Under the Baja Sun: Melanni

By Shy Wright

A fast pace, engrossing tale with many twists and turns. The suspense will hold you hostage as the plot unfolds - the chilling mystery takes place at nearly neck-break speed and is filled with surprise after surprise.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781456862572

Shy Wright

Shy Wright is a first time author, living in the Mid-west. She majored in criminal justice and Political Science/Pre-Law, graduating from Avila College in December 1998. She has two daughters: Monica Franklin and Erikca Franklin-Gatson. She currently resides in the Kansas City, area and is hoping to publish more manuscript featuring, the heroine of this book: Lieutenant Jay Pryor

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Copyright © 2012 by Shy Wright.

ISBN:          Softcover                                 978-1-4568-6256-5

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4568-6257-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Shy Wright is a first time author. She majored in criminal justice and Political Science/Pre-Law, graduating from Avila College in December 1998. She has two daughters: Monica Franklin and Erikca Franklin-Gatson. Currently Shy Wright resides in the Kansas City area and is looking forward to publishing other novels featuring the protagonist, Lieutenant Jay Pryor.

Dedications and Acknowledgements

This book is dedicated to my late mother, Alice Ruth Patrick. Always she believed in me. Oftentimes, she would tell me, All good efforts are commendable, - adding, It’s not bad to fail; it is bad to not try. Put your hands to the plow - nothing is worst than a failure to try. Thanks Fatty, and although this book will not be considered one of the great literary works - I tried! Dedication, also to my late brother, Lee Edward Patrick - Cousin, we will always love you and cherish your memory. Further, dedication to my brother, William Buzzy Patrick, who inspired me to write – World thanks you, for the love and special relationship, shared throughout our lives. Thanks to my daughters, Monica Franklin and Erikca Franklin-Gaston, for having patience throughout this long ordeal. Thanks, also to my oldest sister, Patricia Patrick English, whom I have always been proud. Thanks, Patsy, for setting the highest example for all your siblings to follow. To my sister, Sandy Patrick Jackson, thank you. In a strange way you helped in writing this novel - Last but not least, thanks to Jay. For eight years, you have been my confidant and have given me enormous support. To my friends and other family members who have given me encouragement, thanks. I love you all.

Prologue

The morning the wheels began turning

Early Wednesday Morning

ONE

On the outside the sun set high and shined radiantly. Spring’s fresh scent loomed in the air, but inside a stuffy, dimly-lit studio apartment a malevolent storm brewed. Spun out of rejection, the fury began manifestly, fueled by jealousy and greed. For several weeks, ill-will festered while anger mounted and hatred ballooned. Feeling victimized, the offended party was out for full-fledged revenge.

After a month of long dark contemplative laboring, while inundated with spite, a diabolical intrigue was born. Every detail of the pernicious scheme had been envisaged. If the plot played out according to design, the consequence would be fatal. The stage was set; would be no turning back now. Unfortunately, for the principal target, his blood would have to be shed and soon.

TWO

The soon-to-be killer walked slowly to glass French door, yanked the cord stacking the slats to one side. Luminous rays leaped in, emitting warmth and light throughout the tiny apartment. I can do it. All I need is the elevator pass, the ambitious killer thought.

Facing the glass doors, consumed with anger, and determined to take deadly revenge the prospective killer gazed out, I going to kill that cold-hearted bastard and when the first bullet blasts a hole in his ass, he’ll wish he would have never played me. Never!

CONTENTS

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Part Twelve

Part Thirteen

Part Fourteen

Part Fifteen

Part Sixteen

Part Seventeen

Part Eighteen

PART ONE

A CLIMB TO THE TOP

Chapter 1

Melanni McCain was thoroughly pissed - Blake Taggert. Again, he had ticked her off. That arrogant, thoughtless, egotistical bastard! She fumed. Melanni threw herself out of bed, rushed to the bathroom and ran water to wash her teeth. Tooth paste that oozed out of her mouth, dripped down her face to her nightgown. Angry, Melanni never stopped to wipe it away, nor did she stop her vent. Looking in the mirror at her reflection and brushing her teeth, in a gurgling sound ranted, He’s impossible - Freaking ass-hole, forcing me, again to have dinner with him. Overbearing bastard! Hope he chokes.

