Psyche Moon (15 page)

What happened?
I asked Billie.

“We hired her for a job and it went badly.” She noticed me freeze. “A very different kind of job than you’re doing tomorrow.” She assured.

“Very different.” Richard agreed. “She knew the risks, and she knows we’d never let her get hurt.”

 “You’re not going to explain, are you?” My voice sounded as exasperated as I felt.

“We can’t, love.” Billie answered apologetically. “The situation got more intense than expected. She got scared, but she wasn’t in any danger. I can tell you how to find her, but I don’t know if she’ll talk to you.”

“It’s worth a try.” I decided. The food arrived, and the waitress asked if we needed anything else.

“How about your name?” Kathryn suggested.

“I’m Samantha.” She said shyly.

“You’re a very impressive woman, Samantha.”

She paused as if waiting for the punch line then accepted the compliment with a shy smile. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“Grace in adversity is a quality I admire. You have that in spades.” Samantha blushed and said thank you again.

“She reminds me of Annabelle.” Richard commented to his wife.

Kathryn nodded. “Very much so.”

Kathryn’s daughter.
Billie explained.

The one who died?

Yes. Ten bucks says Kathryn will give Samantha her phone number.

I’d lose that bet.
Billie nodded.

We ate while we talked, sharing stories and talking about our lives. It was a pleasant meal and the food was greasy but delicious. When Samantha came for the empty plates, Kathryn gave her $60 and her card. “I meant what I said. I have a project coming up, and I need an assistant. The person matters much more than their experience, and you’re the kind of person I’m looking for. If you’re interested give me a call.”

Samantha pocketed the tip and card smoothly, hiding it from her boss. “I will.” She meant it, her eyes brightening.

Kathryn smiled grandly. “I look forward to getting to know you better.”

What’s the project?
I asked Billie.

No idea.

We paid our bill and stepped out into the late summer air.

Billie asked the question before I could. “What project?”

“I’ve been considering organizing a fundraiser with one of the dance troupes. An assistant would be helpful.” Kathryn replied, and described her plans.

We walked around Idaho City a bit, browsing in stores and admiring the old buildings. The town was small enough that it didn’t take long to explore the full length of businesses. We dropped off Leroy’s burger, getting an earful from Donna when she caught us. “Heart attack or no heart attack, I’m not going to be rude. If my best customer wants to bring me lunch, I’m going to be polite and eat it.”

She left muttering about cholesterol, glaring pointedly at Richard. “Thanks, Richard. I haven’t had a decent meal in weeks.”

“She’s onto us.” He laughed.

“She’s no fool.” Leroy agreed, taking a big bite and closing his eyes in ecstasy. “Chicken is a poor substitute for beef.”

“There’s onion rings in there too.” Richard whispered, and Leroy’s eyes widened. Richard told his friend about the diner owner.

“Yeah, Charlie’s an ass. Always has been.” Richard agreed and started to say his goodbyes.

I glanced towards the back room where I could sense Donna waiting for us to leave.
She’s going to take the food away from him as soon as we’re out the door.
I laughingly told Billie.
Let’s dawdle.

Works for me.
She pointed out a beautiful desk ornament of an owl in a tree. “How about that one?” She asked as if we were continuing a conversation.

“Gorgeous. I think he’d prefer a moose, though.” Richard and Kathryn could tell we were up to something, but they didn’t give us away. Instead Richard chatted casually with Leroy.

“Why a moose?”
Who are we talking about?

I have no idea.
“It’s more masculine.”

We browsed until we found a moose with stately antlers. “Here’s one.”

“Wow, that’s beautiful.” I studied it closely, admiring the detail. “I just can’t decide what to get him.”

“Well, his birthday isn’t for another month.” She shrugged. “You can buy it on the next trip if you’re not sure.”

“True. I like the wolf, too.”

“Mmm. I really like that one. She looks like she’s up to something.”

“Maybe she is.” I waggled my eyebrows at her, and she laughed her deep laugh. “Beautiful creatures, though.” Billie nodded in pride at the tiny statue. “She reminds me of …”
Not here!
Billie’s reply made me shift my sentence quickly. “… the wolf at the San Diego Zoo when I went. She looked right at me. One of my favorite memories.”
Why not?

