Friend or Foe (Closed for Prometheus2)

[DeliciousMaiden]

OOC:

My thanks to Prometheus ('Nooner) for agreeing to share this little adventure with me!
Very much looking forward to this!

Jacqueline Marsaut:

(23 Year old - brunette - luminous hazel eyes - 5 ft 6 - Slender)


IC:

”Oui … oui .. je vous assure Monsieur …. Oui … c’est a dire … oui … vraiment … absolument Monsieur … oui … a la prochaine … merci … “

Jacqueline put down the receiver with a sigh of relief. That had been a difficult call, but she was confident that she had smoothed things over. She turned to her computer and wrote an email outlining the details of the conversation she had just had and the outcome of that discussion ensuring that her boss was conversant with the facts and assurances she had made. Hitting SEND, she relaxed back and consulted the Appointments Diary.

As if on cue Michelle breezed through the door announcing that she had an appointment with Mr Gomez the Publishing co-ordinator. Jacqueline telephoned ahead to check the details and was instructed to send the young model through, wondering not for the first time what it was that gave the young woman access to the managerial echelons of the company.

Jacqui had worked at QUEST ENTERPRISES for about six months now and had settled well into her role as PA to the Advertising Manager, Mr Gareth Davies. At first she had been astounded to discover that the company was much more extensive than she had realised when she first submitted her application. Although the advertising was processed through one department, the company actually produced up to four different magazine titles and it was for her to assist Mr Davies in setting up publicity that was suitable for the wide readership the company catered for.

Even now, Jacqui knew that the interview had proven to be the most intimidating she had ever been through. Thinking back she did not know how she had survived the panel that had greeted her as she’d walked into that intimidating boardroom only to be met by the eight key players of the management team headed by Mr Bradly, the President and Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of the company. Apart from the questions about her clerical, administrative and organisational skills, large parts of her interview had taken place in Dutch and German, languages she had a competency in, although had not quite attained fluency. Only when she was “interrogated” in French did Jacqueline finally relax and launch forth in what was after all her childhood tongue. She had come out of that room drained, but knowing she had done her best, although she could hardly believe it when they actually offered her the post!

What it was that had convinced them to appoint her she was unsure, but in the weeks that followed Jacqui found that although she possessed the necessary experience and skills to carry out her job competently, she was almost overwhelmed by the many challenges and the fact that there was so much to learn about the company she now found herself in. But as ever she was a hard worker. She learned well and was efficient and diligent: qualities which won her the silent approval of the Management and the more obvious praise of her immediate superior Mr Davies.

The first time he asked her out, she had been uncertain how to react. Jacqui was no fool and knew that “office” romances were a very bad idea, especially with the boss, but it hadn’t been like that. The invitation had been phrased as a “welcome to the company” and it had been implied that there would be others meeting at the bar … clerical staff … models … photographers … the “usual Friday night set”. And there had been … for a short while … but she soon found herself alone with him, with “Gareth” and … found she enjoyed his company. She didn’t know whether to be pleased or disappointed that he did not “pursue” her with any enthusiasm but continued to accept the several invitations for an “end-of-the-week drink” as they were offered over the course of the next 6 weeks or so, making sure that she did not appear too eager for his company.

In truth, Jacqui saw very little of him in the office. Gareth Davies' main responsibilities were to manage advertising opportunities and campaigns and deal with media and public relation issues. It seemed to Jacqui that he was always “on site” at shoots or conferences. Increasingly, much of the paperwork and organisational aspects of the department were left to her to process and supervise. Armed with telephone, pager and email, she kept in constant touch with him, but the information tended to be largely one way; her sending him detailed reports and itineraries, he sending curt instructions or feedback for her to log or act upon. The job was all absorbing enough to satisfy her.

The biggest challenge for Jacqui occurred at the Monthly Management Meeting where she accompanied Mr Davies to assist him in reporting on current developments and projects presenting statistics, figures and a break down of advertising revenue and outlay for each separate publication. Even though Mr Davies did most of the talking, Jacqui found it intimidating to submit her work for scrutiny to such a group of powerful people, especially the rather intimidating presence of Mr Bradly!

