All the air left the world. In that moment I was a fish on land gasping its last breath. “You didn’t?”
“No. I have a deposition in this building.”
“In this building? Here?”
Sage nodded.
“That can’t be right.”
“It is. It’s part of a case this company is representing except they’re defending and I’m the prosecution’s witness. But I had to come here for the defense to conduct an interview.”
“You are a witness?”
“Yep. I can’t discuss it, really. Wait….” His face scrunched up. “You aren’t part of the case, are you?”
“Which case?” My mind was still moving slowly, not grasping it all. Or all the consequences.
“Um. Bremerton and Johnson.”
“Never heard of it.” Whew. Conflict of interest erased. Oxygen deprived brain working again.
“Oh. Good. I remember you told me you work the financial stuff here. This isn’t about that.”
But still…. My mind raced. Sage was part of a case this firm was working on. I wasn’t sure it would be a problem, but I’d have to find out. If it was and I didn’t say anything, I could be fired or, worse, lose my license.
“That’s a relief,” I said. “All right, then, can you find your way?”
“I was told to go to conference room four.”
“It’s right down the hall to your left.”
Sage took on his boy look, gnawing at his lower lip. “I’m looking forward to tonight.”
It was his day off work. We had made plans. Great plans. A nice dinner out and of course a sleepover which had become a regular routine. The tiny flame that was always there for him, even when we weren’t together, quickened.
“Me, too.” He gave me a little wave and trotted off down the hall.
For a moment, I stood staring after him, coffee and snack forgotten. Then I turned and headed for Harold’s office. My boss. His assistant was gone but I could see through the glass door he was alone. I knocked.
From inside, a voice said, “Come.”
I entered and the door snicked closed behind me. Harold looked up.
“Hi, are you busy?”
“Preston. Hey. What can I do for you?”
My legs felt a little wobbly as I stepped forward and sat in one of two chairs facing his desk.
Harold smiled and closed his laptop. “How’s your work going? Hit a snag?”
“No. It’s all fine.”
“That’s what I like to hear. You’re one of the best. But you know that. I’ve always rated your performance as excellent to the higher-ups.”
“Thanks.” I hadn’t come here for a pep talk. But it was nice to hear.
“You look worried. I don’t like that. Something’s wrong?”
