Eight Reasons Why

by Jeannette Winters

  “I’m glad you brought this to my attention. If you think this changes anything, you’re wrong. You could’ve come forth with this without bringing me out here. You wanted the shock value. I’ll give you this, you got it. You also got a lot more. We’re going to be watching you very closely.”

  Good. Watch my left hand while my right hand continues with the plan. Roger might not have agreed with him revealing so much, but Caydan believed it was the best line of attack. Shaun had questions, and now he had even more. Like how I know all about what James did. Their focus would be on damage control instead of what Caydan was really up to.

  Caydan hadn’t planned it this way, at least not taking Shaun with him. He’d wanted to see for himself what had been ignored so he could plan how to fix it in the future. But when the opportunity presented itself, he knew he could use it to his favor. Even if it brought unwanted attention to him. “Good. Maybe it’ll keep you on your toes,” Caydan replied flatly.

  The scowl on Shaun’s face said he was pushing his luck, but Shaun didn’t respond. Hell, Caydan would’ve fired anyone who was so fucking cocky with him. But he had a feeling Shaun wasn’t going to act on that. Right now, he seemed more focused on helping those children. He was probably thinking about his son, Tyler, back home and how easily it could’ve been him forced to live like what they’d just seen. There was no question whether or not Shaun loved his family, but what he was willing to do for Tabiq remained a mystery.

  Maybe Shaun really wasn’t like James. But Caydan’s next move would reveal a lot. His gut said Shaun would call his brothers when they got back to the resort and demand they put a plan in action for change. Would they listen? Would they care? Caydan wasn’t sure. Although Shaun might be an asshole in the business world, Caydan was sure the poor treatment of children with disabilities wasn’t something he’d stand for. Even if it meant standing against his family.

  Probably the one and only thing we have in common.

  Caydan wasn’t positive any of the other Hendersons knew about this issue before. But that didn’t matter. If they’re innocent of this, it doesn’t change everything else they’ve done.

  * * *

  What was she thinking? Caydan didn’t need her to warn him about his job. He knew what was at risk. Well sort of. He was under the microscope, thanks to her. She still didn’t believe she was wrong for reaching out to the Hendersons. He’d been so . . . difficult at first. How was she supposed to believe someone so withdrawn would have the tools needed to be successful here?

  But last night he’d opened up—they both had—and it was nice seeing a different side of him. He hadn’t gone into detail about his mother, Delveen, but it was evident he loved her very much. They say if you want to know what a man is really like, ask his mother; she’ll tell you. As private as Caydan was, she didn’t picture him inviting Delveen to Tabiq for a visit.

  Heck, I practically had to twist my parents’ arms, and still I’m not sure they’ll really come.

  Tabiq was good for people who could afford to travel to exotic places. Allyson wasn’t one of them. She was financially stable only because her father drilled into her at a young age to put money aside every week for emergencies. In all these years, she’s never once tapped into her savings. Now when she had time, she could actually visit some of the places she’d read about.

  She laughed to herself as she paced her office. She was in one of the most beautiful places she’d ever been, and she was spending her time in an office with no windows. At this rate, she’d end up with skin so pale she’d match the papers on her desk. That wasn’t how she was going to spend the rest of her one-year contract there.

  She wasn’t so busy there wasn’t time for anything else. She had completed everything Scott had given her and had asked for more. With that done as well, she was left with the only thing she’d been avoiding.

  Reaching out to those three employees and getting answers.

  But cell phones weren’t common with the locals. The only thing she had was the information on their applications. She had rung their phones earlier but none answered, nor had there been a machine to leave a message.

  Shaun and Caydan were out, providing prime time to get the answers she needed. She wasn’t protecting Caydan’s job; HR managers investigated issues to prevent repeating them in the future. Was it her fault company policy was preventing her from doing her job?

  I don’t think that was the intention when they wrote it.

  Allyson called Scott, her trusted guide.

  “Do you know what time it is, Allyson?”

  She had forgotten the time difference. “Sorry. It’s probably not even dawn yet.”

  “Good guess. I hope this is important.”

  “Well, it might be. I need your help. I have three employees who have resigned.”

  That seemed to get his attention. “You mean in the week you’ve been there? Did they say why?” Scott asked.

  “None of them came to me. I was informed only once it was too late.” There lies my problem.

  “Shit. Count your blessing the owners aren’t there. It gives you time to fix it before they catch wind of it.”

  “Well, that’s my other problem.”

  Scott asked, “Do they know? I haven’t heard anything yet.”

  “No. Not that I’m aware of. But Shaun Henderson is here.”

  “Shaun. I didn’t think he ever left Boston. Well at least not since he got married. Why on earth would he go there when none of his family is there?”

  “I . . . guess it’s because I asked him to come.” Allyson had to close her eyes and brace herself for his reaction.

  “You did what?” Scott snapped.

  He didn’t often lose his cool, which only reinforced her fears that she’d done a bad thing. “It’s a bit hard to explain.”

  “You’ve got my full attention. Let’s hear it all, and don’t leave anything out. I’m sure this is going to come my way eventually.”