She’ll be killed.

Oh!
Leroy made quick work of the food, oblivious to our mental exchanges, and was busy licking his fingers. “I’ve got to think about it more. I have a month to decide – no hurry. Are you guys ready?” I asked Richard and Kathryn.

“Ready when you are.”

Richard barely waited for the door to shut behind us before he pried. “What was that about?”

I cast a sly look at him. “Donna was waiting for us to leave so she could take the burger away.”

“Ha! You’re a clever one. And why did Billie tense up?”

“Sadie was about to mention the wolf we ran into last time.”

“Ah. Yeah, the locals get nervous about wolves. They tend to pull out their rifles when one is spotted.” His voice grumbled at the thought. It felt more like a memory, and then I remembered my promise and distracted myself.

Billie didn’t comment further, her own thoughts dark. I didn’t pry, only put my arm around her reassuringly. We changed the topic to lighter matters, enjoying the remainder of our day.

Chapter 8

Billie arrived at my home early, sensing my anxiety about the upcoming task. We’d practiced in Idaho City, and both of us were confident we could pull it off. But the atmosphere of a prestigious law firm intimidated me. Despite the fancy clothes, I felt like a fish out of water and I hadn’t even left home yet.

“Relax. You’ll do great.” She said for the second time. “And you look great – you look like you belong in a law firm.”

“I don’t belong.” I muttered. “I work at a warehouse.”

“I’ll be with you most of the time.”

“I’m holding you to that.” I scowled at her. “I can’t believe I agreed to this.”

She took my hand and gave me a determined look. “Look, love. You’re good at this – this is who you are. Just be yourself, do what’s natural, and the rest will fall into place.”

I sighed, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I knew she was right, but the nervousness didn’t go away. “Okay. How do I look?” I asked for the third time.

“Like I might have to order soundproof walls for my office if you come to work with me very often.” She played with my hair, tucking it behind my ears, then ran her fingers down each side of my neck. She leaned in for a kiss and goose bumps peppered my shoulders. I finally relaxed. “Ready?”

“Ready.” I replied, mustering my confidence.

Billie drove, and we arrived at the parking garage in only a few minutes. We walked briskly and with few words. Billie’s mind drifted to the meeting ahead of us. I started to get nervous again, and she touched my back gently. Before I knew it the elevator doors opened onto the floor of Lorren, Volstein and Marks. A friendly receptionist greeted Billie warmly. “Lilian, this is Sadie. She’s filling in for Isabel today.”

“Nice to meet you, Sadie. Where’s Isabel?”

“She called Richard over the weekend and asked for the day off.” Billie smoothly replied, leaving the explanation for Isabel. “I’ll show her where Richard’s office is.”

“He arrived just a few minutes ago, so he should be there.”

Billie nodded. “Any messages for me?”

“Nothing from me.”

“Thanks Lilian.” I followed Billie as we walked down a hall.

She thinks you’re pretty intimidating.
I commented to Billie, curious about the reaction.

A lot of the people here do. I’m close friends with the boss.

It’s more than that. She likes you, though.
I gave a mental shrug.
I guess it doesn’t matter.

A couple of times I’ve … um … escorted angry people out of the building
.

That explains it.
Billie introduced me to a few people and pointed out rooms or office equipment of note. I listened, playing the part of a temp learning the basics of a new office.

“This is Mr. Lorren’s office.” She announced formally, knocking before she entered. Closing the door behind us, I smiled at Richard, who beamed back. “Good morning ladies. You look lovely, Sadie.” He rubbed his hands together. “Ready to find out what wickedness Pearson is up to?”

“Definitely.” Billie set her jaw, figuratively speaking. As usual, her mannerisms remained relaxed despite her mental state. “Let me grab a few things from my office.”

With Billie retrieving her files, Richard handed me an electronic pad. “This is what my personal assistant uses. I’ve opened a word processing file. It’s mostly for show. All you have to do is look like you’re taking notes. Why don’t you get used to it while we’re waiting for Billie.”

