Disclaimer: See Part One

Anna threw a pen across her desk. Who the hell, has the right to make my life a mess? I haven’t done anything to anyone, except save their ass when they fucked up the systems.

“Anna…Ms. Stephens do you have a minute?” Joe Lancer had heard his boss was taking some time off. Strange, that she hadn’t mentioned it. He knew something was wrong when she wasn’t in the office when he arrived. Now here she was, late, and by the look of the expression on her face, really angry about something.

“What do you want Joe?”

Joe glanced around him furtively. Anna nearly choked on the laughter she stifled. “Is it that big a secret Joe?”

“What secret? I don’t know what you mean?”

“Nothing Joe, go ahead. What can I do for you?” Anna replied, leaning against the wall.

“Well, Ms. Stephens, I heard you are supposed to be on vacation and I wondered…that is, I didn’t know…what I’m trying to say is…”

Anna gritted her teeth. “Joe, listen. The main project to concentrate on while I am gone is the programme we salvaged on Saturday. Be sure it continues to work and that, Ms. Mandrake Roman doesn’t create any more disasters.”

“Thanks.” Joe gave her a grateful, pathetic puppy dog look. Joe wasn’t cut out to make decisions. He was a great technician, the best, but decisions, nope, not Joe.

“You’re welcome, Joe, see you.” Anna said quietly as she walked toward the exit.

“When will you be back?” Joe asked, beaming at Anna happily as he tried to keep up with her.

Anna stiffened at the question. What can I say?

“As soon as possible, Joe.”

“No plans then, just a little rest?” Her answer was vague and Joe had never known Anna Stephens to be less than precise about anything.

Anna turned and gave him a stern glance to silence any further questions. “No plans. Mail me if you need further clarification on anything. I’ll see you soon, Joe.”

Joe watched her leave the building. Now, he was even more intrigued. Something must be wrong.  Anna was a great boss, a little severe at times, but she knew her stuff. I will find out what was going on and help if I can.

Mandrake watched the swans on the lake as she waited patiently for her lunch date. She was still reeling from the discussion with the Director of Services.

“Ms. Roman, please take a seat.” Stella Andrews motioned to the chair positioned directly in front of her desk.

“Thank you.” Sitting down, Mandrake became uncomfortable as the cold grey eyes of the Director scanned her.

“As I told you on the telephone, there is a problem looming. And, that you had been implicated in that problem.”

Mandrake turned intelligent and sensitive eyes towards the woman and gave her a puzzled gaze. “You make it sound as if I have been involved in something criminal.”

“Criminal!  Why, no Ms. Roman, not at all. At least as far as I know now, that is.” Director Andrews responded with icy calm.

“Then perhaps, you can elaborate; I confess I’m at a loss.”

“You have been accused of having an affair with Anna Stephens and that she used undue influence on you to recommend her departmental services for the library.” Director Andrews announced evenly, watching Mandrake with a hawk like expression.

“That’s not true!”

“No? You do approve the library’s budget, don’t you? Or have you delegated this task?”

Mandrake shook her head as she tried to regain her emotional equilibrium. Now was not the time to lose control!

“I approve my budget, of course. Three companies were under consideration. Ms. Stephens and her team came highly recommended. We had the funds, therefore, I deemed it advisable to hire the best!”

“Who advised you? Anna Stephens?”

 “No!”

“Who then?” Stella Andrews did not suspect this woman of any wrongdoing and doubted there was even a relationship with Stephens. However, facts were what counted in this world. Andrews had to be sure, and, the only way she knew to get to the truth was through intimidation.

“I’m sorry, Director Andrews, I don’t recall the name. It will, however, be in my files. Will you allow me to show them to you?”

Andrews waved away the question and seared Mandrake with a look that sent a chill down the librarian’s spine. “I can’t, of course, ask if you are having a non professional relationship with Stephens, but we will check out the validity of the accusation.”

Mandrake was about to deny the affair and decided against it. What the hell, it wasn’t true and they will find out soon enough. “What do you want me to do now?”

Stella Andrews felt sorry for the slightly younger woman in front of her. But, long ago, she learned not to be sentimental; her career couldn’t take that! “You will be on paid suspension until we corroborate the facts, whatever they might be.”

“Suspension?” Mandrake whispered, as a tear formed in the corner of her right eye. I won’t cry. I won’t give her the satisfaction!

“Yes, as of right now. We expect you to co-operate with the investigation, Ms. Roman.”  Andrews looked towards the door, effectively dismissing her.

