She remembered what every IT department had ever told her. “Restart your computer.” Tessa did so, and when she opened it up, there were even more missing files from that folder. What the hell? No one has access to this except HR. How can this be happening? These are confidential files.
Tessa was tempted to call Dean and let him know right away. But if she did without any more information than files are missing, he would surely see her inability to run the department. No, she had to figure this out herself. But how?
She was sure Lexi didn’t have access to these files. They were not password protected, but they were on a secure server. Before she panicked, she needed to make sure she wasn’t missing something. There wasn’t anyone left here who she could call to ask. Hence, why she had the job she now held. Who can I call?
Tessa tapped her fingers on the desk trying to come up with someone, anyone. Why not? She worked here before and, with her title, I am sure she had access to everything.
Pulling out the paper she had put away for an emergency, she dialed the number. I think this qualifies as an emergency. I just hope she is willing to come and help.
“Good morning. Brice Henderson’s office. This is Nancy. How may I help you?”
What do I say? I am pretending to be an HR manager in Brice’s brother’s company and seem to have lost extremely important files? “Hi. I’m . . . my name is Tessa. Tessa Brooks. I work for Dean Henderson at Poly-Shyn.”
There was a pause for a moment before she spoke again. “What can I do for you, Tessa?”
“Well, I am the HR manager here and was left your number to call if there ever was an emergency.” Boy, I sound ridiculous. But I can’t tell her what is going on over the phone. Dean would be pissed if his brother found out about it before he did. No, this needs to be done in person. “I was hoping that maybe you could come by and meet with me this morning.”
“This morning?” Nancy replied, sounding shocked.
“I know it is short notice but I have an issue and really could use your help. Will you come?”
“I’ll be there around noon if that is okay. Can it wait till then?”
I sure hope so. “Yes. That will be perfect. Thank you again. I am on the fourth floor. I will let security know to send you up. Oh, and sorry to ask, but can you please keep this meeting private?”
“For now, yes.”
Tessa wasn’t sure what that meant. Was Nancy going to learn the issues and report back to Brice? If so, she might as well go bite the bullet now and tell Dean herself. The results would be the same, but at least she wouldn’t look like a total coward.
Worrying about it wasn’t going to get the rest of her work completed, so she dove right in to her other duties. It wasn’t easy staying focused, but she eventually found a rhythm to it, and the time seemed to fly by. Before she knew it, there was a knock on her door. Looking up at the clock she saw it was exactly noon. Wow. Now I know why she holds a high position. Lexi could learn a thing or two from Nancy.
“Come in.”
When the door opened, she saw a woman close to her parents’ age standing there. “Hi. I’m Nancy, and you must be Tessa.”
Tessa reached across the desk and shook Nancy’s hand. “Yes, I am. I really appreciate you coming here on such short notice.”
Nancy sat across from her. “Your tone said it was important. Why don’t you tell me what’s going on, and I’ll let you know if I can help.”
Tessa took a deep breath and started with what little information she had.
“So when did you notice these files gone?”
“I only noticed this morning. There could have been some before then but not enough to make me notice. I probably should have been watching more closely.” Tessa knew it was her responsibility to make sure everything was secure. HR protects the business and all its employees.
“Unless you are the one deleting them, then don’t beat yourself up because of it. Open that laptop and show me the folder.”
She did as Nancy asked. Nancy clicked and searched places that Tessa hadn’t even been in before. There were so many folders hidden away. How was it Nancy still knew about them after all these years?
“Okay. You have a problem here. Have you brought Dean into the loop yet?”
“No. I wanted to find out what the issue was before bringing him in. He is under a lot of stress right now, and I don’t want him worrying about this if it is nothing,” Tessa said, but she knew it was only half of the truth.
“I can’t tell you this is nothing to worry about. The files that have been deleted have access to information regarding the Hendersons. If it wasn’t you, then whoever did this didn’t accidently choose those files. Why this is happening is not something I can figure out. I highly suggest you take this matter to Dean.”
“I can’t without more information. Is there any way to find out who did it?”
Nancy shook her head. “I would say it’s an inside job, but I don’t have the skills to find out who. You need someone very tech savvy.”
“Do you know anyone who could help?” Tessa pleaded her case. “I really need to find a way to fix this before it goes any further.”
Nancy pulled her cell phone out and scrolled. “I hope I don’t regret this.” She wrote down a name and number and handed it to Tessa.
Bennett Stone. “Thank you. I’ll call him right away.”
Nancy stood and turned back when she got to the door. “I will give you one week to figure this out. After that, if you don’t go to Dean, I’ll go to Brice. Understood?”
Tessa nodded since she had no option. One week. I better call him now.
As soon as Nancy was gone she dialed the number.
“Bennett.”
“Hi. I’m calling to see if you can . . . umm . . .” Tessa had no idea why she was so nervous. Maybe it was the sternness of tone or what he might actually find when he dug into the files.
“Take your time. I charge by the hour,” Bennett said.
“I was given your number because she thinks you can help me.”
“Who referred me?” Bennett asked.
