Page 17 of Carnival Queen

“Honey, what did your dad find on them?” asked Ian.

“I don’t know. He refused to let me see the documentation they brought but said we would never do business with them. I just can’t go against something that was so important to Dad.”

“Nor should you,” said Ian. “Tomorrow, we’re going to send Jean with you to submit your resignation. You are now the new tax expert for the businesses of Belle Fleur.”

“Wh-what? No. No, I can’t ask you to do that. I’m okay for a while. I have savings,” she said.

“Nope,” said Gaspar. “Afraid not, kiddo. I think we need to have you stay out here for a while. Something is fucked up, Deanna. We all agree that whatever is happening is more than just destroying floats. There’s an underlying piece of strange conspiracy and mystery here, and we have to find it.”

“You can’t be serious,” frowned Deanna. “Are you thinking this has something to do with Mom and Dad?”

“Maybe,” nodded Nine. “And you were the only person who saw the individuals who killed them. You might not remember them. In fact, the papers made sure to report that you couldn’t remember a thing that evening. Yes, it was early evening, but still. Yes, you were there. But you couldn’t identify the men.”

Deanna leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes, shaking her head. She sat up and looked around at all the familiar faces, a feeling of security and protection washing over her. Ivan stared at the young woman and smiled.

Before she could respond, the doors opened, and three massive men walked in with a loud cry of hello.

“Grandpa!” yelled Pax and Brax, hugging Ivan.

“I’ll be damned, you’re home.”

“Yes, sir. Patrick, too.” Pax turned to see the somewhat familiar face. He cocked his head to the side and then smirked as the beautiful woman smiled.

“Hi, Pax.”

“Deanna? Deanna Trehorn? Damn, you look exactly the same,” he laughed, hugging her.

“I don’t feel the same,” she frowned. Pax and Brax looked at the others.

“It’s a long story,” said Ivan. “If you guys have some free time, would you mind going into town with Deanna and help her to gather her things? She’s going to be staying out here for a while.”

“Yeah. Yeah, of course,” said Brax. “Come on, Deanna.” She stood up and hugged each of the older men.

“Would you mind swinging by my office, Brax? I think I need to turn in my notice, and I’d like some support with me when I do.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Brax and Pax followed Deanna into her office and waited outside her boss’s door for her. They could hear her speaking low and soft, then the loud yelling of a male. Opening the door, they both stepped inside.

“Everything okay, Deanna?” asked Pax.

“I-I’m not sure. Bill, my boss here, Bill is pretty angry that I’m leaving even though he threatened to fire me earlier today. I just want to give my resignation and leave peacefully, but he seems to think he can stop me.”

“It’s a damn shame to lose someone as talented as Deanna,” said Brax, “but from what we hear, you were trying to force her to do something against her nature. She’s got good reason to leave.”

“You won’t get another job in this city,” he said, shaking.

“I already have another job. A great one and the best part is I’ll be working with great friends.”

“Don’t do this, Deanna. You’ll regret it.” That was all Pax needed to hear. He gripped the man’s shirt, shoving him against the wall.

“Do not threaten this woman again, or you will regret it. An employee has the right to leave if they feel they are being treated unfairly or forced to do something against their moral code. She is leaving. If you ever attempt to blemish her reputation or take action against her, you will regret it. I will make a phone call to every news agency, newspaper, website, and professional tax organization about your appalling behavior.”

Bill swallowed, nodding at the big man in front of him. He looked at Deanna but didn’t say a word.

“Come on,” said Brax. “I’ll help you pack up your desk.”

Pax stood in the doorway of Bill Barnham’s office, watching his every move. He noticed that he sent three text messages in a row, then got three calls back, all of which he declined with a shaky hand.

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