“That’s really strange, that’s not even up and running, and it’s nothing more than a new charity project. It has nothing to do with our financials,” Olivia protested. “I have plenty of accounts receivables, and confidential donor information and projections on my computer. Are you sure those weren’t copied?” she asked.
“I’m positive.”
“You have a lot of stuff on your hard drive, Olivia. You should really think about getting rid of at least three quarters of it. You are close to crashing. Hasn’t your IT department talked to you about it?” Ian asked.
“They’re always harassing me about something,” she said, waving a hand at Ian.
“Well, anyway, it would have taken well over two hours to download everything. I think that’s why they did a search and just downloaded what they wanted, which was obviously everything related to the Atlanta project.”
“Again, that makes no sense whatsoever.” Olivia bit her lip, trying to figure out any reason that someone would be interested in a project that hadn’t even started, and hadn’t even been approved for funding.
When she explained as much, Joshua immediately asked why the project hadn’t been approved for funding. “I thought every city project got green-lighted.”
“Atlanta is a special case. It’s a lot more complicated than most cities. In most cities, you’ll find a lot of government-assisted shelters and food pantries and kitchens. Atlanta has far more small community and church-funded charities. As a result, it is going to take a lot more infrastructure, hardware, and manpower to identify and get them all up and running on the cross-reference system. We actually estimate that this implementation could run three times the cost as cities of comparable size that we’ve already done.”
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Ian breathed.
“Nope. I’m not. For some reason the tax base isn’t getting to Atlanta like it is to other cities for this segment of people. Luckily, the large population of churches and community organizations is making up the difference. The problem is that more people fall through the cracks because the shelters are so small and they really don’t communicate with one another. This computerized system can really mean life or death for some of the disenfranchised population of Atlanta.”
“So, why wasn’t the project green-lighted if you have such a good case?” Joshua asked.
“Because of a few of my board members,” Olivia answered. “Chance tried to push it through while I was in the hospital, but he couldn’t speak to it like I could. Because of those members, we missed the semester deadline for getting Georgia State University’s computer science department to work with us, to help mitigate the costs. So we’ll have to ensure university support is still with us next semester. It’s a real clusterfuck just because of a few people.” Joshua could see the frustration and sorrow on Olivia’s face.
“Well, that explains the project, but it still doesn’t explain why someone would want to copy those files,” Ian said.
“I think we need to start with looking into the board members who were in the way of approving the project. They seem to have something against it, so maybe they have some reason to want more information on the project. At least, it’s a place to start.”
Ian and Olivia agreed with Joshua. “We need to ask Chance how the voting went while I was gone. I know we lost, but I just assumed it was Kathy and Paul who voted against funding for bringing Atlanta online, and with the two of them against it, we would have lost. But, maybe there were more votes against, and therefore more suspects,” Olivia said.
“We can make appointments with the people who voted against it, to determine their reasoning.”
“Not the day after tomorrow,” she reminded the two men. “That’s the day of the ribbon cutting for the new food pantry in downtown Boston.”
“I don’t like that, can’t you put that off until after this has all blown over?” Joshua asked.
“You want me to put off opening a much-needed food pantry?” she asked incredulously.
“No, I just mean the ribbon-cutting ceremony.” Joshua clarified.
“I’ve already got the press scheduled for the event. You can’t piss off the press, that’s PR 101. So no, I can’t put this off.”
“Please, Livvy, I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Ian added.
“Enough, you Scotts warlock. No bad feelings, no putting off the ribbon cutting, and that’s final. Now where were we on the planning?” she asked, looking at Ian.
“I was going to say I can also try a little hacking, to see if they have more information on the project than they should on their computers,” Ian said.
“You can do that?” Olivia asked, amazed.
“You’re lucky that he asked to go into your doctor’s appointment and didn’t just decide to hack into your medical records, Kitten. He was actually being a bit of a gentleman.” Joshua figured he better start sticking up for his partner.
Olivia immediately took on her cloak of professionalism, “Gentlemen, please remember the respect and boundaries of this relationship. We do want this to work, after all.” Joshua wondered why he got aroused every time she used that voice.
That night, despite Joshua’s continued arousal, and the fact that Olivia allowed them to sleep with her, that cloak of professionalism was still firmly surrounding her, and there was no touching until she fell asleep. Then she cuddled close to both of them, and finally Joshua was able to fall asleep as well.
* * * *
“You do realize you can easily develop a dependency on this medication, right, Olivia?” her doctor asked, seriously. “Part of me is wondering if you might have been suffering from a rebound effect.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“It’s an instance wherein you get a headache because you didn’t take a pill when it’s time.” Olivia shook her head in disagreement.
“I didn’t need a pill this morning, and I’m headache free. I really think I just needed a good night’s sleep, and no time on the computer,” she admitted.
“So, you have been going against my recommendations,” Doctor Simons said with a frown.
Olivia reluctantly nodded her head.
“Well, at least you’ve stopped. May I ask why?”
“I have somehow inherited two domineering boyfriends who insist that I take care of myself, and if I refuse they take away my laptop so I’m unable to work. As a matter of fact, they have kept me in my home and shut down my work passwords, so I’m effectively cut off from work.”
