'Chess is infinite, and one has to make only one ill-considered move, and one's opponent's wildest dreams will become reality' - David Bronstein
It had been two weeks since Serena had allowed Harry to become more than teacher's pet. Since then she had kept things casual, but flirtatious, knowing that there would be a rather large board meeting soon. They had been requested to put together ideas on how to further funding to the hospital and it was important. Serena had finished her proposal early the morning and sent it to the board members before 5AM, hoping to be the first proposal that they would read. She knew Harry had had the occasional dinner with his grandfather and he claimed his grandfather was quite the fan of hers.
Serena got into the lift, thinking about her proposal. It was brilliant, even if she said so herself and if Harry had been praising her to his grandfather, then she would most certainly be in the running to win.
"Ms Campbell," Hanssen's voice cut through her thoughts like a knife and she jumped slightly, turning around to face him. "Have you sent your proposal in yet?"
"This morning already," she smiled.
"I sent mine in last night."
Serena's smile faded. "How efficient of you."
"Not to worry," Hanssen said, watching her closely. "I'm sure the Chief Executive of the board will be enamoured of you."
"And why's that?" Serena moistened her bottom lip.
"Oh, I think we both know why," Hanssen stared at her, his eyes shifting from her eyes to her lips and back again. "You play a masterful game, Ms Campbell."
"You're not too bad yourself, actually," she took a tentative step towards him, watching his reaction to her with glee as his body stiffened up. He drew in a sharp breath as she drew him into a corner. "But you're entirely right; I'm the master," she smiled, pleased at his discomposure as she turned to move away. She was caught off guard as Hanssen grabbed her arm and pinned her against the door, pressing her body against the cold metal like a hunter pouncing on its prey.
"You play a good game, but I will always be better at it than you," he whispered into her ear, releasing his grip on her arm and placing his hands against the door, on either side of her.
This time it was her breath that hitched as Hanssen hovered over her, his eyes dark, causing a burning sensation inside her. She moved in for an impulsive kiss. Hanssen stepped back just as the doors opened. Serena stumbled back.
Harry Tressler caught her just in time. "A little over zealous to get to AAU, Ms Campbell?" He chuckled.
Serena was still trying to catch her breath as Hanssen breezed past them.
"Everything okay?" Harry asked with a concerned look.
"Fine," Serena felt shaky and dissatisfied once again. Their exchange had felt like lightning and she was almost certain it could have set off the fire alarms had it been real. She composed herself and headed to her office. She couldn't understand if Hanssen had reacted so aggressively because he knew what had happened between her and Harry or if she had pushed him too far. She had definitely seen his darker side and it had been a frightening turn on. Was there a possibility that he was jealous? Or just revealing a side that no one else had ever seen to him?
Hanssen took a seat at his desk, leaning back. He was struggling to understand why he had reacted the way he had. As soon as he realized that something had happened between Serena and Harry he had felt angry, furious even. He felt as though that rage had been building up and he had somehow combined it with the attraction he felt towards this woman who had tried everything in her power to jilt him from his position. The result had been far darker than he could have imagined. He had wanted to take her and if the doors had not opened, he would not have been able to control his desires.
He took a deep breath. It had been his fault. He knew Serena was up to something when she took Harry from him. He should have refused to allow her to interfere, but that would have been preventing this strange game that they had created from being played. And now she would most likely acquire his job . . . eventually. Harry's grandfather would probably pick her proposal and push to have her take over the reins at Holby. He hated to lose but more than that, he hated to lose to her. And he hated that she could affect him the way that she did.
After a few hours of distraction, Hanssen made his way towards the boardroom. He paused as he noticed Serena joking with the Chief Executive of the board. Her gaze locked onto him and he imagined he saw a flicker of excitement in her eyes.
"Mr Hanssen," the Chief Executive greeted. "I suppose we're all here, so we can begin."
Hanssen nodded, giving him a warm smile.
Serena waited as the older man entered the room. She cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. "Prepared for battle?"
"May the best player win," Hanssen gave her a serious look, but there was a twinkle of eagerness in his eyes.
Serena gave him a smile before heading into the room. Hanssen followed her in.
Serena stepped out of the room, trying to suppress the scowl that was threatening to escape her. Things had not gone as well as she had intended. Nor had it for Hanssen; which was her only consolation. Neither of their proposals had been chosen, rather the board had decided that they would incorporate both proposals together in order to make more profit. She didn't even wait for everyone to vacate the boardroom before she had made her way down to AAU. She felt deflated, defeated and thoroughly annoyed.
"I'm guessing things didn't go too well?" Harry asked as he joined her at the nurses' station.
"Not exactly," she snapped. "I'd hoped your grandfather would be more . . . supportive."
"Well he really respects you," Harry said as he followed her once again to her office. "He told me as much when we had dinner."
"And what exactly did you tell him?" She asked after Harry had closed the door.
"If you're worried about our little . . . moment . . . the other day, then you don't have to be. I don't talk to my grandfather about anything pertaining to the hospital. I never have. In our family, we all agree to keep business out of our personal lives. I don't discuss anything with him."
Serena stared back at the young man, smirking slightly at her own stupidity.
"Or did you expect me to tell him how fabulous you were?" Harry asked, his face suddenly becoming serious. "Is that why you were being so friendly? You thought I'd have some kind of influence over my grandfather?"
"Of course not," Serena lied. "I resent the implication."
Harry observed her for a second. "Okay, I'm sorry. I've just had some bad experiences with people trying to get at him through me - work colleagues, fellow med students, you name it."
"It must be very hard," she gave him her most considerate look.
"I've learnt to home in on the people who want to take advantage."
Not very well, Serena concluded. Hanssen would be amused.
'The battle for the ultimate truth will never be won, and that's why chess is so fascinating' - Hans Kmoch
