Miserable Hart

Part One

The sun rose high in the cloud ridden sky, it's light limited as it peaked out from the clouds.

It was a cloudy day in California as a cold wind danced around the sky, this caused many people to shiver and slip on some thicker clothing. For once in a very long time winter has arrived in the golden state. While no snow has fallen yet the drop in temperature, cold winds and frost on the lawn is a sign that the white stuff isn't too far off.

At Hart industries Max would usually wait outside by the car but due to the weather he decided it would be best to wait in the lobby instead. He couldn't help but notice a change in Mr H's behavior with Jennifer away at a winter conference he began to see how bitter he's become. with snapping at Freeway and refusing to come home yet Max would take a long breath and even though it would be hard he would let it slide but his patience was wearing thin.

The double doors opened and in walked Mr. Hart's secretary Deanne. With a forced smile across her lips she walked to the elevator greeting everyone who was there. Her mascara wasn't enough as it failed to hide the heavy bags under her eyes. With Mrs. Hart gone Jonathan has fallen more into his work which meant more work for her. She fought back a yawn when she turned to accept a cup of coffee from a co worker. The aroma of the brown liquid touched her nose sending a wave of delight through her body, for this small cup would be the only thing to help her get through the day.

The bell rang as the elevator doors opened everyone rushed in side till there was no room left. Deanne was stuck in the middle of with two nervous guys from accounting behind her and one loud chatty woman just to the right of her.

The moment the doors opened Deanne didn't move as everyone else moved out like a herd of animals as they spread out going to their respective offices and cubicles.

Deanne was the last to get off, she walked down the hall and set down her coffee on her desk. Before she even had a chance to sit three people approached her desk with reports in their hands, it was Steve, Luke and Russ from accounting with their end of the year figures.

"Is he in?" Steve asked bravely.

Deanne didn't have to say a word as a loud rustling noise came from the office behind her. This caused all three accountants to jump a bit as sweat formed across their brows.

"Set them on the desk I will give the reports to him."

All three accountants smiled in thanks as they set their reports down on her desk one by one before disappearing back into their office. Deanne sighed before she took a long sip from her cup. While the brown liquid did give her the energy to face Mr. Hart she would have need another kind of strength to get thru the rest of the day.

Once she felt comfortable Deanne rose to her feet and picked up the three reports. She turned around and facing the door of her boss office she eased her hand up and knocked on the door.

Who is it? The voice asked harshly.

"It's me sir I have the accountant's end of year reports". Deanne said.

"Come in." The voice replied.

As Deanne opened the door she turn her nose up as the gasly aroma of alcohol along with the mixture of four day old sweat and dirt welcomed her. With papers on the floor mixed in with newspapers she finally made her way over to her bosses desk. His once passionate sea blue eyes looked lost as he stared into her eyes. With his tie undone and his blazer stained with grime, all Deanne could do was keep her mouth shut as she set the reports down on Mr. Hart's desk. He looked down at the reports for a few moments before looking back up at his secretary.

"Deanne." Jonathan said.

"Yes Mr. Hart?" Deanne asked.

"Thanks for putting up with me." Mr. Hart said.

Deanne nodded in reply as she turned around and picked up the papers from the floor that lead to the couch and empty alcohol bottles on the counter. Before Jonathan could say a word Deanne had set the pile of papers on the table and threw all the empty bottles and trash in the waste bin. She even sprayed some air freshener around his office to have it smelling like a fresh summer rain.

He's been here for over four days and with Christmas just three days away she could understand why he didn't want to leave, but he did need to freshen up.

"Mr. Hart..." Deanne said strongly.

"I know..." Jonathan finally said.

Mr. Hart stood up slowly, he staggered at first but he steadied himself. Deanne handed him his coat which he gladly slipped on as he walked to the back door to his office.

I will tend to the reports later. Jonathan mumbled.

"Okay I will let them know." Deanne replied.

Jonathan let a small sigh escape his lips before using his private exit. Deanne nodded as she walked out of his office and shut the door behind her. While she did manage to get him out of the office she was no replacement for who he needed right now.

In the lobby Max continued to wait until the desk clerk walked over and handed him a note. Max glanced it over and nodded to the young clerk thanking her. Max then stood up and walked to the parking garage, where he spotted Mr. H walking to the Bentley. Max merely walked over to the vehicle and opened the door for him. Jonathan nodded to his friend as he slipped into the back seat. Max got into the driver's seat and started up the car. After a few moments he pulled out of the parking spot and continued out of the parking garage.

Max would look back at Mr.H, but Jonathan would always keep his eyes down to the floor. This wasn't working he was miserable and like a plague it was spreading. It was time to end this and make a phone call he only hope that he could get a hold of her in time.