Perhaps it was for that reason that she accepted Mr Davies’ invitation: An invitation to go into the office and work that Saturday morning? And it had been work. They had needed to run the figures through the computer and do a more complex breakdown of their business that month. One deal had been particularly slow to process and for that reason; the revenue for one magazine appeared to run at a loss. It was essential that they show how well they had done for the other publications and put together a mini-presentation for the advertising project that would be realised in the next week which would take next month’s figures in significant excess so as to counter any “perceived loss” from this month’s business.
Their “spin” on the situation had pleased them both.
Glowing with success they had gone out to celebrate: celebrate with an expensive lunch, an expensive lunch which had culminated in the bedroom!

And so it had started.
They were always very professional, very circumspect.
They never spoke of any form of “commitment” or made any “declarations” and yet they continued to “see” or rather “bed” each other; intermittently at first and then with increasing regularity.
They didn’t let it interfere with their work and indeed no one in the company knew anything about it … and even if they had, the “relationship” such as it was would be of no interest to anyone …

Or so Jacqui thought …

 

[Prometheus2]

OOC:Nicholas Bradly
38 year old CEO of Quest Enterprises
Tall, thin ,dark cury hair, coal black eyes



“ Hire the girl.”
Nickolas Brady tossed the folder containing Jacqueline Marsauts life, past, present and future on his desk. His research people had done their job well, he noted when he had quickly immersed himself into the short file that was her past. “Perfect,” he had concluded, her history was untouchable, Nothing the tabloids could possibly exploit. He had taken the same meticulous care when he assigned his daily schedulling department the job of fitting her in, making sure there would be no errors or misjudgment as to what her duties would be and what information she would have access to. Their report, concise as well, had assured him that there would be no problems when she came on board and that her job would suit her ambitions. The planning committee had mapped out a future for her that would take full advantage of her fluency in foreign languages, encourage her already efficient nature and see that she was generously compensated. Her interview had amazed him further, her impecable French would no doubt double his circualtion in France in short time. her stuning performance was only exceded by her natural beauty and apparent ease.

"Perfect," he had said again. He looked up at Gareth Davies, who stood in front of his desk, to note that his smiling face showed his approval also.

Before Gareth could comment, he dismissed him with a wave of his hand, he was due in the gym for his daily workout.

That was six months ago, now as Nicholas paced the floor of his office occasionally stopping to look out over the city 87 stories below he wondered. "Had he made a mistake, Maybe she was too perfect. Actually it wasn’t her that was causing the problem it was that damn Davies!

Nicholas had made it a point to be perfectly clear when he had hired him. There would be NO getting emotionally involved with any of the female staff., Noda-none-zero-zilch. No ‘bedding’ ‘no screwing’ no.... nothing! As attractive as they all might be, hands off. understand.” Davies had agreed but somewhere in the back of Nicholas’s mind a cloud of doubt ominously lingered.
Gareth was a good looking man, single, young with raging hormones he knew sooner or later he’d screw up, but Jacqueline? He should have known better.

Jacqui, as the staff had began to call her had proven herself. Through his covert observations he had come to admire her as the months had passed. She certainly had fell into the place assigned to her much sooner and easier than planned. He couldn’t let her go buthe hated to see Gareth go either. Other than this current indiscretion. he was a valuable part of the firm. And he knew too much, way too much. If the tabloids got a hold of this there would be hell to pay. Oh it wouldn’t ruin him, he’d survive he had before, and he would keep the firm intact operating as usual. but he had his pride no body was going to make trouble for him if he could perevent it.

