NOW

Katia

“God, this day is taking forever,” I moan to Candy as we sit at the reception desk, doing some filing.

“Tell me about it.”

“We need to go out, do something this weekend,” I say, shoving some paper into a file. “Maybe Dusty can come?”

“We should go clubbing, it’s been so long.”

I sigh, “It so has.”

The bell above the door rattles and I lift my head to see five men entering. I’ve never seen them before, but they don’t look happy. Four of them are dressed in black. The one at the front is older and icky looking.

“Better get back to work,” Candy sighs, standing and rushing off.

I smile at her then turn my attention back to the strange men. Only one approaches the reception desk; the other four stand back, arms crossed. It’s the old man that stops and leers down at me. Ick.

“Can I help you?” I ask.

He grins at me. “Katia, is it?”

His eyes are on my nametag. Double ick.

“Yes. Can I help you?”

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I’m confused. “Sorry, do I know you?”

His smile gets bigger. “My name is Walter. I’m, shall we say, a friend of Marcus’s.”

Walter. I’ve heard of him. Marcus told me he used to run the company until his Grandfather signed it over to him after he died. He said Walter is bitter and dangerous, and I should stay away from him. He also said if he ever came in to call him right away. With a pounding heart, I force a smile. “Are you here to see Marcus?”

“Marcus isn’t here,” he says simply. “It’s you I want to talk to.”

I swallow and reach under the desk to pluck my phone from the filing cabinet sitting under it. I unlock it and causally bring it up and sit it on my desk. Walter’s eyes flick to it, then back to me. I keep smiling, as if I’m not at all concerned he’s here.

“Me?” I ask innocently.

I stretch my arms forward, putting the phone where he can’t see it.

“I wouldn’t call him, Katia. What I have to say will only benefit you.”

Yeah, right.

Loony.

I slowly move my fingers over the keypad, only glancing down once to make sure Marcus’s name is on the screen. I type two words. Walter. Here. Walter is too busy smirking at me to notice my fingers moved, and at his words, I lean back, pretending I’m no longer going to call Marcus.

“Okay,” I say, putting my hands where he can see them. “I won’t call him.”

His smirk gets bigger. “That’s a wise choice.”

“I know who you are, Walter. I also know what you’re doing here and I’m just going to say, before you start, that I’m not interested.”

The phone rings beside me. The reception phone.

“Excuse me, I have to take this.”

I don’t let him answer; I just answer the phone. “Tandem Machinery, Katia speaking.”

“Get up, walk out of there, and call security.”

It’s Marcus.

“Of course, sir. He’s currently out at the moment, but can I take a message?”

“Good girl,” Marcus praises. “Don’t let him know its me. He’s dangerous, Katia. He’s also insane and will say whatever he can to make you doubt this. He wants this company and he’s willing to do whatever he can to get it.”

“I understand. I’ll tell him you called.”

“Get up. Get out. I’ll be there in five.”

“Thank you.”

I hang up and smile back up at Walter. Then I stand and say, “Excuse me, I have to pass on this message, and—”

Walter lashes out, curling his fingers around my arm. I gasp as he pulls me closer, and my eyes dart around to see if anyone is around to help. They’re not. Most are out to lunch right now.

“Listen to me, girl. Marcus Tandem is a bad man. Did you know this business is only a cover up?” He laughs bitterly. “He messes with bad people and money. He works with criminals, bringing in dirty money and running it through his business to make it clean. He runs the operation silently. You didn’t think he made enough money for this house with just hiring and selling machines, did you?”

My body jerks.

“You’re a liar.”

“Am I?” he growls. “So you’ve never had strange people show up to your house, telling him to back down.”

I flinch again.

My father.

Oh God.

“That’s what I thought. Your husband is dealing in some dangerous shit, and he’s going to get himself hurt if he doesn’t stop. I’m here to make a deal with him.”

“Let me go,” I whisper.

“What I have to offer is worth listening to.”

“Let. Me. Go!” I scream.

The sounds of a door crashing open fills the space and then there’s Marcus’s booming voice, as he barks, “Fuckin’ let her go, Walter.”

Walter lets me go and turns, grinning at Marcus. “Well, Marcus, so glad you could join us. I was just telling your dear wife about your extracurricular activities.”

Marcus’s eyes swing to me and I swallow. “Is it true?” I whisper.

“No,” Marcus barks, but there’s something in his eyes.

He’s not going to tell me the truth, and that fucking burns.

“There’s more for me to tell her, of course,” Walter begins, but Marcus lunges forward. He’s got six men with him, so Walter’s guys are no match.

I scurry backwards, moving towards the door.

The news my husband is messing with criminals and helping them with their illegal money has put my body into some sort of shock, I’m almost sure of it. With tears in my eyes, I run out, knowing exactly who will have the answers for me, the answers my husband is refusing to give.

My father.