Author's Notes:
Here it is....the second chapter of Reasonable Doubt. I originally had something in mind for this story, but it seems that it is changing direction, but I hope that you like it!! Anyway, I would like to thank Moon-chan,usagi bunny, Becky, Nye-chan and ACJ for their continued support. I would also like to thank that have also sent emails and reviewed my story. Thanx soooo much. Well, I' ll shut up now and let you read the story.....ja ne minna-san! ^_^
Disclaimer: I called Naoko-sama and she said that she still won't give me rights to Sailor Moon, and she also told me to let you know that YOU don't either!!! :-p BTW, Microsoft isn't mine!
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Now on with the show.........
Title: Reasonable Doubts
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Miami-Six Years Later
It was eight o'clock in the evening, and the city of Miami began to pulse with its abundant nightlife. In the one of the tall skyscrapers of downtown, the employees of Matthews Innovations Inc. were doing everything they could to prepare for the upcoming merger talks with Sharpe Enterprises. Darien Walters, VP of Operations and chief software engineer, was no exception. After graduating early from the University of Miami, he applied to a new software company, Matthews Innovations, which had just established its headquarters in Miami.
Five years ago, it had only been about thirty employees...today it was among one of the Fortune 100, and was known as a rival to Bill Gates and his Microsoft empire. He became the resident 'boy genius', and created products and profit for the company at an astronomical rate. He quickly climbed the ranks and became one of the top officials within five years. Intelligent, young, powerful, charming, not to mention sexy, made Darien a prime target for the ladies that belonged to the upper elite in Miami. However, he was also a dedicated worker. As a matter of fact, one could usually find him burning the midnight oil...as he was doing right now. His friends complained that all he did was work, but that didn't stop him. He had to his job, and he had to look out for the rest of the employees in the company. He was looking over last-year's fiscal report, when there was a knock at his door...
KNOCK!KNOCK!
"Come in...", Darien called out wearily, running his hand through his perfectly styled ebony hair. He was surprised when Ben Matthews, President and CEO of the company walked through the door. "Darien, my boy...you are too young to be so driven, cooped up in this office...working day and night. You should be out, with your friends having fun, not stuck in here.", Mr. Matthews said, chuckling. "Well sir, I just want to make sure everything is going to go smoothly with this merger. I don't want any surprises." Darien replied. "Alright...if that is the real reason, then I'll leave you alone on that subject. However, I have something else to discuss with you...", Mr. Matthews said as sat down in a chair across from Darien. *I hope this isn't serious...*, Darien thought as he laid the report on his desk, and turned his attention to the old man.
"I wanted to tell you that I've finally have chosen a law firm. Jacobson, Taylor, Clark, and Cooper from New York. I thought it might be best to have an out of town firm, so that it would cut down on potential bias. They are sending down their best corporate lawyer, whom I believe is the new partner. I'm telling you this because you will be working closely with that person and making them feel welcome here. Do you feel up to it?" "Sure not a problem", Darien replied. "Good to hear it son....we'll be having meeting for when they arrive in three days. Have an office set up and try to introduce them around to everyone...make them feel welcome, alright?" "Will do sir...", Darien replied. Before he left his office, Mr. Matthews turned around and said, "and Darien?" "Yes?" "Call it a night and go home...I'll see you tomorrow morning.", he said, as he quietly left Darien's office.
Meanwhile, Darien seemed to fall into a deep reverie, thinking about all that was revealed to him, *New York, hmmm....and the name Cooper....could it possibly be Serena? I wonder what happened to her....**Wait a minute Walters...there could be thousands of Coopers in New York. Just because Serena wanted to be a lawyer and transferred to NYU, doesn't mean a thing, plus why should you care when you were the one to...!** OH SHUT UP!! This is ridiculous...I think the stress is getting to me. I have no wish to go back down that well-trodden path again. Maybe a night out is in order...* Darien thought as he began to shut down his computer, placing important papers in his briefcase, grabbed his suit jacket and headed out of the office.
