Bane (Memphis #1)

by D H Sidebottom

  “I’d heard stories,” he went on, completely disregarding what I had just said. “But up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t believe a single one of them. Even Bane was dubious.” Taking a sip of his coffee, he narrowed his eyes. “And yet, here you are.”

  “Here I am,” I spat quietly. “Look, Mr Knox, what the hell do you want with me?”

  His eyes lifted suddenly, his pupils dilating and fixing on a spot behind me, and then he sat a little straighter. “I need a smoke,” he declared abruptly. His bipolar appeared to have returned.

  I blinked in shock when he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of my chair, yanking me after him at a speed my little legs couldn’t keep up with.

  The wind whipped my hair when I was pulled outside. Strangely, Brandon slipped one strong arm around my shoulder and practically pulled me in front of him while still moving at a speed I was struggling to maintain. My heels scraped the icy pavement as I was more or less shoved down the street, my back to Brandon’s front as he propelled us forwards.

  I frowned when he gave the security man stood at the main door to Sparrow – sorry, Warne Industries – a sharp nod and we were ushered inside before the heavyset man disappeared back through the doors with haste.

  “What the hell was that?” I spluttered when Brandon finally dropped his hold on me in the main foyer.

  “I was cold.”

  I stared at him in silence. He was definitely a strange one. I couldn’t figure him out.

  “And your smoke?”

  “Craving passed.”

  Pressing his hand to the base of my back, he forced me towards the elevator. “I have business to attend to.” He gave me a barely-there glance as he pulled his phone from his pocket, the same time as he banged the elevator call button. “Time to go back to work, Miss Evans.”

  Stunned at his sudden change, I stared at him with a curled lip. “What the hell is going on?”

  “Later,” he said quickly, ushering me into the elevator when the doors opened. Reaching in, he pressed the button for the top floor, and then ,finally, he winked and the doors shut.

  “What the fuck?” I mumbled to the empty carriage.

  Replaying the last ten minutes in my head, it still didn’t make any sense. He was adamant we were talking about my past, and then, snap, he completely changed and had us back here before I could catch a breath.

  The doors opened and I was still in a daze when Rik quickly stepped inside. He stared at me curiously, his eyes glancing over me at speed, but then, looking as though he was in as much of a rush as his partner, he gently manoeuvred me out of the elevator. I didn’t like the way my spine shivered with the soft touch of his hand on my wrist.

  “I’d appreciate if you could wait until I return before you run off like a girl again.”

  I was left open-mouthed in stunned muteness when he gave me a short nod and the doors closed.

  Shit, they were both as crazy as the other.

  Six

  “I’m sure you’re all aware of how Sparrow worked, and how Warne will now work. Basically,” I started the spiel, smiling at the twelve colleagues in my team as I slid my gaze around the room, making sure to connect with each and every one. “Many high profile establishments, and some smaller ones, order specialised software programmes and data packages to be designed, manufactured and maintained specifically to their own requirements. We currently have – had - over four hundred employees with varying responsibilities that dedicate themselves, making sure every single one of our clients is happy and fulfilled in every single aspect of their needs.”

  My eyes floated back to the window that looked out into the hallway. Frank, the big sturdy guy posted – apparently by Rik – to follow me around stood stiffly with his hands folded in front of his crotch. I frowned to myself once more. The whole thing was absurd, but Rik had yet to return to the office, and Frank had refused to leave, much to my aggravation.

  Turning back to the room, I smiled again. “However, the top floor, which you’re currently assigned to, play a little differently. We do the very same as the rest of company but we are specifically designated to all, and any, government data programmes. You’ve all gone through the thorough checks, so you will already know that your position is very classified and all intelligence is severely restricted. In other words, when you leave at the close of day, anything discussed or worked on here, stays behind.”

  All the team sat staring at me as if bored. They were a funny bunch, purposely employed by Warne Industries. The back row of five were all heavyset men, their appearance more suited in a mafia movie.

