“I won’t,” I breathed, quick to promise him anything that would keep him smiling rather than yelling at me for my failings. I cleared my throat, struggling to maintain professionalism. “But I am sorry for being late today. Please let me know what I can do to make it up to you, Mr. Callahan.”
“It’s Mike.” He corrected me with a wink. “I’m not as scary as you seem to think, but I have to admit I’m a little flattered that you find me so intimidating.”
“Well, your record speaks for itself,” I gushed, marveling that one of my personal heroes was being so casual with me. “My dad’s always said that you’re one of the smartest people he’s ever known. I referenced your work on the Kassel case in my law school application essay. Totally inspiring.”
Mr. Callahan—Mike—laughed, a rich sound that warmed my insides and chased away the last of the chill in my bones. “Now I’m definitely flattered. Where did you apply?”
“Columbia. I won’t find out if I’m admitted until the fall, but I applied early. It’s my first-choice law school.”
“Your dad’s alma mater.” His voice was rich with approval, and I soaked it in. “I’m sure he’s very proud of you. Based on your work ethic and GPA, I’m sure you’ll successfully follow in his footsteps.”
I fiddled with my locket, slightly anxious but pleased at the praise. “I’m not planning on going into politics,” I admitted. Everyone thought I was trying to emulate my father—and I supposed I was choosing a similar path for my education and career choice. But that was about proving that I was capable and strong. My future would be very different. “I want to stay in Law. I want to make a difference.”
Mike’s brows rose. “You want to be a prosecutor?”
I nodded. “I plan to go pro bono after I establish my career for a few years. I want to help people.”
“You’re considering pro bono?” He seemed surprised and a little impressed.
I basked in his approval. “Yes. I want to help women who have been victims of assault. I want to help them get justice.”
My heart burned with familiar purpose as I said the words, and my fingers traced the outline of my locket. My mother had been my personal hero, and when it’d come time to choose a volunteering position as part of my high school curriculum, I’d followed her example: I’d spent four years helping out at a local women’s shelter. Once I got to college, I started pushing for women’s rights in my political initiatives with the Young Democrats.
I knew what evil men were capable of, and I would do everything I could to empower and protect vulnerable women.
Mike noted my fierce expression and smiled. “You might not want to admit it, but you are your father’s daughter. He’s a good person, too.”
I flushed at the compliment, warmth flooding my chest. I could hardly believe the turn this conversation had taken. I wasn’t going to be fired. And Gavin really hadn’t earned his place here. I should’ve known that he only leveled that underhanded accusation at me because it was his own reality. But I’d been so frazzled that I’d shrieked childish insults instead of calmly issuing a retort.
Mike gave my shoulder one last reassuring squeeze before slowly drawing away. “I’m glad to see you smiling again. Don’t let that douchebag get to you.”
My jaw dropped when he echoed my insult to Gavin, and he chuckled. “You don’t have to look so shocked. I’m only human. I do have a sense of humor.” Some of the levity dropped from his tone, and I stood straighter under his suddenly stern bearing. “Tell me if he’s bothering you, Allie. I mean it. I’d love to have an excuse to fire his ass.”
My mouth opened and closed a few times before I settled on nodding mutely. This whole situation had gone better than I ever could’ve dreamed. Not only was I not fired, but Mr. Callahan had invited me to be on a first-name basis with him. He’d called Gavin on his shit.
“Thanks, Mr. Callahan,” I finally managed.
“Mike,” he corrected me, still stern.
I offered him an almost giddy smile, still in disbelief that this was really happening. “Mike.”
He beamed. “Okay, go get to work. No need to stay late. Just get as much done as you can before five. A young woman like you should have some fun on a Friday night. Don’t stay here too long.”
“I won’t,” I promised, even though that was a white lie. I would stay as long as necessary to catch up on what I’d missed this morning. “Thank you.”
He gave me a nod, dismissing me with another warm smile.
I walked back out into the hall like I was floating on a cloud. This day had been such an emotional rollercoaster that my head was spinning. For the next few merciful hours, I finally found the mental fortitude to shove all thoughts of Max and Gavin from my mind.
Chapter 5
Allie
I glanced out the cantina window, and my heart stopped. A terribly familiar, hulking figure leaned casually against the side of a bus stop across the street. The vibrant city lights shone brightly above him, gleaming over his unruly mass of black curls and well-worn leather jacket. Shadows pooled beneath his hair, concealing his brow and eyes. His high cheekbones were just as harshly defined as I remembered: sharp and feral.
Max Ferrara. He was watching me, stalking me. I’d foolishly thought he’d let me go, but he wasn’t willing to back off and leave me in peace. Was he waiting to get me alone again? Would he kidnap me and hold me hostage this time?
“Hey, babe.” Isabel brushed her hand over mine, and I jolted at the casual show of support. “That asshole can’t bother you anymore. Not today, and not next week.”
For a moment, I froze. How did she know about Max? I hadn’t breathed a word about my abduction or my volatile captor. The dark secret was a rabid beast in my throat, desperate to claw its way out of me. But if I unburdened myself to my friends, I’d put my father at risk. I’d sworn to Max that I wouldn’t tell anyone what he’d done to me, and I intended to keep that promise until the day I died.
Isabel couldn’t know about Max. I hadn’t slipped up and revealed anything about my ordeal. Had I?
“You said your boss wants to fire him, right?” she prompted when I didn’t respond right away.
A bus stopped in front of the dark figure across the street, hiding him from view. When it pulled away, he was gone.
I ran shaky fingers through my hair. Gavin. She’s talking about Gavin.
“Right,” I said faintly, struggling to direct my focus back on my friends. The man in the leather jacket wasn’t necessarily Max. Lots of men had curly black hair and high cheekbones. And had aloof, menacing vibes that pulsed from their massive bodies, making passersby skirt to the side to avoid their dangerous aura.
“I still think you should tell Mr. Callahan the truth,” Charlie said, her soft Georgia drawl taking on that stern, grown-up tone. She was only three months older than me, but she was by far the most mature of the four of us.
“Mr. Callahan?” Davis snickered. “Don’t you mean Mike? Allie, you’re totally the teacher’s pet. And I agree. Make him fire that douchebag, Gavin. Sounds like you have your boss wrapped around your little finger.”