by Jamie Knight
“But your charges. Ones of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and, most recently, sexual assault, those have been somewhat substantiated by Melissa, but we need your testimony, Tommy. Any evidence you can provide to us to make the final verdict on this.” Here, Reese shoots Vanacore a look of death.
She gives her one right back but doesn’t say anything. Somehow, she manages to have some restraint today. Maybe because she knows her verbal and physical assault on me a few days ago only got her in hotter water, not less.
“I have all the evidence you need,” answers Tommy numbly. “Everything is there.” As he speaks, I see him opening a variety of files on his phone. The first is a notepad application. “Here are some notes of the various sexual advances, their time, their date, and content.” Reese reads it over, getting both paler and darker around the edges as she goes. “Thank you, Tommy,” she says, passing it back to Charlotte to look at. “Can you send all of that to me, and the rest of the partners assembled here?”
“Yes, I can.” While he is answering robotically, I can see how bad his hands are shaking. How they are starting to sweat. He busies himself was sending that email, attaching the various files. Within seconds, pings from each of the different phones in various places on the partners or on the table, go off.
I watch them all take a moment to read what he sent them. “This is all very well and good. Thorough enough,” announces Ashton, “But not good enough to substantiate the severity of these claims. Do you have anything else you can show us, Tommy? Audio or video? Anything like that?”
Tommy clears his throat. “I have audio and video,” he says. I watch him as he keys into another series of programs and begins to play set audio files. They cover a variety of things: of Vanacore essentially bribing and/or threatening to increase or decrease Tommy’s pay based on how well he performs and how willing he is to do certain “jobs” — very clearly of a sexual nature; still other soundbites capture requests for sexual acts and all related noises.
The partners, Charlotte, and Reese listen to all of this, visibly disturbed by it. But they are determined to take notes, to listen to it in full, getting a clear picture of just the kind of woman Vanacore really is behind closed doors — the closed doors of their company specifically. Something that’s already having a bit of an image crisis and doesn’t need this apocalypse.
At the end of all that, Ashton expresses his thanks.
Jake, looking white with anger and disgust, something I’ve never seen before on a face that’s usually full of happiness and warmth, says, “Thank you, Tommy. Send us copies of that as well, if you would. For our records.”
“Sure.” Tommy messes with his phone, loading soundbites onto emails and sending them. Again, the office erupts in a cacophony of notification bells and chimes, as each item comes into the inbox of the assembled group.
“I would normally ask you to defend yourself,” Kane says to Vanacore, “I would normally ask you what you have to add to any of this, or if you are going to offer any kind of alternative explanation to why they would be saying this about you, but I’m not going to in this case. The evidence speaks for itself. And for you.”
Vanacore bolts up out of her chair, practically foaming at the mouth. She levels an angry finger at Tommy, then at me. “They’re in on this together! They’re dating! A fact I’m quite sure you didn’t know, and that they didn’t bother to tell you! Exactly so they could get me on all of this stuff! Try to destroy my reputation! A reputation I’ve been building carefully for the last thirty years!” She leans in Tommy’s direction, and I see him go a little pale, but he quickly covers that up with a stern, straightforward stare. “He has a video! Of him enjoying what he was doing to me! That little brat is kinky! He wanted to post it on the Internet and all of that!”
Ashton jumps in, also taking a stand. While his voice is calm, his eyes are not. He looks like a lion in a suit — one you won’t want to mess with, even if you are the devil himself. “I don’t care. It’s already been made quite clear to us, by what we were able to unearth from your office, from other people we talked to who were involved with you in Missouri, that you have been at this for as many years as you’ve been in this business.”
Tommy nods triumphantly.
Ashton continues, “In addition to all of that, it was already made clear to us that Tommy was doing this for the good of us. For our company. For our reputations, so I’d say he very much got the upper hand on you.”
“Which means,” adds Jake, standing as well. “That you have no ground to stand on. Not with McKenzie Tech, Vanacore.”
