“Philip would you drive around again please?” She sat in the back of the limousine and tapped on her laptop.

 “No problem Toni.” The dark skinned driver glanced into the rearview mirror and noted his boss had her head down as she worked the computer. Always doing something. Guess that’s how she got to where she is. Now me, pappa was right. Running with the gangs would lead to nowhere. And that’s where I was for a very long time. Until I met her. He made a right and continued down the block. The CTI Building took the entire block and he’d circled the place three times already.

“Hey Singer,” the redheaded boy crouched beside him behind the dumpster. “Think we’ll get outta this?”

“We’d better or my Pop will kill me.”

His friend laughed, “better than being killed by those bastards.” His hand shook as he ran his fingers through sweaty hair. “They the Crips?”

“No, that new gang, Bongo Crashers. They’re out for blood tonight.” He sat on his heels,

“Damn, Freddie how’d we get stuck in their turf?”

“Who knew it was anyone’s turf? Shit I just wanted to get some coke, ya know?”

“Shouldn’t use that crap Freddie, rots your brain.”

“Holy shit Singer. Look at that broad just walking down the street like there’s no tomorrow.”

The two young men watched an attractive blonde in spiked heels approach a dark vehicle parked beneath a lightpole. She stopped and stared at the slashed tires.

“Darn it all.” She pulled a cell phone from her purse and punched in some numbers.

What had just moments ago been shadows hiding from the light now moved to surround the woman and her vehicle. “Looks like we get to bongo tonight, heh fellas?” A tall, skinny teen with pimples approached the young woman.

“Shit Singer they’re gonna do her.” Freddie moved to get a better look at what was going down. “We can get outta here when they’re busy with her.”

“No.”

“What?”

“No. They ain’t doing her and we ain’t flying outta here without her.”

“You crazy man? You gotta death wish or somethin’?”

“Neither, just no one is raping a woman if I can stop it.”

Freddie turned to his friend and grabbed his shirt, “hey I know you still hurt about your sister but shit, Singer . . .”

Singer grabbed his friend’s wrists and pulled them away. “You know jack shit about how I feel. Now you can put your tail where the sun don’t shine and run or you can work with me.”

“There’re eight of them.”

“Look at them Freddie. They’re so coked up half can barely stand.”

The two friends looked at each other then at the scene that continued to be played out in the street. Freddie nodded and stood. “I hope I live to regret this.”

“Don’t worry. In India they believe in reincarnation.” The two pulled switchblades from their pockets and pressed the button exposing the blades.

“Really?” They approached and stopped briefly just where the shadow met the light. “Who will I come back as?

As the two stepped into the light their blades glistened and skinny screwed his face into what Singer thought might be a smile. Then again. “Probably a cockroach Freddie. But that will be a move up the karmic ladder for you.”

The young blonde had her back to her car and was desperately kicking at the teens as they approached her. After her pointed toe had found the groin of one of her attackers the wired teens were hopping about trying to get to her without being injured. Luckily for the blonde they were too wired to work together.

“Helpers,” a skinny, pimple face kid nodded toward the two friends as they approached. “Want some?”

“Naw,” Singer moved to his right as Freddie moved to his left. “We don’t have to bong strangers, we got chicks who give it free.”

“And willingly,” Freddie smiled.

More of the Bongo Crashers turned their attention to the two friends and pulled out their knives. “Hey, Crusher,” one called to pimples. “They’re Dice Men.”

Crusher? Singer almost laughed.

Crusher? Holy Jesus where do they get these names? Freddie eyed the talker a well built short guy who looked like he worked out until your eyes hit the belly that hung over his belt.

Crusher? The blonde laughed, “Crusher? They call a little shit like you Crusher?”

Freddie and Singer glanced at one another and moved toward Crusher just as the blonde kicked off her shoes as she raised her tight skirt and leaped into the air landing a forceful kick into Crusher’s chest forcing him backward into big belly where they both ended up on the sidewalk.

Another Bongo ended up face down when she spun into a roundhouse kick to the back of his head. Freddie and Singer heard the breaking of bone when it connected to the concrete.

Blood oozed from under his head. Police sirens could be heard in the distance but at this point all the Bongos found someone to attack, or try to attack, as the case may be, and a full fledged knife fight broke out.

A Bongo slashed across the blonde who stepped aside and landed a knee into his chest then an elbow into his face breaking his nose. The teen sank to his knees holding his nose blood pouring through his hands staining the sidewalk.

Singer swept his leg across the back of a Bongo’s knee and the kid fell. When he looked up the young man realized they were surrounded by police.

The fight suddenly stopped. Singer looked around him at the fallen Bongos and smiled. His eyes met those of the blonde and she nodded to him. The police spoke to the young woman as they called for ambulances for the injured and handcuffed everyone else.

Singer turned away from the police car he was being led to, “hey where’s my friend?”

“Either on his way to the station, the hospital or the morgue. Come on,” the officer pushed Singer toward the vehicle.

