Chapter 2

2.

Maya sauntered in, looking perfectly composed.

"Don't get so worked up. I did it," she said, blinking innocently.

"Jasper said we're short on space. Since you don't work here anymore, your desk needs to go to someone who actually contributes."

She picked up a study guide for a government certification from the mess and smirked.

"I didn't realize a community college sales girl like you had such big dreams. Planning to hide in a government office now that you're fired?"

"We couldn't tell what was yours and what belonged to the company, so we just kept everything. You don't mind, right?"

Bella chimed in from the doorway. "How do we know she didn't steal company property? We should probably search her."

"Maybe we should make her take off her coat and check her pockets!"

I looked at them, disgusted by their cruelty. "You're using a professional transition to settle a personal grudge."

Maya signaled to a couple of the larger guys in the department. They began to close in around me.

"I'm just protecting company interests. Who can guarantee your hands are clean?"

I was shaking with fury. Maya put her hands on her hips and addressed the room.

"Evelyn, we were colleagues once. I don't want to make this ugly."

"Are you going to strip-search yourself, or do we have to help you?"

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. I wanted to slap the fake smile right off her face.

When I didn't move, Maya picked up my laptop. She hovered her finger over the delete key.

"You've spent years building your contact list, haven't you? All your precious leads are on here."

"If I hit delete, they're gone forever. Or, you can give the guys a little show, and maybe I'll let you leave with your dignity."

I took a deep breath. I pulled out my phone, snapped photos of the trashed office, and dialed 911.

"Hello? I'd like to report a theft. Someone stole two gold bars from my desk worth nearly a hundred thousand dollars."

Maya's face went pale. She tried to swat the phone out of my hand.

"Nobody stole anything! Stop lying!" she screamed.

Just then, Jasper finally showed up. He looked at me with pure annoyance.

"Evelyn, I told you that putting your name on the layoff list was a mistake. If you had just accepted a pay cut, I would have kept you."

"But you chose to leave. Now you're back here causing a scene? Do you have to ruin everyone's day?"

I explained what had happened, but Jasper just rolled his eyes.

"A search? So what? You're being way too sensitive."

I tried to call the police again, but he grabbed my wrist, his eyes turning cold and threatening.

"Drop it, Evelyn. I know people in high places. If you make a scene, I'll make sure you never work in this city again."

Maya cheered, looking like she'd already won.

"See? Without this company, you're nothing but a stray dog, Evelyn."

"Actually, our janitor just quit. Given your experience, maybe I can convince Jasper to let you scrub the toilets."

The crowd burst into laughter. Jasper even chuckled. "It's good honest work, Evelyn. Think about it."

I looked at their ugly, laughing faces and suddenly, I smiled.

"You're right, Jasper. Since I've already been fired, why should I care about my reputation?"

I pointed my finger right at his nose.

"Remember that twelve-million-dollar investment? You promised me a huge bonus if I landed it. But when Maya messed up, you made me the scapegoat and canceled my check."

I turned to the colleagues who were still laughing.

"Today he's stealing my bonus. Who do you think is next? Do you really think your loyalty matters to a man who sleeps with his new hires?"