Whiskey Lullaby

Chapter 6-Ashton

Chapter 6

Ashton

I head up the elevator, after seeing Izzy’s car in the lot, and know she’s avoiding me. She works on the same floor as I do so, knowing no one else is in yet, I head to her department. I looked in her personnel file and I know her phone number and what department she works in. I see her at her desk and head over to her. She’s facing her desk, getting logged in when I walk up. “Avoiding me already?” I ask with a smirk, but I see her shoulders sag. I kneel beside her and say “Hey, Izzy, look at me sweetheart.” She shakes her head before straightening her shoulders and I see her face. “You’ve been crying.” I state matter of factly. “I’m fine Mr. Montgomery.” She says softly. I cup her chin and make her look at me. “I told you to call me Ashton. Talk to me sweetheart.” I say. She shakes her head and says, “I need to get to work sir.” I shake my head and say “Izzy, talk to me. I want to help you.” She finally looks at me and I see her pull a little at the scarf around her neck. I see it slip a little and see bruises on her throat. “What the hell?” I ask and she pulls away from me and starts putting the scarf back. “Who?” I ask sternly as I stand up. “I’m okay Ashton.” She whispers.

I pull her to stand and pull the scarf off and see the bruises are in the shape of handprints. Cupping her face, I ask softly, “Honey I need you to tell me who did this.” She shakes her head and moves to put the scarf back on and says, “I need to get to work.” I shake my head and say, “You’re not working today.” I tell her. “I have to work. I need to work.” She tells me. “Izzy, talk to me. Tell me who hurt you.” I plead with her. “I can’t.” she whispers. I pull her to me and just hold her for a minute. She pulls away before saying “I should get to work.” And sitting back at her desk. I take a post it note from her desk and a pen and write down my personal cell number. “This is my personal number. You call me if you need anything.” I tell her and hand it to her and she nods. “I’m sending you lunch again today.” I tell her again before kissing the top of her head and heading to my office.

Once inside my office, I call Rico. “Meet me at my office, asap.” Before hanging up. Twenty minutes later, Rico is in my office. “What can I do for you, boss?” he asks. “I need you to check on a few things.” I tell him. I write down Izzy’s address and say “I want you to check if there are any traffic cams near this address. If there are, I need you to get access and find out who paid her a visit last night. I also need you to investigate her ex’s family and their connections. I need names, anything you can find.” I tell him. “I’ll see if there are any cameras on the houses too. Maybe one of those doorbell cams caught something” He tells me. “Good.” I tell him and he nods before leaving to do as I asked.

I buzz for my assistant; Megan and she comes into my office. She’s worked for me for years and never questions me. “What can I do for you Ashton?” she asks. She’s an older lady, but she’s great at her job. “I need you to order lunch from Brickhouse and have it delivered to Isabella James in Data Entry.” I tell her. “Anything in particular?” she asks. I think for a second and say “Order her the lasagna with cheese bread and house salad. Ranch dressing.” I tell her and she nods. “Ashton?” she asks, and I look back up at her. “Is there something I need to know?” she asks. I motion for her to sit. “The day I went to Karen’s grave, I saw a woman there. She was crying and upset. I saw her later when I went to Brewster’s and some asshole was giving her issues. I handled it and made sure she got home safely. I found out a few days later that she works here.” I tell her. “And you feel this need to take care of her.” She states rather than asks. “It’s more than that. I want to take care of her, but I want to get to know her too.” I tell her. She stands to leave and says “Well, let me know what you need. Her too.” Before walking out to place the order for food.

I finish out the day, taking care of what I need and at ten til seven, I walk over to Izzy’s desk and see her getting things closed out. “You ready to go sweetheart?” I ask and she looks up at me. “I have my car here.” She tells me. “I know. I’ll have one of my guys drop it off at your house. We have dinner plans at Brewsters.” I tell her. “I can drive myself. Thank you though.” She tells me and tries to walk past me, but I gently grab her elbow. “Please?” I ask and she sighs. “Okay.” She says softly. I take her bag from her, and she keeps her purse with her. We head down the elevator and out to the waiting car. “Where to boss?” Nick asks. “Brewsters.” I say and we get into the car and head to Brewsters.