Tropical Storm - DK1 Page 14

  “It’s kind of hard to explain.” Kerry exhaled. “I mean, she’s really…” She described a box with her hands. “She’s very closed, kind of remote, but then once in a while she just kinda opens up just a little bit, enough for you to tell there’s a human being in there and not a microprocessor.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Colleen digested this. “So you two spent all this time shopping?”

  A quirk of Kerry’s lips. “No, not exactly. We had dinner at the Rainforest.” She avoided Colleen’s widening eyes. “She wanted to go over next week and what to expect, things like that.”

  “Did you have fun?”

  Kerry thought about that. “It was…Col, it was really, really weird, because half of the time it was very strained, because we don’t know each Tropical Storm 83

  other, and she’s my boss, and it’s just weird, but the other half of the time, it was…” She struggled to get a grasp on her thoughts. “It was just strange.”

  Colleen tilted her head to on side and eyed her. “Strangely familiar?”

  “Yeah, kinda,” Kerry admitted. “I’ve never had that happen to me before, but I think we’re going to be okay.”

  “You like her.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Yeah, I do,” Kerry said, after a moment’s thought. “Even after the whole firing thing. I was really mad at her that night, but after she showed me what she did, how she tried…” She fell silent again. “Yeah, I do like her,” she repeated in a more positive tone.

  “Incredible.” Colleen shook her head. “I saw Reynaldo over at Publix, we were getting deli together, and I was telling him about you going to work for her. He was in total shock.” She shook her head. “He’s the IS manager at the bank. He got chewed, and chewed, and chewed until he had only one quarter of his butt left over that tape disaster. He says she’s just the nastiest person he’d ever met.”

  Kerry lifted her shoulders. “I think she can be. I can see she’s got a pretty dark streak in there. Remember I told you about that goon, and how he practically dissolved when she yelled at him? And I remember how she was when we first met in my office. There wasn’t much to like. She was pretty mean.”

  Colleen rubbed her head. “But you like her anyhow?”

  It does sound strange, Kerry realized. “I don’t know…yeah. I mean, she could have fired my butt several times, right? I was pretty nasty. I told her to go to hell and all of that, and she could have just axed me right then and there, locked me out, had security take me out of the building, but she didn’t. In fact, tonight, I kind of got the feeling that she respected me for it.”

  “Oh, that’s twisted, me bucko,” her friend warned. “You watch out for her, hear? She can turn on you quick as a whistle.” She sighed. “I don’t know, Ker, these are pretty uncharted waters you’re sailing into here. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  I hope I do, too. Kerry sighed inwardly. “I can’t really explain it. Maybe if I’d taken time to really think about what was happening, I would have chosen to stay where I was, but maybe not. I just thought this would be such a unique opportunity, you know?”

  “Unique.” Colleen slung an arm across her shoulders. “Me dearie, that’s an understatement. But if you have a problem, I talked with Jacob at my office, and he says he’d take you on in an instant, okay?”

  Kerry smiled, and leaned against her affectionately. “Thanks, Col, I really appreciate that.” She exhaled. “Hey, wanna see what I got?”

  “You betcha.”

  They opened the various packages, and Kerry hung the items off the curtain rod in the living room.

  “Ooo, I like this one.” The redhead pointed at the blue-green outfit. “Nice pin.” She touched the front of the jacket.

  Kerry stepped closer and laid a finger on it. “Good grief, my mind must have been all over the place.” She laughed in gentle delight. “I didn’t even notice that was on there. Yeah, it is nice.” The pin was a pair of silver dolphins 84 Melissa Good frolicking on a gold background, with the waves in the forefront tinged in pink and blue. “Perfect for the color. It does kinda look like the ocean, doesn’t it?”

  “Mmm-hmm,” Colleen agreed readily. “Bet it looks nice on you; it just about matches your eyes.” She looked at the row of clothing. “I like all of them, but I like this one the best, though that purple one is nice too.”

