Chapter 83: The Daughter's Manumission, Part 17, Ben and Charlotte

JAMES

"Francis, could you pass this along to Richard when he's in. I've signed off the approvals, but it needs his signature too."

"Of course, James."

She jots a line or two on a sticky note and appends it to the file. I'm heading for my office when I hear the intercom click into life.

"Francis!" It's Kirstie's voice, urgent, almost panicked. I turn to listen in. "It's Kirstie in the lobby. Ben Summerford is outside, ranting at Charlotte...."

Francis' eyes widen. "James...." But I'm already running for the elevator.

"Call Security!" I yell. "And the police."

As I slam my hand on the call button, Francis ramps up the volume so I'm still hearing Kirstie as I champ and stamp for the doors to open.