More Pleasures by MS Parker Read Free Book Online Page A

something to mess up Ned's log-in, then offered to 'help' reset things, he could've easily learned Ned's passwords and other security questions during that time period. That would explain why he hadn't said anything about the overtime put in on the program.
    I was half-tempted to just call the cops and have Truman arrested, but while I was nearly certain he was responsible, I didn’t have one hundred percent proof. There was also always the possibility of extenuating circumstances. Despite what had happened with Lara, I always wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt, see the best in them. Or, honestly, maybe it was because of what had happened. She hadn't, after all, intended to hurt me. There had just been extenuating circumstances. Lara hadn't made me cynical about women or people in general, just about love. In fact, the two of us were friends again.
    I made my decision and picked up the phone. “I'm having a problem with the security software I just installed. I need you to come to my office.”
    Less than fifteen minutes later, Truman was standing on the other side of my desk, his fingers nervously twitching against his leg. His eyes shifted back and forth, never landing on one particular spot for long. If I hadn't already thought him guilty, his behavior definitely would've made me suspicious.
    “Were you here late with Ned Baker last Tuesday night?” I didn't want to dance around the topic, but I also didn't want to come right out and accuse an employee of illegal activity. I figured if I kept it vague, he might think that his misdirect with Ned had worked.
    Truman shrugged. “Maybe. I'd have to check my time card.”
    “What about Thursday?” I asked, leaning back in my chair and trying to appear casual.
    “I wasn't here with him,” he said slowly. “But I saw him here when I was leaving.”
    “And what time was that?”
    “Seven or eight,” he said. “I was going for a beer with my brother. I can give you the number if you want.”
    I stood. Truman wasn't a little guy, but I still had a couple inches on him, not to mention that a lot of his bulk was fat while I was muscle. I walked around the desk, unobtrusively pushing the intercom button. I'd made a call while I was waiting for Truman to come up.
    “Did someone specific approach you, Truman, or did you come up with this idea all by yourself?” I stood a few inches away, looking down at him. “Because, you see, I don't think you're smart enough to have done this alone. You had to have had help. Tell me who it is and maybe things will go easier for you.”
    Truman stood up and moved closer to me. A smile crossed his face. “You think you're so smart,” Truman sneered, surprising me with his contempt. “Looking down at all of us. No one can get one over on you.” His smile grew bigger as he continued. “Well, you’re not as smart as you think. Installing the security software was your biggest mistake. Before coming up here, I called my contact who’s paying me good to use the little backdoor I created. Every code you own, every game, app and software from Archer’s Enterprise has now been compromised and is in the hands of one your competitors. You’ll be ruined.”
    I shook my head. “But I didn't install it, Truman. I just told you that I did.”
    In an instant Truman’s smile vanished. His face turned pink, then red and he clenched his hands into fists.
    “You really don't want to do anything else stupid,” I warned him.
    He growled and swung. I side-stepped easily and cracked him right in the jaw just as the elevator opened and a pair of cops stepped into my office. Truman staggered back, right into their waiting arms.
    “He’s all yours. Get him out of my sight,” I said.
    “Yes, Sir.” The youngest of the officers nodded at me and then read Truman his rights as he cuffed him.
    Once my office was empty again, I sank down in my seat. I'd have to address the company at some point to stifle the rumors I knew would be flying