by Iris Bolling
“It may not have been one of them, but it was certainly someone in this building. Let’s get the names.” Jonathan nodded. “That will give us a starting point of who in this building conspired to kill your father. Next we need to protect Dunning and all its assets.” He pulled up his computer. “I designed a program that will enhance the protection of our computer systems around the world.” He pulled up a map that illustrated how it would spread. “Once implemented it will take 24 hours to give full coverage. All branches on the east coast will be protected immediately, it will then spread into central computer systems, then eventually make its way across country to the west. That may take approximately 12 hours. Once there, it will make its way simultaneously to Canada, South America, Africa, Europe, Russia, Asia, China and eventually Australia. China may stagnate our efforts due to the computer infrastructure, however, the program will gradually work its way into our computer systems within our branch offices there.”
“You designed this program?” Jerome asked.
“I did.” Jonathan nodded.
“A program that will infiltrate other countries’ computer barriers?” Mike raised an eyebrow.
“Each country we have a branch in opens a channel to allow our banking systems to have ATM capability. I simply used that channel to communicate with our computers across the country.”
Mike and Jerome glanced at each other then back to Jonathan.
“How big is your brain?”
“When it comes to computer systems, it’s pretty big, Mate,” Jonathan replied. “Once Myles gives me the thumbs up, the process will begin. He is waiting on your approval. I have given access to the system to Myles, Grace, Gary, AnnieMarie and you. Only you are aware of it, the others have no idea.”
“How does this work?” Mike asked.
“It prohibits the success of outside sources hacking to take over our computer systems. It will block access then send an alert indicating an intrusion. You will then have the ability to increase the power of the shield, or to shut the system down completely. The decision on that will take three key personnel to implement. You, Myles and Grace.”
“What about you?”
“I do not hold a key. I have established a combination of Personal Identification Numbers for each of you. Once this system is approved you can change the PIN to something only each of you will know. I will have access to reset the numbers but will never know the combination of numbers it would take to shut the system down.”
“But you created this program,” Jerome stated. “I assume you would know backdoors to get in when desired.”
“True. The plan is to hire more big brains who are trusted employees to handle the administration of this program. For now you will have to trust me.”
CHAPTER 22
Gina looked around the lobby of the headquarters building of Dunning Bank & Trust. “This is that upscale kind of shit you see on TV.”
“Watch your mouth, Gina,” Beverly said. “I cannot believe you have never visited your sister at work.”
The two women walked to the bank of elevators to the right of the receptionist desk.
“They got a restaurant, a shoe store, a boutique, a coffee shop and a bank in the lobby?” Gina gawked turning around as she did. “You don’t have to leave the building for anything.”
“Some businesses like to make life as easy for their employees as possible.” Beverly nodded. “You know they have a daycare in the basement. You can leave LilWayne there while you work and the girls are in school.”
“What’s that going to cost? A mint plus an arm?” Gina laughed as they entered the elevator.
“I think it’s free to the employees.”
“Get out….. Free?” Gina gaped at her. “Okay, okay, I can get with that. This job thing might not be a bad idea. But they got to pay me.”
Beverly glared at her daughter. “Let me make myself clear, Gina. You are going to get this job, so you can get my grand-babies away from that gang infested neighborhood. If you screw this up, I’m done. I’ve held your hand for damn near ten years. You are too damn smart to be living like this and I’m tired of it. It’s time for your ass to go to work and stop walking around like somebody owes you something. Myles is giving you an opportunity and you damn well better take it.”
“I am, Momma. I’m just saying they better be talking some dollars. Minimum wage is not going to take care of me and my children. That’s all I’m saying.”
The elevator doors opened on the top floor of the headquarters building. Beverly stepped onto the plush burgundy and gold carpet of the second floor lobby. She walked across the lobby to the corridor that led to the executive offices.
“Whoa,” Gina exclaimed.
Beverly turned back to see her daughter turning in a slow circle as she took in the artwork on the wall, the furniture in different seating areas, and the all-around luxury of the building.
