Thanks for being patient folks! I've read all the comments so far and really appreciate your kindness...it really does keep me going. If you're on the edge of your seat I hope to keep you there for a while, lol.
The evening had gone perfectly.
David Warner had asked everyone to refrain from taking pictures and posting them on social media; and they seemed to comply - the press itself had been successfully restrained.
Blair arrived with Paul and they had entered through the back-way. The mansion had been full of guests awaiting her entrance. It was elegant, the foyer exquisitely lit as the spotlight was on one woman. You would've thought she was royalty. Well… she was in her circle. It was a milestone reached, achieved - earned. And she was absorbing, enveloping and downright wallowing in every bit of it.
She had made her entrance from the top of the spiral staircase. Savoring the moment, the looks of awe on the faces of her guests... her family, friends of the family and the company. She glowed and delighted in the sparkling eyes that consumed her with each step.
She had kissed her father's cheek when he'd formally announced her, just like she did at the executive board meeting the morning before at The Warner building. They'd toasted her, and each of the ten board members gave a brief yet flattering speech to the newly minted president.
Blair looked regal in her Christian Dior, haute couture, gown – designed with her figure in mind. The loustrous black and white ensemble hugged her curves in all the right places. The strapless European design was cut low in the back, slit high up the left side and revealed a respectable amount of her bosom.
Her hair was swept up; spiral curls bounced on both sides of her face; a face that was drawn to perfection. She wore little jewelry; save the bracelet Joyce had given her when she'd first arrived. She accepted it from her Nana with pride. It was a family heirloom.
For two hours straight, Blair had worked the room like a pro; engaging in animated conversations, absorbing the well wishes, and reveling in the looks of adoration and flattering complements.
"If you will please excuse me."
She politely bowed out of the latest conversation. Each one of the executives had been trying to bend her ear before she'd even had the chance to look at last quarter's numbers.
She grabbed a glass of champagne and made her way down the hall to her father's study. Brown eye's carefully peeked over a shoulder before the study door was cracked open swiftly, then closed. She was careful not to spill one drop as she leaned against the door and drank down the entire glass. "God."
Blair stood there for a moment, gathering her senses as she looked around the dimly lit office. A desk light had been left on. She walked over smiling gently as she softly traced the bottle her father's masterpiece was housed in.
Contained in glass. Such a regal, refined boat. Never to be set free, she thought as she took in the intricate details of the mast and the stern. Even the boards of the deck looked real.
There was a light tap on the door that stirred Blair out of her trance. "Who is it?"
A blonde head peeked into the room. "I thought I saw you escape in here."
Blair sat with a huff on the small couch situated in front of the fireplace. She casted a glower toward her intruder. "What do you want, Robert?" She wasn't in the mood for him, and crossed her legs tightly. The slit in her dress caused the material to ride up high on her thigh, revealing an ample amount of her leg. She moved the material to cover as much as she could then sighed as her cousin entered the study.
Robert wore a smirk-like smile; it was almost smug. He looked around the office, admiring the décor before acknowledging his cousin's question; then, ultimately, ignoring it.
"Well now, wasn't that just a fine display of exquisite bull-shit-dom," he deadpanned.
Blair stared at him blankly. She wasn't amused – a little insulted by his critique of her socializing technique – but hardly amused.
Robert noticed her lack of a reaction and continued happily. "I think you played the royal princess quite well."
"Be serious."
"I am. I think you'll make the best figure head the company's seen in a long, long time." He cracked a smile. "I'd salute you with a toast, but I need to stay sober. I'm flying out in a few."
"I can't wait." Came the droll response.
Robert circled to face his cousin. "I'm sure you can't. But before I do depart, I wanted to give you a piece of information I think you may be interested in. I mean, considering you've mentioned my division which, by the way, is in Tokyo."
Blair resisted the urge to lift a questioning eyebrow. "And what would that be Robert?"
He gave a stern look at Blair. "Are you sure uncle David hasn't told you yet? I would hate to regurgitate old information." His tone smacked of insincerity.
Blair drew in an annoyed breath then released it. "What are you talking about?"
Robert perched a hip on his uncle's desk. "Ah, well, I see he hasn't. So let me just get to the gist of it." A wide smile. "No use beating around the bush."
Blair uncrossed her legs and peered up at him; lips thin with growing anger. "What Robert?!"
"Two warehouses have burned down. Our warehouses. In Tokyo." Robert held Blair with a hard stare.
She stilled for a moment then blinked at him several times. "What?"
Robert pursed his lips, pleased at her reaction. "I'm sure you heard me the first time, but just in case y—"
"Shut up!" Blair held up a hand then pushed off from the couch, almost knocking into her indigent cousin. She abruptly faced him. " How? When did this happen?!"
A shrug. "Not sure how. Both were empty and I believe uncle David said two days ago." Robert crossed his arms, watching her.
Blair swallowed a lump in her throat. "The funeral…"
Robert nodded. "Yes. It was during the funeral," he informed snidely. "I'm sure he didn't want you to worry your pretty little head about it." He leaned into Blair, whispering, "… being his little princess and all."