“No,” he turned and shouldered the cop and yelled, “Freddie, Freddie.” Singer swung around and saw the body of his friend just as it was being covered by a white sheet.

“Nooooooo.” He fell to his knees and sobbed.

“Okay Philip.” She closed the laptop and settled it in it’s place then locked the cabinet.

“Right,” he nodded and pulled to the side. The CTI Building had an entrance from each side of the block. He opened the rear passenger door for his boss and smiled.

“Well Philip how do I look?”

“Like you’re ready to kick butt Toni.”

“Oh,” she looked down at her dark suit. “I really didn’t want to give that impression.”

“Well,” he thought. “I think you should go with a little lighter eye shadow and lipstick. When you get the first opportunity take your jacket off. That gives folks the feeling you’re more casual and generally lightens the mood.”

Toni smiled, “darn you’re good Philip.”

“That’s why you’ll never fire me,” he laughed. “Oh. One more thing,” he reached into his inner pocket and brought out a pristine yellow carnation and tiny safety pin. “This,” he pinned it to her jacket, “is for luck. Which you don’t need, but hey can’t hurt.”

Toni looked up at the tall dark skinned man. “What would I do without you Philip?”

“Ah Toni, I have real job security. Make the boss believe you’re indispensable and . . .”

“Yeah, yeah,” she laughed and straightened her shoulders, “wish me luck.”

“Always,” he smiled back and watched his boss cross the large square to an entrance of her new company. “Damn she’s good.” Philip watch his boss, appreciating the curves in the right places then pulled a book from his pocket and sat in the shiny black limo to wait.

Toni walked through the large doors and entered the gigantic lobby of CTI. The floors where white Italian marble and reflected the chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. Beyond was the reception area. Half dozen men and women answered phones, greeted guests and gave out information. Toni looked above her and could see that the chandeliers hung from the third floor which had glass facing the interior looking down on the reception area. Further up she saw the fourth and fifth floors had the same arrangement. Waste of space. Toni approached reception and smiled when a young man with a nametag that read “Bradley” turned to her. “My name is Antoinette Ramsden. I have an 8 o’clock appointment with Mr. Palmer.”

“Yes, Ms. Ramsden. Mr. Palmer is on the 20th Floor.” Bradley handed her a Visitor badge and punched some number into the phone, “Ms. Ramsden for 20.” He smiled, “security escorts all visitors to the top two floors.”

Toni tilted her head. “Why?”

“Just policy, ma’am.” He turned and spotted a tall dark haired woman pushing a cart and waved, “hey Drake.”

“The woman smiled brightly and waved back. “Did ya see the game Bradley?” She approached them.

“Yeah sure did. How’d you like that finish?”

“Swell, man that Cheryl Miller is a great coach. Doncha think Bradley?”

“Sure do. And she’d good looking too.”

“Oh Bradley,” the tall woman slapped his shoulder, “you say that about all the girls.”

Toni watched the interplay between the two and became uncomfortable. What’s keeping security?

“Hey Drake you going to 20?” The woman nodded, “this is Ms. Ramsden. She has an appointment with Mr. Palmer and security is slow this morning.”

“I can take her Bradley. I can take her.” The woman practically jumped up and down like a child. Toni watched facinated. Drake seemed to be in her mid twentys, beautiful dark hair that fell just past her shoulders. Her eyes immediately drew Toni’s attention. She’d seen blue like that in the Carribean. The bluest water in the world. And now she saw it again in those eyes.

“Thanks Drake,” he turned to Toni. “Drake will take you up.”

 “Thought it was policy for security to take visitors to the top floor?”

Bradley smiled, “Drake’s better than security Ms. Ramsden.” He turned to Drake, “aren’t you?”

Drake nodded enthusiastically and grabbed Toni’s arm, “come on Ms. Ramsden. I can take you up.” Toni shook off the hand and followed the woman to the elevators where she inserted a key and turned it. “The key tells the elevator to come,” the tall woman smiled and began to hum. The elevator arrived and Drake removed the key and stepped inside with her cart  followed by the blonde. She pushed 20 and began to hum again and bounce on her toes as the elevator sped upward.

Toni watched the woman move and hum to something that sounded familiar. Yankee Doodle.  The woman was a little awkward in her movements and it was all Toni could do to keep from laughing. Finally the elevator stopped and the doors slid open.

“This way Ms. Ramsden,” Drake pushed the cart before her and turned left.

“Huh Drake?”

“Yeah, Ms. Ramsden?”

“Where’s the restroom?”

“Oh, down there the first door after Jane’s office.” Drake pointed behind her and Toni nodded.

“When you’re done going Mr. Palmer’s office is that big one there in the corner. Actually Jackie’s office is outside of his office. But that’s where ya go.” Toni nodded and watched Drake move the cart and remove a stack of mail which she placed on the corner of a desk. Weird woman.

Toni slipped the Visitor badge from her collar and slid it into her pocket as she entered the ladies lounge.
 “. . . the new big wig coming in today?”

Toni entered a stall.

“Yeah new owner is what I heard. Some guy named Ramson or something. Tony Ramison?”

