It’s Complicated But It Doesn’t Have To Be

15

Melissa carried the yellow roses into her office.

“Hey Sam” she greeted the secretary cheerily.

“What are you looking for?” Sam asked when she bent down to look in the cupboard.

“A vase. For these flowers.” Melissa said. “Aha!” Grabbing a glass vase with cracked glass effect, Melissa disappeared into the bathroom to put water and flowers in.

When she returned to the office Elaine had joined Sam, sidelong glances were exchanged between the two.

“Everything okay?” Melissa asked. Placing the flowers on her desk, Elaine spoke to her “Can I speak to you in private please?”

“Of course. Sam we can have our meeting in a few minutes. Go take a break or something.” Melissa said well aware that conversations could be heard through the door of someone listened hard enough.

“Sit down Elaine, is everything okay? You can speak openly here.” Melissa asked clearly worried.

“Listen I know I made it this big secret, but I wanted to ask you this privately. I know you normally shut the office down for two weeks over Christmas and New Year, and you spend it with your parents.” Elaine took a deep breath, she was quite nervous.

She’d grown fond of Melissa, she was a great Boss, and her father before her, firm but fair. If you were fired then you must have done something really bad.

“I know your parents are in the U.K. and you’ll be alone this year. So I’m asking, would you please come spend Christmas at my house?”

Melissa sat there stunned and open mouthed.

“Elaine?” She started

“Well what would you be doing if I hadn’t offered?” Elaine asked

“I’d probably be working.” Melissa let this slip by accident. She liked Elaine and for some reason couldn’t say no to her, she was an excellent person and obviously a force to be reckoned with, Melissa looked at Elaine, the older woman raised her eyebrows.

“Oh no no. That won’t do at all. I will not have you spend Christmas alone. You will come to ours Christmas Eve, stay the night and leave the day after Boxing Day. Don’t worry there’ll be enough food, and my sons and my daughter will be there. This will be great.” Elaine spoke with determination “So come to mine at 10:00 on Christmas Eve. Bring your gorgeous self.” Elaine left the room grabbing her phone out of her pocket.

She nearly bumped into Sam on her way out, because she wasn’t paying attention.

“What was that about?” Sam asked

“I. I think I’m not going to be alone at Christmas.” Melissa blurted out. Then started to laugh.

Sam looked puzzled, but left an envelope in Melissa’s inbox, then left.

Melissa brought up the internal communications system and messaged Elaine. Clearly she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

From Melissa to Elaine - So there might be a problem for Christmas. I have three dogs, a St Bernard, A German and Belgian Shepherd, I can’t leave them because it’s them I’m supposed to be looking after. Can I bring them with me?

From Elaine to Melissa - Oh yes. Of course. That would be wonderful.

Melissa then worried how she would get three big dogs like Storm, Sully and Ebony into her Porsche.

“I’ll just have to borrow Dad’s SUV.” She murmured.

Melissa took the the envelope out of the inbox and looked at it.

There inside was Ebony’s collar and a note and a photograph

“This is what happens to bitches” Melissa read it out loud.

Looking at the photograph Melissa was shocked. There lay Ebony with what looked like a gunshot wound, and blood on the floor around her body.

“Oh my god.” Melissa said and ran to the bathroom to throw up.

Tears running down her face, she picked up her mobile and pulled up Brock’s number.

After three rings Brock answered “Hello Melissa.”

Hiccuping sobs came down the other end of the line.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

Melissa finally managed to get the words out “Can you come to my office please. I need you to look at something.”

“Sure. Be there in ten.” And he hung up. Pressing the intercom button for Sam she said “You can leave early today, Mr Milligan is coming to talk about Featherlite. Once you’ve shown him in you can go.”

Releasing the intercom button, Melissa sat there staring into space, Brock arrived after 15 minutes, it had felt close to an hour. While she waited for him she thought to herself ‘I did the right thing ringing Brock, he could tell me straight away of the picture is real or not. With the police it would take forever. And that’s if it’s real. If it is isn’t I don’t want to bother them.’ How about this.

