Today's post is a special one, not that the rest aren't but you know what I'm saying! This post is a WORLD PREMIERE of the short story entitled Who Run It? by my good writing pal S. A. Payne (which is also going to be included on The Clan of The Flying Pens book coming early next year *shameless plug* http://www.theclanoftheflyingpens.weebly.com *shameless plug ends**
So, check it out and be sure to Tweet and Like it or else! You can find more info about the lovely S.A. Payne by visiting her site at http://aprilraynestories.webs.com Also, visit http://aprilraynestories.webs.com/apps/blog/show/7724352-are-you-ready-to-run-my-story- to check out a contest to help Ms. Payne run her story!!
So, without further ado, I present to you Who Run It?:
Who Run It? by S.A. Payne
One missed call. Then another. Then another
Clinton glanced down at his blackberry. They were becoming harder and harder for him to ignore. Already there were three missed calls in the hour since they sat down for dinner.
"I'll be right back ok babe, I have to take this call."
"Honey what's wrong?"
"Nothing it's just the office. That contract with Arbor Automotive is about to close. Accounting may need authorization for the funds transfer."
"Hurry back ok? Dessert is coming and we still haven't told my parents the big news."
Clinton kissed his fiancée on the forehead then excused himself from the table. As he walked away she began boasting to her parents about how her man has sealed the deal on Barrett Industries most lucrative distribution contract. There was something in her voice, his sweet Tessa that Clinton could never figure out. All he knew was that it carried his future in its song. Dinner with his future in-laws was far more important than keeping his fucking job. Tonight, Clinton decided to finally put a stop to it. Things had gone on long enough.
Stepping out into the smothering humidity of the late August night, Clinton shivered at the thought of dialing the number back. That she-devil on the other end of the line would never take no for an answer. After the phone rang only one time, a voice on the other end released hell into Clinton's life once again. They spoke these three words.
"Who run it?"
Job Well Done
"Last week I was invited to tour the Arbor Automotive distribution facility in Woodbridge, Virginia. I must say that I was very impressed. The assembly line is state of the art and the owners of the company are dying for the opportunity to be affiliated with Barrett Industries. I truly feel that this move will solidify BI's standing in the automotive industry. Once the deal is closed, we will be on top once again, where we belong."
Clinton breathed a sigh of relief as he finished his presentation. The board immediately began discussing the proposal among each other and from what he could tell they were just as excited about the prospect as he was. However, Barrett Industries new CEO seemed to be less than enthused.
She was the executive assistant and right hand to the lovely Mrs. MI ‘Lynda Barrett before becoming interim CEO. From the buzz around BI headquarters, the new CEO was more than capable of stepping into the position. She was the only person besides Mi'risa Barrett who could keep the business running at the same standards set forth by its founder, Robert Barrett. Unfortunately Mrs. Barrett was killed in a tragic car accident three months ago. It was a huge loss not only to the company, but also to the state of Maryland. Mrs. Barrett's name was at the top of the donor list in every Democratic politician's brief case.
"Thank you for that impressive presentation Clinton. Well done, very well done." said the CEO. Risk management still has to go over the facts and figures. However from what I see, this looks very promising. If there's no more business to discuss, this meeting is adjourned."
Five months of hard work had most certainly paid off thought Clinton.
All Systems Go
The board members mingled while enjoying the refreshments provided by Carolina Kitchen. Clinton was to busy shaking hands and accepting congratulations on his first multi million dollar contract to notice her watching. Later, as the conference room emptied, the CEO made it her point to linger behind the others. She didn't plan on approaching him this way but there was something about the way he delivered his presentation that gave her a silent thrill. Soft, subtle hints will do for now she told herself. However, the love below was throbbing at the anticipation of penetration. Just the thought of finding a new playmate so soon after the last one quit made her moist. No more married ones she told herself. That shit always turns nasty in the end.
"Fucking wives need to learn how to share."
"Excuse me, did you say something?" asked Clinton.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I did. May I speak with you for a moment? In private please."
"Parks, we can hook up for drinks later. Don't try to play broke either. You still owe me for the last round." Clinton wrapped up his conversation with Terrence Parks, BI's head of parts distribution, and then returned to the grand conference room.
The CEO walked over and closed the double doors behind the board members as they left. She made it a point to close the blinds because prying eyes would be the last thing she wanted. Although voyeurism was one of her favorite games to play, she would save that baby for another time.
The Set Up
"Have a seat Clinton" she said as she positioned herself on the edge of the conference room table. "I've heard nothing but praise from your supervisors about how hard you've been working to close this account but I couldn't let this slide. Out of respect for you and the rest of the team, I decided not to bring this up in the meeting. First let me ask you this question, how long have you been an employee at BI?"
"It will be 3 years in 2 months Ms. Livingston."
"Please, call me Tabitha. I insist."
"Ok uh, Tabitha"
Clinton was not at all comfortable being alone this way with the CEO. Most of the men that worked on the executive floor had many sexually charged conversations about the new CEO. Most of which could land them in jail for even thinking half the things they dreamed about doing. Either with or without her consent. The favorite seemed to be giving her oral pleasure during one of her infamous bitch outs. That's what they called it when she was reprimanding one of BI's subsidiaries via conference calls. Her raised voice could be heard all the way down the executive corridor even through closed doors. The last thing Clinton needed was for some jackass to be spreading rumors about him and the boss.
"Clinton, you've been on our team long enough to know that here at BI we strive for excellence in the business world. We also demand as much of it, if not more from our employees."
"Yes ma'am, I was hired under Mr. Barrett. The intern program here is brutal. It reminded me of when I pledged for BLANK back in college."
Clinton let out a chuckle but swallowed it back down. The response he received from her, which was none, lead him to believe that whatever it was she wanted to discuss had to be serious.
"As I was saying, there seems to be something missing from your report."
Clinton was stunned. After a year of courting Arbor then another five months of preparations, this can't be happening. The boss was known for hiring then firing in less than a week if expectations weren't met. Was he the next casualty?
Flustered
"Something missing? I assure you that I was thorough in my research and preparation Ms. Livingston, I mean Tabitha."
Tabitha opened the proposal then slid the file across the table to Clinton. Sitting on the edge of the heavy mahogany conference table, she crossed her legs revealing a royal blue, lace garter belt stretched around a peach colored thigh. Clinton couldn't help but raise his eyes to where her thighs met in the middle. A patch of dark, brown colored hairs peeked from in between. He began to perspire on his upper lip as she leaned over; pointing out with her black cherry finger nails the supposed mistake.
"The projections for the 5th year of the proposed partnership. Where are they?"
The aroma of White Diamonds perfume mixed with her essence was making Clinton's head swim. He could hardly think straight.
