Chances (Mystic Nights #1)(6)

Jonathan was floored, nearly speechless. He hadn’t thought she’d brush him off so quickly, but he recovered. If that’s how she wanted it, it was fine by him. For now. “Sure Aliya. Okay. But I did enjoy last night, and this morning,” he repeated her words with a smile. “But, if you ever want some company on your night off, you know where to find me.” He winked, placed a soft, friendly kiss to her cheek, turned and left. He wasn’t going to beg. That was for sure. He headed swiftly back up the aisle, and just before he reached the turn to the short hall leading to the doors, he turned and looked back once.

His stunning smile was in place.

That smile had her heart pattering and her body remembering. Warmth spread down to her core. Her stomach did flip flops. No, she could not pursue anything with this man despite what her body craved. He affected her just too damn much. Sighing, she picked up her duffle bag, and turning on her heel left to head backstage and get ready for the evening’s performance.





Chapter 3




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“Listen, this is just inexcusable. We are three weeks away from our audit, and the reports we have been seeing are not what we’ve expected.” Tawny’s tone was firm and spoken with authority. She gazed across the table giving each board member and department head a cautious look.

Jonathan chimed in. “Three months ago everything was on track. The numbers looked good. But now, the profits we expected to see aren’t there, and we need to know why. We meet with the tribal council in a few days and this is going to be shocking and disappointing.” He knew they would not be happy. How could things go so wrong, so quickly?

“That’s for sure,” Simon muttered under his breath, beginning to stack his papers as the meeting was nearly over. Once his papers were orderly, he plucked out a handkerchief from his pocket and mopped his profusely sweating brow. The man did not look well at all.

“If you have something for the good of the group, Simon, please share, by all means,” Jonathan snapped turning to their lead accountant. He knew the man had been unwell, had gone through radiation six months ago, but he had come back and all had been in order prior to his return.

“I was just agreeing with you, Jonathan,” Simon smiled towards his boss. The smile revealed his confusion, but was meant to appease the younger man.

“Well, Simon, this is a mess and I expect you to figure it out. This is a numbers thing which is your department after all.” Jonathan stood abruptly, his voice rising as he spoke. Simon was good at his job, but to wait until now to let them know the numbers weren’t jiving was inexcusable. The last reports he received three months ago did not show this kind of loss. It was all so sudden.

Simon’s eyes narrowed before speaking. It seemed apparent that he too was disturbed by the turn of events. “Yes, that is my department. When expenses outweigh what you take in, this is what you should expect.” He spoke like he was teaching the younger man a basic accounting class.

Jonathan blew. “Simon, I know that. I oversaw our expenditures based on output. We didn’t spend beyond our means based on profits from your projections. It’s your numbers that need looking at. If you can’t handle it or figure it out, then I’ll get you some help, or I’ll look at the books myself.”

Simon’s feathers were ruffled now. He wiped his brow one more time before answering. “That’s not necessary. . .” he started before being interrupted once more.

“Don’t tell me what is or isn’t necessary. Those are my decisions to make. Just get it done rIght, or I’ll take over,” Jonathan threatened.

“You can’t . . .” Simon began to inch back his chair. The air in the room felt stifling. He needed to get out. He hated taking orders from this man. And criticism! Who was he to think . . .

Feeling the intensity of the exchange was getting out of hand, Tawny intervened. Things were getting too heated. Her son was right though. Simon had to have made some kind of error, or several departments had, and perhaps he missed it. The man had been seriously ill after all. Perhaps he had come back to soon. But, beforehand he’d been sharp as a tack. She wanted him back at the casino. She had always trusted him before. She just needed to make it clear that it was his job to figure this out. “Jonathan. Simon, please.” Then facing Simon, she spoke more calmly. “Four years we have been using the same formula. Everything has gone smoothly. Debts have been paid back. The tribe receives a small share, and the rest goes into expansion. Our expansion projects were budgeted. The council approved. Our numbers of guests, and income has been steady. Something is wrong, Simon. That is what Jonathan is trying to say. We just want you to go over the books and figure out where the money is.”

“But, he is making it sound like an accusa. . .” Simon looked to Tawny trying to gauge her reaction.

“No one is accusing . . .” Tawny tried to soothe the man’s fragile ego.

Jonathan with a calmer demeanor spoke again. “Simon, I’m not accusing you. The money is here. Somewhere. But, the time to find out where is running out. I just want you to do your job. Look at the numbers again.”

“I keep good books.” Simon sounded slightly calmer. He gazed around the table at the other board members who still remained silent. He saw no condescension in their eyes. He had worked with all of them for a long time. They trusted him. But this Jonathan, he was too big for his britches. He turned to the co-chair and nodded in his direction. He’d look at the numbers again if that was what it took to appease him.