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    Dancing With Angel
    Dancing With Angel
    Dancing With Angel
    Ebook307 pages5 hours

    Dancing With Angel

    By Dallas Releford

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Her name is Angeline Markham, and she’s the most beautiful, intelligent programmer in the world. They call her Angel. Angel has a mind of her own. She’s written the most advanced intelligence database program on the planet. They call it, ANGEL. It has a mind of it’s own.
    His name is Brad Roberts, and he’s head of security at ComPro, where she works. He’s also the most dangerous “hacker” in the world. He wants to steal ANGEL. He’s willing to beg, borrow, steal, romance or “Dance with Angel” to get the software. There’s only one obstacle in his way; his love for Angel. When these two come together, the result is chaotic, exhilarating and the result is unpredictable.
    As she writes the last few lines of code to ANGEL, a remarkable database program that is due to change the modern computing environment, Angeline Markham doesn’t realize the significance of her endeavors. With her job in jeopardy, her life in constant danger, someone kidnaps her sister and demands the software in exchange for her sister’s life. Will Angeline be able to figure out what is happening and take action in time to save her sister, and her job? Will she be able to maneuver around the new security chief, Brad Roberts who has expressed an interest in her program and save ANGEL? These and many other intriguing questions have to be answered before she can finally find true happiness and recover the life she’s lost.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDallas Releford
    Release dateJun 18, 2011
    ISBN9781458060181
    Dancing With Angel

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      Book preview

      Dancing With Angel - Dallas Releford

      DANCING WITH ANGEL

      By:

      Dallas Releford

      Published by

      Dallas Releford at Smashwords

      Dancing With Angel

      Copyright 2011 Dallas Releford

      This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, places, events, organizations, areas, or locations are intended to provide a feeling of authenticity and are used in a fictitious manner. All other characters, dialogue and incidents are drawn from the author’s imagination and shouldn’t be accepted as real.

      No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without explicit permission from the author or publisher except in brief quotations used in an article or in a similar way.

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. The ebook may not be re-sold or given to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. if you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

      Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      * * * *

      Dedication

      I would like to thank my wife Sharon for her understanding while I was writing this book. Sadly, my wife Sharon, of thirty years marriage passed away on August 18th, 2010. She is dearly missed.

      I would like to thank Dr. Rashid Kahn my family doctor for his support. Credit is due to my agent Harriet Smith and Martin Smith for their assistance.

      My agent and typist, Harriet Smith deserves additional thanks for typing and revising my manuscripts. Martin Smith, my business manager is also to be commended on his hard work editing and typing this manuscript. They did such an excellent job my editing and revision tasks were much easier. That is appreciated.

      To John Saul, author, for his advice that kept me going.

      To Dana Reed, author of many good novels who taught me a lot I did not know including how not to give up when times were bad.

      * * * * *

      Dancing With Angel

      Dallas G. Releford

      Angeline Markham, a programmer, has written the world’s most advanced intelligence database. Brad Roberts, a security specialist and hacker, wants to steal it. Unfortunately, someone else steals the source code before he has the opportunity. A Brazilian competitor kidnaps her sister demanding the software in exchange for Angeline’s sister. Angel and Brad join forces in a romantic escapade to recover the software and get her sister back.

      * * * * *

      Chapter 1

      FRIDAY

      Angeline wasn’t excited because it was two o’clock on a busy Friday afternoon. However, she was exhilarated for another very important reason. After two years of planning, design, development and hard work, she was on the verge of completing the most powerful knowledge database ever produced. Attempting to relax, hardly realizing the impact her project would have on her future, she breathlessly typed the final lines of code, being careful not to make a mistake at the last moment. Smiling, she glared at the computer screen studying her work, not believing that after two long, arduous years it was finally finished. It is finished, she dared to whisper to nobody in particular. Those comforting words meant more time to do normal things, such as shop, rest and live.