"Now Clinton, one might think that you were withholding vital information. Possibly sabotaging your proposal and costing this company millions of dollars. Are you engaging in corporate espionage? Perhaps wanting to go solo and take Arbor Automotive with you?"
"What the hell? I mean no ma'am, Tabitha. The Barrett's were like family to me. Why would I do something like that? It's simple; I must have overlooked that column in the spreadsheet. I apologize; I don't know how I could have been so careless."
Clinton was up on his feet pleading for her to listen. Her body language was tense. He was afraid that she didn’t believe his story. Which was the absolute truth.
"This was not intentional. No way, I've worked to hard for this. Look, it can be fixed before it's sent over to risk management."
There it was again. Clinton wasn't sure but several times during his presentation he felt that she had been flirting with him. Doing things like licking her lips and crossing then un crossing her legs. She pulled a Sharon Stone on him not once but twice. From his position standing at the lectern he could see that she wasn't wearing any panties.
Strawberry Fields
They sat side by side looking over the charts, graphs, and spreadsheets. A few times while she was speaking, Clinton felt as if he temporarily lost his hearing. The only one of his senses he had left was his taste. At the moment he was craving strawberries.
"Do you realize that if that mistake had made it through, this company would be out of millions of dollars? Yet you would have still received your bonus. In my eyes that's fraud Mr. Barnes."
Oh shit. Now it’s Mr. Barnes and not Clinton.
Tabitha stood up and smoothed the wrinkles out of her silk designer skirt. She was impeccably dressed, business suits always fitting her form like a glove. Alluring was the best way to describe her exotic features. Clinton regained his sanity long enough to finish pleading his case while he had the chance.
"I can make corrections before submission. Just give me an hour. I have the original projections at my home office."
He already knew what the culprit was. Staying up late night after night adding numbers to spreadsheets left him crossed eyed sometimes. That mixed with a good dose of nervous energy equals mistake.
In what seemed like slow motion to Clinton, a crystal butterfly pin that was holding Tabitha's spiral curls in a bun slipped out and landed next to his foot. When they both reached down to pick it up, Tabitha made her move. Without missing a heartbeat she gave Clinton one of the softest kisses he ever had. It was so light that he almost missed it.
"Don't worry Clinton; I'll take care of everything. Just email those figures to me and I'll plug them into the spreadsheet before sending it over to RM."
Tabitha exited through the double doors leaving Clinton alone in the grand conference room filled with essence, White Diamonds, and strawberries. Clutching his proposal tight in one hand and his imagination in the other, strawberry glossy lips was all that he remembered about that encounter.
"What the fuck just happened?"
Faithful No More.
Clinton resisted Tabitha's advances for as long as he could. He had never been a cheat. Hell his parents have been married for over 35 years. As far as he was concerned they had a perfect marriage. And that is how he intended to live life with Tessa. Happy and committed. Getting engaged to his love, his best friend was the right thing to do. Then why was he spending his lunch break, the third one in a row with his tongue buried deep inside the boss’s forbidden fruit? The minute she whispered "join me for lunch" in his ear it began. The second her juices touched his chin it was over. Clinton became hooked like the biggest catch.
"Wet thang, you my wet thang" Clinton grunted and repeated the phrase over and over again as he finished Tabitha off. Although they had only been together a few times he knew her biology. She made sure that he was schooled quickly by guiding him to the precise location of her secrets where X marks the spot. After 15 minutes of steady Clinton’s body went limp after he reached climax.
Clinton walked over to the bay window that faced the Potomac River. The cherry blossoms have been replaced with icy buds and the river would surely be half frozen by now. That didn't stop the gulls that were persistently pecking at the ice in search for anything resembling food. Hungry like me Clinton thought as he watched them search in vain.
"Six years of college, 1 year of interning and my career has been reduced to this. Fucking my boss during lunch. I've become a got damn cliché."
The Party's Over.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Tabitha whispered into the back of Clinton's neck.
Asking him a question like that? She damn sure didn't want to hear the answer to it. His thoughts were with Tessa. Where they should be. Where he should be. But those thoughts receded like the high tide once he felt Tabitha's nipples grazing his back. Reaching between his legs, she began to massage his jewels while slowly stroking his massive, erect penis with her other hand. She was giving him one helluva hand job. He didn't need her assistance for long though because there they were fucking again.
Clinton came to love the scent of sweat and determination that filled the room when they were together. In the CEO executive suite, on the 10th floor, over looking the river there they were.
"Damn that shit good. Spread your legs open some more. Shit." Clinton's penis swelled, engorged with his determination. By now the lovers had settled into a perfect rhythm. Having each other for lunch was satisfying, and it worked. That was until after he pulled out. That's when it all started. The telephone game.
The games people play when no one is watching.
Clinton was sitting on the ottoman trying to catch his breath after the session. "Woman you about to kill me. I'm over here hyperventilating and shit."
Tabitha started a hot shower in her office powder room hoping that a round three would take place there. One of the perks of being an executive is having an office that's like a home away from home.
"You're tired? That's funny because I was going to say that having you at work 20 minutes here and an hour there is just not good enough for me anymore. The sexing is out of this world. My pussy is in 7th heaven right now."
"Hold on now Tabitha we talked about this before. I have a very full life with my fiancée. This right here is just for fun. You are having fun right?"
"Well I want more what else can I say? So from now on when I call, you come. When I say who run it you better have the right answer."
"Tabitha, I can't do this. We can't do this. Nah, I knew getting involved with you was a bad idea. I have to get going okay I got practice tonight."
Clinton began getting dressed in a hurry. After fastening his belt and sliding on his shoes he began to looking for his shirt.
Mind Blowing Decisions
"Well just remember what I said. When I call, your ass better have the right answer. Or face the alternative. The choice is yours."
"Alternative? What the. Hold on are you blackmailing me and with what?"
"With the knowledge that you were going to de fraud BI out of one million dollars if I hadn't found that little "mistake" of yours."
"You know goddamned well that I made the necessary corrections. That deal was clean and the proof is in that email I sent you with the mutha fucking corrections."
"What email? If you emailed it to me I never received it."
Tabitha, sitting behind her desk wrapped in a pink channel bathrobe, clicked delete messages for her inbox. She smiled with delight as Clinton slowly approached her desk.
"Ta-Tabitha what are you doing? Please don't do this. We have something good why put demands on it now? And you're threatening me? Tell me why?
"Because I can. Like I said the choice is yours."
Tabitha leaned across the desk and kissed Clinton deep and hard. He pulled away, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He no longer had a craving for strawberries.
Strike!
