Whispers of Eternity

With one cup filled with milk and the other with Coffee-mate, Florence scooped up the hot mugs of coffee and placed them on coasters on her coffee table. She smiled and took a quick look at her watch. Stewart was running late, but not by much. Stewart was much beloved by her, but Gary was correct. Stewart struggled with being on time. Florence, curled up on her couch, grabbed the remote to turn on her smart television. She launched Skype by clicking the blue button, then she waited for Gary. Florence had returned to her flat in Shreve City Towers after her separation from Howard. She had developed a routine of stopping by to see Stewart and have a cup of coffee in the morning. For Stewart and Florence, it was early morning, while it was early afternoon for Gary. Despite Gary's repeated reminders, neither Florence nor Stewart appeared to understand that Gary needed to sleep. He was constantly taken off guard by the six-hour time difference between the US and the UK. They contacted him all through the night. Florence was looking through her mail pile with intense focus. When Gary went online, she was unaware of it. She yawned and took a drink of her coffee. "Get up!Gary yelled. Florence jerked the hand that held her coffee cup in shock. That was cruel!She complained. "Look what you forced me to do now? After waiting for it for the last three days, I now have coffee stains all over this letter!" I'm sorry, sweetie. What's that?" Florence had a radiant face. "Most likely a letter informing me that I've been hired." "What position?Gary scowled. "I assumed you were going to come over here." She grinned and said, "Not if I land this job in New York." A knock on her door was heard. "Wait a minute," she murmured. She squinted her eyes and unlocked the door, saying, "That's probably my breakfast." "You're running late!She made fun of it. Stewart smiled. "I didn't realize I had a clock on." You're feeling happier now. He handed the brown paper bag to Florence. Indeed, I am. I received my mail. It seems like I'm going to the big apple. If you obtain the job, are you still going to let me fly you there?"No, she won't do that!Gary raised his voice. "Like she usually does, she will back down." After shutting the door, Stewart followed Florence into the living room. Florence responded, "Mr. Nosey, nobody asked for your two cents," and she made her way to the kitchen. "Where are you heading?Gary enquired. "I can't spend the whole day on this. To buy saucers and paper towels, she said, "some of us poor folks have to work for a living." Stewart took his coffee cup and sat down on the couch. Gary greeted Stewart with a "good morning." "Are you having fun on your vacation?" "Good afternoon, Gary," drank his coffee with a sly smile on his face. "I most definitely am. Gary chuckled and said, "I have something much better to look at now than your ugly face." After giving Stewart his breakfast, Florence took a seat next to him and picked up her letter smeared with coffee. Stewart said, "Well, go ahead and tell us what it says." "To Dr. Lord, dear," she said. We appreciate your interest in applying to lead our cardiac research center. Blah, blah, blah. She skimmed the last ones. Her eyes sparkled with rage as she clenched her jaw. "The apologetic b***h son." "D, what's wrong?" "How impudent of him!" Stewart moved in closer. "What's that, pet?She pushed Stewart with the letter. "We were not able to get references from G.W., your present workplace. Stewart paused slightly before continuing, saying, "Crest of Crest Enterprises, who stated that they would not release you from your current contract." He let out a sigh and threw the letter on the coffee table, saying, "We are sorry to inform you, but the position... has now been filled." "If you really want the job that bad, Dad could probably fix this for you." Florence gave a headshake. "No, I do not want you to associate with Crest." Stewart laughed. "Pet, I have experience with G.W. Crest seems to last forever. My calculations showed that I had less than a month left on my contract. Riley Snow chose to blow up the new building, killing herself in the process, so I don't have a workspace and probably won't for a while. Before giving him Howard's investment money, Crest is still awaiting the conclusion of the insurance company's inquiry," she stopped and swallowed the knot in her throat. Does Crest intend to construct a second one? Who knows? No, he doesn't need Howard's money to do this! That's it; I'm through! Florence sprang off the couch, saying, "I can't take it anymore." "Where are you heading now?Gary enquired. "To alter. I'm seeing that bastard. My resignation has been written down for some months. She tossed it over her shoulder, turning the corner to her bedroom, saying, "All it needs is a date and my signature." Stewart and Gary exchanged a troubled glance. Gary interrupted, saying, "If she enters in his office with her gung-ho attitude... "It would be best if you spoke with Dad." We may need to flee quickly. ------------ Florence turned on quiet on her phone. She inhaled deeply before opening the door. As soon as she entered the room, she realized that this would be a waste of time. Crest had pulled a double take on her. Cigar smoke was heavy and murky over her head. When did you start using the habit once more? Those beasts are going to murder you and everyone in your vicinity. Florence, old habits die hard. He gestured for her to take a seat, saying, "We all die eventually. "I'm a bit let down by you. In spite of all I've done for you. Florence extended her hand. All you've done for me, really?"I gave you less hours and adjusted your work schedule. I gave you a pay raise. I constructed a brand-new, cutting-edge research center for you. I paid you and Dr. Walton to take time off while it was being built. You really didn't need the additional time off, but because you were sick, I provided it to you to heal from your appendectomy. How did you