Chapter 3

James

Walking into the main lobby of ScriptTech was like walking into an art gallery; nothing but walls of art and not even a bench to sit on. Everything was on the upper floors, and aside from a few plants, there was no sign of life in the sterile room. I took the elevator up to the fifth floor where I’d been before and approached the receptionist desk as I had many times.

“May I help you, sir?” The voice caught my attention long before I made it close enough to see the gorgeous woman who stepped forward from the back and sat at the desk. She wasn’t the dumpy woman I’d seen before. I’d remember.

“I’m here to see Tom Wright. We have an appointment; I’m James Thomas.”

“I’ll let him know you’re here. He’ll be with you shortly; would you like some coffee while you wait?”

“No, thank you. You’re new here?” I looked her up and down and licked my lips at what I saw. Her body was tight, but she had curves in all the right places.

“Yes, today is my first day, actually.”

“And you are?” I offered my hand, and her cheeks flared red.

“I’m Maya Benton.” Maya; a sexy blonde with a body that didn’t quit and an unfair advantage in natural beauty. God hadn’t skimped on this woman.

“Well, congratulations, Maya.” I found myself getting a bit creepy on the stare-o-meter, so I decided to chill. With any luck, I’d get her number on the way out. “I’ll just step out and make a call if you could get my attention when he’s ready?” I took my phone out and stepped out into the hall to make my phone call, respecting the signs posted in the office.

A man passed by me in a hurry as I dialed Mark’s number and waited for him to pick up. I knew the guy hadn’t gone in to work yet, but for some reason, he didn’t answer. Yelling brought my attention to the waiting room, and when I opened the door, the man who’d passed by was leaning over the beautiful Maya’s desk.

“I’ve thought about it, and I’m not having this. I want you to come with me now.”

“Are you insane, Craig? I can’t come with you now. I’m in the middle of a workday. You're being unreasonable.” She looked terrified, and in her big blue eyes, I saw the same terror I’d seen in my sister’s mixed with a look of helplessness that had my blood boiling.

“Excuse me? I think you need to settle down.” I stepped forward, and the guy grabbed her wrist from the desk and turned his head.

“Who the fuck is this guy?” She got to her feet as he pulled her arm harder, and she winced as if it hurt.

“I’m a client here in this building, so get your fucking hands off her, or I’ll clean the fucking floor with you.” I pushed up my sleeves and towered over the man.

“Is this who you’re fucking around with? He sure seems awfully concerned about you. I bet you’ve already blown him and every other dick in the building, you fucking slut. I gave you a life here, a place to stay, and this is how you thank me?”

“It’s not like that, Craig. He has an appointment here.” She was obviously trying to calm him, but she was shaking uncontrollably. “Just go!”

“Whatever. There’s a reason you’re suddenly interested in working here. I’ll deal with you when you get home tonight. Let’s see your boyfriend here do something about it.” He pushed past me and stormed out the door.

“I’m so sorry.” She broke down and sobbed, covering her face with her hands.

“You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. That guy is a jerk, and I seriously think you should reconsider before going home to him tonight. He threatened you, and in my experience, his kind only makes good on those kinds of promises. Their anger escalates.”

“Yeah, I know. But I’m new to the city. I don’t have any family here and no money. I started this job hoping that I could save some money to get away.”

I reached in my pocket. “Here’s my card. If you decide you don’t want to go home to that, call me. I’ll get you what you need to stay safe.”

“That’s generous, but I couldn’t—

At that time, Tom Wright stormed out behind her. “What the hell is going on out here. I was on a business call and couldn’t step away, but it sounded like world war three! What’s the meaning of this?”

“There was a guy in here harassing her. I ran him off.” I wasn’t expecting him to come out in such a pissy mood and he glared at Maya like she was to blame.

“Thanks, Mr. Thomas. Ms. Benton, take yourself to the bathroom and clean up. Come on, James, we’ve business to discuss.” I followed him to the back but wasn’t impressed by his attitude. Maya had been victimized, and he’d done nothing to help or comfort her in the wake of it.

I took a seat across from him at his desk and dropped my bag on the chair beside me.

“I’m so sorry about. It’s so hard to find good help. So, you have a new product that we’re hoping to obtain. I was really impressed with it at the last expo. I hear you’ve been getting a lot of praise and I’d love to be the company that brings it to market.” That remained to be seen.

“I’d like to know your numbers.”

“Yes, of course.” He dug into his desk and produced a manila folder and tossed it over onto the desk in front of me. I perused the numbers and was shocked to see the projected retail price.

“This markup is four-hundred percent.” I took another look to make sure I didn't see things.

“Yes, and as you know this drug will be a widely popular alternative to the other products on the market, but since it’s a different type of drug, being a dissolvable tablet, it will be much more desired than the injection form.

“I’m aware, and that’s the sole reason I made the medicine available in a dissolvable tablet form. There are many children who need this medication for life-saving treatment. Imagine the lives we could save if we make this affordable to those families who are unable to afford the other types of medication which have been so grossly over-priced.”

“I’m thinking more of the money to be made. It’s what keeps companies like mine afloat. Besides, you’ll be more than compensated for your product.”

“And you’ll get quite a chunk of money off the unfortunate, which is why I’m not sure I can do business with you.” I hated to miss the opportunity, but there were other companies, and before I let them get their money hungry mitts on the American public’s pocketbook, I would open my own pharmaceutical production company.

“I understand. I think you’ll see that I can and will beat any offer thrown your way. I’m sure the other companies out there will see the profit they can make on such a product. Just think about it, and come back later. The offer is good for a month, after that, we might have to revisit terms.”

I could already tell that dealing with his smug ass would not be a pleasant experience. “I’ll be in touch.”

“You do that, and I’m sorry about that receptionist. She’ll be dealt with.” He shook his head. “I swear, the last one wasn’t much to look at, but she knew her job. Guess this is what I get for hiring a hot piece of tail hoping for a taste.” He belted a chummy laugh as I got to my feet.

“You’re not going to fire her, are you? Not for something she obviously had no control over? Don’t you believe in second chances?” I gave the guy a smile and waited for him to loosen up, but he was serious.

He walked around the desk and joined my side. “We’ll see. Guess it depends on what she’s willing to do to make it up to me.” He gave me a nudge like we were old friends.

“Right. You have a good one.” I knew at that moment that I didn’t want to work with the son of a bitch. Not only were his numbers ridiculous, but he had no morals. I couldn’t trust my business to the likes of him, but I’d let him stew a bit before telling him. Better to leave the offer hanging in the wind.

He opened the door and offered me his hand, and it was all I could do not to rip his arm off and shove it down his throat. Nothing pissed me off more than disrespect for women.

As I walked out, I’d hoped to see Maya at her desk, but she wasn’t there. I decided it might be best for me to go. The girl was most likely embarrassed enough, and I didn’t want to add insult to injury. I’d offered to help, and hopefully, before she went back to that asshole and things escalated, she’d look me up. I’d get her what she needed to be safe.

As I rode the elevator back down to the empty main floor, I couldn’t help but remember my last words to my sister. He’s crazy, Lex; don’t come crying to me when he beats your ass. I’d tried to help her again and again until I’d had enough. If I could only go back and take away those words. Knowing I could help someone else couldn’t change what happened, but I’d never turn my back on a woman seeking help ever again.