  “Yeah, I like the braid on that. Listen, if I put some of this stuff on, would you take a picture? My parents want to see what I look like dressed up.”

  “Surely.” Her friend laughed. “Though, being fair, you look nice in just about everything, you rat. “ She poked Kerry in the ribs. “Even those torn-off old denim rags you wear sometimes.”

  “Hey, they’re my favorite pair of jeans,” Kerry protested as she pulled the blue-green outfit down. “Be right back.”

  THE SKY HAD finally cleared, exposing a thick wash of stars which twinkled down over the quiet coral deck. The pool’s warm waters rippled around the lone figure floating gently on the surface, head resting on crossed arms and legs propped on a thick Styrofoam raft.

  Dar let the peace surround her, concentrating on the gentle sounds of the surf not far away and the rustle of a light breeze which moved the trees around the pool. She was alone, which was not surprising considering the hour, and she was spending a little time just reflecting quietly on her day.

  At least it had been more productive than the previous day. After she’d sent out her e-mail, she’d somehow managed to fall asleep again on the couch, with her laptop up and running, the soft leather gathering in her tired body and refusing to give it up until almost dinner time, when she’d groggily woken to see Power Rangers dancing on the screen and 3D pipes patiently creating a plumbing layout on her laptop display.

  That was when she’d picked up Kerry’s mail, and answered it in a sleepy daze, telling the younger woman she’d join her at the mall. It wasn’t until ten minutes or so after she hit the Send key that she blinked and realized what she’d done, and by then, it was too late.

  But she hadn’t regretted it, not at all. The outing had been…well, sort of fun, in a way. She didn’t get many opportunities to just relax and hang around with other people, and Kerry was shaping up to be an interesting person to spend time with. Which was good, because as her assistant, that’s exactly what she’d be doing with her.

  The dinner had been somewhat of a test. Dar knew if she could stand spending an hour eating dinner with someone without wanting to kill them, it was a good sign. Kerry had passed. In fact—Dar gazed up at the stars in mild surprise—Kerry had more than passed. She’d actually enjoyed herself, to the point where she wished the evening had gone on a little longer, and when was the last time that had happened?

  It was nice to just talk to someone who was bright, had a sense of humor, and wasn’t intimidated by her. Dar grinned, remembering the crack about the screaming Mustang. Then she flexed her hand, remembering the gentle touch there. So, she’d figured out that old Dar hadn’t just shooed the bad guys away, Tropical Storm 85

  had she? Clever kid.

  She sighed, and shifted in the water, tilting her head back and blinking as the moon edged out from behind a cloud and lit her in a simple, silver glow. It made the coral around her seem almost white, and if she raised her head, she could see a broad, flickering path that led from where she lay straight to the horizon.

  She rolled over and ducked her head under the warm water, kept heated year-round despite the usually hot temperatures in the area. After a few laps more just to loosen up her shoulders, she eased out of the pool, grabbing her towel and drying herself off as she padded quietly back down the stairs and across the waterfront paths to her condo.

  The cold air in the hallway chilled her skin, and she quickly ducked in the laundry room, shedding her bathing suit and trading it for a cotton baseball shirt and soft flannel boxers. She headed into the kitchen and claimed a mug, which she filled with milk and chocolate syrup, then popped in the microwave. Two minutes la
ter she pulled it out, observing the New Mail icon on the kitchen terminal. “Mail, read.”

  “Dar Roberts, seven messages, none urgent.”

  She scanned the headers. “Read All.” The warm cocoa slid down her throat as she waited.

  Sent by: McLean, Alastair

  Subject: New Assistant

  Time: 8:43 PM

  Dar—

  Next time you want to just transition one of your

  little finds direct to corporate, just tell me, will you?

  I really didn’t need thirty whining regional directors complaining to me that you’re not following procedure.

  Her stats don’t show much, but if she’s good enough for you to pick as your right hand, I guess I’ll have to live with it. I hope she’s cute, at least.

  Alastair

  “Reply,” Dar muttered, and waited for a new message to appear.

