The Tyrant's Trophy

Abijah

I was not happy.

Not in the LEAST.

I had told Kelly to get my team to interview the police about the heinous crimes against children these days. Well, they listened, but one thought it was a good idea to rip into the police, instead of getting the facts.

She sat before me now.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t send you packing this second.” I shouldn’t be having this kind of meeting. “Your behavior was unethical and misdirected.”

Joanne Smith wasn’t a new face; she knew how we worked and what this company values - why were the top unit in this building. I think that’s what ticks me off more: She knows better. I told her before; her emotions will get her fired one day if she can’t keep a lid on them.

“What was I supposed to do?!” She yelled. “Sixteen children - that’s a bloodbath and the cops aren’t doing anything about it!”

“They are doing lots.” If she would have shut her trap, she would know this.

The woman wasn’t convinced. “You would understand my perspective if you had kids.”

So she thinks that because I don’t have children, I don’t understand her frustrations? That the sight of children ages six to fifteen don’t affect me? She has got to be the dumbest reporter I have had on my team.

Holding back the urge to throw my stapler at her head, I snipped back. “The cop you tore at has three kids: ages 7, 10, and 12 - all girls too. They are working around the clock - many doing overtime - to find any leads so that the children can walk the streets safely again. They are treating this as a top priority and you would know this if you would shut up for once, Joanne.” The lady blanched.

“I didn’t,” I cut her off.

“This is your last warning: get the facts first and keep your mouth shut. Now get out of my office.”

Kelly came in just as Joanne scampered off. “Coffee?” She offered, holding up two Starbucks lattes.

“Is this an apology?” I accepted one. “Why do you make me deal with the troubled employees, Kelly? You’re the president - you should be the one cracking down on them.” And be the one to take the headaches home each night.

“You do it better than me, Abi.” Kelly plopped herself on the corner of my desk. “You put the fear of God in people.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Opening the drawer by my desk, I took out Maybell’s phone.

I confiscated it so Maybell couldn’t contact that deadbeat of a husband. Also, to see what it is Dr. Sweetheart says to his wife. What I learned: Phil Sweetheart is a sick man. His wife could be kidnapped and her body left in a dumpster but all this man cares about is himself.

There were five new voicemails: all sent a few minutes after each other.

“You got a new phone?” Kelly sipped her latte.

“No.” I’ll look at them when I get home. My recorder is there too: I’ve been listening to each voicemail and recording them for copies. When Maybell files for a divorce, she’ll have proof of the threats her husband sends to her.

Kelly caught onto that. “How is Mrs. Sweetheart?” I summarized what was going on, the day I got back, but I warned her strictly not to breathe a word of it to anybody.

“It’s going.” I removed a stray hair from my face. “Understandably, she’s upset at me, and doesn’t leave the guest room when I’m home, but she’s warming up. Last night, she and Basil were watching ‘Cinderella.’ She didn’t hide when I came home.”

“Basil and Maybell are close, huh?”

“The man treats her like a daughter, though she’s practically our age.” I shook my head at the silliness of it. “Seeing that each night, I think I will have my hands full when Basil and I have kids.” Knowing Basil, he’s going to want lots of kids too.

Kelly ‘hmmed.’ but didn’t say anything.

“What is it?” She wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Kelly, it’s obvious you want to gossip, so spill it.”

“I heard some rumors about Maybell Sweetheart.”

“So?” This got to be good.

“Well, you know how my dad’s been having heart problems?” I nodded. “He switched doctors so now he’s going to Dr. Sweetheart’s clinic. I drove him to his appointment yesterday and went in with him.” Is there a point to this? “Dr. Sweetheart is quite charming and relaxing to be around. He got me coffee and we talked about my dad’s condition and what would be the best treatment, etc.”

I don’t like where this was going.

“I asked about his wife - of course, I kept it subtly and pointed out his wedding band - and he told me some things about her.”

“Like what?” What did Kelly do?

That’s when she turned to me. “He worships her, Abi. Always looking out for her best interest and get this: he went as far as to get her acquitted when she killed her baby.”

“What?!” I thought Kelly was pulling some joke as always but she was dead serious. “What baby?”

“She aborted her child when it was two weeks close to coming out. She was admitted to the psych ward and released last year from it. I’m only telling you this, Abi because I don’t want you going out of your way for someone who may not be what you think.” Finished with her drink, Kelly got up. “But you’re stubborn and there’s no talking you out of anything.”

I appreciate Kelly’s concern: she was a great friend like that, but if she saw what I did. If she heard the things that man threatens to do on the voicemails; Kelly would be quick to change her opinion. What worried me was Kelly being near that sicko.

“Thanks, Kel.” I meant it. “And I’m only stubborn until I get all the facts. You be careful, too.”

“Oh, and for the company party, bring your fiance. All the ladies are dying to meet him.” I frowned as Kelly left, laughing at my jealousy.