      Trying not to think of the past and how difficult it had been, she ran the program. After putting it through a few tests to determine if there were any major errors, she sighed again, locked her hands behind her head, sat back and stared at the marvelously designed graphics interface. The interface was just the invitation and, an insight into things to come, she thought, the program could do much, much more. Suddenly sitting upright, she realized there were other things to do before she could leave for the day. After all, the weekend was blossoming before her like a beautiful pink rose peeping out from a green pod, wet with morning dew.

      Other matters pressed hard on her mind such as backing up the files onto CDs, writing the documentation and planning the marketing for the final product. With a little luck, she’d be assured a job for at least ten years. Completion of the project might even mean a promotion for her and a sizable raise. More money would mean an open door to a happier future such as owning her own home, having time to search for that special someone and getting married. Those all were likely possibilities.

      Everything could wait until Monday except for backing up the file onto a couple of CDs. She wanted a copy just in case she needed to do some work at home. After a weekend of relaxing, she’d be better fit to start the next phase of the project. The source code was now the most important thing. It must be protected.

      Angeline Markham sat back in a red leather upholstered chair, looked out the window of her office at the other workers leaving the building, and let her mind wander. Most of the desks, workstations and cubicles were empty. Only a few employees were lingering, finishing important projects. Many had already left for the day. Glancing at a reflection of herself in the window, she could hardly believe what she saw. The dark shoulder length hair, black rimmed glasses, and deep brown eyes belonged to her. She had to look twice at the dark area below her tired eyes before she accepted the fact the face was hers. Her normally creamy white skin now looked pallid, almost lifeless. Angeline turned away from the reflection directing her attention to other matters before she had time to remember the long days, countless sleepless nights, and long meetings that had been the cause of her disturbing appearance.

      Completely exhausted, she contemplated what finishing the project would mean to her and the company. The software would put ComPro at the top of the heap as far as information management was concerned. It would mean billions of dollars in revenue. The stockholders would be exhilarated with the news of the completion of the ANGEL project. It would mean more work, better pay and a better future for the other employees, too. Her thoughts seemed to slip through her mind as she attempted to focus on her own future.

      Grappling nervously for the receiver, she called her best friend and fellow coworker, Linda Naylor. Linda was the department’s secretary. She worked in the office up the hall from Angeline. The phone rang several times before Linda finally answered. ComPro. Computer Operations. How may I direct your call?

      It’s me, Angeline said. It’s finished.

      Oh, you’re kidding? Is it really done? The sudden announcement they’d been waiting for caught Linda by surprise. The news was sudden, unexpected because Linda hadn’t realized the project was moving forward so rapidly.

      Yes, Angeline said. I can’t believe it. ANGEL is completed, and I’m so happy. Now, I can look forward to a quiet, relaxing weekend.

      Oh, no you don’t, you can’t, Linda protested. Angeline could detect a note of disapproval in her sexy voice. Linda Naylor always had been a friendly, outgoing person bravely facing each day as if there was a new adventure wrapped up in those hours of darkness and light. You aren’t getting off that easy. We’ll have to go out tonight, have some fun and celebrate. You’ve worked your butt off, so this is a reason to celebrate. You know that, Angel. Her voice squealed with the sort of excitement and energy that Angeline could appreciate.

      I don’t know, Linda. I’m kind of tired, she protested. Angeline felt the frustration and pain of months of grueling work as she sat staring at the monitor. I think I’m just going to kick my shoes off, have a few drinks and relax tonight.

      Angel, Linda said in a stern, commanding tone of voice, You’ll do no such thing. You haven’t had a date in months. You’ve been tied to those darn computers so long and you need a break. I know just the man for you. I’ll have him over at my apartment by seven tonight. My boyfriend is coming over. The four of us can go out and celebrate. I’m not going to let you out of this. You need to have a little fun.

      Maybe you’re right, Linda, she answered knowing that arguing with Linda was pointless.

      I know I’m right, Linda told her, bluntly. You’ll like the blind date I have for you.

      What’s his name?

      Well, it wouldn’t be a blind date if I told you his name, Linda answered.

      I guess not, Angeline said. I’ll see you at seven.

