Free A Murderous Game by Patricia Paris Page B

you'll hold for a minute, Mr. Faraday wants to take the call in his
office."
    "Okay." Abby wrapped an
arm around her waist and leaned against the edge of her desk, waiting. She was
a free woman. At last! Dick was out of her life, and she could finally move
forward.
    "This is Faraday." Abby
jerked at the whip-like tone of his voice.
    "Mr. Faraday, it's—"
    "I know who it is, Miss
Carpenter. I called you as a courtesy. One you probably don't deserve."
    A prickling sensation ran down
Abby's spine. What was he talking about? Why did he sound so angry?
    "I'll be calling Norwell in
the morning to tell him I want Harold Billings to manage the account."
    Abby was stunned. He'd said he
wanted her. What had happened to change his mind?
    "But…why? I thought—"
    "I don't have the time or
inclination to explain things you should be able to figure out on your own. I
have to go."
    "Wait," Abby blurted,
needing to understand. "If this is about last night, I assure you it's not
something I make a habit of, in fact, I've never—"
    He laughed, not a happy sound.
"You know damn well my decision has nothing to do with last night. Your
secret's out, lady. I know who you are. Consider yourself fortunate I don't
intend to explain my decision to Norwell. I'm sure if I told him I wanted you
fired, you'd be given your walking papers before the end of the day. And just
so we understand each other, if you try to come after me, I'll see you in
jail."
    The line went dead. Abby stood with
the phone pressed against her ear. A distant buzzing began to fill her head. He
knew.
    ~~~
     
    Everyone else in the office had
gone home over an hour ago. Abby sat at her desk staring at the screen saver on
her computer. She'd lost the account, all because of a stupid adolescent crush.
    She laid her head down on the desk
and closed her eyes. It had been fourteen years ago, for God sake. How could he
still hold it against her? And didn't people usually get upset when you didn't
like them, not when you did?
    She stood up and walked to the
window. Okay, so maybe being accused of statutory rape wasn't on everybody's
bucket list. But she'd admitted to making everything up before her father
pressed any charges.
    Abby sighed. So that only made her
a fruitcake. True or not, she had little recourse at this point. Resolved, she
started putting folders into her briefcase. Why work any later? What had long
hours and dedication gotten her except an expectation for more of the same?
    Gage was taking things a little far
warning her to stay away from him, though. Did he really think she might stalk
him again? Hello! I've matured a little over the past decade and a half!
    She snorted. Someone sure was full
of himself. She hadn't done anything over the last few days to warrant kicking
her off the account. She'd been a professional in all their dealings. Okay, not
counting the brandy and falling asleep on his couch, but other than that she'd
been a pro. He was the one being unprofessional.
    How could she have thought she'd
been falling in love with him again? A few more meetings would probably have
cleared up that misconception.
    All right, so she still had some
feelings rumbling around for him. And she had imagined what it would be like to
kiss him and yeah, yeah, so what. It probably wouldn't have been that great.
None of that mattered. Actions were what mattered, and her actions had been
exemplary. She'd had no intention of letting them be anything but. In fact, if
the opportunity to become romantically involved with Gage presented itself,
she'd start a bonfire and throw herself on the mercy of the flames. It would be
less painful and wouldn't leave as many scars.
    A few minutes later Abby exited the
elevator to the Lobby. She was a good account manager. Better than good. She
deserved this account. It was supposed to have been her big break. Not only had
she lost it, but now she'd have to put up with Billings rubbing her nose in it every friggin ' opportunity he got.
    "Night, Abby,"