Part 38

POV - Rader

The storm that was brewing whole week is over, never really materializing. I have to give bony devil a credit – she did save all our asses. Not only Mark called off his chain-dogs, but also one of the complaints against the firm was recalled. I'm more than sure Cal's public apology was part of the deal with the DA, because on his own accord the man would never bend his pride, even if he was wrong, which was not the case.

Just when I thought we finally can take a full breath, Fosterborg goes on a rampage. I don't know what bug bit her, but that crap about optimizing the expenses she brought on the table during today's staff meeting, is insane. No funding of lunches with clients, no corporate cars, cuts on office supplies and optimization of health insurance is just the tip of the iceberg. Needless to say that my opinion on the subject, which I shared quite openly, caused serious friction between us. I agree that my choice of words was not overly appropriate, but at least it was honest. Cal (who as always was late) joined when our high volume discussion was at its peak.

"Do you have any idea how bad this fucking insane plan of yours could turn out?"

Foster squeezes her eyes shut, rubbing her temples, but next instant she has collected herself, cold stare piercing as she bites back, "Let me see, did I ask for your opinion? No."

Harshness of her tone raises worst in me, "You are one … bitch, you know that Foster?"

"No, Jack," her tone is acidly sweet, "I'm your boss and as long as I am, you're my bitch."

With that the woman grabbed some files and pushing past Cal left the room, shutting doors behind with a thud. Shocked silence lingering in the air was almost palpable. Don't get me wrong, it was not like there had never been fights before. Foster and I have had our share, she and Cal is a constant roller-coaster, but never before had the woman used fault language or lost her temper in front of the staff.

Several awkward minutes later Cal overtook the lead and for the rest of the meeting drilled our asses on least progressing cases. In addition, I was requested to produce an overview report on our 'added-value' in litigation cases he needs for a meeting with the Scientific Council. Deadline – yesterday! Charming…

It is a little pass lunchtime, when I'm done with the report. Manila folder in hand I enter Cal's office, which is empty or so it seems.

"Lock the doors. I got a surprise for you..."

From the first sounds I recognize sultry, full of promise and sexual tension voice that comes from behind the heavy curtains.

Well, this should be interesting!

I have no keys, off course, but the sound of closing doors seems to do the trick, because the voice continues, "I really missed you and decided to show just how much..."

I hear a click and the music turns on. First accords of once so famous "You can leave your hat on" complemented with Joe Cocker's gritty voice fills the room.

Everyone who has seen at least commercial of 9 ½ weeks knows where this is going and I'm not disappointed, when bare woman's leg appears sliding up and down the curtains. Soon the leg disappears only to be replaced with a nicely shaped bum covered only with laced strings. The floating bum keeps dancing in the rhythm of the music.

It makes me chuckle.

Should have guessed that Cal is an ass person.

Whole scene is more amusing than turning on. Devilish smirk plays on the corners of my lips. Who would have thought that in this setup I will be the surprise factor?

Meanwhile aforementioned bum is supplemented with the rest of the naked body. The figure still has its back turned to me as it moves erotically against the curtains.

Sound of opening doors surprises us both.

"What the hell is going on?" Cal's thunderous voice splits the air.

Too bad, seems that I was just beaten for the title 'didn't see it coming'.

Well, at least I was the one who enjoyed the peep show.

Zoe turns and loud shriek resembling emergency sirens interrupts the air.

Bloody hell, that chick has lungs of a sailor!

The force of the sound is so strong that I'm starting to fear for my eardrums.

While the situation hadn't escalated from awkward to dramatic, I turn to Cal, barely hiding a smirk address the dumbfounded man, "You might be short a couple of these...", hand him some dollar bills I always carry in my pocket and exit the room closing the doors behind.

I know I took some liberties (again!), but the situation was way too tempting to let the opportunity slide. If I do get fired over this – so be it, but I doubt it will be the case. Cal's and Foster's wrecked relationship is already holding on eggshells, unlikely he will throw cheap porn in the pot.

Zoe's ultrasound undoubtedly gathered the rest of the inhabitants of the Lightman cave in the lobby. I would have casted some inappropriate joke about what just happened, if I hadn't noticed Foster approaching in a distance. Luckily she is too consumed with reading papers in her hand to notice the fuss around Cal's office.

