Monday, 12-18-06

10:14 A.M.

"You know Tom, I think…" Darius halted in the doorway, jaw agape. Oh fritter.

I realized instantly just how incriminating this pose was. Thousands of laudable excuses bubbled in the depths of my throat, but my pursed lips seemed unable to part to divulge them. Tommy hung limply in shock, for he neither spoke nor relinquished his hold on me. It was our intruder who got the first word in.

"You know, considering how believable your case was for needing to remain Jude's producer, I would never have guessed that the only reason was so you could continue to get laid at work."

In a chain reaction, I pried myself from Tommy's hold, forcing him out of his reverie. "D, it's not what it…" Darius' fulminatory outburst interrupted his feeble interjection, however.

"Don't feed me that bull crap! I know exactly what this is! But, Tom, I wouldn't have expected you of all people…" He shook his head, disgusted. "To take advantage of a minor."

"He didn't take advantage of me!" I shouted, suddenly livid. "We haven't done anything! Is that really how you see me Darius? Like I'm some whore?"

Darius' expression softened as he turned to me, and momentarily, his tone slackened. "Jude, I don't mean that at all. Some of the nicest girls get mixed up with some of the worst guys…"

Tommy cut in, his anger matching mine. "Our relationship starts and ends at professional, D. To accuse us of something more is just…"

"You always were a good liar!" Darius shouted, interrupting Tommy once more. "But this time, I ain't falling for the ruse. You're fired."

I opened my mouth to interpose, but before I could create anymore damage, I received a peculiar look from Tommy. His eyes pleaded silently with mine, pleading for my submission. A few tears slid down my cheek, but I nodded in compliance.

"Darius," Tommy began with feigned silkiness, "You're being unreasonable."

"No Tom, I don't think I am! Do you have any idea what it would mean to G Major if this got to the press?"

"Screw you." Tommy muttered under his breath. My eyes widened as I observed Darius attempting to restrain himself from lunging at his former employee. Tommy's audacity in such a delicate situation astounded me, and if it weren't for our unspoken agreement I would express that. It was almost like one of those horror movies where you long to shout at the character to expose the killer behind them. Eventually, however, you realize that you have absolutely no power to ensure their wellbeing.

"Stay away from her Tom, or I'll ruin you. Now, get out of my sight until I have you removed from the premises." Darius flung the studio door open, glaring at Tommy pointedly.

"Look, I'll stay away from your precious studio. But Jude, you have no control over."

"Over my dead body." Darius growled

Tom sidled slyly towards him, pausing in upon the threshold. "I'm sure that can be arranged." He threatened softly, sliding through the doorway without looking back.

Halfway down the hallway, a malevolent idea floated into the eavesdropper's mind. The opportune moment had arrived, and they were more than happy to seize it. Tom Quincy would pay.