I’m angry at myself for overreacting. I knew I was then, but I couldn’t stop it spewing from my lips. I was just so goddamn mad at her for putting herself at risk.
But I’m madder at myself for making her believe she isn’t worth it. I crushed her dream. Her dream. And I’m punishing myself for it now. That was never my intention.
She didn’t think I was listening to her, but all I had done was listen. Her idea held merit, and I do believe it would be good for Cross Global.
The only person who can help with my dilemma is my dad.
I’ve just finished running through everything that happened between me and Hayden, and her proposal.
“So, what should I do, Dad?”
He lets out a wheezy cough. “Son, why are you telling me all of this?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I thought it would have been obvious to him. “I don’t want to let you down or do something you wouldn’t approve of,” I explain.
“What do you think about it?” he asks, sounding tired.
“I think the girl I’ve come to care about just stormed out of my office because I yelled at her for putting her life at risk. Her proposal is a good one, brilliant in fact, and it would stop her chasing after dangerous stories if she got to do what she wanted. This article she wants to write, a reporter has already died looking into it.”
I exhale a breath, falling back in my chair. It feels good to get it off my chest.
“I’m only going to say this once, so listen up, son.” He clears his throat before continuing. “The business is yours now. Not mine. You don’t need my permission to move forward on other projects. That said, I’ve been putting Hayden off since she first came to me with the proposal. I wanted you to be the one to launch it. You deserved to have something that was yours, something you helped build so you felt like you achieved Cross Global.”
I grip my forehead, pinching the skin. “Jesus, I’m such a fucking idiot.”
“Well, yes, but Hayden’s not. In all my life I’ve never met anyone as complex as her. She fought her way through her job and even set fire to pervy Barry’s car. I’ve got a recording saved in the office somewhere. She’s a keeper. Now go tell her the good news and leave me alone. You won’t have me to hold your hand forever, son.”
The thought twists my stomach. “I know, Dad. I just want to make you proud.”
“I am proud. Of both of my children. Now go, I want to finish playing checkers with Linny.”
“Linny?” I squeak. “Isn’t that the lady who streaks up and down the halls at least once a day?”
“She’s clothed now, so go.”
“Speak to you tomorrow. Night, Dad.”
“Please do. I can’t wait to hear how Hayden kicked your arse.”
I laugh, ending the call. Getting up, I exit the office, running into Chrissy and Leana.
“Hey, have you seen Hayden?”
“No,” Chrissy replies. “We were actually just coming to see if she was with you.”
“Yeah, she went down in the lift about fifteen minutes ago and said she’d be back in five, but we’ve not seen her.”
My brows draw together as I give them a nod. “Thank you. I’ll go check outside.”
I race down the hall, pressing the button for the lift, not wanting to miss her if I take the stairs. There’s no way Hayden would take the stairs.
Seconds later, I’m stepping on, pressing the button to the ground floor.
All I have to do is explain why I was mad, tell her I’m sorry, and then tell her the good news. She can be reasonable.
Stepping into the empty lobby, I call out, “Hayden?” receiving no answer.
I push through the doors leading outside, shivering when the cold wind hits me, along with droplets of rain.
I duck my head, catching sight of Hayden’s bag and phone left abandoned on the floor.
My breath hitches as I race over, picking it up off the floor.
“Hayden?” I yell, searching the car park for any signs of her. “Hayden!”
Her phone vibrates in my hand, and a sliver of fear has me answering. “Beau, what is going on? Is Hayden with you?”
“Clayton?” he asks, sounding confused.
“Yes, is Hayden with you?” I yell, my gut clenching as I take a look behind the bins.
“No, she’s not with me. I thought she was with you.”
I run a hand through my hair, spinning in a circle as I look around the car park. “We had an argument. She walked out for some fresh air about fifteen minutes ago. I came out to look for her and found her phone and bag on the floor. What is going on, Beau? Does this have anything to do with the story she was working on?”
“You knew?” he asks, surprised.
“That’s what our argument was over. Where is she?” I plead, kicking a post.
“Where are you?” Beau asks in a tight voice.
“Outside work. I’m in the staff car park, which is at the back of the building,” I tell him, taking a breath. “They’ve taken her, haven’t they?”
“I’m not sure,” he tells me, but I can hear the lie. “I’m on my way. Stay there.”
“Should I call the police?”
“No! Whatever you do, do not trust any officer right now. I’m coming.”
“What the fuck should I do then?” I roar, worried for her safety.
“Call her dad. I’ll call Maverick. Tell him to meet you there,” he orders, before ending the call.
“Mr Cross, is everything okay?”
I turn to face Chrissy, forcing a smile. “Could you get my coat from the back of the door in my office and tell security to meet me here?”
“Where’s Hayden? Is everything okay?”
“Please!” I plead. “I’ll explain everything after. I promise.
“Okay, I’ll be right back.”
I turn back to the car park, pulling her dad’s contact up in her phone.
Please be okay. Please, Hayden, be okay.
*** *** ***
“I don’t know who the fuck to call,” Beau growls, pacing back and forth, phone in hand.
“Call anyone,” I yell at him.
He glares up at me. “And tip them off that we know? No. I’m not putting her at risk.”
“So what the fuck should I do?”
“Let me think,” he snaps, closing his eyes. They fly open and he stares at me. “I’m going to call Leon. He was another officer brought in on the case last minute.”
“What the fuck has happened to my daughter?” Max roars, slamming his car door. Rain soaks him as he moves towards us under the shelter.
Beau steps back, talking on the phone, leaving me to deal with an angry father. “One of you aren’t there, Leon. Who is it? Who isn’t there?”
Maverick and a guy called Liam are still in the back of his van, doing God knows what with the computer equipment stored there.
When he doesn’t slow down as he approaches, I brace myself, ready for the shove he gives me.
“Stop,” I snap, pushing him back.
“This is your fault. Don’t think I don’t know you wouldn’t let her do the job she wanted. You let her fucking do this.”