  Sent by: Dar Roberts

  Subject: re: New Assistant

  Alastair—

  Sorry, yes you will, and I really hadn’t noticed one way or the other.

  Dar

  “Send.” Dar sipped her chocolate, with a smirk. “Next.”

  Sent by: Mariana Sartis

  Subject: re: New Assistant

  Time: 9:01PM

  86 Melissa Good DR

  You stirred up a hornet’s nest, my friend. Watch out—

  I think at least some of them are going upstairs.

  I sent, I processed, I e-mailed. Your new body should have all the paperwork she needs to get things rolling at Synergenics. And by the way, that was a nice piece of power shuffleboard with Peter to get the numbers in. He filed a formal complaint against you, BTW. Alastair’s response (he bcc’d me) was “Do you want me to review this before or after I review the bonus schedule for this quarter, which depends on your making your numbers?”

  You know, Dar, you’re really lucky you’re as good as you are. No one else would get away with the crap that you do. Be careful, my friend. Be very, very careful.

  Since I was at the office on Saturday, I processed everything for Ms. Stuart. She’s on your payroll starting Monday, so make sure she knows how to turn in things and all that. I have her file from Synergenics. I have to tell you, Dar, until I saw it, I was having some very evil thoughts about you, but in reviewing it, I realized you picked a very qualified candidate. I don’t even have to fake things on her profile. I’m attaching the details so you have record of them. Did you know she was the

  Michigan debating champion one year?

  Anyway, see you at the office on Monday. I’ll try to soothe some ruffled feathers, but keep low for a while, will you? Just for me?

  Mari

  Dar bit off a delighted grin. “Debating champion, huh? Damn, I’m in trouble. I shoulda guessed that.” She sat on the tall stool. “Reply.”

  Sent by: Dar Roberts

  Subject: re: New Assistant

  Mari—

  Thanks for the warning. Alastair already mailed me about the dissenters—he’s going to handle it.

  I’m shocked you would think I would pick any

  candidate based on frivolous reasons. Of course, I knew how qualified Ms. Stuart is for this position. Why do you think I asked for it? The company’s best interests come first, this wasn’t some knee-jerk reaction based on personality. In point of fact, the lady in question told me to go to hell, so her transfer certainly wasn’t done for friendly reasons. I’m sure she’ll be an asset to the company, and maybe she’ll take some of my people issues, so you get less complaints.

  Dar

  She chuckled softly. “Send.” Then she clicked on the attached file, and read the few short paragraphs with interest. “Hmm, gymnastics, double major Tropical Storm 87

  in computers and…no, that can’t be right. English? What a mix.” Kerry’s work history showed a steady, even progression from entry level to management, with increasing responsibility and experience moving from job to job, with no job lasting less than two years. Stability, good work ethics, no gaps… No wonder Mariana had been impressed.

  She checked the personal side. No workman’s comp claims, no judgments, good credit, spotless record, not even a speeding ticket. Dar’s brows rose. “It’s almost too good to be true.” The thought caused a frown to edge her features. “New message.”

  Mark—

  I need a class one security inquiry on a new hire: Kerry Stuart, the Associated employee we talked about last week. She’s coming on staff in my department, and I want to know everything. Don’t cut corners, don’t gloss, the works.

  Dar

  “Send.” Dar drummed her fingers on the counter, feeling a trifle guilty about checking so thoroughly, but if Kerry was going to be privy to all her little tricks, it was better to be sure about who and what she really was. It wouldn’t be the first time a rival had tried to slip someone into the inside.

  It’s a logical precaution, her mind insisted. But something inside her felt uneasy, as though it bothered her to think she couldn’t trust Kerry. She thought about that for a bit. Her gut instinct was solidly in the kid’s favor. It hadn’t been wrong yet. But it never hurt to be sure.

  Dar sighed and turned back to the screen. She went through the next three messages, which were acknowledgments of items she’d taken care of the previous week, then she clicked on the seventh with a odd feeling of anticipation.

