Author's Notes:
Hello minna-san....Dream-chan here with Chapter 3 of Reasonable Doubt. I have to say that I am amazed at the response that I am getting for this story. I just want to say thanx for the reviews and comments, and that I am happy to know that all this work is for something. ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon....if I did I wouldn't be writing this disclaimer!
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Now on with the show.........
Title: Reasonable Doubts-Limits Tested
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (just to be on the safe side)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
*Damn...Damn...DAMN!!!!*, was the only thing that was in Serena Cooper head, as she looked across the room at the man that had broken her heart. *Just my luck...I knew there was reason I had a bad feeling about this, but since I'm here I can't back out know...and wouldn't you know...looks more perfect than when I saw him last...damn him!*, she thought as she tried to regain her previous confidence. Across the room, someone was having the same thoughts. *Dammit!!!! I KNEW I should have listened to my instincts about this, and now I'm expected to work closely with her. This is going to be a major disaster, but since we have matured a little bit, maybe we can get through this like professionals. On another note though, she looks fantastic...*, was all the Darien could think when he looked into her sky-blue eyes. Both were snapped out of their own private world when Mr. Matthews cleared his throat, claiming everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen...as most of you know, we are about to enter merger talks with Sharpe Enterprises. I have hired a law firm in New York and they have been kind enough to send the best corporate lawyer they have, Ms. Serena Cooper, who have just recently been named their new partner. She will be overseeing the talks and also reviewing any contracts or proposals that are given to us by Sharpe. So, please make her feel welcome and give her your full cooperation. I am counting on everyone in here to make her feel like one of the family for the time that she is down here. Is that understood?" "Yes sir!", everyone replied, with a couple of employees even chuckling to themselves at the old man's humor.
After hearing this, Mr. Matthews, broke into a big smile, turned to Serena and said, "Welcome to Matthews...I hope you enjoy your stay." Serena smiled, putting her mask of confidence back in place, and said, "I just hope that I can do the job that you expect of me and I am truly thankful for the warm welcome from all of you..." *Well at least from almost everyone...*, looking at Darien out of the corner of her eye. "Glad to hear it Serena. Well, that is about it for today folks, so meeting adjourned." Mr. Matthews said. Everyone rose from their seats and approached Serena to say a personal hello. Serena felt that two women in particular, Amy Cranston, who worked in programming and Raye Blakemore, who worked in procurement, were going to be fast friends, and already agreed to have lunch with them that day. After about ten minutes, she noticed that everyone had left, and it was just she and Darien left in the room.
*Is he even going to say hello or just sit there like we are complete strangers?*, Serena thought irritably as she began to gather her things. When Darien heard the ruffling of papers, he snapped out of his remembrance of bittersweet memories, and noticed for the first time that everyone had left the room...that it was just him and Serena left. Alone. *Well, I can't turn back time....we'll just have to find a way to make this work.*, Darien concluded. Before he opened his mouth, Serena cut him short. "It's good to see you too, Darien, or should I say Mr. Walters...if you'll excuse me now, I'll just find my way around...", she said with a sarcasm lacing her words. "I'm sorry, that I didn't say anything right away, but I was a little surprised, as you were yourself...and since we are not strangers, you can just call me Darien.", Darien said approaching her with a small grin on his face. "To tell you the truth, I would rather keep this as professional as possible, Mr. Walters." Serena replied frostily, shutting her briefcase with a snap. *Oh...I didn't mean to sound so bitchy...* Serena chided herself when she saw the slight smile on his face turn into a straight line. Darien was taken aback at the tone she used on him, never hearing her sound so cold. *So I guess this is how it's gonna be for the next few weeks...well if that what she wants, that's what she'll get...*, Darien thought as he continued to look at Serena.
"Alright Ms. Cooper...if that's how you feel, then that is the way it will be. Now on with business. I have been given the assignment of being a sort of liaison between your firm ad the company. I will do all I can to catch you up on the current situation, and provide you with any information that you request. Now if you will follow me, I will show you the office that has been set up for you.", Darien said as he strode past her and opened the door. *God...he still smells the same...*, Serena thought as she turned around, following him out the door.
The next few hours, Serena was swept up in a whirlwind of information. As she was trying to get caught up, the phone on her desk started ringing. Surprised at who could be calling her already, she hit the speaker button. At the same moment, Darien was about to walk in her office, when he realized that she was on the phone with someone...a male someone. Curious, he stayed by the open crack, and listened in.
"Hello...Serena Cooper"
"Serena....it's good to know that you finally made it.", a voice boomed over the phone
"Oh...hello, William. How did you get this number? Anyway, I'm sorry that I didn't call you when I got in, but I've been playing catch up all morning.", Serena said apologetically.
"That's alright...I figured as much. So, what do you think?", Mr. Jacobson replied.
"Well...I think that we have a challenge ahead of us, but I won't know anymore until tomorrow when we meet with the Sharpe executives. However, I feel that this should last for only a few weeks", Serena said confidently.
