© Copyright 2010 Telephoneman. All rights reserved. Please contact me for permission if you wish to use this story elsewhere.

A story of romance, though not a straight forward one.

A story of people, good and bad.

A story for adults with some (small amount) of strong language and the occasional scene of a sexual nature.

As usual it is a story that contains bits of me both in events but more so in character.

I hope you enjoy it, but please let me know either way. As usual I prefer *honest* critique.

Chapter One

As I entered the room my eyes were immediately drawn to the blonde sitting at a chrome and glass coffee table, facing me. She was an absolute stunner, so recognition was almost instantaneous, even in my slightly inebriated state. I'd known Natasha Kopolova since I was twelve and was just starting high school. Not only that, I still saw her almost every day, every working day that is, because we both worked for the same company. There the similarities stopped, as I was a lowly IT technician for Kopolova Engineering, whereas Natasha was the owner's daughter, an only child at that.

I liked to think of myself as a reasonably pleasant person and tended to treat people as I would like to be treated. It was something that my parents preached and on the whole I had no trouble living up to. Natasha was different, she treated everyone with disdain and contempt, that is when she deigned to notice them at all, yet still expected everyone to fawn all over her and treat her like some sort of royalty. That expectation was no doubt helped by the majority's willingness to do just that. I didn't. Personally, I tried to avoid her and when I couldn't then I treated her with the minimum of politeness.

She looked up, as people often do when someone enters a small room. Recognition on her part wasn't quite so quick so it was only after a few moments of staring that she responded.

'Just what I fucking need,' she almost screamed.

I wasn't sure whether that was aimed at me or at the young man sitting across the table from her, the pair separated by the coffee table, on which were a few lines of white powder that was almost certainly cocaine. The rolled banknote in the hands of each, said everything that needed to be said.

I took all this in swiftly, before just turning and leaving the room. I hate drugs and druggies. I struggle to even begin to comprehend why people do that to their own bodies. I headed back to the kitchen, the heart of this and most other parties, besides that's where the alcohol was, hence why the majority of men were there.

'Hey!' I heard Natasha shout, even that sounding like a sexy feline purr.

I turned to see her following me. Every other set of male eyes studied her too. Long blonde hair, which I knew was natural, either that or she'd started dyeing it from around twelve, fell across highly tanned bare shoulders and gently touched the top of her breasts, framing her mesmerising cleavage. Long legs, full and firm, rose from perfect feet to disappear under a very short skirt. It was getting close to the end of the twentieth century and Natasha had that ageless beauty which would grace any calender or film of that century. She was a walking wet dream; at least to look at. She knew it and used it. I knew the real Natasha, yet even I wasn't totally immune to her looks.

'David, isn't it?' She asked seductively when she knew she had my reluctant attention.

That we started school the same day ten years previously and now worked for the same company, did little to erase the shock that she remembered my name, or more to the point, that she admitted as much. Oh, I knew that she knew it, as we'd crossed swords enough times, from none of which did I emerge victorious. I nodded.

She pulled me aside away from the prying ears of everyone else in the room and said smiling, 'Look it isn't what you think.' Her smile was something that made her more beautiful than ever. I was almost certain it was the first time I'd seen her smile, even one so obviously forced, at least at me. When I didn't respond she continued. 'I was just trying it. You won't say anything will you? At work I mean, especially to my father. I'll make it worth your while.'

Until the last sentence, I'd almost forgot who I was listening to. 'No Natasha, I shan't say anything to anybody, after all you're doing nobody any harm except yourself.'

I saw a frown at the perceived censure, quickly hidden as it was. 'How much do you want?'

'I don't want your money.' I answered calmly, not in the least surprised that she would make such an offer.

'I'll let you fuck me if that's what it takes,' she said with an obvious lack of enthusiasm. That offer did shock me.

'Natasha. I don't play your games. I'll make you a simple promise. I shan't mention that or this conversation to a soul and unlike some I could name, I don't make promises lightly.' I said firmly. I had never had any intention of saying anything anyway, so the promise was easy to make. I couldn't live with myself if I'd been bought off and as for fucking her, then no way. She might be the most beautiful woman with the best body around, but I knew what was on the inside and I wanted nothing to do with her. She'd stopped being in even my fantasies a long time ago. I always thought that she had to some goddess' favourite; not only had she been born into money as well as with those looks, she was also highly intelligent. She was easily the brightest pupil in our year and seemed to need little or no work to achieve that. Most people, me included, would have been happy with any one of those assets.

She made a few more attempts to buy my silence but in the end had to accept that my promise was all she was going to get. She was not at all happy as she was used to getting her own way with very little effort.

I'd been in two minds whether to attend this house-warming and the bored mind won out. Phil and Tony were two friends from way back and had just bought this bachelor pad along with a third man, Simon something or other, who was putting up most of the money. Tony had said that the guy was rolling in money but bankrupt in the looks and charisma departments. The latter of which, both my friends possessed in abundance. Phil had laughed when he said the guy just wanted them around for their cast-offs, something they tended to have a lot of.

That incident spoiled what wasn't that interesting a party anyway, so I sought my two friends out and told them I was leaving. They made a half hearted attempt to get me to change my mind before they accepted it and we arranged to meet later the following week for a few pints.

Not that unusual for my home city of Stoke-on-Trent, it was raining when I got outside, but as it was only a light drizzle, I decided to walk the few miles home with my mind filled with typical random thoughts as diverse as football (the one with a round ball), a lottery win, my motorbike and of course sex. The first involved Stoke City FC and Newcastle Town FC and how they were doing. The second on how I could better my life and that of those I cared about with a few million pounds. My bike thoughts were about my Triumph Bonneville and when would the weather improve so I could play on it again. As I'm a normal male, I don't suppose I need to explain the last, other than to say that Natasha didn't figure anywhere, although just about every other half decent woman I half knew did.

I was a few months short of my twenty third birthday and had had quite a bit of sexual experience, virtually all of it before I was eighteen. At 6' 6" tall with a reasonable body and not too bad to look at, I'd had more success with girls than most of my peers, though mostly because of my ability to listen and not talk out of place rather than my looks. I'd discovered early on that girls preferred boys that actually listened to what they had to say, rather than just talked about themselves. Surprisingly it was my mother that gave me the best bit of advice. Never, repeat never, talk about a girl to your mates other than in the most general terms. Bragging about your conquests, whether real or imaginary, was the quickest way to ruin any future chances. I did find it embarrassing though to listen to my mother talking about me getting laid.

