A Near Fatal Twist

Copyright © 2013 A Valentine Joseph.

All Rights Reserved. No Part Of This Book May Be Used Or Reproduced By Any Means, Graphic, Electronic, Or Mechanical, Including Photocopying, Recording, Taping Or By Any Information Storage Retrieval System Without The Written Permission Of The Publisher Except In The Case Of Brief Quotations Embodied In Critical Articles And Reviews.

This Is A Work Of Fiction. All Of The Characters, Names, Incidents, Organizations, And Dialogue In This Novel Are Either The Products Of The Author’s Imagination Or Are Used Fictitiously.

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All Imagery Was Provided By Author A Valentine Joseph.

Isbn: 978-1-4759-7089-0 (Sc)

Isbn: 978-1-4759-7090-6 (Hc)

Isbn: 978-1-4759-7091-3 (E)

Library Of Congress Control Number: 2013900458

Iuniverse Rev. Date: 1/23/2013

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

To my husband, Harold—thanks for walking with me on this road.

To my children, Paul and Sarah—thanks for following us.

To Crystal Gordon—You listened to me—Captured my thoughts—Gave the book cover a dramatic impression—Thanks a bunch.

Kindness is an infectious disease that you are born with. If you share it, the only infection is a warm smile or a hearty laugh.

—ALLISON VALENTINE JOSEPH

Chapter 1

It was the middle of June, and Keri was on a bus to Winter Springs. She was going to a job interview with Write E Business Builders (WEBB). They were seeking to employ a managerial assistant who was young and fresh out of college. The bus was crowded, and Keri was standing directly in front of a woman. As the bus made its first stop to let passengers off, she found a seat opposite the woman. The woman looked pale, and she was holding the left side of her waist. The expression on her face made her appear as if she were in pain.

Eventually the bus stopped and Keri got off. The woman also got off and walked feebly toward a taxi. As she walked quickly along Main Street toward WEBB, Keri kept thinking about the woman.

When she got to the WEBB building, there was a small crowd gathered at the front door. The woman she had encountered on the bus was lying on the ground. Keri looked at her watch and knew that she would be late if she stayed to help, but she got down beside her. The woman mentioned that she was in pain and the paramedics were on their way. When the paramedics arrived, the woman asked Keri to accompany her to the hospital. Although Keri knew that she would miss her interview, she agreed to go.

Keri introduced herself to the woman, whose name was Carmen.

Are you related? asked the driver of the ambulance.

No.

The paramedics put the gurney in the ambulance, and Keri got in. The wailing of the sirens made her feel uncomfortable, so she decided to talk to Carmen.

Why do you look so frightened? Keri asked.

My mother died in the hospital when I was a teenager. She went in for knee surgery and never came home. My father was devastated because it was such a simple surgery. Since my mother’s death, I’ve never gone to the hospital—not even to visit anyone. My doctor makes house calls.

I’m sorry to hear about your mother, but you have to believe that the doctors will take good care of you.

I will try.

A few minutes into their journey, Carmen’s cell phone started to ring. It was her son, calling to let her know that he was on his way to the hospital.

Once at the hospital the paramedics were instructed to take Carmen to a room. A doctor walked in soon after.

Good morning, I’m Dr. Hart. Miss, can you please wait outside?

Dr. Hart, I want her to stay. Please let her stay, said Carmen pleadingly. The doctor nodded.

While Carmen was attended to, her son and daughter arrived. They thanked Keri for staying with their mother.

Keri finally left the hospital and went home. She knew her mother would be interested in the details of her interview. As she walked through the front door, Keri was immediately confronted.

How was your interview, Keri?

Mother, I did not get to the interview. A woman became ill, and I went with her to the hospital.

You always make some foolish excuse because you don’t want to get a job.

Keri walked away, because she knew an argument would ignite if they kept discussing it. It made her sad that she and her mother always had disagreements. It amazed her that her mother never acted that way with her brother, Keith, or her sisters, Denyse and Annie, when they did anything wrong.

The next day Carmen’s picture was on the front page of the newspaper. She was Carmen Elliot-Wright, president of WEBB. Keri felt good about what she had done the previous day and hoped that this would work in her favor.

Carmen called to thank Keri for going to the hospital with her and staying until her children arrived.

