Beautiful (Book Three of the Beautifully Broken Series)

by Angela Stephens

  As Kathryn expected, the building was abuzz from the aftermath of the Gala. Even before she and James passed through the security checkpoint at the entrance, the flow of people streaming in and out of the building attested to the enormous publicity the company had received.

  A camera crew busily set up in the lobby, the logo of a stylized green Earth resting atop a lotus appearing everywhere from the equipment to the green and white T-shirts worn by the crew.

  “What’s that all about?” Kathryn asked, her curiosity piqued.

  “Looks like Green Scene,” James said, eyeing the logo. “One of the top eco-channels in the country. Dad must have set it up. It was on my to do list before all this other shit happened.”

  Passing reception en route to the elevators, Lakisha, dressed in vivid canary yellow, smiled and waved Kathryn over. As she and James approached the desk, Lakisha presented them with a pile of letters and packages.

  “All of this is for us?” Kathryn said, her demeanor more relaxed now that the harrowing commute was over. “I hope at least some of it is fan mail.”

  “Oh, this isn’t everything,” Lakisha said. “Mom already took up a pile.” She paused to check her reflection in a compact resting on the desk, “Crew’s going to start filming here in reception, I’m going to be interviewed!”

  “You look beautiful,” Kathryn said, “I can’t think of a more photogenic representative for the company.”

  James grinned endearingly. “Looks like we’re going to be busy.”

  Loaded up with their mail and packages, Kathryn and James headed toward the elevators. Infused by the surrounding energy, Kathryn realized how much she had missed being at the office and was looking forward to getting back into her routine.

  “I feel like it’s Christmas,” Kathryn said, juggling the packages,

  “Well, let’s hope Santa brought us some interesting goodies,” James said, inspecting some of the labels, “From what I see here, we’ve got a lot of interest from green companies and organizations from around the world.”

  As they stepped out of the elevator, Sandra, dressed in an eye popping floral sheath, nodded to them with a dazzling smile before returning her attention to directing a gaggle of maintenance crew to the unoccupied offices. Tools, equipment and boxes of supplies cluttered every available space above the din of chatter from walkie-talkies.

  She winked as she turned toward them.

  “Here’s the VIP couple,” she said, “I’m almost tempted to ask for your autographs.”

  James and Kathryn exchanged puzzled glances.

  “Let me help you with those,” Sandra said, rushing to collect some packages threatening to topple from Kathryn’s arms.

  “What’s going on?” James asked, unloading a pile of letters onto Sandra’s desk.

  “Your father didn’t tell you?” she said. “No matter, he’ll be down in a moment.”

  While James ducked into his office, Kathryn navigated past a pile of boxes and entered hers, Closing the door behind her, she took a moment to unload some of the mail onto her desk and slipped her purse into the drawer. She paused to savor the view of the cityscape and the shimmering ribbon of river bustling with boat traffic of all description. In the distance, the snowy peak of Mt. Hood majestically crowned a pristine blue horizon.

  Lost in the serenity of the moment, she almost didn’t notice the knock at her door.

  “Come in,” she said, turning to see Frank walking in.

  “Sandra, it’s so good to see you,” he said.

  Kathryn’s pleasure at seeing Frank transformed into surprise as he gathered her in an affectionate hug.

  “Are you alright, Kathryn?” he asked. “I’ve been so worried about you. Now things really are starting to get a little too out of hand.”

  Kathryn looked at Frank, his eyes reflecting genuine warmth that deeply touched her. In some ways, he was becoming more of a father to her than her own was, and the man that she had initially thought stern and unapproachable was becoming a friend and ally.

  “I feel a lot better now that I’m back in the office,” she said. “In a way, Manticorp has become my home.”

  Frank’s eyes gleamed with emotion.

  “That makes me very happy to hear, Kathryn,” he said. “The more I get to know you, the more grateful I am that you found your way to us.”

  “Frank... I don’t know what to say. I can’t even begin to express ...”

