(This story interlocks with each chapter so if you come into this story other than the beginning, then you may well scratch your head at some of the comments within this chapter. I've tried to make this a glimpse into the lives and lifestyle of three people. They chose to keep there lives private, isn't it strange how life never lets that happen.)
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Frankie and I were deep in discussion over the itinerary for our next round of seminars and customer visits. We usually leave the door open so neither of us saw her leaning against the doorframe; we don't even know how long she had been there.
"Don't you think you had better make Harper Industries your first call since you had to cut the last one short?"
We both turned to look at Samantha. She was stunning as ever. I subtly nodded to Frankie and she took her leave asking Samantha what she would like to drink. Samantha took a seat as Frankie left to get Samantha's drink closing my door behind her. I sensed the same undercurrent from her that I felt at the seminar. I waited for her to say something letting the silence weigh on her. She seemed to have come to terms with something since we last saw her more than six months ago at the seminar.
"How is your friend, the one that you had to cut short your trip for? I heard she was involved in a car accident."
"She's fine thank you. She had to stay in hospital for a few days but she's back at work now. All of us are spoiling her rotten much to her annoyance."
I felt my own annoyance growing over the increasing unwarranted pressure Samantha is bringing to bear. It is clear her father only lets her loose when he wants someone taught a lesson or a part of his company isn't performing to his standards. The fact she is here now left me wondering if Mitchell Harper believed I fell into that category. If so, then perhaps it was time to close the book and walk away from all dealings with him.
"What do you want Samantha?"
Her smile faltered slightly. She clearly had something to say and I was becoming more irritated she kept stalling.
"Why Jack, what an earth do you mean? It's simply a friendly visit", her voice thick with sarcasm.
Her statement would have been funny if she wasn't irritating me so much. I placed my elbows on my desk and looked intensely at her.
"Samantha, you're a beautiful woman. You make people nervous when you walk into a room because your reputation precedes you. Your reputation is well earned because you make the hard decisions and make sure they are carried out. What you do you do for the good of your father's company and you do it with integrity and diligence. You have always dealt with me fairly and well. So, I'm going to give you one more chance, what do you want?"
She paused and stared at me intently to see if I had ulterior motive for what I just said. I stared back.
"Are you afraid of me Jack?"
Just as I was about to answer Frankie came back and placed drinks in front of both of us. She was about to leave again when Samantha asked her to sit down. Both looked at me and I eventually nodded in agreement.
"I'm going to come clean Jack. It's going to take a minute to do that because I need you to understand something before I do. My father plans to expand his business once again and throw a good chunk of the work your way so he asked me to check you out. I'm very thorough Jack as you know I take my job very seriously."
"I had planned to come clean when you visited so I talked my father into extending your visit another two days. The accident put a wrench into my plans so I took it upon myself to come here instead, 'Into the lion's den' so to speak."
By now I have had enough. Samantha seemed to be spending a great deal of time talking yet saying absolutely nothing. Looking at my watch I then looked over to Frankie who has a worried expression on her face.
"Get your coat Frankie; it's time to go home. If you will excuse me, I have things to do."
Samantha went white, her mouth dropped open and she seemed at a loss over what to say next. She sat watching as I headed for the door grabbing my coat. Frankie was already in the middle of putting hers on when Samantha's mouth suddenly went into overdrive.
"Your name is Francine McManus your father is a prominent lawyer and a partner in his law firm. You're his niece, you're also his slave and you have been for the last six months. There is one other a Maureen O'Connell although she goes by the name of Red. She has been his slave since collage."
Frankie was frozen to the spot and actually looked like she was on the verge of tears. I acted as though I wasn't listening to her and simply continued to put my coat on and place papers in my case to work on later. Eventually my head came up and I noticed that both girls were watching me.
"Thank you for the history lesson Samantha. Now, since our business has finished you will have to excuse us but it's been a long day. We will be heading home. Goodbye."
Samantha stood and, for the first time, fear crossed her eyes.
"Please Jack. No one knows any of this you have my word. I need to talk to you. I could come out to the cabin later and we could discuss this there."
I made it look like I was thinking about it. Then I shook my head and said no telling her that our home is private and I refuse to let her anywhere near it. She should be here ten tomorrow morning if she wanted to continue this one-sided conversation. I followed Frankie out of my office leaving Samantha in the middle of the room staring at our backs as we left.
"What are you going to do?"
"Don't worry Frankie I have that already covered."
As we pulled up to the cabin Red came out to greet us.
"Both of you collar up and I want you both in tee shirts and shorts for tonight."
Frankie rushed into the cabin. Red stood and waited as I drew closer I gave her a quick rundown on what had happened in the office.
"Is there going to be trouble?"
