Through the darkness, p.3
Through the Darkness, page 3
A week later, the elevator doors slid open and Becca hesitated before gently elbowing her way to the back of the car. It was another week in a long series of weeks where she had no choice but kowtow to Jim Douglas and his berating words.
I need to do something about my situation with him. But what to do is the question. Once the Knox project is finished, I will seriously think about finding another position, she told herself as she boarded the elevator car.
The elevator car began its assent stopping at each floor allowing passengers to get out. When the door closed, Becca came to the sudden realization that she was alone. Caught up in her thoughts about the Knox project and its completion she hadn’t realized that the woman whose hand always stopped the door from closing was not there.
Come to think of it, she hasn’t been here all week. Becca’s eyes narrowed. Well there’s a change. Maybe she’s on vacation or she took a different elevator.
When the car stopped at her floor, Becca exited and took one more pensive look inside, as if to make sure the woman really wasn’t there.
I hope she’s okay, she mused.
†
The next two days flew by as Becca readied everything for the presentation of the Knox project. Her boss was more irritable than she’d ever known him to be. Everything was ready and even though they had a week to spare, he was still not satisfied, insisting that Becca go through everything numerous times.
Becca was busy rereading the proposal for the umpteenth time late Friday when she heard a soft knock on her door.
It must be one of the team, she thought warmly. Mr. Douglas just opens the door.
“Come in,” she called.
When the door opened, Becca’s jaw dropped open. Standing in the doorway was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was dressed in black pants and an expensive charcoal gray jacket over a white silk shirt. Of course, Becca knew who the woman was and that made her stomach knot in anticipation of what was to come.
This can’t be good.
“Please come in, Ms. Hunter.”
“Good afternoon, Ms. Cameron. I tried Douglas’s door but he seems to be gone.”
“Yes, he usually leaves around noon on Fridays.”
The woman arched an eyebrow. “Leaving you here to finish his work?”
Flustered, Becca looked away from the intense stare coming from blue gray eyes. “Is there something I can do to help you, Ms. Hunter?”
“You do know that it’s almost six and everyone has left the building, don’t you.”
“Well, you’re here too so I’m not the only one, Ms. Hunter.”
Becca mentally slapped her own cheek. That was a dumb thing to say. All I need is to be a smart ass to one of the big bosses.
The grin that creased the woman’s face unwittingly mesmerized Becca.
“My name is Chase,” she said as she flicked back a strand of blonde hair.
“Oh, I could never call you by your first name.” Becca looked up and wondered just how tall Chase Hunter was, her body seemed to go on forever. Her eyes took in the woman as a whole and realized that they were about the same height.
“Why not? May I call you Becca?”
“Of course you may use my first name but I need to show the proper respect for your position in the company and calling you by your first name wouldn’t be right. Too familiar.” Becca knew she was babbling but couldn’t help the words from spilling out of her mouth. At the same time, the realization that the VP knew her first name rattled her.
“As of now you are off the clock, Becca, and have been for several hours now. That being said, you can call me Chase if you’d like.”
“Thank you.” Becca looked up at Chase’s face. “Was that an order that I’m off the clock? Because...”
Chase moved and stood in front of Becca’s desk. “Yes, it was. I’ve been watching this team for some time now and have noticed you arrive early and stay late. Don’t you have someone to go home to?”
“Just George.”
“Your husband?”
Becca grinned. “No. Georgette is my dog.”
“Oh, I see.” Chase rested the palms of her hands on the desk and leaned in. “I want to know why you are still here and your boss and team are not.”
“The team usually works nine hours a day so I told them that on Fridays when Mr. Douglas leaves at noon they could too.” Becca lost herself in the perfume that assailed her nose from the close proximity of Chase Hunter. “They don’t get paid for the extra hours they put in. I thought it was equitable for them to leave early on Fridays.”
“But not for you?”
“Ms. Hunter, they get paid a lot less than I do, it’s the least I can do for them.”
“Becca, does Jim Douglas know they leave too? Did you run it by him?”
Becca shook her head. “No. No, he doesn’t know.”
“Why?” Blue gray eyes fixed on Becca.
“Because it isn’t something he’d ever think of doing. He told me to lead the team and make sure they do their jobs. I took that as putting me in charge of them.”
Becca tried to look away—she couldn’t. “I therefore made the decision that they leave when Mr. Douglas does on Friday.”
For a long time, Chase said nothing but kept her eyes fixed on Becca. “I ask again. Why are you still here?”
Becca closed her eyes in an effort to hide from the intense scrutiny from across the desk. “Because, he will want this information first thing Monday morning....” Becca hesitated. “We, the team, have completed the Knox project and I am tying it all together while it is still fresh in my mind.”
“Close down your computer, get your coat and things, and come with me, please.”
Becca knew an order when she heard it although the please was a touch she rarely heard. “Can I at least finish up what I was doing?”
“No, upload the file to a flash drive and go home.”
“You want me to work at home? That’s ridiculous.” Irritation colored Becca’s voice. “I can stay here and get it all done and not have to worry about it.”