      She hung up the phone and wondered how she’d gotten herself into such a mess. Most of the people at ComPro, the largest computer software company in Cincinnati, called her Angel. Sometimes, she detested the name. However, she’d learned to live with it.

      Angel made a couple of copies of the program being careful to label each one. After cautiously putting the CDs in her briefcase, she locked it, put the key in her purse and sighed. She had carefully written: ANGEL, on each of the CDs. ANGEL was the name of the computer program that was the most advanced knowledge database in the world. It was also the most top secret. Only a select few at ComPro even knew what she had been working on for the last two years. Even Linda Naylor didn’t know exactly what it could do.

      Angel remembered that she’d planned on taking the rest of the day off, doing a little shopping and taking it easy. Now she had an unwanted date to contend with. It would be nice to have a new dress to wear that night, she thought. Picking up her briefcase, she turned off the computer and got ready to head out the door. It was an invigorating feeling, knowing she’d finished the project and had the entire weekend to look forward to. Her telephone rang, bringing her out of the stupor she was presently in. Placing the briefcase by the side of her desk, she picked up the receiver.

      Angel, she said wondering who would be calling her so late in the day. Most of the people at ComPro worked late all week. They usually left early on Friday afternoon unless there was something important that had to be taken care of. It wasn’t unusual for her to work late every day, and Angel didn’t feel guilty about taking the rest of the afternoon off. Telling herself that she deserved it, she listened for someone to answer on the other end of the telephone line.

      Hi, Angel, the man said. She recognized the voice of her boss, Mark Stevens. I need to see you in my office, in about ten minutes. We need to go over your progress on ANGEL. Simpson up in accounting is getting anxious and thinks we should have the project completed. Is a meeting possible?

      Yes, Angel replied, I’ll be there in a few minutes. She didn’t like him. He was aggressive, arrogant and liked to flirt with all the women at ComPro.

      That’s fine, he answered, I’ll see you then.

      Angel could detect a little hint of jealously in his voice. He had always considered the project as his baby. It didn’t matter if she had done all the grunt work. It was his baby, he was the boss, and she wasn’t going to let him forget she had done most of the development of the program. He had taken credit for most of the other programmer’s work on various projects. She hung up the telephone. I’ll be dammed if he gets credit for my work, she whispered. The bastard. It was as if he had read her mind. Angel had planned to leave early. Now she would have to waste her time explaining things to him that he should have already known. If he‘d read her weekly progress reports, then he wouldn’t need an update. She blamed him for that. After shutting down her computer, locking her desk drawers, locking the files pertaining to the ANGEL project in the file cabinets, she took her briefcase, and headed for Mark’s office.

      She had to pass Linda’s office on her way to see Mark. It was right around the corner. She peeked in meaning to say hello. Linda was busy on the telephone, so she just smiled at her and waved. Angel continued up the hallway passing the copier room, the coffee machine and several offices of other employees she knew.

      Mark’s door was closed indicating that he was either on the telephone or had a visitor. ComPro had an open door policy meaning that any manager or supervisor would talk to an employee about problems or other matters promptly, without hesitation. She knocked on the door and was told to enter. Mark was on the telephone talking to someone. She heard him say something about seeing them on Monday, and then he hung up.

      I didn’t mean to intrude on your call, she apologized.

      You didn’t intrude, he said. That was one of the executives from DataCentral in Seattle. They’ll be down Monday to look at our operations. Have a seat Angel, and we can talk.

      But why? Angel asked wondering why their major competitor was even being allowed on the complex, much less to look at their operations. She studied the man on the other side of the desk staring at her. At only thirty-seven, he’d quickly moved up the ladder at ComPro by playing dirty. He’d made many mistakes on several projects that were assigned to him. She’d heard from reliable sources he had managed to throw the blame on other employees. He’d somehow managed to make himself look good by pointing out the mistakes. His short red hair, long nose and deep blue eyes were appalling to her. Those eyes seemed to stare right through her creating a nagging feeling of mistrust she found disturbing.