Beverly walked back to where Gina was standing. “Will you act like you belong?”
“Oh, I do belong here,” Gina giggled. “This place was made for me. Look at that chair.” She ran over to a white leather chaise that was positioned against the wall. Gina laid on it, then crossed her feet at the ankles. The bottom of her navy and white dress, had a flair out, cascading towards the floor. A man walked out of one of the offices with his head down and a tablet in his hand. He glanced over at her with a look of astonishment on his face.
Gina smiled. “I know. I make this chair look good, right?”
The man smiled as Beverly pulled Gina from the chair. “There is no excuse for her.”
“You have to appreciate her inner admiration.” The man held out his hand. “Preston Long.”
“Gina Price.” She extended her hand.
Preston slightly tilted his head. “Are you related to Chrystina Price?”
“I am, but don’t tell anybody.”
“I’m Chrystina’s mother. Could you tell me where her new office is located?”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Price.” He shook her hand. “I’m heading in that direction. I’ll be happy to take you.”
“Thank you,” Gina said as she took his arm. “Do you work here?”
“Gina,” Beverly cautioned.
Preston laughed. “It’s not a problem. Yes, I do. My office is right back there.” He pointed across the hallway, near the elevator.
The three turned the corner to the see the double doors to what was once called The Vault. The executive office was an open area with offices along both sides of the building. Inside the glass framed offices, Beverly could see various people on phones, others on their computers and some talking with others. A receptionist desk sat in the center.
Preston stopped at the desk. “Annatasha, these two are Chrystina’s mother and sister. Will you let her know they are here?” He then turned to Gina. “This is Annatasha Bessant. She will help from here. It was very nice to meet you.” He nodded to Beverly. “Mrs. Price.” He then walked into one of the offices.
“Hmm, I’m not into white boys, but he may be able to get some play.”
“Gina.” Beverly scowled.
“He is Italian and yes, he is a looker.” Annatasha smiled.
Gina turned to look at her. “Damn, you are gorgeous. You might be able to give me some competition.”
“Thank you,” Annatasha replied with a smile. “Ms. Price is expecting you. She asked that you go directly to her office. Mrs. Vazquez will be here shortly to escort you.”
“Thank you,” Beverly said as Gina continued to look around.
“I knew Chrystina went to work every day, but I ain’t know she had it like this…..”
“Well, this is your chance to have it like this too,” Beverly said as she stepped away from the desk then took a seat on a white leather bench that was against the wall. She reached inside her purse and pulled out her cell phone, crossed her legs then sat back to watch her daughter interacting with the receptionist. The one thing she could say about Gina was that
she had a natural way of charming people. Not just men, at which she was an expert, but women too. Gina’s charm was very disarming. Even the starchiest people found themselves spilling their secrets to her before they realized what they were doing. Beverly’s only concern was that Gina did not do anything that would embarrass Chrystina. She loved both of her daughters, for they each had a different strength. While Gina had the charm, Chrystina had the intelligence. Both of them had the tenacity of their father. When they put their minds to it, there was nothing they could not do. And neither knew the meaning of the word quit. They were both stubborn, that came directly from her.
She had to admit, Gina came dressed to impress. The flair bottom navy and white dress with matching heels, that were a tad bit too high in Beverly’s opinion, and waist length navy jacket, fit right in with the atmosphere of the office. Just as she was about to look at the messages on her phone, a tall slender woman walked up to the receptionist desk where Gina stood still talking with Mrs. Bessant.
The woman was dressed in a cream color, V-neck, long sleeve pencil dress with a waist length red blazer, matching belt and shoes. Her hair, clearly a weave, flowed loosely across her shoulders, down her back stopping at the end of her blazer. The woman strutted into the reception area as if she was the main attraction on a runway. She pulled the dark shades from her eyes, then spoke.
“Hello, Mrs. Bessant. I am here to see Myles. Will you let him know I have arrived?”
