by Abby Gordon
Inside five minutes, Paul and David were entering his office. Initially jovial, they quickly became serious as Keith outlined the situation. Nodding, they made a few tweaks to the plan he'd come up with and set it in motion. He didn't mention the possibility of a conspiracy to bring down the company. Or who might be behind it. He was still having trouble accepting it. It just seemed too far-fetched and coincidental to even mention.
Paul headed back down to Legal where Laura was setting up a room. David settled down with his legal pad and recorder. Before Keith called anyone in, he made sure Serena and Debbie were safely gone. He hated that she would not be where he could see her, but he wanted her removed from any situation that could turn violent. And this had all the makings.
Serena practically dragged the reluctant, pouting Debbie to the store where she shopped. The salesclerks greeted her warmly, while looking at Debbie with some trepidation.
"Makeover, ladies,” Serena told them, holding tightly to Debbie's arm. “Two mix-and-match three-set combinations and tops for two weeks."
"Serena!” Debbie gasped.
"Hush,” Serena whispered. “You're not going to look like an old maid like me, young whipper-snapper,” she smiled, relieved at Debbie's snort of laughter at the reference to Friday night. “But you will look professional. I would've brought Claire, too, if I could."
"What's the matter with Claire's clothes?” Debbie wondered.
"She's not as bad as you, but she's getting there,” Serena said bluntly. “I love you both, Debbie, you know that,” she said quietly. “But you both seemed to have missed the chapter on dressing professionally for the office."
"But all the fashion magazines...!"
"None of them show real working women who have to deal with the real world,” she replied, guiding her to where two clerks had pulled out several items. “I'm not saying you have to throw everything out, but you don't wear club clothes to the office."
Debbie nodded reluctantly.
"Debbie, there's something that I don't quite get,” Serena frowned. “You party and go clubbing. I've seen you with boyfriends, although not for a few months, and you'll defend Claire like crazy. So why wouldn't you say anything to me? Or Keith?” Debbie's mouth opened and Serena frowned warningly. “And don't give me any of that nonsense about being a simple girl from West Virginia. Claire believes you, but Claire isn't here. So why?"
"I was just scared. And ashamed. I know better, but it started so slowly that by the time I realized what was happening, I didn't think I could say anything without everyone thinking I deserved it.” Debbie grimaced. “Did that make any sense at all?"
"Barely,” Serena smiled. “I kind of went through the same thing with Todd. Even when I realized just how big a jerk he was, I was afraid to admit it. I mean we were together two years. How could I have not known what an insecure bully he was?"
"And now you have Mr. Mystery Man,” Debbie teased her.
"Nice change of subject,” laughed Serena. “All right. Let's try on some clothes."
Keith stared out the window. Duncan would be first. It appeared that he'd been the ringleader. David had called two junior lawyers to go to Programming as soon as Duncan was gone. They would start with the rest of Debbie's list of harassers before the men had a chance to coordinate stories. Hester would be next. To keep Hester busy, Laura had already been sent to her office on the pretext of hiring a new intern and clerk.
"Morning, Keith,” Duncan sauntered in and closed the door. “Have you had a chance to review the plan to launch the new program on communications? I know Mark was a little over-eager so I'm glad you called me. I wanted to make a few suggestions.” He frowned seeing Paul at the table near Keith. “What's he doing here? Is there a legal issue with the plan?"
"This isn't about the PR plan,” Keith told him, turning to face him. “This is about something else. Sit down."
The other man slowly complied, his eyes narrowing as he saw the slim recorder that Paul turned on. Keith sat down opposite him.
"Duncan Samuels, I have received two very serious complaints about you and your entire division. I would like to hear your side of the story before I take action."
Shrugging, Duncan leaned back.
"Sure. I can't imagine who would be complaining or what it would be about."
"Sexual harassment and intellectual theft,” Keith said bluntly, sharp eyes catching the anger that flashed across Duncan's face. “I'm not sure which is more serious to tell you the truth. One alone is intolerable, but combined,” he shook his head. “Start talking, Duncan."
"Who is my accuser?” he demanded. “No, never mind,” he shook his head. “It's got to be that little tramp, Debbie. She tried to sleep with me to get a promotion. This must be her plan for revenge.” He scowled. “Really, Keith, how on earth could you believe her over me? How could you even listen to her? I mean, really!"
"Because I have to listen to her. This is my company. When did she try to sleep with you?"
"She suggested we go to Vegas together and share a room during the technology trends show. Offered to show me a very good time if you know what I mean,” he grinned. “It was tempting as she is a very well-built young woman, but I didn't,” he said pompously. “I didn't even take her on the trip. It wasn't her turn to go, much less get promoted."
"I see,” Keith murmured. It sounded reasonable, except for a few little things that Keith had thought to look up. “So who did get the promotion?"
"Steve Rhys,” Duncan replied, looking smug. “A bright young man who..."
"Has only been with the company four months,” Keith cut him off. A glance at his notes and he continued. “After graduating from, hmm, the same college you did, and, what an amazing coincidence,” he shook his head. “His mother's maiden name is the same as your last name and he has the same home town.” Keith held Duncan's startled gaze. “Nepotism is a rather nasty thing, Duncan, especially considering Steve's grades in computer classes. Not a single one above a ‘C'."