“Guy? Hey this may work out. He’ll need a new secretary.”

“Down girl. Jackie will more than likely stay or he might bring his own secretary.”

“Hey no harm in checking it out though. And him,” she giggled.

“Dolly don’t you ever stop thinking of men?”

“Sure. When I have one between my legs.” Dolly chortled as they left.

“Hi Drake.”

“Hi Lisabeth,” Drake waved to the woman.

“I just can’t believe it. They hire a retard to deliver mail.” The short dark haired woman pushed her lips out.

“You must be new.” The tall bleached blonde frowned.

“Uh yeah, started yesterday, why?”

“That’s Drake. She’s Mr. Palmer’s sister. And no one messes with her.” She stopped and turned to Dolly, “and no one
talks out of school about her either.”

“Uh yeah, hey I meant nothing.” Short and dark turned to her friend in amazement.

“Drake is a nice young woman. If you’re lucky enough to have her as a friend she’d go out of her way for you.” Lisabeth looked down at the woman, “don’t make the mistake of thinking she’s just some retard. Everyone here loves her and trust me when I say that there is no one at CTI who would give you the time of day if you hurt her in any way. Understand?” She didn’t wait for an answer and walked away leaving Dolly alone with her thoughts.

Toni made the alterations Philip suggested and checked her watch as she left the restroom. She found the office of Jackie Cavanaugh the personal secretary to Andrew Palmer, who until today was the owner of CTI and introduced herself.

“Hello Ms. Ramsden. If you’ll have a seat Mr. Palmer is in conference for a few more minutes.”

Toni checked her watch as she took a seat in what turned out to be a very comfortable wing chair. It was three minutes to eight. She hated waiting. Less than two minutes later the door was opened and she saw the mail clerk and a man who must have been Palmer embracing. “Now finish your deliveries and then come back.”

“Okay Sylvester.” She smiled and waved to Jackie and Toni as she left the outer office.

“Ms. Ramsden?” He stepped toward her and held out his hand.

Toni stood, “Mr. Palmer?” They shook. He was tall, at least six three with black hair. His eyes although bloodshot, she could see were dark blue. Good looking man. Young too.

“Please come in.” He closed the door behind her and led her to a couch in the corner of the expansive office. The lounge area was sunken and the couch and glass coffeetable surrounded by so much glass wall made Toni feel she was in the sky. Her stomach tightened. “Nice to finally meet the new owner, or rather half owner, of CTI.”

Relaxe Toi, you don’t live up here and you can move your office when you take over. “Speaking of which you said I’d meet the owner of the other half of CTI today so I can make an offer.”

“You will Ms. Ramsden. You will meet the other owner. But I have to remind you that I cannot promise you will be sold the other half interest in the company. I only said you can make an offer.”

Toni squared her shoulders. “I assure you Mr. Palmer . . .”

He held up his hand, “please call me Andy. I’ve never really been one to be formal.”

“Then call me Toni, anyway I can assure you my offer to the other owner will be just as lucrative as mine was to you.”

Andy Palmer laughed. “Toni,” he finally settled down, “you’re offer was ridiculous.”

“Excuse me?”

“I only accepted because,” he sobered, “I have pancreatic cancer and wanted to make sure the company was in good hands before . . . well anyway you won’t have it so easy with my partner.”

“Mr. . . uh, Andy, I don’t think 400 million dollars is ridiculous.”

Andy chuckled, “for half a 1.3 billion dollar company?” He noted her surprised look. “Yes Toni I know exactly what CTI is worth. I may be dying of cancer but I do keep on top of things. Which is why I sold to you.”

Toni had spent months tracking down every report, article, profile, and even hired professionals to pin down the value of CTI. She’d never before purchased a company whose owner had the least knowledge or even interest in the value of his business. “Why?”

“Because I know what your plans are for CTI.”

“And they are?” She was almost rude.

Andy smiled, “you want to take advantage of the international clients we have as a stepping stone to building an international side of CTI. That’s good. What’s better is that you have the wherewithal to do it and the common sense to keep out of sensitive areas until you can at least protect your investment and that includes your people. Your Marine training gives you an excellent feel for that, I believe.

“Also you’ve never taken over a company to tear it apart and sell off the pieces. You’ve always opted to give it a chance to become profitable and sold parts and pieces only as a last resort. I liked that as well. I have a big investment in people at CTI and I want them to have paychecks twice a month next year like they did this year. And I like the fact that you keep your personal life personal.”

“Excuse me?” Now Toni was truly shocked.

“This isn’t the Corps Toni. We don’t have a “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule here. There are gays and lesbians working here.
Actually we have a good diversity at CTI that I’d like to keep. You don’t appear to have agendas that end up costing people their job.”

A slight tap at the door brought their attention, “come in Jackie.” The secretary entered with a tray loaded with two pots and three cups and saucers. Behind her Drake carried another tray with various pastries.

“Thank you Jackie,” she placed them on the large glass table in front of the couch. “Sit down Drake and meet Toni.”