"What's wrong man, why you being so quiet? You usually the main one talking shit."
The men all laughed except Clinton.
"You haven't rolled a strike yet!" someone else yelled out.
He couldn't be sure who it was since he was hardly paying attention. Bowling night with his boys was usually the highlight of his week. Between Tabitha sexing him to oblivion and Tessa's wedding talk he needed these nights to clear his head. He was starting to feel like he should have skipped practice.
"So yeah, did you hear about my man Tomas? That dude can't find a gig anywhere" said one.
"Oh yeah he fucked up big time. Messing around with that bitch on the executive floor trying to be all Don Juan and what not" said the other.
"No, what he should have done was pass that shot on over to me." said another.
"The only shot your old ass need to be taking is this one, it's your bowl" said the first.
They all laughed again except Clinton.
"What's going on with Tomas?"
That last remark about the bitch on the executive floor woke Clinton up out of the dream state he was in. There was only one bitch they could have been talking about. That was Tabitha Livingston.
"You didn't know? Oh that's right you transferred from the Falls Church office just as he was leaving the company. The nigga was fucking Ms. Livingston. Tomas was in that pussy faithfully and everybody knew it. They used to meet up there on the executive floor, down on the end where they still doing construction" said one.
"Went on for a good little while until Tomas' wife started asking questions" said the other.
"Remember her? She was the entry guard on the main floor. Every time she had to come upstairs on her rounds Tomas was in Ms. Livingston's office with the door locked and shit." said another.
"Wifey said fuck that, even if it is or it ain't what I think is going on we out of here. His wife put in a two week notice and he resigned his position." said the first.
Clinton was shocked by what he just heard. He always wondered why Tomas suddenly parted ways with the company. He was the youngest, most successful African American architect in the state and the chief architect for BI.
*So Tabitha Livingston has a history of sleeping with coworkers huh*
A sense of dread began to wash over Clinton. He knew that Tabitha was a shark when it came to business dealings. But he never suspected anything like this.
"Hey look I'm about to get outta here, I'll see you guys next week."
"Nah man the tournament starts Tuesday night and you need all the practice you can get!" shouted the first.
Connecting The Dots
Clinton sprinted out of the bowling alley straight to his car. He put the key in the ignition, threw the car into drive and headed out onto BLANK in the direction of Barrett Industries. Clinton activated the hands free voice dialing feature in his BLANK by saying OFFICE.
"Hey Doris this is Clinton Barnes. Is Ms. Livingston still there?"
"I'm sorry sir but she's gone for the day. Would you like her voicemail?" answered the receptionist.
"No thank you Doris, bye."
Clinton nodded his head. He couldn't risk running into her. Some where in his desk was Tomas's business card? They exchanged contact information just before he left BI. Clinton admired Tomas's work and wanted him to sketch a BLANK for the Nation's Capitol car wash franchise he was thinking about starting.
"My life, my career, my love. How could I have been so stupid?"
Each traffic light seemed to take forever to change. By the time Clinton finally arrived at BI, the parking lot was half empty. He rode passed executive parking to make sure her car wasn't there. Still being cautious Clinton parked on the back side of the building then took the service elevator to his office on the 4th floor. After shifting a few things around inside one of his desk drawers, he was finally able to find Tomas's business card. Clinton kept a stash of condoms at work so that Tessa wouldn't be wondering where theirs were disappearing to.
"Here it is, I knew I had it somewhere. Good, it's not too late to call."
The dizzying effect from what he just heard was still with him. 6 pm felt more like after midnight. At first Clinton didn't think he would get an answer. But he was determined to hear the entire story from the source so he continued to let it ring.
"Tomas, it's Clinton Barnes. Can you meet me at the BLANK on BLANK for a drink? No this isn't about the car wash business it's something else. I could definitely use your help. Good good, see you there in about an hour."
The Devil's Triangle
Clinton listened closely as Tomas told the story of Tabitha's hot pursuit. It started a year ago when she was still the executive assistant to Mrs. Barrett. After a brief staff meeting with BI property managers, Mrs. Barrett sent Tabitha and Tomas out in the field together to scout a location. She wanted an assessment on the proposed site of a new BI industrial park in BLANK. From then on they were hooking up every chance they got. Going at it hot and heavy at work and at various worksites. Since Tomas was usually out in the field they had easy access to so many different rendezvous points. It certainly added to the excitement of the affair. That was until Tomas's wife began noticing that Tabitha was always signed out of the building the same time as her husband. And returning at almost the same time. Sometimes 10 or 15 minutes later. That was too much coincidence for her. When confronted Tomas's lied of course, not wanting to break up his marriage. Still his wife demanded that he stop working so closely with his boss. When Tomas informed Tabitha that his wife was becoming suspicious of their activities, she became irate and demanded that he play the telephone game. If he didn't continue the affair, she would accuse him of being a thief. Tabitha said that she could prove that he had been stealing copper from worksites. She would easily get away with implicating him since he was the company architect and had access. Even showed him complaints from contractors stating that their worksites had been tampered with after hours.
"If someone had been stealing it damn sure wasn't me." added Tomas.
"I believe you man." Clinton replied.
He took another sip of his Ciroc Red Berry. Looking across the table at Tomas was almost like staring in a mirror. Clinton noticed that they shared more than this devil's triangle with Tabitha. They were both roughly the same height and weight. Had the very same rust colored complexion. They also wore short, neat dreadlocks pinned back.
Whispering Sweet Nothings
"All this sweet suga is going to melt if he doesn't get here fast." Tabitha remarked to herself in the mirror.
She had just finished shaving and was now trying with all her might not to masturbate while moisturizing her body from head to toe with sweet almond oil. Tabitha wanted to be be primed and ready for her man so she relaxed that notion. It was worth leaving work early to oversee her bedroom being decorated for this special occasion. The interior designers did a marvelous job. Everything was arranged to perfection. Vanilla scented candles all around, burgundy colored panels adorned the king sized canopy bed. All were accompanied by a chilled bottle of Moscato on the knight stand.
"Where is he? A few more calls and that's it."
Tabitha hit the speed dial number 2 that went directly to Clinton's company issued blackberry.
"Voicemail again huh. Careful Mr. Barnes you're on thin ice as it is after pulling that disappearing act earlier. He knows who run this shit. And if he don't? He's about to find out."
Tabitha walked over to the fireplace mantle and removed a picture of some handsome young man in his early 20's. Stroking the silver picture frame she whispered “I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me? If only you stayed. None of this would be happening." Tears, one drop at a time slid from her eyes as she threw the antique silver picture frame across the room smashing it to pieces.
One returned call.
