Read Online Ghost Times Two by Carolyn Hart - Free Book Online Page A

director’s cue, Lou hurried toward the waiting room, murmuring, “I believe I heard the phone.” Anita sagged back into her chair and plucked at the wad of tissues in her lap. Sharon sat immobile with one hand on her mouse, staring at the computer screen. Nancy immediately hurried to her desk, but a pink flush of excitement still stained her cheeks. Geraldine tugged her sweater down a little on her hips, strolled toward her cubicle, looked amused.
    In Graham’s office, he was already seated behind his desk, half turned toward his computer screen. As Megan crossed the room, he waved a hand at one of the wing chairs. He didn’t bother to speak or look her way.
    Megan sat down, settled the folder in her lap. She said nothing, waited with a pleasant expression.
    He swiveled in his chair, punched the intercom. “Sharon, I want Anita here. ASAP.”
    Megan reached forward to place the folder on his desk.
    He glanced down, frowned. “That brief in the Adams case won’t do. I told you to cite the Carson case.”
    Her voice was even, but firm. “The Carson case was overruled in a new opinion.”
    â€œI’ve told you before. That’s up to the plaintiff’s lawyers to find.” He leaned back in his large leather chair, amused. He waved a big hand. “I’ll take care of it.”
    â€œMr. Graham, I’m giving notice this morning. I’ve been offered another position. I’ll be leaving September first.”
    He was silent for a moment, his face unreadable. Big blond brows lifted. “Who’s the lucky firm?”
    â€œIt’s a new firm. I’m joining Blaine Smith.” Although she tried to be impassive, her eyes shone and her voice was buoyant.
    Behind her the knob to the door twisted and the door began to open.
    She didn’t announce the firm of Smith and Wynn. I suspected she intended to insist to Blaine that she be an associate, not a full partner, until she could build a practice.
    â€œLet me be the first to congratulate you.” There was no warmth in his voice, instead an edge of derisiveness.
    Her eyes glinted, but she merely nodded. “Thank you.” She rose, ready to depart.
    â€œOf course, that means we’ll have to let go of Anita.” His voice was smooth as honey.
    Megan stopped, gazed at him steadily. “Let Anita go?”
    He was calm. His voice held a regretful tone. “Always sorry to trim staff, but we won’t need her if you leave.”
    Megan stared at him. “She was here when I came.”
    â€œWas she?” He raised an eyebrow. “Times change. Oil boom, now a bust. We can get along with Sharon and Nancy.”
    Behind her the hall door was open perhaps an inch, then another.
    Megan took a step nearer his desk. She spoke quickly, forcefully. “Anita has to have her job.”
    The hall door stopped.
    I moved to the hallway.
    Anita bent forward, listening. Her face was slack, the hand on the knob began to tremble.
    Megan’s voice was low, but clearly audible. “You know how difficult it is with insurance now. Different policies cover different things and some won’t allow a choice of doctors. Anita has found a doctor who has a plan for Bridget.”
    Anita gripped the knob, held tight for support.
    â€œAnita’s an excellent secretary.” Megan was emphatic.
    Through the slight opening, I watched Doug Graham lean back in his huge expensive leather chair, lace his fingers behind his head. His broad face was bland. “She used to be. Seems distracted these days. But maybe you can help her find a job. I suppose your new firm might need a secretary.”
    â€œIt would not,” Megan spoke stiffly, “be the right time for her to make a change. You know her daughter—”
    â€œI don’t inquire about the personal affairs of my employees. It’s up to you. If you leave, we won’t need her services. If you stay, she has a job.