Part 16
She blindly slapped at her alarm clock before realizing that hitting the snooze button did nothing to silence the sound that woke her up. With a sleepy yawn, she reached towards the other nightstand, reaching for her phone. A quick glance confirmed that is was a safe, if unwelcome, number.
"Mmm, 'ello?" She mumbled into the phone.
"Emily. Wake up." Mark's voice was an unwelcome intrusion in her sleepy bless. "Why? It's barely nine." It wasn't even nine yet, if the blinking twelve was to be believed.
"Emily, just wake up. This is important." The serious tone in Mark's voice caused Emily to push herself into a semi upright position. Her hand was brushing the hair out of her eyes as she tried to blink sleep away. "Someone came in looking for you."
"What?" She couldn't think of anyone who would be looking for her. "Who?"
"They weren't sure of your last name, but that there have been inquiries into possibly employing you." Emily finally woke up.
"What!" Emily winced at the sound of her own voice.
"The guy said that he'd be back at noon to meet you." Mark seemed to be shuffling papers. "And if you couldn't make that meeting, he left three different landlines, one of which is his home phone number, and two cell phone numbers." Mark shouted something, but from the muffled sound, his hand covered the mouthpiece. "He actually asked if he could leave a prepaid cell phone and have it given to you. He was desperate to contact you."
"Who wants to hire me that badly?" Emily had risen and begun to pace.
"I'm not sure. But considering the guy was in a perfectly tailored suit, I would suggest that you make an attempt to meet the guy." Emily could hear the keys that Mark was pounding on.
"What time you say he was coming back?" Emily rubbed her forehead.
"Noon. Better hurry up. I know you won't live through it without a coffee." Mark smirked. "See you later then?"
"Fine, fine." Emily muttered at the phone. "I just hope you know, I hate you for waking me up." His laughter was cut off when she hung up the phone. She tossed the portable onto her bed, already shrugging into her clothes to get herself out the door.
Her glare at her kittens when they attempted to pounce on her feet would've sent grown men scurrying. The kittens decided that her ankles were worthy targets instead.
She managed to drag herself to the shop, knowing she was blinking owlishly. When Mark spotted her, he snickered and waved her to the counter. It was the lull between the morning rush and the lunch rush.
"What time you get to sleep?" He said, pressing the heavily sugared coffee into her outstretched hand. Her hands wrapped around the warmth gratefully, and she took a swallow, burning her tongue, but the hot liquid was better than being less than thawed.
"Seven." She muttered. "Kept tossing and turning." The look of sympathy Mark sent at her made her attempt to smile. "So what time is it?" Mark shrugged his sleeve up to reveal his watch.
"Eleven thirty. Took you awhile to drag yourself out of bed."
"Kittens who decide peeing on the floor is okay made me slip." Emily sighed. "I'll be over there. Point him in my direction when he gets here." She collapsed in the quiet corner booth, hoping that she stayed awake.
The rush was just beginning when a cup was set down on the table in front of her. Opening her eyes, she looked up at the man who stood in front of her, another cup in his hand.
"I'm Preston Edwards. I asked your manager to contact you." the man gestured to the coffee. "I was told that you might appreciate the coffee."
"Sit, please." he did, carefully sitting down.
"Okay, do you know of Nightstone Incorporated?" He asked.
"A lot of their employees come here on breaks or before work. Why?"
"The owner of Nightstone demanded I hire you as her personal assistant."
"What! Why the hell would Ms. Destine hire me? It's nothing more than... than... than a kakistocracic system! I don't have a business degree. Hell, I don't even know what the hell Nightstone does!" Emily pushed her empty cup and accepted the new, hot cup, downing half of it.
"I don't have any idea why Ms. Destine wants you as her personal assistant, but she demanded it, so I'm doing it." Emily sighed.
"I've never been a personal assistant. I'd have no idea what to do."
