Read Online Ten Times Guilty by Brenda Hill - Free Book Online Page A

hair a few inches above his left ear and combed the strands over a bald spot on the top of his head. No matter how many times she saw him, her eyes always went to the top of his head.
    But he had always been nice to her, and from what Rita had said, decent and fair to all the employees.
    “Glad you’re here, Tracy. Come on in and sit down. Just give me a moment.”
    He keyed a few more strokes before shutting down the computer. “I asked Rita to show you how to fill out the deposit slip and put the day’s receipts into the safe. But since you’re here, we might as well go through it.” A green sofa rested against the wall opposite the desk. “Getting the deposit ready was the big reason I okayed your shift change. I knew I could trust you.”
    Tracy felt a sense of relief. This might not be so difficult after all.
    The next half-hour, he went through the procedure, demonstrating how he wanted the money counted, how to fill out the deposit, and most importantly, where he kept the combination to the old-fashioned black safe that stood in the corner.
    When they were seated again, he leaned back in his chair.
    “Now,” he said, “how can I help you?”
    “Mr. Madden—” her voice broke. He silently waited, but she saw him glance at the desk clock. She cringed.
    What on God’s earth had made her such a coward?
    “Mr. Madden, I need to know when the museum is going to be torn down.” She said it in a rush, but she got it out. “You see, it’s very important.”
    “Actually, it’s going to be moved. The committee is looking into a suitable location as we speak.”
    “Really? Do you think it will be in this area?”
    “I doubt it. From what I understand, this section of town will be office buildings and apartments.” He looked at her, clearly curious to hear what point she was trying to make.
    Tracy swallowed hard and gathered up her courage.
    “As you know,” she said, “I’m planning to go to business school.”
    He nodded. “Admirable. I hope the new hours work out for you.”
    “I just found out...“ her voice trailed off.
    “You just found out,” he nodded, encouraging her to continue.
    “I need extra money for books,” she blurted. “Right away.”
    He frowned. “Are you asking for a loan?”
    “Oh, no,” she blushed, wilting from his stern look.
    She thought of Ritchie, and how he slept with his fanny in the air. She had to do this, for him.
    “I really need more work, some extra hours.” She tried to keep the desperation out of her voice. “You see, I’ve been saving to attend the next class, which starts in three weeks. The one after that doesn’t start until a year later, and by then, it’ll be too late. I need books, or I can’t go to school.”
    “I see,” he said slowly, “But I don’t know what I can do about it right now. I have enough personnel. Let me think about it.”
    No! She didn’t have time for him to think about it, she wanted him to tell her now. She needed to sleep tonight.
    “I’d be willing to do any kind of work, even scrub the floors.” She tried to smile. “You wouldn’t have to hire that service.”
    “Well, I don’t think you need to do that,” he laughed.
    Now was the time to bluff. It was simple, Diana had said. Tell him, ‘I’m afraid that if I can’t get extra work here, I’ll have no other choice but to look for something else.’  But she sat quietly, keeping her arms down so he wouldn’t see how much she was perspiring.
    He looked again at the clock.
    “Tell you what. I’m leaving with the wife for a couple of days as soon as I get this paperwork done. Going to camp out a couple of days and feed the fish.” He smiled. “I’ll give it some serious consideration and see what I can come up with. That’ll give you a chance at your new hours and see how you do.”
    Tell him, Tracy thought, open your mouth and say something!
    He stood. It was clear he was anxious to leave. She got to her feet, but didn’t move.
    “Anything else,