Finding Her Way (22 page)

Chapter Fifteen

The light rays of day crept sporadically throughout the room, gracefully illuminating the once darkened area. An unfamiliar sound in the hazy distance of sleep conveyed to the owner of the home, that somewhere a kitty was getting into trouble. Taking inventory of all her functioning body parts, she stretched, becoming aware that there was a restriction around her waist. Lightly grasping the wrist of the loving arm that encircled her, Jerrica carefully raised it, quietly scooting out of bed. The hunt was now on to find the disturbing noise.

Tiptoeing to the opposite side of the bed, the volume increased. She knelt on the floor, peering under the bed. She found her prey and it was sitting on a discarded pair of pants on the floor. The culprit stared back at her with surprised eyes. With a warm smile, Jerrica reached out pulling the pants and a surprised Baby Kitty out into the open. Once the kitten was no longer hiding, she bounced herself across the floor, finding a warm sunspot to lie in.

“Now, this is an interesting sight to wake up to,” Madison said, spying a very naked Jerrica on the floor.

Jerrica leaned forward, placing a quick kiss on her lips, pants still grasped in one hand. “Oh?”

She stood, smirking down at her sleepy eyed companion.

With her hand on the waistband of the pants, Jerrica turned to toss them into the laundry hamper when a muffled vibration halted the motion. The cat looked up from its tanning spot on the floor in curiosity. “So, that’s what you were after,” she said to the kitten as she retrieved her cell phone from the pocket.

Her thumb brushed the screen just as the pending phone call transferred to voicemail. She had missed twenty-seven calls, sixteen texts, and had twenty-three messages pending. She tipped the screen so Madison could see the screen.

“Who’s been trying to call?” Madison asked as Jerrica sat on the edge of the bed.

Moving the screen with her finger, Jerrica replied, “They’re all from Lauren.”

Madison sat up as Jerrica called Lauren on the phone, motioning Madison to be silent. Jerrica waited anxiously for Lauren to pick up. In moments, she heard the familiar voice droll out the repetitive phrase.

“Jerrica Kerrison’s office. This is Lauren speaking.” “Lauren, its Jerrica. I see you called me hundreds of times?”

“Where the hell have you been? Yes, I’ve been trying to get a hold of you since I came in this morning.”

“I misplaced my phone,” she said dryly, “What’s going on?”

“There’s something serious happening here, but nobody knows exactly what is going on. I’ve gotten four calls already this morning from Mrs. Burnham, wanting to know if I had heard from you yet today.”

“You heard from Mrs. Burnham?”

“Yes! The last time I talked with her, she left a heated message for you to call her right away. This whole place is abuzz. This makes me nervous.”

“Well, it terrifies me. Let me collect myself and I’ll give her a call.”

“Call me back as soon as you know.”

“No problem.”

Jerrica rested the phone on her leg as her chin dropped toward her chest. Deep in her thoughts, Jerrica barely felt the supportive hand rest on her shoulder.

“I only heard part of that conversation and it didn’t sound good. Are you ok?”

Breathing in deeply and letting it go, Jerrica lifted her head, turning to look at Madison. “It seems that Ms. Donahue’s personal assistant would like to talk to me as soon as possible.” Her voice was just above a whisper, “I’ve been with this company for more than six years now, and have never had any personal interaction with her. I wonder why now?”

In her best supportive voice, Madison tried to be positive. “Well, the only way you’re going to find out is to call. There’s no time like the present. I’m right here to help you through…whatever this is.”

Jerrica felt comfort from Madison’s support, but had to prep herself before she called, “I need to throw some clothes on first, then I’ll call the office.”

Madison removed her hand as Jerrica slid off the edge of the bed, headed toward the bathroom. She adjusted the blankets around her as she watched Jerrica disappear through the door. Grabbing the nightshirt off the stand beside the bed, she slipped it on. With a quick look around, she realized her shorts were MIA, so she would have to search for them later. Jerrica reappeared from the bathroom, wearing an oversized t-shirt and a pair of running shorts. She had pulled her hair into a high ponytail and when she walked toward her, Madison was almost sure she could smell toothpaste
.

All this for a phone call, she must be nervous, Madison thought.

Walking around the furniture to return to her position on the edge of the bed, phone in her left hand, Jerrica displayed a weak smile as she tapped the phone, dialing the office. As she listened to the automated directory, Jerrica tapped the correct extension.

Madison watched as Jerrica drummed her fingertips on her leg, feeling powerless to help. A transformation in Jerrica was noticeable as she spoke into the phone.

Jerrica’s voice was an octave lower. She even sat a little straighter. Put on hold, Jerrica let out the breath she had been holding tightly. This was nerve wracking for both of them. A shiver ran up her spine when she heard her voice in the phone.