With her back to the office door Melissa sat in her chair when Sam opened the door.

“Melissa, Mr Milligan is here.” He coughed before he spoke.

“Thanks Sam. See you tomorrow.” Melissa said. Once the door had snapped shut, she turned around.

“You got the flowers then? Are you okay?” Brock asked grabbing a chair and pulling it up next to her.

“Can you check if a photograph is real or fake?” Melissa asked

“Yeah. I have a machine for it, but generally I can tell by looking at it.” Brock said almost proudly.

Handing him the photo she said “If this is real beware.”

Taking a look at the photo, Brock could see this wasn’t a fake. He knew this was Melissa’s dog.

“Well?” Melissa asked

“I’m afraid it’s real.” Brock said sadly.

“I thought so.” Melissa replied in a quiet voice.

“What’s going on?” Brock asked

She showed him the collar and the note, “I need to get home.” She said picking up her things in a daze. Brock hugged her, “Oh I’m sorry.” Holding her tightly as she sobbed. “This seems to be becoming a habit. Me crying on your chest.”

“I wanted to know the photo was real. And I didn’t know who else to call, if it wasn’t the police can’t do anything, it’s just a photo.”

He said simply “You can cry on my chest anytime. That’s what friends do. We support each other.”

Brock put his hand on her arm, she looked at him, “Come on I’ll drive you home.”

Grabbing her things she stood and headed out of the office, with Brock leading the way.

The office was empty, which Melissa was grateful for.

Getting into his Prius, he opened the door for Melissa, she climbed in.

“Right, let’s go.” Brock pulled out of the car park.

Pulling up on the drive, Melissa got out of the car before Brock as properly stopped.

Grabbing the keys she opened the door and ran through the house.

Opening the back door she went into the back garden, there on the path was Ebony’s body, she had not only been shot, but had her paws and long tail cut off, Melissa hoped they were after she had died. Sully and Storm were nowhere to be seen.

Falling to her knees she cried, hard. Then threw up in a plant pot that Ryan secretly used for smoking cigarettes.

Brock came running through as she let out a guttural scream.

“Melissa what’s” he never finished his sentence as he turned round and threw up in the same place as she did.

“Oh my god.” Brock quickly came to his senses.

“Melissa.” Putting a hand on her shoulder. “Did she have a favourite blanket? Or do you have an old sheet?”

Melissa nodded, getting up she walked into the house and came back with a tartan blanket, “This was her favourite blanket.” While Melissa was still crying Brock gently placed the blanket over Ebony’s body.

“Ok. I have a friend who works for an animal cemetery, they also do cremations, I can take her there if you like.” Brock said gently.

Melissa still crying “Yeah could he cremate her please?”

Brock hugged her again. “Are you okay? What o mean is do you want to come or....?”

“No.” Melissa said “Who would do this to a dog? She wasn’t aggressive. She was lovely and sweet, she would take food right out of your hand. Why would someone kill my dog?”

“I don’t know sweetheart. Go inside. Let me take Ebony. I will be back afterwards.” Brock gently lifted the blanket covered Ebony. Melissa walked with him to the car,

“Can you get my keys out of my pants pocket and open the car please?” Brock asked

Doing as he asked she opened the boot, Brock lay her gently on the floor of the boot. Melissa said “I hope she was happy here.”

Brock laughed and said “Yes. I didn’t know her but I can only imagine how much you spoilt her. Treated her like a Princess.”

This earned a sad smile from Melissa.

“I promise I will be careful with her.” Brock said putting a hand on her shoulder.

Getting in he quickly drove off to the pet cemetery and crematorium.

Melissa walked into the house, she felt shocked and numb, she hoped that Brock wouldn’t be too much longer.

Sitting on the couch, she just stared into space. A knock at the door came 30 minutes later. Brock stood there with a bottle of wine and a paper bag.

“Hey.” He said softly. “Have you fed Storm and Sully?” Brock asked gently.

