Page 44 of Bad Situation

Jen: Touché. Where are you going?

Me: Chicago. There are things I need to see to. I’ll try to be back Friday.

Jen: Don’t hurry back on my account.

Me: You’re the only reason I’d hurry back.

Me: And maybe the Tex-Mex.

Jen: I see where I rank. Maybe I’ll see you next week, then. I’ll be busy with my brother’s wedding all weekend.

Me: Damn.

Jen: I’m almost at the office and have a meeting with my ever-growing legal team.

Me: I hate leaving you. Especially now. Keep this phone close.

Jen: Enjoy Chicago.

Me: Trust me. I won’t.

*****

Jen

Lehmans just packed up and left with an enormous list of shit to do on my behalf. I’ve been told about four million times not to worry. I’ve also been told not to speak to anyone outside of my attorneys about my legal troubles.

I can’t imagine what Patrick would say if he knew I allowed a certain special agent from the opposing team to dry-hump me on a dirty gym mat last night, let alone speak to him.

And now my secret man is leaving town. And, of course, he didn’t tell me why. And I told him I’d see him next week instead of screaming at him to stay far, far away from me like any woman in my circumstance with half a brain would do.

I’m pretty sure I’m working with full mental capacity and I still told him to have a good trip instead of demanding to know why he’s leaving, what his secretive phone calls were about that put him on edge, or even ask what he had to take care of. I think deep down, I knew he wouldn’t tell me and I didn’t want to be put in the position to be denied again, so I avoided the topic like a dirty STD.

I might as well wrap myself up in a human-sized condom, avoid all outside threats, and let the bulletproof latex do its job.

If only.

With my luck, my favorite Gucci heels would put a hole in it. Those shoes were a splurge, even for me and I’d end up getting fucked anyway.

I’m well on my way to getting fucked one way or another as it is—legally and literally.

Patrick breaks into my thoughts. “I’ve known you a long time, Jenny. You Montgomerys always persevere. You haven’t been yourself since this started. I get it. But you need to let us handle things and keep doing your job.”

I tip my head and sort of glare at him. “Am I not doing my job?”

He waves me off and leans back in his chair. “Don’t put words in my mouth. You know what I mean. Little did I know that when you and my Kate were causing havoc in middle school, you’d be running this company one day. You’ll be at the top sooner than you think and those of us that matter know you can handle it. Once we get past this, your mama is hell-bent on pulling Kipp Montgomery out of the boardroom. Especially after her heart attack. It opened their eyes. None of us know what tomorrow’s gonna bring. We need to get this shit wrapped up, let you have your turn at the top, and we can all get back to business.”

I sigh. “Now that everyone is gone, have you heard anything from the private investigator? I want to know who framed me. I plan on firing them myself right before I watch them led out of here in cuffs. I can’t stop looking over my shoulder at every turn.”

“He reports to me daily. But he hasn’t found anything yet. He specializes in cybercrimes and has been given the access he needs. I’m confident he’ll find something.”

I get up from the big leather conference chair and grab my jacket and bag. “I’ve got a meeting to prepare for. Let me know if you need anything from me.”

“Will do, Jenny. Go do what you do best and kick some ass.”

I thought I could kick some ass last night before Eli got me on my back in under a second.

The man has me questioning absolutely everything.

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