Chapter Twenty-Three: Two Girls in One

I took a deep breath. Then, I picked up the receiver.

“Diggory Franklin’s office.”

“Hello, Mr. Franklin. It’s Calla Wiley. How are you?”

“I’m fine, thank you. What can I do for you, Calla?”

“Well, I’m actually returning your phone call from this weekend. I hope you can forgive me for not calling you back sooner. I haven’t checked my messages at all, I’ve been so busy in the lab. I wanted to apologize.”

“Oh, there are no apologies necessary. We just met, and we’re both very busy people.” I spoke to her as I would a normal person, but I kept rolling my eyes. How could she sound this normal, and then slide off the deep end in other conversations?

“Well, yes. I know you must be busy. I hope I didn’t call at a bad time?”

“Not at all, Calla.” I paused. “I wouldn’t have given you my card, if I didn’t want you to call. I was beginning to worry that I had offended you, however.”

“Offended me? No, not at all! I should have called you again on Saturday or Sunday. I just got so busy, it slipped my mind. I know we’re strangers, Mr. Franklin, but I’m a very conscientious person. I don’t often forget to be polite. I wanted you to know that.”

“Well, thank you for explaining.” I realized that I was being very formal, as if this was a business call. I had no idea how to restore the fun, flirtatious energy of our last face-to-face meeting.

She seemed to have no memory of her bizarre warnings. I wanted to know more about her, figure out what was going on. Maybe Bianca could explain about the personality changes? Her roommate must know her well. The only way to find out was to get closer to her. Maybe then I could figure out my attraction for her, help her with this strange problem, and get some answers.

“Anyway, we’re a bit off track here…” I said. “I called on the weekend to thank you for a lovely time at the gallery and to see if you were interested in grabbing coffee.”

“I told you before, I’m not really interested in dating…”

“I know. Just as friends. You seem new in town, and you’ve met my best friend, Matt. Obviously I need to spend time with a better class of people.”

She laughed. “Well, it would be hard for you to do much worse, that’s for sure.”

“To that end, I’m extending the hand of friendship. Coffee tomorrow morning?”

“I’ll be there. Eight o’clock sound okay?”

“Perfect.”

We exchanged good-byes and hung up. I smiled. That hadn’t been so bad. Not great, but not a total disaster either. Face-to-face, I’m sure we’d do better in the morning. And then I could convince her to come to my parents’ dinner party the next evening after that. Hopefully I would survive the week without much more craziness.

****************************************************************

“Ready to go?” I asked, standing in Vanessa’s doorway at about five to seven.

She smiled as she turned off her computer. “All set.”

I helped her into her suit jacket, and we walked down to the elevators.

“So, this is your idea. Where are we eating?” I asked.

“I thought you’d like this little Italian place I love. Soprafino’s?”

“I like working with you already,” I said, grinning. We got onto the elevator.

“Oh? You’ve heard of it?”

“Probably my favourite in the city. It’s small and cozy, so it’s not pretentious like some places…”

“But the food is first class. I know what you mean.” She smiled. “Oh, I had some ideas about our team. I think we can safely narrow it down to three of the five interns. I was looking their files over today, and talked to a couple casually. Darren Rice is a very quiet boy; I don’t know why he’s taking law. I looked into his grades, and he tests well but his writing is very dry.”

“You looked into their grades?” I raised an eyebrow.

“They have to submit transcripts to get into our program. I saw some examples of his essays, and he’s not very creative. I think he’s fine in a research capacity, but he’s not one for taking initiative.”

“Well, things will be pretty fast-paced out there. I guess Rice is off the list.”

“Exactly. I also don’t want Sasha Bailey on the team either.”

Next Chapter>>

Chapter Twenty-Two: Foxy Lady

I spent the afternoon on the computer, looking at the files of my colleagues. Chris provided me with access, wanting me to choose the best team possible. I could see what kind of hours people put in, the files they were working on, contracts they’d handled. It would have been overwhelming, so I limited myself to just the past three months. I wanted a picture of what their work habits were like now, not two years ago.