Club Surreal-Later That Night
Malcolm Woodson, better known as Mal to most people, was looking around the club he co-owned with his college buddy, Nathaniel Peterson. He handled the business and entertainment, while Nate concentrated on the culinary aspects. This was partly the reason that the club was so popular, turning away at least a hundred people a night. As he scanned the crowd, he was surprised to see a familiar mop of ebony hair. "Hey Darien!", he called out, surprised and excited at seeing his best friend. Darien looked up when he heard his name called, and smiled when he saw who called him. "Hey Mal...I'll be right up." He said as he made his way to the staircase. When the two men reached each other, they clasped each other on the back in greeting and headed to the restaurant that was situated upstairs .
"Well, it's nice to know that you're still alive...", Mal said sarcastically. Darien just rolled his eyes and said, "Don't even start with me. You know how busy I've been with this merger business, and now I have the job of babysitter as well." "What do you mean babysitter?", Mal said, very curious. "Well, apparently, Mr. Matthews hired a law firm from New York, and one of their partners are flying down to help with the merger, and I was chosen to make sure that he/she feel at home." Mal took all this in with interest. As soon as he opened his mouth, Darien stopped him cold. "Don't ask...don't even think it." *Damn...how does he do that*, Malcolm thought as he looked at his friend. Just then, another man joined the table. "Hey Darien..what's up? Long time, no see...", Nate said as he pulled up a chair. "I'm surprised that you actually tore yourself away from the kitchen...", Darien began, until he was interrupted by Nate. "Shut up smart-ass. So how are things?" , he asked and Darien repeated the same story he just Malcolm. When he saw the same questioning look in Nate's eye, that appeared in Mal's, he just held up his hand, and said, "Can it...can we just change the topic?" Seeing the harried state that their friend was in, they decided to relent, because if there was one thing that could put Darien on edge, it was when Serena was the topic.
They talked about other things going on in their lives and also about their friends Zach and Jayson. Zach was now in his second year of residency at Miami Metro and Jayson traveling around the world competing on the extreme sport circuit. Sharing a wonderful dinner courtesy of Nate, Darien decided to call it a night. He left the club promising to keep in touch more often, jumped into his black BMW coupe, and headed to his home in Coconut Grove.
Miami-Dade International Airport-Three Days Later
After having an uneventful trip, Serena unboarded the plane, and left the terminal to collect her luggage. As she was about to exit the airport, she saw a man holding a placard with her last name on it. Noticing her approach, the man plastered a smile on his face and said, "Hello Ms. Cooper. Welcome to Miami. My name is Bryan, and I work for Mr. Matthews. I was given instructions to take you directly to headquarters. I'll grab you're bags and you can just follow me." "Thanks, Bryan, and please call me Serena.", Serena said as she followed him out into the Florida sunshine. *Ah...I almost forgot how great it feels to have seventy degree weather in January*, Serena thought as she walked to the luxury car that was waiting for her.
When she was enclosed in the comfortable leather seat, she just relaxed as she watched the passing scenery, memories flooding back, bringing a small smile to her lips. After about twenty minutes, they came to a stop in front of one of the bigger skyscrapers in Miami. Bryan opened her door and told her that he would take her things to her hotel, and that she should just go on up the executive conference room. "Thank you again Bryan...see you later.", Serena said as she breezed into the building.
After asking the receptionist where the conference room was, she went to the bank of elevators, and hit the button that would take her to the thirtieth floor. When she stepped out of the elevator turned right and went in the direction the receptionist told her to go. Everyone she passed greeted her with a smile and a simple "good morning". *I have really missed Southern hospitality, Serena mused, still walking down the hallway. After about five minutes she came to the doors that were the entrance to the room. She was about to turn the knob, when she heard her name. "Ms. Cooper...Serena Cooper...I am so glad that you finally made it. I'm Benjamin Matthews, but you can just call me Ben.", Mr. Matthews said, extending his hand as he approached her. "Thank you sir, and may I say once again that I hope to make this transition smooth for everyone.", Serena said as she shook his hand. "That's good to hear. Now how about we introduce you to everyone else, hmmm..?" "Certainly...", Serena replied as he opened the door and motioned her to go inside. Stepping through the door, she saw a sea of friendly faces, until her gaze fell on a particular person. When she started to take inventory of the person's features, her heart plummeted to the ground, because sitting before her was her first love, the one that broke her heart, Darien Walters. At this point she only had one thought repeating in her mind....
*Damn...Damn...DAMN!!!!*
to be continued.........