“Two boyfriends, huh? Well, that’s kind of unconventional, but I approve of what they’re doing. Therefore, it seems that I approve of them.” Dr. Simons frowned as he continued to read down her chart. “Olivia, in the ten days since I last saw you, you have lost seven and a half pounds, which you really couldn’t afford to lose. I’m close to recommending you go back into the hospital.”
Olivia’s heart sank. She had realized she was in bad shape, but not this bad. She had come in for a checkup upon returning from Fate Harbor, and the doctor had been pleased with her progress, and now this.
“What do you think returning to the hospital would do for me that I couldn’t accomplish at home?” she asked, trying to keep a calm outward appearance.
“I think we could run some tests. I’m worried about all the weight you’ve lost. It’s a pretty significant weight loss for such a short amount of time, and I have to consider the ongoing migraines. If they aren’t rebound headaches, then maybe they are symptomatic of complications caused by the head trauma you suffered that we didn’t catch before.”
Olivia took a deep breath. She didn’t like discussing her personal issues, even with a physician. Even more distressing, however, was the idea of going back to the hospital for tests, when she knew they weren’t warranted.
“Let me be frank,” she said.
He looked at her kindly, and said, “I wish you would.”
“I was very distraught ten days ago. I was suffering from an emotional bre
akdown and I threw myself into my work, ignoring the pain that the computer was causing me. Because of the misunderstanding I had with the man—” She paused. “Because of the misunderstanding I had with the men in my life, I couldn’t sleep or eat. As a matter of fact, the headaches were causing quite a bit of nausea. Both of them came here two days ago, and we got things straightened out. Last night I was able to eat and sleep. This morning, I woke for the first time since the assault with no headaches. Joshua and Ian have also worked with my brother to remove all computer access to my office, so I can’t work. I’m effectively cut off. I’ll never admit it to them, but I think it’s for the best.” Olivia watched as the doctor’s face broke into a broad smile.
“Well, young lady, you’ve convinced me. The hospital stay is off the table. I’m glad to hear that things seem to be working out so well for you and that people are taking care of you. I really admire the work of American Humanity Connections, and since meeting you, I know why it has accomplished so much. I would really like to see AHC’s contributions continue, and you need to be well to do it.” She left with some vitamins and a follow-up appointment for two weeks later.
Joshua and Ian immediately stood up when she returned to the waiting room. When Ian opened his mouth to ask how it went, Olivia saw Joshua grab his forearm. She was grateful, because they were already getting some odd looks from the other patients in the room.
“Come on, guys. Let’s go get some lunch. Don’t we have some other appointments we have to take care of this afternoon?” she asked, referring to the meetings they had set up with the three board members who had voted against the Atlanta project.
They let her lead the way out of the office, and when they were alone in the elevator, Ian rounded on her. “What did he say?” he demanded to know.
“He said that I needed rest, food, and to not be on the computer and yesterday was a good start.” When Ian opened his mouth to ask more questions, they arrived in the lobby. “Can we please continue this over lunch?” Olivia entreated.
Joshua put his arm around her and kissed her temple. “Of course we can, Olivia Ann. We’re happy to hear that yesterday was a good start.” Olivia saw the warning look that Joshua shot Ian’s way.
By the time they were seated at one of Olivia’s favorite restaurants, Ian was fairly chomping at the bit to ask more questions.
“Ian, I don’t want to play the twenty-question game. Remember, this is about respect and honesty. I will tell you the discussion I had with my doctor, as I promised. But you better remember that while we’re together, I expect you to return the courtesy.”
Joshua was putting his napkin into his lap when his head snapped up. Olivia turned to see what was wrong, and she was taken aback by both the rage and hurt that she saw in his face.
“What the hell do you mean ‘while we’re together’? I thought we were past that shit,” he whispered fiercely. Olivia winced. She immediately wished she could take back the words, but they were already out on the table.
“All right.” She looked at Joshua, and then over at Ian. “I admit that I love both of you. But I sure as hell didn’t expect to be dictated to. What was all this bullshit about your insistence on being in the room with me and the doctor in the first place? Not asking me to be there, mind you, but telling me. And Joshua, don’t you act all fucking innocent! You just let Ian take the lead, but you were in on it from the get go. So, let me tell you gentlemen something. I might love you, but right now I’m not all that cocksure I want to be in a relationship with you two Neanderthals.”
“Livvy—” Ian started, but she held up her hand before he could go further.
“Just a minute—I’ll keep up my end of the bargain while we keep trying to work our way through this crap, and I’ll tell you what was said, because I’m a woman of my word.” And she might not have had rage and hurt on her face when she looked at Joshua, but she sure as hell had bitterness and anguish.
Olivia explained the conversation almost verbatim, as much as it pained her. She watched both of them wince as she went over the part where the doctor recommended that she return to the hospital. She had to stop herself from reaching out to Joshua when he looked so shaken over her admitting how badly she had been doing when she had first arrived in Boston from Fate Harbor.
“Livvy, what you told Dr. Simons is true. We do want to take care of you, and that’s what this whole argument was about,” Ian tried to explain.