      Oh, don’t worry, Angel. They’re thinking about doing some projects for us. We figured it was better to have the enemy working for us rather than working against us. Those that care figured a mutual understanding and cooperation between DataCentral and ComPro would benefit both of us. They do have many things to offer.

      That’s comforting, she replied, sarcastically. I hope they aren’t going to work on ANGEL. I just finished with it. We still have to write the documentation and develop a marketing plan. I intend to start on that Monday.

      That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I have another hot project you’ll need to start on next week. He leaned back in his black leather chair and smiled at her. It will be a good experience for you.

      You mean you’re giving my project to someone else?

      Of course. You’ve done the hardest part of it in your area of expertise. I figured you’d want to move on to something else. You’ll feel more comfortable with this new project. I have people who are more experienced in marketing and documentation, so you don’t have to worry about ANGEL any longer.

      Look Mark, ANGEL was my idea from the start. I planned, designed and wrote the code for ANGEL. I’d like to see the project all the way through each stage of development and implementation.

      Out of the question, he responded. His cold blue eyes focused hard on her. He didn’t care if she were the project manager for ANGEL. He wanted full control of the project. He had plans.

      What do you mean? I have a right to work on that project. I feel like I gave birth to it, and I’m the only one here that really understands its capabilities.

      Nonsense. Case closed, he told her coldly. Now let’s discuss some details about what you’ll need to do in order for us to make a smooth transition into the next phase of the project.

      Angel was furious. How could he take the project away from her and give it to somebody that didn’t even understand what the program was about? She hated him. If she didn’t need her job so badly she’d kick him where it hurt. Angel just sat wondering what the next project was. Probably cutting the grass, she thought, and almost laughed until she remembered how dire the situation was. So, what does all that mean? she asked.

      Just what I said, he replied, candidly watching her reaction and enjoying her discomfort. We’re bringing in employees from DataCentral to do all that work for us. Of course, you’ll have to bring them up to date on everything. I’ll expect you to begin training them Monday. They’ll have their own project manager to take care of the project. I don’t know his name. You’ll meet him Monday. You’ll have to deal with him.

      Of course, Angel said realizing Mark was living up to his reputation. I do all the work and they get all the credit. Isn’t that the way it really is Mark? She wished that killing him were an option.

      Not at all, Angel, he replied. And I don’t have to listen to your negative attitude. The man upstairs wants it that way. I’d advise you to keep your mouth shut and go along with the flow. Love it, or leave it.

      I don’t mean to be negative, it’s just that I thought the company would appreciate all my hard work. I wanted to stay on the project until it was completed. Staring back at him, she suddenly realized that all the terrible things she’d heard about him were indeed true. He was the monster that all the women said he was. He’d rob his own mother if she had something that he wanted. Angel had heard rumors about the secretaries that he’d coerced into having sex with him, all the times he’d stabbed someone in the back to get them out of his climb toward the top of the heap, and his devotion to sadism. He was overjoyed when people were in pain.

      Oh, we appreciate your hard work, and devotion. That has nothing at all to do with what corporate wants, he replied. I think you did a great job on the project; I’m somewhat concerned about your security arrangements though.

      What do you mean by that? I’ve taken every precaution that I could think of.

      First of all, Angeline, I never received a summary report of your security procedures, so I really don’t know what you have done. That was one of my first requests. Wasn’t it?

      I don’t remember you saying that, Angel said knowing that when he called her Angeline, he was angry with her. I can fill you in on what I’ve done so far.

      Go for it, he said sitting up and pulling a legal pad out of his desk drawer. We have millions of dollars tied up in this project and I intend to see that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, he added, further agitating her.

      Angeline studied Mark for a few seconds before saying anything. She wanted him to know she had done her job and nothing he could say would deter her from believing otherwise. The program was protected. There were four programmer’s working on ANGEL. Each person only worked on one segment of the program code so nobody had complete knowledge of the entire program and how it worked. They have all moved on to other projects since then. The only PC that has a working version of ANGEL on it is my machine in my office. The program, source code, documentation and associated files are stored on a special file server. Everything is encrypted and requires special access codes and passwords. That file server is backed up on CDs. The CDs are stored in the IT department. After she finished speaking, she wondered if Mark Stevens would appreciate her efforts, and be satisfied with them.

