Until Cobi (Until Her/Him #7)(61)

“Thank you. I wish…” I grab her hand across the counter between us. “I wish there were more people like you in the world. You might not know it, but you are making a difference.”

Her face softens. “All I ever wanted was a big family. Each and every child who comes into our home gives me a little piece of my dream, no matter if they stay a month or forever.”

Yes, I really, really wish more people were like the McKays. People who are just good people, people who are willing to give children a warm, safe place when they need it most.

After chatting and spending some time with each of the kids, I fill out my notes and schedule another visit. After I leave and get into my car, I check my phone, which was on silent while I was inside the house. I see a missed call from Scott, so I call him back and he answers on the third ring. While I drive back to the office, I tell him what happened Friday and about the email I got today. When he seems like he has no idea what I’m talking about, I mention Marcus and his missing money.

“Why hasn’t Marian informed me of this situation?”

At his question, my stomach drops. “Pardon?”

“Why haven’t I been informed of this situation until now?” The question is harsh, and in order not to run off the road, I have to pull over onto one of the side streets and park.

“I was under the impression that you did know about these issues.” Bile crawls up the back of my throat. “Marian told me that she’d been working with you on finding out who’s responsible, since this is not the first time funds have gone unaccounted for.”

“Good Lord.” He sounds worried— actually… freaked. “I’m going to have to call you back. I need to figure out what the fuck is going on.”

“Okay,” I say quietly.

I stare out the front windshield for a long time, trying to figure out what I’m feeling, what I’m going to do. I should have known not to trust Marian. I should have questioned what she was saying the moment I saw her in my office, and I sure as heck should have done more research after Reggie called me to tell me about Marcus’s money.

“How the heck is she getting the money?” That, I do not know.

When I get back to the office, the parking lot is empty, so I know everyone is out. I use my key and let myself in and leave the door unlocked for anyone else who comes back. As soon as I get inside and reach my desk, I start up my computer. I search through all my files, looking for what exactly, I have no idea, but there has to be something I’m missing, some reason Marian was at my desk using my computer. So engrossed in what I’m doing when my cell phone rings, I almost jump out of my skin.

“Where are you?” Cobi barks into my ear before I even get a chance to say hello.

“At the office. Why? What’s going on?” Worry that something happened to someone in his family makes me feel nauseous.

“Fuck,” he clips, and I feel his anger like a physical touch even through the phone.

“What happened? Is everyone okay?”

“Are you alone?”

My heart rate spikes at his question, and I look out into the main office through the glass windows, seeing it’s still empty. Or at least I think it is. Marian’s door is closed and her blinds are pulled, and I can’t see into the kitchen.

“I think so, but I can’t see into the kitchen or Marian’s office,” I say, and he repeats what I just told him. Why is he repeating what I just told him?

“Where in the office are you exactly?”

“I’m in my office.” My voice shakes.

“Do you have a closet or a bathroom in there?”

“Cobi, you’re freaking me out. What’s going on?” I whisper, my hands starting to tremble right along with my voice.

“I’ll explain in a second. Right now, I need you to answer my question.”

“No, no closet or bathroom.” I listen to him repeat what I just said again. What is going on?

“I want you to get under your desk and pull your chair in behind you once you’re under it.”

“Cobi—”

“Do it now, baby. It’s going to be okay, but I need you to listen to me.”

I squat down under my desk and pull in my chair. As soon as I’m fully sitting on the floor, I try to take a breath but realize I can’t.

“Breathe, just breathe. It’s going to be okay.” His soft words ease some of the tension in my lungs.

“Wh—s happ-ing,” I wheeze. I can hear sirens through the phone.

“My lieutenant got a call from the owner of Giving Hearts not long ago, along with paperwork proving that your boss Marian has been going into clients’ accounts and changing their deposit information to her own.” Well, that answers how she’s been getting the money. My eyes close. “We’re on our way now to arrest her.” Oh my God. “Just stay put. We have no reason to believe she’s armed, but I’m not taking any chances.”

Relief makes it easier to breathe and I take a few much-needed breaths.

“I don’t think she’s here,” I state quietly. “Her car wasn’t in the lot when I got back from my clients house, and the building was locked. I used my key to get in.”

“That’s good, baby, but don’t move from where you are,” he says, just as I hear a familiar voice in the outer office.