“I don’t want you to take it home. I want you to give it to me.”
“But it’s not finished.”
“Becca, I understand that. Please upload the file and give it to me.”
Conflicted and angry, Becca couldn’t understand the reasoning behind the VP’s request. More importantly, Becca would have to face her boss on Monday with an incomplete summary of the Knox project.
“Do not worry about what Jim Douglas will say or do. I will take care of him.”
Becca reluctantly relaxed her shoulders.
“Now if you do the upload and get your belongings, I’d be pleased to treat you to dinner.”
Becca’s jaw dropped again. “Why?”
“To show my appreciation for the hard work you do.”
Still mesmerized by the woman and her words, Becca did as requested. When she pulled on her coat, she looked expectantly at Chase.
“I will meet you in the lobby in ten minutes.” Chase held out her hand. “The flash drive, please.”
Becca robotically handed it to her and watched Chase walk out the door. She quickly made a copy of the document on another flash drive to take home and shut down her computer.
†
“This is a nice place. Do you eat here often?”
Chase smiled. “Some. I live alone and although I like to cook, I find it is the pits cooking for just me.”
She watched Becca, as she had for as long as the young woman had worked for Eastman. Tonight had been the perfect opportunity to approach Becca and speak with her without the prying eyes of people like Douglas.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I get one decent meal a week when my housekeeper comes. She makes me enough food for several days along with fresh baked bread. After that, I have to fend for myself. I’m not a bad cook I just don’t like cooking for one. My freezer is loaded with quick, easy to prepare meals.”
“You’re lucky. Maybe I can use her too. It would be more personal than the cleaning service I have.”
“I live thirty-five miles west of the city and I don’t see Gwen driving that far for a job.”
“But you do. Why?”
“It’s my family home…I’ve never lived anywhere else except when I went to the university. Even then, I’d go home every chance I got.”
“And that’s why you applied at Eastman?’
The waiter arrived with a basket of mixed breads and two glasses of wine. He waited as Chase tasted the wine and poured them both a glass before he took their orders.
“I can recommend the pasta with shrimp. I’ve had it many times and it’s a winner,” Chase said.
She studied Becca. Auburn hair cascaded around her shoulders accentuating her very light blue eyes with a dark circle of blue around the pupil. If the looks the men ogling her when we entered the restaurant is anything to go by, she is desirable to everyone.
Becca shook her head.
“What? Is something wrong?” Chase frowned.
“No. I just can’t get past the fact that I am having dinner with Eastman’s Vice President of Acquisitions. It’s so surreal to me.”
“Surreal good or surreal bad?’ Chase held her breath waiting for the answer.
“Definitely in a good way.” Becca bit her bottom lip. “I’ve of course seen you in the building but I had no idea that I’d ever actually have a conversation with you, not to mention a personal one like this.” Becca waved her hands.
“Will you answer a question for me?”
“Sure.”
“Have you heard me referred to in a negative way?”
Becca knitted her eyebrows and shook her head. “I’ve never said anything detrimental about you.” She shrugged. “I don’t know you so how can I form an opinion. But I did hear that you weren’t too nice but I didn’t believe it. You are always smiling every time I’ve seen you.”
“Hmm.” Chase nodded and smiled at Becca before she held her hand out. “Give it.
“What?”
“The flash drive you copied after I left your office.”
Becca’s face flushed red. “How….”
“You are a conscientious worker.” Chase grinned. “I’d have done the same.”
Their meals arrived and they enjoyed the meal in companionable silence. Between courses, they talked about work and a little bit about their lives outside of work. Mentally Chase shook her head, realizing that they really didn’t have hobbies or anything other than working for Eastman in common.
“To be perfectly frank, I really don’t have much of a life outside of work,” Becca said.
Chase grinned. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
“Ah, a perfect pair then.” Becca said, smiling. “To be honest, I stay late at work so I won’t have to take it home with me. Home is the one place that I’ve decided is off limits to any work associated with my job.”
“I hadn’t thought of that option,” Chase said. “I usually stuff my briefcase with work and finish it at home.” She smiled. “No work at home…I like that concept.”
“Give it a try. You might be surprised at how nice being away from work is.”
Chase let out a hearty laugh. “I’d probably have signs of withdrawal…I’ve never done anything that radical.”
Becca leaned in. “Trust me, you will find a whole new outlook on life.”
“Okay, I’ll give it a try and let you know.”
†
Becca stood next to her truck and smiled at Chase. “Thank you for dinner. It was marvelous.”
“The food?”
“No, silly. The food was great but the company was unexpectedly fabulous.” Becca felt her cheeks heat and she looked away. “I’m sorry that was way out of line.”
Chase tilted her head. “Not as far as I’m concerned. I feel exactly the same way. It was wonderful to actually eat a meal and have a beautiful woman sitting across from me who is well spoken and intelligent.” She smiled. “Thank you for the company, Becca. It was an enjoyable evening for me.”
