Need You

Chapter 37

I returned to my office after rendering an apology to the staff for the fight between me and Derrick yesterday which was separated by a few of them.

I noticed the whispers amongst themselves with regards to why Derrick and I had the bout but I didn't want to confirm anything. If they suspected the mess that A & H was in, I'd rather that it remained that - a mere suspicion.

The article exposing the ponzi scheme did not name victims and so I was confident that that had bought me time to fix things. Hopefully, my clients or investors wouldn't even know that
A & H was involved in a ponzi.

Sitting behind my computer thinking of ways I could fix things, my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat upon seeing the name on the screen - one of A&H's investors, Dan.

He always had one of his assistants making the calls. With the rarity of this call, I was inclined to think that he knew what was happening but how could he? I thought to myself. Maybe he was just calling to say hi - he did that occasionally.

Taking in a deep breath, I calmed and answered. "Good morning, Dan!" I greeted in a vivacious manner. "How are you?"

"That depends on your answer." He said. "Is it true that the agency was involved in a ponzi?"

I laughed nervously as I tried to put together an answer for him. "Who told you that?"

"Derrick."

I cussed mentally, understanding what Derrick's uncalled for sharing of that information would cause.

"Listen, Dan," I began but he cut me off before I could even finish.

With disappointment in his voice, he said, "I trusted you and and now you're telling me that the agency has been involved in something illegal."

"I didn't say that."

"I don't need to hear you say it!" He said firmly. "Do you understand how bad this is for me? I have been referring my clients to you for months now."

"And that's because you know how well I work." I interjected. "Our involvement in the ponzi was an accident. We made an investment that we thought would be very profitable based off our research. Unfortunately, the venture turned out to be a ponzi scheme."

"Right now, I'm working with the authorities to make sure that the agency is redeemed." I added. It might have been a lie but I was sure that that would make him rest easier.

I heard him let out a sigh. "Dan I assure you that this mess will be cleaned up."

"I hope so, or else I'm pulling out."

"Don't worry, everything will be fixed." I said.

Dropping the phone on the desk, I exhaled heavily, letting out a huge sigh of relief.

I tried Derrick's number many times but it didn't go through. Thanks to him, I spent most of my day answering to clients and trying to calm angry investors because of the shared news of our involvement in the ponzi scheme.

The call I received as I got ready to leave the office was the one I was dreading - the one from A&H's biggest investor. He normally had his assistant making the calls but not today.

"Harry, your negligence will not be spared! I'll have you know that my legal team is at work and first thing tomorrow morning you'll hear from them."

I felt a sinking in my chest realizing what he meant. "I don't think that's necessary Steve. I understand your anger but I have everyth..." He ended the call before I could finish.

"Dammit!"

Sinking into my chair, I wished I had punched Derrick harder. This was all because of him! If the few I landed on him didn't bruise him like his did me, with how angry I was now, I'd leave him scarred for life!

The investors weren't supposed to find out and here I was now awaiting a lawsuit from my biggest investor.

My evening was gloomy as I sat with my laptop in bed, looking up ways to clean up the mess I had found myself in.

My phone rang and as i looked at the nane displayed on the screen, I knew she was the lasf person I warned to speak with, and that was only because I knew how disappointed she'd be if she found out about the current state of A&H.

I didn't want her to get upset with me for not answering either so I decided to answer and simply act like everything was going great.

"I was beginning to think you've forgotten us little people." I voiced playfully.

"I haven't, and even if I had, I couldn't forget my muse." She chuckled.

"Oh? So you finally admit it." I grinned.

"Maybe."

"What's maybe? You said you wouldn't forget your muse."

"Uh huh. I didn't say you."

"Mmm."

Her laughter rang through the phone and I couldn't help my smile.

"How is everything?" She asked.

"Everything's great!" I said with too much excitement. "How has the book con been?"

That question did exactly what I wanted it to do - turn all the attention to her. Amanda began ranting about how great it had been.

"Thinking about it now, it'd certainly be more fun if you were here."

"You miss me don't you?" I teased.

"I don't. I'm just saying."

"Mmm. Well, I have some work I need to finish tonight so I've got to go."

"Okay, goodnight then. I love you."

"I love you too. Bye."

Feeling guilty for not telling Amanda the truth, I convinced myself that I'd rather that than having her feel disappointed in me.

She returned in two days so hopefully everything would have been resolved by then and then maybe she wouldn't even have to know anything.

*******

After delivering the court's decision to my staff, I went back to my office. Running my hand through my hair, I let out a heavy sigh as I leaned back in my chair. The leather felt cold, very much like the reality I now faced.

Closing my eyes briefly to gather my thoughts amidst the emotions I was feeling, the door creaked open, breaking the silence that filled my office.

Immediately, I straightened in my chair.