Weapon of Desire (3 page)

Joe swigs a glass of champagne as he turns towards Daniel
. “How is the world of journalism?”

Dan
iel smiles. “Interesting, I’m off to Madrid tomorrow to interview an English crook who still declares his innocence as he sits on millions, living a glorified lifestyle.”

“Will you get to
see your mum and dad while you’re out there?” Sam asks.

“Yes, I’
m driving down to Valencia on Friday for the weekend.” Daniel looks cheerful at the mention of seeing his parents again.

My mum smiles as she has always loved
Della and Frank, they’ve been particularly supportive since Dad died, always inviting Mum to spend weeks with them. “Lola when did you get back from Spain?” my Mum questions “I bet your Mum and Dad enjoyed having you around. How are they?”

Lola grins
. She’s the baby of their family and always treated like a princess.

“I got back a week ago.”
She takes a sip of her bubbly. “They’re both well, the business is keeping Dad busy, seems to always have a customer whose pool needs attention.”

Daniel is
so over protective and no undeserving man is likely to get within 10 feet of Lola. They have lived together in the family home ever since Della and Frank left to move to Spain.

“So are you
still dating Markus?” My Mum is so nosy. Sam and Joe listens attentively seeing Lola as a potential challenge.

“No, he was too in
tense. I’m not ready for a heavy relationship.” Lola takes another sip from her glass and taps the base with her glossy red nails.

“Lola, you know Sam or Joe would love to t
ake you out sometime.” My Mum is a nightmare with trying to marry them off. Lola flushes a little and Daniel nearly chokes on his champagne.

“Mum!” I protest. “Lola is big enough to choose her own dates and although I love
my brothers dearly, I wouldn’t subject Lola to either of them. They are serial philanderers!”

Joe and Sam laugh at my com
ment. “Lola, think of it as we’ve got lots of experience.”

Daniel adds
. “Yes but not all good.”

I roll my eyes, they
are like two small boys and Daniel can’t resist laughing at them.

My Mum flashes those eyes at me and scolds “Well
what about you two? Daniel when are you going to pop the question? I’m not getting any younger and at this rate I’m not going to have any grandchildren.”

Daniel hates being cornered and looks awkward
.

“Rosemary give us a chance, we
’ve only been together for four years. We are just getting to know each other.”

He squeezes a little tighter around my waist. My mother looks unhappy with the answer but knows not to push the subject any further.

“Your table is ready,” a pretty brunette informs us. Joe and Sam are quick to move onto their next challenge as we all take our seats. They’re deep in conversation with the waitress and formidable to watch.

The meal is delicious and the ev
ening flies by quickly. It’s wonderful to unwind and chat to Lola and Mum while the men rant on about boys’ toys, cars, gadgets and golf.

Daniel stay
s over at my flat ahead of his departure for Spain in the morning. He lies back in my armchair drinking his coffee. Now that we are alone I’m excited to open his two gifts. The first is a small envelope with a card gift for a day of pampering and treatments at the Arcazia Hotel on the waterfront. The second is a beautiful Ivory, silk night dress. It looks really expensive as I hold it up and smile to myself.

“Wait here, I’
ll be right back.” I declare as a mischievous thought enters my head. I go into the bedroom and quickly remove all of my clothes and slide into the smooth fabric. As I stare into the mirror I appreciate the feel of the material as it clings to my body revealing the shape of my bosom and erect nipples. I open the bedroom door walking slowly and seductively towards Daniel, twisting side to side raising the hem of the dress higher up my thigh. I stand with my back to him and gradually raise the silk up my legs, skirting the curve of my bottom. He smiles approvingly and beckons me closer. I move forward, just in arms reach.

“Come here.” He orders with de
ep concentrated eyes. “You are very naughty and I think that bottom needs spanking!” He leans forward putting down his coffee and grabs my hips pulling me onto his lap with my legs straddled across him. His hands cup each cheek and slowly glide down and under my thighs. His fingers skim my lips. One hand releases my breast from the dress as he circles the tip of my nipple with his tongue. His lower hand searches. My breathing deepens and quickens as my mouth claims his, my tongue sweeps licking over his lips. Raising forwards in the armchair, Daniel lifts me over his shoulder with a pat on my bottom. I giggle girlishly as he carries me to the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind him.

I wake to the sound of Motown playing in the kitchen with Daniel singing along, as the smell of coffee and toast wafts through to the bedroom. I look at the clock. It is 6.45am. It feels so cosy and luxurious in my new nightdress as memories of last night flood my senses.

“Good Morning.” Daniel enters the half lit room with a good morning kiss and a tray
of breakfast. He is fresh from the shower and smells of body wash fragrance and toothpaste. His hair hangs still damp as he sits beside me on the bed noisily eating toast.

“Morning
.” I rise upwards against the headboard stretching to claim my mug of coffee. “When do you get back?”

“Mon
day next week.” Daniel flicks on the TV crossing his legs.

“What time is your train to London?” I stroke his back where droplets of water trickle down slowly.