The pad was similar to one I used at the warehouse, and I said as much. Billie returned with a file. We were ready. Richard picked up his phone and punched a few buttons while I took a seat off to the side. His manner and voice stiffened when he spoke. “Pearson. Come see me in my office right away.” He didn’t bother waiting for a reply and replaced the phone in the headrest.

Richard sat behind his desk looking regal and formidable – the gregarious personality hidden. Billie took her position behind and to the side of him, looking much like a guard dog on duty. I pretended to be busy with the pad while disappearing as much as possible. Less than a minute later, Pearson knocked on the door. I knew immediately it would be him – the man on the other side of the door was extremely nervous. Richard barked for him to enter.

He’s a lot more nervous than he’s letting on.
I sent to Billie.
He’s guilty of something – and worried.

“Sit down, Pearson.” Richard ordered, looking at him like a bug about to be squashed. “Billie brought something very interesting to me this morning. She found some discrepancies in her latest audit.”

Pearson gave a questioning look, managing to appear confused. His mind went instantly to a particular client account.
He’s thinking about the Clinton account.
I sent Billie.

Billie opened the file and tapped her fingers on the top spreadsheet. “There’s a problem with the Clinton account. According to my files, they’re you’re client. Correct?”

Pearson nodded. “I’ve been working on their case for a couple of months. What’s the problem?” The information I needed didn’t come to the surface of his thoughts, so I dug a little deeper.

He’s stealing from the Clintons, using the firm as a cover.
I supplied Billie with the details, most of which I didn’t understand.

“Would you explain to me, Mr. Pearson, how you manage this client’s expense account?” Billie asked, her tone implying that it was more than a request. I could see why her coworkers found her intimidating.

He went through the details with her, telling her exactly what he thought she wanted to hear. At each lie, I exposed the truth through the link between Billie and me. I never took my eyes off of my pad, typing every bit of information I discovered.

Billie, pretending the answers came from her file instead of telepathically from the temp, confronted Pearson. She detailed his sins as she flipped between worthless pages of numbers. Richard listened attentively without interrupting. Pearson barely breathed, and his mind was whirling with questions. The biggest one was
How the hell did she figure this out?
When she finished her monologue, she glared at him and pointed a long finger accusingly. “In short, you’ve been stealing from the Clintons, and you’ve been using the firm to cover your tracks.”

Pearson shrank only a little in his seat. Inwardly, he was terrified, knowing he could be disbarred and even go to prison. I was impressed at how well he kept his composure outwardly. Law school training combined with years of experience in theft had turned him into an exceptional liar.

“How much have you stolen from the Clintons?” Richard growled.

“I haven’t stolen anything from the Clintons.” Pearson replied, indignant.

“Almost $12,000, according to my calculations.” Billie replied, receiving the answer from me.

His voice deepened. “Have you stolen from any other clients?”

“This is a mistake, Mr. Lorren.” Pearson started into a defensive act. I saw other client names in his mind, and I jotted down every name.

“I’m still going through your other accounts, but so far I’ve found discrepancies with four other clients. And I’m not done.” Pearson began to sweat and tremble. Only slightly, but enough that Billie noticed.

“Billie, how certain are you of your facts?” Richard addressed Billie, but the question was meant for me.

100%

“The facts are conclusive, Richard. He’s not very good at covering his tracks.” I wanted to grin at her insult. He was exceedingly good at covering his tracks, and Billie knew it.

Richard leaned back in his chair and eyed his employee for several long minutes without saying a word. The man began to sweat under his silent scrutiny. Picking up his phone, he punched a few numbers. “Bob. Revoke Will Pearson’s access to the firm and all of his accounts immediately.” He hung up. “Obviously you’re fired, Mr. Pearson. Billie will escort you out of the office and someone will deliver your personal items to your home. Get out of my firm.” Billie laid the file on Richard’s desk and glared menacingly at Pearson.

Pearson stood without another word, his face shocked and pale. Billie followed him out the door in silence. As soon as we were alone, I turned to Richard. “Over $50,000. His last thought was that it’s hidden well and you’ll never find it. I know where it is.”