CHAPTER 8: MORNING MEETING

We entered the conference room, and the two representatives for Ms. Belgrave were there, as Mr. Edwards warned us. They had all the signed documents and her voting power. I’m furious. She should be here. I’d heard an earful this morning when I picked up Sabrina and Jacqueline. The ten-minute ride here had me in a mood. I expected a fat, homely looking, sad, meek woman waiting.

“Where’s your boss? Why won’t she show her face?” Jacqueline asked a blonde woman. They were sharp demands, not questions. The pretty blonde in the blue suit looked up from her seat, cocked an eyebrow.

I watched the back of her coworker stiffen at the coffee machine. “Good morning. Ms. Belgrave has responsibilities. She’ll return when she can. She sends her condolences, Mrs. Vines-Belgrave.” Sugar wouldn’t melt on her tongue. Executed with skill.

“Since you’re making coffee. Make mine black with three sugars.” I thought nothing of it as I went to take my seat. She’