Page 53 of Thorn Evermore
“Be snarky if it makes you feel better, but I’m very serious.”
“I know, Neal. You’re always serious.”
He scoffs and marches off. Douglas flashes me an apologetic look. It’s not his fault Neal is a dick. Maybe I will organize my stuff a little. The better Neal appears to be doing, the sooner he’ll get promoted, and that’s a win.
Not even thirty minutes later, the air in the store palpably shifts. I turn my music off, but keep my focus on the tiny Asian statues we got from an estate sale in California. They haven’t been dusted in ages, so the details are muted, but they are so cool.
Neal’s voice seems to reach me no matter where he is. I brace myself for a warehouse tour, but when the double metal doors open, Neal enters with the director, another man, and a woman, all with very serious expressions. The group walks past me and the others working and heads straight for the offices down the hall. They walk into Neal’s office and close the door. Hmm.
“What do you think that’s about?” Kelly, one of our truck receivers asks, sidling up next to me.
“No clue, but it seems serious.”
“It does. Not like a promotion talk.”
“Nope. I was hoping it was the promotion he wants so he’ll leave.”
She laughs. “We’re all hoping for that.”
We all try to busy ourselves, but curiosity is high. The district manager doesn’t come here often, and never unannounced, so something is definitely going on. I’m still hoping they’re discussing his relocation, but I have a feeling that’s not it.
An hour later, the office door opens and the three people from Corporate exit, waving cordially to workers as they pass. Neal isn’t with them this time.
About ten minutes later, he appears in the doorway of his office. His face is pale, and he looks like he’s really been through it in the last hour.
“Kyson. Get Douglas and bring him here. I need to talk to you both.”
“Okay.”
I don’t bother to ask why. I can tell from his tone that something is definitely wrong. I hustle up front to find Douglas dusting a glass shelf.
“Hey, Douglas. Neal wants to see us.”
“Why?”
“No clue, but he doesn’t seem happy.”
“Shit,” Douglas mutters. It’s the first time I’ve heard the soft-spoken man swear.
I was positive when he started that Neal would target him next. He’s always made it known he’s a sucker for gingers, and Douglas has bright orange hair and freckles galore. But he’s also happily married, saving me from the humiliation of watching my ex date a coworker.
We walk together, trying to offer reassuring smiles to curious coworkers, but the vibe of the building is somber. We’re all waiting for the shoe to drop.
“Shut the door,” Neal says as we enter. “Sit.” He leans back in his leather chair, his face etched with concern. “Uh, so as two of the managers of the store, you need to know we have a problem.”
“What kind of problem?” Douglas asks.
“Missing money.”
I gasp. “Oh no. Someone is stealing?”
Neal nods. “Seems to be the case.” Then his expression hardens. “Since the cash drawers are balanced at night when we close, it’s gotta be a manager. Someone with access to the safe and deposits.”
Douglas looks at me and I shrug. “That’s neither of us, Neal. We don’t touch the front.”
He rolls his eyes. “I know that, Kyson. That’s why the two of you are perfect to keep an eye on your peers.”
“You want us to spy? Don’t we have cameras?”