Paul gave him a tight smile. They had delayed summoning Duncan until Laura's cousin, a specialist in HR, had been able to pull the information and get it to them. It had been a little tricky as Hester had just set new security measures, but the cousin had been chafing at Hester's restrictions and favoritism. Plus, a request from the CEO was enough in her eyes to justify the action. She had pulled information on everyone on the list Keith had given her, printed it, and slipped up the stairs before Hester could find out.
Keith was keeping a list of people helping him to make sure they were rewarded and protected. Christmas was coming, he had observed to David. Santa wasn't the only one to make lists of naughty and nice. Duncan had been relegated to the top of the naughty list.
"Who told you that?” Duncan demanded. “Those files are confidential and..."
"I'm the CEO of the company,” Keith said sharply. “I have access to any and all personnel records, including computer activity."
Duncan froze, before he forced himself to relax.
"So I promoted Steve over the tramp?” he shrugged. “Do you really want someone like that around the company? She and her wild-child friend Claire are bad news.” He leaned forward, a look of concern on his face. “You might want to be careful about your assistant."
"Serena?” Keith questioned. “Why?"
"She's been getting all too chummy with those two,” Duncan said quietly. “It's a bit suspicious if you ask me. Serena becomes your assistant, gets her friend Claire her old position, and now they're best buddies with Debbie. There's no telling what...” A look of horror came over his face. “If Debbie's accusing me of this, then you and Mark will be next. There's no telling what they'll accuse the two of you of. Serena's been with the company for over ten years and Claire for five..."
"Actually,” Paul spoke up. “Serena has been with the company just over eight years and Claire has been here three, including a summer internship.” He smiled calmly at Duncan. “Not to mention Mark has gone through five a
ssistants in the two years since Serena became Keith's assistant and Claire has only been in the position for five months. Every one of the six women in Programming is more qualified than Steve. Yet you passed over all of them."
"Two of them are engaged and one is pregnant,” Duncan replied.
"What does that have to do with anything?” Keith asked.
"They won't be with the company much longer so why waste time and money on them,” he shrugged.
"Good lord,” Keith stared. “Paul, get to the punch-line. Fast."
"Debbie has given us her statement. The other five women are as well. They all support Debbie's allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism, and intellectual property theft."
"I just told you that,” Duncan said impatiently. “And the whining of a few women shouldn't..."
"And then you and Hester threatened the six of them with their jobs if they said anything.” Disgusted, Keith rose and went to his desk to punch a combination. “Allen, it's MacLauren."
"On the way, sir."
Duncan frowned now, as if just realizing what was happening.
"Wait a minute,” he shook his head. “You're really taking the word of a bunch of women over me? Your own, hand-picked VP?” He stood and started across the room. Paul quickly got in his way. “Out of my way, you legal pansy,” he ordered.
"Nope,” smiled the lanky lawyer.
As Keith heard the security detail in the outer office, Duncan shoved at Paul to get him to move. Paul merely stepped back, still in his way. The door opened as Duncan swung at Paul. The lawyer caught the man's forearm, twisted it around, and turned toward Keith, forcing Duncan to his knees. Five security guards froze at the tableau.
"He's not taking this very well,” Paul observed with a glance at the CEO.
"Then you better keep him in that lock for a few more minutes,” Keith replied. “Duncan Samuels, you are fired on the grounds of nepotism, sexual harassment, intellectual property theft, and attempted assault on a legal representative of MC. You will be escorted out of the building by building security and will not be permitted inside the building at any time for any reason. Your personal effects will be forwarded by HR representatives. Which, by the way, will not include Hester Bridger,” he smiled when Duncan's head snapped up. “Oh, yes,” he nodded. “She's next.” He looked at Allen. “Would you escort Mr. Samuels from the building and make sure everyone in your department knows he is not allowed back?"
"Absolutely,” he replied. “Len...Pete,” Allen glanced over his shoulder.
Two men stepped forward and caught Duncan by the upper arms as Paul released him. Venom spewed from Duncan's mouth. Just arriving, Laura froze by Serena's desk as he was dragged past her. Seeing Keith and Paul at the door, she stepped forward and held out a file.
"Here are the statements from the women,” she said.
"That was fast,” Keith observed.
"They already knew Debbie was talking to you. It took about twenty seconds for them to realize that if she hadn't been tossed out of your office yet you were taking it seriously.” Laura smiled slightly. “We have keyboards built into the conference table and they're fast typists. Hit print, sign, and deliver."
"Paul, double her bonus."
"Absolutely,” Paul nodded.
Giving them a tight smile, Laura nodded and left.
"How can you stand there so impassively as if this was an everyday occurrence?” Paul asked.
"Wait until I hit the speed bag,” Keith replied. “I'll probably knock the damn thing out the window. Let's see what they wrote."
Not trying to hide his weariness and disgust, Keith sat down and started reviewing the statements. Paul settled in his chair and added to his notes on what Duncan had said.
"Good God, what else is going on that I don't know about?” Keith shut the file and tossed it across the desk toward Paul. “Unbelievable!"