“You’ll contact me, then?” Mandrake tried desperately to keep her composure. No way, am I going to dissolve in this cold fish of a woman’s office!

“Yes. Good day, Ms. Roman.” Stella Andrews’ eyes were already scanning the paperwork for her next meeting.

“Goodbye”, Mandrake said slowly.  She left the Director’s office and walked by the secretary’s desk without a glance.

“Hi Mom.”

Startled, Maddy looked up slightly. Her pensive expression cleared to bring a small smile, which brightened her features considerably.

“Darling, you surprised me.”

“Oh, Mom, you have radar ears; I know you heard me coming.” Juliet sat down beside Maddy and kissed her mother’s cheek.

“Humph, I don’t think so, Kiddo.  How has your day been?”

“Great, and I don’t have a class for two hours. So, if you want to take a poor starving student to lunch, I’m all yours.”

“Only too happy to spend time with you Juliet, as you know, perfectly well.” Maddy laughed softly. She had missed her daughter’s company at their traditional weekend dinner. Sunday just hadn’t been the same, somehow.

“I know you won’t be able to stay that long, Mom, but I wanted to ask you something.”  Juliet’s eyes twinkled happily.  Maddy knew her daughter well enough to know that whatever Juliet wanted, it would be good news.

“Well, I have something to share, too. And, today, I can spend two full hours with you.  So, where do you want to eat?” Maddy pulled her daughter into a warm loving hug as they stood up.

Anna paced the floor of her apartment. This is so unfair!  After all these years, with not one blemish on my record, and someone is allowed to make these wild claims?  A false accusation and yet, I am the one being suspended!  This is justice?

Her mind wandered to Peterson. He was out and out scum. If it were up to her, she would have dismissed the bastard years ago. He was a slimly, butt kissing jerk.

Anna went to the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee.  She grimaced at the bitter taste.  She’d been so distracted that she left the coffee maker on when she went to the meeting with Weddell.

As she threw out the liquid in the decanter and prepared a new batch, she thought about Renaldi. Who the hell, is she?I don’t remember ever meeting her at work, and certainly not for a date!  What or who had made the woman lie? Surely, Renaldi knew that she would be dismissed for lying, once she was found out. And, what a hell of a black mark on her work history record!  Why would she risk that?

After Anna switched on the coffee maker, she considered reading her email. Why the hell should I?  There won’t be anything of interest and besides my hand hurts.  I better go see the doctor, as Weddell had suggested. Maybe the caring Ms. Roman hadn’t been so caring, after all.  Maybe she left something in the wound when she applied the bandage.

Yeah, Mandrake Roman, not a name you would ever forget; I sure never will! I admit I was hard on her when she tried to explain the programme. But, that was hardly a good reason to give out this kind of bullshit. What did she hope to gain, maybe a chance with Director Andrews?

Andrews’s love life was very private, although there were rumours. Her escort for the last ten years to all social functions had been prominent attorney Ellen Temple. Temple had an impeccable reputation and came from a devoutly religious family. Andrews and Temple had their own apartments, so they certainly didn’t live together. It hadn’t been proven that they were in a romantic relationship. They appeared to be just close friends. Anyone could speculate and didn’t people often do just that with wicked intentions?

For some reason, Mandrake Roman’s involvement in this hits me harder than the other two. She doesn’t appear to be the devious type. Just goes to show you can’t always trust your gut feeling. I had one about Roman and it was a good one. Now, it feels like I have been bitten by a viper and am being slowly poisoned with the venom. And there’s no antidote.

The phone shrilled for her attention at that moment. Answering it, Anna smiled briefly as her brother wished her a great day.

“What can I do for you, Brother Dear?”

”Anna, why are you home? Is it because, you have joined the human race again and decided to take some time off from work?”

“Out with it. What do you want?” Anna’s tone was indulgent.  He was her only brother and she would do anything for him.

After their mother died Anna and her younger sibling lived in a loveless home. Lots of ambition, but no pure and simple love was given without thought of reward. When they were children, she lavished her early affection on her brother. As she became interested in computers, she turned her attention and focus into her work. She appreciated the easy acceptance of her mechanical friend that craved nothing but her skill at programming. Anna had heard jokes about her at work, being born with a laptop and all the other nonsensical comments. And sometimes, she did wonder how she would have turned out had their mother lived.  Would computers be the only thing she loved in this world, besides her brother?

“Ah, Sister, always the sceptical one. How do you know I want something? Perhaps, I just want to pass the time of day with you, friendly like.”