“Hi,” Drake plopped on the couch beside Andy. “We already met, huh, Ms. Ramsden?”

“Yes.” Toni glanced at the woman who now nibbled on a pastry. Guess this is where he says his partner is Drake and he wants to make sure his huggy bear is well taken care of when he croaks.

“Toni?” Andy looked at the young blonde. “Drake is my partner. If you want the other half of CTI you’ll have to talk to her about it.” With that the man stood, “if you don’t mind I have to uh, . . .”

“Sylvester? Are you tired now?” Drake stood and followed him.

“Yes Tweety. I have to take a little rest. Can you entertain our guest until I get back?”

“Sure,” she kissed the man on the cheek and hugged him fiercely. “I’ll take good care of her.” She smiled and turned to
Toni who watched the scene open mouthed.

“If you don’t close your mouth you’ll catch flies.”

Toni’s mouth snapped shut. This has to be the weirdest woman. I feel like I’m in an episode of TWILIGHT ZONE. Geesh! “So, Drake what do you want for your half of CTI?”

Drake looked down at her hands and played with her fingers. In a soft voice she replied, “I want you to make Andy better.”

Toni thought she saw tears on the tanned cheeks. “What?”

Drake faced the woman, tears falling from her face onto her lap, “I just want Andy better. I don’t want him sick anymore. Can you make him better?”

Oh my god. Is she retarded? Toni brushed the tears away with her fingers and smiled, “No Drake I can’t do that. But if I could I would do it and I wouldn’t even want your half of CTI.”

Drake sniffled. “Really?”

“Really.” Toni reached for a pastry.

“We got, uh, have coffee and tea too. Jackie didn’t know what you liked so she brought both.”

“Thank you Drake. Coffee is fine.”

“Andy likes coffee. Me too.”

Toni poured her coffee then watched as Drake poured a little coffee into her own cup. The new owner of CTI watched as her partner filled the remainder of the cup with milk, added four spoonsful of sugar and tasted her concoction. “Perfect,” she smiled and settled back in the couch.

Toni sipped her black coffee. So what do I ask a retard about her boyfriend? “How long have you and Andy been together?”

“Together?” Drake’s brow furrowed, “Well I moved in with him when I was fifteen and . . .”

“Fifteen?” Toni choked.

Drake quickly rose and began to pat her on the back, “did it go down the wrong pipe Toni?”

The blonde waved her off and finally took a breath without coughing. “I’m fine now Drake, thank you,” she croaked.

“Do you still want to know about me and Andy?”

Toni nodded a bit unsure if her voice would work properly.

“Well he came and found me and took me to live with him after mommy and daddy died. Jimmie came with us.”

“Jimmie?”

“Yeah,” Drake smiled. Jimmie worked there and was my best friend. They were going to  fire him because he told Andy about me. I guess I was supposed to be a secret or something. So I went to live with Andy and Jimmie came too.”

“How did your parents die?”

Drake shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know. Just went up to heaven.”

“So you live with Andy and Jimmie?”

“Uh huh.”

"What does Jimmie do?”

“He takes care of Andy cause he’s sick.”

Okay. We have Andy and Jimmie. And they all live together. Jimmie is a friend. But where does Andy fit in all of this? "So what do you and Andy do together?”

Drake suddenly became animated, “oh everything. We go to the zoo. We go to the movies and the park and the library. I got my own library card too. And we go to the planetarium and the IMAX and all kinds of places. Before he got too sick we would go to the symphony all the time and he took me to museums to see paintings. Not like house painting but the other kind ya know? We play with my trains too.”

“Your trains?”

“Yeah. Jimmie and Andy helped me put them together last summer. It took us all summer but it’s really neat. Do you like trains Toni?”

“Actually I’ve never played with trains. But I ride them alot, especially in Europe.”

“Wow you ride trains?” Toni nodded. “I’ve never ever been on a train. One day Andy said he’d take me.”

They heard a throat clear behind them and both women quickly turned. “Jackie,” Drake leaped from the couch, “she’s been on trains.”

“Really, that’s terrific Drake.” She took the tall woman by the arm, “would you do me a favor and take the package on my desk to the mail room. Evan is waiting for it.”

“Sure Jackie.” Drake turned to leave then turned back to Toni, “but Andy wants me to entertain Toni while he’s resting?”

“I’ll entertain Toni till you get back, okay?”

“Sure Jackie, thanks.” Drake practically raced from the large office to perform the task the secretary had requested.

“Hello Ms. Ramsden.” Jackie poured herself a cup of coffee and took a sip. “So,” she raised a brow and faced the blonde, “what do you want to know about Andy and Drake?”

“Excuse me?”