"How bad?"
"The entire fucking department."
Paul grimaced and skimmed through the first few.
"Holy hell,” he muttered. “What are you going to do?"
Keith shot him a hard look.
"Duncan's fired,” he stated firmly. “Sexual harassment, nepotism, intellectual theft, and attempted assault on the two of us."
"And the rest?” Paul prompted.
"Given these statements, can you seriously ask that?” Keith frowned.
"Have to,” Paul shrugged. “Comes with the job.” He put the file on the desk and leaned back. “What brought all this on?"
"Serena brought Debbie to me because HR hadn't done anything.” Keith glared at the file. “I had to do something. There was no way in hell I could ignore one, let alone the rest of it.” He banged his hand on the desk. “I won't have predators on my payroll.” He shook his head. “God, these men are worse than some I've ever seen at the club."
"I can agree with that,” Paul nodded.
Inside ten minutes, they had fifteen men in the office. Some had the decency to seem embarrassed, as if they'd gone along with the others to fit in. Keith could understand that...if they'd been in high school...but not considering what had been in the statements of the women! Allen had assembled an entire security detail for this group. Keith saw quite a few outraged expressions on the uniformed men. In short order, the worst offenders were taken out. Two stammered out more damning information. Paul pulled out his cell phone and his assistant arrived to take the two men down the hall for further questioning with the police.
"God!” Keith groaned, falling back in his seat. “What else is going on?"
"Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll,” drawled Paul. “Why the hell do I feel like I'm back in college?"
"Please,” winced Keith. “Freshman year was a nightmare I'd rather not relive."
"Keith!” a woman called from the outer office.
"Hester,” Paul murmured.
"And the nightmare continues,” muttered Keith.
A second later, a middle-aged woman strode in without knocking. Her gray air was pulled back in a severe bun. Black rimmed glasses hung from a chain around her neck over a dark gray blouse and pinstripe pantsuit.
"Your flighty assistant seems to have taken the day off,” she snarked.
"My assistant is absent on my orders,” he replied mildly. “Sit down, Hester."
Paul inserted a fresh tape into the recorder, turned it on, and placed it on the desk.
"What is this about?” she demanded, taking the chair next to Paul.
"Your inaction on sexual harassment complaints."
She stared at him.
"Keith, I worked for your father for thirty years. I do not have to sit here and listen to you—"
"You work for me now, for however long that employment lasts,” he added. “So you will listen. Six women have come to you in the past four years to complain of sexual harassment. You did nothing,” he lifted the file before dropping it on his desk. He watched Hester's eyes widen slightly and her mouth tighten. “I want an explanation."
"Have you met any of those sluts?” she challenged the men. “Have you seen them?” she emphasized. “The way they dress? The way they talk? The way they act?"
"Their attire is not the issue at hand, Hester. The way they have been treated is."
"Sluts, every one of them,” she insisted, fire and brimstone in her voice. “Wearing scraps of material that barely pass as clothing and flinging themselves at every man they come across! It's shameful!” She shivered as if in disgust. “None of them were very serious about their complaints. And they were highly defensive when I pointed out their attire was the problem. If you dress like a tramp, then you shouldn't be surprised when you're treated like one."
"Like a rape victim?” he threw the question out casually, glancing at Paul who was studying Hester. “She's asking for it?"
"Precisely,” she smiled. “Would you believe that one of them, Delia, I believe is her name, actually came to me saying Duncan Samuels had gotten her pregnant and was threatening her if she
didn't have an abortion? A family man like Duncan! Preposterous, I told her..."
"It's true,” Keith told her, fighting down the nausea. “According to statements, he slipped her a rape drug. The women were all threatened."
"Bah!” Hester waved a hand dismissively. “They're all in league with each other! Don't you see?” She looked at him in growing astonishment. “You don't, do you? You really believe Duncan, Steve, Matt, and Luke did those things!"
"I don't think I mentioned any other names,” he replied quietly. “Hester, you are fired.” He punched the intercom. “Allen."
The door opened and Allen and the two security guards came in.
"What?” Hester demanded. “You can't fire me! I came over from your father's company to make sure you were doing things properly. I've spent the last several years trying to make sure you ran your company the way a MacLauren should!"
Keith caught Allen's gaze and nodded. The three men stepped forward.
"Hester, you are banned from this building. Your personal effects will be forwarded by the new HR director."
"Are you insane?” she shouted. “You are! I'll go straight to your father and he'll straighten you out in a jiffy, young man!"
"I would hope my father has more intelligence,” Keith replied. “Considering what happened last time we disagreed over an important matter."
Paul's lips twitched before he resumed a bland expression.
"Allen, if you would please?"
With a bit more care, the junior guards took hold of Hester and escorted her from the office. Paul closed the door behind them. Leaning back in his chair, Keith exhaled and closed his eyes.
"God, what else could happen today?"
"Well,” Paul started as he resumed his seat.
"Keith!” Mark's aggressive tone could be heard in the outer office.
"Stop asking asinine questions,” Keith told him.
"You got it.” Paul nodded. “Wonder what he's here about?"