"Your late."
"No I'm not."
"Why do we have this conversation everyday?" Lorenz Asked annoyed.
"Because you always set the clock back exactly five minutes, as I walk up the front steps to the office." I answer fluently, making my sentence almost come out as a song.
Lorenzo scoffs, like he is repulsed by the idea of himself doing such a thing. We both know better. To Be such a handsome man, he is quite the prick.
As I sit down to get to work on my latest report, I see a familiar form swoop in beside my desk.
"So, are you after that promotion? You seem to be working more hours than usual?"
"I didn't even know there was a promotion," I reply, puzzled. "And this story is just a little more complicated than the rest. So naturally, I've been spending more time on it."
Carmen sighs, "My little naive baby... Don't worry about it though. We all know your going to get it. To Be just 18, you are really something."
"Oh Hush, Carmen. You never know WHAT might happen. And for the last time, you are only 21! That means your only 3 years older than I am."
"Well too bad. If you were my sister, I'd call you that everyday. But then again, if you were my sister, you wouldn't be so sweet." She smirks at me as she walks away with a type of sway to her hips.
She is too much, for her own good. I think as I swivel around to check my phone and grab the files I need to finish this damn report.
I was looking for Lorenzo to be behind me, as I saw a manly silhouette's looming over my chair and I. But to my surprise, it was the last person I was expecting.
"Hello, Ms. Parer. " Said a deep and husky voice. This was a voice I had only heard over the phone placed on top of my desk.
"H-h-hello, Mr. Stratland. Is there anything you need?" Well No shit he needs something. He wouldn't be at the only desk in sight, which happens to yours. Dum Dum.
"Yes, actually. I thought this news should be delivered... personally. Anyone can easily eavesdrop on a desk call. So please, Ms. Parer, follow me to my office."
"Oh, Yes. Of Course." I rise and slightly pull down my skirt. Unfortunately pulling down my V-Neck shirt also, showing a little too much cleavage. Luckily, Mr. Stratland was turned around. I could do my little shimmy to fix myself up a little bit more. Thank God I had on my comfortable red bottoms. They were a bit bigger than I expected when I bought them and was able to add really squishy insoles. Most people think I'm crazy when I say "Comfortable Red Bottoms".
Walking down the hall with Mr. Stratland with all eyes on us and my heels click in sync with his dress shoes was giving me nerves. I started playing with my bottom lip out of habit and actually was able to stop when he reached his office and held the door open for the both of us.
He walks in behind me and tells me to sit, then goes to his own desk. I sit there patiently as he move files put of the way and then clears his throat. We just sit here and stare at one another. This is very odd...
"I called you to my office to explain to you your new job. Yes, the rumors of a promotion were indeed true, and it belongs to you. I gasp. Mr. Stratland just gives me a warm smile.
"Oh my! Thank you so much. You won't regret your decision, Sir." I say, excitement evident in my tone.
"Oh, I know I won't." He smiles again. "But back to your job, you will be my personal assistant. You will be paid double, as this means you will also have to be my right-hand woman in business meetings and such."
"Is there a contract I must sign?"
"Absolutely not. You are free to quit do as you please as long as the assignments I give get completed by the deadlines... It is too my understanding that your last report was on the 'Ronal' case? Yes. That is your last assignment as a Newspaper Reporter."
"Oh, Thank You. This is amazing. I won't let you down.!" I say calmly, But on the inside I'm truly freaking out.. I'm working personally for the CEO of one of the biggest Newspaper company In New York City!
"Your hours won't change too much, I'd like you to be here a couple hours earlier than usual and all assignments, I expect to be done at the office. That won't be a problem ,will it?"
"No. Not at all."
"Excellent, Ms. Parer. You are dismissed."
I turn and walk out the office with quite the grin on my face. I can't wait to tell Tyrone.
****
I finish as much of the report as I can in the six hours I had left of my work day and headed home. Knowing I could finish it by tonight.
I hop in my car hastily, as I thought I saw someone in the bushes' shadows. The skills I was taught three years ago haven't faded and neither have the nightmares. They come less frequently at night, but they're still present.
Hitting the gas peddle after buckling my seatbelt, I speed down the lightly dark road.
"You can't waste time, when you're suspicious." I whisper to myself. I'm home in no time, but I get my keys out of my purse before hand so that I can get inside the front door, not having to look of both my shoulders.
I three step from the black door when I hear a swoosh and Tyrone is pulling me in. He speaks fast, but I catch up.
"Howwasyourday?Imadedinnerforus,vegetarianstyle.Justlikeyoulikeit."
"STOP! Slow down. My day was great, actually. I got a promotion. But I have to wake up two hours earlier so use your alarm clock from now on. And thank you. I thought you hadn't noticed my vegetarianism way lately. But there is something else..."
"Well?"
"I think they're back, Tyrone. I can feel it." I say me nervously.
"I know. The gang you used to be affiliated with is, in fact in the area and their new leader is expanding."
"New leader?"
"You may not have been keeping up, but I have and the old one died a while a ago. The new one, goes by the name 'Ault' and he is round up those who used to be in the gang... Including runaways. That would be you. I don't have anymore hardcore information, but you need to tell me all you can a bout that night So I can help. Rumor is, a girl got away the night of a big party and nobody knew who she was. She was just always around."
"I'm not that girl. If that is what you're getting at. I would never lie to you."
"Yes you would. Just know that they'll be here soon. You need to make yourself practically invisable. No shopping. Cancel your credit cards, ask for you money in cash for now on. It is safer this way. You and I know it."