In my teens, one night stands were the order of the day, in fact I hadn't had a single long term relationship, and that's assuming a month is classed as long term. Because of my ability to keep my mouth shut, more girls were prepared to experiment with me, even those who wouldn't otherwise consider me as dating material. Natasha and her circle of friends never figured in my sex or social life.

My life, especially my attitude to girls and sex, changed one Friday when I persuaded Paul, my younger brother, and only sibling, to join my parents at their static caravan in mid-Wales for one of their regular weekend breaks. The trip was less than a couple of hours so whenever good weather was forecast for a weekend, by late Friday evening my parents would have loaded the car and set of for their refuge.

A stolen car, driven by a boozed up teenager, ensured that they never arrived that particular night.

'You owe me one!' were my brother's last words to me and those along with his smiling face as he said them still haunt me to this day.

The reason I wanted him to go was simple, it was so I could have an empty house for a couple of days to spend with a girl I'd lined up. The desire for a quick screw had cost me my only brother. I grieved over my parents' death but did not feel responsible, whereas I knew that without my pressing I would still have a brother. It took me a couple of years to come close to getting over it.

Chapter Two

A couple of days later I was summoned to see the company's owner. Mr. Kopolova's office was as vast as the one I shared with the entire IT department and naturally fitted out to a far higher standard. It was the first time I'd ever got close to this inner sanctum and was mightily impressed.

After waiting outside for the prescribed amount of time, I'd been ushered in to stand in front of a huge cherry-wood desk waiting to be told what was wrong with the computer system there. I could think of no other reason why I was here. I was not in the slightest bit worried as I knew that I was far too low down the food chain to be summoned up here for disciplinary reasons.

'Mr. Powell, you are no doubt wondering why you are here,' the company's owner said in his very deep voice when he finally looked up at me.

I hadn't really, because I assumed that it had to be computer related. The question itself as well as the use of my name seemed to indicate that that was not the case. I did begin to wonder, so responded, 'Yes sir!'

'It has come to my attention that you were involved in a little altercation with my daughter over the weekend.'

'No sir,' I replied puzzled. 'I did see your daughter at a party over the weekend but no more than that.'

'Perhaps altercation is a little strong. I am informed that Natasha seemed rather upset, even angry with you.'

'Possibly.' I conceded.

'Would you like to explain?'

'No sir. It has no bearing on work and was a private matter.'

'Mr. Powell, I don't think you quite understand.' he said staring at me coldly. 'Everything about my daughter is my concern. Now tell me what happened.'

'I'm sorry sir but I can't do that. As you already seem to know about it, I assume that you already have witnesses, may I suggest that you ask them. I promised your daughter that I would not speak to anyone about what happened.'

'You seem to hold my daughter in high esteem if you are prepared to risk your position here for her. You may not realise it but she would happily toss you aside and not even look back. Whatever she promised you to maintain your silence is worthless, unless of course she's already paid out.'

I couldn't help but laugh and I saw that it threw him a bit, obviously not expecting such a reaction. 'I went to the same school as Natasha and know exactly what she's like. She did make a number of offers, all of which I turned down. My own promise was made to shut her up as much as anything else but it didn't help that much. I can only assume that she thought it as useless as you deem hers to be.'

'Yet you are still prepared to risk your job for her?'

'Not at all, Mr. Kopolova. I am however more than prepared to do so for my own integrity. I made a promise and intend to keep it whatever the outcome. I am sure that you already know, or have a good idea, what went on, but you will hear nothing about it from me. Plus, if you are prepared to dismiss me over this then I am better off moving elsewhere.'

'You are serious aren't you?' he asked incredulously.

'Yes sir!'

He had been leaning forward but now he sat back in his huge leather chair and said nothing for a good few minutes.

'You don't seem in the least bit intimidated by me and all this, do you?' He asked waving a hand around his office.

'No sir,' I answered simply.

'Can I ask you why not? I find you intriguing.'

'Two reasons I suppose. First, you are just another man. A rich and powerful one no doubt, but still a man. As my mother would have said, you still have to sit on a toilet same as the rest of us. For your power to bother me, I would have to have something valuable that you could take away, which brings me onto my second point. I have total confidence in myself and my abilities. I know that I could get another job quite easily, maybe not around here if you were to wield that power a bit but I have no real ties, so I could move to wherever the work is.'

'You seem very cocky, almost arrogant Mr. Powell. I suppose you feel that you could run your department better than your manager too?'

'Not at all. Mr. Kenny is extremely competent and has a knowledge of the entire department whereas I am just extremely competent at the bit that I do. I'm confident, I leave arrogance to your daughter, she does it far better than I ever could.'

He laughed a little. 'It seems you do know my daughter as you say, but surely someone of your confidence must feel that they could improve things throughout the company.' Mr. Kopolova said somewhat facetiously.

'I do think I could help make improvements, but I'm sure there isn't a member of staff here that doesn't feel the same way. It doesn't mean that they would necessarily work. I think you need to be able to see the bigger picture before you can be sure of that.'

'That is very interesting for one so young and pretty accurate too. As one of Stephen's men, I assume that you work with computers, so how come you know this?'

By Stephen, I knew he meant Stephen Kenny, my department head. 'I did Business Studies at college and found it fascinating. I play around at home with economic models a lot too.'

'So you've given a lot of thought to this then?'

I nodded.

'About this company specifically?'

I nodded again.

'Put together a report then. Let's see if you are as good as you make out. Do it in your own time but consult with my secretary if you need any additional data. If it's of any use then I will pay you a consultancy fee. Fair?'

'More than fair sir.'

'A week long enough?'

'I'll make it long enough.'

'Now before you go another question. Knowing your opinion of my daughter and that she will someday take over here, why did you choose to work here?'

'Again simple. Apart from unforeseen events, that take over is a reasonable time into the future. In the mean time this company has an excellent reputation for looking after its staff and it enables me to live near my friends.'

'So you plan on leaving us when Natasha takes over?'

I thought about it for a while. 'Probably not, or at least not for that reason, though she may have different ideas but I doubt it.'

'Why do you doubt it? You obviously know her well enough to know that she bears grudges.'

'As much as I dislike her as a person, at work she has earned my respect. I believe that when the time comes she will make a great businesswoman, although she will need a buffer between her and just about everyone else.'

'I suppose you have that planned too?' He asked, with what was now a genuine smile.

'Miss English would be ideal.' I said with a slight smirk. Petra English was Mr. Kopolova's niece and the same age as me and his daughter and had attended the same school. Petra had similar looks to her cousin though she was polar opposite in character.

