Page 97 of You Chive Me Crazy

There was no way I was going to let that happen.

I tapped on the first page. “It says here there’s no compensation package. There’s a zero in that box.”

Paisley frowned. “Sorry, Lucas. Article fourteen of your employment contract specifically states there shall not be a conflict of interest regarding your reviews. You broke your agreement when you reviewed Potato Heaven, since you are in a relationship with the owner, Zoe Bell, are you not?”

I would not lie, but I just nodded.

“You know it comes down to the importance of transparency and objectivity in food journalism,” Paisley said. “And we have a zero-tolerance policy. Those are grounds for immediate termination with no severance package. You know I didn’t make those rules. I’m only following company policy.”

All the energy drained from my body.

I knew there was a possibility that I might get into trouble for posting that video, but honestly, I thought it would just be a slap on the wrist. Firing me and taking two years of pay in the process was more like a smack to the head with a baseball bat.

Something didn’t sit right with me, and this wasn’t about my ego at all. I couldn’t help wondering if this whole thing had been a setup.

Was it possible that Damian got Lazlo to post that salmonella video, knowing I would write a review to save Zoe from a disaster? Had I been a pawn in his little game the whole time? It was as if he were waiting to swoop in and steal my job after I got fired. He knew. Given the timing of his hire and all things considered, I was almost certain that was the case, but I needed more info.

“When did Damian get hired?” I asked.

Something flickered in Paisley’s eyes. “You know I can’t share that information with you, Lucas.”

She was hiding something; I could feel it.

“Paisley . . .” I cocked my head to the side and sighed. “We started here at the same time.”

“Don’t you go getting all sentimental on me,” she said, avoiding eye contact. “It won’t work.”

“Do you remember I was the only one who brought you your favorite donuts on your birthday?” I asked.

Paisley sighed, but finally caved. “He was hired two days ago, but you did not hear that from me.”

So, he’s been hired before I’d been fired.

I knew it.

That was all the proof I needed.

They had set me up.

“I had a feeling that was the case.” I stood and handed her the clipboard and pen. “I’m not signing this.”

“Where are you going?” Paisley asked.

“To talk to the Dickster.” I brushed past the security guard.

“Hey—you can’t wander around the building without an escort,” he said. “I need to be with you.”

“Then you’d better keep up,” I said, walking around the corner and right into the Dickster’s office.

He jumped up from his chair. “We have nothing to talk about, Lucas. You broke the rules, you pay the price.” He glanced at the security guard. “Please escort Mr. Filo out of the building.” The Dickster flicked his hand toward the door to signal it was time for me to leave.

“Fine,” I said. “Then I guess I’ll just post the video of your new hire, Damian Landau, paying someone to fake salmonella poisoning. How do you think that would reflect on the magazine when people find out you hired him after that? I’ll tell you exactly what will go through the minds of millions of people all across the country.Youplayed a part in it. So, yes, by all means, kick me out. But I’m taking you down with me, Dickster.”

I turned to walk out the door and—

“Wait!” he said, coming around his desk and approaching me. “What video are you talking about? Show it to me.”

My heart was pounding in my chest, but I knew I had to stand my ground. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone, holding it up in front of the Dickster’s face.