Taking Out the Trash

WARNING: This chapter contains scenes of graphic violence and mutilation. If you prefer, you can skip to the next chapter without missing anything truly vital to the overall romance.

[Micah]

[earlier that evening]

I stand long enough to see her walk around the corner safely before sitting back down at the cafe and pulling out my phone. The first person I call is my company lawyer. I have her draft a contract for Mrs. Slate as my full-time assistant with salary and benefits. I also have her create a second contract for her babysitter, Ms. Lacey Dupree, offering her pay at twice the going rate for any childcare provider. I want to make sure that Charlotte has all the resources she needs to think and plan her next move. Even if she doesn’t take this job, it’s the least I can do to make up for the mess that Andy left for her. In some ways I am responsible. I never looked too deeply into his personal life. I also could have done something sooner, something that might have saved her marria