Surviving (Surrender 2)

“Means I was played by pussy. Once your story came out, I was fired. I had to sign a confidentiality agreement in order to get severance, but now no one will hire me. Can’t even explain my side of things.” He gulps back the rest of his drink. “So which one of you gets me first? Not sure I can even fight back so go ahead and put me out of my fucking misery.”

“Gotta tell you man, I’m ready to jack your shit up, but not keen on beating a drunk. And besides you have information I want.” Robbie answers him.

“Can’t tell you shit. I can be personally be sued. But you know the worst thing is I really thought this was it. This was the story that would launch my career. But fucking bitches let me take the fall. Funny thing is, I don’t think they’re through. I got the feeling they’ve got something else planned.”

I want to be a dick. I want to be pissed, but the hurt in his voice is obvious. Something’s not right here. I relax my stance and so does everyone else.

“Man, you got a chance here to set the story straight. Even redeem yourself.”

“What do you care? Everything turned out perfect.”

“Someone hacked into my fiancée’s personal files and stole from her. Then they tol

d lies. Of course, I fucking care.”

“What do you mean stole from her?” He looks genuinely confused.

“The pictures and information on her kidnapper were confidential.”

“You don’t think I did that? I swear all that shit was handed over to me.”

“Now’s the time to talk and make things right.”

His face is resigned, and he sighs. “Fine, but you all need to sit down and probably want to get a drink. It’s a long story.”

We pull up a few tables and sit. He tells us his story and every guy at the table looks murderous when he’s done. This is not good.

*****

Raven

Rage, fury, anger doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now. When Declan walked in last night with all the guys in tow, I knew right away something was wrong. Then he introduced me to a man that looked like a hobo and I couldn’t believe it. Why in the hell would he bring Andy Reeves to our home?

When I heard the whole story, I was so mad I started crying. I was hurt and humiliated. Poor Andy couldn’t really tell me anything except how sorry he was. Declan told me they had to basically piece the story together because Andy could be sued if he released certain details, but there was enough evidence on his phone to confirm what he said.

Even though we had to leave in a few hours, Mike called an emergency meeting at his office to discuss our next steps. Every employee except the sound techs were going to be there as well as Sayge.

I have to take a few deep breaths before we go into the offices. Declan holds my hand and Nate throws his arm around me. We walk in the conference room which is full of nervous energy. No one is really talking to each other, but everyone is wondering why we are here. Declan makes sure I get a seat at the large conference table and stands behind me. Charlie and Blake lean in the back by the door.

“I know this is extremely unexpected, but I learned some bad news last night that affects one of our largest clients. We’re here today to put together a plan of action. As you remember a few months ago, Raven was spotlighted in an article that defamed her character. It took our team months, but we found the reporter and the source of the article.” Mike pauses for dramatic effect.

“It pains me to say this but due to the information turned over, I did an electronic sweep of all employee equipment last night. I didn’t want to believe it, but one of our own was the source.”

There’s a collective gasp around the room, and I tried hard to hold my poker face but I caved. I look straight at Amber, and she’s pasty white. But instead of looking at me she’s staring at Kelly.

“I want to take this opportunity to tell you all together that we will be taking appropriate, legal actions against those involved, and we will most likely be in the news this coming week. Be prepared to call your clients and reassure them of our commitment to their success. If they have concerns about their contracts, set up a meeting with me. Charlie will be handling my schedule. I’ll make time for anyone. In the meantime, any files you have on Sayge need to be turned over to Jay within the hour. If you have questions, we can talk individually. Now you can go.” His voice was authoritative, and everyone gets up to leave the room.

Amber and Kelly are the last to leave and before they can get out the door, Charlie grabs both their arms and flings them back.

“Nu-uh bitches. Sit your asses back down.”

“What the hell? You can’t touch me like that!” Kelly screams in her face.

Blake stepped up without saying anything, and she coils back.

“Yes the fuck I can. You both need to know we’re onto you.”

“Charlie, let me handle this.” Mike interrupts. “Amber, you need to sit back down. Kelly, I think you should too. The next few minutes are going to be very important for you in determining the legal actions Raven chooses to make against you. Your charade is over.”