I Want Candy Read Free Page B

the ice in her extra-large cup of fruit punch. Taking the straw slowly into her mouth, she closed her eyes as she sucked and swallowed. She opened her chips and then turned on her laptop. There the email from Quentin sat. She turned away, taking a big bite of her sandwich as her stomach twisted in knots. She grimaced as she took the last bite of her sandwich, then unwrapped the Snickers bar and broke it in half. She studied the halves, seeing which one was slightly larger.  Stuffing it into her mouth, she looked back at his email and began to reply.
     
    To: Quentin Evans
    From: Candy Benet
    Date: July 6
    Subject: Re:
     
    Quentin,
    What could you possibly want?
     
     
    “No,” Candy said out loud. “Delete.”
     
     
    Quentin,
    I had to try to remember who you were at first. Now I recall. Hope all is well.
     
    - Candy
     
     
    “That’s even worse!” Candy said out loud. “Delete.”
     
     
    Quentin,
    I’m rather busy and short on time, but I didn’t want to be rude and not respond to your message. Please let me know what it is you wish to discuss. I’m on my way to a meeting, then I’ll be away from the office for a while, so I may not be able to respond promptly.
     
    - Candy
     
     
    “Perfect,” she smiled as she pressed “Send.” She looked at the other half of the Snickers and wrapped it up for later, placing it into her pencil drawer while daydreaming of what she needed to do after work. A knock came at the door. “Yes?” Candy asked, looking up as the door slowly swung open.
    “I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch break, Candy,” Gabriel said as he entered. “I just wanted you to see these reports from Accounting. Something isn’t right here. Do you mind if I sit down?” he asked, brandishing his familiar charming smile.
    “No, not at all,” Candy smiled graciously. “Mr. Justice, I’ve always admired that, even with your busy schedule, you keep a pulse on what’s going on in all departments. It really helps us all out a lot. I’d imagine most CEOs would want someone else to take care of these things.” Mr. Justice smiled, rubbing his hand through his soft, dark brown hair. His graying temples gave him a look of distinction. His features were soft. He appeared younger than he actually was, despite the streaks in his mane and strong jawline.
    “Thank you, Candy. I really wouldn’t know any other way to be,” he said as he took a seat.
    “What seems to be the problem?” Candy asked as Mr. Justice handed her the report.
    “Compare January’s forecast and our current position. It’s July, and we’re almost at the limit, yet there’s no explanation. I asked Katie in Accounts Receivable and Judy in Accounts Payable to check for anything unscrupulous. I’ve debated putting a freeze on the Sales team’s spending accounts. I believe that expense reports may be embellished, but I’m not sure who the culprit is.”
    “Certainly this is higher than last year,” Candy said as she flipped through the papers. “I don’t see anything unusual though. Typically, there’s a red flag like a sudden influx of new orders set up with a new company. I don’t see any business trips that warranted a large expenditure. None of this is out of the ordinary. Last July, we asked all departments to forecast their business expenses for this year. From what I see, all are listed. Fuel charges are higher,” Candy said as she continued to study. “Fuel reimbursement would be higher because gas has skyrocketed this year. This would account for the eighteen percent jump of the budgeted amount there.” Candy pointed to the spreadsheet in the report, showing Mr. Justice.
    He nodded. “That would explain some of it, but we’re still about $235,000 in the red.”
    Candy continued to read. “OK, I see airline fares also went up, most likely due to fuel, Mr. Justice. Our approved rental car company charged an average of twelve percent more. Two of the most commonly utilized hotels also increased their