Bailed Out (The Anna Albertini Files #2) - Rebecca Zanetti Page 0,72
sound was tinkly and happy. “Your job, or just you? Come on. These escapades aren’t because of your job.” Then she reached to the side of the table for one of her Tarot decks. “Why don’t we do a reading and see what’s going on?”
“Sure.” I kicked back and learned that I was on a journey and needed to go deeper and trust myself. I loved it when Nana read my cards.
She was so positive and encouraging.
After hugging her, I headed to my parent’s house to spend the weekend, which culminated in the weekly Sunday barbecue at their house. I hung out with Pauley as usual, and while I was disappointed that Nonna hadn’t hooked Nick for dinner, I knew he’d be there sometime in the future. Probably when the case against Tessa had concluded.
Finally, Clark and I found ourselves driving back over the pass to Timber City.
He was slightly sunburned and very mellow in the passenger seat.
I smiled. “It was nice of you to let Uncle Sean keep the trophy you guys won.”
He shrugged. “Sean did most of the heavy lifting, and we only won third place. Even so, he has a trophy case with an empty spot.”
I chuckled. “Shocking. What vocation did he finally talk you into doing?”
Clark smiled. “He’s still working on it. We’re in a tournament the week after next, so I’m sure he’ll have some good ideas.”
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the text. “Nick Basanelli would like to see me in the office first thing tomorrow morning.”
Clark lost the smile. “Yeah. I figure you and I are both going to have a rough day.”
I sighed. So much for our weekend away from reality. It was coming for us and fast.
Chapter 26
I clip-clopped into the office wearing my red heels and a navy blue suit, my argument running through my head. It was fairly quiet for a Monday morning, but it was early yet. I hadn’t slept well, and Aiden hadn’t called, so I’d been both lonely and stressed out. But now I was wearing kick-ass shoes, and I was ready to rumble.
The receptionist grinned at me, and I grinned back. She was young and seemed to enjoy a good joke, as did I.
“Go on back and good luck,” she whispered.
I high-fived her and strode down the long hallway to Nick’s office. After knocking softly on the door, I poked my head in.
His jacket was already on the clothes tree, his shirt cuffs were already rolled up, and his hair was already looking like he’d been yanking on it. He motioned me inside while still talking on the phone. “I understand and will get back to you as soon as possible. For now, get off my ass.” He set the phone in the cradle none too gently.
Oh, I wanted to run. Right now was not the time to talk to Nick. I took a step backward.
“Sit down, Anna.” He gestured to the leather chairs on the other side of his desk, which was littered with case files, pens, papers, and what looked like an empty container of antacids. “Please.”
I sat and crossed my legs. “I’m sorry about what happened.” Nick was a decent guy, and maybe I could throw myself on the sword. In fact, I really was sorry. “It all got out of hand.”
“I understand. I have two younger brothers.” He sat back in his chair.
Relief ticked through me, and I let my hands relax. “That’s right.”
He studied me, both intelligence and wit in his eyes. “However, you need to submit your resignation. I’m sorry.”
My throat dried up, and my mouth dropped open. “What?”
His gaze didn’t falter. “Either you resign, or I fire you. It’s up to you. Your record will look better with a resignation, and mine will look better if I can your ass. I’m trying to help you right now.”
“Nick—”
“Do you really think I can keep you on after the newspaper article where you were caught trespassing and tearing up a closet holding cremated remains?” His voice rose.
I winced. “No. I get it.” Even though I didn’t get nailed, I did get caught.
“You’re lucky I intervened with the Bar and said to just give you a warning. They wanted to do an investigation, and I cut it off at the pass. This time.” He scrubbed a hand roughly through his hair, his brown eyes blazing. “I won’t help again, so knock it off.”
“Okay.” It was fair, and I didn’t want to blow anything that might happen with Tessa.