance to ask questions because I need the added five minutes to get my head on straight before I talk to him about all of this.
The drive over is short, but I come to a huge realization. I want to go and do this, but I also need Ledger’s support. I need him to tell me it will all be okay, even if this isn’t the closure I thought it would be. Even if it’s not the moment of clarity I’ve been waiting for.
Walking up to his front porch, I don’t even get the chance to knock before Ledger yanks the door open.
“What’s going on, baby?” Concern is etched on every inch of his face.
I grab his hand and lead him inside.
“I got a phone call that I wasn’t expecting,” I say as I sit down on his plush couch.
“Okay… Was it a client? Did they mistreat you?”
“No, no, nothing like that. Sit,” I tell him before continuing.