  In front of them were two more men, this time slightly slimmer and nerdier, definitely more befitting for IT work.

  Sat to the side was a tall woman. As soon as she had entered the conference room an hour ago I knew we weren’t going to get on. She had spent the last fifty-five minutes filing her damn nails, pouting into a compact mirror while reapplying her lippy three times and stroking her hand over her long, glossy black hair. I did wonder if she had mistaken Sparrow for the modelling agency that sat across the road. Her eyes had wandered over everything but me, frequently flickering to the corridor as if she was looking for someone. I could tell she didn’t think I was worthy of her attention. And I had to wonder what exactly her job title was with Warne Industries.

  Another woman sat the other side. She was attentive and had the most vivid eyes. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and if I was honest, she looked completely bad ass – even down to the black leather jeans and high-heeled black knee length boots – yes, a strange combination for a desk job. But she gave me her whole attention and had asked various questions, and I kind of warmed to her.

  Then there was Tony, McKayla and Becky who I had brought with me from Sparrow.

  “I’ve split you all into three groups of four. Tony, McKayla and Becky have been assigned to separate teams so they can explain your roles and how things work. But,” I held out my hands, “my office door is always open should you need me for anything. I do expect some teething problems, and I implore that you ask one of us if there’s something that you’re struggling to…”

  The raven haired woman snorted, making everyone’s eyes slide her way. “Your office door?”

  Confused by her question-cum-sneer, I pointed through the window towards my office. “Yep, my office. Right there.”

  Her lips twisted into a smirk, as though she had a secret only she was privy to. “If you say so.”

  “Do we have a problem….?”

  “Caroline,” she informed me with a click of her tongue. “No, no problem with me.”

  Kay shook her head and rolled her eyes at me from where she sat in front of Caroline.

  Shrugging, I started to hand out the various information sheets just as a movement out of the window caught my attention. Rik stormed up the corridor, his face like granite and his strong jaw harder than it had seemed a few hours ago. He looked royally pissed off. Coming to an abrupt halt in front of Frank they conversed for a moment before Rik’s eyes moved to the window. His gaze came to a stop when it found me. There was an unfamiliar force in his eyes that fixed on me and for a brief moment I couldn’t look away. He was so different to how I remembered. The soft way he had once looked at me was long gone, replaced by a harsh, accusing glare. It was like he didn’t recognise me, like we hadn’t shared so much of our childhood together. We were now strangers, nothing more than colleagues. Although I was happy with that set-up, I couldn’t say I wasn’t saddened by it.

  Apart from being bossy and arrogant, Rik and Brandon were nothing like each other. They were both extremely good looking, but whereas Brandon was kind of rugged and rough, his twinkling blue eyes were always amused or easy. Yet Rik was wilder, his looks more refined, but there was an air of sinful darkness to him. His stare was brutal, violent even, if one could describe a look as violent, and the secrets he held in those eyes made me shift uneasily every time they landed on me.

  A shiver r
aced through me and I finally pulled my gaze away, directing them back to the pile of papers in my hand. It was only when Kay coughed quietly did I realise that I’d already handed everything out and everyone was staring at me, awaiting my next instruction.

  “Uhh, that’s it really. Your team leader will direct you to your designated offices.”

  Everyone moved, most giving me smiles as they followed my team out.

  “You okay?” Kay asked, coming to stand by me with a worried look on her face. “You seem… out of it.”

  “I’m good, just all the change.”

  She smiled, seeming to accept my answer, then gave me a nod and went to catch up with her group.

  Blowing out a breath, I switched off the conference room lights and made my way down to the kitchen.

  Rik was stood looking out of the huge window when I returned to his office. His back was to me, and for the first time since he’d walked in that morning, he was sans jacket. The crisp material of his shirt hugged his back, evidently tailored exclusively for his fit, and I couldn’t help but appreciate how solid he appeared. His expensive trousers skimmed over his narrow hips, showcasing that very fine arse with perfection. I hated that I thought his arse was fine.