He laughed. 'I forgot you said you were at school with them. You think I would choose my daughter over my niece even if the latter was better for the job?'

'You've already implied that Natasha will eventually run the business but we both know that to be truly successful then you need a ruthless streak. Petra is far too nice.'

'True! You like my niece then?' He asked laughing.

'What's not to like?'

'So should I warn her about you or is it too late?'

I smiled ruefully. 'I think that you are already well aware that I'm far out of her league. Now whilst Natasha will look right through me, Petra will still look around me.'

He laughed, 'maybe so, but you never know.'

We then spent a few more minutes discussing the terms of reference for the report before I headed back to my desk with my mind in turmoil. I'm not too sure what I actually did for the rest of the day but it couldn't have been productive. For a change that evening, sex hardly entered my mind at all, though a few thoughts of Petra managed to slip through all the business ideas and the general disbelief that held sway.

As I'd told Mr. Kopolova, Petra was, and always had been, unobtainable just like his daughter. The big difference is that I had no inclination to obtain Natasha, whilst Petra was a different matter. She was genuinely nice, if misguided in her devotion to her cousin.

Unsurprisingly my report, when finished, concentrated on how technology could help the company. The main focus was on better communications within the company, including the sales team out on the road and better data gathering and analysis. More accurate information leads to better decision making was one of the mantras of college..

Other parts touched on the Accounting Department, or sales prevention team as our salesmen called them. I knew from personal experience that they were a dour lot from the top down and wanted to use computers as no more than glorified calculators. There was a lot of rancour within the sales department that their hard work was dismissed so easily and carelessly. I stated that even if Accounts were acting correctly in declining orders then it must be able to be done without the resentment it created.

I knew next to nothing about the Production Department, as they had almost no IT there. I did however suggest that technology such as CNC machines should be checked out, assuming that it hadn't been already, along with a more sophisticated inventory control system for raw materials and components.

For the sales team I suggested a real-time stock system on an expanded intranet that allowed them to check availability whilst with a client, as well as a basic estimation program that enabled them to give customers an instant figure for a lot of standard spec work. Of course that would only work if the customers allowed our sales team to use their phone system. This was the one area where I felt that the technology wasn't quite up to the requirements.

Apart from the section on Natasha and Petra, I deliberately excluded personnel in anything but a generic way. Regarding his daughter and niece, I just enhanced what I'd already suggested. Natasha would make a good businesswoman providing that she had little or no man-management duties. I did consider the cocaine I'd seen her using but I had to be truthful and admit that I'd seen nor heard of anything affecting her work. I added a codicil that these assumptions were based on Natasha as she was then and not on how I expected her to develop.

With Petra I suggested that the role of liaison was ideally suited to her. Whereas, I felt that she would find it very difficult to take any harsh action herself, she was the ideal type of person to smooth out as much of the fallout as was possible. As Natasha grew into the job then, hopefully, the need for Petra to run interference would be diminished leaving her to take on a more managerial role. I added the same codicil regarding Petra.

That week I allowed myself out just the once to meet up with Phil and Tony, where I heard a little bit more about the party. Simon, the third member of the household, was apparently well known for the availability of free booze and other substances at his parties, which attracted a certain type of party-goer. Natasha was apparently well known on that circuit. My mates were already regretting the move and were looking for alternate accommodation but reckoned that they would have to see out the six month lease. Big hints from them about moving in with me were blatantly ignored. My house, inherited from my parents, was easily big enough but I didn't want to share it with two slobs, even if they were mates.

Chapter Three

A month after I'd handed the report in, I'd heard nothing and had concluded that I would hear nothing further, so it was right at the back of my mind and about to fall out of it altogether.

'Fancy a drink after work anyone?' said an email from Andrew Tate, one of my colleagues and a regular at our frequent after work gatherings. With no other plans I was up for it, so responded accordingly.

'You joining us tonight Tamsin?' I asked the woman at the next desk, knowing that she too was on the distribution list.

'Can do, I suppose, Tommy is away on a course for the next couple of days.' She responded without much enthusiasm and sounding a little despondent.

I looked round at her. 'Missing him or just feeling a bit rough?'

'A bit of both really, but you know how it is. It comes and goes.'

Tamsin Hartley was around thirty and had been at the company since she left university. She knew that she had far too much time off to ever get beyond her current position of IT Support. One evening Tamsin, aged sixteen, bumped into a fourteen year old boy whose driving skills were sadly lacking, but whose self belief and machismo were in overdrive. With a few ciders in him and driving a stolen car, he naturally assumed that he was by far a better driver than the specially trained Police pursuit driver that chased him and his mates. Speeding into trouble on a bend beyond his ability to handle, the car spun into an oncoming car with disastrous results.

The couple and their young baby in the other car were killed, as was the front seat passenger and one of the two boys in the back seat of the stolen car. The second back seat passenger suffered extensive head injuries and would never be the same again. Tamsin, who, as the couple's regular babysitter, was riding in the back with the baby, spent the next six months in hospital and had been in a wheelchair ever since. Typically, the only person to escape relatively unharmed was the lunatic driver. It seemed that drunk teenage drivers had a bad habit of crossing my path.

She'd met her husband Tommy about a year before I'd joined the company and it was only since then that she'd started to accept everything that had happened. I knew that she was permanently in pain and it was only the degree of it that varied. She never complained too much about it. She was the closest thing to a real friend I had at work.

That evening we chatted as I pushed her wheelchair towards the pub. It had taken us a while before we were comfortable in our differences. Tamsin was well capable of wheeling herself almost anywhere, as the well-worn fingerless leather gloves showed, but I could push her with a lot less effort. It was only when I tried humour to explain it did she finally succumb. I'd told her that I only wanted to do it because she was a beautiful sexy lady and I wanted everyone to think that she was mine. I'd also told her that I loved to give the local gossip-mongers something to talk about.

Once inside the pub I noticed that there were about ten others already crowded around a few tables, hastily pushed together. They all quickly shuffled over to make room for Tamsin's chair, whilst I went up to the bar. Because who turned up at these impromptu gatherings always varied, as did the amount of time they stayed, it was normal practise to just get yourself and maybe close friends a drink rather than buy a round for everyone. Tamsin couldn't really drink because of all the drugs she had to take and I was driving, so two soft drinks were all I bought. I never got behind the wheel of my car after any alcoholic drink.