Clinton glanced down at his blackberry. They were becoming harder and harder for him to ignore. Three missed calls in the hour since dinner started. No sense in putting things off he thought.
"I'll be right back ok babe, I have to take this call."
"Honey what's wrong?"
"Nothing it's just the office. The contract with Arbor Automotive is about to close. Accounting may need authorization for the funds transfer."
"Hurry back ok? Dessert is coming and we still haven't told my parents the big news."
Clinton kissed Tessa on the forehead then excused himself from the table. Her laughter followed him. She was boasting to her parents about how her man has sealed the deal on Barrett Industries most lucrative distribution contract. There was something in her voice, his sweet Tessa that he could never figure out. All Clinton knew was that it carried his future in its song. Dinner with his future in-laws was far more important than keeping his fucking job. Things had gone on long enough. Tonight, Clinton was finally going to put a stop to it.
Stepping out into the smothering humidity of the late August night, Clinton shivered at the thought of dialing the number back. That she-devil on the other end of the line would never take no for an answer. The phone rang only one time. A voice on the other end released hell into his life once again by simply saying those three words.
"Who run it?"
"I'll be there in 30 minutes" answered Clinton.
"Good, I was beginning to think you were ignoring my calls. You do not want to miss our date tonight. I have something special for you."
Clinton ended the call with Tabitha then made one more before leaving.
"Meet me there in 30 minutes."
Facing Her Past
She saw the headlights rounding the driveway. Tonight is the night Tabitha would claim him for herself. The others were placeholders. They didn't know her body the way he did. None of them even attempted to learn. She finally found the complete package after 10 years of searching. Tabitha adjusted her breasts as she made her way down the hall. She opened the door confident, prepared to properly greet her lover in a sexy white V cut halter and matching thong. To her surprise, she was met 3 pairs of light brown eyes instead of one. Mortified, Tabitha turned and ran back down the long hallway into the master bedroom.
Revelations
"Baby girl, I know all about Marcus. The horrific way that he died during his sophomore year in college."
Clinton regretted having to reveal the devastating news to her this way. But he knew that it was the only way to put an end to the pain in her life as well as his.
Tabitha dropped to her knees at the revelation and began sobbing uncontrollably. Clinton immediately went to console her, kissing her on the cheek while wiping strands of tear soaked hair from her face. Although he didn't love her, he cared about her deeply.
"It will be ok sweetheart. You can stop this now. You know that nothing can bring him back. No matter how much you hurt other people.... ruin their lives...Marcus is dead."
"What are you talking about Marcus? Bring you back from where? I know where the hell you are. You're right there, and there, and over there!"
Tabitha began screaming and pointed frantically. They all looked exactly like him. Marcus Grant, Tabitha's first love who was killed in a dorm fire while he was away at college. Since then Tabitha always sought his mirror image or close enough to it. They all fit the description. Clinton, Tomas, and the other unfortunate one.
"She's losing it. We need to call somebody quick!" said the Marcus look-a-like.
"Check her cell!" yelled Tomas.
The look-a-like frantically searched the house for Tabitha's cell phone, thankfully finding it on the fireplace mantle. He saw Clinton Barnes under speed dial number 2. Speed dial number 1 was assigned to an unknown. For it to be number one it had to be mighty important. The man pressed dial and waited for someone to answer.
"Lawn Haven Facility" said the voice on the other end.
"Lawn Haven? Excuse me what kind of facility is this? We're hoping that you can help our friend. Her name is Tabitha Livingston. Your number was in her cell phone on speed dial."
"Tabitha? Oh my goodness where is she? She hasn't come in for her sessions in over a year. We've been trying to locate her but her parents don't have any information about where she may be. You said she needs help?" The caring voice kept up the inquiry.
The look-a-like provided directions to Tabitha's house then returned to the master bedroom where Tomas and Clinton were still trying to comfort her.
"They said someone would be coming from a Lawn Haven? I don't know what the hell that is but we got help coming." said the look-a-like to Tabitha.
"I'm not going back to that place. You can't make me go. Please Marcus stay with me...stay with me... stay with me......"
Not the outcome he was hoping for.
A long, tall candle holder in the shape of an African spear tipped over and lit the end of a panel setting the king sized bed on fire. It spreaded quickly thanks to the dozen or so candles that were scattered around the room. The Marcus look-a-like and Tomas were able to escape over the master bedroom balcony. Clinton struggled with Tabitha, pleading with her to leave the house. Now the flames were climbing up the walls. He could hear the fire making simmering noises as it consumed the wooden beams.
The Montgomery County fire department arrived in less than five minutes. Clinton regained consciences just as the paramedics were performing CPR on Tabitha. She looked so helpless lying there. Not at all like the vibrant woman he was with earlier in the day.
"Let me see her, I need to see her please."
Defying the paramedics request to be still and continue inhaling deeply into the oxygen mask, Clinton crawled over to Tabitha's side. He held her in his arms. Speechless.
By now the entire subdivision was awakened by the sounds of fire truck sirens and captains shouting orders to the firefighters saying "tighten this and run that hose that way." Despite their efforts, Tabitha's house was being swallowed by the flames.
She opened her eyes long enough to say to the love of her life, "This time, we will die together. I love you Marcus."
Tabitha said her last words and breathed her last breath in Clinton's arms.
To Wrap Things Up
Was he attempting to climb the corporate ladder or was Clinton only following his lustful desires?
Barrett Industries has survived four major tragedies and continues to provide quality auto parts to car manufacturers around the world. Despite the loss of founders, a hostile takeover, and the sexual harassment scandal that surfaced after the death of Interim CEO Tabitha Livingston, Barrett Industries did not shut its doors. Thanks to its new supervisor of accounts Clinton Barnes. Clinton was instrumental in bringing to light the tragic circumstances surrounding the fire and Ms. Livingston's fragile mental state. He also admitted his affair with her in an attempt to clear his conscience. Clinton thought that maybe if he never started sleeping with Tabitha, she would have continued the intensive therapy that she started after Mrs. Barrett discovered her affair with Tomas. Mrs. Barrett loved Tabitha like a daughter so much that she had her submit to treatment at the Lawn Haven facility in Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Clinton Barnes is pregnant with their first child. Tessa decided not to marry Clinton after she learned about the affair. She forgave him but could never trust him again. He didn't blame her at all. Tessa ended up going back to Georgia with her parents the morning after the fire. Mrs. Clinton Barnes was a beautiful college professor named BLANK. She happened to be one of the instructors who taught basic business for the Robert Barrett internship program at BI. Once they discovered that they had feelings for each other, BLANK went back to teaching at BLANK University. Free and clear to carry on with the relationship, they got married on Christmas Day 1 year and 5 months after they met.
