The Collectors

Chapter 8

Connie stood at attention in front of Malcom's desk, her chin high and chest outthrust, a residue of her earlier excitement still giving her tingles. Being in the president's suite was a first for her and she was pretty sure a first for any of the security team. It heightened her exhilaration. The office had windows along two walls overlooking the city and was filled with the richest looking furniture she'd ever seen. The carpet under her feet was so thick her heels wobbled dangerously. When she'd been summoned she had no idea what it was for. She forced herself to get the details of her report in her mind in case that's what was wanted but her mind was still revving over the thrill of combat.

Malcom fiddled with several items on his desk, clearing his throat and desperately trying to keep his eyes on her face as he spoke. How had he not noticed this woman on his payroll before, he wondered. He calmed his mind and set his motor on charm mode. It lasted about three seconds after he opened his mouth when she inhaled, giving him her full attention. The buttery baritone began to melt.

"Miss Rubbi, I uh- I wanted to look at- see you- speak to you personally, to commend you for your actions in subduing the intruder in our lobby today. My information is that you almost single handedly managed to prevent what might have been a very serious breach of our security."

"Just doing what I was trained to do, sir." She inhaled again and Malcom blew noisily through his nose. "What was that all about anyway, sir?" She seemed to squirm as she asked.

"Uh- no idea." Malcom blinked.

"But we were told to look for big Russians. I think that guy qualified. God, was he ever big. Arms like logs and that chest... whew!" She spread her arms wide and grinned, then pretended to wipe sweat from her forehead."

The action nearly dragged his eyes out of his head. "Right. And I- uhh- hear you also provided first aid to our chief of security who was injured in the attack?" He quickly changed the subject. "Is that right?

Her smile puzzled him as she answered. "I was able to revive Mister Pinkerton from his injuries with CPR and other added stimulus, sir." She flipped a strand of hair from her forehead and Malcom thought it was the sexiest move he'd seen in some time. Connie gazed about the room she felt that she could get to like this very much.

"Well, Miss Rubbi I just want you to know how much your actions today were appreciated by this office. We at DeWhitt and Winter pride ourselves in the quality of the people we employ and you have certainly- certainly..." His thoughts shattered as her smile grew and she fiddled with the knot in her uniform tie.

"I'd like to say, sir... gosh is it warm in here or is it me?" She went on without a break. "Working here has been a real experience for me and now to meet you... our president, well, it's all very overwhelming." She drifted to the front of his desk and leaned a thigh against it.

"That's a very- that's nice to hear, Miss Booby." His mouth seized and he felt his neck turn to fire. "Rubby- uh- Burry?"

Connie moved around to the side of the desk. "It's Rubbi, sir... Connie is probably easier to remember though. Gosh what a view you have up here."

"Of course. Co- Connie." He turned toward her and gestured with his hand. "Well then... Connie, I uh- I had in mind a little raise in token of appreciation for uhm..." He sat a little straighter as she moved to his side of the desk and went to stand by the window.

"I think I'd prefer a big raise, sir." She turned and rested her bottom on the window ledge.

"Well..." Malcom chuckled uncertainly. "I think that as a token—what are you doing Miss Rubbi?"

Connie had undone the front of her uniform and was running a pink tongue over her upper lip. She leaned forward, allowing the uniform to fold open and Malcom became speechless. The telephone rang and continued ringing, unable to compete with the squeak of Malcom's ergonomic chair. The secretary hung up and Daniel was told to take a seat. Mister DeWhitt was in a meeting and would be free shortly.