Heroin Love (11 page)

Chapter Nineteen

Spending that night with Rachael was liberating, there wasn’t anything to worry about, I felt appreciated and needed.  We talked for hours, about our wants, our needs, and our desires. I had to get back to the office, not having my phone for the past two days has been driving me insane. 

Walking towards the entrance, still in the disheveled clothes from a couple of days ago. I needed to go to my office to change into the spare suit I always kept in the coat closet. As soon as I walk through the front door, Ann’s eyes light up and she darts right for me.

“Where the hell have you been?”

“Excuse me?”

“Sorry sir, but I have been trying to reach you over the last couple days and you haven’t answered. Mr. Carlson is coming in today, he is tired of waiting for you and I quote ‘get your shit together,’” she read from a post-it note in her hand.

“Is that so? What time is he coming in?”

“About an hour,” She gave me an elevator look, “Do you need me to get you a suit?”

“I have a spare in my office, thank you.”

I darted back to my office, and grabbed my spare suit out of my closet. Ermenegildo Zegna design black Trofeo wool and mohair two button suit, with two front pockets and a notched lapel. A white french collar undershirt, and a black cashmere-silk tie sporting an Eldredge knot. Throwing a few bids across my desk, alluding to the fact I am working tiresome over them. Waiting anxiously for Mr. Carlson to arrive, I stared out of my windows, reflecting.

“Mr. Carlson is making his towards your office,” I hear Ann say over the speaker on the telephone.

The door slowly opens as Mr. Carlson walks into my office.

“Mr. Carlson, how are you?” I greeted him while walking briskly over to him with my hand out, offering to shake his hand. “You know you didn’t have to come all the way down here to talk to me.”

“Matter of fact Mr. Barrick, I did. If you would return a phone call it would make our lives a lot easier. I feel like I am trying to reach POTUS,” remarking in a condescending tone.

“I apologize, it has been very hectic around here. Can I offer you a drink?”

“I am not staying long. We have been getting widespread complaints about your services throughout all of our communities. Especially Sand Dollar Shores.”

My face dropped, how could I overlook that detail. I moved my girlfriend right into my own backyard.

“Listen Kevin, I am going to cut right to the chase. Get your act together. I am close friends of the president of Sand Dollar Shores, he informed me about your little charade.”

“And would exactly would that be?”

“Don’t treat me like a stupid man. It is none of my business what you do with your free time. It is my business when it starts to affect our relationship.”

“Mr. Carlson I can assure you I have no idea what your talking about. We have been working night and day trying to remedy this situation,” trying to paddle through the slick sludge surrounding me.

“Kevin, you didn’t have the cops at your ‘vacation home’? Your friend didn’t get arrested for possession of a gun and drugs? Don’t stand here and lie to me. One word of advice,” he went towards the door of my office making his exit. “Go home, you have a lovely family. I am graciously giving you until the beginning of the year to fix this, or it’s over. Have a nice day,” walking out of my office slamming the door behind him.

Collapsing down into my chair, twirling a pen between my fingers. How could I have made such a stupid move, this girl is destroying my life. I don’t know why I cannot stay away from her, every time I see her I turn to putty.

“Mr. Barrick, your wife is in the lobby,” Ann announcing over the speaker.

“What?”

“Your wife is here.”

“Tell her I am in a meeting.”

“I did sir. She said she would wait.”

Great, more good news. Megan never came to the office unless it was an emergency or she was really frustrated with me.

“Fine, bring her back.”

As she entered my office, I greeted her with a hug and a kiss.

“What are you doing here?”

“I have been calling you, why are you ignoring me?”

“I’m not. I left my phone in the car.” Not wanting her to run home to go look through my phone.

“I don’t understand you, we had a great night and then you just up and leave, not even coming home that night. What is going on?”

“I already told....”

“The truth damn it,” she screamed interrupting me.

“Megan, nothing is going on. I have been here working,” lying to her once again. I cannot keep doing this.

Rolling her eyes in disbelief, “Bullshit Kevin. Stop lying to me. Look even your suit looks freshly pressed.”

Walking over to the coat closet, “Look, I keep a spare here. Here is the old one.” Hugging her closely to me, “I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. I love you. I just have to work. Okay?” Lifting her head off of my should, “I love you. Do you want to stay with me today?”