He didn’t usually ponder these situations this long. It was his nature to take care of them right away and never looked back. Now he began to look back, further than this latest development. perhaps it was because of Jacqui, perhaps he saw in her what he had felt in himself when he was her age. Budding enthusiasm, unlimited energy. His partner had been more conservative when he as a photographer and Clarke Moore as the financial genius had teamed up. Clarke had the money and the ability to squeeze every last drop of buying power from it and he had the gift of seeing through the eye of his camera the sexual beauty of the female body and selling it to the public. “Sex sold clothes, sex sold cosmetics, sex sold magazines.”

As Quest Enterprises grew, as they became more and more visible. Petty minds threatened to pull them down, bible thumpers denouncing their lack of moral restraint, conservative lawmakers determined to limit their investments, liberal policy makers wanting a piece of the action. Even the common man assaulted them with threats of frivolous but vocal lawsuits. The tabloids fed on any hint of scandal or indiscretion. It obvious that the answer was control, complete and unequivocal power.

Nicholas had made the decision alone knowing that Clarke would never agree, but hoping he could prevent him from finding out until he a least had his plan in place. He would sell the best commodity of all, SEX and he would use sex to quickly squelch any attempt to bring him or the firm down.

But Clarke found out and the next day his body was found crumpled on the sidewalk below the 87th floor window that Nicholas was now looking out of. It was never ascertained if he had jumped, or slipped or had been pushed. but he was most certainly dead.

So much for looking back Nicholas mused, he needed to move on. He turned and walked to his desk. taking a pencil from behind his ear he pressed a button on the intercom.

"Send in Michelle, and have her bring in the file on Christopher Benson.”

"Right away Mr. Brady." his receptionist replied. “And ...do you want me to hold all your calls?”

“Yes, Mary, Thank you.” he hit the button again and relaxing at last he sat behind his mahogany desk and waited. ‘You’re going down, Mr Benson.” he said under his breath. “ You’ve pushed me too hard.”

Michelle stepped quietly into his office and as he gestured toward the door she smiled and turned and locked it. "You wanted this?"

He watched her perfectly manicured hand pace the file on the desk. Her sultry voice continued. "Now what do we have planned for Mr. Benson our promising young district Attorney?” He's up for reapppointment, right?

Nicholas smiled."What are his chances?"

"Zero. After I’m through with him."

“You’ve been briefed then.?”

She nodded her long blonde hair cascading around her bare shoulders.

Well, I just wanted to let you know you don’t have to sleep with the bastard. We can doctor up the pictures if we have to.”

I know Nicky, we’ll take it as it goes. I might enjoy it.”

He felt a twinge of jealousy, his dark eyes blazed and caught Michelle's attention.

"Anything else before I go?" she sat on the edge of his desk giving him a promising glimpse.

“I could use a massage.” Nicky grinned in anticpation

"Before or after?"

"Both." He tugged eagerly at his tie.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jacqueline Marsaut

Jacqui crammed the last of the BLT into her mouth and turned the pages of the portfolio her eyes locked on the words before her as she licked her fingers absent-mindedly.

The morning had been hectic and she had felt it necessary to work through her lunch hour. Getting Denise to bring her back a sandwich after the girl had taken her own break, Jacqui had only just found a “window” in which to settle down and study the information she had managed to procure. She ate just to fill a gap, pausing now to rub her fingers on the napkin she took up her pen and began to make notes on the pad open at her desk. So intent was she that she did not notice those coal black eyes watching her from the doorway. Tucking her hair behind her ear, Jacqui was totally absorbed, her lips moving now murmuring the French words to herself as she began to write a list of bullet points, her face the picture of concentration.

”Miss Marsaut …”

Her name was softly spoken, yet Jacqui jumped visibly at the sound of a voice in such close proximity. Her head snapped up, her eyes widening in horror as she saw just who it was who stood before her.

”M- Mr Bradly … “

She stammered in confusion finding colour suffusing her cheeks.

”I-I’m sorry Sir … I didn’t … “

She began, but her apology was cut short.

”Where is Davies right now?”

Jacqui looked at him uneasily then turned her glance to the Schedule displayed on her computer.

”Right now, Mr Davis is at the Department of Trade and Commerce, Mr Bradly.
Then …. “

She clicked the button and called up the next page of Gareth’s itinerary.

