By Design (BWWM) [Complete]

Chapter 13: Accusations & Machinations

Connor knew Taiwo had made it back from Paris and chalked up her absence as a time for rest, but one day had turned to three and he had a nagging feeling something wasn't right. Before he could pick up the phone to call Taiwo, Amanda barged her way into his office with an employee trailing hot on her heels.

"I'm sorry sir, she escaped my sight for just a moment."

"It's alright."

"Well, it's quite homey in here. I suppose the extra office is for Taiwo. Where is she by the way?" He hated the way Amanda's blood stained, paper thin lips stretched across her face, curling into a devious smile.

"What do you want Amanda?" Slithering around his desk, she stood behind him trailing a finger down the back of his neck causing him to cringe inwardly. 

"How's Taiwo?"

"What do you care?"

"There must be a reason she hasn't come into work." she teased.

"I don't have time for your games, say what you came to say and leave."

"There's no need to be so rude. You think Taiwo is a saint, but she's far from it."

"She's a good woman."

"Oh, really?  Did you know that she was pregnant or that she aborted your child?"

"What are you talking about? Your lies will catch up to you one day."

"If you don't believe me, check with the hospital she was recently admitted to."

"Do you really expect me to believe you?"

"Believe what you want, but your baby is dead. You took her from me and it's only fitting that you lose something in the process."

"Get out of my office!" Connor watched as she exited through the door. He couldn't stand the sight of her, nor did he believe a word she said, but he couldn't deny something had changed in Taiwo. First, it was her change in dress, then her behavior, now she wasn't reporting for work. Just as she rose from his chair, his cell phone rang.

"Linda, how are you?"

"Good. The Paris show went as expected and Taiwo was lit up like a Christmas tree."

"I'm happy to hear it. Have you heard from her since your return?"

"I haven't. Isn't she with you?"

"No."

"How long has it been since you heard from her?"

"The last time I spoke to her was when I assigned her to Paris. It's been three days since you two have been back and I haven't heard one word from her."

"This is not good."

"What do you mean?"

"She asked me not to tell you anything."

"We don't keep secrets from each other, remember?"

"I know, I know. But right now, you need to check on her."

"Tell me what's going on."

"There's no time to explain, just get to her house."

"Alright."

"And don't leave her side. She's extremely fragile right now." Linda ended the call leaving Connor anticipating the worst. His heart rate beat faster as he strode from his office to the ascending elevator. He tapped his foot impatiently until he boarded the steel box, descending to the lobby and out the building to his car. He dialed Taiwo's cell but she didn't answer, so he left a message letting her know he was on his way to see her. Connor passed by cars and buildings not really absorbing the scenery around him. Before he knew it, he was parked in Taiwo's driveway with the engine still running. Inhaling, he closed his eyes and blew out a long strained sigh. Cutting the engine, he emerged from his car, walking step by pensive step up to her front door.