Pulling a stack of paper out of her purse, “Explain this then.”

She handed me the stack of papers, it was my phone bill.

“And what exactly am I looking for?”

“Look at this number, it has called you 67 times the past few days, texted you at odd hours of the night. It’s registered to a D, Rachael. Who is that? Huh Kevin? Who the fuck is that?” Violently smacking the papers out of my hands.

“It’s a client, she is overseas. We have been trying to get a deal done.”

Her eyes shimmering from the tears starting to consume her eyes, “I have to go get Amber, I can’t deal with you anymore.”

She headed towards the doors, slowly reaching for the door handle, pulling the door open without saying anything else.

“Are we okay?” I genuinely asked.

“Not entirely Kevin. Something is up with you, I just can’t figure out what.”

“Megan..” I called for her as she slammed the door shut in my face.

“Ann, don’t let Megan leave,” I dictated over the speaker. Running down the hall after her I witness Ann standing in front of Megan trying to stall her departure.

“Thanks Ann. Megan, can we go talk in my office please?” I begged, grabbing her arm trying to pull her back.

“Kevin, if you don’t let go of me, I am going to make a huge fucking scene.” She ripped her arm out of my grip. “Goodbye,” darting out the door.

Chapter Twenty

We are hosting the annual Christmas party inside the conference room this year. It was this party, were all the employees could bring their wives/girlfriends, children, parents, or who ever else they wanted to spend the holidays with. We wanted to meet the women behind the men, the parents who sculpted their child. I was always interested in making sure people had a healthy and happy family, it was important to me.

The decorators did a tremendous job arranging the otherwise dull room. Fresh garlands wrapping around the border of the glass table in the center of the room, streamers swaying lightly from the ceiling. Several mistletoes hanging in the doorways.

Who doesn’t love a little encouragement?

An enormous Douglas Fir caddy corner in the far right. Illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights, a model train circulating it, blasting smoke out of it's smoke stack as it sounds it's horn.. Black and white ornaments scattered throughout the branches, topped of with a figure of St. Mary. I didn’t care for the figure so much as I wasn’t religious, but it was given to me from my great grandparents so I honored their tradition. Secret Santa gifts from around the office stacked precisely underneath the tree. Familiar christmas tunes softly filled the air from the overhead stereo system.

Checking my watch, the caterers should be here any second. I pulled out my phone and called Megan. We haven’t been talking much over the last couple of weeks, but I was hoping to change that. I followed that by calling up Benjamin.

“Hey Ben, you guys on your way?”

“Yeah Dad. We will be there in a couple of minutes.”

“Your mom with you?”

“No, she got a delivery this morning, it seems to be keeping her busy.”

“Uhh, okay. See you soon.”

A delivery?

Maybe she got a last minute gift for one of the kids and is busy wrapping it. I hear carts rolling down the hallway, metal banging, and people talking to each other. The caterers arrived with our Christmas feast. I couldn’t wait to see what Ann ordered us this year.

As each cloche passes by me, I lifted it up and investigate what is beneath it. The first three contained hors d’oeuvres. Assorted fresh fruit diced and slivered, Italian bruschetta with garlic crostini, finished off with an imported and domestic cheese display shaped like a christmas tree. The next contained an antipasto with roasted peppers, salami, capicola, olives, and cheese. Joined with a Mediterranean chopped salad.

Medallions of Chicken Carciofe, braised boneless short ribs of beef, cheese filled ravioli topped off with a tomato sauce, and a citrus-dill beuree fillet of salmon filled out the entrees. A chocolate fountain followed by various fruits, marshmallows and nuts and the smell of peppermint popcorn hinted at my nose as the last cloche passed me by.

The next cart was the important one. I hear the bottles rattling as he made his way down the hallway. The liquor cart contained a full menu, vodka, gin, whiskey, scotch, wine, and beer. I was only looking for two specific things, which were blatantly marked. Wrapped around the neck of my Macallan was a tag simply reading ‘Mr. Barrick’ and around the neck of the Cheval Blanc the label read ‘Mrs. Barrick.’ I smiled in appreciation.

That’s my girl.

As the caterers continued setting up the buffet, I see Benjamin come through the door with his girlfriend Autumn -- she looked stunning in a strapless a-line light gold dress. The sequins covering her torso shimmered in the light. The netted silk draping down to her feet swaying gracefully with every step she took.

