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“What?” When she looks up and seesher jaw at me

“May I speak to you a moment?”

She looks away and continues putting her few possessions in the canvas bag on her desk “There’s nothing to say I gave Sandra the laptop I’ve taken all my information off it” She reaches into her purse and pulls out a business-sized envelope “Here’s nation”

A tremble is in her hand, and I wonder what ither as much as it is me?

“You’re required to give teek’s notice” Her blue eyes flash, and I shrug “It’s in your contract”

“You can figure out a way around that”

The last of her things are in the bag, and she pulls the straps over her shoulder She takes a step toward the door, but I step in front of her, closing it behind ainst it

“Just givepast you”

“I’ve given you all the tio up, and hers do the same “What do you want, Patton?”

That’s when I hear the crack in her voice, and I know This isn’t as easy for her as she’s trying to ht have a chance

“You haven’t been here long enough to quit It won’t look good to future employers You don’t deserve that”

She rocks back, crossing her arms “You did not just say that to me”

“I’d like to send you to LA” I pause ato take Jerry’s place launching our West Coast division? It’s a great opportunity, and it won’t hurt your résumé”

“It would help you, too” Her voice is terse

My hands go in my pockets, and I nod “It would helpyou… And you won’t have to see me”