“Ms. Kerrison, thank you for getting back to me so quickly.”

Jerrica could hear pleasantry in her acknowledgement, but heard the sternness and sarcasm in her tone. “It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Burnham. How may I help you today?”

“Speaking on behalf of Ms. Donahue, your presence is required tomorrow at nine a.m. for a meeting in her office.”

Mrs. Burnham paused, sounds of shifting paper could be heard in the background as she spoke. “I would advise you to be here at least ten minutes before the meeting to be briefed on topics, and on any paperwork Ms. Donahue might want you to go over.”

Jerrica didn’t even have time to respond when the very business-oriented assistance resumed her duties.

“Ms. Kerrison, do you understand all the information I have given you thus far?”

With sudden shock, Jerrica answered. “Yes, Mrs. Burnham, I understand everything. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“Very good then, Ms. Kerrison, we will expect you tomorrow morning. Have a good day.”

The line cut off before she was able to say goodbye. Tossing the phone toward the headboard, Jerrica leaned back on the bed, covering her eyes with her forearm.

Feeling a little confused, Madison slid down the bed to lie next to Jerrica. Leaning on one elbow Madison softy brushed her knuckles against Jerrica’s cheek whispering to her. “Honey, are you all right? What’s going on?”

Jerrica took a few seconds to collect her thoughts before she removed her arm from her eyes, angling her head to look at Madison. She saw the concern in her eyes and reached out to take her hand. “I will be going into the office tomorrow,” she squeezed the hand, “I have a meeting with Ms. Donahue at nine tomorrow.”

Madison’s quick intake of air was not comforting to Jerrica.

Quickly reaching for her hand, Madison brought Jerrica’s palm to her lips, kissing it softly. “I’m sorry, honey. The news just surprised me.”

“How do you think I feel?”

“What can I do to help?”

“Nothing,” she said sitting up. “This is not how I wanted us to spend the day. Let’s just enjoy our day together and I’ll worry about tomorrow…tomorrow.”

They sat together not knowing what to say. Madison fumbled with the hem on her shirt, trying to figure out how to make everything all right again.

Jerrica stood. “I’m not going to let that one phone call ruin our day. Why don’t you go to the kitchen and make us some coffee. I need to call Lauren back to tell her what is going on.”

She grabbed Madison’s hand, yanking her to her feet. Pulling her fully into her arms, Jerrica quickly kissed her, then, turning her toward the door, she slapped her ass to get her moving. “Now go,” Jerrica said with a smile as Madison headed for the hallway.

A sense of joy came to Madison as she spied her pair of shorts on the floor. Slipping them on, she smiled at Jerrica and left the bedroom as instructed.

Jerrica made a quick call to Lauren, both women trying to figure out what was going on, but with no success. Within minutes, she was standing at the bottom of her stairs watching and listening to her lover hum around the kitchen making coffee. With a loving smile, she joined the private party.

Chapter Sixteen

The car shifted into first gear as they approached the parking space. The ride to work had been very quiet as both occupants were deep in thought for the same reasons. Jerrica reflected on what became of the rest of yesterday. They had spent the rest of the day talking and laughing, just enjoying whatever the other one had to offer. They ended the day savoring the blissful pleasure of one another’s bodies. Nevertheless, always, in the back of her mind, her thoughts returned to today’s impending meeting.

Madison had just spent the best weekend of her life. She had finally admitted aloud to Jerrica that she loved her. The big surprise was that she found out someone loved her in return. Everything was perfect until they entered the real world. Jerrica had tried very hard to not let the worry creep into their day, but Madison could see, every once in a while, the distracted look in her eyes. When the car came to a complete stop, Madison looked around puzzled. She hadn’t realized they were in the parking garage already. She glanced at her as the car was shifted into park and the car ignition turned off. They sat wordless for several minutes, contemplating their thoughts.

Jerrica cleared her throat, giving an unspoken instruction that it was time to leave that private world. She reached out to Madison, touching her arm before she exited the vehicle.

Looking into worried eyes, Jerrica spoke in a whisper. “I don’t know what is going to happen today,” she said, almost choking on her words. “And nobody knows about us yet, so—”

Madison placed a finger on Jerrica’s lips stopping her from continuing, she knew what she was trying to say. They were going to have to act as if they didn’t know one another intimately. They would both be professional.

Jerrica lightly kissed the finger touching her lips, seeing a smile develop on Madison’s face. Emotions running on overload, they shared not only a last kiss, but their fears as well.
 

†

The numbers in the elevator ascended rather quickly today. Madison looked around the empty elevator. She didn’t want to be there. Straightening her long sleeve navy blue shirt, Madison rocked back and forth on the heels of her sneakers, anxiously waiting to get to her desk. Trying to look as professional as possible, in her weekend clothes, she put on a big smile just as the doors opened. Few heads turned to look in her direction as she exited the elevator and hurried to Olivia’s office. Lightly rapping her knuckles on her door, Madison was rewarded with Olivia’s bellowing voice. “Yeah, come in.”

