Page 62 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door

"No. He says it came from my office email, so it must’ve been sent from my laptop."

"What’s next?"

"I need to figure out who had access to it."

We headed to the security office to review the CCTV footage. The officer on duty wasn’t cooperative.

"You need permission from the MD or at least your department head," he repeated, growing irritated by my persistence.

Tina stepped in, flashing him a knowing smile. "Kendra, give us a moment."

I raised an eyebrow but stepped outside as she’d asked. Moments later, Tina opened the door and ushered me back in.

"How did you manage that?" I whispered.

Tina chuckled. "Long story. Let’s just say I’ve been here long enough to know things."

We scanned the footage from the last 24 hours, focusing on when I wasn’t in the office. Then, we saw it—Anne, using my laptop.

Fury surged through me.

I stormed out, Tina following behind.

“Kendra, breathe…” Tina called out, trying to calm me. But I just kept marching.

"Anne!" I yelled, charging toward her.

Heads turned as I approached, my voice echoing through the office.

“What right did you have to send in that story?”

Anne sneered. "The one you refused to send because you were sleeping with your subject?"

I didn’t even realize I’d slapped her until I saw her hand fly to her cheek, now glowing red.

Peter rushed forward, holding Anne back while Tina stepped in front of me, smiling even as she urged me to calm down.

Thompson stormed out of his office, his eyes blazing. "Kendra, what is this nonsense?"

"She slapped me!" Anne screeched.

"And I’d do it again if we weren’t in this building."

"Enough!" Thompson bellowed. "Anne, did you send Kendra’s story?"

She hesitated but finally muttered, "Yes, sir."

"Going through someone else’s property is unacceptable, Thompson told Anne.You’re suspended for two weeks. Pack your things."

Anne’s mouth opened in protest, but Thompson silenced her with a raised hand. "One more word, and it'll be a month."

Then, he turned to me. "Miss Ryan, the same goes for you. Physical violence won’t be tolerated. Take your grievances to HR."

He looked through the faces of my colleagues who were still just standing around. “The rest of you, get back to work…now!” He thundered.

I didn’t bother responding. Tina grabbed my purse, and we left together.

***