Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1) by June McCrary Jacobs Read Free Book Online Page A

and her standing in this community.”
    His boss coughed and cleared his throat impatiently on the other end.
    “Perhaps you can send in another consultant to perform this job and assign me to something else. I’ll even reimburse you for the airline tickets to get me here and back home,” he added impulsively.
    “Mr. Clarke, this is your superior speaking. You remember me? I’m the guy who signs your paychecks and pays for your medical insurance coverage, among other things.”
    “Uh, yes, sir, Mr. Brownstein,” Jeff offered weakly.
    “There is no way you’re going to be relieved of this assignment for such a simple reason. You’re the most skilled forensic accountant I have on staff. You’re perfect for this particular investigation. Besides, I don’t see a thing wrong with romancing the little lady to get some information if it might help our client in the long run. You do remember who our client is, don’t you?”
    “Yes, sir, I certainly remember our contract with the City of Bonita Creek. I’ve worked for you for several years, and you know I don’t operate like this, sir. I don’t want to mislead this woman. It feels dishonest to me. I don’t want to abuse her trust. I don’t want anyone questioning my integrity here. I’ve always performed my work with the highest ethics and transparency. Please reconsider and choose someone else to come to Bonita Creek to deal with this matter.”
    “No. My mind is set on your handling this contract for us. If you can’t do your job in the detached, professional fashion I require of my employees, then you may as well hand in your resignation and look for work with a more compassionate, genteel firm. I run this firm and you’ll follow my edicts or your employment will be terminated. Brownstein & Associates has a fine reputation for doing top-notch work, and we will not become namby-pamby just to satisfy your personal quest for integrity.”
    Jeff knew full well Stan Brownstein would indeed fire him without a second thought if he refused to follow his orders to the letter. He needed his job to survive and to continue to make payments on his massive student loans from college and graduate school. He murmured a barely audible and unenthusiastic, “I understand, sir,” before hanging up in despair. It was imperative he figure out some sensible way to deal with this.
    Cradling his head in his hands, he sat down at his desk and rubbed his aching temples, hoping the simple action would alleviate his stress. He decided to examine and analyze this challenge as he would any other he encountered in his job. His mind was cluttered with a multitude of opposing and diverse thoughts as he dwelled on the situation here in Bonita Creek. He wanted to seek out Robin for comfort, but that was a definite impossibility. Boy, have you got it bad, Clarke. What’s up with that?
    He got up and began pacing around the desk. He was convinced he had absolutely no power in this situation. It was imperative he keep his boss happy in order to retain his job. Jeff felt a weighty burden settling on his shoulders. He threw his arms up in disgust and slammed his body into the recliner.
    During the next half hour he designed a flimsy plan which would require him to behave in an obnoxious manner toward Robin on Saturday. Maybe she’d dislike him so much she’d avoid him while he lived in Bonita Creek. Hopefully he would be forgiven when he was free to pursue a relationship with her. He decided he would pursue a relationship just as soon as possible.
    Jeff knew his actions would make him appear immature, but he’d be free to complete this job assignment without any personal encumbrances. He was confident he could work without allowing his personal feelings to interfere with his boss’s directive as long as he didn’t become further involved with Robin.
    Even after he decided on his plan of action, he was tormented by his situation. His dinner tasted like stale cardboard, and he got no relief