Now we all knew that this was going to happen, but how will our favorite couple handle the situation...stay tuned and find out minna!!!
ja ne,
~o~midnight dreamer~o~
Here it is....the second chapter of Reasonable Doubt. I originally had something in mind for this story, but it seems that it is changing direction, but I hope that you like it!! Anyway, I would like to thank Moon-chan,usagi bunny, Becky, Nye-chan and ACJ for their continued support. I would also like to thank that have also sent emails and reviewed my story. Thanx soooo much. Well, I' ll shut up now and let you read the story.....ja ne minna-san! ^_^
Disclaimer: I called Naoko-sama and she said that she still won't give me rights to Sailor Moon, and she also told me to let you know that YOU don't either!!! :-p BTW, Microsoft isn't mine!
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Now on with the show.........
Title: Reasonable Doubts
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
Miami-Six Years Later
It was eight o'clock in the evening, and the city of Miami began to pulse with its abundant nightlife. In the one of the tall skyscrapers of downtown, the employees of Matthews Innovations Inc. were doing everything they could to prepare for the upcoming merger talks with Sharpe Enterprises. Darien Walters, VP of Operations and chief software engineer, was no exception. After graduating early from the University of Miami, he applied to a new software company, Matthews Innovations, which had just established its headquarters in Miami.
Five years ago, it had only been about thirty employees...today it was among one of the Fortune 100, and was known as a rival to Bill Gates and his Microsoft empire. He became the resident 'boy genius', and created products and profit for the company at an astronomical rate. He quickly climbed the ranks and became one of the top officials within five years. Intelligent, young, powerful, charming, not to mention sexy, made Darien a prime target for the ladies that belonged to the upper elite in Miami. However, he was also a dedicated worker. As a matter of fact, one could usually find him burning the midnight oil...as he was doing right now. His friends complained that all he did was work, but that didn't stop him. He had to his job, and he had to look out for the rest of the employees in the company. He was looking over last-year's fiscal report, when there was a knock at his door...
KNOCK!KNOCK!
"Come in...", Darien called out wearily, running his hand through his perfectly styled ebony hair. He was surprised when Ben Matthews, President and CEO of the company walked through the door. "Darien, my boy...you are too young to be so driven, cooped up in this office...working day and night. You should be out, with your friends having fun, not stuck in here.", Mr. Matthews said, chuckling. "Well sir, I just want to make sure everything is going to go smoothly with this merger. I don't want any surprises." Darien replied. "Alright...if that is the real reason, then I'll leave you alone on that subject. However, I have something else to discuss with you...", Mr. Matthews said as sat down in a chair across from Darien. *I hope this isn't serious...*, Darien thought as he laid the report on his desk, and turned his attention to the old man.
"I wanted to tell you that I've finally have chosen a law firm. Jacobson, Taylor, Clark, and Cooper from New York. I thought it might be best to have an out of town firm, so that it would cut down on potential bias. They are sending down their best corporate lawyer, whom I believe is the new partner. I'm telling you this because you will be working closely with that person and making them feel welcome here. Do you feel up to it?" "Sure not a problem", Darien replied. "Good to hear it son....we'll be having meeting for when they arrive in three days. Have an office set up and try to introduce them around to everyone...make them feel welcome, alright?" "Will do sir...", Darien replied. Before he left his office, Mr. Matthews turned around and said, "and Darien?" "Yes?" "Call it a night and go home...I'll see you tomorrow morning.", he said, as he quietly left Darien's office.
Meanwhile, Darien seemed to fall into a deep reverie, thinking about all that was revealed to him, *New York, hmmm....and the name Cooper....could it possibly be Serena? I wonder what happened to her....**Wait a minute Walters...there could be thousands of Coopers in New York. Just because Serena wanted to be a lawyer and transferred to NYU, doesn't mean a thing, plus why should you care when you were the one to...!** OH SHUT UP!! This is ridiculous...I think the stress is getting to me. I have no wish to go back down that well-trodden path again. Maybe a night out is in order...* Darien thought as he began to shut down his computer, placing important papers in his briefcase, grabbed his suit jacket and headed out of the office.
Club Surreal-Later That Night
Malcolm Woodson, better known as Mal to most people, was looking around the club he co-owned with his college buddy, Nathaniel Peterson. He handled the business and entertainment, while Nate concentrated on the culinary aspects. This was partly the reason that the club was so popular, turning away at least a hundred people a night. As he scanned the crowd, he was surprised to see a familiar mop of ebony hair. "Hey Darien!", he called out, surprised and excited at seeing his best friend. Darien looked up when he heard his name called, and smiled when he saw who called him. "Hey Mal...I'll be right up." He said as he made his way to the staircase. When the two men reached each other, they clasped each other on the back in greeting and headed to the restaurant that was situated upstairs .