Because of that unfortunate incident between interim CEO Tabitha Livingston and account executive Clinton Barnes, Barrett Industries now holds yearly sexual harassment awareness seminars for all of its employees.
So, check it out and be sure to Tweet and Like it or else! You can find more info about the lovely S.A. Payne by visiting her site at http://aprilraynestories.webs.com Also, visit http://aprilraynestories.webs.com/apps/blog/show/7724352-are-you-ready-to-run-my-story- to check out a contest to help Ms. Payne run her story!!
So, without further ado, I present to you Who Run It?:
Who Run It? by S.A. Payne
One missed call. Then another. Then another
Clinton glanced down at his blackberry. They were becoming harder and harder for him to ignore. Already there were three missed calls in the hour since they sat down for dinner.
"I'll be right back ok babe, I have to take this call."
"Honey what's wrong?"
"Nothing it's just the office. That contract with Arbor Automotive is about to close. Accounting may need authorization for the funds transfer."
"Hurry back ok? Dessert is coming and we still haven't told my parents the big news."
Clinton kissed his fiancée on the forehead then excused himself from the table. As he walked away she began boasting to her parents about how her man has sealed the deal on Barrett Industries most lucrative distribution contract. There was something in her voice, his sweet Tessa that Clinton could never figure out. All he knew was that it carried his future in its song. Dinner with his future in-laws was far more important than keeping his fucking job. Tonight, Clinton decided to finally put a stop to it. Things had gone on long enough.
Stepping out into the smothering humidity of the late August night, Clinton shivered at the thought of dialing the number back. That she-devil on the other end of the line would never take no for an answer. After the phone rang only one time, a voice on the other end released hell into Clinton's life once again. They spoke these three words.
"Who run it?"
Job Well Done
"Last week I was invited to tour the Arbor Automotive distribution facility in Woodbridge, Virginia. I must say that I was very impressed. The assembly line is state of the art and the owners of the company are dying for the opportunity to be affiliated with Barrett Industries. I truly feel that this move will solidify BI's standing in the automotive industry. Once the deal is closed, we will be on top once again, where we belong."
Clinton breathed a sigh of relief as he finished his presentation. The board immediately began discussing the proposal among each other and from what he could tell they were just as excited about the prospect as he was. However, Barrett Industries new CEO seemed to be less than enthused.
She was the executive assistant and right hand to the lovely Mrs. MI ‘Lynda Barrett before becoming interim CEO. From the buzz around BI headquarters, the new CEO was more than capable of stepping into the position. She was the only person besides Mi'risa Barrett who could keep the business running at the same standards set forth by its founder, Robert Barrett. Unfortunately Mrs. Barrett was killed in a tragic car accident three months ago. It was a huge loss not only to the company, but also to the state of Maryland. Mrs. Barrett's name was at the top of the donor list in every Democratic politician's brief case.
"Thank you for that impressive presentation Clinton. Well done, very well done." said the CEO. Risk management still has to go over the facts and figures. However from what I see, this looks very promising. If there's no more business to discuss, this meeting is adjourned."
Five months of hard work had most certainly paid off thought Clinton.
All Systems Go
The board members mingled while enjoying the refreshments provided by Carolina Kitchen. Clinton was to busy shaking hands and accepting congratulations on his first multi million dollar contract to notice her watching. Later, as the conference room emptied, the CEO made it her point to linger behind the others. She didn't plan on approaching him this way but there was something about the way he delivered his presentation that gave her a silent thrill. Soft, subtle hints will do for now she told herself. However, the love below was throbbing at the anticipation of penetration. Just the thought of finding a new playmate so soon after the last one quit made her moist. No more married ones she told herself. That shit always turns nasty in the end.
"Fucking wives need to learn how to share."
"Excuse me, did you say something?" asked Clinton.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I did. May I speak with you for a moment? In private please."
"Parks, we can hook up for drinks later. Don't try to play broke either. You still owe me for the last round." Clinton wrapped up his conversation with Terrence Parks, BI's head of parts distribution, and then returned to the grand conference room.
The CEO walked over and closed the double doors behind the board members as they left. She made it a point to close the blinds because prying eyes would be the last thing she wanted. Although voyeurism was one of her favorite games to play, she would save that baby for another time.
The Set Up
"Have a seat Clinton" she said as she positioned herself on the edge of the conference room table. "I've heard nothing but praise from your supervisors about how hard you've been working to close this account but I couldn't let this slide. Out of respect for you and the rest of the team, I decided not to bring this up in the meeting. First let me ask you this question, how long have you been an employee at BI?"
"It will be 3 years in 2 months Ms. Livingston."
"Please, call me Tabitha. I insist."
"Ok uh, Tabitha"
Clinton was not at all comfortable being alone this way with the CEO. Most of the men that worked on the executive floor had many sexually charged conversations about the new CEO. Most of which could land them in jail for even thinking half the things they dreamed about doing. Either with or without her consent. The favorite seemed to be giving her oral pleasure during one of her infamous bitch outs. That's what they called it when she was reprimanding one of BI's subsidiaries via conference calls. Her raised voice could be heard all the way down the executive corridor even through closed doors. The last thing Clinton needed was for some jackass to be spreading rumors about him and the boss.
"Clinton, you've been on our team long enough to know that here at BI we strive for excellence in the business world. We also demand as much of it, if not more from our employees."
"Yes ma'am, I was hired under Mr. Barrett. The intern program here is brutal. It reminded me of when I pledged for BLANK back in college."
Clinton let out a chuckle but swallowed it back down. The response he received from her, which was none, lead him to believe that whatever it was she wanted to discuss had to be serious.
"As I was saying, there seems to be something missing from your report."
Clinton was stunned. After a year of courting Arbor then another five months of preparations, this can't be happening. The boss was known for hiring then firing in less than a week if expectations weren't met. Was he the next casualty?
Flustered
"Something missing? I assure you that I was thorough in my research and preparation Ms. Livingston, I mean Tabitha."
Tabitha opened the proposal then slid the file across the table to Clinton. Sitting on the edge of the heavy mahogany conference table, she crossed her legs revealing a royal blue, lace garter belt stretched around a peach colored thigh. Clinton couldn't help but raise his eyes to where her thighs met in the middle. A patch of dark, brown colored hairs peeked from in between. He began to perspire on his upper lip as she leaned over; pointing out with her black cherry finger nails the supposed mistake.
"The projections for the 5th year of the proposed partnership. Where are they?"
The aroma of White Diamonds perfume mixed with her essence was making Clinton's head swim. He could hardly think straight.
"Now Clinton, one might think that you were withholding vital information. Possibly sabotaging your proposal and costing this company millions of dollars. Are you engaging in corporate espionage? Perhaps wanting to go solo and take Arbor Automotive with you?"