“8.40.” He turns and smiles “You better scoot if you’re driving; we need to leave by 7.40 at the latest.”

I pull back the duvet and swivel my legs over the edge of the bed.
Standing I let the nightdress drop to the floor, stepping out to walk slowly towards the bathroom. Daniel looks up and smirks. “Behave, we’ve not got time!”

“I do
n’t know what you mean.” I provocatively stand in the doorway to the bathroom.

Daniel seems edgy in the car and fidgets with his phone
which continually bleeps text messages. The train station is very busy as usual as I pull into a parking bay. Daniel collects his bag from the boot while we stand at the rear of the car. Pulling me close he kisses my forehead. “Call you later,” he says before he darts among the taxis.

I
climb back inside my car and can hear buzzing coming from the foot well. As I reach down I retrieve Daniel’s mobile phone from the floor. Damn it, he must have dropped it as he got out. I must try to find him before he gets on the train especially as clients may want to contact him while he is away. I quickly open the car door and run across the bus and taxi lanes entering the main foyer. As I look around I can see him standing in the ticketing queue. Moving in his direction I suddenly feel as though I’ve been hit by a bolt of lightning and I’m instantly paralysed. Melissa Stone, his work colleague arrives and grabs him around the neck. He turns to greet her with a smouldering kiss.

My heart stops as I sharply inhale
as though I’ve been punched in the stomach. Slowly backing out of the foyer I drop his phone into my jacket pocket. Everything is in slow motion as I cross the road retracing my steps back to my car. The bustle at the station is drowned out by the deafness in my head. My brain isn’t responding as I sit in silence, staring ahead at nothing. My stomach is doing somersaults and I abruptly feel sick. The phone buzzes in my pocket and jolts me back to life.

I
curiously withdraw the mobile, sitting in disbelief at what I’ve just witnessed. I begin to make mental excuses that Daniel is just saying hello but I know what I saw wasn’t just a friendly greeting. I look down at the phone to see two texts from Melissa. I open them up and tears fill my eyes as the evidence unfolds in black and white.

“
Can't wait to see you. M
XXX”

“
Do not bother packing pyjamas, you will not need them
!!!! M XXXX”

I feel like a fool
. He was so loving last night. How could he do this to me? Tears fall down my cheeks as I realize the enormity of what is happening. Why did I not suspect anything? Were there signs that I just didn’t read? After what feels like hours of sobbing in the train station car park, I wipe my face and nose on the sleeve of my jacket and throw the phone into my handbag. My reflection in the mirror reveals red eyes and cheeks stained with mascara. I try to establish some control over my external image by reapplying some makeup while my inside crumbles and collapses.

I drive to the
Dorton estate in a haze. My voice and smile have all but disappeared as I seek the peace and refuge of my office. My emails build up and my eyes glaze over as I sit for hours in silent bewilderment. Finally I pick up Daniel’s mobile from my bag. I have a sudden urge to know whether I am imagining this. Perhaps I’m over exaggerating?

S
crolling down the replies to Melissa I notice that he was texting her while we were in the restaurant last night.

“
Breakfast in bed on Wednesday, what would you like apart from me? D XX”

I slam down the phone in
to my desk drawer and stare at the computer screen. Feeling numb I question if I really know Daniel at all. Was this the same person who made love to me last night? Did he ever really love me during our four year relationship? My anger grows until I sit clenched fisted and breathing heavily.

Suddenly m
y mobile rings and, although I don’t recognise the number, I answer.

“Hello.”

It’s him. The Cheat! The liar!

“Darcey, have you seen my phone? I think I dropped it in the car or may
have left it at your place.” He sounds flustered. He is probably worried that I’d see his messages.

“No, I haven’
t found it.” I try to sound disinterested.

“Can you email me if you find it?”
he pleads.

“Ok.”

“Are you ok?” Daniel sounds suspicious.

“F
ine” I quip pressing end, switching off my phone and throwing it into my bag.

I
take a deep breath and start to feel a little empowered, armed with my new knowledge. I decide to busy myself with work. I start to plough through the emails and find the process mundane but therapeutic. Amazingly I’ve an extraordinary overwhelming feeling of strength that brings clarity and a fighting spirit. Daniel can go screw himself, I think. That was the last time he screws me.

An email pings onto my screen.

“Hi Darcey, are we still on for drinks, pasta and a movie tonight?

Lola
X”

I look at the pile of work and
tell myself that this perhaps isn’t a good time to meet any of the Frances family. I let Lola down stating work commitments and then settle for cracking on with the workload waiting for me. Skipping lunch I survive on coffee, knowing that I need to keep my distance from others. Any sensitive questions may just tip me over the edge.

My email pings again.

“Hi Darcey,

I hope you enjoyed your Birthday evening. Fill me in later.

Could you bring with you finance reports for the Senior Management Meeting.

See you at 2pm.

Anthony

Head of Strategy and Development
”

I’
d forgotten about the SMT meeting. I quickly locate files and begin printing relevant documents. Stapling packs together my mind wanders again remembering Anthony’s grin as he watched me dribble strawberry juice down my chin. I smile for the first time today. Replenishing my lip gloss, I make my way down the corridors to Anthony’s office.

