The Den: Keeping Secrets

Episode 2: Liam

I threw my phone at the wall as hard as I could. My father had a way of pushing my buttons but today he straight pissed me off. He reluctantly handed operations of the company he created from ground up two years after I graduated from college. I had worked hard and got my masters from NYU before I was twenty two. I thought that would make the old man proud but I was wrong. He pat me on the arm and told me that he'd see me in the office Monday. My father has always treated me with disdain. My little sister Natsha could do no wrong in my fathers eye. Don't get me wrong, she is amazing. I just never could measure up. The great Conner McKenzie had a small stroke a year after I came to the firm. He recovered quickly but it left a few lasting effects. His walking was unsteady and he now used a cane which aggravated him greatly. He is a proud man and having a limitation made him appear weak. That image was the worst thing that could happen to him in his eyes. The stroke also left him forgetful at times. Not to the point that he needed constant care just that he couldn't handle the day to day at the office any longer. He seemed to forget that at times and rides my back about things he sees I have mishandled. That word instantly pisses me off now.

I tapped the intercom to call for my assistant but there was no answer. Kara has been with me for a while and I don't know what I'd do without her. I used to go through assistants like tissues till she walked in the office. She was a friend of Nina the receptionist who I liked a lot. Nina is funny and a damn fine gate keeper. She doesn't take guff from anyone. I offered her the opportunity to be my assistant but she said she'd end up fired or in jail for murdering me. I laughed and told her she had a job with the firm in any way for as long as she wanted. When Nina rang my office to let me know Kara would be late back from lunch it added to my aggravation. "Send her to my office when she returns," I barked as I slammed the phone down. I got lost in thought stewing about my father when a soft knock came from the other side of my office door.

"You're late," I said sternly as she entered. Squaring her shoulders before responding, "I've been reminding you all week I had to take a long lunch. I'm sorry it took so long. Is there anything you need?" I liked that she stood up to me. She knew just when to put me in my place Nina would say. My mother is a strong woman so I don't mind a woman who can hold her own. A few buddies would give me a hard time and call me a mommas boy growing up but it wouldn't phase me. Most of those guys have been through women like I have assistants. I really only have time for work and my side projects as I refer to them in the office. Kara doesn't ask questions when I tell her to schedule things as such. Unlike some other assistants who couldn't figure out my boundaries.

"I need you to have a phone sent over. Call whomever you called last time, please. I liked that all of my info was already on the phone. I also need you to bring me in all the paperwork concerning the Millwood merger." She tossed me a quick confused look but said nothing. I had put the final touches on that project last week expecting it to close quickly. I had worked my ass off on the merger and I know Kara had spent many nights at the office late with me getting things done quickly. It was a favor to one of my fathers friends which is why he felt he needed to control it. "I know, I thought we had wrapped it up too but my father thinks otherwise." She smiled sweetly and nodded in understanding. She exited the office without a word and I turned in my chair to stare out the window trying to calm myself down so I could get through the rest of the day.

Kara brought in the files I asked for about twenty minutes later. She also brought me a coffee and some of her home made chocolate chip cookies. If I could figure out where she hides these I'd be cleaning her stash out daily.

"Your phone is being sent over. I'll bring it in as soon as it arrives." She seemed to not be herself. I hadn't noticed when I was throwing a fit earlier. "Kara, is everything ok? Did something happen on your break?" I asked her out of concern. Her mother passed away suddenly a couple months ago. It was really rough on her. I told her to take as much time as she needed off work. Nina arranged for temps to come in but none of them could do the job Kara does. I was surprised when she returned to the office so quickly yet elated at the same time.

"I'm ok. I have recently gotten some unexpected news but I'm handling it. Thank you for asking," she responded with a tense tone. I knew she was lying but could clearly see if I pressed her she wouldn't appreciate it. I'll leave it be for a while. "If there is anything I can do let me know." She nodded her head without response. "Thank you so much for the coffee and cookies. If you ever leave here to start a cookie empire I'll be mad." That got a chuckle from her. "I have a few phone calls to make. Could you hold any that come in?" She nodded and turned to take her leave. I jumped headfirst in to the Millwood files. Three hours had passed when there was a soft knock on the door. Kara came in with my new phone. "Here you go. It's all ready. Set up just they way you like." She tossed me the phone from about two feet from my desk. "Easy there slugger. I just bought this thing." She laughed and settled in to one of chairs across from me. "Are you planning to be here for much longer? I just want to check to see if I need to order you some dinner before I cut out." She looked to be exhausted. "No but thank you. I appreciate you checking. I'll walk out with you." I grab my keys from the desk and follow her down the hallway. I wait in the reception lobby by the elevators while she grabs her things from her desk. We board the elevator and we ride down in silence. I wish Chris was in town cause I could really use a drink. I don't like to drink alone. The elevator rea hed the ground floor and we remained silent. As we walked through the main doors to the bustling city I took the chance that Kara might just need a drink too. "Hey, you don't have to just because I'm your boss but would you like to grab a drink?" After a minute she finally said, "Yeah. Let's go."