You’re welcome, Keri said.

I also wanted to say that I am sorry that you missed your interview. The position has been filled, but as soon as another becomes available, you will be considered for the job.

Keri was hurt and very disappointed by Carmen’s response. She blamed herself for assisting Carmen at the expense of her interview. She felt like she would have had a better chance of getting the job if she had minded her own business. Out of all the applications she had sent out, Carmen’s company was the only company that invited her for an interview. Now she was back where she started—looking for a job.

She hugged her pillow, feeling sorry for herself, thinking of her academic achievements. Keri had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. It had been an exciting feeling to walk out of Florida State University with the credentials to find a good job. She now felt as though it was not worth the stress and headache of studying so damn hard, making the dean’s list, and then graduating with honors. It seemed that it did not matter how qualified she was for any position. Most of the companies responded to her in a similar manner: Miss Stephen, at this time we need someone with experience. You are fresh out of college. Call us in a year after you gain some. Keri wondered how she could gain experience if no one would hire her.

Candice, Keri’s best friend, had a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After four companies cited her inexperience as the main reason for not employing her, she sent out applications stating that she had two years’ experience. Her cousin, who had a consulting firm, vouched that Candice had worked for her. She also stated that Candice left the firm because they relocated to California. This recommendation helped seal a job for Candice.

Keri, you are not trying hard enough to get a job. I’m so tired of you lazing around my home, her mother said.

And I’m very tired of you nagging me to find a job, Keri whispered.

What did you say?

Mother, I said that I’m trying to find a job.

You need to try harder.

When her mother walked away, Keri picked up the telephone directory and made a list of twenty companies she had never applied to before. She then printed twenty copies of her résumé and cover letter.

Three weeks later Keri received two letters inviting her for interviews. The first interview was with Colonial Life Insurance. The recruiting officer, Annette Benton, was very pleasant. After the interview she told Keri that they had to see the other applicants and she would hear from them. Ms. Benton called the following morning to inform Keri that the job was hers. They wanted her to start in three weeks. Although she felt good about this position, Keri still went to her interview with DAH Strategic Analysis Review Company.

DAH needed a person who could start immediately. Kate Harmon, the head of the personnel department, interviewed her. The interview went well, and Keri liked what they were offering; she accepted the position of assistant to the financial analyst Darnel Adrian Harmon Jr., who was also Kate’s brother. Keri was on probation for two months, and she hoped that they would keep her.

Kate knocked on Keri’s office door and peeped in. Hi, Keri. How is it going today?

Pretty good, I just finished looking over the assessment Mr. Harmon did on Wilkinson’s business. One page or maybe more of the assessment is missing. I need to speak to him about it.

Can it wait, because he’s supposed to be out of reach today?

I know that, but Wilkinson needs this assessment today.

Kate unhooked her cell phone from her belt and dialed Darnel’s number.

Yes, Kate? Darnel said.

Hey, where are you? Kate asked.

Just about to walk into my meeting.

Keri needs to speak to you about Wilkie.

Put her on.

Keri, Darnel is on the phone, Kate said, handing the phone to Keri.

Mr. Harmon, I am not seeing the page of your assessment on the liquidity for Wilkinson.

Hold on, let me pull up the file, Darnel said. He saw that he had the pages with the profitability, solvency, and stability in the file. This company’s ability to maintain a positive cash flow was not good. Keri, I kept the liquidity page out of the assessment. I forgot to call Wilkie. Don’t send it out. Thanks for noticing that. Wow! You are a strawberry lifesaver.

You’re welcome, Keri said. It felt good to hear her boss give her a nice compliment. Her face became a little flushed, but then Kate burst her bubble.

Keri, is everything okay?

Yes.

Darnel is very impressed with your work, as well as Mom and Dad. It is up to Darnel to decide whether or not he wants you to work for him. I will put in a good word for you.

Keri felt happy, but she would not be surprised if she did not get a permanent position. The job was very demanding. Keri did not always have time to eat lunch because of her heavy workflow. However, one day Claudette and Dianne, who both worked in the typing pool, asked her to join them on their break, and she decided to go.

They went to Pablo by the Sea. An aquarium, with the biggest tilapia Keri had ever seen, was a part of the inside wall. In the distance there was a spectacular view of the sea.