Blair pushed Robert on the shoulders. "Why didn't YOU tell me!?"
He caught her hands, holding them. "What? And worry you? Besides, you have so many plans and ideas," he mocked.
"This affects your division, you idiot!" She slapped his hands away then pointed a hard finger.
True. Robert merely lifted an eyebrow, not that anxious to get into the details about the warehouses. He watched his cousin clench her fists; a light sheen of perspiration had broken out on her forehead.
She crossed the room frustratedly and raked a hand through her hair. "Thank God they were empty." Blair closed her eyes, sucking in a shakey breath. "Okay, okay this changes everything." Firm fists sat on hips.
Robert kept his voice low. "Blair. It happens. A few years ago that tsunami wiped out our coastal warehouse."
She ignored him. "Why didn't he tell me?" Dammit Daddy!
"He's a busy man. He's been putting out a lot of fires since my Dad died...of course, now they'll be your fires," Robert happily pointed out.
Blair approached him. "Anything else you or my father forgot to tell me about, Robert?" She was tired of feeling like she had to play catch up.
Robert tapped his chin in thought. "No, not that I can think of at the moment."
Blair eyed him head on. "Think real hard." She was tired of his leary demeanor.
Robert chuckled, ignoring her. "Look, I'll be sure to keep you informed of the incident once I find out anything." A toothy smile.
Blair smirked at him. "Incident." That's what we're calling it? She scoffed.
Robert nodded. "There's an investigation. Once I land, they'll inform me of what they've found and you can take it from there." He smiled at her, his eyes half lidded in smug confidence. It made Blair want to smack the look off of his face.
"I will get to the bottom of this." Her tone droped dangerously.
"I'm sure you will." Came the offhanded reply. "I know this wasn't how you envisioned your first day on the job, Blair. But these things happen."
He moved to stand in front of her. "It's a loss of probably millions of dollars." Another smile, "…and sure it's my division, but we both know this will come down on your head, and..." he drew in a breath. "Well, we can't win them all now can we?"
Blair narrowed her eyes; his remarks were spiteful, calculated. Robert had deliberately pushed a delicate button. She moved a mere inches from his face. "You little—"
"BLAIR? Blair darling! Joyce said she saw you walk this way are you in there? I hear voices..."
Blair jerked then backed off from Robert upon recognizing the voice. It was piercing and unmistakable, even muffled from the other side of the door.
Mother.
Robert quickly made his way to the door and snatched it open. Monica Warner was in mid-knock and held a glass of champagne in her other hand. Robert took her in, her red gown fit her well and her hair was swept off the shoulder to one side.
"Ah, Monica. So good to see you," He purred.
Monica was startled for a second. "Robert… is? Oh, there you are darling! Paul's been looking for you." She pushed past Robert into the study toward her daughter.
"Mother, please, I… "
"You shouldn't keep the man waiting," Monica interrupted. "Now dear, everyone has been asking where you've disappeared to."
Blair pinched the bridge of her nose. She could feel her stress level rising. "Mother, please, I just needed a moment to… "
"We were just having shop talk is all, Monica," Robert interjected.
"Shop talk? Dear, can't that wait until tomorrow? You have guests and the women's garden club want a picture with you." Monica whined.
Blair held up a hand. "Mother, can you just give me a second? Please?"
Startled, Monica sniffed before shifting her hips and taking a sip of champagne.
"Blair?"
All three heads turned to see Meg standing in the doorway, slightly perplexed at the small gathering.
Blair huffed. "Can I just have a few minutes to get my thoughts together?"
Meg leveled a serious look at her step sister, then softened her voice. "Actually, there's someone here to see you." She stepped aside revealing a dark haired woman.
Robert caught the widening of Blair's eyes and couldn't believe his good fortune. He swiftly moved to greet the slightly confused looking woman in the doorway.
"Ah, Amanda! So good to see you again." His tone dripped of sarcasm as he grabbed her shoulders and guided her into the room. He could see Blair stiffen almost defensively from the corner of his eye.
Amanda glanced at everyone as she was shuffled from the doorway, not certain why this particular group was together, away from the party. "What's going on?"
Robert kept his hands on her shoulders. "Blair and I were just putting our heads together before I fly back to Tokyo. She has a lot of ideas for my division."
Monica turned a sour face towards her daughter. "Really dear, you're already following in your father's footsteps. He was always too busy for anything other than business."
"Mother that's n-not… " Blair tripped over her words.
"Amanda dear. How is your mother?" Monica decided a change of subject was in order.
"She's well. I guess," Amanda answered as she shifted confused eyes toward Blair.
"Good. Please tell her we'll have to do lunch soon. I have a few ideas I want to run by the gallery board." Monica said smugly.
"I will. Is everything all right here?" Amanda asked, concerned.
"Absolutely," Robert supplied; then decided to have a little fun. "Well, I'm sure Blair will tell you all about it… later."
It was worth it. The look on Blair's face was priceless. She blanched and almost choked on a huge gulp of air while turning a bright color of red.
