An Invincible Summer (Wyndham Beach #1)(58)

“Not at all. I think if word gets out the firm is for sale, it could be detrimental. If anyone thinks this thing with Grace has diminished the value . . .” He stopped in midsentence. “Oh, Maggie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply . . .”

She waved a hand in his direction. “No need to apologize. I thought the same thing myself. I’d never want Grace to hear me say it, but it’s true. The damage has been done. But when it becomes apparent that life is going on here, I think things will settle down.”

“Why don’t you suggest that Grace take a leave of absence instead of resigning? It doesn’t feel right that she should be the one to leave.”

“I agree it isn’t right, but she’s adamant that her career here is over.” Maggie stood and picked up her bag from the corner of the desk.

“What will she do?”

“That remains to be seen. I have a few ideas, but I haven’t discussed them with her just yet. One thing at a time.” She walked to the door. “And right now, it’s time for me to have a little chat with Amber and with Zach. I’ll stop back to say goodbye on my way out, but don’t be surprised if they come running to you after our little talk.”

“Oh, I hope they do. I can find her for you if you give me a minute.”

“I have a pretty good idea where to look, but thanks. See you in a while.”

She walked out into the hall and took a right, which led her past the break room, where several of the younger women were busy with the doughnuts and danishes someone had brought in. Maggie thought she heard Grace’s name followed by uneasy laughter, so she stuck her head through the doorway and said, “Morning, ladies.”

“Ah, hi, Mrs. Flynn.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Flynn.”

Maggie forced a smile and continued on her way, trying to think calming thoughts and practice deep breathing. The last thing she wanted was to come off like a shrieking banshee. There were other ways to get the point across. She didn’t want to add to the office gossip.

And then Mrs. Flynn came in and she was screaming and yelling and acting like a crazy woman. It was scary.

Nope. No scary crazy woman here. Only a woman who was in complete control of herself and her anger.

At Zach’s door, she paused. Hearing voices, she knocked once quickly, then stepped inside, closing the door behind her. A giggling Amber sat on the edge of Zach’s desk, his hand up her skirt.

“Well, good morning. Glad you’re together so I can take care of all my business at one time.”

Zach went white and removed his hand so quickly Maggie was amazed it didn’t snap off at the wrist. Amber took her time turning to the voice but jumped off the desk the second she saw Maggie.

“Mrs. Flynn,” Amber stammered.

Zach looked terrified, as if he knew the boom was about to be lowered. He wasn’t wrong.

“You.” Maggie pointed a finger at Amber and spoke slowly and calmly. “You are fired. Your last paycheck will be mailed to you. And if I were you, I wouldn’t bother asking for a recommendation from anyone associated with this firm.”

“What?” Amber narrowed her eyes as if about to take Maggie on. “You can’t fire me.”

“Ahhh, Amber . . .” Zach stood but looked as if he were about to pass out.

“She can’t fire me. She doesn’t even work here,” Amber snapped.

“Maggie . . .” Zach took two steps in Maggie’s direction, and she stopped him right there with a sharp, “It’s Mrs. Flynn.”

“Mrs. Flynn.” Still the color of paste, Zach swallowed hard. “May I ask . . . ?”

Turning back to Amber, Maggie ignored him. “The FBI will be here to talk to you in . . .” Maggie glanced at her watch. “About another twenty minutes, which should give you enough time to clear out your desk and check in with HR.”

“The FBI? What are you talking about?” Amber looked at Zach as if for support. He was strangely silent, so she turned back to Maggie. “I haven’t done anything wrong. And I certainly haven’t done anything that would require the freaking FBI.”

“Au contraire.” Maggie’s smile was lethal. “You hacked into Grace’s computer and stole some files.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Amber smirked. “You have no proof.”

“Actually, we do have proof. Dates, times, and files copied and sent to your laptop.” Maggie folded her arms over her chest and tried to project a calm she did not feel. “You’re welcome to ask the HR rep about that. She’s already been given confirmation, which I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to share with you.”

“Amber . . . did you . . . ?” Zach came around the side of the desk slowly. “Tell me you didn’t . . .”

“You used the information you stole to go to Amy Spinelli,” Maggie continued, “and you ruined my daughter’s career. You can bet your ass we called the FBI.”

Amber’s mouth dropped open.

“Amber.” Zach grabbed her by the shoulders. “You’re a paralegal. You know that shit’s against the law. It’s a federal crime, for God’s sake. What the hell were you thinking?”

“I was thinking I wanted her out of our lives.” She pushed him away. “I hate her being here every day, giving me dirty looks. Watching every move I make, hoping I’ll screw up somehow.”