The CEO and Her Daughter's Secret Father novel · Chapter 12 of 24

Chapter 12: Serrano

The lobby of Arriaga Freight was full by seven.

Word travels fast in a trucking yard, faster than diesel.

Night shift had not gone home, and day shift had come early.

Drivers stood three deep along the walls in their work boots and their caps, under my father's portrait, with their arms folded.

Escamilla waited at the center of the room in a fresh grey suit.

Beside him stood a thin man with a leather briefcase, and behind them a sheriff's deputy with his thumbs in his belt.

I came down the stairs in yesterday's blouse, with my hair still damp.

Dell walked at my left shoulder.

The stitches in his eyebrow were black against his skin, and he had not asked me to let him go first.

"Ms. Arriaga," said the thin man. "I represent Frontera Savings. Mr. Escamilla acquired your note this weekend at par."

"The note isn't due for six days."

"The bank invoked the acceleration clause on a showing of irregularities. This is a notice of default and a demand for possession. I'm required to ask for the keys."

He held out a paper.

I did not take it.

"Read it aloud," I said.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Read it to the room. These are my employees. They'll want to hear what you intend to do with their jobs."

He cleared his throat.

Somebody at the back whistled low.

Escamilla lifted one hand, and the thin man stopped.

"Ximena," he said. "I think you would prefer not to do it this way."

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