"Robert!" Meg abruptly shouted. She grabbed his hand and yanked him toward the door, ignoring his chuckle at her stepsister's expense. "Let's give Blair some space. It's been quite a night for her." The last part said through clenched teeth.
Blair scowled at Robert, then exhaled deeply. "Thank you Meg."
Monica scoffed not amused. "Darling, hurry up and gather yourself together." She drank the last of her champagne then motioned with her finger at each one of them. "This looks quite rude." She moved past everyone to leave.
"I'll be out in a few." Blair weakly called after her; then slumped back onto the couch.
Robert couldn't resist. "Oh really? You promise?"
"Robert!" Meg yelled from the hallway.
"Coming," he shot Blair a wicked grin as he shut the door behind him, leaving her and Amanda alone in the dimly lit office.
It was a relief; the few seconds of silence were welcomed. The air had crackled with tension and Blair was almost dizzy with anxiety.
Amanda took a moment to really look at Blair. She let her eyes linger on the toned frame. They slowly took in the blondes sexily dressed body. Noticing her for the first time tonight, she realized her good fortune of just knowing the woman. The now, newly christened, President of Warner Textiles. Wow!
She looked good… damn good; and she couldn't help the rush that colored her cheeks, but… first things first. She moved to sit beside Blair on the couch.
"You want to tell me what's going on?" Amanda asked softly.
Blair shook her head dismissively. "It's nothing."
Amanda gently put a hand on Blair's knee. "Blair. We said we would trust each other and tell each other when we were going through something. I'm here for you." She moved her head to try and capture brown eyes.
Blair tensed a bit. She sighed, her anger at Robert and her father being all she could bare at the moment. She slowly stood and faced the sitting woman who was looking at her openly. It made her feel guilty.
"I know. Really, it's just business." Brown eyes rolled at her own flat explanation. "God, I know that sounds cliché, but please just…" she could feel her cheeks turning red. "I sound stupid, I know..."
"Blair," Amanda said softly. She stood, faced Blair and waited. The blonde not quite meeting her concerned eyes.
"I just, I hate feeling helpless," Blair looked up into confused eyes. She immediately regretted making the admission.
Amanda's eyes went wide. "What are you talking about? Did something bad happen?"
Blair shook her head. "Nothing I can't handle." She tried to give a reassuring smile.
She hated the feeling, hated that Robert seemed to be on the inside of everything before she'd even taken the Big Chair, as he had often sarcastically stated of her new position. Blair shook her head, forcing the frustration out of her mind for the time being. Not tonight. This was her night. You don't win Robert!
Blair steeled herself and decided to salvage the rest of the evening, and even better, with the one person she wanted to go home with.
She smiled at Amanda. "I'll tell Paul he can get a sudden headache and leave."
Amanda cracked a half smile at the comment, then took a step back. Nodding slowly, she decided to drop the questioning for now. With Blair's sudden change in attitude, she didn't want to tilt things against her favor.
She'd play along. "He did look kind of bored. People keep asking him if the two of you are going to get engaged any time soon," Amanda laughed at the blondes sneer.
Blair wasn't surprised. Paul had been the perfect "partner" for her the past two months. Or beard as Amanda called him. He was her latest arm piece for the evening; especially for lavish events. When the night was over, he'd simply drive her home and peck her on the cheek, only to go home to his husband-to-be.
Blair had met Paul six months earlier when he was hired through HR to redecorate the executive offices at The Warner building. He was one of New York's up and coming interior designer's, complete with his own firm. He came highly recommended. He was tall, handsome, and completely Blair's type, according to social media. Their arrangement worked for both of them well enough.
Blair gazed at Amanda. "You look nice."
She took in the dark blue dress that accentuated the brunette's curves. Her dark, wavy hair was down, the way Blair liked it. Her make-up was minimal, but just enough. Blair kissed her cheek. "C'mon, let's go put Paul out of his misery."
Amanda laughed then took Blair's hand. "Sooo… what am I to you tonight?"
It was a fair question. Blair swung their entwined hands slightly as she led the way to the door. "Friend. My close friend." She opened it.
Amanda accepted that, for now. She wanted to get to know Blair better, much better. So she settled, nodding her head in understanding.
Blair dropped Amanda's hand once they entered the hall. She smoothed nervous hands over her gown and took a deep breath preparing to dive back into the crowd that awaited her.
Overhead clouds were slowly breaking up as a low fog lifted; the bright morning sun burning off the thick density to a thin mist. It was a crisp Monday morning. The three agents had met at JTI headquarters, and they stood on the sidewalk outside of the four-story building in their pressed suits. They quickly finished syncronizing their watches as they waited for the cab they had hailed to pull up.
Eric had given each agent an auidio receptor. It was attached to the back of the ear where the small device was adheared by a thin strip of flesh colored tape. Two taps on the device would turn it on. A necklace for both Jo and Agent Summers and tie clip for Agent Mendoza, was for speaking into.
They got situated in the taxi which was a little cramped. First on the agenda was to make sure their devices were in working order before they reached The Warner building.
The cabby frequently glanced at them from the rear view mirror. He had put up the partition and the agents were careful they couldn't be heard.
