Truth or Dare
By Amanda Martinez
© Copyright 2016 by Amanda Martinez- All rights reserved.
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
This E-Book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for mature audiences. All characters are 18 years or older and all sex in this story is consensual. This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
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Chapter 1
Waves of pleasure washed over Melanie, and she desperately wanted to drown. Her eyelids refused to open or close, instead they fluttered each time the man thrust into her. He stopped and pulled out for a second. Melanie’s juices flowed onto the cherry wood table she was lying on and two thoughts popped into her head, the partners are going to be pissed if the conference table is stained and how did I end up in this situation?
Melanie knew the answer to that question. It had really started on her first day at the law firm of Jenkins, Unruh, and Granite. Melanie’s roommate had giggled the first time she had heard the law firm’s name.
“Seriously?” Shirley Cassett had asked, “JUG law firm? Well, they hired the right person.”
Melanie had thrown a pillow at Shirley for the snide remark, but she had to admit Shirley was right. God had definitely blessed her in the breast department, maybe a little too much. Melanie valiantly tried to dress so her breasts weren’t so overwhelming, but there are just so many ruffled blouses and jackets one woman could wear.
As Jacob Unruh walked Melanie through the firm’s offices, Melanie’s eyes darted this way and that, trying to take it all in. Jacob introduced her to the two junior partners, letting them know she was the newest associate.
“Melanie Law? Really?” Frank Teller said after learning her name, “That seems a bit, I don’t know, on the nose don’t you think?”
Melanie was used to questions about her name, “Yes sir, but we can’t help the name we’re given, can we?”
Frank nodded, “That is true. When you meet Mr. Jenkins, be sure to keep that in mind. That advice is free. From now on though, it will cost you.”
Melanie thanked him and Jacob continued the tour. The smile on Frank’s face when he had said the last sentence conveyed just how he would want Melanie to pay him. She filed it away for later consideration.
“And this is the Associates’ Pen,” Jacob said as they reached a large room with six large cubicles, “this is where the real work of Jenkins, Unruh, and Granite is done.”
Three heads popped up over the cubicle walls, and Jacob quickly named them, “That is Lucy Pruitt, Dave Springer, and James Everett. Where are Phil and Donna?”
Lucy spoke up, “Don’t know. They never showed up this morning. I thought they might be in court or a meeting with Mr. Granite.”
Melanie looked at Jacob’s face and could see something was wrong. She looked back at the cubicles, and the heads were gone. They had sensed trouble, too, it seemed.
“No matter,” Jacob said in a strained voice and walked over to an empty cubicle, “this is where you will sit. There are a few manuals explaining the phone and computer systems. I will leave you to get acquainted with your fellow associates and the systems. I’ll be back to get you around lunchtime. Okay?”
“Sounds good, Mr. Unruh. Thank you again for letting me join your team,” Melanie said as Jacob walked out of the Pen.
Lucy’s face appeared above the cubicle wall, “So Melanie Law? Welcome to the team. My name used to be Lucy Jurisprudence, but I changed it.”
Melanie laughed, “I know, my name is a little obvious, but I can’t help that.”
“I’m just kidding, deary. Gotta do something to relieve the stress of this job. I have a feeling it is about to get a lot worse,” Lucy said.
“Why’s that?” Melanie asked.
Dave’s face appeared above the opposite wall, “Because Phil and Donna quit last night.”
“Why would they do that?” Melanie asked. She stood up so she wasn’t craning her neck to look at the two floating heads.
“Because working with Max Granite is a pain in the ass,” James said, not bothering to stand up, “which is something we are all going to get to experience full blast now.”
“Don’t let Jimmy scare you,” Lucy said, “Max isn’t that bad.”
James muttered, “Don’t call me Jimmy.” Lucy just laughed.
Melanie walked over to one of the unoccupied cubicles and found it as empty as her space. She moved over to the next one and found the same results. “Wow, they cleared out everything didn’t they? Maybe James has a point.”
“Of course I do, and we will all learn how right I am during the afternoon meeting.” James said over the cubicle wall.
Melanie sat back down at her desk and turned on the computer. For the next three hours she made her way through the various programs the firm used, as well as the phone’s many functions. Just as she was about to get bored, Jacob showed back up. Melanie noticed that his dirty blonde hair was not as neat as it had been earlier that morning and his tie was loosened and slightly crooked.
“How’s it going, Melanie? Do you have a handle on everything?” Jacob asked, his voice a little tense.
Melanie stood and nodded, “Yes, sir. I used most of the programs in my internship, and the others we had at college. How are you?”
Jacob laughed, “It has been quite the morning, I can tell you, but it will be fine. Let’s get out of here and grab lunch. What do you like?”
“I’m easy,” Melanie said and then slapped a hand over her mouth, “what I mean to say is I’m not picky when it comes to food.”
Jacob nodded, “I understood what you meant. There is a little diner just around the corner from our building. Has a little of everything. How does that sound?”
