by Maggie Thom
They got off the elevator on the fifth floor. Tarin followed Bailey through a room and onto a large marble balcony. She gasped as she wandered to the edge and peered at the view. Vineyards for miles, a few houses, a stream winding through the countryside, the gentle hills. Tears threatened to flood her eyes as she considered how much fun a kid could have exploring. The gated fence between the outside world and this one, however, reminded her again that she had come from this world and no longer wanted to be caged within it.
“You look very determined.”
Tarin spun around to face an elderly woman sitting beneath an umbrella that shielded her from the hot sun.
“Just in awe. It’s a very beautiful place you have here.”
“Tarin, this is my grandmother, Dorothea Lindell.”
“Very nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Dorothea, please. That makes me sound old, like I’m from the eighteen hundreds.”
Tarin’s face went instantly hot, which she’d have thought would be impossible to notice in the raging heat. She hoped that any red tinge was hidden by the sweat beading there.
“My apologies, Dorothea.”
“Please, come and sit. Join me. Refreshments will soon be up. I hope you’re up for a glass of red wine, Cabernet Franc, which I don’t think gets the recognition it deserves. It’s one of our best.”
“I really don’t drink—”
“It’s late enough in the day, you’re fine. Besides, if you need a driver to take you home, I’ll send Stan.”
Tarin sat across a table from the elderly lady while Bailey gave her a quick hug and a kiss before she took the chair beside her. For a moment Tarin almost felt they’d ganged up on her, them on one side, her on the other. She wasn’t sure what it was about the place but it was making her very maudlin, like she was carrying her emotions close to her chest and with each breath she was exposing a little bit of who she was. Closing her eyes for a brief second she used an old trick she’d learned at a young age that helped her focus and dispel her emotions. She’d gotten it down to an art. She visualized flipping off one shirt—her emotions—and pulling on another—her shield.
Dorothea clasped Bailey’s hand and held it. The love the two exchanged with their eyes almost undid Tarin’s recently suppressed feelings.
“So tell me about yourself?” Dorothea’s piercing blue eyes caught her off guard.
“I’m originally from Ontario. I moved to Calgary a few years ago. I’ve been working in the computer industry—”
“Okay. So you lived and you moved. Who are you?”
“I—well, I don’t know what you mean.”
“I mean you’ve had a strict upbringing. You’re used to money. I’m betting that you either didn’t have a Mom in your life or she came right out of those eighteen hundreds I mentioned earlier.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t—” The knowledge in Dorothea’s expression let her know she’d have to play this one carefully. The woman was as quick as a whip and noticed way too much. “How?”
Her smile was warm and open. “Your carriage really. Your manners. Your language. How you address me. All are signs you have been well trained. And—”
Tarin tried not to squirm under her raw assessment as she wondered what else the older woman could see. She was starting to feel as if she was being stripped naked.
“All right, enough of that. So I hope we won’t bore you if we talk about the wedding?”
Tarin shook her head now, thankful for the reprieve. When the wine arrived, she had never been so glad to have something to do with her hands, and she was grateful for some liquid courage. Although she hoped her demeanor would have them thinking she was paying close attention, her mind wandered. She’d hoped to go to the winery. Although what good it would do her, she wasn’t sure but if she could meet the staff, maybe she’d know. As slim as it was, it was all she had to go on.
The women’s animated talk broke through her reverie. There was so much love and affection between them. She wondered why she’d never been allowed to know her grandparents. She’d never even heard them mentioned. There was one time she thought she might have had a male cousin but she didn’t know if that was true or just another one of her fantasies.
Feeling like an intruder, she needed to find a moment to herself. “Excuse me. Sorry for interrupting but is there a bathroom I can use?” After declining Bailey’s offer to accompany her, she entered the house, walked through the room and down the hallway. Did she say the fourth or fifth door down?