"Well, it's nice to know that you're still alive...", Mal said sarcastically. Darien just rolled his eyes and said, "Don't even start with me. You know how busy I've been with this merger business, and now I have the job of babysitter as well." "What do you mean babysitter?", Mal said, very curious. "Well, apparently, Mr. Matthews hired a law firm from New York, and one of their partners are flying down to help with the merger, and I was chosen to make sure that he/she feel at home." Mal took all this in with interest. As soon as he opened his mouth, Darien stopped him cold. "Don't ask...don't even think it." *Damn...how does he do that*, Malcolm thought as he looked at his friend. Just then, another man joined the table. "Hey Darien..what's up? Long time, no see...", Nate said as he pulled up a chair. "I'm surprised that you actually tore yourself away from the kitchen...", Darien began, until he was interrupted by Nate. "Shut up smart-ass. So how are things?" , he asked and Darien repeated the same story he just Malcolm. When he saw the same questioning look in Nate's eye, that appeared in Mal's, he just held up his hand, and said, "Can it...can we just change the topic?" Seeing the harried state that their friend was in, they decided to relent, because if there was one thing that could put Darien on edge, it was when Serena was the topic.
They talked about other things going on in their lives and also about their friends Zach and Jayson. Zach was now in his second year of residency at Miami Metro and Jayson traveling around the world competing on the extreme sport circuit. Sharing a wonderful dinner courtesy of Nate, Darien decided to call it a night. He left the club promising to keep in touch more often, jumped into his black BMW coupe, and headed to his home in Coconut Grove.
Miami-Dade International Airport-Three Days Later
After having an uneventful trip, Serena unboarded the plane, and left the terminal to collect her luggage. As she was about to exit the airport, she saw a man holding a placard with her last name on it. Noticing her approach, the man plastered a smile on his face and said, "Hello Ms. Cooper. Welcome to Miami. My name is Bryan, and I work for Mr. Matthews. I was given instructions to take you directly to headquarters. I'll grab you're bags and you can just follow me." "Thanks, Bryan, and please call me Serena.", Serena said as she followed him out into the Florida sunshine. *Ah...I almost forgot how great it feels to have seventy degree weather in January*, Serena thought as she walked to the luxury car that was waiting for her.
When she was enclosed in the comfortable leather seat, she just relaxed as she watched the passing scenery, memories flooding back, bringing a small smile to her lips. After about twenty minutes, they came to a stop in front of one of the bigger skyscrapers in Miami. Bryan opened her door and told her that he would take her things to her hotel, and that she should just go on up the executive conference room. "Thank you again Bryan...see you later.", Serena said as she breezed into the building.
After asking the receptionist where the conference room was, she went to the bank of elevators, and hit the button that would take her to the thirtieth floor. When she stepped out of the elevator turned right and went in the direction the receptionist told her to go. Everyone she passed greeted her with a smile and a simple "good morning". *I have really missed Southern hospitality, Serena mused, still walking down the hallway. After about five minutes she came to the doors that were the entrance to the room. She was about to turn the knob, when she heard her name. "Ms. Cooper...Serena Cooper...I am so glad that you finally made it. I'm Benjamin Matthews, but you can just call me Ben.", Mr. Matthews said, extending his hand as he approached her. "Thank you sir, and may I say once again that I hope to make this transition smooth for everyone.", Serena said as she shook his hand. "That's good to hear. Now how about we introduce you to everyone else, hmmm..?" "Certainly...", Serena replied as he opened the door and motioned her to go inside. Stepping through the door, she saw a sea of friendly faces, until her gaze fell on a particular person. When she started to take inventory of the person's features, her heart plummeted to the ground, because sitting before her was her first love, the one that broke her heart, Darien Walters. At this point she only had one thought repeating in her mind....
*Damn...Damn...DAMN!!!!*
to be continued.........
Now we all knew that this was going to happen, but how will our favorite couple handle the situation...stay tuned and find out minna!!!
ja ne,
~o~midnight dreamer~o~