This restaurant is beautiful, said Keri.

It is. The fish and fries are good, said Dianne.

I’m going to try them, Keri said.

After they all ordered, Keri found out why the women wanted her to have lunch with them—it was to talk about their boss.

Keri, what do you think about Darnel? Don’t you think he is handsome? asked Claudette.

Is he?

Yes, he is, and stop pretending that you don’t know, said Dianne.

I’m not pretending. I’ve never seen him, Keri replied

Are you kidding me? He has not been to the office since you started working?

No, and I am sure I won’t see him because my probation will be up soon.

You are leaving? asked Claudette.

It all depends on Mr. Harmon and whether or not he wants me to work for him.

Well, there are no guarantees when it comes to Darnel. He is like his father to an extent, with the no-nonsense attitude, said Claudette.

Mr. Perfection should be added to his title. For him to keep you this long and not come to the office, you must be efficient, said Dianne.

That’s true, said Claudette.

Keri was amazed at their candor. You both seem to know a lot about Mr. Harmon.

Lystra Brown, who was his last assistant, told me about him, said Dianne.

I remember her. She was the woman who walked as though she was walking on air, said Claudette.

That’s her. She said that she hated him because he was a pompous ass. You know what I think? Dianne said. She was looking at Keri excitedly.

Keri was getting a little weary of the gossiping, so she looked at Dianne with a blank stare.

Dianne started talking as though she did not notice Keri’s expression. Rumor has it that one evening he came into the office and told Lystra that he wanted her to work late. She followed him into his office and then started to tell him how she had been interested in him, but she did not know if he felt the same way. Darnel told her that the only reason he hired her was for her accounting skills—not for the bedroom. He also told her to leave the office immediately and he would have her salary forwarded to her.

Keri did not want to hear any more. Well, ladies, this is where I have to leave. Tell me the rest of the story the next time we have lunch. Keri put ten dollars on the table and then left.

Three days before Keri’s probation was up, Kate asked her to go to her office. Keri was a bit worried about what Kate wanted to discuss. When she walked into Kate’s office, a man was sitting on a chair, looking at a file. Keri said good evening and he answered very softly, continuing with his reading. She turned her back to him and looked at Kate. Keri did not see when he raised his head to look at her.

Darnel looked at Keri, standing with her back to him in her business suit. He was thinking that Kate’s description of her was on the ball. Keri stood about five feet, eight inches and had a tiny waist and broad hips. She was of African American and East Indian heritage. Yes, she was beautiful to look at, but that was not what interested him. Her competence, assertiveness, and professional manner, are the things that are very important to him at the moment. She could be a great asset to the company, so he hoped after this face-to-face she would agree to stay on with them.

Kate, you wanted to see me?

Yes. I want you to meet Darnel Adrian Harmon Jr., your boss.

Keri started to stutter. My … my … boss?

Yes, your boss. Darnel, this is Keri, Kate said.

Darnel stood up and put out his hand to shake Keri’s.

Keri put her hand in Darnel’s, and she felt warmth coming from his. He towered over her. He was dark skinned and had the most beautiful white teeth.

Hi, Keri. So we finally meet, Darnel said.

Yes, sir. You do look a lot different than what I expected.

I do? What did you expect?

Mr. Harmon, your voice sounds so authoritative. I thought you were a bit older, shorter, and heavier, Keri said.

Darnel smiled. Kate started laughing, and Keri smiled.

That’s very funny. You make me sound exactly as you pictured me when you call me Mr. Harmon. Call me Darnel.

Okay, Mr. Harmon, Keri said.

Now, we have been doing the Mr. Harmon on the phone. I do not want to sound as old as my father does or as old as you thought I was. My father is Mr. Harmon to the staff. You can call me Junior if you want, or Darnel.

All right then, Darnel it is.

Darnel pointed to a chair. Please have a seat. Kate and I want to discuss your performance.

Oh boy, here it comes, Keri thought.

I am very pleased with your work. You are very efficient and reliable. Kate tells me that you have never been late and you always complete all my assignments. Darnel paused from reading and turning the pages in her file. We would like to offer you a permanent position. Kate will speak to you about the details of your contract, and I hope you will stay on with us. I have to leave now, but I will be in the office tomorrow. Kate, call me on my cell if you need me.