“I’d rather not say.”
“Then find yourself someone else.”
“Wait. Nancy from B&H Advanced Engineering referred you,” Tessa spat out before he could hang up.
“What do you need?” he asked.
Tessa gave him the same information she gave to Nancy and then waited.
“Did you tell Dean?”
Why does everyone ask me that? They don’t know him. He doesn’t like mistakes. Big or small, they all have the same outcome. “I will once you tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m out of town but will be there first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t touch anything in those files. And don’t discuss this with anyone. Not one member of your staff. Understood?” Bennett ordered.
“Understood.” Tessa hung up the phone, closed her eyes, and laid her head on her arms that rested on the desk. She felt so defeated. If she couldn’t figure this out, she would have no option but go to Dean empty-handed. Please let my timing be on the money this time.
“Are you watching the stock?” Trent asked.
No, I’m just rolling the dice and hoping for the best. “I know what I’m doing, Trent.”
“Dean, this is not normal. If you ask me, this is intentional.”
Oh, that I know. I can’t find the link back to Dax, but when I do, game over. “Do you know anything specific or are you just calling me with the obvious?”
He appreciated Trent trying to watch out for him. But he didn’t need it. He was no child. When he was and needed help, who was there? No one. He had learned to be on his own, and there is where he was going to stay.
“This says inside job all over it, Dean. Be careful who you trust. If you need some additional security measures, I have people.”
“So do I.” Dean needed to change the subject before he let on that he wasn’t quite as confident as he was making it out to be. “How is that n
ew addition to your family? The baby must be keeping you up at night.”
“It’s the second best reason for a lack of sleep. Everyone is doing fine.” His tone changed back to serious as he continued, “Trust me, Dean, I’ve been exactly where you are today. It was a great ride. Needed no one. Didn’t care who got hurt along the way because I never let anyone close enough to me to care. I’m lucky that a woman like Elaine was able to see past what an asshole I was, but she wouldn’t be with me now if I still were that person. There is a time in everyone’s life when you have to decide between who you are and who you’re going to be. Don’t wait till you get to be my age before you figure it out.”
Trent disconnected the call. Dean didn’t try to think past today. What was the point? Tomorrow was going to be just more of the same. It might be a different company with a different adversary, but still the same.
Today he had one thing on his mind and that was his plummeting stock. Dax was right about one thing: if he couldn’t stop this, the company was going to be lost. If this, in fact, was an inside job, he’d better figure out who it was quickly, before any more damage was done. There’s not much left of the original staff, so who could it be?
Brittany-Lynn buzzed the intercom. “Mr. Stone is on line one for you.”
Picking up the receiver, he asked, “Any news?”
“I have a lead. Nothing concrete yet. I should have more for you by Monday,” Bennett said.
“Whoever it is, Bennett, I want the full background on them. Everything they own, everything they want to own, and anything they love. Understand?”
“Sounds like you’re out to crush them, Dean, instead of saving Poly-Shyn.”
“You get me the information. Don’t worry about what I do with it,” Dean said firmly before hanging up. If he found out this was done on a personal level and not just a business level, he would be sure to give his own personal touch back. And they would never forget it.
Dean had meant to touch base with Tessa earlier, but work got away from him. It was already closing time. He dialed her extension with hopes of catching her. Tonight he wanted her even more than he had their first night together. He wasn’t sure why, but he wasn’t about to analyze it. It is what it is. I’m going to enjoy it for now and find a way to gently break her heart later.
“Hi Dean, you’re just catching me on my way out the door. Do you need me to log back onto my laptop?” Tessa asked in a business tone.
“No. This is not a business call.”
“Oh, in that case, thank you so much for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
He could almost see her sweet smile over the phone. What does someone like her see in a person like me?
“Glad you like them. They come with an invitation to dinner tonight.”
“I wish I could, but I have plans tonight.”
“A date?” He couldn’t believe the words left his mouth. I’m not jealous so why say that? I have no claim on her. We only had sex. But fucking awesome sex like I’ve never had before.
“If you consider my going out shopping with Lexi a date, then yes. She is helping me pick out something to wear on Sunday. You can join us if you want.”
He felt his body relax. “Have a great time. In case this helps any, my favorite color is blue,” he teased.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Have a good night,” she said as she hung up the phone, laughing.
He loved the sound of her laughter. Actually, he couldn’t think of anything he didn’t like about her. Damn. This just keeps getting more complicated.
Chapter Thirteen
Brittany-Lynn knocked on Dean’s door. “Sorry for the interruption, but there is a Clay Landon on line one. He said you would want to take his call. He wouldn’t give me any further information.”
The name meant nothing to him. He was tempted to have her take a message and then throw it away like many other calls he received. Something in his gut told him to do otherwise. Could this be the man who was fucking with his business? If so, he wanted to do more than just talk to this guy.
He nodded to her and told her to close the door as she left. Picking up the receiver he said, “Henderson here.”
“Hello, Dean. My name is Clay Landon. I would like to speak to you regarding Poly-Shyn.”
“What do you know about my company?”
