by Mia Allen
Caleb was frustrated. There were hundreds of pages of information from Tyler’s computer in the encrypted account. Very little was relevant to the business. There were a few small acquisitions and unimpressive bank accounts, but nothing that could be used to destroy Tyler. Apparently Tyler’s real computer wasn’t in the office. The maid had died for nothing and Caleb had risked the discovery of his inside man. Where was the real information kept? Caleb needed to get closer to Tyler in order to find out. It seemed that Tyler had grown more devious and careful over the years. That was okay. Caleb liked a challenge. He would start with the unimpressive bank accounts and cause a little aggravation in Tyler’s life.
Karen arrived at the office building shortly before Tyler. She was surprised to discover that the alarm code to the top floor was disabled. She knew not to touch it. Instead she called the building security and Tyler. The security team came immediately. They pulled all the security camera recordings, but several minutes were missing. Of course, they were the necessary ones. Tyler was going to be furious. His security team was the best. No one from outside could have done this. It had to be an inside job. Tyler’s company had a mole.
Chapter 3
Tyler was indeed furious. He was ready to fire everyone. No one was allowed to betray him without severe consequences. The keypad for the elevator code showed no fingerprints except his and Karen’s. The intruder had been smart enough to wear gloves. Thank goodness for fail safes. The intruder had been unable to cover his tracks completely because the code to lock the elevator was completely different from the unlock code. Tyler went to his office with the security team to figure out what the intruder had taken. When he opened his computer the screen flashed a warning that spy software had been used to extract information. Tyler laughed. The intruder couldn’t have gotten much. This computer contained the bare minimum of business information. It only served as a search engine for small accounts. His real computer was in a secret room, behind steel doors. Even Karen wasn’t aware that it existed.
The security team found nothing else out of place. Tyler insisted on checking out the computer himself. Everything had been copied. The two small bank accounts were empty now and one business showed it was subject to a search and seizure order. Nothing would be found. That building had been emptied two days after Tyler bought the company. It was set to be torn down within a week, making room for a neighborhood playground near Tyler’s childhood home.
As for the bank accounts, Tyler closed them and started new ones. He ordered new debit cards for Karen. Those accounts were for her use. She bought their wine, flowers and her sexy lingerie with them.
The office phone rang. It was security. The building monitor showed that Tyler’s office door had been opened with the maid’s keycard. Tyler glanced around. The trash hadn’t been emptied and the bathroom wasn’t cleaned. He told security, “Call the police. Something happened to the maid. She wasn’t here. Someone took her keycard. Search the building. She could be tied up or hurt.” Tyler then called in Karen asking, “Please call the maid service. Find out if our maid showed up for work today. Tell them that there was a break in and the maid could be hurt.”
Karen was upset. The maid was a sweet older woman, with several grandchildren. She hated the thought that someone could have harmed her. She quickly called the maid service saying, “This is Karen Landers from the corporate offices of Tyler Anderson. Our office was broken into last night using the maid’s keycard. We are worried that she could have been harmed. Did she come to work this morning?”
The maid service replied, “No, she hasn’t shown up. She is never late. We called her home and cell phone, but there was no answer. We were about to call her son.”
Karen explained that they had already called the police. She agreed that the maid’s son should be called too. There was always the possibility that the woman was just ill and staying with family.
The police arrived and questioned everyone in the building. They searched the entire premises, gathered fingerprints, and looked for blood stains. They finally found evidence of blood in the parking garage. There was only a drop, but it would be enough to match the maid’s medical records.
Tyler questioned every employee himself. There was a traitor in their midst. They had also probably committed murder. Most of Tyler’s employees had been with him for years. He dismissed each of them after only a few questions. His newest employee was a different matter. The man worked in computer maintenance. He knew more than enough to get the information off Tyler’s computer. He looked mean enough to kill an old lady and he had been hired without Tyler’s approval.
