They Wanted Weekends Off. They Got a Pig Farm.

Chapter 4

Ellie and I stared at Natalie, then recovered. "If you're talking about firing us," I said, "our contracts call for 2 months of severance for each year we've worked here, plus another month's pay."

Natalie laughed. Before we could react, she locked the accounting office door and shut the blinds. Ellie and I backed into the conference table.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Keeping this company together. Frank promised me the department head's job tomorrow if I get both your signatures today."

She made a call. Several men entered through a side door. We dodged their first attempt to grab us. Natalie glared at them. "Hold them. Once they've signed, do what you like."

Two men pinned our arms. Natalie stepped forward to slap us. "You've delayed everyone long enough. I'll teach you to cooperate."

She reached for my clothes. I kicked her, and she fell. "Touch me again and I'm calling the police!"

The noise drew coworkers to the door. "Get back to work!" Natalie shouted. They only stared. Then a stern voice cut through the crowd.

"What is going on here?"

Frank had arrived. I looked to him for help. Instead, he gave Natalie a warning glance. "Don't make a scene where everyone can see. Don't give anyone evidence against us."

As he passed, he squeezed her backside. Natalie leaned toward him, but he waved her away. "I have a meeting. Behave."

I thought his presence might stop her. Instead, Natalie grew angrier. The men marched Ellie and me into a conference room and locked it.

"You should've signed," Natalie said. At her signal, the men tried to pull at our clothes. I struggled, but they held me down. Tears came as they stripped away layers. I felt trapped and terrified.

The door flew open. Frank rushed in, bringing it to an abrupt stop.