Once I'd found an available chair and managed to squeeze it somewhere near our group, I joined in with the normal diverse talks going on. The rumour mill was at its usual fast flow, with two main topics. Geoff Masters and Stephanie Peers were the latest 'item' which had all the girls oohing and aahing as both were pretty nice people and were probably well suited. The second subject was of a takeover in the pipeline. I paid little attention to the latter because it was a rumour that had abounded virtually since I started at the company. We were a highly successful company and it was only to be expected that larger ones would hover around now and again. From my conversation with Mr. Kopolova I saw no sign that he was ready to relinquish control, especially to any outsiders.

The group expanded and contracted over the next couple of hours as people working later joined us whilst others went home. I smiled as I watched one of the younger men make a determined effort with a recently divorced woman almost twice his age. Brenda, I couldn't remember her surname, seemed highly flattered by the attention and it looked like the young man's persistence would pay off. Next week's rumour perhaps?

Tamsin decided it was time for her to go so I wheeled her back to our car-park and helped her into her specially adapted car before saying goodnight. I decided to head home too.

A preplanned dental appointment the following morning meant that it was gone 11:00am when I arrived at my desk.

Almost instantly Tamsin asked, 'David, just what have you been up to?' stressing the word 'you'.

'Nothing that I know of,' I replied in puzzlement.

'Well you need to go up to Mr. Kopolova's office immediately.' She told me with a grin.

The moment I arrived at his secretary's desk, I was ushered immediately into the board room which was next to his office.

'Ah! Mr. Powell, nice of you to join us,' my boss said politely.

'At last!' added his daughter sarcastically.

'Sorry, I was at the dentist this morning.'

'No problem.' Mr. Kopolova said and indicated a seat that I should take. This in itself was a surprise as I'd previously spent the entire meeting standing in front of his desk.

I looked around as I sat down. Natasha and Petra were the only other people there. I smiled as I saw the former gasp as she recognised me. I wasn't in the least bit surprised that my surname didn't mean anything to her.

Her father noticed too. 'Natasha dear, do you know Mr. Powell as you appear to recognise him.'

Not knowing what to say she was saved by her cousin.

'He went to the same school as us I believe,' Petra said.

'Yes that's it,' Natasha added quickly.

Her father smiled, but said nothing.

'David... you don't mind if I call you David?' He began.

'No sir!'

'Good. Well I've asked you here to discuss your proposal.'

'Proposal?' I couldn't help but ask.

'The report you did for me a few weeks back. It looked to me like a proposal for how this company should go forward.'

'Sorry sir,' I responded, 'but it wasn't meant to be presumptuous.'

I could tell by Natasha's expression that she felt that it was, but maybe it was her business persona or just her father's presence, I noticed that she was a lot more subdued and in control.

'At this meeting I want to concentrate on the management structure that you suggested.' He looked, no stared, at me. 'What I'm about to say never goes out of this room, clear?'

I nodded, unsure where this was leading.

'My wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I therefore need to spend as much of my time with her as possible, which means less time here of course. That also means that I need someone here that I can trust. When my wife has recovered we will review things.'

He looked around for comments but nobody said a word.

'With a little reorganisation, I will become chairman only, whilst Natasha will be our new Managing Director. That bit is settled, what I, or should I say we, want to discuss with you is how that will impact on the work force.'

I wasn't sure whether or not I was supposed to comment, so didn't.

'It seems that you doubt my ability to handle them.' Natasha said with disdain and more than a hint of anger.

I looked at her father and he nodded his permission to continue. As was my way, I had to tell it how I saw it.

'That is correct Miss Kopolova.'

'And why would that be?'

'You look down at people. You have been blessed with beauty and wealth as well as intelligence and don't consider anyone without the first two. For all I know your father feels the same, but if he does then he also has the sense and experience not to show it. I'm sure you are aware that he is well respected by most of his workers.'

'Only most?' the said gentleman asked cheekily.

'I am respected just as much.' Natasha stated. 'Feared too.' She added with a not too pleasant smile.

'I don't doubt the latter, but I would be willing to bet there are no more than a handful with any respect for you.' I continued calmly.

'And as for being better than everyone else, why I can't help that.' She said haughtily.

I laughed. 'You are no better than anyone in this company.'

She laughed this time. 'Of course I am, anyone can see that.'

'Wrong. Anyone can see that you are more beautiful than most and your clothes shout money, but that doesn't make you anything special. On the contrary, your attitude and manner make you less than just about anyone else I know.'

'Okay, that is enough insults for the time being.' Mr. Kopolova said. 'Oh by the way Natasha, David is absolutely correct in his appraisal.'

She stared hard at her father then looked at me and demanded. 'Well Mr. Bigshot where do you see yourself in all this, at my side no doubt.'

'Not at all. I see myself looking for another job actually, which is why I'm happy to speak my mind.'

'That is not going to happen, I will guarantee that she cannot dismiss you.' Mr. Kopolova said straight away, quickly removing the smile that had started to spread across his daughter's face..

'Wouldn't make any difference. She would make things so difficult that I would have to quit.'

'I thought you'd be stronger than that.' He stated as we both saw his daughter smile again. Unlike that first smile back at the party, this one was not pleasant to see.

'Oh I am, but you forget that I watched Miss Kopolova all through school. She would use my friends to get at me and it would work.'

'Yes, like that cripple girlfriend of yours.' She almost spat, showing that she paid me more attention than she would admit, yet still not enough for accuracy.

I decided not to respond directly. 'That is just the attitude that could close this business in weeks.'

'Yes it is and that and the reason for your footnote are what troubles me the most.' Her father responded.

'What footnotes?' Natasha demanded.

'I'm guessing they relate to our first meeting, right?'

I nodded.

'What meeting?'

'When I first asked him to produce the report we should be discussing.'

'Yes father, why was such a lowlife given that responsibility? Wait a minute, that would be just after that party when you saw me...' She stopped before she said something she didn't want her father hearing. 'You blackmailed my father to give you promotion and you talk about my attitude and behaviour.' She snarled at me.

'So what you did was worthy of blackmail was it then dear?' Her father asked gently.

That shut her up for a few seconds. Believing what she had just accused me of, she assumed her father already knew about the drugs so decided to attack me rather than defend herself. 'Not really, it was only a bit of coke with friends, whatever this...this dirtbag said.'

Her father looked only marginally surprised. 'I can't remember his exact words but they were along the lines of - I made a promise not to say anything and I won't. And he didn't, even when I threatened to sack him.'

It then sunk in that she'd dropped herself in the proverbial. Mr Kopolova continued. 'Regardless of his low opinion of you, he had made a promise and intended to keep it. I believe the word he used was integrity, one I'm sure you've heard even if you have no inkling of its meaning.'

