Page 23 of My Destiny

Again, I feel my anger rising. Getting involved in an employee’s personal life has never interested me, but I feel compelled to ask her if that’s something Jake mentioned. I can’t seem to wrap my head around any of this. In my eyes, Brooke is nothing short of perfection. I’ve also been in the exact situation Brooke is now facing, so in some ways, this feels personal to me.

“Regardless, the fact that you knew but didn’t reconsider appals me.”

“I’ve learnt my lesson, Mr. Cavanagh. It won’t happen again.” The tone of her voice, combined with her flippant attitude tells me she’s learnt nothing from this. I’ve met women like her before. They’ll stop at nothing to get what they want, and will stoop to any level to get it.

“I will make sure it doesn’t. Please collect your belongings from your desk. Security will escort you out of the building.”

“You’re firing me?”

“You breached your contract of employment; I have every right to do so.”

Standing abruptly, she straightens her skirt. “And what about Jake? I suppose you’ll just sweep it under the carpet?”

“I fired him earlier.”

Her eyes widen slightly before narrowing into slits. “You’re an arsehole.”

“That may be true,” I say, feeling somewhat amused by her insult. I’ve been called a lot worse in my time. “But you, Miss Morris, are a—”

Jim clears his throat loudly, stopping me mid-sentence. When my eyes dart to him, he shakes his head. I was only going to call her a homewrecker, but he’s right, I need to put my personal thoughts and feelings aside and remain professional.

Turning, she storms from my office. I have to suppress my smile when she flips me the bird over her shoulder. If nothing else, I feel like I got a small win for Brooke just now.

Leaning back in my chair, I run my hand through my hair. Before I get a chance to speak, Rose buzzes me from her desk. “Can I speak with you for a moment, Mr. Cavanagh?”

“Can it wait, Rose?” I’ve had enough excitement for one day.

“It’s in regard to something I found in Mr. Johnston’s desk.”

“Okay, I’m all ears.”

A few seconds later she knocks on my door. “Come in.”

“Do you want me to leave?” Jim asks.

“No, stay.” He’s in charge when I’m not here, so he needs to stay in the loop.

I gesture for her to take a seat when she enters. Before doing so, she places two items on my desk—a small clear satchel filled with white powder, and what looks like part of a plastic straw. “These were pushed to the back of one of his drawers,” she says. “I’m no expert, but it looks like drugs to me.”

“Interesting,” I reply, reaching out to pick them up. I can see remnants of the white powder on the inside of the straw. He must’ve been using this to snort whatever is inside the satchel. My guess is cocaine. Like Rose, I’m no expert, but I’m also not stupid. “Call the police, and send them in when they arrive.”

“Okay,” she says, standing.

“Are you feeling okay after the ruckus earlier?”

“Yes, thank you,” she replies with a smile.

“Do me a favour, Rose. Get me Mr. Johnston’s personal details. The police are going to want them.”

“I’ll do that now.”

Once she leaves, I stand and walk towards the window.

“The plot thickens,” Jim says to my retreating back.

“It sure does,” I reply without turning around. I find myself wondering if Brooke knew about this. I highly doubt it, but it does explain his erratic behaviour earlier.

CHAPTER TEN