"What the hell? I mean no ma'am, Tabitha. The Barrett's were like family to me. Why would I do something like that? It's simple; I must have overlooked that column in the spreadsheet. I apologize; I don't know how I could have been so careless."
Clinton was up on his feet pleading for her to listen. Her body language was tense. He was afraid that she didn’t believe his story. Which was the absolute truth.
"This was not intentional. No way, I've worked to hard for this. Look, it can be fixed before it's sent over to risk management."
There it was again. Clinton wasn't sure but several times during his presentation he felt that she had been flirting with him. Doing things like licking her lips and crossing then un crossing her legs. She pulled a Sharon Stone on him not once but twice. From his position standing at the lectern he could see that she wasn't wearing any panties.
Strawberry Fields
They sat side by side looking over the charts, graphs, and spreadsheets. A few times while she was speaking, Clinton felt as if he temporarily lost his hearing. The only one of his senses he had left was his taste. At the moment he was craving strawberries.
"Do you realize that if that mistake had made it through, this company would be out of millions of dollars? Yet you would have still received your bonus. In my eyes that's fraud Mr. Barnes."
Oh shit. Now it’s Mr. Barnes and not Clinton.
Tabitha stood up and smoothed the wrinkles out of her silk designer skirt. She was impeccably dressed, business suits always fitting her form like a glove. Alluring was the best way to describe her exotic features. Clinton regained his sanity long enough to finish pleading his case while he had the chance.
"I can make corrections before submission. Just give me an hour. I have the original projections at my home office."
He already knew what the culprit was. Staying up late night after night adding numbers to spreadsheets left him crossed eyed sometimes. That mixed with a good dose of nervous energy equals mistake.
In what seemed like slow motion to Clinton, a crystal butterfly pin that was holding Tabitha's spiral curls in a bun slipped out and landed next to his foot. When they both reached down to pick it up, Tabitha made her move. Without missing a heartbeat she gave Clinton one of the softest kisses he ever had. It was so light that he almost missed it.
"Don't worry Clinton; I'll take care of everything. Just email those figures to me and I'll plug them into the spreadsheet before sending it over to RM."
Tabitha exited through the double doors leaving Clinton alone in the grand conference room filled with essence, White Diamonds, and strawberries. Clutching his proposal tight in one hand and his imagination in the other, strawberry glossy lips was all that he remembered about that encounter.
"What the fuck just happened?"
Faithful No More.
Clinton resisted Tabitha's advances for as long as he could. He had never been a cheat. Hell his parents have been married for over 35 years. As far as he was concerned they had a perfect marriage. And that is how he intended to live life with Tessa. Happy and committed. Getting engaged to his love, his best friend was the right thing to do. Then why was he spending his lunch break, the third one in a row with his tongue buried deep inside the boss’s forbidden fruit? The minute she whispered "join me for lunch" in his ear it began. The second her juices touched his chin it was over. Clinton became hooked like the biggest catch.
"Wet thang, you my wet thang" Clinton grunted and repeated the phrase over and over again as he finished Tabitha off. Although they had only been together a few times he knew her biology. She made sure that he was schooled quickly by guiding him to the precise location of her secrets where X marks the spot. After 15 minutes of steady Clinton’s body went limp after he reached climax.
Clinton walked over to the bay window that faced the Potomac River. The cherry blossoms have been replaced with icy buds and the river would surely be half frozen by now. That didn't stop the gulls that were persistently pecking at the ice in search for anything resembling food. Hungry like me Clinton thought as he watched them search in vain.
"Six years of college, 1 year of interning and my career has been reduced to this. Fucking my boss during lunch. I've become a got damn cliché."
The Party's Over.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Tabitha whispered into the back of Clinton's neck.
Asking him a question like that? She damn sure didn't want to hear the answer to it. His thoughts were with Tessa. Where they should be. Where he should be. But those thoughts receded like the high tide once he felt Tabitha's nipples grazing his back. Reaching between his legs, she began to massage his jewels while slowly stroking his massive, erect penis with her other hand. She was giving him one helluva hand job. He didn't need her assistance for long though because there they were fucking again.
Clinton came to love the scent of sweat and determination that filled the room when they were together. In the CEO executive suite, on the 10th floor, over looking the river there they were.
"Damn that shit good. Spread your legs open some more. Shit." Clinton's penis swelled, engorged with his determination. By now the lovers had settled into a perfect rhythm. Having each other for lunch was satisfying, and it worked. That was until after he pulled out. That's when it all started. The telephone game.
The games people play when no one is watching.
Clinton was sitting on the ottoman trying to catch his breath after the session. "Woman you about to kill me. I'm over here hyperventilating and shit."
Tabitha started a hot shower in her office powder room hoping that a round three would take place there. One of the perks of being an executive is having an office that's like a home away from home.
"You're tired? That's funny because I was going to say that having you at work 20 minutes here and an hour there is just not good enough for me anymore. The sexing is out of this world. My pussy is in 7th heaven right now."
"Hold on now Tabitha we talked about this before. I have a very full life with my fiancée. This right here is just for fun. You are having fun right?"
"Well I want more what else can I say? So from now on when I call, you come. When I say who run it you better have the right answer."
"Tabitha, I can't do this. We can't do this. Nah, I knew getting involved with you was a bad idea. I have to get going okay I got practice tonight."
Clinton began getting dressed in a hurry. After fastening his belt and sliding on his shoes he began to looking for his shirt.
Mind Blowing Decisions
"Well just remember what I said. When I call, your ass better have the right answer. Or face the alternative. The choice is yours."
"Alternative? What the. Hold on are you blackmailing me and with what?"
"With the knowledge that you were going to de fraud BI out of one million dollars if I hadn't found that little "mistake" of yours."
"You know goddamned well that I made the necessary corrections. That deal was clean and the proof is in that email I sent you with the mutha fucking corrections."
"What email? If you emailed it to me I never received it."
Tabitha, sitting behind her desk wrapped in a pink channel bathrobe, clicked delete messages for her inbox. She smiled with delight as Clinton slowly approached her desk.
"Ta-Tabitha what are you doing? Please don't do this. We have something good why put demands on it now? And you're threatening me? Tell me why?
"Because I can. Like I said the choice is yours."
Tabitha leaned across the desk and kissed Clinton deep and hard. He pulled away, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He no longer had a craving for strawberries.
Strike!
"What's wrong man, why you being so quiet? You usually the main one talking shit."
The men all laughed except Clinton.
"You haven't rolled a strike yet!" someone else yelled out.