"Ms. Destine never had one that lasted a great length of time. Most of them, Human Resources sent up. I'm hoping since she requested you, that you're more capable of handing her... moods."
"You mean her temper." Emily corrected. "I served the hard customers. I know her exacting standards."
"So are you interested?"
"I'm comfortable in my new job." At that reply, he reached into his briefcase and withdrew several sheets of paper and slid them across to her. "What are these?" She was already scanning the document.
"They are the salary, the benefits, everything Nightstone would provide for you if you came to work for us." Emily looked over it better.
"Are you sure that's not a typo? That seems like a few too many zeros." Emily ran her fingertip over one of the numbers.
"No, that's the right amount, providing you stay the whole year, of course."
"But that's more than five thousand a month." Emily retorted.
"And this job would be sunrise to sunset, everyday. And you'll be working at executive level, don't forget."
Emily stared at the paper. It would be stupid to turn it down. "I can start in two weeks." she murmured. She'd miss simplicity soon enough.
Part 17
The chime rang and Emily looked up, surprised to see one of New York's finest looking around the small shop, red jacket well worn, badge hanging out of one pocket. The woman's walk to the counter could only be called sedate. Emily finished wiping off the steamer, and leaned against the counter.
"Hi, can I help you?"
"What you have for coffee?" The cop asked, glancing at the prices.
"What you like? Owner gives discounts to police, firemen, and paramedics, in case you're thinking with your wallet." Emily took in the black hair, dark eyes, and exotic skin before wiping off a dribble of milk on the blender.
"Got anything... strong?" Emily hid the smile into her hand.
"That we got. Need to stay up?"
"Yup, till after dawn."
"Want me to whip you something up?" The hesitation made Emily laugh. "Don't worry, it falls under cappuccino."
"Sure. Whatever is your medium." The cop threw a few bills onto the counter as Emily poured a dark roast coffee into a blend of espresso she'd concocted up on her first graveyard shift. She topped it with a light drizzles of whipped topping and pushed it towards the woman.
"Try it." She urged as she sorted out the change.
Emily smirked at the choking sound and the attempt to prevent the spilling of the coffee. She pushed a cup sleeve towards the woman.
"God, that'll keep me up easily. What's in that?" Emily was about to answer when the cop held up her hand. "Don't answer that." She took a smaller, more cautious sip. "I'm Detective Eliza Maza." The woman smiled as she wrapped her hands around the cup.
"I'm Emily."
"You heard of Matt Bluestone?" It rang a bell. "He says you know Dominique Destine." There was something odd about the way it was phrased.
"I do. So? I used to be on day shift. I dealt with picky customers." Emily leaned against the counter. "I got to know quite a few. Owen Burnett has a weakness for my special mochas. He has such a sweet tooth, if he can hide it." The surprised look made her even more edgy.
But whatever surprised the cop, the woman just shrugged it off. "Dominique seems to like you."
"Tempers don't phase me. I think she respects that." Emily replied. "I don't think like enters the equation." Despite Emily wishing for some vague sign that her obsession would suddenly fall in love with her and sweep her off her feet, to protect her from... Emily shook her head at that line of thought.
"I've never heard of her putting up with insolence or someone with a spine."
"Well, looks like you just met one. I've met worse than her." Emily rubbed her forehead, wishing the woman would quit pumping her for information. Which even an rank amateur that she was when it came to this kind of thing, she could tell.
"People go missing around her."
"People go missing around Xanatos too. He's just old news." Emily finally glared. "Look, I don't want trouble, I don't bad mouth customers. I'm not about to plead the ideal utopian society. Life sucks. The powerful rule. The good die horrible deaths. Unless you have a reason to be here, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
The cop examined her, searching for something. Emily had no clue what, but the detective obviously didn't find it, because she shook her head, bade her goodbye, and headed out the door.
Part 18
Her head tilted upwards to stare at the building. She hadn't realised how well off Nightstone was, until she saw a forty five story building dedicated to the business. The doorway was formidable. The glass extended up three stories, and revealed the rather impressive lobby. From here, the security was clearly visible.