“Two things. I cannot remember a time when you haven’t wanted something from me, even if it’s just to run interference with Father. Also, you didn’t expect me to be home and planned to leave a message. But, alas, you have me.”

“Well, if I ever thought you would actually chat, just for the sake of it, Anna, I’d call more often.  You are right, though. Saturday still okay with you?”

Anna heard his deep intake of breath and shook her head. “Yes, I’ll be there with my armour on as always when Father and I are together. What’s the deal, anyway?”

“Oh, it’s a surprise, Anna, but you will be pleased. I’ve invited a friend who I want you to meet.”

That was the key, then. Brother has a new friend and Father isn’t going to approve. “Okay, watch it though, Bro. I might not approve, either.”

“Not you, Anna. You will approve. I guarantee it! Incidentally, why are you home?”

“Long story.” Anna said resignedly, and sucked in a breath as she placed her injured hand hard down on the desk beside her.

“Anna, are you okay?”

“I cut my hand on some glass. I need to see a doctor and have it checked out.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so, Anna?  I’ll be there in half an hour, and make mine a beer.  Bye.”

My impetuous brother is going to save me a doctor’s fee. Why didn’t I think of that?
 
 

Samantha Kapinski was surprised by how much she enjoyed the day. She had asked her neighbour, Steve Forest to go with her to the game.  Steve turned out to be a sweet man. They found many things in common and Sam agreed to go on a charity walk next weekend with him and the dog.

Now, she was waiting for the regulars to come to chat. This had become a lifeline for her. There had been some oddball people at times. You can’t legislate everything. But, at this moment, there is a good mix. Maybe we could all meet somewhere. It would be like hooking up with long lost friends. How nice to finally put a face to the screen name. That would be great, I just know it. And, how I would love to see Sentinel’s face.
 
 

I can’t believe I did that. I not only agreed to meet her, but I invited her to lunch, too!  Oh, God, what would Juliet say? Yeah, she would say, ‘Mom is losing it’. Am I?  No, I don’t think so.  It’s seems right. Who knows? We could end up being lifelong friends, it sounded like Sara needed a friend. Stranger things have happened.

“Joe, I don’t know what you mean.  Explain the problem in detail.”

“Someone has been hacking into files. I’ve put tracers on them. I need another couple of days to verify who it is.” Joe Lancer spoke quickly. Rumours had been rife in the building for the last three days that Anna was involved in a scandal. I don’t believe it. Who gave a damn if she was gay or not?  It was her business.

“Why tell me, Joe?  Surely, they appointed someone for you to go to with this?”

“Yeah they did. No way though.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Director Weddell, himself.” Joe was astonished that the Director of Operations had become personally involved. It was unheard of.

Anna smiled as she thought of Chris getting his hands dirty again in the day to day running of the business. “You can share whatever you find with him, Joe. In fact, I insist you do!”

“Ms. Stephens, there are rumours. I don’t believe them myself, but…you know what gossip is like.”

“What rumours?”

“You’re on suspension for some underhand dealing, and that you used your body for favours.”

“I see. Is that all, Joe?”

“Isn’t that enough?”

“Yes, that’s more than enough. Here’s what you do. You send Director Weddell the information you have. Tell him you will monitor it for two more days and then inform him of the results.”

“But, oh, okay. I’ll send you the results, too.”

“Joe, it will be alright. I’m innocent; believe me.” Anna had always liked Joe. Now, she knew she hadn’t been wrong in thinking that he was trustworthy and loyal.

“I know you are, Ms. Stephens. Heck, you hardly notice anyone when you’re glued to a computer.” Joe tried to add some humour to the conversation.

“Well, that’s not exactly true, Joe, but close, I’ll give you that.” Anna laughed at the remark.

“I better send that mail to Director Weddell. If you want me to do anything else, Ms. Stephens….”

“Thank you. I appreciate the information, and Joe?”

“Yes?”

“My name is Anna. Goodbye, now.”

Juliet knocked on the door of her mother’s apartment, as she glanced up into Simon’s twinkling eyes.  Hope you like him, Mom.

 The door opened swiftly. Mandrake’s face was wreathed in smiles as she hugged her daughter.

“Mom, please. Anyone would think you hadn’t seem me for years, instead of only a few days.” Juliet laughed happily, as she disengaged from her mother’s hug and turned to Simon.

“Mom, I’d like you to meet Simon Lake. He’s a good friend.”

“Hi Mom.”  Simon grinned at her with the simple innocence of youth.