Approximately ten minutes later, when the elevator doors opened again, another familiar figure entered the department. With shoulders back, head held high, Jerrica confidently walked toward her office. She did not glance around. She kept her eyes focused on the partially opened office door. Passing by her staff she commented, “Good morning,” but offered nothing else.

When she entered her office, she used the end of her briefcase to push the door closed behind her. The office looked the same, but cleaner. There were no remnants of broken glass or stains from a wet carpet. Jerrica smiled to herself as she dropped her case next to her desk. She leaned on the edge of her desk, staring at her wall clock. The hands on the clock seemed to slow down as she stared. Jerrica was anxious to find out what was going on.

Not wanting to stare at the annoying clock any longer, she strolled to the windows. She could see her reflection. The charcoal pantsuit she had chosen today made her look powerful and in control. Unfortunately, her nerves were anything but. Adjusting her outfit, she glanced again at the clock. Inhaling deeply and exhaling loudly, she was as ready as she was ever going to be today.

†

“Well I’ll be damned,” said Olivia as Madison opened up her office door.

“Good morning Olivia,” she responded, shutting the door quickly.

As casual as possible, Madison made her way to the front of her boss’s desk, depositing herself in the empty chair.

Olivia sat quietly for a second, concentrating on Madison.

She could feel Olivia’s eyes burrowing into her. “Stop staring at me!”

“Oh, my God, you slept with her again,” Olivia blurted out the moment she figured out what was different with Madison. “It’s written on your face!”

“Olivia, lower your voice please. These walls are paper thin.”

“I’ll take that as a yes. So was it as good as the first time?”

“You’re incorrigible, you know that, right?”

“Well, it has been a while. So dish.”

“Later, I promise. Something is going on around here. Have you heard anything?”

Olivia looked uncomfortable, as she answered. “I don’t know exactly what is going on, I only heard it involves your new squeeze.”

“Well, I knew that. We came in together. Her meeting is upstairs at nine,” she said, looking at her watch. “She should be leaving her office any time now.”

Olivia and Madison tried not to be conspicuous leaving the seclusion of the office and walking to Madison’s desk. While Olivia was explaining the multiple files on her desk, Madison glimpsed movement in front of her. Looking up, she saw Jerrica exit her office. Her face was stern, her look confident as she stopped at Lauren’s desk. Whatever information they exchanged, it was brief, giving Jerrica a chance to glance over Lauren’s shoulder at Madison.

Their eyes met for only a second, but it was enough to make Jerrica smile as she walked toward the elevator. Four sets of eyes were glued to her every movement.

Once the elevator doors had closed, only one set of eyes continued to look in that direction. With her eyes locked on the closed doors, Madison suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe and she stumbled backward.

Olivia gently grabbed her elbow, pulling her down into the nearest chair.

Confusion set in on Madison’s face and she looked up.

Catching her stare, Olivia said softly. “Take it easy, my friend. You need to relax and breathe for me. She can hold her own.”

After several minutes, Madison had control of herself and told Olivia she was fine.

Olivia was skeptical at first, but conceded, returning to her office.

Alone at her desk, Madison felt the worry building again as she rotated her head, looking at the last place she had seen the woman she loved.

†

Jerrica was alone in the small wood and polished steel elevator. As she watched the numbers increase, the fidgeting with her hands began. The soft ding sound echoed in the small space as it announced the destination. Collecting herself just before the door opened, Jerrica plastered on her best fake smile, holding her head high as the doors slid open.

Stepping out onto the executive’s floor, she walked boldly to the executive secretary’s large half-moon shaped desk. Before she could officially address the woman behind the desk, the receptionist confirmed her arrival. “Good morning, Ms. Kerrison. Ms. Burnham has been informed of your arrival and will be right out.”

“Thank you,” she said, rotating on her heels toward the waiting area. After a few moments, an adjacent door opened and Ms. Burnham entered the spacious foyer.

Their hands met in a firm handshake. “Ms. Kerrison, thank you for coming in so early. Would you please follow me?”

There was no conversation as she followed the well-dressed older woman down a small hallway to a larger office.

Ms. Burnham proceeded to her desk, motioning Jerrica to the chairs positioned in front of her. “Please have a seat. Ms. Donahue will be with you in a moment,” she said with a pleasant smile.

Jerrica was getting irritated with the power game she felt they were already playing with her. They made her hurry to get there and now they were making her wait, proving that once again, if you have money, you have power. After waiting twenty minutes in a rather uncomfortable chair, she became increasingly aggravated. She shifted in her seat, about to speak up, when the intercom sounded and a flat-toned voice sounded. “Please bring Ms. Kerrison in.”