Moments earlier her landline phone ranged. She allowed it to ring for nearly half a minute, before answering it. No caller ID, but somehow she knew who it was from. Knowing that was enough to make the call nuisance. Just as predicated, it was Blake, scheduling another late business meeting at The Sahara Restaurant. How often do I have to tell that chauvinistic, controlling prick, I detest late night meetings? She stormed.

In the last month Blake had scheduled over twelve night meetings. Most of the sessions lasted until the wee hours of the morning, but what made them particularly aggravating, many were scheduled on weekends. Melanni work days were routinely eight to ten hours long. At night and on weekends she wanted to curl up with a good book and Pepper, her Scottish terrier, or go out on the town with people of her choice. In her two years of employment, at The Power’s Corporation had only been on five dates. Some of us have lives outside our freaking jobs, she seethed. No doubt about it, she was furious, but confronting Blake directly was out. He was the boss. Highly competent and feared and was bestowed with unlimited power - could do most of what he pleased. Melanni was in awe of him.

Blake Taggert, when only thirty years old, was appointed President/CEO of the Don- Shi Powers Corporation. His position provided a lucrative salary – seven figures with stocks options in the millions. As, one of the male associates of the corporation joked, Blake is so wealthy, he uses money as shit paper.

Movie star handsome, Blake was an absolute hunk. The young Sean Connery type – you know - tall with dark hair and the body to go with it. Also, he was epicurean and extravagant. Unduly lavishing his life style, he lived huge, in a large, up-scale condo, dressed sharply - traveled in a chauffeured limousine and flew only in his, or the corporation’s private jet. He ate and drank discretionally, and had a personal trainer to keep him looking fit. To sum it up he was wealthy, smart, amazingly attractive with an awesome body, always impeccably dressed and lest I forget – powerful. He had it all!

Throughout the industry Blake was routinely described as energized, ingenious, and formidable. In an effort to demonstrate she was energetic and motivated, Melanni worked late and attended meetings on weekends, forgoing her social life. She anticipated Blake Taggert would recognize and appreciate her work ethics and sacrifice and be more considerate. Instead, he relentlessly pushed and suggested she try harder. He was quick to remind her that the regional manager had passed her over. Added, he was intuitive - saw something in her, and it was he, who had interceded hiring her. The implication being, she had to succeed. Otherwise, he would have to admit it was a mistake bringing her onboard. Admitting to error was difficult for him to do, so he continued to push, forcing her to excel.

Melanni started out with preconceived ideas about how products should be marketed. Blake promptly rejected them all - trained her to do things his way. As head of the corporation his involvement was highly unusual, but if he had not taken her under his wings, success would have not come at the pace it had. Under his tutelage she blossomed, in just six short months had the second highest gross sales in her region. If she continued at her present pace opportunities for advancement was promising, but little good would her accomplishments get her, if she waged a war with Blake. Admittedly, there were days she wanted to butt heads with him and tell his contemptible ass where to get off, but she was on her own trying to make it. Had been promoted district manager and she was doing well financially. Economy and the job market not the greatest, finding other employment with a comparable salary would not be easy. No, quitting my job is not an option. I’ll have to endure Blake’s bullshit for a little longer, she opined.

As it was, Melanni was not alone. Everyone at The Power’s corporation was resolute in remaining on Blake’s good side. Not an easy task, given his commitment to excellence, intolerance of mediocrity and censorship of any methods other than his own. It is true, he was contemptible, intimidating, pushy and over-bearing – a hard-ass task master. Despite all the negatives, he was an outstanding, charismatic, intuitive leader. By challenging his subordinates to Go all in he motivated them, as if they were in a game of Texas hold’em.

Chapter 2

Long before Melanni joined the Don-Shi Powers Corporation, Blake was making his way to the top. Starting at the bottom, in his early teens, he worked after school and on weekends. During the summer month, filling orders and stocking shelves, he often worked double shifts, but always was looking to better himself. Even then, his single-minded goal was to take control of the company. After graduating from high school, worked long and diligently, devoting his spare time to learning every aspect of the services and product industry. At night he attended the university, earned a MBA and a Masters Degree in Marketing and Accounting. The owner took note of his hard work and drive. Very quickly, Blake rose to the position of plant manager. Short years later, the owner entrusted him to manage the entire entity. Under Blake’s leadership new products that worked better and were cheaper to build were introduced. Innovative advertising and discounts for bulk sales ensured their mass productions. Large qualities of these products were quickly bought up by their distributors.