“Perfect,” Melanie said as she mentally berated herself. They got into the elevator and where walking out of the building moments later.
Downtown Chicago is a sight everyone should see at one point in their life. Yes, New York can be busier, but Chicago businessmen and women don’t give off the same animosity you sense from New Yorkers. Melanie had always loved the energy of the downtown area, the sense of urgency and excitement. She did not have much time to savor it today, though, because Jacob jumped right into the stream of power-walkers and almost left her behind. Melanie caught up quickly and they walked two blocks to Cathy’s Café. Jacob held the door open for Melanie and soon after a waitress seated them at a booth.
Melanie decided to start the conversation strong, “So what have you found out about the Phil and Donna situation?”
Jacob nodded, “Good start. Shows you’re not afraid to tackle the tough conversations. What have I learned about the Phil and Donna situation? I’ve learned that my partner has scared off two more associates. I am not surprised by the fact, but I am saddened. Max is a great lawyer and a strong negotiator, and some young associates can’t handle his methods of communication. It raises a question to you. How would you handle a boss whose normal volume is yelling? Who doesn’t know how to use the words thank you?”
Melanie sipped on her water, “Someone like that is a challenge. I would imagine my plan wou
ld be not to take it personally, while doing my best to keep him from yelling at me.”
“That’s a mature way of looking at it,” Jacob said, “but what if that boss made it personal? What if he made disparaging remarks about you, the way you dress, and/or your racial background?”
“Now we’re getting into dangerous legal territory, as you know. Don’t tell me Mr. Granite sinks to that level,” Melanie said.
At that point the waitress came by to get their orders. Melanie asked for a Cobb Salad, while Jacob ordered a Club Sandwich. Once the waitress left, he said, “I have never heard him insult an employee in those ways, personally, but I have worked with the man for ten years, and argued with him several times over the years.”
Melanie recognized what Jacob was implying, “Well, in that case I would have a few options. I could complain to my immediate supervisor, quit in the middle of the night, grin and bear it, or answer in a like manner. I guess it would depend on just how severe the insult. One thing is certain, I am not a quitter.”
Jacob smiled, “Glad to hear that, and your reasonable take on the matter. During the afternoon meeting, we will go over how Phil and Donna’s desertion will impact us all.”
They spent the rest of the lunch hour discussing the firm’s clients, strategies, and goals and what Melanie’s role will be. By the end of the lunch, she was even more excited about her new job. As they walked back to the offices, it was Jacob who was having a hard time keeping up. They got there just in time for the afternoon meeting. Lucy waved to Melanie, so she went to the seat her new co-worker had saved for her. Jacob went to sit next Max Granite, while Kennedy Jenkins stood at the podium. Melanie heard Frank Teller’s free advice echo in her head about keeping in mind people couldn’t pick their own names. Kennedy did not exactly look any of the Camelot Kennedys. Melanie guessed he was in his middle forties, about 6’6, extremely wide shoulders, well muscled, and had skin that was the same shade as dark chocolate.
“All right everyone, let’s get settled so we can get this meeting finished and you can get back to work making me money,” Kennedy said. A few people laughed, but most of the room was not in the mood for jokes. “Let’s start with the good news. Our new associate started today, fresh from Loyola. I am told this really is her name, so give it up for Melanie Law.”
Polite claps came from every person in the room and a few people turned towards Melanie to say hello. Melanie felt herself blushing, but she managed to keep it under control and just raise her hand in thanks.
Kennedy continued, “And now for the bad news. Phil and Donna have tendered their resignations effective immediately. Since they were both working with Max on the Steuben Case, and their work product is missing at this time, we will need all of the associates to pitch in.”
Lucy gasped out loud, so Melanie asked what was wrong. Lucy whispered, “Those assholes trashed their work project. That means we have to redo all of it, and the case is in just a few weeks. You picked the wrong time to start, Ms. Law. Hope you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend, because you won’t be seeing that person for awhile.”
Melanie shrugged, “Haven’t had time for a boyfriend for a while.” She looked at Max Granite, and realized his ice blue eyes were intently staring straight at her. He was undoubtedly assessing her and how much work he could get out of her. Melanie met his stare with the same intensity, in hopes that she was conveying confidence. A predatory grin gradually spread over Max’s lips, and Melanie could not suppress a shiver. He looks like a shark when he smiles, she thought.
“So if you have something for the associates to do, please be understanding if it takes a while for them to get it back to you,” Kennedy said, “or better yet, see if you can do it yourself. Any other business?” Silence filled the boardroom, so he said, “Okay then, meeting adjourned. Melanie welcome to the team, say goodbye to sunlight.” A few people chuckled at the perceived joke, but most of the people, Melanie included, realized Kennedy was not trying to be funny.
Melanie and Lucy walked back to the Pen in silence until Lucy asked, “So are you sure you want to work for Jenkins, Unruh, and Granite?”
Melanie nodded, “Yeah, I wanted a challenge, and that is what this is going to be, it seems.”
