Merging Assets by Cheryl Dragon Page A

safe, but Douglas was cracking down subtly around the whole company, making the company feel more like a company in a big city. Lucky Springs had always felt different. People knew each other so certain rules, like not hiring family members of those already working at the company weren’t practical.
    “Crystal, come in,” Himmel said.
    “I’m guessing this isn’t about the new contracts for the warehouse.” She took a seat and looked directly at Douglas.
    Himmel held up a hand. “No, we’re thrilled about that. The savings will be substantial, but we’ll also be doing more business so they were willing to give on rate for more traffic. This is about something else.”
    Douglas cleared her throat. “You filed a form about your relationship with four of the warehouse men.”
    “It’s not that unusual in Lucky Springs.” Crystal felt her cheeks burning.
    “I gather not, and the company doesn’t judge any alternative lifestyle, but you were involved in the acquisition review. You knew them before they were co-workers. Your attraction to them and involvement could’ve shaded your judgment.”
    “What?” Crystal sat up straighter. “Nothing happened until the deal was done.”
    “Maybe, but clearly, there was a strong attraction, and that could have impacted your work, as well. You weren’t totally impartial.”
    “Yes, I was. I can separate my personal life from my work. Whether we bought that warehouse or not wouldn’t have stopped me from potentially having a relationship with them.” Crystal couldn’t believe they were going down this road.
    “So you admit you wanted a relationship with them from the very beginning.” Douglas held up her hand. “We’re not making any changes yet. Mr. Himmel and I will review this with the owners and see where we stand. We want to talk to your co-workers and employees, as well. See if there are any other issues related. Then it can all be handled at once,” Douglas said.
    Crystal looked at Himmel. “This is ridiculous. I’ve never had one criticism of my work behavior or performance, and now, I’m under a full investigation? I filled out the proper form to disclose the relationship, and it’s being used against me.”
    “Just let the process work, Crystal. If they were always co-workers, it wouldn’t be an issue. But that’s not the case so HR needs to do their job.”
    “Are you firing the men?” she asked.
    “We’re not firing anyone now. It’s just under review. Don’t do anything differently for now.” Douglas smiled a thin grin.
    “Is that all?” Crystal shot Himmel a glare. Losing her temper wouldn’t do anything but give them more ammunition. She should’ve thought about the fact that she’d been involved in evaluating the business before they worked together. No one could prove they’d been romantic before the sale because they hadn’t. But she couldn’t prove that they hadn’t dated at all. Either way, she’d still have dated her guys once the deal was done.
    “Yes, you can get back to work. Don’t discuss this with anyone. Ms. Douglas will be discreet about her inquiry.” Himmel nodded.
    Crystal didn’t believe that for a second. There were no secrets in this place. The relationship was out there, and as soon as HR started asking questions, the rumors would fly. She left the office and the building. With plenty of sick days racked up, she didn’t need to be there for that.
    * * * *
    At dinner, she’d told the guys all about what’d happened. It helped her worry a bit less, but she was still dropping things as they did the dishes.
    “You need a real distraction,” Andy said.
    “Let’s go upstairs,” Lance said.
    Crystal loved the idea, but it would only be temporary. “Sex can’t solve everything.”
    Roman shrugged. “We’re not solving it. Worrying won’t help either so we can ignore it. Forget about it for now. We can be very persuasive.”
    She kissed Roman then Fred. “Fine. I don’t think anything but you