“Ian, if you truly think that’s what this is entirely about, then we’re destined to fail,” Olivia said quietly.
Joshua put his hands over Olivia’s and Ian’s. “Please, let’s just hold on.” He looked at his friend and saw his discomfort at having his hand held, but at the same time he turned his hand over and gripped Joshua’s hand as a lifeline. Olivia watched. It was clear that Ian was in over his head with the emotional and psychological aspects of what was occurring, and he was depending on his friend to help him navigate these waters.
“Olivia Ann, you’re absolutely right. We didn’t respect normal human boundaries. This level of emotion, of love, is new to all of us. I suspect that before this over, you’re going to fuck up too, honey.” He smiled wryly at her. Olivia laughed, knowing what he said was probably true. “Can we please get a pass before we just call it quits?”
Olivia reached out and gripped Ian’s other hand and squeezed. “Okay, I might have overreacted. But you guys need to respect the fact that I’ve been taking care of myself for years. With my childhood, I’m probably more independent than most people you’ll ever meet. So it’s a hot button when you presume and don’t ask. I’m not saying I haven’t loved it when you’ve taken care of me and done things for me…” Olivia didn’t know how to explain it any better.
“It’s going to take time. That’s what relationships are all about. Can we talk about what the doctor said?” Joshua asked. Olivia watched how Ian’s hold on Joshua relaxed. She couldn’t explain that either, but seeing that level of trust and care between the two men comforted her. It made her believe even more that this potential family could work.
“Sure, we can talk about what he said,” Olivia agreed.
“How did it make you feel?” Joshua asked, and Olivia laughed. That was when the waiter came up and took their orders.
“Joshua, that was such a psych-major question. Okay, it scared the hell out of me. It made me realize that you, Ian, and Chance were right. As much as I hate to admit it, I think I need some help.” Ian picked up her hand again and brought it to his lips, kissing her palm.
“Livvy, please know we will always be here to help. It is our pleasure, and one day I hope that you will allow us to make it our duty.” God, when the man did understand the emotional stuff he was really good at it. Olivia felt her heart melt. With that, they had a companionable lunch, where they even tempted her to eat most of a lemon tart for dessert. They also came up with game plans to confront Kathy and Paul Stevens and Richard Phillips.
However, by the time they arrived at home that night after those meetings, Olivia had to admit she thought the effort had been a waste of time.
“All three of them said basically the same things that they did on the day of the board meeting, and I already told you guys that,” Olivia said dejectedly.
“Hey, why don’t I cook us some burgers and baked potatoes for dinner?” Joshua suggested, heading toward the kitchen.
“I don’t know if it was a total bust. I was surprised to hear about InfoDyne having such a big role in most of AHC’s city startups,” Ian said.
“Yeah, Richard Phillips is our information-technology expert on the board. He recommended them. One of our caveats is that nobody we give business to can have business ties to board members or the board’s families. That way we know our board members aren’t tempted to throw business to someone who isn’t the most qualified for the job. But why are you surprised about InfoDyne, Ian?” Olivia was beginning to realize just how smart her man was in the IT field.
“They sound
good on paper. InfoDyne has a great sales and marketing team, but their actual technical team sucks. They are always over budget, and never meet their deadlines.” Olivia considered this. Richard worked with her accountant to establish the appropriate budget based on his expertise, and he developed the timelines. According to the budgets and timelines he submitted, InfoDyne always came in under budget and often exceeded their timelines. But if the budgets were overinflated, and the timelines were too long to begin with, it was easy to make InfoDyne look like a hero.
“Damn it, I didn’t do enough due diligence!”
“Livvy, calm down,” Ian soothed. “You wouldn’t have discovered this for yourself if you checked them out on the Internet, I promise you. Their tech savvy soars when it comes to removing any negative press, it’s taken down within hours. You have to be in the industry with your ear to the ground.”
“I checked references,” Olivia said slowly. “But they were references supplied by InfoDyne. Damn it. No wonder they were all glowing. But that still doesn’t explain what having information on the Atlanta project would gain InfoDyne or Richard. It just tells me that I haven’t been doing a thorough job vetting vendors.” Olivia was now pacing around the living room.
“I’m not sure that the two things tie together, Livvy, but it gives us something to look into.” Joshua came out of the kitchen holding a large glass.
“I heard what you were saying. I agree with Ian, it is a place to start. I also think we should have a talk with your accountant, since he or she would have helped Richard put together the budget for InfoDyne,” he said as he handed the glass to Olivia. She took a sip, and moaned in delight at the realization that he’d concocted her a chocolate milkshake.
“Oh, God, this is delicious! Please, talk amongst yourselves. I’m busy.” She immediately sat down on the couch so she could properly savor the treat. She listened as they talked shorthand to one another about how they could go about questioning people, and what motives might be involved that warranted copying information on the Atlanta project. They also zeroed in on something that she hadn’t considered. It was critically important that no one witness the theft of this information, which made it a top-secret priority to someone. Who would be willing to have a potential witness killed, in order to protect their interests in the project? It made her shiver, and she knew it wasn’t because of the milkshake.
Protecting Olivia [Fate Harbor 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 14
