The CEO Above My Desk (Mckenzie Shinabery) novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Rowan

The cursor blinks at the top of the document like it’s waiting for permission.

I don’t give it any.

The office is quiet in the way only reinforced walls and money can make it quiet. No hum of traffic. No voices. Just the low whirr of servers somewhere beneath the floor and the faint glow of monitors reflecting off glass and steel.

I read the first paragraph again.

This agreement establishes a private, exclusive partnership between the undersigned parties, intended to formalize mutual obligations, shared resources, and unified representation in both professional and personal capacities. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure stability, protection, and continuity in the event of external threat, legal scrutiny, or reputational risk.

My fingers rest on the desk, still. I don’t scroll. I don’t edit. I just stare at the words and imagine her reading them. Her eyes narrowing. Her mouth setting into that stubborn line she gets when she knows someone is trying to corner her.

She would ask questions. She would push back. She would refuse outright.

At first.

A knock sounds at the door, sharp and unwelcome.

“Come in,” I say without looking away from the screen.

Devin steps inside, tablet tucked under his arm, expression already apologetic.

“You’ve got Morales on line three,” he says. “He sounds eager.‘

I close my eyes and exhale through my nose.

“Of course he does.”

I save the document without naming it, just a string of numbers and letters no one would question, then reach for the phone.

“Put him through,” I say.

The line clicks.

00

9

KIKA G

O

1/3

10:42 Sat, May 9 M.

Chapter 77

“Mr. Ashcroft,” Morales says immediately, voice tight with forced confidence. “Thank you for taking my call. I wanted to update you personally.”

“I’m listening.” I reply.

73

There’s a rustle of paper on his end. Clearing his throat. The sound of a man trying to sound in control when he knows he isn’t.

“Detective Calder has been dealt with,” Morales says. “Effective immediately, he’s been suspended pending termination. His badge and credentials have been confiscated, and he’s been escorted off the premises.”

I say nothing.

“The hold placed on Drew Pierce has been lifted,” he continues. “That was removed by my office directly. The transfer to Sunnyfields Burial Homes is complete.”

Good.

“And,” Morales adds quickly, “a full scale internal investigation is underway. We’ve uncovered discrepancies in Calder’s employment records, use of force reports, and unauthorized communications. Internal Affairs is treating this as a priority.”

I lean back in my chair, steepling my fingers. “And?”

“And,” he says, hesitating just a beat too long, “two detectives from Internal Affairs will be reaching out shortly. They’ll need to speak with you. And with Violet Pierce.”

There it is.

“When,” I ask.

“They’re en route,” Morales says. “I wanted to give you a heads up before they arrived.”

I smile, though he can’t see it.

“Very considerate of you,” I say. “Tell me, Morales. Is this the part where you advise cooperation?”

“Yes,” he admits. “It is.”

“Then let me advise you in return,” I say calmly. “Those detectives will be polite. They will be thorough. And they will leave with exactly what is appropriate for them to leave with.“..

Morales swallows. I can hear it.

“I assume you have legal counsel present,” he says.

9

OO

KIKA

G

2/3

10:42 Sat, May 9 M.

Chapter 77

“I always do,” I reply. “Do you?”

A pause.

“Yes,” he says stiffly.

“Good,” I say, “You’re going to need it.”

“Mr. Ashcroft,” Morales says carefully, “this investigation is not aimed at you.”

“It better not be,” I reply. “Because if this turns into anything resembling retaliation or deflection, department piece by piece and donate what’s left to a watchdog foundation just to watch you explain it on record.”

will dismantle your

Silence.

Then, quietly, “Understood.”

I end the call without waiting for anything else.

The silence that follows is thick. Satisfying. Dangerous.

ly, then lean

I set the phone down slowly, then lean back in my chair, eyes drifting back to the dark monitor where the unnamed document waits. It feels heavier now. Less theoretical. More inevitable.

Comments

도로 등을 중독 목을 목을 축

13

E

言葉

Write Comments

00

G

9

SHARE

3/3