“As it was for me. Well, I need to get going. Georgie is probably crossing her legs by now.”
“Okay.” Chase held out her hand. “Thank you for joining me— it was a delight.”
Becca took Chase’s hand and squeezed it gently. “The pleasure was all mine.”
Chase lifted an eyebrow. “Not all yours.” She squeezed Becca’s hand in return. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
Becca watched Chase walk to her vehicle. Of course, it’s a BMW, she noted.
She was all smiles as she got into her truck. “I hope I see you again, Chase Hunter,” she said aloud.
Chapter Five
The meal with Chase on Friday had been a nice treat and to share it with a beautiful woman made it all the better. Becca found the VP to be quite funny and a genuinely nice person. Every time she thought of Chase during the weekend, she could feel her stomach flutter. She was definitely someone Becca wanted to see again.
She set her alarm clock to go off at five on Monday so she could get to her office and finish the report she knew Mr. Douglas would demand to see. On the drive in, she got as far as five miles past the flashing yellow light at Hanging Tree Lane before the rapidly moving traffic reached a standstill.
“Shit!” she slammed her hand on the steering wheel. Becca leaned her head out the window and saw there were only three vehicles ahead of her along with the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. She put her car in park, opened her door, and walked forward to get a better view of what was happening. An eighteen-wheeler was lying on its side with the back end of a car smashed under it. A woman was screaming frantically that her husband was still in the car.
“Why today of all days?” Becca muttered as she walked back toward her car. “Damn. Why did I let her take the files? I should have gone in yesterday just in case something like this happened.”
An hour later, a lane opened and Becca crept by the overturned truck and saw a man lying on a stretcher as paramedics stood next to him. The woman was just standing there with her hands covering her face apparently sobbing. Blood covered the man’s chest and head.
Becca sighed. “I bet he’s dead, otherwise they’d be working on him and not just standing there.”
It was at that moment that Becca realized just how fragile life was and how inconsequential the report was. There by the grace of God, go I.
†
As expected, Jim Douglas was standing in front of the elevator tapping his foot. “Do you know what time it is, Cameron?” He tapped his watch. “It is eight-twenty-one. Even by your standards you are twenty-one minutes late.” He growled. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
“There was an accident that had me stopped for an hour. I sent you a text message and also left you a voice mail that I would be late.”
“I’m not interested in excuses. You should have left early enough in case something like that happened. Your only saving grace is that the Knox report was on my desk this morning.”
Becca frowned. Her stomach fluttered as she realized the only person who could have done that was Chase Hunter. “May I get by so I can go to my office?”
Douglas moved the bulk of a body just enough for Becca to get by.
“Thank you.” Becca walked quickly to her office and once inside she put her things away and sat at her desk. A sealed envelope with her name on it was sitting in the middle of the desk. Becca picked it up and sliced it open. Unfolding the paper inside, she leaned back in her chair.
Becca,
Excellent report. I took the liberty of printing out a copy for Jim. Honestly, I didn’t see what more you wanted to add. Keep up the good work.
C.H.
P.S. Thank you for having dinner with me. I had forgotten how delightful it is to have a meal with someone. Perhaps we can do it again soon. Call me. Let’s set a date.
Becca grinned as she reread the postscript and caught a whiff of the perfume that Chase used.
She wants to have dinner with me again and she said the word date. Wow.
“I hope you aren’t reading personal mail on company time.” Jim Douglas stood in the doorway of Becca’s office.
Becca’s eyes trailed from the note to the man standing in front of her and she ignored his question. “What can I do for you, Mr. Douglas?”
“You need to go to the eighteenth floor with the presentation and show it to Hunter the VP of Acquisitions.”
“I’m sorry, did I hear right? You want me,” she touched her chest, “to present the Knox proposal and not you?”
“Are you now hard of hearing, Cameron? That is exactly what I said. Now get your notes and charts together and be on your way. Ms. Hunter is not someone you want to keep waiting.”
Without saying anything else, Becca collected what she needed, stood, and walked out the door. Her boss followed her to the bank of elevators.
“Don’t you go screwing this up for me, Cameron. She asked for you specifically, which tells me she is looking for grounds to delay or scrub the proposal. If that happens you will find yourself out of work.”
†
The elevator doors slid smoothly open at the eighteenth floor and Becca walked through them. A woman with short brown hair, glasses and a ready smile looked up at Becca when she stepped into the reception area. The nameplate on the desk gave her name as Debra Kolinsky.
“Becca Cameron, to see Ms. Hunter.”
The woman looked at her computer screen. “Ah, yes. There you are. Please have a seat.” She pointed to the chairs to her left. “I will let Ms. Hunter know you’re here.”
Becca sat in one of the chairs that she found surprisingly comfortable. Compared to the chairs on her floor for visitors they were luxury personified. She was still trying to make sense of why she was there alone instead of at least alongside her boss. The fact that Chase asked specifically for her, along with the note she’d left on Becca’s desk made her stomach flutter uncontrollably.
