Page 83 of Midnight Dissonance

Could it be?

He ripped open the envelope, yanking out what was inside.

It was a billing statement for Lexi’s student loan, with a copy of the final payment attached. And on the bottom of the bill, inscribed in her handwriting, she wrote:

Fuck You!

In big, bold red letters.

That does it. He shot up out of his seat with the bill in hand. There was something fishy going on. And it was time he confronted her on this and found out where Lexi was holed up. He marched out of his office and headed to Lisa’s on the other side of the building.

“Is she available?” He jerked his chin toward her door.

“Ah, yes, I’ll let her know you want to speak with her,” she said, reaching for the phone.

“No need.” He strode past her. Knocked briefly and then pushed his way inside.

Lisa sat behind her desk, a cup of coffee at her elbow. And a file in front of her on the desk. At his entrance, her head shot up, and a slow smile appeared.

“Josh. To what do I owe the visit?”

“I’d like to know why the fuck you told me about your sister’s loan? What was the purpose of telling me?”

Lisa’s eyes widened for a moment, but then she shrugged. “I thought you should know what you’re getting yourself into. I’m sorry, but my sister has always been difficult. She didn’t like our parents’ rules. And she has always thumbed her nose at convention.”

Meaning she wouldn’t live the way they wanted her to. He should have seen this coming. The way Lisa acted all high and mighty when she talked about her sister. “You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to stir up trouble between us. And I was the fool who bloody fell for it. Lexi paid off that two hundred grand in loans all by herself. See for yourself.” He tossed the bill down on her desk.

“Wait, she paid it off?” Lisa lifted the bill up and paled.

“Yep. And what I want to know is why? Why the fuck did you stir up trouble between us? Because for the life of me, I cannot think of an explanation.”

She winced and lowered the bill onto the desk. The bright red letters blared boldly. But then, that was Lexi.

Lisa sighed and replied, “I was jealous. I kind of have a crush on you. And when I saw the two of you—”

Her admission, the truth of it, hit him hard. He put his hands on his hips and glared at her. “Lisa, don’t take this the wrong way, but are you fecking kidding me? One, I would never date a coworker. Two, I have never considered you in that light. Nor have I ever indicated any interest. And three, you hurt your sister and me because you felt slighted.” Livid did not even begin to describe his fury. This petty woman had caused a world of hurt for him and the woman he loved. “Where is she? She’s not answering my texts.”

“I don’t know.” Lisa appeared contrite.

“What do you mean you don’t know?” How the fuck did she not know where her sister was?

She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms defensively. “She called me a few names and moved out.”

“They were well warranted, I’m sure. You and your parents don’t even realize what a gem Lexi is, and you don’t deserve her. You’re her fucking family, and you’ve treated her like dirt. But don’t worry, I will make it up to her, not for your sake, but for hers, because she deserves better. And I will ensure she never doubts herself or has anyone make her feel like dirt ever again.”

Lisa’s eyes widened. “You sound like you love her.”

“That’s because I do. And I will be her family from here on out. And Lisa, I think it’s best if you request a transfer to another department.”

“But I’ve worked hard to get here.” She argued, her face pinched in a scowl.

Josh nodded in acknowledgment. “You have. But the thing is, I refuse to have someone on my team I cannot trust. Nor will I allow any spiteful, vindictive backstabbing like I just witnessed with your sister. Either you request a transfer, or I will go to Jase. One way or the other, your time on my team is at an end.”

“You’re serious,” she said, stunned.

“Aye, I am. I want your transfer papers on my desk by the end of the week.” He headed toward the door.

“What are you going to do?”

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