There was a knock on my door around four o’clock. I looked up and saw Vanessa “Foxy” Brown. That was what Matt the Pimp called her, so you’ll excuse the source. I wondered if it was really a fair moniker, considering Pam Grier’s movie was a blaxploitation film, and Vanessa was white. However, she was hot enough to be labelled “foxy.” I smiled.

“Afternoon.”

“Hey, Diggory. Can I come in?” She smiled back.

“Of course.”

Vanessa crossed the short distance from the doorway to my desk. It gave me a brief moment to enjoy the sight of her long legs in motion. She was wearing heels and a dark skirt, with a cream coloured blouse. Her caramel hair was up on her head, but not like a bun. I think it’s called a French Twist? What do you want from me: I have testicles.

She sat on the edge of the desk. I tilted my neck to look her in the eye.

“I wasn’t able to make the party, I was busy with a client across town. Wanted to pass on my congratulations.”

“Well, thank you.”

“No, I mean it! I was worried that Paulson was going to get it, and he’s creeped me out ever since hitting on me at the Christmas party last year.”

I smiled. It was nice to know that I wasn’t the only one with misgivings about Paulson.

“Well, I’m pretty glad he didn’t get it either. However, I have a new problem. I’m trying to select two associates to go with me.”

“Well, of course you’re going to pick me.” She grinned. “Who else are you considering?”

I looked at her seriously. To be honest, she was one of my top three picks. Diligent, assertive, well educated. She was younger than Paulson and myself, so it was unlikely that she’d been hoping for the promotion herself. But, word on the floor was that she was hungry, eager to prove she had what it took.

“I’m thinking Fayter, he’s steadfast.”

“Nice choice! He won’t hamstring you, and knows his stuff. I worked with him on that mediated union agreement in Tennessee in June.”

“Oh, right, the factory thing… I forgot that you two travelled for that one.” I stroked my chin thoughtfully.

“Come on, Diggory! You know I can do this. You know you want to take me.”

Vanessa leaned a little closer, her head on her shoulder, looking down into my eyes. Something about her expression seemed almost provocative. Maybe she was better at telepathy than me, I could almost hear her thoughts. Pick me, I’ll be really grateful. I blushed for a moment and pushed back a bit in my chair.

“I’m not Paulson, Vanessa. This will be strictly business.”

She blinked. “Oh, of course! I would appreciate that. You and Fayter are probably the only associates who don’t see me as just a skirt.”

“Well, the older guys really don’t think women can practice law. I, on the other hand, am much more progressive.”

She laughed. “A real champion of equal rights?”

“Well, it’s the twenty-first century. Time to let you girls out of the kitchen.” I winked.

Vanessa laughed again. “Yeah, you’re a way better choice than Paulson. How about you let me buy you dinner tonight, and we’ll discuss the details?”

“Sure. You can help me figure out which intern to take.”

“See you at seven?”

“Great.” I grinned. Vanessa smiled back and slid off the desk, heading for the door. She glanced at me on her way out.

I leaned back in my chair, grinning to myself. This day kept getting better and better.

Well, that’s what I thought until the phone rang. I picked up. Lorraine spoke.

“A Miss Calla Wiley on line three for you, sir.”

Next Chapter>>

Chapter Twenty-One: That's What Friends Are For (the vulture song)

Chris Geertz pulled me aside after a bit.

“Nice touch on the surprise party, I totally didn’t see that coming,” I said.

“Hey, you’re welcome, buddy!” Chris clapped me on the back. “I’m really excited for you. But it’s not all fun and games. I want you to mingle, get a feel for who you want on your team in Colorado. I figure two more associates, maybe one of the interns, and three secretaries. Okay?”

“No problem.”

I couldn’t believe Chris. “Buddy.” He was such a decent guy. My father was going to stab a good man in the back, just because I showed a little ambition.

I looked around the room, returning smiles whenever someone glanced my way. Of course I considered Lorraine first. She was meticulous, and tough. We’d worked together practically since I graduated school. She had family here in town, though, and might not be up for travelling. I’d ask her first, but perhaps it would be best to leave her here to run the home office until my return. It would be good to have someone reliable here to touch base with.