"I'm insane." She muttered under her breath. "I'm officially insane for deciding to work for a woman who I can't get out of my head." She didn't even bother to voice her inner monologue, which mentioned teal skin.
Clutching her shoulder bag, she pushed the glass door inwards, idly noticing the thick glass. She didn't hesitate going up to the security and information desk.
"Hello. Welcome to Nightstone Incorporated. How can I help you?" the male was upbeat and perky. She tried to read his name tag, but he didn't seem to have one.
"Hi, I have a meeting with Preston Edwards." She said, trying to not be nervous. She still had a week before she started, but she's asked for a general tour and quick introductions with people she'd most likely have the most contact with.
The shocked expression when she'd asked had made it worth while. He seemed to like the initiative.
"Just a second." The greeter reached for the phone, and dialled a number. Her eyes wandered around the room, taking in the tasteful interior, the crisp white walls accenting the windows. "He's expecting you. He'll be down in a minute."
Emily was just beginning to shift when Preston came out of the elevator, a pile of papers in his hand.
"Sorry, Human Resources needed my signature for something." He handed the pile of papers to Emily. "Those are the company policies, dress codes, and all that. Make sure to follow them to the letter, otherwise you'll get to see the bad side of Ms Destine. Come on, I'm going to introduce you to the managers of the major divisions. Don't be surprised if they try to use you as a go between."
Hours later, Emily's head was spinning with names, floors, and room numbers. She knew time would make it easier but right now, she doubted she'd remember which name belonged to which face.
"Don't worry, the managers won't bite-- Ms Destine! The reports are on your desk and the files you asked for are being sent up by the research division." The elevator had opened to reveal the CEO, the glare causing Preston to quiver. Emily looked back and forth between the two, not sure why the man was so afraid.
"Have Statistics send up the numbers for recent trends in the market. Get PR division to draw up proposal setups." Ms Destine had swept away, Preston following fearfully at her heels.
"Right away." Ms Destine didn't reply.
"Candace, I need the notes that you typed up from last weeks meeting." Ms Destine turned, and faced Emily. "You, in my office. Now." it took a moment for Emily to realize that she was expected to follow the woman into an office. "Close the door!" Emily obeyed, wondering what this was about.
She stood near the door, knowing her slacks and shirt were being scrutinized, that her hair was being examined, that her expression was being judged.
"Your suggestion worked rather well." Emily met the dark eyes studying her.
"Glad it helped."
"I've hired you in the hopes that you are more competent that the idiots that humanity has presented me with." The eyes narrowed. "Pray you do not disappoint me."
"I rather think I am up to task." Emily gave her new boss a small half smile. "And if not, as least I can say, I stood in your presence and joked." Emily was surprised when Ms Destine gave her a tiny smile, just an up curving of the lips.
"Get out." Emily shot an amused smile over her shoulder at the surly tone, but did as she was bid, heading out into the outer office, where Preston and Candace were waiting.
"Oh my god, are you alright? I didn't expect her so early or--"
"Preston. Relax. She just wanted to tell me her expectations." Emily smiled at him, trying to relax the man.
"Oh thank god." his mutter was clear. "You must be her Renfield or something. Except for not so evil." Emily could see the guy was trying, so she smiled politely, and he shrugged. "Not funny, I know." He had that what-can-you-do smile that all men of intelligence develop. "Come, since I have to go to Statistics, I might as well see you out." the silence down to the ground floor was tense. "Sorry our trip ended on a sour note." He said as the doors opened.
Emily shrugged and smiled. "At least this Dracula is only metaphorical. She doesn't have the fangs for it." She laughed at his startled expression as the doors closed.
Part 19
"This is stupid." She didn't expect anyone to agree with her, considering she was wandering alone in Central Park. In the dark. Again. "I am so bloody stupid." She muttered again, glancing around her.
