“I know about the vandalism. But this person didn’t seem to have anything personal against you. They were just passing along information they thought I should have.”
“Of course they didn’t act like they had anything against me. They’re trying to not get caught.” I sat forward in my seat. “Lou, who was it? The person who contacted you might be the one doing all this to me. They might be the stalker.”
“I can’t tell you. Not until I figure out what’s what.”
“Then at least tell the police. You can call Garrett Haven, he’s been working on the investigation.”
“What I do with the information I have is my business. And until I figure out what’s going on, you can go on home.”
“Wait, what? Are you firing me?”
“I’m not firing you. But I can’t have you here until I find out the truth. I’m putting you on leave for a few days.”
It felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach. The air rushed from my lungs and I slumped in my seat.
What was even happening?
I didn’t say anything as I got up from the chair and turned for the door. But then something sparked inside me and I did a very un-Audrey thing.
I fought back.
“Lou, this isn’t right. And it’s not fair. I’m going to go home and you do what you need to do while I’m gone. But I’m just going on record by saying I disagree with how you’re handling this and I think it’s wrong.”
I didn’t wait for him to reply. Just walked out and shut the door behind me.
Sandra hadn’t looked worried when I went into Lou’s office, but she did when I came out. Even Ledger seemed concerned. He took out one of his earbuds and raised his eyebrows at me.
“He’s sending me home.”
“What?” Sandra asked. “Why?”
“Someone told him I got fired from my last job and that I lied to him when I applied. And something about being accused of theft. It’s all a lie. But he thinks he needs to investigate the accusations himself.”
“Well that’s a load of bullshit,” Sandra said, already getting up from her desk. “I’m going to tell him what I think of—”
“No. Don’t, Sandra. I don’t want you to lose your job because of me. He’ll figure out the truth. And I told him what I thought about how he’s handling this. Let’s just leave it at that.”
“I don’t like this, Audrey.”
“Neither do I, especially because it has to be the same person who wrote on my house. If you do anything, convince him to talk to the police. I’m calling them as soon as I get to my car. I just hope they believe me.”
“He’ll talk. I’ll make sure of it.”
I put my laptop in my bag and put the strap over my shoulder. “I guess I’m off for a few days. I’ll see you guys later.”
They watched me go. Feeling defeated, I went to my car and got in. Realistically, I knew this was temporary. I hadn’t been fired and I’d never stolen anything. Lou would find out the truth and I’d be back to work.
But who was doing this to me? And why?
Not knowing was the worst.
CHAPTER 29
Josiah
Painting was one of my least favorite jobs. But I was reluctant to hire it out simply because it was so easy. I could knock out a few bedrooms in a day or two, especially if I had help, so why waste the money paying someone else to do it? Every dollar counted on these projects.
My dad often helped paint but he was busy fixing a plumbing problem at home. Which was just as well because Audrey’s asshole of a boss had sent her home yesterday. She wanted something to do, since she couldn’t go to work, and I certainly didn’t mind the company.
Not when it was her.
Plus, her painting clothes were hot.
She stood next to me, rolling out the off-white satin finish on the bedroom wall, dressed in a worn tank top and cut-off jeans. Her hair was in a ponytail and all that exposed skin, even with all the drips and splatters of paint on it, was very tempting.
Especially those legs. I wanted them wrapped around me.
Despite the fact that we spent virtually every night together, I couldn’t get enough of her. She was turning me into an addict. Insatiable.
“Am I still doing this right?” she asked, jarring me from thoughts of her naked body.
“Looks fine. Just make sure you roll over any drips.”
“Did I mention before we started this morning that I’ve never done this before?”
“You’ve never painted a wall.”