  I’m surprised it hasn’t already. Allyson spent the next thirty minutes updating Scott, right down to the last detail. Even the part of Shaun asking her to help him. What she failed to tell Scott was she felt her judgment had been wrong.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t comfortable with Caydan working in Tabiq?”

  “Because you hired him, and you don’t make mistakes.”

  Scott laughed. “Although I appreciate your confidence in me, it’s sadly misplaced. Everyone makes mistakes. But I’m not sure hiring Caydan was one of them.”

  “I’m not so sure either. But now that I brought Shaun in, Caydan is already under the microscope, and I’m not sure what I can do.” She never should’ve let her gut get the best of her. If she’d only done what she should have and based her evaluation of the known facts, Caydan probably would’ve appeared to be the perfect employee. And I wouldn’t be trying to get myself out of the mess I’ve made.

  “All we need is a plan to fix this.”

  “We? You’re going to help me?” Allyson knew she could count on him. But she didn’t want him to go down with her if it all blew up. “Scott, I don’t want you to do anything that might jeopardize your position. Advise me on what I should do, and I can take it from there.”

  “Let me start by saying I trust you. If your gut is telling you something isn’t right, maybe it’s worth taking a closer look.”

  “Shouldn’t I find out why the employees are quitting first?”

  “I thought they were gone.”

  “They are, but I can go to their homes and ask them in person.” However, getting caught would be a mark on her record. The rule enforcer breaking the number one rule.

  “Do you want my honest opinion?” Scott asked.

  That meant he didn’t agree with her. “Yes, I do.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. There are two choices: be frank with him and confront him, or have me use my resources to take a deeper look. But whatever you do, don’t leave the resort for this.”

&n
bsp; “And just ignore that people are quitting?” That didn’t seem to be wise. At the rate they were leaving, they’d have no staff by the end of the month.

  “It’s not worth the risk.”

  “You sound like Caydan now. He forbade me to leave. Can you believe that? I don’t report to him and here he is—”

  “Trying to keep you safe.”

  With a heavy sigh, she said, “Yes, but I don’t need protecting. Hell, Scott, it’s my job to ensure the staff’s safety, not the other way around.”

  “And to do that, you can’t put other people in harm’s way. If you need to leave the resort to meet with the former employees, make sure you have someone with you. You need to lead by example.”

  “Scott, you really aren’t helping, you know.” Normally he had cut and dry instructions that didn’t leave room for flexibility. “It seems you’ve really left me with only one option.”

  “Talk to Caydan,” Scott said.

  “And say what?”

  “I find the truth is usually a good place to start.”

  Yup. The one thing I was trying to avoid. “You do know this might not go well, right?”

  “You’ve never doubted yourself before. Why now?” Scott asked.

  She’d gone over it a million times in her head. He hadn’t done anything that would make her question him. Yet there had to be something. Because I can’t stop thinking about him. He was handsome, mysterious, and whether or not she wanted to admit it, she was attracted to him. That was odd, because she normally was attracted to men on the artistic side. Caydan didn’t fit that bill. Somehow, that didn’t seem to matter. If they had met anywhere else but Scott’s office, maybe a nightclub or a coffee house, would she still be like that? Or would she have hoped he’d buy her a drink?

  “Maybe I wasn’t ready for this promotion,” Allyson said, feeling defeated.

  “That’s a load of crap. Your only problem is worrying about not being perfect. You’ve proven yourself in the past, now take all that and stand on your reputation, because it’s pretty impressive as is. If it wasn’t, trust me, you wouldn’t have that job now.”

  “Thanks, Scott.”

  “Anytime. Well, maybe next time a little later so I can get some sleep, but you know I’m always here for you.”

  Although Scott had been her boss for several years, they had also become friends. And it was good to know she could still call on him, even from halfway around the world. “I know. Sorry again about waking you. Good night.”

  As she ended the call, she knew exactly what needed to be done. But Caydan hadn’t returned yet. Allyson could text him, informing him she wanted to talk. That would only expedite a conversation she still needed to ponder. Phrasing her words was the key to whether or not it was a success.

  It was possible he would see her side of things and choose to forgive her for bringing the boss from the States to check up on him. Or it might make everything more awkward than it had been.

  Not like it’s a lifelong commitment. The contract is only for a year.

  Looking at the clock, she knew Janet would be ending her shift soon. That meant she better think quick. First she needed to ensure they spoke where no one could hear them. Not Shaun or any of the staff.

  Guess that means I ask him to meet me in my room. As she left her office she laughed to herself. Great. I’m in the HR nightmare now.

  Chapter 8

  “You did what?” Roger exclaimed. “I leave you alone for less than forty-eight hours and you undo all you’ve worked for.”

  He knew Roger was stressed because he was in Switzerland and missing out on all the fun in Tabiq. All this time he’d been hands on. Sitting back with Caydan taking the lead was probably difficult. But Roger didn’t have the personal motivation Caydan did.

  “Trust me, Roger. I know what I’m doing.”

  “What you should be doing is being here with your mother. She keeps asking me when you’re coming.”

  “Tell her it’ll be a few more days.” He’d just upped the level of turmoil so the Hendersons should start panicking.