Jackie chuckled. “Andy is very protective and left the intercom open before he left. I heard every word that passed between you.” She took another sip and when Toni didn’t reply took the initiative. “You are probably figuring Andy and Drake are lovers which is why a retarded girl, beautiful as she may be, has a job here.” Toni still did not speak. “Truth is Andy is Drake’s older brother. When he was off at boarding school his parents had Drake institutionalized. Of course it was the rich man’s version, but an institution nonetheless.” She nibbled a pastry, “after their death Andy hired private investigators to locate her. The family attorney refused to divulge her location saying ‘the family didn’t want to burden him with the care of a retard who couldn’t tie her shoe.’ I believe those were his exact words.” She took another sip of her cooling drink. “It was Jimmie who contacted Andy when he read about the search in the papers. Jimmie was fired from his position and so Andy hired him. He serves as their chauffeur, bodyguard and friend.” She settled the cup and saucer onto the tray and stood. “People at CTI are very protective of Drake.”

Toni thought about what she’d just heard. “I see,” Toni nodded.

“Any questions Ms. Ramsden?”

“Please call me Toni and yes one? Are you staying with the company after Mr. . . Andy leaves?”

Jackie straightened, “I haven’t decided. It depends . . .”

“I’m back,” Drake strode into the room face flushed.

“Did you run all the way?”

“Uh huh, took the stairs and even beat my record.” She held her watch up, “see I started when Mickey’s big hand was on four and now it’s on seven.”

“Yes, that is a new record Drake. We’ll have to tell Andy. He’ll be so proud. And I’ll bet you’ll be the best mail room employee again this month.”

“Yeah.” She turned to Toni, “I been the best mail room employee for three months in a row now.”

“I’m impressed.”

The phone on the large cherrywood desk sounded and Jackie answered, “Mr. Palmer’s office.” Her face suddenly lost all color and both Toni and Drake were by her side instantly. “Yes, yes I understand.” She turned to the women, “it’s Andy. He collapsed and Jimmie took him to the emergency room. Dr. Parks admitted him.”

“Sylvester?”

Jackie pulled the tall dark haired woman to her and hugged her. “I’m sorry Drake. Dr. Parks said you can go see him anytime though.”

“Oh Jackie,” Drake sobbed, “Sylvester is going to die isn’t he.”

“Yes Drake he is.” The secretary let her own tears fall and both women cried for the man they both loved, one as a sister and one as a lover. “I’ll get someone to take you to the hospital since Jimmie is with your brother.”

“I can take her. My car is downstairs.” Toni looked from on to the other. “Which hospital?”

“University.”

“Come on Drake I’ll take you to the hospital now.” She gently took the woman’s hand and led her from the office.

What on earth am I thinking? Toni glanced at the woman who sat beside her and wondered why she’d offered to take her to the hospital. I’m supposed to be buying a company not playing wetnurse to a retard. Course if I’m nice maybe she’ll sell me her half. What the shit are you thinking? Her brother is dying and you’re thinking of money? What kind of woman are you Toi? The woman shuddered at the thoughts that ran through her mind.

“That’s okay Toni,” Drake removed her Arizona Diamondbacks jacket. “Here, this will keep you warm.” She placed it on the woman’s shoulders.

“What?”

“You were shivering. You can wear my jacket.” Drake grabbed Toni’s hand and held it.

Toni watched the woman’s lower lip quiver, “are you afraid for Andy?”

Drake nodded as tears slowly slipped down her cheeks. “He’s going to die. And it’s all my fault.”

“What?” Toni slipped the jacket off and put her arm around the woman’s shoulders pulling her closer.

“I prayed to God and promised to be good so he’d let Andy stay longer.” Drake sobbed, “but I guess I wasn’t always good.”

“Drake, God doesn’t make deals. And it’s not your fault that Andy is dying. He’s sick. And sometimes there is nothing that can be done to make people better.”

The dark haired woman continued to sob. “N . . . nooo, it’s my fault. I do bad things. God hates me and is taking Andy away because I’m bad.” Toni held the woman closer and allowed her $2000 suit be stained with tears of an inconsolable retarded woman. For a moment Toni and Philip’s eyes met in the rearview mirror and she shook her head.

Andrew Palmer was in a private room on the eighth floor of University Hospital. The eighth floor was reserved for those patients who could afford the $3000 a day the luxury suites cost. Of course they included a separate room for use by family members who wished to stay overnight, a living room complete with a 57” television with VCR and DVD and a separate kitchen that was open 24 hours a day and could whip up a seven course dinner in less than two hours. Andy Palmer was in no condition to order a seven course dinner.

When Drake entered she pulled an unenthusiastic Toni with her. Drake released the woman’s hand and slowly approached the bed her brother lay on. “Sylvester?” She gently brushed dark hair from his forehead and kissed him on the cheek. She turned to Toni, “I guess he’s sleeping.” The tall dark haired woman sat on the edge of the bed and took her brother’s hand into her own stroking it. She hummed at tune the former Marine recognized as a children’s lullaby. When the song was over she rocked back and forth speaking softly, “Sylvester, I really tried to be good.” Tears again rolled down her cheeks.

Toni stood uncomfortably and sat down when she spotted a chair in the corner of the room. She listened to the soft voice. The door opened and a short young man in a white coat entered. Upon spotting Drake he removed the coat and approached the bed. “Hello Drake.”