“Hey Ben, where is everyone else?”

“Wow, nice set up Pops. They are waiting in the lobby for Mom.”

“Oh good. She is coming then.”

“I don’t know about that. They just said if she is not coming, they are not coming in.”

“And how are you today Autumn?”

“I am doing swell Mr. Barrick, thank you.”

“What was the package she got this morning? You make it sound all cryptic.” I prodded Ben for a little more information.

“I don’t know. A man came by and dropped it off, said it contained legal documents and had mom sign a piece of paper.”

Legal papers?

Megan had no business that required legal papers. This whole situation grew more and more peculiar to me.

Ann darted into the conference room seeking my approval.

“How is everything sir? Is the food okay? Did they bring your alcohol? I specifically asked....”

Placing my hand on to Ann’s shoulder, “Relax Ann. Everything is fine. You did a great job. Is the Santa still coming for the kids?”

“Should be here within the hour, with bells on.” Ann started to laugh, cracking herself up.

Looking around the room verifying everything is ready to go. “Do you have my envelopes?” I directed at Ann.

“Yes sir, right here.” She handed me a red satchel with everyone’s christmas bonuses inside.

“Okay, get everyone in here.”

As all of my employees filed into the room, I shook their hands, handing them an envelope containing a check, and thanked them for the year of dedication. As the last one piled into the room, I turned around watching all the families and friends enjoying each other’s company, smiling, laughing, and eating. The children all running around hopped up on chocolate and peppermint. Ben and Autumn dancing slowly to the music. I pull Ann aside to talk to her in the corner so no one could see. Reaching into my vest pocket, I pulled out a black envelope.

“Here this is for you. I don’t want to hear anything about it. You deserve this, putting up with my shit all year. I just want to show you how much I appreciate it,” giving her a big grateful hug.

“Thank you, Mr. Barrick.”

I checked my phone to see if Megan has called me and discovered a new text message from Rachael.

Rachael: Hope your having a good party. Wish I could be there, Mwah!

Loading attachment....

Staring impatiently at my phone waiting for it to load, anticipating a naughty themed picture. When it finally loaded my chest started to tighten, my head becoming light. I dropped my glass onto the floor, shattering it. Starting to loose my balance, I feel Ann rush up beside me.

“Here, sit down,” rolling a chair behind me, “Is everything okay?”

Sitting with my elbows on my knees, head tucked between my hands, I sat speechless. Echoing in head I hear Ben talking to me, inaudible to me. Grabbing a nearby I drink, I feel a splash of ice cold water hit my face brining me back to a state of coherence.

“You alright Dad?” Ben asked with concern.

“I’m fine, just got a bit woozy, maybe too much to drink,” joking to distract from the situation. “I think I hear Santa.”

Bells ringing in the distance, I gather everyone to the center of the room.

“So who here has been an angel of a son or a princess of a daughter?” Directing my attention to the children, impatiently waiting Santa’s arrival.

“HO, HO, HO,” Santa’s chant echoed throughout the room.

Santa’s entrance was grand, ringing his bells incessantly, making a pleasant soft tone. His vibrant red jacket laced in white fur. A freshly groomed snow white beard, resting nicely in front of his joyous belly. The children hollered with delight as he made his way to the christmas tree to divvy out the presents.

Not wanting Santa to steal my thunder, I gracefully went over the tree to retrieve Ben’s present. All of the gifts for my children were wrapped in a matte black wrapping paper with a white metallic bow. His gift was a small elongated necklace box. Grabbing Autumn’s gift as well, I walked off to a corner, not wanting to draw attention to myself, I wave for Ben to come over. Santa started to hand out the gifts to the children.

“Here you go. Merry Christmas.”

“How did you fit socks in this little box?” Being sarcastic like always.

“It’s not socks smart ass. Just open it.”

Tearing the paper with haste, I see his eyes light up in astonishment. He stared at it, mouth open in disbelief. Inside the box contained a key fob for a new Porsche 911 Black Edition, just the one Ben wanted.

“Do you like it?”

“What are you stupid? Of course I like it.”

Giving me a big bear hug. I feel his grip loosen as he pushes himself off of me.

“You can’t bribe me. Take it back.”