  Sent by: Stuart, Kerry

  Subject: re: Assistant’s Job

  Time: 12:32 AM

  Hi.

  Why does everyone think I’m crazy because I want to work for you? I got four mails from people I barely, or don’t even know, warning me that I didn’t know what I was getting into. I decided they’re just jealous. I sent a list—you can tell me if they’re people who applied for the job. If they are, then I feel a lot better.

  I wrote them all back thanking them for their concern and hoping I’d get a chance to work with them sometime. I hope that was okay.

  Anyway, hope you have a good week, and thanks again for helping me shop.

  Kerry

  “Reply.” Dar leaned on the counter and propped her head on her hand.

  88 Melissa Good Sent by: Dar Roberts

  Subject: re: Assistant’s Job

  Kerry

  Everyone thinks you’re crazy because everyone knows I’m a heartless, cruel bitch who drives people to drink and an early grave, and who has no sympathy for anyone or anything. I tried to warn you about that. It’s not too late to back out if you want to.

  Your list is, as you suspected, disappointed

  candidates. The reply was appropriate.

  I don’t get much chance just to go out and be semi-social, so today was very pleasant for me. It also was an indication that we might just be able to work together.

  My previous attempts at an assistant have lasted one, three, four, and two days respectively. One I threw out, one decided to go back to the job they came from, and the other two ran screaming into the night never to be heard from again.

  Please bear all this in mind.

  Dar

  “Send.” Dar stifled a yawn and finished off her cocoa, then rinsed the mug out and put it upside-down on the drain board. She turned off the lights as she went through the condo, leaving the space in total darkness. Once in the bedroom, she crawled into the welcoming warmth and shifting motion of the waterbed. One arm curled around her pillow, and the other rested lightly on the surface as she let her eyes close and slipped into sleep.

  Chapter

  Nine

  IT WAS A long week, a very hectic week, in which Kerry tied up loose ends she didn’t even realize were there, and eased Ray into her position. The first day was a shock, when she’d had good news, and bad news, and important news, all combined, to tell everyone. Letting fifty people go was hard, but when she’d told them about the severance package…

  So that turned out okay. The support groups were still reeling over the new contracts, and both support managers spent the week brus
hing up on every piece of TCP/IP literature they could get their hands on. They were determined to make a good impression, and not let her down.

  All of them were. It was so odd. The week before, they’d been cursing the corporation’s name, and now…now, they were finding ways to change, and adjust—most of them simply glad to still be employed.

  The reaction to her new position was total chaos. It had ranged from,

  “You are absolutely crazy” to “Jesus, you impressed her that much?” and a lot in between. Many people were sorry to see her go, but encouraged because she was going to be “up there” and maybe could influence “her” if things got to be trouble.

  Friday, the last day of her employment at Associated, Ray called her in and sat her down. His face was serious, and he asked her straight out if she knew what she was doing with this “shark in a dress suit.”

  Kerry just kept smiling and telling everyone she viewed this as a great learning experience, no matter what happened. She traded e-mail with Dar most of the week, keeping her updated on the transition progress. As the week went on, the executive’s writing style had relaxed a little, not much, but just a little, and Kerry found herself looking forward to seeing Dar again.

  SO NOW IT was a week later, and it was Monday morning. It was time for her to start this great new learning experience. Kerry glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror for the sixth time, then took a deep breath and turned off the engine. “Okay, I’m ready,” she told her reflection, then shouldered her briefcase and slipped out of the Mustang, careful to pull her skirt straight, odd after not having to wear one for quite some time. She locked the door and squared her shoulders, then headed for the building’s main entrance.

  She gave her name at the security desk and waited while the agent there looked on a list, then smiled at her. “Ms. Stuart, can you please come with me?

  90 Melissa Good We need to badge you.”

  “Okay,” Kerry said amiably as she followed the short, husky man around the corner and into a small suite of rooms. There were banks of monitors along one wall, with a slim, blonde-haired girl watching them. The girl turned as they entered and gave Kerry a polite smile, which she returned.