” … He’s due to attend the “Internet Initiatives” Conference at 19:30.
If you needed to contact him the best time might be between venues at about 6 pm … or if it’s an emergency I can … ”

Jacqueline looked up the words freezing on her lips.
She tried not to feel intimidated as Mr Bradly came up to her desk and reached out a hand to pick up the document she had been studying so intently.

”It’s a recent study from France Mr Bradley about “Strong Brand Awareness in French Magazines”:
Magazines are almost twice as effective as television and four times as effective as radio at increasing prompted brand awareness, according to the results of SESAME, a recent research study carried out in France."

She read out carefully translating as she did so.

”It’s produced by the International Federation of the Periodical Press: The original French copy.
I thought we could implement some of their findings as quickly as possible and get ahead of our competitors.”

She smiled nervously unused to being put so easily on the defensive.

”Mr Davies said it would be fine if I spent time on this type of Market analysis …”

She spoke hastily unaware that her justification had unintentionally revealed to him that it had been HER initiative to study the statistics in preparation for their next move on the Franco phonic Market.

”Miss Marsaut, would you come this way please?”

She nodded, the fact that he had made no comment about her reading matter made her uneasy.
She rose gracefully to her feet and followed the Company President into Gareth’s office.
She glanced around nervously as Mr Bradley seated himself at her boss's desk and waved her into the seat opposite.

”I’ll come straight to the point, Miss Marsaut.
Representatives of our company have been invited to attend the World Magazine Congress at the Astoria hotel in town.

Jacqui nodded, awaiting further explanation.

”I have delegates meeting with the Publishers of America (MPA) and the American Business Media (ABM), but certain … factors have recently come to my attention … “

The ambiguous phrase seemed to hang in the air between them.

”Yes, Sir?”

Jacqui prompted artlessly, totally lost.

”Miss Marsaut … There is a reception this evening at the hotel.
There are some very important gentlemen that I would like you to meet …”

Jacqui blinked.

”Me? … but … surely Gar- uhh … Mr Davies should … ?“

Mr Bradly shook his head and interrupted her confused protest.

”It is YOU they are here to meet.”

He told her firmly, his unreadable expression silencing her.

”These businessmen are investors and have an interest in the workings of our company.
They are European and so will no doubt be as impressed as the board have been when they meet a “European Representative” who can converse with them in their own languages."

He halted seeing that his young employee looked somewhat overwhelmed.
Walking around the desk he perched on the end and smiled at her; a smile, as charming as it was unexpected.

”All you have to do is be yourself Jacqueline … “

She blushed at the French pronunciation of her name.

”The evening is purely social; these gentlemen are looking forward to meeting a charming intelligent young lady.
However, with your proven business acumen, I am sure that they will be impressed by your knowledge of the European market … and the advertising industry in general ... should … the matter arise in conversation..?”

Jacqui smiled and nodded, seeing the reason for her invitation. She wouldn’t be able to fully relax, but it could prove interesting, if not fun. She nodded with a glance at the clock.

”It’s this evening Mr Bradly … formal dress …?”

Her mind was already racing over possibilities.

”Yes, but wear something … dazzling … we don’t want them to get the impression that this is a “sell” do we?”

She could see the sense of what he was saying ... nothing too conservative then .... she began reconsidering.

”Go home now … that will give yourself time to relax and prepare.
I’m sorry this is such short notice but … I’ve only recently become aware of the details … to finalise this meeting.”

Allowing him to dismiss her she made to stand up.

”I’ll bring the car round to collect you at 8 pm. Will that suit you?”

Her eyes widened.

”YOU’re going?”

She questioned before she could hold back her consternation.

”Of course, Miss Marsaut. This is a deal I have a … personal … interest in …”

Her eyes searched his anxiously, but rather than being angry, he seemed amused by her tactless outburst.

”8 pm will be ideal Mr Bradly. "

She told him with exaggerated politeness.