  He turned slowly. His eyes fixed on me with their usual heated stare.

  Lifting up the coffee I had made him, I smiled and placed it on the corner of his desk. “Truce?”

  Those piercing eyes narrowed for a moment, almost taking me hostage in the deep fierceness, but then, surprisingly, his lips lifted very slightly and he gave me a short nod. Picking up the cup, he tasted my offering and pursed his lips. “Not bad for an assistant.”

  Just as my mouth popped open to growl something in reply, he, again unexpectedly, winked, the previous aggression in his eyes momentarily replaced with a glint of mischievousness. My heart jumped in my chest at the old familiar look in his eyes. The words that were coming stopped short and I stood, stunned mute, just staring at him, at his stunning smile – at my old friend.

  Ignoring my obvious shock, he lowered into his chair and signalled to the one positioned at the other side of his desk. “Sit, Esther.”

  “Milly,” I specified when I did as he bid and sat.

  Once again, the angry swirl of wildness looked back at me. My brain had whiplash trying to work out his mood.

  “I’ll need bringing up to date with the open contracts.”

  I nodded, surprised by his statement. I had wondered if he wanted to talk about things, about us, but it appeared he was as unwilling as I was to delve into the past. “Of course.”

  He pushed his tablet towards me. “Sync diaries and enter your personal info.”

  There was no please or thank you but I gritted my teeth as I reached out and took his iPad. He sat quietly watching me, unnerving me, as I linked both his and my tablets.

  “Did Brandon not come back with you?”

  My question seemed to catch him off-guard and I noticed him stiffen. “Why?”

  Looking at him, I frowned. “No specific reason, he just seemed a little off before he disappeared. I was just checking he was okay.”

  He didn’t answer me, just continued to stare at me.

  Jesus Christ. He was hard work.

  “And may I ask,” I quirked an eyebrow, “Why you have positioned The Hulk to follow me round?”

  That glint of something returned, and he tipped his head a little. “Like them a bit leaner do you, Esther?”

  “What? No. I just…”

  Holding up a hand, giving in, I shut off and went back to the task at hand. He was impossible, and instinctively I knew I’d get no answers out of him. I’d just wait for Brandon to return.

  “Would you like me to lay everything out on the table in here or in the conference room?” I asked, giving him a quick glance as I closed down his contact page and opened up his calendar.

  His eyes cut to mine sharply, widening with a hint of humour when they landed on my face. “I’m sorry?” His voice was deep and the way his lips curved so very slightly at the edges had me gulping down the bubble of air that seemed trapped in my throat.

  “The current client list,” I clarified. “You wanted to catch up with all the open contracts. It’s easier if I spread the paperwork out, more uncluttered.” I grimaced. “You’ll find out that I’m a bit OCD about organisation. It used to drive Geoffrey mad.” The tiny memory of my old boss made my chest squeeze tight, and I lowered my eyes sadly. I missed him so much.

  “Oh.” He cleared his throat and nodded. “Here, I think. And more coffee.”

  We stared each other out for a moment. Surprisingly, when my brow lifted higher and higher, he chuckled, the sound of it making my lungs stop working for a moment. Memories I wouldn’t allow rushed to the front of my mind and I shut them down quickly.

  “Please,” he added, his eyes once again mocking.

  This time, it was me who smiled. “Thank you.”

  Standing, I turned back to him before I left. “I’m going to the Starbucks in the foyer, this will take some time and I think it calls for a proper coffee.” He nodded in agreement. “Can I get you anything to eat, pastry, muffin?”

  “Sure,” he mumbled, his attention on me lost as he started to look through one or two files on his desk. “Surprise me.”

  I nodded and closed the door behind me.

  Frank grinned, the action looking rather strange on his wide face. He was huge and I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous around him. “Are we off on a trip?”

  “No, it’s fine, Frank. Just down to the foyer.”