"Alright. Let's do a quick test." Eric's voice crackled into their earpieces. He was at JTI headquarters and had a full line into each agent's device.
"Mendoza?"
"Clear."
"Summers?"
"Clear."
"Polniaczek?"
"Clear."
"Alright, we're all set Eric. I'm going to quickly go over the format for our presentation, then we'll go in," Jo said.
"Good, don't forget to keep your phones nearby, that's the only way the earpieces will work," he informed them.
"Not a problem." Jo had made special note to keep her phone close to her. She put it inside her leather briefcase along with her notes for the upcoming meeting.
The cab pulled up outside the front entrance to The Warner building. They had arrived in the financial and corporate business district of New York City, located in the southern most part of Manhattan. Professionals and young hipsters littered the sidewalks, busily trying to reach their destinations.
The Warner building was quite a spectacle. It was 40 floors of concrete, steel and windows. A huge waterfall graced the landscape at the front of the building, as well as a tall steel sculpture that looked like an old world loom, once used to spin cotton.
The agents exited the cab then made their way to the outdoor atrium, which was an elaborate area that led to the front entrance.
Jo checked her watch. "We've got about thirty minutes, let's go over the notes."
Mendoza and Summers retrieved their papers, making sure everything was in order. Their presentation had to be a smooth sale.
Jo momentarily thought to text Blair of her arrival, then thought better of it. She smiled. I'll see you soon enough. She retrieved her notes from her briefcase and started on the talking points.
The executive offices on the top floors of The Warner building were quite large, plush, and very quiet. Blair's new office had just received a new paint job, but the walls and furniture awaited Paul's professional makeover. So she settled for her uncle's leather couch and wood carved desk for now.
She did, however, bring her own chair. It was a leather executive chair with three adjustments for comfort. It had a high back and she had broken it in to fit her posterior just right. It suited her completely.
The executive secretary's area resided just outside her door in the lobby. It was vacant for the time being.
A graying head of hair peeked in to her office. "Blair?"
The president of Warner Textiles was sitting at her desk; neck high in paper work sent up by HR. The duties of a new president usually started with endless signatures and her hand was already starting to cramp from it.
She had barely glanced up at the interruption. "Daddy. Hi."
David smiled at his daughter; she was quickly getting down to business. Good. He looked around the office then glanced back outside of her door, lifting a brow. "Where's your secretary?"
Blair scribbled a few things then added the sheet of paper to the growing pile on one side of her desk, before picking up another. "Still interviewing." She creased her brow, scanning through an especially puzzling document.
David watched her for a moment. He was dressed in a polo shirt and golfing pants and had a manila folder in his hand.
"I see...Uh, Blair," he paused. "I need you to sign in a group." He winced at the lack of a better segue, but, well, group pretty much summed up what Jo and the other agents were. A group of systems analysts.
Blair barely batted and eye, just catching the last word. "Group for what?" Not looking up, she typed a few notes on her pad.
"They're just a group of analysts Russell already approved." David sucked in a breath. "They're doing a capstone of Warner Textiles."
A nod. "What's that?"
"It's a project. They'll be speaking to the executive board in about thirty minutes. You just need to sign them in so they can get approval for their security badges. It's part of our community outreach department." David concluded quickly.
He watched as his daughter spared him a few glances between typing. Blair heard the words approve, security, and community outreach.
"Fine."
David smiled, relieved. "I'm sure you'll be quite happy with the project. As a matter of fact, you may even know a member or two," he added.
Blair leaned back in her chair and blew out a breath. "Daddy, I have a lot on my plate this morning. Just leave the paperwork there. I'll sign it in a moment." She pointed to the only empty space on her desk.
Great. He dropped the folder. "Well, I'm off to my game." He started for the door.
Blair looked up, stopping her actions, and watched her father make his way acoss the room. She put her pad down, realizing she needed to clear the air on a few things before her day got any more hectic.
No time like the present.
"You sure there isn't something else you need to tell me before I start my first day on the job?" She stated casually.
David stopped and turned, a little caught off guard. He faced his daughter; noticing he now had her full attention. "No." He said a little guardedly while gradually making his way back to her desk.
"Sweetheart, I'm sure you'll handle everything just fine," he managed smoothly, and winked as he turned to leave again.
Blair waited until he reached the door. "Well, I thought I'd run some issues by you I have about a division I think needs a boost, or a jolt." She watched as her father slowly turned to face her.
David pointed to his watch. "Okay. Really quick, I have a 9 a.m. tee time."
Blair spared no introductions. "It's in Tokyo, Japan." She sniffed at her father's expression – one of alarm - as he quickly covered it. "I was thinking we could double our silk supply. I also have a few… "
David held up a hand. "Wait. Wait a minute Blair." He shook his head. "You don't have any numbers for Tokyo. Besides, that tsunami wiped us out a few years back. Manufacturing has been strictly in the warehouses up north." His voice took on a serious tone.
Nice try, Daddy. "What about the two warehouses we have there now?"