“It’s not a bribe. You wanted the Porsche, now you got it. I can’t do something nice for my son?”

“Dad, I’m not stupid. Just take the fucking car back.”

“Hey, do what you need to do. I just wanted to get you the god damn thing. A simple ‘thank you’ is fine. It’s parked in the back lot if you want to go look at it.”

I couldn’t believe him, his reaction was completely the opposite of what I expected. Typical spoiled rich kid if you ask me. Everything handed to him on a silver platter, just spitting in your face. Looking at Autumn, she didn’t even open her gift, she was looking at Ben for approval to open it.

“Come on, just open it. If you don’t like it, I’ll take it back.”

Ben giving her a nod of approval, she tore into the package with excitement. Autumn’s family didn’t have much and never got anything for Christmas from them.

“Oh...my....god....it’s beautiful!” She jumped with joy right into my arms.

“I guess you like it?”

“Let me see,” Ben snatching it out of her hands. Dangling the platinum nine and a half carat graduated tennis diamond necklace in front of him. Closely inspecting it as if I had a bad taste in jewelry. “Take it back. We don’t want your bribes.”

“Ben, keep the gifts for crying out loud. Go tell your mother, I don’t give a shit. Merry Christmas,” patting him on the shoulder as I stepped away not wanting to make a scene.

Sitting down at the far end of the table, watching the joy of christmas happen right in front of me. The children running around with their new toys from Santa. My employees receiving the rudimentary presents of corporate America, ties, shirts, your favorite alcohol, or the never desired home made fruit cakes.

“Mr. Barrick,” Santa announced unexpected as he grabbed the last gift.

No one should of bought me a gift, I specifically sent out a memo saying not to. I didn’t need anything, didn’t want anything, at least nothing anything my employees could afford. Walking towards Santa, I see him holding an enlarged manilla envelope with ‘Mr. Barrick-- Merry Christmas’ written in thick black sharpie.

“I told you guys not to get me anything,” smiling as I accepted my gift.

Everyone was looking at each other confused, trying to figure out who bought me something. I stood by Santa slowly opening the top seal of the envelope. Looking down inside to see what it was, I couldn’t really tell for sure what was on the several pieces of paper hidden inside. Slowly pulling out one of the sheets, I could see what rested inside. My eyes filled with a rage of fury.

“Who the fuck did this?” Screaming across the sea of spectators looking at me. I looked at Santa, “Who gave you this?” Nobody was answering me, they all just appeared to be confused. “Everyone out, everyone get out right now!” My breathing became heavy, sweat droplets started to cover the top of my head. “Get over here Ann!”

As everyone gathered their things in a hurry and darted out of the room.

“Who put this over here? Who?”

“Uhh, I don’t know sir,” stuttering nonstop, “I have never seen it before.”

Ben coming over to see what it was, “What is it Dad?”

“Nothing Ben, just take Autumn and leave. Ann come with me, I need to talk to you.”

Walking quickly over to my office to talk with Ann privately, I swing the door open and was unpleasantly surprised. Megan was standing cold in front of the windows looking at the captivating scene of the city lights.

“Here Ann, take these. Don’t look at them, don’t go home. We need to talk, I will call you in a minute.”

Walking up behind Megan, placing my hands romantically on her waist, “Hey honey, how come you weren’t at the party?”

She quickly smacked my hands off of her, “What the fuck is this Kevin?” Tossing a stack of paper at me, dropping to the floor from my unresponsive reaction.

I kneeled down to pick the paper up, noticing the headline ‘Notice of Contract Termination.’

“I will tell you what it is. They are terminating your Buena Vista contract. And do you know why?”

“Well we have been...”

“No no no, I will tell you why. And I quote ‘Lack of communication, unwillingness to fulfill necessary duties, breach of morality clause, and poor representation of the Buena Vista mission.’ So Kevin, what have you really been up to? You obviously haven’t been working?”

Trying to cut into her rant, “Megan listen to me...”

“No, Kevin! You have been parading around the last few weeks ‘working’ being so tired, and now this shit. ‘Breach of morality clause’ what the fuck does that mean? What did Mr. Perfect do that was so wrong?”

“Megan, can I talk please?” Talking softly to try and calm Megan down, my posture slumped in disappointment. “This is the first I am hearing of this. Last time we talked, we left on a good note.”