Deadly Love

Chapter 7

Thursday morning I was called into Evelyn's office. She was sitting on her chair with her arms crossed at the desk, staring at me with a frown on her face. It was more like a scowl of disappointment. She inhaled deeply and pushed her glasses up her nose. "What do you mean you don't want to continue with that article?"

I swallowed. "It means that I am not going to follow on that story anymore."

"I know that Jade." She said sharply. "What I want to know is why?"

I had no solid answer to that. Waking up in the morning today in bed, and inhaling the remnants of his exotic scent that was left behind, I had decided I didn't want to continue playing with Emanuele. I was afraid, afraid that I might start to have feelings for him, which will surely end with a disaster or either one of us dead, mostly me. I didn't want to interview him or reveal his business and secrets to the world. I didn't even want him in prison or worse, killed. I just will stay with him until he blurts out the place where Charlie is locked up and then I will take my brother away, never to be involved with the mafia and their world again.

"I am asking you something Jade!" Evelyn snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked at her raised eyebrows and sighed. "Jerry and I almost died last night Eve. He is in the hospital with a broken arm and probable PTSD. That world is dangerous and I don't want to risk my life or of the people around me."

"So what are you saying?" she got up from the chair and rested her palms flat on the desk, glowering at me. "You have been working in this field for three years Jade. Are you saying you want to quit?"

"No. I am just saying I need a much deserved break."

"Hmm." She mused. "Well if you so desperately want a break, why don't you just let me fire you?"

I gaped at her. "Evelyn that is not fair. Last night was extremely...traumatic for me too. Can you be a little more sympathetic?"

"I am being sympathetic. Firing you would be a mercy on you and this department because clearly you have lost your perspective and skills." She said with a tone that indicated finality.

"Evelyn I thought you were my friend." I frowned at her, almost on the verge of tears.

"This is me being your friend." She sat back down and opened a file on her desk, clearly dismissing me.

"No, this is you being a bitch." I spat at her.

Her head snapped towards mine in surprise. I ignored her and turned towards the door, wanting to get out of this place immediately. The door opened before I could touch the knob, Kenneth entered much to Evelyn's dismay. Her face showed her clear displeasure at seeing his face.

Kenneth Stone was a handsome and sophisticated man. He had grace and his own unique style and charm which he clearly uses to attract women. His dark blonde hair is always sleekly combed back and his blue eyes forever smiling. Everyone in the building liked Kenneth; I don't know what Evelyn's problem was!

"I know Evelyn is always upset to see me but why are you upset Jade?" Kenny joked, making Evelyn's scowl deepen.

"Hi, Kenny!" I gave him a small, downhearted smile.

He returned the greeting and looked between the two of us suspiciously. The tension was thick in the air.

"What do you want Stone?" Evelyn's loud voice broke the silence.

"You called me half an hour ago remember?" Evelyn frowned. "That article you were talking about last week. You wanted to run it by me!" he reminded her.

Her eyes turned to me and darkened. I know what she was thinking. She held me responsible for the embarrassment she was about to face. To tell the truth, I didn't feel bad about it after the way she so callously fired me.