Free Quarterback's Surprise Baby (Bad Boy Ballers Book 2) by Imani King Page B

firm’s reputation. In fact, that's the biggest reason that I’m firmly of the position that women do not even belong in the workplace. But, you’re here now for the time being at least. You are a partner, and you should start acting like it. And if you don't take things absolutely seriously, then you will be the one who pays for it. And you’ll pay for it with your job.” He skewers me with another big-eyed stare. “Neither the client nor the firm will suffer because of your unprofessional activities. Just you, Odell Williams. Just you.”
    “Nothing I do in or out of the office or courtroom will ever, and I do mean ever , negatively affect our clientele. I resent the implication that because I am a woman that I might jeopardize the firm. I have worked extremely hard to be here and regardless of what either of my parents might think of any of my behavior, I did become partner because I deserve it. I won my position at Smith Williams Smith fair and square.” I'm fuming now. “And if you were watching me, you would know that nothing that’s any of your business happened when I went to Gryphon James’ home. I took care of my client, my case, and found out more of what I need to know about his situation with Sabrina Forbes. And that has resulted in a lead for our case.”
    I stand up now, warming to the subject. “And I'll have you know that I will win this high profile case for our firm. Even if I were to fall in love with the client, which would also be none of your business, I will always stand up for justice and my profession before anything else. In short, I won't be bullied out of my position here at the firm by you or by anyone. So you can take your sexist and regressive attitude, and stuff it!”
    I walk out the door, and this time, I don't wobble on my high heels. Nor do I drop anything on my way out. It's as dignified exit as I’ve ever made, even if I am screaming inside. Even if I am terrified that Carlton is going to find a way to get rid of me and as soon as he can.
    But, I have my recording as a secret weapon should I ever need it. My suspicions paid off, and my finger pressed record on the cellphone in my purse as he was talking about his ridiculous beliefs. It may not be admissible in a courtroom, but no HR in the country will support his sexism. Carlton Smith can take his 1950's attitudes and shove them under his hair plugs as he tries to talk his way out of trouble with HR.
    I stomp back to my office, feeling like a high-fashion model scowling her way down a catwalk. Who has he had watching me all this time? It's not fair. Did he have a Private Eye on the case? Who does he know that would PI for him? All he can possibly have on me is that Gryphon and I went to Gryphon's place. He can’t know that we slept together unless of course Griff is on his side, which I can’t imagine being true. And as I’m fairly certain there was no PI hiding in the closet watching us, I think with a rueful smile at the absurdity of the image. He’s really got nothing. It's all supposition.
    Then it hits me. A private investigator would be the perfect thing for Gryphon’s case! I bet I could find out everything that I need to know if I get in touch with my father's old buddy, Kent. He was a professional PI back in the day, but retired early. He knows his stuff. I can keep him untraceable by the system by contacting him and paying out of pocket, so if he comes up with nothing, I won’t be disciplined for that too. But if he does come up with something, it could be just enough to save not only Gryphon's career, but my own. It's also starting to look like I need to have someone watch me to make sure that I am not being further targeted by Carlton.
    That old snake, I grumble inside. He set me up. Giving me those tickets, bulldozing me into going to the game to apologize, and then using it all as a way to spy on and then try to ruin me.
    Once I get in touch with my father's private investigator friend, I'll have this