  “There’s no need to say any more,” Frank said. “Sometimes, people come in and out of our lives for certain reasons.” His glance grew distant, as though revisiting a faraway memory. “We’ve all made mistakes. If they’re meant to be lessons, then we need to pay attention and learn from them.”

  “What do you mean?” Kathryn asked.

  “This situation with Heather, I should have seen it coming, or at least I should have faced the reality of who she really was when I noticed the changes in her.”

  Noticing Kathryn’s uncomfortable expression, he continued. “And no, it’s not because of you.” He smiled. “That incident in the lobby just confirmed what I already suspected about Heather, but as you know, James and I haven’t been on good terms, well, for quite some time really. That is, until you came into his life. We’d been sparring partners for so long I can’t even remember the last time we acted like father and son. Thanks to you, that’s changed, but now we’ve had to face the truth about some poor choices we both made. Mine to use Heather as a means to control James, and James to start acting responsibly instead of the lone wolf he’s always tended to be.”

  “I’ve never really been the catalyst in anyone’s life before,” Kathryn said. “Thank you, Frank.”

  Frank considered her for a moment. “Thank you, Kathryn. I’d be happy if you continued to stay with James, and not just as a matter of safety. The two of you are the perfect team in every way.” He grinned when he notice the color rise to Kathryn’s cheeks, “I may not be a spring chicken, but I do remember what it was like to be in love, and I do believe I’m seeing it for the first time in James.”

  Kathryn thought of the photos on Frank’s desk, but struggling to keep her emotions in check as it was, she simply reached out to hug Frank.

  “I guess getting through this crisis will make us all stronger,” she said. “I just hope it’s over sooner rather than later, I’m actually pretty scared but I don’t want to worry James.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, I’m just as concerned,” Frank said, “We have a meeting scheduled with Sam later. I was on the verge of calling the police after James told me that you were being followed, but Sam assured me his sources are more effective. He’s confident we’ll not only catch Heather and her low-life friends, but get them off the street once and for all.”

  “Good,” Kathryn said. “We’ll all be able to breathe a lot easier after that.”

  A knock on the door interrupted them.

  “Come in,” Kathryn said.

  One of the maintenance crew, a tall, lanky Asian, popped his head inside.

  “Mr. Manticorp, can we get your approval on some layouts?”

  “I’ll be just a moment, Hideo.”

  Frank turned to Kathryn with a smile.

  “As you can see, I’m moving your team onto this floor as soon as the preparations are finished.”

  “What made you decide to push the move ahead of schedule?” Kathryn asked.

  Frank beamed. “The Gala was more than a resounding success. We’ve gotten interest from several major players, including the Green Scene cable station that’s filming a documentary about Manticorp Media.”

  “I saw the crew setting up in the lobby,” Kathryn said, “James tells me they’re one of the major green stations in the country.”

  Frank nodded enthusiastically. “They’ll be interviewing a cross-section of staff, which is another reason why I wanted your team assembled as quickly as possible. With Manticorp about to emerge as an even more recognized name, our team has to be ready to take
on the challenge of being one of the leaders of the green movement.”

  “My God!” Kathryn said. “That’s amazing!”

  “I’ve been in meetings all morning,” Frank said. “There’s a lot to discuss. Let me deal with Hideo and then we can—”

  Both turned in surprise as James rushed into the room.

  “Dad, Kathryn,” he said with a serious expression. “You need to see this.”

  Following James into his office, Kathryn felt a sense of foreboding as he paused to speak to Sandra busily shepherding the maintenance crew before closing the door.

  “What’s going on, James?” Frank asked, eyeing an array of photos spread across James’ desk.

  James approached his father. “I think we have a serious problem. Take a look at these.”

  Frank drew closer to inspect the photos. Frozen like an insect caught in amber, Kathryn could only watch.

  Shaking his head, Frank turned toward Kathryn and handed the photos to her.