Emily sat down at the base of a tree, off the paths, in the official part of the park field. In one pocket, her finger on the trigger, mace was uncapped and ready to use. "This is beyond stupid. It's insane."
Resting her head against the bark, she idly noted the moon and the stars. She smiled at them, remembering some vague time when her father had traced the constellations, telling her stories about far off places and times.
"Trust a human to willfully put herself in harms way." The snarling voice, the reason for her coming out here in the first place, made her start. She hadn't seen the gargoyle land, let alone come up to her.
"Damn!" She swore. She'd hoped that for once she'd spot the gargoyle before she'd been spotted.
"Do you want to kill yourself? Because I can do it for you!" Emily rose, her gaze meeting the bright glowing eyes easily. She could also hear the deep growl.
"No. I just wanted to see you again, before I stopped coming through here." The little she knew of the creatures included that they slept during the day.
"Why would a pathetic human risk her life simply for a meeting she had no way of knowing would come?" The lashing tail reminded her of Angel when the kitten was angry.
Emily shrugged. "I've been through the park with bright moons a few times. I saw your shadow when you flew over me." her feet shuffled. "I wanted to thank you, for watching out for me. Especially since I know you wasted your time doing so."
The bright eyes faded and it was harder for Emily to see the gargoyle's against the trees. "I've gotten careless." The snarl was self directed this time and Emily shook her head at it.
"Most people wouldn't've noticed. It was a stray glance, that's all." Emily tried to smile. "I'm not sure if you'd appreciate the human custom but..." Emily held out a small flower, the stem barely long enough to hold. "A thank you."
The gargoyle stood still for so long that Emily thought she'd cross a line. But the gargoyle approached at last, one hand accepting the token carefully. "Thank you." If she hadn't been so close, she would have missed it. "Why?"
"A thank you. That's all it is." She smiled at the suspicious look and shrugged. The gargoyle stared at her for long moments, glaring at her.
"They call me Demona." The abrupt introduction made Emily smile.
"A beautiful name. Ancient Greek right?" Emily automatically extended a hand. "Emily." The hand that grasped her forearm was surprisingly gentle, considering the rather abrasive manner that gargoyle used.
"You are not what I expected."
"Neither were you." The gargoyle shrugged before releasing Emily's forearm.
"I could kill you now." The bright flare of red was unexpected.
"Killing me accomplishes nothing but a body." Emily retorted. "And bodies do tell a lot about a person."
"You test my patience, Human!"
"And I enjoy doing so." The slim tail lashed once, before the gargoyle seemed to shake her head.
"You are utterly foolish." The gargoyle turned and left, climbing a tree before taking off. The shadow on the ground made Emily smile.
Part 20
She took a deep breath, smoothing a wrinkle she doubted anyone else saw, before carefully shrugging into her jacket. It wasn't one that she'd normally wear, but it looked better, far more fitting for her newer job. That, and she knew she'd feel far more comfortable if she looked the part.
The walk didn't take long, though she made a note to herself to be careful about walking around after dark like she currently was dressed. It was just asking to be mugged, and she doubted that Demona could save her.
"Emily." Preston smiled at her. "Come on. Ms Destine told me to show you around and to give you this." The cell phone he handed her was one of the newest phones available. From the shiny enamel and the slick feel of it, the phone was brand new. "It's a business phone, but mostly only managers and assistants will have it." He gestured her to follow him to the elevator. "We have some paperwork to finalize and I get to show you your new desk. It's near Candace's but her work is secretarial. I'm not sure what duties Ms Destine will give you, the only personal assistant she had, she fired."
"Should I keep my old boss prepped for me to go back?" Emily smiled, though the question was serious. Preston shook his head.
"Keep in mind Ms Destine's personality. She didn't request it. Since she requested you, I'm hoping that's a good sign."
"I'm guessing I'm going to see you a lot?" Emily replied.