Vanacore gets even more rabid. She actually grinds her teeth to the point of all of us being able to hear it. “That’s of no consequence! I already have plans to level a countersuit against those two! Against you all, and in fact!” She slams her hands down on the table. “For damages and suffering!” She smiles a little crazily here as if she’s about to feed on someone’s flesh or blood. “And with your rival law firm!” She finishes pointing at Jake.
“Whatever, man,” says Ashton, in a rare moment of informality. “Whatever countersuit you think you’re going to bring, bring it. You’re fired, anyway.”
I fight as hard as I can to not start celebrating right then and there. This probably goes for most everyone else at the table, too. But they all, including me, managed to keep their masks on.
“As for their relationship,” says Kane calmly, “I already knew about it.” Saying this, he whips out some forms. I recognize them immediately. The consensual relationship disclosure forms and agreements that I signed earlier today. He’s now producing them for Tommy to sign as well, explaining the situation. “I knew about it long before Melissa ever came in to sign the papers. And now I’m having Tommy sign them, just to cover our bases.”
Tommy grabs them and quickly signs them, looking like he wants to throw me across this conference table and fuck me right here, right now. Not that I wouldn’t mind. Just… Without Vanacore and everyone else here to watch.
I put my hand on his leg under the table and squeeze it. I hope that it says all that I want to say to him. “I love you. You’re amazing, and I’m sorry I ever doubted you.” Something like that.
Around us, Vanacore goes ballistic. She actually starts to go for some of the partners physically, until Reese phones for security through an office phone, telling them she’s requesting removal of an uppity, former employee.
Chapter Sixty-Six
Tommy
Karma’s the best. Watching it come after someone in its full glory, who’s been skirting paying that karmic debt for decades, is just glorious. It’s almost better than sex, not quite, but almost.
It definitely makes what I’ve been going through with her for almost a month totally and completely worth it. The only thing that makes it more worth it is to watch Vanacore rage and freak out as the security guards are hauling her away, and the other partners have come out of their offices to watch and listen to her insult damn-near anyone within range.
But the best part, the best bit of karma I get to witness, comes when Kane steps out into the hall, looks at Vanacore directly and announces, “Let the record show, and from these witnesses, that, due to Vanacore being unfit and unworthy of running her part of the merger agreement between our two companies, I hereby promote her assistant lawyer, Tommy Radner, to head of the legal department. He is now going to be the boss over all of your previous clients, Vanacore. I’ve heard nothing but good things from them all. Though he wasn’t directly involved and their cases, the little bit he did talk to them on the phone, left a great impression.”
Vanacore goes nuts, hurling insults at Kane. She threatens to get him back. She says that bigger companies have her back and will help her take this godforsaken company for all its worth, reputation included.
Many of the witnesses start to murmur that she is out of her mind and crazy to insult the founder like that, but Vanacore’s oblivious and careless to it all. She’s out for blood now, t
hat much is clear. I don’t care anymore. If Vanacore keeps any more of this up, they won’t just throw her out of the building. They might just throw her in jail for the day to cool off.
But, it’s only as Vanacore’s screams fade, and she dragged truly out of sight, that Kane’s words strike me. That what he said about me being promoted to head of Vanacore’s old portion of the company, hits me like a ton of gold bars.
I look over at Kane as if I just now heard him say those things. “Mr. McKenzie, what did you say?”
“You’re promoted, Mr. Radner,” says Kane with a wink. “Head of what was formerly Vanacore’s portion of the merger.”
Hearing this bit of news again, the assembled witnesses begin to clap and cheer. They murmur their congratulations to me. And this is when it finally hits me, I’ve just gotten my dream job. Not just a job within the company that’s out of the legal aid hell, but an actual job as a lawyer. I’m not just an associate or assistant; I’m the head of legal. This means I actually get to practice law, after passing my bar exam two years ago. I was going to be happy with Vanacore being gone, and taking over as an associate or assistant for some other lawyer. I didn’t think I would actually become the head of legal.
