Jennifer slowly nodded. “You had a visitor. I recognized the car, and face.”

Certain her personal life and who she chose to spend her free time with had nothing to do with her boss, Kelly’s nostrils flared. “And?”

“If I’m not mistaken, it was the woman who audited the business. The woman whom I entrusted you with.”

“I’ve known Lucy for a while.” Kelly held her chin high. “I’m seeing her again tonight. Not that it’s any of your business. Why don’t you cut to the chase and tell me what this is really about?”

Stunned by the words tumbling out of her mouth, unbidden, Kelly broke out in a cold sweat. Had she lost her mind? If her job wasn’t on the line before, it surely was now.

“Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Kelly,” Jennifer’s voice carried a warning, but her expression remained warm. “Need I remind you, you’re still on my dime?”

As quickly as the boxing gloves had come out, all the fight went out of Kelly. Jennifer had always treated her with respect and she deserved the same in return, even if Kelly was confused as all get out. “

“Sorry, that was out of line.”

Jennifer accepted her apology with a sharp nod.

“I don’t know how much Lucy told you about the audit. More specifically what came to light.”

Heat prickled up Kelly’s spine. Lucy hadn’t disclosed a word of her findings. Rather than react, she clenched her jaw.

“Not much if the scowl on your face is anything to go by.”

“Correct,” Kelly replied, not trusting herself to utter more than a single word.

A smile softened Jennifer’s features. It also drew Kelly’s attention to the wrinkles around her eyes. Jennifer looked tired. On closer inspection, she looked downright rung out.

“How’s your mum?” Kelly asked.

“Not good.”

Without elaborating, Jennifer got right back to business. “I just want you to know, I’d never intentionally underpay an employee.” She cleared her throat. “Minimum wage went up right around the time Mum first got sick.”

Feeling awkward, like her boss wanted to be absolved of a cardinal sin, Kelly squirmed in her seat. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”

“Please, I need you to hear me out. Despite my mind being elsewhere these days, it’s something I never should’ve overlooked. It also brought to my attention, I can’t do this on my own. For the business to continue to thrive, I need a 2IC.

Unfamiliar with the acronym, Kelly frowned. “Huh?”

“Second in charge.” Jennifer glanced up then back to her notepad. “Ben has been given a pay increase and back paid the shortfall. I’ve come to rely on you, Kelly, to be my eyes and ears, to ensure the place runs smoothly during my absence.”