Page 94 of Hating the Boss

“Sir…”

“Mount Sinai. Got it?” I asked.

I didn’t know if it was in my power to determine where she was sent to, but I had to try. I wanted her at the best of the best. She deserved it. Our baby deserved it.

“I’ll see what I can do,” said the EMT with a nod before turning his back to me and hopping in the driver’s seat of the ambulance. The siren wailed to life and pulled away from the curb. When they had disappeared from view, all I wanted was to get in my car and drive after them, but the way the cops were looking at me, I knew it wasn’t going to be a minute before I could get to her.

I stood up a little straighter and strode toward the man who had pulled me over on the way here, knowing I wasn’t in the best of graces with him. Angela glared at me from where she sat on the sidewalk, her face ruddy with tears, smears of dirt on her cheeks, and her red dress ripped and disheveled.

“My name is Brad Ashcroft. I would like to first apologize again for speeding. It was reckless and I take full responsibility,” I said to the officer, who was looking at me with a raised brow.

“He’s a good guy,” said Brittany, sidling up alongside me.

She hardly knew me, and from what she did know, I doubted she believed that 100%. I knew she was just trying to help me out, so I could get to Sarah quickly. I gave her a nod of thanks before continuing.

“It won’t happen again, as long as this woman is put away,” I said, looking down at Angela. “I’m sure she’s facing a handful of charges, but I would like to also press charges.”

“Brad…” said Angela slowly, blinking up at me.

“Please, continue,” said the officer, turning the page on his notepad.

“She trespassed on my private property this morning and stole valuable information that didn’t belong to her. I have surveillance footage to prove it. I will have my security team send it through to the station.”

“She also left a threatening note on the victim’s door,” added Brittany. “And threw a brick through her window with another note. They’re upstairs if you need them for evidence.”

I looked at Angela, my mouth agape. I wasn’t aware of the other terrors Angela had inflicted on Sarah and those close to her. It was hard to believe that the woman I once loved, or thought I did, was capable of such menace. Violence. It made me realize how desperate people became when they were on the brink of losing it all.

“I will make sure I get your reports in,” said the cop, tapping his notebook with his pen before folding it up and tucking it away. “You are free to go.”

A sob escaped Angela’s throat as the officers pulled her to her feet. She looked like dead weight in their arms as she looked at me, her dark blue eyes pooled with tears.

“Brad…please, tell me it’s not true,” she said pleadingly. “Tell me you’re not in love with… that woman!”

“I am,” I said coolly, “And she’s having my baby. And I’m going to make sure she presses her own charges for everything you have done. For everything you attempted to do.”

“You can stop this!” she screamed, as the officers shoved her toward the waiting police car.

“I have no intention of stopping what you deserve,” I said, my mouth curling in disgust as I watched her bow into the car, the officer’s hands on her head. The car door shut, saving me from hearing another word from her vile mouth. She was still shouting for me as the car drove away, lights and sirens clearing its path through the city traffic.

“Wow,” said Brittany, shaking her head and putting her hands on her hips. “That was an unexpected turn of events.”

“Yeah,” I said, grimacing. “Again, sorry.”

“You’re gonna have to say that again,” said Brittany, looking behind me.

I turned and saw a van had pulled up to the sidewalk and a nurse was assisting a young woman in a wheelchair. Jessica. Sarah’s sister. It was obvious in the heart-shaped faces they shared and the almond shape of their eyes. They were different, but the same.

She said goodbye to the nurse and quickly moved her motorized wheelchair toward Brittany, who was clutching a bag of ice to her face, courtesy of the EMTs. She had insisted she didn’t need to go to the hospital and wanted to stay behind to clean up the apartment. Jessica now looked at her with worry.

“What happened?” asked Jessica, looking at Brittany panicked. “I saw the police leaving. And your face!” She pointed to the ice pressed to Brittany’s face.

Brittany pulled it away and proudly showed off her war wound. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”

Jessica gasped before her brows pulled together. “Wh-where is Sarah?” she asked.

“She’s okay,” said Brittany. “She’s on her way to the hospital.”

“What?” Jessica exclaimed, tearing her gaze away from Brittany and looking at me for answers. A flash of protective anger shone through the hazel hue of her eyes. “What happened?”