by L. A. Larkin
‘No, Ben, she’s not interested. If you have anything concrete, give it to me and I’ll pass it on.’
‘How do I know I can trust you?’ he asked, blowing smoke.
‘Ben, I don’t have time for this. You wanted my help. You wanted to tell some big story to the world to get your revenge. Well, if you want my help, give me what you’ve got or find someone else.
He inhaled and nodded slowly. She waited for him to say something.
‘Well?’ she asked, her voice brittle with frustration.
‘I’ll think about it,’ he replied.
Serena threw up her arms and strode back across the road. She hurried into the hotel, drawn like a Bogong moth to the light inside. She had work to do: earlier that evening, she’d overheard Sue whispering to Ron that Bukowski was going to invite an exclusive few to his penthouse for an after-party. Sue intended to be one of them. And so did Serena. She might still get a chance to use the B0r3r tonight.
However, as Serena took the elevator to the top floor, she wondered if she were doing the right thing. A feeling of foreboding made her shiver. Bukowski was smart and she had to be careful.
Her instincts were telling her to leave, but her mind was telling her to stay. With other staff around, what harm could come to her?
Chapter 40
There was a small, ever-diminishing crowd around the top-floor bar. The roof had slid back and the whole area was open to the stars. Sue sat on a bar stool and sparkled as she moved. She kept flicking looks at Bukowski, who was in deep conversation with an Amazonian woman in a red dress. Serena had never seen her before. She scanned the group and was relieved not to see Colin. If her plan for tonight didn’t work, she would find him in the morning and tackle the biometric mouse obstacle then.
Darko was lying back in an armchair, waving his hands around as he spoke to a man she recognised as the treasurer. Perched on the arm of Darko’s chair was a petite and pretty woman, staring up adoringly at a man she was conversing with. Serena didn’t recognise either of them.
Bukowski spotted Serena and gestured to her to join them at the bar.
‘Amber, come and meet Gordana, Darko’s wife.’
He said something quickly to the woman, who nodded. As Serena walked over to them, they each looked at her like they were studying a painting. Bukowski’s face creased into his usual broad smile and he steered her towards the woman.
‘Lovely to meet you,’ said Gordana, extending a beautifully manicured hand. Her skin was spotless and honey-brown; her body muscular, like a dancer’s. And she oozed sexual energy.
‘Lovely to meet you too,’ replied Serena.
‘You worked in England, I hear.’ ‘That’s right,’ she replied. She must be careful to stick to her fake CV.
‘I would love to visit England one day, but only in the summer. It is best then, yes?’
She turned to her husband before Serena could answer.
‘Darling, we must go to England soon. And then to Paris and the Greek Islands. You have been promising me for so long.’
Darko grinned and came over to them. He took her hand between his.
‘For you, my beautiful wife, anything,’ he said with mock sincerity, winking at Bukowski.
She pulled her hand away in fake exasperation and leaned forward to Serena, whispering, ‘I will get my way.’
‘She always does,’ he laughed.
Serena had never seen Darko so relaxed; he was a different man in the presence of his wife.
‘Amber, a glass of champagne?’
She was about to refuse, having determined to stay on sparkling water for the rest of the night. But when she noticed the label, she changed her mind. It was a Krug Clos du Mesnil 1990. Very rare and very expensive.
‘Yes, please. How could I say “No” to a 1990 Krug—especially that one?’
‘Indeed, how could you?’
Bukowski poured, and she tasted it.
‘Gorgeous, thank you. So, Gordana, how long have you been in Sydney? Or were you born here?’ Serena asked.
‘In Sydney; two years, I think. Before that, we were in New York.’
‘Ah, so you’ve worked together before?’ she replied, looking at both Bukowski and Darko.
‘We certainly have. We’re old friends. Dana and Cecile were inseparable. Dana is Jen’s godmother,’ replied Bukowski.
Serena noticed Bukowski fiddle with his left cufflink. It had some kind of cartoon character on it. Bukowski saw her looking.