Tyler asked, “How did you manage to get hired without your credentials coming through my office? I screen every applicant.”
The computer tech answered, “I was told that you had seen my resume and approved me. The complete background check and drug tests were skipped because you wanted the position filled immediately.”
Tyler held back his disdain as he replied, “That’s not even remotely possible. I would never allow anyone access to this building without a deep background check and a comprehensive drug test. I have more than enough employees to cover any position so that there is never a hurry to fill a spot. Besides, the company records indicate that there was a background check and drug test. You supposedly passed both with flying colors. The fact that you just admitted to having neither proves they were faked. Who do you work for? What information were you searching for last night? Most importantly, what happened to the maid?”
The computer tech was sweating profusely as he answered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Yesterday I left early. My son had a baseball game.”
Tyler’s anger soared. He hated liars. Tyler gritted his teeth and said, “Your profile clearly states that you are unmarried and have no children. Didn’t you take the time to read the false information your boss provided us with? I’m not sure who the bigger fool is, you or the man who trusted you with this job. You better be glad that I’m turning you over to the police instead of questioning you further myself. Their way of questioning will be considerately less painful than mine.” Tyler buzzed Karen and she sent in the policeman to arrest the tech.
Tyler’s head was pounding. He grabbed a bottle of aspirin and tossed down two with a shot of whiskey from his office bar. He figured that this infiltrator was the least of his problems. More trouble was coming. He felt it. He would be prepared. He had to be.
Chapter 4
Karen knew Tyler needed a break from his concerns after such an awful day. She made reservations at a hotel in Las Vegas. Tyler’s plane was ready and waiting at the airport. Champagne and strawberries were on board for their consumption and maybe a little fun. She took Tyler by the hand, locked the office, and led him to her car. She was all set to pamper him.
As the plane ascended into the night sky, Karen climbed onto Tyler’s lap. They were both nude and ready. Karen straddled Tyler and eased herself down onto his erect penis. He took her firm breast into his mouth and sucked deeply, rolling her nipple with his hot tongue. Karen threw her head back in ecstasy as she moved up and down. Tyler grabbed her hips to push deeper inside and move her faster. It still wasn’t enough for them. Tyler slid to the floor with Karen on the bottom. He urged her to wrap her long legs around his waist and pushed himself to her core. Karen reached down and squeezed Tyler’s tight buttocks as she screamed out a powerful climax. Tyler continued to pound until she climaxed a second time. He then exploded into her waiting body. Damn, Karen was good at taking his mind off of work. It was Tyler’s turn to pay her back. He slipped down her body until his tongue reached her center and licked her to another screaming climax.
The plane landed in Vegas and a limo was waiting. Tyler and Karen gambled, ate and drank the night away. Sleeping was for old people. Their phones were off and they enjoyed the freedom of not hiding their relationship. A new day and reality came soon enough.
When the plane touched back down in L.A., the police were t
here. They had many questions for Tyler. The building that had been marked for search and seizure wasn’t empty. The police found stolen goods and guns piled inside. Luckily Tyler hadn’t been anywhere near the building for months. His phone records were clear of suspicious calls. The police already knew about the break in and computer hacking. They were not arresting Tyler at this time. However, they wanted him to remain in town and available to them at all times. The police would be questioning the tech they had arrested about the stolen goods and the search and seizure order. No one in the police department had any connection with ordering the search and seizure.
Tyler was sure he knew who was behind all of this. It had to be Nick. No one hated him more. Nick and Tyler had been a powerful duo. They had controlled a large portion of L.A. at one time. They handled stolen merchandise, drugs, and guns. Money rolled in. The best friends were on top of the world until Tyler discovered that Nick was double crossing him. An argument over the disappearance of a shipment of stolen goods ended in Nick shooting Tyler in the shoulder. The friendship ended. Tyler went legit and Nick went into a downward spiral. Tyler hoped to get revenge for the shooting by taking away Nick’s businesses one at a time. He hadn’t seen Nick in years. No one had. Nick controlled his dwindling empire online. Tyler guessed that his latest takeover had finally touched a nerve and brought out the fight in Nick. Maybe Tyler needed some help from Caleb after all. He wasn’t dumb enough to trust Caleb, but if he worked with him he could also keep an eye on him. Tyler believed in the saying ‘the enemy of your enemy is your friend’. He decided to put that theory to the test. He picked up the phone and called Caleb.