The Power Corporation began it operation in the sales of security devices. Blake envisioned the number one seller. Given the climate of today’s world, he knew security was becoming the number one concern. He produced a computer chip that was installed inside what looked to be a mini television. Tiny cameras and motion sensory, so small and nearly impossible to detect, could be planted anywhere inside a home. If an intruder entered a dwelling, the screen on the device activated, alerting the owner of a potential break-in. As the technology became more sophisticated this chip was installed inside cell phones. The cell phone worked the same, with one exception. If the cameras detected an image of someone inside the home, the cell phone would automatically signal to alert the owner. If a break-in, it was subject to foil. Simply by pressing the cell phone’s alert button, the police department was dialed. A recorded message reported the burglary and gave the address. The cell phone had another feature - automatically videoed the thief in progress and stored quality images of the intruder. The technology made it possible for the burglar to be later identified, arrested and prosecuted. The device and computer chip was marketed as a product of Don- Shi Powers and sold in the billions. It was Blake’s idea and invention. Although an agent of the Powers’ corporation, he alone held the patent. Consequently, Henry Powers was forced to pay him sixty percent of each sale. The Powers Corporation made billions. Blake racked up a mint and then some.

Blake Taggert had built the proverbial mouse trap and advertised it to hilt. His innovation and implementation of creative marketing strategy increased the sales of hundreds of other products, elevating The Don-Shi Powers Corporation to the forefront of the industry. In turn, Blake solidified his relationship with the company’s owner. Soon, Don-Shi Powers invested in other industries. Profits continued to soar. Still, Blake was not satisfied. His goals were to take the corporation public and expand world-wide.

Chapter 3

Ossified and well-up in age, Henry Powers, the founder of the Don-Shi Powers’ Security, did not have Blake’s drive or vision. Not appreciative of change, and having made more money than ever envisioned, Henry had become entirely complaisant. But Blake was on a mission, and relentlessly barraged Henry, arguing for corporation status and multi-international expansion. For several years in his opposition, the old man remained steadfast. Finally, Henry said, Blake, I believe your ulterior motive is to take total control of my striving company and ultimately move me out. Blake responded, "Your mom and pop store is stagnant and your opposition, although based on your ignorance, is a personal insult." Hellfire battles like this persisted for nearly six months.

One day, out of the blue, Blake walked into Henry’s office, angry and more determined than ever. This was to be the battle to end all. Maintaining vigorously, he alone had steered the company to the top, Blake flung several hard ultimatums. One, wanted Henry’s resignation, and second wanted full control of the company, but was saving a devastating haymaker for last. Henry’s back was against the romps, coward, but still resisted. To impede any further and/or harder blows, he threw a counterpunch, offering Blake a raise. The old man had blinked. Blake knew it - stepped up his attack. Unleashed his haymaker - beat Henry down with a letter of resignation. According to Blake, with their number one competitor, he would accept the top position. Blake’s punch quick, unexpected and powerful Henry crumbled like a crouton. Tearfully, he threw in the white towel, giving Blake full reign to rule and agreed to accept his ultimatums.

The very first of Blake’s demands was met, when Henry Powers took the company public and appointed Blake President/CEO, but the following demands were crucial and gave Blake the upper hand. Henry was old and tired of fighting, and not knowing zip about how corporations were formed and ran, agreed to full retirement and to hold only 49 % of the company’s shares. The largest percentage issued to Blake, gave him a larger share ownership and control of the corporation. Another agreed to stipulation, was, if Henry decided to sell any of his shares, he had to offer them to Blake.

Henry maneuvered out. Blake had won on every front. In a little less than five years corporate stock quadrupled. Don-Shi Powers Corporation, the once mom and pop store that began in Henry Power’s basement, was transformed into one of the Fortune Five Hundred. Soon after, the corporation went multi-international. Don-Shi Powers’ Corporation had business interest on five continents: Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and North America. Blake’s endeavors were recognized. He alone was credited for the company’s massive growth. The Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine heralded him "masterful. Accolades from the press bestowed Blake power. Insiders who would speak, only with the promises of anonymity, were quoted as saying, Blake was respected and admired, but mostly feared." For certain, he was the one guy no one wanted to cross. Not anyone in the Don-Shi Powers Corporation, or the entire industry for that matter, was confident enough to criticize or oppose him. The overall consensus was - if you were a member of the Powers Corporation and opposed Blake Taggert, no matter what your position within the company he would find a way to fire you. If you were one of his competitors and criticized him, with his wealth and the Powers Corporation’s backing, he might initiate a stock takeover - buy your company out - and guess what? Pack up your things – You’re fired! With Blake’s connections, it was doubtful you would ever work in the industry again. You’re out! For sure, Blake was not to be messed with and everyone knew it.