“Oh. Oh no. I forgot.” Melissa said.

“It’s okay. Tell me where their food is I will feed them.”

She showed him the cupboard under the stairs. “Go sit.” He said quietly.

Sitting back on the couch, Melissa was feeling sad.

Brock joined her quickly, the wine and the bag he placed on the table.

“My friend said he will ring you when Ebony is ready to collect, or I can collect her for you.” Brock said sitting on the couch next to Melissa who had now put her legs up and folded them.

“Yeah.” Melissa murmured.

“I though I would buy you something to cheer you up.” Brock said this while putting his hand in the bag.

Pulling out a tub of chocolate ice cream and spoons he’d grabbed from the kitchen.

“I know ice cream is probably....” Brock didn’t manage to finish the sentence before Melissa had grabbed the tub off him and opened it, digging in with a spoon.

He chuckled softly, at the young woman digging into a two litre tub of chocolate ice cream, “As I was saying I also have wine.” Brock grabbed the plastic wine glasses that he’d brought at the store “Would you like some?”

“Yetthh pleattthhhh” Melissa said with a mouthful of ice cream.

Right now this usually classy woman didn’t care how she looked. She was unhappy and she was going to be sad about that.

Pouring two glasses of red wine Brock sat back nursing his drink and getting the spoon and digging out ice cream in between Melissa’s shovelling, but he didn’t mind, he wanted to cheer her up.

“Hey. You okay?” Brock asked when she’d finished the ice cream.

“Yeah. Sorry.” Melissa sniffed and shuddered from crying.

“Hey come on it’s okay. Listen you mentioned something about an envelope, someone sent this to you?” Brock asked

“Yeah. I don’t know who would or why though. Ebony was the sweetest dog. She wouldn’t have batted an eye at a stranger walking in. We get trade’s people and delivery’s here all the time, people are constantly on and off the property, that’s probably how they got so close to her.” Melissa explained.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, Melissa felt calm in Brock’s presence, he soothed her soul, she felt comfortable with him, her legs were on his lap, her shoes discarded on the floor, her head leant against the back cushion of the couch. Brock looked over when he spoke to see that Melissa had fallen asleep.

“Melissa?” Seeing her sleeping soundly, he moved gently, covering her with the blanket that lay on the other sofa. “Goodnight.” Before settling into the armchair and falling asleep himself.

When Melissa woke it was dark outside, she turned her head to see a sleeping Brock, snoring gently, head on the back of the armchair, one arm over his eyes. Gently she woke him “Brock?”

He snorted and woke up “Yeah I’m awake.”

Melissa giggled at this “Hey, there’s plenty of rooms here if you’d like to sleep in one.”

Getting up he ran a hand through his hair and made his way to the stairs, opening a door before turning back and calling “Goodnight Melissa.”

“Goodnight” she said then heard the door click Going upstairs, she stripped off her clothes, too tired to put any other clothes on she was unaware there was a camera lens pointed directly at her bedroom window.

The user of the camera and lens wasn’t as good as Brock but he got on where he could just point and click “Look at your body. Melissa I cannot wait to get you naked in my bed. God I desire you. Hartford Industries and all it billions will be mine.” As he said this taking the photo, he stroked his hard member.

He orgasmed as Melissa climbed into bed, the thought of touching her pale skin, really turned him on.

These photos would come out well, a bit of photoshop here and there and it’s just what he wanted.

He decided he had got enough evidence, and climbed down the tree.

Tomorrow he would get into her house and take her panties. This thought excited him, as he settled into his car, covering himself with a jacket, he fell into a light sleep.

THE NEXT MORNING.

The guy woke up and stretched, looking at the clock he saw it was almost time for Melissa to go to work.

Looking towards the front door, he saw Melissa and Blake hug, catching it on his camera, he smirked.

“Yes keep doing this. I will destroy you and make you subservient to me. I will erase any aspect of them on you. Just wait for me.” He said to the empty car.

