Addicted

Chapter 4

"You did what?!?!?" I pulled the phone away from my ear as my best friend shrieked. Why the fuck does she have to be so loud? "Shh Kandice! You almost busted my eardrum."

"Serves you right! Kamryn, you're always telling others about how professionalism is key. But, my dear, you JUST broke the unspoken, golden rule, of office decorum. Therefore, you get the shriek." I chuckled at her remark. "Yes my darling friend I know. It was stupid, irrational, and totally inappropriate...but it felt SO good!" I heard a deep sigh on the other end. I could tell that Kandie was rolling her eyes and massaging her temples. "You could never resist good head, which is why all of your relationships in 12th grade faltered." I chuckled. "And here I am thinking that I was out of my old ways."

"Seriously Kam. You need to get a handle on this. If you don't set her straight soon, she could be a problem to your firm. And I don't want to do damage control for you again." I could feel her expression darken. I never knew what Kandie did professionally, but I knew that it was time consuming and that she drank a lot afterwards. I also knew that the emotional toll was heavy on her whenever she completed a task. "When will you ever tell me what it is you do?" She chuckled. "Like I have said before.Its not important what I do, just know that I'm damn good at it." I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated breath. "So, how do you think that I should deal with Tori? I can't just break it off with her."

"Why the hell not?  It isn't like you guys are dating."

"Yeah, but I think she believes that what we're doing will lead to a relationship. We both know I don't do those." 

"Yes, yes we know." Kandie had a bit of a sour tone to her voice. She always did whenever I brought up the 'R' word. "I just, ugh, I need to actually plan out what I want to say. I don't want to lose her, she's the best assistant I've ever had."

"Just sucks that she's hot as fuck. But you have to do something. Don't let her tempt you any further. You're the boss, threaten to fire her if you have to."

"Yeah you're right."

"Anyway, I do not appreciate being stood up! I was at the restaurant for almost an hour!"

"I'm so sorry Kandie. I'll make it up to you tonight. Dinner and turn up before my trip at my place."

"You're lucky I love you bitch. I'll bring the wine." I laughed and bid Kandie good bye.

            Hanging up the phone, I started looking over the notes that Tori brought me. It seems that Gloria's tactics are really basic, all dealing with physical and emotional manipulation. I continued to look through some files, jotting down some notes when I realized something. "She doesn't have a picture." I quickly turned to my computer and looked for any type of Gloria related photos, none appeared. Apparently, she has it in good with someone in headquarters. How could there not be any pictures? I leaned back in my chair, tapping my chin deep in thought. That really doesn't make sense. We have information on every person from the early 1900's. Everyone with a valid birth certificate is in our private files. Why isn't she? No one just up and disappears out of the files. Unless... "Hey boss lady! I bought you some coffee, the conference itinerary, and your plane ticket. Your accommodations have been...what's wrong?"

"Hmm? Oh, nothing, nothing is wrong.  What time does my flight leave?" Tori gave me a confused look but shrugged it off. How the hell did those files end up missing? "Your flight leaves at 10:45 am. I tried to find an earlier flight, but it turns out every firm in the state is flying to Seattle."

"Don't I know it. Ooh! Is that coffee?" I gratefully picked up the cup and sipped its contents. "Oh my God Tori! I will never understand how you make such good coffee."