'Now, this meeting was to be about what happens between you and the workforce. I am now having serious thoughts about making you M.D. in the first place.'

I interceded. 'Can I say something here?'

'Of course.' Mr. Kopolova said.

'I can't see that anything has changed.' I said. 'All Miss Kopolova has done is reinforce everything we already knew. I saw your face when she admitted taking cocaine and realised that you already knew of course.'

He nodded.

'Well providing that doesn't get out of hand then we are where we were before. Miss Kopolova is well capable of running things from on high, as long as her abrasive attitude is kept away from the workers. Miss English, you haven't said anything yet. Do you feel that you could be the buffer between your cousin and everyone else?'

We all turned to look at Petra. 'I don't see why not,' she responded, 'after all, I've been doing it for years.'

I looked at Natasha expecting an outburst of denial, but she just nodded her acceptance.

'I think you have your solution, now if you'll excuse me.' I said as I stood up and headed for the door. Just before I opened it, I turned and looked at Natasha. 'Just for your information, Tamsin is not my girlfriend but she is very happily married to a charming fire-fighter. Oh yes, even in her wheelchair she is also ten times the woman you'll ever be.'

The good mood brought about by my parting shot failed to even last until I'd returned to my desk.

'Lost a pound and found a penny?' Asked Tamsin.

'Something like that. I'll tell you about it later, away from here.'

She looked long and hard at me before nodding.

About an hour later I was surprised when Petra came to my desk and quietly asked if I could spare an hour. I pointed to Michelle, my immediate supervisor, and suggested that Petra ask her. Ignoring the questioning looks around me, I looked across to Michelle and saw her nod her head in my direction, so I got up and followed Petra to one of the small meeting rooms spread around the offices. I wasn't sure if everyone knew exactly who Petra was, but was certain that those without that knowledge would have been enlightened by the time I returned.

Under other circumstances I would have enjoyed the opportunity to follow this beautiful woman but this time my attention was elsewhere.

'Thank you for seeing me.' She started politely as soon was we were sitting down, across one of the large tables. We were both well aware that I had little or no say in the matter.

'Seeing that my new position was one that you dreamed up, I thought you may want to go through what you see the role performing.'

'With that question, am I to assume that Miss Kopolova will soon be our M.D.?'

'That is a safe assumption.'

'Well I'm sure that you more than anyone knows what she is like.'

She smiled which really emphasised her beauty. Unlike her cousin, Petra often smiled and inevitably brightened up whatever room she was in when she did so. For a few moments I let my attention waiver as I took in her long blonde hair and the soft curves of her breasts below a perfect white blouse. She paused before she answered, as if knowing of my appraisal and allowing it to run its course.

'Of course, and I totally agree with you, Natasha would antagonise everyone within a week or so. What I want to know is why you felt that I would be the right buffer, as you called it. I've been quite happy in my little secluded office well away from the bright lights of management.'

'Let me ask you this then Miss English...'

'Hold it there Mister Powell,' she interrupted with a smile. 'I am not Natasha and don't need the deference. So please call me Petra as I'm sure you did at school when talking about me.'

I grinned. 'Okay then Petra, and of course I am David. Who said I talked about you at school anyway?'

Her little laugh was genuine enough. 'David, I am well aware of what I look like and that just about every boy at school talked about me even if it was only ever in conjunction with Natasha. So why me? Why not you for example? It is your idea after all.'

'Why not me? Can you currently name anyone within this company who Natasha dislikes more than me? Who else do you know in the company that could tolerate working for Natasha for more than a few minutes. Even without her almost hatred of me, I know I certainly couldn't. I wouldn't last more than those few minutes.'

'Maybe, but you would be better at seeing what might cause friction.'

'Even if that is true, which I doubt, then she would go ahead with anything that I even slightly opposed.'

This time her laugh was a lot stronger. 'Yes, I suppose you have that spot on. You can't think of anyone else that could do the job better?'

'I can't think of anyone who could do it half as well, let alone better.'

'I suppose that was a compliment?'

'Not really Petra, just the truth. You have proved that you have the temperament to deal with her on a day to day basis and you are certainly well liked by everyone I've spoken to.'

'You think so?' She asked unconvinced.

'Of course. You are an extremely nice and likeable person and I don't mean just your looks, nor do I mean in comparison to your cousin.'

'Thank you! I think I am the best person for that role too, it's just that I don't want to do it and hoped you might have another person in reserve.' She said quite sadly. 'May I call on you for assistance if I need it?'

'Do you really think I'd ever turn down a genuinely nice and superbly beautiful woman such as yourself?'

Another laugh, this more like a grown up giggle, if there is such a thing. 'Are you flirting with me?'

'I wouldn't dare ma'am, I know my place,' I replied with a smile and a touch of my forelock. 'Seriously though, there are many others with more experience than me, plus I don't know yet whether I will be staying.'

'Experienced in business, yes there are better options and I will no doubt need and use them but I was talking about experience of Natasha. You are one of the very few men, of any age, that she's failed to charm.'

'Oh I can think of a few from here and many more from school.' I grinned.

'Okay, ones that she wanted to charm.' Petra said with a look of pretend exasperation.

I hadn't been back at my desk for more than two minutes before I was summoned again, this time by Michelle and we headed into yet another meeting room where Stephen Kenny was waiting for us.

'Right David!' Stephen said before we'd even sat down, 'what the hell is going on?'

I thought about what to say and remembered that I'd been told to keep quiet about the changes.

'Can I use the phone for a moment?'

Stephen nodded.

I called Mr. Kopolova's office and was put through immediately. I explained where I was and why. After a brief hesitation I was told that I could talk about the changes but not the reasons.

'There are a couple of major changes happening at the top. Mr. Kopolova is happy for me to tell you but asked that you not mention it until it becomes official, especially to other departments. He is taking a back seat and his daughter will become our new M.D.'

'Shit, I don't envy you boss, dealing with that bitch!' Michelle laughed without humour at Stephen.

'I don't think he will have to.' I said.

'How come?' Stephen asked, hopefully.

'Petra English is to be the liaison between Natasha and everyone else.'

'Now that is a lot more pleasant thought.' Stephen murmured.

'Pervert!' laughed Michelle, 'She must be half your age at least and what would Mrs. K. have to say?'

He grinned. 'I'll have you know I'm only 36 and the missus has no problem with me looking at other women... from afar that is.' He suddenly looked at me. 'How come you know so much and appear to be involved somehow. The way you said Natasha sounds as if you know her well. Something you've been hiding? Do I need to start looking for another job?'