The phone ringing brought him out of his reverie “Yes?” He snapped

“Now now brother, don’t be so angry.” The voice came down the phone.

“We can’t make our move until after the New Year. This last package will be the last one we send until after, make her think it’s nothing, lull her into a false sense of security.”

The guy in the car kept one eye on Melissa, starting his car it wheezed into life, pulling off he followed her to her office. “Ok. Do you want me to stop following her?” He asked

The voice on the phone said “Up until Christmas and New Year. You won’t be able to explain away your absence.”

“Ok bye.” Said the guy in the car. “You will be mine Melissa make no mistake about that.” And with that he drove off.

A WEEK GOES BY

Melissa sits at the wheel of her car, quite still at traffic lights. Noticing the black car two cars behind her. She’d started to notice it on Monday, didn’t think anything of it at the time. But then it was parked across the road, then it was there everyday as she shopped and took the dogs on walks.

Sully and Storm were getting restless in the back. They hated being in the car. Melissa had overslept and it was almost 10:30. The time she had arranged to be at Elaine’s.

Melissa’s phone rings and it come through the Bluetooth speaker in the car.

“Hello?” Melissa said while waiting for the lights to turn green.

“Hello Melissa, Happy Christmas.” Shane, Suzanna and Ryan all say into the speaker.

“I hope you’re not spending it alone.” Suzanna comments

“No. Honest. I’m spending it with Elaine and her family.” Melissa said touched at the concern of her stepmother.

“Good we just rang to wish you Happy Christmas, Grandpa is doing okay. But when are you back home?” Shane asks.

“After Boxing Day. Probably the 27th. So I will ring then.” Melissa replied, moving off and turning left.

“Ok. Well you’re present should arrive after Christmas.” Shane explains.

“Dad I don’t need a.” Melissa tries to say but Shane and Suzanna cut her off “Melissa Page Hartford, you listen to us. You’re our daughter and you will get a present. Ok!” Melissa laughed as they both “told her off.”

“Ok guys. I have to go I’ve arrived.” Melissa said feeling sad that she had to cut their conversation short.

Pulling up into a street, Melissa got out, and Elaine came to meet her.

“Hello you made it okay.” She air kissed the young woman.

“Hi Elaine, I only brought Sully and Storm, I’m afraid Ebony passed away last week. Sorry I’m late. I overslept.” Melissa said sadly.

“Oh Honey, I’m sorry.” Elaine said.

Melissa thought back over the last week and thought about how she and Brock had hung out, and spent time together, he’d brought her flowers everyday to cheer her up, they’d met up at lunch, and if they couldn’t meet at lunch they’d stop at a bar and have a drink.

Melissa found that Brock was avoiding Blake’s bar. Melissa thought of Blake and how it didn’t hurt so much anymore. Which meant she was getting over her heartache and the fact he used her.

Brock was a perfect gentleman, he’d even gone shopping with her, helping her wrap and mail gifts. They’d had fun, she’d even made a batch of mince pies, her cooking was okay and she taught Brock a little British tradition, she knew Suzanna kept mincemeat in stock, she also knew that Suzanna wouldn’t mind as it was for Elaine and her family’s were having her over for Christmas, the making and cooking part that was troublesome.

Brock and Melissa ended up throwing flour and milk at each other. And laughing hard.

The kitchen was a right royal mess, but they’d cleaned it.

She noticed Brock roll up his shirt sleeves, and watch in fascination as his biceps flex and relax as he helped her clean. Pulling to a stop brings Melissa out of her daydream.

Grabbing the dogs out of the car, an older guy who looks sort of familiar, comes to greet Melissa, “Hello Melinda, I’m Tony. Elaine’s thingy.”

“Husband” Elaine interjects “And it’s Melissa. Honestly” shaking her head she hands the leashes to Tony. Who takes the dogs round the side of the house.

A young girl of about 15 or 16 appears at Elaine’s side. She’s very beautiful, petite, and curvy wearing a reindeer sweater.