  Kathryn took them with trembling hands. At first, the images of her and James entering and leaving the bridal suite at the ballroom seemed innocuous enough until she noticed what seemed to be a printed message on the back of the initial photo showing them entering the suite.

  Music to our ears, and we’re sure to your peers.

  Kathryn shook her head and glanced at James. “What does this mean?”

  “Check my email,” James said, motioning her toward his computer. “There’s an audio file you’re probably not going to be happy to hear.”

  Kathryn reluctantly sat at his desk and opened the file, At the distinct sounds of frantic lovemaking, Kathryn’s finger darted to mute the volume, Flushed with embarrassment, she could barely look at James let alone Frank.

  “How did the photos arrive?” Frank asked, choosing not to focus on the recording.

  “According to Lakisha,” James said, “she found a plain envelope addressed to me on her desk after she came back from break. I already forwarded the audio and scans of the photos to Sam and contacted security to review camera footage to see who left the envelope.”

  “Does the recording actually prove anything?” Kathryn asked.

  Though she still felt uncomfortable about the recording, she realized that there was no longer any reason to be concerned about admitting her relationship with James. Frank had made it clear during their conversation that he had no issues with it, and that if they were all going to move forward, being open about the situation was the best way to handle it.

  Even now, she started feeling more relieved, as if at least one burden had been removed from her shoulders. Heather was not going to win by intimidation, at least in this regard. Kathryn looked James and Frank in the eye.

  “After all,” she continued, “the photos may show us entering and leaving the suite, but who’s to say others didn’t use the room? Most of the evening we were downstairs. There was ample time and opportunity.”

  “That’s an excellent point,” James said, “and with all the editing software available, who’s to say the whole thing wasn’t fabricated by some computer geek with too much time on his hands?”

  At that moment, James’ phone rang. “James Manticorp,” he said, snatching it up after the first ring.

  “James, it’s Sam. Would now be a good time for a Skype call?”

  James glanced at his father and Kathryn. “Sam wants to talk.”

  “Give me a moment to take care of Hideo,” Frank said. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Go ahead, Sam, we’re logging on now,” James said.

  Kathryn pulled up a couple of chairs to the computer while James hung up and activated Skype.

  Sam’s serious face appeared on the computer.

  “Seems you’ve had an interesting morning,” he said.

  “Dad will be back in a moment,” James said. “What’s your take on our love letters?”

  “Well, clearly Heather’s involved with a pretty savvy group. I did have my contact in the area check out the situation downtown but everything was cleared up by the time he arrived. However my people are analyzing everything you sent so we should have more details shortly.”

  “Did they plan to send the recording and photos to the press?” Kathryn asked, “because it’s not necessarily conclusive. It could have been anyone in the room, and the images could have been photoshopped.”

  “How quickly we learn the ways of the underhanded,” Sam said dryly. “But yes, you’re correct. From what I’ve seen I’m willing to guess it’s meant more as intimidation than anything else. Frankly, no one’s going to be impressed with generic photos and a questionable recording. My only concern is that it shows a lack of security at the ballroom. Heather clearly had an accomplice with her as she wouldn’t have risked detection by being so obvious.”

  Snap, Kathryn thought. Her intuition had been correct.

  “And our friends in the BMW?” James asked.

  Frank entered the office and quickly sat down beside Kathryn.

  “Frank,” Sam said, nodding, “I was just telling James and Kathryn that I believe this an attempt at intimidation, but I’m still waiting to hear back from my contacts about the material James sent.”

  “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised at anything Heather might attempt at this point,” James said.

  “James was just asking about the BMW,” Sam continued. “2011 Series 6 to be precise. I’m running registrations through my source for that model.”

  “That’s what concerns me the most,” Frank said. “What were they intending to do?”

  “I don’t think they anticipated the traffic,” Kathryn said. “I probably wouldn’t have even noticed them if we hadn’t been stuck; it was sheer coincidence that the water main burst. It was the suspicious way the car kept weaving that caught my attention.”