“Thank you, Mr. McKenzie,” I blubber, “thank you, everyone, for your help in all this business, for believing that I had your best interest in mind! Thank you for entrusting me with bigger responsibilities!” My eyes are back on Kane as I say this, and Kane just looks doting at me, like a father.
“You deserve it, Tommy,” he says. “You really do. After doing such exemplary work as an associate, and then taking it upon yourself to protect our reputation like that, to take on that burden all by yourself, that deserves a reward. I’m happy to give that promotion to you. We all are.” As he says this, the rest of the partners nod and pat me on the back.
Kane turns to Reese. “Darling,” he says in his usual charming way, “can you do me a huge favor?”
“Of course, Kane,” she says. “What can I do for you?”
“Can you make sure a press release goes out today, notifying each one of Vanacore’s clients of the change in leadership?”
The more I listen to him speak, the more I feel my head spin.
“I sure can,” answers Reese.
Melissa’s hand laces itself in mine covertly, almost like she knows I’m getting dizzy and need someone to steady me. I squeeze her hand back, immediately thankful for her support. The dizziness does go away.
“Also, make sure all of Vanacore’s crap gets thrown out for her on the sidewalk,” adds Kane.
“Got it,” answers Reese mischievously.
“And also make sure all of the plaques on Vanacore’s office gets changed over to Mr. Radner’s information,” says Ashton, putting in his two cents.
“Absolutely, Ash. Will do.” With that, Reese rushes back to Kane’s office to do all of the work she’s just been given, and I’m left there to be dumbfounded and starstruck.
I’ve been promoted to actual “boss” status! Me! And when all I started out wanting was just a job outside of the legal aids’ floor! I feel extremely lucky. I not only have a nice new job, and the ability to actually fulfill my dreams of being a lawyer, but I have the best girlfriend in the world. A girlfriend I want to make into a wife.
So, while every one of the partners is still there is a witness, I get down on my knee, surprising Melissa. At first, she looks worried — like I’m fainting or something, but as I take her hand in mine, and kiss it, she looks like she’s about to faint. She’s turned at least fifty shades of red.
“I know I don’t have a ring yet,” I say, shoving away feelings of embarrassment, and the little demon in my head who says I’m not worthy enough of her, “so I know this looks kind of dorky, but I’m going to do it anyway, right now, before I lose my nerve.” I pause, gathering my breath and my words and my courage and my strength. “Melissa Star”—she’s already starting to cry, and waved her hand quickly in front of her face— “Love of my life, impromptu wardrobe artist, bringer of all my fortune and happiness, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Of becoming my partner in crime, not only at work? But on the road of life?”
Everyone around us starts to make “aww” sounds. Even the partners, who are not usually so mushy.
Melissa’s completely overcome with tears, but she squeaks out, “Yes! Yes, my love! I will marry you! Nothing would make me happier than to become your wife!”
I kiss her hand. “Then imagine I’m putting a ring on your finger.” I smile sheepishly over her hand. “I’m going to go out and get one once we’re done here, but I imagine that it’s there, okay?”
“I’m imagining,” says Melissa comfortingly, “and it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see the real thing.”
I get up off my knees, bringing her in for a kiss in front of everyone and break away, saying, “You won’t have to wait long, because I’m going out to get a ring for you right now!” Saying that I run full tilt toward the elevator, with plans to walk to the nearby retail area to the jewelry shop I’ve always wanted to go in but never had a reason to. There, there’s a big, fat ring with Melissa’s name on it, and I have every intention of getting it for her.
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Melissa
I was happy to get Vanacore out of here. I was happy to see her dragged away like the criminal she is. I was dizzy with joy and gratitude hearing of Tommy’s promotion. It is the just reward for all of his honorable, kind-hearted work.
