Being Harassed Over Financial Issue. What Are My Rights

[JWSBN]

My question involves court procedures for the state of: VA

This is lengthy, but I wanted to explain the situation:

In 2007, I was going though a difficult time financially- divorce, foreclosure, etc. One day I was speaking to an aquaintence who offered to help me. She said was financially secure and she had helped people before and wanted to help me. Several days later, she left a check for me at my work. The check had "loan" written in the memo. I eventually cashed the check. With no further discussion about the check, we continued to carry on a friendship as normal.

About a year later, her troubled niece moved in to her home. She contacted me about helping her get her niece removed due to drug use. After that time, I eventually stopped hearing from the woman.

Now 2+ years later, the woman and her niece went to my work, met with my boss and stated that they have tried to contact me about this "unpaid loan" and have claimed that I won't return phone calls. They showed him a copy of the cancelled check.

A few things: My understanding of the check was that she was assisting me. We didn't have any promissary note nor did we discuss payments, etc.
This woman has always had my address, phone number, and workplace information. I have not received any calls or mail or had any contact with her in approx. 2 years.
About 5 months ago the niece called my mother at her work and said she wanted to speak with me. My mother confirmed my phone number, but again, I have rec'd no calls.
They met with the head of my place of employment, created a scene, and possibly jeopardized my career. My boss stated that he wanted to promote me, but is now unsure. I have worked for 10 years to be a successful employee, where professional integrity is vital. In fact 2 days prior to this meeting, my boss stated I was the top candidate for promotion due to my hard work and spotless employment file.

What actions can this woman or her niece pursue?
Can they approach my employer in the manner they did?
Can they take me to court (in Virginia) now? Is there an SOL?
If I lose my promotion or even my job over this, can I sue?

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any input is appreciated.

[jk]

well, you accepted the check with "LOAN" written on it. Why would you think it was anything other than a loan?

so, the easiest way out of this is repay the loan and be done with her. If this is jeopardizing your job, I would think paying it sooner rather than later would be in your best interest.

[JWSBN]

Thank you. I understand your perspective. I was looking for more information along the lines of legal standing in Virginia.
" What actions can this woman or her niece pursue?
Can they approach my employer in the manner they did?
Can they take me to court (in Virginia) now? Is there an SOL?
If I lose my promotion or even my job over this, can I sue? "

Thank you.

[jk]

" What actions can this woman or her niece pursue?

who ever loaned you the money can sue you

Can they approach my employer in the manner they did?

yes they can

Can they take me to court (in Virginia) now? Is there an SOL?

They can take you to court, yes. An oral contract has a 3 year statute of limitations.

If I lose my promotion or even my job over this, can I sue? "

that would depend on a lot of factors not present here.