  “Just be more vigilant from now on,” Sam said. “They wouldn’t have been able to pull anything with so many witnesses, but they could be looking for routines and possible opportunities. Most drivers don’t pay much attention to who’s around them. This isn’t to say they won’t use another car next time, but regardless, be aware of anyone that seems to be following you.”

  Sam looked at Kathryn. “I believe you don’t own a car?”

  “No,” she said. “I don’t really need one, or at least I didn’t when I lived in my apartment.” She glanced at James. “I’ll probably have to think about getting a car at some point.”

  “That’s not a priority at the moment,” James said. “For now we travel together.”

  “I’ve taken the liberty of assigning a friend to keep an eye on you,” Sam said. “You’ll never see him, but his, shall we say, unique training makes him a good candidate for this kind of surveillance.”

  Kathryn’s reaction inadvertently registered on her face. What next? Martial arts training? A weekend at the firing range?

  “It’s not as bad as you think, Kathryn,” Sam said. “We’re talking about a few sensible precautions, that’s all. I have a feeling we’re going to score a hit very soon.”

  “Well, that’s good to know,” James said. “I was wondering if I need to keep the Ruger handy.”

  Kathryn swiveled toward him in surprise. “I wouldn’t have taken you as a gun owner, James.”

  “I usually carry it when I’m out in the field,” he said. “In the forest or the mountains you have to be prepared.”

  “Let’s not let our emotions get the better of us,” Frank said. “We have a great deal of work to do and we need to focus on that.”

  “On that note,” Sam said, “I’ll let you go. I have a few more calls to make. I’ll get back to you as soon as I have any updates.”

  “Okay, Sam,” James said. “Thanks again for your help.”

  “Frank, Kathryn,” Sam said with a nod, and then signed out.

  “I don’t know about you,” James said, “but I don’t intend to let this bullshit slow me down. We’ve got crew waiting to start filming.”

  He gath
ered the photos, stuffed them back into the envelope and placed them into a wall safe concealed behind a mirror.

  “We’ll have a ritual burning for this garbage later,” he said.

  Frank rose with a preoccupied expression. “Not the way I expected to start the day,” he said, walking to the door. “The crew’s waiting for us in the lobby. I’ll get them started and meet you downstairs.”

  “When do they want to interview us?” James asked.

  “Let’s leave that for last, since your interviews will take the most time,” Frank said. “This will give you some time to catch up. Hopefully there’ll be no more delays. We have a company to run.”

  “I’ll start wading through the mail,” Kathryn said as Frank stepped out of the office. “After that I definitely have to catch up with Sandra.”

  She pasted on a smile, wishing she could feel the same confidence as James. Despite Sam’s assurances, she still felt intimidated by the blatant invasion of their privacy and the threat to their safety.

  James smiled. “That’s my girl. You know everything’s going to work out, don’t you?”

  He pulled her to her feet and embraced her. Holding each other close, they enjoyed a moment of comfort that restored them both.

  “I didn’t get an answer,” James said. “You believe that everything’s going to work out, right?”

  Kathryn sighed. “When did you start becoming a practising psychic?”

  “Ancient wisdom of the tribes,” he said. “When we go on our field trip, I’ll show you things that will blow your mind.”

  “As long as it doesn’t involve exotic mushrooms,” Kathryn said.

  “No sense of adventure?” James quipped. “We’ve definitely got to get you out of the office more often.”

  Kathryn gazed up at him. “Easy now, peyote man. Do I detect a note of seriousness here?”

  “I’m talking about amping up your spirituality, your connection to nature,” James said. “There’s more to life than the walls that contain us.”

  “That’s really important to you, isn’t it?” Kathryn said.

  “That connection has saved me many times,” James said. “And had I been smarter, I would have let it help me even more. In a sense I’m partly to blame for this mess with Heather. I knew in my gut things weren’t right, but I ignored my instincts and these are the consequences. That I need to face them is one thing, but neither you nor my father should have to.”