David opened his mouth, then snapped it closed. "Well. Th-they, they…"
"Don't exist anymore." Came the reply. Blair smirked.
He caught it… all of it. The look on Blair's face spelled out his worst nightmare. She knew he'd lied to her.
"Blair… "
"Robert told me." Blair pursed her lips at her father's shocked expression. "Don't look so surprised. It's his division and he just loved the fact that I was blindsided by this information." She tossed at him.
David could only shake his head. "Blair, look…"
Blair stood up from her chair, she could feel her anger building. "Thank God there were no casualties. When were you going to tell me?"
"It's not like that. There's an investigation by the Tokyo authorities going on right now. They'll let us know how it happened and then we'll take it from there." David's voice was almost pleading.
Blair slowly rounded the large desk and approached her father, his cautious eyes watching her. She made an effort to steady her voice. "I think I can handle it from here."
"Blair, this is not something you need to be concerned with." David was obstinate. "It happened before you took over. This is not on your watch!"
Oh really? "If I'm going to be president of Warner Textiles, I expect to be notified first, no matter what it is. I expect to know everything! This affects our company."
David started to step closer, then thought better of it when he caught a warning glare in brown eyes. "Blair, you don't need to worry about this on top of everything else," he gestured to the stack of papers on her desk. "You have a lot to handle right now."
Blair took a deep, steady breath. She felt a pang of hurt at her father's words. What happened to "you can handle this?" She shook off the feeling.
"You're treating me like I'm incompetent." She said firmly.
"I'm not," David felt deflated; he could tell he was slowly losing this battle. "…not treating you like that." His voice faltered.
Blair pinned him with a stern look. "I am the President of this company. You have to let me do my job."
She sat on the edge of the desk, almost knocking over the stack of papers, and ran a frustrated hand through her hair. "God, Daddy, do you know how humiliating it was for Robert to tell me that?!"
David reached out in an attempt to touch Blair's shoulders in sympathy. "Sweetheart."
"Don't sweetheart me!" She turned away from his approaching hands.
"Blair, the funeral… it," David's words faltered for a moment.
Blair stared at her father, not quite believing what she was hearing. "Don't use Uncle Russell to get off the hook!"
David met his daughter's eyes; then looked down at his hands. She was right. No more lies. The best thing to do was own up to the mess they were in and figure a way out of it.
Blair knows… and Robert... He shook his head. That was one loose end he would take care of personally.
Right now, he couldn't risk Blair digging deeper and potentially blowing the entire investigation. David rang his hands together. He peered up at his daughter, hoping she would see the apology in his eyes; not quite sure words were working at the moment.
"I, uh, I'm sorry. I guess a part of me will always want to protect you." It wasn't easy to say, but true, and somehow that made him feel a little bit vindicated.
Blair studied the man in front of her. Yes, he had always wanted to safe guard his little princess, his heir to the throne. But she wasn't really his anymore, was she?
She rubbed the back of her neck and sighed. "You have to let me do my job, Daddy."
David slowly nodded his head in agreement. "I know." David's voice was soft, remorseful. He waited for Blair to accept his apology.
She peered at him. "Please don't let this happen again."
"I won't." David breathed an internal sigh of relief. He stared at Blair in wonderment for a moment. She had proven herself to be reliable, capable and especially driven. Those were Warner traits, and he was glad they were alive and thriving within his daughter, scratch that, his daughter who was now president of Warner Textiles.
"You're right, Blair. I need to let you do your job." He cracked a smile. His little girl was… a woman.
Blair wasn't letting him off the hook. "I expect to be updated about the investigation first Daddy, not last or kept in the dark."
It was a direct command, one David didn't want to fight or argue. No. It was best to let her in on the surface, and keep her there. That would be enough to satisfy her until they cleared this whole thing up, he reasoned.
"All right, I'll put you in touch with the lead investigator over there," he conceded.
Blair nodded. "I'm looking forward to that." Her expression still guarded. She watched as her father moved to exit her office.
He turned around one last time. "I'll be sure to get you that information soon," he concluded.
"I'd appreciate that."
Blair noticed a shift in their relationship. Lately they had kept their dealings business-like, something her father had always taught her. You wear two hats in life: one personal, the other business. When you walk into Warner Textiles, you leave your personal hat at the door and wear your business hat at all times.
Never get them confused.
She decided it was best to wear that hat whenever she entered into the executive elevators at Warner Textiles and pressed the 39th floor, from now on.
"I have a lot of work I need to… " Blair indicated the stack of papers.
David nodded in understanding. He pointed to the folder on her desk. "Don't forget to sign that paperwork," he smiled as he made his way to the door and left.
Blair watched as he rounded the corner, then let the moment settle over her for a few seconds. She had stood up to her father… well… worked with him, as she preferred to reference it.
It felt good, and she realized she actually looked forward to butting heads with him from time to time. Such was the nature of business as she'd learned while rising through the ranks. Today was just her first taste of a new flavor. One with spice and zeal...and at times a little bitter and sour. She frowned a little as she realized that was probably the pallet she would have to deal with from now on.
"Blair?"
Meg.