I mingled, like Chris said. Grabbed people slices of pizza, offered to grab someone a drink. Made chit chat. And assessed everyone. There was a good mix among the associates in age. Some were recently out of law school, within the past five years, while others were experienced veterans. This older bunch was all male, most of them middle-aged dads. The younger group was more balanced between men and women.

I ruled out the married guys. They were solid and dependable, but if Lorraine might be uncomfortable leaving family behind, I didn’t want to put them through the same. Some of them might not even think about it, I knew that a few had problems in their marriages. But I certainly didn’t want to add to that. It would be nice to have a seasoned associate, but I’d have to make sure I picked one with no family.

That left the younger crowd. They were all eager to make names for themselves, just like I was. But I was the best of the bunch, that’s why this opportunity had arisen. Who was competitive enough that they would resent my promotion? Conversely, who was driven enough to keep up with me out in Colorado, without minding that I was in charge? That was a delicate balance. I didn’t want the sheep who needed to be handheld. But I also didn’t want wolves at my back.

Choosing secretaries wouldn’t be much of a problem, I’d just take the ones belonging to the associates I had picked. If they wanted a different one, for reasons similar to mine with Lorraine, they could recruit their own. Interns were a different matter. Chris probably wanted whomever I chose to learn from the experience, get a handle on property law and contract negotiations. Meanwhile, they’d help us on briefs and research, and get coffee when secretaries were too busy. A “gopher.”

Unfortunately, I didn’t know the interns too well. Perhaps I could set up time to interview each of them. Chris probably wouldn’t mind. There were only five, so it couldn’t take that long.

The little party was winding down. I nodded to Chris, and he followed me out of the conference room and back down the hall.

“Any thoughts?” He asked.

“I’ve got a few options in mind. I’m going to ask Lorraine first, out of loyalty, but I’m fairly certain I want her here minding the store until I get back. She can take point on organizing meetings here, doing research, take care of my other files. I’d rather have her doing it, familiar as she is, rather than bring someone new up to speed.”

“Good thinking. And associates? I was thinking Paulson and Reed.”

I shook my head. Erik Paulson was pushy. He drove a fast sports car and flirted with secretaries. The guy had “Alpha Male” written all over him, and would likely be one of the ones resenting my position. Nick Reed was a flake; he tried hard but was disorganized. I imagined Chris had some sense after all: he likely wanted Paulson off his own back, and someone else to fix Reed’s mistakes.

“Reed and I worked together on that arbitration thing last March. Our styles don’t really mesh that well. And Paulson’s not a team player, you know that as well as I do. He’s already slept with three secretaries that I know of, and it’s causing tension on the floor.”

Chris nodded. “You’re absolutely right. You’re the right man for this job, after all. Excellent insight. So, who would you pick?”

“I’m considering Bill Fayter. He’s diligent, friendly, and has a lot of experience. He isn’t the most aggressive lawyer, so you won’t need him to take point on any projects around here. The department won’t miss him. But he gets things done, so he’ll be an asset out west.”

Chris nodded. “Anyone else?”

“I’m still sizing up the younger associates. Bill’s the only one of the veterans who isn’t married or who doesn’t have kids. I think it would be a great experience for one of the newer lawyers, I just have to work out which one. And, I’d like to interview all five interns. Give them the chance to prove themselves.”

“Very wise. It’ll give them some incentive to compete with each other, and gear them up for what it’s like in the real world as a lawyer. I’m impressed, Diggory. Keep it up!”

Next Chapter>>

Chapter Twenty: We Couldn't Get Along Without You

Matt and I sat on his couch with a couple of cold beers. I sipped mine slowly, thinking.

“I’m screwed,” I said abruptly.

“Oh?”

“Thanks to you, Mr. Big Mouth, I can’t just tell my father that I broke it off with Calla. He and my mother expect this impressive young lady. She’s a sign that I’m maturing. That I’m ‘boss material.’ I can’t show weakness or a lack of commitment. My father will immediately question whether I’m fit for the new promotion.”

“What if you tell him it was a misunderstanding? You weren’t really seeing her, I was having a prank at your expense.”