I will. Keri, I want to tell you more about our offer, and I hope that you will accept it.

It did not matter to Keri what the offer was; she was going to say yes.

The next morning Darnel walked into the office a few minutes after Keri got there. He had a serious look on his face. Keri figured that this was the no-nonsense attitude Claudette had spoken about.

Keri, come into my office, Darnel said. Keri took up a pencil and pad and followed him. Have a seat. Is everything in your contract to your agreement?

Yes, it is.

Good, welcome aboard. Now let’s get down to work. I am trying to secure an account. This client wants utmost privacy. Only you, Kate, and I will know about this account. You may have to work late some evenings. Would that be okay with you?

Yes.

Good.

Darnel handed Keri a portfolio with the initials KR written on it and a flash drive.

I want you to read the file and the information on the flash drive; then we will start working on it. When you leave the office, bring everything connected to this account back to me.

I will. Is that all?

Yes.

Keri went back to her desk and started reading about KR. There was no indication if the person was male or female. After going through the whole file, she knocked on Darnel’s door, and he signaled for her to enter. He was speaking angrily to someone on the phone, so she stood by the door, but he anxiously waved for her to come closer.

Why the hell are you calling me with this crap? I’m tired of you always playing the victim! Darnel said to someone on the other end.

Keri walked up to Darnel’s desk, and she placed the file on it. She turned and was about to walk out of his office when he said, Just a minute. Keri turned and he raised his hand, signaling for her to wait. She stood in his office, feeling uncomfortable while he continued shouting on the phone.

Listen to me, Laura! When I get home tonight, we will talk about it!

Keri heard a woman’s voice. She jumped as Darnel shouted out, I said tonight! He angrily hung up the phone. His face looked as hard as stone, and Keri wondered who the woman on the other end was.

Are you finished reading the file on KR? Darnel asked.

This client wants to invest a great deal of money, but the information is vague as to who it is.

True. Maxine, our company’s lawyer, gave me the file. When I meet with her again, I should get more information. I want this account.

Hope you get it, Keri said.

Keri walked out of Darnel’s office, wondering who Laura was. This woman was making Darnel very angry.

Darnel found a company for KR. He believed the company had the ability to earn income and sustain growth in brief periods of time and into the future if they got the right financing. Although he felt that it would be a good investment, he preferred to meet with this client first. He asked Maxine to set up a meeting, but she told him that it was not going to happen. Darnel did not pursue it because he knew the kind of person Maxine was. They had dated, and he knew a lot about her and how serious she was about the oath of confidence. He hung up the phone and looked at Keri, who was sitting at his desk. Maxine just told me no about a meeting with KR, but she will meet with me then communicate with KR.

This client really wants to be anonymous.

Yes. You know this is not how I like to do business.

True. I have a question.

Let me hear it.

Did Maxine say whether or not KR is interested in investing in a communications company, one that does not have the ability to pay its creditors? This is a high-risk company.

No she did not, but I see great potential in it even though it is high-risk at the moment. With the possibility of—

Keri spoke, stopping him. You agree that it is high-risk. So why do you want to offer this company to KR?

Come on, Keri. You see how technology is today and how advanced it has become. Communication is one of the keystones. I don’t think anyone could lose in investing in this company, Darnel said.

There are many companies that were in the communications business, and they were crushed by the bigger companies. Darnel, KR could lose, Keri said.

Or there is a great possibility of a large profit. KR has the right cash flow this company needs. I will lay out step-by-step how to do a takeover and a shake-up of management.

You want this account, yet you’re going to play Russian roulette with this client, Keri responded.

Keri, I believe that this company is sufficiently rewarding to invest in. Yes, it is in its second year and the loss was great, but the past three months they have been gaining points. Granted, the profits are not that great, Darnel said.

I know you have taken some big risks and the profits were great. Do you really want to take the chance with this account? Keri asked.

Yes.

I trust your judgment, so you have my support.

That’s my girl, Darnel said.

The night before his meeting, Darnel and Keri sat and went through all the paperwork with a fine-tooth comb. At one point Darnel was taken in by Keri’s eloquence. She was so appealing to him that his mind strayed from the topic. His mind was thinking that this was one intellectual, sexy woman—if he was not on his p’s and q’s, his heart could get involved. He was seriously staring at her.