‘A present from Jen. It’s the new Tingoon character. They’re really big back home. She thinks her dad is far too serious, so she sent me these,’ he laughed, showing Serena the strange little creature on his cufflink.
‘So cute!’ said Gordana, peering over Serena’s shoulder.
‘Let’s have a look,’ said Sue, who took his wrist and laughed a little too loudly at the cufflink. Did Serena catch a smirk on Bukowski’s face?
For a while, Sue dominated the conversation, flirting quite openly with Bukowski. Sal eventually went home, as did the treasurer. The couple Serena hadn’t recognised were introduced to her as Sasha and Craig.
‘Craig heads up our China operations,’ said Bukowski.
‘And who might this lovely lady be?’ Craig asked, taking Serena’s hand and kissing it with mock gallantry.
‘I work for Al,’ she replied.
Craig’s small eyes, set in a chubby face, looked at her approvingly.
‘Do you, now? And what kind of work do you do?’
‘I’m his PA. At least, while he’s in Sydney. Then I work for the new local CEO.’
‘Ever considered working in China?’ asked Craig. ‘My PA’s a bloody dragon. Three kids, she’s the size of a house and has a double chin bigger than mine! I’ve been meaning to get rid of her, but she’s so frigging efficient I can’t afford to let her go.’
‘Isn’t the issue that she’s great at her job, not what she looks like?’ asked Serena.
‘Ohh. And feisty too! You’ve got a live one here, mate.’
‘Craig, stop teasing poor Amber,’ Bukowski said. He refilled her glass. ‘Don’t take any notice. By the way, I haven’t thanked you yet for organising tonight’s event. Well done.’
He raised his glass to her.
‘Can I have some more?’ asked Sue, frowning.
‘Certainly, I’ll get another bottle.’
Bukowski moved along the bar and ordered. With his back to them all, he poured Sue a fresh glass and then paused for a while. He fiddled with his pocket. Rejoining the group, he gave the glass to Sue.
Serena had discovered that Craig was VP Research and Development in China.
‘So, have you any idea why Dr Munroe just disappeared like that?’ she asked provocatively.
The smile froze on his pudgy face for a second before he responded.
‘No idea. Probably stress. These scientists are under a lot of pressure, you know.’
‘His family must be so worried.’
‘As we all are,’ said Bukowski. ‘Now, tell me, Amber, have you ever been to New York?’
Sue slumped onto a bar stool, her eyes half shut. Serena took her glass and placed an arm around her waist.
‘Sue, are you all right?’
‘Just a bit sleepy,’ she mumbled.
‘Time to get you home, Sue,’ said Bukowski, helping her to stand. Sue wrapped her arms around his neck like an octopus.
‘I’ll get her a cab,’ said Darko, peeling her arms away from Bukowski and almost carrying her out of the bar.
‘Come back to my suite after,’ Bukowski called to Darko.
‘Whoops! Looks like she’s had a teensy-weensy bit too much to drink,’ giggled Sasha.
‘I’d like to invite you all to my penthouse; let’s continue the party there. I just need to check some emails but you guys help yourself to the bar and order anything you want. Barman!’ he called, ‘another Krug to the Flannery suite.’
This was the opportunity she had been waiting
for. Perhaps, as it was his temporary home, rather than his office, the mouse would not be biometric. Security was generally more lax at people’s homes.
‘You will come, won’t you?’ asked Bukowski.
‘Darling, you have to join us. You are the special guest. We have you to thank for this lovely evening,’ chipped in Gordana.
‘Whoa, let’s party!’ whooped Sasha.
She surveyed the faces of the remaining guests: Gordana, Darko, Sasha, Craig, the CFO and someone she didn’t recognise but thought was from the legal department. They were all up for a big night. Serena’s plan was to encourage them to keep drinking so they wouldn’t notice when she sneaked off into Bukowski’s home office to use the B0r3r.
‘Amber, come on,’ said Bukowski. ‘I have an awesome view from my deck. It’s really worth a look. And I won’t email for long, I promise.’ He had his head tilted to one side and his arms folded, daring her to say yes. She saw the challenge in his eyes. Her every instinct was telling her not to go, despite the opportunity it would afford. Something was wrong but she couldn’t lay her finger on it.