Since all the doors were closed, she knocked on one and opened it to reveal a massive bedroom. It was warm and inviting. Delicate lace doilies covered the mirrored oak dresser, the delicate antique table in the corner and the bedside stands. Warm hues of pinks, yellows and oranges invited her in. She was in the middle of the room before she realized she had entered. Turning slowly, she took in the beautiful decor. As she did the full three-sixty and was facing the door, she noticed some pictures on the wall.
Some were very similar to those at the office. The one that really grabbed her attention was an aged black and white photo of a well-dressed older man. He looked not only wealthy but regal; gallant even. But it was his eyes that caught her attention. They were like obsidian glass. No warmth. No depth. No emotion. She knew that look well, because her father had perfected it. After what she’d witnessed between Bailey and her grandmother, it made her sad to think they had someone as cold and unfeeling in their family as she had in hers.
A sound from the open window drew her to it. She glanced over the most incredible garden she’d ever seen. Victoria’s Butchart Gardens would have been envious. When one of several groundskeepers looked toward her, she quickly stepped back, grimacing at the thought of being caught. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt this wonderful lady, or be perceived as a snoop. She hurried out of the room, closed the door and moved down the hall to the next door.
Fifteen minutes later when she returned to the balcony, neither Bailey nor Dorothea were there. She was reentering the hallway when Penelope showed up.
“Come with me.”
Not having a choice, she followed the quickly disappearing woman down the hallway and stairs. She couldn’t help but trail her hand along the long curved banister. It took all of her willpower to keep from jumping onto it and going for the ride of her life. Deep down she knew she wouldn’t, she was always dreaming, never doing.
“Wait here.”
Penelope left her in an office. There was a massive cherry desk to one side, a leather sofa and two chairs. A huge plant in the corner appeared forlorn and forgotten as the heavy drapes were closed against the sunlight.
Unsure what to do, she perched on the edge of the couch. After about ten minutes, she got up and walked over to peer out the window at an immense green lawn. Sprinklers sprayed in earnest, the mists blocking her view of the distant landscape. Turning away, she wandered to the opposite edge of the room. There were beautifully framed art on every wall. She followed them, going from one to another. It was when she was behind the desk that she happened to glance at it. Her eyes immediately gravitated toward some paperwork. A quick glance at the door confirmed it was still firmly shut, so she stepped closer so she could read the information laying there. On top was a memo addressed to employees. She gently pushed that aside to see what was underneath. Disappointment slammed into her when she realized there was nothing of value—nothing that would give her any clues.
Another dead end. What compelled her to do it, she wasn’t sure but next thing she knew she was opening drawers. There wasn’t anything too exciting. In fact, they were fairly empty, only holding pens, paper and a few plaque awards. But when she tried to open the bottom right-hand drawer it wouldn’t give. She yanked harder. She quickly went back through the other drawers searching for a release. She’d been good at discovering her dad’s secret compartments and the hidden buttons that opened them. There were none that she could find and there were no keys.
Leanin
g on the desk, she decided to do a last sweep around it. Just as she was getting started, she heard the faintest of sounds. She slid the chair back into place tight to the desk and hurried to sit on the couch. Her eyes widened when she realized she hadn’t put the sheets back quite the way she’d found them.
“Sorry to keep you. I had a few things to take care of. I’ve sent Bailey off to do some errands for me. She’ll be back in a bit. Can I get you anything else?” Dorothea sat in one of the leather chairs facing her.
“No, thank you.”
“Your eyes are very arresting. And your smile. Or maybe it’s the way you hold your chin—hmmm.”
Tarin didn’t move but felt very much like a bug under a microscope as Dorothea stared at her. “There’s something about you that looks familiar. What did you say your last name was?”
“Roth.”
“No. Never heard of it.”
“You have a beautiful home here.”
“Thank you, my dear. I recognize that chin tilt, the posture. I know of four places that teach that. Mrs. Daniel’s Young Woman’s Etiquette, St. Anne’s Girls Boarding School, Proper Young Miss and... hmmm, no, not the fourth one. You’re not old enough; it’s only been running about ten years.”