"I’ll be on my way immediately. I just need to contact Mr Davies and let him know that … “

His interruption this time was brusque.

”No Jacqueline!"

She thought he must have been offended after all, but he stood to escort her out of Gareth's office, reassuring her softly:

"Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Mr Davies is well informed of this evening’s events.”

Jacqui looked at him helplessly.

There was no way she could tell him that Gareth was supposed to be calling in at her place after the Conference.
Gareth hoped to get away by 11 pm, but it sounded like she would be unable to get free for many hours as it was so important to impress these gentlemen.
At least if Mr Bradly informed him of her additional “duties” Gareth would know that the “circumstances” were unavoidable.

”Yes .. of course Mr Bradly.”

She told him smoothly pausing only to pick up her purse and brief case.

”See you at 8 …”

She told him almost shyly as she left the office and made her way to the elevator.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She had been given four hours in which to prepare for her evening out escorted by the Company President. More than ample time one might think, but Jacqui was a bundle of nerves. If she were honest, it wasn’t meeting the businessmen that she found disconcerting; it was the fact that she was to spend the evening under the watchful eye of Mr Bradly.

Walking around her room, wrapped in her fleece robe, Jacqui felt the now familiar knot of nerves making her stomach flip. It was ridiculous and irrational perhaps, but he was THE man in QUEST ENTERPRISES and as such definitely a person to stay on the right side of. Drawing out outfit after outfit from her wardrobe she sighed. It was those eyes she decided: The fact that he was so enigmatic. One never knew what he was thinking! He was impossible to read. Mr Bradly would make a good poker player, she mused. He was not a man to give anything away if he didn’t want to.

Jacqui smiled throwing caution to the wind and making her selection. She berated herself for her behaviour. She was a mature woman, intelligent ... in control ... after all what was the worst that could happen? Wishing she hadn't thought of that, she pulled on her outfit almost defiantly. She was NOT going to let his get to her!

By the time the limo arrived, Jacqui had worked herself up into a frenzy.

She was sure the outfit she had chosen to wear was unsuitable: a long black gown shot through with silver with a halter neck, yet leaving her arms sleeveless. She wore no necklace, selecting instead an orate marcasite watch on one hand and a matching marcasite bracelet on the other. Her high black heels gave the final touch of elegance to the ensemble.

It was almost a relief to hear the intercom buzz and the chauffeur announce that Mr Bradley would come up to wait for her if she was not yet ready. Hastily Jacqui assured the man she would be down immediately and threw over her wrap and evening bag and made her way carefully downstairs to the awaiting limo. Taking a deep breath she slid into the plush seating beside her boss and smiled at him, flicking her chestnut tresses back over her shoulder in a telltale nervous gesture.

”Good Evening, Sir…”

She greeted him softly.

 

[Prometheus2]

Nicholas returned quickly to his office bypassing his usual afternoon workout at the gym. He had a plan, the wheels of which had been set in motion as soon as Jacqueline had accepted his invitation to the reception.

“Mary?” his voice was terse.” Bring me the files on Jacqueline Marsaut and Gareth Davies”

“Yes Mr. Bradly,... oh... While you were out, you had several calls.”

“Anything life threatening?” there was a note of sarcasm in his question.


He saw Mary cringe and changed his tone. It wasn’t her fault he was pushed for time.

He walked over and put his arm around her shoulder. “Sorry for growling.”

Mary gave him her usual warm smile. No problem, I’m sure we can find someone in this organization to handle those calls.” but as long as you're standing here I have those files ready.”

Nicholas shook his head "You’re amazing Mary, just amazing.” As he closed the door to his office he shook his head again, smiling to himself. “How did she know that he wanted those two files? He knew of course, Mary knew a lot more than she let on.

