This story takes place after the conclusion of Book Two -- Raven -- in the Michelle series and follows on from 'Mr Finch'
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Finch settled down on the damp grass, the rifle nuzzling his cheek as he adjusted the telescopic sights. The face of his employer sharpened into view. He watched as she dumped the holdall in front of the large man, then took a pace back.
"A grandstand view, Finch. Enjoy the show," he grinned to himself.
Six Days Earlier
It wasn't just that Mary Tolliver disliked Michelle Leason, visceral loathing would have been closer to the mark, no, it was more that she couldn't avoid her.
Mary watched as the woman she loathed stood in her office. White blouse hanging over black jeans. Tan boots scuffing her wooden floor, long black hair pushed back, stylish, and all designed to project an image Raven wanted you to see, even extending to the name she had chosen for herself. Or Jan Brody had chosen. Another woman Mary had loathed, and who was most likely killed by the woman now standing in her office. Was that karma or irony? Whatever it was it did momentarily make Mary smile.
"Max sends his love," said Raven.
Mary nodded. That Max still retained some loyalty to her was always good news. Not that it would matter if it came down to a choice between her and Michelle. Mary had no illusions where she now ranked.
"You're looking good. Working out?" continued Raven.
"Yes." Mary felt good too. Except for the pain she felt in Michelle's presence. Mary eyed Finch talking to Anne outside the office. The pain increased. "So, you're set on Anne?"
"She has an interest, a calling if you like. You may be responsible for her look, but she is just as fanatical. I reckon it's time she went full-time. And she has a brain."
Despite Anne's overly sexualised appearance, Mary had to agree. Like Michelle, Mary had no time for stupidity.
"And once we perfect the program, you'll be able to enjoy the fruits." Raven was sweetening the offer.
Mary remained stone-faced but appreciated the sweetening. In reality, she had no choice but to grant the request. She watched as Finch leaned in on Anne, making no effort to disguise his interest in Anne's large breasts.
"How is Linda?" asked Mary.
Raven followed her gaze, her mouth tightening. Her mother's relationship with Finch was common knowledge. "She's fine."
A small victory, but Mary took it. "Anne is at the compound two days a week, so I guess full-time makes sense." If you can't block a proposal, then take ownership was Mary's motto.
"I'm glad we agree. Anne can start full-time on Monday. Anything else I should know?" Raven was referring to the commercial and residential property company she and Kax owned. Mary was the CEO and minority shareholder.
"Nothing that can't wait until the monthly board meeting—" Mary stopped as Michelle's phone beeped. Finch's too as he broke off from flirting with Anne.
"Problem?" inquired Mary.
And if it is, I hope it's a fucking big one, you fucking bitch
.
"No, but I have to go." Raven picked up her tweed frock coat.
"Well, it was nice to see you." Mary kept her voice neutral as Finch waved through the glass window.
Yes, there was a problem and one that would hopefully cause Michelle much aggravation and pain
.
"Yeah, you too, Mary. We should hook up. Have a girls night out."
I'd rather drink bleach
. "Yes, we should."
The social niceties done, Raven went to the door.
****
Finch perched on the side of the desk and poked a pen down the secretary's oversized breasts. "You're right. Big tits have many uses. Behold a pen holder!"
Giggling, as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard, Anne pressed her arm against his leg. "I'm moving to work at the compound full-time if you ever get up there. I'll be in charge of developing the dollies. Lots of big tits and compliant attitudes for you men to enjoy!"
"I'll be sure to, darlin'," grinned Finch, having zero intention of hooking up with what to him were parodies of women. He had tried them out a couple of times, and they had bored him to tears. Still, a lot of guys liked it—his phone beeped.
Scanning the message, Finch frowned and waved at Raven. It was likely she had also received the news, but just in case.
As Raven opened the office door, the expression on her face told him she had received the message.
Nothing was said until they were in the car.
"What fucking happened?" asked Raven abruptly as Finch finished a second phone conversation.
"Danny Boyd is in hospital, badly banged up. The bikers put him there. Kax is with him. Max is on the way."
"The Saints? What the fuck? We have any hint of a problem?"
Finch flipped the car into gear and pulled out. "None that I was aware of."
"So we've been caught with our pants down?"
"Looks like it, yes." Finch knew better than to offer excuses. If you're been dicked, then just accept you've been dicked and fix it.
Raven grunted as Finch closed down an avenue for her to vent. She took the other route.
"My mother may be okay with your behaviour, but try not to bury your face in other women's tits every five fucking minutes."
"You see those tits? What else can you do with them?"
"Fuck you, Finch."
He shot a glance at his employer. He knew Raven wanted an argument. Release the irritation. "Anne says she's going to be working for you full-time. Programming girls into sex dolls. Weird shit if you ask me."
"Well, no one is fucking asking you, and no one fucking cares what you think."
"Hey, just an opinion. I know it's popular with guys."
"Some women like it too. And it's profitable."
"You like it, Lady?"
"What I like is none of your fucking business." Raven relaxed a little, enjoying the banter. "And you dating my mother is the point I'm making."
"Linda is great. She likes me burying—"
"I'm warning you, Finch!"
"What?"
"Fucking shithead."
"Yeah." Finch shot Raven another glance, grinned and blipped the accelerator.