The last was said with a slightly forced laugh.

'It's a long story. I've know Natasha and Petra for over ten years, though neither very well, we went to the same school. I have been involved a little, in fact it was my idea to use Petra as a buffer.'

'Well, I for one have to thank you for that little suggestion.' Stephen said.

'As for your job, that is as safe as you make it, it's me that will be more than likely on the way out.'

'Why, if you're so close to the new regime?'

'I think you misunderstand. My opinion of Natasha is a lot lower than even yours, based on the fact that I know her better, hence my suggesting the need for Petra. Our new M.D. doesn't like interference and has made it crystal clear that my role in this was not appreciated.'

'Oh!' Whispered Michelle. 'So what happens next.'

'For the company, I guess there will be an announcement soon. As for me, I don't know, but I expect I'll find out soon.'

'One positive that may come out of this is the expansion of IT throughout the company. I produced a report for Mr. Kopolova about a month ago which had several suggestions mainly relating to the better use of technology. If any are taken up then this department will need to expand at least slightly.'

'Why you?' Michelle asked.

'Just say coincidence. Right place, right time or maybe even wrong place, wrong time.'

'Okay!' Stephen said. 'If you know Miss Kopolova so well, do you think she's up to the responsibility?'

'Oh yes! Natasha is a nasty piece of work but she is also clever. She will be a major asset in much of her new role. The only real down-side is when she needs to deal with us ordinary mortals and she'll have Petra for that.'

That finished the short meeting so I headed back, leaving the other two to contemplate the new changes.

'Pub tonight?' Tamsin offered as I walked past her to my desk.

'Sorry not up to that today.'

'How about I get Tommy to rustle us up a chilli or something?'

I thought about it. I didn't really want to discuss the day's events any more but given Natasha's known vindictiveness, I thought Tamsin deserved to know what was going on. 'Sure, if he doesn't mind.'

'I'll follow you.' I told Tamsin as I helped her into the car after work. 'Are you sure Tommy didn't mind?'

'He wasn't around, so I left a message. It doesn't matter anyway, he cooks like the burly man he is.' She grinned.

'Not sure I follow that!' I stated.

'I mean he always does way to much.' she laughed.

Tamsin lived in a small terraced house, a bit like the majority of homes in our once industrial city. That means parking on the street wherever I could, although there was a disabled space reserved for Tamsin right outside her home. The front door of Tamsin's house had been slightly adapted by having the lock set lower than usual, I also remember that there was a ramp like contraption just inside. It wasn't easy to use but it did enable my friend to get in and out of her own home unassisted. Victorian houses weren't built with wheelchairs in mind. Fortunately with my aid the ramp wasn't needed.

As I wheeled her down the narrow hallway and past the stairs I heard a bit of hurried activity upstairs. We'd just got into the back room when I heard someone coming down the stairs. I turned to face Tommy, but was shocked to see another woman just behind him. Both were in a state of undress and both looked flushed, which became even darker when I was spotted.

'Shit!' muttered Tamsin, a sentiment which I echoed. I was embarrassed for her. Finding her husband with another woman must have been awful, without having a work colleague witness it.

Tommy didn't say a word but just looked at his wife.

'Go and get dressed and I'll explain things to David,' Tamsin ordered and instantly the pair rushed back upstairs. She then looked at me. 'I'm sorry you had to witness that, but I didn't know Charlie was here. Don't worry, I know all about them and it is with my blessing.'

I must have looked as puzzled as I felt. 'Although I am capable of having sex, and we do, my body has no response below my waist. I can't move or react to my husband the way a wife should, hell apart from a slight feeling of pressure, I can't feel a thing. Needless to say Tommy doesn't get any real satisfaction other than the physical release and a blow up doll would give him that.'

The bitterness in her voice said everything. It wasn't something I'd ever considered. I thought that anything I said would sound a little patronising so I said nothing.

'Charlotte, or Charlie, is my younger sister. She is training to be a doctor, mainly due to seeing so many with me. Anyway the hours are excessively long and her social life non-existent. She can't spare the time or effort to maintain a relationship and isn't into one-night stands. She does have needs though, so I thought of this solution. I love my husband and my sister and believe it or not, I trust them. I know I had a hell of a time convincing them that this was a good idea.'

'Tamsin! I can't possibly understand your life and I'm certainly in no position to pass judgement. If it works for you then so be it.'

'Thank you David, please don't spread this around though.'

'Don't worry. Nobody will hear a thing from me, that I can promise.'

'Okay and thanks.' She then shouted, 'you can come down now.'

I think everyone in the room was embarrassed to one extent or another, so I quickly told Tamsin what had been happening at work, and left.

Chapter Four

It was another week before anything of significance happened at work. First of all was the official news of the management changes. The following day I was summoned to see our new Managing Director. I had hoped to keep myself below her radar but once the call came, I was one hundred percent certain that my time with the company was at an end, after all I couldn't see Natasha calling me to say nothing had changed. In some respects I was happy about that. The last week of uncertainty hadn't been fun and if I was going then the odds were that my friends would be left alone.

I was a little surprised that when I was shown into what was now Natasha's office that only she was there. 'Great' I thought.

'Thank you for coming,' she said politely, as if I had a choice.

'I've thoroughly read your report and actually agree with most of your conclusions.'

That was the first shock.

'But before we continue, I have one big question. Knowing how you feel about me why did you suggest me as M.D. and not one of the more senior men?' Natasha looked up at me and with a look I couldn't quite describe, added, 'even with the need for a buffer.'

I thought for a moment and decided that as I had nothing to lose, then the truth would be best. 'Simple, I thought, and still do, that you were the best for the role. You are, I believe, your father's sole heir and as you are already working here, that you have more than a passing interest in the company. I remember from school that although you have the personal charm of a viper, you always succeeded at whatever you did. Often that was at the expense of others. With that obvious exception, to me those are ideal traits for running a large business like this. Add the beautiful Petra to the mix and I thought it would be ideal. I will be honest though and say I didn't think it would happen quite so quickly.'

It was only when I'd finished that I realised that she hadn't interrupted once, not even on the viper comment.

'What about others, couldn't they do better?'

'Possibly, but I only know our senior managers by reputation, other than Stephen Kenny of course. I don't think any have your drive and know none have your ruthlessness.'

'Okay! Thank you... I think! One last question on this. What about you? Thinking of me as you do, weren't you worried about your own position?'