“Yeah, if I tell them that, then I’ll look just as weak. I should have smacked you down then and there, not let you ramble on. I’ll come across as a coward. That works for someone you’re offering the entire law department.”

Matt grimaced. “Sorry, dude.”

“It’s not your fault.” I stood up and grabbed my coat. “You didn’t know. I have to either figure out how to convince Calla to come on Friday, or invent an emergency to avoid my parents’ little party.”

“Given how pissed your dad will be, I’m thinking ‘faking your own death’ sounds good.”

“Goodnight, Matt.”


***********************************************************************


I had little trouble waking up at my usual time on Wednesday morning. Having been out until midnight should have caused a problem, but knowing Matt helped. I knew he would be late coming back and stole a nap in the evening, before exacting my revenge.

Now, I will never understand how he can stay out so late with a girl and still make it to work on time the next morning. Though perhaps he pulled the “calling in sick” trick more times than I was aware of.

I headed to the coffee house for the first time all week. I stood in line, got my cup, and found a seat. I looked around the room, hoping to spot Calla. There was the usual mix of university students and young adults, but no pretty physics majors. I shrugged and went to work.

I worked on files and contracts for a good chunk of the morning and then called Calla’s place. I felt like I needed to do some work first, personal calls always made me feel like I was cheating on my job. She wasn’t in, but that kind of made sense. After all, she was probably at class or the lab.

“Hi, Ms. Wiley, it’s Diggory Franklin calling. If you could contact me, my number is…”

I felt like such a dunce. She had called me on Saturday, and I’d been ignoring her ever since. What were the chances she’d bother to return the call? More importantly, what would I do if she did call? The last conversation had been surreal, with that nonsense about me having a year to live. I would need to find a way out of this.

Lorraine buzzed me. “Mr. Franklin, you’re needed in the conference room.”

“Thank you, Lorraine.”

I pulled on my suit jacket and walked down the hall, thinking hard. I turned and opened the conference room door, and was suddenly blitzed by sound.

“CONGRATULATIONS!” People screamed, making me jump. Then they harmonized with “For he’s a jolly good fellow…”

I felt like I was having a cheesy nightmare. I looked around the conference room and saw that it had been decorated with balloons and a congratulatory banner. The entire law department staff was there, except for Lorraine, cheering.

She appeared at my elbow a moment later.

“Sorry, boss.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Lorraine.”

Chris Geertz passed around glasses and offered a toast, promising everyone they’d see “big things” from me in the future. I felt bad for the guy: he was genuinely nice, and had no idea my father planned to cut him off at the balls in a couple of years.

There was actually cake and pizza. I realized that this promotion must have been a bigger deal than I thought. Everyone was shaking my hand and clapping me on the back, big grins plastered on their faces.

I even caught one of the interns batting her eyes at me flirtatiously. I smiled back.

Maybe growing up wasn’t so bad after all.

Next Chapter>>

Chapter Nineteen: Revenge

I waited in the dark. Revenge would be mine. I had been plotting for days. They came in late, past eleven. She was giggling, he talked smooth. Then there was the unmistakable sound of two people passionately kissing. The ruffle of clothes being removed. I could hear them moving around the apartment, probably undressing on their way to the bedroom. I tensed in my hiding place, ready to pounce.

They were in such a rush that they didn’t turn on any lights. I heard a woman’s soft sigh, and knew that they were on the bed. I picked up my weapon and flicked it open. I pushed the button.

The telephone rang.

“Crap,” the man grunted.

“Leave it,” the woman said, her voice full of craving.

The telephone continued to ring. And ring.

“I can’t leave it,” he said. “Caller ID. He’s my best friend.”

She made a sound. A sound that said she was miffed. That little gasp of offence and indignation.

He reached for the phone.

“Gahh, what the hell?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Something’s all over the phone,” He turned on the light. She began to laugh almost immediately. It grew louder and louder.

“Stop laughing!” I heard him say. Then, louder: “Stop laughing!”

I heard her giggles and chortles receding, and then the door slammed. He was alone. The telephone continued to ring. It stopped before the answer machine. And then started again.

