[*Mother: Settling The Score*](https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1075373) and other works by Tad Overdon are available in PDF, epub, text and other formats at [smashwords.com](https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/TadOverdon)
***Chapter Six: Demons***
“Where the hell have you been?” Herb Henderson demanded.
Herb was the last person Claire wanted to run into when she first returned to Castle Square. Preoccupied with the challenges that awaited her on her first day back at the office, she’d stepped into the lobby elevator and pressed for the 42nd floor without looking first. The doors slid closed and she found herself alone with him, staring close into his red, scowling face.
“You know exactly where. Not that it’s any of your business.” Claire struggled to keep her tone calm and even.
“You’ve been gone for weeks. I haven’t heard a word from you!”
“I’ve kept in touch with Robyn. And I’ve been working remotely, conferencing with Simone every day. I talk to the people who matter.” She watched the progress of the lights overhead anxiously: 27, 28, 29…