Cash In and Cut Me Loose

After five years of slaving for Cassandra's firm, I figured I'd earned a break.

As I was tossing clothes into a duffel bag, an unknown number buzzed my phone. I answered, and Cassandra's voice exploded through the speaker.

I hung up before she could rant, blocking that number, too.

At the airport, as I handed my passport to the clerk, two policemen stepped in front of me. "Lester Esposito, you're under arrest for stealing trade secrets. Come with us."

Before I could process the words, cold cuffs snapped onto my wrists.

...

They marched me through the terminal.

At the police station, I spotted Cassandra and Andrew in the lobby, whispering to each other.

Andrew's eyes gleamed with smug satisfaction when he saw me cuffed. "Lester, I get that you're sore about getting fired, but stealing client data is a crime."

I ignored him and locked eyes with Cassandra. "When did I ever steal anything?"

She folded her arms. "Don't play dumb. That flash drive you took has our top clients' info. That's theft."

My temples throbbed. "Have you got no shame left? Those clients are personal networks I've built over five years. They're loyal to me, not your firm."

Her face darkened. "Who is the shameless one here? Without Lockhart Lawfirm propping you up, you're just a nobody from nowhere. Hand the drive to Andrew, or you'll rot in prison."

I realized that she was trying to funnel my hard-earned clients to Andrew, paving his path to glory.

Back in the day, when I'd asked her advice on a tough client, she had torn me to shreds, calling me a talentless hack.

Now I saw why. She just didn't like me.

I took a deep breath, my voice cutting like a blade. "Forget my occupation? Throwing me in jail is a tall order."

She leaned close, whispering in my ear, "Maybe I don't have ironclad proof to lock you up, but what if I let it slip that you're selling client data? Think you'll still have a career? Think any client will touch you with a ten-foot pole?"

Then her tone softened. "If you love me, stop this nonsense. Drop the divorce talk, and I'll get you back at the firm."

I almost laughed out loud at her gall. She was delusional to think I'd crawl back to her and slave away again.

I'd been lovesick, but I wasn't brain-dead or spineless.

I stepped back, putting distance between us. "If Andrew wants my clients, let him try to take them."

When both hard and soft tactics failed, her gaze turned venomous. "You'll regret this."

She grabbed Andrew's arm and stormed out.

As I'd figured, they had no real evidence. After 48 hours in a holding cell, I was cut loose.

But as I signed out, the female officer shot me a look of pure disgust.

I powered on my phone, and a tidal wave of missed calls and texts flooded in. Ignoring them, I checked the city's lawyer forum.