Caleb saw Tyler’s number on his caller ID and silently cheered. He calmed himself down and answered, “Mr. Anderson, what can I do for you?”
Tyler wasted no time and replied, “I’m calling in reference to your offer. Nick Malone has become a thorn in my side. I still cannot offer you a partnership; however, I am willing to hire you as a contract employee. You claimed to have information that would help me destroy Nick and I want it. I will pay you $2,500,000 for the information and another $2,500,000 if you succeed in helping me bring him down. Take it or leave it.”
Caleb sneered as he said, “I’ll take it for now, but by the time this is over you’re going to be begging for a partnership. I’ll be at your office at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Don’t keep me waiting.” Caleb hung up before Tyler could reply.
Tyler wasn’t happy with Caleb’s cocky attitude. He needed to make it clear to Caleb that he demanded respect from his employees. Tyler took out a tablet and jotted down the amendments he wanted put in Caleb’s contract. He took few chances in his business and Caleb was definitely a wild card.
One of Caleb’s informants called to tell him that Karen had left for lunch alone. She was at a small bistro two blocks from Tyler’s building. Caleb decided that it was about time he made a new friend. He hurried to the bistro. Karen was easy to spot where she sat by the window reading a book. Caleb strolled to her table and asked, “Do you mind if I join you? I hate eating alone, but if you prefer to read I’ll understand.”
Karen preferred to read and eat alone, however she sacrificed her privacy. She hoped to learn something that would help Tyler. She found Caleb to be very charming. He was a real gentleman. They discussed the weather, the city and Karen’s love of reading. Caleb commented, “I noticed you were reading a book about flipping houses. Is that a goal of yours or is it just an interesting topic?”
Karen loved to talk about her dreams with anyone who was willing to listen. She enthusiastically replied, “I have always wanted to try it. I thought I might buy a small house for myself, fix it up, live there until I could afford something bigger, and then sell it. If I did well at fixing my own house up maybe I would feel confident enough to try flipping as a business. I know it’s a silly dream. I don’t have any experience.”
Caleb smiled and patted Karen’s hand as he said, “No dream is silly. I can almost guarantee that you would be great at anything you tried. It looks like you do research and study the market. The hardest part is finding an honest contractor to work with.”
Karen looked surprised as she asked, “Have you flipped houses? You sound as if you have.”
Caleb knew he had her interest now. He stated, “I have flipped homes, buildings and businesses. I would be glad to share my expertise with you. I can even find you a contractor. I just want two things in return, your trust and a date.”
Chapter 5
Tyler was in the middle of a business conference when the police arrived. He feared they were there to arrest him. He asked Karen to supply everyone in the conference room with drinks and snacks while he talked to the police.
The sergeant was there to talk about the computer tech who Tyler thought was his mole. The sergeant shocked Tyler when he said, “The man we arrested was not the one who broke into your office. Someone wanted it to appear that he was your perp. He really believed you had seen his resume and okayed it. In fact, you probably did. The background check we did using his fingerprints matched the one you had on file. So did the drug test. The only difference was his bio. He actually does have a wife and son. We have several eye witnesses proving he was at his son’s game that day. The real mole changed his bio so that it would look as if he was lying.”
Tyler shook his head and answered, “I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy. He was too obvious of a choice. Nick is smarter than that. I guess I’m still looking for the insider. Did you find the maid? Was she at her son’s?”