Mandrake stared up at the large man who dwarfed her doorway and held out a hand in welcome.  “Hello Simon. I’m Mandrake, everyone calls me Maddy.”

“Mandrake. What a marvellous name. I’d like to hear the story behind that; I assume there is one?”  Simon smiled engagingly. Juliet was going to be a very beautiful, middle-aged woman if she took after her mother. At first glance, Mandrake appeared plain; but, once those eyes sparkled, they changed her whole countenance.

Maddy laughed. There was something about the young man that made her feel he was genuine. So, this was Juliet’s friend.

“Yes, although it’s a conversation for another evening, I suspect. And, Simon, you may call me Mom, if you like.”  Maddy grinned at her daughter who gave her a look of relief and gratitude.

“Great, thanks, Mom.” Simon walked into the small but comfortable apartment. It was very homey and he immediately felt at ease.

“What can I get you to drink? Have you eaten?” Maddy asked as she walked into the kitchen.

“Mom we’ve eaten, but, if you have any of your famous blueberry pie….” Juliet trailed off as Simon placed an arm around her waist and shook his head at her comment.

Maddy noticed the gesture. Juliet didn’t seem to mind. Guess it is more than friendship between them.

“Darling, of course I have your favourite. Simon, would you care for a piece, too?”

“Can’t have Juliet eating alone; I would love to try it. Thanks, Mom.” Simon seated himself on the sofa as Juliet followed her mother to help serve.

Maddy looked at her daughter with a quizzical expression in her eyes.

When they arranged the plans for tonight, Juliet said that she wanted to bring a friend home to meet her mother. However, she hadn’t indicated that this Simon was more than a friend, obviously much more!

“Mom, I know, I didn’t explain about Simon at lunch the other day. But, you’ll love him just as….”

“I take it the rest of the sentence goes something like this: ‘I love him’.  Right?” Juliet is only nineteen; does she even know what love is?

“Yes, Mom. You got it right, as always. I love him and I want you to get to know him. It’s important to me.”

Maddy heard the pleading tone and she shifted her gaze towards the door to the room, which held someone very dear to her daughter. If Simon Lake was vital to Juliet’s happiness, then she would take the time to get to know him. Who knows? He might be a potential son-in-law.

“Then, lets get the pie and the drinks and get back to him.”

”You’re the greatest, Mom.  Really, you are.”  Maddy was suddenly engulfed in a warm hug from her only child.

Anna couldn’t grasp why, this woman, Renaldi would want to get involved. It makes no sense.  Unless...Peterson had something on her. Sure, as hell, he’d use it! Slime, no other word for him.

She found Renaldi’s profile in the department’s computer files. Chris Weddell had conveniently ‘forgotten’ that Anna still had access. Renaldi moves around quite a bit. Some of the evaluations from her previous bosses were less than glowing. With reports like that, she should have been out on her ear. But, for some reason, she was still employed. Why? That alone was worth remembering. This was a job for Joe. He was so innocuous looking that people talked to him with ease. Perhaps, he could find out just why the woman is still employed.

Glancing down at her watch, Anna noticed it was almost nine-thirty in the evening.  Usually, that meant a chat with Maddy.  But, this evening she was having company.

Anna never had a friend who meant this much to her, in such a short time. Neither had revealed what was bothering each of them. Even so, it had hurt a little when Maddy declined to talk about her problems. Anna did concede that it was only natural for Maddy to talk with her daughter about whatever the trouble was.

The daughter was a surprise. Maddy hasn’t told even me about her family background. I was as shocked as Kap when Maddy volunteered the information. I know, my heart must have stopped beating, while we waited for the answer about a husband. Once Maddy admitted she was divorced, it started racing again.

How old is she? If her daughter is in college, Maddy must be at least ten years older than me, maybe more!  I guess it doesn’t matter. We seem to have plenty in common, otherwise. And, I’m going to see her on Sunday for lunch!  Maybe, we could take that walk at Navy Pier. I know when we meet we will stay friends. I am certain of it. Maddy is so in-tune with my every thought. It makes me smile to just see her screen name pop-up on the monitor. I’m so looking forward to joining her for that meal. Sure, can’t say the same thing, for the Saturday night family dinner.

Little Brother was very closed lipped on the subject when we talked earlier this week. But, whatever he intends to spring on Father, it makes him happy. And, if Baby Bro is happy, then I’m happy, too.