As I arrive all members are present.
They cheerfully chat while seated around the huge oak table. Patricia was busy pouring tea and coffee. Anthony looks up from a document while seated on the leather Chesterfield. He greets me warmly with a smile.

“Hi Darcey, how was your evening?”

I manage to produce a smile “It was lovely thank you.”

“Where did Daniel take you?” he persists.

I can do this, I tell myself. “Oscars the French Restaurant on the waterfront.”

“Oh yes, I’v
e eaten there, wonderful food.” Anthony stands and moves towards me. “Did you bring the reports? We have a lot to cover in our first meeting.”

“Yes, I have them here.” I
sense a little impatience as I hand out copies relocating myself to a vacant chair.

Anthony walks up and down and adopts a stern
master of his ship approach. I watch his body move slowly and his expressive hands as he picks up the reports.

“
Welcome all. I want to start by confirming the structure and content of our future meetings.” He stoops forwards to lean on the table, as though he is about to perform press ups. His cream shirt looks fresh against his golden tan.

“
We will discuss or flag up any staffing, premises and operational issues as they arise. I want to know what is going on from the blocked toilets to the delivery of today’s menu. This will enrich our future decision making when processes and staffing are reviewed.”

He straightens and scans every face.
The room is silent.

“I w
ill also meet quarterly to discuss strategy, the way forward and current progress to meet those goals.”

I suddenly fix my glare on his sparkly hazel eyes
, his rugged chin and warm mouth. I imagine how resourceful he could be with those lips. He catches my eyes in a stare and I blush looking down at my reports.

“I want you all to fully understand these confidential documents, where we’ve been and where we are now. We need to strategically discuss the future, make concrete plans that will withstand further growth and also keep our operational costs low as we swiftly identify and implement crucial changes. This will involve making us leaner but we’ll be in a strong position for future development.”

The room is still silent as
I find the nerve to steal another look. He is so attractive and I now find myself allowing honest feelings and thoughts to engulf me. Prior to Melissagate my whole world was Daniel. Now everything has changed. I sadden at the thought of last night and how wonderful it had been. I look down at the report and again my mind wanders further. Will I be strong enough to get over him? Could I forgive him?  My head is completely zoned out of the meeting until I hear Anthony abruptly call my name.

“Darcey, I have asked you three times
to explain the report. If you can’t be here in the room with us then leave!” Anthony’s eyes are wild as he waits for my response. His stance is harsh, leaning forward on fists, directly grilling me. I contemplate whether to respond but his face is furious with my lack of interest in the meeting.

L
ooking around the room I can’t muster a voice or the brain power to clarify the report. I feel ridiculous as I desperately try to restrain my tears. Today is all too much, my emotions break loose and I no longer have control. I pick up the papers in front of me and immediately stand to leave. The room is deadly silent as I close the door behind me.

R
eaching the shelter of my office I hide my face in my arms as I lean over my desk sobbing like a reprimanded child. I find myself staring at the paper laid under my arms. It is a note from Angela informing me that Daniel has called numerous times but can’t get any answer on the mobile. He is wondering if everything is ok. I gradually calm myself taking in deep breaths as I slowly raise my head staring at the words. Instantly I smile at the thought that I’m causing him concern right now. What a fool I am, everyone on the SMT will think that I’m pathetic and I’m so much stronger than this.

Ignoring Daniel’s calls I decide to
let him sweat. Drafting an email I am determined to show Anthony and SMT that I’m focused and ready to assist them in understanding the detail of the reports.

To: SMT

Please excuse my behaviour this afternoon. I am free this afternoon should anyone wish to drop by my office to go over the reports.

Apologies

Darcey Brooks - Business & Operations Manager

The time is coming up to 5pm and feeling pleased with finishing another piece of work
I settle back in my chair. The building is very quiet this afternoon and nobody, not even Angela, has approached my office. My eyes feel sore from staring at the computer screen for so long and not forgetting a year’s worth of tears falling in one day. I make a deal with myself – no more tears wasted on that man!

There is a gentle knock at the door and Anthony’s head
appears.

“Hi, is it ok for me to come in?” He smiles
.

“Of course
.” I can’t help but grin at his obvious anticipation of my supposed anger towards him.

Anthony moves closer to
my desk with a pitiful look on his face and a coffee in his hand.

“Darcey, I’
m so sorry for speaking to you like that. Please accept this coffee as a token of my sincere apology.” Anthony places the welcome coffee in front of me.

“Anthony, I’
m the one who should be saying sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. My mind was elsewhere.” I notice his eyes trailing Angela’s note from Daniel on my desk and then looks back at me.

“Is everything ok
?” he questions with a frown, sitting on the edge of my desk.

“Not really but
be assured I’m dealing with the issue. I’m sorry I brought the problem into work and it will not happen again.” I take a sip of the coffee that tastes fantastic especially with the view of Anthony perched on my desk.