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.What in the world was Nikki saying."What? What are you talking about?""All the stuff happening around here.I know you pushed Gladys out in the cold and locked the door.I saw you and told the director of nursing.I also told her how you mistreat the residents and steal from them.I'll bet the police could search your house and find Lillian's missing jewelry there.So, don't you threaten my job!" Nikki stood, and then stomped out of the room slamming the door behind her.Bella was too shocked to respond.She should run out of the room and fire Nikki on the spot.What had that girl said? Lillian's jewelry been stolen? Suddenly, she wondered, where had the jewelry come from in the first place? She didn't remember adding anything like that to her property list.Bella shoved the evaluation back into the file and slammed the cabinet drawer.Garrett.She had to tell him about this.Switching off the computer she reached for the telephone to call him as another idea struck her.She wanted to see him face-to-face when she told him about the encounter with Nikki.She rushed down the hall to his office, but when she knocked on his closed office door, there was no response."Bella.Mr.Brooks isn't in his office.He went to check on his grandmother.She called him earlier.She sounded frantic," said Garrett's secretary, Darla Williams."Thanks.I'll go to her room.""I hope everything is all right.""I'm sure it is." Bella said weakly and hurried back down the hall.When she knocked on the door, Lillian called for her to enter.Lillian's voice sounded calm and sedate, not like someone who had irreplaceable jewelry stolen."Lillian," Bella cried as she rapidly crossed the room."I just heard."The older woman smiled."Oh, that, it's just old jewelry.I have much more important news to talk to you about.Your fiancé here has been telling me about your plans."Bella looked across the room and found Garrett sitting in a wingback chair facing his grandmother."What's going on?" Bella asked.Garrett stood and walked to her side."How did you find out about the jewelry?""Well.Nikki came into the office and I was really upset with her.She was late for work this morning so I talked to her about it and gave her the evaluation.Garrett, she threatened me.She told me she knew I was behind all the thefts and harming poor Gladys! She also said she's the one that told Amanda about it."Garrett groaned."We know it wasn't you.This is all part of the investigation.""Why?" Bella's tone was demanding and angry.Lillian stood and walked to Bella's side.She hugged Bella."You have to trust him, honey.He loves you and he won't let anyone hurt or defame you."Bella looked at Garrett through teary eyes.He didn't look much better than she did."Garrett.I'm sorry.It's just so hard being slandered like this.I try very hard to do a good job.I put all my heart and soul into it.""I know you do.Please, you have to trust me.All of this is coming to a head.It should be over soon.Then I can tell you everything." He walked to her side and rubbed his hands over her arms then squeezed them reassuringly.Lillian, Garrett and Bella stood together, giving each other support."I'm so glad you found each other.I really think you two are soul mates."Garrett and Bella looked at each other, wondering where the old woman had heard such new age terminology.* * *The last week before Christmas fled quickly and Bella's pile of completed work began to grow taller than the stack of work left to do.She enjoyed her job and felt fulfilled at the end of the day.With Christmas near, her problems seemed to disappear.There were no more accusations.At least she still had a job and she began to relax.Along with the holiday plans, she developed an outline for her January presentation.She planned to buy some new clothing with her overtime money.She was getting so excited to see her parents again.The only sad part of the holidays was being without them.On the evenings when she came home late from work, Garrett would knock at her door with a mug of hot chocolate in hand.They would sit for a few minutes and talk about her work, but never did they discuss the investigation.She wanted to ask, but knew he couldn't tell her.The Holiday Open House, Christmas Eve day, was a huge success.Many residents' families visited and their appearance at the special activity brightened the spirits of residents and staff members alike.The overwhelming love added a special warmth to the splendidly decorated facility.The main foyer boasted a giant Spruce tree trimmed with tiny glass animals.Miniature twinkling lights illuminated the glass and reflected the brilliance into the room.This area was the meeting area for carolers and visitors alike.Bella greeted them at the door and escorted them to the community area.The library was the most used area during the Holidays.She credited this to the location.The care center was built like a wagon wheel.All the hallways led to the library.The activities area was the hub.The ancient melodies of the carols drew everyone within hearing distance to the library.Garrett sat with Lillian during the caroling.Adoration shone in his dark blue eyes as he placed a gaily-wrapped gift on her lap.Lillian never opened the gift, nor the one Bella had taken to her room earlier
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