There is no way I will let her see what I just witnessed! Don't get me wrong. It is not that I'm worried about her morals or virtue, just highly doubt she would share my amusement. Besides, considering her less than stable emotional state lately, I'm afraid it could push her over the edge.

In a full of impatience tone I try to scatter the crowd, "Casting for the Sounds of the Music is over. Please visit the auditions next season, when we will make a pageant for the Wicked. Roles of Elphaba and Wizard are reserved by our High and mighty, but positions for munchkins and flying monkeys are still open."

Some colleagues look genuinely offended by my harsh brush-off (normally I never lose opportunity to give a heavily loaded sarcastic remark people can have a good laugh at), but they will have to deal with it.

I want to leave the lobby just like everyone else (no need to attract unnecessary attention), but to my big dismiss Her Majesty is strolling right this way - no doubts, aiming for Cal's office.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

How does one stop a force of nature called Foster? I have far better chances to convince the avalanche roll back than to get the woman off the trail. She is too smart to get derailed easily and usually sees any plot I try to throw at her.

There is no time to decide on a course of action, because high healed devil is right in front of me. Not paying any attention to her surroundings, she reaches for the door handle.

"Got a minute?" I grab her hand and almost roughly pull away.

She is clearly startled by such familiarity, but does not say a word and I don't have time to apologize.

My brain works overtime. I have never been short on lies, but for whatever reason my mind is blank.

"We need to talk," I whisper with great urgency in the voice.

"What is it?"

"I need to have a word with you."

"You just said that," she states the obvious, "Care to elaborate? We have a deadline for financial reporting and I need Cal's signature, before he disappears."

"Your report can wait! This is important," I exclaim desperately trying to figure what the heck I'm talking about.

"I'm all ears," her calm, a bit surprised gaze is fixed on me.

"Let's grab a lunch!?" It sounds lame even to my own ears.

Surprise mixes with a note of suspicion, "Cut the crap, Jack. What is so important it couldn't wait another moment?"

I have almost crushed her into the wall, but on mental level I'm losing the battle.

Speaking about being between rock and a hard place!

The truth is out of question, and there is no remotely believable lie to cover it either. So I just stare at her while she patiently waits. What strikes me is that despite our earlier fight and my weird (bordering to crazy) behavior the woman is not angry or annoyed, only a bit confused and curious.

"What is wrong?" She finally asks, softly touching my arm. The warmness of her palm sends hot tremors down my body.

I try to humor my way out, "I can only show it on the dolls at the psychiatrist office."

Despite her best efforts to hide it, small smile finds its way at the corners of her lips, but it disappears the instant Cal's doors fly open and angry roar flies across the lobby, "Rader!"

Feeling a scent of scandal, people start to poke their heads. I have a serious desire to play 'hit the mole'.

Damned paparazzi!

Sight of me looming above Foster's small frame clearly blocking her from opening Pandora's Box changes Lightman's expression by 180 degrees. The anger is replaced with fear and something that utterly looks like a guilt.

Wanker!

If you have the nuts to shag one woman after another at the office, have the balls to face the consequences.

Foster looks at Cal. Next moment her gaze shifts to half-dressed Zoe, who is visible through the partially open doors, and then back at Cal.

Without display of any emotion she hands over the file, "Here, once you are finished, sign these."

Slightly nodding her head she adds, "Nice to see you, Zoe!", turns on her heel and leaves.

I have to admit, I admire her composure. Even Cal is not able to read her poker face. I'm the only one close enough to notice ashy pale pallor under perfectly applied make-up and the reflection of raw pain in her greys. Masterful pat on my shoulder as she walks by is more seek for a support for wobbling legs than gratitude.

Nevertheless, soft, almost inaudible, "Thank you!" catches my ear. Warmth that radiates from the simple gesture is almost burning.

I inhale sweet aroma of her perfume. It reminds me of 'that' evening… petite body lost in my oversized shirt, soft, silky skin…

Mental images make my lower body tense.

Damned!

It is the last thing I need! There are little doubts to what Cal would attribute my reaction, but luckily his lost gaze is focused on departing figure.

tbc