As with all others, Melanni had good reason to be intimidated by Blake. For two years she had been acquiescent, but was beginning to change. Perhaps, spending so much time with Blake made her less fearful of him. Whatever the reason, she began mildly standing up for her positions, becoming a tab bit more assertive and resistant. About a year ago, Melanni told Blake she was ready to stand on her own … did not need him baby-sitting and/or policing her. He listened patiently. Staring at her, folded his arms across his chest, nodding and pursing his lips. Melanni believed, he was signaling; her days with this company were numbered. After her mild outburst she apologized and consoled herself: Blake is stubborn as hell, but he’s the boss. I should be grateful for the input and the interest he has shown in me, I guess. Still, she disliked the way he manipulated her and often degraded him. When speaking to her closet friend about Blake, she was angry, but often joked saying, When I’m with Blake, he has me so stressed out; constant sharp pain erupts in my behind. Have to crawl out of my office to the bathroom. Laughing, she would asked, Do you know how embarrassing that is? Majority of the time, was too angry, to make light of her frustration and seethed, At some point in time, you’d think that slimy bastard would accept my gratitude and slither away, allowing me to do my job on my own." Granted, she was often angry with Blake, but more frequently, furious with herself for always deferring to him.

Relieved, the night before, she had selected an outfit, quickly showered and dressed. All the while, thinking about her late meeting with Blake. She sat on the edge of her bed, carefully putting on her hose. God, don’t let me ruin them, my only pair. The man is absolutely merciless. Mr. Perfect Asshole will shred me into fine pieces with his eyes, if everything is not up to his unachievable standard. In his presence, one has to be flawless - heartless dog!

Chapter 4

Looking vogue as a Milan or Paris model, Melanni pranced in her floor-length mirror. Her beige and white, five-inch high-heels were from the designer collection of Monolos. Beige, calf-length suit, with faint, white pin-stripes and white silk, open-neck blouse was designed by Yves Saint Laurent, and she wore it with a single string of white pearls. Glancing in her mirror, gave herself one last go-over. Pleased with her appearance, grabbed her beige Prada shoulder bag and sprinted out of her high-rise into the congested traffic below.

No outside meetings with her distributors had been scheduled. Most of the morning, worked in her office on her computer, logging in appointments for the next week, and perusing sales reports for the Q&A with the board of directors. Never, having attended a director’s meeting, she was nervous and distracted. Fearing, she would not perform to Blake’s expectations - worried her presence would be out of place. After all, she was just one of many district managers. Why in the hell is Blake so insistent about me being there? My presence will only initiate more ugly rumor, she thought.

Melanni knew the corporate gossip. Rumors were, because she was beautiful, Blake singled her out. She despised that many of her co-workers referred to her as, "A gold-digging kiss-ass." Translated – A beautiful young woman who sleeps with the boss to get ahead. While, it was true Blake’s interest in Melanni was peculiar - no one had ever seen anything to suggest they were sexually intimate. All rumors were based on the fact she was young unattached and a stunning beauty. Blake, still young and also single, was handsome and successful. Most of the other employees, just assumed there had to be an attraction. The one thing, that bothered them the most, was the amount of time Blake indulged her. With his lofty position and busy schedule, they thought it odd, that every day he found the time to mentor. He did so, they believed, because between the two of them there was on-going carnal knowledge. They wondered, what other reason would cause the President/CEO to behave so out-of-the norm? In the eyes of all others it was obvious – there was hanky-panky going on. Again, all of this speculation originated because of Melanni’s youth and appearance. Had she been less attractive nothing would have been said. To her misfortune, at times, her beauty became her burden.

Made her uneasy, thinking about what some of the directors and her co-workers might be saying, concerning her inclusion in the board meeting, but she could think of nothing else. And as much as Melanni wanted to ostracize, there was no way out. Blake Taggert, President/CEO ordered her to attend the meeting, along with himself and Mike Shannon. Neither one of them she liked or was comfortable with. She said to her closet friend, I cannot stand being in Blake’s or Mike’s company, because I am forced to breathe the minute air they exhaled.