"Hi." The blonde woman entered the office, noticing the disarray on Blair's desk. "Rough day so far? I saw David leaving."
Blair shook her head. "I'm handling it." She ran a quick hand through her hair. "What brings you to my mad house?"
Meg moved to stand beside her stepsister. "You said to track you down when it came." She held out an envelope. "I signed for it at the mansion."
Blair eyed it. Great. "Thanks."
She took it, then turned with measured steps to sit back down at her desk. She smoothed her fingertips over the surface of the envelope, staring at it blankly.
Meg watched Blair. "You want me to stay for a while? Or… "
Blair shook her head as she smiled a thank you. "No. I think I can…" her voice trailed off as she felt the weight of the morning settling in on her.
Meg waited for a second before responding. She felt a pang of sympathy. "Ok. Call me if you need me," she said softly.
Blair nodded without looking up. "I will."
Meg nodded back then left quietly, having done her job. She shut the door gently.
Blair swiveled back and forth in her chair. She picked up the envelope, as she turned and took in the view. The floor to ceiling windows allowed a spectacular vista of the city. She could see the Brooklyn Bridge off in the distance. Over to the other side, she was just barely able to make out the Statue of Liberty.
She sat back and looked over the enormous expanse of buildings for several quiet moments. She thought about how much her life had changed in just a few months. How much she'd changed.
Or had she?
Maybe not all that much, she mused.
Turning back around, Blair opened the envelope. As she removed the papers, she drew in a deep breath and picked up her cell phone, dialed, and waited. She could feel her heart beat pick up when she heard a click.
"Hi." She got out quickly.
There was a pause. "Hi. I, I guess you got…"
"Yeah. Looking at them now." Blair unfolded the small bunch of papers and smoothed them out on her desk.
"Me too."
She heard breathing on the other end; it matched her own.
"Ready?"
Blair leaned back and rolled her eyes to the ceiling then laughed grimly to herself. "Is anyone ever ready to sign divorce papers, Cliff?"
Cliff sighed heavily. "Blair. I just want you to know…"
"Don't...Please Cliff..."
"I adore you."
Blair shook her head, not wanting this, not needing him to take up any slack for her.
"You are the most wonderful, caring woman in the world." His words came out heavy and heartfelt.
Blair felt the tinge of tears start to prickle the back of her eyelids. "Cliff…"
"Let me finish." His voice broke. "You deserve the best Blair. You deserve someone who will give you everything you've ever wanted."
Cliff took in a shaky breath. "I love you Blair. I always will." He whispered.
Blair let the tears fall, her vision blurred as she looked down at the papers in front of her. "Cliff, God I'm… I'm so sorry I hurt you."
She had blurted it, but it was out, and she was glad she'd said it. She heard him sniffle.
"No. No don't look at it that way. You've given me so much. You're companionship… "
His voice broke again. Blair was at a loss for words, so she just sat there and let him finish.
"Friendship." Cliff cleared his throat. "If that's all we can ever be, then I'm proud of that. Don't ever believe anything else."
"Cliff." Blair searched her mind for something, anything, to say. She came up with nothing, so she let the silence say it for her. They remained quiet for a few moments, each gathering their wits.
"Let's do this Blair. C'mon. Like we said… together."
Blair took a breath then reached over and grabbed a pen. She fought to keep her hand steady. "Together."
It was only two lines really… two lines that ended it all. Two lines that meant end and begin and new and… what exactly? Blair stared at it as she dated the last line.
Done.
There was paper rustling, then Cliff noticeably tried to change his tone to a more up-beat one. "And look, next time I'm in New York… "
"Call me," Blair interrupted. She fanned her face, careful not to disturb her makeup. She found herself smiling through the tears, regardless. "We'll do lunch, dinner, whatever," she softened her voice. "I just want to see you."
She could hear Cliff struggle with his words. "I will." He finally got out.
Blair was silent. She waited; her heart pounding in her chest.
"Well, goodbye, Blair."
She let out a long breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. "Goodbye, Cliff."
Everything was still for a while after ending the call. Blair let the moment wash over her. A barage of emotions threatened to overtake her, and she clamped down on them. Not today, not when she was being hit with so many things in a spanse of just an hour. She tilted her head onto the back of her chair and just rested it there. God, this is not how I wanted my first day to start. She leveled a weary glance over her desk and sighed. Now would be a good time to keep busy and, anyway, things weren't going to get done if she didn't start.
Right.
She reached across and picked up the folder her father had dropped off earlier. Sitting back, she opened it and scanned the contents.
What is this?
"...Badges."
The security guard handed the three agents their plastic identification badges with the pictures that Eric had provided on them. Their titles read: JTI Guest Systems Analysts for WT.
"And if you'll just wait a second, I'm sure mid-level security will send your information and we'll have you all cleared." The gaurd gave them a quick smile as he finished typing.
"Thank you." Jo and the other two Agents had gathered in the busiest area of the morning rush, the entrance lobby. It was getting close to 9 a.m. and a steady stream of company employees was making their way through security.