  Roger laughed. “You know we’re talking about your mother. She’s not going to sit back and wait. If you don’t think of something quick, she’ll be out looking for you herself.”

  “I’ll call her.” Roger wasn’t exaggerating. His mother knew the only time Caydan didn’t come when she called was when he was doing something she wouldn’t approve of. Whether mother’s intuition or a good guess, she always knew the truth. And I find it annoying as hell.

  “Good news: you don’t have to dial her number. She just walked into the room and would like to talk to you.”

  Roger’s tone said that wasn’t bad timing at all. Thanks. Guess this is what friends are for.

  “Caydan. I’m worried about you. Where are you? Why didn’t you answer my call earlier?”

  He wasn’t about to tell her he’d been out with Shaun at that time. There wasn’t much he could say. Caydan had a feeling he was going to be doing more listening than anything.

  “Hello, Mother. I was about to call you.”

  “I know. You were busy. Roger has told me. Not that I don’t appreciate seeing him,” she whispered, “but he hovers too much. I can’t do anything without him asking if I’m okay.”

  “Mother, he’s only trying to be helpful.” And do what I ask.

  “Do you know what would be helpful?” Delveen asked.

  He was afraid to ask. “What?”

  “You being here where you belong instead of out negotiating some big deal. Really, Caydan, how much money do you need?”

  He’d been prepared for that. It wasn’t the first time he’d heard it either. Though in the last year it had become more frequent. Then again, he hadn’t been around as much. What he was working on took serious time and planning. Not only was this about taking down the Hendersons, he needed to ensure Tabiq didn’t crumble with them. And that my mother remains clueless to it all.

  “I promise, this project is almost complete. I’ll come home then.” He might have a one-year contract with New Hope, but he wasn’t worried about honoring it.

  “And what if I told you I need you here now? Would you come?” Delveen asked.

  That’s not fair. “Of course.” He hoped she wouldn’t play that card. It would be a major setback right now.

  “Good. I just want to make sure you value me more than money.”

  He never understood why she kept saying that. He’d never given her a reason to think such a thing. Caydan made sure she never wanted or needed anything. He had a feeling it was more than that, but what and why now?

  “Mother, is there something other than your ankle going on?” There was a knot in his stomach as he waited for her answer. Seconds felt like hours.

  “You can’t fix old age.”

  “You’re not old,” Caydan said. “So you better take care of that ankle, listen to the doctors, and let Roger help you. When I come home, I think we should take a long-overdue vacation.”

  “Where would we go?” Delveen asked.

  “Anyplace you want.”

  “I might need to think about that,” she said.

  “Take your time. Mother, can I talk to Roger again before I head back to work?” The longer he was on the phone, the more likely she would pick up on things he was trying to avoid. But Roger didn’t get on the phone. “Mother are you still there?”

  “Yes.”

  He laughed to himself. She was the sweetest woman but didn’t budge. “Sorry. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Caydan.”

  The four-letter word meant nothing to him. He had seen so many people use the word with nothing backing it. But his mother held on to them, just like she held on to him. Did he love his mother or just feel beholden to her? How does one know the difference? All Caydan knew was he’d do anything to ensure her safety and happiness. Both were more important to him than his own.

  The moment Roger was back on the line he said, “Is there anything else
you need?”

  “Are you in a rush?”

  “Yes. Your mother left her crutches here and walked out of the room.”

  “Damn it, Roger, you’re—”

  “Hanging up now.”

  Roger ended the call. Caydan knew his mother had intentionally done that just to remind him he was needed. That only motivated him to step up his attack. But moving too fast increased the odds of failure. That wasn’t acceptable.

  Before any interruptions, he wanted to get a swim in before dinner. As he walked toward his bedroom, his cell phone rang. He expected it to be Roger calling back to finish their conversation. Yet the caller ID surprised him.

  “Hello, Allyson.”

  “Hi, Caydan. Have you had dinner yet?”

  It was still a bit early for him, but he wasn’t opposed to joining her two nights in a row. He found her company . . . distracting . . . in a good way. Since he was at a standstill for the day, he might as well enjoy the evening.

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “I’d like you to have dinner with me if you don’t have other plans.”

  Another time and place and he’d wonder if she was asking him out on a date. But Little Miss HR would never cross that line. Not that he’d mind if she did, but she’d get hurt. Allyson wasn’t the casual anything. And I’m nothing but.

  “Dinner sounds great. What are you doing right now?”

  “Now? Nothing,” Allyson replied.

  “Good. Why don’t you put on a swimsuit and meet me at the beach. We can get a workout first.”

  “Umm. I . . . well . . .”

  “Don’t you like the water?”

  “I . . . do . . . but I’m more of a pool type,” she declared.

  “You get a better workout in the ocean.”

  “And you can get eaten by sharks,” Allyson said, sounding very serious.

  He laughed. “Are you serious?”

  He heard her huff before saying, “I don’t think shark attacks are a laughing matter.”

  Trying to sound as serious as he could, he said, “I agree. Did you notice on my résumé I wrestle great white sharks as a hobby?”