The sergeant’s face was sad when he said, “We found her body floating in the river this morning. Keep that to yourself for now. We haven’t notified her family yet. Be careful. Your mole is also our killer.”
Tyler wasn’t sure what to think. Someone in his company committed murder. He felt responsible for the maid’s death. It was his job to keep his employees safe. Before he went back to the conference, Tyler wrote a personal check to the maid’s family for $1,000,000. He needed to go through all his employees files once again. Someone he trusted had betrayed him.
Tyler was distracted during the rest of the conference. It was a good thing Karen provided in depth packets for each person. He used them to keep the meeting progressing. The conference ended with three possible deals. Tyler showed none of the joy he usually expressed. His mind was on the killer in his midst.
Karen was disappointed in her evening with Tyler. She tried to talk to him about flipping houses the way she had with Caleb. Tyler just grunted and turned back to his computer. Karen discovered she was tired of coming in second to Tyler’s business. She wanted some attention to her dreams. She was an intelligent woman and needed that intelligence to be noticed. If Tyler wasn’t interested, she had another option. Karen went into the bathroom and called Caleb. She accepted his offer of a date.
Caleb arrived at Tyler’s office at 7:58 a.m. It gave him two minutes to flirt with Karen before he entered Tyler’s private sanctum. He felt confident in his ability to continue fooling his old partner. Karen also bolstered his ego when she blew him a kiss as he opened Tyler’s door.
Tyler spoke tersely as Caleb entered, “Take a seat. Here’s the contract. Sign it so we can get started.”
Caleb sat down and crossed his legs. He leaned slowly back in the chair as if he had all day and then asked, “What’s the rush? Are you afraid I’ll back out and you’ll be left to deal with Nick alone? Does he scare you that much?”
Tyler stared at Caleb, took a deep breath to calm his sudden anger and replied, “I am not now, nor have I ever been afraid of Nick. He is a sorry excuse for a business man. The only way he makes money is through theft, drugs and double dealings. All his legitimate businesses are bankrupt. Whether or not you back out of our deal is solely up to you. I’ll be fine either way. You’re the one who demanded this meeting start at exactly 8 a.m. It is now 8:05. I merely wanted to show my respect by being on time. Clearly you don’t know the meaning of the word respect.”
Caleb’s answering anger showed as he stated, “Respect is earned. I haven’t decided whether you have earned mine or not.” He grabbed the contract and signed it without having read it. That mistake made Tyler smile. He took the contract and put it in a desk drawer which he then locked.
Tyler pushed a stack of documents toward Caleb. “This is everything I have on Nick Malone. It goes all the way back to our college years. Look it over. If you have something more than this, add it. If not, you can give me an opinion on where to go from here. In the meantime I will be questioning some of my employees in the conference room. If you need anything ask Karen.” He walked out leaving Caleb alone in his office.
Caleb’s fingers were itching to search the room, but he knew this was clearly a test. He was sure the room had cameras and probably microphones. He resisted his urges, picked up the papers, and began to read. It was interesting to see his life works written down. It made Caleb long to have his daring deeds published. He wrote notes in the margins, clarifying some of the information. No one knew what had really happened in Nick’s life better than his alter ego, Caleb. It was almost funny.
Chapter 6
Tyler questioned six employees before he stopped for lunch. These were his longest standing, most trusted employees. He refused to believe any of them had betrayed him. None appeared the type to commit murder either. Yet Tyler knew that looks could be deceiving and anyone was capable of murder given the right circumstances. He went by his office and checked on Caleb’s progress. He found Karen had joined Caleb in reviewing the stack of papers. She had also ordered lunch. As Tyler quietly walked in, Caleb lifted Karen’s hand to his lips for a kiss and she tossed back her head as she laughed. Jealousy rose in Tyler and he snapped at Karen, “Take your lunch to your own desk. We have work to do in here. See that we are not disturbed. Order my usual lunch from the deli.”