Paragon

Chapter 13

Iris, it's Marcus. Your new assistant told my you're going to be out for the week. What the hell happened to Viktor? Anyways, I know we're not really supposed to converse but I need you to call me when you get back. Please, it's important.

I press end to the message, staring at the phone in shock. What the hell? I know his work cell by heart which makes it easy to dial fast into my phone. It's past five but he did always stay late.

"This is Marcus Whitman." His voice is so monotoned I almost hang up until he speaks again. "How may I assist you?"

"It's Iris, Marcus."

"Iris, I'm glad you got my message... and called back."

"I almost didn't," I lie, turning in my seat. The streets are jam packed with late day traffic, horns blaring.

"That's fair, I guess... I can imagine you were not too happy with my representing Vance."

"No, I was not. I wasn't very surprised though. You will do whatever it takes to make money."

"That hurts my feelings, Iris."

"Um, I'm sorry?"

"I'm trying to be of help. You could cut me some slack."

"The last time I saw you- you were seconds away from hurting me. Forgive me if I don't believe you."

"You need to leave him, Iris. You need to do it now. I saw today that he's listed as your upcoming VP. I'm advising you against it, as someone who lo- who cares for you."

I laugh, shaking my head. I should have known. "Alright, goodbye, Marcus."

"Iris! Listen to me! I'm trying to look out for you and I could get in... a world full of trouble for doing this."

"Then just tell me, Marcus. Don't bullshit me."

"There is a video- that we have- had in our possession. The file was encrypted, we never wanted it to go public. Vance is livid but someone hacked into his database- and took it. It's extremely incriminating against Constantine and rather- um, graphic, of Mr. Reid."

My throat is closed shut but I manage to force out, "What do you mean incriminating?"

"It's a sexual video."

Heart beating rapidly, I clutch the phone tighter. "Who took it? Are you sure they took it?"

"I don't know. His database was hacked a few days ago- taken from there. We don't know if it's going to come out... if the person who took it will release it at all or if they will try to blackmail Vance but he's willing to pay anything to keep it away from the public."

"Oh my God." Charles.

"I wanted to tell you so you still could get away from this. You still can- this is going to blow up in his face if this gets out and it's going to hit you directly. Iris, no matter our differences, you're one of the hardest working people I know and you've gone through shit to get there... You can't let this ruin you."

"I'm not abandoning him in this, Marcus."

"You would be ridiculous to stay. Iris, you're offering him the world and he's not fucking worth it! You haven't seen the video- this will... destroy him. He won't be the same person- no one will ever look at him the same. Is that really someone you want to be the Vice President of your company?"

"Thank you for informing me about this, Marcus. I will keep it quiet. I have to go."

"Iris-"

Hanging up, I wipe my face, standing in a rush, already dialing Charles extension.

"Come on, pick up... Pick up!"

When it goes to voicemail, I shake my head angrily and take off, grasping the door in a panic. I hurry down the hallway, glad most of my employees are gone. Clicking on the elevator madly, I feel a wave of nausea fall over me.

I force myself into the silver box and press for the third floor. I'm running through the dully-colored portion of my company when I open Charles office without knocking. My eyes widen in complete horror- in absolute fear- when I come face to face with an completely empty office.

"No."

No, no, no. NO! This can't be happening. This isn't happening!