At least, I’ll be happy when this mess at work is over. I just don’t get it. That conversation with Mandrake Roman was so innocent. Nothing could have been misconstrued, except for the fact that she held my hand when I cut it. Now, that would be stretching the imagination to think of that as evidence.

What a stupid name Mandrake is, anyway!

“Mom, why not explain your problem at work to Simon? Maybe, he can help. A stranger will have a new slant on what to do.” Juliet turned to her mother, anxious not to embarrass her in front of Simon.

Maddy considered the statement carefully. Simon has turned out to be a nice guy, as well as very entertaining. From his status in his chosen profession, I know he is a conscientious individual.  Perhaps, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to bounce some of the facts off him.

“What if Simon doesn’t want to get involved, Juliet? It isn’t his problem.”

“Well, if you don’t mind and you think I might be of some help, Mom, I’d like to hear about it, anyway.”  Simon then turned to give Juliet a warm, loving smile.

“I guess it can’t do any harm.” Maddy quietly told him the facts about her suspension and the reasons behind it.

“Juliet, how about you go make us a drink, while I talk with your mother?” Simon touched a gentle tapering finger down her cheek.

“Sure.”  Juliet had seen the serious expression in Simon’s eyes. Maybe he was going to ask questions he thought Mom wouldn’t want me to hear.

“Hot chocolate all round?”  After they nodded their heads, Juliet went into the kitchen and closed the door.

“You have something to ask me that you didn’t want to say in front of my daughter?”

“Thought maybe you might want to tell me something that you didn’t want your daughter to know about.”

Maddy’s eyes glinted at the challenge within the words. “I have no secrets from Juliet, Simon. Ask away.”

“Are you having the affair implied by your superior?” Simon asked gently. Juliet’s mother hadn’t given any names; only that the person headed a department with whom the library had a contract.

“No!” Why did people always jump to conclusions?

“Sorry, but that’s the first thing to eliminate. You say you had files that would prove it had been someone else who recommended this person’s services?”

“Yes, I went back to the office and tried to find the files. They have been transferred onto our new computer base and I didn’t have time to check it out.”  Maddy didn’t want to admit she hadn’t a clue as to how to access the data.

“Is the file still available? If someone is out to get you and this other woman, perhaps they have corrupted or stolen the file that could prove your innocence.”

“I never thought of that, Simon! Do you really think that someone would go to such lengths and tamper or destroy the information?” What if my files have been wiped out, what then?

“Maddy, there is a person who has a grudge against you and probably this other woman, as well.  Perhaps, you can talk to her and come up with a resolution. It would be beneficial to you both.”

“I don’t think she will talk to me! Then again, I’m not that interested in talking with her, either. If she has a reputation, I could be tarred and feathered by association."

“Look, I know someone who might help in accessing your data. She’s got a cast iron reputation and she works in an area that has clearance to check out your computer system.”

“How can your friend do this and why would she help?” Maddy was amazed that Simon was suggesting she involve someone else, and to infiltrate her system. Surely, that wasn't legal.

“Want me to call her and ask? It’s worth a shot, what do you say? Anyway, she will do anything for me; it’s my sister.”  Simon winked at her playfully as Juliet walked back into the room.

“Is it safe to return?” Juliet asked wickedly.

“Of course, it is. You know I don’t have any secrets from you.” Maddy retorted and then immediately regretted saying it. I do have a secret; it’s Sara. Oh well, not for long. Juliet and Simon will meet her on Sunday.

“Well, Mom, may I have your permission to ask my sister to help?”

“Let me think about it, Simon. I will telephone you tomorrow and let you know my answer.”

“Of course. It’s your call, just a suggestion. My sister is very discreet, I guarantee that.”

“But, I have another idea. Would you come to dinner at my father’s home on Saturday evening? We are having a small informal get together. You can meet my sister and Dad.  He’s a widower and quite respectable.”

“Are you trying to play matchmaker Simon?” Maddy laughed softly. I have run the gamut now, from conducting an affair with a woman to having a man virtually thrown into my lap. It is amusing. What happened to that dull life I led a few weeks ago?

“Hell, no!  Dad would be impossible to live with.  I don’t think that he has been out on a date since he dated my mother.”

“Please Mom, you can be my moral support when I meet Simon’s father.”

Maddy looked at the two young people and nodded her head in agreement. “Only if your father agrees, of course.”

“No problem there. Dad will be only too happy to have another parent in attendance, trust me.”

“Okay, let me know the time and where I need to be.” Maddy reluctantly accepted the invitation.  For some reason, her stomach turned into knots at the thought of the dinner. She had no idea why.

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