Its an intimidating sight sitting before 3 people that are to decide your fate, especially when you don't trust any one of them.

Caleb clears his throat

"Well it seems certain important documents were taken from my office last night. The disturbing thing is that the draw they were in was locked." he pauses watching their faces intently, while Marissa sinks lower into her chair

"Evidence clears the both of you fortunately, but upon interrogation of the thief, a Mr Daniel Leeman I believe" glances at Julie for conformation and is granted with a sharp nod

"Revealed he was dating an employee of the Newport Group"

"That would be you Marissa" Julie states with an arch of her eyebrows daring her to deny.

Without warning Ryan erupts into a defence "What difference does that make, if he took it then anyone could have regardless of whether they were seeing Marissa or not"

Marissa sits very still appreciating what Ryan is trying to do for her. Their arguing melts into a loud mash of words for a moment. "I was seeing him yes"

Everyone turns to look at her seeming to take a while to remember she's still there. The only person who doesn't stop for a moment of contemplation is Julie

"What the hell were you thinking, dating a rival companies architect Marissa! You should have known better. Or do you like that he stole, were you in on it?

Marissa grabs Ryan as he begins to stand angrily

"No I had no idea"

"Marissa how could you be so naïve we are the best in our field of course others are going to want information on anything we possess" Julie slams her fist down on Caleb's glass desk, making his coffee almost jump out of its cup.

"I don't know what else to say except I'm sorry"

"Well I'm afraid sorry isn't good enough this time dear" Caleb's voice rumbles round the room, haunting every corner.

Seeing where this is headed Ryan makes another attempt to salvage the situation "Come on it could have happened to anyone be reasonable"

But its met with a shake of Caleb's balding head "This is a business Ryan understand that. So Marissa your ….fired"

Marissa lets her hand drop, the rooms quiet all watching her for a reaction. But she doesn't allow them to see her emotions, keeping it inside. They would just have to get their daily thrills another way.
"I understand", gets up from the chair "I'll clear my office" and she leaves quickly.

In the hall she walks with her eyes diverted to the floor refusing to meet any of the passer byes eyes. Where the hell was she going to get another job. Ergh it wasn't even worth thinking about for now. But her house was now not an option she'd need the cash. She diverts quickly into Ryan's office where a lot of her stuff is and as fast as possible gathers her personal belongings and moves on to her own office. The only thing worth taking from here was probably the painting she'd hung there. Sad really.

A visibly fuming Ryan walks in and he paces the room taking a while to calm down. "I tried but…."

"I know, don't worry I'll live"

"What are you gonna do?"

"I don't even wanna think about that for now k. Can you help me carry this to my car" He nods reluctantly and picks up some of her stuff and follows her to her car.

"Where are you gonna stay?"

"Not at Mom and Caleb's that's for sure. I dunno I'll work something out" gently runs her hand along the edge of her half open window.

"Stay with me" he says softly, startling Marissa who looks at him with big eyes

"Thanks I'll keep it in mind, but I'm sure I can arrange something" she starts her car

"Well anytime ok" he calls and waves at the retreating red car.