  When I reached the elevator, I resigned myself to having a follower and waited for Frank to follow me in. He stood to attention beside me, his eyes everywhere as though he expected someone to climb through the ceiling like it was a Bond film.

  “Have you any idea why you’ve been posted to me?” I asked, trying to get an answer from him.

  He shot me a look but remained silent.

  Growling under my breath, my frustration making Frank smirk, I gave up. It didn’t make sense. Did Brandon and Rik think that I was going to steal some sensitive data from them? Was Frank even assigned to me because of something I had done, or something they expected me to do?

  I couldn’t help but feel a little hurt by their distrust. Fair enough they’d brought in their own staff, obviously ones they already trusted, but Geoffrey had trusted me with his life and everything pertaining to Sparrow. Surely my reputation was enough of a testimonial to my credibility.

  There was already a long line waiting to be served in Starbucks, but luckily, Kay was stood four from the front. She waved me up and slotted me in front of her. Frank stood by my side, his hands still gripped at his front as his narrow eyes scanned the area around us furiously.

  “Who the bloody hell is he?” Kay asked quietly, her eyes trailing up Frank’s stocky six foot four wide frame. She looked both awed and scared shitless.

  “Don’t ask!” I huffed. “Seems our new boss doesn’t quite trust me.”

  “What?” Her voice was high-pitched but anger flared in her eyes. “Do they not know exactly what you did for Sparrow, and Geoffrey?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” I sighed. “Let them get on with it. I’ve nothing to hide. Let them waste their money on a supervisor.”

  “He doesn’t look like a supervisor,” she whispered as we shuffled up the queue.

  “I know, bit of a brick shithouse,” I uttered quietly.

  Frank’s lips twitched and Kay winced. Evidently I hadn’t been as quiet as I had meant to be.

  Kay placed her order then turned back to me. “By the way, I can’t make the gym tonight. Mum’s had a bad turn so I have to go talk with the doc about some new medication.”

  I nodded to Kay and turned to my shadow. “You want a drink, Frank?”

  “No, I’m good, thank you.”

  At least he was polite.

  Placing my order, I moved up to the collection point with Kay. “Everything okay
with your mum?”

  “Yeah.” She smiled at the barista as she took the four cups from him. “Just a blip, I’m sure they’ll sort her out. Anyway, catch you later.”

  Nodding, I grabbed my own order and smiled at Frank. “Ready?”

  “Always, Miss Evans.”

  “Oh God.” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t you start with the Miss Evans bullshit. My name is Milly.”

  Inclining his head a fraction, he gave me a smile and took the cups from me. I couldn’t help but appreciate his manners, such a contradiction to his boss. “Milly,” he acknowledged.

  Punching in the code on the security door to the department, Frank followed me in. It felt like my shadow had a life of its own.

  I stopped short when I opened my office door and stepped inside.

  Caroline looked up at me from where she stood behind my desk. A smug grin curved her plump red lips when my eyes dropped to the cardboard box she was stuffing my belongings into.

  “What the hell?”

  I noticed Frank tense beside me when my temper started to boil and it reflected in the way I spat out the words. He was astute, that much was evident. I didn’t do patience, and I certainly did not entertain conceited little bitches.

  Battering her long, false eyelashes, the smug smile turned into a cruel one. “Oh dear, didn’t Rik tell you?”

  “Tell me?” I hissed just as the adjoining door to Rik’s office opened and he stood staring at both me and Caroline.

  “Mmm,” she purred. “Rik’s given me your office.”

  Seven

  I stared open-mouthed at Caroline. Her eyes exhibited every bit of her distaste for me and the immense adoration she held for herself.

  It was stupid, but I couldn’t help but feel hurt. Why, if I was to just be lobbed aside, did Brandon seem so determined that I remain employed by his company. Why, as well, ask me to keep on three of my own staff if I was to be sacked? Would they even keep Tony, Kay and Becky on when I left?