What really makes my head spin, and my heart feels like it’s so happy it’s going to break into a million dazzling little pieces, is the marriage proposal I’ve just gotten from Tommy. There’s no ring with a yet, but there will be. He’s heading to a jewelry shop with all speed, to do just that.
But I’m not about to let him go without another good piece of news my own. “Wait a moment, husband-to-be,” I shout at him.
Tommy stops short, whirls around with a goofy smile on his face. “Yes, babe?”
“Since you’ve just proposed to me and been living at my apartment for the last two weeks while you were on your vacation, you officially live with me now, okay?” I’m smiling as I say this, not caring that half of the upper office floors are still watching our exchange. “You already have the spare key anyway. The one meant for my dearest, sweetest husband.”
Tommy chuckles here like he’s drunk on wine. “Good. Because my dumb old dad was threatening to sell my car and all my shit back at home.” Despite this admission of a horrible home life, he has a wide, brimming smile on his face.
“That’s fine since you’re not going back,” I say, surprised by the authority in my voice. Especially since he is now legitimately my boss. “You don’t need any of your stuff. Or anything that reminds you of him.”
“You’re right, I don’t, babe,” he says and turns back around. “I’ve got better things to do. Like going get my baby a ring for her beautiful, precious finger.” With that, Tommy resumes his journey down the hall and toward the elevator. It’s still at a quick speed, but not as quick as before — and it’s got a little spring to it, which I think is cute.
Only when Tommy’s disappeared from view, do I move my eyes elsewhere. To Kane, who has put his hand on my shoulder.
“He’s going to need a secretary of his own now, you know,” says Kane, a wide, daring grin on his face. “You interested in helping him?”
I blush hotly and deeply at this, knowing what my answer would be — that I would want to work for Tommy in this capacity without a second thought — but that would leave Isabella all alone by herself.
“What about…?”
“Isabella?” supplies Kane. “Don’t worry about her. I won’t make her do all the work by herself. I’ve already actually begun looking into possible candidates to take over your job. I’ve already started quietly looking at applications. Both inside this company and out.”
I look at him, not sure whether I should be impressed or terrified. T
he degree to which that man can think ahead, plan ahead… It’s scary! Downright supernatural!
Kane just smiles, as if he’s had more people than just me look at him that way. I don’t doubt that he has. Not for a second. Not with how insanely successful his business has become since I started working here.
“I had a feeling things would work out this way.”
More like made them work out this way, I think to myself.
By now, the rest of the partners, and indeed the rest of our witnesses, have disappeared back into their offices to get back to work — to get onto something other than our little soap opera. While I’m sure it was better entertainment than most daytime television, there is a company to keep running smoothly, after all.
“So, what do you say?” asks Kane.
I look at him, grateful, and a little terrified by the prospect. “I appreciate the offer. I really do, Kane.” I looked down a bit. “But…”
“But?” Kane sounds genuinely amused.
My eyes meet his again. “I need to check with Tommy first. He is the boss now,” I say, feeling my lips curve into a mischievously joyful smile.
“He sure is,” says Kane, matching my smile and turning to walk away. “And it’s only the best, most obedient thing to do: ask your boss for permission before doing anything.”
With that, he leaves me alone with my thoughts and with my raging libido. I’m dying to see Tommy again, and to get spread across his desk like the pliable, obedient secretary and wife I am.
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Tommy
It’s now edging toward the end of the day. After spending my late lunch break walking into downtown Manhattan and going to a jeweler’s there to buy Melissa’s engagement ring, I returned to work. I returned to my office, which is now solely mine, not just something I share with Vanacore. It’s amazing to me how quickly everything was changed around for me. All of her stuff was moved out, and the plaques displaying her names have been removed and replaced with temporary cards with my name on them. They are not as fancy as what I should have on my door, but I can be patient. I can wait for my fine mahogany-wood, and gold-lettered plaques to arrive.