Quiver & Burn (Surrender to Them 5)

“That’s what I’d like to know.” His tone was firm, and his eyebrows came together in an angry stare. “Why did I get a call from my buddy Hank over at Langston Accounting—asking questions about you?”

Oh shit. I submitted an application there last night. I didn’t expect them to check my references before I even got an interview.

“I—um.” I couldn’t even think of anything to say.

“How long have you been here? A month?” He folded his arms across his chest.

“Yes, sir.” I nodded, feeling my stomach doing, even more, flips than before.

“Did we scare you away that quick?” He exhaled sharply through his nose and a light growl rumbled in his throat.

I’m going to have to come up with something here, or else I might end up getting fired. “Well—um.” I stumbled over my words, then an idea finally hit me. “I was worried about what happened with Dana. She was with the company a long time and then gone—people say she got fired.”

That’s true and it’s reasonable—I hope.

“What happened with Dana was an isolated incident.” He blinked in surprise. “That has nothing to do with you. Fuck, do I need to call a team meeting? I think I need to call a team meeting.”

Okay, he seems to be buying it. I guess I can press my luck and see if I can find out anything more than what the rumor mill is churning.

“There’s just so much uncertainty. I talked to her last week and she was fine, but then she called in sick—now she’s gone. I don’t want to get fired because I come down with the flu or something.” I grimaced and it didn’t take much effort to put a look of concern on my face.

“Look, the matter is confidential.” He sighed and stared past me for a second. “Let’s just say that she made a serious mistake and it isn’t one that Mr. Dunkirk can forgive because she botched one of our biggest accounts.”

Botched? So—was it not what it looked like?

“Oh no…” I swallowed hard.

Have I been worried about something that was her mistake?

“Yeah.” Mr. Smith pursed his lips. “I wish I could say more, but just understand that what she messed up could have had serious implications on Dunkirk Accounting. She—she did… Fuck, I can’t say anymore, but a mistake is a very generous term.”

“It was—intentional?” I tilted my head, trying to read between the lines.

“You didn’t hear that from me.” He shook his head back and forth. “You arrived at that conclusion on your own. Trust me, I was the first one to come to her defense, but disgruntled employees can be quite vindictive. Dunkirk Financial has to hold itself to a high standard, and letting her go was necessary.”

“Okay.” I tried to process what he said. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“So, can I tell Hank to go pound a sack of bricks and keep his grubby hands off my best new accountant?” Mr. Smith tilted his head and forced a smile.

“Yes, sir.” I nodded quickly.

“Good, go get the rest of the team and tell them we’re having a meeting.” He motioned toward the door. “I need to head this off before I get calls about anyone else.”

I tried to shake the sick feeling in my stomach after talking to my boss, but it didn’t want to pass as easily as it came. Mr. Smith talked to the team briefly, but he didn’t go into as much detail with them as he did with me. He basically told them that as long as everyone worked hard and did what they were supposed to, there were no other terminations being handed down. He finished by reiterating that the company was in great shape and looking to expand, not downsize. That seemed to ease the stress that had been lingering the office since Monday morning. Dana didn’t seem like the type of person to do

something vindictive or downright illegal, but I truly didn’t know very much about her. I decided to reach out to her on social media. I figured that if she was innocent, she would respond.

Chapter Ten

Jett

Later that day

“I guess we’re about to find out if this is going to work, or if we’re going to get our hearts crushed.” I looked at Rand and sighed.

“Yeah, she should be getting off work any minute now.” Rand looked towards the door and started to stand. “We should probably wait by the door so we don’t miss her.”

“Because that’s not going to creep her out.” I chuckled and stood. “But you’re right.”