“Oh Dr. Parks,” she turned a tear stained face to him, “make him better. Please?”

“Drake there is nothing anyone can do.” He squeezed her shoulder, “I’m sorry.”

Toni stood as the doctor briefly examined his patient and watched Drake carefully. She was not taking this well. Hell, neither would I. She stopped the young physician on his way to the door, “I’m Toni Ramsden, uh, a friend of the family. Can we talk?” He nodded his head and opened the door gesturing her to precede him.

“Mrs. Ramsden . . .”

“It’s Ms. but please call me Toni.”

“Toni what is it you want to know?”

“What is Andy’s prognosis?”

Young Dr. Parks motioned to chairs and they sat. “Andy has advanced pancreatic cancer. By the time it was diagnosed it was beyond the stage where we could effectively control or destroy it. Prognosis? He’s dying.” He sighed and looked at the woman, “I’m surprised he lasted as long as he did. To be honest I think he’s only lived to make sure his sister was taken care of. I understand he’s selling his company and had planned to make sure Drake would be very comfortable.”

“What do you know about Drake?”

“As a friend of the family I’d think you’d know more than me,” he looked at her quizzically.

“Yes, but I want to know what you know.”

“Ah, well,” he crossed his legs at the ankles and leaned back, “she’s moderately retarded, has a job in her brother’s company and is a lesbian.”

“Excuse me?”

Dr. Parks chuckled, “it’s really a myth that mentally challenged people are not or are uninterested in being sexually active. And like the rest of society there are a percentage that are not heterosexual. Drake is one.” He sighed, “damn loss.”

“What do you mean, ‘damn loss’?”

“Look at her. She’s tall, beautiful, some would say drop dead gorgeous. And all that is going to waste.”

“How so?”

“Some dyke is going to grab her and . . .” he stopped when Toni stood.

“Thank you doctor.” She looked down at the still seated man, “I won’t keep you any longer.”

“Look, uh, I didn’t mean . . .”

“Oh, but you did.” She turned and walked away.

When she entered the room Toni heard Drake singing and returned to the seat in the corner. “That was beautiful Tweety.” The voice was weak.

“You really liked it?”

“Oh yeah, you know I love to hear you sing.” He coughed for some minutes and took more time to regain his breath. “Promise me something Tweety?”

 “Sure Sylvester. What do you want me to promise?” She still held his hand and continued to stoke it.

 “Promise me you’ll be nice to Toni and help her take care of CTI. Okay?”

Toni sat up straighter in the chair. What?

“Sure Sylvester. I promise. I like Toni. She seems nice.”

Toni approached the bed and settled a hand on Drake’s shoulder. “Can I speak with Andy alone for a few minutes Drake?”

“Oh sure,” Drake looked from Toni to her brother and back to Toni. “I have to go to the bathroom anyway.”

After the door closed behind the tall raven haired woman Toni looked down at the bedridden former owner of her company. “You set me up.”

“What?”

“Drake is a lesbian and you know I am. You set me up. Are you trying to throw the two of us together in some perverted idea that we’d fall in love?”

“No,” he shook his head and began coughing again. “That was not the idea.”

“You’re lying Andy.”

He looked everywhere but in her eyes.

“Why?” She asked softly.

Tears filled the man’s eyes. “She’s my sister. When I was sixteen my parents sent me to school in Europe. When I returned three years later Drake wasn’t around.” Tears stained his cheeks as he continued, “mother said it would be difficult for anyone to want to marry into a family that had a retard in it for fear it was inherited. Much as I tried they never let me know where she was. It took me two years after they died for me to find her. Then Jimmie came forward and told me where Drake was. After I got her out I couldn’t let him go. He and Drake were so close it would have broken her heart. In her mind he was the only family she had.”

“You’ve been paying him off?” She was utterly shocked.

“In a sense yes. Easy job, place to stay, big paycheck.” The man shook his head and had another fit of coughing. “I felt guilty.”

“Guilty?”

“I had this great life and she was stuck far away somewhere. I wanted to give her something. I wanted to give her a life of her own. Then the cancer.” He ran his fingers through his hair, “I’m forty years old. I expected to have at least that much longer to spend with her. Get her ready for life without me. But it didn’t quite work out that way. I don’t have anymore time.”

“That doesn’t explain me.”

His shoulders sagged. “Yeah, I was hoping you two would hit it off and there’d be someone to take care of her and love her when I was gone.”

Toni dragged the chair across the room and sat. “It doesn’t work that way. Just because we’re both lesbians doesn’t mean we’ll automatically hit it off.”

“Yeah, I realized that after I discussed it with Jackie. She was so totally disgusted with the idea that I began to rethink it.” He paused. “I just wanted Drake taken care of. And happy. I thought if she’d found someone who loved her everything would be okay.” He shrugged, “so I’m a little dense when it comes to this. I guess the deal is off.”

“Deal?”

“CTI.”

“No it is certainly not off. I have plans for CTI and I don’t intend to let an exceptionally good deal slip through my fingers because of your lack of empathy for your sister’s feelings. Or mine for that matter.”