'Not really. Your father asked me to think like a consultancy and my own position never entered the equation. Plus, I'm already on the bottom rung and I'm confident enough in my own abilities to believe that I'd have little difficulty transferring to another ladder. I only started worrying when you threatened Tamsin, but that was after I'd submitted the report.'

'If she's nothing to you as you say, then why the concern?'

'I didn't say that she means nothing to me, I said that she's not my girlfriend. She is the closest of many friends I have here and that friendship does mean something.' I nearly added that that was something she'd know nothing about, but decided to pass on the personal insults for the time being, especially as Natasha seemed to be conducting the meeting with nothing but professionalism.

'I apologise about that.' She said giving me my second big surprise.

'Now a moment ago, you mentioned "the beautiful Petra". Does that mean that you fancy my little cousin?'

'What is not to like about Miss English?' Roughly repeating what I'd said to Mr. Kopolova.

'Would you like me to fix you up with her? I could you know, she always does as I suggest.'

'I don't doubt that for one moment, but no thank you, Miss Kopolova.'

'I didn't think so, but I had to try.' She said with amusement. 'Now, down to the real reason that you are here. You and I understand one another. I like you about as much as you appear to like me, but after reading your report I have to admit to the same grudging respect you've shown me. So, in consultation with my father and, with my business head on, we have decided to offer you a new role.'

Shock number three.

'A new post of Special Projects Manager is to be set up and, assuming you agree, you will be it.'

'What does it entail?'

'We see it as having three goals. First: Identify, qualify and quantify improvements throughout the company, similar to what you have already done in your first report. Second: Oversee those improvements that are given the go-ahead. Finally to act as a sort of trouble shooter. Of course, manager isn't really an apt title as you will have no staff working for you directly.'

I paused to let this surprising data permeate my somewhat addled brain. 'The first, I follow although most of my company knowledge is IT based.'

'Yes we accept that and like you've already indicated that's where some of the best improvements are to be had. I think your second task will be to expand your initial report with costs, time scales, savings and the like.'

'Second?'

'Yes second.' My new boss said with a smile. 'Your first is already decided. You will go to the Stafford plant and determine why costs are higher there, yet production is lower. Oh and don't worry, we will tell the manager there that you have our full backing.'

Already my mind was working things out. 'May I make a suggestion.'

Natasha nodded.

'If I recall correctly, Stafford is due to have its IT cabling reviewed. That is something that would normally down to me or someone in my department. If I go and do that, I can probably get to hear more, and more accurate information than if I went in as a snooper from Head Office. If need be, I can always go back in later in a more official capacity.'

'Sly, very sly.' I like it. 'They are much less likely to hide things from a lowly technician.'

'Thinking about it. It would probably be better to do something similar in all departments before my new job is announced.'

'You accept the position then?'

I smiled. 'Yes I do and thank you. We will have to bring Stephen Kenny into the loop so if anyone checks then he will clear things.'

'Yes, can you talk to him and arrange to be in Stafford Monday morning? Oh, another thing on your report. What did you mean by the caveat?'

'Well, I had no idea when this change was likely to occur. It was unlikely, but possible, that you could mature to the extent that Petra's role was superfluous.' I paused, knowing what I was about to say wouldn't go down too well. 'However, given what I saw at that party, you may have gone too far down that road.'

Her anger was totally expected as for the first time in the meeting she reverted to form. 'What do you mean you little shit? It was a line of coke, no big deal.'

I help my hand up to stop her rant before it really started. 'Yes it was a line of cocaine. It might have been your first ever or you might have already had a £1000 a day habit. What I do know is the first often leads to the second and when it gets to that stage the drug starts to control you. I will happily admit that I have seen nor heard of any sign that you are a heavy user. I cannot see into the future, hence the caveat.'

'Rubbish! Coke is easy to handle...'

'Be honest now Natasha. Forget about you and ask yourself how many people have you known take any drug on a regular level and not start on a downward spiral. I'm not saying everyone is at the bottom but in my experience, all are on that path; only the speed of their journey varies. Of course, a fair few manage to escape, usually from near the top. Now as a businesswoman can you honestly say that those already on that downward slope are able to see problems or solutions as easy?'

'You don't have the right to tell me what to do in my personal life,' she said, her anger still very much in evidence.

'Correct! Believe it or not, I'm not trying to. You asked me a question and I answered it truthfully as I always will, even knowing what your response was likely to be. The questions were really rhetorical ones asked to make you think because, as you say, I have no right to tell you what to do in your private life, nor for that matter in your business life. Now, assuming the new job offer is still on, I'd better go and start planning.'

I waited, looking directly into her eyes. As I did so, I wondered when I'd stopped seeing her as a stunning girl/woman. I remember at school, even though I hated her, I'd initially looked at her with more than a hint of lust. I felt absolutely no desire now and hadn't for a while. Perhaps that is why I had little trouble telling her the truth, as I saw it at least.

Her face showed the inner turmoil as she tried to reach a decision. 'Yes, the job offer is still there.' She managed to say with no emotion.

As I started to walk out, she called. 'You've not asked about your new salary or any of the perks.'

'Does it matter? I'm sure that it won't be lower than my current one.'

'So if I was to tell you that your pay remains the same, then you'll still take the job? That's no way to run a business.'

I smiled as I replied. 'Yes and I don't run a company, you do.'

Michelle and Stephen were about as shocked as I'd been about my new position and of course agreed to keep it quiet for a while. I set about reading as much about our Stafford site as I could. Using data already on our system but not properly correlated, I worked out the areas that I wanted to check out first. The biggest area was wastage, Stafford seemed to have a far higher figure than other areas. I was able to discover that their plant was not the most modern in the company but even allowing for that something didn't add up.

Chapter Five

Monday morning I arrived early at the Stafford site to give me plenty of time to look around. The site, situated south of the town, comprised of one large Victorian building surrounded by a yard. The front of the building held the offices whilst all the machinery occupying the rest. I walked around the perimeter twice and that was enough to give me an idea where to start looking. At the Stoke site, which was near five times the size of Stafford, there were three large skips designated solely for waste metal. At Stafford there were also three, two from a local company, judging by the phone number emblazoned on the side, and one national. I would need to check, but I thought all those at Stoke were from the national company. I also thought that the material already in the two local skips seemed a little large to be classed as waste but I didn't know for sure.

Once I went in to reception and made myself known, I was ushered into a small room and asked to wait. About five minutes later a man who introduced himself as Donald Trent, the Plant Manager arrived. I saw a worried look on his face until he saw me, when it turned to relief. A young technician, even if from head office, was not about to worry him too much. He moaned about not having been informed before ringing Stephen Kenny to verify my credentials. I took an instant dislike to him. My initial thoughts were that he was an arse-licker or bully according to whoever he was with at the time.