"Probably. I'm Head of Human Resources, so you'll see me whenever someone gets fired." He stopped in front of a desk, also looking almost brand new. "This is yours. It may or may not stay here, depending on what Ms Destine says later in the week. She wasn't particularly clear, just that she'd decide at a later date."
"Okay." Emily replied. Preston looked at his watch before placing a file of papers on the desk.
"Ms Destine won't be in until eleven, she has a meeting with Fox Xanatos. I have to go, meeting to get to. I'll be back before then. Fill out the paperwork, then help Candace with whatever work she might have for you." Preston looked a bit at a loss, but he quickly disappeared from sight.
"Weekly meeting of the Heads." The woman across from her smiled. "Candace. I'm the secretary." Gesturing to the papers on her desk, her smile broadened. "You'll get used to it. Just smile and pretend to not be there if Ms Destine is raging around you. As long as you've done or are doing your job, you'll be fine."
Emily smiled and said her thanks, before opening the file. She wondered just how many people in one city could be terrified of one woman.
She was scribbling in her medical information when she began hearing yelling. From the stricken, dear-in-the-headlights look that Candace had, it wasn't a good sign. She'd tensed up, hunching her shoulders so she was partially hidden by her computer screen, furiously typing away at the keyboard.
Emily looked at the door just as Ms Destine came in through the door, three men around her, one clearly the subject of the ranting.
"Incompetent idiot! Filling in a schedule accurately is not supposed to be a difficult task! Preston!" Ms Destine shouted the last word and Emily wasn't surprised to see Preston and another group of men coming down the hall. "I want this idiot replaced. Find someone who's capable of writing in a box properly."
"But—" The man tried to defend himself, only to be overridden by the redhead.
"Your job, Mr Hamilton, was to confirm the appointment. Which was yesterday!" Emily winced with the man. A mistake like that was costly. "Which you told me you did." Emily tilted her head to the side, wondering if the man was really that stupid.
"Ms Destine, I did confirm, there must've been a mistake somewhere."
"Yes. There was. Get out of my sight and out of my building. You're fired! Preston! Find me someone competent!" Ms Destine snarled before moving towards her office door. Emily wasn't sure if the gaze that rested on her for a brief moment was malicious or not. "Never mind Preston. I found someone the other day. Emily. My office."
"Ms Destine, she's not—"
"Now!" Ms Destine growled as she burst into her office. The door closed behind her most of the way.
"Sorry." Preston mouthed. The helpless look on his face made Emily shrug.
"No worries." Emily smiled at him. "I've met worse." She knew she was exaggerating a little bit. She pushed the door open and stepped into the office. She closed the door with a soft click, watching the CEO pace in front of the floor to ceiling windows. "Ms Destine?"
"Are you going to be as stupid as the rest of humanity?" The woman spat at Emily.
"I'm going to try not to be." She responded. "Might take some time—"
"As if your effort will ever be enough." Emily tried not to take the jab personally.
"If it's not, then someone misjudged hiring me." She was surprised when the redhead stopped her pacing and stared at her.
"You're not afraid of me." The eyes narrowed at her. She suspected that the words were a test.
"You're mortal like the rest of us, why should I be afraid?" Emily couldn't place why the woman looked amused suddenly as she sat on the leather chair behind the desk.
"You'll be taking care of my schedule from now on. You are to call and confirm all my appointments ahead of time and you will accompany me to all my meetings. You will take notes. Go talk to Preston. He and Candace can bring you up to speed." The amused look didn't fade as Emily left the office. She found Preston there, tissue box in one hand. Candace wasn't even pretending to work.
"You okay?" Preston seemed a bit confused, the bewildered look making him look much younger.
"Never better." She smiled. "Just a discussion between two mortals. She said to talk to you about taking over her schedule. I'll need a book of numbers or something so I can confirm her appointments." Emily caught the tissue box before it fell.
"Welcome to Nightstone." Candace said, slumping into her chair with a relieved sigh.