"That sounds wonderful, cause you know that I miss you around the office. Nevertheless, I'm going to let you get back to your job whiz-kid....keep me updated, alright?", he said.
"I'll be sure to....I'll call you when I know more", Serena replied.
"Okay...good-bye."
"Goodbye", Serena said as she rung off, and returned her attention to the papers at her desk.
Meanwhile outside in the hall, Darien was having some disturbing thoughts. *Just who in HELL was this William person? How did he get Serena's number so fast, and why did he seemed so concerned to know when the merger business would be done? What was his relationship to Serena? Was he a friend or a lover? **More to the point, why was it bothering you so much, Walters? You are the one that...** Will you SHUT UP already?!?!*, Darien told the nagging voice inside his head. *Damn it all to hell...I'm not ready for this...*, Darien thought as he turned on his heel, and walked back towards his own office.
Ritz Hotel-South Beach
After a long day, Serena was enjoying the one luxury that she always indulged in...a hot bubble bath. As she thought about the events of day, she just couldn't believe it. She had to work with Darien Walters. She remembered their brief conversation in the boardroom, and groaned. She had made the mistake of letting her emotions get in the way, which was something that she had to make sure never happen again. *At least there was one bright spot in all this mess...", Serena thought as she remembered the lunch that she shared with Amy and Raye. By the end of the hour, they were laughing and acting more like long-time friends, rather than strangers who just met this morning. When she called Lita and Mina, she got the responses she more or less expected from them...a lot of yelling and screaming. She never knew what she would do without friends like them, chuckling to herself. Sighing, she immersed herself in the warm water, letting the tension of the day float away.
Darien's Condo-Coconut Grove
Darien just looked over at the redhead that was still sleeping in his bed. *Just another distraction....why can't she just get up and leave already?*, Darien thought disgustedly, as he pulled on some black silk pajama bottoms, slid the door open, and walked out on the balcony. In the distance, he could hear the waves breaking on the beach. He lifted his head to the breeze, and closed his eyes, his mind replaying all the events that had happened that day. He still couldn't believe that due to some twisted chance of fate, Serena was back in his life. Already she was taking up to much time in his waking thoughts. There were so many times today, when he wanted to just grab her up in his arms and tell her the truth about why he did what he did. Opening his eyes, he looked to the night sky, looking for an answer. Unfortunately, this was something that he had to figure out on his own.
to be continued.........
I am such a bad person, aren't I?!?!? Now what's in store for Serena and Darien? Will Darien find out who William is and more importantly find a solution to dealing with Serena every day? Stay tuned!
I am such a bad person, aren't I?!?!? Now
Hello minna-san....Dream-chan here with Chapter 3 of Reasonable Doubt. I have to say that I am amazed at the response that I am getting for this story. I just want to say thanx for the reviews and comments, and that I am happy to know that all this work is for something. ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon....if I did I wouldn't be writing this disclaimer!
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
** **=conscience
Now on with the show.........
Title: Reasonable Doubts-Limits Tested
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG-13 (just to be on the safe side)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
*Damn...Damn...DAMN!!!!*, was the only thing that was in Serena Cooper head, as she looked across the room at the man that had broken her heart. *Just my luck...I knew there was reason I had a bad feeling about this, but since I'm here I can't back out know...and wouldn't you know...looks more perfect than when I saw him last...damn him!*, she thought as she tried to regain her previous confidence. Across the room, someone was having the same thoughts. *Dammit!!!! I KNEW I should have listened to my instincts about this, and now I'm expected to work closely with her. This is going to be a major disaster, but since we have matured a little bit, maybe we can get through this like professionals. On another note though, she looks fantastic...*, was all the Darien could think when he looked into her sky-blue eyes. Both were snapped out of their own private world when Mr. Matthews cleared his throat, claiming everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen...as most of you know, we are about to enter merger talks with Sharpe Enterprises. I have hired a law firm in New York and they have been kind enough to send the best corporate lawyer they have, Ms. Serena Cooper, who have just recently been named their new partner. She will be overseeing the talks and also reviewing any contracts or proposals that are given to us by Sharpe. So, please make her feel welcome and give her your full cooperation. I am counting on everyone in here to make her feel like one of the family for the time that she is down here. Is that understood?" "Yes sir!", everyone replied, with a couple of employees even chuckling to themselves at the old man's humor.
After hearing this, Mr. Matthews, broke into a big smile, turned to Serena and said, "Welcome to Matthews...I hope you enjoy your stay." Serena smiled, putting her mask of confidence back in place, and said, "I just hope that I can do the job that you expect of me and I am truly thankful for the warm welcome from all of you..." *Well at least from almost everyone...*, looking at Darien out of the corner of her eye. "Glad to hear it Serena. Well, that is about it for today folks, so meeting adjourned." Mr. Matthews said. Everyone rose from their seats and approached Serena to say a personal hello. Serena felt that two women in particular, Amy Cranston, who worked in programming and Raye Blakemore, who worked in procurement, were going to be fast friends, and already agreed to have lunch with them that day. After about ten minutes, she noticed that everyone had left, and it was just she and Darien left in the room.
