Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Bane seemed irked as usual when he saw them, but all I heard was a grunt as he walked past, shutting his door.
Tuesday was much of the same behavior from Bane. Unless it was business, we hardly spoke, and whatever he was so deeply entrenched in was taking up all his free time, which was hard to come by as it was.
Wednesday afternoon, I heard a commotion in the hall, and I looked up, recognizing Bane’s mother’s haughty voice. I stood, rounding the corner of my desk. I met Bane’s gaze, confirming that he, too, had heard his mother approaching. He looked annoyed, heading to his door.
“Get rid of her,” he hissed. “I have enough shit to deal with today. And I don’t need a lecture on what a disappointment I am.”
I nodded, grabbing the doorknob to shut it.
“Under no circumstances let her in my office, Myers. Whatever you have to do, do it. If she gets past you this time, you’re fired.”
I swallowed. “I’ll take care of it.”
I stayed in front of Bane’s door, glad when I heard the lock engage. Short of breaking in to the office, his mother couldn’t gain access to him. Now, I had to figure out how to get her to leave without causing a scene. I grabbed a pile of files and my phone to use as a prop, pretending I just happened to be in front of the door.
She came through the outer door, her face set into a scowl. I wondered if she had another expression—I had certainly never seen it.
“Oh, hello, Mrs. Bane—I mean Mrs. Johnstone. I wasn’t expecting you today.”
“I don’t need an appointment to see my son. Step aside.”
“I can’t do that.”
She drew her already straight shoulders even straighter. “And why not?”
“He can’t see you right now.”
“I’ll wait.”
“No, that won’t work either. He’s tied up all afternoon.”
“Ridiculous.” She tried to get to the door handle, but I stepped in front of it, shaking my head.
“I can’t let you go in there.”
“Can’t or won’t?” She narrowed her eyes. “Tell him I am here.”
“I can’t do that either.”
“And why not?”
My mind raced. Telling her he didn’t want to see her was useless. She would park herself in front of my desk and wait. Admitting if I let her in I would be fired would do no good either. She wouldn’t care.
“He isn’t in his office.”
“You’re lying. I can see the light under the door. I heard his voice when I was in the hall.”
I sighed, desperate, unsure what to do. Except I had to get rid of her. I needed this damn job.
“He is in there,” I admitted. I heard a low growl, and I knew he had heard me. The bastard was on the other side of the door, waiting to see what was going to happen. “But he can’t see you. He’s, ah, dealing with a personal situation.”
“What sort of personal situation?”
I was at a loss. Most people would take the hint and leave, but not this woman. Two ideas quickly developed. Both unacceptable. But I panicked and said the first one that came to mind.
“He sent me out for lunch today. I got him street tacos.” I met her eyes, widening mine for drama. “Bad idea.”
“I don’t understand.”
I leaned closer as if sharing a secret. “He has explosive diarrhea. He can’t stop shitting himself.”
She reared back, the horrified look on her face priceless. “I beg your pardon.”
I shrugged. “It’s horrendous. The last blowout was excessive. I’ve called maintenance, but we’re still waiting for cleanup and to unclog the pipes. It’s a good thing he keeps extra suits here, if you get my drift. But surely you understand he needs his privacy right now.”
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the text.
MYERS
I sighed, hearing his anger in the use of my name. Maybe because it was in bold. Capitals. But he wasn’t happy. I shrugged in resignation, committed to getting rid of this woman who upset him so much. “I wouldn’t wait. I suggest you try again some other time. When the air is clearer.” I waved my hand. “The smell,” I whispered. “Like something died.”
She turned and walked away. Almost ran.
I sat at my desk and replied.
She’s gone.
A moment later, he replied.
My office. NOW, MYERS.
I looked around in sorrow. Shame. I was starting to enjoy this job.
I knocked and waited. I heard the lock unclick, and I heaved a sigh. I brought my notebook with me, unsure why, except I felt better holding it. As if I was going into his office to get instructions, not meet my demise.
I walked in, turning to shut the door after glimpsing his face. Tornado Bane came to mind for this expression. Purveyor of Death was another.
Either way, it wasn’t good.
I drew in a much-needed calming breath and crossed the office, not meeting his eyes. I sat down, opening up my notebook, prolonging the inevitable. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of our breathing. Mine rapid, his deep, no doubt readying to torch me with his words.