He couldn't be sure who it was since he was hardly paying attention. Bowling night with his boys was usually the highlight of his week. Between Tabitha sexing him to oblivion and Tessa's wedding talk he needed these nights to clear his head. He was starting to feel like he should have skipped practice.
"So yeah, did you hear about my man Tomas? That dude can't find a gig anywhere" said one.
"Oh yeah he fucked up big time. Messing around with that bitch on the executive floor trying to be all Don Juan and what not" said the other.
"No, what he should have done was pass that shot on over to me." said another.
"The only shot your old ass need to be taking is this one, it's your bowl" said the first.
They all laughed again except Clinton.
"What's going on with Tomas?"
That last remark about the bitch on the executive floor woke Clinton up out of the dream state he was in. There was only one bitch they could have been talking about. That was Tabitha Livingston.
"You didn't know? Oh that's right you transferred from the Falls Church office just as he was leaving the company. The nigga was fucking Ms. Livingston. Tomas was in that pussy faithfully and everybody knew it. They used to meet up there on the executive floor, down on the end where they still doing construction" said one.
"Went on for a good little while until Tomas' wife started asking questions" said the other.
"Remember her? She was the entry guard on the main floor. Every time she had to come upstairs on her rounds Tomas was in Ms. Livingston's office with the door locked and shit." said another.
"Wifey said fuck that, even if it is or it ain't what I think is going on we out of here. His wife put in a two week notice and he resigned his position." said the first.
Clinton was shocked by what he just heard. He always wondered why Tomas suddenly parted ways with the company. He was the youngest, most successful African American architect in the state and the chief architect for BI.
*So Tabitha Livingston has a history of sleeping with coworkers huh*
A sense of dread began to wash over Clinton. He knew that Tabitha was a shark when it came to business dealings. But he never suspected anything like this.
"Hey look I'm about to get outta here, I'll see you guys next week."
"Nah man the tournament starts Tuesday night and you need all the practice you can get!" shouted the first.
Connecting The Dots
Clinton sprinted out of the bowling alley straight to his car. He put the key in the ignition, threw the car into drive and headed out onto BLANK in the direction of Barrett Industries. Clinton activated the hands free voice dialing feature in his BLANK by saying OFFICE.
"Hey Doris this is Clinton Barnes. Is Ms. Livingston still there?"
"I'm sorry sir but she's gone for the day. Would you like her voicemail?" answered the receptionist.
"No thank you Doris, bye."
Clinton nodded his head. He couldn't risk running into her. Some where in his desk was Tomas's business card? They exchanged contact information just before he left BI. Clinton admired Tomas's work and wanted him to sketch a BLANK for the Nation's Capitol car wash franchise he was thinking about starting.
"My life, my career, my love. How could I have been so stupid?"
Each traffic light seemed to take forever to change. By the time Clinton finally arrived at BI, the parking lot was half empty. He rode passed executive parking to make sure her car wasn't there. Still being cautious Clinton parked on the back side of the building then took the service elevator to his office on the 4th floor. After shifting a few things around inside one of his desk drawers, he was finally able to find Tomas's business card. Clinton kept a stash of condoms at work so that Tessa wouldn't be wondering where theirs were disappearing to.
"Here it is, I knew I had it somewhere. Good, it's not too late to call."
The dizzying effect from what he just heard was still with him. 6 pm felt more like after midnight. At first Clinton didn't think he would get an answer. But he was determined to hear the entire story from the source so he continued to let it ring.
"Tomas, it's Clinton Barnes. Can you meet me at the BLANK on BLANK for a drink? No this isn't about the car wash business it's something else. I could definitely use your help. Good good, see you there in about an hour."
The Devil's Triangle
Clinton listened closely as Tomas told the story of Tabitha's hot pursuit. It started a year ago when she was still the executive assistant to Mrs. Barrett. After a brief staff meeting with BI property managers, Mrs. Barrett sent Tabitha and Tomas out in the field together to scout a location. She wanted an assessment on the proposed site of a new BI industrial park in BLANK. From then on they were hooking up every chance they got. Going at it hot and heavy at work and at various worksites. Since Tomas was usually out in the field they had easy access to so many different rendezvous points. It certainly added to the excitement of the affair. That was until Tomas's wife began noticing that Tabitha was always signed out of the building the same time as her husband. And returning at almost the same time. Sometimes 10 or 15 minutes later. That was too much coincidence for her. When confronted Tomas's lied of course, not wanting to break up his marriage. Still his wife demanded that he stop working so closely with his boss. When Tomas informed Tabitha that his wife was becoming suspicious of their activities, she became irate and demanded that he play the telephone game. If he didn't continue the affair, she would accuse him of being a thief. Tabitha said that she could prove that he had been stealing copper from worksites. She would easily get away with implicating him since he was the company architect and had access. Even showed him complaints from contractors stating that their worksites had been tampered with after hours.
"If someone had been stealing it damn sure wasn't me." added Tomas.
"I believe you man." Clinton replied.
He took another sip of his Ciroc Red Berry. Looking across the table at Tomas was almost like staring in a mirror. Clinton noticed that they shared more than this devil's triangle with Tabitha. They were both roughly the same height and weight. Had the very same rust colored complexion. They also wore short, neat dreadlocks pinned back.
Whispering Sweet Nothings
"All this sweet suga is going to melt if he doesn't get here fast." Tabitha remarked to herself in the mirror.
She had just finished shaving and was now trying with all her might not to masturbate while moisturizing her body from head to toe with sweet almond oil. Tabitha wanted to be be primed and ready for her man so she relaxed that notion. It was worth leaving work early to oversee her bedroom being decorated for this special occasion. The interior designers did a marvelous job. Everything was arranged to perfection. Vanilla scented candles all around, burgundy colored panels adorned the king sized canopy bed. All were accompanied by a chilled bottle of Moscato on the knight stand.
"Where is he? A few more calls and that's it."
Tabitha hit the speed dial number 2 that went directly to Clinton's company issued blackberry.
"Voicemail again huh. Careful Mr. Barnes you're on thin ice as it is after pulling that disappearing act earlier. He knows who run this shit. And if he don't? He's about to find out."
Tabitha walked over to the fireplace mantle and removed a picture of some handsome young man in his early 20's. Stroking the silver picture frame she whispered “I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me? If only you stayed. None of this would be happening." Tears, one drop at a time slid from her eyes as she threw the antique silver picture frame across the room smashing it to pieces.
One returned call.
Clinton glanced down at his blackberry. They were becoming harder and harder for him to ignore. Three missed calls in the hour since dinner started. No sense in putting things off he thought.
"I'll be right back ok babe, I have to take this call."
"Honey what's wrong?"