“I’m sorry, I’m not familiar—” The steady gaze was too honest, too knowing.
“It’s okay dear. I know I’m a little pushy but I haven’t gotten to this age without having to fight a battle or two. I find being direct is the best way to be. I think the new term is ‘the elephant in the room’.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand some of the slang these days. You can’t even fit an animal of that size in a room and I know what they mean but—oh forget it. It’s nonsense.”
“Look Mrs.—I mean Dorothea. I’m not sure what you want to know?”
“It’s okay, dear. I think I know all I need to.” She stood up. “Walk with me, if it doesn’t bother your head too much.” She put out her arm and hooked it through Tarin’s, leaning ever so slightly, although Tarin was sure it was her way of saying she approved. Or at least she hoped that’s what it meant.
Tarin’s fingers automatically touched her injury. “I’m fine. Just a bump.” She’d been hoping she wouldn’t notice or at least she wouldn’t feel comfortable enough to ask. It seemed no topic was off limits to this lady.
“You will come to the wedding, won’t you, dear? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
“I don’t know if Bailey and Guy—”
“Don’t worry about them. I’m inviting you. I know they’ll give their wholehearted approval.”
“I—”
“I’ll get you an invitation and put your name on the list.” She patted her arm.
As they left the house, Bailey was coming up the steps toward them. When she caught sight of them, she hesitated. If Tarin had to guess the emotions that crossed her face, there was a moment of guilt written there.
Had she been set up? But for what?
Chapter Forty
‘Tarin, we need to meet with you as soon as you get in.’
The text sat like a pot of espresso on an empty stomach, the acid churning and burning her insides. As she walked into the building, she felt like hanging her head. She was the young child who had to follow her father into his office knowing she was in trouble again, praying for once it would be different; praying she wouldn’t feel like a world-class failure again. The sick feeling clung to her insides like bubblegum to a shoe sole. Whether she was overreacting and her guilty conscience was making her believe the worst, she didn’t know.
Really what could they do? That thought didn’t do anything to make her feel better. She entered as quietly as she could, wanting a moment to herself. Graham appeared the moment the door clicked shut.
“Good morning.”
Unable to meet his gaze, she half-smiled before she squared her shoulders and walked toward his office. Nothing was said as he gestured her in. Not really paying attention, she entered and then looked up and suddenly stopped. Graham slammed into her back and she stumbled forward. His hands grabbed her firmly to keep them both from falling. It was such a good feeling to be held against a strong, solid chest that it took her a moment to remember she didn’t belong there. And he was her boss, one that was pissed at her. For what, she couldn’t even guess. Reluctantly she pulled away but imagined his fingers tightening, not wanting to release her.
“Hi.” She said absently to the room but her gaze was pulled to Bailey sitting to her left, appearing slightly guilty. Something was up; it hadn’t been her imagination, because why else would Bailey and Guy be sitting there waiting for her? Both looked as uncomfortable as she felt.
Oh my god, do they know I stole information from Caspian?
“Hi, Tarin.”
“So, is this an interrogation or a firing?”
“Neither. Please sit.”
Feeling sick, she perched on the edge of the hard chair just inside the door rather than the one beside Graham’s desk that he’d indicated. She might be required to be present but she didn’t have to be up close and personal. The training she’d been trying to shed was now her shield. The scared little girl could be hidden away in the deepest recesses. She could be the ultimate professional, not taking anything personally, not allowing emotions to get in the way. This was purely a business transaction and not the first time she’d been in the hot seat. She’d been told off by the best and the wealthiest of them. The ones who hadn’t liked a smart, savvy businesswoman who knew how to put together a business deal. Sadly, her father had probably been the worst. It hadn’t matter that she’d managed to snag multi-million-dollar deals; no, it had been why hadn’t she been able to snag more?