“Fuck this,” I heard him say. Footsteps. He was in the kitchen. I decided to follow.

“Hello?” He said, his voice irritated, picking up the other phone. “Digger, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, Matt. I just called to tell you the good news.”

“What’s that?”

“Payback’s a bitch. Have a nice day.” I hung up.

“That tricky bastard…” He said, his voice admiring.

“I am,” I agreed from behind him. “Smile.”

He turned, bewildered. I sprayed him with the sticky foam, as I had the bedroom phone. I laughed, and then snapped a picture with my cell. While he sputtered and swore, trying to get it off, I emailed it to our list of friends. Soon everyone would know, today I had my revenge.

********************************************************************

I helped Matt clean up. I’m not a mean guy. He showered while I tidied the kitchen. Then, we went into the bedroom and started taking down the posters.

“I can’t believe you blew these up.” He shook his head.

There was one of him playing with his penis in the bathtub at the age of one or two. Another was him with his pants down at camp. There was Matt in high school dressed as a girl, the day he lost a bet. There was another from college, where he did the same thing on purpose, as a frat prank.

“Hey, you look good with shaved legs. It’s not my fault she’s not into cross-dressers.”

There was a poster of Matt mooning the cheerleader squad, and one of him on a blind date with a really fat girl named Celeste he met on the Internet.

“Dude, this was creative, I’ll give you that,” Matt couldn’t help but grin.

“I figured I owed you. My dad wants me to bring Calla to dinner on Friday.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I’m getting promoted. And since you’re so good at public relations and marketing, you’ve impressed my parents with the young lady I’m seeing. Too bad I’m NOT seeing her.”

“Crap. Well, I guess that means you have to call her.”

“No way. She’s crazy. Not worth the hassle. I’ll just tell them we broke up.”

“Right. Because we know how much your father likes being let down.”

Next Chapter>>

Chapter Eighteen: Old Man

I hadn’t been here in years, and immediately felt like a kid. The big bookcases, the leather chairs, the dark mahogany… It was exactly the same. It seemed slightly smaller, but I had grown. And I do mean “slightly,” because the office took up most of the floor. I knew that the corridor I had come from had a public bathroom, and that there was a private one off my father’s office. Otherwise, this floor was for Gerald’s small office and then my father’s tribute to himself.

While there were a lot of books, the shelves also prominently displayed photographs of my father. He was shaking hands with eight successive mayors, one president, three governors. There were pictures of him receiving awards, opening buildings, and meeting celebrities.

He sat, not behind his desk, but in one of the reading chairs along the side of the room. Another was at a comfortable distance from him, positioned for a quiet conversation. He stood up, buttoning his black suit jacket.

“Good afternoon, Diggory.”

“Hello, Father.”

I crossed the distance and shook hands with him. His shake was still powerful. And, why not? He was just barely past fifty and took care of himself. He gestured for me to sit, and settled himself back down in his chair, unbuttoning his jacket as he did so.

I would have asked why he did that, but my father had told me years before. Presentation was everything. Sitting with the jacket unbuttoned kept the lines from rumpling, while doing it up while standing was to appear dignified and precise. My rolled-up sleeves and casual look in my own office would never impress my father.

“I understand that you’ve taken some real initiative with the Colorado project.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Christopher Geertz tells me you’re the best lawyer in his department.”

“If he says so.”

“He does.”

I sat silently. I wanted to drum my fingers on the arms of the chair, but fought the impulse. I just waited for him to say something else. That had been the rule at home. Answer questions, and then wait.

“I’ve reviewed the department’s past six months. He’s right. No one logs as many hours, finishes as many contracts, visits as many clients… You seem to live for your work, Diggory.”

“Yes, sir. I want to do my best.”

Here my father almost smiled. “Your mother thinks you’re working too hard.”

“Mother has never worked.” It slipped out. I really hadn’t stopped to think, and then realized I meant what I said. She wasn’t really in a position to judge.

“No, she hasn’t. She has never understood what we have in common.”

I blinked. Did my father just compare the two of us? That was unheard of.

“Pardon?”