‘Please. I would really like your company,’ pressed Bukowski.
There are times in everyone’s life when one decision can change things forever. This was such a decision.
‘Just for a little while.’
Chapter 41
The curvaceous body in red silk swayed to the hypnotic rhythm. Music beat softly. Taking Serena’s hand, Gordana pulled her up from her chair to dance. Bukowski had disappeared into a room down the hallway to read his emails.
The moment Serena entered the enormous suite, she was plunged into a world of subdued light and shadows. Two table lamps provided low lighting, their force dampened by the midnight-blue lampshades. Candles flickered on every table, every bookshelf, in every nook and cranny, lining the floor next to sliding balcony doors. The lounge-room glass doors ran from floor to ceiling, ensuring an uninterrupted view of the city, which sparkled like jewels on a black velvet cloak. A butler came and went, dismissed for the night.
Gordana lifted her arm and twirled Serena around, laughing. The carpet was soft and luxurious and, as Serena danced, it stroked her toes through her strappy sandals. Then Gordana spun under Serena’s arm, affording a view of her barely-there dress, which was backless and held up by spider-thread straps. In contrast, Serena’s dress revealed less flesh, but still emphasised her curvy figure.
A man and woman laughed on the sofa. It was Darko and Sasha. The CFO and the man from Legal conversed in a corner. The champagne had been devoured and two bottles of Mount Mary sat in silver ice buckets. Out on the balcony, Craig stood alone, smoking. Serena wondered how much longer Bukowski would be. Blood was racing through her veins and she found it hard to sit still. She wanted to use the B0r3r and leave. But there was no sign of him—the home office door was still shut.
Serena left Gordana swaying sensually to the music, and made her way onto the balcony. Craig was her target. ‘What a view!’ she said.
He turned around so that he had his back to the rail and the view.
‘I agree,’ he replied, leering at her.
‘Can I ask you something, Craig?’
‘Shoot.’
‘Do you think there might be a role for me in New York, working with Al?’
‘Why don’t you ask Al that question?’
‘Well, I wanted to gauge if his PA, Monica, is a long-term thing.’
‘It’s a long-term thing. They have a special relationship, if you know what I mean,’ Craig answered. His mouth was slightly open and his tongue kept playing with his lower front teeth. He made her feel sick. But she leaned forward conspiratorially and dropped her voice.
‘Oh, I see. Thanks for telling me. Don’t mention I asked, will you?’
He placed his heavy arm around her shoulders.
‘You fancy Al. Strewth! What woman doesn’t? Get over it. If you want my advice, you’re better off working for me in China. I’d look after you.’
Serena pulled herself away from Craig’s arm.
‘No, I just find him interesting to work for.’
He laughed out loud.
‘Yeah, right!’
‘Craig, please don’t tease me. Tell me about Al. How did he get to be so successful?’
‘Brilliance, charm and ambition. That about sums it up.’
‘I hear he can be terrifying when he loses it.’
Craig shook his head.
‘He never really loses it. He’s always in control. He never lets go.’
‘So, it’s true he doesn’t delegate? That nothing important happens without his say-so?’
‘You bet. Al hardly ever sleeps. He works all the time. He knows everything that goes on in Gene-Asis, and I mean everything. Never try to bullshit him. He’ll know.’
‘What, everything! Surely not all the R&D work as well?’
‘Especially the R&D.’
‘Wow! That’s amazing.’ Therefore, Bukowski had to know about the problems with Supercrop and T-Speed.
‘You’ve really fallen for him! God help you.’
She did nothing to contradict his mistaken assumption, knowing that it meant she could get away with asking these personal questions.
‘He’s a lucky man,’ continued Craig.
‘Who’s a lucky man?’ asked a voice behind her.
Serena jumped. She smelled a spicy aroma of citrus, musk and sandalwood, and turned to see Bukowski illuminated in the doorway. His black hair glistened, his skin gleamed and his dimples seemed deeply etched into his smiling face. He’d changed out of his dinner jacket, and was dressed immaculately in a casual black shirt and black jeans.