He tossed the files on his desk and went to the window, raising his arms and stretching as he walked. Returning to his desk he felt his body relax and settling into his chair, picked up Jacqueline Marsuats’ file. It had gotten considerably thicker than when he had last looked at it, six months ago. Nicholas had known it would, even the history section. Having six months to add to it the research department had again, done their job well. Perhaps, it was here that he would discover the reason Jacqueline had taken up with Gareth Davis. She was an intelligent attractive woman and even though she appeared to be a bit naive there was no doubt she could have any man she chose. No doubt he was an appealing young man but there was a n arrogance about him that made most women shrink away.

Nicholas grimaced. Was he jealous? As a competitive male, yes, there was no question in his mind. As an intelligent human being, however, he knew better than to let this basic emotions control him. If he wanted Jacqueline he could take her away from Gareth in a heartbeat.

But that wasn’t his goal. His concern at this time was for his personal integrity and the integrity of the organization.

His demeanor changed dramatically when he thought of it that way. Smiling with anticipation, knowing that there were those who would say that neither he nor his business had any integrity. They were fools who sat in judgment of his success, little realizing their own personal values were relative to a larger picture of human nature that was a wide spectrum of values, many of them in direct contradiction to each other. Nicholas knew what his values were and he knew how to keep them from being compromised.

The issue at hand was how to find out how close this obvious relationship between Jacqueline and Gareth was. Had he told her anything about Quest enterprises that she shouldn’t know and if he did what would she do with that information. The answers to these questions weren't in hers or Gareths file but he knew there was information there that would help him extract those answers when the time was right. And he knew that he needed to act fast to quench the fire before it became uncontrollable.

He flipped through the few pages he had read before until he came to a section marked with a round smiley. Highlighted in bright yellow it was Michael Websters signature. He chuckled, remembering the day Mike had come on board. His freckled boyish face gave him a disarming look that Nicholas knew would be an asset to his job in the research department. While he left no stone unturned he left no tracks. Aas he pried open the private pasts of peoples lives, they remembered his affable smile and his gregarious nature rather than his intimate questions. Nicholas had plans for this promising man and a portion of this present investigation would determine Mikes future as well.

Turning the pages to a section titled “Medical information .” Nicholas saw again the yellow smiley face, about mid page,. Mikes way of drawing his attention to something that might be of interest or importance. He read on. “ Dr. Grace Warren Gynoc Wakefield clinic: Physical examination, patient, Jacqueline Marsaut, Caucasian, female, 11 years old brought in by her mother soon after the onset of her daughters first menstrual cycle. “Although the patient was initially shy her mothers support soon put her at ease. Physically the girl was in excellent shape albeit a little thin, .and I shared that assessment, asking them if they had any questions or concerns. The mother asked about a birthmark that was located on the girls left inner thigh, 3 centimeters in diameter. a dark wine colour, centered on the crease of skin between thigh and the left labia major. I assured them that the birthmark was a common occurrence, not to worry. The daughter mentioned that from time to time there was an itching sensation in that area. I perscribed a cream that would alleviate any irritation that might occur but that it was more than likely the increased growth of genital hair that caused it. I suggested that she keep it trimmed but not to shave it off, and to use the cream whenever she felt the need. It was water based ,she needn’t worry about it getting “inside”, in fact it would be beneficial there also.

Nicholas closed the file and leaned back in his chair, a not so strange feeling coming over him. admitting to himself that this intimate information excited him in a familiar way. He folded his hands together on top of the file his long sender fingers intertwining and his thumbs slowly circling each other first one direction and then the other. He closed his eyes and a vision of what the report had described as the birthmark area instantly appeared, along with Jacqueline's soft hands applying the cream. He shivered and then quickly sitting forward reopened the file, paging through to the next smiley face.

Several new pages had been added here: ‘Carol Parker, former school chum-cocktail waitress disillusioned housewife- loveless marriage-prone to drink to much and talk about her past.” Mike had a flair for the dramatic Nicholas noted, maybe someday he’d write a novel that he’d enjoy reading but now was not the time.

“ Is Mike in the building ?” He inquired into the intercom.”

“I believe he’s downstairs.” Mary answered. “I’ll send him up the back way.”

