Fisher (Prince of Tigers, #3) - Kathi S. Barton Page 0,15

things should go. By the way. I quit.”

He was still sitting at his desk when he realized two things. He really was fucked, and that a little bitty company had taken him down. Picking up his phone, he pressed the number that he had for her company. It was time to get things organized and back to working order. Or, he thought, heads were going to roll.

Benson thought she damned well have better saved his data. Otherwise, he was really going to own her ass. When the phone was answered, Benson started talking before he realized it was a recording. He had to call the number back twice before he understood the message he’d gotten.

“Hello, Benson Alexander. This phone call and any other future calls are no longer going to be answered by this service. You were given a stipulation, and you chose to ignore it. You will be notified by mail of all the charges that have been added to your original bill. James Programming will no longer do business with your company nor any of the subsidiaries you own. Have a nice day.”

“Have a nice day? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Benson turned his phone off and sat there with his head in his hands. “Jesus H. Christ, she did just what she said she was going to do. Exactly like she’d threatened.”

There wasn’t going to be coming back from this, not with all his data missing. He just knew he’d fucked with the wrong person. Picking up the phone again, he called his wife. She must have heard from some of his managers because she started in on him as soon as she answered. “I’m sorry, love. I truly am.”

“I knew this was going to happen, Benny. I tried to tell you when I read over the contract that this person was savvy, and they’d not take you screwing around with them. Now, look. You’ve killed my father’s company because you’re a cheap bastard that thinks you know so much more than anyone else. My father would be rolling over in his grave if he knew you’d tried to screw a little company. They’re what made him the man he was.” He told her it wasn’t completely his fault.” Oh no? Then who do I have to talk to about them being fired over this? Did you tell someone to pay the bill? Did you tell her you were going to do it before she shut us off? It’s gone, isn’t it? My family’s entire company is in ruin because you had to be the big man you’re not. Fucker. I’m so mad at you right now I want to bash your head in. Don’t you dare come home. If I see you, I might just follow up on handing you divorce paperwork the minute you cross over the threshold. I’m so glad I kept the house in my name. At least we have that to fall back on when the creditors come calling.”

“Honey, please don’t hate me for this. I forged your name to the paperwork several years ago. I used the house as collateral for the villa in France.” Silence. It was the worst kind of screaming at him as far as he was concerned. “Beth? Are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here. I have no idea why I’m still here, but this is the last straw, Benny. Don’t bother calling here again. Don’t expect me to be there for you either. I’m finished. Forever. I told you the next time you did something stupid, I was going to divorce you. Thankfully, I had a prenup signed when we were married all those years ago. I’m done with you.” The phone was still humming its song of disconnection when he put the phone back in the cradle.

Getting up, he made his way to the lower levels where his car was parked. He was glad now that he’d driven himself to work today. It seemed like years since he’d talked to Miss James. He was a ruined man. There wasn’t any way he was ever going to recoup his business now. Nothing to do but to find himself a place to hide out and stay there until things settled down. However, he didn’t think that was going to be anytime soon. Then there was also the fact that his wife, who owned everything they had, was pissed enough to more than likely ask for and get a divorce from him.

His cell was ringing when he