TWENTY-FIVE
John Brigham walked into Rachel’s office. His energy filled the room, making Rachel uncomfortable.
“Mrs. Barnes, I need a word with you.”
“You can call me Rachel,” she said, trying to appear calm.
“Whatever. What is this outlandish charge your daughter has levied against my son?” The man’s face was dark as he hovered over her desk. “I won’t stand for false accusations from a silly girl.”
“My daughter is not silly. And she’s a woman, not a girl.” And here we go.
“Semantics,” he said, interrupting. “She is stirring up trouble and I won’t tolerate it. I demand you have her withdraw her accusation.”
Rachel’s eyebrows rose, along with her temper. “Demand? Who are you to make demands on my family?”
“I could be your worst enemy,” he said, leaning downward with his hands restin
