"She told me she didn't make much money, but I had no idea it was that bad. At least it's all over now…or soon will be. Don't let her talk herself out of claiming the inheritance."
"I don't think you need to worry about that. She's getting a taste of what money can buy and she likes it."
"I just hope she is strong enough to make the adjustment."
"I think you might be surprised," said Jackie.
"Tell her I sent Nick's video to her email box."
"I'll tell her."
Austin hung up and then ran his fingers through his hair. His heart was breaking for the way she had been living, but that didn't excuse how she used him. He wanted to, but he just couldn't forgive her. His laptop sat open on his desk and he was drawn to it, just as he had been for weeks. Out of anger, he deleted his link to the chat room, closed the lid and went to take a shower.
An hour later, he sat on the sofa holding his head in his hands. "Whatever else she is, she is Nick's granddaughter," he reminded himself. "And no one treats Nick's granddaughter that way!"
He went to his computer, searched for the number and placed the call. "Is this the Jim McMorrow who works at GSTS?"
"Yes."
"You still want a better job?"
"I do, what…who is this?"
"I'm Austin Steel, Maggie's chat friend."
"The axe-murderer?"
Austin couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm a little too busy to kill anyone. Can you come talk to me?"
"Now?"
"Yes, now. I live on the top floor of the Gladstone Building. I'll leave word for the doorman to let you in."
"Give me half an hour. Is Maggie okay?"
"She's fine. See you in half an hour." Austin hung up and then called the doorman.
*
Jim hopped in his car, drove to the Gladstone Building and just as Austin promised, the doorman let him in. He rode the private elevator to the very top, got out and knocked on the only door.
"Jim?" Austin asked as he opened it.
"That would be me, and you are Austin Steel?"
"I am. Come in and have a seat. I have a story to tell you, that you are going to find very hard to believe."
Jim listened intently, accepted the soda Austin offered him, and didn't interrupt.
"So, do you want the job?" Austin asked.
"I will be working for Maggie…uh, Georgia?"
"Yes. Does that bother you?"
"Not at all. She is one of the best friends I've ever had, and she's smart too." Jim paused to think it over. "So she had a secret she didn't tell even me? I knew there was something going on with her."