Peering up at Matthew I answered, “Yes, Matthew.”

“Have you spoken to Becca lately?”

“Yes. Why?”

“She’s been ignoring my calls and texts. I thought maybe she was sick or something.” he paused.

“Becky is fine. Sometimes she goes to her cave and doesn’t come out. She’s busy with all the reading and editing. She has deadlines to meet.”

“Ok, yeah, I’m sure that’s it.” Matthew released me, then pulled me back in. “Oh Jenna, I don’t know what’s going on, but Max needs you now. He’s miserable and he doesn’t fu…I mean he doesn’t seem to care about anything.”

“Okay,” I said, but I didn’t really believe his words. Max was confident and proud. He didn’t need me. I was the weak and insecure one. I mean, I know he cares about me, but he didn’t need me to stand by him to get through this. Nothing could penetrate through that thick skin of his. He was determined.

When Matthew released me, I headed straight to Max’s office. Now was probably not the right time, but I needed to see him and fix this before it got any worse. Feeling my heart thump rapidly, I had to prepare myself for what Max might say to me.

“Good afternoon,” I said to his personal secretary.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Mefferd. I haven’t seen you around. You must be busy at your new position.”

“Yes, Matthew is keeping me busy,” I replied. Instead of carrying on a conversation, I cut to the chase. “Is Mr. Knight in his office?” My heart started to escalate even faster.

“No. He left a message that he would be with his lawyer. He won’t be coming in today. He said something about a dinner meeting. Shall I leave a message for him?”

“No, thank you. I will call him later. It was nice to see you again.”

“Have a good day, Ms. Mefferd.”

With that, I walked toward my office feeling miserable. I knew Max’s schedule like it was my own. Having to go ask his secretary seemed so formal. It felt like he was a stranger. I didn’t like this feeling at all and it was my fault.

Passing by the break room, I took a detour to the Reception desk to ask where Susan’s office was located. Apparently, there were two Susan’s, so I had to describe her. As I walked to her office, I tried to gather my thoughts about what questions to ask without sounding as if I was interrogating her. After all, Mr. Shaw said not to be the source of any rumors, but this was important. I had to know. I had to help Max, if possible.

“Susan?” I knocked softly. Her door was slightly ajar.

“Come in.”

Peering up at me, she looked surprised. Her cheeks turned slightly pink, most likely recalling the conversation she had with her friend about me.

“Jenna, come in.” She sat up straight and gave me her full attention.

Sitting down on the other side of her desk, I started with my questions. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I’m here to ask you few questions and I hope you’ll answer them honestly. I’m not upset. I just need the truth. When we are through, I’ll walk out of here like we never had this conversation.

“I’m not sure what you’re getting at. I hardly know you.” Her tone was nervous, but then again, I would be too if I were speaking to the boss’s girlfriend.

“I overheard you talking about Crystal, and I want to know if you could tell me more about the rumors.”

Susan sank back in her seat, looking a bit more relaxed. “Oh, why didn’t you say that in the first place?” Her smile was somewhat genuine. “There isn’t much I can tell you, except that we all disliked her and stayed away from her as much as possible. I had heard a rumor that this lawsuit wasn’t her first. I don’t know who started it or when it started. Supposedly, she blackmailed someone else. The difference that time was that she took the money. I guess she knew exactly how much that guy could fork up. Now with Max, she knows he has the company, so he’s worth a lot more. I’m sorry, that is all I know.”

“Do you know what company she worked for before she came here?”

“No. I didn’t care to ask, but I’m sure Mrs. Ward would know, since she’s the Human Resources Director.”

“Thanks. I appreciate your honesty,” I smiled.

“I hope it all works out for Max. He’s such a wonderful man. He doesn’t deserve this.”

“Thank you,” I said as I left. Susan was right. Max was wonderful, and I didn’t need to add any more to his grief.

Before I stopped by my office, I headed to see Mrs. Ward. I knew she couldn’t disclose any personal information regarding present or past employees, but I had to try.

“Mrs. Ward?” Her door was wide open.

“Ms. Mefferd, come in. How was your New York trip?”

“It was fantastic. Thank you for asking.”

“How can I help you?”

“I have a question about a previous employee. I know you’re not allowed to disclose any personal information and I wouldn’t ask unless it was very important.”

“I see. And whom, may I ask, are you referring to?”

“Crystal.” The name spit out of my mouth like venom. I had come to loathe this woman because she has caused nothing but grief to so many people.

“You’re right. I can’t give you any information.”

My heart sunk through the chair I was sitting on. The little hope I had was fading. How would I find what I was looking for? And where would I search?