She sat up straight, placing her hands in her lap and pasted on an attentive expression while vowing not to be run over. She stared back at Graham who was looking a bit uneasy.
“Look, there are some things happening that we don’t understand.”
She turned to Guy who was sitting behind his desk but was leaning forward. He didn’t seem too comfortable either. This could take all day.
“So what exactly are you accusing me of?”
“You don’t pi—uh, waste time do you?”
“No.”
“How did you come to work here?”
“I saw your ad online and I applied.”
“Why here? Why not out west where you were living?”
Graham’s hard look almost pierced through her armor. If she was going to get through this she couldn’t look at him. “I wanted to move back east. The job I wanted just happened to be one I applied for.”
“What did you say you did before you came to us?”
“I ran my own business. I did contract computer work.”
“Do you mind giving us their names?”
“You’re asking for more references? Now? A little late, isn’t it?” That had to mean they thought she was doing a lousy job. She dropped her gaze to her fingers clasped in her lap.
“You didn’t tell us you were married, either?”
Her head snapped up and she looked at Graham. “Anything else of interest you learned about me?”
A light flush crept up his face but he didn’t break eye contact. “Are you behind who’s sabotaging our business?”
Of all the things he could have asked her that one hadn’t even entered her mind. Her eyes widened as she realized what he was accusing her of. Her nose flared, which meant the waterworks weren’t far behind.
“Oh, I get it. Since I showed up a few months after things went crazy, I have to be responsible for it happening.”
“You do have some secrets.”
Clenching her hands into fists, she replied, “No. What I have is a life. One I didn’t know I had to share with my bosses. I haven’t done anything to hurt this place. And I wouldn’t. Did it ever occur to you that you’ve probably made an enemy or two with the number of guys you’ve helped to put behind bars? Why are you accusing me?”
“We don’
t mean it like that, Tarin. But we are a bit confused and we need some answers. Look, we don’t know much about you and we need to know it isn’t you. We’ve checked with our major clients and none of them have been hacked. Yes, there are people who spam others for the sake of it. We’ve put up the necessary blocks and we’re still getting bogus requests. Yes, you’re right; we probably have a few enemies out there. Let’s just say someone is screwing with us and it feels like it’s closer to home,” Guy said.
“So I had to be a good bet.” She stood. “Maybe there’s someone else you haven’t checked out—someone else you’ve done work for that might have been hacked. No, it was easier to assume it’s me, right? Too many things add up. I’ll clean out my desk.” She walked out but stopped long enough to stare at her desk, where she had no personal items. Not one.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had a husband?” Graham was standing right behind her.
Funny the one thing he was hung up on had nothing to do with her supposedly destroying Knights Associates. And he had to have dug for that information. She’d hidden it well. It made her wonder what else he knew about her.
“Because I didn’t think it was your business.”
“Oh? Yet you got all in my face, thinking I was two-timing you with my supposed girlfriend.”
She took a couple of steps before facing him. “Funny the things we believe, isn’t it? Evidence just seems to add up and it’s easy to come to a wrong conclusion. I didn’t tell you about my marriage because as far as I’m concerned it’s over. And it was none of your business. One kiss doesn’t give you the right to my entire life. Thank you for the job.” She smiled and walked out, ignoring his pleas for her to wait. Once in her car, she put herself on autopilot and drove toward home.
She was almost there when she realized the car was pulling to one side. Driving into the nearest service station, she filled the rear right tire. She wondered if it had a slow leak; if so, if she didn’t fix it soon she was going to find herself stranded. Not something she really gave a damn about right then. As she was leaving, she noticed a man in a silver rental car pull in to fill his tank. As she climbed into the driver seat, she was vaguely aware of his head swiveling toward her. Maybe it was her imagination but he looked a bit stunned; but in her current agitated state, she didn’t bother to get a good look at him. Sighing, she pulled out and shot down the street. Arriving home, she parked, making her way slowly to the house.