“Then you’ll take care of Drake?” His eyes practically glowed.

“No. Your sister is not my responsibility.” They heard the door open and turned to see Drake holding a can of Dr. Pepper and a cup of something steaming.

“I brought you some coffee Toni. I know you like to drink it black.” She handed the cup to the woman and moved to stand beside her brother’s bed. “Did you have a nice talk?” She looked from one to the other.”

Both blurted out at the same time.

“Yes.”

“No.” Toni walked toward the door, “I’ll leave you two. I know you have a lot to talk about.” She turned back to face them, “I’ll be at CTI first thing in the morning to begin the transition. Since we’ve already filed the paperwork there really is no reason we need meet again Mr. Palmer.” Toni left the room and walked down the hallway catching an empty elevator heading her direction. Down.

Toni woke at her usual time. In January daylight was still hours away. The hotel dining room was not yet open so she settled for room service. Staying at a five star facility guaranteed 24 hour room service for which Toni was grateful. She phoned in her order and thought about waking Philip. No, I’ll let the poor guy sleep. He’s definately not a morning person. An hour later, breakfast finished she made Philip’s wake up call.

“Yeah,” he rubbed the morning grunge from his left eye.

“Rise and shine,” she chuckled.

“Ulgh, when are you going to remember I was never a grunt.”

“Marines are called leathernecks not grunts.”

“Whatever. Give me half an hour.”

“Thank you Philip.” She hung up smiling.

“You think anyone will be there this early?” He maneuvered the limo into the underground parking lot and stopped at the valet office. He exited the car and opened the driver side rear door holding out his hand for his boss to take.

“It’s already seven Philip. I at least gave them an extra hour.”

“Yeah. And by the way thanks for letting me sleep in Toni.”

She laughed. “Always nice to accomodate when I can.” The looked around the empty garage. “Guess the valets aren’t here this early.”

“I’ll bet tomorrow morning they well be.” He smiled at the blonde, “I’ll go up with you.”

Toni smiled, ever the protector. “Thank you Philip.” They rode the elevator to the 20th floor and were surprised to see the office doors open. Jackie Cavanaugh could be seen inside her office at the computer while holding a phone to her ear with her shoulder. “I’ll call you later.” Toni nodded and Philip returned to the elevator.

“Good morning,” Toni smiled standing at the secretary’s desk.

Jackie looked up and stopped typing, “yes . . . yes that’s okay.” She held up a finger to Toni as she continued the phone convertation, “no problem I’ll let Evan know. Thanks for letting me know Jimmie.” She stood and faced her new boss. “Sorry, that was Jimmie letting me know Drake wouldn’t be in today. Andy is . . . is not doing well.” She turned and opened the door to the inner office and walked across the room opening her arms, “I guess this is you’re office now Ms. Ramsden.”

“Please call me Toni.” The young woman stood behind the cherrywood desk and sat in the brown leather executive
chair. “Jackie, have a seat I’d like to talk with you.” She motioned the woman to a chair on the other side of the desk.

“If it’s about me staying I haven’t really decided yet.” Jackie remainded standing.

“Actually that was one of my questions, but there’s more. Please sit,” she smiled and nodded her head lightly. The secretary sat and waited.

Toni cleared her throat, “I was rather hoping you’d stay.” She held up her hand quickly, “I know you are close to Mr. Palmer and his illness is causing distress both for you and his sister. But,” she smiled, “I would like you to stay. Please think it over.” Toni  shifted uneasily in the chair. “Regarding Drake. She has a job here for as long as she likes.” She stood and began pacing behind the desk. “I understand the house they live in is owned by CTI. As far as I’m concerned that can be placed in Drake’s name as her sole property.” She stopped and looked out the window over the city. “And the executive offices are to be moved to the 15th floor.” She gave a crooked smile, “I don’t like being higher than a firetruck ladder can reach.”

“I take it you won’t be using the penthouse then?”

“Penthouse? I wasn’t aware there was one.”

“On the 19th Floor.”

Toni thought a moment. “We’ll make the 14th the penthouse suite. I’ll speak to architects later this week to design it and the new executive offices.” She turned toward the desk and looked at it carefully. “I’ll need an appointment book for my desk as well as . . .” Toni spent the next twenty minutes dictating changes, requests, and demands. “And Jackie if you should decide to stay I want you to get yourself a secretary.”

“Excuse me?”

“As my administrative assistant you’ll be far to busy to handle the details you currently do. I will expect you to work closely with me. I don’t like doing everything myself. I believe in delegating whenever I can. Until I learn more about the people at CTI, their strenghts and weaknesses I’m going to have a heavy load.”

“I had heard you were bringing your own assistant.”

“Ah,” Toni smiled and sat. “She had triplets four months ago and decided to be a mom for awhile. What can I say?”

Jackie nodded her head in understanding.

“I’m a morning person, so I’d like important meetings, appointments and conferences to be scheduled before noon. I get in between 0630 and 0700 and expect executives to be here no later than 0730. I want to see the personnel records of every executive and their respective secretaries this afternoon. I also want to see the Human Resources person . . .”