As she sat down, Max Granite came into the Pen with a large stack of manila folders, filled with paper, “All right people, here is the drill. These folders contain the transcripts of every person we have deposed. I need you to read through them and highlight any reference to Sheffield Steuben or his sister Shelly.” Max dropped the pile of folders on a table and walked out.
Lucy walked up to the table and counted the folders, “Okay, there are forty folders here. That means ten for each of us. That’s not too many.”
Just then, Max’s secretary, Judith, walked in pushing a mail cart overflowing with folders, “I’ll be back in a jiff with the other carts.”
James and Dave walked over to the cart and started stacking the folders on the desk, cursing the entire time. By the time Judith wheeled in three more carts of folders, there was no more room left on the table. Melanie took two of the carts and wheeled them over to Phil and Donna’s cubicles.
“At least now these cubicles can be useful, right?” Melanie said, trying to keep the mood light. It didn’t work, though. Her new coworkers were in a cloud of anger and depression, and did not want to laugh. I get that, but I won’t let their anger cloud me, she thought, I am here to work and it appears I have plenty to do. Melanie sat at her desk, opened a folder and got to reading. Lucy, Dave, and James soon followed suit. The only noises made in the Pen for the rest of the day was highlighters squeaking, papers flipping, and four people walking back and forth to grab more folders to read.
When five o’clock came, the four packed up their stuff and walked towards the door, but that’s where they stopped. Max was walking down the hall, with his suit jacket on and briefcase in his hand.
“Where are you four going? Are you done?”
Lucy answered, “No, but we made a pretty good dent considering how long we’ve had your folders.”
Max almost pushed them back into the Pen and looked at the pile of finished folders, “You’ve barely started. I need those folders highlighted by the end of the week. Then we will need to catalogue the references by business mentions, personal mentions, and disparaging mentions. That’s going to take at least another week, but only if you four really bear down. Leaving at five o’clock is a thing of the past for you until we get this case back on track. So get some food and get back to work.”
“Is that what you’re doing?” James asked, his voice tinted with anger.
Max turned at the younger man, “You don’t worry about what I’m doing, boy. I’ve done my work, and now it’s time you do yours. If you’re mad about it, blame Phillip and Donna. They are the ones who put you in this situation.” He then turned around and left.
Dave flipped the bird at Max’s back, which made Melanie and Lucy giggle, “Well, you heard the man. Let’s get some dinner and come back to work. Any suggestions?”
“So you used to date Donna?” Melanie asked James as they all ate at a nearby pizza joint. “Can you call her up and find out what she and Phil did with the work product?”
“I already have,” James said before taking a forkful of pizza and shoving it in his mouth. His three coworkers stared at him as he chewed, waiting for him to continue.
“Well?!” Lucy practically yelled,
James swallowed, “They never did any of it.”
“What?” Dave said.
“You heard me. They never did it. Donna said Phil felt Max was being ridiculous, so he convinced Donna not to do any of the work. When Max asked about it Friday, there was a big blow up, lots of yelling. It ended with Max ordering them to stay in the office during the weekend and finish the work. Instead, they packed up their cubicles and left. But they did leave a surprise in Max‘s office.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask,” Melanie said.
Luc
y gave her a friendly push, “Light weight! I’m not. What did they do?”
James grinned, “They had sex on Granite’s desk and left a used condom in his chair.”
“Oh man!” Dave exclaimed, “No wonder Granite was so pissed.”
“Seems like a good way to burn a pretty big bridge,” Melanie said, “Not only did they insult him, but they also opened themselves up to a lawsuit.”
Lucy said, “True, but Granite won’t go after them. He has lots of enemies, and they will come out of the woodworks as soon as he files anything.”
“Ok, well then I guess we have two options,” James said, “we can go back to the office and work, or go back to the office and quit. Anyone want to quit with me?”
Melanie and Lucy giggled, and Dave said, “I’m up for working with you, but quitting with you is a little beyond my comfort zone. Sorry Dude.”
They went back to the office and worked for six more hours. When the clock struck midnight, Lucy stood up, stretched, and then walked over to the pile of highlighted folders and counted.
“Okay gang, we’ve made a good dent in this mess, so I say we call it a day. When we get here in the morning, we’ll have fresh eyes and figure out how much we need to do each day to get this Herculean task under control. What do you say?”
Melanie stood up and nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”
The men agreed and they all left together. They locked up the Pen, and made their way down the hall towards the front door.
As they passed Max’s office, James said, “Melanie, Lucy, are you sure you don’t want to quit with me?”
They all laughed and Melanie decided to take a chance, “Not today, James, but ask me again at the end of the week. I may change my mind.”
Chapter 2
By the end of the week, Melanie was almost ready to quit for real. She and the other associates had spent more than 12 hours a day highlighting the transcripts. At 4:34pm Friday afternoon, Dave finished his final folder. He stood up and danced around the room cheering. Melanie finished right behind him, with Lucy and James not far behind. Together, they carried the last folders down to Max’s office.
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