Defending Harlow (Mountain Mercenaries #4)(68)

Loretta was sitting behind it, looking very somber.

Instantly uneasy, Harlow sat in one of the two chairs in front of the desk. She’d never seen Loretta look so serious.

“First of all,” Loretta began immediately, “I want to apologize for what happened at the store, about the credit card I gave you not working. Somehow it got canceled. When I called to inquire about it, the bank was very apologetic, but they said someone had disputed a charge, so they canceled it.”

“It’s okay,” Harlow said. “Lowell said he was happy to help.”

Loretta nodded. “As you know, First Hope is a nonprofit. I receive money from the state to keep this place up and running.” She ran a shaking hand through her hair and went on. “I got word yesterday that there was an anonymous accusation that I’ve been misappropriating the funds I’ve been receiving.”

Harlow sat up straight. “But that’s a lie!” she exclaimed.

“Thank you, child.” Loretta sighed. “Of course it’s not true, but the state takes accusations like that seriously. They’ve frozen the shelter accounts while they investigate. The grants I’ve been receiving have also been stopped until everything is figured out.”

“That’s not fair!” Harlow said, feeling heartsick. “Can they really do that? Just take some random anonymous complaint and make you and everyone who lives here suffer while they look into it? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

Loretta looked saddened. “They can really do that. And the investigation could take months, even if I completely cooperate with them and let them see all of the accounting records.”

“What about a lawyer? Would having one speed things up?” Harlow asked.

“Maybe.”

“What can I do to help?”

Loretta gave her a sad smile. “Bless you, Harlow. Instead of worrying about yourself, of course the first thing you want to do is help. I’m not sure there’s much to help with at this point.”

“We can do fund-raisers. Get the community involved,” Harlow insisted.

“You’re so sweet. But . . . here’s the thing . . . I’m not sure I want to fight.”

“What? Why not? You haven’t done anything wrong!”

“I know, and the auditors will eventually see that. But the truth is, I’m tired. I’m sixty-five years old. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been on vacation. I’ve given so much of my life to this place, and frankly, thinking about retiring is a small relief. I won’t have to worry myself sick when a new resident shows up, wondering how I can make her feel safe, and I won’t have to take up any more of the Mountain Mercenaries’ time. I know deciding to let this place go might make me selfish, but I can’t help but feel as if this is a sign.”

Harlow couldn’t begrudge Loretta living her retirement years in relative peace. Running the shelter was tough—even she could see that. And Loretta had been doing it for years on her own.

“I’ve actually been thinking about retiring for a while now, even before I got word that I was under investigation. I just thought I’d wait a couple more years. I’ve gotten several offers on the building. The money I’d make would be enough to allow me to buy a condo, or maybe move out to Florida and into one of those retirement communities.”

“You’ve gotten offers to sell?” Harlow asked. “I didn’t know that.”

“I haven’t really been trying to keep it a secret. I just wasn’t seriously considering selling, so I didn’t talk about the offers. But now I’m thinking maybe it’s time.”

Harlow wanted to be happy for Loretta, but she couldn’t help but think of herself. She loved working here. Loved feeling as if she was making a difference in the lives of the women and kids. Now she’d have to find a new job. “Does Zoe know?” Harlow asked.

“She does. I talked to her this morning before you came in. She quit. After spending time with her son and her new grandbaby, she’s decided to move down to Pueblo to be closer to them. She’ll get to spoil her grandkids by cooking for them now.”

Harlow’s stomach clenched. “And me?” she asked quietly. Harlow couldn’t say more. She knew if she did, she’d probably break down.

“I’m so sorry, Harlow. I didn’t hire you thinking this would happen. I’d never do that to anyone. I’m going to do everything in my power to help you find another position. I still have a lot of connections in Colorado Springs. As far as working here, I can pay for part-time hours out of pocket in the short term. I think dinner is the most important meal. Everyone seemed to manage pretty well with getting breakfast on their own while Zoe was gone. If you can make sure there are easy things to make for lunch, and maybe even continue to pack the kids’ lunches, that would be great. I think it’s important to continue to have our group dinners during the week, but you’d have the weekends off.”

Harlow couldn’t stop the tears from overflowing and falling down her cheeks.

“Oh Lord, please don’t cry! You’re going to make me start up again,” Loretta choked out.

Not able to withstand seeing the older woman crying, Harlow got up and walked behind the desk to comfort Loretta. She got down on her knees and hugged her around the waist. It was several moments before either woman could speak.