“I know you’re struggling, and if you don’t do something quickly, it won’t be yours for long.”
“Is that a threat Clay? If it is, then you’re not a very smart man, and I have nothing to worry about,” Dean said angrily.
“I’ll ignore that for now. But this is not a threat. It’s an observation. I’m sure this is not news to you. Unless you’re not who we think you are,” Clay said.
We? So you’re not working alone. Now we’re getting somewhere. You’re just the lackey sent to try to ruffle my feathers. It ain’t happening. “And what do you believe you know about me?”
“Only what I know of your . . . should I say . . . prior acquisitions. You’re one mean son-of-a-bitch who will do anything to win. You and Dax are more alike than either of you would like to admit.”
And here was the link he needed. Dax Marshall. Didn’t get the message the first time? No problem, I have no issue delivering it again.
“Are you the puppet sent to do his dirty work for him? What’s wrong? Doesn’t he have the balls to call me himself?” Dean asked smugly.
He heard Clay laugh. “Yep. You guys really only know how to do business one way, don’t you?”
“Just get to the point, Clay. Unlike you, I actually have a business to run.” And one that I’m not going to give up easily either. No matter how or what you try, Dax, I’m going to be one step ahead of you.
“Simple. Dax would like to talk to you regarding Poly-Shyn. It’s your choice if you want to call him or not. But from the number I’m looking at, I suggest you give him a call.”
Clay didn’t wait for a response and hung up. Fuck them both. I’m not playing their game. Whatever Dax has to say to me can wait. Right now I have more important things on my mind.
His early morning phone call from Bennett still troubled him. He knew he shouldn’t have asked him to look into Tessa’s background, but Lexi didn’t have the information he had sought. Dean wasn’t sure if he was relieved or not with what he found out. The issue was what to do with the information.
As though his sister knew whenever something was troubling him, she rang his cell phone.
“Zoey. What’s up?”
“Just checking on you, Dean. How are things going?”
“We just spoke the other day. Do you think things changed that much?”
After a pause she said, “Spill it, Dean. I know there’s something troubling you. You know I always do.”
And I hate that. “I’ve got this, Zoey. Don’t worry about it.”
“I know you do. That’s not the point. I’m here, Dean. We are family whether you want one or not. So tell me what’s going on? Is it Poly-Shyn?”
He could blow her off, but if he did she would show up there. Once Zoey had her mind set on something, she got it one way or another. Stubborn just like me.
Dean laughed to himself. Might as well give in now or hear it for an hour. “Not really. But it has to do with an employee here.”
“Tessa?” Zoey asked.
Do you miss anything? You should be an interrogator for the government. They need you. “Yes, Tessa. I’ve come across some information that concerns me.”
“Is she married?”
“No. Nothing like that,” Dean said.
“Then what’s so concerning?” she asked.
“She is pretending to be something she’s not.”
Zoey laughed. “Aren’t we all?”
“I don’t understand why. If she is not here to spy on me, then why is she here? And why is she lying?” Dean was asking himself more than Zoey.
“What I see in her is someone who truly loves the company. You might want it for some craz
y reason that no one else can figure out. But Tessa actually cares about the people who work there. If you could’ve heard her warn me off of you the day I let her believe I was there to work, then you wouldn’t doubt her now,” Zoey stated.
Warn her off? Why? “What did she say about me?”
“Oh baby brother of mine, don’t worry about that. Trust me, she has a good idea of what a hard ass you are when it comes to your management skills, or lack of them.” Zoey laughed again.
“Well, since I wasn’t able to pick up on her lack of skills, then I guess you’re both right.”
“Dean, she is awesome. You couldn’t ask for a better HR manager than her.”
“That’s the problem Zoey. She’s not qualified,” he stated.
“Of course she is. Look at her work. How she handles everything you throw at her. What makes you think you could find someone more qualified than Tessa?” Zoey asked.
“It’s a long story. Not one I want to get into right now.” Mostly because he hadn’t yet decided what he was going to do about it. On one hand he knew he should call her into the office and fire her. On the other hand, he knew he wasn’t ready to cut her out of his life. Not yet at least.
“Dean, you have a lot of things going on right now. Don’t look for a reason to get rid of her because you can’t process your feelings for her. Trust me, Dean, someone like Tessa is not going to come into your life again. For once in your life, get out of your own way and just enjoy being with her. You might even find that she means more to you than you know.”
And that is exactly what I don’t want happening. “You think too much, Zoey.”
“And you don’t think enough, Dean. Just don’t do anything you’re going to regret. I know you, you like to react instead of act. When it comes to things of the heart, you can’t function. If you do, you’re going to miss out on something special. Now go fix whatever you screwed up before it’s too late,” Zoey said before she hung up.
Sisters. Good thing I only have one. My brothers don’t hound me like this.
Was she right about Tessa? Was she as passionate for the company as she appeared to be for him? What am I thinking? I don’t need her wanting me that much. We can’t have a future together. What she needs and possibly wants is not something I can give her.
Table For Two: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book Two Page 12
