Chapter 6 - The Nanny
Noah had a nanny named Emily Price.
Twenty-eight.
Experienced.
Calm.
Excellent references.
Claire helped hire her before she died.
After Claire's death, Emily became one of the few constants in Noah's schedule.
Margaret disliked her.
“She treats him like he's fragile.”
“He's a baby.”
“She lets him dictate the day.”
“He naps at one.”
“He screams if she puts him down.”
“That's what babies do.”
One afternoon, Emily called me.
Margaret had ordered her to go home.
“Why?”
“She said family is handling Noah today.”
“Is Mom there?”
“Yes.”
“Stay.”
Silence.
“Mr. Carter, she told me you're firing me.”
My pulse changed.
“I am not.”
Another silence.
“I'm sorry.”
“For what?”
“She said you didn't want to deal with this while grieving.”
That sentence was becoming a tool.
I left work.
When I got home, Margaret was feeding Noah in the breakfast room.
Emily waited in the kitchen.
I said:
“You do not fire employees who report to me.”
Margaret placed the spoon down.
“She's unnecessary.”
“Not your decision.”
“He is my grandson.”
“My son.”
May you like
That should have ended it.
It didn't.
