I step off the elevator and hand my files to Sarah. My day has been filled with running from one courtroom to another, in and out of various hearings, and I'm exhausted.
"TGIF, Kylie," Sarah greets me, her perfectly straight, stunningly white smile nearly blinding me.
"You're telling me. I'm so glad this week is over," I mutter before turning toward my office.
"Alex was here earlier. He met with Jack and then left."
"Oh," I reply, somewhat surprised. I walk to my office, sit at my desk, and pull up my email. Then, I send a quick text to Alex, updating him on my whereabouts.
Safe and sound in my office. No issues at the courthouse.
I check my emails and open one from Jack.
Let me know when you have returned and are settled. I would like to have a quick chat and catch up.
—Jack
My cell phone dings as Alex's return text comes through.
Thanks for the update, baby.
Are you at the office?
I quickly email Jack that I'm available whenever he has time, and then Alex texts me back.
Working from home this afternoon. Waiting on a call from China.
There is a light tap on the window, and Jack walks in before closing the door behind him. He takes his usual seat.
"Come join me, Kylie." That's Jack's way of telling me to sit in the chair next to him. "I had an interesting conversation with Alex this morning. Did you know about our meeting?"
"Not until I returned from the courthouse, and Sarah mentioned Alex had been in to see you." My chest tightens.
"He told me about the package that was delivered this past weekend and about John's threats against your life. You were not completely honest with me the other day, Kylie."
I take a breath and steady myself, but anger is building within me. How could Alex have talked to Jack about my private life without discussing it with me first?
"Jack, everything has been turned over to the police, and they're working on the investigation. Alex's security has been beefed up, and Jake is working closely with firm security. I really didn't want you to worry about me. It's being handled, and there is little, if anything, you can do, except worry that I'm okay. I didn't want that for you."
"Well, I appreciate that, Kylie, but I'm a big boy. How about you let me decide what I can handle, okay?"
"Okay, I'm sorry. I promise to keep you updated if anything new happens." I smile, anticipating him to stand and leave, but instead, he takes another deep breath.
"There's something else you should know about my conversation with Alex. He wants me to reassign the Barber case to another attorney. He's apparently not comfortable with the mail we've been receiving for you."
"What?" My voice is slightly elevated, and the blood is boiling in my veins. A sense of betrayal rages through me as Jack describes Alex going behind my back to influence my boss to get his way—at the expense of my career.
"Now, Kylie"—Jack takes my hand in his—"he's worried about you, and I can appreciate that. At any rate, I explained to him this is not unusual and it never goes past the threats. I also talked to him about the safeguards our security has in place, and I invited Jake to work with them closely, if it would help ease Alex's concerns. Ultimately, however, this is your call. I'll reassign the case if that's what you want."
I exhale and try to make sense of this conversation. This is beyond unacceptable, and Alex has gone too far this time. "No, leave me on the case. I'll deal with Alex."
Jack rises to leave. "Okay, but go easy on him. He really is quite concerned for you. His actions might have been misguided, but they came from a good place."
I smile at Jack, hoping I'm convincing him that I have softened toward Alex and his interference. The truth is, I'm about to explode. I walk Jack out and ask Lisa to come in. I turn back to my desk and begin to shut down my computer.
Lisa closes the door and approaches my desk. "What's up?"
"I need a favor." I switch off my monitor. "I'm leaving for the day and going home, but I don't want Alex to have advance notice, which means Jake doesn't get advance notice."
"Okay."
I don't have time to have a conversation with Lisa now regarding parameters, so I just say, "Okay, thanks." I grab my purse and briefcase.
Thomas is sitting in the waiting area next to the elevator, trying to discreetly watch Sarah.
I motion for him to get the elevator as I call to Sarah, "I'm out for the afternoon. I have my cell, if anyone needs me."
Once in the parking garage, I wheel around and surprise Thomas. "Keys," I demand.
Following the uncomfortably quiet ride in the elevator, he hands them to me without argument.
I start the SUV and turn to him. "Okay, this is me being a good girl and driving straight home. I don't need you informing everyone of my arrival. If you feel you must call or text ahead, I'll go to the mall and lose you in Victoria's Secret. Got it?"
"Got it," Thomas says.
I start to think Alex might be correct. I am scary when I'm angry.