“Amazing.” Nicholas said under his breath, and then out loud. “Remind me that you’re due for a raise, Mary.”

Consider yourself reminded Mr. Bradly.’ Mary shot back.
--------------------------------------------------

Nicholas was stretching again when he heard the swipe of the pass card and the back door to his office click open. He stepped towards the sound to meet a smiling freckled face and warm bright eyes.

“Sit down, Mike.” he motioned to his own chair behind his desk.

Mike hesitated only a moment and plopped down into the soft leather.

“Don’t get too comfortable.” he winked at Mike. “I haven’t much time.”

Mike glanced at the desk, the open file and the closed one. In the corner of his eye he noticed a small attractively wrapped package. “That's a remarkable coincidence.” he remarked.

“What?” Nicholas asked.

Mike grinned and produced a package the same size and shape from his jacket pocket.

“Perfume, ‘Secret Garden’. I had a devil of a time getting it. Special order, Bloomingdales, it’s the only scent she wears. He glanced at Jacqui’s file. He wanted to exchange stories with Nicholas but felt his urgency to move on. His exuberance got the best of him however when he pulled out another item this one in a plain white paper box. "The cream," he said grinning, "You know about the cream?.”

Nicholas glanced briefly in Mikes direction. ”Never mind that now.” He was miffed that Mike had been so thurough but then he guessed that was what he was here for. Still, the perfume, he’d looked at that as his own personal coup.

Mike saw his change in attitude and changed gears quickly he would have rather taken his time but Mr. Bradlys time was more important. He glanced at the file page. “Carol Parker ....” he noticed Nicholas nervous glance at his Rolex. “ Basically sir, she told me that Jacqueline Marsaut was sexually active made no apologies for her behavior, enjoyed sex, but wasn’t promiscuous.

“Did you screw her, Mike?”

“What?”

“Did you screw Carol Parker for all that information.’ He pointed toward the file.

“No, Mr. Bradley I just talked to her.”

Nicholas’ voice softened and he winked, ‘You just seduced her with words then.”

Mikes face broke into a grin ‘Well sir, she did go home smiling.”



--------------------------------------------------
After he dismissed Mike promising him that in a couple of days he would be meet with him again, Nicholas settled into his chair. Some other time he would read Mikes “novel” but for now he closed Jacqueline's file and consider Davies’s

Red flags sprouted up everywhere as he opened it. He almost closed it surmising that Jacqui was sleeping with him for pleasure and not for personal gain. She obviously had no alterior motives no hiddn agenda. He decided then and there that Davies could rot in hell for all he cared. The only question that remained was how he was going to speed up that process.

A envelope with urgent written across the front caught his attention. He dumped the contents out on the desk. Several neatly folded handwritten notes spilled out. he opened the top one noting with shock the neat concise French, "Jacqui’s handwriting." He unfolded three or four others the same unmistakable handwriting. Nicholas knew enough French to know that they were love notes terms of endearment times and dates of rendevous were obvious. A memo along with them read “These were found in Gareth Davie's waste container.
Nicholas was now seething, his fist striking the desk in anger. "The bastard was crass enough to treat her intimate wring with dispicable disreguard. And then to be so careless as to jeprodise his integrity and the organizations as well. For gods sake! there was a paper shreader right next to the waste basket. Had this womans devotion made him arrogant and pompous.

He carefully refolded each note and gingerly replaced them in the envelope, except for one. This one he set to the side and closed Gareth Davis’ file. He took a deep breath and wrote a memo. “Mary, please have this message copied by someone from the art department a calegrapher, In French, using the style in the attached note. Use the same endarments that the note writer has used, asking Mr Davies to meet her at her apartment at 22:00 tonight.

When it is finished and brought back to you, bring it to Mr. Davies office personally. Place it on his desk in plain view.


"Done," Nicholas said under his breath. "The bastard will have at least two hours to stew before Jacqueline arrives.” He picked up the perfume package tucking it into in his breast pocket. Gathering up the two files and the memo he gave them to Mary on the way out. No explanation was necessary, Mary would take care of it. “Good night, Mary.” he said"Your raise will be included in your next pay check."