“Hello, Ms. Whitfield. I will be with you in one moment,” Mrs. Bessant replied then turned back to Gina.
The woman looked Gina up and down. “Excuse you,” she said as she placed her purse on the receptionist desk. “This is business. Do you mind?”
Beverly, who was observing the events from her seat on the bench, felt the woman’s tone was a bit rude. She hoped Gina would let it go, however, a moment later she realized that was an unreasonable wish.
Gina returned the head to toe examination of the woman then replied, “I do mind and would appreciate you taking a step back to wait your turn.”
“Uh-oh.” Beverly placed her phone back in her purse then stood.
The woman huffed, turned her nose up at Gina, then spoke, “Mrs. Bessant, I am here representing BIT Technology. This person” - she looked Gina up and down again - “appears to be a non-entity. Do your job and advise Myles I am here.”
“I would be happy to assist you as soon as I finish with Ms. Price,” Mrs. Bessant intervened.
“Oh, you are here to see my soon to be brother-in-law.” Gina smiled sweetly. “I’m here to see him too.”
“Excuse you?” Savannah growled. “Did you say Price?” The woman frowned. “As in Chrystina Price?”
“You have a problem with the name?” Gina asked.
Beverly sensed by Gina’s tone, things were about to go in the wrong direction. She walked over, started to speak, but Gina beat her to the punch.
“Brother-in-law?”
“You heard me,” Gina replied with hands on her hips.
“You must be joking,” the woman laughed. “Myles would never lower himself to marry the likes of her.”
“Excuse you,” Beverly chimed in.
“You done woke up mommy bear, now.” Gina smirked. “Your ass is in trouble.”
“And you are?” Savannah glared up and down at Beverly.
“Beverly Price.” She returned the gesture with a smile. “And you?”
The woman flared her hair across her shoulder holding her nose up high. “Savannah Whitfield,” she replied with an air of superiority.
“Myles’ ex-girlfriend.” Beverly nodded, thinking, so this is Savannah Whitfield. The woman Myles left long before he was involved with Chrystina. The air of superiority was clear in the way the woman acted. “I see. It must be difficult to lose a good man like Myles.”
“We are friends,” she snarled. “I did not lose anything with Myles. And if you think for one moment I am going to allow him to be used as a come up for your daughter, you are mistaken.”
“A come up?” Gina huffed. “The only come up needed in here, is that bad weave hanging down your back.”
Savannah gasped. “How dare you.”
Gina stepped back. “Talk about my sister again and I’m going to give that weave a come up right off your head. One good yank ought to do it. How do you like them apples?”
“This woman just threatened me. I want her removed instantly,” Savannah hissed. “I will have all of you banned from this bank.”
“If I remember correctly you tried that once before with Chrystina.” Beverly asked, “How did it work out for you?”
“Excuse me,” Mrs. Vazquez interrupted the conversation as she approached. “Ms. Whitfield, may I be of assistance?”
“Mrs. Vazquez, finally someone with a little class.” Savannah rolled her eyes at Beverly. She pointed at Gina. “This person threatened me. I suggest you call the authorities to have her removed. I am here to see Myles. I did not come here to be insulted by a lying Price woman.”
“Lying?” Beverly raised an eyebrow. “About what?”
Savannah smirked as she shook her head and looked at Mrs. Vazquez. “The nerve to refer to Myles as her brother-in-law, as if he would marry Chrystina.”
“Marry?” Mrs. Vazquez smiled as she glanced with glee at Beverly. “Myles and Chrystina are getting married?”
Beverly smiled. “That’s what they were talking about this morning.”
“Oh my. That is wonderful news,” Mrs. Vazquez responded.
“Do not believe these women,” Savannah said, stumped. “There is no way Myles would do that to me.”
“To you?” Gina stepped up. “From what I see, Myles don’t play the stick up your ass kind of game.”
Mrs. Vazquez coughed to cover her laughter. “Ms. Whitfield, Mr. Dunning has a one o’clock meeting,” she advised. “I will be happy to make an appointment for you.”
