Page 17 of Without Warning
“I appreciate your honesty, Daphne.As long as the board is aware and he ensures he doesn’t participate in any staffing votes, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
She leans back in her chair, and I sit there, trying to figure out what she’s waiting for from me.I’ve been completely honest with her.
She shakes her head, like she’s reached a conclusion.“I’ll be moving you from the main aquarium to full-time training with the river otters for a bit.Sound good?”
“Yes.”
“Next time, come to me as soon as something like this happens.”
“I will, but honestly, Friday was our first date.”
“I get that, but I know you saw each other on Thursday too.Pictures were sent to the board this morning along with the reports from Friday.”
“Pictures?He helped me walk my dogs.That’s all.”How could the paparazzi have found out about us on Thursday?
“Here are copies.”
She slides a small stack of photos across her desk.I pick them up and flip through them.There are a couple of me in my pajamas with my girls, and Darrell standing over us.He has a hold of my hand and is pulling me back toward my building.
“He showed up, but I wasn’t expecting him.I was shocked to see him.He walked with me because he thought it was dangerous for me to be out in the dark.I have a taser, so I was safe.I walk my dogs every night.He left shortly after.”
“I understand that.Keep looking.”She points at the photos, and I notice the timestamp showing Darrell leaving a little after he tucked me into bed.
I’m confused.Unless he was being followed already, no one should’ve known about me.
I shake my head as I see pictures of me on Saturday.“I felt like someone was following me.I’m not sure I’ll be continuing a relationship with Darrell if this is how it’s going to be.I like my privacy.”
“I understand.Head out to the back tanks and check in with the other team members.”
I do as she says, and after a quick conversation with my team, we get to work.
I spend the day training with the river otters.I miss being a part of the big aquarium, but this is what I wanted.
Taking a quiet lunch, I try to ignore Darrell’s text messages while I process everything that happened over the weekend.
Dare
Don’t ignore me, little girl, or I will come to your work.
Me
You can’t.Don’t come here.I need time to think about this.I don’t like that my privacy was invaded from the moment you showed up at my condo on Thursday.
Dare
What are you talking about?I only know about paparazzi being there on our date.
Me
Dare, there are pictures of us outside my building on Thursday.The board was also sent copies.
Dare
I’ll take care of it, Daphne.I swear.I have a meeting with the board shortly.I’ll message you later.
Me
Okay.
