Chapter 4

I arrived at the Museum; she noticed that there was a note on my office door. “Please see me at once. Mr. Cranly” I took the note and stared at it confused. “Why would the director want to see me?” It sounded urgent. I tried to open her office door and became alarmed that it was locked. I tried the key again, and it still would not work. “What is going on?” I mumbled scared and confused. I turned around and went to the Directors office.

“Please come in” Mr. Cranly called out.

“you wanted to see me sir?” I asked. I was confused as to what was going on, I was taken aback by seeing Owen and security.

“Yes. I need to know if the accusations are true?” He said with a scowl on his face. Mr. Cranly was pissed and Katherine didn’t know what was going on.

“I am sorry sir I do not follow?”

“What did I tell you Cranly, she’ll never admit to what she did. I can have security escort her to jail.” Owen said with a devious look. I nearly fainted and felt tears bubbling up inside. What had I done to him to make him so malicious.

“Katie, just tell us where to emerald is” Mr. Cranly said in a angry tone.

“The emerald is missing?” I said in alarm. What the fuck was going on? Why were they asking me about Gabriella’s emerald? That was apart of my families history that my mother donated anonymously to the museum. How could it be missing?

“Don’t act so innocent, I saw you holding it last week. I saw you mumbling about it Katie. It was clear you were going to steal it.” Owen said in a dry tone. He stared at me cold and indifferent. It hurt my heart to see him this way. It was a bigger betrayal after years of being together, he would accuse me of such atrocities. He's known me for years. How could he do this?

“Owen, how could you claim this. You’ve known me for years. We were living together, we were engaged for four years. Why are you doing this?!” I shouted. He smirked at me.

“I thought I did. Delia opened my eyes to your true nature. I realized I was a blind fool. She’s been more of a lover to me than you have in a long time.”

“Katie, return the emerald or I will have to take drastic measures.” Mr. Cranly huffed.

“I do not have the emerald.” I stated the truth.

“Mr. Carver said he saw you with it.” he said in a huff.

It was then I noticed the slutty mistress pacing outside of the office. I saw the emerald pendant on a silver chain around her neck. I realized that she stole it, and they’re trying to frame me.

“What are you doing Owen?”

“Making you admit the truth, the whole truth. No more lies or games.” He said with a direct tone. I realized we were not just talking about the emerald. How did he know? Is this why he left me cause I wouldn’t admit who I truly was? Reality struck me. I steeled my resolve.

“I do not play games, and you know it.” I said in contempt.

“Yes, you do, and you know it. Tell the truth. Admit it” he said in a tone void of emotion. “Admit it and I may take you back” he said suddenly.

“You’d love that wouldn’t you, you want me to spill everything. That’s the main reason you left, isn’t it? Somehow you learned and that’s why you stopped having affairs in college, you thought I would come clean. You weren’t sure, you wanted me to admit it, and when I never did, you moved on didn’t you? You wanted it all, you’re just as greedy as your father!” I spoke coldly. I didn’t see when he struck me hard. I bounced off the desk. I felt my face throbbing and felt the blood trickling down my cheek.

“Mr. Carver!” My boss screamed. Mr Cranly ran to assist me.

“TELL ME!” He screamed. I realized that truth was already exposed, and I couldn’t hide anymore. I was not going to take him back no matter what though.

“I never stole that emerald. Why would I steal something that belongs to my family.”  Mr. Cranly fell in his chair in shock.

“What are you saying Ms. De Cheney” Mr. Cranly asked looking pale.

“My mother donated that Emerald to the Museum anonymously. It was supposed to go to me as a birthright. I did not want to accept it  cause, I wanted to lead my own life. So she donated it to the Museum. She said  that I could still at least take care of it as my job.” I said in truth. He was pale, realizing that I was last of a royal line.

“I can call her if that proves it.”

“No need, however, it is missing. He claims you were the last one seen with it. if you don’t have it, then your job is still forfeit cause, you are in charge of preservation, and you let it get stolen. I am sorry but, you’re still fired.” He said in a grave tone. I fell on the floor. Owen had a sly grin.

“You should’ve been honest with me. Now you’re still ruined.” He said mocking.

“Why don’t you tell the truth, you’re whore is wearing it right now.”

“What?!” Mr. Cranly shouted.

I grabbed her and yanked her inside. She was furious. Showing the emerald around her neck.

“I have no idea who this is, and I need to leave” Owe said as he walked out.

OWEN! YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO ME!” She screamed.

“I do not know this woman, she’s all yours Director. My girlfriend should be at home relaxing. She’s pregnant and I told her to stay home cause, the doctor advised it.” he said in a bored tone.

“As you can see she’s the real culprit. I am done here. I loved it here but, you were willing to throw me away after so many years of loyalty based off of hearsay. I quit!” I threw my key at him as I walked out. I heard the whore crying and making excuses.

I walked away feeling free but, in a panic! What do I do now! I have no job!

“Owen, take your mistress, and that house you defiled. I’m done with you!”

“As you wish princess” he said mocking.

I walked away from the museum. This is the second time, I went to walk in Central park to clear my thoughts. As I sat down on a bench I hung my head and cried. This day went from shitty to a nightmare.

I called my mother for the first time in what felt like a thousand years. It went straight to voicemail. I called my father in a long time, again straight to voicemail. I cursed myself for staying away for so long. I decided to grab a taxi and go to their house. They lived in Bridgeport Connecticut. It had been a long time since I was home. Agnes was right, Owen was keeping me isolated away from my parents. I did not know why though. I began to walk to the subway. It would take a while traveling north. I felt like home is the only place left I can go.