The Arrangement

Chapter 47

So, I don't know what happened, but I'm reposting this chapter because it disappeared.  

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Chapter 47

I sat across from Director Hildebrandt and next to Katrina.

"How're you doing?" Katrina asked, her eyes searching mine.

"I've been better." I admitted.

"Okay. As I was explaining to the good director here, who's request for funds could very easily be misconstrued as something as foul as extortion. Obviously, that couldn't have possibly been his intention, knowing full well the legal repercussions for such course of action. Director, I imagine you prefer your freedom, besides, orange is most certainly not your color." Katrina warned. "So I'm giving the director a chance to explain what he really meant, on the record, in front of your legal counsel. We were waiting for you to begin."

I nodded. "Katrina, can I talk to you a minute before we begin?"

"Of course."

Katrina followed me out. 'Are you okay? You look like you haven't slept. Have you been worried about this?"

I shook my head. "No, it's Trent." I recounted the story as best I could without crying. "I just want to get this over as fast as possible."

"Alright, let me get his statement with you present and I'll take care of the rest."

"I nodded and was surprised when Katrina pulled me in fora hug. "It's going to be okay. This and Trent." Katrina promised.

I followed Katrina back and the room felt at least ten degrees colder with Director Hildebrandt's eyes locked on us.

"Mikaela," he warned. "I'm sure this is a mistake. You don't honestly think we'd threaten the work you do here."

"You demanded $250,000 from me as soon as you learned my husband had money."

"A donation request. Considering he's privately funding all of your research, I saw no harm in a charitable request."

Katrina's hand on my shoulder stopped the response in my throat. "Don't say anything." Katrina warned. "Director, I think the two of us should have a conversation. Mikaela, I know you have other obligations. Feel free to take care of those."

I nodded and left, my mouth dry and my throat tight. Katrina would handle this legally, I was free to let my thoughts return to the matter at hand. Lost in my thoughts someone grabbed my arm. I looked up to see Jason.

"You okay?"

I shook my head. "No, but getting there."

"I saw the news, is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"I heard Trent was in the hospital, the ICU. Is he alright?"

I shook my head. "I - I don't know. He was stable when I left."

"What are you doing here then?"

"I was just leaving."

"Back to the hospital?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I need to get back."

"Then let me drive you. It's a media circus out there."

Jason drove like a maniac. My hands were gripping the handle and my seatbelt, my knuckles white the entire time. Admittedly, I couldn't think of much else while he was driving. Jason shoved our way through the media at the hospital and walked me up to the lounge. Nick and Nikki were still there.