get well so fast? Florence, more so now that you're dying?" Her jaw fell agape. "Perishing?She let out a gasp. Why do you believe I'm going to die?" An eyebrow raised at Crest. "My physician obtained a blood sample in an attempt to determine the cause of your collapse. Florence, your white blood cell count is much higher than usual. A rare blood illness affects you. His research indicates that, if you're fortunate enough to have a bone marrow transplant, you only have six months to a year at the most. Regretfully, being the only kid, you... "You drained me of my blood that day?" Indeed, Florence. Since you are a physician and your leukemia is nearing its end, I assumed you were aware of this. "Mr. Crest—I'm not going to die. What your doctor told you doesn't matter to me. Either he's a major quack or he has major wiring issues. Even if I were dying, I wouldn't have come here to talk about my health. I am not dying. Crest looked at his fingernails while tucking his cigar in the corner of his lips. So, Florence, what were you here to talk about? How did you apply for a different job when you had a contract with us? In what way were you and Howard going to defraud me of my money for the building that Riley Snow set on fire? Or how you attempted to get rid of me in secret?" Florence was astounded. She gave Crest a strange look as she glanced at him. Her head was tilted to the side. "Mr. Crest, tell me how Howard and I would defraud you of your insurance funds. That building's development was unrelated to us. With a sneer, Crest took a deep drag on his cigar, set it down in the crystal ashtray, and let out a puff right in front of Florence. He handed her an investment contract by pushing it over the desk. Florence, pick it up and read it. Examine the signature carefully. Florence let out a sigh and skimmed the contents. Something grew in her throat. She gave it a few blinks before pushing it back to him. Based on the startled look on your face, I'm assuming you were unaware that Howard had invested in your study and was in charge of the building's construction?" Florence shook her head slowly. "No, I didn't." "Howard Thundercloud and Riley Snow were inseparable." Riley was about to tell you about their affair, so I wouldn't be shocked if Howard hadn't murdered her personally. Florence clinched her fist and gritted her teeth. "You're telling lies! In addition to not having an affair with Riley, Howard did not kill her, and he most definitely did not blow up your stupid building. Mr Crest took up his cigar, tucked it into the corner of his lips, and flicked the ashes with his tiny finger. Whatever the case, Florence, things are returning to how they were. Her eyes became narrower. "You mean you're returning to your former self-centered, conceited self?She sneered. Crest made an effort to glare at her. Florence maintained eye contact with him. That concludes everything! I'm done trying to be sensible. I've had enough attempting to assist you. I shall be anticipating your return to work come morning. Regardless matter how you may feel about your duties, you will follow instructions. Florence pursed her lips and knitted her brow. And what specific tools are you expecting me to use? Since coming here, everything I've done has been lost. I have nothing to offer. Even though I provided evidence that my study was more significant to the world, you never gave me an explanation for why you altered it in the first place. Don't you think you at least owe me an explanation for all the time I've invested in this company?" Florence, I owe you nothing! This business is mine. You work at a company. Do we understand each other?" She got to her feet. "Oh, we're fine and clear!She grinned and tossed an envelope in Crest's direction. "Is that enough to understand?" Crest took up the envelope and ran it into the shredder without even opening it. Leaning over the desk, he got up from his seat. His eyes narrowed to a small slit. If Florence tries to leave this firm, I will destroy you!" Florence then raised an incredulous eyebrow. And, Mr. Crest, how exactly do you intend to do that?" Simple! You and your study are Crest Enterprises' property for the term of your contract!" Florence chuckled. "I suppose you were unaware of my contract at the time. You see, I don't intend to sign another one since this one expired last month. It's unfortunate that you missed this. I think you had me by the balls. You've been immersed in Riley Snow for so long that you forgot to consider extending my contract. Well, anything. You'll find someone else to kiss your a*s, I'm sure of it, but it won't be me. "Furniture is not my sole resource, Florence. You will take nothing with you if you quit our firm now, and I will see you in court for breach of contract. In fact, I may even file charges of murder and property damage against you and Howard. She chuckled. "You conceited SOB! I am going, and I am going now. Just so you know, I was expecting you to take this action. I forwarded copies of the letter you just destroyed to your head of personnel for this reason. Do you believe you can sue me in court? Okay, go ahead and do it. "Florence!Crest exploded. Accidents occur often. "What in the heck do you mean by that? It would be sad if any of those "accidents" happened to someone else close to you. She leaned over the desk and gave Crest a dagger-like look, saying, "I'm sure you can figure it out if you try hard enough." "I'm not afraid of your cash. First and foremost, I'm not afraid of your riches or of you. You are only a wrinkled, worn-out bundle of hot air, Crest." She withdrew the cigar. Crest and disposed of it in his ashtray. I also requested that you refrain from smoking around me. Florence started to go. "Now, I'm leaving before I say something I might regret." "You're going to regret what you said already!Crest yelled. She hesitated for a moment. Florence merely res ponded to Crest with a slammed door and a raised middle finger behind her back.