“We have ambition. I noted it when you were young. You set your mind on what you wanted to accomplish, and then devised the means. I may not always have approved of your goals, but I certainly noticed the work ethic.”

He shocked me further. “I’m proud of you, Son.”

I sat back in the chair, and the world became a blur for a moment. I almost lost the thread of conversation, and it took a moment to register what he was saying next.

“After the Colorado deal is finished, I’m going to expect a lot more from you. Christopher didn’t realize it at the time, but admitting that you were the best lawyer in the building sealed his fate. You’ll be replacing him in two years, three at the most. Had he protested, tried to defend his own prowess, I might give him a chance. But he just blithely agreed. So, his job is yours, if you can keep things going.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

“Your mother wishes to congratulate you as well. Come for dinner on Friday, she’s having people over.”

“The country house?”

“No, the apartment in the city. She wants to go to the theatre this weekend. That will be all.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.” I got up to leave, heading for the big doors.

“Oh, and Diggory?” I turned to look back at him. “Bring that young lady you’re seeing.”

Next Chapter>>

Chapter Seventeen: Da Bo$$ Would Like to See You

The alarm clock announced it was Tuesday with its usual enthusiasm. I rolled out of bed and stumbled like a zombie for the bathroom, letting the shower bring me back to life. Fifteen minutes later, shaven and showered, I dressed for work and then ran to the kitchen. I grabbed a Pop Tart from the fridge and went out the door.

I was at the office ahead of anyone else, and made the coffee in the break room. I sipped a cup as I sat down at my computer, working diligently on the contracts for the architect in Denver. Lorraine popped her head in and refilled my cup about mid-morning. She and I worked well together: she let me get in the zone and work my magic on paperwork, while she managed incoming calls and my calendar. We rarely got in each other’s way.

I hung my suit coat up and rolled up my sleeves as I pored over paperwork. Chris popped in his head just before lunch.

“Ready for a break?”

I looked up. “Uh, sure. What’s up?”

“Lunchtime. You coming?”

“Well, I wanted to get ahead on this…”

“Business lunch. My treat.” He winked, and I realized he probably had good news. I stood and straightened out my shirt, grabbing my suit coat.

We walked a couple of blocks to Soprafinos, a classy little Italian place. It had the best veal marsala in town. Chris ordered wine and a linguine dish. I got the marsala.

Chris raised his glass. “To the future.”

“The future?”

“You’re in. Your father wants to speak to you this afternoon, so you didn’t hear it from me. But, congrats! You’re the man.”

“I’m the man,” I said. I smiled.

“So, after your father makes the formal announcement, I figure we’ll take the whole department out, even the secretaries.”

“Why not,” I laughed.

“We’ll toast your success, and start choosing your team. I’m going to need you to fly down there next week and open a temporary office, find a good rental space downtown. Check out the site, meet with the architect, the city planning office…”

“Absolutely. I’m all over it.”

“You’re going to be in charge out there. Show you’ve got the balls, get this done, and big things are in store for you.”

“Big things.”

“I keep forgetting!” Chris laughed, almost spilling the wine he was drinking. “You’re Mr. Franklin’s son. You don’t need to worry.”

“Well…”

“No, I mean that in a good way. I’m impressed at the hours you’re putting in. No one would have expected it, and now the whole floor thinks you’re a workhorse. No one looks at you as the boss’ son. Everyone thinks you deserve this.”

I sat back, grinning even wider. I dug into my meal and basked in the moment.

Which was a memory I tried to hold onto as I rode the elevator up to the top floor and my father’s office. I clenched and unclenched my hands as I watched the numbers go up and up and up.

The elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. The doors opened up on a corridor filled with designer couches, fancy lighting, and paintings on the walls. The colours were tasteful and sedate. I opened the big wooden doors directly in front of me, entering the waiting area. I waved to Gerald, my father’s assistant, who was sitting at his desk.

“One moment, Mr. Franklin, while I inform him that you’ve arrived.”

“Thank you, Gerald.”

He pushed a button. “Sir, the young Mr. Franklin is here.”

“Send him in.”

I passed through the next set of big, ornate doors and entered my father’s office.

Next Chapter>>