The Art of Discipline: Dani’s Discovery (The Mockingbird Chronicles) by Alexandra James, Stardawn Cabot Read Free Book Online Page A

way. I’ll replace the money and won’t use Will that way anymore.”
    “You’ll do more than that. I’m going to dock two hours off your pay, and tomorrow you’re going to spend the day helping Will in the stockroom.”
    “Oh, come on. You’re not serious? I’m supposed to be off tomorrow.”
    Emma narrowed her eyes, “This is not a joke, Danielle. I told you the rules about the cash drawer and the employees. They are not your personal assistants. They don’t work for you, or even for me. They work for the store.”
    “Last time I checked, I was still half owner of the store; I think you are being a little ridiculous, Emma.”
    “Your uncle left me in charge. Therefore my rules, his rules, are still in effect. If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to accept that check at any time.”
    Dani bristled. “You know I won’t do that.”
    “Good, then let me remind you of another one of his rules. If something like this happens again…”
    “Yes?” Dani challenged as Emma paused.
    “Well, I think you remember what your uncle used to keep in his top drawer. Let’s just say that it’s now in my top drawer, and I’m not afraid to use it.”
    Dani scowled at the threat. She wasn’t so sure that the petite redhead wouldn’t follow up on it, but she had a hard time really believing it. Emma wasn’t Uncle Sean, and threats were just that, threats. Still, her mind flowed back to the letter that her uncle had left her. Emma was technically under her rights, under the contract that he’d set up between them, to do exactly what she threatened. If Dani didn’t agree, she was always free to accept that check and walk away.
    “I’m going now. Just remember, tomorrow Will has class, so he starts early. He’ll be expecting you at 8:00 a.m.”
    “Fine,” Dani agreed. “Not bothering to get up.”
    Pausing for a minute, Emma gave her a short nod before letting herself out. Dani watched as the door closed before she let the tear escape down her cheek.

Chapter Three
     
     
    Dani had gone to bed hungry and upset after Emma’s visit. She didn’t realize how much she had looked forward to their dinners together until it didn’t happen. Added to that, was the idea that she needed to go in on her day off. It seemed pointless and just a way to satisfy some urge Emma had to play boss. Dani was no stranger to running a company. She’d run her own for the last four years. She knew how to mess with employees, and how they messed with bosses too. Deciding that she wasn’t going to give into Emma’s demands, she made up her mind to deal with tomorrow her own way.
    Dani was up, dressed, and out of her apartment shortly after sunrise. She had decided to take care of some business matters as well as drive around the area to reacquaint herself with it. She was curious to see how the town had changed in the last few years, and she hadn’t had the chance to do so since she’d returned.
    Having procured a croissant and diet soda from the local bakery, Dani chose to eat at the local park. The park itself was huge, with softball and baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and even an area reserved for tennis. Farther in, it turned into a wooded area with trails and a play area for children.
    Sitting on a cement bench, she watched the early morning joggers and let herself get lost in thought. She wondered once again why Uncle Sean had placed such stipulations on her working at the store, and why he’d left Emma with so much power. Every time she thought about it, a part of her became incensed, yet the other part of her was curious about his reasons. Shaking the thoughts, she checked her phone and sighed; time to get the day going for real.
    Brushing the crumbs from her jeans, she stood, dropped her empty soda container in the trash, and headed back to her car.
     
    * * *
     
    The banging on her door woke Emma. Looking at the clock, she grumbled, noting the early hour. Flinging the door open, her mood changed immediately as