"If you'll just stand over there please, to let the others pass through. Thank you." The gaurd pointed to a clearing off to the side of the security scanner near the revolving door entrance.
"Thought they would've had us all ready to go by now," Agent Mendoza checked his watch.
Jo smirked. "Yeah, well..." Me too.
The security guard finished typing on the computer and addressed them. "Okay, looks like we're all set. If you'll just scan your badges here you'll be through."
Summers and Mendoza got through easily. They waited while Jo scanned her badge. She swiped it, setting off red lights and a default noise that garnered the attention of several people in the lobby.
"Hold on." The guard typed in the code again. "Scan it one more time, miss…" He checked her name. "Pol-nia-czek." He said it right the first time, which earned him a smile.
She swiped it, setting off the lights again.
"Huh. Must be a glitch somewhere." He took the badge from Jo. "I'll check the code again."
Jo nodded as she sighed loudly. She noticed several curious onlookers now openly staring. Wonderful.
"Could be a while. The system refreshes every five minutes." The guard shot her an apologetic look.
Well that sucks. Jo called over to the other agents. "Look, guy's, here's my information." She handed them her briefcase. "Take it up and look over my part. I'll be up in a few. If I'm not there on time, just start without me." Jo stated directly. She didn't want anything holding them back. They needed to stay on schedule.
Summers nodded in understanding and took the briefcase. "Sure thing." They went around the corner and took the elevator up to the 39th floor.
Jo looked around the lobby. It was huge, grandiose. There was a tiered water fall fountain full of various and intricate water sculptures that ran down the center of the space. Huge flower pots that looked like their outer decor had been hand carved sat at various corners of the lobby; their flower arrangments coordinating with the color scheme - rounded out the theme. She glanced toward the east corner - the coffee bar had a line, as did the cafe. Fancy.
Rocking back on her heels, Jo waited a few more minutes; then realizing time was of the essence, addressed the security guard. "Any luck?"
The guard shook his head. "I've tried it three times now Ms. Polniaczek. No luck. I don't think there's a glitch; maybe the wrong code. Let me call mid- level security, have them run you through again."
Jo had no choice but to comply. "All right." She leaned against the wall, cocking one foot up against it and pushed hands into her suit jacket pockets as she waited.
A few moments later the guard was finishing his conversation with mid-level security. "Uh, huh, okay… thanks." He hung up and called over to Jo. "Ms. Polniaczek."
"Yes?"
"Just found the problem."
She pushed off from the wall. "What is it?"
"You weren't cleared by top-level."
Jo stared at him. "I don't understand. Why not?"
The guard raised his eyebrows not sure how to answer. "Well… it could be one of two things."
Unbelievable. "Which are?" Jo was starting to feel anxious; time was getting away from her.
The guard thought for a moment before answering. "One, you were given the wrong code to begin with, but we've already ruled that out. Two, you weren't actually signed in from the top."
Jo could feel her frustration mounting. Her voice took on an apprehensive tone. "The top. Who's the top of security?"
The guard kept his voice low. David Warner had briefed the guards of his daughters appointment but the formal announcment was still not until that afternoon. "The President."
Blair.
Jo shook her head in disbelief, then cracked a small smile. "What. You're kidding me right? This is a joke right?" She checked her watch again.
"We don't joke here, ma'am." The security guard kept his face neutral.
"C'mon, are you kidding me?" Jo bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing out loud.
It was absurd, really. Blair would decide to play a joke on her now. Bad timing Blair, really bad timing.
The guard typed something into the computer then motioned to another guard across the room. "Not kidding."
Jo shook her head, her irritation at her friend, scratch that, former friend had her on edge. She pulled her cell phone out and dialed Blair's number.
"Fine, great… " She listened as the prompts led to Blair's voice mail. "Of course," Jo sighed and waited for the ping.
She kept a hushed tone. "Blair, Blair pick up the phone. I'm down here in the lobby. You mind signing me in?" Jo tightened her jaw as she ended the call.
Two security guards rapidly approached her as more people stopped to gauge the situation. The large guard stopped in front of Jo and gestured toward the front entrance. "Ma'am, please step aside."
Jo ignored him and started to send a quick text to Blair. "Just give me a second." She hastily typed in the words.
Blair sign me in now!
"They'll straighten this out any second now." She was trying to stay calm. It was embarrassing to say the least. Jo sensed curious eyes on her as she stood there and waited. The two security guards, thank goodness, decided to wait along with her. A minute later, one of the guard's phones chimed. Glancing at the device he then nodded to the other guard.
"Ms. Polniaczek?"
"Yes?" Jo swallowed.
"I've been given instructions to escort you from the building."
Jo's eyes grew wide. "What?" Her voice failed her for a second. When she realized exactly what he was saying, she was momentarily stunned.
The tall guard moved to grab her arm. "Please, if you'll just…" He started to walk her toward the revolving door.
Jo pulled her arm from the guard's grasp. "Hold on a second, did you talk to the top?"
"Ma'am, we have orders for you to leave the building." He grabbed her arm again.
Jo grunted and yanked her arm, unable to escape the strong grasp. She huffed angrily. "Don't touch me! What the hell is going on?!" A moderately large crowd had gathered around them.