*Is he even going to say hello or just sit there like we are complete strangers?*, Serena thought irritably as she began to gather her things. When Darien heard the ruffling of papers, he snapped out of his remembrance of bittersweet memories, and noticed for the first time that everyone had left the room...that it was just him and Serena left. Alone. *Well, I can't turn back time....we'll just have to find a way to make this work.*, Darien concluded. Before he opened his mouth, Serena cut him short. "It's good to see you too, Darien, or should I say Mr. Walters...if you'll excuse me now, I'll just find my way around...", she said with a sarcasm lacing her words. "I'm sorry, that I didn't say anything right away, but I was a little surprised, as you were yourself...and since we are not strangers, you can just call me Darien.", Darien said approaching her with a small grin on his face. "To tell you the truth, I would rather keep this as professional as possible, Mr. Walters." Serena replied frostily, shutting her briefcase with a snap. *Oh...I didn't mean to sound so bitchy...* Serena chided herself when she saw the slight smile on his face turn into a straight line. Darien was taken aback at the tone she used on him, never hearing her sound so cold. *So I guess this is how it's gonna be for the next few weeks...well if that what she wants, that's what she'll get...*, Darien thought as he continued to look at Serena.
"Alright Ms. Cooper...if that's how you feel, then that is the way it will be. Now on with business. I have been given the assignment of being a sort of liaison between your firm ad the company. I will do all I can to catch you up on the current situation, and provide you with any information that you request. Now if you will follow me, I will show you the office that has been set up for you.", Darien said as he strode past her and opened the door. *God...he still smells the same...*, Serena thought as she turned around, following him out the door.
The next few hours, Serena was swept up in a whirlwind of information. As she was trying to get caught up, the phone on her desk started ringing. Surprised at who could be calling her already, she hit the speaker button. At the same moment, Darien was about to walk in her office, when he realized that she was on the phone with someone...a male someone. Curious, he stayed by the open crack, and listened in.
"Hello...Serena Cooper"
"Serena....it's good to know that you finally made it.", a voice boomed over the phone
"Oh...hello, William. How did you get this number? Anyway, I'm sorry that I didn't call you when I got in, but I've been playing catch up all morning.", Serena said apologetically.
"That's alright...I figured as much. So, what do you think?", Mr. Jacobson replied.
"Well...I think that we have a challenge ahead of us, but I won't know anymore until tomorrow when we meet with the Sharpe executives. However, I feel that this should last for only a few weeks", Serena said confidently.
"That sounds wonderful, cause you know that I miss you around the office. Nevertheless, I'm going to let you get back to your job whiz-kid....keep me updated, alright?", he said.
"I'll be sure to....I'll call you when I know more", Serena replied.
"Okay...good-bye."
"Goodbye", Serena said as she rung off, and returned her attention to the papers at her desk.
Meanwhile outside in the hall, Darien was having some disturbing thoughts. *Just who in HELL was this William person? How did he get Serena's number so fast, and why did he seemed so concerned to know when the merger business would be done? What was his relationship to Serena? Was he a friend or a lover? **More to the point, why was it bothering you so much, Walters? You are the one that...** Will you SHUT UP already?!?!*, Darien told the nagging voice inside his head. *Damn it all to hell...I'm not ready for this...*, Darien thought as he turned on his heel, and walked back towards his own office.
Ritz Hotel-South Beach
After a long day, Serena was enjoying the one luxury that she always indulged in...a hot bubble bath. As she thought about the events of day, she just couldn't believe it. She had to work with Darien Walters. She remembered their brief conversation in the boardroom, and groaned. She had made the mistake of letting her emotions get in the way, which was something that she had to make sure never happen again. *At least there was one bright spot in all this mess...", Serena thought as she remembered the lunch that she shared with Amy and Raye. By the end of the hour, they were laughing and acting more like long-time friends, rather than strangers who just met this morning. When she called Lita and Mina, she got the responses she more or less expected from them...a lot of yelling and screaming. She never knew what she would do without friends like them, chuckling to herself. Sighing, she immersed herself in the warm water, letting the tension of the day float away.
Darien's Condo-Coconut Grove
Darien just looked over at the redhead that was still sleeping in his bed. *Just another distraction....why can't she just get up and leave already?*, Darien thought disgustedly, as he pulled on some black silk pajama bottoms, slid the door open, and walked out on the balcony. In the distance, he could hear the waves breaking on the beach. He lifted his head to the breeze, and closed his eyes, his mind replaying all the events that had happened that day. He still couldn't believe that due to some twisted chance of fate, Serena was back in his life. Already she was taking up to much time in his waking thoughts. There were so many times today, when he wanted to just grab her up in his arms and tell her the truth about why he did what he did. Opening his eyes, he looked to the night sky, looking for an answer. Unfortunately, this was something that he had to figure out on his own.
to be continued.........
I am such a bad person, aren't I?!?!? Now what's in store for Serena and Darien? Will Darien find out who William is and more importantly find a solution to dealing with Serena every day? Stay tuned!
I am such a bad person, aren't I?!?!? Now