Damon (The Protectors #1)(42)

Closing her eyes briefly she sucked it up and knocked before opening the door. “You wanted to see me boss?”

“Yes, we did.” Catherine Ross, aka boss-zilla, replied from behind Mitch's desk tapping the end of a pencil on a stack of files. “Sit down Ms. Callahan.”

Nicole glanced at Mitch who wouldn't meet her stare. He leaned against the far wall staring a hole in the side of Catherine's brown bobbed head. Taking a seat where she could look at them both she remained silent, her sixth sense telling her that she was not going to like what happened in the next second. Looking at Catherine, who had no problem looking her in the eyes, she thought she would be pretty if not for the permanent scowl on her face all the time. She was a short woman, but she packed so much attitude she seemed as tall as Mitch, even though her feet probably didn't touch the floor as she sat in Mitch’s chair.

“I am just going to come to the point.” Catherine began, the taping of the pencil stopped. “You are being placed on a mandatory leave of absence as of this minute. We will hold your job until the danger to you is over.”

“But...” Nicole leaned out of her seat ready to do battle.

“I said mandatory Ms. Callahan.” Catherine's voice was level and sure. “There are no negotiations in this matter. Not only are you in danger, but as the incident the other night at the charity game proved others are in danger also.”

Nicole quickly glanced at Mitch who finally glanced her way. “I'm sorry Nicole, there's nothing I can do.”

“He's right. This is happening and if I feel that there is too much resistance in this matter I have the authority to terminate, which includes, anyone who tries to interfere.” She eyed Mitch with a cock of her nicely shaped brow.

“But they're after me.” Nicole knew she was fighting a losing battle, but dammit she had to try. This was her job, her life.

For a minute it looked like Catherine's eyes filled with sympathy, but then the boss-zilla side overcame and the scowl quickly replaced it. “What happened at the charity game was because of you Nicole. We cannot take the chance of another employee getting in the line of fire or one of the children in your care.”

Nicole hadn't thought of that or maybe she had and was just too selfish to see it that way. Confusion and a sense of loss hit her, feelings of defeat came at her in waves. “I don't want that to happen. I guess you're right.” God those words tasted bitter.

“Listen, as soon as this blows over and they catch whoever this is, your job will be waiting for you.” Catherine stood picking up her briefcase. “I'm sorry it has come to this Nicole, but it's not worth the risk.”

“I understand.” Nicole nodded, waiting for her to leave.

Boss-zilla had a few words with Mitch before Mitch closed the door to his office and sat heavily at his desk looking haggard. “Dammit!” He hissed, not looking at her.

“She's right Mitch.” Nicole looked up smiling sadly. “In all my standing up for my job I really didn't think what the consequences could be for others. I could never live with myself if something happened to someone here at work or God forbid, one of the kids. Just so much is happening so quickly I haven't thought it through. I'll just get my stuff and leave.”

Mitch stood with her. “Keep yourself safe until this bastard is caught. I need you here. The kids need you here.”

Nodding, Nicole stopped before walking out the door. “Who's taking my cases?”

Mitch stared at her for a long moment. “I am, so don't worry about anything and I will keep you informed on all of them.”

Turning quickly, she gave him a tight hug then without meeting his gaze she hurried out of his office before she could breakdown. “Thanks Mitch.” She called out. “And don't mess up my filing system.” She added the teasing remark although tears filled her eyes.

Once in her office Nicole stuffed as much as she could in a backpack she had in her office then left making her way to where Jared was. She better let someone know where she was going. She made enough mistakes by taking off and didn't want to cause more of a stir than she already had. Walking into the office where Jared sat at a table with files laying all around him, she cleared her throat. “Find anything yet?”

Jared glanced up rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Maybe.” he sighed. “Have you noticed that a lot of Chad's cases were older boys?”

Sitting down across from him she dropped her backpack. “No, not really.” Nicole frowned. “Why would that make a difference? I mean most of the cases we get are predetermined by someone else. Most of the time Mitch.”

“I understand that, but most of them have an addendum stating that he requested the older boys ages 13 to 17.”

“What difference does that make?” Nicole's troubles forgotten.

“Because the blood of a vampire becomes more potent the older the vampire gets.” Jared leaned back in his chair. “Have you ever tried Crimson Rush before?”

Nicole looked horrified. “God no!”

Jared chuckled. “I bet you'd drink Damon's.”

“And you'd lose that bet.” She snorted.

“He hasn't taken yours either?” He squinted at her.

“No.” Embarrassed she glanced away. Being with a vampire that didn't yearn for your blood was pretty much a confidence killer. God, how screwed up was she to want someone to want her blood. Ugh...she was truly losing it.