“I could never leave without talking with you first. It might sound a little corny, but I thought we were kinda hitting it off. If it wasn’t for the constant scrutiny by Adam, I would have asked you out for dinner weeks ago.”
“Well, you’re a free man now. There’s nothing stopping you from asking me.”
Kane’s heart skipped a beat. He blurted out, “Would you go to dinner with me?”
Marcia smiled as she answered, “Your car or mine.”
“Mine, get in.” He reached over and opened the door.
The gray sedan followed at a safe distance. On the way to the restaurant she updated Kane on what happened after he left.
“I told him something to the effect that he was a jerk. Then I stormed out of his office. I don’t know how I got through the day. It wasn’t the same without you. I couldn’t wait until the day was over. Fortunately, Adam was smart enough to stay away from my office for the rest of the day.”
They agreed that when they got to the restaurant, business talk would be off limits. They had dinner at a supper club near the harbor. It took two bottles of wine to fully clear their minds of all of the day’s unpleasantness. They walked barefoot along the sandy beach and marveled at the crescent moon and sky full of twinkling stars. The figure in the shadows went unnoticed and the sound of the camera shutter went unheard. The chill of the night finally brought the stroll to an end and they returned to his car. As the car warmed up he turned to her and asked, “Have you ever given any thought to moving away from Connecticut?”
“I’ve lived here all my life, except for the time I was away at college. No, I’ve never really given it a thought. Why do you ask?”
“I was just thinking. Now that I no longer own Preston Industries, I’ve got nothing to hold me here. I’ve spent most of my life in Connecticut, too, but there’s a great big world out there, full of opportunities. It’s time for me to explore them. Time to make a fresh new start.” Kane hesitated a moment and continued. “I thought that maybe you might want to share your future with me.”
She answered, hesitatingly, “Are you asking me what I think you‘re asking?”
“If you’re thinking that I’m asking you to make a life changing commitment, the answer is yes. During the last month I got to see the real Marcia Bloom. You were a bitch at first, I’ll give you that, but I know now where that originated. The day when you collapsed I started to see past the tough facade to the soft and gentle person that you really are. I knew then that we could hit it off together if given half a chance.”
“Shut up and kiss me,” she said, as she leaned forward.
It was a long passionate kiss. He reached forward and pulled her close. When they separated she looked out the window and noticed that a couple was watching the car.
“You better take me home before we get arrested.”
Kane put the car in gear and drove to her place.
The driver of the grey sedan put down his camera and followed. He was parked in the usual spot when he was relieved at four a.m. by an operative driving a blue coupe.
Inside the suite, Marcia’s head was nestled on Kane’s chest, both sound asleep after hours of unbridled passion. Their hunger for each other was satisfied, but future issues still remained unresolved.
Marcia left for work at 8 a.m. Kane followed a few minutes later. He noticed the blue sedan fall in behind Marcia’s car. He decided to join the procession to see if she was being followed. After a few minutes he knew that that was indeed the case. He called Marcia’s cell phone.”
“Yes, Kane.”
“Don’t do it right away, but in a few seconds, check your rear view. There’s a blue coupe that’s been on your tail since you left your suite. He’s made every turn you have since we got on the highway.
“Okay, I see him.”
“Is it anybody you recognize?”
“No, I don’t believe so. The sun is reflecting off his windshield, so I can’t get that good a look. I don’t recognize the car either.”
“Well I think I’ll pass him and slow him down some.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea? There’s so much road rage nowadays.”
“Well we’ll soon find out,” he said as he accelerated and cut in front of the car.
The driver of the blue coupe recognized Kane’s car and decided that it was prudent to curtail the pursuit. His orders were to avoid personal contact. He took the next exit and phoned in his decision to abort. He was pretty certain that her eventual destination, would be Hampton Industries.
“It looks like he got the idea. It should be okay for you to go on to your office. I’m headed to the Belmonte.”
“If he shows again, please don’t take any unnecessary chances. It may just be a coincidence, anyway.”
“You could be right, but I wouldn’t bet on it. I don’t think he’ll be back, but there is no sense in taking chances.”
“Who would care about where I went?” It didn’t take her long to come up with a name. It must be Adam. “Do you think that Adam is having us followed?”
“He’s the obvious culprit. Maybe you shouldn’t go in today. If he’s that desperate, then he’s stepping over the line. Your private life is none of his business.” Now it was Kane’s turn to have the obvious thought. Or is it? Could they have been lovers before I came along? If so, why hasn’t she told me?
“I might as well tell you, because you’ll eventually find out.”
Kane pulled off the road. He switched the phone to his left hand to lessen the interference from the traffic noise.
Miles down the road, Marcia pulled over as well. She looked down at her cell phone as she pondered how to word the next few sentences. They were going to hurt Kane, but she had little choice at this point. She blurted it out, “Adam and I slept together. It happened only twice. It was a mistake. I know that now. I decided a while back not to see him again. I haven‘t had a chance to tell him, but by now he’s probably figured it out for himself. That may be what’s behind this.”
Kane anticipated the admission. He felt guilty for pushing the issue. Hell, I didn’t even know her then. It must be very awkward trying to cut things off when you have to work with the guy, especially when he’s the boss. I better cut her some slack.
“Look, I’m sorry. I had no reason to pry, but that would explain why he might be having you followed. He’s got no right to meddle in your personal life. That’s clearly harassment. He could find himself in a lot of trouble.”
“Don’t worry, Kane. If it is Adam behind this, I’ll make him stop. It is time, anyway, for me to be up front with him. If this is any indication of how he handles rejection, it can’t be soon enough.” She hesitated before asking, “Now that you know everything, is your offer still good?”
“Are you kidding? How soon can you get away from that place?”
“I’ll put in my two weeks’ notice as soon as I get to the office. I think he has an appointment out of town this morning, but I’ll hand him my resignation as soon as he gets back. With any luck, he’ll get pissed and send me packing right away, too. I know that’s a bit much to expect, but I can dream can’t I?
“Look, I’m having lunch with my mother. Call me on my cell as soon as you know anything. If he gives you a hard time, call me.”