Darnel? Darnel! Are you okay? Keri gently touched his hand.

Yes! I’m sorry about that. My mind just wondered a bit. Darnel took a deep breath and smiled.

Keri smiled and thought how his lips looked appealing. Her eyes moved from them and connected to his brown eyes. They were having a staring match, and she liked the moment.

Darnel broke it. I want to thank you for your help.

You are most welcome. The portfolio is ready, so I’m leaving now. I will see you tomorrow.

Don’t leave. Give me a few minutes. Then I will take you home.

I can get a taxi.

No. Keri it is 10:30 p.m. I will feel much better if I take you home.

Keri felt nervous sitting with Darnel in his car after the little moment they just had, but he looked comfortable. She liked this side of him.

So, Keri, what are your interests?

I don’t want to bore you.

I am sure I won’t be bored.

One day I hope to own a boat and go sailing.

That sounds great. Have you ever been sailing before?

My dad took me a couple of times.

I did it with my friends in college and have not done it since, but I love it also.

Keri smiled, feeling excited that they had something in common.

So what do you intend to do if KR does not like this company? Keri asked.

I have some more clients to see next week. I hope that I will get a few to sign up.

Your parents trust you with their business.

That’s why Kate and I do not want to let them down. My little sister, Wendy, will be graduating as a corporate lawyer. She is planning on joining the company.

I didn’t know you had another sister.

She is the spoiled baby in the family. I was twelve when she was born.

Keri did not say anything further.

Why are you so quiet? Darnel asked.

I can’t think of anything to say, Keri said.

Someone as smart as you must have something to say.

Keri looked at Darnel and smiled.

Darnel did not say anything else until he pulled up in front of Keri’s parents’ home. She turned to open the door, and he touched her hand. His fingers felt good against her skin, and her heart palpitated.

Wait. Darnel got out of the car, walked around to Keri’s side, and opened the door for her. Good night, Keri, and thanks again for all of your help.

You’re welcome, and thanks for the ride. Please drive safely.

I will.

Keri’s mother was sitting in the television room, watching The Young and the Restless.

Good night, Mother, Keri said.

Are you now coming home from work?

Yes, I had to work late.

I don’t believe you. You never tell the truth, her mother said.

Keri was about to answer her mother when her father, who was standing by the door, said, Martha, if Keri said she was working late, then she was. Keri, go and get your dinner.

Keri was shocked that her father stood up for her. He never had before, and it felt good.

The next day Keri waited for Darnel to return from his meeting. It was 4:50 and her workday normally concluded at five. She wanted to know how the meeting went. She called Kate’s office, but she was not in. Keri was worried that she might have to start looking for another job. Suddenly Darnel walked through the doors with a smile on his face.

I guess from your smile that the meeting went well.

It was not what I expected, but it was great.

Not what you expected?

The meeting started off with KR’s - consultant, Maxine, and I, with KR contacted by phone. I explained to her, KR, that I did a thorough assessment of the company and all it needs is the right financing. She asked for a copy of the report to be faxed to her. After she read it, she asked to meet with the company executives. She is meeting with them as we speak. At this time tomorrow the deal will be secured.

So you knew about this company?

Yes, but I needed to see if you would let me go out on a whim without questioning my judgment.

So I was being tested?

And you did great. You always demand an explanation, which is good. I know you would never be an easy sell.

Keri was not sure if she should feel happy or used, but Darnel was her boss and this was her job.

So KR is a woman, Keri said.

Yes, and she is a very clever woman.

How did this deal work for your company?

We got paid three times more for my services than I ever expected.

That’s great.

It’s fantastic.

You did it.

No—we did. I could not have done it without you. Keri you stimulate my intellect and I love it. You are the best assistant I have ever had.

Keri and Darnel looked into each other’s eyes, and Keri felt a deep, sweet feeling in her heart. She smiled and then turned, hoping that Darnel did not see the color rising in her cheeks.

I should leave now. Good night. Keri started to walk away.

Keri!

Yes?

I would like to take you to dinner.

Darnel, you don’t have to.

Come on. I want to, he said.

No, I have to get home. Let’s do it another time.

Please let me take you home.

Sure, Keri said.

On the ride home Keri was feeling desire for Darnel, but she knew she could never let him know.