Blackmail
1119 Words
Tania tapped furiously on her keyboard, her computer screen flashing as she summarized one report after the other like a well-oiled machine.
Why hasn’t he called me back yet? Maybe he got the wrong person? Yeah, that must be it. Who would ever want to talk to somebody like me…
She took a bite out of her granola bar and munched robotically as she continued working to keep her mind off all the questions that plagued her.
Lora chanced a glance over at Tania and shook her head, thinking Tania still hadn’t gotten over her ex-husband. “Honey, you should take a proper lunch break.”
“I just want to get a few more reports out. It will be better tomorrow.”
Lora got out of her seat and tugged Tania’s arm gently. “We’ll just get more work tomorrow. Please, come and eat lunch with me. Let’s take a break. You’re going to collapse at this rate.”
Tania sighed heavily. “Okay. Let me save my work and we’ll grab lunch.”
Lora smiled victoriously. Looking over to Jessica she called out, “You want to join us?”
Jessica looked up and quickly looked away. “Nope! I’m good. I’m going out to eat with someone…”
Lora smiled deviously at Jessica, walked over, and nudged her gently on the shoulder. “Did you finally get that workaholic to look your way?”
Jessica held a finger to her lips and giggled. “Shh!”
Lora rolled her eyes and peeped towards Darren’s office. “Heh, well took you guys long enough. What stage are you guys at?”
Jessica looked up with a crimson face. “Barely at first base but give me some time and I’ll get a home run.”
Lora and Tania both blushed at Jessica’s plan. “Well good luck, dear. We’re off to grab a bite to eat.”
Once Lora and Tania were behind closed elevator doors, Lora decided to ask about the business card. “Did you call Theo?”
Tania licked her dry lips and replied softly, “Yes.”
“And?”
“He never called back. Maybe he made a mistake.”
Lora frowned and was about to mention how unlikely that was due to the conversation she had with him that night but was interrupted when the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened to the throng of lunch-goers. Lora patted Tania’s arm gently and gave her a soft smile.
“Have more confidence in yourself, dear. You’re wonderful.”
“Thank you, Lora,” Tania whispered. She sure didn’t feel it but it was reassuring to hear that from someone as kind as Lora. Tania sighed. No matter what happened, she had a good job and supportive friends around her; who needs anything else?
***
“Theo Jones is part of Venom? Now that’s rich…” Dorian chuckled and leaned back in his office chair. He threw a file down and an array of pictures and documents spilled across his mahogany desk.
His private investigator scrambled to push the paperwork back together in a pile. “Yes, sir. One of our paparazzi members happened to snap a photo of him exiting a business office that’s a covert Venom base. We haven’t been able to infiltrate Venom but we think Theo is a low-ranking member. I surmise it’s probably how he’s become so popular in the public eye in such a short amount of time.”
Dorian scoffed, “Not quite. He’s part of the wealthy Farley family. His personal information is blocked from the public but he took his mother’s maiden name for his stage name. With his family’s vast wealth and social connections, having him rise to the top is nothing. I’ve known of him for ages but I’m surprised his family would let him have ties with Venom. Something seems fishy. Maybe…”
A thought raced through his mind. What if…? He would have to test it out. Regardless of whom Theo was, it would be good to blackmail Theo and force him into subservience.
Dorian smiled broadly and tapped on a photo that stood out to him. “Find the girl in this picture and bring her in. I know a smitten man when I see one. She must be someone special to him.”
Dorian laughed, his face twisted into a devilish grin. What a day. What a f*****g good day!
***
It was well past eight by the time Darren stepped out of his office. He rubbed the knot in his neck and groaned as he stretched. Looking up he found everyone had vacated except for Tania. He ran his tongue over his teeth and sighed, walking over to her desk.
“Do you need help with anything?”
Tania looked up startled, “Oh! Sir! No, no… I’m just wrapping up.”
Darren watched her fumble. “Don’t rush. I’m not reprimanding you or anything. Make sure you take care of your health. Do you want me to walk you to your car? It’s pretty late.”
“Thank you, sir! I’ll be okay!” Tania waved her hands quickly.
“Okay then, be safe on your way home. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good work today.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
Darren turned and walked out of the office. When he got to his car, he pulled out his phone and texted Jessica.
Darren: Your friend is still working. Where are you?
Jessica: I’m at home… Tania is still there?!
Darren: She’s more hardworking than you ;)
Jessica: …
Darren: I’m joking. She might still be hung up over her ex-husband. Make some time to cheer her up. I can’t have her work herself to death. I need all three of you in top condition.
Jessica: Well good to know you value us. I’ll be sure to tell the ladies so we can negotiate for a higher salary when performance reviews roll around.
Darren: Don’t we pay you enough?
Jessica: Never…
Darren: Yeah okay. Anyway, I got to go. See you tomorrow morning.
Jessica: Unless you want to come over tonight? ;)
Darren: … Good night.
Jessica: You prude.
Darren smirked and started his engine.
He glanced into his rearview mirror and noticed only a few cars left in the parking structure. Darren frowned, wondering if he should stick around to make sure Tania made it to her car safely before he left… but then he shook his head. They were in a company building and there were cameras everywhere. It was unlikely anyone would be stupid enough to hurt someone here. He pulled out of his parking spot and drove home.
- Writer