"Nothing it's just the office. The contract with Arbor Automotive is about to close. Accounting may need authorization for the funds transfer."
"Hurry back ok? Dessert is coming and we still haven't told my parents the big news."
Clinton kissed Tessa on the forehead then excused himself from the table. Her laughter followed him. She was boasting to her parents about how her man has sealed the deal on Barrett Industries most lucrative distribution contract. There was something in her voice, his sweet Tessa that he could never figure out. All Clinton knew was that it carried his future in its song. Dinner with his future in-laws was far more important than keeping his fucking job. Things had gone on long enough. Tonight, Clinton was finally going to put a stop to it.
Stepping out into the smothering humidity of the late August night, Clinton shivered at the thought of dialing the number back. That she-devil on the other end of the line would never take no for an answer. The phone rang only one time. A voice on the other end released hell into his life once again by simply saying those three words.
"Who run it?"
"I'll be there in 30 minutes" answered Clinton.
"Good, I was beginning to think you were ignoring my calls. You do not want to miss our date tonight. I have something special for you."
Clinton ended the call with Tabitha then made one more before leaving.
"Meet me there in 30 minutes."
Facing Her Past
She saw the headlights rounding the driveway. Tonight is the night Tabitha would claim him for herself. The others were placeholders. They didn't know her body the way he did. None of them even attempted to learn. She finally found the complete package after 10 years of searching. Tabitha adjusted her breasts as she made her way down the hall. She opened the door confident, prepared to properly greet her lover in a sexy white V cut halter and matching thong. To her surprise, she was met 3 pairs of light brown eyes instead of one. Mortified, Tabitha turned and ran back down the long hallway into the master bedroom.
Revelations
"Baby girl, I know all about Marcus. The horrific way that he died during his sophomore year in college."
Clinton regretted having to reveal the devastating news to her this way. But he knew that it was the only way to put an end to the pain in her life as well as his.
Tabitha dropped to her knees at the revelation and began sobbing uncontrollably. Clinton immediately went to console her, kissing her on the cheek while wiping strands of tear soaked hair from her face. Although he didn't love her, he cared about her deeply.
"It will be ok sweetheart. You can stop this now. You know that nothing can bring him back. No matter how much you hurt other people.... ruin their lives...Marcus is dead."
"What are you talking about Marcus? Bring you back from where? I know where the hell you are. You're right there, and there, and over there!"
Tabitha began screaming and pointed frantically. They all looked exactly like him. Marcus Grant, Tabitha's first love who was killed in a dorm fire while he was away at college. Since then Tabitha always sought his mirror image or close enough to it. They all fit the description. Clinton, Tomas, and the other unfortunate one.
"She's losing it. We need to call somebody quick!" said the Marcus look-a-like.
"Check her cell!" yelled Tomas.
The look-a-like frantically searched the house for Tabitha's cell phone, thankfully finding it on the fireplace mantle. He saw Clinton Barnes under speed dial number 2. Speed dial number 1 was assigned to an unknown. For it to be number one it had to be mighty important. The man pressed dial and waited for someone to answer.
"Lawn Haven Facility" said the voice on the other end.
"Lawn Haven? Excuse me what kind of facility is this? We're hoping that you can help our friend. Her name is Tabitha Livingston. Your number was in her cell phone on speed dial."
"Tabitha? Oh my goodness where is she? She hasn't come in for her sessions in over a year. We've been trying to locate her but her parents don't have any information about where she may be. You said she needs help?" The caring voice kept up the inquiry.
The look-a-like provided directions to Tabitha's house then returned to the master bedroom where Tomas and Clinton were still trying to comfort her.
"They said someone would be coming from a Lawn Haven? I don't know what the hell that is but we got help coming." said the look-a-like to Tabitha.
"I'm not going back to that place. You can't make me go. Please Marcus stay with me...stay with me... stay with me......"
Not the outcome he was hoping for.
A long, tall candle holder in the shape of an African spear tipped over and lit the end of a panel setting the king sized bed on fire. It spreaded quickly thanks to the dozen or so candles that were scattered around the room. The Marcus look-a-like and Tomas were able to escape over the master bedroom balcony. Clinton struggled with Tabitha, pleading with her to leave the house. Now the flames were climbing up the walls. He could hear the fire making simmering noises as it consumed the wooden beams.
The Montgomery County fire department arrived in less than five minutes. Clinton regained consciences just as the paramedics were performing CPR on Tabitha. She looked so helpless lying there. Not at all like the vibrant woman he was with earlier in the day.
"Let me see her, I need to see her please."
Defying the paramedics request to be still and continue inhaling deeply into the oxygen mask, Clinton crawled over to Tabitha's side. He held her in his arms. Speechless.
By now the entire subdivision was awakened by the sounds of fire truck sirens and captains shouting orders to the firefighters saying "tighten this and run that hose that way." Despite their efforts, Tabitha's house was being swallowed by the flames.
She opened her eyes long enough to say to the love of her life, "This time, we will die together. I love you Marcus."
Tabitha said her last words and breathed her last breath in Clinton's arms.
To Wrap Things Up
Was he attempting to climb the corporate ladder or was Clinton only following his lustful desires?
Barrett Industries has survived four major tragedies and continues to provide quality auto parts to car manufacturers around the world. Despite the loss of founders, a hostile takeover, and the sexual harassment scandal that surfaced after the death of Interim CEO Tabitha Livingston, Barrett Industries did not shut its doors. Thanks to its new supervisor of accounts Clinton Barnes. Clinton was instrumental in bringing to light the tragic circumstances surrounding the fire and Ms. Livingston's fragile mental state. He also admitted his affair with her in an attempt to clear his conscience. Clinton thought that maybe if he never started sleeping with Tabitha, she would have continued the intensive therapy that she started after Mrs. Barrett discovered her affair with Tomas. Mrs. Barrett loved Tabitha like a daughter so much that she had her submit to treatment at the Lawn Haven facility in Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Clinton Barnes is pregnant with their first child. Tessa decided not to marry Clinton after she learned about the affair. She forgave him but could never trust him again. He didn't blame her at all. Tessa ended up going back to Georgia with her parents the morning after the fire. Mrs. Clinton Barnes was a beautiful college professor named BLANK. She happened to be one of the instructors who taught basic business for the Robert Barrett internship program at BI. Once they discovered that they had feelings for each other, BLANK went back to teaching at BLANK University. Free and clear to carry on with the relationship, they got married on Christmas Day 1 year and 5 months after they met.
Because of that unfortunate incident between interim CEO Tabitha Livingston and account executive Clinton Barnes, Barrett Industries now holds yearly sexual harassment awareness seminars for all of its employees.
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