‘You, mate, we’ve been talking about you,’ replied Craig, slapping Bukowski warmly on the back.
‘Don’t believe anything he says. It’s all lies,’ Bukowski joked, handing her a glass of wine.
‘He’s been very complimentary,’ said Serena.
‘I don’t believe you,’ he replied, still smiling, his head tilted to one side. ‘Prove it. What did he say about me?’
He stood too close to her. Somehow, he seemed bigger tonight. As he looked into her eyes, he exuded a confidence that drained her of hers. This was the man she suspected of sanctioning intimidation and murder. This was the man involved in covering up the company’s dirty secrets. This was the man who’d been checking her out, and she had no idea what he really knew about her. Serena heard her heart beating faster but held his gaze steadily.
‘Only that you’re brilliant and ambitious.’
‘Now I know you’re lying,’ he laughed.
‘Darling, this suite is divine!’ said Sasha, squeezing Bukowski’s arm. ‘What are you all doing outside? We have something for you in the lounge.’
Craig stamped out his cigarette and followed Sasha inside. Serena went to follow.
‘Wait.’
She stopped. They stood in semi-darkness, the only light coming from the weakening flickering candles within.
‘If you want to come to New York, I can arrange it.’
‘You heard!’ she said, genuinely surprised. How long had he been standing there?
He raised his hand and stroked her cheek. The intimacy of his action startled her. Her pale skin flushed.
‘And I am not having an affair with Monica,’ he whispered, his hand cupping her cheek. Speechless, she stared at him.
‘I never have relationships with my staff. That’s why, if you come to New York, it will be as my guest.’
Dumbfounded, she still couldn’t speak. Trying to regain her composure, she stepped back and his hand slipped away.
‘And please don’t believe what other people say about me. There’s another side to me that most people don’t see.’
He took a step towards her so that his face was barely a few centimetres from hers. ‘Shall we join the others?’ he said, gesturing inside.
She nodded. He placed his arm around her waist so softly she barely felt him steering
her inside. As he walked, he leaned over and whispered:
‘He’s right about one thing. I am lucky.’
Serena asked to be directed to the bathroom. Bukowski was coming on strong and she needed some breathing space. Also, this might be her chance to slip into his home office unnoticed. She counted off sixty seconds and then silently opened the bathroom door. Laughter rang out from the lounge. The office was only one door down and nobody was about. She moved towards it and held out her hand to grip the door handle.
‘There you are. The party’s not the same without you.’ Bukowski took her outstretched hand and led her back to the party. She swore silently.
Keen to create some distance between herself and Bukowski, she sat next to Sasha and Craig. She counted the guests and realised that the CFO and the legal guy had left, which made her nervous. It was time to cut her losses and leave. Craig offered her a glass of wine but she refused politely and stood up.
‘I really must go,’ she announced.
‘No you must not. Tomorrow’s the weekend, so what’s the rush?’ said Bukowski.
‘Really, Al, I want to go.’
‘And I want to show you something. Come with me.’
He again took her hand. Short of pulling it away, she had no choice but to follow. She was stunned to find herself in his office. His smartphone was docked into a keyboard and the mouse looked different from the ones at work. It didn’t have a pulsating red beam of light, which meant it probably didn’t have biometric capabilities. If only she could get five minutes alone.
He picked up a digital photo frame.
‘Jen at holiday camp. Doesn’t she look fine?’ The little girl was on a pony.
‘She’s a natural. And what’s the rosette for?’ asked Serena, pointing to a blue rosette on the horse’s bridle.
‘Jumping.’ After ten seconds, the image changed to an extremely tall, white-haired, severe looking man in a Stetson, leaning on a wooden fence post. ‘That’s my grandpop, the head of our family. He taught me the importance of family, of hard work and achievement. He built up an oil empire and ran a cattle ranch. Makes my life look like a walk in the park.’
‘Al, why are you showing me this?’ She didn’t like being alone with him.