Ms. Burnham rose the same time Jerrica did. She picked up a very large manila envelope off her desk. “Please follow me.”

Jerrica tried not to look surprised as she entered an enormous office. Glancing around the room, she saw a sitting area with two leather bound couches facing a gas fireplace and a bar on her right. There was a fifty-two inch flat screen TV with a full media center built into the wall on her left. Rows of windows connecting the left wall to the right were behind where Ms. Donahue sat. The centerpiece of the whole room was a massive mahogany desk with a gray-blue marble top. The presence behind the desk didn’t even move when they walked into the room nor make an acknowledgement as they approached her desk.

Motioning to one of the two seats directly in front of the desk, Ms. Burnham placed the envelope on the desk, turned and exited the awkwardly quiet office.

The chair Jerrica rested herself in was in the center, right in front of Ms. Donahue. Sitting up as straight as possible, Jerrica graciously crossed her legs, again meant to wait. Glancing at the woman behind the desk, Jerrica remembered why she had considered working for this company right out of college. Alexandra Donahue was one of the most influential women in the world of finance. Mr. and Mrs. Donahue started a small firm two years after they met. With her husband’s inheritance and her mind for numbers, their firm quickly made the list of Forbes Top Ten Businesses to Watch. When she and her husband decided to merge with Morrill and Hartford, their small firm was already worth one hundred fifty million. The rumor around the financial world was that the merger was necessary because Alexandra’s husband had fallen ill. He died two years after the merger, long before Jerrica had started working for them. After his passing, Ms. Donahue had become the controlling stockholder in the company and was the driving force behind the company.

After a few minutes, Ms. Donahue looked up. “Good morning, Ms. Kerrison. I’ll be with you in just a moment,” she said, as she reached over, retrieving the manila envelope.

The contents of the envelope she deposited in one hand and tossed the empty packet lazily on the corner of the massive desk.

Jerrica observed with curiosity as Ms. Donahue reviewed each document thoroughly.
 

Once she scrutinized the last document, she laid it down, adjusting her glasses. Looking directly at her employee, she remarked, “Ms. Kerrison, may I call you Jerrica?” Not waiting for an answer, she continued. “You are probably wondering why I called you here today.”

“I assure you that all my accounts are up to date and…” Jerrica stopped as Ms. Donahue held up her hand.

“Your work performance is fine. Even though I would like to have you on site more, I have had no complaints thus far with our current working arrangement. The reason I brought you here today is that we have run into a little problem with one of our top clients.”

Jerrica tensed, but Alexandra didn’t seem to notice.

“Are you personally familiar with Daniel & Daniel’s Inc. company financials?”

What is going on here
, Jerrica thought. “Yes, I just sent the quarterlies. What seems to be the issue?”

“You are aware that Morrill, Hartford, and Donahue have been courting Daniel & Daniel, Inc. to take on all of their accounting needs, domestic and abroad?”

“Yes, I have heard.”

“Well, it was almost a done deal. I received an emergency call this weekend, directly from the president of D & D. He informed me that his company is considering leaving MHD and are now entertaining offers from our competitors.”

Jerrica was stunned. “The Daniel company is locked into a contract with us until end of this year. They can’t legally leave us.”

“Oh, yes they can. They can buy out their contract.” Alexandra removed her glasses, placing them on her desk.

Quickly crunching numbers in her head Jerrica replied, “That would be just more than half a million dollars. Is he aware of those figures?”

“Yes, it would be and he is aware of the cost. Our job performance has been immaculate for his company. According to his file, we’ve gone beyond for them in some cases. Our feedback reports have always been top notch. This whole situation is baffling,” she said rubbing the bridge of her nose and replacing her glasses.

Trying not to show emotion, the explanation to Alexandra’s quandary flashed into her mind.
Devin!
Jerrica raised her hand to her forehead, rubbing it lightly with her fingers, giving herself thinking time.

“Jerrica,” Alexandra said it with such powerful certainty that Jerrica snapped her head up. “We haven’t lost them yet. We have an invitation to meet with them. Be warned, we are not the only firm that received this invitation. I have heard of at least four other firms that have been invited as well.”

“An invitation to what?”

“To a working weekend at their Nantucket estate,” she explained. “MHD is scheduled for an early morning meeting on Saturday. Ten, I believe.”

Ms. Donahue shuffled papers around her desk, looking for the invitation.

Jerrica was speechless. Just under the surface of this calm cool exterior, she was furious. She knew that something, no, someone, was trying to sabotage her career. Calming her inner rage, she tried to speak logically.

“Ten a.m., that’s fine. I can have a proposal ready by Friday. My assistant and I will go down Saturday morning and re-sell MHD.”