--------------------------------------------------


Deep in thought, Nicholas was trying to distance himself from the afternoons emotional roller coaster ride. A long hot shower had helped and he always felt better when he was dressed up for an event like tonight. For the next four hours he could relax and enjoy the company of a beautiful young woman. He erased all thoughts about her past, her relationship with Davies from his mind. If she was she was half as dazzling as he expected he knew the night would pleasurable for both of them.


Her soft voice literally caressed its way into his conscious mind.

“Good evening Sir.”

Adding to this audibly pleasing stimulus was a visual experience that exceeded even his most imaginative expectations. In the dim light of the Limo the silver immersed in her black gown glowed in her eyes. Without touching her, he could feel the warmth of her bare shoulders and arms, her hands and face. Rather than make a bungling idiot out of him as such a vision of loveliness would do to most men it only encouraged his eloquence as he was driven to give back the pleasure he was receiving.

He took her hand and raised it to his lips kissing it softly and then looking directly into those luminous hazel eyes replied

"Good evening Ms. Marsaut." holding her gaze he added "And now that we are properly introduced please call me Nicholas ...or Nicky if you prefer. And I will call you Jacqueline ..or Jacqui if you prefer.

She seemed to be amused by his play on words and smiled not answering but waiting for the occasion to present itself before deciding which to choose. He returned her hand to her lap and deftly removed the small package from his breast pocket.

This is for you ...Jacqueline.” He had decided that her elegance demanded the more formal name.

She gasped, perhaps she had recognized the wrapping he thought. and then in the next instant tore open the package expectantly. Oh! Nicky! she exclaimed. “How, how did you? secret garden, my own personal fragrance. Who told you?.” the words tumbled spontaneously from her mouth, and enveloped him with their excitement. She blushed and slowly the excitement mellowed into warmth.

'A very pleasant coincidence perhaps." Nicholas said quietly.

“Serendipity.” Jacqueline said suddenly.

Of course.” Nicholas had no idea what she was talking about but he knew one thing never question a beautiful woman when she’s caught up in total happiness.

“It’s just some silly old fairy tale.” she had noticed his perplexed look

“Fairy tales aren’t silly, tell me about it sometime.”

I will, but for now ....she kissed him lightly on the cheek “Thank you, thank you very much.”

It’s just a short ride , we need to talk business Ms. Marsaut. He was suddenly feeling too close and much too comfortable.

Jacqueline smiled “ Of course Mr. Bradly.”

The rest of the ride went swiftly as he explained the nights event and described some of the investors who would be present.

He noticed later that his consul had been taken seriously as he watched Jacqueline move smoothly and effectively amongst those present. Even though many of them thought of her as a high priced whore they kept their distance and showed their respect of her as a woman. Her eloquent French only added to her mystique which Nicholas noted with some amusement made some men react as if she were above and beyond their reach. Little did they know that in fact, she was.

Jacqueline pulled him aside about the middle of the night. Commenting on how much she was enjoying herself, how the men were treating her with respect and how the other women present were attentive to their male companions.

“Except for one. Nicholas said trying to act nonchalant. he pointed to a portly balding man who had cornered a tall blonde and had his hands all over her.”

Jacqueline grimaced.” He tried to get me in that corner a while ago.” She leaned toward Nicholas to whisper in his ear. “He thinks I’m a prostitute. He asked me how much I charged for the evening.”

Nicholas turned to face her. Trying to discern how much she was absorbing. “Sometimes... escorts are hired to attend these events it’s part of .....the business.”

“What business>” Jacqui asked confused

“ The business of entertaining.” Nicholas said quickly. “But don’t let that concern you tonight. If that guy bothers you again I’ll ask him to leave.”

“That’s all right Nic... Mr. Bradly I can handle him .If worse comes to worse I’ll just make sure you are standing between him and me. You can be my fence, ok?.