“Jane Clarke,” offered Jackie.

“Thank you. See if you can arrange a meeting for later this morning. And, I want to see whatever information you have on Jimmie.”

“Jimmie Bright?”

“If that’s the Jimmie who lives with Andy and Drake then yes, Jimmie Bright.”

“Okay.” Toni stood and Jackie figured the little conference was over and stood also. She turned to the door then turned back, “would you like some coffee this morning Ms. Ramsden.”

“Please call me Toni and I’d like that. Thank you.”

After two hours of reading personnel files Toni rose and stretched pushing back the leather chair with her legs. “Ullgggh,” she reached over her head and did a little dance on her tip toes and looked up in time to see Jackie enter with another file.

The secretary smiled, “I see you find this as riviting as Andy does.”

Toni laughed, “I hate going over personnel files.” Jackie placed a new file in her hands, “do you know all these people?”

“The executives?”

“Yes,” Toni flipped through the new file, “and their secretaries.”

“Absolutely. I helped hire most of them.”

Toni tossed the new file on her desk and motioned Jackie to sit. “Great, I’ll finish reading the files tonight and tomorrow morning I want to go over each of them with you.”

“Okay. By the way in thirty minutes you have that meeting with Jane.”

“Oh right, forgot about that. Thanks.”

Toni returned to the chair and pulled the new file toward her. Jimmie Bright, she read the lable. She flipped through the file looking for the information she wanted and made a phone call. “Willie? Toni. Got a job for you.” The executive spent the next five minutes explaining what she wanted. “I’ll fax the file to you know Willie.” She chuckled when he made a lacivious comment, “you’re just jealous you’re not female Willie.” Then she laughed and hung up. The buzzer on her intercom sounded, “Yes?”

“Jane is here to see you.”

“I’ll be right out.” Toni grabbed the file stuck a purple post it on it with a phone number and opened her office door. “Hi Jane.” She smiled and turned to Jackie, “Please fax this entire file to this number.” After she handed the file to the secretary she motioned the HR manager into the office and closed the door behind them.

Jane Clarke was five feet tall and had to weigh in at at least two hundred pounds Toni guessed. Still she had a cute face that must have been cuter when she was younger. The executive noted the woman colored her hair to hide the gray and needed a touch up very soon.

“Hello Jane, please be seated.” Toni sat behind the desk and folded her hands on top of it. “I just wanted to have a few minutes to get to know you and assure you there will be no immediate changes at CTI for awhile yet. And,” she cleared her throat lightly, “ask if you plan to stay with the company.”

Jane Clarke, all two hundred or so pounds of her, let out a breath. Her voice when she finally found it was childlike and had a singsong quality that Toni discovered almost put her to sleep. “I’m so pleased you want me to stay, Ms. Ramsden. I do want to continue with CTI. It’s a wonderful company at least it has been while Mr. Palmer was here. May I ask you a question?”

“Of course, and please call me Toni,” the executive stifled a yawn.

“What are your plans for the company?”

“I plan to build on it Jane. Andy Palmer put together a teriffic company. I intend to take it to the next step. We’ll be playing with the big boys from now on Jane and I intend CTI has everything it needs to compete with them at their
level.”

To her surprise Toni spent the next hour discussing her ideas for CTI with the HR manager whom she found to be intelligent, knowledgabe and quite witty. This woman has more talent than HR can ever utilize. I think I just found my other Administrative Assistant.

A dozen miles away Drake sat beside her brother’s bed holding his hand. “Sylvester?”

“Yes Tweety?” His voice was weak.

“What should I do with CTI?”

He closed his eyes, “Tweety, I can’t tell you what to do with it. I can just give you advice.”

“Then give me advice Sylvester.”

He turned to look into the crystal blue eyes of the sister he’d known for too short a time. “When you find someone who
you love more than anything else in the world ask them.”

Drake cried, “I am asking them, Sylvester. What do I do?”

He lightly shook his head, “not me Tweety. One day you’ll meet someone who will love and care for you very much.
and you’ll love and care for her too. That’s who I mean.”

“Like Jackie?”

“No not exactly. When you meet her you’ll know.”

“How will I know?”

“You remember when I told you how I felt about Jackie. How my insides felt funny and how I always wanted to be around her?”

“Yeah,” the young woman smiled, “you looked like you just finished a big bowl of ice cream every time you saw her.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled, “well one of these days you’ll feel that way for someone too. And when you do you know you love them. Like I love Jackie.”

“Do I keep it secret too Sylvester?”

“No. Absolutely no. Tweety when you love someone you have to tell them. But make sure it’s the right person.”

“Okay Sylvester. I’ll wait till my stomach feels funny and I feel lonely without them. Right?”

“Right Tweety. Can you call Jackie for me and ask her to come by?”

“Sure.” She jumped up and raced to the door, “be back in a snap.”

Andy Palmer closed his eyes, “if there’s a protector for people like Drake please god send him to her.”