After more complaints about my being there, he took me into the main office and sought out a specific young girl who appeared to be in her late teens. Reinforcing my first impression, he was very condescending to her and made a number of sexual innuendos that I could instantly see made her uncomfortable. Karen was apparently the office computer expert or in other words she knew a lot more than just how to turn one on.

'I'm sorry about that,' I said as soon as Mr. Trent had left.

'About what?' the young girl responded.

'About what he said and his manner, after all if I wasn't here you wouldn't have had to put up with it.'

She turned and looked at me with a truly wonderful smile. 'Don't you believe it, at least with you here he didn't try to cop a feel as he usually does.'

I explained why I was there, or at least the excuse I was using, and we set about the initial part, that of detailing the existing cabling. Over the course of the morning I discovered that my partner was Karen Priestly, she was twenty years old and had been working there for less than a year and was highly unlikely to see out a second, in fact she was already looking for another job. I kept to the truth about me, apart from my latest job, that way I didn't have to worry about being caught out in a lie.

Karen, although she had no proper training, seemed highly knowledgeable regarding computer hardware and well grounded in most of the general software on current release. I forgot to ask what her official job was but got the impression that she was a general gofer. She was more than happy to muck in as I tried to follow some of the cabling into the dirty and dark recesses of the old building, and all the similar places cables get routed. She was wearing quite a short skirt so I couldn't help but notice her body. She was quite an average looking girl, unless she was smiling, with medium length brown hair. Karen carried a few extra pounds, but carried them in all the right places. Given what she'd told me about Donald Trent and a number of the other staff, I was determined not to stare or give her any reason to feel uncomfortable even if her short skirt and frequent bending was something of a test.

It must have worked, as she was quite happy to let me take her for lunch to a local pub. It was a pleasant time and I found myself quite drawn to her bubbly personality. Feeling slightly guilty, I tried to steer the conversation to the wastage and other areas that I might need to look into. She didn't know much, other than she thought it strange that it was always the Plant Manager himself who went out every Tuesday to greet the local skip company when they came to switch skips. That rang immediate alarm bells because our other skips were only changed every three to four weeks. I had to apologise to Karen a couple of times as I let my attention wander. I think she thought that I'd lost interest in her and became slightly less enthusiastic.

I created an explanation that I had to return that afternoon to finish some work at Head Office, but would see her tomorrow. Watching her expressions change as I made my excuses made me realise that maybe I'd led her on a little bit. She seemed a really nice girl, woman even, but I didn't want to get involved with anyone connected to work, especially one I'd been misleading if not actually lying to.

Back at head office I called in to see Natasha and was lucky that she was free. Petra was also there when I was sent in to her office.

'I take it you have some news for me already?' She asked with a neutral expression.

'Yes. Delving into the data we already had, I already had an idea where to start looking.'

'What area was that?' Petra asked, surprising me, as she usually only contributed when asked.

'Wastage. Their wastage seemed so much higher than anywhere else, whatever other factors were considered.'

'How did you find that out?' Natasha asked with genuine interest.

'We have all that data sitting in our database, we just don't make use of it. In this case, I did.'

'Okay, continue.'

I explained everything I'd seen, adding that since I'd returned I'd checked with accounts for the local skip company. They had no records of us using anyone other than the national company. I told them about the weekly collection and when I mentioned that they were on a Tuesday, Natasha quickly said.

'Ah! That's why you've come straight back?'

I nodded.

'What do you think we should do?'

'I've had a little time to think about this. Obviously Trent is the ring leader, which is why he attends to them personally. I believe they are selling raw metals as scrap and pocketing the money. I say ring leader because he couldn't do this without the knowledge and cooperation of most, if not all, of his managers. Other members of staff must have a fair idea what's going on and have failed to report it. I'd like to get the police involved tomorrow, assuming that there's time, so if there is anything criminal happening, as I believe, then we have it covered.'

'Okay, I agree with that,' Natasha said as she picked up the phone. 'Babs! Can you get the local CID on the line for me please?'

I knew that Babs, or Barbara Henshall, was Mr. Kopolova's secretary and obviously served the same role for his daughter.

'We need to make a few discrete inquiries here too,' Petra said, 'maybe some people at Stafford did complain but it never reached us.'

'Good point Petra. Can you take that on?' Natasha said.

The next ten minutes were hectic as the police came on the line. Natasha and I seemed to take it in turns to explain things to an ever higher rank of officer. Eventually it was agreed that they would send a team around immediately.

'Anything else while we're waiting?' Natasha asked me.

'I didn't have time to look elsewhere although there does seem to be an aura of sexual harassment around. I saw a hint of it, but Karen, the girl assigned to help me told me it was so bad that she was planning to leave as soon as she could find another job. I'm guessing if they act like that with one woman then they do so with most, if not all.'

'Can you work with Personnel to check that please Petra?'

Petra nodded grimly. I could see a slight anger there, something that was missing from Natasha. Sexual harassment was obviously something that Petra felt strongly about.

'I'm not certain how accounts are split between plant and here, but it may be worth considering an audit at Stafford.' I suggested.

'I'll check with Alan Wickes.' Natasha said as she nodded at my suggestion.

Although I didn't know him, I did know that he was the Financial Director of the group.

'Anything else?' Natasha asked.

Petra shook her head and I said. 'No, other than do you want me to go back to Stafford tomorrow?'

After a slight hesitation she responded. 'Yes, can't do any harm. See if you can find anything else out, even if it's only who definitely isn't involved.'

Chapter Six

Tuesday was a really interesting day for me as, during the morning, I watched events unfurl, then later was told to take charge until things were sorted out.

I didn't see the actual police raid, as that took place outside by the skips. The first sign most saw was when police and auditors entered the office area, going first to Mr. Trent's office and then to all others. No reason was given and everyone around seemed worried and confused. I took the opportunity to watch the reaction of those around me. Two seemed extremely worried, even scared. I asked Karen who they were and then as surreptitiously as possible rang Natasha with the details. No doubt that she then passed this information on as within a few minutes both were being interviewed by the police. Mr. Trent, I learned a little later, felt that he had been set up by one of his colleagues and was determined that he wasn't going to take the blame on his own. He named another dozen people that had some involvement in the fraud. Considering that there were only thirty four people who worked at the site that would prove devastating.

That was a preview of A Promise. To read the rest purchase the book.

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