Winds of Fire, стр. 34

“I'm sorry. My supervisor has been on my back all morning. I'm Haley Jones.”

Frankie was relieved she'd clicked on a fresh pen just as Haley was reaching her table. “It's nice to meet you, Haley.”

“Most of the people around here are nice to work with—except for my supervisor.” She rolled her eyes. “I'll try to keep my emotions in check and only concentrate on the positive side of working here. Normally I would say this is the perfect career choice for me as would most in the other departments.” She drew a deep calming breath. “Okay. I'm ready for the questions.”

Frankie doubted that. Haley still looked pissed. Hopefully Frankie could use that to her advantage. “What department do you work in?”

“Finance.”

Frankie's insides quivered. She couldn't believe her good luck. She had to tread carefully. If she played her cards right, Haley might spill the beans on Becca. Frankie smiled at her noting the woman was dressed in professional business attire. Except for her obvious distress, she was the persona of business. “You're the first interviewee from the finance department.” She tapped her pen against her bottom lip. “Excluding your supervisor, how do you like working here otherwise?”

“It really is like one huge, happy family.” She frowned. “Excluding my supervisor. It was overwhelming when I first applied for a position here. I never dreamed the company was so large. I assumed there would be a few offices and business would mostly only involve the numerous hotels. I was shocked to see how many enterprises the Bronsons are involved in. In fact, I doubt many people are aware of it.”

Frankie nodded. “I never realized it myself until I began doing my preliminary research for the article.” She paused. “Your co-workers and you have a congenial working relationship without any problems?” she asked, and then smiled brightly.

Haley's eyes slanted. “I'm not saying that there is never any pettiness, but I don't think you'd find an office anywhere that's perfect. I honestly can't think of anywhere else I'd want to work. For the most part, everyone I've had contact with here has been friendly. They come together whenever an employee has a misfortune befall them offering support in whatever capacity is needed.”

“Does that include support from the Longmans?”

“Oh, yes. Especially Mrs. Longman. She's one of the most compassionate women you'd ever hope to meet.” Her brow puckered. “I heard through the office grapevine that she's ill. I hope she gets well soon.”

Frankie saw the genuine concern on Haley's face. “How about Mr. Longman? Is he as compassionate as his wife?”

She rolled her eyes again. “He's nice enough.”

Frankie wondered just how nice, but she couldn't come right out and ask if he'd ever made any inappropriate gestures toward her. Maybe Haley would volunteer that information. The way Haley's eyes had rolled heavenward made Frankie lean toward the affirmative. Haley was a beautiful woman, and if Thatcher was a womanizer, then it stood to reason that she'd be a target. “You most likely have very little contact with him, I assume.”

She tossed her pretty head. “He frequently visits our department. If he visits the other departments as much as he does ours, I don't know how he gets anything accomplished.” A hand flew to her mouth. “I shouldn't have said that. Please don't use that.”

Frankie noted the slight trembling of the woman's hands as she smoothed her skirt. She held a hand up palm out. “Not to worry. Our policy is that the interviewee reads their section first and anything you want stricken will be omitted with no questions asked.”

“Do the supervisors get to read it before us?”

“No. No one will see anything unless it is approved by you.”

Haley eyed her skeptically. “I can't afford to lose my job. How do I know I can trust you?”

Frankie's eyebrows knitted together. She looked pointedly at Haley. “You don't. But remember, you were the one who volunteered to be interviewed. You weren't forced.”

“Fair enough.” She sighed. “I'm hoping for a promotion next month. That's why I'm upset. My supervisor knows the position should be mine without question, but she's stonewalling me.”

“Possibly she's testing you to see if you'll be able to take the added pressure that I'm sure the promotion would entail.”

She frowned. “No. I don't think that's it at all. Becca Manning is just a bitch through and through.”

Frankie's eyebrows shot up. Good, she'd finally said the name. She drew a silent breath. “I haven't met her. Possibly she'll agree to an interview.”

“I doubt it.” She shook her head. “On the outside chance she does agree to meet with you, it won't take you long to see how cold she is.”

Frankie was thoughtful for a minute. “You mentioned that Mr. Longman spends a lot of time in your department. Wouldn't that be logical since it is the finance department?”

“He spends the time with Becca Manning. Any one of us is capable of handling many of Mr. Longman's requests, but she won't let us. She has a thing for him.”

Frankie lifted an eyebrow. “A thing?”

“Seriously.” She laughed. “Her infatuation with him is ridiculous.” She drew a deep breath and then relaxed her shoulders. “You know, it feels good talking about this. I've been taking Becca's crap for far too long and have been keeping it bottled up inside. The bitch already said I'm not getting the promotion so why should I even stay here? I should just quit while I'm ahead and look for another company. I'm sure Becca would give me a raving recommendation just to be rid of me.”

Frankie looked intently at Haley. “If she's causing you this much distress, that might be a good option for you.” She hoped that since Haley seemed to be at peace with her decision, she might be willing to air some dirty little secrets about Thatcher Longman and Becca Manning. Haley's eyes darkened as she filled her lungs with air until her cheeks puffed out. Frankie almost laughed aloud at the sight of her. Haley