Insisting it was in jest, Mike frequently made lighthearted remarks, suggesting she was out to catch Blake. He told one of his jokes, this way. "The day I hired her, as always she was dressed beautifully and looked fabulous. Blake walked into my office to speak with me. When he left, I looked over at Melanni. She had hiked her dress to her panties and was squatted in the catcher’s position. With a big mitt on her right hand, she was staring at the door and pounding her left fist in center of the baseball glove, anxiously awaiting Taggert’s return." The implication - she was eager to snare Blake. Melanni believed that joke, and other snide comments Mike made started the disgusting rumors.

So, Melanni was stuck at her desk, agonizing over the impending encounter with Blake, Mike and the directors, and frantically trying to prepare for the Q & A. Electing not to go out to one of the trendy bars and gills, she ordered lunch from the company’s downstairs restaurant. Blackened-chicken salad, lite vinaigrette dressing, and a bottle of natural spring water requested.

The longer she sat shifting her salad about her plate and thinking about the meeting, the more her anxiety grew. Melanni felt as if her stomach was looped and tied in one big knot. No room for lunch placed her food aside, deciding to use the time to check on her newly acquired stock. At this rate, I’m going to have to take Blake’s crap for a long time, she opined. Melanni closed the Dow Jones’ web site and logged out of her computer. Pulled her skirt thigh-high, resting back in her chair. With her narrow, size eight feet, propped high on her desk, she sighed. She was thinking about calling her best friend, Ashley Garrett. Whom, she had not spoken much to since her engagement. Wondering how Ashley’s wedding plans were coming along she dialed her number, but before the phone on the other end rang her door opened. In barged Mike Shannon. Oh, cramp! She thought - leaning forward slammed the receiver in its cradle.

Chapter 5

Mike Shannon was as handsome as a decade is long. His skin, dark and smooth and the neatly trimmed, thin, black mustache and goatee he wore, made him all the more appealing. Mike was thirty years old, 6-3 and weighed a one hundred-ninety pounds. Many people commented that he looked just like the handsome actor Shemar Moore. Some thought the singer Chris Brown, but whichever one doesn’t really matter - both undisputable hunks.

Mike was a connoisseur of men’s fashion and only wore expensive designer clothing. Paul’s Clothier in Overland Park and Zack’s Henry’s Men’s Wear on the Plaza altered his suits. Unlike Blake, whose suits were tailor made, Mike purchased off the rack, but they fitted so well it appeared the designer had made them exclusively with him in mind.

Insouciant and quick-witted, Mike Shannon constantly joked and laughed. After work, he could be found in one of the downtown or Plaza Sport’s bars. Drinking profusely and spending money wastefully, he picked up loose, impressionable, young women effortlessly. Mike was like a doorknob, every pretty woman he met could have her turn.

Chapter 6

Encounters between Melanni and Mike were always confrontational, and he was the very last person she wanted to see. The rift between them stemmed from the day she was hired. Mike was the regional manager. Was policy, he hired those seeking employment within his department. Melanni’s interview was unimpressive - seemed timid and lacked confidence. Right away, Mike sensed she was vulnerable and went for the kill. He told her she was not right for the position. There are other candidates more qualified, although I’m tempted to hire you on your beauty along. Yeah, with your looks, you probably could sell clothes in a nudist camp, he said grinning. "Probably have to spend a lot of time with you - showing you the romps, he emphasized, nodding his head and still grinning. Don’t know how I could work it in, really busy during the day … normally I don’t go out a night, he lied. But, as a favor to you, after hours at uh, my place or yours, I could work with you," he said flirtatiously and with a wider grin. Melanni never gave any indication his offer would be considered, and rather than look at him, sat silent with her head down.

Now, Mike had every intention of hiring Melanni, but wanted to see her sweat. More dishonorably, wanted her to feel indebted, when he gave the nod. He had used this tactic in hiring other young women. It paid off; most of the young females he hired had obliged him sexually. He needed it to work one more time.

Attractive, intelligent, well dressed and witty - no justifiable need to resort to underhanded tactics, but Mike abided in trickery and deceit, and always romance was on his mind. Problem was he did not want to spend time courting or formulating a relationship with one woman. Mike was an in-and-out kind of guy. Soon, as he had his way with one woman he said, Next.