"I'm just carrying out orders, ma'am."
The guard had Jo over by the rotating door entrance, but she escaped the mauling grasp and leveled an angry stare at him. She snatched her suit jacket straight and exhaled, ruffling her bangs.
She played his words back, and couldn't quite believe what she'd heard. "Orders? Who's orders?!" She breathed.
"Mine."
It was simply stated. And there were audible gasps. The crowd parted as Blair stepped in to view and locked eyes with the stunned brunette.
What in the? It was almost surreal. Jo looked into unwavering brown eyes trying to gauge the reasoning of her long time friend. Her face went from angry, to questioning, to confused.
Blair barely batted an eye. She stood there in her white blouse and powder blue pencil skirt; three-inch heels completed the look. Her hands were defensively on her hips. Her outfit was corporate, elegant yet, no nonsense. She sucked in her cheeks. Lifting her eyebrows she displayed a daring expression.
Jo knew the look. It meant Blair was serious, and she barely refrained from asking her if she really was. She took a careful step forward. "Blair, what's going on?"
Blair snapped her eyes to her security guard. "Is Ms. Polniaczek giving you a hard time?"
Jo looked back and forth between the two of them. "Blair, what's going on?!" She repeated.
Brown eyes slowly rolled to green. They were remarkably cold and unfeeling. "I think my security has made that quite clear." Blair nodded to the guards, who moved toward Jo, each grabbing an arm to lead her out.
She was shocked, and struggled to maintain her balance as the guards physically moved her to enter the revolving doors. "I don't... wait, Blair!"
"Make sure she's off property grounds as well," Blair tossed back over her shoulder as she turned on her heel and made her way back through the crowd.
Legs moving, hips swaying, heels clicking as they moved away, down the lobby and around the corner without a glance backward. That's all Jo saw as she was put in the revolving door.
"Blair! Shi— Wait, wait… BLAIR!" One of the guard's had rolled around with her, still gripping her tightly.
He finally let go once they were outside the building. "Alright, alright! Dammit!" She glared at him, rubbing where he'd handled her arm.
He glared back and stayed beside her until she calmed down.
Jo scowled at the imposing man; then turned and discreetly tapped the back of her ear. She did it twice, not getting feedback from Eric.
That's when she realized… my phone… There was no reception without it nearby and, unfortunately, it, as well as her wallet, was upstairs in her briefcase with Summers and Mendoza at her meeting. She had also disabled the device from receiving any calls or texts that weren't authorized, including her own personal phone.
Jo closed her eyes in frustration. She glanced at her watch. The meeting was already five minutes in. Terrific.
She looked at the guard. His expression was unreadable. She took her phone out and redialed Blair, then paused thinking better of it. She stopped the call before the first ring. Starring down at the device in her hand, Blair's phone number was displayed and a surge of feelings went through her. She couldn't help being furious at the humiliating way she'd been treated. What the hell Blair!
She was determined to shake it off. Concentrate. There was a job to be done. Focus, she breathed. Jo scrolled down and tapped in the next number. Gathering herself together, she decided to keep things above the level and not mention what had happened a few moments ago.
"Eric. I have a problem. I, uh… I can't get upstairs…. Yeah. I know they started already…. I don't know, some glitch with security. I'll keep working on it… No. They know to start without me… Okay… Yeah. Bye."
Fuck!
Jo immediately dialed the next number. It didn't pick up and went straight to voice mail. "Mr. Warner, Jo Polniaczek. I have a problem. Security is having issues with my clearance. I was wondering if you could clear that up for me. Thanks."
Jo ran a hand through her hair as she watched the security guard walk back into the building. He had placed her on the pedestrian sidewalk, completely off of The Warner building property.
Looking up at the building, she had to shield her eyes from the early morning sun. She spotted the top floor, wondering how well her two comrades were faring with the executive board. Sighing, she decided to take a walk. She was at a complete loss for what had happened between herself and Blair.
She's mad at me. That was for sure.
They had argued in the past, even given each other the silent treatment. Their record was two months; but this was something entirely different. Blair had all but shut Jo out of her life for almost a year, with no explanation.
It hurt. She admitted.
Jo hadn't a clue how to even approach Blair. She walked along the sidewalk blending into the crowd as traffic was heavy and the streets were busy. Even the hot dog vendors had quite a few patrons this early in the morning.
She looked at the cityscape as she walked along; remembering her trips downtown as a child. Smiling to herself she recollected many stolen train rides that had led to fun excursions to the big rock. She and her cousins would venture into the city to look at the pretty buildings. They would stare at the expensive clothes and jewelry through the store windows, only to be told to move along. They'd left several sets of smudged fingerprints on the glass.
Jo stopped on the corner and let out a frustrated sigh as she waited for the light to change. The hissing steam from the manholes mixed in with the rush of traffic as a barrage of horns chimed in to the audible morning scene.
Stuffing her hands in her pockets, the light changed and Jo stepped off the curb and made her way down the sidewalk.
Oh Blair, what happened?