“I demand to see him immediately.”
The woman looked as if she was about to scream, Beverly thought, as she pulled out a tissue. “Honey, it’s all right. Women lose men to other women every day. You will survive.”
Savannah knocked Beverly’s hand aside. “Myles is not marrying that cow daughter of yours.”
“Ms. Whitfield,” Mrs. Vazquez exclaimed. “I think it is best for you to leave.”
“What?”
“You heard her,” Gina spoke as she stepped out of her heels. “Leave, or I can help you.”
Mrs. Vazquez then turned back to Gina. “Ms. Price, if you would put your shoes back on and follow me.” She then glanced at Mrs. Bessant. “Will you assist Ms. Whitfield with an appointment?”
“Of course,” Mrs. Bessant replied.
Gina hesitated.
“Go on, Gina,” Beverly ordered for she knew Gina was ready to take a piece of the ass off the woman. “Go on, now. I’ll take it from here.”
Gina walked away with Mrs. Vazquez. Glaring over her shoulder at Savannah, she spoke to her mother. “You good, Momma?”
“I’m good.” Beverly watched as Gina followed Mrs. Vazquez. “I have this covered.”
Beverly exhaled then glared at Savannah. “You are having a difficult time accepting Myles and Chrystina as a couple.” She nodded. “I can understand why. He is a good man.”
“I know he is,” Savannah hissed as she picked up her purse then stepped in Beverly’s face. “That is precisely why I will take Chrystina out before I allow her to have him.” She stepped closer and whispered, “And make no mistake, I can do it.”
Beverly watched as the woman walked away with a smirk. No the heifer did not just threaten bodily harm to her daughter. She should have kept walking, Beverly thought as Savannah walked into the restroom across the hallway.
Annatasha whispered with an exasperated look. “She insists on coming to see Mr. Dunning without an appointment. You know, Mrs. Price, I am a very nice person, however, I would enjoy slapping her one good time.”
“You are t
oo beautiful to do that.” Beverly smiled. “But I would be happy to do it for you. May I borrow this?” Beverly picked up an item from her desk.
“Are you going to smack her with it?”
“No,” Beverly chuckled sweetly. “That would be assault.” She shook her head. “I would never stoop quite that low.”
Beverly followed the woman’s footsteps into the ladies’ room.
Mrs. Vazquez showed Gina to Chrystina’s office. “Here you are, Ms. Price.”
Gina walked in. “Damn Chrys….” She looked around. “You are rocking in here, sis.”
“Gina.” Chrystina stood. “Come on in.”
“Ms. Price, may I see you for a moment?”
“Sure.” Chrystina stepped from behind her desk a bit concerned.
“Whoa, you got a stereo system up in here. Girl, we could party all night,” Gina howled.
“Don’t touch anything, Gina,” Chrystina said as she walked out the door to speak to Mrs. Vazquez.
“There was a situation at the receptionist desk involving your sister and Savannah Whitfield.”
“Savannah Whitfield is here? Why?” Chrystina asked then answered before Mrs. Vazquez could. “She’s here to see Myles.” She rolled her eyes.
“Yes. Unfortunately she had a few words with your sister.”
“Did Gina smack her?”
Mrs. Vazquez smiled. “I was able to prevent that from happening. However, Ms. Whitfield is a bit upset. She has asked that your sister be removed from the premises.”
Chrystina sighed. “Where is she now?”
“In the receptionist area with your mother.”
“My mother. You left Savannah out there with my mother?” Chrystina began walking fast in the direction of the receptionist area of the suite. “Oh, Mrs. Vazquez, you left the dangerous one out there.”
By the time Chrystina and Mrs. Vazquez made it back to the receptionist area the women were gone.
“Annatasha, where did my mother go?” Chrystina asked.
“Into the ladies’ room I believe.”
“Where is Ms. Whitfield?” Mrs. Vazquez asked.
“I’m not certain,” Annatasha replied. “She left before I could make the appointment with Mr. Dunning.”