Melanni felt degraded by Mike’s demeanor… was fighting back tears. When unexpectedly Blake Taggert walked into Mike’s office, and without conferring with Mike, offered her the job. Company policy dictated Melanni report to Mike. Blake ordered she work directly under his supervision. Mike dropped his head, biting his bottom lip. Did not challenge Blake, but detested that Melanni was hired to work in his department and he had no authority over her. Working with Blake, also meant he would rarely have an opportunity see her. Blake’s actions mucked-up any attempt he had of getting to know her, and Mike was angry.

Already bitter with Blake, for interring and undermining his authority, overtime Mike became resentful of Melanni, believing she was hand-picked and coddled. When Mike learned, he was being deliberately excluded from their business meetings, his bitterness intensified - and there was more. Mike was concerned Melanni might be campaigning for his job. His suspicion grew stronger when Blake included her in their presentation to the board. Blake maintained she would only be fielding questions concerning the sales projections, but this was something he could do. He always had. What kind of off-the-wall bullshit is this, a glorified sales clerk attending a board meeting? Like always Mike could only fume in silence. He was not about to voice any of his resentful sentiments to Blake.

Chapter 7

Mike swaggered into Melanni’s office sporting a dark blue, two-button suit by Armani. His blue and yellow thin, pinstripe shirt and bright yellow, silk necktie with tiny, navy blue Swiss dots set it off. Blass, Canali, Broletto, Abboud and Alfani are among the few designers that would have been proud. Mike was clean - dazzled like a GQ centerfold.

So what’s going on? See you still have a leg up on me, he chortled in his deep, sexy voice. His eyes fixed on Melanni’s thighs. Aroused, he leaned just slightly, hoping he could get a better angle to peer under her skirt. Melanni yanked her feet off her desk, placed them squarely on the floor. Pursing her lips shook her head in disgust. As it was customary with her, she disregarded his sarcastic remark and chose to ignore his question. Undeterred, Mike headed for an empty chair in front of Melanni’s desk, removed his Armani suit coat and folded it neatly across the back of his chair. Mind if I sit and chat a while, Mssss. McClain? He asked, but was already sitting. Melanni fidgeted with the pearl necklace around her neck - just his presence making her nervous. She picked some invoices. Shuffled and began reading through them, hoping Mike would see she had work to do and no time to visit. Then reached for her yellow marker and highlighted several sentences. Mike, not easily deceived, knew she was feigning. He played along. Pretending not to notice she was busy, sat comfortably, looking at her and grinning. So, she flicked on her computer. Refusing to so much as look him, stared at the black scene, doing anything she could to avoid visiting. Seeing, he was not going to leave, hesitantly addressed him, This is not a good time, Mike, she said, still staring at the screen. Some of these invoices don’t match shipping… the problems can be corrected, but it’s going to take some time. And Mike, if my door is closed, it means I’m busy. I would appreciate you knock, before barging in, she said, rather salty. Pissed, Mike frowned. Melanni looked up. His face still scowled – he huffed, What’s with you, girl?

Excuse me, the name is Mssss. McClain, she scoffed, mocking him. Ok, I started off on the wrong foot. Allow me to apologize. Mike laughed. Mel, why don’t you have drinks with me and some of my staff after work? We’re meeting at Quaffs. By the way, I should compliment you. Boy! You’re going to turn heads in that outfit. You are one sexy lady, he said grinning, like a condemned criminal just freed from death’s row. Breathing loudly, and rolling her eyes, shifted in her chair; Compliment had only served to irritate her more. He is so full of bull crap… gets on my every freaking nerve. Wish he would wipe that sly grin from his face and get his ass up and out of my office, she silently stormed. Struggling to remain pleasant she pretended to be reading from a sales report. Well, are you going to meet us at Quaffs? Again, Mike asked. Melanni was searching for an excuse to give him. Knowing she could not tell him of the private business meeting with Blake. That would only make him more obnoxious. Whew! She blew in quiet disgust, fighting to keep her composure. He’s sickening! … Won’t take the hint - can’t stand his sharp dressing ass. Still, she tried to be polite. "Mike sounds like fun, but ugh, maybe another time … Have to review the sales reports for tomorrow’s meeting… probably going