      Good, he replied and continued to write on the yellow legal pad. I’ll need copies of the passwords and access codes. I want you to make five copies of the software—put them on CDs—and give them to Linda. They are to be stored in the vault at our bank. We have an agreement with them to store our software and other items. Do you think you can do that?

      Fine, Angeline said, I’ll see that you get the passwords before I leave. I’ll give Linda the disks on my way out of the building.

      Great, he said glancing up at her. There’s more. I need a copy installed on the computer in the conference room. The only working programs will be on your machine and the one in the conference room. When the team arrives from DataCentral on Monday, we’ll let them use the PC in the conference room. Be sure to keep your office locked and the conference room. We have to keep a lid on this, Angeline.

      Shrugging her shoulders, feeling down, Angel got up and walked over to the window. The bastard had done it to her again. She had planned to leave early and now she was stuck. She could see the Ohio River from the fourth floor of the building. It was raining hard, and little droplets of water streamed slowly down the outside of the glass. Everything was gray. There was fog hanging very closely to the ground. The dismal scene only added to her depressed state of mind. Her project was gone, her boss was using her, and her day was shot to hell. She thought about all the things she’d been through just to get the project finished by the deadline. She cringed as she felt his hand on her butt.

      Things could be a lot easier for you if you went out with me tonight, he said boldly, sounding almost intimidating. You know we could just go out and have a drink, talk a little and things like that.

      She turned around and brushed quickly past him. Leave me alone. Don’t you ever touch me again, you bastard. Angeline was appalled and felt victimized, however, she wasn’t afraid of him. He was just another runt that would get his dues someday.

      Well, if that’s the way you want it, he replied, grinning. We could go out and have a few drinks, that’s all I meant.

      Never, she screamed at him. Just leave me alone, or I’ll file harassment charges against you, Mark.

      How will you prove it?

      Angel grabbed her briefcase from the floor, snatched up her purse from the chair, stormed out of the office and slammed the door behind her. It was a hell of a way to start the weekend, she thought.

      Walking hurriedly up the hallway toward her office, she noticed that many of the cubicles on both sides of the hallway were already empty. Her legs almost crumbled beneath her, and her heart was pounding fast. She didn’t know if she was just too excited or if it was because she was so angry. Angel tried to settle down and relax. It was impossible. Every time she thought about Mark, she just got more upset. Wanting to get out of the building as quickly as possible, she rushed up the hallway not seeing any other employees. The last thing she wanted was to be alone in the big building with a sex maniac, even if he was her boss.

      What could she do about him? Filing sexual harassment charges against her boss was sure to kill any chances she had at advancement in the company. What if she filed, and couldn’t prove it? She’d be out of a job. It was as simple as that.

      Linda saw the look on her face and the fire in her eyes as she entered her office. What is the matter with you? You look like you’ve locked horns with an old horny bull.

      Mark, she said. Linda didn’t need any further explanation. Angeline was happy that Linda was still there. She relaxed a little after realizing that she wasn’t alone after all.

      So he’s after you now, huh?

      Guess so, he put his hand on my butt. I just wanted to kill him.

      I don’t blame you, Linda said as she walked over to the filing cabinets. He’s hit on just about everyone else around here. I’m surprised that someone hasn’t filed charges against him.

      Well you know how that goes, Angeline said. He’s favored by the CEO, and that is that. It’s a matter of keeping your job, I guess.

      Don’t you let him push you around, Angel, Linda advised her.

      I won’t. What time did you want me to be at your apartment? She’d forgotten already.

      Around seven, Linda told her. Bring your smile, but leave your frown at home. Okay?

      Of course, Angel remarked. I never take this place home with me. I’m beginning to hate some of the people here.

      Linda glanced at her deciding not to say anything. She was upset. She’d feel better once she was out having a good time. They would deal with the sex maniac later when Angeline had cooled down a bit.

      Angel knew she had a lot of work to do and she still hoped to get out of the office

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