“My mom made me wear this. I hate it. Andrea.” She said sticking her hand out for Melissa to shake.

Shaking her hand with a smile and getting a smile in return, Andrea takes the bag with the alcohol and mince pies in. Grabbing the last bags Melissa shuts and locks the car.

Walking up to the beautiful wooden porch, Elaine opened the door into the living room and there sat on the couch and armchair is Brock and Blake.

Melissa freezes. “Holy sh..” catching her own words they look just as shocked to Melissa as she is to see them.

Coming back from locking the front door Elaine says “Oh these are my sons Brock and Blake. Come on boys come say hi. Honestly you have no manners. This is my special guest. She’s originally from the U.K. but we won’t hold that against her.”

Elaine and Melissa laugh. “It’s a failing that I’m working hard to overcome.” Melissa said with a laugh and a sneaky look at Blake and Brock. They are looking at each other and then at Melissa then finally at their mum.

“Give me your coat, I will hang it up for you and the bag.” Melissa put her backpack containing clothes and the one containing gifts on the floor.

“So you’re our special guest.” Brock said happily giving Melissa a hug and kiss on the cheek.

Blake had a dark expression on his face. As Melissa turned away from Brock, Blake turned away and went off somewhere.

Melissa looked after him as he went “Oh don’t worry about Blake.” Elaine said “He’s moody and thinks Christmas should be family only. Ok. So make yourself at home.”

Brock takes a minute to take in Melissa, they’ve spent a lot of time together recently and he’s finding it harder and harder to just stay friends. He hadn’t planned it this way. It just kind of happened. Looking at her red dress dress, and knee high boots, and pantyhose, she looks amazing.

“Sit down?” Brock asks as she sits very ladylike.

“Why does your mum have a different surname to yours. Yours is Milligan hers is Brockheim.” Melissa asked trying not to look as uncomfortable as she felt.

“MOM” he emphasised this word to make fun of Melissa’s accent earning him a fake glare of anger from her “Got all her qualifications in her maiden name. It would cost a lot to change them all. So at home and with family her name is Milligan and professionally she goes by Brockheim.” Brock explained as if it were simple.

Blake came back from wherever he’d been. And stood in front of Melissa blocking Brock from her view.

“Can I have a word with you please?” Blake asked.

“Sure” Melissa said not moving.

“In private.” Blake said through gritted teeth.

Getting up Blake led Melissa to what looked like a study. Oak and Mahogany adorned the room. Books on every shelf, first editions some of them.

Blake shut the door quietly “What the hell are you doing here?” He asked anger in his voice. But a conflicted expression that Melissa couldn’t make out.

“Your mother asked me here.” Melissa explained.

“Are you stalking me?” Blake asked.

Melissa looked hurt. “God no. Why would you think that?”

“You’ve spent one evening with Brock” Blake explained, he only knew of that one evening when Brock signed the contract, he didn’t know they’d been hanging round together, “You sleep with him?”

That earned him a slap. “f**k you. No I didn’t. And even if I did, it’s none of your business.” Melissa spat the words at him.

Blake trying to get closer to her, trying to hold her in his arms, Melissa pulled away.

“You know what Blake. You’re a sad excuse for man, you’re so wrapped up in own sense of importance that you can’t tell when someone’s being honest. If I decide to sleep with Brock, it’ll be none of your f*****g business.”

Blake looked confused as Melissa explained. She turned on her heel and walked out of the door so Blake could not see her tears and how angry she was and how hurt she was. ‘Does Blake think so little of me that I’d jump out of his bed and into bed with his twin?’ She thought as she was thinking this she walked straight into a hard body. Arms circled round her waist, “what’s wrong?” The voice was unmistakably Brock. He’d heard raised voices and came to see if everything was okay.

Noticing her tears he pulled her towards a bathroom. Pulling her in, “It’s okay. Ignore Blake. He’s being a dick.” Melissa smiled gratefully and asked “Can you leave me to clean up please?”

Nodding Brock left the bathroom and decided to confront his brother.